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Post by Darth Decivus on Dec 25, 2019 11:55:48 GMT -5
A few hours go by, uneventful, save for a few minor reports of Stormtroopers putting down a number of riots instigated by Nar Shaddaa's criminal element. The Black Sun, when compared to the more hammered Hutts and other present groups, was enjoying little interference with their activities. Several Hutts had already been arrested - one managed to somehow bribe its way out of captivity, but several others were executed. Since the bulk of the Imperial Army was now on Nal Hutta, the meager presence back on Nar Shaddaa appeared to be stoking rebellious thoughts.
An issue that needed to be put down. Decivus was not going to allow destabilization to permeate the newly resurgent Empire's efforts. A massive recruitment and training drive would need to happen. Fortunately, their efforts in the Unknown Regions, Decivus knew, would assist in this task. Months have gone by - Yashuvhu should be producing at least acceptably capable Stormtroopers as the populace was being pressed into service. There are millions of humans on Yashuvhu, and the entire planet was being transformed. While it may never rival planets like Carida, it would serve their purposes well.
Decivus stands, observing a galactic holomap, when the Retribution's captain steps up beside him.
"Sir, we are ready." the captain informs the young Sith. Decivus immediately presses a switch on the holo-projector, making the holomap disappear. In its place appeared the captains of all other vessels in the fleet. Many of them are somewhat new faces - proof that Decivus' secret efforts to remove Republic remnants from the fleet was going well. The vast majority of those present aboard the warships and pilots for starfighters were either steadily being indoctrinated to sympathize with the Empire, while those who resisted conveniently retired from service.
"Welcome, Captains." Decivus says, his voice firm and commanding. "You have all received my initial report."
This was not a question, but the Captains nod all the same in response.
"I will reiterate my intentions here; with the Empire returning to the galactic stage, we will need symbols as proof of its return." Decivus continues. "Though it has served us well, the New Republic's warships are not that symbol. With the exception of Captain Sam Milla's Carrack Cruiser, Captain Dorja's Interdictor Cruiser, and the TIE Interceptors, the fleet will be scuttled. All of these vessels will be stripped down and used in the production of a new Imperial fleet."
"That will leave our planets vulnerable to attack, sir." a Captain counters, though amicably to avoid incurring Decivus' wrath.
"The Corellian Union would have destroyed us by now if they truly desired to do so." Decivus replies evenly. "We will take advantage of their inaction. Nar Shaddaa and Nal Hutta have acceptable starship construction capabilities - and our outpost in the Unknown Regions has completed the construction of its own shipyard."
Decivus crosses his arms over his chest.
"The Imperial army will remain to maintain order, of course." the young Sith continues. "However, research into newer warship models will continue, as they had been discussed between myself and others relevant to that issue."
"What about the Retribution, sir?" another Captain asks, a Mon Calamari. Decivus turns to look at them.
"The Retribution, too, shall be stripped down and recycled into materials for the new warships." Decivus replies. "While it is powerful, it is also a large target. It is an Imperial symbol in and of itself, but the vessel takes an unnecessarily large number of crew to operate. I intend to be more conservative with our forces than the Empire's previous incarnations. If the Retribution is destroyed in battle, over a million lives are lost almost at once. That is too great a blow - we need to keep as many as possible alive."
He says this, but the young Sith feels no attachment to the lives aboard the ship. It was merely a matter of logistics, nothing more. He had been ready to sacrifice his entire fleet to escape the Corellian Union when it arrived. Their worth would not suddenly change to him just because Vor decided not to attack. Although, the approving looks on the captains' faces tells Decivus he worded it well.
"Well I say it is an utterly foolish thing to do." argued another Captain, this on a Duros. This was one of the few left still loyal to the New Republic, and had been a strong voice against using their forces to rebuild the Empire. "I think I've heard enough. It's ti- UNGHKK!!"
The Duros' hands shoot up, grasping at his throat at some invisible noose around his neck. Decivus raises his hand, invoking the Force to strangle the upstart. The other captains watch, incredibly uncomfortable, as Decivus strangles the life out of the Duros. After couple agonizing minutes, the Duros slumps, his breathing slowed to a halt, and falls to the floor of his ship. The other captains look meekly at Decivus as another officer, the XO serving under the Duros, appears to check the captain over.
"Lieutenant Commander Barklin." Decivus says in a commanding tone. "Congratulations on your promotion to Captain."
The human's eyes snap to look at Decivus fearfully, but she nods and shakily stands up.
"I... y-yes, sir. Thank you, sir..." the woman replies, incredulous but afraid. Decivus waits for the former captain to be removed before he starts speaking again.
"Now then, I trust there are no more disagreements? By all means, voice them now, if you agree with the late Captain Rohk's assessment." Decivus says, the challenge and consequence clear in his words. The captains uncomfortably shift on their feet, but say nothing, sufficiently cowed into submission. "Good. I want the deconstruction of all ships to begin immediately. New Imperial vessels will replace them quickly. Once your new assigned vessels have been built, you will continue your roles. Until that time, you are all dismissed for shore leave. Good day, Captains. For the Empire."
"For the Empire." the many voices rang back, though some more hollow, and a couple more exuberant. The holoimage disappears as the connections cut out, and Decivus walks away.
"Inform the crew - the Retribution will be evacuated so that it may be stripped down for parts." Decivus commands. He then heads for the officer's hanger, commanding that a shuttle be prepared to receive him. "Contact Lieutenant Mitth, I will require his services. Inform him that I will be awaiting him at the Imperial Palace on Nal Hutta's surface."
With that order sent, Decivus reaches his shuttle, and heads down to Gardulla the Hutt's Palace...
There doesn't appear to be a time stamp associated with deconstruction, so we will just be wiping the fleet clean. New Nal Hutta Imperial presence is as follows:
Orbit: (1) Carrack-class Cruiser - Liberator (Commanded by Captain Sam Milla)
Ground: (16) Stormtrooper Squads
(10) All-Terrain Scout Transports
(6) 1-H Imperial-class Repulsortanks
(3) Multi-Altitude Assault Transports (MAAT)
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