<o:p> </o:p>

Orbital Command Post ‘Black I’ - Yaga Minor<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“ComScan reports Star Destroyer Zen entering the system. General Vladameer commanding. They’ve transmitted all the proper codes and are awaiting authorization to put down dirt-side.” The officer – a young man, only fresh out of the academy, probably, spoke quietly, standing at attention as he awaited acknowledgement from his superior. Admiral del Fonsa was the Commander-in-Chief of the Yaga Minor Defence Fleet. A tall, stately man, the Admiral nodded slowly and dismissed the young officer.

<o:p> </o:p>

Turning, he looked at the viewport of the great platform and spotted the vessel in question. As per procedure one of the defence fleet ships had moved out to escort the Star Destroyer in, ensuring the safety of the Protectorate’s capital world. Bringing his electrobinoculars to his eyes, he studied the vessel. He knew that General Vladameer had been assigned to retake Bespin from the Outer-Rim Sovereignty. That he had returned to soon did not bode well for him, the Commander thought.

<o:p> </o:p>

But that was for the Admiral to decide. His job was simply to keep Yaga Minor safe from outside assault. The planet, cocooned within five layers of energy shield, was not likely to be victim to any attack. But the chance remained – a chance he worked hard to prevent any enemy from taking. Thousands of civilian craft were searched every day for any means to attack the Empire’s fortress. So far, no one had dared attack the Ubiqtorate base. And the fools who had attempted to strike against Bilbringi, similarly bristling with defences, had been beaten back by the Imperial forces with ease.

<o:p> </o:p>

The Zen was pock marked with battle scars; hastily applied hull plating showed were missiles or lasers had penetrated her armour, and he noted several turbolaser emplacements that failed to track properly as the great ship passed smaller civilian craft.

<o:p> </o:p>

Turning from the viewport, he reached for the com unit that connected directly with the Palace on the planet below. When the light that indicated the connection was secure, he spoke.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Admiral, the Zen has entered the system. General Vladameer will be down to see you shortly.”

<o:p> </o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Ubiqtorate Military Command (‘<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Ubiqtorate</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place>’) – Surface<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Bhindi Drayson’s headquarters had started constructed shortly after the destruction of the Holy Demosthesian Empire, and had only recently seen completion. Referred to as an only slightly smaller version of the <st1:placename w:st="on">Imperial</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Palace</st1:placetype> on Coruscant, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Ubiqtorate</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place> was the size of a small town, and contained within its walls tens of thousands of occupants. It was, for obvious reason, the most heavily guarded facility on the planet, and as the shuttle cleared the outer walls General Vladameer could see the massive planetary turbolasers aimed into the sky, the shield generators that protected the entire world from bombardment, and of course, the smaller cannons that he knew were able to destroy a shuttle such as his in a single firing. To the people in the city below, having the centre of the Ubiqtorate so close by must have been a comforting thought. Or, perhaps, it simply made them a target?

<o:p> </o:p>

But to attack Yaga Minor would be mad, and he knew well that no one would dare to attack the world. And even if they did, blasting past the planetary fleets and shields while evading the fire of the guns would be next to impossible. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Ubiqtorate</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place> was as safe as one could get within the borders of the Empire. Save maybe the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Imperial</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Palace</st1:placetype></st1:place> itself.

<o:p> </o:p>

He heard the pilot speak something into his headset in the front of the craft, and ahead of them a light appeared as a hidden hanger bay opened. The field shields that would protect the compound from attack by air, or should the planetary shields fail, shimmered for a minute as they lowered to allow the shuttle landing, and then they were surrounded on all sides by the sheer black stone of the complex. The door behind was shut even before the shuttle had settled down.

<o:p> </o:p>

Waiting at the bottom of the ramp were a dozen soldiers, dressed in the new armour of the Spartan-II clones. All hefted heavy blaster rifles, and though he could not see their faces behind the mirrored faceplates they wore, he knew them to be expressionless. Such was the Empire’s elite ground force.

<o:p> </o:p>

“General, welcome to Yaga Minor.” A voice said. Vladameer looked, startled. The speaker was young, barely thirty years old. And yet she wore the rank bars of an Imperial Line-Captain. And held herself like an Admiral of the fleet! The man noticed, nodding in acknowledgement and strolling down the ramp of his shuttle. She wore her dark hair in a simply ponytail, falling behind her neck to the middle of her neck. She did not, he noticed, where a sidearm, though she looked dangerous enough to kill him with her bare hands. “I don’t believe you’ve ever been on the surface.” It was not a question; clearly this woman knew who she was dealing with.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Imperial Intelligence?” He ventured, smiling thinly and offering his hand. It was not customary, he knew, but it was custom to salute a superior officer, and this she had not done. So custom, it seemed, was done with. She did not say anything in response, nor did her expression display any reaction to his guess. She’s good. The General thought, lowering his hand.

<o:p> </o:p>

“If you would follow me, General?” She said, gesturing at the same time to the soldiers. They turned, falling into line as the older man followed the Captain out of the hanger bay. “The Admiral did not expect you to return so soon. The fall of Bespin was supposed to have been assured.”

<o:p> </o:p>

“We gained intelligence that I felt required immediate transmission to the Admiral. It may change the situation at Bespin.”

<o:p> </o:p>

They stopped, and the young woman typed something into a hidden keypad. Before them, an invisible door opened, revealing a starkly lit room overlooking the entire compound.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Don’t tell <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">me.</st1:place></st1:state>” she said. “Tell her.”

<o:p> </o:p>

Bhindi Drayson turned from the window, unsmiling.

<o:p> </o:p>

Vladameer had met the Admiral before, of course. But that had been only once, in a formal setting, when she had been rewarded by the Grand Marshall for her actions during the War. She had been very Imperial, her dress uniform gleaming. Today she was dressed in the far more casual uniform of a fleet officer, black and silver. The resemblance to the woman who had met him was eerie, and for a moment he wondered if they were sisters.

<o:p> </o:p>

Then she spoke, and he was returned to the here and now.

<o:p> </o:p>

“General Vladameer. I expected to be hearing from you about the fall of Bespin. Instead I find the Zen in orbit and showing damage?” She started. “I might have expected this of someone from Vice-Admiral Kraken’s Protectorate. But not an officer of the Black Fleet!”

<o:p> </o:p>

“We received information that changed the situation, Admiral.” Vladameer said, forcing himself to stay calm. “I felt it warranted bringing to you personally. Bespin will still be there if you wish it to fall.”

<o:p> </o:p>

“At what cost? They will be prepared for attack, now. The deployment of another fleet does not come without cost.”

<o:p> </o:p>

“The Empire can well afford to launch a fleet to retake Bespin. We are-”

<o:p> </o:p>

“I am well aware of what we are able to do, General. But if you had completed your mission as ordered we would have saved time and money, wouldn’t we?”

<o:p> </o:p>

Vladameer sighed, wondering if this was one of the reasons the Imperial Navy had fought so long against woman commanders.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Yes, Admiral. But Bespin is no longer held by any government – it is owned by the Belgardi Corporation.”

<o:p> </o:p>

Bhindi stopped, her face registering surprise.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Belgardi. Rico Belgardi?”

<o:p> </o:p>

“According to our information, yes, he’s the company’s chief executive officer.”

<o:p> </o:p>

“That does change everything.” Bhindi said, her mind racing now. “Bespin was well defended, I take it?”

<o:p> </o:p>

“Well enough to pose a danger to our task force, yes. But it could never withstand a full-scale attack by the Empire.”

<o:p> </o:p>

“Few systems could, General. Very well… I must contact Isard. This… changes things. You, General, are relieved of your command.”

<o:p> </o:p>

Vladameer stepped forward now, fire in his eyes.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Admiral! You can’t possibly-”

<o:p> </o:p>

“I can and I have, General.” She said, silencing him. “You will make your way immediately to Orbital Command. Captain Trinity will have your orders from there. You may go.”

<o:p> </o:p>

The young woman who had met him smiled, her eyes dancing.

<o:p> </o:p>

“If you would follow me, General?”

<o:p> </o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Black I - Orbit<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Captain Ariel Trinity, it turned out, was the same women who had met him at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Ubiqtorate</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place>. She rode up to the massive space station with him, not speaking but reading over something on her datapad. As the shuttle docked, and put it away and turned to Vladameer.

<o:p> </o:p>

“The Admiral had called for the Requiem.” She said. “You are familiar with the ship?”

<o:p> </o:p>

Vladameer shook his head. “I’ve heard of her, of course. I’m not certain as to what she is, I’m afraid.”

<o:p> </o:p>

“One of the terrorist vessels captured at Corellia. Heavily modified by our yards. One of the most powerful ships in the fleet.”

<o:p> </o:p>

The General began to understand.

<o:p> </o:p>

“I’m to return to Bespin?”

<o:p> </o:p>

“No. The Admiral desires that we show Mr. Belgardi that the Empire is not to be trifled with. We’ll be joined by the Executor, and we’ll be paying a visit to his Head Offices on Pavo Prime.”

<o:p> </o:p>

The Executor was a name Vladameer did know, and well. Aside from the moniker of the late Lord Vader’s flagship and an entire line of ‘Super’ Star Destroyers, it was perhaps the most well known ship in the Ubiqtorate, if not the Empire. Captured from the Galactic Coalition at Corellia and modified at Bilbringi, it had visited dozens of worlds offering proof of the Empire’s victory. A captured enemy command ship bearing the name of the Empire’s greatest loss. What more proof was needed that the Empire was indeed victorious?

<o:p> </o:p>

And now it would be paying a visit to Pavo Prime…

<o:p> </o:p>

“That’s an awful lot of firepower.” Vladameer whistled, obviously impressed.

<o:p> </o:p>

“As I said, General.” Trinity answered. “The Admiral wishes Rico Belgardi to understand that we are not to be trifled with. If Belgardi refuses to release Bespin, we are to pound Pavo Prime into the Stone Age.”

<o:p> </o:p>

There was no doubt in Vladameer’s mind that Ariel Trinity was entirely willing to destroy that world to see the Empire’s aims satisfied. And that scared him more than a little bit.

<o:p> </o:p>

“You know,” he said, changing the subject, “you never answered my question.” Trinity stopped, still not showing any expression, but her eyes hinted at a smile.

<o:p> </o:p>

“I’m not Imperial Intelligence, General. I am Ubiqtorate. An Imperial Observer. That’s all I’m entitled to say.” She turned away and started walking again. “This way, please.”

<o:p> </o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

CSD ‘Requiem’ - Pavo Prime<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

The fleet’s emergence to real space was certainly not expected, judging by the way the civilian craft fled from their paths as they entered the Pavo Prime system. Immediately shields were raised and weapons armed, escort fighters launched, not in an act of hostility but in case the defenders decided to shoot first and ask questions later.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Communications secured, General.” One of the bridge officers said. Vladameer did not know this man, and that of all things worried him the most. An unknown ship, with an unknown crew, in a potentially dangerous area of space. And an Imperial Observer watching his every move. He was half certain she had told him that only to put some worry into his system.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Thank you, Officer.” Adjusting his headset com unit, he spoke to the planet. “Attention leaders of Belgardi Ltd. This is General Vladameer of the Imperial Navy, Commander of the Imperial Task Force you see in your space. Our mission is not a hostile one, but be warned: any ships getting within unreasonable distance of our ships will be treated as confrontation. Too, we will consider the raising of planetary defences as an attack and react accordingly. This is your warning! We seek a meeting to discuss the fate of the Bespin system, which despite your occupations remains a member of the New Order and our property.”

<o:p> </o:p>

Clicking the unit off, he looked over to Trinity and shrugged, as if to say “How was that?”

<o:p> </o:p>

But the Observer stayed stonily silent, giving away nothing.

<o:p> </o:p>

Vladameer sighed, and awaited a response from Belgardi.





Corellia Class Star Defender Requiem (force flagvessel)
Corellia Class Star Defender Executor II
Eternal Class Advanced Star Destroyer Killik Twilight
Eternal Class Advanced Star Destroyer Talon
Eternal Class Advanced Star Destroyer Gilded Claw
Eternal Class Advanced Star Destroyer Vanquish
Eternal Class Advanced Star Destroyer Victorious
Eternal Class Advanced Star Destroyer Bounty
Eternal Class Advanced Star Destroyer Victor
Eternal Class Advanced Star Destroyer Hector
372 TIE/de Defenders
Full Stormtrooper/Spartan-II ground contingents w/ mechanized support

Pavo Prime Orbit
Command Center Redoubt I

Rellokater Taylor Orric watched the holographic display screen intently as the Imperial forces formed up, sending a collection of civilian and Belgardi freight traffic careening for the surface or hyperspace, which ever was more convenient. As they cleared away, the space around Pavo Prime became much clearer, and the lines of opposing forces quickly became apparent.

Each side was dominated by two massive craft, the Empire's being a pair of gigantic warships, easily over 6000 meters in length. Orric stood on one of the Belgardi behemoths, a huge Redoubt class Space Station, while another one of the Tagge Company giants lay off to his right. Below him, glistening in the reflected glow of its black primary, lay the casino capital of the galaxy, and headquarters of Belgardi Ltd, Pavo Prime.

A series of recent expansions and business moves had helped Belgardi's bottom line skyrocket, and Pavo Prime reaped the benefits. Depending upon tourism to generate the planet's revenue and fuel the local economy, Belgardi had invested heavily in making the planet not only an appealing place to visit, but also a safe one. Belgardi security personnel were out in force to ensure that order was kept on the surface (though never at the expense of a customer’s experience. They kept people from being a victim of violent crime but otherwise kept their noses out of the way) and in light of recent terrorist attacks and other reprisals the world was protected by one the galaxies largest private defense forces. Aside from their customers, the Belgardi defenses protected its own interests, including the shipyards of its shipping subsidiary Starblaze Shipping, and the massive corporate headquarters of Belgardi itself.

Thus, as Rellokater (a Belgardi equivalent to Admiral) charged with the defense of Pavo Prime, Orric had a significant force upon which to call. Those vessels, many of Belgardi design and manufacture were also moving into a defensive formation, filling the gap between the two Redoubt Stations. A formidable force, but not by any means invincible. The readouts on the Imperial forces, however, were startling. The smaller capitals were not particularly imposing, but the energy readings and analysis of the two monster command vessels most definitely was. The computer rendering of the vessels on the hologram wasn't great quality, but it showed the ships a large, lumpy, almost Mon Calimarian designs, which was rather surprising to Orric. When he got a visual feed going however, he could confirm their unusual appearance.

Thankfully, he might not have to do much more than look at the Imperial death machines. The Imperials had transmitted and said that they were not here to commence hostilities; though whether or not they would stick their word was questionable. Still, he would entertain the possibility, at least initially. To comply with the command he sent down a tightbeam communication ordering the planet's shield generators and other defenses to be put on stand-by, ready to be activated at a moments notice, but not yet fully activated. Another quick communication told his fleet commanders to hold their position, but raise shields as a precautionary measure. He ordered them to have pilots seated in their cockpits and ready to launch, and ordered both his station and its sister to general quarters, in preparation for an as of yet unstarted conflict.

Then he opened a line to the Imperial fleet.

"Imperial task force, this is Rellokater Orric, commander of the defensive forces protecting the sovereign world of Pavo Prime. While your intrusion, unannounced, into our territory is disturbing, we appreciate your non-hostile intention."

He paused and nearly added though what does a diplomatic envoy need two 6000-meter warships for? , but restrained himself.

"Our CEO, Rico Belgardi, is currently unavailable, but I assure you that if you wish to send a negotiator to the planet's surface or other location that we, shall accommodate him or her, and open an arbitration on the matter. While I do not hold the authority to release Bespin, there are those on the planet who do."

Not that we would dare make such a move without Rico's approval.

The CEO actually was unavailable- in fact he wasn't even on the planet- but Orric had a feeling that the Imperials weren't going to like that answer. Rico was however, on the return part a trip to Belgardi holdings in the Outer Rim, including Peragus and Bespin, and was not scheduled back for about a day or so. If the Empire was willing to wait, they would wait. If they however, had other intentions.... Orric decided it would be wise to ponder those as he waited for the Imperial reply.


OOC:

Planetary Defenses
Gencore Level II Shield Generator
Gencore Level II Shield Generator
Planetary Ion Cannon Network
Planetary Ion Cannon Network
Redoubt Class Space Station
*240 Cerebrus Tactical Interceptors
Redoubt Class Space Station
*240 Cerebrus Tactical Interceptors
50,000 Mn/T3 Mines

Defensive Fleet
Vengeance class Super Cruiser- Surreptious (Flag)
Immolator Class Battlecruiser- Meggedo
*48 A-9 Vigilance Interceptor
Immolator Class Battlecruiser- Blizzard
*48 A-9 Vigilance Interceptor
Immolator Class Battlecruiser- Arachnid
*48 A-9 Vigilance Interceptor
Immolator Class Battlecruiser- Inferno
*48 A-9 Vigilance Interceptor
Immolator Class Battlecruiser- Shockwave
*48 A-9 Vigilance Interceptor
Immolator Class Battlecruiser- Sesmic
*48 A-9 Vigilance Interceptor
Immolator Class Battlecruiser- Vaunted
*48 A-9 Vigilance Interceptor
Immolator Class Battlecruiser- Centurion
*48 A-9 Vigilance Interceptor
Immolator Class Battlecruiser- Millenia
*48 A-9 Vigilance Interceptor
Immolator Class Battlecruiser- Hellfire
*48 A-9 Vigilance Interceptor
Punisher Class Pocket Cruiser- Fortune
Punisher Class Pocket Cruiser- Treasure
Punisher Class Pocket Cruiser- Bounty
Punisher Class Pocket Cruiser- Capital
Punisher Class Pocket Cruiser- Principal
Punisher Class Pocket Cruiser- Deposit
Punisher Class Pocket Cruiser- Venture
Punisher Class Pocket Cruiser- Seriaph
Rapier II-class Gunship- Flail
Rapier II-class Gunship- Claymore
Rapier II-class Gunship- Foil
Rapier II-class Gunship- Epee
Rapier II-class Gunship- Buckler

Not available. How... predictable.

General Abbot Vladameer considered it highly unlikely that the Belgardi CEO was in fact not on the planet. More likely it was an stall, an attempt by the military leaders to keep the Imperial ships at bay until they had formulated a response.

Or, perhaps, called in backup.

But he knew as well as they that a military confontation with the Empire would be a most unwise move. As it sood, there was more firepower in the system than he would expect of their entire defensive fleet. Not to mention that like most corporations Belgardi depended upon the Empire for its continued success.

No, a military confrontation would be stupid.

Unless this Rico Belgardi has some very powerful friends!

It was possible, he conceeded, that Belgardi was in fact not there. Unlikely in the extreme, but not impossible.

Which left an interesting question.

If Rico Belgardi was not available to handle the negotiations, who could? Surely such an important decision could not be handled by any but the most powerful man in the company.

"Any ideas, Captain?" The General asked dryly, turning to face Trinity.

The young woman shrugged non-chalantly.

"Certainly, General." She replied in the same tone. "We send a party to the surface. It's in their best interest to treat us as friends." She smiled thinly. Vladameer did not have to be reminded that the Requiem alone could reduce the surface of the planet below to ash in a matter of hours.

The skies of Pavo Prime were full of traffic, an assortment of space capable vessels, and a large assortment of atmospheric craft that scattered as the Imperial delegation knifed its way down toward the planet's surface. In most cases, Belgardi fighters would have provided escorts, but in deference to the Imperial's none had been scrambled.

The Imperial delegation was directed to a large landing platform that had extended out of a large skyscraper along the "Prime Line", the dominating 1/3 of a mile of imposing buildings in Pavo's capital. As the shuttle touched down and the Imperials began disembarking they were met by a small group of Belgardi employees, adorned in business attire. They moved toward the shuttles landing ramp to greet the Imperials.

A man in dark blue suit stepped forward to address the Imperial delegation.
He smiled and said, "Welcome to Pavo Prime." Gesturing grandly at the city that laid out behind him he added, "We have been told to acomodate you until a meeting can be set up with Vice President Valoris."

He waited for a moment then said, "My name is Aldric Grase, and I'm Vice President Valoris's executive assistant."

His eyes scanned the Imperial delegation, and he extend his hand to the person whom seemed to be in charge...

Trinity filed the name away and watched with mild interest as the man - the executive officer to the Vice President - he had said. She wondered briefly if it was Belgardi's usual policy to meet his most important guests with a staffer.

But, she reasoned, Belgardi Ltd. was a major galactic player. An incursion into their space by the most powerful government in the galaxy was no reason to pull their VP out of a sales meeting.

If Aldric Grase was at all intimidated by the Empire's delegation, he didn't show it. Granted there were no Stormtroopers or Spartan-IIs present, but Grase obviously didn't know that every member of the Imperial Fleet and Diplomatic Corps was trained in at least two physical combat routines.

Or that the young, apathetic looking man who stood off to one side was a member of the Jedi Corps.

He shook hands with the group leader, a veteran of the Diplomatic Corps, Nell Ondajh. The Imperial smiled and nodded, and soon they were heading into the building, following Belgardi's representitive into the massive building...

Aldric Grase led the Imperial delegation into the large skyscraper. He began asking questions about temporary accomodations when his com-link chirped. Excusing himself, he stepped off to the side and chatted back and forth in a low voice for a short while. When he rturned he raised his voice and made an "announcement."

"That was Vice President Valoris. He's cleared his schedule and would like to meet with Mr. Ondajh as soon as possible."

Aldric smiled.

"Mr. Valiris's office is in our company headquarters, Seriaph Tower, so if you follow me, I'll lead you to our transport pool."

He started to walk then stopped.

"Unless you'd like to get settled in before your meeting. As I was saying earlier we've made arrangments for temporary quarters in this building."

The executive assisstant hadn't adjusted his body, and looked as if the Imperials took too long to decide that he might lose his balance and tumble over.

All eyes turned toward the Imperial diplomats.

Trinity's eyes widened only slightly at the question. To many years learning the arts of the Imperial commandoes and Intel had taught her more about the body language of a hundred species than she thought she would ever use.

Evidently, she thought, it wasn't such a waste.

Aldric Grase stood neither here nor there - waiting for a split second decision from the Imperials. One, perhaps, that would suit him and his company better than the alternative.

Nell Ondajh, though, was quick on his feet and smiled broadly.

"The Empire is here to negotiate the return of Bespin. If we may hasten our meeting, We would be most pleased."

At once, Glase nodded and led them with towards the transport pool.

"How long is the ride?" Trinity asked, coming to the front of the group and striding alonside Ondajh.

Office of Vice President Valoris
Seriaph Tower

"Do the Imperial's know of the current situation?"

Vice President Rayard Valoris's clear blue eyes peirced the gaze of the Belgardi Security Force functionary, breaking the man's stare, which had been directed the well kept white hair that sat atop his skull.

The man seemed disoriented for a moment but quickly recovered.

"They have made no hostile actions, or changed formations, though I doubt that they failed to notice the movement."

The functionary was reffering to the large force of Belgardi ships which had formed up and hyperspaced out of the system. The force had recieved a distress call from Rico himself, who had been due to arrive back at Pavo Prime about an hour ago. From what could be gleaned from the transmission... his vessel was under attack.

The Rellokater had quickly gathered a large portion of the mobile forces under his command and gone to the aide of the companies hierarch. Unfortunately, the sudden move severly weakened the protective screen the fleet provided over Pavo- leaving only the massive Redoubt space stations to protect the planet.

"I doubt that lasts long."

Orric had relayed to Valoris the Imperial's non-hostile intentions, but Valoris knew all about the incident at Bespin. He also had decades of Imperial history to refer to. Many a planetary system had fallen under the Imperial yoke at a time when they were at their most vulnerable. Of course, many had fallen when the were at their least vulnerable, which only went to prove the Imperial's military prowess.

The functionary didn't have much to sy on that subject, so he chose to stand in silence. Valoris realized he wasn't going to get anything more from the low-level man.

"Keep me updated about any Imperial movements."

The functionary acknowledged the request and left.

Valoris had only a moment alone before a message came across the intercomm in his office.

"Mr. Valoris, the Imperial delegation has arrived. Conference room BB 26 has been readied for reception."

Employee Transport Pool
Seriaph Tower

In many cases, visitors to Seriaph tower, would be brought into the lavish main entrance of the building, to be wowed by the opulent main lobby and the decorus interior of the most beautiful building on Pavo Prime. However to save time, the Imperial delegation was brought into the building via a special tunnel that brought them into below ground level of the building.

Aldric Grase led the Imperials to the building's primary turbolift shaft, which ran 19 turbolift cars, and one ultrasecret car reserved for Rico's use, up the spine of the building.

"President Valoris will be waitng for us, so I apoligze that we will not have time for our customary tour of the building." Grase apologized, his voice very sincere.

Of course, Grase often grew bored with such tours, but he was professional enough not to reveal that to his guests.

The turbolift cars sped upwards with a brisk pace, bringing the delegation closer and closer to the conference room.

Orbit -- The Requiem

General Vladimeer watched with interest as a large division of Belgardi warships formed up and, without warning, accelerated to hyperspace. The move left the system almost utterly undefended, only a handful of space stations now standing between the Imperial Fleet and the world below.

"You'd think," the XO said casually, "that they would have at least informed us that their fleet was departing."

Vladimeer did not respond immediatly, instead looking down at the world below. The new absense of the Belgardi fleet indicated that they did not fear an Imperial attack. But that alone could mean any number of things.

"You got exit vectors on them?" He asked at last, looking up. The XO nodded, surprised.

"We did. Might I ask why?"

The General ignored him and turned to the vessel's captain.

"Have the Bounty, Victor, and Hector break off and leave the system on the last known vector of the Belgardi fleet. Standard search pattern from there out. Once they've cleared the system, contact the planet and inform them those ships are returning home."

"Aye, General."

There was some hesitation, and then the three ships had jumped, leaving five escorts and the two mamoth command cruisers to enforce the Empire's presence.

It was still more than enough firepower to obliterate every living thing on the world's surface.

Valoris

There was a quick rap on the doors of the conference room, which quickly opened to reveal Aldric Grase at the head of a small group of people. He rose from his chair and made an inviting gesture to his execuitve assisstant, who crossed the room's thresehold and came to stand by the Vice President.

Turning to the Imperials, Grase began to introduce both sides.

"May I present Vice President Rayard Valoris, Operations, Belgardi Limited. Mr Valoris is the senior representative for Mr. Belgardi in his current absence."

Valoris nodded in greeting to the Imperials in addition to Grase's formal introduction.

"Mr. Valoris," Aldric began, taking a step over toward the Imperial group, "This is Nell Ondajh, Imperial diplomatic corps. He is the senior member representing the Galactic Empire."

Valoris's eyes met those of the veteren diplomat, but they told him very little. Valoris gestured toward the chairs around the table.

"Please, sit."

The Imperial delegation began taking up seats at the long table, with Nell and Valoris at opposite ends. To Valoris's right sat Grase. Looking down the length of the table, Valoris had the odd feeling of being out-numbered, though he knew no reason why he should feel threatened. Belgardi security personal were just outside the room... but so were the stormtrooper escorts the Imperials had brought.

"Let me begin with a greeting" Valoris said, "both personally and from the whole of Belgardi Ltd. I am so sorry that Mr. Belgardi is not available right now to speak with you personally, but until his return I hope to be able to deal with whatever concerns the Empire has."

Valoris pressed a button on the arm of his seat, and a wall panel behind him slid open. The attention to this sudden movement drew several stares from the Imperials, but they were quickyl mollified when a serving droid appeared in the hole in the wall.

"Before we start can I offer any refreshments? I assure you that our culinary staff is quite competant and can fix just about anything you can imagine."



OOC: Drayson, if you don't mind, talk to me on AIM sometime about the movement of the space forces... nothing you did wrong, just to explain something concerning them. S/N Brilliantboy217