Intelligence [Takeover of Mrisst]
Posts: 9
  • Posted On: Sep 3 2005 2:02am
Education. Perhaps the most vital necessity to any civilization. Empires rise and fall, Republics grow and flunder. Groups fight for territory, ships and other such needed materials. Whilst harsh battles rage around the galaxy many factions forget what is most important. What they most need to survive. The Coalition do not. Whilst they make it their mandate to free enslaved and oppressed races they continue to think of their own peoples future at the same time. Waste resources, waste ships, even waste time. Never waste the future. Never waste education.



[font=Times New Roman]CN-1344, Unknown Regions

The shuttle lumbered shiftingly into the open mouthed hangar of the Imperial Class Star Destroyer. As the boarding ramp descended a reptillian figure marched down. Saluting the two waiting techs and deck officer who were there to greet him he set off at a brisk pace towards the nearest turbolift. The three men fell into step behind him. Whilst none would ever admitt to it, they each wore nervous yet eager expressions on their faces.

For many months the Star Destroyer had undergone a complete overhaul. Entire sections of the hull had been removed and replaced. Large sections of the engines had been refitted with newer models. Once called the Deforen this ship was barely recognizable as the battered horror that had inflicted great damages to poor races in the depths of the Unknown Regions. This was the first time that it's Captain had returned to it since surrendering the large vessel to the Coalitions repair crews.

It had taken a great deal of time and a tremendous amount of effort but finally, the aptly named Revolution, was fit for service.

As Kerld stood in the polished lift the tech crews launched into massive amounts of garbled talk about the modifications that had been made to his ship. Datapads flashed infront of his face before quickly dissapearing to be replaced by holograms of the engine rooms and shielding rooms. Details of new turbolaser emplacements were hastily passed around. Kerld could only take so much. Especially on his first day as a Coalition Captain.

"Enough already. Gentlemen, I'm sssssure there isss much you wisssh to bring to my attention but for the moment I am mosssst anticipated to sssssee the bridge. Resssst assuered that I will read through all the designssss and your recomendationssss asss sssssoon assss the oppertunity arrivessss."

Disapointed looks appeared on all three faces but none of them allowed any emotion to show in their voices as the simultaniously replied, "Yes Sir".

The rest of the short ride went by in a slightly tense silence. No one daring to break it incase they should accidentally return to the former topic. Finally, a few minutes later, the doors opened to reveal the long awaited sight.

The last time Kerld had stood in the cluttered space the sight had been more notorious than any he had ever seen. Bodies had lain strewn across the blood covered floor. Short circuiting consoles had flared sparks into the air. Meds and relief soilders had been running to and fro, trying desperatley to save wounded comrades. Whilst the Coalition had won that day, and Kerld had been fortunate enough to return here with the monster behind it all, many men had died in the process.

The mass amount of changes that the Revolution had gone through were evident enough. The floor was polished so highly that it reflected the images of those who walked upon it. Brand new, state of the art consoles were arrayed in space giving positions. And in the dead centre of the room, where once Cas would have stood and barked his orders, sat an impressive seat reserved for Kerld himself. Once upon a time Kerld had considered himself a slave to this ship, now he felt joy at being it's proud owner.

As Kerld seated himself and gazed around at the smiling crewers each one broke out into a round of applause. The Captain had found his way home.

Kerld stared down at the commander before him.
"Engage reversssse thrusterssss. Detatch all umbilicalssss. Take her out Commander."

"Yes Sir."

Slowly and surely the Star Destroyer began to back away from it's docking station where the repairs had been administered. Twenty minutes later, the huge ship was hurtling through hyperspace, it's mission to patrol the Galactic Coalition.

* * * *

Two days later

Halof Kerld sat behind his desk just off the bridge of the Star Destroyer Revolution. His gaze was so transfixed on the beautiful swirls of the watery planet Ando he currently orbitted around that it was several beeps before he realized he had an incoming transmission. Turning to look at the vidconsole before him he reached out one scaley hand and accepted the call. On the screen the Galactic Coalition symbol phased out to be replaced by five members of the high command, all seated around an impressive oak table.

"Captain Kerld we are glad to find you in good health. Has the Revolution responded well?" Spoke the first of the men who sat at the head of the table.

"Yessss Sssir. All sssysstemss have worked effectively. The Revolution isss ready for all your needsss."

"I'm glad to hear that. We at the high command have decided your skills are to be put to the test. Tell me, are you familliar with the planet Mrisst?"

"I am afraid not Sssssir."

"Given that you've only emerged from the Unknown Regions in recent times that does not come as much of a surprise. Most of the information you will need can be found in your ships databanks, but for your beneifit we shall briefly inform you about it." The man inclined his head to one of his fellows to his right. The second man regarded Kerld for a moment before shuffling some datapads and launching into details.

"Famed for it's large amount of schools, Mrisst is more commonly known as 'The University Planet'. The resevoirs of knowledge which are held there are invaluable, aswell as that it has a great reputation for teaching it's students vital information and allowing them freedom in the forms of open minds."

The head of the table nodded to his colleague and then turned back to the screen.

"As you can see it would be an extreme addition to our growing economy. With Mrisst in our grasp we can make sure that many of the more unfortunate races we protect can recive the education they deserve. And of course it will also aid greatly as we have seen some interest in this planet on behalf of the Empire."

"The Empire musssst not be be allowed to accessss sssuch an important planet!" Kerlds voice was in the danger of rising.

"Indeed, that is why we are ordering your ship to head out there and begin peaceful talks with the Administrator of the planet. Take the Revolution and offer them whatever you need to get them on side. You have your orders Captain. Follow them through. Good luck."

" Yessss Ssssir." The transmission ended as Kerld rose from his chair. Gazing out one last time at the beauty below him he left his office to emerge on the busy bridge.

"Commander Lesssshel sssset coursssse for the Tapani Ssssector, the planet Mrisst. Our firssst misssion awaitsss ussss. Let usssss make ssssure it isss ssssuccesssful."

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Posts: 9
  • Posted On: Sep 4 2005 2:31pm
Mrisst, Tapani Sector

The Revolution swept out of hyperspace, it's engines glowing in the bitter darkness to light up the serenity of space. The Star Destroyer angled to wards the planet beneath it.

Sat in his command chair on the majestic bridge Kerld looked upon the planet Mrisst in complete awe. It was as beautiful a sight as any he had seen. Small patches of blue showed the oceans that rolled about, at the top and bottom large white areas revealed polar ice caps. But for the better part, most of the planet was an emerald green with beige entities that were in fact the planets great schools.

" It's a wondrous sight Sir." Commander Leshel commented, his own eyes staring out the forward view port.

"Indeed it isss Commander. I marveled for many yearssss asss a hatchling at what might be amongsssst the ssstarss. I am glad to ssssee I wasss right with ssssome of my thoughtsss." Snapping his head away from the sight that filled his vision Kerld turned to a young communications officer. "Open a hailing frequency."

"Yes Sir."

A few moments later Administrator Jelson's image appeared on a vidscreen before Kerld. The mans reaction to Kerlds grizzly image was bemusing to say the least.

"Captain Kerld, it is a pleasure to see you have arrived. And such perfect timing as well I must say. As we speak many of the schools that populate Mrisst are participating in the annual examinations. If you would like it you may tour through them."

"Thank you Adminisssstrator, that would be a great pleasssure. On behalf of the Galactic Coalition might I ssssay thank you for inviting usss here. I have a sssshuttle waiting to transssport mysself and a few of my men to your ssssurface. Do you have landing proceduresss?"

"Yes Captain, we're sending a data package to your ship now. I shall await your arrival. Jelson out."

Standing up Kerld turned to Leshel, "Commander, I wisssh you to remain on board the Revolution, notify sssshould any problemssss arissse."

"Yes Sir."

Spinning on his heel Kerld strode from the bridge to the empty turbo-lift. He had already had three scientists, two troopers and a pilot head to the shuttle some half an hour previously. In addition, two Coalition spies had climbed inside a hidden compartment at the rear of the craft. They would exit the ship once it was deemed safe and do take their own little tour. All that awaited them now was his own arrival. Five minutes later he emerged in the large hangar, in the dead center sat the Lambda-class shuttle. The Crippler. One of the few remaining ships that had been on the Revolution when Cas had commanded it. Kerld walked up the open ramp and sat in his seat beside the pilot. He was most looking forward to this trip.

* * * *

Calhouse University, Mrisst

"Administrator Jelson, the Crippler makes it's way down from the Revolution. We've designated them landing platform twenty nine."

"Very good Telson, will their trajectory bring them within range of the Imperials?"

"No Sir, we've made sure their pilots stick to closely monitored courses."

"What of the Star Destroyers?"

"The Revolution remains in stationary orbit on the west Sir, to the East, the Harpoon has moved outward to investigate a sonic disruption emanating from an asteroid. Both ships remain just out of sensor sweeps to the other."

Well done Telson. Have the Coalition Captain meet me in the State Hall of...let's see...Taanab University. That should keep them far enough away from the Empire. And remember Telson, I want no hitch-ups. If this goes according to plan then we shall enough funding to build a further twenty schools. And our pockets shall be larger than anyone can imagine." The Administrator spun round in his chair, in his hand he clutched a small glass, half full of a fine Endorian Port. "Money, Telson. We shall be rich."
Posts: 9
  • Posted On: Sep 8 2005 1:19pm
The boarding ramp had already begun to silently fall down as the Lambda-class shuttle came to a rest on it's landing platform. From the dark inside emerged first two troopers, stationed with guarding Captain Kerld, then the Seshian himself, quickly followed by three scientists. Awaiting them on the metal decking, Administrator Jelsen stood with a heartily smile upon his face. He instantly rushed forward to clasp Kerlds taloned hand.

"Glad you could make it, glad you could make it. Tell me, was the shuttle down OK?"

"Quite pleasssant thank you. There wasss a hitch in our ssssensorss however. For ssssome reasssson we were picking up alot of radiation around your easssstern universssitiesss. Is there any problemssss?"

"No, no. Nothing to worry about Captain. Just a prank by some of our students, what with the exams going on we often experience practical jokers at this time of the academic year. We have the situation firmly under control." A feeling of relief spread through Jelsons body as the Coalition Captain accepted his excuse. The Administrator had already used that same excuse on the Imperials touring the eastern side of the planet. Their reaction had been far less comforting. He remembered how the Imperial Captain had rambled on about the New Order not wanting slackers and jokers within their ranks.

"Well Captain, if you'll follow me I've set aside some drinks in my office. After we've finished there we can begin our tour of the schools." Jelson turned on his heel and began to walk into the large building.

"I'd rather we for went the drinksss if you don't mind Adminissstrator. If we could jump ssstraight into the tour?" Kerld moved forwards to catch up with the Governor of the planet.

A disappointed look spread across Jelson's face. "Uhm, well if you say so. The tour it is." What was it with these damned Captain's. First the Imperials and now the Coalition. How could they enjoy life if they never took the time to sit back and enjoy the simple luxuries of life. Moving with Kerld close behind him, his two troopers keeping to their guardian roles and the scientists already analyzing the air and ground Jelson set off for the first of five Universities he planned to show.

* * * *

Ten minutes passed. Twenty. Thirty, forty, fifty. Finally, an hour after Kerld had disembarked from the Crippler, the encoded transmission was sent. Inside a secret compartment just below the engines of the shuttle, two Coalition spies moved into action. Deactivating their bleeping com-links they pressed the button for the release to a secret panel and rolled out the side of the ship.

Around the shuttle stood three men, each lazily guarding the Crippler. The Coalition spies, Lieutenant Hela and Commander Griest, quickly set off in the direction Kerld had headed.

"Griest, see if you can find an access terminal somewhere and get inside it. Pull up all transmissions, and incoming traffic lists for the last two weeks. While you're at it, if they have a list of all current students and relative information, see about sending it up to the Revolution. I'm gonna try and find access to one of the other Universities. Kerld wants to know everything that's going on here, make sure we do."

"Yes lieutenant! Good luck Hela."

"And you Griest."

The two men parted ways, Greist rushing toward a service hatchway on the outside of Taanab University, Hela into the dense foliage of green plants that stretched the gulf between one school and another.
Posts: 9
  • Posted On: Sep 8 2005 1:21pm
It posted the reply twice for some reason.
Posts: 9
  • Posted On: Oct 2 2005 9:48pm
The consistent bleeping made Griest etremely nervous. Every time his fingers touched the keypad before him he cocked his head in anticipation for the sound of running feet, alerted to his presence. It was worrying enough that in a place that should of been full of students, he had barely seen a soul.

Staring at the screen he continued to puch up names of students and the home planets they came from. Not one thing seemed out of place. For the first time in many years of hacking into systems he could not find a single thing to suggest illegal activities. It was almost too good.

"Griest to Hela. Status report." Though his voice was barely a whisper, it carried through the comm perfectly.

"Greist. You should be maintaining comm silence. What is it?"

"The systems are coming up all clear sir. There's not a single file that isn't easily accessble. I've been through everything from student enrollment to out going comm waves." Reported the commander.

"Have you tried checking out bound packages?"

"Well, no sir. It hardly seemed worthy of checking. In all my years I've never come across a single thing in them. They're usually just a waste of time."

"Try it now commander."

"Yes sir." Immediatley, Griest began typing in the access pathways for the reports on packages that had been sent out. Within a minute he had reached the suggested area, only to find it password encrypted.

"It's protected Sir."

"Work on it." I'm coming up to one of the universities now. Wait for me to contact you."

"Understood. Over and out."

Shoving his comlink in a pouch at his side, the spy returned his attention to the problem at hand. He set about decrypting the several passwords that kept the area offlmits. Using every piece of slicing knowledge he knew to try and gain himself access. Though it took a good twenty minutes he was finally able to break into the choosen pathways and redirect the passwords to allow him access. He took little achievement in the result, it might all have been for nothing.



Everything seemed to be within reason. That led to more questions as to why the files had been hidden. Constant files streamed up the screen each one dhowing nothing important. Rubbing his eyes, Griest froze in his tracks. He quickly reached forward and brought a file back down.. It read:

OUTGOING: PACKAGAE NO. 15738

PACKAGE SENT TO DESTINATION 174039

PACKAGE MATERIAL: COMM DISPENSER, ANTENNA, TRANSMITTING UNIT

COPY OF TRANSMISSION IN FILE 97574

Rushing to type in the said file, Greist could barely conceal his excitement at what he had found. All the parts that had been sent out were used to send transmissions. What ever had been sent was being concealed from the regular transmissions files. He searched through three files before coming across the transmission. Opening it up he played it on the screen before him.

"Friends in the Empire, we request your presence our educational planet Mrisst to undergo a meeting concerning a possible alliance between the two of us. A contact should be arriving within Imperial space in approximatley two days. If it would please your good graices he shall bring with him answers to your questions and information regarding our current status and what we may offer you. Thank you for taking the time to proccess this request. Yours sincerely, Administrator Jelson."

The image flickered to a halt. A stunned and angry look began to spread across the features of Griest. Jelson was attemtping to double-cross both sides? Did he really think he would get away with it? The commander immediatley began sending what he had found up to the Revolution and waited for Hela to contact him.