Alsakan Anonymity

[Terra Harkin]

[member="Draco Vereen"]

The Republic was returning.

The people of Alsakan were rather relieved by the news that the Republic would once again have a presence in the sector once the government of Brentaal IV, a more vital world along the trade routes, entered into the Galactic Faction's presence once again. It had been six long years since the Republic, along with many other factions, had pulled out of sizable chunk of their territory when the mass disappearances struck the galaxy. Alsakan had been left to fend for itself, only luck leaving it just behind the sphere of Sith influence, and barely at that. With such a frightening location the return of the Republic couldn't come soon enough, however, with news of the Sith invading Telti and the Republic attempting to secure its southern border first, the Alsakan people expected to wait a brief period more.

In the meantime, it appeared as though they would be host to a chief executive of one of the Republic's more prominent companies. Armatech was leading the scene since Kuat and Rendili had fallen and the Mon Calamari Yards had also fell from the Republic's grasp. They had acquired Loronar and Nubia though which posted their capabilities to a confident level. Yet it didn't hurt for them to have more, which was what Alsakan hoped to offer. For six years the Alsakan League had patrolled the sector with their own navy, which they were gladly willing to hand over to the Republic. Thus the executive who would, arrive before Brentaal's agreement to rejoin the Republic, inspect the vessels for himself to ascertain the worth of them entering Republic service.

The Alsakan League's Navy was a point of pride, the system body had operated a fleet well regarded since olden times. In the seventeen Alsakan Conflicts they had pulled stalemates against Coruscant back in the days of competition to become the Republic's capital planet, and though they had lost in the end Alsakan prided itself for its position and achievements. Such as the fleet of over sixty Alsakan Cruisers hanging in the local orbit on display for the Republic military representative's arrival. Arrayed in defensive positions above the gravity well tiny escorting fighters passing by them.

Hopefully it would be a stunning view for their guest.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

[member="Terra Harkin"]
I had heard of Alsakan before, but I had never been to such a world. I had been told, in a briefing, that they had been famous, or infamous for their navy long before the time of the Galactic Empire. Supposedly they had fought dozens of wars and been the pride of fleet warfare in antiquity and legend. With ArmaTech branching out towards ship building, I was considering building on this world, keeping them to myself and erect a monumental shipyard, much like the city sized factories I operate on Carida and Taanab. With the Republic embattled and in desperate need of ships to bolster their forces I was looking into many of the ancient shipyard worlds that had fallen into disuse. The Sith controlled far too many of the more prevalent shipyards, I was forced to look to the more obscure worlds.

I flicked on the comm system in my small G9 rigger, tuning it to the comptroller channel, “This is the Cutting Edge requesting permission to land.” I called to them, sitting back and waiting for a response. I was supposed to be meeting their future senator, or senator elect, or something, but who knows with these worlds, her title could be Supreme Empress of the Sky and Moon for all I know.

 

[Terra Harkin]

[member="Draco Vereen"]

A voice would broadcast back to the small ship of the Republic Representative approaching the fleet of Alsakan warships, at the same time one toward the front would peel away from the battlegroup and approach the vessel with intent. "Cutting Edge, this is traffic control. Don't be alarmed a trio of Aureks will be escorting your craft to the Cruiser Heart of Alsakan. Captain Hirken will be your contact once you dock with one of the clamps along its hull." As the Alsakan designed warship closed the gap with the Cutting Edge its weapon blisters would become visible to its sensors and soon enough could be seen by the naked eye as well whenever its crew moved to begin docking procedures. The forward superstructure of the cruiser appeared bear the majority of the attack craft's main guns, some appearing odd, while the rest of the ship showed instances of various laser cannon emplacements dotting the hull.

The hull itself would appear awkward, thickly plated in some sections while in others it was practically bare. There also seemed to be no apparent hanger bay as well, providing evidence that perhaps the ship itself did not carry its escort squadrons despite the presence of starfighters within local space. Instead docking clamps and tubes were apparent on the underbelly of the warship toward the front. As the Cutting Edge would begin its final approach it would have a good look at the shimmering shields dropping, and as they did the glare would reveal a similar shimmering along the backdrop of the planet.

On this Cruiser waited Terra Hirken, ready to make a good showing of the Alsakan technology to heralding Republic.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

I followed the Aurek fighters towards the large cruiser letting my ship stay in line with them. This was probably one of the few ships that could keep pace with them in an emergency, and the Razor’s Edge was packaged away neatly in the cargo bay, and it was one of the fastest ships in the galaxy. Nonetheless watching the shields drop I could see large portions of the ship lacking in weaponry, but I could always change that with some tweaks. I knew why I was here, but I wasn’t sure they knew the full reason. I believe they thought I was here to help supply them with modern arms and bring them to Republic Standard in military equipment. And while that was true, it wasn’t the whole truth. I also wanted their shipyards for myself. ArmaTech was expanding, rapidly, and we had just breached into ship building. Having a core world capable of producing ships made them popular in my book. I docked with the clamp and switched all the systems off. I waited for the boarding tube to fully extend before walking across, in full gear and boarding the large ship. Just from my initial grasp of the vessel I liked it, but it could use with some modernization for me personally. I stood aboard, waiting patiently to be introduced to this Captain Hirken who was my contact.
[member="Terra Harkin"]

 

[Terra Harkin]

[member="Draco Vereen"]

Standing at the end of the docking tube would be a full welcoming party for the arriving representative from the Cutting Edge. Terra Hirken would be standing in full dress in an Alsakan military uniform flanked by security personnel for the cruiser itself along with some aides who were keeping tabs for the government officials who weren't present for what was mostly to be a military exchange. Her left hand sitting on the hilt of the vibrorapier at her side, Terra stepped forward once the airlock to the docking tube hissed and opened up to reveal its occupant, a composed expression set on her face as she acted to represent her world and its Navy in this preparation for the merge with the Republic. "Welcome to Alsakan, I am Captain Hirken of the Alsakan League's Third Battlegroup. I will be giving you a tour and detail of this Cruiser which the entire fleet is comprised of. They considered taking you planetside to show off the documents and blueprints in full, but until the Republic brings its influence to this Region once their business at Brentaal IV is concluded they are being very careful in lifting the Planetary Shield. If you have any questions prepared regarding the Alsakan League or its Fleet or have any based on what you saw on approach we can start with those. The whole purpose of this meeting is so that the Republic has a grasp of what the Alsakan Cruisers can add to their Defense Forces after all."

 

[Gir Quee]

R46 Valiant-class Starfighter Silver Eagle Five, entering the Alsakan System

The pair of Republic starfighters flashed into realspace and into orbit around the ancient world of Alsakan. While he had never been to the world before, Admiral Quee knew of the planet's proud martial history. Every naval cadet that had ever passed through the Academy had at least heard of the Alsakan conflicts. Gir himself had wrote a paper on a battle in the third Alsakan Conflict. He eyed one of the massive vessels. And still their fleets stand vigil around their world. His comlink briefly buzzed.

"Five, are you certain that we shouldn't have come in a larger ship?"

A wry smile creased Gir's face as he toggled the ship's comlink, "That's almost funny. I think you just like calling me Five, Six."

"I think you're right Five."

The man only half-ruefully shook his head. He certainly could have requisitioned a larger ship to meet the alsakans, but he preferred the anonymity afforded by the tinier ships. A pair of R46s were likely to be able enough to easily flee from danger if they encountered it, nor would they attract as much attention from any neutral observers that might be in the area. It's too bad that Lod doesn't like to fly, but I'm sure that Grekins will be up for this. He might be a little more talkative as well, almost always a good thing on these visits...but he won't quite match Lod's efficiency...oh well...Gir gently pulled the yoke of Silver Eagle Five to the left, banking the Republic ship on course with the designated Alsakan Cruiser.

[member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Terra Harkin"]

 

[Terra Harkin]

[member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Gir Quee"]

The other Republic guests would receive the same guidance instructions as the last, their smaller craft having lagged behind the Cutting Edge and being directed to settle along the connectors fitted to most starfighter sized ships. They wouldn't be too far behind the others and the Alsakan League was happy the Republic was sending several more representatives than they had first believed. In the meantime Terra continued her welcome of the initial party that had come aboard the Alskan Cruiser in preparation for the tour of the vessel and revealing of its worthiness to be included in the Republic roster once they annexed the territory once Brentaal entered the fold.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

I nodded to the Grand Admiral respectfully as he arrived. I hadn't expected to see him here and that might put a hamper in my plans to move in on the shipyards of this world, but that wasn’t so bad. I was sure he wouldn’t mind ArmaTech moving in on such fertile ground, so long as I didn’t do harm to the Republic’s intended operations on Alsakan here. “It’s nice to see you Admiral, but I must say I wasn’t expecting to see you here.” I turned my attention back to the Alsakan woman who had called me here in the first place. She was thin and wide hipped, with dark hair and wearing a uniform. A quick glance over her would give me all the description I needed of her. She was a fighter at heart, if not in body like myself. I towered over my two counterparts. “Yes ma’am I understand the need for caution, but I would also like a significant explanation for why I have been asked here. I have no issues with assisting you and your people; I just want to know why I am needed here. You understand?” I asked politely and as kindly as I could.
[member="Terra Harkin"]
[member="Gir Quee"]

 

[Terra Harkin]

[member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Gir Quee"]

Terra couldn't stop herself from directing a glare at the Republic Representative from the Cutting Edge. His either ignorant or oblivious nature was hard to put up with if he really wasn't aware of why he was here. It wouldn't be like he wasn't told for something like this nor would someone in his position not have some idea of their own that warranted their time here. Although part of it perhaps just was the fact that she was impatient for the Republic to finalize their control over the region so that Alsakan had the support of the larger government protecting it from being conquered. Still, she had to play nice until then, she was often told she had a habit of being overly aggressive sometimes. "Yes, as you should know, the rumors have it that the Republic will come and take control of this region of space in due time. The people of Alsakan await this eagerly. As you know the Sith are very nearby, things have been tense since the event six years ago when so many disappeared and the Republic pulled support from a number of its systems. As Alsakan was one of those abandoned, it has fortified itself to resist the infringment of pirate forces and Sith patrols in the times since. Over the last few years the government has brought the Planetary Defense Force back online, the Alsakan League has also once more spent a lot of time building up a fleet for itself as well. It is this fleet you see before you, and the Alsakan League would gladly have its navy merge into the Republic's ranks once they claim domion over the expansion region once again. You representatives are here to look over this fleet and the cruisers designs and take stock of whether the Republic would want these vessels. Though considering the state most people are in these days sixty warships is nothing to snuff at even if they aren't to your standards, they would be a great asset to the Republic nonetheless."

 

[Gir Quee]

"It seems like that perhaps there was a miscommunication somewhere along the line," mused the admiral quietly, "these things happen, especially in the world of electronic messages, even with full-time holo service. That's why I am here personally, and why I did not just send a representative. I think the Alsakan fleet could potentially be a great asset to the Republic, but we all need to get an understanding of our baseline expectations here. I can hardly recommend to High Command what the Alsakan fleet can do without a knowledgable understanding of its ships or crews. Likewise, before we start discussing industrial or tech solutions, we need to understand the base from where our partners are coming from.

As I understand it, Alsakan has a long and proud tradition of building great warships that have challenged those of even greater nations, even the Republic. There have been shipyards around this world for thousands of years. If I can recall history correctly, several Alsakan designs, notably their battlecruisers in the 3000 BBY era, inspired the Republic Navy then to completely redesign new warships based on those Alsakan designs. That feat is nothing to sneer at.

Likewise, while ArmaTech Combat Systems is a relatively new company on the galactic scene, it has grown rapidly to become a key Republic supplier. While many of its products are designed for use by our groundside soldiers, ArmaTech has notably produced stealth systems for Republic vessels, and its Witch Fire CIWS is rapidly becoming prevalent in many Republic warship designs, notably those warship designs of the government-owned Charter Line. That innovation and hard work cannot be ignored either.

If we are to have a fleet of warships to truly challenge the monstrous ships that the One Sith fleet is likely building, we will need both the proud tradition and skill of the Alsakan shipbuilders and the innovation and hard workers of ArmaTech to succeed. Only the Sith would want us to undermine and underestimate each other now.

I would like to get a better understanding of this ships before we continue. Captain [member="Terra Harkin"], would you be so kind to show myself and Mister [member="Draco Vereen"] around your vessel here? I would especially like to know its features and the design philosophy behind..."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Ah, so there was the confusion. I had been under the impression I was asked here to bring this ships and others like them up to whatever was considered par for the Republic. Instead I was inspecting them and judging their capabilities, something I would have to lean heavily on [member="Gir Quee"] about. Ships and their creation, design, and use were not my specialty. He was the Grand Admiral of the Republic for a reason, and I was an arms dealer for a reason. We all played to our strengths. Even still I could be of some use. Knowing they lacked hangars meant they would need to be supported and supplemented by other ships in battle, but that was the norm for most ships. "Well, its a pleasure to meet you Miss Hirken. It certainly is a lovely ship, and a lovely world. I'd be more than happy to assist in any way possible. My apologies if there was miscommunication here, I have often been very busy as of late and may not have read the briefing on your request. For that you have my sincerest apologies." I bowed slightly at the waist. [member="Terra Harkin"]

 

[Terra Harkin]

[member="Gir Quee"] [member="Draco Vereen"]

Terra frowned somewhat at Draco Vereen's apology, not expecting quite the courteous response, but it was more so the Republic Grand Admiral Quee's words that softened her up so much. He was a man who seemed quite well with words, and very understanding of political and military history at the very least. It was one thing to know about the Alsakan Conflicts, it was another to make note of the effects it had on Republic engineering, though many today would probably sneer at the design philosophy of the time spawned in the form of the Invincible Class Dreadnought and other such large warships. Making mention of which, it did seem as though the Admiral was quite keen on tracking the progress of the Republic's major businesses, and Armatech's name certainly had risen in quite a short time. "No I must apologize as well Mister Vereen, the error could well be on our side if a technician did not properly send the memo ahead of time. I am sorry if I was overly accusatory. . . . . Admiral Quee it is an honor to have you present here. You're understanding of galactic history is well met."

Offering a polite military bow to both men once again to properly give welcome to the Admiral as well, Terra had a much more determined expression once she stood back up. Now she felt much more enthusiastic and pleased to make the show to the Republic visitors. "I promise you that you will not be disappointed with the Alsakan Fleet's contributions with the Republic. While I cannot magically provide a scenario to prove the worth of the crews and their training, I believe the Alsakan League's ability to raise such a force and resist Sith encroachment and fend off pirate forces in the sector where we hold jurisdiction over the worlds in this region of space attest to their discipline and effectiveness. I can personally give you a clear understanding of the Alsakan Cruisers' abilities though in a tour. We can begin if you follow me."

 

[Gir Quee]

Gir nodded as he followed [member="Terra Harkin"] deeper into the vessel, alongside [member="Draco Vereen"]. The man's blue eyes rapidly darted around the interior of the ship, gathering clues about its possible construction and philosophy. He was always fascinated by how cultures and people built things. Such things were not only a mode of self-expression to the man, but also seemed to him to highlight the values of that culture. In Gir's opinion, the first Galactic Empire did not seem to place much value in their early pilots by giving them the Tie Fighter. To be sure, it was exceptionally compact and fast, and well-suited to be carried in swarms on the large ships of the Imperial Navy, but he couldn't help but wonder what the pilots felt about their craft. Perhaps they embraced the lean, minimalist design to outmaneuver their opponents, but the man also felt that if he were one of its pilots, he would almost rebel against the design's fragility and relatively weak weaponry. The man quickly shook the thoughts from his head, focusing on the present as the woman gave her tour of the vessel.