From Out Of The Shadows (Republic/Empire)

[Kamon Vondiranach]

Previously​

​

It had been several years now since the former Grand Admiral of the Imperial Remnant had disappeared into the Unknown Regions in search of allies for the war effort. Allies and people that could secretly build them a war fleet that no one in the galaxy proper would know about. That had been the intention, at least. Though after some time with no contact it was presumed that Mason Deschart and the lone corvette he'd taken with him were no more. It was a reasonable thought given the volatility of the space that he'd gone flying into.

But Mason wasn't dead. Far from it.

What he had found were people in the Unknown that had developed their own shipyards. These yards were used largely for the construction of freighting vessels, and occasionally individual warships for some fringe government or other. It was a for hire market, and Mason was in the business of hiring.

Fortunately, the business was run by humans, even though most of the work was not done by them. That was fine. Most of the old Empire's work hadn't been completed at the hands of Humans, either. Mason already had the technical specs for the ship that he wanted constructed, the first and possibly only, of its kind. It would serve as a good test for their building operation and would be the evidence he needed on whether to put in an order or not.

When the ship was completed, he intended to return to Crina. When he arrived outside of Crinan space, however, he realized that this was no longer a friendly world. Sometime during his absence they had been run off by the Sith. He'd sneered at the Sith that tried to confront him, and turned his ship about before leaping into hyperspace again. He knew where his people would go if they could no longer stay on Crina and so he made his way through hyperspace for their contingency location.

Carida​

0230 Hours​

​

Just outside of Carida space, the ship known as Revenant, an Epicurus-class Star Destroyer at a length of 1480 meters, exited hyperspace and began the journey in towards the planet. On the bridge of the vessel stood the stoic Mason Deschart. He refused to take a seat at this juncture in time, maintaining his status and rank through the power of his presence upon the vessel as it approached the world that was bustling with Imperial, and strangely, Republic activity.

He prepared for the inevitable hailing calls, as his IFF read as Remnant.

[member="Lash"] [member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Lash]

Stela'shlit'nuruodo was interrupted by the now wailing proximity alert klaxons. His mind had been clear and he was enjoying a superb piece of work by a young composer he had discovered there on Cardia. HE sat up and turned to press the com channel transmit button on his desk.

"Commander, What has interrupted my morning meditation?"

The Chiss officer explained to Lash that an unidentified destroyer class vessel had exited hyperspace on the edge of the system. Lash wondered why he was the one who had to contact the command center. This should have been a case where they called him. Lash stopped the Chiss man mid sentence.

"Commander, I will be there shortly. Please relieve yourself of command and exit the bridge before I arrive."

The shocked Chiss paused then saluted with a Yes sir. Lash turned off the transmission and made his way to the bridge. The doors slide open as immediately Lash could see the form of the ship in the distance. He walked in and sit in his command chair positioned in the center of the Bridge and looked out at the ship for a moment more then spoke.

"Open a channel lieutenant."

The officer manning the communications console did as ordered then nodded an affirmative to Lash that indeed a channel had been opened.

"Unidentified warship, I am Admiral Stela'shlit'nuruodo of the Galactic Imperial Navy. Please power down you ship and halt you approach."

[member="Mason Deschart"]

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

There was a distinct twitch of the mans eye when he was greeted by a Chiss claiming to be an admiral of what was now being called the Galactic Empire. When had his beloved Remnant stooped to the heights of returning to a failed state of ages long ago? And why in the world was there a Chiss at the helm of their fleet? How disgusting. But he would be civil about things, even though he had no intention of complying with most of what the man said.

"I will do no such thing, Admiral."

Some of his bridge crew looked up at him but he continued to stare forward without giving a single command. They shared looks but continued to fly the ship forward.

"This is Grand Admiral Mason Deschart, formerly of the Imperial Remnant, returning from voyage into the Unknown Regions. The ship you see is the Revenant, an Epicurus-class Star Destroyer. If you are truly Imperial in nature then we will have no problems. And as this was a primary fallback location for the Remnant if Crina were discovered, then it would make sense that I am in the correct location."

He clasped his arms behind his back.

"Please contact Princess Alva Calvarona. I wish to speak with her."

[member="Alva Calvarona"] [member="Lash"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Lash"] [member="Mason Deschart"]

In all truthfulness, Alva herself was only just feeling the opportunity to relax after returning to Carida since the battles of Contruum and Balmorra had left her exhausted and pressed. Both conflicts had left her feeling drained and another bother was not quite welcome so soon after the stress of fighting for her survival. Especially when reports were sent to her that the new arrival in system was specifically requesting her contact. Eyes narrowing at the tedium she was presented with, the crinan woman was quick to grill the officer on the line filling her in. In the end she found herself rather tempted to merely hang up the call and pretend she hadn't heard it, but she knew she wouldn't get any sleep from the hassle if she were to ignore the man behind these matters.

Mason Deschart. . . . . he had been gone quite a while. It seemed he wasn't quite relaxed either as she overheard the communications that had occurred so far. One thing was certain though for the former princess, she wasn't too excited to receive the call under the circumstances. "There's no need Admiral, intelligence has been quite on top of communications lately. Stepping up their game you could say considering we don't want to lose this real estate like Crina. . . . now then, Admiral Deschart, I'm actually surprised. This wasn't exactly the first fallback point. Though I assume you followed the crumbs regardless. Do please be a bit kinder to our chiss friend, he's only doing his duty. He's after your time as well, but is quite aware of the Sith using the Imperial Label themselves on occasion, I'm not sure he would have attacked without further inspection, but just in case I am just reminding to be more careful, you know well the firepower of an Imperial III."

It was a valid concern. She didn't want an old admiral to get themselves obliterated by his fellow 'true' Imperials because he was using a strange ship. Since she was on a roll though. "Besides, with your disappearance and the fact the Sith have tried three times, unsuccessfully, to assassinate the Empress, there is no strict proof you really are the dear old Admiral we knew. A voice recording during torture and holo fakes could do wonders, so I apologize if you are upset, but allow me to explain this bit of reasonableness to Admiral Stela'shlit'nuruodo's actions. Since I assume in his position you would do much the same if a strange warship appeared claiming to carry a commander of the Empire. Properly confirming your identification face to face is the surest method. However, to satisfy both you men, I could very well shuttle myself over to your vessel Admiral Dechart if you desire? I can maintain communication while in transit right now."

 

[Lash]

Lash sat quietly as Alva conversed with the human admiral. The man seemed as if he had some ill will against Lash. That was fine, Lash expected as much from a human. They had no control over there primal nature. How they were not living in caves and eating fruit off the bush was beyond him. Yet here they were spread out over the galaxy like a virus. This one seemed even more uncultured than most. Lash held the mans life in his hands and thought nothing of making an example of the man. But Lash had read of the man and for respect of the man and his history Lash would let him live today.

"Princess I will make arrangements for a transport to escort you to Admiral Decharts ship. I will send an escort for you also. Your safety is non negotiable and I insist upon you being escorted."

[member="Alva Calvarona"] [member="Mason Deschart"]

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

Mason's face was impassive. Despite his dislike for all things alien, he never once let it interfere with his duties. Just as he'd use a useful alien if one presented itself. Mason was anything but foolish. Though he had to marvel at the fact that they would so willingly face a vessel they had never once seen before and have the audacity to believe that they could easily destroy it. That was a mistake of grandiose proportions on their part. He was going to have to bust Alva for that.

"Very well. Land in the main hangar and I will see you on the bridge, Princess."

A quick glance to the communications officer and the line was cut off. Another nod to the Captain and the ship began to slow as the engines wound down. He kept the shields online, as he'd instigated standard operating procedure of their being brought on line immediately after leaving hyperspace regardless of their local. He moved forward to the the viewport and stared out at Carida. The imposing ISD loomed not far away, but he was not afraid of such a vessel while aboard his. The shields on his ship would take far too long for the ISD to eat up, and by then they would close and rip the ISD to shreds.

He waited. A contingent of stormtroopers stood at attention in the hangar, weapons held ceremoniously, as they awaited the arrival of the Princess.

[member="Lash"] [member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

@Lash @Mason Deschart [member="Cole Dagos"]

"Thank you Admiral, your escort is most welcome. And very well Admiral Deschart, I shall be there soon. Calvarona out." Sighing after the communication closed, the crinan woman stood up from her chair as she moved to exit the room. For now she had been taking time at the garrison to make sure things were in order before taking some leave to relax, she hoped the transport that the chiss had assigned to her would be waiting at the landing pad by the time she arrived. Along with whatever escort had been assigned to her. Normally she would say she could handle herself, but she supposed considering her own points about security procedures that it would be an immense risk not to accept a contingent to travel with her as well.

So thusly when she did spot the shuttle settling down on the landing pad and a trooper signaling to her to come aboard, Alva made no complaints about their presence as she headed up the ramp. "Pilot, take us up. I appreciate everyone's dedication to duty, let us hope the adherence to security was unnecessarily." But if it was necessary, then they would be happy they were prepared rather than weren't. Not that Alva was overly concerned as she watched the view change as the transport made its way into orbit, orienting towards the ship carrying the seemingly returned Mason Deschart.

 

[Kenrath]

Cole stood in full combat Armor assigned temporarily to escort duty for a VIP. He motioned her on board and as she boarded he snapped to attention but following comabt protocols didn't salute.

"Welcome aboard ma'am Sgt Cole Dagos." "I am your security detail for your trip." "Where you go I go Ma'am"

As she went to her seat Cole moved nearby standing a vigilant watch. The echani male was all business his posture while rigid almost seemed fluid like. Under the helmet he meticulously reviewed the mission parameters. As the shuttle lifted up Cole raised a hand bracing himself until things equalized. It was not until he came across the personnel file of the woman he was protecting that he stopped. A princess it seemed...a princess of a planet invaded and conquered by Sith. He frowned under the mask. This could be an issue as not only was she a VIP but undoubtedly a high value target for half the scum of the galaxy.

[member="Alva Calvarona"] [member="Mason Deschart"] [member="Lash"]

 

[Lash]

Lash Watched the shuttle transporting Alva and her escorts move to land on the ship in the distance. He had said nothing else in the conversion they had and when the channel was closed sat down in his chair to think. Where had this man been for so long. What had he been doing in that time. and where were his loyalties. Lash trusted no one and trusted this man even less then that.

"Commander Open a channel to Judictor."

Lash waited for the image of the Judicator's captain to appear on the display. He thought about what the man in the ship would do. how he would react to Lashes next act. The screen came to life and the image of Captain Konit appeared.

"Captain, I know you are on maneuvers but Please have Blue Steel Squadron return to Cardia Immediately. I may bein need of assistance in pest control."

Konit nodded with a simple "Yes sir Immediately." and the image disappeared.

Lash looked out at the ship. Its sleek form while resembling a Star Destroyer was a bit more stylized. Its weapon systems not as predominate leading Lash to believe they were well concealed. He need to get one more person involved for his mind to process the situation.

"Commander, Open a channel to The Training college."

[member="Cole Dagos"] [member="Alva Calvarona"] [member="Mason Deschart"]

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

Mason assessed the situation before him. On one hand they were completely justified in how they were responding to this situation. On the other, what idiot would roll into an Imperial world with a single ship with the intent of starting a fight? By this point their long range scouts would have detected that he was alone. Mason wasn't looking for a fight, but neither was he foolish enough to lower his shields. He would control who, and what, entered his vessel.

"Approaching shuttle."

"Allow them entrance."

Space was beautiful, even here where numerous warships still watched and waited, ready to pounce. He ignored them because they weren't a threat to him. Instead, he focused his eyes upon the distant stars, wondering just when and where the Remnant had decided to align with the Republic, one of their notoriously historical enemies. This was certainly something that he would be asking the Princess when she arrived on the bridge.

He certainly hoped she'd learned more decorum since the last time he'd seen her. Princess or not, she was too wily for her own good.

In the hangar the stormtroopers continued to wait as the shuttle approached. No menace; a mere honor guard. They would allow her to bring her guards as well, though entrance to the bridge would be limited to the Princess and perhaps her closest adviser or guard.

[member="Lash"] [member="Cole Dagos"] [member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Lash"] [member="Mason Deschart"] [member="Cole Dagos"]

"Thank you Sergeant, I appreciate you and your comrade's presence for this trip. I dearly hope that your services won't be necessary though, for the sake of things going simply and safely." After all, the crinan woman supposed every soldier rested easy when they took on an assignment just for it to be nothing. Of course that never meant not following through on matters, because there could always come a time when a threat was very real. Being prepared was better than wasting people's time in the end. Although Alva herself had to admit she hated the tedium of some the work that ended up being somewhat pointless in the end. Nonetheless she would push through it, if not for the sake of keeping the peace, then to at least validate the paranoia of security. "If trouble is afoot then I leave myself in your capable hands."

Well mostly. Even if she wasn't wearing her armor or bearing most of her gear, Alva was quite sure to bring along the spools or slicewire that appeared as rings on her fingers, along with a standard E-11 sidearm. Still, as the vessel belonging to Admiral Deschart loomed ever closer, the odds were in the favor of not needing any protection at all once the transport began to initiate landing procedures after it entered the hangar bay. All the same once the shuttle became motionless she allowed her 'escort' to lead the way down the ramp, her eyes looking over the arrayed stormtroopers awaiting her arrival, a slight grin on her face as she approved of the soldiers presence while she asked for one to lead them to the bridge.

Because to be fair, it wasn't a familiar design, so there was no reason for them to know the layout. Alva made sure to leave a pair of Sergeant Dagos squad behind though to watch over the ship with their pilot, for the sake of protocol, while the rest of them made their way to the bridge. At which point Alva nodded when she was informed only one of the accompanying Stormtroopers could remain with her past that point. "Very well, Sergeant Dagos continue with me. Please inform Admiral Deschart and let him know we're ready to enter."

 

[Kenrath]

As they docked Cole did a last weapons check before proceeding down the ramp. He eyed the Storm Troopers in the hanger with a reserved caution not fully knowing what to expect. He was new to his role and largely unfamiliar with not only the ship but the man at the helmet. He looked around for a moment his weapon held in front of him but barrel down. He could bring it to bear quickly if needed.

After a minute Cole turned to one of the ship's Troopers with a slight nod.

"Lead the way."

Before stepping forward himself Cole turned to motion the rest of the squad forward sticking Alva's side. He glanced over at her.

"My apologies Ma'am but what do you know about our host?" "Anything I should know before we get to the bridge?"


[member="Alva Calvarona"] [member="Mason Deschart"] [member="Lash"]

 

[Lash]

Lash sipped from his glass and looked out at the ship in the distance. Something about it looked familiar. The lines, the construction. Someone he knew had a hand in this vessel. Someone from long ago had to have been apart of this. It was of no matter who ever aided this human was of no import. Lash pushed the thought out of his mind. he had more important things to contemplate.

"Lieutenant, Please begin preparing my diner."

Lash set the cup down and continued to watch the ship in the distance. The man behind the screen had been an Imperial but he was still human. But after reading a bit more about the man he considered him to be of no threat. His while large was still just one ship.

"Commander, send a transmission to our guests that we are dropping our shields and allowing them to make orbit. Move us into a potion on the apex of their orbital path. We will keep an eye on them but for now give this man the respect he deserves as a former grand admiral. IF you get an sort of sign that he means ill send him to hell with the rest of the former Imperial's who have crossed us."

Lash stood and left the bridge. He would eat and catch up on some music samples he had just received from a staff recovered by a friend during the battle of Balmorra. He would wait till he had word from Alva to make a final judgement on the man on the screens fate.

[member="Cole Dagos"] [member="Alva Calvarona"] [member="Mason Deschart"]

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

The shuttle craft docked without issue. There wouldn't be any issue. These were Imperial crewmen that had been training while the ship was built. And he'd drilled many of them himself. A lot had washed out, unable to withstand the stress and strain of dealing with Mason. They weren't good enough to serve the Emperor and so they were cast aside in favor of those that could. Only the best were currently crewing the ship.

So it was that the escort of stormtroopers was rather topnotch as well. Not as good as clones, but they never were. Clones, bred for combat, would always be superior to those who didn't train until they had years of life under their belts.

"Transmission from the ships around the planet. Shields will be lowering and we're being given permission to orbit."

"Very well. Take us into high orbit. Maintain shields at this time, weapons offline, but until the Princess is satisfied that I am who I say I am, I want the gunnery crews to remain at their positions."

"Yes, Admiral."

It was about then that the door to the bridge opened and the Princess and her lone guard were admitted. He was still looking out the viewport, his back to her. He would remain that way until she got close enough to him that she wouldn't be able to mistake him for anyone else. Then he turned about, hands clasped behind his back, and stared at her.

"This new Chiss Admiral of yours may have blundered heavily had he fired upon me. You should have picked a better, human, successor. Why are we at Carida and not Crina? What happened?"

[member="Alva Calvarona"] [member="Cole Dagos"] [member="Lash"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Lash"] [member="Mason Deschart"] [member="Cole Dagos"]

"He was formerly the grand Admiral before his disappearance. He's been missing in action or considered rogue since before Crina fell. As to what to expect I am not sure." In all truthfulness the crinan woman meant that fact as she stepped through the entryway into the bridge. She had no real idea what to expect from the man after so long, she merely recalled bits of what he was like since most of it had boiled down to professional work. Nonetheless, she forced a slight smile as Deschart's voice was directed at her and she couldn't remember if he had always been so. . . .forceful with words. "Well considering his record at two recent engagements has been promising and the fact our last three human admirals have disappeared he seems to be doing well Admiral Deschart. Were you in his position you would enforce protocol as well, especially considering what happened to Crina."

Reflecting on what happened to her homeworld wasn't exactly a pleasant thing either, so in the end she hoped the Imperial officer before her appreciated the trouble he was putting everyone through for his dramatic return. "Somehow the One Sith divined, their own words in communication not ours, the location of Crina and dispatched over one hundred star destroyers to sack the planet. A ridiculous amount of warships, but between three different Sith Admirals and Lords all claiming to be god I'm not surprised in retrospect. How they somehow made it through the asteroid fields that prevented outside contact for so long because of the threat they posed is beyond me either. Regardless in the end they attacked, bombing Cosmina to ruins and storming the Academy there. Thankfully you'll recall our hard work on the mines we set around the asteroid gaps, well the Sith took so long around them we were able to evacuate the students and a majority of staff and text, only a few staying behind to booby trap everything. Besides that we evacuated my family and the Empress while our fighter squadrons and more reasonably appropriate local fleet bought time for their departure. Yet the Sith ignored such efforts completely to burn the unarmed civilian transports, murdering thousands while broadcasting their benevolence and love and how they were freeing the people from tyranny. . . . .honestly I would have thrown up were i not in my flight suit at the time. Thankfully their decisions to ignore our forces let us clear a path and leave them with heavy losses as we fled. We've been around a bit, and we settled on the Western Side of the Galaxy actually, until bumbling, moronic, and stupid Sith openly broadcasting an entire battle plan for them to change their expansion plans to somehow target yet another secreted world they came to divine which led us here. The Republic hates the Sith, the Republic tolerates us, we tolerate the Republic, they are by far the lesser of many evils, they never attacked us, unlike the unprovoked Sith, and the Republic offered Carida as our staging grounds. It's a powerful foothold to be sure wouldn't you agree? A nice world to gather our strength on while safely using the Republic as a shield while we conserve and renew our forces. Its traditionally Imperial background is also a nice bonus."

 

[Kenrath]

[member="Mason Deschart"] [member="Alva Calvarona"] [member="Lash"]

Cole nodded at her words as she spoke. When they stepped onto the bridge Cole slipped off to the side so that he could get a clear view of both the Princess and the Admiral. He however remained a step or two behind the Princess listening to the exchange between the two of them.

For a brief moment his head seemed to turn towards the door before he turned back to catch the history lesson. As he did hiding behind his helmet he had one of his squad mates do a little research to confirm the details being spoken about. From the outside Cole looked like an ever vigilant sentry looking over his charge watching out for any dangers.

He would speak or comment unless a question was directed at him or his opinion requested.

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

[member="Alva Calvarona"] [member="Cole Dagos"]

So, he'd done a bit of good. Well, Mason would expect no less from a Chiss. Though they were freaks of nature, disgusting creatures, their intelligence and military prowess could not be denied. It was something he would not waste. If the Princess was satisfied with him, then so be it. He didn't have to like the other admiral in order to work with him. That was the beauty of the military. A job was a job.

"We were always concerned about Sith movements."

His gaze flipped back towards the man that had arrived with the Princess, and then back to her. There was deliberate avoidance of the talk of his disappearance. She had known where he was going and that he might be gone long.

"I recall that we had sent people to the Republic to open lines of conversation. We were not meant to be the Empire of old. There wasno reason we could not work with the Republic, and there isn't now, so I will say that you probably made a wise move where survival is concerned. As for the Sith, it's nothing less than what I would expect from mongrels such as them. Cowards act the way that they did. I'm sure you did what you could.

"Now. What are we doing to correct this?"

[member="Cole Dagos"] [member="Alva Calvarona"] [member="Lash"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Lash"] [member="Mason Deschart"] [member="Cole Dagos"]

She was avoiding it merely because it wasn't something she was too entirely interested in, at least not in the terms of the results. At least, she didn't care personally. Professionally of course she would have to hear about the Admiral's journey and what he encountered should anything prove useful. However, for herself she couldn't care, as what she concerned herself with was merely the Empire's survival, and beyond that, paying back the Sith over and again until such time she could reclaim her homeworld. What had they been doing about all that though was a good question for Deschart to ask she confessed. Sadly, while they had indeed been doing a variety of efforts, they were not entirely successful with them all. "To be frank the situation isn't ideal. There of course are those who are and would of course be displeased with accepting such leaps of aid from the Republic, however, only fools who play the puppet strings of the Sith are ignored otherwise. I would rather have seen us continue fighting the bastards who have their imagined vendetta against us. To try and rally our banner I thought securing victories after the move would bring supporters who saw our strength finally turn the tide, but for some odd reason the Sith, even in defeats, can somehow claim victory even when they've lost several aspects of battles. Between those conflicts and setting up on Carida I haven't implemented recruitment procedures yet. I am have some planned though, I merely have been exhausted. I did after all crush the Sith twice in my personal contributions."

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

"I don't like it myself. Working with the Republic is one thing. For them is another."

He gripped his arm tightly behind his back as he watched her. She had done well, personally, from her own account. In fact she'd done well to hold them together enough to get them to Carida. The problem was, they weren't the Remnant anymore, and were now bowing to a bunch of people that had no concept of order. If anything, the Republic was falling apart under its own guns. Yes, Mason still had active intelligence operations within the Republic navy. He always would.

Looking at his crew, he shrugged.

"We will deal with it another time. For now would you like a tour of this ship? I will have to battle test it soon, but she's fully operational. I want you to see the might we'll be fielding again soon."

[member="Alva Calvarona"] [member="Cole Dagos"] [member="Lash"]

 

[Lash]

[member="Mason Deschart"]

Lash was interrupted by a call. He had drifted off into deep meditation listening to a slow dirge form Endor. It was fascinating imagining how the little fuzzy creatures were even intelligent enough to know what death was and create music about it. His mind had begin to clear and he was thinking very clearly before his private time had been cut short. The voice of the Chiss captain broke his thought and ripper him back into the real world.

"Sir, something is happening, The ship seems to have brought its shields to full and the princesses shuttle has just left the ship. I have confirmed her aboard but have not gotten a reply from the Admirals ship since."

Lash sat up and thought about the implications of what was happening were. Something was not right.

"Captain plot a coarse to move in and target the ships engines. I will be on the bridge in a moment."

Lash ended the call and stood and walked down the corridor to the lift. The walk seemed to take forever and as the doors opened to the bridge he saw the destroyer in the distance jump to hyperspace.

"Captain did you get a response?"

The Chiss captain turned to see Lash walking out of the lift.

"No Admiral, they just ignored our query and them jumped. He have their trajectory ploted."

Lash walked to his chair and sat down. He thought about what was going on. what had happened to make the man leave. He wanted, no needed answers.

"Inform the Princess we will be jumping to pursue Admiral Deschart. I will leave the destroyer here and take Blue steel squadron. Inform captain Konit I will be joining him."