Public Lost In Space

Captain Charles · May 4, 2026

"IMS Stryker to Sector Command".

"IMS Stryker to Sector Command".

Captain Charles sighed. This was probably the 3rd time his Communications Officer had tried to reestablish contact with Command that day. With only a vague idea of where they were the crew of the IMS Stryker were left to drift aimlessly though the Outer Rim.

"Enough of that, Gun Crews report to your stations for target practice. We will practice on those asteroids over there".

"Aye sir". replied his Gunnery Officer. "Gun Crews prepare to fire on my mark".

Charles watched the green turbolasers streak towards their targets then the subsequent explosions.

"As accurate as always". remarked Charles. "Give my praise to the Gun Crews, I will retire to my Quarters. XO you are in command".

Charles settled on to his rack perfectly made just like his at the academy. He didn't have to make it like that anymore but something about it made him feel better and besides he didn't have much else to do with his time anyways. He looked out the porthole into the endless abyss and the unfamiliar stars they had been plotting for weeks.

"I hope something exciting happens soon". muttered Charles before closing his eyes and falling asleep.

Ronhar Tane · May 4, 2026

CAPTAIN RONHAR TANE, TK-3301
MIN FOOL'S ERRAND
[REDACTED]

Ronhar was beginning to suspect that the name of the ship he was on was too apt a description of what he was trying to accomplish.

The transmission had barely made it to comms. It was so garbled that even after hours of Mahporeem's best technician's attempts to clean it up, the message itself was barely audible:

[IM*bbbbzzzzt*ker t*bbbzzzzzzzzzt*mand, IM*bbbbzzzzt*ker t*bbbzzzzzzzzzt*mand, IM*bbbbzzzzt*ker t*bbbzzzzzzzzzt*mand]

Whatever the message was, Ronhar's best guess was that it was clearly some kind of distress signal, though as to who was asking for help, it was entirely unclear to him. Nonetheless, the Imperial Remnant demanded he investigate, and so here he was aboard the bridge of the MIN Fool's Errand, searching the endless void of space for a ship transmitting a distress call that might well be hostile to him and his men. The possibility that the transmission was some elaborately disguised trap had of course crossed Ronhar's mind, though if it was, whoever was transmitting the message was really committing to their role, since Ronhar had yet to find anything after hours of fruitless searching.

He was just about to call off the whole thing when he noticed something strange: asteroids exploding in the distance, and green streaks of turbolaser fire shooting across the vast expanse of space itself, as if they were being deliberately targeted. Of course they were, because the vessel shooting at them was using them for target practice! Finally, Ronhar had found his mystery ship, and from what he could tell, they even appeared to be Imperials of some kind!

Though the question did remain: what kind of Imperials were they exactly? They didn't seem to be in any form of visible distress, though there was no telling what was going on within the bowels of the ship itself. Based on the past two years of fighting that Ronhar had done across the galaxy, discretion was very much the better part of valor, in his not so humble opinion. Ronhar decided to contact the vessel from afar, even if it meant revealing the position of his ship to the wayward Imperials.

"Attention unknown Imperial ship, identify yourselves immediately. This is the MIN Fool's Errand of the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant responding to your distress call. What is your issue, over?"

TAGS:

Captain Charles

Captain Charles · May 4, 2026

Captain Charles was drifting off to sleep when there was a knock on his door.

"Come in". said Charles still half asleep.

It was his XO who was looking awfully shocked and excited at the same time.

"Sir, come to the bridge at once you will want to see this".

Charles didn't have to be told twice. He leaped out of his rack, running with his XO to the bridge. Just as he reached his command station the message came in.

"Attention unknown Imperial ship, identify yourselves immediately. This is the MIN Fool's Errand of the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant responding to your distress call. What is your issue, over?"

"Give me Comms". He ordered his Communications Officer.

"At once sir".

Charles observed the situation for a moment before he responded after all he had never seen a ship like that before. Out of the dozens of manuals he read of the ships of the major factions not once had he come across a ship like this. Yet, they were following Imperial Protocol and a enemy ship would have not revealed themselves so easily without hostile action. A small smile crossed his face. If this ship was who he thought they were they were saved. Charles decided to take a leap of faith and respond hoping that this ship was another Imperial.

"MIN Fool's Errand, this is the IMS Stryker of the New Imperial Order, well if it even still exists anymore. We were assigned a long range solo patrol in this sector when we lost contact with command. We tried to reestablish it multiple times with no success. Since you are MIN does that mean yall are whats left of the NIO? Or a different Imperial Faction".

Ronhar Tane

Ronhar Tane · May 6, 2026

CAPTAIN RONHAR TANE, TK-3301
MIN FOOL'S ERRAND
[REDACTED]

Ronhar exchanged a confused glance with the comms officer as

Captain Charles explained the situation of himself and his men. What the hell was he talking about? The New Imperial Order? As far as Ronhar knew, the NIO had been defunct for years. Had something happened aboard the ship that had confused the soldiers aboard it? Perhaps a Hive Virus of some sort? Maybe a hyperspace accident? Issues with Cyro-Sleep, potentially? There were a million and one reasons as to why the IMS Stryker was in its current predicament, and none of them were good.

"IMS Stryker, the New Imperial Order has been defunct for some time now", Ronhar began gently. "The only Imperial factions left are my own, the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant, and the forces of my ally Supreme Commander

Marlon Sularen ."

Ronhar wasn't quite sure if he should reveal the existence of The Final Dawn to

Captain Charles quite yet, considering that he wasn't sure if he could trust the Imperial yet. Sure, he might be a valuable ally in the fight against the Sith and the Mandalorians, or he could be a spy, a trap laid by his enemies to ensnare Ronhar and his men. Honestly, short of blowing up the ship

Captain Charles was on, Ronhar really only had one option if he wanted to figure out what exactly was going on here.

"Captain, I am preparing a ship to board your vessel. I will arrive in your hangars in approximately ten minutes. Prepare yourself to receive visitors, and do NOT attempt to start your hyperdrive. I will consider doing so an act of aggression. My men and I will see you soon. Over and out."

With that, Ronhar and his team of ARC Troopers boarded the MIN Night Reaver, powered up the ships engines, and left the hangar of the MIN Fool's Errand, heading directly for the IMS Stryker. Hopefully, they would be able to land without incident, and then they could figure out just way the Captain and his ship had remained lost for so long without knowing what was going on in the galaxy. If they were hostile, however, Ronhar and his team would be ready to engage.

He just prayed that it wouldn't have to come to that.

TAGS:

Captain Charles

Captain Charles · May 6, 2026

"The NIO is gone".

That one sentence played over and over again in his head. His entire life was built around the NIO the Academy, Banks, the charge of the Dauntless. Everything he had ever done was with the NIO and now they were gone. A part of him knew this would happen besides when Charles and his ship set off for the Outer Rim the NIO was a bunch of scattered garrisons.

But for years? Charles swore it was only for weeks they had lost contact. Perhaps there were some issues with the Cryo-Sleep. Maybe something else? No matter, Charles decided he would ask his questions once Captain Ronhar arrived. He issued his orders rapidly,

"All Crew, prepare for the arrival of an Imperial Captain. Bridge Officer maintain the Stryker's position. Deck Officer, clear the hangar and send the TIE Defenders to escort his Transport. Do not show any hostile intent. These are honored guests".

He picked up the coms again.

"IMS Stryker to MIN Fool's Errand, we are preparing for your arrival. TIE Defenders will be on station shortly to escort your ship to our hangar. We look forward to your arrival".

Charles took a moment to straighten his uniform. It had been ages since he had another officer of his rank or above visit his ship.

"Look presentable boys!" He said over the ship intercom and with that he and the Imperial Marines went down to the hangar to form up to greet the Captain.

Ronhar Tane

Ronhar Tane · May 8, 2026

CAPTAIN RONHAR TANE, TK-3301
MIN FOOL'S ERRAND
[REDACTED]

As the MIN Night Reaver made its way toward

Captain Charles 's Arquitens-class Light Cruiser, a flight of STX-TIEs came up behind the gunship, ready to defend the vessel should the IMS Stryker attempt to launch starfighters of its own against the forces of the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant. For the moment, however, they seemed content to allow the Night Reaver to land, and Ronhar and his men were able to board the vessel without any incident. Just in case, however, the STX-TIEs continued patrolling around the cruiser, ready to attack at the very first sign of any trouble.

One safely inside, Ronhar exited his gunship, followed closely behind by his squadmates from Salvage Team Six, the most elite soldiers within the

Mahporeem Imperial Remnant. Greeting Ronhar was a standard but well executed formation of Imperial Marines, having lined up on either side of Ronhar to greet him and his ship with full military honors. Everything here seemed so normal, so bog standard, as if the ship had just come back from a mission for refueling and rearmament. So then why? Why was there so much confusion for those aboard the ship itself? How could they not know what had transpired in the sector over the last couple of years?

Even when it had been in its own self imposed isolation, Mahporeem had had at least a basic understanding of goings on with the galaxy around it. Something was not right here, and Ronhar was going to figure out no matter what!

That was when he spotted

Captain Charles . Ronhar walked over to the man, cautiously but optimistically, and extended his hand out to him in greeting.

"Captain Ronhar Tane, TK-3301 of the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant. Mind giving a rundown of what's going on around here, Captain?", Ronhar asked of the man before him.

TAGS:

Captain Charles

Captain Charles · May 8, 2026

"The Bridge Officer reports that the Fool's Errand has launched STX-TIES and they are patrolling around their ship". said his XO.

"Well, I guess there is no need to launch fighters of our own. Tell the Hanger Officer there is no need to launch our TIE Defenders they already have escorts". responded Charles.

"Aye sir"

His XO saluted before heading back to the bridge. Charles ordered his Imperial Marines to form up into the standard greeting formation two rows facing each other with a gap left in the middle to allow for the dignitaries to walk in the middle. Charles took his place near the front of the formation to greet the arrivals as soon as they landed.

The transport arrived, Charles noticed immediately that it was not the standard Imperial shuttle but rather a U-Wing. He found that interesting whoever these Imperials were they certainly thought like him in a sense, more practical and unconventional if need be.

Ronhar Tane said:
"Captain Ronhar Tane, TK-3301 of the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant. Mind giving a rundown of what's going on around here, Captain?", Ronhar asked of the man before him.

Charles firmly shook the man's hand.

"Welcome Captain to the IMS Stryker". He said warmly.

"Lets walk and talk. My crew have prepared refreshments in the Briefing Room". A ghost of a dry smile. " Its the least we can do for the first friendly face in much longer than we anticipated".

"As for what is going on here, we are honestly trying to figure it out still ourselves. My Data Analysis crew are going over it as we speak. From what we have pieced together so far it was most likely human error. Our departure from our base in the Core was quite rushed and perhaps the ground crew did not input the correct hyperdrive data leaving us stranded in this unfamiliar region".

They reached the Briefing Room. An Imperial Marine opened the hatch to let them in. Charles gestured to Ronhar to sit down and the party all sat down around the table.

"I have a lot of questions but if you could give me a recount of recent history in the Galaxy that would be great. My crew and I it seems have a few years worth of events to catch up on. After that I can offer you a tour of the ship if you are interested.

Ronhar Tane

Ronhar Tane · May 11, 2026

CAPTAIN RONHAR TANE, TK-3301
IMS STRYKER
[REDACTED]

At first glance,

Captain Charles seemed to be the textbook definition of a standard Imperial officer. Quick to take command of the situation. Capable of maintaining rigorous Imperial standards aboard his ship. Charming and charismatic to a fault. From what Ronhar could see, there didn't appear to be anything wrong with the Captain, at least on the surface. He would need an extensive psychological evaluation for Ronhar to know for certain, but for all intents and purposes, the man seemed completely...normal!

Which made the current situation all the more unusual, though the Captain was quick to chime in with an explanation:

"As for what is going on here, we are honestly trying to figure it out still ourselves. My Data Analysis crew are going over it as we speak. From what we have pieced together so far it was most likely human error. Our departure from our base in the Core was quite rushed and perhaps the ground crew did not input the correct hyperdrive data leaving us stranded in this unfamiliar region".

Ronhar frowned at the Captain's words. A plausible scenario, but even if true, it still wouldn't account for the gap in time that

Captain Charles had experienced over the last couple of years, unless the hyperdrive had somehow malfunctioned so badly that it had actually taken them years to get to their destination and the crew somehow hadn't realized or experienced it.

"I have a lot of questions but if you could give me a recount of recent history in the Galaxy that would be great. My crew and I it seems have a few years worth of events to catch up on. After that I can offer you a tour of the ship if you are interested."

"I would be interested in a tour", Ronhar replied, "after I've got you caught up to speed".

And so Ronhar began explaining everything that had happened over the last two years: how the Imperial Remnant had met Supreme Commander

Marlon Sularen and joined the Imperial Confederation, how they had gone to war against the Sith in the Thandon Star Cluster, how they had failed not once but twice to conquer to holy world of Brosi, how they had been sabotaged from within at the last set of peace talks with the Mandalorians, how the Sith Covenant had ambushed the capital of New Alderaan, and how the Supreme Commander had caused a diplomatic incident with the High Republic, accelerating the breakup of the Confederation and leading to the present situation.

"That about covers it. Any questions, Captain?"

TAGS:

Captain Charles

Captain Charles · May 11, 2026

Charles listened to Ronhar’s explanation without interrupting. It was something that Banks had taught him at the Academy, that you often learn more from what comes after the pause. Charles was silent for a long moment. Then took a sip of his drink.

“Thats a lot for me to take in as you can imagine but I get the overall picture now”. Said Charles

“Now for the tour”.

Charles lead Ronhar and his party around his ship: to the bridge, the hangar and the TIE Defenders, the mess hall, the gun emplacements. To Charles this was essentially a basic inspection except he was also explaining what was in and going on in each section. After it seemed like Ronhar was thoroughly satisfied with what he saw he led them back to the Hangar.

“Before you head back to your ship Captain. I would like to thank you for the information you have provided us. I have been thinking about it and my crew and I need a new purpose, a new mission, a new dream. You came all the way out here to answer a distress signal you really didn't have to. That tells me a lot about the kind of people you are and that you can be trusted. I am willing to offer the Stryker’s allegiance to your faction. If you are interested of course”.

Ronhar Tane

Sarah Vulke · May 12, 2026

Ronhar Tane

Captain Charles

Left, right, left, right.

Getting back into step was going to be important.

The Empire, after all, was an idea. Ideas did not die easily. Though it had been driven to the ragged edges of the galaxy, though self-professed champions of freedom and anarchy now ran rampant through the Core and beyond, the faithful servants of order would endure in whatever form they could.

Such was the nature of Order. An eternal answer to the problem presented by Chaos.

The Imperial Confederation was a joke. The Galactic Empire had risen and burned like a phoenix consumed by its own fire, collapsing beneath the weight of ego, infighting, and blind ambition. Those who still believed in structure and control had been scattered into the dark places between stars, left to either adapt or be swallowed whole by the lawless tides consuming the galaxy.

As with all things, they needed structure. A doctrine broad enough to justify atrocity and simple enough for the masses to follow without question. An eternal order carried upon the shoulders of the only people willing to bear its burden.

But such thoughts were not those of Imperial Army Trooper Vulke.

The convoy needed to reach safety. It needed to reconnect with whatever remained of Imperial authority and re-establish a foothold amongst the stars. And she needed to ensure that, when that happened, her name would already be etched into the foundations of whatever new Empire emerged from the ashes.

Even if it meant enduring the orders of incompetent swine and officers so intoxicated by their own authority that they could no longer distinguish fact from fiction, every interaction had to be leveraged. Every observation catalogued. Every weakness noted.

A synthesis was coming.

Sarah glanced toward the dim glow of her HUD clock. Two minutes. Enough time to reach the escape pods. Enough time to survive whatever bloodbath was about to unfold across the decks of the frigate.

It would not be clean.

Her illicit investigations aboard the vessel had uncovered something interesting in the surrounding sector: a ship bearing an old Imperial designation. IMS STRYKER. The encryption signatures were ancient—NIO standard. Her commanding officer had dismissed it immediately, paranoid of traps and ghosts.

Sarah disagreed.

If the New Imperial Order truly still existed somewhere in the shadows, then that vessel represented opportunity. And opportunity was worth any gamble. Provided, of course, that the radar crew aboard the STRYKER were not asleep at their stations.

A violent explosion thundered through the frigate.

The deck lurched beneath her boots as alarms erupted across the corridors in deafening waves of red light and mechanical shrieking. Somewhere deeper in the vessel, metal screamed against metal as the ship began to yaw off-course.

Perfect.

The pirates had missed her entirely.

Without hesitation, Sarah vaulted into the nearest escape pod and slammed her hand against the launch controls. The clamps disengaged with a violent shudder before the pod was hurled into the cold abyss of space. Drifting amongst burning debris and distant weapons fire, the lone pod spun slowly through the void while a distress signal pulsed endlessly into the darkness.

[EMERGENCY | LIFEPOD: C7 | ORIGIN: ACTIVE-CLASS ATTACK FRIGATE FORLORN | EMERGENCY]

Ronhar Tane · May 13, 2026

CAPTAIN RONHAR TANE, TK-3301
IMS STRYKER
[REDACTED]

Ronhar willingly followed

Captain Charles on the tour of his vessel, visiting a number of places that one might expect to find on such a ship. The group went through the hangar bay, the mess hall, the ship's various gun emplacements and the command bridge. Except for the addition of TIE Defenders to the vessel's complement of starfighters, the ship seemed entirely normal, the bog standard definition of a well maintained and cared for light cruiser.

As Ronhar mused over everything that he had witnessed here today,

Captain Charles approached him one final time.

"Before you head back to your ship Captain. I would like to thank you for the information you have provided us. I have been thinking about it and my crew and I need a new purpose, a new mission, a new dream. You came all the way out here to answer a distress signal you really didn't have to. That tells me a lot about the kind of people you are and that you can be trusted. I am willing to offer the Stryker's allegiance to your faction. If you are interested of course".

Ronhar took a few moments to mull over the Captain's generous offer. Granted, Ronhar did have a few minor reservations about welcoming the Captain to the Imperial Remnnat, but from what he had personally witnessed, it seemed as if the Captain was genuinely interested in furthering the Imperial cause throughout the galaxy, and had access to the means and weapons necessary to do so. Gaining access to an Arquitens-class Light Cruiser and the men aboard was all in all simply too good of a deal to pass up, and these days, the Imperial Remnant could use as many men and ships as it could get its hands on. The choice was clear, and a rather easy one for Ronhar to make. He stuck his hand out toward the Captain for a handshake, intending to formally invite him to join the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant.

"Very well, Captain. Your allegiance to our cause is something I most graciously accept. Welcome to the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant! I expect great things from you and your men in the future."

Before he could say more, a message pinged his comms, as the sensors of the MIN Fool's Errand suddenly pinged yet ANOTHER distress signal, though this one had originated further away.

[EMERGENCY | LIFEPOD: C7 | ORIGIN: ACTIVE-CLASS ATTACK FRIGATE FORLORN | EMERGENCY]

Ronhar could scarcely believe what he was seeing. Yet another distress signal, conveniently trigger mere moments after Ronhar accepted Charle's membership into the Imperial Remnant. What in the actual hell was going on here? Surely that couldn't be any sort of coincidence? Was some outside force pulling strings around this sector? Was this a trap after all? Or was it simply an improbably slim series of events that just so happened to all be in and around the same area?

Ronhar looked at the Captain. "One of yours?"

He didn't even wait for an answer before he went to board his ship, calling back to

Captain Charles as he did:

"Looks like you're first official mission is here quite sooner than expected. Let's get that lifepod investigated while we still can!"

TAGS:

Captain Charles

Sarah Vulke

Captain Charles · May 14, 2026

“It ain't one of mine, but I’ll figure it out soon”.

Charles called over to Captain Ronhar as he was walking back towards his ship.

Charles knew what to do. He didn't even hesitate before issuing his orders.

“Hangar Officer, scramble the TIE Defenders. Tactical Officer activate tractor beam to real that pod into the hanger. Hanger Crew prepare for emergency recovery”.

Definitely not the day one Charles was expecting but he didn’t mind the excitement. After the Pod was retrieved and investigated the Stryker would make the jump to the Imperial Remnant. He was pretty interested in meeting the other Imperials there as well. But, the mission comes first.

The Pod was soon in the Hangar surrounded by Medical Crew, Imperial Marines and Technicians. Initial scanning revealed a single human was inside the pod.

I wonder who it is Charles thought before the hatch began to open.

Ronhar Tane

Sarah Vulke

Sarah Vulke · May 15, 2026

Ronhar Tane

Captain Charles

The pull of the tractor beam was unmistakable. A sensation once so commonplace throughout the Empire that most crews stopped noticing it entirely. To Sarah, however, it was confirmation that her plan had worked.

Seated within the cramped confines of the escape pod, blaster resting against her left thigh, she allowed herself a single slow breath as the vessel was dragged into the bowels of the unknown ship. Somewhere beyond the durasteel walls waited the remnants of an Imperial cause long thought buried beneath the ashes of history.

The galaxy was crumbling. Republics collapsed into corruption, warlords carved apart hyperspace lanes, and every fool with a fleet believed themselves fit to rule. Chaos, pure and uncontrolled. Someone would have to restore order.

A violent clang reverberated through the pod as docking clamps locked into place. Moments later, a sharp hydraulic hiss echoed through the chamber beyond, followed by a heavily distorted voice ordering the occupant to disembark.

Sarah complied. The hatch released with a metallic groan before crashing against the deck plating with a heavy thud.

Her first glimpse inside the IMS STRYKER told her almost everything she needed to know.

The vessel was operational. The lighting grid functioned flawlessly, the bulkheads were maintained, and the personnel moved with rehearsed efficiency rather than the sluggish disorder so common amongst decaying remnant fleets. Weapons lockers were sealed correctly. Damage control stations were manned. Marines held formation instead of lounging like pirates masquerading as soldiers.

Whoever commanded this ship still believed in standards. That alone made them dangerous.

A ring of Imperial marines surrounded the pod while medics waited cautiously behind them, prepared for injury, infection, or sabotage. Standard protocol. Weapons trained low enough to avoid panic, high enough to kill her instantly if required.

Fortunately for everyone involved, she emerged without injury.

Stepping down from the pod, she holstered her blaster against her utility belt, right next to her sheathed dagger, in one smooth motion. Her equipment immediately marked her apart from standard infantry. Blast-resistant fatigues reinforced with mechanized operator plating, numerous utility pouches arranged with practical precision, and most notably, the helmet: the unmistakable design of an Imperial vehicle operator.

Her appearance contrasted strangely against the military pragmatism of her gear. Pale skin untouched by obvious scars, sharp cheekbones, composed features, and the natural symmetry more commonly associated with nobility than warzones. Yet the illusion weakened the moment she moved. Her posture was too alert. Too controlled. Every motion carried the instinctive awareness of someone accustomed to combat environments and command structures alike.

Amongst the gathered personnel, two individuals immediately stood out.

One was an Imperial captain, rank plaque visible beneath the cold lighting of the hangar. The other wore an exo-suit. Both men watched her with particular interest, the kind reserved for either valuable assets or potential threats. Possibly both.

After her pod had been inspected and the medics had completed their brief examination, Sarah approached the ranking officer with measured calm.

When she spoke, her voice carried the unmistakable refinement of someone born far above the station of a common soldier. Yet beneath that polished cadence lingered something warmer, darker — a faintly sultry undertone that sounded less intentional than ingrained from another life entirely.

"Sarah Vulke. IA-5712. Private. Mechanized Corps, 238th Division, Light Breakers."

Her pale eyes remained fixed on the captain.

"I am the last surviving member of my division. The remainder were slaughtered during evacuation procedures by pirate elements operating alongside a renegade militia fleet currently active within local space."

A slight pause.

"If it is of any relevance to your command staff, both the Galactic Empire and the Imperial Confederation have fallen. Political fragmentation across the Core and Inner Rim has accelerated rapidly. Any force operating this far into the frontier is likely unaware of the scale of the collapse."

Then silence.

Ronhar Tane · May 17, 2026

CAPTAIN RONHAR TANE, TK-3301
IMS STRYKER
[REDACTED]

Ronhar and his team had been out scarcely ten minutes before the IMS Stryker confirmed that it had recovered the escape pod that was transmitting the distress signal. Within five minutes, Ronhar was back aboard the ship as he and

Captain Charles 's men huddled around the recovered object. One of Ronhar's men shouted at the escape pod for anyone inside of it to come out, and a few seconds later, the hatch of the craft slowly opened up, and out stepped a rather confused and disheveled looking Imperial trooper. Ronhar's men immediately leveled their weapons at her, ready to open fire if needed, but hopeful that they would not. After a few more seconds, the trooper turned to Ronhar to address him and the small crowd that had formed around the escape pod itself.

"Sarah Vulke. IA-5712. Private. Mechanized Corps, 238th Division, Light Breakers."

That, unfortunately, meant nothing to Ronhar, though the men aboard his ship would surely be running any sort of recognition software they had on the trooper's face and unit designation as the information that Ronhar was recording through his helmet was sent back to the technicians aboard the Fool's Errand. What she said next, however, was far more interesting.

"If it is of any relevance to your command staff, both the Galactic Empire and the Imperial Confederation have fallen. Political fragmentation across the Core and Inner Rim has accelerated rapidly. Any force operating this far into the frontier is likely unaware of the scale of the collapse."

Ronhar subtly nodded to the closest pair of ARC Troopers next to

Sarah Vulke . He didn't say anything to them, but his intent was clear: get ready to grab the trooper at any moment, because she probably wasn't going to like what Ronhar was about to say next.

"Actually, everyone here is painfully aware of the collapse of those two elements, since I helped to bring about the demise of the former and failed to prevent the breakup of the latter. Captain Ronhar Tane, TK-3301 of the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant and former member of the now defunct Imperial Confederation. It seems that you and your now deceased team somehow ended up around previously controlled Confederation space, though how you managed to do so without knowledge of what transpired is...highly unusual."

Ronhar's eyes narrowed as he took another step closer to the trooper.

"You said your division was destroyed by pirates and some sort of renegade militia. Yet I see no evidence of any sort of pirate or rebel activity in this sector. Can you give me more details about what happened? Force size estimates? Models of starfighters and ships involved? Perhaps some sort of name might be a good choice?", Ronhar remarked suspiciously as the MIN Fool's Errand continued to try and figure out just who exactly this trooper was...

TAGS:

Captain Charles

Sarah Vulke

Captain Charles · May 18, 2026

Charles calmly observed the exchange between Captain Ronhar and Private Vulke without interrupting. Ronhar’s suspicion was warranted a random pod showing up minutes after he had just joined a new faction was a coincidence that deserved at least some scrutiny. After all military history had taught him these situations in deep space were often not as they seemed.

But the events were taking place on his ship which meant he had the responsibility of taking control of them. He stepped forward just enough to make his presence felt but also not directly in between them.

“Private Vulke, the Captain raises some fair questions”. He said in a calm voice.

“More context, force size and composition, direction, last known position, whether you are being pursued are all questions I would like answered myself”.

He paused for a moment.

“But you were also not hostile and gave us intelligence without being asked. That tells me something about you as well”.

He shifted his gaze so he was now looking at her directly.

“So here is what’s going happen. You will answer Captain Ronhar’s questions while my crew prepare temporary quarters. You will be under armed escort until we believe you can be trusted”. Gesturing over to Ronhar.

He turned to his Marine Commander.

“Major Voss, would you care to grab the Private some refreshments?"

“At once sir”. Responded Voss as he turned crisply and walked away.

Ronhar Tane

Sarah Vulke

Sarah Vulke · May 18, 2026

Ronhar Tane

Captain Charles
OOC NOTE: Sorry for a longer post

Suspicion was neither unexpected nor unwelcome.

Sarah had spent enough of her life beneath the scrutiny of others to recognize caution when she saw it. The marines surrounding her shifted with practiced readiness, fingers resting close to triggers, weight balanced carefully in anticipation of sudden violence. She noticed the subtle signal Captain Tane had given his ARC troopers as well. A quiet order. Be ready to restrain her the moment things turned sour.

What interested her far more, however, was the fact that none of it unsettled her in the slightest.

The severity of the situation seemed almost incapable of taking hold within the young Private. She stood calmly amidst armed soldiers and suspicious officers as though she had already measured every possible outcome and deemed them acceptable. More importantly, she was studying them in return.

Captain Ronhar Tane was not difficult to read. Pragmatic. Severe. A man forged by collapse and sharpened by disappointment. Everything about him suggested someone who believed compromise to be the first step toward decay. His words carried the weight of a soldier who had watched nations fail in real time and concluded that sentiment was merely another weakness waiting to be exploited.

It reminded her faintly of an old weapons development project from years past. No matter.

Captain Charles, by contrast, was almost the perfect image of an Imperial officer from recruitment propaganda. Disciplined posture. Controlled voice. Educated cadence. Professional without descending into arrogance. Loyal not merely to authority, but to the ideals authority was meant to uphold.

It was strangely refreshing to see such qualities had not yet vanished from the galaxy entirely.

Unlike many officers Sarah had encountered in the dying years of the Empire, Charles seemed capable of adapting to uncertainty rather than attempting to bludgeon reality until it resembled regulation. He remained cautious, yes, but not blinded by that caution.

Interesting.

Both men were dangerous in entirely different ways. Veterans. Survivors. The sort of individuals who became far more valuable as allies than enemies. But questions had been asked, and questions demanded answers.

There was, of course, a considerable difference between what a Private would know and what a senior officer would be entrusted with. Sarah only hoped the distinction would remain clear before either captain decided to start extracting information she simply did not possess.

The initial remarks from Captain Tane regarding the fall of the Empire earned no visible reaction from her.

The systems she believed in had never truly been tied to the short-lived phoenix of the Galactic Empire, nor the fractured failure that had been the Imperial Confederation.

She already knew the name Mahporeem.

Any remnants fleeing the destruction of the Empire eventually gravitated toward Confederation territory. It had been inevitable. The established hyperspace lanes were dangerous, overrun by opportunists, private militias, Republic bounty hunters, and carrion scavengers seeking easy prey amongst the retreating Imperial diaspora.

There were only so many safe paths left in the galaxy.

As for the pirates, Captain Tane likely already understood how pointless it was to ask fleeing survivors for names. Raiders did not usually pause to introduce themselves before slaughtering entire convoys.

Though in truth, the forces hunting her former vessel had not merely been pirates.

And thanks to the careful intervention of a certain High Republic senator, they would not be arriving here anytime soon. Still, neither captain needed to know that.

When Captain Charles finally spoke, Sarah found herself listening more attentively. He seemed markedly more receptive than Tane, perhaps because he recognized something familiar in her situation: a stranded Imperial soldier clinging to purpose after the collapse of everything around her.

Even his decision to place her under armed escort felt procedural rather than hostile.

Her attention returned fully to the two officers as she spoke again, posture perfectly straight, hands resting calmly behind her back. Her voice retained that same smooth refinement, though beneath it lingered the faint darker warmth that seemed ever-present in her tone.

"I am not part of Confederation military records," she explained evenly. "My unit originated from the Galactic Empire. We remained loyal to the broader Imperial cause rather than any particular head of state. That is why neither my designation nor my division would hold significance within your systems, Captain Tane."

Her blue eyes briefly shifted between the two men before continuing.

"As Imperial command structures collapsed and communication networks failed, surviving officers determined that regrouping within Confederation territory represented the best opportunity to continue serving the ideals of Imperial order. Unfortunately, news of the Confederation's own fragmentation reached us shortly thereafter."

A slight pause followed.

"Morale deteriorated rapidly."

The words were clinical, but not emotionless.

"Desertions became common. Discipline began to crack. Our vessel remained operational, though our commanding officer had become increasingly paranoid of any outside contact."

Her gaze drifted briefly toward the vast darkness beyond the hangar shielding.

"The only escort vessel that maintained formation with us answered what appeared to be an old Galactic Imperial distress signal. It was subsequently boarded and destroyed by rogue Sith elements."

Now her eyes returned to Tane.

"I imagine witnessing that would make most sixty-eight-year-old captains somewhat unstable."

A subtle exhale escaped her.

"Approximately four hours ago, our command staff received some form of ultimatum. I was not cleared to hear the contents. Shortly afterward, I was ordered to secure the escape pod sections in preparation for a boarding action."

Her expression remained composed, though quieter now.

"The attackers entered from the opposite side of the ship. Bulkheads sealed. Emergency lockdown protocols activated. Our captain attempted a hyperspace maneuver to escape."

Another pause.

"As someone experienced in mechanized operations and equipment stress testing, I knew the vessel would not survive the maneuver in its current condition."

The admission came calmly.

"So I made a choice."

For the first time, a faint crack appeared within the otherwise disciplined cadence of her voice.

"It was either preserve the possibility that someone survived… or die alongside a ship already condemned."

The hangar seemed strangely still around her.

"The last thing I saw was the vessel attempting to reorient for the jump before the primary generator detonated."

Her eyes lowered slightly.

"No lifesigns detected afterward. No emergency transmissions. No additional escape pods."

A quiet breath.

"Nobody else made it."

Silence lingered for only a moment before her composure returned with practiced precision.

"As for opposing force composition, I cannot provide accurate numbers. Most visual confirmation came only moments before the explosion. However, the detonation appeared to destroy a significant portion of the attacking craft."

She exhaled slowly, the sound quiet beneath the distant mechanical hum of the hangar. For the first time since stepping aboard the vessel, her expression shifted into something more contemplative, as though her thoughts had drifted far beyond the confines of the IMS STRYKER and into the wounded heart of the galaxy itself.

"The Core has been overrun with Sith warlords, anarchists, opportunists, and carrion states feeding upon the corpse of what once existed," she said at last, her voice lower now, steadier. "The Mandalorians sharpen themselves endlessly for war. The Sith Empire and the High Republic stand perpetually on the edge of open conflict. Every world once held together beneath a central authority fractures further by the year."

Her pale gaze drifted momentarily toward the viewport overlooking the void.

"Civilizational collapse on a galactic scale has happened before. We study it in academies. We pretend we are beyond it." A faint shake of her head followed. "But it is happening again. Brother turns against brother. Fathers bury sons. Entire systems abandon law in favor of survival."

There was no melodrama in her tone. She slowly returned her attention to the two captains.

"I assure you both, if my purpose had been sabotage…" Her lips curved faintly, though there was no humor within it. "Then this conversation would not be taking place."

The statement was delivered so calmly it almost felt more dangerous than a threat.

"I serve the ideal of Imperialism. Not the failures of individual regimes. Not dead Emperors. Not broken councils or ambitious politicians." Her eyes sharpened slightly. "I serve the principle that civilization requires structure to survive."

A measured silence settled between her words.

"The galaxy does not hold itself together naturally. It never has. Order is imposed. Maintained. Defended. Without it, all that remains is anarchism painted beneath prettier banners."

She took a slow step forward, not enough to appear aggressive, but enough to command the space around her.

"And whether the Republic wishes to admit it or not, whether the Sith understand it or not, every functioning government in galactic history has ultimately relied upon the same truth."

The young Private stood almost perfectly still again, though now there was a quiet intensity beneath the professionalism—the subtle glimpse of something far larger than a stranded mechanized trooper. It was the hint to the two that she would prove herself in the times to come.

"It is only together," she said softly, "that we will find our way out of this new dark age."

She looked at Captain Charles once more.

"Private Sarah Vulke. Designation IA-5712. You may take me into custody."

Captain Charles · May 19, 2026

Charles listened to Vulke's account without interrupting. The information was indeed useful, her account seemed truthful and genuine, but the last part stuck with him the most.

"I serve the ideal of Imperialism. Not the failures of individual regimes. Not dead Emperors. Not broken councils or ambitious politicians."

"I serve the principle that civilization requires structure to survive."

It seems we have more in common than I expected thought Charles. In fact her values seemed nearly aligned to his the dream of serving a greater vision far beyond any politician, war lord even emperor. The dream of stability, order, peace all things Charles one day aimed to bring back to the galaxy. Meeting Captain Ronhar, then Private Vulke were true blessings and represented a great opportunity to make not only his dream but their dreams come true.

He was silent for a long moment after she finished enough for a empty stillness to fill the Hangar. The thoughts playing though his mind almost made him crack a smile. He noticed Major Voss had returned with food and drink on a platter waiting patiently with an expression that requested orders. He looked back at Vulke.

“Private Vulke, it seems you deserve my respect. You watched everything collapse around you and yet you made the choice to survive and continue the fight”.

He glanced over at Ronhar addressing his concerns without dismissing them.

“You will remain under armed escort and your weapons remain holstered until further notice. However, you have earned yourself the courtesy of being treated as a guest rather than a prisoner”.

“Ah, and your meal has arrived as well”. He gestured over to Major Voss still standing patiently nearby.

He raised the comlink to the Bridge.

“XO, prepare the ship for a hyperspace jump to the Mahporeem System in 45 minutes”.

He turned his attention back to Ronhar.

“Captain, I thank you once again for letting me join your team. I look forward to more adventures together. That should be enough time for you to conclude your business and return to your ship. I shall see you on Mahporeem”.

“Private Vulke, welcome aboard the Stryker. I am looking forward to working with you to restore the Imperial Dream”.

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