When the much larger ship suddenly appeared in the viewport, Eskk was immediately alarmed. It was not at all what he intended to catch on this venture. Panicked, he had been about to order evasive maneuvers to be performed. The larger ship was likely capable of completely annihilating Eskk's ship with a single salvo.
Such a thing had happened to Eskk's previous ship. It was an experience he was not eager to repeat. On second glance though, the incoming ship appeared to be heavily damaged. So Eskk said nothing, something told him to wait before making a decision on the course of action his ship and crew would take.
Then, an incoming transmission began to play on the screen. It began with a woman pleading for their assistance. It ended with the woman being slaughtered by a large alien. Interesting, I guess she specifically wont be needing our help anymore, Eskk mused internally. Her transmission had mentioned a Rear Admiral Hallus. Eskk supposed if he decided to assist them, that would be the man to find aboard the besieged craft.
Several members of his crew who were present on the bridge offered opinions. Each of them seemed to think they should assist. They all had hopes of such an act would be beneficial. Eskk only commanded a crew of six hundred individuals, as well as fifty six fighter and bomber pilots. Even if he ordered the full compliment of his men onto the ship, it would be an insignificant force.
Eskk knew the ship could carry tens of thousands of potential enemies. Its original crew was losing their fight, and now apparently their enemy now controlled the bridge. That would put any invasion attempt against them at another significant disadvantage. These were all things that it was his duty as Captain to consider.
"Your input is noted and will be considered," was the only response he gave to his crew members. Eskk wondered the most about what the Mandalorian had said. Why was he so eager to go first. Was it bloodlust or did he just want credit and recognition. Perhaps he was the hero type. Interesting such a person wound up among his crew. Something told Eskk he should still wait before making a decision.
He didnt have to wait long. Eskk felt a disruption in the force and his sensory organ detected a presence appearing behind him. Eskk listened as he spoke without turning to face him, his voice was loud but persuasive, perhaps there was a hint of Force magic behind in it, perhaps not.
He made grand promises of wealth, recognition, and title within his regime. While the promise of wealth intrigued Eskk, the other promises disuaded him. He had spent enough time among the EE that he now harboured a certain level of contempt for factional governments. He was definitely not even remotely interested in joining another one.
The being remained on the ship after he had spoken. Perhaps he was awaiting a response. "You know its considered quite rude to invite yourself aboard another beings ship, especially without any form of warning." Only after speaking his initial comment did Eskk turn to face the other being.
He was gargantuan in terms of sheer size. He had come unarmed. Even so his visage in and of itself did indeed strike quite an intimidating sight. Eskk was unphased by it. To him it looked like a challenge. That was interesting to Eskk, he did so love a challenge and a worthy opponent.
"You make grand promises, and speak with persuasiveness. A lesser one than I might rush to help you. However, I must wonder, you call your enemy treacherous Kath-hounds. Is it not their ship and are you and your forces not attacking them? Are you not merely a would be emporer at this point? What if you ultimately fail in your goal to defeat this Queen Mother you speak of? What is my reward then? Why should I put my men and ship, which is insignificant in terms of quantity, at significant risk to aid either you or your enemies?
"Your fight is not my fight," Eskk continued, "I know nothing of your faction or whom you oppose. Your promises of recognition and title are quite repulsive to me. I have seen enough of the enslavement of service to governments. I was a Major once. Now I'm a pirate Captain. Such of the level of disdain I posses for authority other than my own."
"Besides," Eskk concluded, "from what I have seen, you appear to have the situation well under control. What need to you have of my meager support capability? It seems the ship in question is heavily damaged as a result of your battle. If you win, I might be willing to rent you my mechanic."
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Xzeench
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Sero Valrel
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