Empire's Vanguard: Sovereignty | Star wars

9. Battle of Mako-Ta

"I think that technologies are morally neutral until we apply them. It's only when we use them for good or evil that they become good or evil."

William Gibson

Location: Darpa Sector, Ralltiir System, Ralltiir, "Ruiner"

Timeline: 1 ABY

My flagship in the Celestial Legion, the "Ruiner," was filled with the sound of hyperdrive engines roaring across the bridge. With the rest of our powerful fleet by her side, the Bellator-class Star Destroyer cut through the void with a menacing presence. As we prepared for our next mission, I stood at the viewport, looking out at the whirling stars.

A year had passed since the incident when our fleet was called in to support Darth Vader's Death Squadron in a vital mission against the Rebels. The urgency has only increased in light of the recent events in Vrogas Vas and Mon Cala.

Though most were ignorant of it at first, the devastation of Alderaan had become an awful fact of life. Even I was taken aback by Tarkin's choice to wipe out a planet and all of its people. Such an act had far-reaching consequences and resulted in an astounding number of deaths. I could feel my fiancée's disappointment when she expressed it—her being Tarkin's niece. Although Tarkin was a well-liked man, his reputation was obviously damaged by his last act.

The arrival of Darth Vader in Vrogas Vas represented the ongoing struggle of the Empire. After the Mon Calamari Cyborg Karbin betrayed him and created havoc, Vader was left stranded. The Sith Lord's formidable reputation was further enhanced by his perseverance in the face of such adversity. I had heard about Vader's fight, his run-in with the Rebel army and the Imperial force led by Karbin, which finally brought him to an end and forced the Rebels to flee. It was obvious that betrayal could happen at any time and that alliances within the Empire were brittle.

As we prepared for our most recent operation, we received a message from Mon Cala. The destruction of a Mon calamari ship that sacrificed itself and the subsequent escape of the Mercantile fleet had left new wounds. Admiral Ackbar had executed a bold manoeuvre by using the cruiser's destruction to get around our blockade. The Mon Calamari's tenacity gave us more resolve, as the Empire was finding Ackbar to be a continual pain in the side.

"Grand Moff Kodo," Admiral Tira Mestra's voice cut through my thoughts. She had just arrived aboard the "Ruiner" to join the Celestial Legion. "We're nearing the rendezvous point with Lord Vader's forces. Our strike team is ready for the operation."

I turned to face her, nodding in acknowledgment. "Admiral Mestra. Good to have you on board. We're heading for Mako-Ta Space Docks. Intelligence suggests it's the next target for Rebel activity. We need to ensure the rebels don't escape this time."

"Yes, sir," she replied, her tone resolute. "We've made preparations for a swift strike. The Provocator class cruisers will form the spearhead of our assault."

The buzz of activity on the bridge was interrupted by a message from newly promoted Admiral Mara Volkov, who was overseeing my sector's borders in my absence. Her voice crackled through the communications. "Grand Moff, the sector defences are secure. We're holding our position and monitoring any potential Rebel movements. How goes the operation?"