Prelude: Hostilities Rekindled
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1 Elona, 25 ABY - Praesitlyn System, Sluis Sector, Outer-Rim Territories
"Shields up! Sound the alarm. I want everyone at their battlestations," the Duro captain called out to the crew of his MC80 star cruiser. Only seconds later, the klaxons blared throughout the bridge and the rest of the ship. The captain walked up to the transparisteel viewport, studying the situation that has just presented itself before him.
An Imperial-class Star Destroyer had just emerged from hyperspace in the Praesitlyn system. It appeared to be damaged, though it was difficult to tell at this distance. The appearance of such a vessel was confusing to say the least. First, the Imperial Remnant and the New Republic have been at peace for 6 years now. Second, the Sluis sector was under Republic control and the mere fact that such a ship was operating in Republic territory was a cause for alarm. Third, even if it was a surprise attack, a single Imperial Star Destroyer was formidable but not overwhelming for the standard planetary defense force that this captain was commanding.
"Comms, patch me through to that ship," he ordered.
"Can't sir. The ship is broadcasting a distress signal, and I'm not able to--" the officer was cut off by his captain.
"At least send a broadcast, perhaps they are listening." There was a short pause before the officer nodded, indicating that the comm was on.
"Unidentified Star Destroyer, you have entered Praesitlyn subspace. Turn around immediately or you will be fired upon. I repeat, you will be fired upon."
The star destroyer continued to move ever so closer, but it was possible they could not hear the message. After all, they were broadcasting a distress signal and appeared to be damaged. Seconds ticked away, and the captain sighed. He turned around to face his executive officer. "Prepare an envoy shuttle, it appears they are unable to communicate with us. And inform the high command what is transpiring. I'm not about to reignite the Galactic Civil War. Not today."
New Republic President Galnor Wynova stood up from his chair, running his fingers through his thick shoulder-length gray hair. He looked up at his Supreme Commander, an Ortolan, with a look of stress and dismay. "How could this happen, Micks, how could this happen?"
The Supreme Commander looked equally concerned. "It doesn't make sense, Mr. President. We've sent the Third Fleet in from a nearby sector to defend Praesitlyn and to scour the area for that star destroyer."
"This is a political nightmare," the president said, not expecting a response.
The Director of New Republic Intelligence, a woman who is simply referred to as Whisper, entered the room. She was an Arkanian, a near human subspecies characterized by their white eyes, white hair, and superior intelligence. She was in her late thirties, somewhat young for one in her position but she nevertheless earned her spot. She walked to the president's desk and handed him a datapad. "Fleet Admiral Gilad Pellaeon has issued a statement denying any involvement in the attack, Mr. President."
He looked up at her, his facial expression showing more and more frustration as the moments ticked by. "He needs to do a little more explaining than that. A star destroyer takes out our defenses at a critical outer-rim planet and I'm expected to take him at his word that the Imperial Remnant had nothing to do with it. Right. What more do you have, Director, do you have anything to back up or refute his claim? Is this star destroyer one of his? Have we seen it before? Surely with an entire intelligence agenc--"
She interrupted the President, but spoke softly, "Our agents are still investigating this, but I can tell you we track a significant number of Pellaeon's star destroyers and this was not one of them. It is either newly constructed or cleverly hidden. There could be some merit to his claim of non-involvement. He is either playing a dangerous mind game or is perhaps losing control of the warlords he fought so hard to unite."
The president, seeming satisfied with the response, turned to his aide. "Have the Minister of State arrange a meeting with Pellaeon immediately. Issue an ultimatum. If he does not meet within 24 hours, the war resumes, and the Empire will buckle for good. If he is playing games, this is what he wants -- but if he truly is losing control of his own warlords, he will come begging for forgiveness, for a fractured Empire will not be able to withstand our military superiority this time."
"Yes sir," the aide responded. He left the high-rise office to inform the Ministry of the President's order.