Inner Rim, outer space
Height of the Hutt war
Height of the Hutt war
“This feels like a big misunderstanding.”
The Malleus sailed through the void of space with a single frigate in escort. Their target was far and out of sight, but the chase had begun nonetheless.
“It could be. But I trust the ISB. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t necessary.”
“So let me be clear.” The officer lifted his cap, scratched the blond hair underneath. “This colonel missed one report, and we’re sending ships after him with lethal intent?”
“Missed one report with a heavy cruiser,” Merian frowned. “And for no apparent reason. System checks were normal as of yesterday and he hasn’t seen combat since.”
“Still. It all seems very circumstantial.”
“Then he overshot his ordered destination. He was brought back from Bastion to reinforce Ord Trasi as a precaution. As of thirty standard minutes ago, he was still on the move and cut all communications.”
“On course for the Eastern Dominion?”
“For the Hutt Core.”
“I suppose that’s pretty damning.”
Two hours ago the Imperial Security Bureau had officially declared Colonel Vorth, his Pilum-class and all soldiers aboard absent without leave. The gunship and frigate had been mobilized from Centares to intercept.
Tall order.
They’d be outranged, outnumbered and outgunned. But Command trusted the unescorted heavy cruiser would be vulnerable to fighter wings. And that a Knight-Captain could even the odds.
“They should have sent more ships,” realized the man after a moment of silence. “Better let him go than send us to slaughter against a Pilum and he escapes anyway.”
Merian gave him a harsh look. “If taking a bribe goes unpunished, more officers will follow suit. The Empire’s capital ships can’t respond as fast as we can. We’re at war, Captain, or have you forgotten?”
“No, Sir.”
“Does your duty scare you, Captain?”
“... no, Sir.” But Merian did. The lightsaber at her side.
“Excellent. Stay on course. We’re due for an update.”
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