Throughout his entire career in the Vast Empire Navy, Jaden "Scoff" Khaar had never been court marshaled. Not for his insubordination with his closely intertwined commanding officers, not for upsetting an undergoing undercover operation within NR ranks, not even for letting his own pilots trash the barracks from a nights celebration. But this time, it was inevitable.

The bright lights that illuminated the corridor blinded Jaden's eyes as he approached the High Admirals quarters. He had been summoned in the early hours of the morning, with the exact knowledge of what he had been for. Notably harassing and offending a High Admiral was not something that went unpunished. It was now time to face the music.

As Jaden turned the corner, he spotted two guards standing right outside of the admiral's chambers. The thought of going to prison sent chills down his spine as he stopped in his tracks. He would take a moment to think about what was about to happen before he entered the lair.

It can't happen like this, I can't go down like this. There must be some other way. I'm really hoping that he takes it somewhat easy on me, because I can't imagine the thought of confinement for who knows how long.

But he strode on, straight into the presence of those two guards, to be judged and sentenced there aboard the modified Eclipse class Super Star Destroyer, the Atrus.

The look on Japheth Cappadocious' face was not one of remorse as Jaden noted, now having entered the chambers and in his immediate presence. The seasoned pilot could feel the tension in the room as the two guards entered behind him and the door hissed shut. This High Admiral was sitting behind his desk, hands folded on the hand carved wooden spectacle before him.

"I'll to make this short and sweet, Lieutenant. I'm stripping you of your rank and your position as Commander of Sentinel Squadron."

Japheth paused for a moment, as if to let it sink into the young man's heart before going on to what he would say next.

"Although it has been brought to your attention that a Court Marshall is in order, I am against it. You have only one option. Banishment. I don't want to see or hear from you for my entire time as the Commander of this Fleet. Make good and sure that you stay true to that, or there will be heavier consequences than the ones that have been set before you.

What? No Court Marshall. This couldn't be. This man couldn't have enough within him to hold back something like this. Or... could he?

Jaden stood before the man, appalled at his consequences, yet relieved that the Court Marshall would not stand as justice.

"I appreciate your mercy, sir, although I ask, why?"

"Quite frankly Jaden, You've been an fine pilot, and faithful member to this faction. It would..." Japheth sighed, showing his dis-appreciation for the fact. "It would be a shame to waste such talent, and to have you locked up for the rest of your life for such a situation as this. But, it has to be done."

Jaden gave the man a sharp, stern look, turned, and exited the room.

OOC:

Short and sweet post. This will be a tale that has been needed to be told for quite some time.

"You are cleared to depart from docking bay F-32, Lieutenant," The robotic woman's voice over gave Jaden the chills. He gave his beard a quick scratch in thought as the ship departed from the Atrus.

I can't believe this yet... still seems like some kind of bad dream.

The chills crept up his spine as he looked back to see the Atrus, sitting there, somehow judging him for the wrong he had done. The veteran would surely miss the ship, although, things would be much different now. Having not been on his own for such a long time, it would be an entirely different experience all together.

The one thing Jaden had always hated, was being alone. Lighting up a cigarette to help relax his nerves, he began to think about the fact that he was becoming ever so lonely. Even now, having left only a few moments ago, the thoughts flooded his mind. He was very much an extrovert, feeding off of everyone around him. Taking a drag from the cigarette he sighed, bringing up the navigation console to put in the destination for Corellia, to his home town of Bela Vistal. The quiet little villa in the mountains would give him some serenity, and time to ponder what his next move would be. As well as a visit to the only family he had left - his few friends.

To see Benjamin, and Jeroth. I wonder what they have been up to all this time, or if they are even still around? I'm sure I'll be able to track them down.

After punching the coordinates into the nav computer, things were ready to go. Piloting a YZ-775 Medium Transport, The Optimator, he felt excited. This star ship was in prime condition, and had yet to be taken out on a shakedown in quite some time. The few nebulae surrounding gave him thought as to possibly stay around for a moment to admire the sheer beauty of Abrae. Nevertheless, it was time. Time to leave this behind and move onto a new stage in his life.

The stars elongated into a full spin as the hyper-drive went into action. It would be a few hours until the arrival at Corellia, so Jaden decided to go to the back and play a few tunes on the stereo system and relax. The sound system had been one of amazing proportions. Speakers all throughout the entire aft end of the craft, it brought him some form of happiness as he engorged himself in the metal that was now ripping from the speakers. The heavier music was always his favorite, although, it took it's toll on his hearing. Now headbanging, he left his emotions amidst, to let go and give in.

Bah, who cares. The louder the better!

*****

Hours later, the light blue planet came into view as the journey had now come to an end. Happiness and exciitement overwhelmed the man as a grin split across his face. He quickly disengaged the autopilot and took to the controls, maneuvering for Bela Vistal. But, before he knew it, the overhead speakers were sounding off with craft identify checks all over the place.

"Unknown craft, please walk ident and proceed to power down your engines. This is a precautionary check for security purposes. We appreciate your cooperation."

They sure have stepped up security around here...

Jaden punched in the identity information and let the security officers do their thing.

"Captain Jaden Khaar here, aboard the Optimator. Do as you will, it's been quite some time since I've been around. Coming home for a long overdue visit."

A few moments later, the officer's voice came back over the loudspeakers.

"You are cleared to proceed, Optimator."

Jaden powered up the engines and headed straight for the capitol of the planet, Coronet. From there, he would pick up a speeder and head for home. Emotions were still sweeping over him as he piloted the craft further towards his home.

It's been a long time coming.