The bridge of the Imperial Star Destroyer Ravager was eerily quiet for this time of day. Rear Admiral Leron Tarklo, the commander of Task Force Herf, had become accustomed to the silence since the defeat of the Empire just one standard year ago. Since that battle, the Commodore had seen very little action, remaining clear of the busier hyperspace routes in order to keep the small amount of ships under his command in working operation, and alive.

Glancing to port side, Tarklo could make out the outline of a Lancer Frigate. The Arduous was commanded by Captain Zadge Archtrin, a level-headed and respectable commander. Coming into view just aft of the Lancer Frigate was the final ship of this almost insignificantly sized Task Force. The Lancer Frigate Rampart had seen it's fair share of battle. Battle scars littered the hull of the ship, yet it continued on as if insurmountable.

"Admiral, I believe to have a proper location for us to set up a remote base of operations," stated a wiry individual. First Lieutenant Karn Andria, Chief of Intelligence aboard the Ravager, stepped quickly toward Tarklo and handed the Rear Admiral a datapad. Accepting the datapad, Leron read the contents and let a wry smile cross his generally tightly clinched mouth. "Excellent work Lieutenant. Alert the rest of the Task Group and prepare for departure in oh-eight-hundred hours," Tarklo insisted.

"Yes, sir." The lieutenant gave a quick salute, turned and strode to the comm officer immediately.

**** 0750 hours - Aboard the Rampart ****

"Work lively lads. I fear we have a long day ahead of us," Lieutenant Commander Nervold said, hoping his gut was telling him wrong. Although the commander had grown tired of running drills, the thought of running into another fight caused him to feel nauseous. An experienced captain, he held the respect of his crew, not out of fear, but because he was never afraid to assist his fellow crewman when they were in need. His ship and crew ran like a well oiled machine, allowing them to overcome odds many would have thought impossible.

A voice spoke from behind him, "Sir, we will be departing for Bimmiel in five minutes. The Commodore asks that you contact him prior to our jump into hyperspace."

Nervold gave a slight nod and turned for his room. Once there, the Lieutenant Commander opened a private channel and was greeted by Admiral Tarklo and Captain Archtrin. “Good day gentlemen, as you know, we will be leaving for the Bimmiel system. I myself am unfamiliar with Bimmiel, so if either of you know something of importance, please speak up. The one thing I can tell you, is we will be inhabiting an abandoned rebel outpost that a probe of ours found.”

Rhyin Nervold had an uneasy look on his face while he listened to the Commodore speak. He took the moment of silence to share his knowledge of the Bimmiel system with the other two captains.

“Sir, the Bimmiel system is extremely close to Ord Mantell. Last reports show that Bimmiel is over run with smuggling organizations. Are you sure we must inhabit that particular system?”

The Rear Admiral pondered a moment before nodding his head. “Our mission involves more than just merely taking an old outpost. When the time is right, I will unveil other, side objectives. Once you exit hyperspace, do a complete system scan. Take whatever action you deem necessary until the Ravager arrives. If there is nothing further to add, I look forward to seeing you both in Bimmiel.” Tarklo gave the two commanders a few moments before closing the channel and returning to the deck of the Star Destroyer.

“You arrived just in time, sir. We are about to enter hyperspace,” informed Captain Corlif Elsyn, Executive Officer of the Ravager.