The Trang Robotics Duellist Elite Droid (named ‘Twister’) came at Pherik ‘Serpent’ Zail with a series of thrusts and jabs.  The human parried the blows in swift succession, his vibrorapier a blur of motion in his hands.  The weapon, a gift to him, felt light yet solid in his grip.  The elaborately carved hilt and steel-blue blade, evidence of keen artwork and skilful creation, gave him a sense of pride that spurred him on to be that much better.

Twister was relentless in its attack.  Zail had spent a lot of money on the machine, but there was no better training partner available on the droid market.  Serpent’s topless body glistened with sweat as he fought off the implacable assault, the constant exertion of a solid hour’s training evident from the way his muscles cried out in agony with every motion.

Finally, inevitably, he slipped.  He missed a block by the slimmest of misjudgements, but it was enough.  The droid’s blade found the gap, passing under Serpent’s guard and slapping the blunt vibrorapier against his exposed torso.

Zail grunted in pain at the hit and staggered back, clutching his side.  “Enough!” He called.

“Compliance,” Said Twister, withdrawing into a ready stance.

Serpent stood there for a moment, leaning on his sword and breathing heavily.  He was alone in one of the VSD Brilliant’s training rooms.  One of the advantages of being Captain of his own Star Destroyer was the ability to book out entire recreation rooms for Zail’s exclusive use.

Deciding he had trained enough he said, “Twister, return to my quarters and power down.”  As the droid went off to comply, Serpent cleaned his gorgeous vibrorapier (its keen blade undiminished by the ferocious training of the last hour) and then went to get a shower.  When he emerged, he donned not his regular grey uniform, but his high-collared official dress uniform.  The plethora of awards upon it stroked his ego as he admired himself in the mirror, and he attached the vibrorapier in an ornate sheath to his belt.

Zail glanced at the chrono on the wall and realised that it was almost time.  He headed for the bridge at a brisk pace, and when Serpent stepped onto the command deck of the Brilliant he saw several other of his senior staff tending to their duties, also dressed in their very best uniforms.  He strolled down the command walkway to his Second Officer, who stood before the Star Destroyer’s massive viewport admiring the view of Qualdeen 4 in the distance.

The glorious sphere of the Vast Empire leaning neutral world rotated gently on its axis, and Zail’s eyes flitted across its stunning vista of emerald and sapphire.  Serpent was just in time, the Brilliant must have only just achieved orbit.  “Everything ready, Mr Quinn?” He asked his temporary XO.

The human nodded.  “Yes, sir.  Chef reports that the food is coming along nicely, and servant droids have finished decorating the officer’s mess for the occasion.  We are fit to receive royalty Captain.”

Zail smiled.  “The Ambassador is not a noble, Farish, but I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.”

Quietly competent Farish Quinn had been Serpent’s Second Officer since his days on the Courage, and Zail respected the man’s dedication and competence.  He had stepped up to the role of temporary First Officer admirably in the wake of Vagen Eosel’s death (see Counterpunch: Death), but Serpent still missed Quinn’s predecessor.

Just then one of the personnel in the crew pit spoke up.  “Sir!  A shuttle by the name of Shining Sun is approaching.  They say that they have Consul Denaron aboard and seek permission to land.”

“Right on time,” Said Serpent.  “Permission granted!” He told the young bridge officer, then called his senior staff over.  “People, let’s go meet the Ambassador!”

-----

An honour-guard of Stormtroopers flanked Zail and five of his most senior crewmen as they stood, parade-ground straight and immaculately dressed, on the polished hangar bay deck.  The Lambda-Class Shuttle touched down before them, and no sooner did the roaring engines power down than the boarding ramp descended.

The Ambassador’s own Stormtrooper honour guard emerged first, followed by the diplomat herself.  Consul Sharna Denaron looked just as Serpent remembered, a vision of regal beauty in robes of gold and scarlet.  Her small face, pretty if not gorgeous, was set to a pleasant smile, and today she had let her flowing auburn locks loose to fall playfully about her shoulders.

“Ambassador,” Said Serpent, bowing deeply.

“Captain Zail,” Said purred with her Esselian accent, extending a hand to him.

Pherik took it, and kissed it lightly.  He then rose to meet her face.  “It’s been a while, Sharna,” He said, and with a slight sideways glance saw the surprise on the faces of his senior officers.  He had neglected to mention that he and the Ambassador were already acquainted.

“It has indeed, Pherik,” She returned, and then looked at the Commander's rank insignia on his uniform.  “You are a full officer now, I see.”

“Told you I was good,” He said with a confident wink.

“Evidently,” Denaron agreed, looking around at the cavernous landing bay.  “This is quite a ship.  I’d love to see it.”

“You will,” He promised.  “Right after dinner.  If you’ll walk this way, Ambassador, I shall introduce you to my faithful crew...”

-----

The Officer’s Mess was a cosy, wood-panelled room, clean and warm at the best of times.  Today, however, it had been added to with elegant candles and decorative glass sculptures on the massive table in the centre.  That table, itself a finely carved work of art from Kashyyyk, was covered in food brought in especially for the occasion.  Serpent had used his own money for this, sparing the Navy the expense of his grandiose reception.

As Captain, Zail sat at the head of the table, with Consul Denaron sat at the place of honour to his right.  On his left sat Farish Quinn, and continuing down that side of the table were his senior officers, Ysanne Samasl, Kol Yandeer, Dev Mishima, and Xela Fendar.  Opposite them were the Ambassador’s staff, high level attachés to the Consul who were to join her on this trip.  They were all top level members of the Diplomatic Corps, on Qualdeen 4 in order to secure that planet’s allegiance.  They were now on an official mission to report back to the capital, and it was Zail’s job to transport them all back to Lotaith.

“How are things on Qualdeen?” Serpent asked between courses, sipping at Kuati wine (one of Sharna’s favourite drinks that he had requested especially for her visit).  “When I was there the planet was leaning ever more towards full Vast Empire membership.”

The Consul drank of wine, clearly savouring the taste, and then replied, “Its going very well.  I was actually headed to Lotaith to discuss what I can offer the government of Qualdeen by way of concessions for joining us.  Like any planet they have questions about how much the VE plans to alter their laws and economy.”

“And?” He prompted, curious.  He was a VENI Agent as well as a Captain, and planetary politics held a certain interest for him.

Denaron shrugged.  “There is little to change.  Their political system is fair and relatively free of corruption, and their economy engages in no business that the VE deems illegal.  If they agree to VE membership we will simply install a planetary Governor to keep an eye on things, but generally they’ll be left to it.  We need only work out what portion of their taxes goes to Lotaith and the rest is a done deal.”

“And what about you in all this?” Asked Zail.  “What happens to you when your job is complete?”

“Well,” Said Sharna, dropping her voice as if to impart a secret, “I did make it clear that the leaders of Qualdeen would prefer to work with someone familiar.  Choosing someone new to the planet as the Governor would be a serious mistake.”

“Someone familiar,” Mused Pherik with a smile.  “Like you, maybe?”

“My father was a Governor,” She replied, “And he didn’t get his post by lacking ambition!”

The two burst into laughter at that point, and clinked glasses before drinking deeply of the wine.

-----

Down the table, Dev Mishima, Com Chief, was lost in thought.  Normally he would have been making quips and trying his hardest to wind up anyone with a rank above his, but not today.  Instead he quietly picked at his food, saying little.

“Still taking it hard, huh?” Asked his best friend, Kol Yandeer.

Mishima nodded.  His eyes fell to the recently received award on his dress uniform, earned for his part during the chaotic events surrounding the fall of the Imperial Dominion.  “I’m not in a celebrating mood.  With all that happened, Vagen’s death...”

“Don’t dwell on it,” The other urged.  “Trust me, you aren’t the only one feeling the loss.  We are all suffering.  Give it time, and you will get it over it, my friend.”

Dev nodded, and looked over to the Captain.  Zail was hiding it well, but Mishima could see that the other was feeling bad too.  He knew not how his CO could keep it so well concealed, but he endeavoured to follow the other man’s example.

-----

After the lavish dinner, Serpent gave Sharna a tour of his vessel.  It felt good to show off the Victory Star Destroyer that was his pride and joy.  He had worked hard for his command, and finally being able to share his achievement with a friend who was not themselves a member of the Vast Empire Navy made the whole thing feel more real.

For her part, Denaron seemed quite enthralled by the mighty warship.  He recalled her love of military history, and their shared visits to the ship museums of Qualdeen, so she was quite in her element.  Sharna asked insightful questions and happily chatted with random crewmen about their work.  Zail noticed how effortlessly she moved around and how charismatic she was with his people, and began to wonder if more frequent visits by high-ranking diplomats might be good for morale.

Eventually the tour ran its course, and he escorted her to elaborate guest quarters where her own Stormtroopers stood guard.

“Thank you for a wonderful time,” She said, stopping at the door and turning to face him.

“You are most welcome,” Pherik replied.  “I’m glad to have you.  Thank you for choosing my ship as your official transport back to Lotaith.”

“Thank you for accepting,” She said, knowing how difficult it was to request a ship of the Second Fleet for such a routine mission.  “So, how long until we reach the Rheagent System?”

“Another sixteen hours,” He said.  “It’s not far, but my people are taking a long and safe route, trying to avoid neutral territory as much as possible.”

“I see,” Said Sharna.  “Well, I must get some rest before our arrival.”

“Of course,” Said Zail.  “Sleep well, Ambassador.”

She turned away and walked to the door, which slid open at her approach.  At the last moment she glanced back at him.  “If you aren’t too busy, though, Captain, I was about to have a drink before bed.  Care to join me?”

He smiled broadly at that.  “Of course,” Said Serpent, and followed her in.

By the time they both emerged, they were in orbit of Lotaith.

OOC:

1902 words.  The first part of my new personal story, following on the romance plot from Serpent Personal Story: Relics and Receptions.  Consul Sharna Denaron was introduced in that story, as was Zail’s new love of vibrorapier duelling.  This story will also see the Brilliant get a new First Officer, to replace Vagen Eosel, lost in VEN: Counterpunch: Death.  Indeed, some of the characters in this story (like Dev Mishima) are still recovering from that fiasco.

After Action Report:  Consul Sharna Denaron requests the Brilliant to be her official transport from Qualdeen 4 to Lotaith.  Serpent is delighted to have her on board and gives his romantic interest a tour of his ship.

The ‘party’, hosted at the mansion of super-wealthy Viscount Saitroni, was a small affair.  When Consul Sharna Denaron led Zail into the main sitting room, he saw barely twenty people sitting about on richly upholstered chairs and sofas, sipping wine and eating delicate food off silver plates held by serving droids.  Most of those present were male, some were female, but Serpent quickly noted that all were human, and that only made him think more of the old Empire.

“Welcome, Sharna!” Said an old man with silver-white hair and goatee of matching colour.  As he rose from his chair to hug Denaron, Zail took note of the man’s fine dark crimson suit and regal bearing, and knew this at once to be Saitroni.

“Uncle!” She replied, hugging the old man warmly.  The rest of those in the room turned to take note of the new arrivals, but mostly stuck to their own private conversations.

Sharna broke the hug and smiled at the old man.  “Uncle, I want you to meet my paramour, Lieutenant Commander Pherik Zail of the VSD Brilliant,” And so saying she gestured towards Serpent.

“Pleasure to meet you, sir,” Said Zail, shaking the Viscount’s hand.

“A pleasure to meet you Commander,” Said Saitroni.  “Please, sit, drink, eat!”

Serpent and Sharna did as bidden, and once settled Zail asked his girlfriend, “Uncle?”

“Just a nickname,” Denaron told him.  “My father and he were like brothers.”

“I do miss your father,” Said the Viscount sincerely, “He would be proud of how you and your brothers turned out, Sharna.  So glad you could attend this little gathering,” He said, gesturing to the rest of those present, a few of whom raised their glasses in acknowledgement.

“Glad to be here,” She said. “Shame Lucadis and Mekel could not make it,” Mused Sharna, naming the brothers that Zail was yet to meet.  “Speaking of people I used to cause havoc with as a kid, is Eylana here?”

“She is indeed,” Said Saitroni with a big smile.  “I’m sure she’ll be down any minute.  I’m sure she’d like to meet you, Commander!” He added, looking at Pherik.  “She read your book and loved it.”

“Always happy to meet a fan,” Remarked Serpent, curious to meet this woman.

They settled into some pleasant chat, mostly involving Sharna and the Viscount catching up.  Zail lurked at the periphery of the conversation, mostly observing his girlfriend and those around him.  They were a curious group, and he recognised nobles, business magnates, and even one or two military, but chose not to bother them.  Eventually a new figure entered, and Serpent’s interest rose instantly.

The woman was clad in a naval dress uniform, which she wore like a second skin.  She marched, rather than walked, into the room, her every movement measured and precise.  It was more like she was entering a parade-ground than a party.  Zail took note of the handful of awards on her chest, and while they paled next to his own impressive collection, they were a fine crop for a Warrant Officer in her late twenties.

The woman, who had short hair of rich and deep red, turned to regard Serpent and those he sat with.  Her face, harsh and sharp-edged, broke into a warm smile that seemed (though natural) oddly out of place on her features.  “Sharna!” She beamed, and crossed to give the rising Consul a hug.

Denaron returned it eagerly.  “Eylana!  How have you been?”  She asked her friend as they parted.

“Fine, fine,” Said the woman, and only then seemed to notice the Commander standing at the Ambassador’s side.  “Sir!  Warrant Officer 1st Class Eylana Saitroni!”

Zail did not miss the surname.  She was the Viscount’s daughter!  He was suddenly wary.  The child of a powerful noble on his bridge was not something Serpent was very enthusiastic about.  Carefully, he said, “Lieutenant Commander Pherik Zail.  At ease, Miss Saitroni, we are not on duty here.”

“As you wish, sir,” She said, and at this point he got a good look at her eyes.  They were a dazzling shade of brown, and when viewed with her lush red hair they took on an almost orange appearance.  “It’s a pleasure to meet the Captain of the Brilliant.”

“Thank you,” He accepted her comment graciously.  “But please, don’t mind me, you wanted to talk to your friend?” Zail said, gesturing to Sharna.

“I’m good here with your father,” Said Denaron to the Warrant Officer.  “Why don’t you two naval types chat while I sit and flatter the old man for a while?”

“Yes!” Agreed Viscount Saitroni, “You two hurry off and let the young lady rave about how great I am!”

“Very well,” Agreed Serpent.  “Miss Saitroni, let’s go grab something to eat.”  And so saying they headed over to one of the droids bearing a tray of Manaan Crabs Legs.

-----

The crab was delicious, and Zail instantly got hooked on a fine dip flavoured with spices from Thyferra.  As they ate, Serpent enquired about her past.  “So, Sharna did not tell me much about you.  Tell me about your career, your life.”

“Simple enough, sir,” Said Saitroni, who kept to military protocol despite Pherik asking her to do otherwise.  “I was an Imperial from birth, part of that generation who knew no other government.  My father, the rich Coruscanti sitting over there, married my mother, a Kuati noble of a minor house.  I was but the youngest of their children, and grew up with as fine as education as their combined wealth could afford.”

Zail nodded to show he was listening, though he frowned slightly at the somewhat dispassionate tone of her voice.  All business, the natural harshness of her features came back with vengeance, and the Warrant Officer spoke with a cold detachment, as if it were someone else’s life and not her own.

“I bounced between schools on Coruscant and Kuat, learning to be at home on both worlds.  I acquired a love of starship design and construction, as do many Kuati, but also enjoyed physical exercise and sports.”

“You don’t duel, do you?” He quipped, expecting a negative answer, but was surprised when she took the question seriously.

“Of course,” Said Saitroni.  “Many nobles did, and my closest friends, such as Sharna, were also fond of the blade, so it was something I took to readily.”

“Interesting,” Said Serpent.  “Go on.”

“Like any intelligent woman without fear of getting dirty, I contemplated a career in the Imperial Navy,” Continued the Warrant Officer.  “Alas, a friend of the family warned me off.”

Zail took a guess. “Sharna’s father?”

The other nodded.  “Indeed, sir,” She said, impressed by his quick and accurate reasoning.  “Governor Denaron deterred me, speaking of the Empire’s anti-female prejudices.  I was disappointed, of course, though privately I think my mother was grateful.”

“That changed with Endor, I take it?” Asked Serpent.  This was not an unfamiliar story from female officers of the Vast Empire’s armed forces.

Saitroni nodded.  “Once my family sought refuge here, I was granted more opportunities than I ever imagined.  The VEN was eager for young go-getters like myself, and I graduated among the top of my class in training.”

Pherik smiled, noticing the Star of the Academy award on her uniform, identical to his own.  “So you got off to a promising start.  Where did you serve after graduating?”

“I was a TIE pilot, originally,” She said with note of pride.  “Fighting border skirmishes with the Republic, I have 17 confirmed kills to my name.”

“Impressive,” Remarked Zail, and he meant it.  He was starting to see the potential here.  “And you have already made the transfer from cockpit to bridge, I take it?”

“Yes, sir,” Said the Warrant Officer.  “I am currently the Second Officer on the Dreadnaught Granite Hammer, an old but proud ship.”

“Ah, so you have command experience?” Serpent asked, growing even more intrigued.

“I do.  Mostly just night shifts, but I have served as XO during several battles,” Said Saitroni.  “I have enough experience to have developed a leadership style I am comfortable with.”

“And if you had to sum up your approach to commanding a crew, how would you?” Asked Pherik.

“Harsh,” She said bluntly.  “On a starship, organisation and efficiency are not only the key to winning, but to basic survival.  The crew must obey quickly and competently, without hesitation.  The only way to ensure such compliance is to be firm.  Do not break the crew, of course, but push them, make them sweat and keep them constantly alert and on their toes?  Yes, that is how I treat them.”

Serpent found himself smiling.  “I could not have said it better myself,” He said, agreeing with her most enthusiastically.  “Please, Miss Saitroni, go on...”

OOC:

1460 words.  Ysanne Isard + Admiral Daala + Melisandre from Song of Ice and Fire = My new First Officer!  However, she doesn’t have the job just yet, there is still one more post to come!

After Action Report:  Consul Sharna Denaron introduces Serpent to her rich friends, and among them is the most interesting Warrant Officer Eylana Saitroni.