Sedratis System 11ABY
Bridge of the Iron Duke
Petty Officer 1st class Fremen ‘Kazack’ Talla kept two eyes on the view screen data port in front of him. The Iron Duke loomed over the first planet of Sedratis like an ominous glow in a dark night. The Duke had jumped in, shields up and ready to fight. But they had been met with an eerie silence, as in their previous visit. Which was the reason why they were here.
Before the battle of Rruliin (Which had taken place about two weeks ago,) Kazack had intercepted transmissions on a VE encrypted channel, who’s signals were unlike any in the VE armed forces. Meaning that something, or someone, had managed to piggyback on the most secure encrypted communication system they had. Unfortunately, The NCC had ordered them to help with the Battle of Rruliin. At the end of the battle, the Iron Duke had stopped briefly for rest and resupply. Then, accompanied by the CR-90 Taskmaster, under command of 1st Lieutenant Firekeeper, they had jumped into Sedratis and attempted to find the person who was responsible.
The reason though that the Duke had to be prepared, aside from the obvious political implications, was that the system was on the edge of Moff Caerbellak’s domains. The Moff had a reputation for torturing prisoners of war and quite frankly, was completely insane in Kazack’s opinion. He couldn’t understand why so many followed him with a hint of fanaticism.
Kazack shook his head back to reality and again focused on the view screen. “Still nothing,” he muttered to himself, he wished they would at least find something, Commodore Atrasin was pushing them harder than ever to complete this assignment. And because it was so dangerous, was being even more Lord Vader-like then usual. Kazack switched to the incoming communications screen. He saw nothing apart from the comm chatter of Nightshrike Squadron and the Lambda Shuttles, aboard which, were a full company of marine’s in case boarding actions were necessary.
Suddenly, the screen began fizzling and crackling. “What the hell is this?” Atrasin asked, shoving his way to Kazack’s shoulder. “Punch up the main screen” The commodore ordered. “But sir-“Kazack began, then realised that there was in fact the dark silhouette of a man. As ordered, he punched up the main screen on the bridge.
The mysterious man spoke, his chilling voice broadcast for the entire crew to hear. “If I am cut, do I not bleed commodore?” The man asked. Kazack’s blood froze, he had heard that voice, now all he needed to do was...
“Who are you and what do you want?” Commodore Atrasin demanded angrily.
“I could ask the same about you Atrasin... That means we have reached an impasse” the man replied.
“Skeeter...” Kazack began, but the man held his gloved hand up to silence him.
“I am not talking to you old friend” The man replied... “I am talking to Commodore Atrasin.” Skeeter seemed to relax as he leaned back into what appeared to be a command chair and lit a cigar.
“You come looking for the man who piggybacked on LIMEY.... Well you found him... but unfortunately you will never catch him... He will escape you again and again... Until you beg for death after you have finished chasing him”
“In the name of The Vast Empire Navy... I am placing you under arrest...” Atrasin replied.
“Then you have chosen... wrongly” The man replied and then cut the communication.
Kazack caught his breath, his oldest friend, had done this... He couldn’t believe it... Then he realised that everyone on the Bridge was looking at him. Kazack gulped and realised that he had some explaining to do.
OOC: This is a potential start of a storyline for the new Iron Duke story. If Driver want’s to use this he can... If not it’s his choice. I just thought I would post it up here for reference’s sake. Also, I will be writing up a personal story soon introducing the unknown man and filling in the gaps if this is made the official Iron Duke story. But again... It’s up to Driver.
