The Tapani Sector is located in the Colonies on the Shapani Bypass, a trade route which is an offshoot of the Rimma Trade Route. The sector capital is Procopia, though the world of Tallaan is equally important due to it being the main Imperial regional depot in the Sector. Though Tapani isn't in the Core, it might as well be; it is a vastly wealthy sector with political
thumbs in almost every Imperial pie.
Its noble families, most ardent supporters of the Emperor, have sent their sons and daughters into the most elite Imperial institutions - private schools, the Academy, the Navy, and the halls of power on Coruscant. And the results are starting to pay off - house members now captain Star Destroyers, command worlds as Moffs and Governors, and even at on the council with the Emperor himself.
Having invested so much in the Empire, the Tapani sector is able to maintain a certain level of independence; while surrounding sectors are ruled directly by Imperial-appointed administrators the sector is permitted to
choose its own leaders. The sector economy is booming, which helps the Tapani lords afford their fine estates and
huge luxury star cruisers. The sector has a large population of highly educated workers, and its research facilities rank among the most productive in the Empire (especially those at Mrlsst Academy).
There are about 70 systems in the sector, roughly a fifth of which have inhabitable worlds which are heavily settled. Other systems also have settlements, but much smaller ones: research stations, military outposts, mining facilities, and so on. Tapani has a large number of temperate worlds within it, and an abundance of raw materials ripe for mining, including some which are relatively rare in the rest of the galaxy. The Tapani Sector is one of the closest major sources of
raw materials to the Core. This gives it an edge when competing with sectors further out which must raise their prices to cover higher transportation costs.
Geographically, Tapani sector lies a bit off the Rimma Trade Route. The Rimma run, as it is known in trader slang, ranges from the Core all the way out to the remote Kathol sector. It used to be quite a way off the beaten path, but centuries ago some Republic scouts blazed a big short-cut right through the sector that cut days off the Rimma run. The new bypass
brought the Tapani sector into a major trade route, and that livened the place up a bit.
On starcharts, the shortcut is called the Shapani Bypass, but most folks call it the Bacta Run or
the Bacta Bypass instead, since it was established to get Bacta into the Core faster; Thyferra, the major production center for the Empire's Bacta, is just a few days travel away (though not in Tapani sector itself). There are two distinct parts to the Tapani sector: the Expanse and the Freeworlds Region.
The Expanse is an ore-rich area of space under the control of noble houses - the remnants of the small stellar empire which once ruled the sector centuries ago. It is made up of seven provinces which make up specific house holdings. The sector capital, Procopia, is an independent world which, by tradition, is governed by the ruling coalition.
Slowly encroaching on the Expanse is the Freeworlds Region, a series of systems on the border of the sector. The Freeworlds Region, which was once the backward fringe of the sector, has become powerful thanks to its position on two major trade routes, the Shapani Bypass and the Giju Run (an ancient Herglic trade route). Because most Expanse ore must pass through the Freeworlds, there is a lot of bickering about the high tariffs the Freeworlds place on Expanse shipping.
Yet times are uncertain in the Tapani Sector now as news comes of the Imperial defeat at Endor as well as the loss of the Emperor. With the Rebellion achieving victories across the galaxy, many Imperial assets had been pulled out of the sector, leaving an opening for the Noble Houses of the Expanse to attempt to gain even more power and influence. Out in the Free World's Region various planets, corporations, and companies see opportunity, as well as Imperial patrols, become less and less. Yet the Empire hasn't completely disappeared and still has many garrisons scattered across the Sector and in the Free Worlds. The Rebellion, or as some are starting to call it the New Republic, has also established a presence within the sector as the vital planet of Fondor has thrown off the Imperial yoke and declared for freedom. The sector is now ripe for expansion, intrigue, profit and more as the once firm hand of the Empire begins to disappear...
'This is Jaemon Rawlns bringing news of the great victory at the planet of Endor against the Rebels that threaten the good citizens of the Empire and disrupt the law and order provided by the Emperor. While reports are still coming in and while some of our affiliates report that losses have been heavy, we have reliable sources reporting that almost the whole of the rebel fleet has been destroyed! We will continue to update you as news comes in."
"Greetings gentlebeings of the Galaxy! We come to you today with news of the fall of the vaunted Emperor Palpatine and his henchmen Darth Vader at the forest moon of Endor. The Rebel Alliance has won an astonishing victory and even destroyed the Second Death Star that the Emperor was building. Losses have been heavy on both sides but rumors abound that the Alliance will soon be declaring a "New Republic", yet this is only rumored at this time."
As turmoil erupts across the sector with the conflicting news that the Emperor was both dead and alive acts of celebration and unrest alike took place on many worlds. Some were glad to be finally liberated from the iron grip of the Emperor while others celebrated the brutal losses suffered by the rebellion. Those supporting the death of the Emperor and Darth Vader seemed to be concentrated in House Cadriaan and House Pelagia space as well as the Freeworlds while those celebrating the rebel defeat was centered in both Mecceti and Melantha space.
However, it was on the Sector capital world of Procopia that the worse offenses took place as both sides clashed. Several fights broke out as Imperial supporters tried to stop the various rebel-aligned celebrations. Procopia local security and police moved in to stop the fighting, however, more fighting would ensue as several units "supported" one side or the other. Fires could be seen for miles from destroyed speeders and buildings as civilians and police alike were murdered on the streets. A full blown riot was now taking place as the social elite attempted to get to Estalle Island within Estalle (the ancient capital of the Tapani and the current planet and sector capital city) and away from the rioters and fighting taking place.
Civilians fleeing from the riots as fires rage.
One thing is made very clear in that the local forces are currently unable to contain the riots taking place and without outside support, the Capital could suffer even more.
HIS Majesty's Appointed Sector Moff,
TAKING note of the disturbances present in Procopia,
UNDERSTANDING the planet's vital role in His Majesty's Governance,
RECOGNIZING the need for immediate action,
RECOGNIZING also the powers granted to the Sector Moff through the Sector Governance Decree,
DECLARES IMMEDIATE MARTIAL LAW FOR THE PLANET UNTIL THE DISTURBANCES HAVE ABIDED.
"Mister Benton, here are those files you asked for."
It was a beautiful Procopia morning, the sunlight shining through the oceanside office of one Carill Benton, the CEO of Data Equity Management, Inc. Here in their private complex you couldn't tell that the capital was convulsed with riots right now, or that the Empire was suffering a crisis unprecedented in its history with the death of the Emperor over Endor.
Taking a sip from his cup of well brewed caf, Benton nodded to his assistant. "Thank you Miss Doyle, leave it on my desk." The perky young woman nodded, doing so before beating a hasty retreat out of his office to handle some administrative business or other. As for himself, he took a few moments longer to enjoy the view before he had to face the hard work that was ahead of him.
He had come a long way in the fifteen years since founding DEMi. A member of the Ubiqtorate, it had been seeing how important information was, and the necessity off the ability to control that information which had led him to this point. Though he had not yet expanded beyond Tapani, had he been allowed more time he was certain that he could have done this for the entire Empire, and created a well running machine.
But the best of intentions had fallen apart. Who could have predicted that the rebellion would become so strong in those fifteen years, to where they could destroy the greatest Imperial weapons, even kill the Emperor himself? It was clear now that information was the key to an ordered society, not a big stick. There would always be those never daunted by force, so you'd need to find other methods of control. But with the Rebellion rising after this setback, would there be the time to implement his plans?
After a moment he sighed, turning from his ruminations to the paperwork in front of him. ISB would be expecting their sector report soon, and in times like these it would be best to not keep them waiting
GENERAL OF THE 997TH STORMTROOPER LEGION. @Taricus
Given the current state of Procopia, with an uncontrolled and dangerous riot, you are hereby authorized and empowered to suspend civil laws within the boundaries of your command -- extending to all of your troops -- and to utilize the martial law to suppress, as you find it necessary, the riotous behavior present in the populace. You must not fail this task. The entire Empire is watching.
A signal is received on several channels originating from the Alisandor System in the Freeworlds Region.
"This is the ....al ... Destro.... Thun...lare. We are ... ... of help. Our ........ is dam... and unable to he... ... ...space. Commun... damaged. Need immed.... ...lp. Suriv... of Endor on ... Anyone read?"
I am making haste to respond to the distress call from the Alisandor System, and shall leave within the hour. Rest assured that a capable garrison remains in Achillean orbit. I will cooperate with House Cadriaan to ensure the system remains secure while I am away, though the ultimate decision whether to send reinforcements rests with you, of course.
I would request that you alert other commanders to my actions and have them prepare response forces should either of my command groups be threatened.
From the desk of Mala Dystraay, Chairwoman of the Board - Hanson Mining Consolidated, Neona
In light of the recent disturbances in the wake of the Battle of Endor, the Freeworld of Neona formally requests an emergency meeting of the League of Tapani Freeworlds. @Skrevski
To: house Branda @Skrevski
From: Jalk
Super secret
Given the current instability of the sector opertunitues arise. If you were to retire a few escorts and/or fighters to our service we would be able to greatly expand our operations and hamper your rivals economies
The ISD Gauntlet, flagship of the Tapani Sector Fleet, hung over the green world of Lamuir IV. Along with it half the Tapani Defense Force, the Gauntlet's own squardon and Razor Squadron, guarded the important world. On the bridge of the Gauntlet, staring at a map of the sector, Captain Lin Nunsk plotted out the coming weeks. The death of the Emperor had sent spasms through the Imperial juggernaut, crippling much needed production lines, cutting of trade and fermenting dissent on a million worlds. Even now, in the peaceful Tapani Sector, the fires of rebellion burned on almost every planet. Pirates, already brave in the badly plotted nebulae of the sector, had become even bolder and now stood to strike at Imperial bacta convoys in force. Fondor, a second Kuat and the second most important strategic location in the sector, after Procopia, had fallen to rebellion. Smaller Rebel cells, once timid, would no doubt come out of the wood work for their 'New Republic'. In short, the Sector was beginning to take a slow dive into utter chaos. His suggestions to the Moff, to pull back to the Expanse and the most important Freeworlds and leave the rebels and pirates to burn themselves out, had been disregarded with impunity. Now, all there was to do was try and prevent his worst fears from coming to fruition.
"All ships, prepare for hyperspace jump. The bacta convoys must not be allowed to stop, and the insurrectionists and criminal scum must be reminded that the Empire still rules in Tapani. Hunt them down, clear our space lanes of their filth."
From the desk of Mala Dystraay, Chairwoman of the Board - Hanson Mining Consolidated, Neona
In light of the recent disturbances in the wake of the Battle of Endor, the Freeworld of Neona formally requests an emergency meeting of the League of Tapani Freeworlds. @Skrevski
Various messages are sent in from the planets of Aleron, Lamuir, Mrlsst, and Tallaan saying that in light of the situation they agree a meeting should be held. With the situation as it is it is recommended that the meeting be held on Neona in the League's secondary branch located there.
House Branaba @FPSlover
From: Jalk
Super secret
Ooc: we are allies
Given the current instability of the sector opertunitues arise. If you were to retire a few escorts and/or fighters in to our hands we would be able to greatly expand our operations and hamper your rivals' economies.
Moff Gustavu,
The situation along the Shapani Bypass is growing more and more desperate. Pirates strike from hidden bases while the traitorous Rebel Alliance grows in strength around their lynchpin of Fondor. In order to best fulfill my task of guarding Imperial space in the Sector I ask that you place Razor Squadron under my command. With them I can more effectively strike out at dissident elements and hunt down their strongholds.
From the desk of,
Captain Lin Nunsk of the ISD Gauntlet
Moff Gustavu,
The situation along the Shapani Bypass is growing more and more desperate. Pirates strike from hidden bases while the traitorous Rebel Alliance grows in strength around their lynchpin of Fondor. In order to best fulfill my task of guarding Imperial space in the Sector I ask that you place Razor Squadron under my command. With them I can more effectively strike out at dissident elements and hunt down their strongholds.
From the desk of,
Captain Lin Nunsk of the ISD Gauntlet
The Tapani office of the Imperial Security Bureau, @Orange Boy
Top Secret
I request a report on all in-sector communication relating to the distress signal from the Alisandor System be relayed to my command as soon as possible.
Tallaani Shipyards
Office of the Managing Director
0120 Galactic Standard Time
Adelia Seltmer had a headache. It was probably the lack of sleep, but Adelia chalked it up to the mess that had become of the galaxy in the last week or so. Everything had been good and stable, just the way she liked it. Stable was good for business. Stable meant that the yard kept pumping out civilian shipping and light capital ships for the Empire. It meant steady income. It meant a happy workforce. Above all, it meant that she didn't have the board on her ass yelling about what the death of the Emperor meant for the five-year projections she had presented less than two weeks ago.
Damn Palpatine. Dying like that. Her office, of course, was the picture of luxury. It sat atop the elegant central spire of the central station of the sprawling shipyards that orbited partway between Tallan and its moon. The walls were transparisteel in three-hundred sixty degrees, letting her look out into space and see her domain, all of it. From the smallest yacht in its berth to the massive forms of the Star Destroyers being repaired and refit by her yards. She liked seeing things. Remote cameras even let her use the viewports as massive holoscreens so that she could pull up a close view of each berth, if she wanted to. For now, mostly she was surrounded by projections of the local and galactic markets, and the insistent blinking of the thirty or so messages she had from the board.
Now, Adelia wasn't political. She had never liked all of the Empire's policies but she'd never felt that she was being kicked down enough to bother opposing them. If she had to pick a political alignment, she'd of course say she was a loyalist and wanted to serve the Empire. It was safer that way. More stable. And Adelia liked stable. As she continued working, the lift that came up into the office beeped quietly, admitting a man carrying several datapads and a tray with a steaming mug of tea. Thank the stars. Adelia groaned and leaned back into her chair as the tea was set down, looking up at her executive assistant, Jonal Tyrpo.
"You should get some sleep, Miss Seltmer," he said reprovingly. "You have to actually meet with the board tomorrow. I can still call a shuttle to take you home." Home was supposedly on the surface of Tallan, a grotesque, sprawling estate that Adelia really didn't care for, but it came with the job. So she usually stayed in the small but comfortable penthouse suite on the floor just below her office. It meant her commute was much shorter, anyway.
"No. I have to finish going through this report. Then I'll go to sleep. This whole Endor business has the whole market in an uproar. And the Imperials are looking to clamp down, I think. I also need..." She shuffled through the documents on her desk and pulled out a datapad.
"Send that to the Moff's office? It's a statement that restates our absolute loyalty to the Empire and our devotion to helping ensure the Rebellion is crushed or whatever adjective they like hearing the most. Thanks." With that, she picked up her tea, took a sip, and got back to work. Jonal shook his head, then turned and headed back for the lift. She was going to drop dead one day.
---
+++Transmit to: Office of Moff Laird Gustavu+++
Your Excellency,
I hope this finds you well. Or as well as you can be during these trying times. I wish to assure you and the rest of the Imperial administration that the Tapani Starship Cooperative remains steadfastly loyal to the New Order and stand ready to do whatever we can to assist in crushing the Rebellion.
With regards,
Adelia Seltmer
Managing Director
Tapani Starship Cooperative
The League of Tapani Freeworlds announces that it shall uphold a policy of armed neutrality in the conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. The League hereby declares that within its space, all commercial vessels are guaranteed the freedom of navigation regardless of their political affiliation, and this guarantee shall be enforced by the Freeworlds Common Navy.
Aboard the Acclimator Assault Ship that had been subordinated to them, Major General Tessala Corvae inspected the Line Regiment bound for Procopia. She had no need to send the entire Battlegroup to deal with rioters, but a show of force was absolutely necessary. She had served out here long enough to know the inhabitants, they were more interested in their petty politics than the Empire, but it did keep things fairly orderly. But...
"Colonel Anten, your Regiment will be in the public's eye. Procopia is the capital of this Sector, and the Moff's home is going to be under siege soon. Contain the riot but if you find the ringleaders or any Rebels, destroy them. Our time, Colonel, has come." Corvae said.
"Yes, General." The younger officer said with a nod.
"Prepare your Regiment for landing. Do the Empire proud." Corvae said, and the two exchanged salutes before Corvae turned and headed for the hangar deck while Colonel Anten headed off to confer with his officers. Anten was a survivor from Barkhesh, formerly a Captain who managed to curtail losses while his Regimental Commander and Deputy Commander melted to death in the acidic rain.
She approached her waiting Lambda shuttle, where her adjunct, a Major Mira Torwyn who would have been on her way to commanding the Battlegroup's Armor Regiment had she not had some personality conflicts with its commanding officer, stood. The younger woman also had something in common with her, something they could not openly speak of, but being the General's aide had more opportunities for the Major than waiting to advance into command elsewhere.
"General." Mira said, waiting with her arms behind her back before snapping to attention. Corvae waved her to stand at ease, the two headed up the ramp.
"We are returning to Tallaan. Procopia will not be the first to attempt an insurrection, and I will not give up our Headquarters. I will not have us fly about on troop ships at the mercy of the Navy. Nor will I let the Tapani or Rebels take our base. Not merely pride, Major, but practicality. Our armories are far too well stocked, it would be a boon to their forces." Corvae said as the ramp closed up behind them.
"Do you think they will, General?" Mira asked, taking a seat across from Corvae. Unlike other flag officers, the General did not want a luxurious shuttle. Hers had more practical modifications, such as a Holonet transeiver, reinforced armor and shields, and improved weapons. But inside, it was no different from any other Lambda-class in service.
"I did not think that any Tapani in their right mind would openly rebel, but clearly Endor has emboldened people." Corvae said.
"General...what happened there?" Mira asked.
"Truth, Major, often lay between lies. I believe that a massive battle did occur, but what happened...well, who is telling the truth? Did we crush the Rebels in a massive battle or did the Rebels actually destroy the Death Star again and this time claim our Emperor? Or did both happen?" Corvae shrugged, "Major, it is irrelevant. We will conduct ourselves without change, either we will do so per the continuing will of the Emperor or in his memory. The Rebels fail to understand, for all their talk of hope and that they exist as an ideal, we are also more than just one man. The Empire is everlasting, it is immortal. We are also of an ideal; Order."
Mira nodded and smiled. Like Corvae, she believed in the Empire, believed in what it stood for. Major Torwyn came from Lianna, one of the Empire's main worlds. It was home to Sienar Fleet Systems, one of the largest shipwrights in the Galaxy and producer of the Empire's starfighters and many of its transports. Corvae knew that the younger woman asked her question not out of disloyalty, but of intelligence. Only fools bought the propaganda, one always had to have perspective, and unlike the enlisted conscripts and clones, an intelligent officer did not need a daily diet of propaganda to be kept in line. They were naturally loyal, they believed in the Emperor's vision and the New Order.
As the shuttle was on its way to leaving the edge of the Procopia System, under escort of TIE Fighters, Corvae stood up and activated the Holonet transeiver.
==================================================================================================================================
TO: Moff Laird Gustavu @Faust
FM: Major General Tessala Corvae
Sir,
I have a Line Regiment preparing to make landfall on Procopia at this time. Colonel Anten is their commanding officer, he is among my most trusted officers and will conduct himself properly. His orders are to contain the riots, but if he has an opportunity to target the ringleaders or Rebels, he is to take it.
Signed,
Major General Tessala Corvae
1st Tapani Assault Battlegroup
==================================================================================================================================
TO: 997th Stormtrooper Legion @Taricus
FM: Major General Tessala Corvae
A Line Regiment of the 1st Tapani Assault Battlegroup is making landfall on Procopia. They will conduct operations separately from you, but if you require reinforcement, they will come if called. Otherwise, Colonel Anten will leave you to your work.
Glory to the Empire
Signed,
Major General Tessala Corvae
1st Tapani Assault Battlegroup
These are turbulent times we find ourselves in, with uncertainty all around. Nonetheless, Data Equity Management Inc would like to assure its customers that we remain dedicated to our goals: to maintain the safety and confidentiality of your information, and to do so in an efficient manner. We will do everything we can to carry this out, now and in the future.
How we act during a crisis defines who we are as individuals. And we are confident that you will not find DEMi wanting.
To Rebel groups
From: the Jalk syndicate
Secret
We at the Syndicate offer the finest smuggling services in the sector at the lowest prices. Contact us if you something or someone ( like a spec ops team) moved discreetly with no questions asked.
Mrlsst
Chamber of the Mrlssti Ruling Council, City of Mennaa
0930 Galactic Standard Time
The buzz and hum of the chamber was a constant; an ebb and flow of conversation between the various representatives as they filed in and talked among themselves. There was so much to discuss these days and far too much going on in the galaxy. The news had only just arrived a few days ago, carried by the Imperial HoloNet and... other, less legal forms of broadcasts. The rumors from a week ago, as it turned out, were very true. The Imperial Fleet had been routed at Endor, the second Death Star destroyed, and the Emperor and his right-hand, Lord Vader, were apparently dead.
The political ramifications were staggering. Especially with the Imperial fleet scattered across the galaxy.
Canady Perfin sighed to herself, shaking her head. She'd been elected head of the council only a year ago and she was barely a fifth of the way into her five-year term as executive chair. She wasn't pleased that this had happened on her watch, but it had (perhaps) been inevitable - the Rebellion had been growing over the last half-decade and sooner or later it had to come to a head, didn't it? She was a former professor of political science at Mrlsst Trade and Science Academy and she was on sabbatical while she served out her elected term.
After a few more moments, the Mrlssti woman rose and approached the dias at the head of the chamber and raised her hands for silence. The conversation slowly died away until there was silence.
"My esteemed fellow representatives, as you all know, we have been hearing rumors about the death of the Emperor and the shattering of an Imperial fleet... so far, there has been no proof one way or another. However... we've also been hearing rumors that the Imperial sector fleet has been mobilizing and there are riots and protests on other worlds."
There was a hum of assent.
"As you may also be aware, I have recently committed us to a form of... neutrality with the rest of the Tapani Freeworlds. We are not taking sides."
At least not yet, she thought to herself.
"As the Executive Chairman, I believe that if we stand with the rest of our Freeworld counterparts, we can weather the oncoming storm. I also know that our institutes of higher learning receive funding from Imperial projects - that they have been a boon to our economy in more ways than one. I also am aware-"
Here she nodded toward a small group of dour representatives - mixed humans and Mrlssti, "-that some of our more academic-minded citizens believe that we should cut ties; that we should reject Imperial funding because they do not believe in assisting the Imperial war machine. At the moment, I think walking that middle path is best. We will continue as we have until the situation becomes clearer."
There was a pause, another murmur of assent, although neither the more pro- or anti-Imperial representatives looked very pleased by the announcement. At least no one was yelling. Yet.
"With that settled, perhaps we should move on to business - I understand there is an agricultural bill that needs to be brought to the table..."
"...And Good Riddance i say! That bastard once force-choked me for making a dry remark. Probably the same reason i ended up on this backwater system with you sorry lot, come to think of it. " Captain Friedrich Richter sat in the officers mess, dining with his command staff. All of them were put under his command for the same reason he was, insubordination. Not to a degree which ended in liquidation but enough to put the troublemakers on a star destroyer far from anywhere where they could make trouble. Over the years in the Tapani-Sector the Crew of the Reyna had become a tight-knight unit, still fiercely proud of serving on such a fine ship and now that there was no one watching freely cynical of the Empire with which they had a strange love/hate relationship.
"In any case, Leftenant Noot, i want you to contact the Stuffed Bagel, i mean the Moff and ask him how we should proceed with Mrisst. Simply accepting their declaration of neutrality seems to me like a waste of good orbital bombardement training."
he turned towards his Stormtrooper Commander a lady with the nickname Fett, owing to her Father being one of the Clone-Troopers, who married a human woman when he retired. Her observance of Mandalorian Traditions was what got her carted off to Richters command. Something unspoken passed between the two, too quick to notice by the remaining officers.
"Commander Fett."
"Captain Barbarossa."
A deathly quiet descended upon the officers mess. Sure everyone including the Captain knew his nickname, but nobody would ever dare call him that to his face.
"I would tell you to get your Stormtroopers ready, but that would be redundant, considering they have been chomping at the bit since the moment they got on my ship. Just make sure they don't shoot any of my crew until they are deployed."
"Gladly."
Again something passed between the two before Richter turned to his other officers.
"By the way, i intend to respond to that distress call, inform the escorts that they will have to fend for themselves for a few days until we return. Leftenant make a note of this and inform the Moff as to our actions.
Also, Send a message to the Captain of the Leonides, that we will take care of that distress call but that he is more than welcome to join us."
The ISD Reyna responds to the Imperial Distress call in Achillea as well, leaving behind its Escort ships to continue policing Mrisst.
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Within the Shadow of a Giant: The Tapani Sector and the Aftermath of Endor Part I
Within the Shadow of a Giant: The Tapani Sector and the Aftermath of Endor Part I
Members of the local Police arresting a pro-Rebellion rioter.
The clash between Rebel and Imperial supporters continued on Procopia as hundreds were lost due to the local security forces being unable to regain control (and even joining in supporting each side). As emergency personnel made desperate efforts to rescue those trapped by fire and destroyed buildings the fighting continued to escalate. Rocks, slugthrowers, blasters, even flaming barrels were used as weapons as thousands were soon engaged in heavy fighting, many gaining weapons from Police units who either directly joined the rioters or were simply overwhelmed.
The Leocald Opera House before it was destroyed by fire.
Moff Laird Gustavu.
As the Leocald Opera House, a multilevel building with three theaters, numerous rehearsal halls, a dance academy, and apartments for many of the performers was overrun with flames in the Historical District, Moff Laird Gustavu had enough. He personally reached out to the local police chiefs and security forces to get them organized as he ordered more emergency personnel in to help combat the raging fires within the city. As Gustavu was working on this a large group of pro-Rebel rioters arrived at both the Mecetti and Melantha Embassies and immediately assaulted the buildings, forcing the House Guards there to open fire into the crowd. Over a hundred were killed and many more wounded and many fled, however, others did not and but Guard forces suffered heavy loss as several of the rioters seemed to be well armed and trained and engaged with blasters. Just as the Embassies were able to be overrun help finally arrived.
The Star Destroyer Nista above Procopia.
Far above the planet, the Imperial I-class Star Destroyer Nista under command of Captain Garrick Versio watched as things continued to get out of control and with authority from Moff Gustavu ordered that three Stormtrooper Battalions (around 2,000 troops) along with 10 AT-ST walkers be dropped onto the planet and begin restoring order. The troopers of the 119th Legion (off the Nitsa) were reinforced with soldiers from the 997th Legion, which also deployed from their garrisons on the planet and soon thousands of Imperial Stormtroopers were on the streets, using a mix of lethal and non-lethal force. Losses skyrocketed between both pro-Imperial and pro-Rebel rioters as thousands attempted to run and get away from Imperial forces.
Stormtroopers on patrol after the end of the riots.
While the crackdown quickly squashed the riots in the streets, it would be several days before order was considered restored as Martial Law as declared across the capital. Hundreds were arrested by Imperial authorities as Stormtroopers, ISB Officers, and probe droids were used to try and locate the ringleaders of the riot, though they would find that it really was more people just gathering in groups than anything else. However here and there small groups would be identified by Imperial forces that were far more organized including two groups that called themselves "The Free People of Tapani for Reform" and another named "The Emperor's Watchmen". Several leaders of both organizations were being taken in for questioning as even more Imperial forces arrived on the planet when the full 1938th Line Regiment from Tallaan arrived on the sixth day after the riots began.
Reports also came in of hundreds of millions of credits in damages across the capital with several banks and mansions having been robbed along with damages from fires that raged for days. Also, several nobles from House Mecceti, Melantha, and House Pelagia were reported missing, having been lost in the riots when all three Embassies were assaulted. It would take a major effort to see the capital restored to what it was before the riots took place, with many hiding in fear as news of a major battle between Rebel and Imperial forces came in...
Within the Shadow of a Giant: The Tapani Sector and the Aftermath of Endor Part II
Within the Shadow of a Giant: The Tapani Sector and the Aftermath of Endor Part II
As riots were taking place on Procopia and to a lesser extent across the rest of the Sector (in Pelagia and Cadriaan space the Houses worked hard to disrupt the celebrations (as they hadn't turned into riots here) and were able to disperse the crowds with ease) a message was received in the clear from a disabled Imperial Star Destroyer. Communications were spotty at best and all anyone could ascertain was that the ship had suffered heavily while at the Battle of Endor and it seemed to be unable to leave the system. This news reached all across the sector and caused many questions on just what to do with the situation. It set in motion the first major battle within the Tapani Sector of the Galactic Civil War.
Ships were ordered to charge their engines, troops were loaded, supplies were gathered as several factions dispatched forces to the Alisandor System. As ships jumped into hyperspace, various news agencies began to report that some sources were reporting that House Mecetti were behind the efforts to disable the Star Destroyer and had failed due to the ship being owned by the Empire. Most people thought this was absurd but it did raise a few eyebrows.
Imperial command based on Tallaan reacted quickly and several forces across the Shapani Bypass from multiple directions were dispatched, with several units giving different orders. Two small squadrons based around the Destroyers Gauntlet and Razor left the Tallaan system, leaving the system without a Star Destroyer on patrol in some time. Their mission? Patrol the Shapani Bypass and make sure that no one, be it rebels, pirates, or others that tried to take advantage of the situation. From the Achillia system came the Carrack-class Light Cruiser Inquisitive and Lancer-class Frigate Overwatch under direct command of Captain Tallarn of the Leonides along with several shuttles, loaded down with supplies, replacement parts, and engineers. It was from Mrlsst however that the largest force would be dispatched in the form of the Imperial I-class Star Destroyer Renya under command of Captain Friedrich Richter as well as being the closest to the Alisandor System.
A ship of the Barnaba Fleet
The Imperials were not the only ones that were dispatching forces, as major portions of the House Barnaba Fleet were mobilized and sent towards the stricken Star Destroyer. It was a couple days journey for these two forces to arrive, having to first jump into the Mrlsst system and past the Imperial patrols there, as well as entering Mrlsst space, which having not informed the Mrlsst Government that they were doing so cause some concerns on Mrlsst over their arrival in their space, fortunately, they continued on their way and did not cause problems.
It was from Fondor however the largest response came. Under command of Admiral Narlock Terce, a Mon Calamari who had been fighting the Empire for the last four years, the Rebel Alliance saw the opportunity to strike a lasting blow against the Empire. Mobilizing a strong task force Admiral Terce headed into hyperspace hoping to catch the Imperials off guard before they could respond. A countdown now began as these forces raced to help or destroy the ship that hoped to just survive.
*******************
Captain Tanda Pryl was paced back and forth across the bridge of the Thunderflare as she watched several techs attempt to repair the communication systems that had blown when their hyperdrive had shut down and stranded them within the Alisandor system. "Any word from Commander Brant?"
"Last word was they had found some supplies at the local spaceport, though they had to shoot a couple Bothans to get the supplies." Lieutenant Sedric replied, looking up from the communications system he was working on.
"Stupid Bothans should know better." Pryl shook her head as she nodded and resumed her pacing. She had sent the Commander down with a detachment of Stormtroopers to see if they could gain any useful spies to fix the ship from the locals, and while they had some it looked like they would have to wait for forces within the sector to help them. "How soon until they return?"
"About an hour ma'am."
"Fine Fine." Pryl stopped her pacing and let out the softest of sighs so that no one could hear her. How did it come to this?
The Thunderflare had been assigned the vaunted Death Squadron of Lord Vader and tasked with defending the Second Death Star above the forest moon of Endor. They should have been unstoppable. Should have been... yet they weren't. Pryl relived watching the Super Star Destroyer Executor crash into the outer skin of the massive space station, causing chaos across the Fleet. She cursed inwards as she received the orders from Captain Gilad Pellaeon ordering the retreat and instead of following him had decided to return towards the Elrood Sector. That was until their systems began to shut down and a Rebel task force had been reported in the area she was heading.
"Tallaan is now our only hope" Pryl thought as she starred outside of the viewports along the bridge.
"Captain! Sensors are picking up a ship exiting out of hyperspace!"
Pryl ran over to the screen, wondering if they were relieved or about to be in a battle for their very lives.. again.
***************
The Imperial-class Star Destroyer Renya under Captain Friedrich Richter dropped out of hyperspace after a thirty-three hour trip within the blue and white confines of hyperspace. They would find the Thunderflare "orbiting" the blue-green planet of Alisandor with several squadrons of TIE/In Starfighters on patrol. Signals were quickly established between the two ships as the Renya launched her own fighters for protection along with sending over several Lambda shuttles loaded down with supplies. The crew of the Thunderflare rejoiced as the shuttle touched down, their ordeal seemingly at an end.
Now began the monumental task of repairing the heavily damaged warship as the engineers from the Renya worked feverishly alongside their compatriots to get the ship able to return to hyperspace and the safety of Tallaan. For eight long hours, the engineers and damage control experts worked together to try and get the ship repaired enough to enter hyperspace, as shuttles returned from the surface of the planet with more supplies from the locals. Just as the engineers reported that the ship would be able to once more enter into hyperspace within the hour several ships exited out of hyperspace from the opposite direction the Renya had arrived. Cheers erupted from the crews as word spread that more help had arrived... that was until the klaxons began blaring and an announcement was broadcasted "Rebel ships entering the system prepare for battle!". Admiral Terce and the Rebel Fleet from Fondor had arrived.
The Rebel Fleet deploying.
Alliance Command based on Fondor had decided to send out a strong strike force to hit the Imperial forces, with the hope of nabbing the Star Destroyer for themselves. However, when probe droids dispatched before the arrival of the Task Force reported two Star Destroyers in the system Admiral Terce shifted his mission to one of destruction and deployed his ships accordingly. The Battle of Alisandor was on.
Admiral Terce ordered his heavier ships, which consisted of the MC-80-class Star Cruiser Ocean's Dream and the recently defected Star Destroyer Dauntless under command of Captain Ven Kessler to move towards the very operational Renya while he directed the Victory-class Star Destroyer Interceptor and her two Dreadnaught-class Heavy Cruiser cohorts against the Thunderflare as the other seventeen ships of the Task Force deployed as a screen as a horde of starfighters launched from rebel decks. TIE Fighters and TIE Interceptors headed into battle as X-Wings, A-Wings, Y-Wings, and even Z-95 Headhunters engaged as the blue and green bolts of laser fire crisscrossed the space between the two forces.
Fortunately for the Imperial forces, the Thunderflare still had her sublight engines, which she quickly engaged and began to head away from the incoming Rebels while the Renya moved alongside her providing mutual fire support. Admiral Terce ordered his smaller and faster ships to move away from escort duty and to move ahead of the Imperial ships, hoping to box them in with two CR-90 Corvettes and two DP-20 Gunships dispatched. Both Captain Richter and Pryl saw this and quickly ordered several squadrons of TIE Bombers to break off their attacks on the main rebel forces and head for those ships, escorted by a full Interceptor squadron. Of course, the Rebels didn't take too kindly to this and ordered their two A-Wing squadrons to speed ahead to try and take out the bombers, which saw a mixture of success with them disrupting the bombers runs but not before several torpedoes broke the DP-20 Gunship Consular in half.
TIE Bombers attacking the Rebel Fleet.
Engineers aboard the Thunderflare worked as fast as they could to finish their work on the hyperdrive as Rebel Y-Wings and TIE Bombers made runs across the two Imperial ships, attempting to disable or just destroy them before they could get away. The already damaged Thunderflare began to sustain more damage as turbolaser blasts began to penetrate her hull and shields. The Imperials, however, were not without their own successes as the pair of one of the most feared classes in the Imperial Navy returned blow for blow against the Rebel ships with both the Dauntless and the Interceptor receiving moderate damage in return.
Alas, it would be the overwhelming Rebel numbers that would be the downfall of the mighty Thunderflare. Captain Pryl was screaming at her engineers to get the hyperdrive fixed when a pair of Y-Wing Bombers piloted by brother and sister Yeya and Slev Oloni made their run on the ship and sent two torpedoes into the engineering section of the ship, causing great losses and systems to overload and explode. The ship began to groan as the overworked engines began to seize up, with Captain Pryl immediately recognizing that the battle was lost and ordered her crew to abandon ship and get to the Renya.
Shuttles and escape pods launched out from the ship as the desperate Imperial fighter squadrons worked to keep away the Rebels long enough to allow as many shuttles and pods to be recovered or simply jump into hyperspace. It took a few moments for Admiral Terce to realize what was happening, which allowed for thousands of Imperial crewmen and troopers to be rescued before the Rebels switched their fire to just the Renya. Captain Richter, now wishing to lose his own ship ordered the surviving starfighters to land immediately and as the last one touched down ordered the ship to jump into hyperspace leaving the battered wreck of the Thunderflare behind.
The remains of the Thunderflare.
The Rebels had won a great victory and it seemed had captured a heavily damaged but repairable Star Destroyer. As Admiral Terce ordered shuttles to begin heading towards the ship, however, he received intelligence from the many probe droids and possibly other sources sent that a large Imperial force had left Tallaan and Achillea and were most certainly heading towards their current location. Faced with this information the Admiral ordered his ships to pound the defenseless ship for a good ten minutes, rendering it a complete and utter wreck as they rescued what pods they could before jumping back into hyperspace themselves headed back towards Fondor and safely.
It would be a close cut thing for the Rebel forces getting back to Fondor as they entered the Lamuir System but an hour before the Gauntlet and the Razor arrived in the system along with their escorts, the Rebel forces getting away by the skin of their teeth. The small fleet of Lamuir was wise enough not to engage the Rebel force, knowing they would be helpless against their numbers and perhaps secretly wishing them along their way. None the less the fighting between Imperial and Rebel were over for now.
Back in the Alisandor System, the House Barnaba Task Force would arrive about twenty hours after the end of the fighting and found the wreck of the Thunderflare along with many surviving escape pods floating around as several transports were seen picking them up and heading to the planet. The Barnabians would immediately bean to assist in recovery operations and thousands more of the Empire's finest would be saved. It was this situation that the Imperials from Tallaan found when they arrived in the system a day later.
A battle had been fought and a blow struck against the Empire for the Rebellion, as House Barnaba had their ships full of shell-shocked Imperials, with more on the planet and some now prisoners of the Rebellion. How would this battle translate across the rest of the sector? Well that remained to be seen.
+++MESSAGE TRANSMITTED TO THE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF TALLANI SHIPYARDS (@Artificial Girl)+++
+++EYES ONLY (SECRET)+++
+++SUBJECT: SHIP PURCHASE+++
Director,
We hope that this message finds you well; the Mrlsst Defense Forces are seeking to expend their capabilities in light of the recent hostilities conducted within Freeworlds space. The Council has approved the expansion of the defense force and has therefore increased the Defense Force budget. To that end, we would like to order the following:
We can arrange for down payment, with additional payments to be made as necessary. If this order goes well, we anticipate the potential of requiring more vessels in the future; we would also like to discuss exclusive contracts for the major overhauls and supplies for the Mrlsst Defense Force, as well as paying extra to accelerate construction and delivery.
We await your response.
Alterii Presh, Secretary to Commodore Acerri Vrand
+++END TRANSMISSION+++
+++TRANSMISSION TO HOUSE BARNABA (@FPSlover)+++
+++CC: HIS Majesty's Appointed Sector Moff (@Faust)+++
To the esteemed House Barnaba, this is Executive Councilwoman Canady Perfin.
On the behalf of the Mrlssti Ruling Council, I am issuing a formal protest over the passage of your warfleet through Freeworlds and Mrlssti space without receiving prior permission from either the Ruling Council or the members of the Freeworlds League. Additionally, I am requesting His Imperial Majesty's representative dissuade you from further violating Mrlssti space. We will not stop the transit of your fleet through Mrlssti space on their return to Barnaba; however, we request, in the strongest possible terms, that you submit a request to the Mrlssti Ruling Council prior to any future border crossings.
We realize that tensions are currently high; however, that does not allow the Houses license to send their warships where ever they wish.
Additionally, hope you understand our objections; we do not seek conflict with our neighbors and hope that the lack of notification was a tragic oversight.
