Nar Shaddaa

[Beck Pilon]

Major Beck Pilon stood onboard the bridge of the Misericordia and looked out over the planet of Nar Shaddaa and all of it's hunger and lust for life that was obvious to anyone, including those that held no understanding of the Force. Beck stood with his own black cape hanging over his white dressed top and black pants and boots. His own face was one of pondering as he thought about what sort of urgency was given to the Head of State to have such a quick recall from everyone on the surface.

[Beck Pilon]

Beck looked back to see an Imperial Knight arrive on the bridge to bring a prisoner to Empress Raven. He immediately took that as his signal to take his leave of the Misericordia and instead go to the Fiat Lux to command her for whatever Raven had planned. He quietly walked up near her and informed her in a soft tone that he could be found on the Fiat Lux as he would command her until further notice. He then gave a slight bow and turned to leave the bridge and head for his own ship, Heaven's Taint to take him to the other Star Destroyer. Upon arriving, he made his presence known to the bridge.

 

"I am now taking command of the Fiat Lux, we need to make sure that we are ready for whatever the Empress will wish us to do. Check all systems, and alert all commands."

[Beck Pilon]

Lights. Blurs of light. It was all that Beck could see. He wasn’t even sure if he had his eyes open to begin with, yet he knew somehow. His own movements seemed fluid to him, like there was a weight, but very subtle and not strong enough to actually prohibit him from doing anything. There was a slightly muted beep or two off to his right. That was the only clue he needed to know that he was emerging from a tank of some sort. A sudden shiver ran down his spine that forced his body into constant movement, which resulted in the start of the emergent process. The light blurs grew brighter, forcing Beck to lock his eyes shut temporally.

 

He hit the floor somewhat hard, face first. He was cold, wet and slightly sticky and slimy all at the same time. There was a rush sound of feet towards him as he was quickly wrapped in a towel or robes of some sorts. He himself quickly used the edges of it to wipe whatever was on his eyes away and slowly tried to see what he was looking at. Faces.

 

He recognized some, but not all. The one who held the highest rank insignia was Commander Monilar. The olive skin color with the matching jet-black hair and eyes made him stick out like a red rose against a white wall. He was the second in command of the ship, Misericordia. Admiral Illein was the commanding officer.

 

“Where am I?”

 

It was the most direct command that he could give that would allow for him to come to terms with what he needed to do. It was Commander Monilar who spoke. “Sir, you’re in the cloning chambers in The Institute, which is the Revanchist Imperial Academy on Nar Shaddaa. It’s the only location that was deemed safe after Kaut…”

 

“I want a full report within the hour. Allow for me to get dressed, then I want all commanding officers to be prepared to give their report in whatever meeting room is available to us. Dismissed.”

 

Beck didn’t wait for those in the room to leave, he began to dry himself off and moved to get dressed in his best uniform. He needed to find out what happened, and where they currently stand. More importantly… where their Empress was and if she was safe.

[Beck Pilon]

Beck didn’t really waste time. He walked into the meeting room designated for this meeting, clad in a weird mix of uniforms. His top was the white uniform piece, while his pants were the grey colored ones. It was all mixed together with a black belt, boots and black cape. He was accompanied into the room by Commander Monilar, who seemed to be nervous, or scared. Beck couldn’t tell, and he really didn’t care at the moment. Now was not the time for fear or nerves. He quickly took his seat and looked at everyone in the room.

 

“Remove your fear. There is no place for it here. We have a single Star Destroyer, the Misericordia, to which Commander Monilar informs me that Admiral Illein resigned his post in light of the loss at Kuat…”

 

Beck allowed for those words to sink in before he continued with the men.

 

“… I want to make it very clear. I don’t want any officers like that. We have been handed a defeat. The first of many to come. But are we not Imperials? We do not tarry at the first defeat that comes our way. We stand tall.”

 

Beck looked around to see everyone in the room. He made sure that his eyes locked with everyone at least for a few seconds before he continued on.

 

“Now… We are here to figure out our next move. I want reports.”

[Beck Pilon]

Beck lowered his head upon hearing all of those of a command status give their reports. It was a sad day, that the Imperial Remnant is now broken and without their Empress. They would have to be careful in moving forward. He looked down at the table for a long moment before looking up directly at Captain Tallin.

 

"No Moffs have reported back in yet. For the moment, we're all that's left of command."

 

Beck choose to let his words hang for a moment before moving on. It was for dramatics, but rather to let the weight sink in that they were dealt a heavy blow.

 

"There has been no word on the Empress. I don't believe that the Axis forces were that fool hardy to have killed her there. We must double our efforts in trying to track her down. All tech crews should be put on double duty until they can find a way to boost our signals and slice into the Sith comm channels. Otherwise... Tallin, accept the rank of Colonel and you may begin your efforts to train up new squads and find us a better place to put our roots down. You may may be dismissed and begin immediately."

 

Beck then stood up to let the others know that there was nothing more to be said or done. Until someone of a higher rank emerges, he would be the leader. It wasn't something that he desired at all. He would much rather have the Empress back. So until such a time, he would make every effort to find her and bring her back home. As he stood, he moved to the side and actually used his hand to signal for RG-126 to come forward. After he did so, Beck leaned in to speak to him.

 

"Do not fret over your performance. We were outgunned, outmatched, and outplayed. The Sith came in with the intent of ending the Imperial Remnant. But even in defeat, there are chances to learn and grow. They handed us a defeat, but the Empire always strikes back. Our time will come. In due time, I want you to help train our commandos."

[Beck Pilon]

Beck watched as the newly minted Imperial Commando trainer walk out of the room. It was good to know that others also felt the strong sense of convictions to the Empire. But because of those convictions, it meant that Beck would have to work twice as hard to keep the in line until they could locate and recuse their Empress. Turning towards Commander Monilar, he offered his final order within the meeting room.

 

"Commander, go and oversee our intelligence unit. I want them to find anything possible about the Empress. But I will also happily take any news on the whereabouts of the Moffs. Don't report in unless you have something to report. Dismissed."

 

The Admiral turned and looked out the viewport. The world of Nar Shaddaa was indeed a planet that seemed odd for the Imperial Remnant to stage a reformation at. The ships that moved from space to surface, the flickering lights of the planet itself, it all brought up a sense of a rundown wannabe Coruscant. Letting out a sigh, Beck relaxed himself and stared down at the floor. We are far from being a mighty Empire...

[Beck Pilon]

Admiral Beck sat behind his desk with the viewport of Nar Shaddaa to his back. His own mind was frantic and full of ideas that were giving him a headache as he looked over many holo-reports and other elements of the recent Battle of Kuat. Deep down, he blamed himself for the loss there, which he felt was directly related to having his Empress lost to the forces of the Axis fleets. Letting out a very loud sigh, he pushed a report away from his sight in an attempt to regain his own mind back from the slavery he had now put it in. It was at that moment that his door buzzed, followed by Commander Monilar walking through the door and gave a bow. It was the first time he had done so, as it was protocol to wait to enter unless he had urgent news. Because of this, Beck straighten up.

 

"Admiral... I have two very urgent pieces of news for you. The first is less pressing. The Jedi have assembled on Borleias and have made an open declaration to help rescue the Empress to anyone wanting to help. The second is much more important... our intelligence may have located the Empress..."

 

The final words perked up Beck to the point of where he suddenly found himself standing up. Looking away into the distance, he thought upon what exactly could all of this mean? But the thought was quickly dismissed as he was an Admiral of the Imperial Remnant. He was the leadership for the moment. Looking back into the eyes of Commander Monilar, he was direct and ready.

 

"Prepare Heaven's Taint for departure to Borleias. I want two intelligence officers to travel with me. Also... notify RG-126 to have a squad ready to leave within the hour... We're going to bring our Empress home."

[Beck Pilon]

Beck arrived at the dock where Heaven's Taint stood ready. Commander Monilar had followed him out to the docks to see him off, and Beck thanked him for his work and gave him marching orders to follow until his own arrival back. He then boarded his own ship where two intelligence officers stood ready for him to give him the full run down, along with RG-126 and his squad, ready for the mission. As the ship lifted and took off, Beck gave only a slight word of encouragement before the ship blasted into hyperspace towards Borleias.

 

"Oaths we have made for the Empire. Today, we will fulfill them all."

 

And with that, the ship was well on its way.

[Beck Pilon]

Heaven’s Taint moved rather quickly through the air, avoiding everything that it could under the direct orders from Admiral Beck Pilon, who was currently propping himself up in a chair with a few wounds from the small engagement of Mandalorians within the naval base. The med droid did what it could as Beck looked around to see the overall atmosphere of the group. It was deflated, but not defeated. Sad, but not mournful. Pained but far from broken. He felt within his own chest a sense of a feeling, one that wanted to be sad, yet not strong enough to do anything other than be known. 

 

Flashes from turbolasers and shields filled his vision as he looked out at what lay before him. It didn’t feel like defeat, yet it felt like an end. What that exactly meant was still unclear to him. A small poke from the droid made him annoyed again and yanked his arm away from the droid. “That’s enough from you. I’m stable, go shut down somewhere until you’re actually needed. Lieutenant- brings us about four degrees. Signal the Constantine. Last datafiles are away and secure. After that, let’s head to the rendezvous.”

 

The Admiral then stood up and took a hard long look out the view port, wondering what was truly next for everyone, including himself. After about a minute, he turned and walked towards his own quarters to rest until their arrival at the rendezvous point. 

[Beck Pilon]

Beck had quickly found himself back on the bridge on his own personal ship, after orders to help get escape pods had been issued. The admiral stood at the center, watching everything before him wishing to be on a Star Destroyer instead. The comm station was going crazy, the Misercordia lay before them, almost adrift. Beck knew without any hesitation as the orders to search and help locate the Empress that she was most likely already a victim of this battle. Something rose within his own stomach, like a wave of energy. It wasn't fear, worry or even sadness. It was an understanding that things had indeed changed. The future had changed. It was happening now before him. 

 

"Sir- another escape pod, no lifeforms. They seem to be jettisoning out even if they don't have anyone, or have single occupants... Do we pursue and get them?" The admiral looked at the holodisplay and saw the formation of the battle. The movement of the ships. They spoke to him in ways others may not realize. It was all due to his training as a clone so many years prior. His own eyes focused in for a long second before shouting. 

 

"Belay those orders. Withdraw us to a safe position away from the Misercordia. Single occupant escape pods are traitors- we will not rescue anyone who did not wait for others. Get us on the Constantine- NOW!" Without another word, Beck turned and left the bridge of his personal ship. Now, more than ever, his Empire that he served for so long needed him. 

[Beck Pilon]

Explosions rocked the ship left and right, up and down as it attempted to reach the Constantine before the full on destruction of the Misercordia engulfed it. A quick response from the pilot avoided the initial blast and the Admiral screamed out loudly - "DIVE!" Heaven's Taint dove rapidly in the evasion of everything raining down upon the destruction of the Misercordia which now engulfed the Constantine. Beck moved from the center towards the comm station to observe what the next move was. As he did so, another officer tripped attempting to move from one side of the bridge to another. Clearly someone else who did not have the seasoned legs of a naval officer. Putting his hand upon him to push him further towards where he was attempting to go, Beck then leaned in to see the holodisplay of the battle. It took him around four seconds to spot what he was looking for. 

 

"Ah, there's my girl! Captain, bring us home to Fiat Lux. Lieutenant Froxx, open a channel." Beck stood up now instead of leaning over. "Commander Jorhan, turn to cover the fleet. Begin Tooka Protocol. Authorization Green Omega Delta. Upon my arrival, turn and get all survivors out of the system. and defend them." Beck turned to stand behind Captain Ghrol as he piloted to ship towards his baby girl, Fiat Lux. He smiled at seeing her again, and knew that he would never depart her again. "Signal the rest of the allied forces Lieutenant Froxx, begin retreat now. Only senior officers over my station are allowed to disregard those orders. I want all remaining allied forces safely out of this system now! This fight is done. Those that wish to remain may rally to the Fiat Lux."

 

Beck looked for a moment at the holodisplay, which showed no civilian transports remaining, only naval fleet. They had done their part and fought the good fight. Many of his own colleagues had died in the battle, including Raven. The one whom he followed since Denton. Now, he was unsure of whom was in charge of the naval fleets. He only knew that there was a chance someone else may attempt to make the fight. But it would not be him. He was content in his position and his role. And now as the things he once knew so well burned around him, he would survive. He would carry on the Imperial legacy no matter who stood over him, of that he was sure. 

 

Upon Heaven's Taint landing on Fiat Lux, there was a confirmation from Commander Jorhan that the crew made in onboard. It took Beck about three minutes exactly to get to the bridge.  As he did, he scanned the room and a shout was made. "Admiral on Deck." Those that were able to afford it turned to stand a salute, to which the Admiral quickly waved them off. "Remain at your stations. Bring up a list of those smaller ships still collecting escape pods. Have them pull away from Misercordia and focus in on Constantine and it's survivors. Rally point for all planet side to get airborne." Beck watched as a Sith war ship turned and blasted into hyperspace. His own face narrowed at the sight. "Do we have anyone on other ships still? Who is in command on the naval operations? Is Slaughter still out here?" These were all questions that he was expecting answers for quickly. He needed to know what the next course of action was. 

Edited June 7, 2022 by Beck Pilon
Adjustment s

[Beck Pilon]

Beck observed many ships faltering here and there with decisions. He understood it all too well. He wasn't sure whom he would have followed had he not lived long enough to see many war torn factions come and burn without any hesitation. The constant fight remained. The Admiral turned as the comm officer began to report what he already knew. The Ancillary Justice was standing to fight. He raised an eyebrow as he looked back towards the holodisplay of the current battle raging on.

 

"Open a comm, all allied forces to link up to the channel." Beck moved back towards the main point on the bridge of the Fiat Lux and looked out at what was before him. "Attention allied forces. If your ship has suffered loss of functions or damaged shields, retreat. We will not waste away resources so easily now. Smaller ships are to find escape pods if able. If you have strength, form up with Ancillary Justice and take on Raven's Bane. Drive the Sith from the system. At this stage of the game, seniority outranks any rank. Get a confirmation on Admiral Slaughter's status. His orders stand over anyone else. Until you hear otherwise, he's the acting fleet command." 

 

Beck signaled to cut the open comm to the entire fleet so that his next words would be only for his crew on Fiat Lux. "Move us to angle next to Ancillary Justice so that we can cut off any fire on escaping ships. Also call up whatever fighters we have to aid in taking on the Black Scarab. If we can bring down those two beasts today, it will be a great victory in my personal opinion." With ships beginning to retreat on both sides, now that major losses have been handed out on both sides, Beck felt it was the time of the allied forces to make a mark. Taking down the two major ships of the Sith forces would bring forth a moral victory that everyone needed. 

 

"Inform the commander of Ancillary Justice to flank more right, that will give better cover to ships leaving and protect their shields from a straight up fight."

[Beck Pilon]

Admiral Beck stood upon the bridge of the Fiat Lux and watched as the Raven's Bane turned rapidly and left after it's broadcast. Its message was a clear one, and one that many had already feared within the Imperial Navy. Pulling in a heavy breath and readjusted his shirt. After doing so he was able to release his breath that he held in. There was no point in searching for the fallen Empress. His commander, the one whom he followed orders outside of the Avatar Kain and Emperor Denton, had perished within the fleet battle over the once Hutt controlled space. His own eyes narrowed as he looked out the viewport to the battle still before him. Taking two more steps forward towards the front of the viewport, he steadied his own voice as he spoke. 

 

"Reset- all allied ships to target Black Scarab. Have Ancillary Justice line up with us for a full on assault. Every Ship needs to merge to aid Gerrera, L’ouverture, Breachmaker, and Vigilant in their stand against Black Scarab." Beck lifted his head ever so slightly at the site of the Super Star Destroyer in the distance from the bridge of the Fiat Lux. The move was purely out of spite. Never will I ever have any part of my Imperial navy cower under these circumstances. He saw from the corner of his eyes the look of hesitation from some of the bridge crew. "We're part of the Imperial navy. This was our home base. The last thing invaders will see and hear is the sound of an Imperial Star Destroyer coming to take them head on. Ready all turbolasers, octuple barbette turbolasers and ion cannons to strike hard and true at the Scarab. Today, we make them run." 

[Beck Pilon]

Beck watched for a moment in horror as the quick reports of the battle came flying in rapidly. "Report-red alert, the Kalidor initiated a self destruct." The very words had the admiral turn his head with eyes glaring sharply at the comm officer, whom he hoped was wrong. The holodisplay almost immediately confirmed the action by initiating a warning blar to pull away from the Kalidor. Is the Rebel Admiral mad? He couldn't believe the situation, and he sure wouldn't have any other time to focus upon it. More alarms blared as the Black Scarab began to thrust forward in a downward motion. 

 

"HOLD- don't bring us any closer into blast range of the Kalidor, we need to fo-SITH SPIT!" The words were an echo of what quickly transpired before him. The Kalidor put the incoming defending ships in a bad position to help against the Scarab due to its current state. Because of it, the Scarab took a nose dive towards the planet, wanting to do full damage as he was sure it's commander wanted to perform the action all along. All Beck Pilon could do was stand upon his bridge and watch. He stood there for a long moment, almost on the verge of shaking fully with anger, his own body began to feel doleful. Unable to fully watch what the Scarab was doing, he focused instead on the Kalidor. A heat slowly filled his body which emanated from his chest. What the actual hell was he thinking?! It was a thought that held his attention for far too long, and it replayed over and over within his mind rent free. After a good two minutes passed, there was a cough from the lieutenant who stood beside him. Female, blonde and wearing a rebel uniform. She must have quickly assigned during the chaos. He wondered how many others had been mixed from each side due to the quick nature of the attack. Regaining composure, he turned and looked around at those serving on the bridge.

 

"Open comm to all allied forces.... This is Admiral Beck. Begin clean up of the sector. Pursue any remaining enemy ships and rescue all escape pods. Once that is done... all ships are to proceed to the rendezvous point..." He stood for a moment, thinking upon if that was all he should say. He glanced over at the comm officer who was awaiting his command to shut it down when he decided he couldn't leave it like that. But he truly did not know what to say. He was at a loss for words himself, much like he was sure the rest of them were. He turned to face the officer directly as he spoke. HIs words were firm, though without direct point. "We rebuild from here. Your stations and service today will be recorded. Your valor marked. The gumption that makes you all naval personnel has won the day. Jump once you've finished your assignment. Our fight here is done. Admiral Beck Out."

 

He then turned and looked at the female lieutenant next to him. "Scan the escape pods and shuttles from the Kalidor for Admiral Slaughter. Once his status is confirmed, we join the rest of the fleet." He then turned and marched himself to sit within the command chair, letting himself fully sink into it. Today was hell. His own arm was still burning slightly from his encounter with the Mandalorians on the surface, and now to lose many others in the battle. Empress Raven, Admiral Kolchak and maybe even Admiral Slaughter... He wasn't sure if he could handle any more. For now, he would tend to what he could do most effectively. Command the Fiat Lux.

Edited June 22, 2022 by Beck Pilon

[Beck Pilon]

Beck let out a massive sigh as TIE's moved across the viewport, dragging with cables escape pods and other items of value to bring it all onboard the Fiat Lux. He had received the report over Admiral Slaughter being recovered and in a state of healing. He would live, but no clues as to a timetable on full recovery. He remained seated within his command chair, for the first time in a long time. Normally he would walk the deck, but since the amount of devastation and wreckage that took place, he felt his own presence wasn't needed to breathe down the necks of every man serving. They knew their duty and what was required of them. 

 

The blonde rebel officer came up to him and gave a slight salute. He glanced over at her, seeing her actual rank of lieutenant before he returned the salute. "... What's your name and story?" She hesitated at the response. "Umm sir, wouldn't you rather have the report?" The Admiral slowly shook his head before sitting more upright. "No. Too much bad news. Give me something that's neutral at best." She looked at the Admiral then towards the comm officer a few times before she cleared her throat. "My name is Lilla Rurn. I'm from Corellia. I grew up always wanting to serve the galaxy the best way I could. Admiral Starlisk and Slaughter were some of my many heroes growing up. Inspired me really." Beck turned and snapped at someone on the deck to come closer. 

 

"Bring some drinks - not alcohol, for everyone on the bridge right now." He then turned back towards lieutenant Rurn. "How long did it take you get in service and how did you end up with us?" The girl slightly bounced her head and shoulders as she did her best to recall all of the information that would be relevant. "I was at the academy for around 3 years before I was assigned to a ship. I honestly don't remember the name. I got grounded because half the crew failed on it's last run. Been planetside for a long while, I would say ever since the joint partnership happened between us and the Imperials. I was about to change branch into something more tactical when the evacuation was called. SInce I wasn't assigned anywhere, I was low priority to get to a ship, but I was asked to help load some items onto the Fiat Lux... and I kinda just wandered my way up to the bridge..." 

 

Beck looked at her with an eyebrow raised. It was a move he would have expected from someone eager within the Imperial ranks to have done. But never through a different organization entirely. There was suddenly a tension on the bridge, and he was well aware of it. He didn't have to look around to figure it out either. "So technically you're not supposed to be here and could get court martialed for this?" Lilla Rurn looked down and slowly nodded her head. He looked down himself and let out another heavy sigh. The weight of everything came crashing down on his mind. He glanced up to look out the viewport and let out a smaller sigh. "What are the reports you have for me?" 

 

She looked up for a second, confusion all over her face. With shaky hands, she lifted the datapad, but when the Admiral didn't reach for it, she lifted it further to read it herself. "The last of the Mandalorians who attacked the surface have left the system. Rumors have it that many of the Mandalorians who were even on our side have begun to leave the system entirely. And while it's not confirmed, first reports are that the entire Sith fleet has withdrawn..." She slowly put the datapad down and awaited the Admiral's response, to which she now dreaded. He simply looked out the viewport and gave a few slow nods at the report. 

 

"How many more escape pods?" She gave a shrug before looking back at the sensor station, to which the officer there quickly sent to her datapad the numbers. "About 19 still not recovered." Beck then stood up and looked at her. "Very well. Let's wrap this whole situation up. When the drinks arrive, make sure everyone gets one." He then began to walk towards the front of the bridge to look out the viewport. Rurn looked around again. "That's it then?" Beck never once looked back, knowing full well what she was asking. "Under the circumstances, there is no one to report you to. I don't trust the system to begin with. If you were within the Imperial ranks, I would have congratulated you for the attempt of bravery to make such a bold move. Since we are an allied force for the moment, I will report that you got stuck on our ship during the evacuation and I asked for your help on the bridge. Is that satisfactory for you?" Beck then turned around and looked at her directly. "Unless you'd rather transfer over to the Imperial navy? I could always use personnel that carries such chutzpah."

 

Lilla Rurn gave a smile and looked down for a quick second before looking back up. "I think that I could have a decision for you upon our arrival at the rendezvous point." Beck gave a quick nod in response. "Alright then. Finish up the reports, and lets get those final escape pods in. Send out the reports to the rest of the fleet. Prepare the Fiat Lux for the jump upon completion of cleaning up the area." The Admiral returned to looking out the viewport and observing first hand at the clean process. Soon he would have to rebuild the entire imperial navy personnel again. He would much rather do that then working with the politicians. For now, he would make sure that the entire system was clear and ready before he would meet up with whatever of his peers were still left alive, if any. 

[Beck Pilon]

Standing with hands clasped behind his back watching the last few ships make their jump, Admiral Pilon stood in the center of the walkway that broke the pit crew on the bridge. His white topped uniform stood out amongst the grey of the bridge, making it very easy to spot him. The space over Nar Shaddaa had been cleared of enemy forces. The disaster of the Scarab crashing into the planet had already been done. And now the corner of his own eye spotted Lilla Rurn walking towards him, most likely bringing news that the last of the escape pods had been recovered. His brown eyes locked on her as she made a more direct path towards him. He shifted ever so slightly to face her. "All pods have been recovered Admiral. No ships outside of fleet ones remain, and many others have already jumped. Fiat Lux is ready for her next journey."

 

He let out a very small exhale of breath before responding. "And the wreckage?" Lilla slowly shook her head. "No scans of survivors yet. We'll have to wait until after everything settles." He let out another breath, one that came from his chest. "All right then. Prepare the ship to leave. There is nothing left here for us at the moment. Recall all TIEs and do one last sweep, then we can jump." Beck pushed past her for a moment, heading back towards the command chair, only to stop and turn around to address the bridge before sitting down. "I'm proud of you guys. This was hell and will leave a mark on everyone mentally. Upon arrival at the rendezvous, everyone is getting two weeks leave before new orders will be issued." He then sat down and held up his hand, signalling for them to finish his orders. He then watched his crew move with the precision and order that he had trained them to do. And within the hour, the Fiat Lux was in hyperspace and away from the planet.