Simple execution (IV)
The exit from hyperspace presented itself with an unnaturally mesmerizing allure. There was something profoundly captivating about effortlessly breaking the light-speed barrier, a phenomenon that on my homeworld would have left any physicist awestruck and desperate for a glimpse inside a hyperdrive. And beneath the sleek exterior of this technology lies the solar ionization reactor, a marvel in itself, providing not just the energy needed for a jump but powering the Star Destroyer's systems with a surplus to spare.
During the time the Storm Hawk spent traversing hyperspace, I had the opportunity to fully prepare for the summit ahead.
Nez Peron is situated in sector O-5, within the star system that bears the same name in the D'Astan sector. This sector stands as a prime example of how industrial magnates and aristocracy can transform a mere patch of space into an immensely profitable enterprise.
In effect, the sector functions as a small, self-sufficient empire. It boasts a colossal merchant fleet that has long catered to the Imperial Remnants, fulfilling orders for the construction of freighters and bulk carriers—massive starships so large that a Star Destroyer could be easily stowed within their cavernous holds.
The sector is governed by the noble D'asta family, an aristocratic lineage led by Imperial Baron Ragez D'asta. The Baron was once a prominent member of the Imperial Ruling Council, though in recent years, he has distanced himself from interstellar affairs, entrusting these responsibilities to his daughter.
Ragez D'asta is wealthy enough to maintain a private fleet of warships—the largest of its kind in the galaxy. This fleet is not only formidable but also meticulously organized. The Baron is a staunch supporter of Imperial traditions, though, thankfully, he is only a moderate xenophobe. He does not harbor disdain for individuals based solely on their skin color, hair, eyes, the number of limbs, scales, tails, or fur. If a sentient being proves useful, they are welcome to serve—even if their species is among those not held in high regard across the galaxy.
Currently, Baron Ragez D'asta continues to express his allegiance to the Imperial cause by supplying food and transport ships, even as the government on Orinda has, year after year, demonstrated its incompetence and insatiable thirst for power. Nevertheless, the Baron recognizes the Imperial Ruling Council as the legitimate authority. However, he refrains from campaigning or taking military action against other Imperial factions. Despite commanding a force equivalent to several sector fleets of the New Republic, the Baron has chosen not to offer his ships to any of the Empire's military leaders, preferring instead to focus on business considerations. The Imperials both fear and respect him, which is why his daughter has been entrusted with such a high-ranking position.
A logical question arises: with such military power at his disposal, why hasn't he attempted to reclaim a few sectors from the New Republic? The answer lies in the composition of his private fleet. It lacks a substantial number of capital ships. The fleet's strength is concentrated in numerous corvettes and frigates. Moreover, in the same year that Palpatine and Vader met their demise, one of the Imperial admirals secured the Baron's support and received several cruisers to launch an assault on the Republic's shipyards. Despite the Imperial victory, the Baron's ships did not return; they were destroyed by the enemy, greatly diminishing his prestige. Rumors circulated that this loss of power was the real reason he stepped down from the Imperial Ruling Council. But I suspect that the truth behind such a radical decision is far more complex. Perhaps, in my upcoming meeting with the Baron, I will uncover this mystery—and, with luck, forge a full-fledged alliance.
Given the Baron's pro-Imperial stance, a potential strategy presents itself: "I will defeat our common enemies—if you provide the funding." Whether this approach will succeed is uncertain, but without attempting it, we'll never know.
Especially now, after the success of our raid on Nklonn and the bounty we claimed, the specter of financial ruin no longer looms so ominously. If only Pellaeon knew the tempest of emotions that raged within me when he reported the Judicator's mission results. But I had to remain impassive, playing my role with such skill that even Stanislavsky would have reconsidered his famous dictum.
The victory at Nklonn allows me to shift my rhetoric for this visit. Initially, I planned to request funding (ah, how quickly arrogance vanishes in times of need! I once believed, "I won't have to ask; they'll offer everything freely!"). However, now, with our increased capital, I can propose much more to Ragez D'asta. As a businessman and politician, he will surely appreciate the advantages of entering into contractual agreements with the Supreme Commander of the Empire. Beyond the food supply contracts I originally intended to discuss, I can now offer him something more substantial—perhaps the sale of several Corellian CR90 corvettes currently in service with his fleet. According to our chief engineer's analysis, these starships are ideally suited to the struts within the Star Destroyer hangars. Not to mention, the private fleet of the D'asta sector doesn't shy away from using TIE-series equipment—and in significant quantities. There might even be a local production line in operation, making it more economical to purchase from the Baron than from the Prince-Admiral.
But these are merely plans for now. We'll see how they unfold in practice.
"We're being hailed, Grand Admiral," the commander of the Storm Hawk informed me.
"Respond in kind on my behalf," I ordered. "And notify the planet that I wish to meet with Baron Ragez D'asta."
"Yes, sir," Captain Morgoth Astorias replied, his tone as concise as ever.
The ideal subordinate.