Chapter One: First Assignment

The Ars Moriendi, hovering just above the cold lonely planet of Jelucan of the outer rim territories. The triangular silhouette of the Victory I class Star Destroyer in high planetary orbit was an imposing sight. The ten quad turbolaser batteries trained high projecting a menacing sense of power and might with its complement of two TIE fighter squadrons whizzing out on maneuvers, the merchant ships kept their distance from the single Imperial Navy ship and the local smugglers, reluctant to risk an encounter with the rare visitor called it a day off.

It was rare for the Imperial Outer Rim High Command to send out a ship as big as a Victory Class Star Destroyer this far out alone without fanfare and rumors were spreading on the planet, everyone was surprised and even the local Imperial Garrison was in utter panic by the regal ship, the garrison commander, convinced that it was a surprise troop inspection quickly mustered all his troops and cleared the barracks of any clutter that might mark a demerit, in his mind, this could be the day he gets promoted for the preparedness of his garrison. Happy with his preparation he quickly ordered his communications officer to hail the ship.

High above the planet on the bridge of Ars Moriendi , Captain Alexis Antares was busy observing the maneuvers of his two TIE squadrons, it was smaller than he was used to but he was glad that he was given command of his own ship and was happy that his ship was assigned to the Outer rims, far from the politics of the core planets and away from the command of high admirals who's set piece doctrine made the likelihood of survival a statistic and countermanding a suicidal order was a death sentence on everyone on-board.

Assignment to the Outer Rim meant that he had already reached the pinnacle of his Naval Career the prospect of promotion far down the road is no longer existent but for him, he was already satisfied, it was rare for someone not from the Core worlds to gain command of a ship as big as a Victory Class and as far as he was concerned he was lucky, His family was not influential and nor was he one of the brightest in the Naval Academy, he was sure that he would end up as a weapons officer aboard an Imperial Class Star Destroyer and getting command of the Ars Moriendi was still a mystery for him it was so sudden that when he read his Command order and deployment order he almost jumped like a boy startling his fellow officers in their quarters. Some of his fellow officers expressed genuine happiness for his fortune, others were cold, perhaps aware of how lucky Captain Alexis was, others were not so optimistic, giving him vague warnings and offering advice to turn it down, it wasn't normal protocol for high command to slingshot someone from the anonymity of the officer corps to his own command but for Captain Alexis the moment he read Outer Rim territories, it was the end of his career and he knew he would never see his bunk mates again but getting command of his own ship was more than he could ever bargain for.

"Captain, The Garrison of the Capital City Valentia of the Planet Jelucan wishes to make formal communications with us." Reported his Communications Officer Captain Kirstoff Sol, snapping in attention.

Alexis Chuckled, he always admired officers from the core worlds for their hard-lined discipline and Captain Kirstoff Sol was one of them, his Communication Officer came from a long line of Naval Commanders, dating back to the republic and his father hoped that he would be the first Admiral in their lineage, it would have been a great disappointment once his father knew of his assignment. He wondered what Cpt. Kirstoff Sol could have done to merit such a precarious position, his influence alone demands respect, he tried to retrieve his file but for some reason, his credentials were not high enough.

He always upheld the idea to treat the people on your way up with respect because they will be the same person you'll meet on the way down, and Captain Kirstoff is definitely one of the persons you'll meet way up someday, he was half suspecting that his communications officer was sent under his command under the pretense of a demotion but the frequent private communication from high command to Captain Kirstoff proved that a much higher influence was at play and the less he crossed blades with his Communication Officer the better off he was.

"As I said Kirstoff, no need to be overly formal, we have the same rank after all," He said lightly, Captain Kirstoff always had a stiff edge.

"I'm sorry Captain, it's kind of built-in but I'll try." Cpt. Kirstoff robotically replied. "The Garrison Commander has assigned as priority planetary entry for our shuttles and has cleared landing bays, he awaits your arrival sir."

"Very well, Prepare my shuttle, oh and I give you the Honor Kirstoff of inspecting the Garrison I have other personal matters to attend to first." He commanded. "Don't forget to bring Lieutenant Tormund and his midshipmen, this should be a great experience for them."

"Captain? You're not going to inspect them?" Kristoff said in surprise.

"I'll give you that honor Kirs, after all your standards are higher than mine" and even without finishing the line, Kirstoff lit up like a schoolboy momentarily losing his composure.

"Yes, Captain, I'll make that Garrison as gleaming as the Imperial headquarters" Kirstoff saluted and went on his way.

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Character Reference:

Captain Alexis Antares: Commanders of Ars Moriendi

Captain Kirstoff Sol: Communications Officer

Lieutenant Toff Turmund: Stormtrooper Marine Commander

Thank you for reading.

I'm already on chapter 4 of this story and I decided to post the first chapter to see how well it goes. I tried to make it as close to Canon as possible. 

The story is set a few months after Grand Moff Tarkin visits Jelucan at 11 BBY. hope you enjoyed the read

regards,

kemal fusilero