Hyperspace, 1049 ABY, nightfall, 11th day of 11th month, the reckoning
The many corridors and chambers across the battlecruiser were filled with either troopers, officers or maintenance personnel—all of them operating and conducting their work. The corridors were pristine, without a single spot of dirt in sight. Verus was greeted by all personnel he encountered, not out of sheer respect or loyalty, but out of fear.
Verus then proceeded to open the blast doors to his own quarters, utilizing an access panel on the wall that only reacted to his finger print. His room was just as pristine and orderly as the rest of the ship, however comfortable. It included a bed, a large wall-spanning mirror, a secure communications screen on the wall, food, beverages and a dining table with chairs. It also included a meditation circle, upon which he often spent time.
As he entered the room, he’d immediately walk to his table to reach for his holo terminal for access. After accessing it with his right hand, the terminal would permit his use as it’d recognize his finger print. The terminal would then project a living image of a elderly man in his seventies, dressed in an uniform with various insignia and decorations placed across the right side of his chest and shoulders. It was Admiral Raius, calling him from his ship, the Blade of Corellia, as he was joined by his guard and trusted officers beside him. The presence of others didn’t bother Verus, but he saw it as a clear sign of distrust—which he however accepted, as Raius and his forces were indeed disposable at the end.
”Admiral Raius, Lieutenant Rial, I salute you. I hope that the presence of my apprentice doesn’t bother you.”
Uttered Verus, while his tone was truly one of respect—it also included a tint of ire. He respected Raius, and his intellect more than anything. In that respect he believed they were equal and rather immensely similar, however it was Raius’ attitude and lack of faith in the Force that set them apart.
”Lord Verus, I congratulate you and your apprentice for your success on Belsavis. With the Key now in our possession we are a step closer to finally right the wrongs of the Galactic Alliance and the New Republic before them.” Raius remarked, his voice dry and aged. His troops and lieutenants would clap in applause behind him. ”However, Ensign Fenec sent me the enemy communication logs. On top of that, my mechanics happened to find a tracking device on the ship that was used by our envoy. Therefore, I believe you were too lenient on not attacking the village outright.” Raius remarked, as if belittling Verus. It was indeed perhaps a risky maneuver, however even if their enemies knew the location of Vaiken Prime, the base of the White Hand, it would only play to their advantage.
”Admiral Raius, I am surprised you’ve missed the mark. Now that our enemy knows your location, we may as well use it to our advantage and stop them in their trails. I believe that allowing the ship to be tracked comes down to the adequacy of your troops, not so much the strategy.”
Verus countered, as if playing a game of chess with Raius. As he had said his words, Lieutenant Rial who stood beside Raius decided to overstep his authority, and not for his own good. ”Our troops?! We’ve train-” his disoriented shouting was put to a halt, as sounds of gurgling and choking resonated through the holo terminal. Everyone but Raius himself were floating in the air, being choked by the dark phantom grasp initiated by Lord Verus as he reached out to them through the Force from across the galaxy. All it took him was visual contact. ”Enough, Lord Verus. I pardon for the interruption, you are dismissed Lieutenant Rial. Now, you are correct. What do you suggest?” Raius, although belittled those who wielded the Force—he feared it just as the rest of them. He dismissed his troops, who’d leave the holographic discussion rather quick. Verus let out a brief laugh, as he proceeded to speak.
”I suggest a trap. Leave a garrison on Vaiken Prime, and abandon it. With the Key in our grasp, you no longer need your base of operations.”
Verus uttered with utmost intent and depth, as if commanding Raius. He took the upper hand in the discussion.
