Alena's Path [Development]

[Alena Reckar]

General Kharak Hessan, the Devaronian who led CSAF's Naval endeavors, stood at the viewport of the massive Imperial construction yard that hung in orbit over the planet of Carida. The black background of space filled the void between the construction yards and the planet, an ever-present reminder of his relative insignificance in the grand scheme of the Universe. The vessels still undergoing construction were arrayed in a grid outside, their half-plated skeletons a flurry of activity by manufacturing crews. The yard's Imperial overseer, Alec Graev, stood at Hessan's side.
"As you can see we still have nearly a month of structural work to complete, and another month of interior construction. After that, assuming the vessels pass preliminary and functional inspection, your crews will be able to take control of the warships for phase two testing." The Imperial spoke brusquely, and with a formal tone. Hessan nodded, running a finger along one of the horns on his head. "Your efforts are as impressive as they are appreciated, Commander." Hessan replied politely, flashing the Imperial a pointedly toothy smile. Graev nodded, "I wish we could do more, your organization has been a welcome guest and I'm afraid our hospitality has been lacking."
The commander was of course being polite. The Imperial military had gone to great lengths to facilitate CSAF's two year-long stay, providing everything the organization had needed to complete the crucial training of their fighting force. "Truly, Commander, you have done far more than we should have ever asked," Hessan said. "Tell me what you think of the vessel's designs."
Graev remained quiet for a time, gathering his thoughts. "I understand your organization's role well, and thus understand the emphasis of defense and speed. However, as an Imperial, I would have preferred to see more weaponry installed. I feel the weapon designs your leaders have employed are too general in their strength. A more precise application, more specialized equipment, would serve your needs more diligently, I believe. For instance," Graev continued, pointing toward the incomplete starfighter carrier, "Your carriers are right to be focused on defense of their starfighters, yet in my personal philosophy, every vessel should be equipped to defend itself if separated from the rest of the force, by way of logistics or the evolution of the battlefield. Currently, your carriers are designed only to defend their starfighter charges, rather than themselves. I would suggest an greater emphasis on capital-engagement weapons."
Hessan turned to face Graev. "What you recommend is...unorthodox." He stated evenly. The Imperial nodded, "As is the overall design of your organization. You have trained Commandos in a plethora of skills that stretch beyond the scope of the average soldier. This ideology should be reflected in your naval forces as well, to better serve the overall function of your organization."
Hessan nodded, "I understand, Commander, and appreciate your input. Is this a change we can implement at this stage in construction?"
Graev nodded, "Indeed. The weapon emplacements of your vessels were designed with modularity in mind, to suit the every changing needs of warfare without having to replace entire vessels. I can secure designs for weapons that can give even a starfighter carrier a fighting chance against a powerful capital ship."
Hessan smiled, "I would greatly appreciate seeing what you have in mind."

 

[Alena Reckar]

Kharak Hessan sat at a table aside Tien Nrub with a number of Imperial engineering staff. Commander Graev sat at the table's head, and had just begun cycling through the list of options they had for weapon designs to be installed on CSAF's naval support vessels. "The One Sith and other governments hostile to the Republic exhibit a pattern of electronic warfare technology implementation in their fleet compositions. To counter that, a strong EWAR system of your own is suggested for installation on each vessel, as well as weapon technologies that can operate adequately even in the presence of targeted jamming. For that I would recommend a series of offensive weapons that utilize magnetic signature tracking. Considering the physical sensory ability of this type of targeting system, EWAR measures should be less effective. The drawback to this genre of targeting is that it is restricted to larger vessel types, such as frigate craft."
Hessan nodded, "That is fine. Even cloaked vessels cannot escape a magnetic targeting lock, and we can use these offensive systems for ship-to-ship attack operations. What options do you have for long-range weaponry?" He asked. Commander Graev pressed a key and the holodisplay shifted. "There are plenty of fine models on the public markets, yet I believe we can design an improved version for use by your forces within the next several weeks, based on existing designs. Considering the long firing distance, we will want a weapon that packs a severe punch, but this will come at the increased cost of power. Other laser-based weapon systems will be less effective due to the power drain."
Tien Nrub responded in her warbly voice. "This should be reserved for our faster support vessels then, cruisers and carriers." Hessan agreed, "Absolutely. Our primary capital ships must be primarily concerned with rapid, mid-range engagement."
Commander Graev made note of the requests and continued. "Missile defense systems are an easy pick, standard point-defense laser cannons are capable of defending a vessel against numerous barrages. I, however, would recommend a counter-measure system that replicates those of your ground vehicle, the MAT-TE walker. Particle reflective chaff systems located in various positions around the hull with a long range scatter shot should, in conjunction with point-defense cannons, adequately defend your forces even under localized jamming. An encrypted, line-of-sight communications system will be required to maintain contact with friendly forces even in the event of such jamming. As long as friendly forces are within a star system, you should experience no notable delay of communication."
Hessan smiled, thanking the commander. "As ever, we appreciate your efforts, Commander Graev." The Imperial offered a polite bow, which Hessan and Nrub stood and returned before the meeting ended and the officials took their leave.

 

[Alena Reckar]

General Hessan stood at the viewport of that very same conference room once more several weeks later with the Lord Commander at his side. The blue-skinned Chiss woman looked out into the Imperial construction yard at the vessels undergoing phase one testing. Lights were flickering on and off, weapons were being dry fired and the engines were being recycled over and over as the warships' systems were being continuously tested. Hessan gave Commander Reckar a sideward glance, trying to gauge her reaction to the fleet amassed before her. She wore a simple black fitted tunic trimmed with maroon threading. Her hair was wrapped up in a braid that circled the back of her head. Professional, astute, the perfect leader, Hessan thought to himself. "Is the fleet to your liking, Lord Commander?" Hessan asked softly.
For the longest time, the woman seemed not to have heard him. He parted his lips to repeat the question when she suddenly spoke. Her voice, as ever, was touched simultaneously with compassion and strength. "The fleet will need a leader." She stated quietly. It was as if she were speaking to herself. Hessan simply nodded, "Indeed, Commander."
Reckar crossed her arms over her chest and pressed a finger to her lips. "What is this fleet's greatest strength, General?" She asked. Hessan answered confidently. "The balance of speed and defensive capabilities allows this fleet to provide the oversight needed by our Commandos on the ground. It's offensive capabilities are astounding for the mission burden it bears, and--"
"That's not what I mean, General." Alena cut him off curtly, but her tone remained soft. She turned to face him, her hands clenched into fists, held out between them. "What is the source of it's strength?" She asked again, the emphasis provoking Hessan to think more critically in that moment. He nodded, turning his head away from the viewport, at the gathered CSAF personnel filling the rest of the room. He'd nearly forgotten they were there.
"It's people. Our people." He muttered softly. Beside him, Alena nodded. "Yes, it's people. I'm talking about you, General."
Hessan was taken aback. "Commander?" He replied shortly, unsure of what she intended to convey. Reckar pursed her lips and gestured to those gathered around them. The soldiers were from all levels of the organization. He saw officers, mechanics, communications staff, but Commandos all.
"You know this fleet like you know your own horns; and its crew and those who rely on them are as much a part of you as your own beating heart. You, Kharak Hessan, are going to be this fleet's greatest strength." Alena reached into her pocket as Hessan's lips parted in surprise. Her intentions were clear, however, and he felt no confusion. He straightened and clasped his hands together behind his back as Alena reached out with a small, silver pin in hand, an inverted triangle with a "1" at its heart. She fastened the pin to the lapel of his uniform, and pressed it back smooth with a gentle touch. "Congratulations, Lord Admiral of the Fleet." Alena said softly. Hessan looked at her and bowed respectfully, then noticed the smiles of the others in the room. There was no clapping, no exclamation from the crowd, merely a sense of sincere and deep admiration. Hessan felt his heart swell with pride and love for the people around him, and all throughout CSAF. He knew the decision had not been Reckar's alone, nor that of the Command Staff. He'd been chosen by the entirety of this great organization, and as such he felt an immense responsibility to justify their faith in him.

 

[Ali Hadrix]

"Again, do it again." Ali ordered, pointing down at the two combatants from where she stood on high over the Imperial combative arena. The ring inside which her soldiers fought was marked only by a circle of head-sized stones with a radius of four meters. Ali herself stood on a flat-topped boulder at the edge of the circle, looking down at the two commandos who stood within. The combatants, a Rodian Sergent by the name of Ulrik Goll and an Epicanthix named Einrik Havers, stood facing each other. They were breathing heavily, their arms weighted by the swords they each grasped. They wore no armor, only calf-length hiking boots and loose-fitting cotton trousers. Goll's greenish skin was slick with sweat, and his scaly complexion gleamed in the mid-day sun. Einrik, by comparison, was dry, sweating mostly along his brow and the back of his neck.
"Aye Lord Commander," Einrik replied, flipping his sword around in a relaxed circle with a twist of his wrist. Goll lifted his blade upright, the tip angled toward his foe. The Epicanthix stepped forward and thrust at Goll's belly; the Rodian turned his blade downward and deflected the blow then pressed forward in an upward slash that Einrik side stepped.
"Fundamentals," Ali reminded them sharply, "Worry about flair later." Einrik dropped his blade and stepped back, clearly disappointed. "I'm wasted on fundamentals, I feel I need to start building on them and experience adaptation." Ali furrowed her brow and considered the rebuttal, then finally shrugged. "Fine, have at it." Ali turned away as combat was rejoined, the clinking of swords ringing throughout the yard. Hat Ma'an stood with her, his arms crossed over his chest. He was garbed in his typical brown tunic, belt, and cream-colored trousers. He wore his commando boots on his clawed feet. "I think it's time we discussed what we're going to do if you're discovered, Lord Commander," the Kel Dor announced. Ali frowned and shook her head, "I don't really want to think about it. The Imperials have been kind enough to keep our secret."
Ma'an disagreed, "You can't expect this secret to remain hidden forever. With the turnover in leadership in the Republic, and the breaking of their treaty with the Mandalorians by the clans themselves, I feel the time has come to make considerations."
Ali looked out across the yard, the thought made her nervous. "No one's going to come for me, I'm sure of it." Ma'an stepped forward and uncrossed his arms, laying a hand on Ali's shoulder. "You can't know that."
She changed the subject abruptly. "Tell me about the fleet. Is it ready?" The Kel Dor sighed, then nodded, "Soon. Another month, it seems. Hessan arranged for modifications to weapon systems. It's a good thing the vessels were designed with modularity in mind." Ali nodded, "Indeed. What are the modifications?" She asked. Ma'an drew his datapad and pulled up a document sent to him from Lord Admiral Hessan on the subject; he read from it. "Countermeasures and local shield generators were added to primary offensive and defensive turrets. Electronic warfare banks and extra communication's transceivers were added as well. No structural changes to report."
Ali nodded, "When does Hessan leave for training with the Republic navy?" She asked. The Kel Dor looked up from his datapad. "Sometime in the next three days. He'll be leaving Admiral Nrub behind to oversee the final portions of the construction effort, but he will be returning before phase one testing reconvenes at the end of the month."
"Good to hear," Ali replied, looking back down at Einrik and Ulrik. "What about the overall force structure? Are we comfortable with it?" She asked. "I am," Ma'an reported, stowing his datapad away. "We have restructured the force by Division, and then Battalion. Each battalion will be assigned a mothership within the fleet, heavily defended and weaponized. These warships will contain our commandos, and their supporting armor units. The hangars are designed to accommodate the gunships assigned to each Division. Our primary civilian assistance vessels will be dedicated carriers; these house our non-combat essential equipment and provisions. Tactically, these carriers will be defended by the Fighter Corps, leaving our capital ships free to engage hostiles as needed."
Ali lifted a hand, "What about evacuation space? if we need to transport loads of civilians, I don't want them crammed into poorly defended carriers."
Ma'an shook his head, "We're in the process of designing and developing transport vehicles that can be attached to the fleet if such evacuation procedures are needed. They place an emphasis on defense and speed. They'll be small, and we'll need many of them, but once completed, the Logistics Corps will be able to transport thousands at a time."
Satisfied, Ali allowed Ma'an to continue. "Our Fighter Corps currently consists only of Tee-Seventy X-wings and K-wing bombers. Both serve as exemplary assault craft, giving us an edge in battle."
"We're not worried about a lack of diversity?" Ali asked. The Kel Dor shook his head. "No, diversity is more essential to government military forces that take on particular mission types. We have reconnaissance versions of the X-wings on standby for production after the fleet is completed, but for the time being we can adequately rely on our recce gunships."
Ali was pleased to hear that, she had never been a naval type and appreciated Ma'an's expertise. "Thank you, General. That'll be all for now."
Ma'an lifted a clawed finger. "Lastly," he replied, "The fleet is...much larger than we expected." Ali looked at him and narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?" She asked. Ma'an's breathing mask shifted against his face. "With the expansion of the force, we were required to add more vehicles to the production list. The fleet will be four times the size we originally anticipated." Ali's eyes widened, though it wasn't much a surprise. After nearly three years, CSAF consisted of over 7,000 Commandos, discounting naval crews and administrative staff. "Well, no surprise there, I suppose." Ma'an nodded, "Hopefully Reckar can secure the funding we need to complete the production orders." Ali nodded, thinking of Alena, who was currently at the Republic capital vying for financial and political support from the Senate to secure their organization's future. "We can only wish her the best," she replied softly, thinking fondly of the other woman. Ma'an replied in agreement. "She's very much the leader we need. I have no doubt she will accomplish what she set out to do."