Public The old croc (RTL)

[Vera Tillian]

Eve Throndsen Karissa Saitel Lossa Aureus Quauhtli Sacul Django Parata Fred Gred Nathan Bloodscrawl Karissa Saitel

"If you weren't equally professional, we would not have have you aboard," Vera replied, calmly, turning back to the display screen.

"Captain, incoming message from the Citadel and Admiral Sacul," the comms officer said, looking up. "They're requesting encrypted communications connection."

Vera raised an eyebrow in thought, mulling over that request before nodding. "Permission granted- patch us to the Citadel. Give them what information we have and Saitel's initial assessment."

"Aye, aye, captain," the comm tech replied, "Shifting communications to encrypted patterns. Standby for live link."

"What if they're not a warlord?" Vera asked suddenly, considering, glancing over to Karissa. "They're quiet and very still. My family has purchased several old Venator types that used to be warships for the Core Imperial Confederation- they've been stripped down and converted to bulk freighters."

With that in mind, she tilted her head, studying the display. "When they enter new systems, this is pretty typical of how they also interact with the local authorities. I certainly don't intend to open fire on a ship whose identity and loyalty remains unknown, but they seem equally unwilling to fire on us."

"Link to citadel is live, captain," the comm tech replied. "We are in contact with the Citadel."

Vera nodded and keyed the channel. "Admiral Sacul, good to hear from you. Does the anchorage have any additional intel?"

 

[Lossa Aureus]

Location: Susevfi, Holding Pattern Around the Long-Cold-Dark
Objective: Meet the New Arrival
Equipment: Skinsuit, Flight-suit, Jacket, Left Bracer, Plastoid Shingaurds, Mix and Match Harness, Discreet Hearing Enhancer - Left Ear
Weapons: Fusioncutter, Lossa's Lightsaber, Concealed Blaster, Nasty-Stabby
Ship: Flying The Buzzard with V-2 Minimech 'Skid' Aboard
Tags: Eve Throndsen Nathan Bloodscrawl Vera Tillian Karissa Saitel Quauhtli Sacul Django Parata Fred Gred

The transmission to the the assorted allied vessels had not gone unheard. Instead finding a protection detail being assigned since she was already present in the area.

She grimaced at the idea of actually going head to head with anything out of any of those vessels. Let alone some of the friendly ones.

"See if you can't squeeze some more power into those shields Skid. Might as well make use look cautious instead of angry." An affirming whirl from Skid as the Buzzard lined up to escort the transport across. Lingering for a long moment to ensure the two vessels had a decent spread in case of emergency moves needing to be made.

Her eyes darting between the new ships and the transport as she breathed deep and calmed herself on their approach.

 

[Quauhtli Sacul]

No movement. No unexpected power surges. At least none the long range sensors could detect. Once he received confirmation of a connection he clapsed his hands behind his back, chin up looking at Captain Tillian through the holo-display.

"Likewise Captain." He nods in greeting, turning to the datapad handed to him. Studying the intelligence he nodded, and handed it back to the officer.

"Have you established contac-" Quauhatli stopped as the cadet interrupted him. "Sir there is a ship en-route to dock with the First Order flagship."

"One of ours?" Quauhatli asked, no answer came. Quauhatli growled, "Activate the gravity well, and advise traffic control to warn inbound and outbound freighters."

Turning again to Tillian. "Forgive the interruption. I have recalled the Frigates Ator and Falchion to our sector to support you.

In the meantime, can you maintain a line of communication to share intel, and have your officers assist in identifying the ship currently attempting to dock with the First Order Flagship."

Complaints would inevitably flood in, but without knowing who or what was aboard the ships he wasn't left with much choice.

If the First Order was abolished as Saitel claimed, then what was a fleet doing in their sector. The ship could have been captured, perhaps by the Sith Order and used as a false flag, or to delay their response while dangerous or important cargo was delivered. Perhaps even a spy.

"Open a wide band channel."

"First Order Fleet, I am Admiral Sacul. I request that you identify yourselves and intent. Furthermore, I request you submit to a military escort while operating in our sector. They will assist in maneuvering your ships past the hyperline egress point. Can you confirm?"

The intent was more than that, while the Reliant was still in drydock it's main battery could be powered and used against the enemy flagship if it tried anything. Plus, he didn't want any large freighters translating in the middle of a First Order Fleet.