Kashyyyk: Judgement From The Heavens

[Zorin Hexes]

Kashyyyk's surface had become a war zone since news of the Emperor's death reached the Wookies. Word of the Galactic Empire's devastating loss gave the false impression to many that it was in decline. The Wookies would not be among the first to learn that this was far from the truth... and their lashing would serve as an example to all surroundings star systems. The Victory Star Destroyer Hanaakari dropped out of hyperspace, followed by a Lancer Frigate and two Carrack Cruisers. Captain Zorin Hexes stood at the Hanaakari's deck, looking down on Kashyyyk. "Relay the message for all ships to fall into orbit, and prepare for atmospheric decent. Try to establish communication with anyone on the surface who can give us a damage report - I want to know exactly what we've lost."

The planet's surface was lush and green, even from space. Most officers dreaded assignment to Kashyyyk - it was one of the most dangerous and untamed worlds under Imperial occupation. Captain Hexes would change that today.

[Sean Piett]

Stars and the blue glow of his fleet's engines ahead of him outlined the wiry frame of Admiral Sean Piett- not to be confused with Fleet-Admiral Firmus Piett. . . his late father. Hands clasped behind is back and his feet staggered in a classic Imperial pose, he examined not the ships before him, but the decisions he had recently made. He was not one to mete and dole out assignments to his officers, still less than confidant in his abilities as a tactician, but followed the suggestions of his peer officers.

Recently, though, a Captain he'd not met, heard of, or spoken to- one Zorin Hexes- had come forth with a plan to sort the yet-unaddressed problem on Kashyyk. The man's face was blue and completely neutral as he laid out his strategy bit by tedious bit for the Admiral via hologram, and his attention to detail impressed Piett. With a bare handful of ships, he was confidant he could make a bloody example of the Wookie revolutionaries, and Piett was taken to believe him.

This was but one of many recent decisions that had caused protest in his officers, but Piett paid special on it. He wished the man success, but would not regret his loss should the Hanaakari fail her mission. He turned away from the transparisteel and strode away when he began to dwell on the idea of those filthy creatures slaughtering and cannibalizing the on-planet soldiers, as he was certain they were. He'd seen Wookies in person, even fought and interrogated a few.. and he was disgusted by their greasy locks of hair and their simple, grunting language. A Xenophobe above all other things, Piett turned to his Tactical Officer.

"See that a fleet is held in reserve for Captain Hexes. If his Star Destroyer isn't enough to beat down those barbarians, send in a flotilla and burn the whole damn jungle to ashes."

[Zorin Hexes]

"Sir, we have a report from the surface," said a communications officer, turning back from the console to look at Captain Hexes. "We've lost everything. All but a few troops have fled to ground level, where any sort of communication is impossible. The remaining Storm Troopers have fallen back to a communications tower, though they expect they will be unable to hold it for much longer."

"I see," said Captain Hexes with a sigh. "Very well, tell them to surrender the tower and retreat. Let the Wookies take it, as they'll no doubt be working to establish a communications network using our facilities... they think we'll be sending in another wave of troops. Begin entering the atmosphere, and prepare all fighters and bombers for deployment."