Mending Fences, Making Alliances (Finished)

[Admiral Taylor Millard]

OOC NOTE: I did get permission from Darth Viscera to use his character. If there are any mistakes I made with this character (which is making its only appearance in this post at this time), feel free to Private Message me...and I'll fix 'em. Thanks.

IC: Admiral Millard, the cloaked man stated, I demand to know why you do not want to join Grand Military Alliance! I have specifically requested your admission, and as Emperor of the Empire...I will gladly let you join.

Admiral Taylor Millard inwardly sighed. For months Darth Viscera, Lord Dikat of the Imperial forces, had attempted in recruiting Millard into the forces under his control. The Imperial Admiral had faced threats, cajoling, and pratically everything else to get him to join. He was becoming quite tired of this.

"Lord Viscera," Millard started slowly, his voice having a slight edge, "Most of my forces are in the Unknown Regions protecting our people there. I have only one Star Destroyer. I hardly see how it could make a difference."

In reality, Millard knew all too well how one Imperial Star Destroyer could make a difference. He had seen it many times with Grand Admiral Thrawn. But Thrawn had always taught him, personell made a difference, not numbers.

Viscera has been like this ever since the Sith Order Council chose Darkserpent, over him, as my trainer his thoughts told him. He keeps trying to recruit me.

The Imperial Dikat on the monitor glowered at the admiral. Traitor, he thought, If he hadn't been trained by the best admiral before me. I'd have him strung up by his entrails for all dissenters to my leadership.

Viscera spoke to the traitor on the monitor, "Even so...I would think, Grand Admiral Thrawn believed one ship made a difference. And if you truly were trained by him..."

Millard cut him off, his blue eyes flashing brightly, "I know what Thrawn would believe. And it's the crew on the ship, whcih matter...not the ship itself."

Viscera glowered again...then played his ace, "What if..." he stated slowly, choosing his words carefully, "I promoted you to Grand Admiral. After looking at your service to the Emperor...I can only expect you would take a promotion as a meaning of honor. You could honor Thrawn with your new rank."

He grinned waiting to see how Millard would come back to that statement

Millard sighed again, staring at the Sith Knight. His cold blue eyes lost some of their blaze after the Imperial Dikat's offer. But his fury did not.

He results to bribery to get me to join his 'hallowed' ranks!?! the incredulous admiral thought. He truly is not to be trusted.

When Millard spoke, it was with practiced slowness, "Lord Viscera..." the words rolled off his tongue carefully, "I am honored by your offer, but I must decline. My forces are not ready to return to the Known Regions. They must reacquaint themselves to this universe. If they were to come back...and be separated, what affect would that have on their minds? Or their performance?"

The Imperial Dikat matched the Admiral's gaze through the monitor, "Very well then...what do you propose?"

"What I propose, Lord Viscera," Millard remained formal, "Is a liason between our forces. Someone, hand picked by you, to acclamate my troops to the Known Regions. Someone...well at negociation. Not politics."

Viscera agreed, saying he would send the officer to Millard within the end of the week. He knew exactly who he would send.

-----One Week Later------

The Imperial shuttle set down lightly in the hanger on the Imperial Star Destroyer Superior. Captain Tomar stood awaiting the entrance of the new negociator. Of course, he mused, it could be a trick from Darth Viscera...to destroy Millard. He prayed it wasn't.

He'd been in Millard's study when the confrontation between the two Dark Jedi had occurred. He agreed with the Admiral, Viscera was not to be trusted. Tomar smirked at the attempted promotion by Viscera.

I know the admiral better than Viscera. Millard has too much honor for that.

But the Imperial Captain did believe the liason between the two forces would be interesting. Tomar was content being under Millard's command...without Imperial interferance. He understood the problems with the current leader...and Millard's wishes to remain his own entity.

But eventually, Tomar believed,He will have to make a choice. I only hope he makes the right one.

Four squads of stormtroopers accompanied Tomar as he awaited the departure of the liason from the shuttle. The large, black hangar stood out from beneath the shuttle, steam hissing from the exhaust ports as it landed slowly.

The ramp lowered from the shuttle...and the new liason from Darth Viscera exitted to the Star Destroyer below.

[Serena Laran]

Rear Admiral Laran sat calmly in her seat, restraining belt buckled over her lap. She held a datacard in her right hand, and from time to time she passed between her hands...absently, as if her thoughts were elsewhere. Her long auburn hair was pulled up tightly in a twist, and not even one hair strayed past the collar of her freshly pressed uniform.

Serena crossed her legs. There was no one else in the compartment with her, which gave her time to think. Diktat Viscera had given her new orders, and now she was in a Lambda-class shuttle, well on her way to the Corellian Sector, where she was to meet up with an Admiral recently arrived from the Unknown regions. Why don't they just draw a monster on the star charts with the words: Here be Dragons? Ridiculous name, Unknown regions. The intercom crackled.

"Captain, we'll be docking with the Superior shortly." The pilot sounded bored. Laran smiled a little. She didn't blame him one bit. Transport duty was dull work.

"Very good, Lieutenant." She fiddled with the datacard in her hand, and checked her seatbelt. Five minutes later there were two hard bumps - getting a little too lazy there, Lieutenant- and Captain Laran undid her belt and got to her feet. She brushed off her trousers and straightened the uniform tunic. Laran was recently promoted from Captain to Rear Admiral, as a result of the Belkadan Conflict that had only recently been resolved against the Vong. She had been enjoying her new rank, its perks and her ship when the new orders had come down from Viscera. Liason to the Unknown regions' fleet. It had sounded like a promotion, the way the Diktat's orders had read. In reality, the 'fleet' was composed of one ISD, and a few outposts of scraggly troops out beyond frelling Egypt.

There had been an attached file, marked For Rear Admiral Laran's Eyes Only which had also seemed like a big deal, but boiled down to her real reason for being here. To determine the actual strength of Millard's troops, their loyalty to him, and information about the Admiral himself. What it boils down to is taking me away from my command chair and sticking me where I don't belong. She had been miffed, but Serena followed orders, so she swallowed her comments, "yes sirred," and here she was.

Walking down the ramp, her boots made a dull thudding noise. Laran stood easily six foot in her boots, and her fiery hair made her an eye-catching woman. She came without escort, and the shuttle that had brought her was leaving as soon as they could raise ship again. Laran swallowed, and turned to face the one person who was there to meet her. Four squads of stormtroopers stood at attention behind him, nice touch, and he saluted briefly.

"Captain Laran. Welcome aboard the Superior."

She returned the salute, green eyes cool and professional. "Thank you Captain..?"

"Tomar. If you'd follow me?" He made a motion, dismissing the troops, and she fell in behind him. This Tomar seemed slightly amused about her presence here...and also thought she was still a Captain. Viscera, again. He must have some reason. She would maintain the deception. It might give her an edge.

[Admiral Taylor Millard]

Tomar led Captain Laran through the halls and sections of the Superior. He took the long route, to acclamate her with the Star Destroyer. Although he figured she knew what an Imperial Star Destroyer looked like...he still took her.

She was beautiful, he mused, the high cheekbones and auburn hair. It reminded him of Jaranda. Which was why he kept his thoughts to himself.

He led her to the turbolift, towards the bridge. Upon their arrival, Tomar smiled, as he always did when he stepped on the bridge. It reminded him of his place in the universe and on his ship. To be trusted by Admiral Millard was an honor. To be his student was another.

"This way, Captain Laran," he stated crisply leading her to the room aside from the bridge, "Admiral Millard will see you there."

As the doors opened, Serena took no hesitation to step into the room beyond it...

Into a softly lit art museum. And sitting behind a desk in the middle of the room, was Admiral Taylor Millard. His eyes were closed, a bottle of liquid near him.

He opened his eyes, nodding his head in a small salute, "Greetings Captain Serena Laran. Welcome to the Superior."

He motioned for the chair in front of the desk, "Please sit down. I trust your trip over was uneventful?"

[Serena Laran]

Rear Admiral Laran took in the art around her in once quick glance, and gave her full attention to the man behind the desk. He was a tall man, with a strong, squarish chin, and blue eyes. His brown hair was cut short as per regs, and he certainly worked out. She came to attention, and saluted the Admiral. Uneventful? "You could say that, sir."

Millard motioned again the the chair opposite himself. "Take your ease, Captain. Tell me, why are you here?"

She crossed to the seat and sat carefully, straightening her tunic. The rank pips had not been changed yet, but that seemed to be a good thing in this situation. If they thought they were dealing only with a Captain, then they might not be on their guard so much. Serena did not see it as an actual deception, only as letting people hold onto their own misconceptions of her. "I am the assigned liason from the Galactic Military Alliance."

He nodded, "I am aware of that fact, Laran. What is your purpose here with us...why are you really here?"

"I'm here because I follow orders, sir. But, respectfully, I will remind you that I am not under your command, even though you outrank me. Sir. The Diktat, Lord Viscera wants to know if there is anything GMA can do to make your forces feel more comfortable in Known Space. I am here to relay your needs to him."

Millard smiled slightly, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Captain, my forces would be more comfortable with their families for several weeks. Unfortunately that is not possible. Most of my men are still in the Unknown Regions. Serving the Empire to the best of their ability."

There be dragons. And stubborn Admirals. "The Empire desires that your men be allowed to return to Known Space, and see their families, Admiral."

Admiral Millard nodded. "I am pleased to know we share the goals, Captain Laran. However, which is more important to you? Seeing your family or serving the Empire?"

Serena raised one perfectly shaped eyebrow as she formulated her answer. "The Empire first, sir."

"Which is why my men are still here. They believe in the Empire, and what it stood for. It is why I returned to Known Space. I believe in the Empire as well."

"An admirable trait, sir."

"Something Thrawn instilled in me." Milllard poured the liquid beside him on the desk and offered her a glass of it. She took it as he spoke again. "Corellian Ale. To your liking, I trust, Captain?"

She nodded, "I thank you, sir. Thrawn also instilled in you his love for art?" Serena gestured to the gallery around them.

The Admiral smiled as he set his glass on the desk. "Art and I have an...understanding. While I do not share the same love Grand Admiral Thrawn had for it...I find it...soothing at times." He paused, "Captain Laran, I will give you the oppurtunity to get yourself acquainted with this ship and this crew. My second in command, Captain Tomar will escort you to your quarters."

Serena couldn't help but look at the piece of art just behind the Admiral, an especially garish extravagance. Soothing...I see. Her eyes went back to his, and she nodded briskly. "Thank you, sir."

"I expect to see a copy of your Imperial file on my desk by tomorrow morning. And I will provide you with a copy of my own as well." He stood to his feet, and Serena joined him, standing a mere three inches shorter than him.

She took the datapad from where she had stored it and handed it over to him. "Everything you require is here."

"Thank you Captain." He laid the datapad on the desk. "Dismissed."

"Yes sir." Serena turned on her heel and took a step back towards the door.

"Oh and Captain..." She turned back to the Admiral, eyebrow raised. He cocked his head at the art behind him. "That, 'garish piece of art' you looked at was a piece Grand Admiral Thrawn gave to me personally. It describes the kind of man...or woman...any type of Empire needs. I suggest you take that into accord, when you write your report to Darth Viscera."

He read my mind. "Yes sir, I will."

"Dismissed Captain."

Serena nodded, and walked out to the bridge.

[Admiral Taylor Millard]

As Millard watched the red-haired captain leave his study, a cloaked figure strode out of the darkness. The Imperial Guardsman stopped next to Millard's desk.

"What do you think?" Millard's gaze never left the door.

"She seems to be on the level," The Guardsman said, "But you're the Force user...not me."

"Jaranda?" Millard asked, as another figure came from the other side of the room, "What does your information tell about her?"

Jaranda Piett, reaching over Millard's desk to take the bottle of Ale, said slowly, "My information says she's been Imperial for 8 years. Before that...nothing."

She took the file from Millard, scanning it with her eyes, "Her homeworld checks out. Coruscant....Here's something interesting, " Jaranda pointed out a particular passage of the file, "It says her last transfer was to the Star Destroyer Exter, but that was over a 6 months ago. Didn't Viscera just finish a conflict with some alien race?"

"That is correct Jaranda," Millard stated, "Perhaps she was passed over a promotion...which is odd..."

"Considering how Viscera attempted to bribe you to a Grand Admiral rank," Thomas put in.

"That is true...but something doesn't ring right with her. Jaranda, I want you to watch her, but be subtle about it," Millard turned his attention to the datapad in front of him, "Drake has yet to contact us about the Saalarian Pirates, so we can only assume that's going well.

"How has the other information I asked for?"

"It's right here Taylor," Jaranda handed another datapad to him, "Hopefully that's what you need."

"I hope so too Jaranda. Dismissed." Millard turned to one of the books Darkserpent had given to him. Time to catch up on reading.

As almost an after thought Jaranda said, "I wonder how Tomar is taking her to her quarters...pardon me." She exitted, feeling the looks on the back of her compatriots heads.

* * *

Captain Tomar led Laran to her quarters, 2 places away from the rest of the command crew. He smiled to her slowly, pressing the button allowing entry.

"Here are you quarters, Captain. I trust everything is in order?"

"Good," he replied to her curt nod, "If you need anything feel free to contact either Admiral Millard or I."

Behind him, the doors to Serena's quarters opened, and an auburn haired woman stepped in. She wore a grey jumpsuit, and her blue eyes sent blasters towards the female Vice Admiral.

"Yes, Captain," The woman said icily, "Is there anything else you need?"

[Serena Laran]

Serena looked down at the woman who had shouldered her way into her quarters. Her red hair was darker than Laran's, and her blue eyes were flashing icily. Tomar nodded to Serena, and then backed out of the room and out of sight.

"I believe everything is in order," Laran did not step back from the shorter woman. "Thank you."

The woman held out her hand. "My name is Piett. Jaranda Piett. And you are Serena Laran." They shook hands briefly, and Serena was glad to get her hand back in one piece.

Jaranda was clearly non-military, wearing a simple jumpsuit with no rank markings of any kind. She was also looking for confrontation, or something. Piett... It was a name with renown attatched. But people had to earn respect of their own, and not depend so much on names to do it for them. Serena stepped back a pace, and raised an eyebrow. "Is there something I can do for you?" Why is she here?

Piett walked around her, causing Serena to have to turn around to face her. "Just the welcoming party." Jaranda faced her, hands on her hips. "Let's just get one thing clear here, why don't we. I'm going to be watching you. And there are certain people here you are not to go near."

Serena raised an eyebrow. I guess what they say about redheads is true after all. "I understand." She frowned a little. Ah. "Captain Tomar and you...you are-"

Jaranda cut her off. "That is correct. Remember that." And then she walked swiftly around Serena and out of the room. Laran stood there a moment, and then the door pinged again.

"Its open." The door swished open and a trooper deposited her bags just inside the room. Tomar stood behind him, and he gave Serena a little half smile, nodded, and then the door shut again.

Serena walked to the bed and collapsed on it. It was going to be an interesting few weeks.

[Admiral Taylor Millard]

"Gah...Dammit!" Millard's voice came from his quarters as the remote stung his body. Leaning forward, he deactivated the small droid...and his lightsaber. It's been weeks since a remote had gotten the best of me. I must be distracted.

In reality Millard was...his training under Seth Darkserpent, his search for The Black Hand, his search for the Saalarian Pirates, and other things. Plus, his dealings with Darth Viscera. All were beginning to take toll on his body.

Millard drew on the Force, feeling it strengthen his body and mind. He took a deep breath, and began to think.

Wonder what Viscera's game is with this liason. Even though she was my idea. She needs to prove herself before i can trust her.

He'd discussed with his 'Inner Council', as he liked to call them, about Laran. What they were to do with her? Jaranda suggested they put her in the nearest airlock and release her. Millard knew she wasn't kidding either.

Tomar and Thomas both agreed, Captain Laran needed to see what Millard's forces had accomplished in the Unknown Regions.

In theory, Taylor's mind said, It would give her the opportunity to take note of Bonhelious, and its surrounding. I wonder...when Drake contacts me...if I should send him to Bonhelious with her. It would have someone I trust to keep an eye out on her.

But Taylor put these thoughts to rest, deciding to tackle them another day. He'd been 5 days without sleep, and his body was beginning to feel it even more.

He keyed his comlink.

"Thomas."

"Yes sir," the gruff voice replied.

"Be prepared to have two missile boats ready for departure in 9 hours. No..." He paused, a smile coming to his face, "Make that three missile boats."

Let's see how good this Laran really is.

"Any particular reason?" Thomas' voice had a questioning tone to it.

"We're going on an expedition, Thomas. To find something. Millard out."

Millard took a dip in the refresher, then put his Imperial Uniform back on. How wonderful it felt to be back in uniform. He'd forgotten why he loved it so much. The crisp fabric, black boots, the hat...all of this...Millard loved.

Admiral Millard strode down the hallway, stopping in front of the doorway leading to Captain Laran's quarters.

He keyed the chime, hoping she was in.

[Serena Laran]

Serena pulled her hair out of her eyes, and tied it back quickly in a ponytail as the door chimed. Krasst... She had been settling into her quarters, and about to step into the refresher for a sonic shower... She pulled on a simple grey jumpsuit and darted for the door, stopping just near it and keying the door open.

"Admiral." She snapped to attention, and he returned the salute.

"At ease, Captain." He stood quite tall in his uniform, and was smiling a little. Probably at her hair. "I was wondering if you had time for dinner tonight?"

"Yes, sir." Serena resisted the urge to fix her hair up into a bun immediately.

"Could you be ready in an hour or so? Say, 19:00 hours?" When she nodded her assent, he backed away from the door. "Meet me in my private dining room, then."

Serena watched the door shut behind him, and then ran to the shower.

[Admiral Taylor Millard]

"You're certain you just want it to be you and her?" Tomar asked Millard in his private study. The two sat opposite each other, the holos of art circling the dark room. To Tomar's right, a medium sized bookcase rested with books on most of it. While some were on battle tactics and history; most were the ones Seth Darkserpent had given Millard back on Corellia. Tomar noticed a parchment of paper sticking out of one of the books, but did not ask what was written.

The Admiral's been pretty 'cloak and dagger' regarding what he's been doing in training, Tomar thought, looking at the books on the shelf. But then...he hasn't told us what he's going to do with Captain Laran either.

Taylor's voice brought Tomar out of his thoughts, "Yes, I'm certain. Her career as an Imperial has been exemplary, and she knows her stuff. This dinner will point out any weaknesses she has."

Plus, I need to see if she's trustworthy, Millard didn't say.

"We'll use Grand Admiral Thrawn's old dining room. The spartan furnishings should suit us quite well," Millard closed his eyes briefly, feeling his muscles relax, "We'll go with Alderaanian Wine too. Is everything prepared?"

"Per your regulations sir. The food is prepared, and the table set," Tomar looked at the chronometer, "Sir, the time is almost 1900 hours. Are your prepared for the dinner?"

Millard waved a hand at Tomar, standing up. Walking from the study, he entered the dining room (a short distance from his study). The low lighting and the spartan furnishing made him smile. Pouring two glasses of wine, he awaited the arrival of Serena Laran.

This'll be interesting.

[Serena Laran]

Walking into the sparsely decorated room at 1904 hours, Laran nodded to Admiral Millard. She had loosened up her hair, since she was off duty, but it was still pinned up. Had it been let loose, her red hair would have brushed her belt. She had opted for uniform, not the dress one she had worn earlier that day, but the everyday grey uniform.

"Good evening, Admiral. I apologize for being late, but my chrono had not been changed to Corellian time." She tapped the offending piece on her wrist. "The problem has been rectified."

[Admiral Taylor Millard]

"Good," Millard replied, "Your lateness is forgivable but...you should remember to change your chronometer next time. I deplore lateness, but I can forgive a first time."

Secretly, the Imperial Admiral was pleased she'd apologized. It meant she preferred timeliness, something Taylor preferred as well.

"I trust the setting is appropriate?" he asked, pulling a chair out for her. As Captain Laran sat, Millard removed the covering to the dishes before them, revealing a squid-like calamari, noodles, and a red sauce.

"I hope you do not mind the dish," Millard stated politely, taking a seat opposite Laran, "I wasn't sure if you wanted the grilled mynock, so I settled for the calamari instead. The sauce is made from Alderaanian wine, as is our drink. Dessert will be a creme pie, with coffee to follow if it pleases you."

He took a bit of the noodles from the plate, placing them on Laran's black china plate, with an Imperial Insignia on it. The silverware contained the same Insignia at the base of each one, and the wine glasses the same.

In a toast, Taylor raised his glass. "To the Empire." Laran repeated the same words, as their glasses klinked together.

The Imperial Admiral took a bite of his pasta and calamari. Not bad, he thought, A little rubbery, but the flavor is good.

"So tell me, Captain Laran. How did you come to join the Empire? I've read your file, but they tend to not reveal one's true reasons for joining. Tell me about your life...and I shall tell you about mine."

Taking a sip of the wine, savoring the flavor, Millard awaited her answer.

[Serena Laran]

So the Admiral wants to get cozy. Not too cozy I hope. "I was raised in a middle class family on Coruscant. My parents still live there, in fact, but I have not been there in a few years. I have one older sister, who married while I was training on Carida." Serena chewed a mouthful of calamari. Tasty.

"I joined the Navy straight out of secondary school, and joined the officer training program on Carida. It seemed like the appropriate thing to do. In school I had taken some advanced leadership classes, and studied astrophysics extensively. I memorized star charts in my free time. I even took up chess, trying to think strategically. You might say I was obsessed about being in space...and determined to be the best at what I did."

She sipped her wine. "Was there anything you'd like me to clarify, Admiral?"

[Admiral Taylor Millard]

Although Millard attempted to not use the Force while listening to Laran's answer, he still felt amusement rise in him as he felt an increase in defensiveness from her, as she began to speak.

Too close? his mind said, Ah, my dear Captain Laran...I wouldn't worry about getting 'too close'. There are other things I'd prefer to focus on. Right now.

"Tell me," he slowly spoke, after swallowing another bite of calamari, "Why were you obsessed with space? What gave it such a thrill, Captain? Was it the unknown worlds past Coruscant? Or something else?"

Feeling her tense up, Millard continued, "For me...it was the thrill of the unknown. Being born on Balmorra, I always wondered what was beyond the atmosphere. My father, fought in the Clone Wars with the Old Republic..."

He paused, remembering when he learned of his death, his blue eyes becoming clouded with memories.

Before Laran could ask, Millard interupted her, "No, I did not see much of space. That is, until I joined my mother on her ship when I was 16. By then...the conflict with the Rebellion was just beginning. When I joined the Imperials, it was a dream come true...I was flying...in ships, stopping people who believed the Emperor was wrong...it was...fun."

His eyes lost their faraway look, gaining their sharp edge back, "So, why did you come to space?"

He took another sip of wine.

[Serena Laran]

She carefully swallowed her calamari, and dabbed at her lips with her napkin. "There are numerous reasons why I came to space, Admiral. As a child, I suppose it was the thrill of the unknown. After my first trip off planet, I knew for certain what I wanted to do. My parents had shown me the cockpit of the transport, and I had watched the pilots in action during the trip. I'm afraid I was sneaking around unchaperoned." Serena smiled at the memory.

"They were so disciplined in their procedures, and I was fascinated with the switches and gadgets. When the war with the Rebellion broke out, I was already obsessed with learning everything I could about piloting, and space travel. It only made sense that I applied to the Empire, for admittance to the Navy, when I was old enough. I desired to see the rise of the Empire again. And I believe I have."

[Admiral Taylor Millard]

Sneaking around unchaperoned? Millard slowly raised a brown eybrow, while taking a bite of calamari. Although curiousity was a trait, Taylor did not look down on...in this situation...he wasn't so sure if that was a good trait.

She's here to observe and be a liason between Viscera and I.

He had to admit of being taken aback by her beauty. He had been expecting a grizzled war veteran...not Laran. In her eyes though, Taylor did see the fire of many battles. For a woman fairly young, she'd seen plenty. his mind told him. But he shuffled these thoughts away, focussing on the task at hand.

"So you joined the Empire...your file," he paused remembering what he'd read, "Says you've been in service for 7 years. Your service has been exemplary. Yet you are only a Captain. I doubt, judging from what I know about the 'new' Empire, the old prejudices no longer exist. If I may ask...why aren't you a higher rank? 4 years into my service into the Empire I was all ready a General. Your service is as exemplary as mine. Why are you not a General...or perhaps an Admiral?"

He finished his glass of wine, and his calamari.

[Serena Laran]

She paused to drink her wine....and to choose her words carefully. "I have been offered promotions, but I passed them up when they came. I prefer a Captain's work to a General's. Or an Admiral's." Serena calmly finished the last bite of her calamari. "I enjoy having a small battle group, or even just on ISD under my direct command."

Laran crossed her legs under the table, and straightened her napkin in her lap.

[Admiral Taylor Millard]

"Is that so," Millard said, "You prefer a small group or an ISD to a large grand fleet. Interesting."

When Laran raised an eye Millard continued, "What fighters are you proficient in?"

By this time, the creme pie dessert had come out. Handing a piece to Captain Laran, Taylor sat back taking a bite of the pie, the tangy lemon flavor filling his mouth. Using a napkin, he wiped a bit of creme from his goatee.

"So tell me, Captain Laran," he spoke, swallowing the pie, "Why did you take this particular assignment? Was it a promotion for you? And if you...what do you hope to learn from this assignment?"

[Serena Laran]

Serena laid her fork down beside her plate. "To answer your first question, I am capable of flying any of the many TIE variations, even the TIE Devil, should there be any without an acompanying droid brain to run it. I am familiar with the X, Y and B wing fighters, and if need be I can man the helm on an ISD without any problems. I have also had extensive simulator time with some of the more advanced prototype fighters GMA has to offer. And of course, the older fighter models are very much the same. You will find me quite capable." I told you I learned all I could. Serena didn't allow herself a smug smile, although she'd earned it. Ice, not fire, it is ice that rules.

She took a bite of pie. "In regard to your second question, I took this assignment because it was given to me. To be honest, it wasn't my first choice. A captain's place is on her ship, with her crew. However, I can and will perform my duties as liason as required by my commanding officers. I hope to learn what your needs are in your return to the Known sectors of space. And to aid GMA in determining how best to assist you in your return." She lifted her green eyes to his, always meeting his gaze directly. "This dinner is delicious."

[Admiral Taylor Millard]

"Yes it is, isn't it," Taylor said, matching the green-eyed Captain in strength of her gaze.

He finished his piece of pie, setting the silver fork next to the black laquer plate. He took a final drink of his wine, savoring the flavor one last time. Alderaanians tended to be excellent wine makers, mastering in the fine art of red and white wines, and this wine was no exception. He wiped his mouth again, lamenting at the goatee.

As much as I like it...I wonder if I should get rid of it, per Imperial Regulations.

"I am pleased to learn you are proficient in all TIE Fighters and their variations. It gives my next request even greater merit then."

He continued, the words rolling off of his mouth, "If it pleases you Captain, the dinner ends with one request." Laran nodded he could continue.

"I am embarking on an expedition, in a few hours, to Tatooine. It could be described as an archeological mission. I plan on finding some artifacts and bringing them back for study. Would you like to accompany my body guard Thomas, and I to the site?"

His cold blue eyes stared back at her icy green eyes, and he waited and answer.

[Serena Laran]

The "Captain" wiped her mouth with her napkin. An archeological dig? What is Millard up to? "It would be an honor to accompany you, Admiral. But after we are done on Tatooine, perhaps a meeting could be arranged with some of your officers. I am instructed to act as liason, and so I will." She blinked. Not too much ice, Laran, watch your tongue in front of a superior.

"And so you shall." He stood to his feet, and she copied his movement. "We will talk more tomorrow, on the way to Tatooine." The way he spoke implied a dismissal, but she waited a moment. He looked exhausted on a close inspection, and although his uniform was spotless and pressed with regulation creases, his facial hair was somewhat disappointing. She couldn't deny he wore it well, however.

"As you wish, Admiral." Laran inclined her head in a slight nod. "Tomorrow then. I thank you for dinner, sir, you are quite hospitable." With another nod she began to turn for the door.

[Admiral Taylor Millard]

Taylor checked his watch. It had been two hours since he and Captain Laran had began their dinner.

"Captain," The Imperial Admiral called, "Meet me in the Hangar in 7 hours. I expect you to have your flight gear, and a non-Imperial Uniform."

When the auburn haired captain began to protest, Millard cut her off, "It is for the neccessity of the mission that we remain anonymous. No one knows we are coming, nor when we are leaving. I would hate for our anonymity to be broken on a simple oversight.

"Plus," he added matter-o-factly, "Tatooine is a harsh, desert climate. Imperial uniforms would be too hot for that climate. You may go now."

He watched her exit the room, a long sigh coming from his mouth. He'd drawn on the Force for almost all of the dinner, using it to keep him awake. Now...his exhaustion was coming in waves, he had to sleep, but rest was not available yet. He still had one task to do.

"Captain Tomar," he touched a switch near the wall, the doors to his chamers opening.

"Yes sir?" Tomar's voice came back.

"I want a status report from Drake as soon as I return. Also, send a transmission to Bonhelious. Heavily encrypted. Tell them, the liason is on its way. Tell Captain Maragon to meet Laran in one month at the citadel. Tell him: She is not to be trusted, but...treat her as you would a fellow officer, with respect and dignity. She is an officer in the Imperial Navy, and needs to be treated as one. Make sure she knows where she can and can't go (especially the forest). And tell him to be careful. There's more to the captain than appears to be.

"I will be in my cambers. Awake me in 5 hours. Millard out."

He closed the connection, falling asleep.

6 Hours 55 Minutes Later

Millard stood in the hanger waiting for Captain Laran. In his mind, he ran over the events of the last hour.

Jaranda had stormed into his study, interupting lightsaber practice. She demanded knowledge of why she wasnt' going on the mission to Tatooine.

"You're taking this Red Haired Frell over me?!?" She screamed incredulously at the top of her lungs. "If it weren't for my information, you wouldn't know where to look!"

Millard's blue eyes narrowed, "Calm down Jaranda. You are here with Tomar, watching the ship. I am expecting a transmission from Drake any day now. I want you to become the new liason between Drake and I. You are his mission provider, with your contacts, and I suspect you can keep him busy."

"You did this without consulting me, Admiral," Piett shot blasters with her eyes, "We can't trust her. For all we know, she'll stab you in the back once you get to Tatooine."

Millard spoke slowly, anger rising, "Which is why Thomas is coming with me. He can keep me from anything she tries." Millard did not mention the fact he had the Force to keep him alert as well.

Jaranda huffed, "Very well...but if she returns, and you don't. I will skin her alive. Then drag her body to the Saat Forest and have the 'Tormentors' eat her."

Taylor laughed at this. Jaranda certainly did not hold back her distain for the beautiful captain. Probably because she's afraid Serena will steal Tomar from her. Somehow, Millard knew Jaranda had nothing to worry about...He didn't know why though...just a feeling.

"Jaranda, you have nothing to fear. Tomar loves you. It will be all right," he smiled, running a hand over his recently clean shaven face.

"I hope not," Jaranda stated, turning to leave. As she walked out the doors she called over her shoulder, "Nice Face. I like it without the goatee."

Millard grinned as the doors shut and the memories faded, reminding Taylor he was in the Hangar Bay, not his study.

His thoughts were interupted as Captain Laran entered the hangar from the turolift. She was two mintues early.

"Welcome Captain," Millard said conversationally, "You are assigned Missile Gunboat, Callsign Alpha 2." He strode to his Missile Gunboat, picking up a flight helmet. Climbing into the cockpit, he stowed his Repeater Rifle in a compartment beneath his seat. His lightsaber, slid into a compartment next to his right arm.

The missile gunboats had been modified while Millard was in Unknown Regions. While they kept their overdrive and missile bays, Tech added an extra laser to the bottem of the hull. It provided better accuracy and wasted less missiles. Taylor was grateful for the speed. He wanted to test 'Beggar's Canyon' on Tatooine, hearing it was a perilous trip with many twists and turns.

Millard flew his missile boat out of the Superior's hangar. As he cleared the shields, he keyed the radio.

"All wings report it."

"Alpha Two standing by."

"Alpha Three standing by."

"Good. Here are you coordinates. When we get to Tatooine, these is the landing site. Prepare for hyperspace...Now!"

He keyed the hyperdrive, watching hyperspace take over his fighter. Setting the alarm for 5 hours, he fell into a dreamless sleep, thinking about the events of the days prior. Occasionally he would dream, though, of 'Tormentors', Master Darkserpent, and occasionally...Serena Laran. He wasn't sure what he thought about her. But he knew eventually, she would have to choose. Between Darth Viscera and himself. He hoped she made the right decision.

Hell, I don't know what the 'right' decision is in this case.

The Missile Gunboats streaked towards Tatooine...radio silence between all three.