Seated in the dimly lit room that was his private tactical center and meditation chamber, General Kazrus of the Grysk Hegemony brooded over the results of the recent battle. He’d received a message that a significantly smaller detachment of ships had defeated the task force that he had sent. His mouth twisted in disgust. This Empire of the Hand was proving to be an even greater challenge than he feared.

  Kazrus didn’t much care about the destruction of one of the heavy cruisers used by the Grysks’ client species. The loss of a Grysk light cruiser and its crew was upsetting, and the Hand would pay for the Grysk lives they’d snuffed out. Additionally, the damage inflicted upon the Havoc-Class Warmaster would require significant time in a shipyard to repair.

  These were no more than inconveniences in the grand scope of Grysk conquest. Yet this Empire of the Hand could not be allowed to get away with defeating Grysk forces. Kazrus had conquered or achieved victory over many nations, worlds, and systems, some fell easily and some proved more difficult.

  Few were able to resist the Grysks when they were set on conquest. The Chiss were one such people, and those cursed blueskins had caused the Grysk Hegemony serious losses. Kazrus sneered at the thought of them. The Empire of the Hand was likewise proving to be a formidable foe. There were many Chiss in the Empire of the Hand after all, which would make it all the more satisfying once they were destroyed.

  They couldn’t be allowed to interfere with the Grysks’ most recent operations. It was a miscalculation to not send more forces to destroy the Hand’s base on Nyar Three. However, Kazrus’ fleet was still tied up with conquering a particularly resistant species, and it was an arduous journey through the Chaos from his current location to Nyar Three. But soon enough, he would find a way to crush this group of the Empire of the Hand. The Grysks would gain access to the hyperspace route through Nyar Three, allowing them to conveniently move forces through the region. The rest of the Hand would inevitably fall to the Grysks as well.

  Kazrus let his mouth twitch in an evil smirk. With the access to the necessary resources now obtained, the Grysks had a facility in the region to manufacture technology that could be instrumental in destroying their enemies. The project was underway, with the facility constructed in secret and now complete. Production of the technology itself was slow, as was integrating it into their ships, but it would be well worth the wait.

  With their warships equipped with this technology, the Grysks would reap the rewards of having a unique advantage over their enemies. Kazrus looked forward with great anticipation to bringing the Empire of the Hand to its knees.

  With a hiss, the door to Laceeya’s quarters slid shut behind her. She took a few quick steps over to her bed, and lowered herself onto it with a sigh.

  The battle was over, the Grysk task force had been defeated and drove off. By all accounts it was a victory, especially against an enemy force so large.

  Yet it still didn’t feel like one. Sometimes, when Laceeya was alone like this with her doubt and guilt hanging over her like a dark cloud, she felt as though she couldn’t withstand the burden of command. On the bridge she displayed calm and confidence, but afterward the lives lost of those under her command weighed heavily on her.

  Laceeya laid back on her bed, staring up at the grey durasteel ceiling while thoughts swirled through her mind. She certainly didn’t feel calm and confident now, she felt weak and vulnerable. In the heat of battle she could mostly push these doubts aside to the corner of her mind, but not now.

  Two pilots from Ethereal’s fighter squadron had died. Two pilots who she had known, and who she had sent to their death, among dozens more from other ships who had also been killed during the battle. Would the death ever stop? Laceeya rubbed her hands over her eyes with a sigh. She felt exhausted.

  A knock on the door jarred her out of her contemplation. Laceeya hurriedly stood up, running her hands through her hair to smooth it out. She pulled herself together, taking a deep breath and composing her face into a stoic mask, and walked over to the door.

  Laceeya reached out and pressed the control, and the door slid open. Senior Lieutenant Bren Shyka stood outside the doorway. Laceeya relaxed, relieved that it was Bren, who she could let down the facade of confidence with.

  “Commodore,” Shyka said with a smile, raising her hand to her brow in a casual joking salute. “Can I come in?”

  “Of course,” Laceeya responded with a nod, giving a small smile in return.

  Bren walked inside, the door shutting behind her, and took a seat in one of the chairs. “You okay?” She asked, narrowing her eyes marginally and pulling off her cap, tossing it down on Laceeya’s desk.

  Laceeya shrugged. “I’ll be fine. I’m just…tired.” She said with a sigh.

  Bren snorted lightly. “I can tell when you’re lying you know.” She said gently.

  “I know.” Laceeya said with a wan smile. “Still had to try. I don’t want you worrying about me all the time.”

  “The one and only Commodore Laceeya has to always be strong and composed,” Bren said jokingly.

  “Something like that.” Laceeya agreed grimly with a nod. She undid the sealing strip of her tunic and started to remove it.

  “Anyway, I've always thought worrying about you was part of my job description.” Bren said with a smile. ”But seriously, you know I worry about you regardless.” She looked at Laceeya, cocking her head slightly to the side. “I know what you’re thinking. You did everything you could Laceeya,” She continued. “With you in command, far more lives were saved. Try to remember that.”

  Laceeya finished pulling off her tunic, wearing a light grey tank top underneath. She shrugged noncommittally, lowering her glowing red eyes. “I guess. It always feels like I should have done more.” It was a guilt that weighed heavily on her every day, thoughts of all the people she hadn’t been able to keep alive lurking in her mind.

  Bren was quiet for a moment before speaking, “I’m honored to have you as my commander. You care so deeply about those under your command and I’ve never seen you not do all you could to minimize loss of life.”

  Bren paused for another few seconds, and Laceeya looked up at her. “It’s okay to feel your feelings,” Bren continued, meeting her gaze. “I know you need to be strong and in control while you’re in command. But here with me, you can feel whatever you need to feel. I’ll always be here for you.” She smiled encouragingly at Laceeya. “Always.”

  Laceeya gave a faint smile in return. “Thanks Bren.” She rubbed her hands over her eyes again. “Maybe I should just let you be in command.” She said wryly, trying to lighten the mood.

  “That just wouldn’t be fair to our enemies.” Bren replied with a smirk. “But no, that would be an absolute disaster. I definitely don’t have your skill for tactics, and I don’t think I could handle the pressure.“

  “Sometimes I wonder the same thing,” Laceeya agreed. “All the death…it’s overwhelming.”

  “Everyone can see you’re an amazing commander. There’s a reason you were promoted to Commodore,” Bren said. “This isn’t the corrupt Empire where some high ranking officers achieve their rank through political maneuvering or family connections or other questionable ways. Here you have to be a good leader, and earn it. Grand Admiral Thrawn wouldn’t stand for anything less.”

  “I know.” Laceeya said uncertainly.

  “Hey, not just anyone makes Commodore at your age,” Bren pointed out.

  “Yeah.” Laceeya murmured. She looked over at where her tunic lay, the metal border of the Commodore’s rank plaque on the chest gleaming from light hitting it. Bren was right, of course, and Laceeya truly was greatly honored to have achieved her rank. The inclusion of more responsibility on her shoulders that was part of the package was often just difficult to cope with.

  “How long are you off duty for?” Bren asked as she began to remove her tunic as well, getting more comfortable.

  “Eight hours,” Laceeya replied. “Lieutenant Stanis is overseeing things on the bridge for now.”

  Bren pulled off the second sleeve of her tunic and laid it down on the desk beside her. “I guess you already know how long I’m off duty for.” Bren said, while stretching her arms above her head.

  “Perks of being in command.” Laceeya said innocently.

  “You better not be abusing your high and mighty position.” Bren said with a smirk.

  Standing up from the chair she was in, Bren walked over and sat beside Laceeya on her bed. She wrapped an arm around Laceeya’s waist, and leaned against her. Laceeya laid her head on Bren’s shoulder, their bodies pressing together as they sat side by side.

  They sat in silence for a moment, taking comfort in the presence of each other. Laceeya closed her eyes, trying to shut out the dark thoughts and focus only on the present. She kept her attention on the sensation of Bren’s body against her, the feeling of the smooth skin of her shoulder contacting her own.

  Laceeya and Bren had met three years prior, when Bren was promoted to Junior Lieutenant and transferred to the Ethereal. Laceeya had served on the Ethereal for six years now, almost a quarter of her life. She’d started as a Senior Lieutenant weapons officer, the same position that Bren now held.

  Laceeya had shown her capabilities time and time again, and quickly climbed through the ranks. In the Empire of the Hand, competence and skill was all that mattered, and promotion was entirely merit based. Bren, and others who’d once served in the Galactic Empire itself told stories of corruption and politics that crept its way into the navy. Often those with connections to the political elite would be able to achieve a rank far higher than their skills qualified them for, leading to incompetence at the highest level. A recipe for disaster.

  But in the Empire of the Hand there was none of that, and those who were a part of it joined out of a desire to do good and protect others. The cruelty and evil that pervaded much of the Galactic Empire was not present in the Empire of the Hand, it was a completely separate entity created by Grand Admiral Thrawn, with those in it loyal to justice. It was created not to conquer territory or subjugate worlds, but to provide protection for the galaxy, acting as a buffer between Lesser Space and the countless threats in the Chaos.

  Like Bren, many of those who served in the Hand were Imperials who had defected or wanted to part ways with the Galactic Empire after learning its true nature, and serve for the reason they’d first joined the Empire, in a role that was honorable and good. Others were forces handpicked by Thrawn from the Empire, sent out the Chaos under the auspices that they were serving the Emperor while truly being loyal to Thrawn and his goals.

  The Empire of the Hand was an empire in name only, free from the evil elements of the Galactic Empire. The Hand formed alliances with local groups and species, vowing to work together for the greater good.

  Supposedly the Emperor had died five years ago now, though Thrawn remained in the Chaos for that time, seeing to his most critical purpose. From the rumors she’d heard, the Emperor had been cruel and evil, and hated non-humans. Certainly he wouldn’t be pleased with Thrawn’s actions in the Chaos. Just recently, Thrawn had departed the Hand, returning to lead the Empire, leaving the Hand currently under Admiral Voss Parck’s command for now.

  Before finding her way to her current situation, Laceeya had attended Taharim Academy on Naporar in the Chiss Ascendancy, training to be a part of the Chiss Expansionary Defense Fleet. She had heard many stories of Thrawn from other Chiss who had served alongside him, and she was enamored with how he had defended the Ascendancy countless times, and was even willing to break Chiss military doctrine to do so, eventually leading to his exile from the Chiss. Laceeya admired his dedication to preserving the safety of their people.

  Throughout her time at the academy, Laceeya had begun to hear whispers that Thrawn was forming the Empire of the Hand with the purpose of protecting the Chiss and the galaxy as a whole. Some Chiss officers and warriors began to disappear from the Ascendancy, joining the Empire of the Hand. Many Chiss believed that they could better guard the Ascendancy from the outside, where they were not limited by the isolationist nature of the Chiss. They knew that threats like the Grysks and others were out there preying on the defenseless. As a part of the Empire of the Hand they could serve and protect all, and not be restrained by Chiss military doctrine of no preemptive strikes. The Chiss only attacked an enemy who came knocking on their door.

  Upon completion of her time at Taharim Academy, Laceeya was able to join the Empire of the Hand. She had always wanted to make a difference, always wanted to keep people safe. There was so much evil out in the galaxy, especially in the Chaos. The Hand stood as a powerful barrier against that evil, evil such as the Grysks.

  Laceeya had risen through the ranks on the Ethereal, eventually achieving the rank of Captain, and being given her command of the ship. It was a momentous and proud moment in her life, an accomplishment she’d worked tirelessly for since she first started her journey as a cadet all those years ago.

  Bren and Laceeya had become closer and closer over the years that they served alongside each other, forming an unbreakable bond between them. At first, they were just friends, despite Laceeya’s underlying attraction and feelings for Bren. She knew relationships between officers weren’t forbidden, but they were sometimes frowned upon. But over time their feelings for each other grew to be too strong to ignore. Despite their relationship, they both were sure to always remain professional with each other while on duty, refraining from allowing their feelings to distract them from their jobs.

  Feeling the reassuring weight of Bren’s arm around her waist, Laceeya shifted her position slightly. The two of them sat quietly for another moment before Bren spoke.

  “Mind if I put on something more comfortable?” Bren asked with a smile, brushing a strand of blonde hair off her face.

  “Don’t you think you should be in uniform around a superior officer?” Laceeya countered with a wry smirk.

  Bren had stood up and was pulling off her boots. “Only if you order me to.” She replied with a short laugh, smirking. Bren slid down her uniform pants, stepping her long legs out of them and kicking them aside. She flopped down on the bed, propping her head up on the pillows.

  ”I’d hate to have to see you brought up on charges of insubordination.” Laceeya said while she sat up. Laceeya removed her boots and her uniform trousers, leaving her in her usual evening outfit of a pair of shorts and a tank top.

  ”I was hoping I could use my charm and good looks to avoid that.” Bren replied innocently with a flirtatious grin.

  “You certainly have plenty of both.” Laceeya agreed, biting her lip.

  Laceeya sat back down on the bed, leaning back beside Bren. She wrapped her arms around her, laying her head against her chest. Bren hugged her close, her hand brushing the smooth skin of Laceeya’s shoulder.

  They lay together like that for a while longer, savoring the warmth of each others bodies. Bren gently rested her chin on Laceeya’s head, stroking her fingers through her thick blue-black hair.

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  Laceeya yawned. The stress and tension of battle had worn her out, and the lives lost hung over her. Being around Bren helped alleviate the dark thoughts of guilt and loss, but only partially.

  “You should get some sleep,” Bren suggested. “It’s been a long day.” She paused for a moment. “And we got through it because of you. Who knows what would’ve happened without you in command.”

  “I think you’re overstating my importance,” Laceeya deflected, shrugging off the compliment. “You and everyone else are just as important.”

  “It still took you to lead us,” Bren countered. “I’m proud of you, Laceeya.” She rested a hand on the back of Laceeya’s head, gently pulling her toward her, their lips delicately meeting for a passionate kiss. Bren’s full lips felt soft on her own. The kiss and touch of her body was a moment of relief from the stress of war that surrounded Laceeya. It was a reminder of the good in the galaxy. She pulled back slightly, resting her forehead against Bren’s for a moment.

  Laceeya could hear her breathing in her ears as she leaned back in and kissed her again. An exhilarating sensation coursed through her body every time their lips met.

  They parted for a moment, as Laceeya caught her breath, staring into her brown eyes as Bren reached out and softly ran her hand down Laceeya’s cheek.

  “You should get some sleep.” Bren whispered again.

  “Yeah,” Laceeya agreed. “And so should you.”

  “Waiting on you.” Bren said with a sly smile.

  Neither immediately made a move to act on their words. Laceeya's eyes traced the lines of Bren’s face and the curves of her body, enamored by her effortless beauty.

  “What’re you looking at?” Bren teased with a sly smirk.

  Laceeya felt her face warm slightly. She wet her lips and met Bren’s gaze. “You.” She answered provocatively.

  “Hope you like what you see,” Bren leaned forward to whisper into her ear. She smiled, biting her lower lip.

  “I’d say so,” Laceeya replied. “But like is probably an understatement.”

  Bren smirked. “So we’re both off duty for another eight hours?” She asked mischievously, her tone low and alluring.

  “That’s right.” Laceeya confirmed, a smile creeping at the corner of her mouth.

  “I think I can make do with six or seven hours of sleep.” Bren whispered, slowly licking her lips. Laceeya felt Bren’s hand slide down her back.

  “I think so too.” Laceeya agreed, biting her lip seductively.

  Laceeya felt a rush of excitement as Bren kissed her neck and shoulder. She closed her eyes as she took in the soft touch of Bren’s lips and the warmth of her breath against the smooth skin of her collarbone. She reached to slowly work her top over her head, exposing more of her upper body.

  “You’re beautiful.” Bren whispered, her voice low. Her blonde hair tickled Laceeya’s chest, and she kissed lower. Laceeya looked up at her, locking eyes and chewing her lower lip with a smirk. Each touch of Bren’s body against hers, each time her lips brushed against her skin, sent a shiver of excitement coursing through her.

  Each touch served as a reminder for how much she loved her, how Laceeya never wanted to be parted from her. She couldn’t imagine how she’d ever lived her life without Bren. “I love you so much.” She murmured huskily.

  “Oh really?” Bren asked slyly. “Prove it.”

  A smirk lifted the corner of Laceeya’s lip. For the next hour, she did exactly that.

  Laceeya collapsed back on the bed beside Bren, her chest heaving as she gasped for breath. Bren stretched an arm around Laceeya’s bare waist and tugged the blankets over the two of them. Laceeya’s heart was still racing from the incredible sensation of pleasure and excitement that was rushing through her body. She could feel the reassuring warmth of Bren’s form resting against her own, the slight gusts of her breath on her shoulder.

  She wished the feeling of safety and comfort would never end, that she wouldn’t soon be dragged back into the harsh reality of war. But for the moment, she was safe.

  Laceeya shifted her position to lay towards Bren, their faces centimeters apart. Her face was flushed from exertion, her blonde hair tousled. A mischievous smile played across Bren’s lips as she stared deep into Laceeya’s piercing red gaze.

  “You’re incredible, you know that?” Bren murmured breathily, lifting a hand to stroke through the dark waves of Laceeya’s hair.

  “You just bring out the best in me.” Laceeya replied with a sly smirk.

  She snuggled up closer with Bren underneath the blankets. Despite being even more tired than before, the overwhelmingly heavy exhaustion had subsided. She felt safe and secure beside the woman she loved more than anything in the galaxy. “Goodnight, Laceeya,” Bren whispered quietly in her ear. “Love you.”

  “I love you too.” Laceeya replied. She lay there, with one of Bren’s arms draped around her body, and eventually drifted off to sleep. Despite the comfort of Bren’s presence, the nightmares still came.

  Laceeya woke up in Bren’s arms, curled up on her side with her head resting against the pale skin of Bren’s chest and their bodies against each other beneath the blankets. She looked up, checking the chrono to see the time. She could hear Bren’s slow and steady breathing, her eyes closed and her blonde hair framing her face. Laceeya carefully brushed a few stray strands to the side, off Bren’s nose. She looked so serene and beautiful, Laceeya thought, that she didn’t want to have to wake her.

  Yet they were both on duty shortly, so Laceeya gently kissed her on the forehead to wake her. Bren stirred, her brown eyes fluttering open.

  “Hey.” Laceeya whispered, giving her a small smile.

  “Hey.” Bren replied, smiling back at Laceeya. Staring into her eyes, Laceeya wondered how it was possible for anyone to look so gorgeous upon waking up.

  “Sorry to wake you,” Laceeya apologized. “But we’re both due on the bridge in a little bit.”

  Bren lifted herself up slightly to prop her head up on one arm. “It’s okay. I’d hate to have the Commodore angry at me if I wasn’t on the bridge in time.” She said jokingly.

  Laceeya snorted and rolled her eyes in response. “Good point. Her anger is well known throughout the ship.” She sat up and stretched her arms and shoulders.

  “Sleep okay?” Bren asked.

  Laceeya shrugged. “About as good as possible.”

  Bren frowned. “Nightmares?”

  Laceeya nodded in acknowledgment, lowering her eyes.

  “I’m sorry,” Bren said, a worried expression on her face. “You want to talk about it?”

  “Just the usual stuff,” Laceeya said softly, giving another slight shrug. “People dying. People who are dead, or who I’m scared to lose.” She swallowed. ”In the nightmare it’s always my fault, I caused them to die.” She was silent for a moment, sighing heavily. “And in the end it’s just me left, and everyone else is dead, because of me.”

  Sitting up, Bren leaned over, wrapping her arms around Laceeya and pulling her close. She was quiet for a minute, holding Laceeya tightly.

  The memory of the nightmare stirred up images of people she’d lost, and their faces flashed through Laceeya’s mind. The feelings of the nightmare remained with her, the fear and guilt and helplessness. Bren’s presence was comforting, and they sat together, with Bren’s arms around her, in silence for a little longer.

  Finally, Laceeya stirred. “We should get ready.” She sighed.

  Bren nodded. “I want you to remember that people die in war,” she murmured, looking into Laceeya’s eyes. “It’s awful and cruel. But it’s not your fault.” Laceeya could tell Bren was worried about her.

  “Maybe.” Laceeya said, standing up. “Thanks Bren.” She presented her best attempt at a confident smile. Bren smiled back, but Laceeya was able to see that she remained concerned.

  They both got ready, and Laceeya hastily chewed down some tasteless ration cubes and finished pulling on her tunic, closing the sealing strip and collar. She looked at herself in the mirror, smoothing her glossy blue-black hair. Taking a deep breath, Laceeya closed her eyes for a moment, trying to compose herself. She opened them, looking into the mirror, trying to display the steadfast confidence that a leader should have.

  Bren was dressed in her uniform, tying her hair back in a bun. Her blonde bangs remained loose around her face. Looking over at Laceeya, she straightened rigidly and clasped her hands at the small of her back, as if coming to attention. “Commodore.” She said, keeping a stoic expression on her face.

  Shaking her head and rolling her eyes, Laceeya couldn’t help but grin. “At ease, Senior Lieutenant.” She said sardonically. She glanced over at the chrono, pursing her lips and wishing she could remain in her cocoon of safety with Bren. “I’m going to head up to the bridge.”

  “Okay. I’ll be there in just a minute.” Bren responded. She walked over, kissing Laceeya softly on the lips. “Hey, just remember, you’re so much stronger than you think. And whatever dangers the future might hold, I’ll be right there with you through all of it. I love you, okay?” Bren gave her a reassuring smile.

  “I know you will,” Laceeya said, smiling back. “And I love you too.”

  Pressing the button to open the door, Laceeya stepped out into the corridor, the door shutting behind her.

  A short walk down the hallway and she’d arrived at the doorway to the bridge.

  The doors to the bridge retracted, and Laceeya strolled over to where a cluster of officers stood around the holotable. Captain Harax and Lieutenant Stanis were conversing together, while Lieutenant Apoyarp was examining data from the recent battle with the Grysks.

  Noticing Laceeya’s arrival, Harax turned to face her, straightening his back and inclining his head in greeting. “Commodore,” He acknowledged, gesturing toward the holotable. “We were reviewing some of the specifics of our encounter with the Grysks.”

  “Repairs are underway on the damaged sections of hull ma’am.” Stanis spoke up. Lieutenant Jax Stanis was a stern faced man of medium height, with pale skin and dark brown hair. The dour expression he usually presented belied his friendly personality.

  “Thank you Lieutenant.” Laceeya said. She asked a few other questions, checking up on wounded personnel and reviewing a more detailed analysis of the status of the other ships.

  At the rear of the bridge, the doors hissed open again as Shyka entered. She briskly walked over to join the group of officers. “Commodore, Captain,” She greeted, nodding to each of them. Shyka glanced at Laceeya. “I hope you were able to get some rest.” A hint of a smirk played across her lips.

  “I was, thank you,” Laceeya said, narrowing her eyes and lifting an eyebrow slightly as she felt her face warm slightly. She turned her attention back to the others and cleared her throat. “I’ve gathered you all here to help deduce why the Grysks launched an attack on the base here at Nyar Three. There must be something more to it than just a simple attack.”

  “We know that this area is especially difficult to navigate ma’am, with the Sharasil Nebula nearby,” Apoyarp stated. “The Nyar system marks part of an important hyperspace route.”

  Captain Harax reached down and pressed a few buttons on the edge of the holotable, bringing up a hologram of a map depicting the area of the Chaos they were in. “As the Lieutenant said, the nebula makes travel through the Nyar system the only efficient route between these areas of the Chaos.” Harax said, pointing to two regions on the map. “The western region here represents an area that has been largely untouched by the Empire of the Hand, where we have no installations.”

  Laceeya studied the map, thoughtfully drumming her fingers on the side of her thigh. “It seems likely that the Grysks are hoping to gain control of the Nyar system to obtain relatively easy access to this part of the Chaos,” She said, “Traveling through the Sharasil Nebula is slow and dangerous, adding up to a week of travel time, and going around would take even longer.”

  Beside Laceeya, Shyka shifted uncomfortably. “Does this imply that the Grysks may have control over that area?” Shyka asked, pointing to the western region that had been mentioned on the map.

  “If they’re sending a force as large as they did here, it’s quite possible that they do.” Laceeya said, narrowing her eyes in thought as she gazed at the holomap. “I doubt the Grysks would make such an overt attack if not. If they’re coming from the western section of this region, they’d have to pass through those systems, and I assume they wouldn’t want to leave an enemy at their backs if they plan to launch an extended campaign against the Empire of the Hand. Plus we know they tend to attack the closest enemy, and it doesn’t seem like them to just pass them by.”

  “We know how effective the Grysks are at controlling populations.” Harax added.

  Laceeya nodded in agreement. “If the Grysks are coming from the west like we assume, the closest known system that’s directly along the hyperlane is Kwenast. The little interaction we’ve had with the Kwenast people themselves has shown them to be untrusting of outsiders, yet not openly hostile, and they’re pretty isolationist. The Hand has largely avoided the area as a result, due to the Kwenast not wanting outsiders in their system.”

  Laceeya paused for a moment before continuing. “Based on their isolationist nature, it’s hard for me to imagine the Kwenast working with the Grysks willingly. But that being said, we’ve seen the Grysks twist and manipulate others to serve them, where I wouldn’t have thought it possible. The last scout of ours that recently passed through the system didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary there, but due to the Kwenast’s views on outsiders, and the Grysks aptitude for subtlety, that doesn’t really mean anything. Regardless, high command needs to be notified of the Grysk attack and made aware of the situation.”

  “I don’t like the look of this, Commodore.” Shyka said, shaking her head.

  “You never do, Senior Lieutenant.” Laceeya replied, raising an eyebrow toward her.

  “I like plenty of things ma’am,” Shyka countered. “Just not anything that has to do with the Grysks.”

  Laceeya nodded in agreement. “Can’t argue there. Have we received a response from high command?” She asked Harax.

  “I was just about to mention that, Commodore,” Harax said gruffly, his brow furrowed with a concerned frown. “We haven’t been able to make contact with them, and the base on Nyar Three didn’t receive a response from command to their distress call. There must be an issue with the communications triad relay.” Communication triads were structures that were often used for long range communications in the Chaos to act as a relay, using three transmitters arranged in an equilateral triangle, hence their name.

  Laceeya was quiet for a moment, pursing her lips in thought as a threatening sensation settled over her. The only likely explanation for the triad to not be functioning was if the Grysks sabotaged or destroyed it. There were Grysk fingerprints all over the region, and it left Laceeya with a very ominous feeling. “The Grysks must have destroyed the triad,” Laceeya voiced with a sigh, “The chance of there being some other problem with it around the same time as their attack here is basically nonexistent.”

  “So they launched an attack here, and they’re attempting to cut off our communications.” Shyka said, thinking out loud.

  “They have successfully cut off our communications.” Captain Harax corrected sourly.

  “Since the triad is down, a ship will have to be sent to contact command.” Laceeya sighed. “Captain, what’s the status of repairs on the Crux?” The Crux, one of the two Raider-Class corvettes, had sustained significantly less damage than the other, allowing it to be brought more quickly to a state of repair.

  “It will be ready shortly ma’am.” Harax reported, consulting his datapad. ”Repairs have been completed on the weapons and engines, and severely damaged hull plates are in the process of being replaced.”

  One of the reasons the base on Nyar Three was such an important installation was the fact that it was equipped to service ships, with the necessary materials as well as a number of small repair barges and trained technicians. The Crux would require more time to be fully repaired, but it was able to have its major wounds patched and be brought to battle readiness fairly quickly, as most of it hadn’t sustained severe damage, and it was only a corvette. With the constant action seen in the Chaos, none of the Hand’s ships were factory fresh anyway. A larger ship like Shadow’s Bane would require significantly longer to be brought to a similar level of repair.

  Outside the viewport, Laceeya could see the repair barges and a couple shuttles tucked up against a few of the ships, replacing wiring and conduits, and swapping shredded hull plates for fresh ones. The crew and technicians were working tirelessly to bring the damaged ships up to a more optimal battle readiness.

  “Is the Crux going to be dispatched alone?” Shyka asked.

  Laceeya shook her head. “I’m worried about the chance of the Grysks launching an attack on whatever ship we send.” Laceeya explained. “They clearly have something going on in this region, and want to cut off our access to reinforcements. Another ship will have to accompany the Crux. A corvette by itself would be too vulnerable given the circumstances. If something were to happen, a ship vanishing without a trace wouldn’t leave us with many clues.” Laceeya clenched her jaw. “But let’s hope that doesn’t happen.” She murmured under her breath.

  “Which ship will be chosen to go, Commodore?” Lieutenant Stanis spoke up. Laceeya considered it for a moment, chewing her lower lip and debating the options internally. Blitz wasn’t fit for traveling yet given the damage it had suffered and Shadow’s Bane was too powerful an asset to pull away from defense duty at Nyar Three. The Nebulon-B frigate Hailstorm was an option, although it too had been hit hard by the Grysks and ideally it too would need more time spent on repairs. With the chance of the Grysks returning, time wasn’t something they had on their side.

  Before she could answer, Shyka spoke up. “Could we send a couple hyperdrive equipped fighters instead? That wouldn’t require diverting capital ships from here at Nyar Three.” She paused before continuing. “We could send some of our fastest starfighters, and if the fighters encountered any conflict they’d be able to turn tail and run. A TIE Defender or Avenger can outrun anything the Grysks have.”

  “It seems like a risk to send fighters alone,” Harax countered. “A Raider-Class is the quickest capital ship we have here, so sending the Crux along with a squadron of fighters seems like the best option under the circumstances.”

  She sighed softly. None of the options would be without risk. “We definitely want a mobile force,” Laceeya agreed, nodding slowly. “So that sounds like our best bet to make contact with command, while still leaving the base here adequately protected if the Grysks do return. We’ll be taking the Ethereal to scout the region to the west, to hopefully find information on whether the Grysks have conquered, subverted, or allied with the Kwenast. And hopefully find out what else they’re up to.”

  “What do we know about the Kwenast’s military?” Harax asked.

  “They have at least a relatively small fleet,” Apoyarp spoke, glancing at a datapad in his hand. “I did a bit of research on them. That said, currently there are still a lot of unknowns. The Hand has largely avoided the area to not provoke them, but we’ve seen at least a portion of their forces when passing through.”

  ”And communication with the Kwenast has largely been met with them politely telling us to go away.” Laceeya added.

  “I can’t imagine they’ll be much more talkative if they end up being under Grysk control.” Shyka said apprehensively.

  “Let’s hope they’re not,” Laceeya said with a nod. “But we should be prepared for the worst. I think we’ll send Scimitar squadron alongside the Crux to make contact with command.”

  “Yes ma’am.” Harax acknowledged, a grim look on his face. “Two pilots from Scimitar were lost in the battle, and a third had to eject and go extravehicular in space, but thankfully he was recovered and is currently in the medical bay on the Paladin.”

  Laceeya sighed, briefly closing her eyes as she was again reminded of the cost of their victory in the recent battle. “In that case, three Clawcraft from Scythe squadron will have to fill in.” She pressed her lips together in thought. “Pick three that usually fly together.” It wasn’t ideal having to mix two starfighter squadrons together, but they were superior pilots and Laceeya was sure they would adapt quickly to the temporary change.

  “Yes, Commodore.” Harax replied.

  The group continued to discuss other details of the prior skirmish with the Grysks and the upcoming mission for a while. Eventually the others broke off to work on their tasks, leaving Laceeya and Shyka alone. “How are you feeling about the mission?” Bren quietly asked.

  Laceeya shrugged slightly. “Going out alone into potentially hostile territory is never ideal, but we’ve done it plenty of times before. Having the Blitz or Crux with us would make me feel a lot better, but neither is available and I don’t want to pull any more ships away from defending Nyar Three.”

  “There’s a lot of unknowns.” Shyka said.

  Laceeya nodded in agreement. “Let’s hope we find some answers.”

  Yes, Laceeya thought, some answers would certainly be useful. Yet she had the feeling acquiring them wouldn’t be easy.