The first wave of Renegade reinforcements that reached the Ceknell sector came as a shock to the Imperial Navy sector command.

Like other militarized Mc80's, the Yrellion Skye was constructed by the Mon Calamari shipyards on Dac, and sold to the Bjenti Mining consortium as an exploration ship. When the consortium was bankrupted by losses suffered in the Clone Wars, the ship was sold on the market and acquired by an elusive group known as the Children of the Mask. The name may refer to the gas giant of Yrellion Tercius, given the similarities between the hull pattern and the Yrellion environment. Or it may be in reference to an individual. Both theories remain speculation.

Purchased through front companies by House Agrippa, the Yrellion Skye was pressed into service as a line-breaker battleship despite its advanced command and control facilities. Commanded by an Imperial Navy defector, Delloth Anariese, the ship first appeared near Sigrathau in the immediate aftermath of battle of Wissroe Straits. Together with the Janus, the Shrike , and another pirate ship, the Renegade fleet drove off an Imperial squadron during a brief manoeuvring battle.

Where as the modified Assault Frigates had been dangerous combatants to the Imperial fleet in Ceknell, the Yrellion Skye represents a fundamental shift in power. For the first time, the Renegade fleet can muster enough capital ships of sufficient classes to pose a threat to a standard Imperial battlegroup.

Imperial intelligence suggests that the Yrellion Skye may have been originally conceived as a mobile command centre far from the front lines. After Imperial forces lost control of the Far Reaches region, the Renegades entrenched themselves and no longer had need of a mobile headquarters. Or, pehraps there is another Mc80 prowling the void as well. Upgunned and uparmoured, the Yrellion Skye changed the face of the insurgency war in Ceknell.

The ISD Nightmare was, most appropriately, the first Imperial-class vessel to arrive in the Ceknell sub-sector in over five years. The dark monstrosity dropped out of hyperspace neat Tal Jassa in the Yenkurra Traverse in 29:12:11, and immediately set about making the world of penumbral night its unofficial port. COMPNOR heralded its arrival as 'The arrival of the mailed fist of the Emperor', and thanks to its taciturn nature, few ships fit the bill so well. While the ISD Dragon arrived less than a day later, the ISD Nightmare quickly became the face of Imperial retribution in the Ceknell sub-sector.

The ISD Nightmare is an Imperial II- class star destroyer, loaded with the latest in electronic warfare suites and destructive firepower. The Imperial II combined stock I-a2b reactor with a master-tuned relay and capacitor matrix from N'zorth's famed Black-Fifteen facility. The improved response and rigorous intra-ship communications system allows the Nightmare to achieve exceptional reaction times for a vessel of its size. Like many other Imperial-II Star Destroyers, the Nightmare replaced one pair of its octuple barbette turbolasers with a bolstered quad-emitter NK7 battery. The only non-standard components on the ship is perhaps its most telling. The outer armour is layered in chanlon-deficient havod plates, giving the hull its uncharacteristic hue.

The Nightmare is a two-year old vessel helmed by its first and thus far only captain, Llyleia Kagarra. Captain Kagarra's 'rule of iron' has been criticized as excessive by other commanders, but it has produced exceptional gunnery teams and machine-like compliance from the crew of the Nightmare . Responding quicker than a vessel its side aught to, the Imperial-class has a history of operating at the leading edge of the vast majority of assaults in which it is called to participate. It has been part of several Outer Rim task forces, but is most notable for its rumured role in single-handed destroying an Mc80 cruiser Adamantine Star and its escort fllotilla, including the Mc30C frigate Chanli, at Maryx Minor. Rather swiftly, it has built up a ruthless reputation as a Rebel killer.

...

Player's Note: The whole Adamantine Star and Chanli 'wipe out' is essentially second hand 'whinging' via one other member of the group. Apparently a somewhat mauled Mc80 and a mostly fresh Mc30 were just far too tempting morsels and it proceeded to obliterate both of them. It then rammed an addled CR90, thus killing 3 ships in a turn. This was apparently surprising. -shrugs-

Painter's note: The engines... I still can't believe I managed that. I really can't, it's mostly the lighting from some of the best photo conditions I've ever come across (outside lighting, no sun, white snow-sky), but if anything made me want to figure out how to use my airbrush better, that's it.

Following the uncomfortable arrival of the ISD Nightmare , the full grandeur of a second Imperial-class Star Destroyer was somewhat diminished. If not for its distinction in arriving second, then for its less sinister disposition. From the moment it arrived at Tal Jassar, the first words mistakenly echoed over its long-range communicators has become something of a standing derogatory joke. At 1922 on 29:12:13, stations on Imperial military frequencies picked up a message from Captain Reylk of the Dragon , “Tassitor my good man, if we're going to be stuck with shore leave on that miserable marble then I'm going to be sorely disappointed with you.”

The ISD Dragon 's own capability comes from its natural attributes as an Imperial I-class Star Destroyer, created among the first ISD retrofits at the Selonian shipyards. The Corellian style engineering has ensured that the ISD Dragon is a match for the exacting standards placed upon Star Destroyers. The vast majority of its systems correspond directly to stock Imperial I parts, with a very notable retrofit.

After an asteroid strike disintegrated most of its ventral surface during a routine patrol of Anoat, the ship was consigned to drydock at Sullust. At that time, the decision was made to expand the Dragon' s hangar bay and improved long range communications equipment. Due to the strain these additional components added on the ISD I's untuned I-a2b reactors, its peak performance couldn't sustain all ten Phylon-07 tractor beam projectors. The Phylon-07's were replaced and the power load reduced to manageable levels. The refit took almost eight months, but the Dragon emerged as a principle fleet carrier and ground-assault barque. Its enlarged facilities incorporates barracks and facilities for an entire Imperial army corps, nearly 15,000 troopers, though it has been used to capacity only twice in its service history.

In the meantime, the Dragon 's staff facilities amount to little more than empty storage space in its mid-decks while its generous expanded hangar bay houses a number of system patrol crafts and the facilities to dock a pair of Raider-class corvettes. Its advanced communication array has marked it as a suitable command ship for the whole of the Ceknell subsector, though the VSD Dawnguard still holds the Admiral's flag.

It is currently captained by Sorrel Reylk, an Arkanian Offshoot from Carida. His pompous air, flippant disposition, and good political connections ensures his spot commanding the ISD Dragon despite several missteps in his career. Reylk is nevertheless popular within the lower ranks, and informally known as 'the Good Cap'n': a result of his lax disciplinary edicts, generous praise, and possessiveness towards crew.

T he silence of the auditorium was broken by the unhurried click of patent leather heels. The whole of the station's open chamber and second floor concourse was visible from the raised podium and dais, but the late arrival's conspicuous entrance would have been impossible to overlook.

Dozens of fleet officers crammed into harsh angular chairs while junior officers clung to the rails on the second floor walkways, their silver hat badges and rank cylinders glittered in the hololith's sanguine pall. Hackett stood at the foot of the obsidian dais, his starched collar chaffing him only half as much as being made to stand at attention under the Admiral's auspice like a waiter. It might have even been dignified compared to what might have been expected after Wissroe Straits.

Admiral Kassik bit his lip, pausing just long enough to identify who was at fault. Seeing the milky white eyes and papery skin of the Arkanianr was enough to confirm his suspicions.

“ So good of you to join us. Now, take your seat Captain Reylk!”

Sorrel Reylk blinked once and cracked a smile as he chose a seat at the very centre of the front row, crossed his legs, tugged on the hem of his tunic to straighten the pleats, and finally made a rolling gesture with his hand, “Pleased to be here, Admiral. Shall we begin?”

A vein in the admiral's forehead bulged as he gave voice to a small growl. “ As I was saying..Operation Due Diligence is a two part plan designed to prepare the conditions required to finally confront and destroy the Rebel fleet. Thus far, our foe has been able to operate with relative impunity thanks to our limited forces compared to the priorities of keeping the region safe. With the arrival of our reinforcements, we can finally take the offensive.”

Kassik pointed at the hololithic display on the vaulted wall behind him. Its lines dissolving into a vortex of swirling data points before reforming into a rough monochrome outline of the sub-sector.

“ The fleet will be reorganized into three separate commands for the duration of the offensive: task force Anvil, task force Springtrap, and task force Lantern.

Task force Anvil will be comprised of ISD Nightmare, ISD Shining Waters, VSD Pegasus, and VSD Dawnguard as well as the two-twenty-eigth and eleven-ninety-fifth fighter groups. It will be led by fleet captain Hackett-”

Immediately there were more than a few surprised murmurs at the announcement. Kassik cleared his throat, not halting shiver of disbelief that coursed through the assembly. It wasn't until Kassik continued that the dissending whispers melted back into anonymity. “Task force Anvil's goal will be to provoke a major fleet action by drawing an enemy fleet into combat in the Pelatine system. Only after the immediate enemy build up is neutralized, will we be able to re-establish control over our industrial installations in the Scythe. Captain Reylk...”

The admiral cast his gaze over the front row, staring at the disruptive captain. The unnaturally pale man man impassively blinked and inclined his chin, “Admiral?”

“ You will be in charge of task force Springtrap, consisting of your ISD Dragon , as well as ISD Lunar Eclipse , and VSD Black Swan . You will also be responsible for the eight-ninety-seventh fighter group. Task force Springtrap will act as our reserve deployment fleet. You have your discretion to react to enemy attacks.” The admiral's pinched expression matched an equally sour hitch in his speech, “Do not make me regret this.”

The Arkanian officer' eyes widened as he gently tapped two fingers to his chest in surprise. “Me, admiral?”

“Yes, you.”

“Perish the thought.” Reylk smiled and settled back in his seat.

It was met with nothing more than a derisive snort. “The final element is task force Lantern. Now, Lantern will be under the command of Rear Admiral Perch. Perch is currently on patrol, but I have already informed him of his role. His task force will act as our eyes and ears by conducting long-range raids and surveillance. Hopefully, task force Lantern will be able to find any Renegade installations so we can deliver another crushing blow. We did it at Dragal, we can do it again. Task force Lantern will consist of GSD Banshee , as well as its escorts: the Waywatcher, Warlock, Pursuit , and Merit. Fighter support will be provided by the Hyacinth Spire Guard and the ten-eighty-sixth fighter group.

Mark my words, we will find this 'deathmark' Lylent and eliminate him. They are a pack of animals, and like all animals, we will need bait that they just can not resist.”

The display undulated and warped with an electronic buzz. The admiral gestured to the central point before the dot had even formed on the map. But form it did, corresponding exactly as if obeying his command, “The Renegade fleet has been relentless in expanding as local system defences have collapsed. Pelatine is their next natural target. Many of the outlying worlds have reported Rebel activity, and our own forces have been too slow to respond to the dozen or so sightings in the region. We must secure the space lanes and hyperspace coordinate points before dealing with the destabilizing elements in surrounding systems.

We have organized a convoy to arrive in system at tomorrow at seventeen hundred forty-five hours. Three modular conveyors from Volkmite group will be accompanied by two cargo ferries, Ibzel I and II. The cargo manifests indicate that they are filled with parts and technical components slated for use in refitting the garrison and academy facilities on Pelatine. These materials would be critical to reinforcing a headquarters for use against orbital attacks.

Needless to say, we assume the rebel leaders will want such a prize for wherever they have established their own facilities. It is guarded by a small hired patrol of corvettes belonging to the Pelatine systems authority, and one flight from the ten-eighty-sixth. The plan is simple; Hackett will bring his forces in as the convoy nears the rendezvous point at buoy L-nine-nine-two.”

“Admiral,” A willowy man called from the second row. He seemed to weave as if brushed aside by what little air moved in the stifling chamber, “What opposition can we expect to face?”

Kassik let his shoulder slump as he nodded once at the officer. “Captain Jahannar, you and everyone else new to Ceknell, would be well advised to read the after action report for the CN-zero-eight operation at Wissroe Strait,” Hackett's hackles bristled as he balled his hands into white knuckled fists. “We also have it on good authority that an enemy battleship was spotted at Sigrathau. Fleet Captain Hackett.”

Kassik ceded the lectern to his scarlet faced sub-commander. The broad-shouldered captain glared as he scanned the room, harsh teal eyes seemingly attempting to subjugate the crowd before he said a word. “Approximately nine standard hours ago, I led Phantom squadron on a routine patrol of . We encountered a line of enemy capital ships. The Janus-class ship of Lylent's, one modified assault frigate, and what appeared to be a mon calimari star cruiser. Its transponder returned an identification of Yrellion Skye , though there is no known ship of that name in the Imperial Security Bureau's records. It's very likely this is a newly converted civilian vessel. Untried, untested, it is more than likely undergunned and made as a last ditch attempt to bolster the Renegades fleet after the losses inflicted upon them at Wissroe Straits. I suspect the arrival of our true ships of the line will have finally brought their final reserves out of hiding.”

Not a single officer seemed to nod; some whispered to neighbours while others stared straight ahead and held their tongue. None one met Hackett's gaze.

“Thank you, captain.” The aged Imperial admiral mounted the steps again, and reluctantly, Hackett stepped down. Kassik leaned heavily on the lectern and smiled, “Be prepared for anything, let's hope Lylent decides to grace us with his presence personally. Preparations begins now. Dismissed. Hackett, a word in my study, if you would...”