Outpost Alpha-832

[Corran Vellar]

~Orbit over Bastion.~

Ryder strode down the halls of his new Nebulon B2, Haven Maker. He’d just finished up some business with the Moff council and their ever increasing contracts with Black Star Systems. He stepped onto the polished bridge of the frigate and took a moment to just breath the recycled air. It was a wonderful smell.

“Sir, we are getting a transmission for you, Imperial military it seems.”

“Anyone specifically?” He asked, curious, since he’d just finished up a meeting with the Moffs.

“A Commander Carbine,” the officer replied.

“Put him on,” Ryder instructed as he approached the bridge’s holoprojector.

Ryder was wearing his usual black armor weave trench coat with silver lining. His hair was jet black and kept close cut and he sported a trimmed beard. His grey eyes looked upon the image of the Commander as he appeared.

“Commander Carbine, what can Bla..” the image began to sputter, a large amount of static fuzzing out the military man. Ryder looked to the ships comms Officer. “Can we clear this up?”

“Sorry sir, his signal is coming from somewhere outside the normal range,” a Sullustian woman replied.

“How can that be? The holonet has been pretty well established throughout the galaxy, unless he’s in the unknown regions or outside the Galactic ring.” Ryder’s eyes returned to the static ridden holoimage.

“Commander, we’re getting a lot of static. If you can hear us we need you to bring your ship into an area with better signal coverage.”

[Rhoden Carbine]

Rhoden sighed as the holoimage dissolved entirely. “Commander, hold that last shuttle.” he said, keying on his comm. “Yes sir.” Lieutenant Commander Mercado responded. Rhoden pressed another button.

“It’s time to begin construction on Outpost Alpha-832.” he began recording a message, “I’d like to get this done quickly. You have all relevant information about the security measures in place and incidentally the shuttle carrying this message will have a full list of materials required.” Rhoden said, “We await your arrival.” Rhoden paused, “That is all.” he cut off the recording.

“I take it the Grey Wolf has left?” he asked as he handed the datachip containing the recording to Lieutenant Commander Mercado. “Yes, that’s why we lost the transmission. Though if our communications array wasn’t damaged we could probably have maintained a short call.” she responded. Rhoden nodded and walked off.

“Communications array, that’s your priority.” he said to the engineering team, or what remained of them at any rate. There were various murmurs of acknowledgement and they set off to work. The rest of the day was filled with repairs that could be completed with the resources on hand.

[Rhoden Carbine]

Rhoden woke up to his comm chiming, several minutes later he was standing on the bridge of the Hydra looking out at the small convoy of ships carrying supplies, mining vessels, and other such ships buzzing about.

“Impressive timing.” he commented, “Mining ships you have the schematics for the base, begin carving out the main hangar area.” he said into the comm. “Acknowledged, Commander.” the lead vessel responded. Rhoden watched as they moved in and deployed, a large beam shot out and began carving into the rock. Rhoden continued to coordinate with the mining vessels for the rest of the day, even when they had to send men in to manually carve out what would become hallways and internal rooms.

Rhoden woke up two weeks later to find the majority of the mining completed during the night. “Delivery of supplies has been completed, weapons satellites have been activated and are deployed appropriately.” Lieutenant Commander Mercado reported, “Very good, Commander. I’ll be on-site for the construction.” he said. “Acknowledged, sir.”

Rhoden stepped off into the small atmosphere created by the temporary generator sitting within what would become a small hangar. The floor was incomplete, the roof nonexistent, as were the walls. Rhoden began to direct the effort. He watched as floor panels took shape, moving onto the walls and eventually the roof, it was as though he was watching some strange plants grow across the stone. One the hangar was complete the construction effort began creeping out in branching arms which became four docking areas connected to the roof of the gash which was the hangar area. Within an hour of the completion the Hydra docked in one of the clamps and her crew began aiding in the construction efforts. The two larger hangars took shape and were completed within the day as well. Rhoden went to sleep tired and with a sore throat from the constant yelling he’d had to do throughout the day but with a supreme sense of accomplishment.

The next week saw the floors of all the hallways and various corridors completed, as well as what would eventually become the hidden components and mechanical access zones. Lights and temporary labs were setup and primary generators were installed. Two days later still Rhoden had a temporary office. Another week and the base of the operations tower was completed, the communications and sensor array were fully constructed and floated off connected to several tiny tugs awaiting installation on the incomplete operations tower.

“What do you mean the primary power conduits won’t fit?” Rhoden asked angrily, “I mean they won’t fit!” the technician said, Rhoden rounded the corner at a march the irate technician following in his wake. “See here.” he said when Rhoden walked up to the massive jumble of pipes and wires. Rhoden’s face reddened, “This isn’t the power conduit’s housing!” he bellowed. “It's on the blueprint.” the technician said holding up a datapad. Rhoden snarled and grabbed the pad, examining the blueprint he tapped the screen. “FOREMAN!” he bellowed, louder still than before. The technician jumped, looked at the alterations Rhoden had made and began hurriedly tearing out components. “Yes, Commander.” the foreman said, walking briskly and looking harried, “Why the hell have you altered the blueprint.” he asked, “There were several errors, I was simply--” Rhoden made a gesture as if to seize the man's throat and he stepped hastily backward “There were no errors, you will revert to the original blueprint, and you will correct anything that has been constructed to this altered specifications. If you do something like this again I'LL THROW YOU OUT AN AIRLOCK!” the foreman paled and spluttered an apology, he all but ran off tapping rapidly at his datapad.

It took another week following the incident but the operations tower was complete within a reasonable time frame and preparations were underway to begin construction on the connecting piece between the main base and what would become the research laboratories. Once more Rhoden collapsed on his bed exhausted and looking forward to the day his quarters on the station were complete.

[Rhoden Carbine]

Rhoden woke up the following morning and set out immediately to the connecting piece. One day’s efforts saw a thin connecting pipe filled with wires take shape between the two asteroids, along with the beginnings of the bottommost portion of the connection. The two following days saw the construction creep up to form the outer hull of the connection, allowing the atmosphere to be established. Teams began working on the research areas themselves, though Rhoden was not involved with this.

Another week passed and the rest of the connection slowly took shape, finally Rhoden found himself standing in an empty promenade that was ready for the finishing touches--but those would come later. Rhoden next turned his attention to the several weeks long operation which was fully installing and completing the rest of the rooms in the main base. The labs were first, finally becoming fully operational and no longer having walls of rock, next were the holographic areas. The equipment for these rooms was extensive and took far longer than Rhoden might have expected.

The biodomes were an expectedly lengthy progress but were also very interesting to watch take shape. Massive amounts of dirt and rocks were brought in from any variety of worlds, clay deposits, and water. The terrain slowly took shape, trees were brought in fully grown or young, as were other plants, and carefully placed in the ground. Water was brought in and filled the carefully positioned bodies to hold it, the artificial atmosphere became fully operational. Finally animals and fish, and even bugs of various kinds, were brought in to support the extensive plant life.

Now it was time for the finishing touches. Carpets, plants artificial and real, wood paneling, benches, chairs and various components were all brought in. The carpets were done first, easily installed over the flooring throughout most areas in the station. Next plants and furniture were placed throughout. Finally the wood paneling for the walls and ceilings were installed, and while it took slightly longer the effect was rather nice.

The final sections to be completed were the larger quarters and offices of the Inferno Squad members and senior officers. Rhoden oversaw his own quarters, the installation of carpet, the careful positioning of further lighting, the unusual touches he had added. Most importantly he oversaw the careful bringing in, unwrapping, and placing of various art pieces. His office was small but just as nice and functional. The rest of the quarters were finished in short order and after going over the station with a microscope to check for issues the various construction teams left and any station personnel who had yet to arrive were scheduled to be brought in by the Grey Wolf, along with the permanent officers for the station and a few more scientists for the research division.

There was still minor work going on installing the components for the torpedo tubes nestled in the smaller asteroids, but it would be completed in a timely manner. The weapons satellites had been brought in and were now settled in their racks. Rhoden assembled an appropriate greeting party and had them standing ready to receive the Grand Admiral and the rest of the crew.

[Lady Kota]

The Grand Inquisitor made her way through the place. She was under very strict instructions that if this project wasn't up to code that this Carbine fellow was to get her wraith. Kota recalled seeing him at several meetings called by the Grand Admiral and the "Commander", so she knew who it was she would have her wraith directed at.

She carefully read everything and looked at everything, nothing would be to small to be ignored as she looked this over with a fine comb. If she even suspected that there was something wrong she wouldn't hesitate to shut it down and make sure Carbine paid for the errors. However she was a little displeased when she found nothing. "You pass this time Mr. Carbine." She said.

[Rhoden Carbine]

"Is that dissapointment I detect?" Rhoden said, smiling just slightly. "Or perhaps jealousy..." his voice took on the accent he typically used in situations like this, richer than usual, but no less natural than the one he used at other times. "No matter, I believe the Grand Admiral will have a few words to say and I'd like to meet the new arrivals." Rhoden said, giving no room for response.

Turning Rhoden waited for the Grand Admiral to disembark from the shuttle.

[Ben Kenobi]

The Imperial II-class Star Destroyer Grey Wolf was an imposing piece of Imperial Naval Technology and when she broke from hyperspace, her presence was held with awe and fear alike, even by fellow Imperials. For where the Grey Wolf hunted, the prowl was never sated. Argus and his party were already onboard the Impervium and no sooner had the Grey Wolf emerged from hyperspace had a full squadron of TIE Defenders dropped from the assault bay, they were Avenger Squadron. The Lambda-class T-4a Shuttle Impervium was next and with wings locked into flight position she soared off towards the distant facility. Obviously they would arrive well before the Grey Wolf actually did.

A short flight brought the Impervium to settle on the deck of Outpost Alpha-832’s pristinely shinned plating. Avenger Squadron continued their patrol outside the station in well drilled circuits, their flight patterns ever so precise. Once the ramp touched the ground and steam shot from the housing of the shuttle’s chin, Grand Admiral Argus Kraiov stepped through, his white cape billowing, polished boots hitting the metal shod flooring with a rhythmic grace, in pairs behind him came six contrasting black clad Imperial Death Troopers, shining black plate and luminous green beneath their helmets.

Argus took a moment of pause once his boots hit the actual decking of the station and he surveyed the area left and right until he seemed satisfied and only then did he advance and arrive before the assembled glory of the Empire’s finest. Formations of rigid enlisted and commissioned personnel, unmoving and unyielding in their duty, it was awe inspiring and a subject of pride that Argus took in without regret. This was a reflection of their leadership and in turn, Commander Carbine’s leadership was a reflection of Argus’ own.

“Mr. Carbine, you’ve been busy.”

His tone was pleasant for once, yes, today was not a dreary day of paperwork or court to be held, this was a day of reprieve from such foul practices. Catching the eye of the imposing form of Kota, Argus turned and bowed graciously in a slight bend, “Grand Inquisitor, I am pleased you were able to arrive soundly as well.” In Argus’ opinion, with Kota’s arrival he knew she’d have already scrutinized Rhoden’s work and if she’d found anything amiss… the Commander wouldn’t have remained standing, or at least unsupported. By this notion of thought, there was nothing left to be done here but to sign the official commission of Outpost Alpha-832 into active status… yet Argus would humor the good work of these men and women.

“Shall we?” Argus suggested and so began Rhoden’s tour of the facility to show Argus what the Imperial Military had just invested in. He was sure that he wouldn’t be displeased, though he would take the situation at face value; if this is what it took to get Task Force Inferno into a better operational status then it was well worth every single credit.

[Lady Kota]

If she had been herself she would have struck him down for his comments to her. "One word Mr. Rhoden from the grand admiral and I will see you in torture beyond your imagination." She said. The grand Inquisitor didn't care for games. After Argus made his statement she would be glad to leave.

There was little purpose for her here other than to ensure the Grand Admirals safety. Kota had no care for Rhoden or his grand assumption. There was nothing to be jealous of, she could accomplish what ever she desired. She not only had the power to do so, but she also had the funds, means, knowledge, and capabilities.

[Rhoden Carbine]

Rhoden smiled again, coldly. "I'm quaking in my boots." the accent no longer rich, but not modulated to be menacing. Rhoden wondered distantly if it would be worth it to have her targeted, decided the Empire was past the days of expendables, and felt private disappointment. He'd never been fond of higher-ups who were arrogant, or threatening to no worthwhile point, he could only take solace in the fact that the Grand Inquisitor made up for her social shortcomings in professional skill.

"Of, course, sir." Rhoden said pleasantly upon the Grand Admiral's request. "We'll naturally be observing the operations centre first." Rhoden headed off, smartly. The station was decidedly more comfortable than was in any way standard for Imperial constructions, and Rhoden mused privately over the possible impressions of the Grand Admiral.

They boarded a lift and it took them up to the operations center which, while constructed of darker material and containing more advanced systems lacked most of the luxuries of the less-official areas. The commander of the station--one Armand Kaon--gave a running down of the systems. Rhoden broke in near the end, "You'll want to take particular note, I think, of the communications and sensor array." he said, stepping up to a large console with an equally large array of viewscreens and bringing up a systems display on the largest screen.

[Ben Kenobi]

Having not been privy to the prior moment of internal strife and the point of how well both subjects hid their ire, Argus was amiss to Rhoden’s breach of respect and Kota’s sharp temper. Had he known he most certainly would have made his opinions clear that such pithy verbal jousting was unnecessary and risked far more than pride. To have a budding Commander seriously injured or killed by the Grand Inquisitor for little more than a brush of courtesy wouldn’t look well on record. That said, to show utter deference to the Grand Inquisitor wasn’t proper protocol either. Regardless, if any outcome would have found itself in fisticuffs, Rhoden could have been greatly harmed at the smallest effort of the Grand Inquisitor. Not even on paper could the blow be lessened in many areas.

Being ignorant to the point, however, made things speed along its proper course. As the brief tour began, Argus was instantly taken aback at how Imperial architecture and this Shadow Guard technology blended. At first it was obtuse and he felt displeasure at its sight though by the time they arrived at the turbolift his eyes had adjusted from the angular Imperial arches to the flowing form it now took. Being an admirer of artistic designs, Argus began to almost admire it all. That said he was still without given of a verbal opinion and he allowed Commander Carbine to stew on that.

Of course, Kota was with Argus and shortly before the lift made to dispatch them into the Operations Centre he turned to her. “What of your professional assessment, Grand Inquisitor? Thus far I find myself at a lack of disappointment though the additional costs have yet to bear proper fruit.” The turbolift arrived and Argus awaited the response of Kota before he stepped forth into the next deck.

From this point the fruit was ripe and Argus would pluck from the tree his fill as the Station Commander, Armand Kaon was grilled in depth about everything that not only this operation’s centre was capable of but also the in-depth analysis of this station’s operational capacity. Truly statisticians would have had a hay day with this base and that was all well and good. Argus was here for an inspection of practicality; ironic that his arrival was far hypocritical in that regard. Though inspecting his great investment of the Empire’s good will stood for no hand of corruption and Argus wanted to be certain that this was credits well spent.

Impressive; that was the word Argus found dwelling here between the wired consoles and the professional, although rather green, status of the personnel. Even then, speaking of new personnel, by this time the contents of the Grey Wolf, the new additions to Rhoden’s staff including the replacement crew members to whom were lost during that initial fateful engagement, had arrived and were being sorted through by the current station’s staff. The welcoming and in-processing alone would take them three days to a week and by then the training regimens… soon enough this station and the Hyrda would be operating at one hundred percent. A factor Argus was nearly anxious to see for himself.

Towards the end of the tour and the conclusionary inspection of this station, Argus personally examined the communications systems. State of the art arrays that were powerful enough to defeat most electronic counter measure systems aside from a well prepared enemy, they were capable of sending real time transmissions from this position back inside of the Galactic Core with the appropriate failsafe features installed, it was well designed.
Finally after all this time, Argus turned to the Commander, and nodded. “You’ve done well, Commander Carbine. Consider Outpost Alpha-832 signed off and moved to active duty status, effective immediately, as well as the rest of Task Force Inferno.”