Berkeen

Star Wars

Rebellion Era

Berkeen : Rhysling Cutaway

CUTAWAY to the Bridge of the Victory-class Star Destroyer "Shiva":

Outside the viewport is a large asteroid. To either side of the Star Destroyer are smaller Lancer-class frigates. The two Lancers are exchanging fire with various small snubfighters. The camera pans to the Imperial captain directing the battle.

"Status report, lieutenant!" he barks at one of his subordinates on the bridge.

"Sir, the 'Snow Dog' reports that the Rebels are breaking off and running. They're requesting permission to pursue."

"Negative. Tell them to take up a defensive position at coordinate 116.2. Order the 'Hell Hound' to move to a similar position to starboard. It may be a ruse." Turning to a different part of the bridge pit, the captain continues, "Helm, bring us into optimum firing position. Notify all gunnery stations to prepare for bombardment of the Rebel base."

"Belay that order," says a new voice.

The camera turns to reveal a figure that has quietly entered the bridge. He is an plain looking man with long silver-grey hair and piercing grey eyes. He is dressed in a black Imperial uniform with no insignia and a flowing black cape. He is flanked by two Imperial stormtroopers with red Imperial seals on their left shoulder armor.

The captain pauses for a moment, taken aback, then continues irritatedly. "Your lordship, how nice of you to join us. As you can see we are about to smash the Rebel base." (He gestures to the asteroid outside.)

Ignoring the captain, the average man speaks directly to the officers in the pit. "Helm, move us away from the asteroid at flank speed. Navigation, set course for the Berkeen system using the shortest duration jump possible. As soon as we have cleared the asteroid's gravity well, engage the hyperdrive."

The men scramble to obey these new commands.

The captain appears livid. "LORD Rhysling, I must protest. My orders were explicit-"

Rhysling cuts him off calmly, "Your orders have been changed. By me."

The captain's anger boils over. "This is no time for your political games. When the Emperor learns of this outrage, you will-"

Rhysling makes the slightest of gestures with his right hand, and one of the stormtroopers quickly and efficiently shoots the captain in the chest, ending his tirade. Rhysling walks calmly forward, stepping gingerly over the Captain's smoldering corpse. He moves to the viewport and gazes out at the receding asteroid.

"When the Emperor learns of this, I will become even more powerful than you could've possibly conceived."