Chapter I: The Privacy of War

Vicadi says, "Huh? Sorry, I've barely been listening. I'm still a little out of it from all the simulations today. I almost passed out in there, hopefully I'll be ready to actually fly soon."

Zeven quickly says " That was Special Ops Commander Coldora, I have heard stories about him. I hear he is cold hearted. Uh, I don't think we should keep him waiting."

Xenix tilted his head back jovially. "No kidding, Zeven. Some call him the "Hidden Hand of the Empire", which is one that can apparently rise out of nowhere and slap you."

Vicadi looked over and spoke to Thross, with Thross responding, "It isn't important to you, Vic. Keep your concern to yourself." Noons looked over with confusion and said, "Ross, you're off your rocker. Commander Coldora will have you for that. Trust me." Thross looked at Noons at the side of his eye and slowly shook his head in mild disappointment.

Vesre piped in, "Alright, we have to go. Save your incredibly interesting conversation for later."
"If we even have a later...", Xenix muttered under his breath.

The six got out of their chairs and solemnly headed down to Delta Wing, an office near the bowels of the Bitter Fang. There was a small dimly lit corridor that led way to the office. Inside, they all crammed in toward the front door where Commander Coldora sat, his chair turned looking out of the giant glass window into the blackness of space, sprinkled with flashes of light from the distant stars. None of them had ever been here and knew not how many had been into this office, which was very brightly lit.

The office was immaculately clean, with a few files beside a medium-sized data computer screen. Dozens of datapads were neatly stacked together in the corner by an extravagant purple plant that fluttered with a strange energetic aura. Commander Coldora turned around and faced them all, producing a manufactured smile on his face for a small moment.

"You summoned us, Commander?", Noons said ordinarily.
"I did summon you and I shall cut straight to the chase."

The six fellows stood in anticipation, all beside each other neatly now, not a single back bent out of formation.

"This office is Special Operations Division Seven. You've heard things about this office and they're mostly accurate. This office also reports directly to something you have not even heard uttered in rumor, which will remain unknown to you as it concerns you not in the slightest. Understood?"

In unison, all of the six said, "Yes, Commander."

Xenix, impatiently fidgeting, blurted out, "Er, why are you sharing this with us? Are you not worried we will blab or something?"
Coldora looked up, giving Xenix a look that was nearly undetectable, his face completely unreadable. "Not even in the slightest am I concerned about that."
"Er, heh... Okay, so, why wouldn't you be? Um, sir-Commander?"

Noons faced dragged as Vesre dropped hers into her palms.

"Enough! This is not the mess hall. You will stand at attention and not mope around this office. Understand that!" Coldora's face contorted as he sharply assailed Vesre and Noons. They bolted back up, both scrambling to apologize as Coldora had already moved on. "As mentioned, my concerns don't exist. I'm well aware you've lived here for most of the duration of your lives and, considering most rumors about this office are genuine, you know that would be a... hefty oversight."

Coldora slightly adjusted his sleeves and continued on. "The six of you have been selected by myself and other significantly ranked officers to conduct a mission within the Outer Rim within the Kathol sector to capture an escaped renegade who has betrayed the Empire. You will board a Z-NL class shuttle starship with Vicadi Grumsev as your pilot, Milut'hross'uoudo as your information specialist, Sin Noons as the leader of your squad, Xenix as your maintenance technician and co-pilot aboard this venture. Vesre Gonn and Zeven Degor will be designated as full-fledged stormtroopers. You've all graduated as of two minutes before you entered this office."

A look of shocked adorned the six fellows' faces as they listened intently.

"You are not to inquire about the specific details of this recovery mission now or after it is completed. Under no circumstances are you to even tell anyone you're leaving. You will exit Delta Wing and head straight for Hangar 21."

Vesre, with a look of confusion, said, "21? There are only 20 hangars aboard this vessel, Commander."

"All your life... Hmm, it's funny..." Coldora muttered to himself. "An Imperial official awaits you all outside of this office and will direct you to the hangar. You will be given munitions, weaponry, and clothing that resembles that of spice traders from Cerea who've gotten lost. You will have two hours before you board that shuttle and head for the Kathol sector. I will update you through an integrated comms system aboard the shuttle as to your target's more specific whereabouts. The target is aboard a beta-class assault shuttle, stolen from us. You will apprehend the target and commandeer the assault shuttle, bringing it back to us. You are dismissed."

Coldora quickly turned away and waved his hand dismissively as the six exited the office and followed the official down the hallways to Hangar 21...

(GM NOTE: You are on your way to Hangar 21 so speak to your comrades or discuss what has happened at this juncture.)