9AFE/10BBY
Ord Trasi
Imperial Star Destroyer Shipyard
"27,831 personnel, 9,235 officers, 9,200 stormtroopers, and 2,000 miscellaneous droids?" Titus examined the manifest, arching an eyebrow as he totaled the numbers.
"You've read accurately Commander, I understand your brief incredulity in the situation. Captaincy over such large sums of imperial resources is a burden that many are unqualified to shoulder",the rear admiral finished, as he now looked at the young captain.
Aurellion saw through the latent scorn Rear Admiral Sybil concealed beneath his cold platitudes, but paid little mind to his baiting.
This was to be expected. Many older officers despised it when junior officers rose through the ranks; it wasn't necessarily viewed as a threat to their power, but it was usually motivated by jealousy and pride.
He was only 23 years old, yet he was given command of an imperial star destroyer. However, he couldn't credit his success only to the pirates and smugglers he apprehended.
No. Some of that merit belonged to his family name.
"Young I may be rear admiral, but my abilities have been proven time and time again,"Titus responded. "If you have any doubts about this you can confirm it with Grand Moff Tarkin."
The man wasn't pleased with the reply, and his expression transformed to that of a grimace.
"Time will tell," He answered back snidely.
"We're here," He announced making Titus gaze through the Transparisteel window into the void of the space, where anchored and held in place by massive metallic arm locks, was a mile long ship.
"The Imperial I Class Star Destroyer, The Vanguard,"Sybil introduced.
"It had undergone repairs over the past 61 rotations . All destroyed military equipment and hardware has been replaced and accounted for, Commodore, your ship is prepared and ready for takeoff"The Rear Admiral continued
*Beep*
*Beep*
A pager went off alerting everyone near enough to hear the sound.
"Ah, it appears another matter has arisen. Captain Decimus will walk you through the last minor details and procedures, and any questions you may have can be answered by him. Excuse me, gentlemen," Rear Admiral Sybil said before striding away with two stormtroopers in tow.
"Shall we continue the tour then," Decimus led on.
"Commodore Titus, in addition to the 20 TIE fighter pilots pending transfer, all other arrangements are complete, and the chief officers are prepared to meet you on deck."
"Then let us not keep them waiting Captain Decimus," Titues urged
— — — —
His gloved hands were crossed behind his back as he strolled and inspected the Vanguard's complement of junior officers, line officers, naval troopers, and stormtroopers.
The landing bays were more than large enough to accommodate the 4,000 imperial personnel, 1,500 of the highest-ranking officers from the following departments: gunnery, navigation, security, communications, weapons, logistics, flight officers, deck officers, stormtrooper officers, and even loyalty officers. Additionally, there were 2,500 of the ship's menials from each of these departments present, including: troopers, technicians, gunners, galley staff, navigators, logistics specialists, etc.
Eyes forward, they all stood at attention, waiting for their new commanding officer.
"At ease" Titus commanded, which was then repeated by his XO Captain Bren.
His voiced echoed through the ships hold, far and wide for even the deaf to hear.
Titus had read Bren's file and he was pleased with the man's record. Although Bren may have more experience leading wise and more time served in the naval forces but Titus had his cunning ingenuity to battle against such traits.
However, he had to give credit since Lyron Bren was loyal to the empire, which did not imply devotion to him, but it also did not require him to continuously guard himself against betrayal.
Then there was the dossier on his predecessor, a man of nobility who turned traitor, engaging in sexual harassment, treachery, robbery, and the destruction of imperial property.
Not surprising about the first. He had seen it several times during missions. In such a case, all you can do is keep your head straight and your mouth shut.
But, back to the case of Commodore Traven Ravis, the traitor was apprehended and punished to decades of hard labor.
"I have not much to say, for there isn't much to be said. I stand before you; as a stranger. But in the coming hours, I shall stand before you as your leader. I expect nothing more of you than what you haven't already given. Which is your loyalty to the empire, and for me that is enough. The road will be hard, and we will have much to do, so let us prepare for our arduous journey."
"Captain" he gestured to his second who dismissed the crowd.
"Ensure that every executive officer from every branch is present in the conference room," Titus said before the man could continue with his duty.
"At once sir" came his reply.
"Captain Decimus a word if I may,"Titus Called out.
"Of course Commander Titus" he says, now stepping to the side
"Grand Moff Tarkin has charged me with taking charge of this ship and its personnel as quickly as possible. I am scheduled to meet the Grand Moff in the near future, but I can't overlook the fact that the logs are stating that my ship's departure is not scheduled until the next 36 hours. I wonder if you can speed that process up a bit, and of course word of your assistance will be reported to Governor Tarkin," Titus tried to convince the man.
"Commodore Titus! I am a Captain of his majesty's navy not some hodge podge technician that will fall for any deceitful words.You will do as the other officers and wait patiently in line and bid your time for those 12 hours to be up." Captain Decimus said rather seriously fooling those that might've heard their quiet conversation.
Titus did not smile to keep up the facade, but nodded in appreciation of the man's help. He was of course a man of his word but telling the Grand Moff about Decimus's help would be relegated to a later time whenever they met, perhaps even none at all.