A Web of Schemes-1

Lux watched his 'lover' walk away with a sway in her hips. Her figure had long since captivated the gaze of Lux, yet the beautiful scene was abruptly hidden by a corner, and Lux averted his gaze.

Lux knew this was an assignment. It was a scheme to covertly transfer information to Elia in a trustworthy manner—for the Black Vow.

But Lux would die if he declared total disinterest in Elia, and as a matter of fact, he felt himself slowly falling helplessly in love.

Elia was smart, composed, bold, and suggestive. Her flirting was something he had never seen nor witnessed before. Though Lux would be lying if he said he had experience in said field.

They had both done their duties, appearing officially in public to further build their relationship officially. Yet Lux knew they had gone further than what was required. They had enjoyed intimate and forbidden moments.

At least for a Stormtrooper.

Major Catcher, and now Lieutenant Colonel Kael Sallan, had stressed the importance of avoiding sexual altercations with either the opposite or identical sex.

Especially while visiting a hostile planet.

But Lux knew they weren't prohibiting relationships. As a matter of fact, they were heavily supporting relationships. They desired to restrict one-night stands with civilians or fellow Imperials.

They did not want the distraction to affect their Stormtroopers in the field.

Relationships with females or males back on either Coruscant or any of the thousands of planets were a boon to the determination of each Stormtrooper—the determination that came with protecting and returning to one's family.

It made Stormtroopers cautious, yet determined. It fueled their hatred towards the rebels while ensuring they kept a calm head. Or that was true for most Stormtroopers.

Naturally, there were exceptions. And Lux knew this very well. He had seen dozens of such exceptions at the Stormtrooper Academy and in this unit.

Individuals who fought to kill or avenge. They did not fight for the living—they fought for the dead. And both Catcher and Lux dreaded such figures, often sending them to the forefront of battle.

Captain Rysell had given them clear instructions when it came to such individuals. "I want them three clicks away from any civilian insurgency, and at the vanguard of full-blown battles."

Though Lux was interrupted by a familiar voice—that of his immediate supervisor.

"Oi Lux, get your ass back into the shuttle," Catcher shouted from the Sentinel-Class Shuttle.

Lux stood in his off-duty gear, some simple civilian clothing. And Catcher had been tasked with escorting him back to command.

As they entered the Sentinel-Class Shuttle, the pair found themselves alone in the cargo hull—the pilots' cockpit being closed off.

"What did she say?" Catcher asked, taking off his helmet.

"She confirmed it. The rebels are staging an attack on the Ryloth Work Camps. She is to inform them of any sudden movements," Lux answered.

"Very good. Perhaps this shall be the finalizing blow to the Black Vow," Catcher replied, and Lux nodded. Although he'd prefer remaining here with Elia for a few months, he too desired the death of these insurgents.

.....

Captain Aaron sat before the pair of highest-ranking Imperials amongst the Christophsis garrison.

"Do you trust this source?" Commodore Eral asked with narrowed eyes, his gaze turning towards the hologram of the source—a Christophsis female.

"No, but her reasoning is sound. She is the wife of an individual who was flagged upon our initial arrival. And he was detained for said suspicion. She intercepted one of their comms."

"I still don't like it. We shouldn't waste too many resources on a camp—it's Ryloth. Who cares if it gets raided?" Eral scoffed, his gaze turning towards Aaron.

"Imperial order is kept through security and strength. If we let them act as they please, we will lose trust from the people, and the insurgency will be strengthened," Governor Ian stated, a disappointed expression on his face due to his Commodore.

"My First Squadron should suffice, but I suspect a potential trap. So I'd like to request reinforcements—two Imperial Star Destroyers. With them, I can ensure the eradication of the Black Vow," Aaron said, and a tense silence befell the briefing room of the Christophsis Base. Until the Commodore spoke up.

"Impossible. The Star Destroyers are explicitly to never leave Christophsis. And with the rumors of a Rebel fleet close to Yag'Dhul, we simply cannot risk leaving the planet undefended," he replied decisively, rolling his eyes at the notion.

"Surely, Commodore, we could spare a few ships?" Ian asked with clear suspicion and hesitation in his gaze, narrowing at the Commodore's figure.

"No, we cannot. The Moff was clear on the importance of Christophsis. If the Captain fails to handle such a threat by himself, then the question should be raised as to why he was tasked with handling this insurgency," Eral spat, his gaze turning towards Aaron with the hint of anger—or perhaps jealousy.

"You are clearly not competent enough to handle such a simple insurgency. They lack the support of Mon Mothma, yet you fail to handle them. You are a disappointment to the faith Admiral Antilles and Moff Roran placed in you, you civilian swin—" the man ranted, yet he was interrupted by the furious remark of Governor Ian.

"YOU have stepped out of line, Commodore. Clear the room this second. You are confined to your flagship until further notice," the Governor exclaimed angrily, raising both his voice and his figure as he slammed his fists into the table.

The Commodore opened his mouth to further spout insults, yet chose to close it. Standing up with a salute. "Governor." Before he left the room, leaving the pair alone.

"I cannot stress an apology enough for the actions of my subordinate. He will be thoroughly punished later," Ian said, as he turned towards Aaron, standing.

"It is fine, Governor. The fault lies with Commodore Eral, not you," Aaron replied, his tone and face cold—the actions having failed to penetrate his mask.

"It is a relief to hear. But as you've most likely assumed, I cannot reinforce your fleet, sadly. I can contact the Moff, but it will take a few days…." Ian said, and Aaron sighed.

"Days I do not possess. I will handle this insurgency alone," Aaron finished as he stood up and left the briefing room.Leaving a single Governor alone in the room, as Aaron headed down to the floor—where his shuttle awaited him.

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