THE OLD GUARD
STARDATE 03.03.22
SECTOR 50
Starbase Alexandria. One of the largest and most fortified Starbases in all of Europa. It was here that the Gathering of Eagles took place. A multitude of starships were docked at Alexandria, including the Old Guard.
Captain Severick floated into the Assembly Room on his Anti-Grav Wheelchair. There was a moment of hushed silence as many of the members present stared at the Old Captain. Then the conversations continued with loud talk and laughter, as many of these people had not seen each other in ages.
A large group gathered around Captain Severick. These were old friends, friends that Captain Severick grew up with, friends that he had fought side by side with in life or death situations. Because they were each spread out throughout Europa with their own individual assignments, Captain Severick had not seen many of them in years. Present was Captain Doleson, Captain Krull, Captain Deshultz, Captain Monheim, Captain Dieckhaug, Captain Noberg, Captain Aikind, Captain Richalik, Captain Karroll, Captain McDonnachie, Captain Piley, Captain Lehack, Captain Melici, Captain Gartley, Captain Mitzer, Captain Gussberger, and More. Immediately, the jokes began. They were ruthless.
“Captain Severick, care to join me in a light Run around the Starbase?”
“Lost your Sea Legs, have ya?”
“Can you give me a ride on the back of your Wheelchair?”
“Captain Severick, you look Shorter than I remember!”
“Is your Wheelchair attractive to your Dates?”
“What Sports are you playing these days?”
“Does that Wheelchair have Phasers mounted on it?”
“Do you Sleep in that thing?”
“What’s your Wheelchair’s Top Speed?”
“Is there a built-in Toilet in your Wheelchair?”
“Can you mount a Disco Ball atop your Wheelchair?”
“Care to play some Basketball?”
“Captain Severick, why don’t they just mount Rockets on your Back for Flight?”
“Would you like to Dance, Captain Severick?
Captain Severick stared at all of his old friends with a face of stone. There was no movement, no breathing, no blinking. He may as well have been a gargoyle.
Admiral Beddiax entered the Assembly Room. Immediately, all talking ceased. Everyone stood at attention. An elderly woman, Admiral Beddiax oversaw and disciplined each and every Captain present. There was a long running joke that all dissidents were fed to her two pet crocodiles.
Quickly, Captain Severick accelerated his Anti-Grav Wheelchair to intercept the Admiral before she started speaking. She was surprised, but pleasantly so.
“Admiral! May I have a word with you before we begin? It’s important.”
Admiral Beddiax stared at Captain Severick fondly. “Of course, Captain. I always have time for you. Now, tell me what’s on your mind.”
“It’s my crew, Admiral. There have been rumors circulating about what this meeting is about. Please, Admiral. They are young, inexperienced, and naive in many ways. They are not ready for this type of mission. Please, Admiral, don’t put them in the Jaws of Death just yet. Give them more time to become seasoned. They are not ready.”
Admiral Beddiax was quiet for a few moments as she considered Captain Severick’s request. She shook her head lightly.
“I’m sorry, Captain Severick. I need every available ship for this mission, including the Old Guard and her Crew. Yes, they may die. Yes, they may not be ready. But each of them knew what they signed up for when they joined Europa. Now, it’s time for them to grow up. They must learn to rise and meet the challenges set before them. Now excuse me, Captain, but we must begin.”
Captain Severick floated away from Admiral Beddiax, frustrated but silent. He held his anger within.
The lights in the Assembly Room diminished. A projector activated, displaying images behind Admiral Beddiax for all to see. With a dead serious tone, she addressed everyone present.
“Well, here we are. A Gathering of Eagles. You have all heard the rumors. Yes, they are True.”
The crowd of Captains began to murmur among themselves. Whispers flew back and forth on an invisible breeze.
“Babylon is currently constructing a monstrosity called the P10A Battleship. This Battleship will be larger than anything we have encountered. It will carry Heavy Disruptors with twice the destructive force of a standard Disruptor Bolt. The P10A Battleship is a threat to every living being in Europa.”
Admiral Beddiax paused with a sad look on her voice. “Many Bothans Died to bring us this information.”
She continued. “We cannot allow this Battleship to be completed. It must be destroyed before it comes online. We will destroy it. No matter the cost. That is why all of you are here. Europa is launching a major offensive. We know the location of the shipyard where the P10A Battleship is being built. It is heavily guarded by multiple Babylon Fleets. We are going to smash through their defenses, drive toward the shipyard, and destroy that Battleship before it is completed.”
There was a dead silence in the Assembly Room. At first, there was hesitation and doubt. But soon, these feelings turned into grim determination. All of the Captains present looked at each other, agreeing that they might perish in this conflict. And if that should be their Fate, so be it.
“Gentlemen and Ladies, nothing will be able to stop our concentrated effort. Europa is the light and Babylon will fail to spread its darkness. I know that each and every one of you will do your part to make sure this critical mission succeeds.”
Admiral Beddiax’s gaze fell upon Captain Severick for a moment.
“Now, the details of our offensive is being passed out to each one of you. We are going to examine in detail the role that each of your individual starship will play. Pay close attention to how your role fits into the larger picture of our assault. We can afford no mistakes or misunderstandings. Bring up any questions you have for clarification. If you don’t think some part of the plan will work, say so. That is why you are here today. We need your wisdom, experience, and knowledge, Captains. You are the reason why this offensive is going to be successful.”
Small electronic tablets began to be distributed among the Captains in the Assembly Room. The lights from their screens lit up the darkened room like fireflies in the night.
“Oh, and one other thing, Captains. The P10A Battleship has been given a Name by Babylon.”
XERXES.
