Chapter 3

The Virulant and the launchers exited hyperspace, first firing on the unsuspecting Imperial fleet that was establishing a new power base in the Daelnen System. The people were resisting, but already their defenses had been breached. Nullin ordered his ships to engage the enemy at close range, using the Virulant to take the brunt of the damage.

"We will hold the enemy's attention, while our troops supported by two squadrons of our fighters retrieve the populace. Send the message out Captain." Nullin said.

Walking to the communications officer station Nullin studied the screen. Pointing to one blip and the data stream coming from it Nullin made a decision.

"Target the lead ship with the Virulant's guns that is sending out commands to the rest. It will sow confusion among their ranks, and we can end this battle with fewer casualties to both sides." Nullin said.

As much as they might be his enemies he had to offer them the chance to change. He watched as the Virulant's weapons fired upon the lead star destroyer, ripping it to pieces. It had a profound psychological affect on the other ships as their command structure was obliterated in those few moments.

"Send a general transmission to all enemy ships: I am Admiral Nullin Terra in command of the fleet you now face aboard the Virulant. You will cease all further hostilities, or you will be destroyed ship to ship. Any one who attempts to take command of the rest will be the first to be destroyed. Send a delegation of each of your captains to discuss your unconditional surrender to my command ship." Nullin said.

Then enemy realized they were outgunned and outmatched. The holonet was full of transmissions showing the enemy captains acknowledging the terms and agreeing to meet him. Nullin's troops had already landed on the planet, and beaten back the enemy there. This gave the enemy captains little choice but to surrender. They now faced a well-organized enemy on the planet, and in space.

The evacuations were well underway as Nullin didn't want to be in the system any longer than he had to. When the captains arrived Nullin managed to win many of them over by discussing his plan with them. Those who did not join him were removed from command, along with anyone who supported them, and they were left on the planet. In the end few chose the latter.

Quickly adding the new ships to his fleet, Nullin spread the refugees among them, and had his ships jump away. Jessa found him going over the battle reports in his quarters. Nullin had made some notes for a number of improvements he could make thanks to the gathered data, and the needed adjustments he felt they might need in the future. Jessa waited patiently until he openly acknowledged her presence, even though she knew he had noticed her when she made her entrance.

"What is our next move sir?" Jessa asked standing before his desk at attention when he glanced up.

Pressing a button to shutoff the holoviewer he was looking at on the wall behind him, he turned off the image of a new fighter Nullin replied, "We will have to adjust our battle plan. Eventually our enemies will catch on, this time we were lucky."