Gandala and Ghent arrived at the hanger bay. Troopers were already in place with some deckhands. The shuttle was already aboard and getting the final landing clamps on before opening the hatch.

Ghent looked aside to Gandala. “That’s probably the nicest shuttle ever to land on the Doomhammer.”

“Yes. And it likely won’t be here long.”

The final landing protocols finished and a hatch on the side of the shuttle opened. As the ramp extended, an excited child’s voice filled the room.

“Dad, the Doomhammer was part of the third phase of the Kuat lines! It has battle stars across half the galaxy. And they just got new troopers. 288th Legion. They call them ‘Rage of Felucia’. Will you let me try their blasters?”

Captain Gandala didn’t need to look to tell that Commander Ghent was smiling. His enthusiasm for children was peculiar for a navy officer.

The boy bounded out of the shuttle and ran up to the officers. Gandala guessed he was around 10 and his clothing matched luxury of the shuttle. He ran up to the officers and started tapping the medals on Ghent’s chest.

“Ooo, this one is a long service star. And this is the for the Ryloth campaign. And Dantooine!”

Ghent stayed motionless at attention other than the smile on his face. The boy moved over to Gandala and his eyes went wide.

“Holy Emperor that’s a Clone Wars medal? You served in the Clone Wars!? Did you fight the battle droids? Wait! Did you meet a Jedi? Did you know right away that they were traitors?!”

The rest of the family had disembarked while the boy was gushing over the medals. Baron Targ stepped forward to the officers.

“That’s enough, Marek, Thank you”

Captain Gandala saluted and everyone on deck followed her lead. “Welcome aboard Baron Targ. We’re glad you’ll be joining us for the trip to Bothawui.”

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The Baron was well dressed with a long cape, soft clothes, and a broad smile. He nodded his best version of a return to the salute. His wife and other children were following behind him and he took hold of the boy, Marek, and tried to contain his enthusiasm.

“My son is absolutely delighted to be here, as I’m sure you can tell. He’s going to be a Star Destroyer captain when he’s older and can’t get enough of them. When Moff Vandreen invited us to visit him in Bothawui it was an extra gift to bring my son aboard a ship like this.”

Captain Gandala lowered her salute. “We’re quite happy to accommodate you. I’m sure your son will be a fine captain when he comes of age. We have guest quarters being prepared right now and they should be ready by the time you get there. Vessels this size can make a long walk from one section to another. Some of the crew can see to your baggage.

The Baron’s smile somehow got even wider. “Excellent. My son wants to hear absolutely everything of your recent tour in the Outer Rim. The engagement with the rebel cell in the Kessel Maw sounds fascinating but I’m sure your telling will be more exciting than mission reports. We’re looking forward to hearing all of the stories at breakfast tomorrow in your quarters. Surely you’ll join us Commander. But first my son will need a tour of everything aboard!”

Gandala contained her wince at the baron’s invitation of himself to her quarters. “Of course. The deck ensign will lead you to your quarters. The commander and I have to see to a few command matters.” She looked aside to the stormtroopers, “Company dismissed.”

The stormtroopers turned on their heels in unison and filed out. The Baron and his family followed the ensign with some crew carrying baggage behind them. Commander Ghent and Captain Gandala were left in the hanger area largely alone. The subtle hum of the hyperdrive started. They both took a deep breath to process the strangeness of the encounter.

Ghent said, “We must be clear of Kashyyyk. He seems unusually pleasant. But how the hell does this baron have our mission reports?”

Gandala sighed. “Everything runs on favours. Someone owes him something. Possibly Moff Vandreen.”

The commander nodded. “You’re right, Captain. But this just looks like a child’s fantasy of a Star Destroyer. That’s quite innocent compared to the usual court intrigues the Moffs get caught in. And what was that thing about the Clone Wars he mentioned? Jedi? Traitors? Never heard of it.”

“Classified, Commander. Forget you heard those words.”

“Yes, Ma’am. Apparently the boy has higher clearance than I do.”

The holopad on Captain Gandala’s belt chirped. She pulled it up and Lt. Fenik from comms appeared. “Priority call, Ma’am. Moff Vandreen for you.”

“Put him through”

The hologram image blinked and Moff Vandreen appeared. His uniform had some eccentricities of a cape, epaulettes, and some shoulder braids.

“Captain Gandala,” the Moff started, “I take it you’ve made the acquaintance of Baron Targ?”

“Yes, Moff Vandreen. His family just embarked.” Captain Gandala replied.

“Good” The Moff paused. “Kill them all."