The bridge of the ship was silent save for the steady hum of Imperial machinery. Through the viewport, the planet below hung in the void another Outer Rim world under Imperial scrutiny. Officer Varyn Sareth stood with hands clasped behind her back, her gaze fixed on the planet.

The sound of boots against the polished deck echoed as her under-officer approached. He stopped at attention, saluting crisply.

She did not turn. “Do you have the garrison reports from this planet?”