NOTE:
Double release for you gents, and the "Interdictor-Class Heavy Cruiser" has been changed to the "Immobilizer-418 Cruiser" due to the Interdictor being 600 meters longer and more powerful than the flagship, which seems wrong.
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Aaron and his ship once again found themselves witnessing the sudden appearance of a whole system as they jumped out of hyperspace, right behind the other three Star Destroyers.
Fortunately, Aaron didn't have to do much. The ISD Xindros led the squadron, so all communications between the Kuat Garrison and their squadron went through Vice-Admiral Corr.
"Sir, a transmission. We've been given the green light to dock at docking port 1033," C-1 reported. Aaron nodded.
"Transmit the navigation route to P-1," Aaron ordered, as the pilot's nav-computer plotted the course to docking port 1033.
The ship accelerated, passing the three slower ISDs, and the full expanse of Kuat Drive Yards came into view. It was simply majestic.
The planet itself wasn't exactly beautiful—a massive green world—but it was encircled by a gigantic ring made up of thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of garage-like structures where ships were built and repaired.
Above the main ring was a smaller secondary ring dedicated to a more specialized purpose: the construction of Star Destroyers, Star Frigates, and the galaxy's largest ships. Unlike the main ring, where ships docked inside garages, this ring built vessels in open space. Workers in compressed suits could be seen laboring on ships, though much of the work was done by droids and automated machinery.
But the rings weren't the only impressive sight.
Thousands of ships moved in and out of the shipyards—not all newly created, but cargo transports, potential buyers, allies, and others navigating the bustling orbit. Most activity funneled toward the city of Kuat, the only city in the docking rings.
Even more staggering was the Imperial fleet gathered there.
Fifty Imperial Star Destroyers were stationed throughout the system, under the command of Fleet Admiral Horrick Jusak. Escorting them were dozens of Victory-class Star Destroyers, over a hundred semi-completed ISDs, and more than a hundred Arquitens-class light cruisers.
Kuat was among the most heavily defended planets in the Empire. As the largest shipyard serving the Empire, it was responsible for producing 43% of the Empire's Star Destroyers and 30% of its auxiliary vessels.
Kuat Drive Yards produced 300 Imperial Star Destroyers annually and had done so for 19 years, resulting in over 5,700 Star Destroyers built just at Kuat. Including subsidiaries, the total number exceeded 12,000 Imperial Star Destroyers.
At that moment, Aaron's DataPad vibrated slightly, signaling an incoming message or directive.
DataPads had become the new version of the "iPhone." While some on Earth considered them a downgraded version due to their size, that was far from true.
The H-9 DataPad—the latest model—was without a doubt more advanced than any Earth device. Designed for galaxy-wide use, it had long-range communication capabilities and adaptability for any known system.
Though the long-range communications required a physical connection to a sensor array, it was still far more powerful than any phone.
The galaxy was far larger than Earth, requiring such expansive capabilities. However, these devices were expensive, and most inhabitants relied on local radios or stationary devices designed for planetary use, lacking galaxy-wide reach.
Ignoring this, Aaron focused on the message—it was from Vice-Admiral Corr.
"Aaron, I've been invited to a social gathering at Senator Lok's residence. Since I owe you one for saving my neck, I'm taking you with me. You'll need political connections if you want to rise through the ranks," Corr's message read, followed by coordinates for the senator's residence.
Aaron was caught off guard. The Imperial faction was crowded with social elites and exclusive gatherings where power was brokered through mutual interests. These events were notoriously closed to "common-born" or lower-ranked individuals.
"Corr must have called in some favors to include me," Aaron thought as his ship continued toward the assigned docking space.
They had arrived via one of three jump points—Jump Point Besh—on the side of the Kuat Shipyards.
The Shipyards consisted of three main parts outside the shipyards themselves: The City, The Docking Port, and the Imperial Compound.
The City faced Jump Point Aurek, which came from the Core. The Docking Port faced Jump Point Besh, and Jump Point Cresh was opposite Aurek on the other side of the planet.
"Speed set at 5 megalights per hour," the pilot announced. Imperial doctrine mandated speed limits near docks and crowded spaces.
"Alright, Luca," Aaron said. "All personnel will be given leave for the next few days. Organize the guard shifts alongside Head Engineer Gavin, Captain Catcher, and Lieutenant Jaruss."
Aaron turned away from the bridge, leaving Luca to handle the docking.
The invitation is for tonight, Aaron thought. I'll get my uniform cleaned and polished. Corr's right—I'll need political connections. The Empire is ruled by elites, and without their favor, rising through the ranks will be a challenge.
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patreon.com/pondsfyre - +20 chapters, alongside 4 other stories of mine. Each 50+ chapters.