Project Revival

This was it, the culmination of years of organization, research, and careful planning. Since the death of our emperor the Imperial Starfleet had been in disarray. Torn between the various warlords, the navy lacked a clear chain of command. Capital ships were squandered in pointless battles, dreadnoughts sat idle, supply lines became inoperable; all to fuel the petty ambitions of those who would claim the throne.

Today would mark the beginning of a new era for the Empire. With the rise of  the Imperial Consortium, the navy had found new purpose. Now, it would have the necessary direction to be a major force in the galaxy. Thanks largely to the efforts of High Admiral Bekaris, a revitalization of the navy was underway. New warships had been ordered, supply lines established, and a new admiralty headquarters created. United under the banner of Grave Squadron, the Imperial Starfleet would be formidable once again.

Of course, Project Revival did not end there, after four years of development and construction, a new flagship had been completed, the star cruiser Eradicator.

Newly reappointed Admiral Elija Rath stood at the front of the bridge, gazing through the viewports into the vastness of space. Footsteps behind him alerted the admiral to the approach of one of his officers.

“Is the ship ready for departure, Captain?” Elija asked, making an educated guess as to whom the footsteps belonged.

“Yes, Admiral,” spoke Rensai Erris, Captain of the Eradicator.

“Very good,” Elija responded before turning towards one of the crew pits. “Helm, bring us out.”

Until now the massive star cruiser had sat in a shipyard orbiting Bilbringi. With only the resources of the 58th Fleet being put towards the project it had taken four years to reach completion. The original design had been modified as well, swapping the main battery of octuple barbettes for larger dual turrets. Few were told of the project; not even the senior officers were told until it was nearly finished. Now that the vessel was finally complete, she would be a massive step towards re-establishing Imperial naval supremacy.

As the 4300 meter warship started up its engines and accelerated for the first time, a cheer went around the bridge; Elija allowed the temporary lapse in discipline, as many of the officers on board had been without a ship for years, and none had served on anything larger than a destroyer. “We are away,” the helmsman announced as Eradicator cleared the shipyard. “Awaiting orders, sir.”

“Take us to the edge of the system; we shall await our escorts there. Comms officer, inform Captain Terrel that Citadel is to join us,” the Admiral ordered. “Today shall mark the formation of Grave Squadron and a new era for our navy. Long live the Empire!”

“Long live the Empire!” echoed the rest of the bridge crew.

“Before we depart I must speak with High Command. Captain Erris, you have the bridge.”