“Where exactly are you taking me?”  complained Silverstrike  “You know we have more important things to do than go sightseeing.”

Tapping an armored index finger on the transparasteel view-port, General Panzer Dawnstar indicated their destination.

Saybur looked in the direction Panzer indicated.  There destination seemed to be an unmanned Capital ship.

“There.  We are going there.”  Panzer spoke. “As you know Walter O. Dim has returned.  He contacted Zyley shortly after that business on Voss.”

“Zyley and Walter are waiting for us on the bridge of that ship.”  Panzer leaned back, and crossed his hands behind his head.  “I’m in the dark as much as you buddy.  Those two are always up to something.”

Saybur stroked his beard, studying the Capital Ship before them.

“I’ve seen this ship before.”  Saybur said in a hushed tone.  “There is a strong Dark Side presence on-board that ship.”

“Ha, that’s probably just Walter.”  chuckled Panzer “That guy is a Sith’s Sith.”

“You’re probably right.”  Saybur said, waving his hand dismissively.

…

The elevator doors opened with the usual hydrolic hiss.  The pair of Zergadin Commanders stepped onto the bridge of their mysterious destination.  The bridge, reflected the up keep Saybur had noticed as they traveled through the ship.  Panzer and Saybur continued toward the helm where two figures waited on their arrival.

“For a supposedly unmanned vessel, this ship is in incredible condition”  Saybur voiced in the direction of the two.

“I know!” said Panzer “Where do I get one?”

“No need to wonder General.”  said Walter O. Dim “This one belongs to the Zergadins now.”

“Your kidding Walt.”  laughed Dawnstar “I’ll go pick out my cabin then!”

“The officer’s quarters is one deck below this one.”  Zyley corrected in causal tone ” There is more than enough room for us all”

“What Moff did you steal this from O. Dim?”  asked Saybur, stroking his beard again.

“Steal is such a strong word.”  Walter chimed “I prefer ‘Acquisition of Property,’ it’s much more fitting.”

“Who cares.”  Said Dawnstar, making his way one deck below. “I’ll be picking out my new Cabin.”

“You two can sort out the details.”  said Zyley as he headed toward the Holonet Console “I’ll be contacting the Zergadin members.  I want them on board and setting up shop ASAP.”

As the Hunters attended to their business, the two Sith Lords that completed the Zergadin officer ranks continued their ‘Acquisition of Property’ debate.

“You sense it as well, don’t you?”  asked Walter, bringing his hands together behind his back. “The Dark Side is strong aboard The Black Talon.”

A single raised eyebrow was the only indication for Walter that the vessel’s name registered with Saybur.

“I knew that it couldn’t just be your presence that I felt.   There’s more to this story, and I’ll have it before I sign off on this ship.”  demanded Saybur.

“It’s simple really.”  commented Walter  “After the Talon was involved with the republic ship, Brental Star, it was brought back to Dromund Kaas for repair.”

“Grand Moff Kilran then ordered the vessel to be repaired and retrofitted to become his new personal ship.  Complete with a cutting edge compliment of war-time armaments.”  continued Walter. “It seems Kilran was killed by a Republic Jedi detachment before he could take delivery of the ship.”

“That doesn’t explain how you came into possession of the vessel.”  Sayber stated, with a questioning tone.

That’s where the Twi’leks come in!”  said Walter with a smile.  “They’re the ones that tipped me off.”

“I was running my usual rounds of the Nar Shadda cantinas when I came accross a particularly juicy bit of information stashed in the back of dancer’s noggin.”   Walter said, and spun to face Saybur.  “You read the minds of all your ‘companions’ as well don’t you?”

“What I do with my crew is personal business O. Dim.”  Slamming his fist on the durasteel console, leaving a dent that would forever remain in the shape of a fist.  “Get to the point already!”

“It seems that there was a group of rogue Twi’lek female thieves that were about to take the ship for their own.”  Walter grinned for ear-to-ear as he spoke “Ladies, you can come out now.”

Saybur counted 13 Twi’lek female figures un-stealth, and flank Walter O. Dim on both sides.  The Troupe was dressed in what seemed to be Imperial Officer uniforms.  The uniforms were far from standard issue.  They revealed, and concealed, all the right things.  Strapped across their hips were matching pairs of Mandolorian Blasters.  In their right ear they all wore a tiny cybernetic ear piece, giving them access to the Black Talon’s holonetwork.

“Greetings Commander Silverstrike.”  The group said in unison.  They individually spoke softly, but when in harmony, their words were completely audible.

Reflexively Saybur’s hand began to stroke his chin as he watched them.  Quietly, and with efficiency, the 13 ‘Dancers’ stationed themselves around the bridge.  Consoles around the bridge ignited as the 13 brought the Black Talon online.  Beneath his plasteel boots, Saybur could feel the Ion engines hum to life.

A single Twi’lek returned to Walter, taking a position of familiarity by his side.  Glancing to the side she placed a finger to her earpiece.

“The Talon’s systems are 99% online.”  said the female with an especially melodic voice.  “Commander Zyley has also successfully contacted your Zergadin contingent in this sector.  They are all in route to thus position as we speak.  I estimate they all with arrive within a standard galactic hour.”

“Forgive me darling for not personally introducing you.”  Walter said as he patted the dancer’s bottom.  “This is Violet, the Troupe’s leader.”

“Pleased to finally meet you Commander.”  said Violet, flashing a practiced smile in Saybur’s direction.  “What Walty, forgot to mention is that he is very persuasive when he wants to be.  Long story short, after a night of heavy drinking and serious Pazzak, the Troupe and I agreed to steal The Talon for him.”

“You left out the part where I expunged The Black Talon’s existence from Dark Council records Kitten.”  cooed Walter.

“The massacre aboard the Talon left the lingering Dark Side presence you felt” continued Walter.  “As a bonus the murders left no living person aware of the Talon’s location, save Kilran.  With his death, no Imperial officer knew where to find the Talon.”

“We discovered the Talon’s fate on a short trip to The Dromund Kaas Space Port.”  Noted Violet. “After that, the pieces just fell into place.”

…

“Let me get this straight.”  Saybur recounted.  “13 specialized Twi’lek Thieves stole an Upgraded war-time Dreadnaught for the Zergadins.  The ship has a lingering Dark Side presence because of the horrific murders that took place where I’m standing now, and on top of that, no Imperial Officer or Dark Council member knows of this ship’s existence.

“That sums it up quite nicely Commander”  added Violet.

“In other words, Welcome Home Saybur!”  Walter said as he spread his thin arms wide in a welcoming gesture.

“Welcome home indeed…”  Said Saybur, stroking his beard.

…

“What is this?”  Shouted Panzer returning to the Bridge  “The General requires notice when we throw a party!”