[b]Outskirts of Imperial territory[/b]

At the edge of Imperial space a lone abandoned ship floated about aimlessly. It’s once sleek white hull was riddled with various holes, the ship itself barely holding itself together to the point that any sort of external force would have ripped the whole thing apart instantly. In the vastness of space it would have likely drifted like this for eternity but the abandoned ship was not alone as a massive fleet of warships gradually approached from the distance.

Leading the fleet of Imperial Class Star Destroyers was none other than the Imperial Starfleet's flagship, the [i]Invincible[/i]. Its incredible size dwarfed even the mile long escorts by a significant amount. At the very front of the dagger shaped warship lay a super laser powerful enough to annihilate capital ships, space stations and even planetary shields. It was fitting that the Imperial's most powerful warship lay in the hands of its most accomplished military commander, the Sith Lord Dragos. The fleet having closed in on it’s target proceeded to come to a pause as several circular droid probes emerged from the Imperial fleet and proceeded to enter the ruined vessel. 
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Darth Dragos stood at the center of the bridge; arms folded his eyes focused completely on the foreign ship. He had never seen this type of ship before, perhaps it was smugglers or an experiential Republic cruiser, either way he would have his answers. "Lord Dragos" A voice called out as an Imperial General approached.

"General Veers" Dragos said in reply, turning to the general who bowed at the Sith's acknowledgement. 

"The probes are scanning the ship as we speak, their reports will come in shortly", the Sith simply nodded in accordance. “I assume you understand the significance of this investigation?”

“Of course my Lord”

The investigation had taken some time but luckily for the Imperials the pressure was non existent. The veteran crew members of this particular ship prided themselves in being the best but this confidence partially existed due to the fact that Dragos wasn't one to lash out and violently killed a subordinate out of boredom or lack of patience. Dragos however paced back and forth waiting with a certain anxious energy until he was summoned towards the back of the bridge towards a large circular table which was projecting the first person view of one of the probe droids.

"Found something?" The Sith questioned.

"There is extensive damage all throughout the ship. No signs of its crew and we are still unable to identify the ship"

"And none of ours are claiming responsibility?" 

"No sir... hold on something is coming" A small alert emitted from the table as the general worked to retrieve it. Within moments a second holographic image appeared on the table taking the form of a map. "These are... hyperspace coordinates. The ship came from Republic territory and it was making its way back towards... the Galactic Center"

"It seems the Republic has found some friends.” Dragos stated.

“Shall we move to the fleet towards the coordinates?” The officer questioned leaving Dragos to ponder on the decision. After a brief pause Dragos turned towards the bridge’s exit.

“No. I’ll take a small task force and head towards the coordinates myself. I doubt the entire crew perished, any survivors will have head there.”

“My lord…” The general was a bit taken back at Dragos eagerness to investigate, especially without the fleet’s backing but the Sith Lord had already made up his mind. “Those coordinates lead to the planet to what some smugglers have nicknamed Aurora. An interesting name considering most of the planet consists of deserts and pockets of civilization. Surely crime infested.” Dragos took several steps stopping just short of the exit. 

“If I brought the fleet, the entire galaxy center will be aware of my presence. It’s best to keep the fleet here especially if this is a diversion. I won’t be long.” 

The general nodded having no choice but to accept his commander’s decision though he felt compelled to fit in one last question “And should the Emperor make contact…” 

“He won’t.” Dragos replied, this time fully committed towards the main hanger.