This is my first serious attempt at writing a fanfic, so don't hold anything back. Any reviews will help me improve in the future.

Enclave was inspired by two small details I noticed in Star Trek: First Contact and Heir to the Empire, first book in the Thrawn trilogy. Namely, the Millennium Falcon (or a generic YT-1300 fighting against the Borg in the opening battle) and Luke Skywalker drinking hot chocolate. Sometimes inspiration can jump from the shadows and suprise you...

Legal Stuff: Star Wars was created by George Lucas and is the property of Lucasfilms LTD. Star Trek was created by Gene Rodenberry and is owned by Paramount Pictures. I make no claims of ownership over these brillant sagas. It could be argued they own me however :)

PROLOGUE

DEPARTURE

Yaga Minor, Norokati Sector, Outer Rim

Captain Aleksei Jakari walked down the corridor of the largest space station in orbit around the world of Yaga Minor. Part of Aleksei was wondering why he even volunteered for this assignment. The Rebel Alliance was growing in strength, so much so that Grand Moff Tarkin and Lord Vader were both assigned to quell this growing threat. There was supposed to be peace and order. The Clone Wars had been over for almost 20 years. Captain Jakari remembered the Clone Wars from his childhood. In fact, the horror of that conflict was one of the reasons he joined the Imperial Navy. Then he remembered his reasoning for joining this mission. He was helping to establish a colony in the Unknown Regions. A colony in the Unknown Regions would be safe from the growing chaos and strife that had been engulfing the Galaxy for the past 30 odd years. There were other reasons as well. The historian in him was hoping that there might be some sign of the Outbound Flight or maybe even the remnants of the Rakatan civilization. Of course, volunteering to take part in a mission that the Emperor himself personally ordered had political benefits as well. COMPNOR always looked kindly on officers who were enthusiastic about any of Emperor Palpatine's pet projects.

Aleksei sighed as he turned into the Officer's Lounge to meet his mentor and some other officers from the fleet prior to shipping out. Captain Zev Seldi of the His Imperial Majesty's Imperial-class Star Destroyer Draconis was a veteran of more campaigns and battles than half of the Raven's crew combined. Captain Seldi was a veteran of the Clone Wars and saw three of the largest fleet engagements of the war. Zev had some how managed to survive the Battle of Duro, the Second Battle of Coruscant and the Battle of Utapau. It showed. Captain Seldi had been fighting a losing battle against grey hair since the end of the war. He still had some of the brown that used to dominate his scalp, but his was concentrated completely underneath the cap all Imperial officers wore. Zev saw Captain Jakari and motioned him over to the table where several officers where seated.

"Alek! Good to see you!"

Zev shook Aleksei's hand as he sat down. The younger officer at last got a glimpse of the other captains who were taking part in this effort. Captain Alyssa Cairo of the Tartan-class Patrol Cruiser Kilgore was sitting to the left of Captain Seldi. Captain Cairo was a capable commanding officer and veteran of the Clone Wars. In the Old Republic, she would have been on the fast track to command of a true capital ship. However, the prevailing culture in the Empire favored male humans for command and other powerful positions. Across from Aleksei was Captain Davius Mindus. Davius had fought alongside Captain Seldi in every major fleet engagement of the late Clone Wars. Captain Balit Hesh, captain of the Unforgiving, was sitting next Captain Mindus. Aleksei had known Balit since his days at the Imperial Academy. This was a good group of officers. Captain Jakari knew and trusted each of them.

"It is good to see all of you. I hope that this mission will mark the beginning of a brighter future."

Aleksei knew full well that the past year had been a difficult year for all of them. Alyssa had been rejected for command of the Acclamator-II frigate Ghanima merely because she was a woman. Davius Mindus and the Fafnir had been damaged in an ambush by three Alliance Assault Cruisers and the Imperial-class Star Destroyer had been forced to spend three weeks being repaired at the Sluis Vann shipyards. However, the three Rebel Vessels had been utterly destroyed. Balit and the Unforgiving had been patrolling the borders between the Empire and the puppet-state of the Centrality. Only Captain Jakari and Captain Seldi had not been forced into battle with any hostile forces or been relegated to nearly meaningless assignments.

"We can always hope Aleksei."

Captain Cairo was the first to respond. There was no hiding the disappointment in her brown eyes. She was an extremely capable officer and probably should be in Aleksei's position now. Alyssa had a sound grasp of tactics. The Kilgore had a wing of confirmed pirate kills along the Hydian Way. That statistic was on top of the two Rebel Y-Wing squadrons that had ambushed the Kilgore and the Mosaic near Ison.

Balit was the next to respond, however, the slightly younger officer was more upbeat.

"Yes, you always were the optimistic one. So, who bribed you away from your cozy patrols in the Mid-Rim?"

"Actually, my assignment in the Mid-Rim was over. I was assigned to this mission at the request of Admiral Zel himself."

Aleksei crossed his arms and smiled. Balit hadn't changed a bit. He was still as sarcastic as ever.

Strangely, both Zev and Davius had maintained their silence. It was if they were preparing for a battle. There was no doubt the others at the table had noticed the silence. Both of the Star Destroyer captains were generally very sociable when not in command of their respective vessels. There was a long moment where there was no activity at the table. Captain Mindus sighed and looked around the table.

"This mission is much more than it seems."

Surface of Yaga Minor

Even out here on the edge of civilization, Imperial bureaucrats were still pricks. Ry Vaan had been waiting for the Imperial Security Bureau, Imperial Navy and Force-knows how many other agencies to run the required background checks. It wouldn't surprise if they were investigating whether or not Ry Vaan had purchased his Y-Wings from anyone even remotely connected to the Rebel Alliance. Why couldn't the Empire understand that those Y-wings were the only thing that kept the Hutts from raiding his shipments out on the Rim? Despite the size of the Imperial Starfleet, it couldn't be everywhere at once. Even the speeds of hyperdrive had to exist within time and space. Somehow. Ry Vaan entered the local cantina after making sure the Imperials hadn't dismantled or harassed his Y-Wings and pilots. The cantina was in the worst part of the city, which suited Ry just fine. The Imperials turned a blind eye to this region of town because the Black Sun and some other small syndicates kept the bribes and booze flowing. This rundown cantina definitely kept the second grease flowing. There were several patrons who obviously had partaken in a few too many. Not many of the cantina vrelts seemed to be violent though. Ry Vaan walked towards the bar and noticed the only visibly angry patron in the entire establishment. He was an older human male. His hair was graying at the top, but there was still black hair around the temples and in the back. He was wearing a standard spacer's tunic.

"Barkeep! I need another round! Something to make me forget about those damned Imperial bureaucrats!"

The Bith bartender sighed and reached for a bottle of Tarisian Ale.

"You should calm down, Gren. They didn't impound your fighters did they?"

Gren Daik took the bottle and stared at it for a moment.

"No, they didn't impound the V-Wings or the Z95s. It's just that it is taking so long! The convoy to that new colony is going to leave in 5 standard days! You know how much money it costs to get fighters out of impound?"

Ry Vaan took a seat next to the angry patron.

"Too damn much. At least you don't have Y-Wings."

Gren turned and looked at the younger man sitting next to him. The new entrant into the conversation had long brown hair and grey eyes. This guy was definitely spent almost his entire time in space.

"Y-Wings! You poor bastard, the Imps must be having a fit. You need this more than I do… COMPNOR might think you're with the Alliance and pay you a visit."

Ry Vaan laughed. "Ain't that the truth? I hear we aren't the only ones. The other spacers are having a tough time."

The older spacer shook his head and extended his hand. "I know. Half of the BFF-1s are mine. Gren Daik."

"Ry Vaan. I own the rest of the Beefs."

Ry Vaan shook Gren's hand.

Gren Daik poured a glass of Tarisian Ale and took a swig.

"You know, we spacers should stick together. The Imps would strong arm their own mother if they could."

Ry nodded in agreement.

"Damn right." He raised his glass in a mock toast. "To our glorious and benevolent Emperor."

Yaga Minor Space Docks

The Imperial Star Destroyer Sølvdrage exited hyperspace and launched a shuttle towards the massive orbital facility. The Lambda-class shuttle slipped through the empty space around Yaga Minor. Admiral Tobias Zel hated escort missions. The dozen Victory-class Star Destroyers in the fleet were more than enough to fulfill the security requirements for the convoy. Why had the Emperor ordered four Imperial-class Star Destroyers, twenty of the new Strike-cruisers, dozens of Tartan-class Patrol Cruisers, Carrack-class light cruisers and Nebulon-B escort frigates. Admiral Zel had even received word that several Acclamator-class frigates and Broadside-class missile cruisers would be arriving within the next few days.This taskforce could easily capture several Rebel-occupied worlds in the Rim. Admiral Zel could drive the Rebellion from Shola or Ison in a day with the currently assembled fleet and the large contingent of Stormtroopers and Imperial Army personnel. Instead he was landing in a hanger bay to receive his orders for a pointless escort mission to some backwater and meaningless system in the Unknown Regions. However, these orders were from several higher authorities including Grand Moff Tarkin, Vice Admiral Thrawn and Grand Vizier Sate Pestage. Each of Admiral Zel's superiors had made it abundantly clear that this was this operation was planned, authorized and ordered by none other than the August Emperor Palpatine himself. That simple fact had ended all discussion. When Tobias had heard Vice Admiral Thrawn relay the message from Grand Vizier Pestage, the Admiral had only a single response.

"As the Emperor wills."

There were only three beings in existence that could question orders from the Emperor and Admiral Zel knew he was not one of them.
His recollection was interrupted by his shuttle's pilot announcing their arrival.

"Admiral Zel. We have been retrieved by Station Kearney's tractor beam. Touch down will be in four minutes sir."

Tobias Zel nodded in the pilot's direction. "Thank you Lieutenant Seljuk and congratulations on your promotion to flight leader of the 712th squadron's Dorn flight."

The still seated pilot beamed with pride. "You are welcome Admiral Zel. I will not disappoint you."

Tobias Zel nodded sagely. "I'm counting on that Lieutenant."

The elegant Lambda shuttle touched down inside the hanger of Station Kearney and the ramp lowered with the hiss of hydraulics and two steam jets that helped release the built-up heat from the shuttle's systems. Admiral Zel descended the ramp and was greeted by two men.

The first man was wearing a black Imperial navy uniform and cap. He was average height, yet probably no taller than Admiral Zel's 16 year old son. He had grey eyes and short black hair. He appeared to be very youthful for one in his position. The rank insignia on his chest revealed that he was a Moff.

"Welcome to Station Kearney, Admiral Zel. I am Moff Thomas Matale."

The young Moff's voice filled with pride, however there was an edge of unease as well. The unease was no doubt caused by the hooded figure standing to Moff Matale's right.

The hooded figure was tall, but somewhat thin. Admiral Zel knew that this man was a Force-wielder. The enigma's clothes were styled after the Emperor's robes. Admiral Zel realized he must proceed with caution. The Force always inserted uncontrollable variables into a situation. Tobias decided to address this troubling variable.

"Thank you, Moff Matale." Admiral Zel shifted focus to the wild card. "And our associate?"

The Hooded figure stepped forward.

"I am Inquisitor Hijad Tzarik"

Inquisitor Tzarik's voice was undoubtedly human. The shadows created by the hood of the Inquisitor's hood obscured Hijad Tzarik's facial figures.

Admiral Zel bowed his head politely. "I am Admiral Tobias Zel. Shall we grab a bite to eat before we begin the briefing on our mission from our most august Emperor?"

Thomas Matale stood taller. "We can afford to enjoy a meal. The preparations for the mission are already three standard days ahead of schedule."

Inquisitor Tzarik nodded slightly. "Very well."

The Inquisitor's voice was a wellspring of barely controlled contempt and anger.

Victory Star Destroyer, Raven

Aleksei Jakari nodded to the Lieutenant who had delivered the readiness report from the missile crews. The reports were very good. The young captain thanked his crewman and walked to the viewports of the Star Destroyer's bridge. Aleksei was anxious to begin this assignment. However, Admiral Zel and Moff Thomas Matale had decided to delay the departure for another day. Evidently, the Acclamator-II frigate Solace had been delayed by an engagement with a small pirate group near the graveyard of Ossus. Captain Jakari shifted his weight. He was uncomfortable and made no attempt to hide his uneasy.

Aleksei's executive officer, Commander Gregory Borya approached Captain Jakari.

"Sir, are you alright?"

Captain Jakari turned and nodded "I'm fine. Just anxious to get underway."

Commander Borya sighed slightly. "Sir, permission to speak freely?"

Aleksei gave an uneasy smile. "Granted."

"Alek, don't feed me a load of bantha fodder. What is really bothering you?"

Aleksei smiled. "Walk with me."

Gregory bowed his head slightly and followed his captain into the wardroom. The Executive Officer watched as his captain paced.

"Well?"

Aleksei grimaced. "I can't escape this feeling, this… whisper on the edge of perception that everything is about to change."

Gregory feigned a smile. "You worry too much Aleksei. Things will change, for the better. You need to cheer up, for no reason other than to keep the morale of the men up."

Captain Jakari knew that Commander Borya was right. "I knew there was a reason I kept you around."

"Well, someone has to keep this vessel from falling to pieces."

Surface of Yaga Minor

Ry Vaan sat with arms crossed in the back of the large room that the spacers had gathered. He never expected this many of the assembled smugglers and freight runners to actually shown up. The only time he had heard of this many independent spacers teaming up was at the Battle of Nar Shaddaa. Ry Vaan was shaken from his recollections and thoughts by his first mate/wife Alessia.

"You alright? For a second I could have sworn you had entered a Jedi trance or something."

Ry Vaan laughed. "I'm fine. Where's Gren? If we don't get this meeting underway, the Imps'll head out and leave us here."

Gren Daik walked over. "Ain't that the truth."

Ry Vaan rolled his neck. "Well, let's get this over with." The spacer stood up on a chair and raised his voice. "Hey! Listen up!"

The collection of spacers turned and faced the speaker. Ry Vaan smiled broadly.

"Now that I have you attention. We called you here because all of us are following that colonial expedition. You've all dealt with the Imps. They'll run rough-shod over us if we don't stick together. I'm not suggesting a permanent alliance, but temporary cooperation."

A Falleen female spoke up first. "How long is this proposed alliance going to last?"

Gren Daik took a small step forward. "As long as the mission is ongoing."

A male Duros piped in next. "Will we have to follow the orders of the Imperials?"

Ry Vaan shook his head. "No. This isn't a formal arrangement. What we are proposing is joint negotiating organization."

The Falleen cocked her head to the side. "After this job is over, we can end this agreement?"

Alessia smiled warmly. "Of course."

The Falleen female smirked. "Well, I'm in, at least until this job is over."

The crowd of smugglers and freight runners murmured agreements in dozens of languages. Ry Vaan turned to Alessia and Gren Daik and smiled. This meeting actually worked. Ry Vaan's smile was a mask for a tinge of unease. This meeting came to an agreement way to fast.

Orbit of Yaga Minor

Tobias Zel stared out the armored and shielded viewport of the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Sølvdrage at the assembled fleet. Most of the fleet consisted of old Acclamator-II class frigates, Carrack-class light cruisers and Tartan-class Patrol cruisers. The view from the bridge was dominated by three other Imperial Star Destroyers and several Lucrehulk-class assault freighters. The manifest listed nearly 120 warships. The civilian ships included dozens of heavy and assault freighters, an Ithorian Herdship and several hyperspace capable private fighters. Admiral Tobias Zel lamented that this fleet wasn't being sent to assist the Death Star in the search for the Rebellion.

It was time to begin this exercise in wasted time. "Captain Sanoit, inform the fleet we will be departing for waypoint Auer as soon as all ships have the coordinates entered into their navicomputers."

Captain Sanoit gives a quick military bow. "Yes sir."

Captain Sanoit turned and walked towards the communications station. Tobias Zel sighed and walked forward and resumed his viewing of the fleet. Admiral Zel silently lamented the coming mission. Captain Zev Seldi activated his communication unit and contacted the Sølvdrage that the Draconis was ready to make the jump to hyperspace. The short reply revealed the fact that the fleet was responding quickly to orders given by Admiral Zel. Many of the officers commanding ships in this fleet were veterans of the Clone Wars. They knew the need for prompt communication and fleet coordination. Within minutes, all the ships including the civilian freighters had reported that their navicomputers had the coordinates for the 1st waypoint.

Admiral Zel let out a deep breath and stood up straighter. It was time to depart for the Unknown Regions. He turned quickly to his helm officer and snapped an order.

"All ships are to enter hyperspace on my mark…" There was a long moment where there was no sound or activity. "Engage."