Malatche Styke

"Let us not rail about justice as long as we have arms and the freedom to use them" - Malatche Styke, 20 BBYMalatche Styke was a Republic and Imperial naval officer who entered service during the Clone Wars in 21 BBY. He first served as the Chief Gunnery Officer of the RAS Deseret before being transferred to the RV-Phalanx. Later he would become the first officer then captain of the famous warship. He would also become one of the youngest members of admiralty. Malatche was an Atreidean Styke. Malatche was also one of the few naval officers to command Clone Troopers into battle and gained a reputation for his abilities both on ground and space. Malatche notably served during the Battles of Jabiim and Anaxes.
== Biography ==
=== Young Life and Academy ===
Like most Stykes, Malatche was born on Abergrado-Rae to a wealthy lifestyle. He spent most of his younger days reading the literature of the great human authors from history and playing Gravball. Malatche was far quieter than his other brethren, choosing to spend his free time outside of his studies or athletics to himself. 'I worry about Malatche sometimes, I don't know where he thinks he's going.' - Jeremy Atreidean Styke, 37 BBYIt took much of his young teens for Malatche grow comfortable with social interactions. His parents credit his cousin, Ach Atreidean Styke inviting Malatche to sing in their band during their youth academy with breaking him out of his shell. After this point, Malatche found a certain level of enjoyment out of public speaking and speech crafting. 
Initially, Malatche wanted to go to school to become an author but when the signs of trouble came to the galaxy Malatche chose to go to the Republic Naval Academy at Carida. Malatche initially found it difficult to adjust to military life, finding that while much of the academic theory was easy for him, the military discipline and lifestyle were anything but. After some time Malatche settled on focusing on weapons systems and analysis with a secondary focus on starship operation. During his time at Carida Malatche met a medical student named Typhon Ringer, who he'd become friends with. Malatche graduated top of his class in weapons systems and analysis. Styke was offered two postings, Chief Gunnery Officer on the Republic Acclamator Deseret or as a secondary gunnery officer on the Pride of the Core. However, Malatche chose to take the assignment aboard the Desert both to advance his career faster and so his friend Miles Cortal could serve closer to his homeworld. 
=== Service on the RAS Deseret ===
After graduating in early 21 BBY Malatche chose assignment on the Republic Assualt Ship Deseret as part of the 182nd's support fleet under Malatche's uncle, Commodore Josef Styke. While serving on the Deseret Styke gained important combat experience, mainly during the Battle of Bajiv when the Deseret's turbolaser system went offline and could only be repaired by Styke. 
=== Transfer to the RV Phalanx ===
After receiving commendations for his work on the Deseret's turbolaser systems, Malatche was transferred to the RV Phalanx under the command of Line Captain Wrendol Toshe. After serving as the Gunnery Crew Officer for a short period Captain Toshe promoted Styke to the rank of Lieutenant and First Officer of the Phalanx.
=== The Battle of Jabiim ===
"Sorry sir, I'm afraid I can't join you. I've been assigned to assist the FOB construction planetside" - Malatche Styke to Wrendol TosheWithin a week of becoming First Officer, Styke was assigned to assist in the invasion of Jabiim. In the first hours of the operation, Styke's LAAT was shot down far outside the expected AO. Gathering what forces of Trebuchet he could, user the advisement of the Clone Advisor and alongside CL-2221. Those first few hours were a nightmare for Styke, the heavy losses and constant rain beat down hard on his psyche. Styke was one of the first men over the trench line of the Nationalist fort they were ordered to take out, using a DC-15A he'd picked up from a fallen trooper.
Jabiim was a nightmare for Malatche, fighting for most hours of the day in horrid conditions. Malatche became close friends with the branch head SCPO Del Thorin. As some of the only human officers on Jabiim the two would often spend off duty hours together. When Del was diagnosed with Brain Rot Malatche did what could to aid his friend. when Del died before the end of the campaign, Malatche was deeply affected, "I didn't even get to see his face when he died"
Malatche was one of the few lucky enough to survive the campaign. After months of brutal combat, Styke was barely talking or eating. Medical evaluation after combat diagnosed Malatche with severe PTSD and minor blindness in his right eye. Shortly after Jabiim Malatche developed a noticeable drinking issue. 
=== Battle of Abregado-Rae ===
Shortly after the escape from Jabiim, Confederate General Grevious launched a surprise invasion of the isolated Core World of Abregado-Rae the home of the Stykes. The 7th Fleet was deployed to attempted to liberate Abregado-Rae, with the Phalanx and a wing of Taskforce Dorn joining as support. The first assault was a failure owing to Captain Weiss and Malatche being unable to dislodge a Providence Dreadnaught from the system.
Several days later Commodore Styke's 5th Fleet managed to destroy the remnants of the main fleet, allowing for the Phalanx and several support-craft to land and assist with the defence of Abregado-Rae. While dealing significant damage to the Confederates they were unable to force them off-world. Several weeks into the battle Jeremy Styke, Malatche's father, was killed in action.
=== Fatherhood ===
Sometime before Jabiim, Malatche was informed by his partner, Victoria Phillips, she was pregnant with twins. Born under Separatist Occupation, one of the twins was born stillborn while Mai, his daughter was born perfectly healthy. Two days after their birth Malatche and ARC Pilot Zulu slipped behind Confederate lines to see and rescue them, placing them on Kuat until for a short period.
=== Promotion to Captain of the Phalanx ===
Shortly after evacuating his direct family from Abregado-Rae; Line Captain Wrendol Toshe announced his retirement from the Republic Navy. With so few officers capable of command on hand, Malatche was promoted to the Captainship of the Phalanx. At the time Malatche was only 25 years old, making him one of the youngest men to ever be granted the position. Malatche would suffer extreme anxiety after his promotion, it was only during Durge's Lance that Malatche found himself comfortable commanding the Phalanx as Captain. 
=== Operation Durge's Lance ===
After a Republic campaign that liberated the Expansion world of Rogam, Commander Skywalker recalled the Phalanx and Vanguard to Alderaan where the Invisible Hand, General Grevious' flagship had been spotted. Malatche wasted no time in organising Taskforce Dorn to defend Alderaan, assembling the RV Coreen, RAS Trezuget, RAS Thanda, and the RAS Mulgrave. However, even with this quickly assembled defensive line Republic High Command chose to evacuate as many civilians as possible and Commander Skywalker assigned Malatche to the evacuation.
After withdrawing from the major city, Malatche would briefly come face to face with Confederate General Grievous while escaping.
"Sounds like something's coming, OH FUCK-" - Malatche Styke to Junior Crewman Blay upon seeing Grievous.Styke would command the Phalanx through the remaining major battles of Durge's Lance; Corellia, Kuat, and the Fall of Balmorra. Notably, Malatche went on the surface of Kuat during the battle to evacuate his fiancee and daughter in the middle of the night. After being pinned down following their escape, Malatche was rescued by Vanguard Battalion.
==== Destruction of the RAS Deseret ====
During the Battle of Balmorra the RAS Deseret, the first ship that Malatche had served on, was destroyed by Invisible Hand. The Deseret went down with all hands, many of which were Malatche's close friends from the Academy and service.
=== Return to Abregado-Rae ===
Shortly after the major attacks of Durge's Lance came to an end, Malatche was informed that his mother, Chani, had been captured by Droid forces on Abregado-Rae. Not wanting to lose both of his parents, Malatche and Jedi General Anakin Skywalker snuck behind enemy lines on a daring rescue mission for the second time.
Upon their arrival, Malatche and Anakin came into contact with Finn 'The Missile' Styke who'd risen to prominence in the resistance. The three, along with several other resistance members, began raiding Confederate patrols and depots and eventually managed to steal a prisoner transport used at the concentration camp where Chani was being held. With this asset, the strike force snuck into the camp undetected. Once in a favourable position, the group sprang from the transport and began engaging the confused droid defenders. With the element of surprise on their side, Anakin and the Stykes managed to wipe the camp of droids. Before securing the whole camp, a BX Series Commando droid ambushed Malatche stabbing his already weakened left eye. Luckily for Malatche, Anakin Skywalker cut the droid down before any more damage could be done. The raid was entirely successful, with Chani and dozens of other prisoners being rescued. 
=== The Baron Flavok Toshe ===
In early 20 BBY, the RV-Phalanx received a distress call from Ylix in the M'shinni Sector of the Mid Rim. Captain Styke dispatched a unit of the 501st planetside to investigate. On the planet, the away team discovered that the entire colony's population had been abducted or murdered. 
All across the Mid Rim Republic colonies began disappearing with almost no evidence for who was responsible. Luckily for Styke and the Republic, ISB discovered a communications hub for the abduction campaigns. This gave Styke the ability to plan out responses to handling these attacks. Thanks to the work of Dr Ringer and Captain Styke the Phalanx was able to deploy Kandossi Squadron to capture the Baron. Though the trial for the Baron had already concluded by the Baron's capture, Malatche would be called to testify about the atrocities Flakov had committed at his execution. 
=== The Battle for Anaxes ===
The victory against the Confederate Conspiracy to use Republic colonists as a slave population was short-lived. Within a few days, Commodore Adair assembled the Open Circle Fleet to the Republic's war machine of Anaxes. The Phalanx arrived in the midst of an engagement between the Republic's Victory Fleet and the Confederate Bulwark Fleet. Styke commanded a line of ships to destroy a group of Munificent Star Frigates led by a Providence Class Cruiser. With a hole in the Confederate line, Commodore Adair ordered Styke to deploy the Phalanx to one of the active battlefronts on the surface of Anaxes. Styke personally led a detachment os the ship's complement of the 501st to secure a position dubbed 'Fort Anaxes'. Since the droid army had little time to dig in and Styke was able to overrun the Confederate garrison. Styke would spend his daughter's second birthday at Fort Anaxes.
Malatche was involved in the Republic's counterattack at Pols Anaxes alongside Commander Crackerjack. Victory at Pols Anaxes would help the Republic secure and stabilize several battlefronts across Anaxes. At Pols Anaxes, Malatche assisted in the capture of a vital Confederate Commander in the Bulwark Fleet.
Despite the efforts of the 501st, the Republic couldn't maintain a stable battlefront in Pols Anaxes and the Confederate Army continued to pressure the capital. Within 24 hours most of the higher class districts, where the fighting had been most intense, had been reduced to rubble. Malatche was once again thrown into the fire of Pols Anaxes to rescue Republic fireteams caught behind enemy lines. The fighting this time was even more brutal with Malatche barely escaping a droid dispenser pod crushing him. Malatche did his best to save as many men as possible, managing to get five squads out of harm's way to evacuation.
After evacuating the AO Malatche would briefly consider leaving duty aboard the Phalanx to captain a vessel in the line of Admiral Shoan Kilian under High Jedi General Mace Windu. In a discussion with ISB Attache, Lieutenant Maxon Korrado, Malatche cited his growing guilt that clones under his command on Anaxes were getting killed.
"It's different than the Academy trains us to deal with deaths of our crew. Up there you're far apart from the men under your command. Most of the time you won't have time to think about whether they're dead or not before medics are to them. On the ground... I just stare, they've stopped moving and there's nothing in this Galaxy than can bring him back" - Captain Malatche Styke to Lieutenant Maxon Korrado, Fort Anaxes, 20 BBY
The main reason Malatche chose to abandon his plans to transfer outside of the 501st Legion when Jedi General Keldrr Ramt'ii requested to High Jedi General Windu and Admiral Kilian that Malatche remains in command of the Phalanx. Ramti'ii would later sit Malatche down and provide the Captain with much-needed reassurance of his abilities to command men on the ground. At roughly the same time, Malatche became more involved with the teachings of the Styke Folk Religions. One of the Clone Marines would later claim he'd seen Malatche drinking alone in the mess hall, singing to himself and toasting friends he'd lost during the Clone Wars: Del Thorin, Miles Cortal, Slicer, and his father were amongst some of the names the Marine heard.
==== Further Children ====
After the Second Engagement at Pols Anaxes Malatche was informed that his fiancee, Victoria Phillips, was once again pregnant with his children. Again Victoria carried twins and Malatche chose to name them Elorna and Aera. Upon receiving this news Malatche and Victoria agreed to marry following Malatche's return from Anaxes, though not on their ancestral homeland of Abregado-Rae.
=== Temporary Reassignment to the RV-Coreen ===
Following an operation in the mountains of Anaxes' Northern Continent wherein Malatche led a contingent of the 501st to capture a critical member of Dua Ningo's inner circle, Malatche was reassigned to command the Venator Coreen after their Captain, Cheka Olbesu, was killed in action. While serving as Acting-Captain of the Coreen Malatche was ordered to hold position against a larger Confederate line while the Victory Fleet redeployed. The Coreen suffered extreme damage while fending off the Confederates. Had it not been for Commander Vrirviss Voaahn of the RAS Holbrook with assistance from the Mulgrave and Anatye the Coreen would've been destroyed. Malatche had resigned himself to going down with the Coreen.
'I remember the night we graduated the academy, we had a party, all us of new enisgns. It was nice, we had a lot of fun. Then we had a round of toasts, I got one as valedictorian in my field. I remember the last one was to all of us, as the next generation of Captains. Of course we knew we were at war, and most of us damned well knew this war could go on for long enough for us to be commanding vessels against the Confederates and for us to die on those vessels. At that moment I remembered that night, and I thought that'd I was about to become the first of my comrades to face that ineveitablity' - Malatche Styke, 20 BBYThe Coreen was withdrawn from Anaxes to the auxiliary shipyards of Kuat. Malatche was placed in an auxiliary command in the Victory Fleet serving with Captain Daddona.
=== Promotion to Line Captain ===
Following the Battle of Anaxes, Commodore Adair promoted Malatche to the rank of Line Captain for his bravery aboard the Coreen. Malatche continued his streak as one of the youngest men to be assigned to the rank of Line Captain. Directly after his promotion to Line Captain Malatche would spend a large amount of time at Republic Naval Command assembling his line of starships. As well Malatche was assigned to searching for the Confederate General Grievous. 
=== Marriage to Victoria Phillips ===
Shortly before the Battle of Rendili, Victoria and Malatche agreed to marry on Courscant in a traditional Styke wedding. The wedding involved members of both the Military and civilians actors. General Skywalker and Ramt'ii along with Commander Skipper were in attendance. This was one of the few times that Malatche was given a chance to rest and relax during the course of the Clone Wars.
While on leave on Courscant, Malatche spent a large amount of time among members of Palpatine's inner circle. Already a supporter of Chancellor Palpatine, the subtle promises of hypermilitazation and economic nationalisation. Governor Tarkin saw to it that the newly wedded couple were given an apartment in the upper levels of Courscant.
=== Foundation of the Galactic Centralist Military Leauge ===
With Malatche becoming ever more engaged in the political aspects of the Navy and wider Military, Malatche chose to take some initiative himself. Along with several other captains in the fleet Malatche, Malatche began more formally supporting more military control over aspects of government. As Chairman of the Leauge, Malatche pushed members to support Chancellor Palpatine with unwavering support and to advocate against any attempts in the Senate to make peace with the Confederacy. 
In the eyes of much of the Senate and some in the Republic Navy, Malatche's politicization of the Navy was dangerous and controversial. Of particular concern for the doves in the Senate was the Leauge's virulent Anti-Alien and Pro-Human rhetoric. However, being close to Palpatine Malatche's political initiative wouldn't be punished. 
=== Umbara ===
At the request of Palpatine, Malatche joined Vanguard Battalion during the invasion of Umbara. Hitting the ground among the first wave, the now battle-hardened Captain found himself far more comfortable in combat than on Jabiim. It took several hours for the 501st to take a nearby airfield. During the assault towards the airfield, the 501st found themselves under fire from White Phosurphus. Malatche supported Commander Crackerjack's decision to not assault forward into the fire. 
Controversially during the battle, Malatche ordered several men under his command to open fire on a squadron of surrendering Umbarran militiamen. Following the suicide bombings and terror attacks from Umbarrans during much of the battle, standing orders were to fire on Umbarans whatever the circumstance. 
On the final day of the battle, Malatche and his crew aboard the Phalanx engaged the Confederate Providence-Dreadnaught the Collocoid Swarm the sister ship of Invisible Hand. Despite dealing extreme damage to the Collocoid Swarm the Prevention was unable to destroy the ship due to a lack of reinforcements. 
=== The Battle of Boz Pity ===
On the eve of 19 BBY, the Phalanx along with much of Taskforce Dorn and the Open Circle Fleet was called into the massive Battle at Boz Pity. The Battle of Boz Pity was the largest naval action Malatche had been involved in. Despite that fact, the Phalanx was an important part of winning the battle. At one point in the Battle, Jedi General Anakin Skywalker brought his Venator Class Star Destroyer too close to the planet, causing it to fall into the gravitational pull without proper precautions. Malatche helped lead a force to rescue General Skywalker from General Grievous and Count Dooku of Serrano. 
=== Creation of Section Isparhecher ===
Following the Battle of Biz Pity, Malatche lobbied with Commodore Adair and the Republic Admiralty to redeploy the Phalanx from a QRF Element outside of the other section formations to the flagship of a section of capital ships. Despite holding the rank of Line Captain, Malatche had never before had command of multiple ships. With the Phalanx and her crew being an integral part of the Taskforce Comnmodore Adair chose to grant Malatche's request. 
While Malatche had been given the command he wanted, the composition of that command was still a point of contention. Malatche wanted a line of two Venator Classes with three Victory Classes to support them. However, Commodore Adair sent Malatche a force that did not reflect his wishes. Three Venators, only one Victory and one Acclamator Assualt vessel. "What the hell is this! Is this a joke?! Is Adair trying to lose this war!" -Malatche Styke, 19BBY upon recieving the manifest for what ships he'd be recieving. 
=== The Battles of Mygeeto and Cato Nemodia ===
19 BBY opened with several key battles that forced Confederate fleets out of the Core. The first battle was at Mygeeto where Malatche led his Section against a small Confederate naval garrison. Malatche then accompanied the ground forces to capture an experimental Mygeeten power source at the behest of the Chancellor. This was done without the knowledge of the Jedi Order. 
Following the Battle of Mygeeto, intelligence reported that the Separatist Council had been withdrawn to Deep Space. Viceroy Nute Gunray of the Trade Federation, however, chose to withdraw to Cato Nemoida. Once again the Phalanx led the spearhead and broke through the Confederate blockade. The victory at Cato Nemodia allowed General Skywalker access to Nute Gunray's hoverchair. The hoverchair displayed a message from a mysterious Darth Sidious.
=== Battles of Tythe and Courscant ===
Several hours after the discovery of Darth Sidious Malatche was informed by General Anakin Skywalker that they'd traced him back the barren rock world known as Tythe. Malatche advised organising Section Isparhecher with support from flotilla sections to break the line of Confederate ships over Tythe. However, General Obi-Wan Kenobi and General Skywalker disagreed and rallied much of the Open Circle Fleet, a move that Malatche saw as a dangerous over-commitment. The next day the Open Circle Fleet arrived over Tythe to match a far smaller Confederate taskforce who immediately began to withdraw. 
Upon reaching the surface of Tyhte, Malatche and ISB Commander Maxon Korrado found that it had indeed been a trap. The Confederate leadership was nowhere to be seen and the droid forces acted with far more mobilization than anticipated. When they reached the Phalanx they received word that the Confederate navy had rallied and attacked Courscant. Malatche immediately requested permission to join the battle. 
The Battle of Coruscant was the largest naval action Malatche had ever been a part of. Thousands of ships fighting and with command structure breaking down, Malatche chose to maintain his command over his Section and to go into battle. Malatche's forces first dispatched a few Munificent class Star Frigates that acted as a picket line to slow down incoming Republic ships. Once fully within the battle, Section Isparhecher engaged with a Lucerhulk Class Dreadnaught. The Lucerhulk proved a challenge but with quick tactical thinking, Malatche was able to destroy it. Without letting up Malatche moved further into the battle. "I am ready to die here! Our lives our foriet in the name of our Republic! Take us further in" - Malatche Styke to his deck officers, Battle of Courscant, 19 BBYWhile damaged, the Phalanx was still combat effective and soon came into the same space as the Invisible Hand's sister ship, the Collocoid Swarm. The Confederate warship had come to blows with Malatche and the Phalanx several times before, and Malatche felt resolute not to allow it to escape again. While engaging the Collocoid Swarm both the Republic Venator Yarra and the Acclamator Doveton were destroyed. With his options running out Malatche ordered his men to set course for a collision path with the Collocoid Swarm and to open fire with every weapon on the Phalanx."Helm take us to a ramming course, prepare full power to engines. All weapons open fire, steady helm... Don't take us to full yet" - Malatche Styke preparing to ram the Collocoid Swarm. Just before the Phalanx rammed the Collocoid Swarm the hull of the Confederate Warship broke and allowed Malatche to divert course from ramming. 
=== Promotion to Commodore ===
Following the Battle of Courscant and his bravery to destroy the Collocoid Swarm, newly promoted Rear Admiral Adair, promoted Malatche to the rank of Commodore. The Phalanx was redeployed from Taskforce Dorn to become the flagship of the newly formed Condor Squadron. 
=== Order 66 and Operation Knightfall ===
Following the Battle of Courscant, the Phalanx was in a limbo state. Almost all the crew knew the war was at its end, but none of them knew exactly when it would come. The Phalanx was mostly doing mop-up jobs in isolated Confederate pockets. On return to Courscant from the world of Lotra, the order was given to the Clone Commander, Crackerjack that Contingency Order 66 had been initiated. Malatche and his crew were informed to grab rifles and remain on the bridge. Only later did Malatche discover that the Jedi Council, an organisation he'd loathed, had launched a coup against the Chancellor. 
The Phalanx was recalled to Courscant and Vanguard was ordered to the Jedi Temple to assist in putting down a rebellion. Malatche also went down to the surface of Courscant to the Republic's Office of the Admiralty which was only a short distance from the Jedi Temple. Malatche and several other admirals and officers desperately tried to maintain control over the Republic Navy as ships reported critical damage across the Galaxy. Malatche watched as the Jedi Temple began to be engulfed in smoke. 
=== The End of the Clone Wars and the Rise of the Empire ===
Once stability had been regained in the Republic Navy, Malatche reboarded his flagship and held a position outside the Courscant system. The Phalanx received a transmission from the Galactic Senate's floor, that the Chancellor had declared a new order. Soon Malatche received a message from a "Lord Vader" that he would be coming aboard. While confused the transmission did come with proper codes from the newly crowned Emperor's office. 
Malatche along with members of the 501st welcomed this mysterious figure aboard, and to Malatche's utter shock and bewilderment Lord Vader was his friend, Anakin Skywalker. Lord Vader ordered Malatche, coldly, to make for the Mustafar System so that Anakin Skywalker could finish off the Confederate movement. He also received orders to cut off the relief force coming to evacuate the Confederate Council. During the battle, the droids shut down, and the war came to its formal end.
=== The Emperor's Purge ===
Following the formal end of the Clone, Wars Malatche was called back to Coruscant to a meeting of the entire Imperial Admiralty. Being a newly promoted Commodore Malatched was placed in the back end of the meeting and was one of the few officers there who's loyalty to the New Order had been proven. Malatche watched as several of the highest-ranking Imperial Naval Officers were arrested before the admiralty for being enemies to the Empire. He was particularly alarmed when Jace Dallin was killed by the shadowy figure of Darth Vader. Malatche quickly composed himself and noted that Dallin had expressed his loyalty to the Jedi and couldn't be trusted. Regardless following the execution of Dallin by Lord Vader Malatche became convinced that the Anakin Skywalker he'd served with and become close friends with was dead, and in his place, a new man, Lord Vader, existed. 
=== Transfer to the ISD Exactor ===
For the vast majority of his time in the Clone Wars, Malatche had severed on the Venator Phalanx. Even when the Empire rose, Malatche expected to serve on the Phalanx for the majority of his career. However, just after the Emperor's Purge Darth Vader informed Malatche that himself and his crew would be redeployed to the Imperial Star Destroyer Exactor, the second ISD ever built and the flagship of Darth Vader. 
Several months after moving to the Exactor, Malatche and Victoria chose to adopt the now orphaned daughter of one of his best friends, Isla. 
=== Mandalore Campaign ===
As a part of the Reconquest of the Rim, Malatche was assigned to the Mandalore Campaign to serve as an advisor and to work with the neutral Mandalorians to prevent them from joining the Anti-Imperial Clans.
"This place is a shithole" - Commodore Malatche Styke, referring to MandaloreMalatche would spend much of Mandalore assisting the Imperial Army and Stormtrooper Corps with their work while Condor Squadron did very little. It was also while assisting the Army on the ground Malatche began to lose faith in the Stormtrooper Corps, and once again reconsidered his post on the Exactor. On Day 51 of the Mandalore campaign, Styke sent in a request to transfer to the command of Deep Space Seven an Imperial Navy post in the Kal'Shebbol System. His request was quickly denied by the Imperial Admiralty, which Malatche fully expected.
"The Imperial Army and Stromtrooper Corps are a projectile fired by the Imperial Navy, and like any projectile they're a tool. Well at least the Army has men like Romodi" - Commodore Malatche Styke, speaking with other members of the Imperial Admiralty.
=== Transfer from the ISD-Exactor ===
After the Mandalore Campaign, Malatche moved to take the ISD-Coligan as his flagship of Condor Squadron as the ISD-Exactor was given its own section within the Squadron. Malatche took most of his command staff from the Exactor to the Coligan, though many of his friends remained on the Exactor. Malatche would finish off what was left of the CIS' holdouts in the Freestanding Sub-Sectors near wild space. The speed and extreme prejudice with which Malatche applied to destroying these holdouts reaffirmed to much of the Imperial Admiralty the level of talent Malatche had with command. Within three weeks the dozens of Confederate holdouts in the region had been crushed by Condor Squadron and the troops assigned to them. For his efforts, Malatche was awarded half a dozens medals and ribbons of status. 
=== Core Worlds Garrison ===
Once the Freestanding Sub-Sectors had been brought fully under Imperial Rule, Condor Squadron was redeployed to garrison and patrol duties in the Core Worlds near Courscant. By 15BBY Condor Squadron has been fully outfitted with the latest Imperial vessals, mainly the Imperial Star Destroyer in a greater role. Malatche spent much of his time in high society, interacting with senators and Moffs regularly. 
It was also at this time that all elements of the 501st Legion were moved out of Condor Squadron and placed fully under Lord Vader. 
Malatche would often be invited to the parties of Emperor Palpatine in the Imperial Palace on Courscant. Being far younger than many other officer's at these parties, Malatche often was isolated from the higher levels of Imperial command. In fact Malatche began dreading these events as it often meant an evening of awkward small talk with politicians and ambitious but inept junior officers. In 12BBY, at one of these parties, the Commodore would finally break into the upper echelons of Imperial command by becoming friends with Admiral Jok Donassius. Finally able to socialize with the men who ran the Imperial Navy, Malatche was able to re-assign Condor Squadron from the Core Worlds to the Cademimu sector.
=== Duties in the Cademimu Sector ===
Once Condor Squadron was deployed to the Cademimu sector, Malatche wasted little time in establishing Squadron headquarters on Cademimu V. While there, Malatche became close friends with the Imperial Governor, Zukia Ralmaen. 
While the Cademimu Sector was firmly under Imperial control, there were worries of insurrection. A group of politically motivated students had recently organised mass protests across the sector calling for the release of several rebellious clerks. A group called the "Sons of a New Order" declared that if their demands were not met they would be forced to take action. 
The arrival of an entire Imperial Squadron somewhat forced the rebels hand. Well before they were ready to engage the Empire in any sort of campaign they declared several smaller cities "free" from Imperial control. Over the span of four months the forces of Condor Squadron would put down the rebellion. 
Condor Squadron's presence in the Sector would dissuade any further rebellion. 
=== Brith of the Rebellion ===
Condor Squadron would be deployed in the Cademimu Sector until 5BBY when they were recalled to duties in the Core Worlds once more. Upon their arrival in Core Worlds, Malatche was called to the Imperial Palace and was granted the rank of Vice Admiral by the Council of Admirals. With his promotion, Condor Squadron was given additional ships, making it one of the largest naval squadrons in the Empire. 
By 4BBY Malatche was firmly entrenched in the high echelons of the Imperial navy with himself and his wife become popular figures amongst the other admirals. At the same time, through his former commanding officer, Wulf Yularen, Malatche would meet a young Thrawn. Malatche had mixed feelings about the Chiss, clearly seeing his competence and skill but having hesitations about his loyalty to the Empire. Ultimately, Malatche would support Thrawn, seeing him as a valuable asset. 
In 2BBY, with the birth of Alliance to Restore the Republic, Condor Squadron was placed back onto combat duties. Condor Squadron was reunited with the 501st Legion as Lord Vader called upon Condor Squadron to surround Correllia. Condor Squadron was present at the beginning of the Galactic Civil War. Malatche's early actions against the Rebel Alliance was to to quickly attempt to prevent the Rebel Alliance from annexing the Confederate holdouts other Imperials had allowed to exist. While Malatche was able to destroy several shipyards, the Rebel Alliance still managed to gain considerable strength from old Confederate Equipment. Malatche would then attempt to hunt down rebel bases on major trading routes that were raiding Imperial shipping lanes. While able to destroy every base he came across, the sheer scale of the rebel's operations made it so for every base he destroyed, three more appeared. 
=== Galactic Civil War ===
While Malatche had tried, and been somewhat successful, to destroy the Rebel Alliance before it could mount serious resistance to the Empire the negligence of the overall Imperial navy meant that the Rebel Alliance was soon able to pose some danger to the Empire. 
==== Early War (2BBY-0BBY) ====
In 1BBY Malatche would mount his first major victory against the Rebel Alliance. In close coordination with Imperial Intelligence, Condor Squadron ambushed a fleet of Rebel corvettes and frigates. Malatche would repeat this maneuver many times against the Rebel Alliance, forcing the rebels to withdraw to locations that served his advantage for ambush. For his relentless attacks against the Rebel Alliance Condor Squadron received the nickname "Crimson Wolves". 
That same year Malatche was ordered to put down an uprising on Tovarskl in Wild Space. If Malatche was not already the bane of the Rebel Alliance his actions on Tovarskl certainly made him so. Malatche offered the Alliance a chance to surrender upon entering the system, when this was refused Malatche engaged in a savage form of warfare. Malatche ordered the total destruction of any area that housed rebels. Through combined operations involving armoured attacks with Starfighter and Naval support 45% of Tovarskl's surface was destroyed. Malatche used the fear created by his style of warfare to have civilian leaders surrender and turn on the Rebel Alliance. By the end of 1BBY, Tovarskl had turned on the Rebel Alliance. 
By 0BBY Malatche had become on the most respected and feared officers in the Imperial Navy. His reputation was further reinforced during the Battle of Spil when an Alliance fleet was destroyed by Condor Squadron. In spite of his many victories, Malatche could see how the Tarkin Doctrine was only weakening the Empire's ability to fight this war. Other Imperial squadrons and fleets were no where no near as effective as Condor Squadron. 
Malatche's worries for the Empire's future only grew with the destruction of the Death Star. Condor Squadron was unable to respond to the Battle of Yavin due to their engagements in Wild Space. After finishing off a sizeable Rebel Cell near the unknown region, Malatche was once more called back to Courscant. Being one of the few Imperial officers to find success against the Rebel Alliance, Emperor Palaptine promoted Vice Admiral Malatche Styke to Rear Admiral. As Rear Admiral Malatche was given command over the newly formed Crimson Wolf Battlegroup, which Condor Squadron was now a part of. 
==== Rebellion of the Backfoot (0BBY-2ABY) ====
Now able to better combat the Rebel Alliance, Malatche now turned his sights into forcing the Rebel Alliance into open pitched battles. Preying on the ego of Rebel Commanders, Malatche would destroy almost half a dozen Rebel fleets and formations by 1 ABY. Malatche came to galactic fame in early 1 ABY during the Battle of Huiol when he forced Alliance Admiral Ty'alo into consildating his ships. Ty'alo's force of about 70 ships, including his MC80 Liberty Type flagship was destroyed in a battle lasting only four hours. Until the Battle of Hoth, the Battle of Hioul would be the worst defeat the Rebel Alliance suffered. 
In late 1 ABY Malatche would dodge a Rebel attempt to assianate him while on Abregado-Rae via sniper fire. Members of the Imperial Security Beareu where able to learn of the plot and informed Malatche's stormtroopers before the Rear Admiral could be killed. Worse than simply failing to kill Malatche, the foiled plot led to the Crimson Wolf Battlegroup tracking down an auxillary rebel base. The Rebel base stood no chance and Malatche secured thousands of Rebel prisoners for the Empire. 
In 2 ABY Malatche's battlegroup was dissolved and brought under the total command of Lord Vader and Death Squadron once more. 
== Relationships ==
=== Jeremy Styke ===
Malatche and his father, Jeremy, were incredibly close. Malatche has spoken several times about his earliest memories being him and his father watching their Gravball club, Abregado Villa FC from Villa Park. Jeremy, who unlike many Stykes took a keen interest in Starfighters and became overall Commander of the Styke Air Corps was sure to encourage Malatche's non-military interests early in life and was especially supportive of Malatche's choice to attend Carida. Jeremy's death on Abregado-Rae has had a profound impact on Malatche.
===Victoria Phillips===
Victoria was the daughter of non-Styke officers who'd served the Atreidean Stykes for generations. Her father, Gurney Phillips had been Master of Arms and Warmaster for the Councillor of the Atreideans, Leto Styke. As a result, Victoria and Malatche found themselves in the same circles quite often and the two would forge a friendship in the many hours where they were forced to wait for their parents to finish their meetings. Victoria would help Malatche with his singing for Ach's band which would only further solidify their friendship. The more time the two spent together the more inseparable they became until they entered a romantic relationship in their mid-teens. While Malatche chose to follow the Styke standard and begin a military career, Victoria became an actress for musical theatre and would become somewhat famous for her leading roles. Shortly before his graduation from the academy, Malatche proposed to Victoria. The strains of war have made their relationship somewhat strained, the two remain stalwart to each other and supportive of one another.
=== Anakin Skywalker ===
Contrary to the common Styke anxieties about the Jedi, Malatche has a deep respect for Anakin Skywalker,
"A little on the aggressive side, but I can respect someone who gets things done...even a Jedi " - First Officer Malatche Styke to Chief Master Petty Officer Del Thorin after Anakin intervened in an interrogation.
Anakin and Malatche have also gone through personal outings together, seeing Victoria Phillip's star in the Greatest Showwoman with Senator Padme Amidala. Most importantly, however, Anakin assisted Malatche in rescuing his mother on Abregado-Rae in 20 BBY. Between 20 and 19 BBY, Anakin and Malatche would become close do to their common growing mistrust of the Jedi Council. Malatche and his wife Victoria would host Anakin and occasionally his friend Senator Padme Amidala at their apartment on Coruscant. In the final days of the war Anakin informed Malatche he considered the naval officer to be one of his closet friends and let Malatche know he had a wife who he cared for. 
=== Darth Vader ===
On the night the Republic fell Malatche would meet Darth Vader aboard the Phalanx. To his shock, the man he'd assumed to be the newly crowned Emperor's agent was his close friend Anakin Skywalker. Malatche was deeply confused, as he'd received word that Anakin died defending younglings from Jedi Master's attempting to steal them. Quickly though Malatche learned that for the time being his friend was changed into something he could hardly recognize. At first, Malatche chalked it up to the shock of losing the wife that he'd mentioned a few days before. Malatche felt uneasy around the dark lord during the brief time he was aboard the Phalanx en route to Mustafar. 
After the Emperor's Purge and the reveal of Vader's new armour two weeks later Malatche fully came to terms that the Anakin he knew was never coming back. While he would never know the details of Anakin's fall and Vader's rise, he could tell he was dealing with a different man. Malatche chose to cooperate and respect the Sith Lord, especially after the Emperor's Purge. 
=== Typhon Ringer ===
Malatche met Typhon in a general education course at the Naval Academy of Carida. While the two had wildly different views of politics, war, and their own careers- the two did find mutual respect and interest in each others company. Malatche would often encourage Typhon to go on dates with women he believed were compatible with his friend. Malatche graduated a year ahead of Typhon due to the longer course schedule for medical officers compared to command officers like Malatche. The two would be reunited in 20BBY when Typhon was transferred from the position of Chief Surgeon of a Republic Medical Corvette to the Chief Medical Officer aboard Malatche's own ship, the Republic Venator Phalanx.
=== Keldarr Ramt'ii ===
Another Jedi that defied the preconceptions Malatche had of Jedi, he found Ramt'ii to run counter to the humourless, pompous and morally self-righteous Jedi character he'd come to expect of Jedi. Ramt'ii was willing to provide a calming word, a needed joke, and deep conversation with advice on how Malatche should approach fatherhood. The two often shared tea as they discussed combat reports or operational strategy, something Malatche would grow fond of overtime. Keldarr would also, debatable, save Malatche's career in the Republic Navy by advising him to remain with the 501st on the Phalanx during the Battle of Anaxes.
When Order 66 was initiated Malatche believed at first that Ramt'ii had nothing to do with the coup and that he was innocent of any wrongdoing. However, when Ramt'ii broke containment and escaped it did nothing but convince Malatche his former Jedi friend was somehow involved, and now curses his name openly. 
=== Khane Muldoon ===
As a young Captain, Malatche was keenly aware of the benefits of young talents coming out of the Republic's academies. One of these recent graduates was a young Ensign named Khane Muldoon, graduated high in his class and requested assignment to the Phalanx. Within his first weeks of service, Muldoon made his talents and competence well known. Malatche chose to promote Muldoon to Sub-Lieutenant and First Officer. The two men work well together and Malatche feels that Khane can become a Captain and superb officer. 
=== Hugo Typhe ===
When Hugo Typhe first came on board the Phalanx Malatche was the First Officer under Captain Toshe. Typhe made several poor first impressions on Malatche, and he would soon learn Typhe came from one of the worst naval academies in the Republic and had trained to be deployed to a Pelta rather than a full Venator. 
Malatche decided instead of being combative with the young crewman he would assist Hugo in getting comfortable with the Venator. Once Malatche was promoted to Captain of the Phalanx he chose Hugo to act as an Aide De Camp and assistant. Later in his career, Hugo was found guilty of arson and Malatche spoke in defence of him at his court-martial. 
Towards the end of the war, Hugo confided in Malatche that his fiance had defected to the Confederacy and stolen his child. Being a father himself, Malatche assisted Hugo in rescuing his child during an invasion of the planet his fiance had defected to. Malatche considered Hugo a professional friend and someone he could rely on.
While Malatche finds the young man to be slightly aggravating, Hugo has grown on Malatche a lot.
== Personality and Views ==
=== Personality ===
Malatche was unique amongst Starship Captains for several reasons. Being younger than most of his peers, Malatche brought a certain energy to his post. He always ensured that the Phalanx would be one of the first ships to respond to orders and the last to waste time. Malatche was also defined by his experiences in the Clone Wars, he became firm and authoritative with his crew, but never outright aggressive. Despite the energy he brought with his command, Malatche was deeply anxious about his role on the Phalanx for a plethora of reasons. His youth made him an easy target for ridicule amongst the other captains of the fleet, he oftentimes felt out of place and unready, and most importantly Malatche wanted to remain in one place, to build something out of nothing. "I'm greatful for the comission don't get me wrong... It's just I hoped I could be placed somewhere I can call home, not just a vechile to pass through different parts of the galaxy in. Somewhere where I could be with you..." - Malatche to his partner Victoria Phillips, 21 BBY. While Malatche did his best to maintain a distinct authority on the bridge of the Phalanx, those close to him (both in his military and outside of it), knew Malatche to be a somewhat jovial and optimistic person. Malatche often found solace in speaking with those he cared about and would try to return the favour. Perhaps borrowing from his youthful fascination with literature, Malatche is well known for holding deep conversations about art, philosophy, politics, and literature with anyone willing to talk to him. 
Following the Battle of Jabiim Malatche would suffer from near-constant nightmares, which would factor into his actions. After Jabiim Malatche became less talkative, still willing to hold conversations but less willing to start them. This plague upon his sleep would also compound on Malatche's anxieties of command aboard the Phalanx.
Malatche is also known for his deep caring attitude towards his children. He keeps a photo of them in his breast pocket and on his desk. Despite being at the front for most of their lives, Malatche has tried to be a part of their development and makes frequent holocalls to them and will spend his leave with them and Victoria. "When you see them, it just brightens your day. It can turn anything around" - Malatche Styke, 19BBY
=== Views on the Clones ===
At the outset of the Clone Wars, Malatche viewed the use of the Clone Army as a mistake for the Republic. He reasoned that the population of the Galactic Republic had a patriotic duty and need to fight for the Republic, a duty obstructed by clones who had no material vestige in what the Republic stood for. Furthermore, Malatche believed that the contracts the Republic were approving with the Kaminoans would lead the Republic to financial ruin. In his first assignment aboard the RAS Deseret, Malatche went out of his way to avoid the clones as best he could,"There's something...uncanny about them. They're almost human and yet they lack what it means to be one of us" - Malatche Styke to one of his gunners, 21 BBYAfter being transferred from the Deseret to the Phalanx Malatche found it increasingly difficult to avoid interactions with the clones. Through these interactions, however, Malatche grew to respect the clones as fighters and as people. Despite his evolved view on clones he still believes that the Republic is mistaken in using them.
=== Views on the War and Confederacy ===
"Once this war ends, there shall be no reconcillation, there shall be no freedom for the men and abominations who started this war. If the Senate allows even one to live when this war ends, we have failed" - Malatche Styke, 19 BBYLike all Stykes, Malatche held serious reservations about the Galactic Republic. While he saw it as flawed and relatively weak compared to the ideal military government. However, the reservations that Malatche held about the Republic were dwarfed by his immense hatred of the Confederacy. The Confederates and their perverse ideology of planetary rights and decentralization were, to Malatche, a threat to the stability of the galaxy. To Malatche the war was far more than just a struggle to preserve the Republic, it was a war reassert centralization and authority.
== Children ==
*This is the current trajectory for each of Malatche's children and may be subject to change and at the moment should not be considered canon. These are merely plans*
=== Mai Styke ===
Quieter than her siblings, Mai showed much of her father in her early development. Unlike her father, however, Mai never opened up like Malatche. She spent most of her younger years to herself, reading and occasionally writing. In her mid-teens, she applied to join the Imperial Intelligence and due to her father's connections was accepted. 
Her service in intelligence began with assisting senior agents in tracking down Imperial defectors and bringing them to justice. After proving herself a competent enough asset Mai was moved to killing off noted enemies of the Empire as an assassin. 
=== Elonra Styke ===
Elonra was the complete opposite of her older sister; outgoing, loud, and athletic. At her youth academy, Elonra was friends with many of her fellow students and competed in a wide array of sports. She developed a fascination with blasters and marksmanship early in her life and would dedicate herself to learning as much about weapons as she could. After her sister joined Imperial Intelligence Elonra began seeking her own path in the military. 
Considering her interest in blasters and athleticism Elonra chose to join the infantry and would be selected to become a Stormtrooper. Elonra would become a SAW gunner in her unit in the 116th Stonewall Brigade. 
=== Beatrix Styke ===
Far younger than her sisters and brother Beatrix was inspired by the stories of her grandfather, Jeremy Styke. As well, of her siblings, Beatrix spent the least amount of time with her father. Following her grandfather's example, Beatrix began learning to pilot small crafts.
When it came time for her to join the Imperial military she chose to the Starfighter Corps. She would go onto become a TIE Interceptor pilot.
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