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REPUBLIC INTELLIGENCE REPORT To: Mon Mothma From: Major Dolus Fortrin Re: Admiral Piett CC: Leia Organa Solo Madam President: As you know, intelligence indicates that Piett is organizing remnants of the Imperial Fleet and associated forces in at least two distant Rim sectors. Although many other Imperial officers have engaged in similar activities since the Battle of Endor and the fall of the Empire, we have reason to believe that Piett will be more successful in his endeavor than his predecessors and competitors. Although he was assumed dead after the Battle of Endor, there is now no doubt that Piett survived the destruction of EXECUTOR. Our operatives have sighted him on numerous occasions, and defecting Imperials have confirmed Piett's survival. The clone theory propagated by certain sections of the Republic intelligence establishment (see previous reports) is now in disrepute, after the recent discovery of several escape pods from EXECUTOR's bridge deep in the forests of Endor. Close examination of sensor logs from Alliance ships which participated in the battle confirm the launch of numerous pods from EXECUTOR. We currently theorize that Piett did, in fact, reach a bridge escape pod, landed safely on Endor, and was picked up by the retreating Imperial forces. The chronology of Piett's activities since the Battle of Endor is clouded. We do, however, have a solid psychological and personality profile of the admiral, thanks in part to captured Imperial archival information. The report that follows is not a straightforward biography, but rather an assessment of what makes Admiral Piett tick, and why he presents such a significant danger to the Republic. ADMIRAL PIETT Piett does not share these traits. From his earliest days in the Imperial Navy, Piett demonstrated uncommon restraint in his dealings with rebel factions. Although his arrest and suppression rate in areas under his command was extremely high, the number of Alliance personnel actually terminated on his orders was quite limited. Rape and torture were strictly forbidden, and Piett's troops were told to treat subject populations with respect. On at least five occasions, Imperial troops under Piett's command were dishonorably discharged for violating his orders on these matters. Many of his fellow officers felt that Piett was "too soft" on such matters, but the fact was that areas under his command were more passive, less amenable to Alliance influence, and more loyal to the Empire than similar regions. Piett put a human face on the Empire. In combat situations, Piett showed himself to be strategically cautious, but tactically brilliant. He was protective of his troops and ships, less willing than most Imperial officers to sacrifice his men needlessly, but quick to exploit any sign of Alliance weakness. As commander of the Star Destroyer TRENCHENT, Piett emerged victorious from at least seven engagements with Alliance ships, earning commendations and two valor awards in the process. It was after his successful tour as captain of TRENCHENT that Piett was tapped by Darth Vader to be the Flag Captain of the newly-commissioned Super Star Destroyer EXECUTOR. At the time, this was considered to be a very odd choice. The Dark Lord preferred his officers cruel and heartless, and while no one doubted Piett's loyalty to the Empire, he hardly seemed a suitable candidate for Vader's inner staff. Vader seemed to have Piett in mind as a counterweight to Admiral Ozzel. Ozzel, a non-descript traditionalist who was appointed to the command of Vader's fleet mainly for political reasons, had a habit of underestimating Alliance strength. Piett, considerably more imaginative and with a better intuitive understanding of Alliance goals and motivations, would prove useful should Ozzel's performance prove disappointing. Piett was also a first-class organizer and administrator, a valuable commodity in a flag captain and potential admiral. The events preceeding and following the Battle of Hoth are well-known. Ozzel was executed, Piett promoted. Most observers, both Imperial and Alliance, felt that Piett would not last long in command of Vader's fleet, but they were proved wrong. It is not known if Vader felt Piett had Force potential, but it is clear that he respected the Admiral's courage, and valued his insight into the minds of those who supported the Rebellion. Other Imperial officers were jealous of Piett and attempted to spread gossip and rumor regarding the Admiral's "mistakes," but Vader's support of Piett never waivered. Piett shielded his subordinates from responsibility on numerous occasions, knowing that if he took the blame, Vader would be less likely to issue harsh punishments without undue cause. By the time of the Battle of Endor, Piett had raised the level of morale and efficiency in Vader's fleet considerably. Survivors interviewed and debriefed by the Alliance after the battle relate that although the threat of severe punishment was always there, and that Lord Vader was still feared, the men of the fleet felt they had an advocate in Piett, and that discipline was less capricious than it had been under Ozzel. WHY PIETT IS DANGEROUS TO THE ALLIANCE: One gets the impression that Piett is a reasonable man. Why, then, did he serve the Empire, and why does he still cling to the ideology of the New Order, even after the death of Palpatine? Our speculations will follow in a later report.
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