[Tales of] The New Sith Order (Redux)

[DarthTex]

Hurray! Posting has resumed. Thanks Def, and nice kickoff

[Paul]

Good entry Defender, I like it. - Grand Moff Conway

[tacoJoemeru]

Yes, keep it coming Def.

[Defender_16]

OMFG! Is this a post!? Because it looks suspiciously and remarkably like a post!

 

+ + +

 

Hyperspace streamed past the false viewports that were projected onto the walls showing space outside the ship. Dorja leaned over the planning table in the confrence room located several decks below the bridge. He repetedly tapped an icon on the map representing the last Interdictor enforced checkpoint the fleet had established. All had been deployed without incident and had right away started pulling civillian ships from hyperspace.

 

The ships maintaining the checkpoints had been ordered to render as much medical assistance to civilians as possible. In most cases the medics would really be checking for signs of Viruses or Alien infiltrators. While the Civilians at Garqi had apparently been altered under controlled circumstances they couldn't rule out that the invaders might try to infect a large population to cause more problems.

 

Colonel Fel walked in with his Tie Pilot's helmet under one arm. He noticed the Admiral's concentration. "Worried about leaving so few ships at the checkpoints sir?"

 

Dorja shook himself out of his daze. "Not worried by it per-se Colonel, but I am somewhat bothered by it."

 

Jag nodded believing he understood what the Admiral meant but not commenting on if further. Dorja chose to break the silence before it started to drag.

 

"We passed out of hypercom range from the Fleet's transmitter ships an hour ago now. We're back into the void again it seems. I want our pilots as rested as possible from now on but keep up the simulation runs. How are the new pilots doing by the way?"

 

"The current Simulation results are what I would still deem unsatisfactory, especially for the sort of extended mission we're looking at."

 

He handed the Admiral a datapad. The older man scrolled through the figures and frowned heavily.

"You're quite right, these are unnaceptable losses. Sixty percent in the first engagement and it only gets worse as we lose our fighter cover... damn."

He handed the pad back to Fel.

 

"I have been able to pick out a core group of Pilots that have the skills to make it through Sir. I've moved them over to our heavier fighters in the hopes of keeping them alive longer. Most of the lesser skilled pilots are only a few months out of the academies. With some more time I believe better than half of them will come up to the levels we need."

 

"Always a matter of how much time we have isnt it?"

 

"Yes sir. All of our active squadrons are now arranged into shield groups. It's still proving to be the most effective combination in simulators."

 

Dorja nodded an downed a glass of water he'd been keeping nearby. "If any of your pilots have more suggestions about tactics to use against these Vong I want to hear them. Dont bother screening them I want as many ideas as possible. I've got Commander Taulen talking to the Gunnery crews and his Stormtroopers."

 

"Understood. If there's anything else sir?"

 

"No that's all Colonel, dismissed."

 

"Sir." Jag saluted and marched towrds the door.

 

"Colonel."

 

Jag stopped. "Sir?"

 

"Keep up the good work. I'll see you make General by the end of the year.

 

 

Once the door had closed behind Jag, Dorja called up the Ardent's biohazard containment protocols and started looking for weaknesses in the system.

"If these Vong like to use bio weapons they're not taking my ship by supprise."

 

+ + +

 

 

I'll see you make General by the end of the year.

General by the end of the year...

General by the end of the year...

 

The words echoed through Jag's head.

Surely he'd always wanted to attain a high rank at some point, but the casulties bound to be suffered in that time were likley to be staggering. There was no way to be certain he wouldnt be one of them. Without any real way of controling that though he resolved to do the best he could with the situation as always. If he happened to survive or die so be it. He'd faced death before, now with this mission it was time to willingly walk into it's clutches and hope for the best.

 

077

Edited November 5, 2007 by Defender_16

[DarthTex]

Good post Def! It was like receiving a small refreshing shower after a long drought

[Paul]

Defender,

Great post as always. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h293/Defender_16/DorjasReconinforce-1.gif

http://www .swrebellion .com/forums/ postx3773-0-105. html

+ + +

 

"Time to destination?" Asked Dorja as he strode onto the bridge.

 

The navigator looked up from the crew pit. "We will be reverting to realspace in the Dal-porath system in approximately eight minutes sir."

 

"Good. Commander Wintle, all hands to ready stations."

 

"Aye sir!"

 

The young commander's voice soon blared over the ship's com, preparing the thousands strong crew for the possibility of battle. Some of the crew had been rotated out during their short period of repair but most of the crew were still veterans, hardened by their flight from the Vong.

 

Wintle returned to the Admiral's side. "All stations reporting ready sir."

 

"I gave my word that we would come back to this mining colony, and if we needed more reason than that there's still loyal Imperial troops in the system."

 

"You don’t need to convince me of that sir. Right to Rule's crew had as much experience fighting the Vong as we did. They'll certainly be welcome in the fleet."

 

Dorja smirked at the younger man. "Our orders were to make our way to the Corporate Sector and we are. This is just a minor detour. With the added benefits you already mentioned. If luck is with us we wont have any Imperial Inquisitors questioning my re-interpretation of orders when we get back."

 

+ + +

 

The Fleet reverted to realspace, Nine light Cruisers, Three Imperial class ships and a pair of Victory Destroyers. Two Squadrons of Assault Gunboats formed up with the Carrack Cruisers to create a picket line.

 

"Sensor contacts, both Civilian and Vong contacts detected."

 

"Put it up."

The system tactical overlay appeared on the holodisplay. Dozens of civilian ships were streaming away from Dal-porath Colony one escorted by two larger contacts. IFF quickly identified them as the Civilian liner Twilight Wanderer and the Mercenary Cruiser Paragon. Not so far behind them flames burned where atmosphere still vented into space from the destroyed asteroid colony.

 

"Launch fighters and hail Twilight Wanderer."

 

Tie starfighters swarmed from the Destroyer launch bays forming up into shield groups. Last out of the Ardent's launch bays was a full squadron of Cygnus built Delta-class Escort Shuttles. Since the Ardent had been stripped of her AT-AT contingent the Admiral had insisted that the extra space be converted to carry additional vehicles for space combat. Although nearly as slow as the old Rebel Y-wings they had powerful shields and an aft Turbolaser turret.

 

"Dorja to Fel."

"Go ahead Admiral."

"Colonel I want you to take Ardent's wing in to escort those Civilians, the rest of our fighters will protect our fleet as we move to intercept."

 

After breaking off communications Jag lead the Ardent's six squadrons around the picket line and out toward the Civilian fleet.

 

After another few minutes the Admiral's holo display activated showing the face of Cheyden Graal, former Captain of the Destroyer Right to Rule.

 

"Captain Graal, it's good to see you're still alive after all these days."

 

"Just barely Admiral. The aliens have been raiding through the asteroids for the past few weeks with just a small force wearing us down. A couple of Frigates including the one we originally chased off joined them a couple of days ago."

 

The Admiral turned away from the display screen for a moment. "Sensors, do you have the positions of both enemy Frigates?"

 

"Yes sir, but we're having some trouble pinning down all of the corvettes. They're moving in and out of the asteroids."

 

"Keep on them and transmit sensor Data to our fighters and the Civie capital ships."

 

"Aye."

 

Dorja turned back to the holodisplay. "Captain, we're going to escort these civilians out of here but we cant be going out of our way too much. Any word from Topwrawa?"

 

"One of the transport groups made it back from there before the frigates showed up and cut us off. It was still in Imperial hands."

The image shook and Graal glanced off to the side for a moment. "Just fire from one of the shards. Our shields can handle it."

 

"Captain once my advance starfighter forces reach you and clears away enemy fighters I want you to bring your fleet around on an outbound vector for Topwrawa."

 

+++

 

"Remember, one shield group per enemy fighter." Reminded Jag as they screamed in on the civilian formation. Around the transports he could see flashes of weapons fire as the remaining uglies dueled close to two full squadron of Shards. Those few ships with weapons added what fire they could to distract the Vong fighters. At the back of the formation the two larger ships continuously fired Turbolasers to keep the Frigate and Corvette analogs at range.

 

"Break by flights on my mark."

The range counter displaying distance to the leading civilian ships scrolled down. At nearly point blank he called out. "Break!"

 

The Imperial fighters flashed past just above the shields and hulls of the transports. The fist few shards didn’t even know what hit them. Laser fire from Jag and his three wing mates all converged on a single enemy fighter overwhelming it's defences before it had a chance to dodge. Four enemy markers disappeared from the sensor screen.

 

The Tie Defenders, faster than either the Interceptors or the Gauntlets, raced ahead pounding on more of the enemy fighters with lasers and concussion missiles. One shard whipped around a light freighter and fired it's plasma cannon at a nearby Defender flight. Those Defenders broke formation to attack the shard from different angles, a good idea normally but it left them without the benefit of proper wing mate cover.

 

Soon after the targeted shard exploded under the concentrated fire, three more Vong fighters arced in at one of the lone Defenders. In unison the shards closed and fired. Just before their plasma hit, the Tie's shields failed. An Imperial marker winked off the display.

 

"One flight, fire missiles." Matching words to actions Jag flipped the targeting over to concussion missiles and fired when he had a lock. He switched to the second fighter and fired again. Four pairs of missiles streaked out and exploded as the proximity sensors showed they were about to be pulled into a singularity. Overwhelmed by the explosions the singularities winked out. Laser fire from Jag's flight and the three Tie Defenders that had gone evasive struck the coral hulls of two of the fighters while the third looped away and fled.

 

Jag activated the com. "Fel to Defender squadrons, maintain your shield groups."

 

Around them most of the surviving shards were fleeing, more than half of them had been destroyed by the fast attack.

 

078

 

OK guys, I could use some name suggestions for minor characters. In particular some of the Ardent's bridge crew.

 

EDIT2: It's been a full day and no one has commented yet?

 

.....I think I'm going to cry now.

Edited November 5, 2007 by Defender_16

[Paul]

Defender,

Great post, sorry been in hospital again. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

Been reading up on the Force.net's posting policy.

 

If you have planned a trilogy or other multi-part form, and it is artistically necessary for there to be separation between sections, submit all parts simultaneously, and they will be reviewed by the same reviewers, and treated as a single entity -- accepted or rejected as a whole -- then archived serially if you so wish. Multipart stories should be no more than six installments.

 

Well how the *-#@{%-* am I supposed to do that!?! Wait until I'm done?!

 

I suppose I could post everything I've got so far right now as a single entry but what am I going to do, wait 2 years for the next entry?

[DarthTex]

@Def: great story post! How many bridge characters do you want? Should I just PM them to you?

 

As for Force.net's policy ... leave it at Force.net. You're doing just fine IMO

[Defender_16]

But if I posted on the Force dot Net I might end up with more readers than can be counted on one hand though.

 

 

+++

 

"We lost one Tie Defender but other than that it's fairly minor vehicle damage. One of Gauntlet and an Interceptor though will need some repairs before they go back into combat.â€

[DarthTex]

But if I posted on the Force dot Net I might end up with more readers than can be counted on one hand though.

hmmm ... OK

 

People of SWR, let's see how many "fingers" Def has on one hand. Everybody who reads this thread, reply with an acknowledgement for Def

 

I'm reading it (reader #1)

 

 

PS Good installment Def!

[Defender_16]

+++

 

The doors to the bridge of the Destroyer Iron Fist parted with a hiss and two high ranking officers strode through. The ship's Captain had to fight to keep his eyes from going wide in shock as he recognised Grand Moff Zsinj. The man returned to his senses in time to go to attention and salute as the two men approached.

 

"Welcome aboard Iron Fist Grand Moff."

 

"Thank you Captain." Zsinj took a deep breath inhaling the recycled and filtered air of one of the Empire's huge starships for the first time in years. He scanned the bridge seeing the officers down in the crew pit's hard at work, just as things should be.

"Ah, it's good to be back."

 

"Would you like me to have your personal quarters made ready for you sir? They're still set aside."

 

"No Captain that's quite alright. The General and myself were just about to take a tour of the ship and see how things have held up."

 

"Understood sir. Would you like your command chair installed? We hadn't expected you aboard quite so soon."

 

The Moff seemed to think to himself for a moment then turned to the General next to him. "Melvar?"

Melvar gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head.

 

"You're quite right." Zsinj turned his attention back to the younger officer. "No Captain that won't be necessary. It seems to be quite popular these days for flag officers to have command centers separate from the bridge. I would hate to give the impression of not keeping up with the times."

 

"Aye sir." Responded the somewhat confused seeming Captain.

 

"Carry on." Zsinj waved to the Captain, as he turned to head out of the bridge. General Melvar was close behind.

 

+++

 

Zsinj sat down behind a strongly built desk made of dark Greel wood. He rubbed at his forehead for a moment in contemplation before slamming a fist down on the desk.

 

"Of all the times for something to happen these damnable Aliens, whoever they are, had to choose to invade now." He sighed trying to let his temper cool somewhat. "What is Bane's status?" he asked Melvar.

 

The General finished adjusting his fingernail attachments and stepped in front of the desk. "Bane, for all intents and purposes is finished. Derricote has already removed most of the implant data and equipment from site Beta. There's only a skeleton crew there now finishing off some loose ends and triple checking things.

We don’t know what is happening with the primary facilities on Saffalore however because of the Hypercom blackouts."

 

The Moff shook his head. "We don’t even know if the Corporate Sector is still standing. Burgan sent Dorja out to look around but it could be a couple of weeks before we hear back from them one way or another. Can we proceeded with Project Scourge with just the equipment from site Beta?"

 

Melvar looked somewhat weary. "Derricote says that his people have enough to begin production. They've moved to the secure facilities at Borleias."

 

Zsinj arched an eyebrow. "He says he can do it, but can he?"

 

"Yes." Melvar replied instantly. "But production will be slow. Anything we can salvage from the Saffalore site would be helpful."

 

The Moff uttered a short curse in one of the myriad languages he knew.

 

"Get Termagant and two of the newer Carrack Cruisers loaded with some Raptors. They're to proceeded to Saffalore at best possible speed. If they can, they're to link up with Dorja's fleet for the return trip and use his ships for cover."

 

The General nodded after having made a mental note. "Should I impress upon them the seriousness of this mission?"

 

"Only the Captains of the three ships and they don’t need to know the details, only that they need to get that cargo back to us." Zsinj looked up from the desk. "We have rebellion flare ups all through the Outer and Mid Rim. The Emperor wants Scourge in place as soon as possible should we need to implement it."

 

080

[tacoJoemeru]

Zsinj, awesome!

 

Keep it up.

[JediHunter]

I'm reading it (reader #1)

 

Was gonna say Reader #2 here, but it appears I am #3..

[Defender_16]

+++

 

The civilian convoy under the protection of the Ardent Taskforce reverted to realspace in the Toprawa system. The trip had gone without incident so far. Four hours into the Jump the Destroyers had reverted to realspace to pick up the hyperspace capable fighters that had jumped along side them, then resumed their flight. Now they waited to see if the local Imperial fleet still held the system.

 

"Sensors, how many Imperial ships are still in system?"

 

When there was no immediate response Commander Wintle walked over to the sensor station. "Lieutenant Aurlich?"

 

"Sorry sir, the sensors are having trouble with some of the debris showing up in low orbit around Toprawa. We're showing two operational Star Destroyers and several support ships in orbit along with another three disabled Destroyers. No enemy presence at this time."

 

"Good." whispered Dorja. "Com get me direct line communications to the Imperial ships still in orbit."

 

"Go ahead sir."

 

"Toprawa defence force this is Admiral Dorja aboard the Destroyer Ardent. What is your status?"

 

The static filled com channel came to life. "Admiral Dorja, this is Commodore Parkere. We are in the process of regrouping after repelling an attack approximately five hours ago. There were many of the alien ships present but the majority of them didn’t move to engage. All of them ended up crossing the Hydian Way."

 

"Crossing it? None of them tried to head up or down the hyperspace lane?"

 

"No Admiral. We recorded their jump vectors and it appears they were headed roughly in the direction of the Cron Drift and the Tion."

 

Dorja tuned away from the holodisplay for a moment and looked to Wintle. "They're going to circumvent our main defensive line."

The Admiral returned his attention to the display and the Commodore. "Commodore Parkere, my group is currently headed to the Corporate sector to rally Imperial forces there. We will need to leave these civilians we've been escorting in your keeping."

 

"I understand Admiral. We will do what we can to reprovision them so they can make the jump Coreward. Do you have any idea how long it will be until we are relieved?"

 

"You can rest assured Commodore that Imperial fleets are at this very moment making their way down the Hydian Way. While there are other positions in more desperate need of ships, you should see the first arrivals within the week."

 

'The week... yes." The officer seemed distant for a moment, obviously wondering if they would be able to hold out for a few hours if they were attacked again.

 

"Commodore, in the event your positions are overrun the closest secure fleet base is at Dathomir. There are Interdictor checkpoints in place on the Hydian Way, so if retreat becomes the only option left to you it is there."

 

"Thank you Admiral."

 

+++

 

Civilian ships settled into low orbit around Toprawa and shuttles began ferrying refugees down to the planet's main spaceport. The planet's fairly new capital city and the spaceport facility, were both surrounded by a large series of fortifications. The huge walls were intended to keep out the planet's former inhabitants who had been reduced to barbarism more than twenty years ago after aiding the Rebellion.

Supposedly even now Imperial troops were working on shoring up those defences to protect the city against invasion from orbit. Dorja didn’t think the defenders had much hope of holding the planet if the ships in orbit fled. An orbital bombardment would take care of the planetary shields.

 

"How much longer Commander?" The Admiral asked over his shoulder.

 

Wintle arrived in short order. "The Twilight Wander is going to need two more hours to unload the civilians still aboard. We've already started restocking some of her supplies from our stores. Three hours maximum."

 

"Not as much of a delay as I had worried about. Do the refugees have any fighters left that would be worth taking along?"

 

The Commander glanced at his small datapad quickly. "The hanger crew from Right to Rule are looking over an old Skipray Blastboat, a modified Tie Bomber, and two T-wings. All of the other fighters are going with Paragon and the other mercenaries when they escort the first group of refugees back to our lines."

 

"It'll have to do. I'm not moving any of our fighter squadrons over to that liner unless we have to."

 

"Sir." spoke up the com officer. "We have a transmission coming in from Twilight Wanderer."

 

"Put it through."

 

Where Dorja had expected to see captain Graal's face above the projector appeared that of Fitzgibbon Lane, the administrator of the Mining Colony. Without preamble the business man started in right away.

"Admiral on behalf of the citizens of the Dal-porath mining colony I want to thank you and your people for what they've done to rescue as many of us as you have. While it's unfortunate that the one transport didn't escape everyone here understands that you did everything you could."

 

"Administrator Lane, it is the duty of every Imperial officer to safeguard loyal citizens to the Empire whenever possible. I'm aware that many of your people are far from being truly loyal to the cause but I couldn’t take the chance that some of those that call your operation home might be true law abiding citizens. I suggest that you remember, and remind any trouble makers you might know, that they're in Imperial space now. We wont abide any attempts at Rebellion."

 

The colony Administrator maintained his Sabacc face the entire time despite Dorja's implied accusations. "Admiral, I assure you that I will personally make sure that the rough hard living people of my colony understand that the laws of the Empire are not ones to be trod upon. And again I want to thank you for the job you've done."

 

With that Lane gave a slight bow and the transmission ended.

 

+++

 

Tendra glared across the deactivated holoprojector at her husband. "What the hell are you up to this time Fitz? He was practically accusing you of being a Rebel."

 

In response he flashed his most charming smile. "Perhaps the dear Admiral was intimidated on his previous visit by my stunning personality."

Tendra's glare let up only slightly.

 

Finally he shrugged. "He doesn't recognise me or he'd have had me arrested already. In either case we should be going. I have an idea for our next business venture."

 

"We only just bailed out of our previous money scheme and you're already starting to work on another?"

 

She walked over and the two held hands as they left the ship's communications center. Fitz patted the back of his wife's hand as he started talking again.

"As someone once said, there is no time like the present. Right now I'm thinking the galaxy could use some new weapons to fight these invaders and I'm sure the Empire isn’t going to sell those weapons to just anyone."

 

"An arms company?" asked Tendra sounding somewhat surprised at the bold move.

"Exactly. Now... how does Tendran Arms sound?"

 

 

081

 

This pic needs a little work before it's used in a card.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h293/Defender_16/billy_dee_williams01.jpg

 

 

EDIT: While work on the next post is moving along at a dreadfully slow pace (Stupid job. ) I have become a member of fanfiction -dot- net and submitted the first 2 parts/chapters. Within ten hours I've already recieved some responses.

oldman543[/color]"]sweet keep it going!

ImperialJedi[/color]"]Hello!

I'm adding this fic to my c2, Galactic Empire. Please subscribe to this c2 to support your fic and other Imperial stories.

 

Nice job, so far. Keep it up. MTFBWY

Edited November 10, 2007 by Defender_16

[Paul]

Defender,

A good set of posts. I have been in hospital again so I just got to the internet. Good reads all of them. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

+++

 

DATA GAMBIT ENCRYPT PROTOCOL ENABLED/

Access Key Verification... CONFIRMED/

PROCESSING...

 

Decryption complete. This message will self terminate in 5 standard minutes.

 

Netbers; get to the Strike Cruiser Tribune within the next twelve hours. The ship's captain will have additional but limited information available to you. You will be required to recover elements of Bane. The Captain is to be kept in the dark.

 

--END TRANSMISSION--

 

Major Radaf Netbers waited until the computer virus contained within the message erased everything on the datapad. Once it had started to heat up from burning out the pad's memory core he tossed it down a disintegrator chute.

 

The encryption method, along with the short concise message were both typical of the high priority missions given to him by Melvar. Any mission for Melvar usually meant Zsinj, and that in turn meant it was for the good of the Empire. He would need to find a shuttle pilot to get his where he was needed and quickly.

 

+++

 

"The last of the Civilian shuttles has departed Twilight Wanderer." reported Wintle.

 

"It's about time. Have the ship form up with our fleet. We can finish resupplying them as we get ready for our jump." Dorja headed off towards the back of the bridge to look over more star charts.

 

The Fleet moved out from Toprawa's gravity well and took up escort positions around Wanderer. Though heavily shielded and now fairly well armed, the civilian built ship still wouldn’t be expected to last long in a capital ship engagement. Shuttles from the 3 larger Destroyers Continued their supply runs to the Wanderer for the next hour.

 

"Transmission from Wanderer sir."

Dorja pointed to his station and soon Captain Graal's face was there. "Admiral I believe we now have enough supplies aboard for the run out to the Corporate Sector. We may need to resupply again when we get there but I know you want to get underway."

 

"Thank you for the update Captain. Prepare your ship for immediate jump to hyperspace."

The Captain offered a short bow in response and signed off.

 

Dorja strode out onto the command walkway.

"Helm, do we have our next jump plotted?"

 

"Yes sir."

 

"Transmit to the rest of the fleet and initiate jump at your convenience Lieutenant."

 

Within a minute the stars elongated as the fleet once again entered hyperspace.

 

+++

 

 

On the other side of the Toprawa system the Cruiser Paragon lead the first civilian refugee convoy out of the system, back toward Imperial lines. The ship's Captain Nei Folen barely glanced over his shoulder as the two former Colony Administrators entered the bridge.

 

"What can I do for you today?" asked the aging mercenary, not taking his eyes off several displays for a moment. "You rarely visit my ship let alone the bridge without reason."

 

Tendra took the lead making sure to shush her husband before doing so. "Captain we were hoping to hire out your services for our next business venture."

 

The man leaned back in his command chair and laughed. When he caught his breath he turned to face them. "And just what are you going to pay me with? You had a whole star system's worth of mines to help pay for the services of my crew. What are you go to be doing that will interest me at all?"

 

"How would you like some weapons? I'm getting the feeling people might be in the market for some rather soon."

 

The Captain looked off to the side for a moment before slowly nodding his head. "Weapons... weapons would be good. Alright you've got my ear but I suppose you'll need secure transport for these weapons you'll be paying me with."

 

"I was hoping we could work on that together. You know people I'm certain. People that wouldn’t run to the Empire at the first sign of trouble."

 

"That I do..."

 

082

[Paul]

Good post Defender. Keep it up my friend. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

+++

 

Every officer on the bridge of Ardent was pulled forward slightly as the ship was yanked out of hyperspace early.

 

"We've been pulled out of hyperspace by an artificial gravity well." reported the navigator

 

The Admiral shook his head in annoyance.

"Where's the Interdictor?"

 

"No Cruiser analogs detected. There looks to be a Gravity Mine of the same type encountered by the fleet near Yaga Minor."

 

"Is it blocking the entire hyperspace lane?"

 

"No sir, just enough that we grazed the edge of the well."

 

Wintle walked up to the Admiral after looking over the ship's status. "We should destroy it just so that it's not in our way on the return leg."

 

Before anyone could say anything further the sensor officer called out again. "Hyperspace reversions detected. Frigate and Cruisers Analogs. All of them are on the opposite side of the Grav-well."

 

"Do we launch fighters?" Asked Wintle.

 

Dorja thought. "No. If they move to attack we'll back out of the Grav-well and find another way around. Sensors, what are the enemy ships doing?"

 

"Enemy ships are moving perpendicular to the hyperspace lane."

 

"They're moving across the lane like what was reported at Toprawa." Noted the Commander.

 

"One of the ships just jumped away, the rest are holding position."

 

No one spoke for a moment until at length the Helmsman asked; "Orders sir?"

 

Dorja frowned then turned to the helmsman. "Take us across the Gravity well. The shortest course that will allow us to continue on to the Corporate sector."

 

The junior officer began laying in commands and the ship accelerated. "Time until Grav-well edge; five minutes."

 

"Additional contacts reverting."

 

"Helm increase speed." sighed Dorja.

 

"Sir!" Called Wintle, looking over the sensor officer's shoulder. "You'd better see this."

 

"Bring it up." the older man ordered after walking over.

 

On the Holodisplay appeared one of the ships that had just jumped in.

"It looks like a small moon." commented the Sensors officer.

"That's no moon Lieutenant, it's more like a space station."

 

The ship was a rocky ovoid but had additional extensions and growths that made it look more like a spiral galaxy from head on.

 

"Sensors, how big is that?"

"Forty Kilometres across sir."

 

"...And what is it doing?"

"Moving across the hyperspace lane sir."

 

"That's what I thought. Commander?"

"Sir?" Replied Wintle.

 

Dorja leaned closer to the commander and whispered. "Get us the hell out of here."

 

"Aye." Wintle inhaled and started barking out orders. "Helm! Increase to flank speed. Com tell Twilight Wanderer to push their engines critical if needed. "

 

While the Commander ordered about the rest of the bridge crew Dorja conferred with the sensor officer. "Are any of the ships moving to attack?"

 

"No Sir. A Frigate and three Shard Squadrons look to be moving to protect the Gravity Mine. The rest are jumping out."

Both watched the screens until the Helm's man called out the report everyone had been waiting for.

"We have cleared the gravity well sir."

 

Dorja stepped back up onto the command walkway. "Tell all ships to reduce speed, but stand by to jump.

Prepare a Probe Droid for launch Immediately."

Everyone waited momentarily as the Ops officer prepared the probe.

 

"The Vong mobile base has jumped away."

 

Dorja turned back to the sensors officer. "Log that trajectory and launch the probe droid along the same course."

 

"Probe away." reported the Operations officer.

 

Wintle had moved and was watching the sensor screens when new movement started. "Admiral we have Cruiser analogs moving to intercept."

 

"Helm when the probe is clear Jump us out. Time to enemy Intercept?"

 

The sensors officer watched the screens closely.

"Vong ships are 3 minutes to weapons range."

 

"Probe is clear."

"Helm!"

"Aye sir!"

 

The Fleet jumped back into the safety of Hyperspace.

 

 

083

[Paul]

Good post Defender, keep em coming dude.- Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

+++

 

A Star Destroyer and her escort were pulled from hyperspace by a gravity well that shouldn’t have been there. Within bare moments of reversion Tie Bombers and Interceptors poured from her launch bays ready to face down whatever threat stood in their way.

 

The sensors officer look up from the crew pit. "We're detecting the Dominator class Interdictor 'Craven Net' and four Vindicator class cruisers. There are also several light ships long with them."

 

"Contact The General." Rumbled the Captain's gravelly voice. "Let him know we've encountered the enemy and are going to hold their attention for a few minutes."

 

"Yes sir!" Responded the com officer.

 

Captain Jhemiti, the Mon Cal commander of the Destroyer Coercion, walked to the front of the bridge and looked out through the viewports before the blast shutters began to close in preparation for battle.

 

"Tell starfighters to raise shields, we're not going to be bluffing this time."

 

 

+++

 

Twenty minutes later the Star Destroyer Blacken and her group reverted to realspace on the edge of the artificial gravity well.

 

"Where's Coercion and Rough Justice?" Demanded Iblis.

 

"Sixty degrees to port sir. They're engaging the Interdictor's escorts at maximum range."

 

Garm studied the holo displays. "All ships set an intercept course for the Intedictor and Launch Fighters. Tell Cracken that I want his fighters out there assisting Coercion as soon as possible."

 

"Aye."

 

Mixed squadrons of Uglies and other commonly found starfighters poured from the launch bays of Two Imperial class ships and several freighters. Nearly two full squadrons of A-wings broke away from the other fighters and accelerated towards the battle. Seeing the new incoming threat one of the Vindicator class cruisers broke off her long range Turbolaser exchange with Coercion's group and placed herself to protect the Interdictor.

 

"Cracken to Flight Group, we've got Squints forming up around that Vindicator up ahead. Shake them up with missiles at range, then we split by squadrons and hit them with crossfire."

 

Once the A-wing fighters were in range Pash waited long enough for everyone to attempt missile locks. "Three... Two..." he whispered under his breath, mentally timing and judging for distance. "Launch missiles! Aaaand.... break! Break! Break!"

 

Many of the Interceptors concentrated on shooting down the incoming missiles while others turned as the Rebel fighters changed course. Each A-Wing swivelled their laser cannon to point nearly 90 degrees off their new headings and fired at the Ties now caught in a crossfire.

 

A few Ties exploded either from missile or laser hits while most of the others went evasive.

 

"Target the closest Vindicator with missiles but keep fire on the Ties."

Both groups of A-wings found themselves sweeping past and around the Interceptor screen, closing in on the cruiser they’d been defending. Some of the Interceptors were able to break away from the confused tumble their main formation had become and pursue, but with nearly full squadrons of A-wings present it only required a couple to put down an effective suppression fire.

 

"Launch missiles at two 'Kay."

Right on cue the Rebel fighters fired their second volley of missiles then turned their lasers on the Cruiser to compound any damage.

 

Even as the A-wings bore down on the ship and swept past, dodging it's fire, the Interdictor was beginning to maneuver. The bow of the mile long ship came up bringing her entire port side battery to bear on the Rebel fighters. The huge beams of Heavy Turbolaser bolts flashed out from the ship creating a halo of green energy fire around the Vindicator. One unlucky A-wing caught part of a bolt, melting the cockpit and engines clean away.

 

"Let's finish our figure eight people! It'll help draw the Interdictor's fire."

 

"Iblis to Cracken." Called the General over the tactical channel.

"Go ahead general." Responded the pilot as his fighter was rocked from a near miss.

"The Interdictor is using it's bulk to shield something. Keep an eye out. They're jamming sensors and Coercion cant get a good look."

 

"Gotcha. A-wings! Let's take this one out a bit wider than normal."

 

Instead of turning in harder to close on whatever was behind the large Imperial ship the Rebels swung out farther. When the contact came into view Pash felt his blood go cold. "Lancer Deuce behind the Interdictor! Break by flights and head for Coercion!" Once the A-wings started to break formation and head for the Rebel capital ships the Lancer opened fire. Banks of Quad Laser cannon fired in sequence at maximum range scoring shield hits on a handful of the fleeing A-wing fighters.

 

 

+++

 

 

"All ships maximum speed!" Called out the old General. "Sensors keep sensor locks on that Lancer Frigate and continuously update it's position to our fighters."

 

"Yes sir!"

 

Up ahead the mixed Rebel starfighter wing crashed through the badly disorganised Interceptor squadrons. Meanwhile the A-wings were now helping to attack the line of Vindicators and Carrack Cruisers engaging Coercion. The Shielded Tie Bombers and Interceptors used by the Rebels were slowly winning the battle against the mostly unshielded Imperial Interceptors. The Imp Tie Bombers however were still holding their own. Armed with both Torpedoes and missiles, and sporting the same shield systems as the Scimitar Assault Bomber they were a force to be reckoned with.

 

"Interdictor is coming about sir."

 

"Are they going to charge us?" wondered the old General out loud.

 

"Sorry sir, they're changing course. Moving to form up with the cruiser line exchanging fire with Coercion. All of them look to be preparing for hyperspace."

 

"We cant let them run. Keep hitting them!"

 

Slowly but steadily now all of the Imperial capital ships were repositioning for a jump to hyperspace.

The Tie's then began a mad rush back to their carriers while the heavier ships redirected their fire against the Rebel starfighters.

 

"Interdiction field is gone."

 

Iblis pointed to the flight coordinator. "Begin recovering all non-hyperspace capable fighters."

 

Within a second of each other the entire Imperial force jumped out, their white hulls flashing off into the distance.

 

"Sithspit. Plot their jump and transmit to all ships! Rough Justice is to stay behind and finish recovery operations."

 

As the bridge crew got to work Iblis pulled out his comlink. "Iblis to Cracken."

"I hear you General."

 

"As soon as you get the hyperspace coordinates I want you to jump ahead and intercept that fleet. We'll be right behind you so you shouldn’t have to hold for long."

 

Cracken looked through the sensor screen on his A-wing and counted the operational starfighters not running for the Destroyers. "It looks like I've got about five, nearly six squadrons of fighters here that can jump. The Imps still had more than twice that many plus the Lancer."

 

"Do what you have to Commander but don’t let them continue farther up the Rimma. Iblis out."

 

 

084

[DarthTex]

Good post Def! I forgot about those pesky rebel scumbags. Hopefully they'll get another surprise soon!

[Paul]

Good post Defender, though like Tex I hope the rebel scum get whomped soon. - Grand Moff Conway

[tacoJoemeru]

Yeah! These rebels are too successful!

 

Good post.