[Tales of] The New Sith Order (Redux)

[Defender_16]

Darth Vader strode onto Executor's bridge, cape billowing out behind him as he made his way to the head of the command walkway. All within the room were careful not to look away from their duties and none moved to provide the Dark Lord with trivial status reports. He always appeared shortly before there was any need to summon him. Something which the majority of the officers were grateful of. Bare seconds after his arrival the swirling chaos of hyperspace snapped back into pinpoints of light. The gas giant of Yavin grew from something that was barely visible until it filled most of the viewport. Executor and her escort of Star Destroyers decelerated into an orbit that would bring them within range of the fourth moon.

 

"No alien contact detected in the system at this time." announced the sensor officer.

 

Admiral Venka approached Vader and halted at a respectful distance. Bowing slightly he said, "My Lord we have a priority signal from the surface for you."

 

The two men headed for an aft bridge station were a Lieutenant waited. He saluted before playing the message.

 

"This is Jaalib Brandl, the students and survey teams are ready for evacuation, but we have a situation. One of the students, Ganner Rhysode, has entered the Temple of Exar Kun knew full well the consequences. I require assistance if I am to enter the temple and retrieve him."

 

Venka paused the message at that point and turned to the Dark Lord. "The rest of the transmission contains data on the amount of cargo to be recovered from the moon's surface."

 

"Very well. Prepare my shuttle and have a squadron of Tie bombers standing by. While I am on the surface oversee loading of the students and cargo. They are all of vital importance."

"Of course my Lord."

 

Without another word Vader turned and headed for the aft turbolifts. Once the door had closed Venka turned to Executor's Captain.

"Be sure the security teams are properly briefed on how to deal with any run-ins they have with Inquisitor candidates."

"Sir we've already done it twi-" "Check again. Remind them that these people can kill with a glance. At least with Lord Vader you stand a chance by being good at your job. The others... we're better safe than sorry."

 

+++

 

 

Down on Yavin IV's surface Ganner stood atop the Obsidian Temple of Exar Kun. His arms were spread wide as he took in a glimpse of the galaxy the dead spirit gave him. Worlds and star systems were laid bare before him, his for the taking. As wondrous and powerful as it made him feel however he wasn’t interested in the galaxy as a whole at the moment. What he wanted right now was in the skies of this planet.

"There." He spoke aloud more for himself, guiding his senses towards the small speck of a shuttle entering the atmosphere.

"I told you he would come. The one who cast you from Kyp Durron's body."

Kun's spectral form frowned but hid any indication of it from the naive would-be Sith. Vader might have pused his last grasps of control from Kyp's body but it had been the boy and his master that had wrested control of the young man's mind back.

 

"With my help you are now the most powerful force user on this moon. Reach up and crush that tiny shuttle as if it were a clump of sand. Take his place as the Dark Lord of the Sith!"

 

The young man was about to do just what kun had said, but then he hesitated. Uncertainty and just a touch of fear ran through him. He turned to the spectre. "What about Emperor Palpatine?"

 

"He is of no consequence." Kun responded flippantly, trying to brush past the issue.

"But he was able to repel the Sun Crusher from Byss with a devastating Force Storm. It's said the after effects of it are still being felt on that world."

 

The Ghost began to emanate a feeling of annoyance but outwardly appeared unchanged.

 

"Lord Vader has plotted Palpatine's demise for decades. He might yet know how to win a battle against him."

 

"That he has not done so thus far is a poor indicator of his ability or planning."

 

"He will come here to this temple soon, he has to. Once he is here, in this place of your strongest power, then it will just be a matter of scouring his mind for what we need."

 

Kun's ghost gave a predatory smile, one intended to give the apprentice the wrong impression. This Ganner Rhysode was foolish beyond measure allowing a Force user as powerful as Vader to approach. Here in this Temple Kun's power might be amplified, but without someone like Ganner or Durron before him to act through he could be greatly endangered. In theory a Sith Lord could be powerful enough to destroy his spirit entirely. Still there were always options; he'd been faced with the prospect of destruction or oblivion before.

 

113

[Defender_16]

Vader's Shuttle set down in a clearing not far from the Lake surrounding Exar Kun's temple. While the ramp lowered Vader turned to the pilot.

"If the landing zone is threatened take off and await my signal from a safe distance."

"Yes my Lord."

 

A short walk through the jungle saw him to the edge of the lake. Brandl he could tell was farther to the south and it was not long before he could make out the younger Sith heading his way.

With several force assisted jumps to clear obstacles like fallen trees he arrived in bare minutes.

 

"Lord Vader." He knelt down on one knee before the Sith Lord, sounding only slightly out of breath. "Rhysode is definitely in the Temple and has surely communicated with the spirit by now. If you would allow me, the pathway leading out to the Temple is south of us."

 

Darth Vader's breathing was the only sound of his response while he turned and looked out over the lake and it's calm water. Eventually he turned back to Brandl. "Accompany me to the Temple if you wish but remain outside and do not interfere."

 

"Of course my Lord." Jalib stood. "If you would follow me?"

 

"I shall approach from here." Vader stepped out onto the still waters and began walking towards the temple as though he were striding atop a polished stone floor.

 

Brandl wondered if his discipline and skill would allow him to duplicate the older Sith's feat. He quickly concluded that he didn’t have time to test the technique and sprinted off towards the south to use the stepping stones.

 

+++

 

"Executor to Lord Vader."

"Yes Admiral."

"We have multiple sensor contacts headed our way, a fleet perhaps twice our size worth. They could be within weapons range within minutes."

 

"Engage them at will but do not break orbit. Be prepared to bombard my position on short notice."

"Understood Lord Vader, Executor out."

 

Putting away his communicator Darth Vader looked around. The several minutes of walking had brought him within a few strides of the Temple. A mix of Anchient Sith Writings and Coursca Gems decorated the slopes of the multi-tiered pyramidal structure. Stepping towards the 'front' of the temple he found one of the sets of stairs carved into the sloping obsidian face. He calmly climbed the stairs and entered the courtyard like area directly in front of the towering statue of Kun. At it's feet stood Ganner, lightsaber in hand but unlit.

 

"Lord Vader! Kneel before the power of Exar Kun!" What seemed like an enormous weight pressed down on his shoulders, trying to press him into the ground. With a wave of a hand the Sith Lord countered the pressure and sent the younger man stumbling backwards. Once Ganner had regained his balance Kun's ghost appeared looking over his shoulder.

"You should have killed him when you had the chance."

 

"NO." Rhysode growled out. Weather it was directed at Kun or himself Vader could not tell.

Raising his hands the younger Sith sent out arcs of Force Lightning from his fingertips. The crackling energy filled the courtyard with enough power to easily kill several people. None of them struck their intended target, instead being intercepted by a red lightsaber.

 

Once the lightshow had ended Vader deactivated his weapon and clipped it to his belt.

"I am most unimpressed."

 

Kun's ghost glanced back and forth between the two living men.

"As you should be. Not only is my new apprentice not as skilled as he believes, but your power is far beyond my expectations. Your lightsaber should have burned out from feedback."

 

"You should know not to underestimate my power." Replied Vader, standing in one of his most recognisable poses; a closed fist against either hip. "Especially after our last meeting."

 

"The interference of the fallen Jedi assisting you when last we met prevented me from taking a true measure of your power."

 

"Excuses do not fit well with someone who once tried to take control of the Galaxy."

 

"Enough!" shouted Ganner, interrupting the exchange. "How do I defeat the Emperor!?!"

 

"You do not." Answered Vader, staring straight at the other man. "If you cannot defeat me, weakened by decades of injuries and wounds, then you stand no chance against Palpatine. He has become at least as immortal as your new master."

 

"Clone bodies." Ganner cursed under his breath.

 

A sinister grin crept across Exar Kun's spectral features. "But you still seek a way to defeat him do you not?"

 

The Sith Lord's only answer was the mechanical breathing of his respirator.

 

Kun's grin widened. "Lord Vader, we need not be enemies... what if I could heal your injuries?"

 

"WHAT?!" Ganner turned, range evident on his features.

 

"When you reach an age beyond centuries old finding the most advantageous solution becomes second nature."

 

"And you'd abandon him for someone else if they were more powerful?!"

 

"That you even have to ask such a question of a Sith should be a clear sign that you don't understand our ways. Should I really answer a question any child would know the answer to?"

 

"No...NO!" Gathering his power and whatever his connection to Kun still offered him, Ganner threw a force push at Vader strong enough to rip most buildings to shreds. Reacting instantly Vader threw up a protective bubble of Force energy around himself. Rather than just washing over the bubble like wind or water, the push struck like a single solid object.

 

Even with the protection the Dark Lord found himself launched from the temple and out over the lake. Twisting in flight he righted himself before using levitation to level out his descent. He touched down on the water still moving, his boots leaving a twin wake behind. When at last he came to a stop he paused a moment, his rhythmic breathing hinting at annoyance.

 

"Lord Vader are you unharmed?" Called out Brandl from a short distance away. The other Sith had been making his way along the stepping stones in the Lake.

 

"Yes, as is your apprentice... That will not be the case soon."

Vader walked the short distance to the stones then ceased his levitation.

 

A flash of green light from above caught the attention of both men. Pulling his communicator from his belt the Dark Lord was not surprised when it beeped for his attention seconds later.

 

"My Lord the sensor contacts have turned out to be the same sort of Alien ships as in the Intelligence updates. They have entered orbit of Yavin and are moving to intercept us. We're engaging them at maximum Turbolaser range."

 

"Hold your position Admiral, I should be contacting you shortly."

 

"What is your command my Lord?" enquired Jaalib, adjusting his lightsaber so that it was more easily accessible.

 

"I highly doubt that we will need to fight your former apprentice now." Raising a hand out in front of him Vader caused the water to part for a short distance ahead. With the stepping stones now sticking out above the water level he advanced toward the temple once more. Regardless of weather or not the Sith ghost would help him, he would not bow to his temple.

 

 

114

 

 

Guys where the heck is Tex?

[DarthTex]

Guys where the heck is Tex?

Silly Def, ... in Texas!

 

I'm still here, checking in occasionally (lurking ) when I get the time. It's been quite hot here lately; daytime low 95F - daytime high 104F, & still far, far behind the power curve on rain. Working, tired of working, still working (at the office & on the homestead).

 

It's good to see your posts on NSO again Def! Things are far different than when you first started this thread. You have alot of material covered, and alot to cover & it's all been enjoyable. Keep up the good work (as of right now, it's the only thing interesting bringing me back to SWR; things have been exceptionally "dry" in the SW universe, & hence this site. But I'm not much of a help either, so I'll have to work on that )!

[Master_Xan]

Hey Tex, have you gotten involved with SWCIC? I'm thinking of trying it out myself... I wonder how active it is.

[DarthTex]

Hey Tex, have you gotten involved with SWCIC? I'm thinking of trying it out myself... I wonder how active it is.

I haven't really given much thought into RPG's. The last one I did was "Zoot Wars", and it just kind of faded away ... ...

[Master_Xan]

After some checking, it looks like SWCIC isn't active at the moment. The group is talking about how to get it up and going again, so I assume that means it currently isn't "up and going".

[Defender_16]

Well it's good to see everybody's all ok.

 

 

 

Jaalib Brandle halted at the base of the stairs leading up into the temple. "I shall remain here for the moment my Lord."

 

"Very well." Without another word Vader turned and ascended back into the temple. Ganner was still standing in the center of the courtyard but his attention was not focused outward towards the others on the moon as it should have been. Looking more closely it now seems that the man was grappling with Exar Kun's spirit.

 

"Do you really think you're powerful boy? I can use my powers indiscriminately here. If I want to I can give you the greatest powers in the galaxy or I can take them away just as quickly."

 

"They are here." Spoke Vader, loudly enough to draw the attention of the other two."

 

Kun's form halted it's attacks and laughed. "Are you honestly trying to trick me?"

 

"No h-he isnt. "Ganner gasped. "They're the ones I told you about. The ones that cant be felt through the force. I didn’t really believe it either."

 

Kun glanced back and forth between from either of them. Sensing no deception he projected his senses upwards into orbit. The stresses and emotions that normally filled the minds of people at the start of a battle were present among those crew of the Imperial fleet in orbit. Those aboard the command ship were much the same, except for what he assumed to be the officers. They did not fear any enemy they might encounter, just the wrath of the Sith Lord they served.

 

Starfighter pilots sped through the emptiness of space, some of them winking out of existence. Whenever the pilots died he could sense none of the crackling energy of lasers or exploding warheads. Search as he might he couldn’t tell where the killing blows came from.

 

"No... it does not seem possible, but I am left with no other conclusion. Beings with no connection to the Force... If I were alive the very idea might be enough to make me faint of heart. Fortunately such is not the case."

 

Vader lifted his comlink and turned up it's volume. "Admiral report on the situation."

A slight crackle filled the channel before the response. "My Lord. The enemy capital ships present seem to match us both in firepower and defensive capability. If our intelligence reports are any indication they may still heavily outmatch our starfighter compliment. All of the groundside personnel have been evacuated except for those in your immediate vicinity. I would like permission to withdraw to a safer distance."

 

"No." Vader commanded. "Hold your position, I will know when you are in serious danger."

"Understood my Lord. Executor out."

 

Kun and Vader traded glances then both turned to Ganner.

"I believe it's time we found a use for our mutual problem." Breathed Vader.

 

"I couldn’t agree more." Whispered Kun's form.

 

Still on the ground Rhysode seemed to spasm involuntarily, every muscle in his body locking up. It was all merely a distraction to break the young man's concentration long enough for the elder spirit to gain a small margin of control of his mind. Taking a good second look at the ambitions that drove the man Kun turned to using these in his favour.

 

"Ganner. Ganner Rhysode. Stop fighting. I am here to help you remember? You came to me asking for the unlimited power of the Force remember? You wanted to become god among men, to not just be feared by respected and admired by the masses. This is your chance. You can become a real true hero Ganner. You can defeat the aliens... The Yuuzhan Vong. You can defeat them, save this world and make everyone else in the galaxy know what you really are."

 

"Yes. I've-I've got to save this world. Beat the Vong." Responded Ganner in an almost slurred voice, showing signs his judgement was becoming clouded by Kun's control.

 

Kun was careful to continue on in a calm reassuring voice. "You already knew about the Vong before you came here Ganner, how you cant feel them in the Force? But you had a plan didn’t you? A plan to still beat them if you just had some help. I'm here to help you now, how were you going to defeat them?"

 

"Coursca Gems."

"Coursca Gems?" Kun's form leaned back and laughed manically, careful not to lose his control of the young man. "From Yavin's Atmosphere! You wanted to obliterate them with a storm of gems! Ha-ha! A death by a thousand cuts I have heard it called before, but why stop with gems Ganner? Reach up. Reach up and pull Yavin's atmosphere into their fleet."

 

Ganner gasped. "It's too much, I cannot even... there's too much."

 

"Don’t think, feel and look with the Force, at the air currents of that great gas world." Sensing the man's renewed concentration towards the task Kun coaxed him on. "Look deeper. The movements of the winds and how they interact, whipping around that great planet even faster than some would believe."

 

"The winds. If I can shift them slightly..." Reaching out with Kun's seemingly unlimited power he twisted the path of a large jet stream that circled the planet. The directed currents struck another flow heading in the opposite direction. Rather than cancelling each other out, the two air currents swirled around one another, pushing upward and creating a huge storm. Weather it should be called a Hurricane or tornado Ganner didn't know, what he did know was that the storm's cloud tops were climbing out of the atmosphere. over the next few minutes the dark jedi funnelled more and more winds into the great storm. A wispy tendril of gas and cloud reaching out towards the planet's collection of moons.

 

+++

 

"Admiral, we're detecting an atmospheric disturbance on Yavin."

"What sort of disturbance?" asked Venka, somewhat vexed. He knew his crew well enough that they wouldn’t have bothered to bring up something minor in the middle of a battle.

"This kind." The officer pointed to a screen with it's display at maximum so the Admiral could see it from the command walkway.

 

"Emperor's black bones." Cursed the Admiral. That display couldn’t be to scale, could it?

 

Executor's captain rapidly made his way to that part of the bridge pit. "How long until it reaches us?"

 

"At current rate of expansion... Five minutes eighteen seconds."

 

The captain looked up from the pit. "It's still not very dense, our shields should be able to handle it."

 

"This has to be Lord Vader's doing." Mused Venka. "Helm stand by on engines."

 

"Sir, what about Lord Vader's orders?" "We'll still follow them but stand by, I have the feeling he may be modifying them soon enough."

 

Without warning the bridge shook in a manner not matching the relatively minor plasma hits against the shields.

 

"Interdiction field." reported sensors. "A pair of Alien cruisers are projecting a gravity well beyond this side of Yavin and it's moons. We can't withdraw before they overtake us."

 

The Admiral gave a predatory grin. "By the time they overtake us gentlemen it will be too late for them to escape."

 

 

 

115

[DarthTex]

Good job Def! Keep them coming

[Defender_16]

Ganner lay on the top of the temple's floor, arms outstretched toward the Gas Giant filling much of the sky. Glazed over eyes stared upward seeing beyond the realm of the visual. His skin was turning leathery and worn, cracks and wrinkles appearing making him seem twice his age. Even with Exar Kun's power and discipline assisting him the young man could not persist at this forever. Kneeling beside Ganner, Vader grabbed hold of an arm and sent a jolt of Force energy into him.

 

With the control Kun was now exerting over him the younger man was oblivious to the whole event. He was fully consumed with the great and terrible powers being used to drive the Gas Giant planet. The chaotic patterns of winds all now seemed to be singing in harmony. With the strength of an entire planet driving into the vortex his attention now turned to preventing the spike of gas from dissipating. Looking toward his destination he saw the crowded together life energies of the Imperial fleet.

 

The tendril of atmosphere now seemed to be approaching impossibly fast. With the gravitational tug of Yavin's fourth moon already starting to play a part, Ganner sent the gasses rushing into a close orbit. Anything that missed its intended target would be spun round the moon for another pass, building up an increasingly dense gas ring.

 

+++

 

"All ships, all stations brace for sustained impact." blared the intership com.

Admiral Venka and the Executor's Captain grabbed hand holds near the bridge's forward viewports. The Yuuzhan Vong fleet was now close enough to see with the naked eye. Turbolaser salvos filled space like waves of green needles trying to strike down their targets. Blobs of golden plasma were almost haphazardly thrown back at the Imperial fleet in response. Holding station above Executor, the Avenger visibly shuddered as the Destroyer shrugged off hits.

 

Following Endor a number of Death Squadron's Destroyers that been crippled in the battle had been secretly refit with tougher shields to help protect the flagship. So secret had it been that few of the crew even today knew about the secret compartments holding Mon Cal shield components. The only indication was a higher than normal staff of Imperial Intelligence onboard each converted vessel.

 

Behind the Vong fleet the leading edge of Yavin's clouds swept in. As it overtook them it became increasingly difficult to make out profiles of the enemy ships.

"Have you ever seen a Tatooine sandstorm sir?"

"No Captain, I try to not spend much time groundside outside of the core."

 

"We shouldn’t worry about the initial impact but the friction from particle collisions."

 

"Impact in 3... 2... 1."

 

Through the viewports Venka saw the wave of cloud sweep over the bow, along the superstructure and towards the bridge in little more than a second. As the Captain had indicated, there was no discernable impact, but he did notice a sound. A faint vibration could be felt running through the deck plating resulting in a noticeable high pitched sound not unlike that caused by newly built engines.

 

"We're taking particle hits, millions of them. Deflectors are holding."

 

"Sir, drag is increasing beyond station keeping limits. We'll need to bring the sublight drives up to hold position."

 

Venka nodded. "Helm, turn us into the wind, use whatever drive power is necessary but make sure we hold position."

 

"Captain." called an officer urgently from the crew pit.

 

"Excuse me sir." he said, leaving the Admiral's side. Captain Tynan fast walked to the back of the bridge and made his way to the crew pit where he was needed.

 

"Admiral we're losing turbolaser accuracy, the sensors are having their targets partially obscured. We're at 95% and falling."

 

"How long?" "We've already lost predictor locks for starfighters and corvettes. Their frigates are fast enough that we'll lose locks in less than 3 minutes.”

 

The bridge shook from plasma impacts on the shields. Looking over the holographic displays Venka could see that Avenger had been pushed from her holding pattern and was now moving back into position. Ahead of the fleet the Vong were decelerating and drawing closer to one another, overlapping defenses no doubt.

 

The Admiral's personal comlink went off, it was Lord Vader.

"Admiral, what is the current distance and bearing of the enemy fleet." he demanded.

 

"Ten thousand kilometers and closing my Lord, on a bearing of two five mark three one."

 

+++

 

"It's not enough..." Gasped Ganner. "I can tell where the gasses and particles are connecting but it can’t be harming their ships fast enough."

 

"You WILL find a way. My temples will not be destroyed, not now."

 

Observing the effects of the dust Ganner spotted a sudden burst of energy near what had to have been a singularity. The Yuuzhan Vong's miniature black holes were not continuous, but popped into existence when and where they were needed. Thanks to Vader's enquiries Ganner knew more or less where to look for them, otherwise spotting the tiny disturbances -even through the Force- would have been far more difficult.

 

Another burst of energy. "There, it happened again."

 

"What are you playing at young man?" Asked Kun in a stern voice.

"Fusion." Ganner replied, though he said it more to himself.

 

"I thought they were supposed to be using plasma and singularities?"

 

"They're not using fusion, the singularities are compressing the gas enough for it to undergo fusion where it's densest. Now we need to increase the pressure."

 

Ganner forced the stream of gasses pouring into orbit of the moon into a tighter band. Despite his efforts much of the atmosphere was still rapidly dissipating in the vacuum of space. With so much available to feed the storm though it would be a long time before running out was an issue.

 

Feelings of genuine fear were starting to fill the crews of Death Squadron. Unable to maneuver the fleet was rapidly running out of both time and staying power. Turbolasers fired again and a void popped up to swallow them before they struck target. The increasingly dense gas was drawn down into the singularity and compressed on the event horizon. A fraction of a second before the laser strike arrived the void popped back out of existence. The ship's singularity projectors had become too tired to continue their defense.

 

+++

 

"Artificial gravity well is down."

 

Captain Tynan leaned over the sensor officer's shoulder bracing himself as another plasma strike rocked the bridge. "The enemy void shielding is losing effectiveness, it looks like our shots are starting to get through."

 

"We're detecting fusion events in close proximity to the enemy ships!" shouted the sensors officer.

 

Admiral Venka was nearly thrown from his feet from a more powerful hit near the bridge tower.

"Increase rate of fire!"

 

"Aye sir!"

 

 

116

 

Wow. Had already written all of this back when I'd previously posted, just hadnt finished cleaning the spelling and grammar. More to follow. Again.

[DarthTex]

Great post Def! Glad to see you visiting ol' SWR again (it's been awhile).

 

It took me abit to remember what's been happenin'

[Defender_16]

It took me abit to remember what's been happenin'

 

Yeah, you arnt the only one it took awhile to remember what's going on.

 

 

The fear and resignation that had been running through the Imperial fleet in equal parts evaporated. The cornered prey had just become the predator. Tie squadrons threw themselves at the Vong fleet with bloodthirsty abandon, their high rate of fire wreaking havoc on the enemy defenses.

 

Instead of fleeing like most caught in such a losing situation, the Vong held firm, refusing to back down. A combined Imperial volley ravaged the forward ranks of ships. The fastest of the alien ships at last broke formation and accelerated, not away to safety, but straight towards the smaller Imperial Destroyers.

 

A trio of Corvette Analogs slammed into Tyrant's bow shields, collapsing the defensive field and allowing two more ships to punch through and strike her hull. The Destroyers' bow ripped apart and explosions chained through her forward sections. Debris from a corvette analogue blasted into the hanger bays and set off the starfighter fuel stores. An orange ball of flame and debris erupted from the main bay.

 

+++

 

"Tyrant has taken extreme damage to her forward sections but she's still in the fight." Reported communications.

 

"Tractor beam crews do your job!" Shouted Venka "I don’t want any more suicide attacks crippling my fleet."

 

"The heavy Capital ships have changed formation, they're much closer together now."

 

"They're likely trying to overlap their defenses even more to make up for the gaps." Venka pointed at the weapons officer. "Weapons don’t let up."

 

The bridge shook again with the tell-tale sensation of a gravity well going active.

"We're detecting a massive gravity surge ahead, bigger than anything they've used so far."

 

The ops officer spoke up over the rising din of the bridge. "Sirs, the inertial compensators are being put under too much strain. If this keeps up we're looking at a ship wide failure in minutes!"

 

"It looks like the capital analogs are combining their projectors to form a single large black hole." Reported sensors.

"Can you get a visual?" Requested the captain.

 

A bright flash from the forward viewports blinded everyone on the bridge for the milliseconds it took for the transparisteel to polarize.

"I don’t think that will be necessary Captain." commented Venka.

 

The sensor operator glanced towards the viewports for a split second then back to the displays.

"The combined gravity well is drawing in most of the atmosphere near their fleet."

 

"This is helm, the reverse in the gas flow and the gravity are beginning to draw us in."

 

"Reverse engines but do not bring us about, we need the maximum number of guns on that fleet!"

 

+++

 

"Everything I try they COUNTER!" Ganner raged. "I'm running out of options!"

 

Kun's image crossed his arms, his spirit's voice remaining calm. "Then it's time for a more direct approach. Use the singularity."

"What do you mean?"

 

"A black hole exists in the Force as much as anything else does." The dead Lord spoke as though he was lecturing a child. "These Aliens may not follow the same rules as we do but they're most definitely still on the same game board. They're putting all of their effort into something that exists in the same way and causes the same effects for both of our people. Use it against them."

 

The absurdity of the idea failed to register with Ganner this time especially after having seen what was possible. With a thought he released the winds and clouds under his control. Anything remotely close to the Vong fleet would still be drawn in by the gravity well. The black hole seemed anything but that, surrounded as it was by hydrogen undergoing fusion. The deadly maelstrom was one of the most powerful things he had ever witnessed. Reaching out for it hesitantly at first he felt the edge of the event horizon's crushing grip. The best way he could think to describe it would have been a perfect sphere where its entire surface was like a sharp blade.

 

"You have it..." coached the spirit, "now, act."

 

Tightening his grip, the sphere ceased moving toward the Imperial fleet. Vader's voice echoed through his head. "They are directly opposite our forces. Finish them."

Holding tight he pushed the black hole slowly away from the feeling of life present in the fleet. There was an immediate response; whatever the aliens had used to create the singularity ceased its efforts. Grasping its edges Ganner just barely stopped the void from disappearing.

 

"Are there more?"

 

"Yes." responded Vader looking through the eyes of an Executor Bridge officer. "Quickly, before they escape."

 

Using every last ounce of will he forced the singularity wider.

 

117

[Defender_16]

A day off work when I actually want to do some writing? Unpossible!

 

 

"Enemy formation is scattering sir." Reported Sensors "But it looks like they're being drawn into the void."

 

The Admiral pressed a button at one of the terminals near the viewports.

"Venka to all ships, target enemy vessels most likely to escape the gravity well."

 

Captain Tynan remained near the sensor officer's station clutching tightly to a handhold on the wall as the ship shook.

"Admiral, we're at full reverse but we're still being drawn in."

 

"Stay calm everyone, thanks to Lord Vader we have the situation well in hand."

 

Outside remaining swirls of cloud were finally being swallowed by the black hole.

 

The Captain moved a few steps through the bridge pit to look over another officer's shoulder. "All gunnery station report targeting back at 100%. And it looks like these Vong can’t use their defenses while they're trying to escape the gravity well."

 

"Full power Turbolaser salvos." Ordered Venka. "Cease the rapid fire."

"Yes sir!"

 

Executor’s port and starboard batteries each fired a wave of green energy at Vong Cruiser analogs. The Corral hulled vessels burst open into vapours debris clouds. Contained plasma ruptured from compromised storage, its orange glow backlighting the wreckage.

 

Death Squadrons other Star Destroyers set about killing frigates in single volleys. The crews were all well practiced in mop-up operations; Executor was always given first crack at the largest enemy capitals.

 

A less severe impact then the one's the crew were becoming accustomed to shook the bridge.

"Enemies are continuing suicide runs."

"Leave them to our fighters and support ships."

 

Farther away from the Imperial formation than most others a Vong cruiser analog was hit by one of Avenger's Turbolaser volleys. Her flank ripped apart by the high power beams the ship began to twist and roll with only half of her Dovin Basals left alive to pull her through space. Before its bow could come around to complete a 180 degree turn a Turbolaser burst from Executor struck its stern shredding it.

 

Executor's sensor officer frowned in confusion at his screens. "What the- Enemy fighters have begun acting erratically sir, they're no longer coordinating their attacks!"

"Good, keep the pressure on them." Urged the Admiral, pumping his fist in the air.

 

Captain Tynan came back over to the sensor station to see what was happening.

"I have no idea what's happening sir." whispered the man before he could even be asked. "It's like cutting the head off a Verpine the body just keeps twitching."

The Captain was about to ask for a replay of the last few second when a red light went off on the console.

"The singularity is contracting!"

 

The Admiral spun on his heel. "All ships full power to engines and shields. Helm, bring us about."

"Aye."

 

Executor pulled a hard turn to port using both maneuvering thrusters and the main drives. The colossal ship's bow swung around faster than any other time in her career. All Starboard turbolasers discharged a final broadside into the remaining enemies.

 

"Gravity readings are fluctuating. It's losing cohesion."

 

Tynan, again holding on near the sensor officer shouted out. "There's not enough matter contained to maintain a super massive singularity!"

 

"Helm answering full power. Accelerating to flank speed."

 

The Captain looked to the Admiral. "We don’t have enough time."

 

"It's losing it!"

 

The sphere of super compressed matter, no longer being held together by the artificial gravity exploded outward in a blinding detonation. The shockwave expanded, a clearly visible bubble pushing aside anything in its way. The wave dimpled Yavin 4's atmosphere but didn’t sweep it aside.

 

"All hands, Brace! Brace!" Venka had the presence of mind to shout over the intercom.

 

Everyone on the bridge was thrown forward, the inertial compensators and concussion dampeners losing effectiveness as they began to fail. More than a few cried out and one woman gave a short scream. Within seconds however everyone was picking themselves up and remaining their stations. Before either the Captain or the Admiral could shout for a report the Helmsman spoke up.

"We're clear of any debris or blast wave. Re-establishing standard orbit."

 

The sensors officer stabbed buttons on his console one handed, his other arm twisted the wrong way. "One corvette analog is fleeing the area, all other enemy ships appear to be destroyed."

 

 

+++

 

"I did it." whispered Ganner, eyes open and staring, arms still reaching up towards the sky.

 

"Yes you did." commented Kun. "Congratulations."

 

Ganner collapsed. His hair was grey, the skin on his face wrinkled and thin, and his eyes were sunken. He looked like a man 80 years older than the young Force user that had been there minutes ago.

 

"I'm sure you will be remembered as the hero you always wanted to be."

Kun's spirit turned to Vader, who in turn kneeled as Ganner's side. Reaching into the mind of the twisted and weak form before him the Sith Lord began to strip it of all memories and personality. Everything that made the young man what he was.

 

He cried out seemingly in pain from Vader's assault but soon went quiet.

 

+++

 

Jalib watched the fireball in the sky fade out. The Force presence responsible for the entire event receding with it.

 

A loud scream pierced the silence of the lake temple. He and Ganner may never have trusted each other but they were still Master and Apprentice; they shared a link through the Force however small it was. Through it Brandle could tell that Ganner was dying. Now it was time to see what had happened to him.

 

He climbed the steps into the temple and was soon entering the courtyard. Lord Vader was near Ganner leaning over the arrogant apprentice, hand on the younger man's head."

 

"Is he dead?"

 

Vader stood, still looking at Ganner's body. "No."

 

"What should be done with him?" Asked Jalib. "Surely I would not be able to train him following this."

 

"Oh I'm sure I'll be able to think of something." said a voice from behind.

 

Jalib turned to face Exar Kun's ghost.

"Leave us spirit, there is no one for you to control here. We will be gone from this place before Yavin sets."

 

Kun smirked. "Fear not, I'm sure one of you will be gone long before that time."

 

Jalib could sense Vader approaching and grew emboldened.

"I fear no ghost. I could hold you at bay for as long a-" The red blade of a lightsaber flashed into existence sticking out of Brandles chest just below the sternum.

"W-what!?" he gasped in surprise as air fled past his lips. The Sith Lord laid Brandle down on the floor of the temple, clipping the other man's lightsaber to his belt.

 

"You're seen and heard too much to be left alive." replied Vader's mechanically amplified voice.

 

"What... about... Emperor?" Jalib was able to get out between attempts at sucking down air.

 

"A pair of foolishly ambitious dark Jedi is a small price to pay for a victory like this one. He will not care about your fate."

 

Closing his eyes as his life left him the younger man whispered. "I've failed... you father."

 

Vader felt a tiny pang of regret but quickly squashed it. Thumbing on his lightsaber he burned out Brandle's eyes for good measure before sending his body tumbling down the Temple's steps.

 

Once he had composed himself Vader activated his comlink. "Admiral, status report."

 

"The enemy fleet is routed my Lord. Only one small ship has managed to escape. The Destroyer Tyrant is heavily damaged but is hyperspace capable. No other serious damage besides starfighter losses."

 

"Good. Prepare engineering teams to land large scale holoprojectors near my location. This Temple must be completely camouflaged."

 

"It will be done immediately my Lord."

 

When he was done Vader turned to look out over the still waters of the lake. The thunder like echo from the orbital explosion's shockwaves reverberated through the area.

 

"Do you intend to follow up on our agreement?" Asked Kun's ghost, remaining incorporeal.

 

"Yes... but I will be needed elsewhere for some time. With Rhysode's body and the various subjects Brandle left in the Great Temple you should have a great deal to occupy you."

 

"Do not wait too long. My patience is not as infinite as haunting these temples may leave one to believe."

 

"I will leave an updated archive on the Yuuzhan Vong before I leave. Hopefully you will come up with new techniques to use against them. "

 

With that the Dark Lord turned and descended the temples steps towards the lake. Inwardly he hoped that Kun wouldn’t have need to use any Anti-Vong techniques he might come up with.

 

 

118

[DarthTex]

It took me abit to remember what's been happenin'

 

Yeah, you arnt the only one it took awhile to remember what's going on.

 

 

Good posts Def! What "thread" of the story are we going to now?

[Defender_16]

Bright green bursts of Turbolaser fire from the Destroyer Terminus shattered a corvette analog as the ship pumped out fire in every direction.

 

Bridge officers had to shout to be heard over the multiple caution and warnings from their stations.

"We are completely surrounded! Two interdictor analogs have jumped in, one off our port aft the other the starboard aft!"

 

"Signal Superior and standby to launch fighters. Tell Dagith we're going back to back with his ship."

The impact of heavy plasma fire shook the ship.

"Move our Lancer frigates to cover our belly and ha-"

Rhamsec was cut off by an especially heavy impact near the bridge.

"Screen the bridge towers with the Carracks!"

 

Shield status continued to drop as the ships of Captain Rhamsec's group slowly moved into their new formation. Once the two Destroyers had maneuvered 'back to back' the triangular vessels were able to pour out similar amounts of fire in nearly every direction. While most of the Vong Shards were fast and agile enough to dodge the heavy Turbolaser fire anything larger were forced to pull back slightly buying the Imperial ships valuable seconds.

 

CSSD Superior and her escorts leapt out of hyperspace, dragged out by the enemy interdictors right in position to attack their fleet. A classic Thrawn Pincer. They had only barely finished reversion when their cannons and batteries opened up. The plasma fire concentrated on Terminus and Contrition lessened soon after as Vong ships and escort fighters exploded under Imperial guns.

 

"Vong interdictors are pulling out."

 

"Helm bring us about and put us on a bearing that will bring us below the nearest Interdictor. We'll dump our fighters into the mix when we're right on top of them!"

"Captain, signal from the command ship. The Admiral wants us to break off and jump back to the fleet immediately!"

 

Arnul slammed his fist on the arm of his command chair. "We have them on the run. Damn it all." he grumbled under his breath.

 

At length he sighed. "Helm do as he says, let's go."

 

+++

 

Twenty minutes later Terminus had rejoined the fleet in orbit of Ord Biniir. Shuttles and cargo tugs littered space around the more heavily damaged capital ships. Mixed squadrons of heavily armed Tie craft patrolled the outer fringes. Before long Superior's group too dropped out of hyperspace on the edges of the planet's gravity well.

 

"Signal incoming from the command ship."

 

"Put it through." responded Arnul in a somewhat resigned voice.

The holo image of the Grand Admiral crackled into existence near the command chair.

"You're probably annoyed right now I'm guessing." Burgan said without preamble.

 

"Something like that." Rhamsec replied running a hand over his bald head.

 

"You remember second year tactics training?"

"That's getting to be a long time ago."

 

"There was a particular lesson; it had to do with being decisive. 'If you fight the same foe for too long they will learn all of your tactics.' Have your sensors officer check the last battle site when we're done talking."

 

"I'll do that. Care to let me in on your overall plan?"

 

"In 12 hours I'm transferring my flag to Despot. Superior will stay here while we're away. I'm giving you command of a strike group that will microjump to my location when we put out a homing beacon."

 

"Sounds solid enough, we'll be ready over here."

 

"This is what I've been saving our fighters for over the past few days Arnul. It's going to be a big one. Burgan out."

 

The hologram winked out leaving the Captain to contemplate for a moment.

"Sensors get me some scans of our last engagement site. I was lead to believe it could be interesting."

 

"Aye Sir."

 

The officer turned and called up the sensor data in greater detail then set about double checking her displays.

 

"Captain I'm detecting what looks to be three carrier analogs with escort and nearly a thousand starfighters."

 

"Emperor's black bones." whispered the first officer as he came over to look at the readings.

 

Rhamsec frowned. "Indeed. That's a huge concentration of force to bring to bear in such a short time. Superior could have been destroyed had more interdictors arrived."

 

Arnul's first turned to him. "Sir, do you get the feeling that the Grand Admiral and the enemy commander are playing a game of Dejarik in this system?

 

He thought about it before replying.

"Yes, but this game is played with fire and steel and men’s lives. It is a game played for keeps and I'm sure the loser can expect only death or worse."

 

 

+++

 

 

"I always hated convoy escort missions." commented Wintle. "Waiting to see if any Rebels or Pirates would show up and start strafing the ships you were supposed to protect."

 

Dorja nodded absently. "Did you ever escort a Bacta Convoy?"

 

Wintle half chuckled. "Thankfully not. I was glad to hear when their transports were redesigned."

 

"After Endor they became a major target. Many of the captains that had served at Endor had their records tarnished protecting those damned ships."

 

"Even you sir?"

"Even me. Pellaeon got off lucky, the Admiralty had him transferred to logistics command and Venka never had to worry as long as he commanded Executor. No one would ever send a Super Star Destroyer to protect cargo ships."

 

One of the junior officers approached the two men.

"All civilian ships are in formation sirs. The Victory Destroyers are waiting for the fleet to begin moving before taking position."

 

"Time to get this wagon train rolling then. Helm, let's get the fleet moving, put us on a course out of the system. We'll change course for hyperspace jumps when we receive recon telemetry."

 

The Fleet of mixed ships were packed relatively close together in a formation resembling a cylinder. Star Destroyers anchored the ends and mid section, while lighter ships like cruisers and frigates filled the gaps. Between the guns on the warships and those on the civilian ships the fleet had multiple overlapping fields of fire in every possible direction.

 

"Sentry One has dropped out of hyperspace." Reported the sensors officer.

"Right on schedule." nodded the Admiral approvingly.

 

Over the next few minutes more hyperspace capable fighters and gunboats that had been sent to scout the nearby hyperlanes dropped back in system.

 

After a few minutes of silence the sensors officer spoke up again. "Sentry two has still not appeared sir, it is officially overdue."

"We'll give them another twenty minutes then we leave without them." decided Dorja.

 

It was just over five minutes later when the next reports came in.

"Sentry two has jumped in system. It is off course by a considerable margin."

"Incoming transmission."

 

"Loudspeakers." answered Wintle pointing to the com officer.

 

The pilot's voice blasted out over the bridge speakers sounding out of breath. "This is Sentry Two! We are being perused by an enemy corvette squadron, ETA of ten minutes or less!"

 

Dorja stood. "Get all fighters aboard now. Helm take the fleet to hyperspace."

 

"Aligned for route selection three, transmitting data to fleet." A red lit timer popped up on the command displays scrolling down the number of seconds until all ships would begin their jumps.

 

"Com, send a data burst to the Bonadan defense force just in case they weren’t monitoring our communications."

 

"Aye sir... signal is away."

 

The timer scrolled down to zero.

"Commencing hyperspace jump."

The less tightly packed starts of the Tingel Arm were still numerous enough to fill the viewports as they stretched to infinity the instant before the ship transitioned to hyperspace.

 

Chatter on the bridge remained low for the next few minutes as the crew worked, the familiar hum of hyperspace travel seeming to infuse everything.

 

"Will they be alight?" Asked the Commander.

 

Dorja looked up from a pad he was studying. "I'm sure the Corporate Sector can hold off a few corvette analogs."

 

"What if they choose not to? They've never been the most trustworthy as far as governments go."

 

"They'll figure things out soon enough." he answered with a weary certainty. 'That or the Inquisitor will make them figure it out.' he thought.

 

 

119

[DarthTex]

Thanks for the update Def!

[Defender_16]

No promises on wait times for updates. Seriously I get working on all kinds of other stuff and totally forget.

 

 

The holographic image of General Richardson flickered in and out as he attempted to relay his latest update to the Grand Admiral.

"The Ground situation is improving locally but only because we weren’t hit as hard by the air burst. We salvaged my Assault shuttle and have set it up as my CnC. From what I'm getting via the com and sensor networks we should be done mop up action on this side of the planet in another day or so."

He swatted a bug of some sort before continuing.

"The sites where they set down additional troops on the other side of the planet will be another story. Even with your bombardment it looks like several divisions are spreading out from those regions. It's too early to say if we'll have enough troops to counter them."

 

"Jerej, we can't keep Superior or our fleet in orbit above the Ord facility indefinitely. Enemy ground forces or not my few ships capable of bombardment are too valuable to keep here on overwatch. I'm going to send you down some extra toys and hope that makes up for it."

 

"It's your call sir, but if you decide to bug out I'll need twelve hours to stage a full withdrawal."

 

"I'll keep that in mind. Next tac update will be in 24 hours. I may be hard to reach until then."

 

"Understood. Richardson out."

 

After closing the channel the Admiral pressed a button on his command console. "Communications contact Despot, I want them to deploy one of the Balmorran Heavy Battle Droid units they have aboard. I was hoping to save them for later in the campaign but it looks as though that isn't going to happen."

 

"Aye sir, shall have your shuttle standing by?"

 

"Yes get shuttle ready. Tell Tycho I should be over within the hour."

 

"Understood Admiral. Uh, one second please sir, we have a priority one communiqué incoming."

 

"Very well, let me know when you have it."

 

"Sir it's from the fifth Fleet detachment... Garqi has fallen."

 

"Get me the fleet in that area." he responded trying to keep his voice neutral.

 

"Aye sir! Routing holocom."

 

Within a minute the rather unimpressive form or Rear Admiral Rogan Wynn materialized above the holoprojector plate.

 

"Admiral Wynn report on your situation."

 

"Grand Admiral." The other officer bowed. "Our troops have been forced from the planet's surface. The enemy staged a multi-pronged assault on both our ground and space forces. We repelled the initial attack in orbit, but could not do the same on the ground. A follow up space assault hit us before we could begin a bombardment in support of our Troops. All of the surviving troops fled the planet and we were able to escort their transports until they jumped. My fleet is now staging at the next convenient point along the hyperspace lane."

 

Burgan mentally reviewed how the local hyperlanes were laid out.

 

"Admiral, are you telling me you've parked your forces at the only hyperlane transit point that allows resupply of my fleet?"

 

"Yes sir."

 

"Given the current situation with my main fleet Admiral Wynn, if the Vong find you parked there they are likely to assume that you are there specifically to guard my supply lines. Please tell me that you've begun raids against enemy positions."

 

"I have deployed all of my Strike Cruisers on hit and fade assignments doing just that. Their starfighters should be able to cause significant problems."

 

"Hopefully you haven't just doomed half of your starfighter forces by doing so. Strike Cruisers are not well known for their toughness and without their carriers well... Imperial fighters equipped with hyperdrives are hardly standard. Expect to receive a number of my ships that have been damaged in combat. They should still have enough firepower to assist you."

 

"If you feel that is necessary sir. Do you wish me to begin organising my ships for another assault on Garqi?"

 

"No, no. Forward the status reports on your fleet readiness. I can’t spare the ships or troops at the moment for another offensive. If you see any sign of the Yuuzhan Vong preparing to attack your position inform me at once."

 

"I understand sir. Wynn out."

 

+++

 

Admiral Tycho Reese stood beside the command chair he had graciously vacated for the Grand Admiral. It good location both to keep watch on the bridge and be close enough to converse with Admiral if need be. "I never thought I would see the days when micro jumping Sovereign class Destroyers multiple times in one day would be necessary." He commented sagely

 

"Are our power reserves going to hold up to it?"

 

"They will, but this is not the sort of thing these ships were designed for. I'd like to stand down from combat and do a complete systems check when this operation is over."

 

"Fine, I'll see what I can do about that. Are we ready?"

 

"Despot is ready, I don’t know about Captain Rhamsac's unit though."

 

"I'll take care of Rhamsec. Start a five minute countdown, put all fighters and support craft on standby."

 

"At once sir."

 

+++

 

The grey triangular form of a Sovereign class Super Star Destroyer lanced out of the darkness of space a mere one thousand kilometers from the Yuuzhan Vong Worldship. Green laser fire flashed out in every direction, seeming more like a single channelled explosion than separate weapons fire. Two Frigates, an interdictor analog and several gravity well mines were caught in the opening barrage before their void defenses could react. Still more, both ships and starfighters, were too close or to evade the heavy fire for long.

 

The bridge pits were filled with noise as the lower ranking officers carried out their assigned instructions.

"Launch! Launch them all! Assault Shuttles to Combat SAR." Shouted the starfighter coordinator into his headset.

"Enemy gravity wells are out of commission. Cranking up projectors on starboard vector."

 

Even before the noise began to quiet down the Grand Admiral's voice could still cut through the din. "Sensors find me those carrier analogs!"

 

"Carrier analogs detected! They are on the far side of the battle station's defense perimeter, no sign of fighter launch."

 

"Admiral, we've got multiple cruiser and two Destroyer analogs forming up between us and the battlestation."

 

"Suppressing fire until the rest of our ships arrive."

 

As if on cue four more white triangular ships flashed in above Despot and added their own fire to the storm. Engines at full burn the Imperial class ships split their formation, two each moving to take up position on either side of their command ship. Full squadron compliments launched from every ship, sweeping out beyond the shields of their mother ships before swinging around into combat.

 

Faster shield equipped fighters like I-7's, Defenders, and Gauntlets lead the charge with Tie Interceptors using them for cover. Slower moving craft like Assault Gunboats formed up in flights, ready to target anything attempting to catch the advance force from behind. Two squadrons of Missile boats meanwhile formed to the aft of Despot. Out of the way but close enough to use their boosters to rush to any units aid.

 

The Yuuzhan Vong began launching any fighters still docked to the coral protrusions of their ships. Thankfully it looked like it would take several minutes for most of them to get into position. The Imperial fighter formations hit the closest groups preceded by waves of green energy bolts. Massed fire with superior numbers was an Imperial specialty and it showed.

 

"All ships are moving into position."

 

Burgan leaned forward and steepled his fingers.

"Charge the superlaser."

 

120

[Defender_16]

So lots of people on fanfiction.net have been bugging me to continue lately. You guys wouldnt have anything do do with that would you?

 

"Launch all Coralskippers at once, and move more Dovin Basal mines to protect the Worldship!" Ordered Shedao Shai, a trace of annoyance seeping into his voice.

 

"The Infidel commander appears to be quite bold." Deign Lian casually observed.

 

"So it would appear. He is no longer content to pick and claw at the edges after the near success of the trap."

 

"But... the trap failed." replied a confused Lian.

"Did I not just say as much? Or should I speak as though you were a newborn from the creche?"

"That will not be necessary Supreme one." Deign Lian bowed.

 

Supreme Commander raised his voice once again. "We must blunt the attack of their superweapon! Spread it so that no one ship or dovin basal is forced to swallow such energy by itself."

 

"A cone shell of singularities perhaps?" Suggested the basal handler.

 

"...yes! Not one but two with a smaller ring ahead of them to split open the beam. Deploy the largest singularities in the inner cone with the outer closer to the Worldship. Quickly, we have little time left!"

 

+++

 

Flights of fast moving shielded Tie craft, Gauntlets and Defenders flashed through the maelstrom sowing chaos in their wake. Combined laser fire from each unit flashed out, filling space ahead of them with deadly green needles. Rather than attempt to fight entire units of Yuuzhan Vong fighter analogues the Imperials would target a single craft in a formation and hammer it mercilessly. Using their superior speed they could then evade the survivors if any bothered to turn in their wake.

 

By this time most of the slower Imperial fighters had swung back to protect the Destroyers, now formed up into classic Imperial Fleet line. Assault Gunboats and Tie Interceptors now formed the outer perimeter, taking part in the heaviest fighting.

 

Admiral Burgan watched a combined Turbolaser broadside tear into a pair of Frigates. Both popped like balloons filled with golden plasma. The Vong for their part were rapidly getting organized and the deck shook with plasma impacts against the shields.

 

"They're regaining coordination fast sir."

"Time?"

"Running final checks now sir, we should be ready in-"

"Commencing primary ignition!" Reported the super laser gunnery officer.

 

Burgan glanced to the Admiral. "Fire at will."

 

+++

 

The tip of Despot's bow flared a blinding green a fraction of a second before the emerald super laser beam flashed forth. Every Imperial officer that could dare to look away from their stations for the moment watched in anticipation.

Any fighters or ships that hadn’t cleared the line of fire in time were instantly atomized, friend or enemy alike. Of those that it touched there was nothing left, no debris, no sign they'd ever existed. One Vong ship slightly smaller than a Mon cal cruiser lasted a millisecond longer than the others hit before imploding and being swept away by the beam.

 

Then, as if acting of a single consciousness, every Yuuzhan Vong warship and dozens of Gravity mines now drifting above the Worldship directed their singularities in front of the beam. It passed seemingly unchecked through a circle of nine black holes but in reality it was bent into a wider beam. Rather than hitting one or a handful or even a dozen of the singularity defenses it was spread across hundreds. The worst of the force struck the larger inner black holes with the remainder passing through to the next layer of smaller ones. Some still bent around the gravity wells of both layers but they were few, and even less of those actually hit the worldship itself.

 

Yuuzhan Vong Fighters and Mines exploded as their defenses were rapidly tired but they had done their job and the beam's energy was spent.

 

+++

 

Burgan stood from his command chair in disbelief. "Did we do any Damage?"

"Minimal if any damage to the worldship sir. We've killed a large number of Fighters and Gravity mines from that part of the field."

 

"How long until we can recharge the super laser?"

 

Reese did some mental calculations. "Ten minutes for a low power shot if we redirected most of our energy output. We'll have to cut back on the turbolaser fire though."

 

Burgan looked back to the Admiral then to the viewports. "How long until their carrier analogues link up with their remaining cruisers?"

 

"Five minutes or less sir." Replied an officer from the nearest bridge pit.

 

"Damn. All ships prepare to retreat." The Grand Admiral spun on his heel and returned to his command chair. "Begin immediate recovery of non hyperspace capable fighters. Assault Gunboats are to cover the capital ships until we've escaped then hyperspace out."

 

The crew scrambled to work and Admiral Reese quickly went out on the command walkway to direct orders faster. "Helm, hard over! Roll starboard 80 degrees, standby bow thrusters for turn to 120 degrees starboard."

"Commencing roll."

"All destroyers align for hyperspace, 120 degrees starboard."

"Tie craft are being recalled. Estimated time to recovery is four minutes."

"Redirect super laser power to Turbolasers and increase rate of fire. Gunnery do you have safe fire lanes programmed yet?"

"Fire lanes will be stable once we've completed our turn sir."

 

Burgan skimmed over his console displays as the Rear Admiral worked with the crew. He frowned at the sight of a Vong ship at long range headed towards their exit victor.

"Fighter control, re-deploy our Missile boat squadrons if they've been recalled. Take out that Interdictor that's trying to edge into our hyperspace lane."

"Aye sir!"

 

+++

 

Deign Lian watched the fleet movements. "They are retreating. Why? They have sustained so few casualties."

 

Shedao Shai tightened his fist until blood began to drip from it, a smile on his face.

"They know they are beaten, they wish to escape with as many of their weapons as possible, that they might have something left when they are ready to stab at us again."

 

"Should we not stop them now? We have a Vua'spar that might slow them enough."

 

Shedao Shai laughed. "We have too few ships to defeat them here. Worse, if we stopped them from escaping they might turn their super weapon on us again." He turned to one of the others in the command chamber. "What is the status of our Basal Mines?"

 

"Many of them are wounded great one, they will need time to heal before we have enough to fully block such an attack again. Two days."

 

"Will they not suspect if we do not pursue?"

 

"A most insightful observation Lian, most unlike you. Yes they would suspect if we broke off all pursuit which is why we will not. Yammosk handler, once our A-vek Iiluunu have reached our other surviving vessels take slightly longer than normal to create their formation. After that they are to begin a combined attack."

 

"As you command."

 

121

[tacoJoemeru]

Well, I can't say I did, but it's nice to see you're still going at it! Even if it's a bit... sporadic.

[Defender_16]

It was dark out on the world of Kabal but still early enough in the evening that some shops and stores were still open. A hooded man stepped inside an old modular building with the words 'House of illusion' spray painted on the wall facing the street. There was no sign that said if the place was open or closed but the door had been unlocked so he assumed the former.

 

"Welcome to the House of Illusion." Spoke a woman's voice from his right. He turned only to find a shelf full of books and reader cards. The voice now came from behind him.

"The best store of its kind on all of Kabal, maybe even the sector."

 

"Not hard for a backwater sector." Muttered the hooded man as he smirked and began walking towards the back of the store. He ignored where the voices seemed to come from, the sound bouncing around the store from wall to wall, bookshelf to ceiling and back.

 

"I sell some cheap tricks anyone can use or set up themselves, but for a price I can prepare larger scale illusions to entertain crowds or assemblies."

 

The man stopped behind a revolving chair that sat facing the back wall before turning around.

An older woman with black hair mostly turning grey stood there as though she'd been there the whole time.

"What can I do for you young man?"

"That's a nice trick. I wish I was here on less pressing business and had time to learn it. You're Xaverri I take it?"

"That's an old stage name. Very old. I prefer to go by 'The Illusionist of Kabal.' It has a bit more flare to it, and removes any necessity for a real name. Names can get tiring for someone my age. And who might you be?"

 

"My name is Wurth Skidder. I'm with the Rebellion."

"Well you've come a long way for nothing then. As I told the last person you people sent to me; 'don’t call me, I'll call you.'"

She instantly disappeared in a flash of smoke.

 

Wurth frowned and concentrated for a moment. Stretching out an arm he pointed to a shelving unit that looked securely affixed to the wall and ripped it clear using the Force. Behind was a hidden room.

 

"I see you people don’t take a simple 'no' for an answer these days. Get out of my shop."

"Just hear me out then I'll leave. Also sorry about the wall."

"I've been at this game a lot longer than you have, I know how this works. If you're going to force this Bantha fodder on me you're no better than them."

 

"If you know someone else, someone as good or better, send me to them."

Xaverri sighed. "There isn’t anyone better. Say what you will then leave if you still claim you'll do so without me."

 

"We need to defeat a Sovereign class Super Star Destroyer. To do that we'll need to give it something to shoot at."

 

"And let me guess, you're so short on ships and lives you cant afford to have one of your most precious warships do it. Typical. You know the last one of you to come here wanted my help to kill a Death Star?"

"I heard they're keeping it in the core regions for the moment so hopefully it wont be an issue for a few months."

 

Xaverri sat, not answering, twirling a small crystalline shaped trinket in her hand. "Are you certain?"

"No, but this is the largest mass deployment of the Imperial Starfleet in history. Everyone's hitting them hard this time and they know it so logistics should be tight for awhile."

 

She nodded absently then tossed the small crystal at the wall she'd been staring at. The point of impact burst into a flickering false fire. Static shot through the image at times ruining the effect.

"Always meant to fix that."

 

"We need a victory to keep them from crushing this entire section of the Galaxy. All we need as a result of this is time for us to build, it doesn’t matter how it comes about."

 

"I'm getting too old for this." Xaverri snapped her fingers turning off the fake flames. "I assume if you've been sent to find me your people must have resources set aside? Something that I could use to pull off a crazy plan of yours? I'll tell you now that I'd need at least one small capital ship with high quality holographic projectors."

 

"We're getting the holoprojectors now but we've got something better than a normal ship to put them on."

"I'll believe it when I see it."

Wurth pulled out a datapad and thumbed through a few screens before finding the one he wanted, and handing it to the old woman.

 

"What kind of ships is th- oh. Oh you cant be serious." A grin spread slowly across Xaverri's face.

"This will never work you know."

 

"We wont know unless we try."

 

Xaverri handed back the datapad. "Wait outside I'll be out in a few minutes."

 

 

122

[DarthTex]

So lots of people on fanfiction.net have been bugging me to continue lately. You guys wouldnt have anything do do with that would you?

You've been posting your story on some other website!? How much have "we" missed?

 

Keep up the good work Def, I just wish your posts were more often (and consistent? ). How's things going otherwise?

[Defender_16]

You've been posting your story on some other website!? How much have "we" missed?

Nothing, quite the opposite, I always port here before fanfiction.net

How's things going otherwise?

As usual very, very busy. After I lost my laptop HD a few weeks ago I've been working on trying to get something done this year as most of my non-Star Wars short stories I've done this year were not backed up and were lost. Dont want to talk about it more, moving on.

 

Byuran Ke Shia again sat in the cockpit of his Tie Interceptor. The same Fighter he'd flown against the Rebels with a few days ago. The same one he'd been captured in.

 

"All fighters this is launch control, we'll be coming out of Hyperspace in roughly a few minutes. We've got a lot of captured Imperial pilots that we just don’t know if we can trust yet, that's where this test comes in. We drop you at point A and you have to fly to point B, fighting your way past the Imps in between. When you're done you'll be picked up at the co-ordinates on your nav system. Be aware you have a limited amount of time to get there.

Once you've made it out you can either join the Rebellion as a permanent pilot or chose to be shipped out to a neutral planet. You can even find your way back to the Empire from there if you really want. Most of you seem to think those are better options than sitting in a POW camp for the rest of your lives. You know, stranded on some planet in the ass end of space that might not even be on Imperial charts."

 

A faint jolt ran through the cockpit as the Tie's reactor started up. A dull thud followed, probably a tech locking down an access hatch.

 

"This is just a last minute reminder about how we've jury rigged your ships. Coms are on a preset channel and the targeting systems are set so they wont fire on a friendly. If you attempt to approach a friendly capital ship your engines will cut out at a certain distance. As long as that's the recovery ship it wont be an issue, they'll snag you with tractor beams and pull you aboard. With any luck most of you will make it through so try not to get your wingmen killed. Whose to say their plans don’t match your own? May the Force be with you pilots."

 

The familiar feeling of a gravity well yanking their ship out of hyperspace pulled at his restraints. There was little in the way of delay before the Ties were forcibly launched out of the rebel Frigate like they were escape pods. The patchwork Nebulon B turned and accelerated out of the artificial gravity well.

Byuran turned his Tie towards the objective marker and felt a chill go through him. Ahead was an entire Imperial taskforce. A Dozen Imperial class ships hung close to a huge Super Star Destroyer. Other Star Destroyers were scattered off on the flanks.

"This is Major Xeal. Let's work together people and maybe we can get out of this."

"Major? Thank the Emperor, we might stand a chance at this. It's Captain Maong, I was with you at Lortan. They've put our rendezvous point on the other side of the gravity well being put out by a Sovereign class SSD."

"We'll have to get around it then or find a hole. Avoid the bigger ships and their Lancers frigates. If we're lucky they'll only send droid fighters out at us."

 

"Picking up Tie/D Droid fighters on an intercept course straight ahead, One squadron."

Byuran noticed a group of Assault Gunboats angling in from above them but before he could activate his com another pilot called it in.

"Assault Gunboat flight, they're going to hit us from behind."

 

"Keep your cool pilots, anyone with experience shooting down missiles key up. The rest of you remember the trick for shooting down older droid fighters."

 

Now he knew he was in trouble. Droids didn’t move like human pilots did and would have flight methods he didn’t understand.

"Sir, my unit didn’t cover anti-droid tactics."

 

"They'll try to pull harder turns than most pilots are capable of but it normally kills their speed. Just stay farther back than normal you'll be fine."

"Also jink, they hate that." joked another pilot.

 

"Right." He whispered under his breath.

 

"Fighter wave is closing to range."

"Spread out so you have room to maneuver." Ordered the Major.

 

"This is Maong, I'm being missile locked... and the Gunboats are firing!"

Eight concussion missiles streaked in towards the rear of the tie formation.

"Rear guard break!"

 

Ahead the droid fighters opened fire at maximum range. Byuran jinked his fighter back and forth then rolled through a corkscrew before triggering off a pair of quad bursts. The second burst hit a droid ball causing it to explode in a bright fireball. Seven of the droid fighters winked out on the sensors as did three friendlies. As he powered through a hard turn he was glad the Rebels had ripped out the rudimentary shield generator from his fighter, the extra power made a noticeable difference.

Laser fire from his and an older Tie bracketed a droid fighter as it tried to close in on the rear guard, still distracted shooting down missiles. Ke Shia's shots only managed to clip one of the stabilisers but the other friendly drilled its engines with a pair of shots. Ball explosions lit up the area as they were shot down.

 

"All droids are toast, missiles are clear."

"Everybody move! Damage assessment on the run."

 

The Gunboats held back, not pursuing the Rebel Ties as they flew deeper into the Imperial formation.

"They must be getting used to this kind of attack or something."

"They're holding the perimeter against any heavies that might pop in."

"This is suicide." Commented one of the older sounding pilots. Most of the higher ranking Imperials with the exception of Maong had been put in TIE/ln series fighters. Most likely the Rebels assumed they'd be less inclined to change sides.

Aside from the three fighters that had been lost some of the others had taken damage. Now they all raced through a weaker point in the fleet defenses hoping to avoid as many enemies as possible before reaching the extraction point. Long range Turbolaser and ion fire began to rain down on the formation from the escorting cruisers and support ships. The Destroyers all held their fire, on standby for the arrival of any real threat.

 

"There they are sir." called out Maong.

"Figured it'd only be a matter of time."

 

Byuran checked his scopes. "I don’t see anything with all of the sensor clutter."

"Close intercept unit. Four shielded Gauntlets each with two droid fighters backing them up. Anyone got a decent visual?"

"DEM 3-3 model. I cant confirm Launchers."

 

"We cant afford to stop here. They'll bring in Lancer frigates or more fighters."

"So your plan is to just take a strafing run?!" exclaimed one of the older men.

 

"Short answer yes. Everybody go evasive once they open fire, rear guard will put down covering fire. We need some volunteers with Interceptors, my TIE/ln wont be able to catch up or I'd join you."

 

Not wanting to be caught under someone else’s guns Byuran keyed his com and volunteered.

 

"Maong, Ke Shia, Madowki, and Fias you'll be watching our backs."

"Not a moment too soon, here they come."

"Break!"

 

The 4 rear guard fighters chopped their throttles down by half and the others shot forward. The Close Intercept unit didn’t change course for the rear guard but opened fire on the larger group.

Following the lead of the older pilots Byuran pulled up and began spraying the incoming fighters with single fire shots. The droid fighters moved to take cover behind their shielded flight leaders but the Gauntlets stayed on course firing at the main group.

Despite jinking and maneuvering four of the friendlies winked out from the sensor display.

 

"Rear guard, punch it!" yelled Maong.

 

The intercepting unit broke formation, with half turning into the wake of the fleeing fighters and the others turning towards the rear guard. Byuran’s fighter and the others closed the distance slightly faster than the enemy seemed ready for. The Droid fighters popped out from cover and opened fire but they were already too close, three of them took hits and exploded. Byuran felt a sharp tug on his controls and then they were past and headed for the others.

Checking his diagnostics it showed the lower part of one stabiliser damaged, probably missing, and heat damage to the armour around his fuel tank.

 

"Maong is dead." reported Madowki. Up ahead another friendly fighter exploded. "Divert more power to engines, we have to catch up before the others behind us turn around."

The remainder of the rear guard fired at the fighters harassing the main group.

 

"We'll be on the other side of the gravity well soon everyone! Just buy us a little more time!"

Four more fighters broke off, turning to hit the Imperial force from the front while the rear guard caught up.

A quad burst flashed past just above Byuran forcing him to jink to the left. Another burst passed through the space he'd just occupied.

 

Fias hulled one of the remaining droid fighters while two others took hits from ahead.

"Shia, hit the left Gauntlet!" yelled Madowki.

He jinked down right then up, evading another burst then fired. Cannon shots from 4 fighters hit the same Tie Gauntlet collapsing its Novaldex shields. A twin linked shot from Major Xeal's Tie burned off the lower half of its ball cockpit sending it out of control. The other Gauntlet and its remaining droid escort broke off, obviously intending to link up with his wingmen before continuing.

 

Madowki's sensor signal suddenly showed him looping off in another direction, maneuvering erratically.

"I'm hit, I'll try and draw their fire. Good luck!"

Fire from the friendlies ahead flashed all around drawing Byuran’s attention. He knew one of the Gauntlet's had been closing in on him but didn’t know it had been that close. Pulling up hard he rolled then pulled back again in a modified S turn. It was only partially successful as two of his wingtip lasers disappeared under a bright green flash. His fighter yanked hard left and nearly went out of control from the blast but he powered through it against his better judgement.

 

 

"Byuran, Fias you're both clear, they're pulling back to regroup. Everybody move!"

As he pulled in behind the others he saw that Fias was in just as rough shape, black scoring marked the side of his cockpit and had burned into one of the stabilisers.

 

The Gauntlets and two droid fighter joined up, and moved into a V formation before coming on again.

"We cant take another fight with them sir."

"We don’t need to. The edge of the gravity well is just ahead."

 

Sure enough a Rebel ship looking like a distant cousin of the YT-series dropped out of hyperspace and opened a channel to them.

"Incoming fighters, your ride will be here shortly we're just checking for other Interdictors first."

The Gauntlet squad slowed and changed course to orbit them as they saw the Rebel ship. Obviously wondering if they had enough firepower to take it and the other Ties on.

 

"There's another interdictor moving in but it wont get here in time. Standby."

The same Nebulon B that had dropped them microjumped in and once again turned hard to quickly get out of the grav well. Most of the fighters came in at maximum speed and as they'd been told their engines cut out allowing the tractor beams to easily snag them. In turn the Ties were methodically dragged in and deposited in the hanger's launch racks.

 

"Load faster Rebels." urged the Major, "We've got missile boats inbound."

"You in the Tie Starfighter, just for that you're last." replied a rebel crewman over the same channel.

 

On sensors Four contacts, Starfighter size, were breaking clear of the Imperial fleet and headed straight for them at an incredibly high speed. The Gauntlet flight was now aligning to come in from the same direction as them.

 

"Uh... Privateer's Blade this is escort one, you might want to do as he says and work faster."

"They wont reach us in time."

"Don’t Tie Gauntlets have missile targeting systems?" Asked Byuran. "They're almost close enough to get a lock."

"Sithspit the kid's right. Hurry up!"

On the sensors a new set of contacts showed up streaking out ahead of the Missile boats.

Turbolasers and laser cannons on both the Frigate and the escort rotated to track the incoming projectiles and opened fire. The last fighters were tractored into the bay as the weapons fired their second barrage.

 

"They're inside just jump us!"

 

Stars outside the bay elongated then turned to the swirling of hyperspace. The two Tie craft still being held aloft with the tractor beams shifted under the acceleration striking one of the launch racks. The impact caused a damaged pylon on one of the docked fighters to shear off dropping it to the hangar floor. The Major's Tie landed just as hard along side it shattering the badly damaged wing arrays.

Warning lights began to flash and nearby crews with fire suppression gear rushed in.

 

An officer's voice blared out over the ship's coms. "Damage control teams to the landing bay! I repeat: Damage control teams to the landing bay!"

 

123