[Tales of] The New Sith Order (Redux)

[Defender_16]

+ + +

 

Admiral Burgan sat at his desk in a office he'd been loaned for his stay on Agamar. His speech and proposal of a large offensive seemed to have gone well with the assembled Moffs and Admirals at the conference. Already the needed ships were pouring into the two staging areas of Ithor and Agamar. Two Moffs had left Star Destroyers that had carried them here to become part of the forming fleet.

 

The real difficulty wasn't going to be the battle fleet but the ships acting as Hypercom relays. Ships with the best communications systems were being outfitted with additional relays and transmitters. The two ships acting as the main communications hubs for the fleets would be a pair of ISDIII's. It was a tad wasteful but the larger ships could mount longer ranged arrays.

 

It wouldn't be nearly as wasteful as this whole operation would seem if it turned out that the communications difficulties were just some minor disturbance. If they got to Yaga Minor and all of the star systems in the area were untouched by Rebel or other forces he would have been made to look a fool. Likely, being knocked down to customs patrol duties would be the result. There was also the danger that an attack was real. If it was some kind of Rebel uprising then they had to have gotten access to a huge fleet or barring that, a superweapon.

 

The doors to the office hissed open and in walked a woman wearing a dark robe.

 

"Who are you?!" Demanded the Admiral as he looked up.

 

The woman of average height pulled back the cloak's hood allowing a view of her striking features.

"A messenger sent by the Emperor. Someone to more easily keep watch of the situation as it progresses."

 

Eyes wide in shock Burgan tried to keep from gasping as he drew breath. "...the Emperor's Hand?"

 

"You are very well informed Admiral." Frowned the Emperor's servant. "One could wonder how someone of your age and position could know of such things."

 

He shrugged. "I have some civilian contacts who hear things. They normally arn't good enough to find out something of that scale on their own. I had assumed someone had been captured by rebels and talked."

 

"You may call me Aayla Jorrier. As I am sure you have figured out by now, this mission is of great interest to the Emperor. He does not believe it is a simple Pirate raid causing this. Even one hundred such raids at the same time would not cause these blackouts."

 

"I'm sure I can find room aboard my command ship for a representative of the Emperor. I take it my success or failure will be judged with a very critical eye. More so than I had anticipated?"

 

"The Emperor has seen fit that if you are as successful as your briefing earlier would indicate, then you would be promoted. The next Grand Admiral of the Empire and the youngest ever appointed."

 

Burgan gave a feral grin. "I'll be sure not to disappoint."

 

"Despite the official response this threat is to be taken very seriously. There will be a large fleet built up in the core should we need to push down the Hydian Way. That group will have a Sovereign. It will be more than one month before that fleet can be deployed and another two weeks to get it here. If your fleets disappear like the others sent into the blackout zone, this section of the galaxy will be severely compromised for a full month."

 

"I understand the problems. The alternative is sitting back and waiting for this 'darkness' to spread. Potentially threatening hundreds of loyal Imperial worlds. What would the people of the Empire think if their seemingly immortal leader gave them no help whatsoever?"

The Emperor’s hand frowned.

“It is that sort of situation of doubt we’re attempting to avoid."

 

017

Edited May 31, 2007 by Defender_16

[BadSamaritan]

Things I can see the Hutts doing right now: Reaping the benefits of a Imperial Navy that is having communication troubles by forging new smuggling routes, launching raids on any and all supply depots that can find to supplement their meager fleets (Yes, the Hutts have fleets. Ragtag fleets, but fleets), and generally doing whatever it takes to make a credit at the cost of whomever gets in their way. They would also be removing any rivals to their seats of power from existance with much less care of reprisal, since everyoen will be running from whatever they thing is coming.

[Paul]

Keep the story coming Defender, this was a short one by the way. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

+ + +

 

The flotilla of Military and civilian ships lead by Ardent finally arrived at the Dal-porath mining colony at the beginning of their second day in the system. No Rebels, Pirates or strange Alien menace had appeared in that time. Crews were almost catching up on sleep, and the constant repair work continued. Some sections of the Ardent had even been re-pressurised for the first time since Bastion.

 

The mining colony itself was comprised of a nine hundred kilometre asteroid with several Space Colony Three modules built into the surface. A few kilometres away from the colony sections was the planetoid's main mine shaft. Fifteen hundred meters across, the opening was large enough to admit even a Star Destroyer entrance to the mine interior. Accordingly the surface around the opening was dotted with shield generators, missile launchers and other defence weapons.

 

"They look like they're prepared to weather a fleet bombardment." Commented Colonel Fel.

 

"It's understandable Colonel." Replied Dorja. "The Rebels did find the Katana Fleet after all. It may have been years since that fleet was defeated but many of the ships survived. Enough to kill an outpost like this in one barrage without good shielding. We must have had a few hundred false Dreadnaught sightings in just the two years after the Katana Fleet."

 

Wintle who was back on duty strode up to the two and saluted. "Dal-porath colony One has contacted us. The Colony Administrator has invited you to a meeting and formal dinner. He informs me he's made provisions both for his own security to escort you while on base and your own bodyguards. Also, any other senior officers may attend."

 

"Commander I want you here on Ardent, and Captain Graal can't be bothered with his work continuing on the Twilight Wanderer." He turned to Jag. "Colonel would you care to join us? We won't be by ourselves of course. I'll ask Taulen to come along with a few of his best Stormtroopers."

“I would be honoured sir.â€

Edited May 31, 2007 by Defender_16

[Paul]

Keep it coming my friend. - When does the interrogation of the rebel prisoner happen? Just wondering.-Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

+ + +

 

Fitzgibbon Lane lead his guests on a tour of the station while they continued to discuss plans.

"For our defence we do have starfighters. Most are Uglies or Black Sun models, and our small navy is experienced. Not all of our defence force is made up of Captain Folen's Mercenaries. You see, we make little or no inquiries about someone's past here. A forgive and forget attitude. I have little doubt some of our people are ex-Rebels or Imperial deserters but I don't care who."

 

"With a reputation like that I'm surprised this place hasn't become a pirate's nest."

 

"Outsiders have tried to force our hand here before but the population wants neutrality above all other things. We try very hard to stay out of larger conflicts. All we ask of those who come here is that they leave their past at the door. We don’t ask questions if someone sells us a starfighter and signs on as a pilot. But if someone wants to join either an Insurgent or Imperial group they're asked to leave."

 

"What happens if they refuse to leave?" Asked Jag

 

"We stun them and throw them on a freighter headed for places where they're not going to be welcome. Our murder rate is also very low as guilty parties are spaced."

 

"It sounds like you've managed to find an efficient balance here.â€

Edited June 13, 2007 by Defender_16

[Paul]

I was waiting for this part, dont ask why as I am unsure just why. Keep it coming Defender my friend. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

+ + +

 

Deep in the outer rim a Tandem X-wing and two upgraded Headhunter’s lifted off from the rocky ice ball they had been using as a base for the past few weeks. Once the fighters were clear, a heavily modified YT-1930 lifted off.

 

At the controls of the Tandem X-wing sat Kyp Durron, the most powerful force user allied with the Rebel fleet. In the seat behind him sat Danni Quee, last survivor of Ex-Gal 4, a deep space science outpost. Alien invaders from outside the galaxy had swept into the most outlying sectors in the area weeks ago. Due to Hypercom disruptions the few populated worlds were unable to call for help. Escaping ships were chased down and cut off by ships that looked like rounded asteroids and seemed to carry interdictors.

 

Kyp's apprentice Miko Reglia had been captured in the fighting. Unwilling to give up on his apprentice who he still sensed through the force, Kyp had returned with a Rebel cell lead by Octa Ramis. They were too late to save Kyp's apprentice but had arrived in time to save the young scientist Danni who herself seemed to be gifted with the Force.

 

They streaked toward the edges of the system, which had only an Imperial survey designation. Before they jumped Octa commed Kyp from one of the other fighters.

"We need to get to Kre'fey. He'll know what to do about this new species. If he doesn't he also knows how to contact The General if needed."

 

Kyp, still angry over the death of his apprentice and friend was only half listening. He could still see the alien warrior as it's living snake like weapon had wrapped around his lightsaber like it was a toy. He had only just been fast enough to put a force assisted kick into the thing's head with a Durasteel armoured boot.

"We're going to need a fast ship for that Kyp." Octa prodded.

 

He shook himself out of his reverie. "Get hold of Lane when we come out of hyperspace. Tell him we need the Luck ready to go when we arrive."

 

"He doesn't like lending out his ship to people. It's against his own rules for us to even set foot on those mining colonies of his."

 

"Then we explain it to him first. If he still doesn't like it then we steal his ship. What's he going to do, report us to the Imperials? Half of his ship has illegal equipment in it."

 

"Kyp we need to be careful about how we do this. Charging into an Imp patrol with a stolen ship isn't going to bring Miko back."

 

"He was getting good enough that we could have taken on almost any Hunter that came after us."

 

"We can talk more about this later Kyp, let's go."

 

Kyp nodded to himself, then with a pull of the Hyperdrive lever the stars elongated sending them into the swirl of hyperspace.

 

Kyp turned around in the seat to look at the young scientist. Her eyes were closed and she was tired but she couldn't sleep.

"Danni. It's going to be ok. We're going to get you to a safe place. If the Empire hasn't found it in all these years I'm sure these... these Vong can't."

 

"Miko saved me. He could have escaped if he had left me but he didn't. Everything I ever learned about the Rebels and Jedi when I was little portrayed them as terrorists and people who wanted to fragment the Empire. Take away our security. But you're not like that are you?"

 

"Not all of us are like that no. But sometimes we don't have any choice but to find criminals and killers to do the fighting."

 

"Are you like that?"

 

"Me? I'm worse. A smuggler got me off Kessel when I was fifteen then I was picked up by a member of the Sith Order."

"Sith arn't real, those are just stories to frighten little children."

 

"And yet evil Jedi who turned against the Emperor are real?"

"Well... um.â€

Edited June 13, 2007 by Defender_16

[Paul]

Good read Defender. Keep it coming. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

+ + +

 

High Admiral Burgan sat in his command chair aboard the Command class Super Star Destroyer Superior. Surrounding him were holographic displays showing readiness of the fleet. They only needed to wait for a few more ships to arrive before the fleet's departure.

 

"Victory Destroyers Rampant and Red Harvest have just come on station. Last Destroyers to check in should arrive in the next ten minutes." Called out the watch officer.

 

General Richardson stood in his normal place near the Admiral. "Not much point in keeping the regular Trooper compliment aboard every ship with a fleet this size. Even if we did find a force on the ground they'd surrender within minutes upon seeing a fleet this size."

 

"I never underestimate the importance of having troops available Jerej, you should know that by now."

 

"I do. Even so between the two fleets there's enough troops that we could get a foothold on Coruscant if need be."

 

"Victorious, Resolution, and Desolator have arrived and are taking up their stations in the Destroyer screen." Called the watch officer again.

 

"That's the last of them." Burgan punched in a series of commands on his chair's built in datapad before turning back to the General. "I want to have enough troops with us that we can pacify a potentially disturbed public. If we have to engage in a series of protracted ground operations I don't want to wait for additional troops to arrive."

 

The watch officer approached and saluted.

"Sir. Last ships have moved into position. Task Force One reports ready for hyperspace entry."

 

"Readiness of the Hypercom relay system?"

 

"Agamar orbital is online. All relay ships are operational."

 

"Status of Task Force Two?"

 

"Ithor Orbital has reported that Task Force Two is ready to jump at your order."

 

"All ships to commence jump in five minutes. All ships to prepare for extended state of battle readiness."

 

"Aye sir."

 

Jerej leaned in once the watch officer began to comply with the Admiral's orders. "We're finally on our way. This trip could take us longer than normal with so many ships to organise through jumps."

 

"Then it takes us a little longer. More time for you to personally inspect the secondary bridge and backup command centers aboard ship."

 

"Aye sir." Taking the hint Richardson saluted and headed for a turbolift.

 

EDIT: Image a tiny bit too wide to throw into the thread. *LINK*.

+++

 

 

The Light Freighter Starry Frontier and three starfighters reverted to real space. Kyp in the lead fighter keyed his com. "Octa, you're on better terms with Lane than I ever have been, you call it in."

"He's not going to be happy talking to either of us, you know that."

Responded Octa.

 

"He might listen to you long enough for you to get through to him."

 

"You guys." Broke in Cheyden Toy, the freighter pilot. "I'm picking up an Imperial Star Destroyer and support ships in a low stationary orbit above Dal-porath One. The ore hauler convoy is also still in the system. They should have departed a half day ago."

 

"Sithspit!" Kyp swore. "Switch transponders to neutral!"

 

There were a few tense moments of silence that followed once everyone had switched their ID codes.

 

"Uh... hey you think we're ok?" Asked Toy, his youthful exuberance showing over the com.

 

"No, we're not ok. We don't have a choice though. Octa try to get Lane but hail by way of another colony."

 

"Ok Kyp." Replied a resigned Octa.

 

After several minutes of being redirected from the other Mining colonies Octa got through to the Administrator's line. The person on the other end wasn't who they were looking for though. A tall woman who looked like an aristocrat from the core worlds appeared on screen.

"This is Vice Administrator Tendra Risant. This is a priority channel so I hope that this is important."

 

Octa shook off her slight bit of surprise and pushed on "Hello, I'm trying to reach Mr. Lane on a confidential matter."

 

Tendra frowned. "If you're allied with any... unpopular groups you should leave now. We don't abide by your kind any more than we do the Empire. If you leave the system without trouble you won't be reported."

 

Just great. Thought Octa. The woman was obviously someone who believed in the whole neutrality status of the system. "I promise that we will leave without trouble but we have to talk to Mr. Lane first, it's very urgent."

 

"Fitz is in talks right now with merchant captains and can't be disturbed. We're in the middle of planning for possible evacuations."

 

"The Imps are closing down the system?"

 

"No, don't be silly. We pay enough to make the operation worth while. There's supposedly some kind of invasion from a new alien species. The Imperial Admiral that came aboard said he think's they've lost everything Rimward of Yaga Minor."

 

"The Yuuzhan Vong... it's already started." Octa murmured under her breath. Kyp must have felt her spike of emotions through the force because she felt him gently trying to reassure her, pushing calmness.

 

"I beg your pardon? What's already started?" Asked Tendra.

 

"Tell Lane we have vital information on the alien invasion. We can't broadcast it because the Imps might pick it up."

 

"Fine." The woman gave up clearly exasperated. "Come in to Dal-porath Two, he can meet you there later."

 

"Can you ask him to bring his personal transport?"

 

Tendra glared Turbolaser bolts back through the holo image. "We'll see."

 

+ + +

 

"Three starfighters and one light freighter headed for Dal-porath Two colony." Reported sensors.

 

Wintle stood on the Command walkway overseeing operations as usual. "This system must be a natural way station for any number of malcontents. Sensors what kind of ships are they?"

 

"Two Z-95 uglies similar to the local variety, one Tandem X-wing and a light freighter. Total lifeforms... about ten-ish. Too far away to get an exact number."

 

"Record their IFF and engine readings. Flag them as possible Rebels for future reference."

"Aye sir."

 

"We may be busy now but we can always hunt them down later."

"Can't wait for that sir."

 

Dorja strode slowly towards the command walkway from the turbolifts. "Any new developments Commander?" He asked.

 

"Nothing major sir. A few suspected Rebels and pirates have dropped into the system at different times. We're recording engine and transponder readings for future use."

 

"It sounds like you want a job as a customs officer Commander." Accused the Admiral laughing lightly. "Time?"

 

"Several more hours yet before the Hyperdrive is ready."

 

"Fine, fine. The Mining colony is going to be ready if the aliens show up. The freighters should be ready to go before long. Twilight Wanderer should be fitted with the last of the Turbolasers Lane sold us within the week then they can escort the civilians out in an emergency."

 

"It still could be dangerous leaving them here. What if a Rebel force overruns the ship?"

 

"Not going to happen with more than half of Right to Rule's Stormtroopers aboard."

 

"It's still a risk sir."

"Commander, risk is just-"

 

"Enemy contact!" Yelled out sensors. "One Frigate Analog about midway towards the edge of the system."

 

"All hands, to Battle stations. Communications, contact the Mining Colonies, tell them to go on alert. Find Colonel Fel and get him and his fighters back aboard."

"Yes sir!"

 

"Options Commander?" Asked Dorja.

 

Wintle already had his datapad out. "Sevanar and the light Cruisers can be ready to perform a micro-jump in ten minutes. The heavier Mercenary ships like the Paragon are already high enough above the system's plane to jump."

 

"Begin loading the fighters in best shape aboard Sevanar but leave room for Fel's unit. If they get off the colony in time I want them aboard."

 

"Yes sir. I also have Captain Folen on the com for you."

 

Dorja stormed over to the nearest holo projector. "Put him through."

 

The Mercenary Captain's face appeared above the holo projector in seconds. "Admiral Dorja, a force of my ships are plotting a micro-jump to intercept the target you indicated. If you want we can wait for some of your ships to get ready before jumping."

 

"We're readying the Cruiser Sevanar as our Hyperdrive is still offline. We'll be able to drop just over three squadrons of fighters into the mix. I'm keeping our light cruisers back so you're going to have to take out that ship."

 

"Understood. We have two squadrons of fighters forming up with us for when we jump, plus some independent ships from near Colony Two. According to the information you gave us that size ship should be able to carry one squadron of fighters yes?"

 

"We believe so. Or they might have been holding fighters back. It's hard to say."

 

"We'll I've seen some of the fighter tactics your Colonel was teaching. We should be able to overwhelm them with numbers if needed."

 

"Good luck Captain." Wished the Admiral before signing off. "Com, get me Devis."

 

Seconds later Commander Devis of the Sevanar was on. "Commander I hope you understand the situation."

 

"Yes sir Admiral. We jump in, unload our fighters then move in with the Mercenary ships and bludgeon the thing to death. Seems simple enough."

 

"Be ready for tricks, we can't charge out to rescue you."

 

"Understood sir. Be back soon."

 

Commander Wintle walked over. "Colonel Fel and the other pilots we sent over to the colony are now loading aboard Sevanar."

 

"Good. "

 

021

[Paul]

Good read as always Defender. Keep it coming. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

+ + +

 

"Be ready for a furball as soon as we launch." Said Jag over the squadron frequency.

 

Though there was space aboard the Sevanar for all thirty six fighters available, nine of those were going to jump using their own Hyperdrives. Some of the older fighters aboard were still being flown by formerly retired Tie pilots that had taken jobs as convoy escort. The light shields had seen seven of the refurbished Tie Fighters through the last battle.

 

"Captain Folen to all ships, jump in three... two... one."

 

Even inside the fighter Jag could feel the Cruiser jump to hyperspace and then drop back out right away. The Sevanar's flight controller came over the com as soon as the vibrations associated with Hyperdrive stopped. "All fighters launch!" Then they were pouring out of the bay and into space on the other side of the system.

 

Paragon and it's two escorts had dropped out of hyperspace slightly ahead and to starboard of Sevanar allowing the Imperial Cruiser to launch it's fighters without fear of being fired upon. Farther to starboard of the Mercenary ships were some independent’s that had jumped from near Dal-porath Two.

 

Tarth Elsin called out enemy status over the squadron frequency. "Frigate Analog is launching fighters. One squadron of shards and... and two blastboat analogs by the looks of them."

 

"Acknowledged." Jag flipped his com over to a tactical frequency used by the squadron commanders. "All fighters hang back with the capital ships, wait for them to engage first."

A closer look at the sensors revealed burn marks on the hull of the frigate. They appeared to be in the same pattern the Ardent had inflicted on a ship during their last escape.

 

Sevanar finished launching the last of it's fighters and closed the hole in it's shields before accelerating to catch up with the Mercenaries. Before the ships could reach weapons range though, a second Frigate analog reverted from Hyperspace. This one was a bit larger than it's cousin and it was accompanied by two Corvette analogs. Eighteen shards and four more blastboat sized craft dropped from the hull.

 

Jag wanted very much to let out a long string of curses but none seemed to fit quite right. The fighters they could defeat but the Frigates could be another story. "Any fighters carrying missiles launch a barrage at the Frigates in three... two... one... Fire!"

 

Defenders, Avengers, Gunboats and a few of the uglies launched concussion missiles and torpedoes. Half were shot down by the cloud of shards swarming out at them. Many others were picked off by the singularity defences but a handful got through, hulling or blasting the exteriors of the ships. The actual damage was minimal though.

 

"Break by flights and engage."

 

+ + +

 

"That second Frigate is going to complicate things." Mused Dorja as he watched the sensor feed. "And the enemy pilots look to be good. The Capital ships could be at a stalemate."

 

Sure enough, the Mercenary cruisers and the Sevanar reduced the speed of their approach. Attempting to water down the Frigates with long range fire.

"Damn it Devis that's not going to work in a fight like this." Cursed the Admiral as quietly as he could. Normal conservative tactics didn't seem to have any place in a battle with these Aliens. He had to hope the young Commander could make the right choices.

 

Wintle coughed lightly to get the Admiral's attention.

"Administrator Lane wishes to speak with you sir."

"What? Now?"

 

The Holoprojector activated showing the Administrator's head and some of his shoulders. "Mr.Lane the battle has just started in full. This isn't the best time."

 

"I'm contacting you to let you know that we're readying more Hyperdrive equipped fighters and a Corellian Gunship. It's up to you where they jump. They should be ready in another few minutes."

 

"Thank you Administrator. Any more force updates you have can be directed through Commander Wintle."

 

"There's one more thing. Information about the Aliens."

"What about them?"

 

"If we can drive these ships off I may have additional information on them for you later today."

 

Dorja glanced to Wintle and pointed to his chrono. The Commander held up three fingers in response.

 

"If you can get that to us in three hours or less fine, otherwise don't bother we'll be gone by then."

 

+ + +

 

Kyp swung the Tandem X-wing in behind one of the YuuzhanVong fighters the Imperials had taken to calling shards. The four Lasers cycled quickly on single fire pumping shot after shot of red beams into the space the fighter occupied. Each laser bolt was dragged into the defensive singularity positioned behind the fighter, protecting it completely. The Shard looped away to port revealing a plasma shot coming straight at them from one of the Frigates. Kyp barely managed to yank the controls to the side soon enough to save them and golden plasma glanced off the ventral shields.

 

"Watch it Kyp." Commed Octa. "That tandem is meant for bombing runs and Cap ship duty. It's not as maneuverable as an Interceptor."

 

The Jedi grimaced as he put the lumbering fighter through a long turn, taking pot-shots at fighters when he could. Danni turned and looked out the back window of the fighter and spotted a fighter coming up behind them. "Kyp behind us!"

 

Sensing Danni's surprise through the force he had already started to dodge by the time she said the fighter was behind them. He flipped the fighter up on it's Starboard S-foil and rolled in close to one of the Bayonet class light cruisers. A laser cannon on the cruiser tracked and fired at the pursuing Shard but the fighter had been expecting fire from the cruiser. It blocked or dodged any fire that came it's way then returned to the main engagement.

 

Not seeing any choice Kyp brought them around the edges of the engagement and joined up with Starry Frontier again. The second Z-95 ugly, the one not piloted by Octa, was dead in space it's cockpit burned completely off. The freighter now had a crater in the topside armour but seemed to be holding up.

 

"Cheyden what's your status?"

 

"We have shields back up now and the attack didn't breach the hull. We managed to shoot down one and wing another but lost our escort."

 

"We'll wait for Octa to rejoin us then make a run in at one of the blastboat sized lumps."

Before long Octa exited the swarm of fighters and took up formation with the freighter. Her fighter had taken a minor hit that had melted away a chunk of one wing.

 

"Those Imperial pilots are pretty good. The ones in the more maneuverable fighters are able to dodge most of the fire directed at them. Most of the Interceptors have the sense to hang around the shielded fighters to use them as cover."

 

"Yeah..." replied Kyp, glancing at sensors. "..but the Mercs are getting slaughtered out here in the time it takes them to kill one. The Imps are spending more time trying to not get killed than shooting."

 

In the middle of the dogfight a shielded Tie dodged the wrong way and was hit by plasma fire from a Blastboat analog. Three of the other blastboats had formed into a wedge formation and were starting to pick ships off one at a time, their combined defences able to protect them from most attacks.

 

"Ok we have to kill the other blastboats before they form up as well. Cheyden pick the closest one and head for it, we'll cover you."

 

The Corellian Freighter turned hard and accelerated straight toward the nearest enemy. The two fighters easily caught up to the freighter, spraying laser bolts towards enemies in it's way. The illegal quad lasers opened up when a pair of shards started to turn in their direction, forcing them to abandon their attack. Then their target was in range and Kyp launched a torpedo hoping to shake it up long enough for the quadlasers to do their work.

 

The missile disappeared down a singularity and so did most of the lasers but the combined fire from the three craft overpowered the defences and a handful of shots made it through to hit the vehicle body. Eventually the course of several lasers that had gone wide were pulled back by the mini black hole sending them into the blastboat's cockpit.

 

"One down a few more to go. Let's keep this up." Urged Kyp.

 

022

Edited July 1, 2007 by Defender_16

[Paul]

Good read as always dude. By the way Happy Easter my friend. - Grand Moff Conway

[DarthTex]

Good reading Def! I'm starting to remember more and more of the story now

[Defender_16]

Here we go! Tried to post earlier but couldn't stay awake long enough to.

 

+ + +

 

Jag was keeping an eye on the situation as it progressed even as he fought to stay out from under the guns of the alien ships all around. The Imperial fighters were starting to take damage just like the previous engagements but the Mercenary fighters had been reduced by nearly half. Worse, the capital ships were not closing to the truly effective ranges needed in a fight like this to perform damage. Unless something changed soon the aliens were going to win the starfighter battle and then rake the cruisers.

 

A light on the com board went off indicating he was being contacted on the command frequency. "Fel this is Dorja, don't respond. We're sending more fighters and an anti-starfighter corvette in soon. Be ready to take advantage. The other ships already know and are going to use the confusion to attack the Frigate analogs."

 

Noting the information away in the back of his mind Jag went into another hard turn to shake off a pursuer for the hundredth time. A stray plasma shot punched through the shields of the Gauntlet and melted away most of the wing laser that was equipped to the port side modular mount. The impact sent the Tie into a flat spin crushing Jag against the restraints.

 

By the time he levelled out the spin his speed had dropped sharply leaving him in path of an oncoming blastboat analog. Before the Alien ship could burn him down, three streams of red laser fire converged on it's side. Voids appeared in their path to absorb most of them but the blue tail of a torpedo flashed in front of the craft and detonated reducing it to rubble.

 

"Thanks for the assist." Commed Jag as a light freighter flew past escorted by two fighters.

"Don't mention it." Replied the freighter pilot. "Seriously it'll make me look bad."

 

Kicking the ion engines to full power and catching up with the group Jag watched as the quad lasers on the freighter menaced any vehicles that came near by. The inaccuracy and high rate of fire of the ship's weapons seemed to help it score minor hits. The damaged was just enough to make the alien fighters back off and think twice about engagement while there were easier targets nearby.

 

Commander Devis' voice came over the com. "All fighters, reinforcements will be arriving in... three... two... one."

And right on que a Corellien Gunship reverted from hyperspace flanked by two more squadrons of fighters. Eight Y-wing mark two's, and similar numbers of modified Tie Bombers and an Ugily variant built around an A-wing's sublight drives.

 

The Y-wings and bombers launched missiles and torpedoes at the dog fighting shards. The A-wing uglies waited until the missile barrage was away before heading in close behind. The Y-wing's, their turrets armed with different weapons packages, targeted the group of three blastboats. Laser, Ion cannon and even a few Turbolaser bolts flew in at the now hard pressed group of ships.

 

The Corellian Gunship went right down the middle of the engagement. Twenty four Laser cannon and sixteen Turbolasers sent blazing fire in all directions. Sevanar and Paragon wasted little time moving into position to protect the smaller ship from the Frigate analogs. Before long the two heavier ships had formed up together with the light cruisers flanking them while the Gunship made fast unpredictable orbits around and between them. When roughly two thirds of the shards and blastboats were dead hulks or debris floating in space the remainder pulled back to the Frigates.

 

"They're going to run." Warned Jag.

The two Frigates held their ground though, launching punishing salvos at the two heavier ships. With the Mercenary and Imperial fighters now forming up, Laser bolts started to penetrate the defensive voids more often.

Sevanar and Paragon both had forward shields doubled, leaving their aft exposed but letting them survive the hits they were taking. At the last moment the two Frigates split away from one another, the heavier withdrawing, the lighter damaged one heading straight in.

 

The surviving shards flocked to the larger ship and took their places in the pitted hull. With fighter opposition removed all Imperial and mercenary ships concentrated fire on the Frigate the aliens had sacrificed. Even with all of the fighters and ships pouring fire into it, the alien vessel still managed to batter down the shields of a Bayonet light cruiser and smash it's flaming hull into the diminutive ship.

 

The larger alien ship jumped to hyperspace headed back deeper into the areas out of contact with the Empire.

 

"This is Dorja to all Imperial ships, assist in rescue and recovery operations."

 

+ + +

 

Kyp, and Octa's fighters along with the Starry Frontier reverted to real space following their micro jump back across the system to Colony Two. They had opted out of rescue work claiming that their ships had sustained damage and that they needed to reach repair facilities in one of the colonies. It wasn't entirely a lie. Kyp's Tandem X-wing had taken more than mere shield damage from the Frigate's near miss. One of the ship's redundant engines had been scoured from the underside hull. The shields and inertial compensator were also badly worn out and in need of replacement.

 

The portside wing and engines on Octa's fighter were near the breaking point and the Starry Frontier was going to take days to fix. "They hit us so hard the cannons were knocked out of alignment in the quad laser turrets." Complained Cheyden.

"Leave them." Suggested Octa. "Your gunners seemed to have an easier time getting hits later on in the battle."

 

Kyp helped Danni down from the fighter once they landed. "Stay close, we won't be here long."

Some civilian hanger techs and mechanics wandered over to look at the battered ships as the pilots gathered near the base of the freighter's landing ramp. Starry Frontier's four man crew poured out as if they were half expecting the ship to explode. Noises like pops and pings could be heard as the hull cooled.

 

"What now?" Asked the young human skipper looking to Kyp.

 

"Now we wait for Lane. If he was paying attention at all while that battle went on he should be here soon."

 

While they waited a hanger mechanic came over. "Are you going to be having these ships fixed, or do them yourselves?"

 

"Well, I think we're going to sell the fighters. Toy, you and your crew can decide want you want to do. Perhaps you can sign on with the Mercenaries here until the colony evacuates."

 

"Evacuate?" Balked the mechanic. "I'm sure as the Sith not running away from here. It took enough running just to get here." The others shook their heads in agreement.

"You'll run from this system if you want to live." Pressed Octa.

 

Their conversation was interrupted by a SoroSuub Luxury Yacht 3000 entering the bay. It's name plate was painted out and any identifying features had been removed at first glance. Kyp knew where to look for the slightly larger bulges of advanced sensor packages and concealed weapons. Kyp and Octa with Danni trailing behind were already headed for the landing ramp as the ship's landing gear touched down.

 

When the ramp finally lowered the trio found themselves staring up at the impeccably dressed Colony Administrator, complete with a matching cape.

Danni spoke first. "How does the leader of a backwater colony like this have the money to pay for clothing like that!"

 

Lane put on his best smile and strode down the ramp to greet them. "So I see you've taken up helping Imperials for a living now. I never would have expected it of you."

 

Kyp shrugged. "If we hadn't then your colony might have been overrun, though that wasn't a big force."

 

"Well thank you for the help. Now, you said you had information about these Aliens."

 

"Yes. They call themselves the Yuuzhan Vong. They're from outside of the galaxy. Danni Quee here is... was a member of ExGal, they look for life outside of the galaxy. They found it or vice versa. Belkadan and Helska were some of the first places hit, we don't know what else."

 

"How long ago was that?"

 

"It took us a long time to get here. We stopped over at a dug-in base on the other side of Bimmiel for two weeks to hide out. They searched the system for several days then came back a week later. It might have taken us five weeks to get here total."

 

"When did you first encounter them?"

 

"Almost two weeks before that."

 

"I hope you have all of this on a datapad because I can't just tell the Imperials all of this straight out."

 

Danni handed Lane a datapack. "That has all of the data we gathered about the Aliens on it except for one thing." She looked to Kyp.

 

"The Yuuzhan Vong can't be felt or affected through the Force."

 

"Wait isn't that impossible? I thought all living things existed in the force."

 

"That was the theory. This may be a loophole. Now, we need the Lady Luck."

 

Lane glanced around to be sure no one was within hearing range. "Would you stop calling it that? You're going to get me caught. It's the Stardream now. I'm trying to be an honest businessman." As honest as one could be with the Empire running things.

 

"We need to reach Traest Kre'fey with this information and to do that we need to cross Imperial Space. Your ship is the only way to do it in time."

 

Lane sighed. "I'll have to talk to Tendra first but then I want you out of here as soon as possible. Use ID presets two and three once you leave the system. The Ardent has been doing sensor sweeps so stay behind the asteroids as much as possible."

 

023

Edited July 2, 2007 by Defender_16

[Defender_16]

+ + +

 

"Casualty reports sir." Said Wintle, handing the Admiral a datapad.

 

Dorja glanced at it then paged through the included damage reports.

"Nearly all fighters damaged again. Some completely destroyed others with cockpits shot out.... And one quarter of our pilots dead."

 

"Some of the pilots were able to eject." Reminded the Commander.

 

"Yes, and the Interceptors did better this time then in previous fights. Only four vehicle losses." The older man sighed. "It's still too high though. Our Gunboats have been halved and the shielded Tie/ln's were decimated. The only fighter to not take damage was the A-wing and it hardly fired a shot the whole time."

 

"It's too bad we can't buy that CR-110c Gunship that the Colony sent out. It seems like it would be a match for any Lancer II Frigate."

 

"No, they already lost one ship and I won't leave them defenceless if the aliens should return. The Carrack Cruisers should have enough point defence weapons to get us through to the fleet."

 

"Yes sir. The Sevanar reports that they should have starfighter debris recovered within the hour. The Tie Defenders and Assault Gunboats are going to micro jump back to our position so that more room is available in Sevanar's landing bay."

 

"Fine. Once our hyperdrive is online we can get out to the battle site and try to salvage a few more Tie parts from destroyed uglies. If the Merc’s have any problems with it tell them to have Lane contact me. Wait... didn’t Lane say he was going to contact me already?"

 

+ + +

 

"Fitz what's taking you so long over on Colony Two?" Asked Tendra over a secure com. "The Imperial Admiral wants to talk to you before he jumps out of the system."

 

"I had to deal with a few things. I'm afraid I won't be seeing my ship for a few weeks. Perhaps months."

 

"Dammit Fitz you promised me! You said the Rebellion was in the past and that it wasn't going to interfere with us here."

 

"I'm sorry Tendra, I'll make it up to you. This is big and I owed them."

 

"Just call the Admiral so he isn't breathing down my neck. I have evacuations to organise. People are nearing panic over here since the battle."

 

"It's the same here. I'll catch a shuttle over to the main colony after I make that call."

 

"Stay safe."

 

"You too."

 

+ + +

 

The Ardent's Operations officer had been calling out systems updates to the navigator for the last few minutes. "Hyperdrive primary check complete, beginning check of secondary power feeds."

 

"Sirs, call coming in for the Admiral. It's Administrator Lane."

 

A sense of urgency was starting to nag at the back of Dorja’s mind, that they needed to get under way in a hurry. "Put it through on the main display. We've waited long enough."

 

Lane's image materialised at the front of the bridge a few steps away from the Admiral.

"Get to it Lane, we have to get out of here."

 

"I'm sorry it took so long, I needed to see a contact of mine who had recently returned. I'm transmitting the data I picked up to you now. The Aliens call themselves the Yuuzhan Vong and are believed to be from another galaxy. An Imperial science station that was part of the ExGal program detected what is believed to be the first of their ships entering the galaxy at least two months ago."

 

"A species from beyond the galaxy? That shouldn't be possible, the galaxy is surrounded by a giant hyperspace disturbance. I know, I've been to the edge of the galaxy."

 

"Well in either case that's where my information says they're from. They are humanoid and utilize a sort of... living technology." He stopped to re-check a few more points of information he'd made. "They also seem to have a severe technophobia and may be somewhat religious."

 

The Communications officer gave the Admiral and Commander a thumbs up sign from the crew pit.

"We have the last of your transmission now. Is there anything else we need to know that can't wait for us to read the report?"

 

"Yes two things. They are fierce fighters on the ground and can easily kill with their bare hands. They also seem to have some way of mimicking human appearance. One infiltrated an ExGal station for an undetermined period of time. More than half a year."

 

"Are they some kind of shape shifter race?"

 

"No. The source described it as a sort of second skin."

 

Dorja threw Wintle a concerned look. "We could be in trouble." He mused for a second or two trying to think of the possibilities. "Um... get a Doctor to check both of our prisoners. Make sure they have escorts. And tell the medics I want checks of everyone that hasn't had a full physical while aboard."

 

"Aye sir!"

 

"Mr. Lane thank you for the help, we need to be going."

 

"I understand Admiral. Luck be with you."

The hologram flickered and disappeared.

 

"Flight control do we have the Defenders and Gunboats aboard yet?"

 

"Yes sir, they just came aboard."

 

"Good. Helm take us out near the battle site. Jump there when we get our Hyperdrive online."

 

"Yes sir."

 

+++

 

Jag flew CAP in his still damaged Gauntlet along with the A-wing fighter. The small debris field was mostly centered around the destroyed Bayonet Cruiser and Frigate analog. Some of the recovery shuttles, when not busy hauling pieces of tie craft to a point near the Sevanar, were gathering pieces of the enemy Frigate.

 

Ardent reverted above the assembled ships followed soon after by the two old Carrack Cruisers. Support and recovery vehicles launched and headed for the debris near Ardent while an AT-AT transport went for the pieces of the Alien Frigate. Fighters capable of limited flight launched from Sevanar and headed for the Ardent's main bay.

 

A voice came over the com.

"Ardent Flight control to Colonel Fel."

 

"Fel here."

"You and your wing are ordered to return to the Ardent and prepare for hyperspace transition."

"Acknowledged."

 

As he came about Jag scanned the surviving Mercenary fighters. Most of the second wave's vehicles were unhurt, being either more manoeuvrable or heavily shielded. The first wave was in a sorry state. Of the two squadrons sent into the battle early, only eight fighters remained.

 

The Light freighter and escort fighters that had saved him earlier were nowhere to be seen. He hadn't seen the vehicle shot down and there was no debris matching a Corellian freighter. When he checked back through the sensor logs it showed the ships fleeing into hyperspace moments after the battle. In the direction of one of the other Mining Colonies. Com logs showed they had backed out of recovery duty due to heavy damage.

 

"Their damage wasn't was as severe as they claimed. I may need to speak with the Admiral about them later."

 

Jag settled his fighter into a launch rack aboard Ardent and powered down. Another battle past, now they just had to get to an Imperial strong point. Just another day or two.

 

+ + +

 

The Lady Luck cleared the last few of the asteroids that had been shielding them from the Imperial sensors, but also preventing a clear hyperspace jump.

 

"Plot a series of jumps that will take us to the Tion Hegemony." Instructed Kyp. "I know a contact there that can show us the fastest way to Kre'fey."

 

Once the sleek Luxury liner had entered hyperspace Kyp left the controls and went back to the luxurious cabins to find Danni. Despite the rings of tiredness under her eyes she sat upright on the edge of a bed waiting. "What happens to me when we get to... to wherever it is we're going?"

 

"That will depend on the Admiral and you. If the Admiral thinks you can be of any help to us he'll ask you to stay. If you want to leave we can set you down some place after where you can easily reach authorities. It could turn out to be dangerous either for you or us to let the Empire get hold of you. You have force potential and one of the Emperor's minions will want to either train you as an apprentice or kill you off."

 

Danni lowered her head. "What if I'm a threat to you some how?"

 

"We'd find a safe house on some world for you that you couldn't leave. Maybe a moisture farm on Tatooine." Kyp smiled reassuringly. "It wouldn't be so bad, no big crowds since you don't really like to be around a lot of people. Lots of open space..."

 

Something clicked in for a second as Danni realised she'd never told any of the Rebels about why she left the Core regions. "Get out of my head!" She yelled at Kyp putting her arms over her head as if she could ward off the mental intrusions.

 

Kyp grimaced. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that." He approached slowly, hand outstretched. "It's ok I won't do that again."

 

"Get away from me!" She screamed as she jumped back to the room's wall. Every negative thing she had ever heard about Jedi boiling to the forefront of her mind creating a barrier of thoughts and memories a lesser trained force user wouldn't have been able to easily penetrate. Kyp was about to push past those barriers and force her to calm down but changed his mind. He slowly backed toward the doorway, hands raised.

 

"I'm sorry." He repeated them stepped out the door and headed back to the cockpit. He couldn't believe how stupid he'd been pulling a stunt like that.

 

Octa looked up when he entered and took a seat having noticed the turbulent emotions he was putting out. "What did you do? You weren’t back there ten minutes."

 

"Nothing."

"I hope you didn't just make a pass at her."

"I said it was nothing. Now lets see if we can shave off some travel time."

 

024

Edited July 2, 2007 by Defender_16

[Paul]

Good read Defender, a nice return home gift. I just got home from the hospital dude. Another operation. Anyway keep the story coming my friend. - Grand Moff Conway

[nordwindranger]

good stuff. perhaps the rebs are having second thoughts about helping the vong..

[Rolladogg]

Coming up to my favorite part.

[Defender_16]

Some of this meeting isn't as well structured as I would like but I haven't figured out a way to improve it.

Sooo... it was Violet for Rebels right?

 

+ + +

 

Garm Bel Iblis stood facing the gathered Rebel Commanders of the Kathol Sector. He was the oldest in the room, the only surviving 'old Rebel' left in this group. They all knew why they were here. Most had dropped everything and rushed here as fast as possible when they had been told that The General was planning an operation.

 

This wasn't a regular operation though. This one would have effects reaching well out of the sector. Evidence of this was clear especially with a thin plain faced man none of them had met before accompanying the General.

 

"I'm sorry I had to call you back so quick." said Iblis, conversing with Jaden Kral the 'representative' that had approached him a week before. "I didn't expect to be ready so soon to be honest."

 

"That's quite alright. These sorts of surprises are always welcome ones."

 

Iblis turned to face those sitting or standing around the room's circular holo conference table and cleared his throat loudly.

 

"We'll skip most of the formalities today and get straight into it. This is Jaden Kral, a representative of a group that wishes to take a crack at defeating the Empire."

 

There were a few chuckles from those assembled but the old warrior pushed on. "I'm quite serious about this. Their group claims to be responsible for the combined attacks on Imperial Hypercom transmission and relay centers. Kral has given me details concerning the extent of the resulting com blackouts and Iella has confirmed most of them."

 

Iblis looked to each in the room. "They would like our allegiance but will settle for a non-aggression pact for the time being. I can't offer an Alliance unless the heads of the other major Rebel groups and factions agree."

 

“My group is patient enough to wait.â€

Edited July 2, 2007 by Defender_16

[Paul]

Good read though I hate the rebel scum. LOL Keep it coming Defender my friend. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

+ + +

 

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h293/Defender_16/Musteringthefleet2.jpg

 

A Mark Three Victory Destroyer reverted to real space in the emptiness between stars half way between Agamar and Yaga Minor. Dozens of smaller ships, cruisers, frigates and Corvettes snapped into reality all around it. Then Imperial Star Destroyers and more Victory Destroyers followed, eventually culminating in the arrival of the command ship Superior. Two giant Imperial symbols graced the hull to either side of the bridge tower, laid out in green tinted metal against the ship's gleaming hull.

 

High Admiral Burgan surveyed his fleet's progress from the bridge then turned to his friend.

"You were right, this is taking longer than planned."

 

Richardson shrugged. "I hate it when I'm right, it usually means something bad has happened."

 

The Admiral sat down in his command chair.

"What's the status of Task Force Two? Are they being held up queuing through the hyperspace lanes like we are?"

 

"It doesn't look that way. They may be ahead of schedule. I read somewhere that Admiral Ackron is some kind of Hyperspace wave guide expert. Good at figuring out how close together and in what formations he can jump his ships. It keeps large groups like this moving smoothly."

 

Burgan growled. "This is turning into a mess keeping ships in formation. Easier for the closer Star Destroyers but not much else. All we can manage is a screening formation with the support ships to keep them out of the way."

 

"We could have gone in with an all large ship force. Less to organise."

 

"No. This fleet gives us flexibility depending on what we find. We just need to make the best of it."

He paused and thought a moment.

"Contact Ackron. If we haven't caught up to him by the time he's one jump out from the target, he's to hold and wait for us to get into position."

 

"Understood."

 

+ + +

 

The Swirl of Hyperspace dissipated as Ardent dropped into real space. All three escorts were in their assigned positions, Sevanar just ahead and below and the Carrack Cruisers to either side of the Destroyer.

 

Dorja paced to the front of the bridge, hands clasped behind his back.

"We're getting closer Commander, I can feel it. A few more hours and we can stand down for a month or so."

 

"We have two jumps left sir. Total travel time works out to fourteen hours."

 

"Good. How are we doing with checking for infiltration?"

 

"Neither of our prisoners appear to have anything wrong with them, and the medics have started into physicals on different crew members."

 

"That should take what, a couple of weeks to complete?"

 

"Yes. We also have to do checks on the pilots that came over from the Right to Rule."

 

"Pilots... speaking of pilots, do we have enough? I know that the techs have been putting vehicles back together from debris."

 

The Commander checked his datapad.

"They've finished a second A-wing and repaired the Gauntlet that had it's wing pylon shot out at Gravlex Med. Repairs have been completed on most of the Interceptors that survived the last fight and six more have been rebuilt."

 

"That gives us... eleven Interceptors and seven Gauntlets."

 

"Yes sir. Also the work on the Defenders will be finished before we get to Agamar."

 

"That's good news. Tell the techs that if they can get it done I want both the Assault Gunboat's up as well."

 

"Hyperspace reversion detected!" Yelled the sensors officer.

 

Both of the senior officers turned. "What have we got and how much?"

 

"One Xg-5 Star Wing, standard Assault Gunboat. It's noticed us and has changed course to intercept."

 

Dorja walked over to stand near the com officers station. "Hail it. Commander ready some alert fighters."

 

"Aye."

 

The Com officer held a hand to one ear. "Star Destroyer Ardent to incoming Assault Gunboat please respond and state your intentions."

 

"This is Gunboat Four off of the Destroyer Entor. I am being pursued by some kind of mobile Asteroid. It's followed me through two jumps and I've been cut off from my ship. Over."

 

It was at that moment that two Corvette Analogs reverted just behind the Gunboat. Their plasma cannon started throwing globs of orange fire within seconds.

 

"Quick! You have to tell the Admiral before the strike fleet gets to Yaga Minor! You can- AAAGHH-" The com was filled with static as the plasma shots connected with the unshielded fighter causing it to exploded.

 

"Shields to full! Target those corvettes!"

 

At the Admiral's command, bright green Turbolaser bolts poured forth from all four ships. But the Corvettes were out of range and easily dodged the fire before fleeing into hyperspace. Dorja slammed a fist against a nearby console.

 

Wintle was quickly at the Admiral's side. "Sorry sir. We have eight fighters prepping to launch but it would have taken us five minutes. Even if we'd known..."

 

"I know, there's nothing we could have done, he was too far away."

The older man stopped and took several deep breath's to steady himself.

"Change of plans, we're going back to Yaga Minor."

 

"Sir?"

 

"There's an Imperial strike fleet headed in towards Yaga Minor. I want to get to them before the enemy does. We have to go ourselves, we have no idea where that Gunboat's carrier is or even it it's still around."

 

"Alright." Wintle walked over to the edge of the crew pit. "Navigation, plot the fastest direct route to Yaga Minor and plot likely routes that a fleet would take from Agamar to the same place."

 

"So much for a vacation." Wintle muttered under his breath once his orders were being carried out.

 

026

Edited July 3, 2007 by Defender_16

[DarthTex]

Good job Def! About how many more posts until we're caught up with the original story?

[Defender_16]

16 or 17 posts I think. That whole thing on Garqi stretched out longer than I wanted it to.

 

I'll be gone to a wedding for the next 3 days so you'll just have to hang in for more.

 

 

...no I'm not making 3 posts in a row before I go.

[Paul]

Good job Defender. Hope you have a good time at the wedding. - Grand Moff Conway