[Tales of] The New Sith Order (Redux)

[Paul]

Defender I found the above utterly disgusting AND YES I did see the droid operator run - but got my Stormtrooper detachment to blast him. -lol - Grand Moff Conway

[DarthTex]

Defender I found the above utterly disgusting

Don't worry Paul,

 

Khan Noonien Singh said:

Ah Kirk, my old friend. Do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? It is very cold in space.

 

And there's a lot of "space" in the SW galaxy to fill with revenge!

[Defender_16]

Can't concentrate enough at 1 AM to do any writing. Stupid work. If I spelled any character names wrong BEAK me so I can edit it.

 

+++

 

Captain Nalgol paced the command walkway of Tyrannic. Four Imperial class Star Destroyers had fled, had simply run away, from a group of mere Rebels. In all fairness though the Rebels had brought along the two most powerful Warships the Mon Cal had ever built. And those Ugly starfighters they'd used...

 

"Sensors have you begun an analysis of the starfighters employed by the Rebel forces?"

"No, sir."

"Begin one immediately. Com, when we come out of hyperspace for our next course change contact the Strike Cruiser Brigandine and our remaining Carrack Cruisers. Send them to the sectors surrounding Bothan space and deliver warnings about heavy Rebel activity. They'll have a much harder time expanding their foothold if all of the nearest sectors are on alert."

 

Nalgol considered the state of the sector fleet that had occupied Bothan space. Some systems in the sector were more remote and without hypercom wouldn't know for some time that they'd been cut off. The Moffs in the surrounding sectors would probably hoard their ships and Destroyers for their own defence rather than risk losing valuable warships away from home.

 

Tyrannic reverted to real space at the rear of the Destroyer formation. A handful of the smaller ships changed course after receiving their orders and headed off into Hyperspace. "Make our course for Druckenwell, best possible speed. First we alert the fleet and then... on to crushing Rebels."

 

+++

 

Traest Kre'fey looked out the viewports at the Bothan Homeworld. Space in orbit was a riot of activity. Starfighters, recovery shuttles and transports all competed for room. The Galactic Venture had finally arrived on station more than an hour after the Imperial retreat. The old Corellian Smuggler that captained her was now helping to organise efforts at the main spaceport. He seemed to thrive on chaos...

 

One of his cousins from the Fey'lya side of the family had come aboard soon after the capital was secure. He was one of the last few alive that knew where the last Bothan government had hidden the remaining incomplete Bothan Assault Cruisers. Supposedly there had been a shortage of weapons and equipment needed to finish the ships three years before. Knowing that they'd need the ships soon, even if they weren’t finished, the Admiral has sent both MC-90 cruisers off with his cousin.

 

Booster and Karrde had both promised before hand to move civilian ships into the sector carrying the Turbolaser and weapons stores that they'd set aside over the years. Now techs and mechanics were madly grafting the weapons onto any ship that the fleet could get their hands on. The Bothan prayed that they had enough time to gather support.

 

+++

 

The Rebel infantry squad advanced through the city into one of the residential blocks. It was an Imperial designed area but many locals still chose to live there due to the low costs. One Bothan in the group, wearing a Pilot's uniform activated the buildings public address system.

 

"To the Residents to D block, this is Colonel Asyr Sei'lar of the Rebel Alliance military. Today, the Empire is gone from your homes. But we need your support if you want them to stay away. If you have any weapons or credits to spare please donate them. Any credits that you can donate will be used to buy ships and weapons to defend Bothan space from the coming Imperial counter attack.

If you have any mechanical or technical skills, please feel free to volunteer for work at the space port. We need your help to prepare our fleet and the planet's defences for the Imperial response. Any way that you can help would be greatly appreciated.

For any of those whishing to join the rebellion itself and fight in defence of your home, there is a recruitment station now open on the southern side of the space port."

 

Sei'lar deactivated the address system and looked over to the Rebel Sergeant in charge of the squad escorting her.

"Do you think this is really working?"

The Human wearing modified scout armour shrugged. "I've heard over the com that people are starting to filter into the recruitment station. Some Mechanics have shown up at the space port already, some even offering the use of their repair bays."

 

"Will it be enough?"

"You know that better than I do Mam."

 

Asyr's comlink chirped. "Kre'fey to Sei'lar, report."

 

"We're leaving D block and moving on," she replied, lifting the com to her mouth.

 

"Pick up the pace if you can. Some mercenary groups are already starting to arrive and we don't have enough money yet to actually pay for their services."

 

"Roger that. I can try to get some money from my family's accounts if we need it right away but you'll have to try to stall them."

 

"I'm having Booster take care of it, he's put people in charge at the spaceport to get it under control. We need to move the bulk of the fleet soon. I want you at the Kothlis staging point. We're still trying to decide who to leave in command here."

 

"Corran has enough experience but I don't really know what kind of anti-human sentiment there is on the ground."

 

"I'll get a speech writer to help him out and leave Aril Nunb in command of the Destroyers. She can back him up if need be. Now get up to the Ralroost, we're leaving later today."

 

+++

 

More than two days after their arrival at Druckenwell the Tyrannic and her fleet continued to wait. Nalgol was becoming impatient which was annoying by itself. "A noble of Kuat should have better self control." He muttered under his breath. Still, they were called rapid response fleets for a reason and travel down the Corellian Run normally took very little time.

 

At long last ships emerged from Hyperspace.

The Sensors officer spoke up. "ISDII High Order and two Victory Destroyer Upgrades are now coming on station sir."

 

"We're being hailed, sir," said Com.

"Put it on loudspeakers," replied Nalgol as he made his way to the forward station.

 

"This is Inquisitor Halmere aboard High Order to sector fleet survivors. Respond at once."

 

Nalgol reached the forward station. "Com put me through."

The holo image of the Inquisitor had not finished resolving itself before the Captain began speaking, guessing that the other man wanted answers fast.

"This is Captain Nalgol aboard Tyrannic of the Bothan Sector Fleet. Awaiting your command Inquisitor."

 

"We received word that your fleet had been forced from it's duties by Rebels. What was the largest force you encountered?"

 

Nalgol swallowed. "Two Mon Cal Heavy Cruisers, three light Destroyers, a Bothan Cruiser and dozen or more support ships."

 

The Inquisitor nodded deeply in thought, strands of blond hair starting to turn white straying out from beneath his hood. He looked up, a gleam of something between madness and determination glinting in his eye.

 

"The Imperial response fleet will arrive here shortly. You may file your full report with General Turr Phennir upon his arrival. There has been some delay due to... other activity."

 

Nalgol nodded enthusiastically. General Phennir had made a career of fighting and killing Rebels and had risen through the ranks in Soontir Fel's 181st. Though a Tie Pilot through and through the man had a solid grasp of Capital ship tactics as well.

"Do you know if we can expect a Sovereign, Inquisitor? With just one of those ships we could recover the remaining ships in the sector fleet and destroy the Rebels once and for all."

 

The skin around one of the Inquisitor's eyes tightened. "Unfortunately Captain I sent the only Sovereign available to me out to the Sluis sector to deal with reports of increasing rebellion there. Another will not be available for some time. Now, attend to your duties Captain..."

The hologram winked out.

 

"...and I will attend to mine." said Halmere into the darkness of his personal chamber.

 

060

Edited November 2, 2007 by Defender_16

[Paul]

Defender this is getting even better, keep up the good work. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

You can tell I got a day off work when...

 

 

+++

 

The Ralroost and her sister ship, another partially completed Bothan Cruiser, dropped out of hyperspace in high orbit of Bothawui. Ralroost's crew had finished making the newer ship essentially space worthy in record time and more importantly had installed her hyperdrive. The larger crews of both MC-90 Heavy Cruisers were working overtime to outfit the remaining Bothan Assault Cruisers.

 

"Kre'fey to Bothawui control, please direct Cruiser 'Pride of Kothlis' to a parking orbit for maintenance."

 

"Bothawui control, order acknowledged Admiral. Please be advised that a representative of the Smuggler's Alliance has been attempting to contact you."

 

"Understood. I'll take care of it."

 

Kre'fey glanced over his shoulder. "Com, see if you can find the Wild Karrde in orbit somewhere and put me through to them."

 

After a few minutes of bouncing signals off of orbital Com satellites the officer looked up.

"Signal is going through sir."

 

The bearded Information broker and smuggler kingpin that was Booster's partner appeared in the Holo display.

"Karrde here, I've got the ships that you wanted and a few other things besides."

 

"Thank the force." The Bothan Admiral exclaimed out loud. "Make for the main spaceport. We're bringing in weapons shipments there."

 

"Already way ahead of you. I do have a few 'mission specific' modules that the Heavy lifters still need to bring down from orbit though. Any idea on placement?"

 

"Horn should be on the ground, talk to him. Has Booster given any word on how things are working out with the Mercenaries?"

 

Karrde shrugged. "You don't have enough money to pay for all of them just yet but Booster gave them his word that they'd be paid eventually one way or another. Rumours are starting to circulate about the salvage price on Imperial ships. After he calmed most of them down about the whole matter Booster dropped his starfighter wing and left the system. That was nearly an hour after I arrived in system."

 

"Do you know what he's up to?"

 

"I'll bet he went to get the rest of his fighters. It'll help."

Karrde chuckled. "Have you seen the capital's space port by the way? They're starting to force Starfighters to park out in nearby fields and ground lanes."

 

"I hope Booster looked into how all of those fighters are going to refuel before he left."

 

Karrde glanced to the side of the screen for a moment and then brought is attention back to the Admiral, his face serious.

 

"Some of my sources have spotted a major Imp taskforce forming up on the Corellian Run. More than twenty heavies plus support."

 

"Any signs of Superweapons?"

 

"None. Either the Imperials believe one isn't necessary... or one just isn't available."

 

"Iblis." Kre'fey muttered. "Is there any way we can warn the Corellian General?"

 

"Not before his own intel network finds out about it."

 

"How long until the Imperial fleet hits us?"

 

"Two or three days at the most. You should start preparing for recon flights."

 

"I suppose a week was all we could hope for. This has to work Karrde. The Empire hits us faster and harder each time we try to come back and restart the fight."

 

"If we fail this time it'll be more than a generation before anyone try's again."

 

+++

 

General Turr Phennir marched onto the bridge of the Command class Super Star Destroyer 'Blade of the Empire.' Her sister ship, Anguish, cruised ahead and to port. He continued up the command walkway to the forward viewports. Sixteen Imperial class Destroyers surrounded his two most powerful ships, with four more from the Bothan Sector fleet towards the front of the formation and the Inquisitor's hanging back toward the rear. Ten Victory Destroyers, a dedicated Droid fighter Carrier and a host of support ships rounded out the fleet.

 

He put his hand up to the tansparisteel viewport and examined the thickness of it's inner and outer layers. Twenty years ago at Endor he'd seen an A-wing Starfighter sheer clean through the viewport of the Executor. Admiral Piett had been killed instantly, and it must have been through an act of the Emperor himself that the great ship hadn't fallen out of orbit when her controls went awry. As it was, Chimera, Devastator and Virulience had only barely stabilised the huge Destroyer with their Tractor beams.

 

These days the bridge viewports of dedicated command ships were designed to survive a suicide attack. Most of those types of attacks anyways.

 

The General's aid approached, stirring him from his thoughts.

"The latest Tie simulation scores sir."

 

The General picked up the pad and scrolled down the list glancing over the averages for each unit.

"Is this all of them?"

 

"Yes sir."

"These scores are against the programs I assigned? All of them?"

 

"Yes sir." The Junior officer repeated.

 

Phennir held up the datapad and waved it slightly. "With these results either all of our Pilots are good enough to fly against Vader and Fel at the heights of their careers, or someone turned down the difficulty levels."

 

"There were some complaints that came in from some squadron commanders sir, insisting that the difficulty was set too high for pilots to get any lengthy experience with it."

 

"You may tell the pilots that each simulation is based off of actual battles. I realise that not all of our pilots are up to 181st standards," said the General turning to look out the viewport again. "...but we need to get those that are capable up to the level where they'll survive."

 

Phennir handed the datapad back to his aid. "Reset the scores. The Inquisitor has insisted that we attack the Bothan Homeworld within the next three days, our people have that long to prepare. Whatever new simulations are being prepared based off the information from the sector fleet survivors, either double the Rebel numbers or their difficulty settings."

 

The aid waited, silently guessing what Phennir would say next.

"Preferably both." The General said at last.

 

061

Edited November 2, 2007 by Defender_16

[Paul]

Defender,

My side had better do well in the coming battle my friend lol. Good work man. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

+++

 

Halmere sat in his meditation chamber aboard the Destroyer High Order. Even those who used the Dark side needed to concentrate when it came to the more powerful works.

The Emperor and Darth Vader had given him the mission of tracking down the powerful Kyp Durron. The events that lead from the boy's rise from the spice mines of Kessel to one of the most powerful enemies of the Emperor were an embarrassment to the Order. Worst of all, the escaped dark Jedi -for that was truly what he was- had gone on to train other apprentices not nearly so tainted by the dark side.

 

Durron was the opposite of Halmere, a Dark Jedi trying to move towards the light. But the long path to the light was a long one with many stumbling points. If he could wait and watch for the right opportunity, push when anger was trying to take him, Durron might fall. The other Jedi that had gathered to the Rebellion were all of rather mediocre power by comparison. With their only potential Jedi master out of the way the others would fall one by one just as with the other Jedi purges before.

 

It would take all of his power and concentration to try and tilt the slope on which Durron stood in the coming battle. His target would be there, the Emperor had been able to determine that Kyp would be at Bothawui for a large battle. It was one of the few hint's anyone had been able to glean from the Force about the Rogue's whereabouts in more than a year.

 

Halmere opened one of the sealed cases in his meditation chamber. In it was one of the crystals that has been discovered through the efforts of Dessan. They could act as something of a force reserve to help stave off weariness when used in battle. The difficult part was charging them. It was rumoured among his servants that the Emperor had been conducting larger and larger experiments with them, trying to find new ways to expand his already near limitless power.

 

Thinking about those things were for later though. He sat back and focused on filling the small force receptive crystal in front of him with his rage, his anger and most importantly his feeling of power.

 

+++

 

Blade of the Empire reverted to hyperspace at the edge of Bothan Space.

Recon units of Carrack Cruisers equipped with Assault Gunboats jumped to hyperspace on different headings. Each ship would check one of the likely star systems in the sector for the presence of the rebel fleet. Once that was known the Imperial fleet would strike accordingly.

 

"We have to destroy as many of the Rebel in one swift strike as possible." Mused Phennir, once again looking out the viewports of his command ship. It had taken him awhile to realise it at first, but when he'd been transferred to shipboard command looking from a ship's viewports was much like looking out from a Tie Cockpit.

The Inquisitor hadn't contacted him since before they left the Corellian Run so he intended to follow his last orders. 'Engage the Rebel fleet within three days time.'

 

Reports started to come in from the surrounding sectors. Most had reported a flurry of Rebel activity over the past week or more but much of it had quieted over the past few days.

 

Hours after the fleet's arrival on station, the scout ships began to return.

"Scouts report that a large rebel force remains at Bothawui sir." The General's aid finally reported. "Three Victory Destroyers, the Bothan Cruiser-Carrier and some converted freighters."

 

"How many starfighter squadrons were present?"

 

"It's difficult to tell sir, a large number of them appear to be groundside. From what we've been able to determine there are close to twenty squadrons augmented with another ten squadrons of rebuilt Tie Starfighters.

 

"Ten Squadrons?!"

 

"Yes sir, six appear to be older Tie/ln and four more are Tie Interceptor. The interceptors may have been captured from Squadrons left behind by the retreating sector fleet. As for the older Tie Starfighters, there were no reports of them being used in the invasion of the sector. It's likely they were being held in reserve."

 

"And these are the Rebels so they'll have equipped nearly all of them with at least rudimentary shields." This could be difficult.

'Where are the Mon Cal's?"

 

"They haven't been found yet sir."

 

"And the Pirate Cruiser?"

 

"Last reported outside of the sector just yesterday."

 

Phennir contemplated the sort of Tactics the Rebels might use.

"...Eighteen squadrons between those three missing ships. They're valuable enough that I doubt the Rebels would let them travel alone."

 

The sensors officer down in the crew pit spoke up. "Sir, unscheduled hyperspace reversions detected... It's a small rebel strike group. Corvettes and Gunships."

 

"They may have followed our scout ships back." Suggested the General's aid.

 

"Possible, but it's more likely that they've been searching for us." Phennir raised his voice slightly so that everyone in the crew pit could hear.

"Put the fleet on alert and scramble starfighters to intercept the Rebel group. I want a Strike Cruiser and two Carrack Cruisers to make a close pass on the Rebel starships. When our ships begin to engage, have our Interdictor activate gravity wells."

 

"Rebel Corvette group is staying near the edge of our maximum Gravity well range."

 

The Imperial General cursed. "We're going to suffer hit and fade attacks until we hit the Rebel main fleet. They're hoping to wear down our numbers before that happens."

 

062

Edited November 3, 2007 by Defender_16

[Paul]

Keep it coming dude. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

+++

 

The modified Corellian Corvette 'Flight Stream' launched another custom built two stage cruise missile at the Imperial fleet. The first stage consisted of a cheap repulsor unit coupled with a set of thrusters. The second stage was a Heavy Rocket with an optical sensor jury rigged to point the missile towards anything Star Destroyer shaped. The Rockets weren't much faster than the average starfighter meaning the Imperials could shoot them down, but it distracted the ties from the Rebel fighters.

 

The turbolasers on the Wild Karrde winged an Interceptor that had slipped past the fighter screen of IRD's. Karrde's command ship hung near the Marauder Corvette making up the center of the Rebel strike group's formation. Two Corellian Gunships held the flanks and helped to chase off the worst of the Tie squadrons. A mixed flight from Wraith Squadron and a Deathseed squadron rounded out the group.

 

"We've got a few Imp capital ships coming out to say hello.â€

Edited June 4, 2007 by Defender_16

[Paul]

Good post Defender. So when do we Imperials kick rebel scum butt? lol - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

We're getting closer... Clooooser...

 

 

+++

 

Turr Phennir's Destroyer Fleet reverted to realspace in the Bothan home system. Rebel raids had continued to plague them though every jump on the way here. Not long after their arrival in system the Nebulon B Frigate that had been harassing them the most jumped in and resumed it's work.

 

The other corvettes and converted freighter that had also been attacking them were some distance ahead of the fleet and heading for the Bothan Capital. Other Rebel ships showed up on the sensor screen, the vast majority of them were heading for the planet, including the Three Victory Destroyers and Bothan Cruiser.

 

"Deploy a Starfighter screen, one third of our total force. Flight co-ordinator, begin six hour rotations."

"Aye sir."

 

"When we begin full deployment I want two squadrons of Defenders and four Squadrons of Gauntlets covering each of the Command ships."

 

"Understood sir. Shall we have our A-9's trade off with the I-7's dealing with the A-wings?"

"A good suggestion. Similar rotations as with the rest of our fighters, carry on."

 

The Taskforce slowly made for a high orbit above Bothawui. The Rebels retreated ahead of them the entire way. A few last fast freighters reached the relative safety of the planetary gravity well before the Imperial fleet reached orbit. An empty container transport jumped away from the far side of the planet headed for Kothlis.

 

"Rebel Destroyers and cruisers pulling back below the level of the Planetary shields."

 

"Are they hoping for a siege?" The General wondered out loud. "Sensors high intensity scans of the entire surface."

 

"The Capital appears to have been heavily fortified with Rebel troops. The Rebel space forces look to be pulling back to the south of the city."

 

"Hoping we won't bombard the civilians to dust no doubt. How many human life signs remain in the city?"

 

"Approximately the same as before the Rebel invasion, with the exception of our garrison bases."

 

The fleet closed in on the planet until they reached a high orbit. A few Carrack and Strike class Cruisers spread out to enforce a loose blockade around the planet.

"Edges of our formation now entering planetary gravity well."

 

"Hold the fleet at this altitude for now. Communications, any signs of the remaining Rebel ships from our scouts?"

 

"None sir, but there's a lot of empty space between systems for the Rebels to hide in."

 

"Agreed. Groundside status?"

 

"Planetary shields are at full power sir. We can bring them down with a bombardment but it will take most of the fleet."

 

"Have our Victory Destroyers, eight Imperial Destroyers and a light cruiser screen move into bombardment range of the planet. Move half of our Lancer Frigates into a position to support them. The remainder of the fleet will deploy to protect the bombardment force from any surprise attacks by the missing ships."

 

"Sir," asked the com officer, "where would you like our command ships placed?"

 

"Keep both Super Star Destroyers, the carriers and the Inquisitor's ship at the center of the fleet, between both screening forces."

 

+++

 

Corran Horn looked at the hologram of Aril Nunb as she relayed the movements of the Imperial fleet to the commanders on the ground. "The Imp fleet is redeploying for bombardment. About half the fleet is being held back to cover them." She paused and continued in a more joking tone. "I guess they noticed a few of our ships were missing."

 

Corran rolled his eyes. "We'll have to see what it takes for them to reconsider how much of their force we're worth then."

 

Karrde looked between the starfighter commander and the Rear Admiral's Hologram. "We still have to be careful, your old Dreadnaughts are still on the ground and it takes a few minutes to disconnect them from the planetary shield grid."

 

Corran shook his head. "We have to keep them on the ground if we want to shields to hold up for the last few minutes of their bombardment."

"I agree." Added Nunb. "Those cruisers will do better after the battle is joined then they would in a head to head with the bombardment force. The Mon Cal's never got around to upgrading them with redundant systems."

 

"Since you two both seem set on our current course I'll go make sure the one sixty one's are free of any last minute sabotage."

 

"Thank you Karrde, for everything." Said Corran. "I'll see you in orbit."

 

"I hope not," replied the smuggler as he walked away. "If I do it mean's I've picked you up after ejecting to annoy Booster once again."

 

After Karrde was out of earshot Corran turned back to the holo projector.

"Any news from Kre'fey?"

Nunb shook her head. "He won't risk the chance that the Imperial fleet might pick up the transmission. We already sent our distress signal of course."

 

Corran bowed his head in thought.

"Are you a sabbac player?"

 

Nunb shook her head. "Most Sullustans arn't gamblers, but I watched a few of the others play in my stint in Rogue Squadron."

 

"Kre'fey already bet our entire fleet just on taking Bothan space. We did it through some miracle. But this time, he's betting everything on keeping it. Not just our forces, or the locals, everyone from more than twenty sectors is here plus the smugglers Alliance. We're betting everything against the Empire's big hand."

 

"True, but we have one skifter in the deck."

 

"Will it be enough?"

 

"You're a Jedi arn't you? Ask The Force."

 

064

Edited June 4, 2007 by Defender_16

[PsychoInfiltrator]

Holds his breath, waiting for the inevitable Rebel defeat. Err, Imperial.

[Paul]

The rebel scum had BETTER lose dang it. lol Good post Defender. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

Delay due to confused nature of the battle. That and I'm throwing way too many characters into this thing at the same time. Major editing of the stuff I've already written for it required.

[Defender_16]

+++

 

"Redeployment of the fleet is complete sir," reported Phennir's aid. "All Destroyers are in position."

 

"Commence bombardment."

 

Out in space bright green bolts began to rain down from the Destroyers positioned in a low orbit and strike the planetary shields. The shields began to glow green around the impact points as the beams were dissipated.

 

+++

 

The Ralroost's com officer looked up and waved over the Admiral. "The Imperial fleet has begun bombardment of Bothawui sir."

 

Kre'fey punched one hand into an open palm. "That's it then. All repair crews finish off the work that they've started and then get to battle stations. See if you can get some of the regular crew rested before we jump."

There were a few minutes of giving orders to different crewmen before the Admiral turned back to the Communications officer.

"Com, how long can the planetary shields hold?"

 

"The Imperials don't look to be using all of their fleet for the bombardment. It may take as long as four or five hours."

 

Kre'fey nodded to himself while thinking out loud. "That's enough time to give our starfighter pilots some rest."

 

"Imperial scout ships are still being reported in other systems, a number of them near Kothlis."

 

"Looks like they have the right instinct about our fleet's location. Thankfully we're too far out for them to detect." At a half light year out from the system center the Rebel fleet wouldn't remain undetected forever if they remained in place. They had only needed a few days undisturbed though.

 

"Sir, most ships are reporting that they should have repair teams back aboard in slightly over an hour."

 

"Good. Begin transitioning the fleet to the far edges of the Bothan home system. Everyone, run though final systems checks if you can. We won't have another chance."

 

+++

 

The sensor officer aboard 'Blade of the Empire' had been calling out updates on shield strength at regular intervals for the better part of four hours now.

"Time to estimated planetary shield failure, ten minutes."

 

Phennir turned and looked down to the Com officer's station in the crew pit. "Hail our interdictor and tell them to activate gravity well projectors. We don't want any of the ships from the surface trying to escape into hyperspace."

"Aye sir."

 

"Flight, launch remaining starfighters but keep them near their motherships."

"Understood sir."

 

The countdown continued as Phennir's aid approached with a datapad in hand. "Sir, something odd that sensors noticed."

 

"Go ahead."

 

"We're having trouble finding the numbers of civilian ships we expected at the planetary spaceports. Our scouts that have checked the other systems in the sector also noticed considerably lower numbers of civilian ships present."

 

"Did the Rebels evacuate the sector?"

It's possible they could have pulled out valuable people and equipment for use at one of their hidden bases, the General though to himself.

 

"If they did sir, it would be leaving the ships here to die. Many of their better warships are here including most of their corvettes and gunships. There are signs that they've spent a great deal of effort modifying the old first generation Victory Destroyers that they acquired."

 

The General turned to look out the forward viewports.

"I'm getting a bad feeling about this."

 

+++

 

Halmere continued to meditate and search for the presence of his intended target. He had already located the Corellian Jedi and the other, weaker one from Toprawa down on the planet's surface and dismissed them as irrelevant. Neither seemed especially susceptible to the dark side at the moment.

 

Durron...

 

He felt something flutter at the edges of his perceptions. Something that had to be far away, perhaps just beyond the edges of the system. It was him.

It had to be him, there was no other answer. This one was powerful to be sure, not as powerful as Vader or Palpatine but someone who could still be a threat.

 

The Inquisitor increased the pace of his preparations for his Dark Side assault on the Rogue.

 

+++

 

"This is Commander Horn to all Alliance starfighter forces. Begin launch."

 

The squadrons that had been ready and waiting on the ground since the Imperial fleet arrival began to lift off on repulsors and orbit the capital ship force that floated midway between the surface and the planetary shields.

 

Rebel Tie Starfighters had been painted with bright Red and White markings to ensure friendly fire was kept to a minimum. Even if the Imperials had any fighters from 181st here the Rebels would notice the lack of white paint.

 

Corran's X-wing unit, nicknamed 'CorSec' stayed close to the Destroyers. The Deathseeds that had remained on planet lifted from the space port, their commander was a former Wraith squadron pilot and seemed happy to have the chance to fly with them again. The Wraiths themselves were flying a mix of stolen Tie craft, but their one Jedi pilot had gotten hold of a new XJ X-wing.

 

A squadron and a half of A-wings that had been put together with a mix of volunteer units orbited at the highest limits of the formation. Two AB-Wing ugly squadrons soon rose to joined them. The squadrons Booster had left behind joined the Ties orbiting the fleet.

 

"Planetary shields nearing failure." Reported Admiral Nunb. "Switching to Dreadnaught reactors for shield power. Capacitors beginning charge from planetary reactors."

 

+++

 

 

Captain Nalgol looked down into the crewpit watching the status displays on the Planetary shields. Tyrannic was one of the Destroyers assisting in the bombardment. The Destroyer presented her portside profile to the planet, not wanting to have the launch bay exposed.

 

"Sir, the four Rebel Dreadnaughts at the main Space Port have not yet lifted off to join the rest of the Rebel fleet."

 

"Keep an eye on them, we may be able to hit their engines if they decide to lift off after the shields are down."

 

"Designating them as a secondary target," said weapons.

 

"Planetary shield failure in progress. Rebel ships and starfighters are accelerating to attack posture. Full shield collapse in... thirty seconds."

 

"Bring in our starfighter screen, standard deployment."

 

+++

 

Down on the planet's surface Karrde hit the detonator switch controlling explosive bolts on the largest containers that had been set down at the space port. The huge J-Type containers fell open exposing the spherical shaped cargo held in their interiors. Metal segments sitting atop the sphere retracted and then closed together like a flower in reverse, forming into a thick barrel shape.

 

+++

 

Corran, knowing that it couldn't be helped if they were to win this battle began to open himself to the Force. He could start to feel the presence of the starfighter pilots not only in his force but the Imperial units as well. He'd also intimately feel the death of each pilot and soldier nearby while in this state though.

It had to be done, to help save more of his friends today.

 

Time seemed to slow down.

 

+++

 

One of Karrde's long time crew members stood at the weapons console of the Wild Karrde.

"One sixty One's standing by. Drawing power from the capacitors."

 

+++

 

The Tyrranic's sensor officer panned scanners over the Rebel fleet.

"Rebel ships are changing their formation slightly... Planetary Shields are down."

 

"Weapons, target the enemy Victory Destroyers."

 

+++

 

Karrde rushed onto the bridge off his ship just to catch what could have been the most important words of that day.

"Stand by Ion control... fire."

 

065

Edited June 4, 2007 by Defender_16

[Paul]

Defender good post. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

+++

 

Nalgol looked out the forward viewport so that he could see the turbolasers of the Imperial fleet burning down the Rebel ships as they launched into orbit.

 

A pair of large energy bolts lanced up into orbit and struck the Victory Destroyer Upgrades closest to the planet's surface. Four more bolts streaked up and hit more of the ships in the Imperial fleet. Flashes of lightning arcing around the outer armour of the ships was visible from the Tyrannic's main viewport.

 

"Ion fire detected!"

 

Nalgol turned and shouted back into the crew pit. "Helm, back us out or range of those ground based guns! Sensors what are they using?"

 

"Readings are consistent with the KDY V-161c Ion Cannon. The 'C' model is a concealed variant. They're normally used by XTS and deployed in banks of three."

 

A few of the Imperial Victory Destroyers fired their Turbloasers down on the space port before they were disabled, but the four Dreadnaughts on the ground had raised their own shields and overlapped them to protect the cannons. One Lancer frigate caught out of position was hit by a stray bolt and her drive unit exploded.

 

"Double our shields to the planet facing side," commanded the ship Captain.

 

An Ion bolt hit the reinforced shields and punched through. Some of the armour plate on the bow exploded and the bow tractor beams went off line.

"How did that go through our shields?"

 

"The 161 series uses more plasma in the beam sir. The Ion shock allowed it to get through the shield."

"Damage minimal sir. Systems backups coming online."

 

"Com, direct ships near us that are still online to try and use tractor beams to pull disabled ships out of range."

 

+++

 

Time slowed to a crawl as Tie squadrons angled for attack. Defender and Avenger squadrons lead the charge at the Rebels. Corran didn't even bother with missiles right off. He linked lasers for quad fire and pulled the trigger. Two bursts weakened the shields of the Defender he was up against and the third punched through at a single point, shearing off the port lower stabilizer.

 

As the wounded Defender tumbled past ball explosions rocked his fighter as pilots on both sides had decided to go for missiles first. Though high in the atmosphere there was still enough air around to cause large shockwaves when each explosive went off. The lead Imperial fighters that survived the pass were forced into a head to head with the Deathseed and Tie Clutch squadrons.

 

As the Ion cannon fire started most of the more advanced starfighters began pulling back to the still operational capital ships. Most of the Interceptors entered into dogfights with the Rebel Ties coming up from the surface. The entire situation was fast becoming a giant confused melee.

 

The Rebel capital ships fired into the disabled Imperial capital ships as they entered orbit. Assault Shuttles and transports began launching from the surface headed for the damaged ships.

 

Newer Imperial Tie bombers equipped with shields winged their way in towards the Rebel Victory Destroyers. Wraith and CorSec squadrons burst through the tie melee and fell on them.

 

+++

 

The Ralroost's communication's officer looked up.

"Scout reports that Planetary shields are down and that the Imperials have activated their gravity well generators."

 

The Bothan Admiral lifted his communicator to his mouth. "Kre'fey to all ships, commence jump."

 

+++

 

"Bombardment forces are taking Ion Cannon fire from the surface."

 

General Phennir snapped his head around to look out the viewport and spotted the flash of the ground based weapons striking ships in his fleet. "Pull them out of range of the ground based weapons. I doubt our Vic’s will get out of range in time."

Even though the fleet was equipped with upgraded models of Victory Destroyers they were still slower than most other capital ships.

 

"Do you wish to send more support to the bombardment force sir?" Asked the starfighter coordinator.

 

The General shook his head. "No, not yet. Get our remaining light cruisers ready to go to their assistance though. How many ships have been destroyed by the ground fire?"

 

"Several disabled but only one Lancer destroyed so far sir."

 

"Sensors how did you miss those guns?"

 

"They were designed by KDY for XTS. This model is supposed to be undetectable until they fire."

The sensor operator looked back down at his board and then back up at the General. "Hyperspace entry detected. They're being dragged out of hyperspace by our interdictor."

 

"It's about time." Phennir turned the last word into a curse. "Sensors please confirm presence of Mon Cal Heavy cruisers."

 

"Two Mon Cal Heavies detected along with the Pirate cruiser and three more Bothan Cruiser Carriers." The sensor operator looked at his screen and swallowed before continuing. "Also detecting large numbers of civilian ships converted with weapons and... "

 

"And what sensors?" The General prompted.

 

"Two damaged Imperial class Destroyers. One of which is confirmed as Obliterator."

 

"How many Civilian ships did you say were with their group?"

 

"Numbers still increasing sir, upwards of two hundred. Light freighters, transports, passenger liners... Incoming starfighters, X-wings and A-wings. Freighters and Cruisers are still launching starfighters."

 

"Bring our droid starfighter squadrons into position to support our ships facing the new arrivals. Send our Frigates and light cruisers to assist against the Rebel fleet. Put half of our Strike cruisers between us and the Rebels coming up from the surface."

 

066

[Paul]

Damn rebel scum. Still a good post Defender, I just disagree with it lol. - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

+++

 

Kyp pushed the throttle to maximum as the Rebel fleet bore down on the Imperial force. Three XJ squadrons trailed just behind four A-wing squadrons. Behind them came the remaining squadrons that Booster had picked up from his closest allies, Two Deathseed Squadrons lead by Tal'dira, and more squadrons composed of Pirates and Rebels brought in from the surrounding sectors within a week's travel.

Y-wing Gunboats modified with Turbolaser turrets and Skiprays brought up the flanks. All of the remaining EZ-95 Uglies had been handed over to Pirate or mercenary pilots lacking ships.

 

Ralroost made up the center of the now fast moving capital ship formation. She was flanked by both Mon Cal's who were in turn flanked by the other two Bothan Cruisers and the two Imperial class Destroyers. The converted transports and freighters cruised among and behind the larger Rebel ships waiting for them to bear the brunt of the opening turbolaser barrage. Booster's Galactic Venture came in just below the Ralroost.

 

Fast moving Imperial fighters, mostly I-7 Howlrunners but some A-9's came rushing out from the Imperial line at the last second. The seven leading Rebel squadrons smashed through the less maneuverable Imperial fighters and right on into a huge wave a Droid augmented Tie squadrons. Capital ships on both sides came into weapons range around the same time and Turbolasers flashed through the growing starfighter engagement starting to rage around the Imperial Destroyers.

 

The Rebel capital ships didn't slow as they closed to point blank range with the Imperial line. Each cruiser started to find it's own suitable gap in the enemy formation to push on through. Ralroost descended slightly and squeezed underneath a Destroyer raking it's ventral shields as they passed. The MC-90's each placed themselves directly between a pair of Destroyers and unleashed their broadside torpedo launchers.

Venture slowed just enough to come up on Ralroost's tail, topside heavy turrets expanding on the damage the Bothan ship had already done. Port and Starboard Quadlaser turrets fired endlessly into the clouds of ties filling space. The smaller single and double turbolaser turrets fired on any Imperial Frigates that came into range.

 

The Rebel capital ships now past the Imperial main line began to decelerate and engage the Frigates and Carracks that hadn't yet moved up to support the Destroyers. The converted civilian ships, streaming through the Imperial formation in the wake of the larger cruisers, fired weapons in nearly every direction.

 

+++

 

General Phennir shouted to the com officer. "Pull our ships back! That Destroyer line is useless with the Rebels in behind like that. Carracks and Nebulon Frigates give some cover to the Destroyers while they come about. Tell Nalgol aboard Tyrannic that I want them to begin a fighting withdrawal to our position and tow as many disabled ships with them as possible."

 

It was getting more difficult by the moment to figure out the exact Rebel fleet strength. Most of the converted rebel ships were in different states of repair, some with only partially completed weapon additions. As he watched the displays a pair of passenger liners hammered a Nebulon B Frigate. The ship, which had been covering a Destroyer while it turned, was hit amidships repeatedly until it's connecting spar broke apart.

 

The starship battle was closely matched on both fronts and the two battles were starting to drift towards one another.

"Com, warn Tyrannic about the other Rebel force, the fighting is starting to drift into the path of their withdrawal. Helm move us up far enough to put long range fire on some of the Rebel Capital ships."

 

Phennir looked out the forward viewports at the Destroyer High Order sitting near his command ship.

"Inquisitor," he whispered, "If you're going to be doing anything to aid this battle please do it now.

 

Out at the battle line Y-wing Gunboats began to swarm the carrack cruisers and some of the Destroyers.

 

+++

 

Halmere could feel the ebb and flow, the winking out of life, and the panic or terror before it happened. He drew the dark side emotions and energies into himself, strengthening him slightly. He picked up the force reserve storing crystal that he had charged over the past few days.

 

Durron was here at long last, not far away at all, getting closer even. The Inquisitor glanced over at a small tactical display as the battle drifted closer, then closed his eyes.

 

He concentrated on focusing in on Kyp. The not quite so young man was intent on the battle, feeling which way an opponent would turn and firing a burst of laser fire to be right where an Imperial pilot was going to be.

Another life winked out.

Soon another joined it, and another, and another after that.

Yessss Halmere whispered into Kyp's mind. he drew some of the power from the crystal and used it to influence the Rebel enough that he wouldn't question where the voice was coming from.

 

Kyp was going farther and farther into a trance like state, still fighting but his mind was elsewhere.

 

Kyp Durron, you can feel the end of each life that you take. Do you take pleasure in it?

 

"No" Kyp answered answered but part of him balked at that answer giving an echoy. Yes

 

"Yes... I do." Kyp answered.

 

Death, destruction, these are all elements of the Dark Side... things that you know well enough.

 

Another life winked out like a star exploding, sparkles radiating outward and then falling toward Kyp. The sparks of light being absorbed by him.

 

You can draw power from the death's of others, with each that you kill you become more powerful.

 

"Yes... no, Exar Kun-" Kyp started to proest weakly but was cut off.

 

Was a mere spirit trapped in ruins millennia old. You are still a living being, able to draw the force from life... or death itself. You know this.

 

A converted freighter exploded killing it's entire crew at once. Kyp drew strength from their ending lives.

 

You know the power of the Dark Side.

 

"But the price, it burns through someone without any regard."

 

Only for those who have not yet attained mastery. Even Exar Kun could not teach true mastery from beyond the grave.

 

"Who... who left would know?"

 

There is only one left that would know, that could know. One that has made himself immortal, avoiding death a ways even Kun could not mannage. Beware though, for he is always in search of a new apprentice to replace his old.

 

"Kyp." echoed a woman's voice, from the depths.

 

The voice of Halmere continued.

You know of who I speak. Others would stand in your way to him, many for different reasons, ...some to gain his apprenticeship themselves, ...some that would intend to spite you.

 

"Yes." Kyp agreed.

 

"Kyp!" Came the same echoing voice again followed by another's. "Kyp, respond!"

 

Kyp started to recognise the second voice. Corran Horn.

 

...some that would intend to spite you...

 

067

Edited November 3, 2007 by Defender_16

[PsychoInfiltrator]

Why am I reduced to cheering for an Inquisitor when there is AN ENTIRE IMPERIAL FLEET surrounding him?

[Paul]

Good post Defender, if ONLY Kyp would turn DARK. lol - Grand Moff Conway

[Defender_16]

You may note that Star Destroyers havn't been blowing up left right and center.

[DarthTex]

You may note that Star Destroyers havn't been blowing up left right and center.

Yea! So far only the Ties have been cannon fodder (with exception to a couple of VSD's downed by planetary Ion Cannon Oh, and 1 unfortunate Neb-B ). This should only make retribution that much sweeter!

 

Good job Def, keep it coming

[PsychoInfiltrator]

You may note that Star Destroyers havn't been blowing up left right and center.

 

Duly noted.

[Defender_16]

Crappy shifts at work are interferring with my ability to type. My preferred times of the day for typing seem to be when they want me working.

 

Defender's writing Muse; unavailable after 4pm.

 

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