COMING STORM: RETRIBUTION

COMING STORM: Retribution
( www.sw-rpg.net/forums/showthread.php?t=36209 )

Aram Kalast
03-05-2012, 08:03 AM

Imperial Core Region

Kuat

Shipyard D0-9

Dry dock had to be Admiral Deesat's least favourite place. There was just something about it that made him uneasy, after all ships were designed for flying and when one wasn't it just wasnt natural. Yet here he was aboard the Pruveil, flagship of the Imperial Fleet and the symbol of Imperial Order in the galaxy, sat in dry dock on one of the custom built Super Dreadnaught Bays of the Kuat Spaceyard Ring.

He turned on his heel slightly, bringing his side closer to the command chair which he always stood to the left of, his eyes taking in the face of the Grand Admiral as he stared out at nothing in particular. Something had changed in Aram recently, Deesat would know having served with the young man for nearly the entirety of the Grand Admiral's naval career, having only not seen the time that Aram had spent in Chiss space.

His eyes were bare, it was an odd way of saying it but the best description he could give, the announcment of the New Republic declaring war upon the Empire unleashing something that had been bottled up inside the Grand Admiral for so long. It was rather chilling when one truly thought about it.

"All stations ready?" The question came from nowhere, yet Deesat knew when the Grand Admiral was speaking. His heels clasped together out of instinct like every good Imperial Officer should and looked around the ship's bridge to confirm his own thoughts.
"Yes Grand Admiral, all stations are green. All crew are onboard and start up processors are in effect." He paused and looked at the chrono upon his watch. "If you would hear me Admiral?"
Aram lazily looked up from his command chair a solitary finger waving with permission. "Of course Admiral."
"I have not entirely worked out the meaning of this trip sir. Surely we would have been better placed on the Hammer Offensive operation." He was cut off by the words of the Grand Admiral.
"The Hammer Offensive is in no state to proceed as yet, I still have plans for that front. Plans that the Bastion shipyards are presently on scheduale to meet. On that note Admiral, the Hammer Offensive is an extremely top secret topic at the moment, I'd advise you hold your tounge still the next time you feel like blurting it out on an open deck." Aram returned to stare at nothing to his right, almost as if he could see things Deesat couldn't.
"Yes of course Grand Admiral. My mistake." Deesat went quiet and continued to oversee the start up procedures of the Pruveil.

Before the seat of the Grand Admiral figures of the Captains and Admirals who were in the current battlegroup began to appear.
Captain Veris of the Dubrillion, a Second generation Star Destroyer gave his greetings with a quick salute, announcing his readiness to depart.
Admiral Rillion of the Kuat, another second generation Star Destroyer appeared standing tall as he always did during his long and illustrious career, he would not be taking his ship out of the system as he and the Defender were listed as Kuat's standing defence force along with twelve other ships who were at the moment indisposed on patrol.
Captain Duvirio, commanding officer of the Defender also appeared, it was not necessary as his commanding officer Rillion was already present, but Duvirio always liked to think himself more important than he really was, his Interdictor Cruiser already in escort position next to the S.D. Kuat.
The only other ship in the near area that was operational was the Medusa, another second generation Star Destroyer, it's commanding officer; Captain Von Wollf however did not appear at the schedualed time lending to Deesat requesting a hail.

"I can account for the Captain, he is on business under my authority." Aram spoke up loudly so all could hear and the hail was dropped, the Medusa slipping away slowly from the group and proceeding to head to the furthest most point of the defence zone. "All courses are to be set for Balmorra, the Empress herself has requested that we escort her back to Bastion." Again Aram seemed distracted by something unseen to everyone else, but he didn't miss a word. "Departure time is in four hours when the patrol fleet will arrive to replace us. Grand Admiral out."

The little images all disappeared and each of the commanding officers would go to relay their orders to their crews, all except Aram who again retreated into his trance upon his command chair leaving Admiral Deesat to feel that something just wasn't right, like there was a storm coming.

**

Maggewetok
03-05-2012, 06:18 PM

Kuat

Command and Control, Shipyard DO-9

"Inform the ambassador that the Grand Admiral has arrived," the commander ordered, his crisp, dark grey uniform and spit polished black boots gleaming even in the dimly lit command center.

"Sir," the nearest operator seated in front of a series of holodisplayed data and various camera angles for the docking collars glanced towards his comm suite and tapped a button.

Amid an array of colors denoting computer consoles, monitors, buttons and small lighting displays, the immense room was abuzz with activity, everyone's senses heightened now that the Empress's right hand was now in their presence. His very name instilling the respect and fear of all that had to deal even indirectly with he and the arrived fleet. A central well sported a large, perfectly round holoprojector that gave the officer-in-charge to the minute reports on everything that happened on this shipyard. His head lay on the block if anything went wrong, so his eyes suddenly demanded all the data that his mind could humanly contain without going mad.

Not only was the commander watching the arrival of the Pruveil, but also the hidden cameras that normally kept track of security for Intel as well as the Internal Affairs division of COMPNOR. Unseen was the transceiver that piggybacked a signal to a variety of satellites, probe droids and other means to reach a central office on Telos.

*******

"Ma'am," the bothan supervisor glanced up from the array of displays before the operator whose shoulder he was leaning over. "He's arrived."

Ilana's heart stopped knowing what was about to transpire now that their target was confirmed. Hazel eyes glanced to the analyst as she walked towards him, then turned to the transmitted parcel from Kuat. The unmistakable wedge-shaped vessel slowly drifted into the awaiting docking collars extended to greet their commander.

Nodding, she quickly moved through that cell which had been tasked with keeping their eyes and ears on Kuat for weeks now, to her own console on the upper tier. Climbing a few padded steps, she rounded the rail to the half-circle shaped desk and sat down. Slender fingers typed in the frequency for Admiral Arestul's command ship, the encryption software keeping the quick message safely quiet from all others. "Daddy's home," she smiled to herself, knowing the code phrase to begin the operation would amuse historians in the future.

Now time to get to work.

**

03-06-2012, 12:13 AM
Arestul Angellus

Telos
Titania Restaurant
72 hours ago

The planning stage was over...

The preparation stage was complete...

... all that was left was the battle.

He didn't have an issue with the battle itself, he had been in them before, led a fleet, everything. However that was when no one really looked to him except under duress. Now things were different, now all eyes were on him and he understood the pressure past officers in his position were under. Sure, he was good in a fight... great... sure... he's a leader... but this? This was a monumental weight that was on his shoulders and it was something that might buckle him if he wasn't careful.

Sitting at a corner upper level table, nodding to a few well wishers, he enjoyed a quiet meal with his wife, and his mother. Sure, Tyria wasn't happy about Angelina being there, not at all, but Arestul had a need for her expertise, the expertise of "The Ace of Spades" so she supported him. Angelina took this as an opportunity to get closer to her son and maybe her grandson soon enough, the daughter n law was a lost cause, even if she did have a Jedi brother.

No, Arestul wanted to know about her, about his father, not about them as the parents, but them as the leaders. He was going to be who he was no matter what, but leadership was in his blood, battle was in his blood, it was about time he utilized the resources at his disposal. This was hard for him in ways he had yet to realize at this point, it was all about his calls now, his orders, everything, but he was going to take the Republic Military into a new directions, a new level that others have yet to reach. With this war, the Empire had been poking the "Republic Dog" with a sharp stick and the dog was going to bite. The problem is, Arestul wasn't sure about the decisions he's made to this point, he needed that reassurance, that guidance that someone who had been there would understand.

The conversation went on from the greeting, through the salads, and appetizer. The dinner was a different story, that was just for them and ironically both of them women at the table agreed that this was the best course of action. He had enough to worry about over the next couple of days, everyone had their own individual assignments, he had their assignments and coordination of them. However that was in a couple of days, right now, right now he had himself and his family to worry about and enjoy.


Mon Calamari Shipyards
24 Hours ago
Republic One - Admiral's office


Director Ilana was already on her way with her team, so was Riedrak with his, the plans were in motion and it was time to press on the gas pedal. While he was nervous, Arestul did fairly well to contain the excitement of the operation, this was going to prove to a lot of citizens that the Empire may be back, but the Republic never left. It will prove to the military that the Republic isn't going to take the constant stress of the Empire at their heels anymore. It will prove to him that he could do this, that he could be one that others can look to, one that others can have faith in and trust without telling them to.

The refits were complete and Republic One was ready, as well as the Independence Class "Reverence", that was going to be Commander Darksun's ship for the mission as his Liberator class wasn't ready yet. The ships were forming up and ready for the last thing that needed to be done. A motivational speech from the Admiral himself. Maybe they didn't need it, maybe they didn't want it, but it was a tradition his dad kept with and he wanted to revisit. It was something that they deserved, they deserved to not wonder why they were officers, they deserved the pride he hoped he could help instill in them.

All ships, all officers, all sailors, all soldiers, this is Admiral Angellus. I'm not going to waste your time and tell you that we're the good guys and they're the bad guys. I'm not going to waste your time and tell you that we're fighting for freedom wherever there's trouble, you know that and knowing is half the battle. What I am going to tell you is this...

... it's an honor to be among you.

The pride each of you show, the passion, it's inspiring to me to fight that much harder for each and every one of you. It drives me to change who we are and what we do. For too long the Republic has been on the defensive, too long we've reacted to the actions of others and hoped for the best. We're not going to react anymore, this operation is the beginning of a new time, the beginning of our time. This is the time.

Great moments are born from great opportunity, and that's what you have here.
That's what you've earned here ladies and gentlemen, you've earned this time.

Tomorrow we fight.

If we fought'em ten times, they might win nine... I don't like saying that... but it's possible... they might win nine. They won't win this fight, not tomorrow. Tomorrow we fight'em, tomorrow we with them, tomorrow we shut them down because we can! Tomorrow we enter their turf and take out their star and leave because we can! Tomorrow we make Imperial citizens wonder what it's like to live in the Republic!

You're all warriors, all born to be exactly what you are, each and every one of you. You all deserve to be here, ready to enter battle tomorrow, a mission that started when we turned their fleet away over Telos. They thought that was their time, they were wrong...

This... is YOUR time!

Their time is done, it's over!

I don't know about you, but I'm sick of reading how strong a military the Empire has.

This is YOUR time!

Now on my mark let's jump to hyperspace and take it!


Rendili - Far side of the planet from Kuat
Present time
Republic One - Command Deck - Bridge

"Admiral, incoming message to you directly."

To my comm.

The message was two words, it was code, it was simple, it was time.

"Daddy's home"

Looking up from his screen and standing up, Arestul nodded to Captain Halpern. That was his signal to check all stations. Arestul meanwhile pressed on his comm-link and checked out all ships.

All craft report in when ready for jump. Rogue Squadron, Wraith Squadron... prepare your group and jump to hyperspace when you're ready. We'll be coming in hot not long after you.

As much of the bridge seemed to tense up in preparation, Arestul could think of two words of his own...

Game on...

**

Romon Darksands
03-06-2012, 02:55 AM

Click

30 Minutes Ago

The hanger bay we bustling was it always was before a mission. Ground crews scurry about the starfighters, making last minuet checks, filling fuel tanks, and getting the birds battle ready. It was among this chaos that Romon stood, surrounded by the group of pilots he would be leading into battle. As the time to load up drew near, Romon motioned for the fliers to gather round. "Ok people, you know what we are getting ready to do. You all know your jobs so I won't sit here and run through it again, but remember, this is for real. You all heard The Admiral’s announcement yesterday; it’s time to show these SOBs that we have had enough, that when you push us hard enough, we push back with deadly force if necessary. This is our first strike and it won't be our last, but if we hit them hard enough now, if we cut them deep enough to spill their blood, we send a message that we will fight, until our last ship, until our last man, until our last breath."
The pilot let that sink in for a moment, before raising a clenched fist into the air. "This is for Telos! Saddle up!

Current Time

After a through preflight, Romon climbed the boarding ladder and settled into the cockpit. The pilot ran through the startup sequence as he secured his harness and pulled on his helmet. Once the bird was showing all systems green, Rogue Leader made two calls over the radio. The first was to flight control, requesting permission for the strike group to lift off. After permission was granted, Romon made the second call. This one was to the fighters in the strike ground, requesting a status check. Once all birds were ready for action, the Rogue bumped up his repulsor lifts and guided the fighter out of the hanger bay. Plotting a leisurely course through the battle group, Romon waited for all the starfighters that would be jumping in with the Rogues and Wraiths to form up. The pilot was a bit anxious, but being in the cockpit helped to put his mind at ease, allowing him to focus solely on the mission at hand.

Arestul's call came over the comm, issuing the orders to start the attack. A glance over his right and left shoulders showed squadrons of Xs, As, and Bs hung around him in space. A sneer found its way onto his face as he looked over the military might surrounding him. It was going to be a bad day to be an Imp. A final check of the status board showed all flights had reported in ready, now they were waiting oh his order to go. "Copy that Republic One, we are in position and beginning our run up to light speed now. See you on the other side."

The pilot swung his fighter's nose around to a preprogrammed point in space and shoved the throttles forward. "All fighters, jump on my mark; three, two, one, mark!" As the fighter jumped into light speed, all Romon could do was wait. He checked the clock mounted on his canopy frame rail- 3 minutes and winding down. The pilot cracked his neck and knuckles while he watched the star field spin around him, then placed his right hand on the stick, left on the throttles, and both feet on the rudder pedals. His eyes swept the cockpit, ensuring that no warning lights had popped on. His gaze went back to the clock- 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Waiting was the hardest part; his mind started playing out the attack, running through many different outcomes. The pilot was brought back to the present when a tone sounded; 20 seconds to real space conversion. "Here we go" he thought to himself.

The stars snapped back to normal and the fighter was again in real space. Glancing left and right showed New Republic starfighters boiling out of hyperspace like a swarm of very angry hornets. "All squads, lock and load, weapons free, fire at will." The pilot locked his S-foils into attack position and jockeyed his shields full forward. The Wraiths would be leading the Bs in for the main attack against the facility while the Rogues and As would be running interference. Romon punched up the throttles and aimed his fighter for the target. As the NR forces closed, the Imps responded, launching their alert fighters and opening up with their defensive weapon emplacements. "Heads up, contacts coming out of the main hanger bay, engage and destroy." The pilots tone was cold and merciless, for today there would be none, vengeance was theirs.

Vectoring right at the heart of the incoming TIE formation, Romon waited until he was within maximum cannon range. Dropping the cross hairs over the lead fighter, he savagely smashed the trigger. His guns snarled, cutting loose with rapid fire pairs of crimson lancets. The other pilots on his wing responded likewise. In a split second the space between the NR and Imps was filled with a dazzling barrage of laser fire, creating a wall of energy reaching out to shake hands with the incoming TIEs. As the opposing groups rocketed toward each other, Romon kept the bird jinxing and the trigger depressed, walking his fire over the incoming formation.

**

Jac Drae
03-07-2012, 03:31 AM

*Twenty four hours ago, they had received word that the mission was a go. As soon as the Admiral - still Supreme Commander, but with a different title - had confirmed this, Jac had initiated a level-red communications blackout. Members of Wraith squadron were confined to quarters, their ready room, or the hangar, and their comm units were heavily restricted. They could receive communications but not send them, with the exception of Jac and his executive officer. Other squadrons throughout the task force would be doing the same thing, especially those that hadn't been together long. Jac's own squadron had been quickly rebuilt, dismantling at least one other squadron in the process; he knew very few of the pilots well and followed security procedures to the letter as a result. Only three of them knew the full attack plan, the rest of the squad thought this attack was the main one.

Thirty minutes before go time, the Wraiths went through a final mission briefing, a recap of their assignments and objectives as well as answering last-minute questions. Fifteen minutes before, they were undergoing preflight checks, physically going over the details of their birds. All around them, techs rushed to finish loading the final few missiles, to top off the fuel tanks, and to hoist the astromech droids into their sockets. The Wraiths would be flying X-wings on this run, providing close support to the B-wings; the Rogues would also be present, as would be some A-wings, to be the first line of defense against the fighters. However, that left two Tartan-class patrol cruisers, a Lancer-class frigate, the station itself, and the planet-based ion cannons to deal with. A tall order for a wing of fighters, but if the strategy devised worked, it could be done. Thirty seconds from go-time, Jac leaned out of his cockpit, visually and audibly verifying all others were sealed and ready to go. Permission to launch was granted at that moment. The Wraiths were the first to launch from their hangar, followed closely by Boma, Felzat, and Krayt squadrons, each made up of B-wings. The four squadrons fell into formation with the Rogues and Razorbacks, accelerating to lightspeed on Darksands' order.

It was a long three minutes.

All seventy-two fighters dropped from hyperspace simultaneously. While the Rogues and Razorbacks jumped out ahead to intercept the fighters issuing from the station, the Wraiths matched speed to the B-wings. Jac had decided to put a flight with each of the bomber squadrons to provide close cover and direction if needed. Holly and Woods each led one of the flights, and each was assigned to a vector. For this initial run, all four squads were using the station for cover from the planetary guns; even though they weren't effective against fighters, they could cause a lot of damage by just firing into the area around the station, and the station needed to be taken out.*

Group: split, you have your targets. Show no mercy.

*From each flight of Wraiths, one pair hit their thrusters hard, jumping out ahead of their group. This was a calculated risk, a tactic that would hopefully put a quick end to the threat of the escort. One fighter from each frontrunner fired a single missile at long range, followed quickly by each of the B-wings launching a pair of their own torpedoes. Each of the missiles had been specially modified in two ways: they each contained a beacon broadcasting a specific signal on multiple frequencies, and they were remotely controlled by the X-wing's astromech droid. The downside was that the missiles contained absolutely no explosives, the only firepower they had was the two dozen proton torpedoes following. It was well known that twenty-four torpedoes could take down even a Star Destroyer's shields, these should be able to strip shields and do a fair amount of damage to very specific sections of the station. There would be no missile lock warning, they would likely learn of the targets too late to do anything about it - not that they could have done much as it was. Once those targets were taken down, the goal would be to take down station defense turrets to provide easy access for the incoming shuttle. Meticulous planning should produce enviable results.*

**

Ganner Cobbs
03-07-2012, 09:48 AM

It sucked having everyone else briefed around you and yet being told nothing, yet that was the reality to Ganner Cobbs, formerly a member of Rogue Squadron until the 'incident' at Corellia, the one that 'never' happened according to NRIS, he had been transfered out of Rogue Squadron after that, out of the spotlight and shifted through the units until they had placed him a the 82nd Division, one of the many unit of Star Fighters assigned to the Republic command ship 'Republic One'.

He knew that he would see action in this awesome top secret plan that the New Republic was planning, he knew it would be against Imps, but what he didn't like not knowing was why the Rogues were going off with all the other star fighters in a seperate direction than the planned course for Republic One and by the word in the hangers a lot of the other Republic cruisers.
He wanted to be amongst them, to wear the Rogue badge again, rather than the bland badge of the 82nd and a wingman named Roy. Even as he sat, flight overalls on, he started to feel rather left out, then again who knew, everything he had been told and heard could be a lie, he was just a fighter pilot from a small farming community, in the greater scheme of things he was nothing and would only ever be nothing.

His droid, R2, whistled something from its casing behind him, Ganner however didn't have the Bacci communicator on but he knew from the tone that it was, like him, worried and fustrated at this seeming series of events.
A deck officer walked past the X-Wing looking up at Ganner as he went, this gave the pilot a quick shot at getting some information.
"Hey you know when we're getting deployed?" He shouted over the noise of a hover taxi that passed them with a group of pilots aboard. The deck officer shrugged, yet as he did he was bathed in a red light from above.
"Looks like soon Cornboy." He said as he ran away from the area, taking a refueling hose with him.

Ganner hated that name, a term taken from his last name and stuck to him by one of the Rogues, it had stuck like a very sticky glue which was unfortunate for him, but he had never really made the effort to change it.
However more important things were at hand, the red light was on. Red meant stations were necessary and by the mad scurry for ships and clearance it wasn't a drill.
Ganner sunk into his ship and slipped his helmet over his head the canopy sealing with a flick of the thumb before his hand move to adjust the chin strap.
Systems were checked and primed and the entire ship began to stare at that red light, waiting for it to turn that dreaded green, the colour that usually meant, go give your lives for the New Republic.

**

Arestul
03-08-2012, 10:50 PM

OOC: Was waiting for Aram or any Imperials to prepare defenses, but I guess I can do this (I'll be nice and fair )


Balmorra Weapons Processing Facility
Balmorran Orbit

The small station was a weighpoint for transfer ships as well as the Kuat shipyards. Things were normally not much to speak of in the way of action; but they served the Empire and that's what was important. Today was no different other than the fact that the Dubrillion and the Rancorr, the two sector Star Destroyers, were over Kuat for security exercises. The escorts were as well which meant that they were more or less defenseless.

Of course this wasn't true, there was the planetary ion cannons and the stations auto defenses, not to mention the Tie fighter squadrons on patrols, but one could always hope for more. Commander Ilitino, a newly promoted Command officer, was jealous of the ships on exercises for the Grand Admiral, he knew though if he continued to pay his dues he would be there, he would be in some kind of action...

... cue the New Republic...

"Commander! Inbounds!"

"Long range sensors picking up two, no three, no six squadrons! I read A-wings, X-wings, and B-wings!"

Commander Ilitino was in such shock he was speechless for a moment. "Whadowedo?"

"What was that sir?"

Shaking the cobwebs loose in his head he just walked forward.

"Never mind..." hitting the comm-link and adjusting the frequency correctly brought up Captain Veris who didn't look happy.

"Commander Ilitino, we are on orders for comm silence, you are violating those orders, I assume there is a good reason for this?" The Captain was just in a holo-meeting with the Grand Admiral himself, he was not going to end up transferred to a garbage scow because some new officer was bored. Of course he was a man of service so he always checked in case there was an issue for truth.

"Sir, we have Republic fighters inbound and in firing range of our outter pods!" Ilitino was formerly in supply and recruitment so he doesn't have any kind of knowledge how to handle this. The galaxy was crashing around him as while he has training, it was just that, training.

"So? Commander, we cannot leave our post without emergency code zero status as we are currently engaged in protecting the flagship during her refit. You have auto defenses... use them!"

**

Madeleia
03-09-2012, 06:48 AM

Her normal LAAT left behind on Telos for a newer, modified attack freighter hummed beneath her chair as Madeleia prepped the vessel for the assault run. The SpecOps men and women now depending on her skills to get them to their destination, Madeleia was again in her element. Being under the tutelage of her uncle, she had first lived the smuggler's life and now was catering to elite units of the Army and Navy. Her sandy colored hair pulled back into a loose bun, practised fingers danced across the control panels before her, waiting for the signal from Control to launch.

But, first the fighters had to do their jobs, she mused. Brown eyes glanced through the cockpit window to a nearly empty hangar as maintenance droids prepped landing areas for damaged fighters and she knew the command office and other stations around the immense hangar would also be housing medical teams waiting for the first wounded pilots to return.

Adrenaline pumped and she fed off of the feeling as she noticed the green light signifying that the ramp was now closed. Glancing to a small monitor to her right, the interior camera at the ramp peered through the main entryway and told her that the team was buckled in and waiting.

Going over everything one last time, she sighed as the native of Plagen hated the waiting game more than anything else.

"Deuce, you are a go for launch," the male voice piped into the comm, making her nearly jump.

"Copy that," she smiled to herself and commenced with taking off, drifting to starboard and turning towards the open, shielded doorway that opened out to space. Lances of green bolts raced passed, some glancing on the shields as the freighter drifted out into the open blackness and then in a burst of energy, raced towards the hornet's nest of immense capital ships, explosions and tiny fighters racing around each. Beyond Kuat invited the raiding navy with it's multitude of shipyards and other fat targets, protected by a small navy and anti-ship batteries of their own.

Switching shields to full front, she tagged her target on the computer and headed for it. Dodging with all that the maneuverability would give her, she had to buy the engineers a drink when she made it back; They had done a great job with the upgrades, she mused. Almost as nice as the Sunrise.

**

Excapus Leonida
03-09-2012, 07:43 PM

RSS Akatsuki - Command Deck

Never before had Excapus Leonida, a Colonel of the New Republic Army command a starship at the same time as commanding an army. It was a new experience, and he had to read up on a few manuals before he could begin to do so. The former starship belonging to Rogue Squadron had been transferred to the colonel as his personal flagship, and was refitted to accommodate more LAAT carriers than starfighters. The deployment of troops became the more primary purpose of the MC40a light cruiser.

The words of Commander Angellus from last night's speech still echoed in Excapus' head and inspired the men and women into a cheerful rowdiness that made them ready to strike back at the enemy that attacked their home and their families. Now it was the time to protect what they had now, and avenge what they had then. The colonel began to observe the jump of the Rogues and Wraiths headfirst into the fray. The Akatsuki and the rest of the fleet would come in behind them, and once the path was clear, Excapus would send in the Dogs.

"Cadet Pindragin, run down to the hangar and inform Lieutenant Kote to prepare his men and board his LAAT " Excapus asked the new recruit that he took under his wing. He then ordered the communications officer to change the channel towards Republic One, "Republic One, this is Akatsuki, standing by and awaiting your signal to jump."

((TAG: Llewel and Tal Kote))

**

Aram
03-10-2012, 05:54 AM

Imperial Flagship ISSD Pruveil
Kuat Imperial Shipyards
Kuat Orbit

The others had all left, their orders passed and their missions stated, now it was just Admiral Deesat upon the bridge of the Pruveil, Deesat and the still and somber form of Aram Kalast. Both were basked in silence, the occasional beep of the terminals behind them and the day to day noises of the Super-Star Destroyers bridge excluded.
Aram shifted slightly in the command chair, merely shifting his weight from his right arm to his left before, still looking out at nothing, he spoke to his most trusted of Admirals.
"The New Republic will strike soon." He said with confidence, a pause offered for Deesat to question, which rather un-naturally he didn't. "Everything has fallen in place, everything has led to it. They will strike and they will strike hard."
This time however Deesat couldn't help his change in pose, something that Aram must have noticed as he again offered that so common pause. "Sir, if you are so certain that the Rebels will strike than why are we here rather than with the main fleet?" He knew by the slight curve that appeared in the corner of Aram's mouth that his question was one of folly.
"The main fleet has other purposes than defending us Admiral Deesat, even now as I speak my orders are being dispersed throuh the battlegroups to deploy for war." He shifted his arm and let it fall down to his knee. "The Empire has been preparing this war for longer than the New Republic has been in power Admiral. Do you surely think they possibly have any chance of succeeding in doing anything but fall directly into the place I have already dictated for them?"
Deesat did not answer back, nor give any form of reply for the Grand Admiral was not wanting one and he knew it, he instead merely nodded and continued to look out of the view screen.

Imperial Star Destroyer Dubrillion
Kuat Imperial Shipyards
Kuat Orbit

Captain Veris turned to his left and took three steps along his observation platform, he then turned the walk in on itself and paced the other way. Had the message been passed to anyone but himself? He knew what the regulations were, Imperial Military Code dictates that in times of Military Attacks the local sectors are to report to the the main sector defence corp and await reinforcements or at least file the report of attack.
Commander Ilitino had requested a launch of help and indeed he Captain Veris as the highest ranking officer of the sectors defence systems had turned it down as nothing. However he wasn't the highest ranking officer in the sector was he?

"Lieutenant Marks, secure a connection with the Grand Admiral at once, mark it a red flag." He barked at the communications officer to the bridges left and made his way once more to the holopad that was attached to the communication area.
"Link connected sir." Marks advised and surely enough the fuzzy blue image of the Grand Admiral's face appeared before Veris.
"Captain, I assume that you bring news that I should have heard moments ago." Aram said calmly, leaving Veris wondering how much the Grand Admiral did indeed know. "Proceed."
"Yes sir, I just recieved a report of attack on the Balmorra Weapons Processing Facility. Commander Ilitino was the reporting officer." Veris looked at the face of the Grand Admiral, trying to read it or at least read something off it, but Aram would give nothing away. He never did.
"Thankyou Captain." Was his only reply, the image of his face fading seconds later leaving Veris alone and wondering what had just happened.

Imperial Flagship ISSD Pruveil
Kuat Imperial Shipyards
Kuat Orbit

"Admiral Deesat prepare the Pruveil's weapon systems, have all systems on full alert." He stopped and looked off at the stars. "But do not make any attempt to remove ourselves from dry dock until I order so. We are to maintain the presence of non-alert. Do you understand." It wasn't a question.
"Yes sir, may I however ask why?" He risked asking, not entirely understanding the order as Aram's fingers flicked over a series of switches on the chair.
"Our escorts are needed elsewhere Admiral."

"Captain Veris, take the Dubrillion to investigate the attack on our Balmorra facility, you will be escorted by the Defender. Admiral Rillion will jump to waypoint D-08 and await further instructions." The order was dispatched to all ships simultaniously. "The Medusa will remain on the far side of Kuat for precaution."
Beyond the screen of the Pruveil Deesat watched as the Dubrillion began to turn on her axle and eventually jumped into hyperspace with the Defender close behind. The Kuat also turned however only to set itself further from the planet, still within visual but barely, if anything was to attack they would meet the Kuat first. The Medusa all but disappeared as it faded around the horizon of the planet below.

Balmorra Weapons Processing Facility
Balmorran Orbit

"Launch all TIE wings." Ilitino was going through every book trick he knew, everything he had been taught at the academy was being utilized as he watched the displays before him indicate that all five defensive wings of the station had launched, the mere sixty TIE fighters heading off to their obvious deaths against the wave of Republic Fighters that had poured out of Hyperspace.
The battle joined with casualties on both sides, the two fighter wings colliding against each other with deadly effect.

Black twelve is down.
Wing four is lost, we lost wing four.
I need help over here...
scratch one reb...

Ilitino really didn't know what to do but sit back and watch in horror as the odds continued to rise against him, or at least until the fighters came into the range of the stations Ion cannons and defensive batteries.
Green lances ripped through the first wave of New Republic that reached the station, they continued to fire in mass amounts as the Commander brought up a call to the three surrounding Satellite stations.
"Just keep pouring fire into the area." He barked.
"Sir our own ships are in that mess, our targetting systems aren't fast enough to track FFIs." A response came from Satellite 1, a response that made Ilitino pause for just a moment.
"I am passing authority Station 1, friendly fire is tolerated." He then cut the channel, knowing that he had just signed the death warrants of his men in the fighters.

Imperial Star Destroyer Dubrillion
Balmorra Weapons Processing Facility
Balmorran Orbit

"Breaking from Lightspeed now sir." The indication came as the star lines faded and the scene before them became apparent, yet the newly arrived ISD Dubrillion and the IIC Defender did not pause, both advancing fast from their standard drop zone.

"Defender establish a Interdiction field, make sure that the area of operations is covered." Captain Veris ordered as he took in the situation. "Launch all wings, and advance as close as we can to the station."
The Star Destroyers 72 held TIE fighters launched in uniformed fashion as the constant drills demanded, their Ion-engines pushing them forward towards the conflict the odds now extremely tipped back in the Imperial's favour.

"Destroy them. All of them."

**

Magge
03-10-2012, 12:17 PM

Ilana spent the next hours editing the reports that they were constantly feeding to the new Admiral aboard his flagship, not only giving him valuable intel on the movements of the Imperial fleet at Kuat, but also details on the assault on Balmorra. Keeping safe the avenues that she was using to gain her information from the enemy not only protected the assets in the field, but also her agents and her office. She had no illusions that soon the Empire would realize their movements were being leaked somehow and her valuable links to their security system and the remote transceivers would be cut off.

All it took was one burst from an ion weapon and she was blind. The only saving grace in that scenario was that meant the Empire would be also. The Empress sitting in her playhouse would have to hear about the losses secondhand. A smile crossed her face at the thought as she edited a new report for Arestul and had her tech team burst the encrypted and piggybacked transmission to his ship.
A constant stream that would hopefully help them win this initial engagement and blacken the eye of their most hated, yet respected enemy.

**

Arustel
03-11-2012, 09:32 PM

Rendili - Far side of the planet from Kuat
Immediately after Rogue and Wraith Squadrons jump to hyperspace.
Republic One - Command Deck - Bridge

Darksun... once your fighters complete their launch, make your jump... good hunting.

Angellus has indeed been receiving constant updates from Ilana and the movement was done, it was sooner than he expected but nothing that wasn't planned for. The Empire was indeed responding but there was something to their defense though, something odd that the Admiral had an idea about but couldn't put his finger on it. Brushing it off due to the fact that he hadn't slept in 48 hours he sent the containment fleet on its way. The Commander's Liberator Class was not completed yet so he was commanding the "Sentinel", the MC80 class previously under orders to patrol open space. He was escorted by the Admiral's old Assault frigate "Guardian" as well as the "Empress Teta", the Nebulon B frigate. Their mission was simple and straight forward, keep the ships investigating the Balmorran attack occupied while the assault fleet attacks. Refusing to sit in his command chair, Arestul prowled the bridge as he usually would do, watching the vessels depart.

Launch fighters and bring squadron commanders up on separate frequencies.

"Will do, sir." Captain Halpern, the ships actual Captain started dishing out his own orders as he began to not only fulfill the Admiral's wishes, but carry out his own preparations. He wasn't one of those officers who initially took to Angellus' words, or actions, he was one of them who was not only surprised, but bought into the actions as the Supreme Commander proved what his capabilities were on several actions. He wasn't one to simply tow the company line, a part of his personality Arestul respects and rewarded, but he was indeed one who knew a good idea when he head it. "I have A-wing leaders up and ready on your call, X-wings as well, bombers are launching now so they'll be a moment, then E-wings and 'LAF's."

Nodding in acknowledgement, he watched them form up on the view screen, Arestul purposely loaded up on A-wings with the assault fleet as he knew that they would be needed heavily for his plan.

Ladies... gentlemen... as we discussed last night, your orders are the most basic but the most important. Any and every Imperial fighter or shuttle is your responsibility. I know that this is a rough assignment but you have the speed and the training. I wouldn't ask any of you to do this if I didn't have faith in any of you.

Getting acknowledging responses from each pilot, he looked around to see the responses from the bridge officers. Though he wouldn't admit it, he wanted to know how they felt about the orders he just gave. Clicking on his headset to change frequencies brought up the X-wings. Those on the bridge believed that their orders would be the same, they were wrong, there was a reason after all why he hadn't slept.

Alright everyone, your orders are the most complicated, as we discussed last night, you have targets of opportunity. X-wings are the most versatile fighters in the galaxy, you know this, show the bucketheads why.

Without looking anyone's way this time he changed frequencies to bring up the next set, the B, K, and Y-wing bombers. The fighters had their job, the bombers had theirs too. The E-wings were attached to this meeting too and many of them were wondering why.

Tally-ho... your orders are simple... as discussed in our meeting, K-wings target propulsion, Y-wings target shields, and B-wings target weapons. Don't worry about fighters, and keep to attack speed the moment you drop out of hyperspace, we'll be drawing fire away from you. The E-wings will be covering your backs from above. You all are the best at what you do, you wouldn't be here if you weren't.

Not all of the commanders liked the idea, felt that they were "sitting mynocks" in some cases, but they knew what they signed on for. He just hoped he wasn't sending them to their dooms, and if he was, it wouldn't be for nothing. Of course this is the nature of the military and of war. Changing his frequency to the HLAFs, the heavy fighters, Arestul had a specific job for them.

Alright everyone, the bombers have their targets... you have yours. Your ships can take the biggest beating and unfortunately I'm going to have to use their to our advantage as you also have the heaviest firepower. As we discussed, you're to clear a path for the bombers and hit the ship bridges on the way out. Trust your instincts and fall back on your training, they can't touch you because if they do, they'll be getting hit by us.

"Akatsuki reports that they're ready for jump." Halpern had the quick message for Arestul, but he wanted to talk to Leonida directly. So he changed frequencies again as he turned around to look at everyone on the bridge as he spoke.

Alright Colonel, we'll be drawing the attention on us, keep behind us and get your boys in and hopefully out. We're looking for the Intel boys and girls too, you're the Army guy so you know better than I could about what'll go on in the ship and the yard, but if you run into trouble don't be a hero... get your boys out I'd rather have partial victory than a costly one.

Turning off the comm after getting the acknowledgement from his pilots, Arestul made his way back near the command chair and hit the "All Call" on the seat. It was time to talk to everyone at once, as it was time to move on the Empire. Their time to sit back and underestimate who the Republic were was drawing to a close rapidly. Angellus then simply said.

All Republic craft jump to hyperspace on my mark... 3...2...1...MARK!

Balmorran Weapons Facility
Present time

The Imperial reinforcements dropped out of hyperspace in a snap of light and immediately initiated containment protocols. The Dubrillion moving into firing position and launching her wing of TIE fighters while the Defender engaged gravity wells and powered up quad cannons, she couldn't stand toe to toe with Republic cruisers she didn't need to with an Impstar Deuce sitting nearby that left the fighters which was what the anti-fighter quad cannons were for. He had already given orders to destroy all Republic ships, but Captain Veris had something else to say.

"This is the Dubrillion responding to emergency code zero, be aware that you are interrupting proceedings involving the Grand Admiral and will be responsible for any consequences that may come of it." Other than the comm message to the Balmorran facility; Captain Veris sat quietly at his command chair as the port and starboard "pits" were abuzz with activity. The Republic scum were efficient, he would give them that but that was more due to Ilitino's inexperience than anything. That was easily remedied now though as they were about to experience the error in their ways. Hitting his comm-link button, he had his own message for them.

"This is Captain Veris of the Imperial Star Destroyer Dubrillion, you are attacking Sovereign Imperial territory and are ordered to stand down and prepare for arrest. Deter from any of this and you will be destroyed with extreme prejudice."

As if on cue the Republic containment fleet dropped out of hyperspace right behind the Star Destroyer, the fighters too.

Kuat Shipyards - Outter Ring
Present time

Moments after the containment dropped out of hyperspace, the Assault fleet consisting of the Viscount Star Defender "Republic One", the MC-80 "Independence", the MC-80b "Ackbar", the Nebulon B's "Paladin" and "Qel Droma, "the MC-40a "Akatsuki" and the MC-40s "Iliad" and "Theseus". The smaller ships were moving into picket positions around the lower section of the shipyard holding the Pruvail as the "Independence" was engaging the Kuat. In a flash of unity or arrogance depending on your point of view, Republic One maneuvered towards the entrance of the shipyard.

You have your targets, you have your assignments... let's dig a ditch.

"Congratulations, sir. This operation is going exceptionally well." Captain Halpern meant it, he was skeptical at first of the mission, thinking it was too complicated but the timing all seemed to be going down perfectly. He was always one to give credit where credit was due and this was going to be a telling moment in the Republic's history.

That was the easy part...

"Sir?" The Captain couldn't help but have a quizzical look, Arestul just quirked an eyebrow.

You didn't expect us to just come in without a fight, did you? We have to be out of here before their main fleet can get here... now let's get to work everyone.

**

Llewel Pindragin
03-11-2012, 10:03 PM

Llewel had arrived just in time. She had come in late enough last night to miss Commander Arestul's speech, but she had heard it often enough from the others that even she carried the extra pep in her step this morning. She had reported to Excapus' side first thing that morning and was already running errands as she learned the ship.

When he sent her to the hanger to inform Lt Kote to prepare his men, she was already familiar enough with the ship that she only had to ask for directions once. Once in the hanger, she asked the first person she saw which one was Kote... seeing him across the hanger, she went up to him and saluted sharply. “Lt. Kote... Cadet Pindragin reporting from Colonel Leonida. He said to inform you to prepare your men and board your LAAT.” She dropped the salute as she spoke and then stood awaiting his response.



<<<TAG TAL>>>

**

Tal Kote
03-14-2012, 01:51 PM

Click Me

Akatsuki
30 Minutes Ago

-Normally, he was the second-in-commando of the New Republic's Special Forces unit? But this time.... this time around he was in command of the Devil Dogs. Where judgement time would be normally passed over to Captain Darc Jaeger was actually passed over to Lieutenant Tal Ka'rta Kote. In time Tal had shown just how useful he was to the New Republic. As a mandalorian not many people held the up most respect to his kind of people. The kind of people who held onto honor as a primary concern. But it seemed he was well rounded enough to earn that respect in the NR for Colonel Excapus to put him in charge of the Devil Dogs and deploy them to Kuat for this mission. Preperation was the only thing on the mandalorians mind right now. This mission had to be successful no matter what the costs were.-

Akatsuki- Hanger
Current Time

-There was a big rush through the hanger between shuttle pilots and army personal. Everyone was preparing their weapons for combat, securing their gear, and positioning themselves for take off. This was a strong mission to go through; strong orders to take and follow. It was here that Tal would show just how strong the Devil Dogs acted in the New Republic. They weren't just a group of people that were casted aside. It was their time to shine. Now for a mission like this; all SpecForce members were dressed in what was seen as SpecForce gear. Tal wore the same thing, but instead of the NR symbol on the shoulder pad; there was the mandalorian mythosaur skull. The symbolized enough to tell everyone around him that he was the commander in charge of the Devil Dogs for this assignment.-

-For a moment time seemed to slow down; preperations for battle were nearly complete. Holstering his DC-15s side arm blaster - the only weapon that Tal carried with him - the mandalorian picked up his SpecForce helmet and tucked it beneath his arm. Just in time for Cadet Llewel to approach him. Turning on his heals; Tal stood straight in front of the cadet. Time was drawing near; accepting the salute from the young cadet who addressed him for this mission.-

Time to go to work.

"Thank you cadet... we are all set and ready to make some noise. Will you be joining us on this?"

-The first part was sarcastically said. But then again it was a mission to prove just how fast the SpecForce team could really work. Turning slightly; the mandalorian glanced back at the men he had chosen to work with him on this mission. They were the best out there for the job. The only ones who could really complete an assignment such as this. This was the signal to get going and get the job done. The enter of hyperspace really didn't bother Tal all that much. His mind was mostly focused on completing the job they were assigned to do. To get in and get out without much of a problem. Waving a hand to his men; he signaled them to board onto their assigned attack shuttles. Everyone acknowledged this order without much of a word to go around. They knew what was happening and what the assignment was. It was now just a matter of completing it. Simple and yet effective.-

-After receiving Llewel's response; the lieutenant made his way over to his own attack shuttle... helmet in hand he jumped on in with everyone else. Armed with the standard blasters, side arm weapons, detonators, and grenades. This was to ensure that they would get the job done. Suited up in SpecForce armor with no visible contact of face or the color of their eyes. In Tal's case it was sort of hard to hide his long blond hair, but he still managed. With everything on the go... Tal lifted his own helmet up and firmly secured it on his head locking it into place. His blond hair tucked neatly into the helmet. Tapping his finger against the helmet he opened up communications to Colonel Excapus.-

"Colonel Leonida we are standing by on orders to move out."

((TAG: Excapus and Llewel))

**

Romon
03-15-2012, 01:18 AM

Music

Romon sneered as anther squint fell under his cannons. The predator was taking over, blood lust flowing, killing instincts awakening. His prey and just sent an A-wing driver home in peaces, the least the Rogue could do was return the favor.

Dopping his right foot down on the rudder pedal, the pilot kicked his bird into skid, causing the Sqint on his tail to over shoot. The pilot tried to recover from his fatel mistake, but was rewarded with laser bolt through his port ion engine, cooking it off, the ship erupting into a ball of fire.

Sweeping his eyes across the station revealed the Wraiths and the "heavys" were raising hell their own kind of hell. The station was fighting for her life, throwing up an impressive awary of flack.

The Rogues and the Backs were finishing up with the TIEs launched by the station. The TIEs had put up a valient effort, but the Imps needed to throw something more than standard issue at the attackers if they wanted to stand a chance. A sinister grin spead accross his face as a SD and ICC jumped into system. The cursier throwing up her black hole generators, and both ships launching their birds. "That's more like it" Romon thought to himself, "keep sending 'em, we'll keep killing them". The Empire had a lot to answer for and the New Republic was their judge, jurry, and executioner.

"This is Captain Veris of the Imperial Star Destroyer Dubrillion, you are attacking Sovereign Imperial territory and are ordered to stand down and prepare for arrest. Deter from any of this and you will be destroyed with extreme prejudice."

"Captain Veris, this is Lieutanent Commander Romon Darksands, Commanding Officer of Rogue Squadron. Your request is noteded, as our response should be." Switching back to the secure cannel the NR forces were using. As if on cue, the Containment fleet dropped in system, boxing in the Imperial warships. They moved to engage the enem; their banks of turbo lasers and Proton Torpedos lasing out. "Try and trap us here will you?"

The TIEs were rolling in hot and heavy, time to go to work. "Rogues, Backs, on me. Let's plow the road. Run attack pattern Foxtrot Tango Uniform. Stay clear of the Capital ships filed of fire, you get caught up in that mess and your in for a bad day." Matching words with action, Romon slammed his bird into a gut wrenching turning, bring his guns to face the emeny. The swarm of TIEs were pouring in, filling his canopy was a grey cloud, rappidly growing in size. The NR fighters would spread out by wing pairs in a traling V formation, forming a shield between the incoming Imps and the B-wings. The Wraiths would undoubtly have a few TIEs to deal with, but the Intercpte fighters were going to thin them out as much as they could.

"Vamp, lock up a full house, we're giving them a borad side." The droid complied, bracketing the four fighters that comprised the lead flight of the lead squadron. A woble tone sounded in his head set as the droid designated the the fighters, fed the data to the war heads, and while the projectiles acquired their prey. This only took a few seconds; then the brackets went red and a wail replaced the woble. The pilot's pointer finger dropped, depressing the trigger. The black and red X-wing shuttered as two Proton Torpedos lept from her nose, trailing billant blue tails of fire. These were joined by two Concussion Missles, riding crmsion fire out from under her lower S-foils.

The quartet of projectiles found their targets, filling the sky with fire as one flight was taken out of the fight. Racking the weapons selector back to linked laser fire, the pilot swung his nose to the left, dropping his cross hairs over the next target on the list. Slamming the stick to the left and smashing the trigger, the Rogue put is fighter into a Tallon Role. The X-wing, spitting fire from her cannons, begin to rapidly roll, whipping her rounds into a cyclone of death. Keeping the bird spinning, Romon entered the group of TIEs, his cannons clearing a way through. Punching out the other side, the pilot axed the roll and threw his fighter into steep banking climb to the right, moving into a postion above the fur ball that was now erupting. As he manuverd into postion to dive back into the fight on his next run, Romon said "Vamp, notify me when we are down to one Torp." This request was not unsual as knowing when he only had one round left would was important, but Romon was saving this one for a special occasion.

While the ground crew had been loading the assorted warheads into the NR strike fighters before the mission, many of them, along with other members of the crew, had written messages on them. Romon, who always supervised his fighters load out, had read most of them. Some were inmemory of those lost, reading along the lines of "This one's for Savanna", and "From Uncle Jackson, with regards". Others were a bit more direct; "Eat this frackers!" and "See you in hell." being among some of the pilots favorites. Everyone on Telos had lost someone in the attack, and if they couldn't pull the tirgger themselves, writting something on a weapon that was about to be expressed delivered was the next best thing.

The pilot had personlized a Torp himself, and had it loaded first, so it would be the last one out. All he wrote was "Aram Kalast". The Grand Admerial was the brain of the Empire, the man that dictaed its every move and action. The man responsible for the execution of his family, the man responsible for countless crimes against the galaxy, the man responsible for every single death on Telos. If luck was on his side, the man would be in New Republic custudy before he found himself in the pilot's sights, other wise his reign of terror would end with a bang.