Rebirth of an Empire (SWR only. TG for entry)

[Transnapastain]

Hall of Esseles
Calamar, Esseles

Governor Griff Takel stood with his back to the small group of men and woman assembled behind him, gazing across the cityscape spread below him, a soft breeze carried the warm, moist outside air in through the open window. He savored the air, tasting its sweet scent as he surveyed the broad boulevards and decorative parks that ay below him.

Slowly he turned, letting his gaze fall upon those wh had gathered to see him. “What word from Tralee, Mr. Novar?”

Adram Novar consulted his consulted a datapad before answering “Preparations to depart are nearly complete, Governor. Provisions for three years have been loaded onto the freighters, the last of which are now making their way to the rendezvous point near the edge of the system.” he paused, “Also, governor, if you would be so kind as t pass my thanks along to Senator Atanna, on behalf of the entire Damorian Manufacturing Corporation, for his assistance in getting the colonization eights and trading petitions cleared up for us so quicky. His assistance as instrumental in turning my company's expansion plans into reality.”

Governor Takel waved a hand in dismissal. “No worry's, old man. Atanna knows how to play ball.” Eyes narrowing slightly, he continued “however, fail to preform the duties you have been entrusted with and...” he let the threat hang, the weight of his words as thick as Esseles' humidity in high summer.

Novar bowed his head “I will not fail you, or Esseles, my Lord.”

Takel nodded and turned his attention away form the executive. “And you, brother, what report have you?”

The man he addressed was adorned in the dress uniform of the Esseles Defense Force, a modest affair when compared against many galactic standards; a simple black tunic with silver trim, decorated by shoulder boards and small colorful ribbons along the right breast. The rank on this man shoulder boards proclaimed him a Vice Admiral. He was tall and gaunt, a mischievous and somewhat violent gleam in his dark blue eyes. Even still, the resemblance to Griff Takel was unmistakeable.

His words came slowly, methodically, his voice somewhat wasteful. “The majority of the fleet, consisting of 12 Tarton-class patrol cruisers are already on station at the outer edge of the system with the freighters and bulk cruisers. Shore leave for the crews of the Thunderstruck, as well as the Challenger, Dauntless, Cirrus and Sword have been canceled, and their crews are reporting for duty. As soon as they are prepared, they too will depart for the staging area.” As he concluded, he plucked a small glass off the table and drained it, the amber liquid disappearing in an instant.

“Pardon me, Admiral Takel,” Novar began, “but are you sure that one Bulwark-class battlecruiser, for Carrack-class patrol cruisers, along with a dozen Tartan class escorts is sufficient to-”

The Admirals eyes flashed violently for a moment as he slammed his drink glass down, shattering the delicate crystal as it impacted the table. As the crystal shards blew outward, the mans clam demeanor was similarly shattered. “Do not presume to speak to me of military matters, Novar!” he raged “I am in military command of this expedition, not you. The Thunderstruck is one of the newest and most heavily armed capital ships in the galaxy. It and its escorts will be more than sufficient to destroy any pirate raiders or hostile forces arrayed against us.” He whirled on his brother and shouted “This man's mind is closed to me, brother, I believe he seeks to usurp our family's-”

“Enough, Miltin.” Governor Takel said calm, instantly silencing his raging brother. “He is a loyal son of Esseles, same as us.” he soothed. “He would not attempt to depose us from claiming what is rightfully ours, not with him standing to gain so much. Isn't that right, Mr. Novar.”

Novar merely nodded his assent, visibly shaken by the violent out burst only moments before.

“And you have impressed this upon the other heads of this joint corporate expedition, have you not? The representatives from Koensayr and Merr-Sonn Munitions? They understand that the destiny of Esseles rests with this expedition?”

“Yes sir. The are fuly committed to our cause.” Novar replied.

Very good, Mr. Novar. I have no doubt. Now, to address your concern, as my brother so...eloquently said, there's no doubt that the Bulwark-class can outfight any capital ship it engages. The Carrack class cruisers are sufficiently armed to engage most known capital ships in service, and in groups, they are capable of defeating larger, more powerful warships. The Thunderstruck is the first ship the defense force can spare, but we'll send more to you as they are completed and you already have the needed materials to begun construction of a second Bulwark after you arrive.” He smiled “Relax, there is little known life in the deep core, though there are over 2,000 systems in the cluster, so few have produced life, there is little likelihood of you encountering any other species, and certainly known with comparable technology.”

“Yes, of course, My Lord, I only meant to be cautious.” Noval replied

“I understand, young man.” Governor Takel replied, “Do you have any other questions?”

“Yes, my Lord. What can you tell me of the adviser provided to us by the Senate?” asked Noval

“Ah, you're referring to Armand?” Takel said, “He's old friends with Antanna, and is...amiable to your objectives. Like you, he stands to gain by the resurgence of our heritage. He is cunning and ruthless, so deploy him to your advantage.”

“Yes, sir.”

“What of the Jedi?” Admiral Takel hissed. “If they become involved, interested in our operation?”

Again, with practiced disinterest, Takel waved away his brothers concern. “I have contingencies. I have even now begun to enact them. A ship was dispatched only hours ago to collect some very valuable commodities for me.”

“Where?” Admiral Takel asked

“Myrkr, in the inner rim” Takel replied

Admiral Takel stired slightly, his eyes narrowing “I've not heard of this world, where is it?”

“No reason you should have. Aside from the fact that it has seen only little official colonization, its location is not the sort of information that is widely published, as it appears to be home to many...undesirable organizations.” Governor Takel replied “Antanna provided me with its location after Armand mentioned it would be a good world to invest in. Having access to Senate records is quite useful.”

“And do do pirates and bounty hunters have to do with stopping inquisitive Jedi?” Admiral Takel asked

“Nothing.” Governor Takel said, and smiled “Trust me, Miltin, you shall see soon enough.”

“I do not like surprises, brother.” Miltin hissed.

“You'll like this one.” Governer Takel promised. “If that's all then, you gentlemen should be getting to your shuttles. Your are embarking on a noble cause, and one that will bring glory and honor to the Takel family and the world of Esseles. With your efforts, the Esselian Empire will rise once again.”

---

As Noval exited the governor's opulent office and strode down the hallway, the lanky Admiral in front of him suddenly whirled around, his eyes full of fire and rage, causing Novl to falter in his step, stumbling backward.

“Just so we understand each other, Mr. Noval-” Admiral Takel spat “I am in command of his expedition. You, and the other corporate representatives, advise me. I may choose to listen, I may not. Do you understand?”

Noval nodded “Yes, of course Admiral.”

“Good.” Takel said, relaxing a bit before adding “Also, know this. You can not lie to me. You are aware of the effects of glitterstem on the human mind?”

Aside from the paranoia, violent mood swings and risk of overdose? thought Noval before providing the answer he knew Takel wanted to hear. “Yes, Admiral, it allows the user to read the surface thoughts of those around them.”

“Yes, just remember it.” he said “I'll see you aboard the Thunderclap.” Takel restated before spinning away, his broad cape and cloak billowing behind him.

“I certainly won't” Noval muttered as the man strode away. He sighed as he resumed his trek down the corridor towards the turbolift. This is going to be one hell of a ride.

---

OOC: This is semi-open and is mainly going to be me getting myself established. If you have a story idea for something we can do inside of this intro-RP, TG me and we'll talk. Otherwise, this si the chronology of events that are going to occur here.

Establish myself on the planet of Doornik-319 (AKA Morning Bell) and make contact with “illegal” Kubaz colony.
Encounter Yevetha
Have Governor Jalin Versa (fictional character) of the Jasco Sector make contact with Governor Takel on Esseles to pledge her support to the New Esselian Empire
Arrive on Myrkr and obtain Ysalamiri and samples of Olbio trees to replant on Morning Bell
Make contact with Voltarus (Probably a seperate RP)

By the end of this intro, I will be on my way to establishing my holdings, subjugating the Yevetha, and building alliances. If you see a way to work yourself into this, contact me.

[Transnapastain]

Exiting hyperspace above planet Myrkr
Myrkr system

Ensign Arlan Raan watched the lines of stars revert to tiny pinpricks of light as the shuttle Lynx reverted to realspace. Below, he could see the dark green and brown of the planet Myrkr, the monotony broken only by patches of deep blue and white clouds floating above.

“Sure is a pretty planet.” said Rhel Fahey as he maneuvered the small Nu-class shuttle into orbit. “Oceans, trees, mountains, not at all like Glade...too much nature, not as much acid rain and death”

Raan had felt a rebuke rising inside him, intending to remind his crew mate that Esseles was certainly as pretty and decidedly more cultured than this backwater planet. Slowly, he let it go, forgiving Fahey's lack of patriotism. “Sometimes, I forget you aren't from Esseles.” he said simply.

“Yeah, I noticed, it was all over your face.” Fahey replied, “it's all over your face anytime anyone implies, or you think they implied, Esseles might be inferior in same way.”

Raan felt the heat rising inside him again “I love my home world, and am determined to see it returned to its proper position in the galaxy.” he replied, trying to keep his temper under control. Why Governor Takel had picked such a defeatist-minded person for this job was beyond him. Questioning that decision, however, was likewise beyond hm.

“No argument from me. ” Fahey his voice taking on a tome of placation, perhaps sensing his crewmates imminent outburst. “There's a reason I signed up to help you and your people achieve your goals.”

“Credits.” Raan quipped, disgust dripping form the single word

“Partly.” Fahey agreed, ignoring his disgust or missing it all together, “ Esseles is certainly preferable to the dust ball I came from, and the money Takel is paying me spends just as well as anyone elses Mostly, though, you don't know what its like on Glade. People are nothing but numbers, working 18 hours days producing wiglets and other commodities sold to people with nicer lives on better worlds. The Republic isn't doing anything to help the planet's population, or clean it up.”

“So, thats it? You think that by helping us we can go save your home world?” asked Raan

“No, Glade's a dead world, it just hasn't realized it yet.” Fahey replied. “Humans don't deserve to be treated that way. The Republic couldn't care less and is too extended to even try if it did. So, no, I'll go somewhere humans who understand culture and value it are and see if maybe there's a better way.”

Raan nodded, satisfied by the answer and placated by his statement that Esseles embodied human culture. “Let's see about landing his tub.”

Fahey nodded and turned his attention to the computer “No landing beacons.” he said, scowling at the screen, “scanners are acting strangely, I'm having trouble getting any readings own there.”

Raan called up his own sensors and studied them. “high metal contact in the forests....maybe the doctor we brought along will no something more about it.” he shrugged “Regardless, I imagine thats the cause of your sensor malfunctions.”

“I'm picking up something that might be a settlement down there, in the north, near the mountains. Lets give it a try.” Fahey suggested.

Raan nodded his assent as Fahey began to take the craft down into Myrkr's atmosphere, causing the ship to buck and shake as it passe from the vacuum of space into the gravity of the planet. As the shuttle broke through the clouds, even Raan had to admit that, while it wasn't Esseles, it was definitely a very pretty planet. The Lynx sailed over endless forest towards an intimidating looking mountain range far to the east. “Sensor say the settlement is a few hundred klicks ahead, set at the base of the mountains.”

“I guess we'll see.” said Raan, then, as an afterthought, he reached for the ships internal comlink. “Attention, passengers. We have made our descent into atmosphere and are approaching what we believe to be a settlement. Please strap in and prepare to land.”

The shuttle rapidly crossed the forest, heading ever onward towards the settlement. As they approached, Raan squinted out of the shuttles forward view ports. “Yeah, there's something there, alright.” he said, pointing “I see a couple of buildings, whole group of them nestled together there, as well as some towers and other structures.”

“Good enough for me, unless we're about to land in the middle of some smugglers hide away.” said Fahey.”Find me a landing zone.”

“I'm not seeing anything that looks like a spaceport, but there's a field over there, maybe some other ships landed on it, lets just put down there, yeah?”

Fahey banked the shuttle over the city below and brought ti smoothly to rest in the field. As Raan and he prepared to exit the cockpit, he heard Fahey say “Rear view is showing me several people approaching, humans, all of them.”

Raan dropped his hand t the butt of the blaster pistol holstered on his hip and said “Lets not keep them waiting.”

As he and the pilot passed through the passenger compartment, an older man with wild white hair and an eccentric look in his eye spoke up “I say, pilot, that was a smooth landing, what? Let's get off this tub and on with it.”

“Not so fast, doctor.” Raan said, placing his hand on the older mans shoulder and gently but firmly shoving him back into his seat. “There's people outside, we're going to go out and talk to them.”

“I say, people? On this backwater world?” the doctor declared, straining against Raan's outstretched arm. “Are they human? If not, I should like to study-”

They're human and they're not assured to be friendly, sit tight, and stay with Jorus and Geela, they'll keep you safe.” Raan replied

“And bore me to death!” the older man exclaimed “These two have the conversational skills of a-”

“Doctor Thiddex.” Fahey said “We have things to do, and arguing with you is not one of them.”
The doctors shoulders slumped and he stopped resisting Raan's push “Very well then, leave me to languish with the plebeians.”

“We'll be back before you know it.” Fahey said with mock excitement and proceeded towards the egress hatch, Once Raan had moved up into position, he depressed the switch, starting the hatches slow descent. As it descended, the two men exited the ship.

Waiting for them outside were half a dozen humans, all of them armed, and all of them looking decidedly confused. Good start thought Raan

“Greetings,” he called “I am Arlan Raan, of Esseles.”

“We weren't expecting another supply shipment for several months. Why are you here?” asked one of the men. “Are you new colonists?”

“Uh, no.” Raan said, trying to keep the disgust from his voice. “We were sent here on a mission by the government of Esseles, we are to acquire-”

Fahey elbowed him in the rids quickly and spoke “-several samples of local flora and fauna for the curator of the Esseles Zoological Preserve. We hope we've landed in the right place.”

The men looked at one another before laughing “Yeah, you found it. Hyllyard Spaceport.”. His comment sent the men into gales of laughter.

Raan glared at the men and spoke “If this is what you call a spaceport...” he said indignantly.

One of the men ceased laughing long enough to ask “So, let me ask you, is Esseles the world that sarcasm abandoned?” Again, the men burst out laughing

“Good job, Arlin, why don't you let me handle this?” whispered Fahey. Raan nodded, barely containing the urge to draw his blaster and mow the uncouth men down.

“Good. So glad to hear it.” opening his coat, Fahey removed a small credit coin from a pouch, and held it up, letting the light play off its reflective surface. “Anyone here care to show us to lodgings, and rustle up some food and a landspeeder?”

At once, the laughter died as the men fell over themselves, and each other, to usher the newcomers towards the city. Fahey tossed a smirk at Raan before heading back tot he shuttle to collect the remaining passengers.

---

“What you did earlier was uncalled for.” Raan said as the two men sat in a small tavern off of Hyllyard's main street. It was a modest affair, as most of the buildings Raan had been in on Mykyr were. Several tables were strewn about the main floor, with a long bar made from polished wood (Raan had learned it was Olbio wood) forming an oval in the center. Near where Raan and Fahey sat, towards the rear of the building, a massive fireplace roared, sending sparks flying across the hearth and a plume of smoke through the chimney. The smokey air burned Raan's eyes and the smell seemed to cling to everything.

“What? Accomplished our mission without pissing off the locales and making you loom like a nerf herder?” Fahey asked, taking a pull from the mug he held in his hand. As he set it down, he wiped some of the foam from his upper lip and said “This is really good, you should try it. It's sort of line Lomin ale, but, heavier, somehow.”

“No, thank you.” Raan said, sneering at the mug. He instead took a sip of his own drink, simple distilled water. He had asked for wine, indicating several different brands and vintages he was sure could be found anywhere in the galaxy, even on a backwater world like Mykyr. His request had sent the barkeep into fits of laughter. “What you did was interrupt me. I am in command.”

“Then maybe you should learn some command skills. Maybe, next time, you don't tell them the real reason we're after something...lets them know its valuable....then they charge more for it. ” Fahey replied. “It also would have helped if you didn't walk off that shuttle and speak as if you were the king of Alderaan.” Fahley rocked his head forward in a mock bow “Your Majesty.”

“I'm going to assume your insubordination is a result of your intoxicating beverage and let it slide...this time.” Raan replied, trying to inject an icy edge into his voice.

Fahey, however, was unphased. “Assume whatever you like, there's a saying involving assumptions, bit I'm sure you know it.” he took another pull of the drink and continued “You need to learn how to deal with people you consider to be beneath you in situations where they aren't.”

“Why?” Raan asked, truly perplexed. Every creature had a place in life, the haves and the have nots. The haves knew they did, and were not afraid to let it be know. The have-nots knew they did not, and should know their roles and never presume to be equal to the haves. Those who did were simply uppity troublemakers and needed to be put in their place. Raan had concluded the entire population of this world fit into the later category. When he expressed this sentiment to Fahey, the man simply sighed and shook his head.

“I'm going to need anther drink to deal with you.”he finally said. “On Esseles, sure, maybe even on Alderaan or Chandrila, sure. Planets that value culture, planets that have established themselves. You've never been to a world like Mykyr, have you?

Raan was not about to admit that he had never been off planet until today, so he simply replied “No.”

“It shows.” Fahey said “These are hard working people. Everyone has to pull their weight to ensure the planets profits, even ts survival. They have no time, nor respect, for what you consider to be civilized. No time to study art, no time to debate galactic history and politics.”

“They should.” Raan countered

“And in time they might, when their next meal isn't depending on their labor.” Fahey replied “As far as their concerned, they are better than you, because they work for hat they have, whereas you are nothing but a snot-nosed dilettante.”

Raan was speechless, no one had ever spoken to him in such a blunt and forthright manor. Not his superiors in the defense fleet, not his father or other adults in his life. “I have money, prestige...”

“That prestige is nothing to them, empty words from a distant planet-.” Fahey said, cutting him off. “Money is nice, but its not yours, so far as they know. They'll take it, but they won't respect you. Unlike what your used to, down here o the ground, respect is earned, not assumed at birth” Before Raan could speak, Fahey asked “Do you want to know how to get them to respect you?”

“How?” Raan asked

“By earning it, working hard and showing you are competent.”

Raan was silent for several momonets before he replied. “How?” he asked again

Fahey smiled “Thats one you have to figure out for yourself, your majesty. Best think on it tomorrow, and get yourself some sleep tonight. We head out tomorrow.” Fahey stood, tossing several credits on the table, leaving Raan to contemplate his words by the dying fire light.

[Transnapastain]

Aboard the Bulwark class battlecruiser Thunderstruck
In hypersapce, transiting to Doornik-319

Admiral Miltin Takel slowly brought his head up from the mirrored tabletop, exhaling softly as the last remaining particles of gliterstim flew away from the table. He leaned back into the overstuffed char, his eyes gazing towards the ceiling of the softly lit room. He could feel a soft vibration through the rooms floor; a sure sign that the Thunderstruck was still in hypersapce.

He could feel the glitterstim taking effect, his mind raced with insight and profound wisdom. He knew he could out think, out preform and outplay any challengers. Their thoughts would betray them. He chuckled. No mere mortal, human or otherwise, could think to stand against him. He would lead the forces of the New Esselian Empire to victory, and none would dare to deft him

A soft chiming interrupted his thoughts. “Yes” he said, elongating the end of the word in an almost inhuman hiss

“S..Sir.” the caller stammered, clearly taken unawares by the strange greeting “Ensign Durmane. We're coming up on Doornik-319 system, we're at 10 minutes to reversion to realspace.”

“Acknowledge Ensign.” Takel said, terminating the call and slowly rising to his feet. He brushed his hand across his tunic, sending a few granules of spice wafting through the air. Placing the half empty vial of gliterstim back into the gundark-hide bag sitting in the opposite chair, he hefted the bag and carried towards his bed chambers. Inside, he removed a large self-portrait painted painted by one of Esseles' finest artists from the wall, placing the bag inside. Though his quarters were secure, and guarded by a member of the ships security detachment around the clock, he could not risk anyone absconding with his precious glitterstim.

Matters of security tended to, he strode out of his quorters, his broad cloak billowing behind him. He winked at the female naval officer standing outside he cabin and proceeded towards the turbolift. He let his hand brush along the smooth, cold metal wall of the ship and smiled. Let that fool Novar doubt the power of this ship. He will not doubt if I'm given cause to display is full potential.

The Bulwark class battlecruiser was the third design of the Bulwark series, and the first to be produced exclusively by TransGalMeg Industries of Esseles. It was over 2,500 meters in length and bristled with over 1,250 turbolaser batteries and 600 ion cannons. Moreover, it carried nearly a wing of starfighters and 4 combat regiments of troops, which could be ferried to the surface by shuttles like the Delta-class JV-7 or Nu class assault shuttles or delivered to combat on board the ship itself, as the Bulwark was capable of making planetfall.

The turbolift slowed as it approached the bridge, gliding to a stop, the doors opening with a soft hiss. Takel stepped forward as two Esselian naval infatrymen stiffened to attention. “Admiral on the bridge” an officer manning a crew station behind him called. As Takel strode towards the elevated command station, enlisted bridge crewmen and officers not otherwise occupied with the ships essential systems or the reversion to realspace sprang to attention.

“As you were” Takel said softly, “Commodore Tymon, a status report, please. Is my flagship ready?”

Commodore Kya Tyon stepped forward, handing a datapad to Takel. As he accepted it, she brushed a lock of wavy brown hair from her face. “The Thunderclap is preparing to revert to realspace. We arrived several hours ahead of the projected schedule, thanks to some very intelligent course planned by astronavigation. All commands report ready, Admiral.” she smiled, concluding her report with the time honored response to the Admirals question “The Thundersturck is fully at your command/”

“Good.” said Takel, pursuing the datapad as he assumed his position at the command station. “Gunnery crews to condition yellow, bring our shields to maximum as soon as we revert to realspace, ensure the alert starfighters are prepared to launch.”

A chorus of acknowledgments punctuated his reply as a slightly expression of concern crossed Captain Tyon's face. “A problem, captain?” Takel asked

“No sir, not a problem.” she replied, “I just...are we expecting trouble? Intelligence reports-”

“-That three are no habitations in the system, I know, Captain.” Takel replied, finish her sentence for her. “This may be true. If it is not, I'd prefer not to be taken unawares.” he smiled “I really don't expect trouble though, otherwise,I'd have ordered the ships operations transferred to the battle bridge, instead of maintaining operations here, on the flag bridge.”

“Yes sir.” Tyon replied

As he settled into his chair, Takel heard the soft clang of footsteps on the ships metal deck plates behind him. He turned to see Adram Novar ascending the stairway to the command section, the Senate adviser Armand Isard right behind him , “Mr. Novar, Mr, Isard, good of you to join us.” Takel said, gesturing to the empty command chairs.

“Thank you Admiral.” Novar said taking his seat. Isard offered a simple nod, taking his seat.

“10 seconds to reversion.” a voice called form the crew station below, and continued counting down...”
3...2....1...reversion.”

Takel watched through the forward view port as the star streaks rapidly resolved themselves into tiny pinpricks of white light. He heard several of the crew members gasp openly at the spectacle displayed outside. Unlike most parts of space, where darkness rained, the light from the thousands of suns in the Koornacht Cluster brightened the space around them, drowning out the stars further outward form the core with their light. With light refracting from the swirling gas clouds and nebula in the cluster, it was harder to pick out the individual stars here just outside the deep core.

Takel let the crew take several moments to gaze upon the scenery before barking out a command “Report, senors, navigation, communication.” Again, a furious chorus of acknowledgments heralded his command.

“Sir, communications, all ship beacons are accounted for, the rest of the fleet successfully reverted to realspace on assigned vectors.” the communications officer called. Takel dismissed the report with a wave as something caught his attention on his command board. “Do you see that, Captain?” he aske,d pointing towards her display.

Before she could answer, the sensor officer reported “Admiral, strange readings form the planet. I'm detecting several orbital bodies, composed of metallic compounds and ceramics, profile suggests artificial bodies, probably satellites.”

Takel called for a senor focus on one of the metal objects and quickly confirmed the sensor operators report “Yes, they are. That one is a subspace communicator, the rest appear to be meteorological. Comms, initiate subsapce jamming. Helm, assume orbit, have the fleet disperse around the world, initiate blockade pattern. Starfighter control, launch two squadrons to screen the capital ships and prepare for reconnaissance duties in atmosphere.”

“As ordered.”

“Admiral?” asked Novar “Why? Whats going on down there?”

“It appears, Mr. Novar, that Doornik-319 is not as uninhabited as we were told.” Takel replied “I don't want our uninvited colonists communicating with anyone until we determine who, and what, they are.”

“Admiral.” the communications officer called again “incoming message from the surface, audio only.”

“Route it here.” Takel said

“This is Garindan of Hive Oblik of the Morning Bell colony, speaking for Queen Oblik, to unidentified vessel. Why are you jamming our subspace communications, who are you?”

Takel instantly recognized the high pitched nasally voice as belonging to a Kubaz. He shuddered with revulsion and looked at Isard. “Any information you'd like to share?"

“None.” Isard said, speaking for the first time since arriving on the bridge. All of the data on this world came form Senator Antanna, and it didn't include anything about any sub-humans squatting on our world.”

Takel glared at the man for an instant before speaking “Sensors, find me the location of that transmission.”

“Done sir, were reading it as a medium settlement on the northern continent. No weapons emplacements or defensive measures detected.” the sensor officer replied

Excellent "Takel said, "Starfighter control, ensure that one of the recon flights is equipped with an acoustic mapping pod, instruct them to conduct several acoustic survey sweeps near the source of the transmission.Also, prepare two squadrons of BTL-B Y-Wings for launch, one ground attack armaments, the other equipped for anti-orbital engagement, please.” Keying his communicator, his voice carrying an air of superiority and righteousness, he replied to the Kubaz

“This is Admiral Takel of the battlecruiser Thunderstruck with the Koornacht Cluster Expedition out of Esseles. We have purchased the right to colonize this world under Galactic Conclave law.” A flicker of motion from the viewport caught Takel eye as he spoke, a glance showed that it was two Kihraxz light fighters descending through the planets atmosphere. As he ended his transmission, he signaled to Captain Tyon

Almost immoderately the nasally voice issued forth form the speaker “This is impossible, we have the documents to prove right of purchase here.” Takel concentrated, listening to the Kubaz speak, attempting to read his thoughts. After several moments, he found the Kubaz's mind was closed to him, though due to the alien nature of the mind or its hostile intent, Takel did not know. Regardless, he spoke “It is lying to me, I know it is.” Takel rolled his eyes and glanced at Isard, who shook his head and mouthed something negative. Amused, Takel replied “Interesting story, I have the same documents here aboard my ship. Allow me to demonstrate my authority on the matter” he cut off the communication as the Kubaz's high pitched voice rose to piercing levels.

“Very well then, if this is how Mr. Oblik intends to play the game...Sensors, continue to analyze the data and confer with targeting to find strategic locations; power plants, communications centers, the like, relay that information to starfighter control and ground operations command. Captain. Have General Dusat prepare his troops for a ground assault. The Y-Wings will launch ahead of them and descend to strike at targets of opportunity. After the bombardment is complete, have the Delta class shuttles drop the infantry in the city center, where the tunnel nexus is, and anywhere else a tunnel exit is located, have them secure the entrances to the tunnel but tell them under no circumstances are they to enter."

Captain Tyon glanced at Admiral Takel, but did not question the order. Novarr glanced between the two of them with an open expression of confusion on his face, whereas Isard simply smiled a knowing smile towards the Admiral

“A good plan, sir, I was going suggest not obliterating what infrastructure there might be.” Isard said “What we don't have to use from our stockpiles, the better. However, it appears you have considered that option and planned accordingly.”

“Yes, of course, Mr. Isard. I always plan accordingly." Takel replied, a broad smile flashing across his face "There is no reason to risk my men's lives when simpler solutions present themselves."

Isard smiled again. Novar, however, remained confused "I don't understand Admiral, I-"

You will, Mr. Novar, you will. The Kubaz will not trouble us for long. If you'll excuse me, I intend to meet with General Dusat and ensure the plan proceeds smoothly" Takel stood and glanced at Captain Tyon. "Continue jamming subspace transmissions and working on targeting solutions for the Y-Wings."

As Takel strode down the stairs, he heard Isard call after him “Admiral?”

Perturbed by the mans continued interference, he spin around, giving the older man his best glare. It seemed to effect Isard not at all, who merely smiled and said “I was merely going to suggest we keep the name....Morning Bell...it has a nice ring to it...don't you think?”

[Transnapastain]

Great Northern Forest
Several kilometers outside of Hyllyard City
Myrkr


“I say! Slow this contraption down, young man, you’re going to kill us all!” Doctor Thiddex practicably screeched from the rear of the battered old landspeeder as it hurtled through the dense forests of Myrkr. Wedged into the rear passenger compartment between Jorus and Geela, he clawed at the headrest, attempting to find purchase and pull himself forward.

“No I'm not...unless you keep snarling in my ear and distracting me doctor.” Fahey called as he jerked the vehicle to the side, narrowly missing a copse of tall Olbio trees, sending the doctor flying back into his seat.

“Might not actually be a bad idea to slow down, the scanners are having troubling picking out the clumps of trees, its all the metal in them, I'm sure of it.” said Raan quietly

“I know, but, it's so much fun scaring the life out of him.” replied Fahey just as discreetly. As Doctor Thiddex attempted to claw his way to the drivers compartment again, Fahey brought the speeder out of the trees and into a large clearing, and suddenly decelerated, sending the doctor toppling forward into he instrument panel.

“Jezz, Doctor.” Fahey said, “You should have strapped in, we were going awfully fast. If we'd hit something, you could have been killed!”

Raan roiled his eyes and opened the passenger hatch, exiting the speeder and yanked the doctor out after him. Muttering indignatly, Doctor Thiddex brushed himself off and stalked towards the cargo compartment. “Were you thinking of having us camp here?” Raan called to Fahey.

“ Might as well, we're far enough out from the city that I doubt they'll see us, yet close enough I can summon the ship with the beckon call if we need it.” Fahey said, then shrugged. “Really though, I didn't see anywhere else to go.”

Raan nodded, looking around. He was convinced most forests were the same, maybe some different trees, some various plants, different animals, but all the same regardless. He helped Jorus unlatch the cargo compartment and set about extracting their camping gear from the vehicle.

In the span of a few hours the five of them had set up the camp. Each person had their own small sleeping tent, which were set up around a large fireplace that Fahey had insisted on digging. Raan couldn't comprehend why the man insisted on expending effort digging a hole in the ground and dragging rocks from the forest to line it simply to build a fire when the group was fully prepared with heater packs for their food while in the field, a portable generator which could power any appliance while at camp, and each tent had its own environmental controls.

Doctor Thiddex had brought oodles of equipment to analyze the local wildlife, all of which was contained in a prefab structure which also contained the camps fusion generator. A second prefab shed held the camps store of food and spare equipment, such a power packs, glowrod bubs and batteries and a variety of spare parts for the generator.

Later that evening, they gathered around Fahey's fireplace for dinner, which Fahey had prepared for them. Doctor Theddix had brought several cryogenic storage boxes to place samples in and, unbeknownst to Theddix, Fahey had packed them full of nerf steaks to eat the first night in the field. While the doctor did complain about the frozen meat possibly contaminating samples placed in the box later, his annoyance at Fahey's deception did not stop him from enjoying one of the steaks, which Fahey had decided to prepare on the fireplace instead of heating it using the food prep station in the camps main shelter.

Raan, whom had never had food cooked over a fire, decided the meat was noticeably juicer and more tender than steaks he'd previously had. Now, sitting around the crackling fire under the bright starlight above, the cool wind whipping through the clearing being driven back of the intense heat of the flames, Raan had to admit that, while eccentric, Fahey's fireplace did have its uses.

---

Doornik-319
Above the Kubaz colony of Morning Bell

“Alright, Halberd's, the fighter's have completed their recon runs, and we're cleared to the targets. The infantry is following us in, so lets look sharp.” the disembodied voice of Halberd leader crackled over Flight Officer Kyle Deece's headset as he banked his BTL-B Y-Wing bomber away from the Thunderclap[ and dove towards atmosphere.

“You good back there?” he called to his gunner, Sergeant Telon Arundel

“As ever, Flight Officer.” he called back “I'm getting a targeting feed from the Thundertruck...there's really not much down there worth hitting.”

“I think we're meant to show these aliens the rice of squatting on our world.” Deece said. “Fly in, blow something up and make them submit to our rightful authority.”

“Sure, skip, I know that but...they were here first, you know.” replied the gunner as the Y-Wing began to buck and heave as it tore through the atmosphere.

“Doesn't matter.” Deece said, shaking his head “Our would, our right Besides, they're just aliens, who cares what they say about it. Who cares about them, for that matter?”

Instead of replying to Deece's statement, Arundel said “I have our target. Its a communications station several klicks south of the settlement, on a large rise. It appears they're using it to broadcast instrctions to their militia to organize a defense.”

“They're bound to have repeaters.” Deece replied

“Sure, and Thunderwing squadron is on A-sat duty, takin care of that problem.” Arundel replied

“Halberds.” leaders voice called over the squadron frequency. “Once we clear atmo, break by wing pairs and engage targets. Once you've competed your attack runs, flow to the colony center and set up for close air support.”

A chorus of acknowledgments flooded the channel, Decce's “Halberd 9, roger” among them. “Tweedledum?” he called, and received an affirmative tweedle from the astromech droid tucked into its socket behind Arundel's bubble canopy. “Set my comms switch in this order; One, direct link to Halberd 10, two, squadron, three, ground forces fire support frequency, and lastly, for set to fleet tactical.” After a moment, the astromech embittered a beep, letting him know his directions had been caried out

Deece pressed the first switch “Ten, you clear on our target?”

“Roger.” Flight Officer Ellnea Solari replied, “Was just confirming it with Brc when you called. Who get's first pass?”

“Ladies first.” Deece said, “I'm on your wing.”

Ellnea's Y-wing sprang out ahead of his own as both fighters broke through the white clouds over the planet, revealing lush green landscape below them, rolling hills and tall forests ending in a vast ocean to the east and jagged mountain peaks to the west. Ellnea descended to a lower altitude, leveling off at 1,500 meters, Deece tucking in just behind her.

“There's the target coming up, I've got it locked.” Arundel said, shunting the information to Deece's secondary monitor. It showed a cylindrical building rising form the summit of a large hill, various antenna and dishes sprouting from its roof. “Ten, I'm circling out.” Deece called

“Clear, I'm going in hot.” Ellnea said as he Y-Wing descended towards the communications instillation. Though he himself could not see it, Arundel, sitting back to back with Deece called out, “Alright, shes lined up and released her bombs, looks like-”

A bright flash light up sky, its glare viable even to Deece, facing away from the explosion

“-yup, she nailed it, damn thing is ablaze.” Arundel concluded. Deece banked his fighter around, coming in a mere 150 meters above ground level. He could see the remains of the instillation, a chard cylinder with fire and thick, black smoke belching from its ruins, the spires and antenna twisted and broken. As he watched, the facility collapsed, sending a plume of fire into the sky as secondary explosions rocked the ground “Looks like some of her bombs got deep enough to ignite the generators fuel supplies. That place is toast.”

“Nine, ten here, you have several hovercraft approaching from the direction of the colony.” Ellnea called “Looks like extinguishers. I count 4 vehicles total”

Gaining more altitude, Deece could see the flashing blue, red and white lights of the approaching vehicles as they barreled across the fields towards the inferno that was once a comms station. “Roger, I'm on it.” Flicking over to laser,s he lined up on the approaching vehicles and squeezed the trigger.

Ruby bolts spat forth from the twin laser cannons mounted on the noise of his fighter, lancing out towards the approaching vehicles. The bolts gouged large furrows in the ground, sending dirt and grass spraying form the impacts. One bolt creased the edge of one of the hovertrucks, sending it spinning out of control. Any truck caught a bolt straight through the windscreen, causing the burning hulk to nose dive into a field. A greasy black plume of smoke rose from the burning vehicle.

As he passed over the remaining trucks, his shield indicator flickered, showing a slight power drain on his systems, then stabilizing almost immediately. “Ten here, good shooting nine, I'll take the last two. Be advised, ground fire from the vehicles, looks like small arms fire, no danger.”

As Deece banked away, he could see several figures clambering out of the stricken hovertruck, racing towards the second wrecked vehicle as the other two continued onward towards the communications center. Ellnea peppered the dismounted Kubaz with laser fire as she streaked overhead, causing them to dive for cover. Deece watched as two black, oblong objects were discharged from the bottom of her Y-wing, their momentum carrying them forward. Hos visor opaqued itself against the flash of the blast as the two proton bombs detonated amongst the remaining emergency vehicles, incinerating both of them in a blinding white light. As the flash cleared and Deece visor returned to its normal tent, all the remained of the trucks were twisted debris strewn across a large crater, several small fires guttering in the adjacent field, sparked by flaming debris form the trucks.

“Targets destroyed, what about the dismounts?” she inquired, her fighters racing back to rejoin with Deece's

“I can't see them, anywhere skipper.” Arundel called from hi rearward facing position. “Lets just leave em be.”

“Concur.” said Deece as he keyed his microphone “Let em be, its a long walk back to the colony, and they'll find it under new management when they arrive,”

“Clear, I'm your wing.” she called back

Switching to the squadron frequency, he called “Halberd Nine to leader, Ten and I are clear from our attack run, target destroyed as well as responding forces.” In the rear of the cockpit, Deece hard Arundel snort at his choice of wording, though there was decidedly little humor in the utterance.

“Rodger, Nine, all wing pairs report clear from their targets.” leader replied. Deece watched as the forth light on his comm board ignited, the one representing fleet-wide communications. “This is Halberd Leader to Thunderclap, targets are neutralized, send in the infantry.”

[Transnapastain]

Doornik-319
Morning Bell colony

Specialist Cal Polo felt the deceleration of the dropship pressing him ightly against his seat and knew the ride was nearly over. The ship vibrated as its repulsorlifts kicked and the shuttles wings retracted, gilding up towards the top of the vessel to form an almost complete triangle.

“We're about to be dirt down.” Sergeant Onasi shouted, “Were coming down in the colonies square, where several of the underground tunnel entrances are located. There appears to be a small spaceport facility there. Follow on forces will secure it. We hve bene taksed with securing the tunnel nexus located in the plaza. We are not, I repeat not, to advance any more than 20 meters inside the tunnels at any time.

“Why not sir?” one of the troopers called “We can handle some insect trash.”

“Tell you what, Riou, why don’t you comm General Dusat or the Admiral and ask him why, have him explain it to you?” Osani replied, the rebuke effectively ending the soldiers whining.

With an almost imperceptible shudder, the Delta class shuttle settled down on the surface of Doornik-319. As the egress hatch lowered, Sergeant Onasi shouted “Go, go, go, get off the boat, fan out and assume defensive positions.”

Polo unstrapped himself and charged forward, cradling his BC7 blaster carbine as he charged into the open plaza. As he moved away, he felt a wave of heat wash over him as the Delta class shuttle rose on its repulsorlifts and arched back towards space, its wings unfolding and locking below it at a 45 degree angle. As it streaked away, more shuttles, Delta and the larger Nu class, began disgorging troops. Polo hustled towards the entrance of one of the tunnels where a group of infantrymen were already working to set up an EWHB-10 heavy blaster to cover the entrance.

As he approached, he could hear Sergeant Onasi conferring with Lieutenant Demona. “- report nothing in the hanger and fueling area,s it looks like the Kubaz have fled underground. Second bat's troopers say there's evidence that star ships have landed within a recent time period, but no ships are present in the facility. It did appear they were making preperations top receive some traffic.”

Whatever reply Demona had was swept away as two BTL-B Y-Wings swept by overheard, their ion drives drowning out his words.

“Sir?” Onasi asked

“I said, it was probably anticipating our arrival, tell the men to stand by, Major Hennis says the package is on its way down with the next wave, tell the men to dig in. Second battalion will secure the spaceport, all we have to do is keep the Kubaz bottled up inside the warrens

Onasi turned to find several troopers, Polo among them, standing nearby, listening to the conversation “What, you need more work to do?” he shouted “Get in position, get those repeating blasters set up! Come on, move it!”

Polo took off at a sprint and spotted another trooper he knew, Private First Class Cavi, assiting several other men in setting up a CR-28 flame cannon. He trotted over to Cavi and hunkered down next to him, using a portable barricade to prop his blaster carbine.

“Any idea why we're holding in position?” Cavi asked

“Nope, you?”

“Naw, but some of the guys said they saw the Admiral talking with Dusat before we dropped, said they overheard something about special weapons teams coming down dirtside.”

Polo winced “Why do the SW teams get all the fun?”

Maybe cause they got the best toys?” Cavi replied “Settle in, if any of the bugboys come up before its showtime, this baby will send em runnin'” he said as he patted the side of the CR-28.”

Polo settled in, keeping his BC7 trained on the opening. Sometimes, he'd think he saw movement in the mouth of the tunnel and would trigger a short burst, the blaster bucking into his shoulder as the crimson darts lanced into the dark maw. No shrieks or cries rewarded his effort, but it felt good to be doing something

It didn't take long for the “package” to arrive. Three Nu class shuttles touched down in perfect formation in the center of the plaza. Polo watched as several of the troops from second battalion sprinted across from the spaceport and took up position screening the shuttles. Each shuttle disgorged a large cylinder and pumping apparatus on a hoversled, which, screened by soldiers, was moved forward from the shuttles towards the tunnel entrances.

As the technicians and soldiers shepherding the strange apparatus' approached, Polo noticed that they had downed their re-breathers. “oh shit” he said, fumbling to get hi mask from its sealed pouch on his battle armor “Its as, they're going to gas the bugmen.”

Cavi nodded “Yup, looks like it.”

Onasi trotted over to the tow men “Don't stand there and gawk, though at least you had the good sense to don your mask, Polo. Move up and form a line, we don't want the bugmen to get a whiff of whats going on.”

“Pun intended, sir?” Cavi asked

Onasi started at him uncomprehendingly before declaring “Shut up and move it, trooper.”

In short order the technicians had the gas canisters read to go. The officer directing the assembly signaled to Onasi “Sergeant, tank your men and proceed us 20 meters into the tunnel, firing as you go to make them back off, we'll set the house and fall back.”

“You heard the Major!” Onasi declared, Cavi, Polo, up front, move forward 2 meters and don't stop firing!”

Shrugging, both men moved to the front of the formation and prepared to charge. “Ready? Now!” the major shouted. Polo shouted at the top of his lungs, though he wasn't sure how intimidating it was wince it was being muffled by his re-breather. The crimson bolts lancing form the end of his gun proved intimidating enough. As he plunged into the darkened tunnel, his night vision system activated, illuminating the cavern ahead. He saw several Kubaz who had obviously been holed up at the entrance waiting for the infantrymen to make the first move break and run further into the warren. After 20 meters, he stopped and flattened himself against the wall, continuing to discharge fire after the fleeing Kubaz.

As he was changing powerpacks, he felt something hard thump against his helmet, he whirled and saw one of the special weapons technicians motioning at him, directing him to retreat. He pulled back, careful not to trip over the long hose and nozzle the men had left laying, almost like a discarded piece of equipment, on the tunnel floor. Firing as he moved he fled back towards the mouth of the tunnel. As he broke back into daylight, there was a brief moment as the bright sunlight overwhelmed his visor, causing it to turn complete opaque before slowly fading back into normal colors. He moved back behind the barricade and listened as the Major called out “Thats the last one, open them up!”

Technicians depressed switches on the tanks, which began and churn and chug. Though they could not hear it, the hoses inside the warrens began to emit a slight hissing noise as the toxic gas flowed down through the caverns.

“What if that stuff flows back up?” Polo said

One of the technicians manning the pumps replied “You got your mask.” after a pause he said “C6-MPF is heavier than air, so it'll sink down into the warrens, its being contained under pressure here in this drum and being blown deep into the warren’s by the nozzles.”

“How does it work?” Cavi asked

“Simple, either after its inhaled or absorbed through the skin, C6 bounds itself to neuroreceptors and disrupts the mechanism by which nerves transfer messages to organs. Organs do not receive the proper signals form the brain and simply shut down. Exposure leads to contraction of pupils, profuse salivation, convulsions, involuntary urination and defecation, and death by asphyxiation as control is lost over respiratory muscles.” the man said, listing off the symptoms as if simply checking items off the list, his voice made all the more inhumane and sterile by his full-face re-breather. “Death should occur within minutes for unprotected individuals.”

“How long is it effective for? We're going to have to go down there and clear the warrens.” Unconsciously, Polo adjusted his own mask, trying to get a better fit.

“Usually several hours, though in the conditions down there? Dark, damp, cold, no wind? Several days.” He laughed as Cavi and Polo exchanged glances, their eyes growing wide and round. “No worries, troopers. Its flammable. We simply send in a flamethrower team ahead of the troops, and burn it off, as soon as the fire touches it, poof, its evaporated and harmless.”

“As long as I don't have to carry that flamer.” Cavi quipped

“Not to worry, Specail Weapons will handle it.” the technician said, obvious pride in his voice.

As the man moved off to examine some other part of his infernal machine, Polo glanced back towards the hole and wondered what awaited him down there. He supposed he would find out shortly

---

“This is seriously disgusting.” Cavi's voice called over the squad comm unit

“Cut the chatter” Onasi replied, though his voice failed convey the rebuke. Instead of the gruff, harsh voice Onasi usually used to snap his commands at the men, he spoke in softer more subdued tones, which almost sounded like shock and disgust to Polo's ears. Until today, Polo hadn't thought anything could disgust the sergeant, not to mention surprise him.

Polo glanced around the chamber the squad was moving through, what appeared to have once been a living block for the Kubaz, and decided that Cavi's assessment, while uncalled for, was spot on. The large cavern eerily silent aside from the troops footfalls resounding off the walls and vaulted ceiling and the periodic woosh of the flamer ahead.

On one side, there were tiered blocks, about 5 tiers high, which appeared to lead into what had once been dwellings. Though many of them had been blackened and chard by the flamethrower, it was impossible to miss the dozens of bodies sprawled around the chambered. TO Polo, it appeared as if death had been quick, with bodies simply toppling in the avenues and doorways of the dwellings, hanging from wails and seated and communal tables. A quick glance at some of the recognizable bodies, their faces twisted and contorted in fear and anguish, showed that while death may have been quick, it was not painless. For the umpteenth time, Polo adjusted his breath mask and barely succeeded in keeping the remains of his lunch inside his stomach where it belonged.

It didn't take long for the infantrymen to clear the warrens, his own tam had found no survivors, and radio reports indicated similar results from the other sweeping teams and third squad had located and confirmed that the Kubaz queen had been killed in the attack. As the sweeps were concluded, Major Hennis' voice broke across the battalion net “All units, return to the surface, these warrens are clear.”

As the troopers began to file out of the warrens, Cavi moved up next to Polo and said “what do you think they're going to do with the warrens?”

Polo glanced around at the bodies haphazardly sprawled along the avenue and said “Seal it up and never, ever mention it again...maybe bombard it form orbit?”

Letting his gaze follow Polo Cavi nodded “Sounds good to me.”

---

Aboard the Bulwark class battlecruiser Thunderclap
In orbit above Doornik-319

“Admiral?” Captain Tyon called softly

“Yes, Captain?”

“Sir, General Dusat reports the warrens have been cleared and no life forms were found alive inside, he successfully reports termination of Queen Oblik.”

“Were there any survivors on the surface?” Isard asked

“Yes, several emergency workers were taken captive as they returned to town after their vehicles were strafed by a flight from Halberd Squadron.”

Isard nodded, Admiral Takel visibly stired upon hearing this “We're there any females among the prisoners?”

Tyon tapped a command into her console, after a moment, she replied, a hint of confusion creeping into her voice.“Uh, I'm not sure, sir, the report doesn't say.”

“Have them held at the spaceport pending transfer to Thunderclap's brig. Recall Halberd squadron, and inform Thunderwing Squadron they can return to the ship as soon as A-sat operations are complete. Maintain guard formation around the planet. Congratulate General Dusat and his men on a job well done, and have them move into the space port facility and await the arrival of the engineers. They can assist the construction crews in assembling the prefab buildings. We'll start getting the construction droids unloaded and begin making this world into a proper human settlement.”

“Yes sir, what do you want done with the warrens themselves? Dusat says they have enough Nergon-14 to collapse them.” Tyon inquired

“No, the engineers have specif orders to enter the warrens and restore them.” he paused “A rebuilt underground complex? Perfectly intact and bloodlessly taken? I see no reason to waste it. The engineers will restore it to proper human living conditions, strengthen the roof and it will make a fine tactical command center for the world. I intend to incorporate the entrances into the government building designs being prepared for that location.”

Isard nodded sagely, whereas Captain Tyon found something on her comm board to occupy her for a moment a frown crossing her face. Only Novar seemed openly shocked at the Admirals decision.

“A problem, Mr. Novar?” asked Isard

“No, I just...what happened down there, all those people dying in those warrens and-”

Takel cut him off, his voice soft, almost consoling. “I see the confusing, Mr. Novar. No people died in those warrens. Not a single person died down there, unless some residual gas overcame one of our troopers and I wasn't informed.” he paused “No, Mr. Novar, only non-human things died down there, their deaths were no different than swatting a dekk fly or a tiqc.”

Novar stared across the bridge and into the lights of the Koornacht Cluster drifting in through the bridge's viewports and wondered exactly what kind of society he was helping to create.

[Voltarus]

It was, reflected Rosdon, a rather distasteful task. Thorel Rosdon captained the Discretion, a heavily armed freighter, and protector of the convoy on what was referred to as the “bug run”. The “bug run” was a half dozen freighters transporting a load of insects indigenous to the jungle world of Byss to the Kubaz colony on Morning Bell via the Odik system. The load of bugs would be exchanged for foodstuffs from the agricultural world. The threat of piracy was not great enough to merit a military escort, so one ship on each run was outfitted with military grade weapons and crewed by merchant marines. Captain Rosdon privately believed the real reason was that the military wanted as little to do with nonhumans as possible. Not that he could blame them, the things were disgusting, after all. It was another reason Thorel required his crew to wear the thick, uncomfortable vacuum suits. The main reason was that, infrequent as they were, pirate encounters could lead to rather precipitous depressurizations.

The convoy consisted of his ship, the bulk transport Wildernerf, and four light freighters. Thorel reckoned himself a sort of amateur historian and he had plenty of time to muse on the situation as the convoy hurtled through hyperspace. Voltarus had once considered itself a pillar of the Republic for generations uncounted. Then had come the war between the Jedi and the Sith. Voltarus had been amongst the first to volunteer military aid and it's armies and fleets did battle across the galaxy against those who served the Brotherhood. The Brotherhood had been defeated, but victory had cost Voltarus dearly in both men and material. The government received the thanks of the Republic and that of the Jedi, some medals and awards for the soldiers, and...that was it. The Republic made no move to repay Voltarus, and the "magnanimous" Jedi would not allow reparations to be sought from the conquered enemy, leaving Voltarus to eat the cost of it's participation in preserving the Republic. It was small wonder that Voltarus fell into isolationism. It never tried to withdraw from the Republic, it's representatives simply came home, leaving it's seat in the senate vacant.

For nearly a millennia, there had been no outside contact. Then things began to change a few years ago. Somebody high up in the government had decided that the rest of the galaxy could not be ignored indefinitely and had begun make cautious moves at re-establishing itself. Scouts were preparing to go forth in the Deep Core to see what had changed and they had also traveled a little-known route to Morning Bell, an agri-world colonized by the Kubaz. The technology utilized by the Kubaz was not terribly different than that used by Voltarus, so it was falsely assumed that Voltarus was evenly matched, technologically speaking, against most other powers.

A light began to flash red, pulling Thorel back into the present. The long streamers of light vanishing, the bulk of Morning Bell replacing them in the viewport. "Is the convoy all accounted for?"

"Yes, sir. All are present and still in formation."

"Good, at least they listened this time. And our position?"

"Right where you intended, Captain. The colony is on the other side of the planet, exactly. If you could core the planet, we wouldn't even have to change course."

"Excellent." Thorel said with a pleased smile, "Signal the convoy to decelerate and hail spaceport control." Standard procedure would have been to drop out of hyperspace much farther away, at the edge of the system or perhaps between the orbits of two planets. It was safer, but also made ships more vulnerable to ambushes from pirates or other less than savory characters. Thorel made his convoys more secure by very careful mathematics. He had his ships disable the safety interlocks on their navigation systems, the things that forced a ship to exit hyperspace when it neared a large enough mass shadow, and plotted a course to a point roughly halfway between Morning Bell and the orbit of it's moon. It was like clockwork, except for a few occasions where one ship or another had neglected to disable the interlock.

"Sir, I have contacts in orbit around the planet.”

“What?”

“Two, probably cruiser class, and multiple snubfighters. Sir, they’re moving to intercept us.”

“Any comm traffic? Audio, video, signals with the running lights?”

“Nothing, sir”

“Worse than pirates, then” Thorel growled. “Slavers. Signal the convoy to come about. We’re leaving.”

“Sir, the convoy will never make it, those ships are too fast!”

“What?” he asked again, stunned. Changing plans, he said “Order the rest of the convoy to run for home, they should be able to use the moon for cover. Shields up. Helm, have us come about, we’re going to bring up the rear. Weapons, prepare spool up the guns, load the tubes, but do not attempt to target anything.” Turning to his engineering officer, he said “After we come about, overload the number one engine.”

“What?! Why would you want to do something like that?”

“Because, “ explained Thorel, “the safety system will shut it down before any damage is done, and the energy the powerplant isn’t using to run that engine, we can funnel into the weapons to power them up faster.”

“But we won’t be able to get away, then!”

“We weren’t going to be able to outrun them, anyway.” Said Thorel quietly as he donned his helmet.

The crew of the Discretion waited tensely as the ships closed. The snubfighters were the first to approach, flashing past in pursuit of the faster freighters. “Ignore them.” Commanded Thorel, “We probably couldn’t hit them anyway and it would only blow our deception.

“Sir, the cruisers are splitting up. One is coming up on our rear while the other is heading towards the far side of the moon.” As this report was received. The ship shook as the first laser blasts struck the shields.

Thorel grinned as an idea struck him. “Gunners are to target the ship visually, no sensors. Helm I want to gain a little relative altitude so that we’re roughly twenty feet or so higher than that cruiser. Then, I want you to cut your speed by fifteen percent.” As the cruiser continued to close from behind, it’s new relative position put it somewhat below the freighter. “Open the cargo bay doors.” The crew stared at him, dumbfounded. “NOW!” Thorel roared. The bay doors were opened and the vacuum of space acted as the most efficient unloading mechanism in creation as twenty-two thousand tons of insects were sucked into the void…and directly into the path of the cruiser. “Power the weapons, guns on that cruiser, missile volley on the other! All shield power to the ventral and aft!” The Discretion’s six dual turbolaser cannons poured shot after shot into the closest cruiser, vaporizing small tunnels through the spaced bugs before slamming into the enemy and their shields. The concussion missiles were programmed to launch in the direction of the other cruiser and then acquire their own telemetry and twelve missiles were fired off in rapid succession. It was too good to last, of course. The Discretion was not actually a warship and did not have military grade shield generators. When the enemy managed to respond in kind, it was with a vengeance.

---

Meanwhile, the snubfighters had caught up to the fleeing cargo ships. After the first ion cannon shot or two hit home, The Wildernerfs captain knew that he had to do something. Being unarmed, he attempted the only thing he could do, something very similar to what the Discretion had done. The Wildernerf set all power to the rear shields, dumped its cargo of seventy-five thousand metric tons of insects, then came to a stop. Either it would work or it wouldn’t, but either way, the Wildernerf wasn’t going to outrun anything.

The smaller freighters didn’t have much better luck. Faster than the Wildernerf, they pulled ahead and thought they were home free. Or they did until the other cruiser came over the moon’s horizon. Dumping their cargoes, the light freighters scattered, but the unarmed ships were easy pickings for the swift cruiser. In the end, only one escaped it’s crew trying to pull in as much sensor data as possible before running for home. Seconds before it made the jump back into the deep core, the largest ship any of the crew had ever heard of was picked up by the sensors as it came over Morning Bell’s horizon. Then they were gone.

[Transnapastain]

In orbit above Doornik-319

Lieutenant Commander Alyson Rinou of the Tartan-class patrol cruiser Respite jumped to her feet when he sensors operator called out “Ma'am, we've got ships emerging from hyperspace, bearing 290, minus 50, about 20,000 klicks down range.”

“Check for error, that’s too close to the planets moon to be correct!” she called as he came to a stop behind the man.

The mans hook his head “No ma'am, they're there. The Swift Strike got the same contacts, as did Thunderwing Five and Six.”

“Have them regroup as a flight, and identify the targets.” Rinou replied. “Take us in as well, and request the Swift Strike join us. Comms, contact the Thunderstruck and report that we've made contact with unknown vessels.

She watched on the holoboard as the two BTL-B Y-Wings rejoined with their flight, and proceeded towards the interloper vessels. “Thunderwing Five, this is Rinou on the Respite, we're moving in behind you, what do you have?”

“Looks like a convoy, ma'am.” the disembodied voice of the pilot replied, sounding somewhat metallic due to the comm encryption. “I count five vessels, a bulk freighter and four lights. The lights are turning to flee.”

“Ma'am, Admiral Takel has responded,” the comms officer said, talking over the report from the flight leader, “the Thunderstruck is on the far side of the planet, and making its way here, they've dispatched the Challenger. it'll be on station in about two minutes. In addition, they're launching assault shuttles, and want the freighters taken alive.

“Intercept them.” snapped Rinou, “use your ion cannons, disable the ships.”

“As ordered.”

“Respite, this is Commander Tachi on the Swift Strike, support the Y-Wings and provide cover the the assault shuttles as they approach the freighters, we'll take the bulk freighter”.

“Roger, Swift Strike, we're on it.” she said, turnign to the helmsmen “Helm, give me flank speed, bring us around the moon and support the Y-Wings. Guns, target the freighters with laser barrage, attempt to collapse their shields, let the Y-Win's do the work.”

The Tartan class vessel leapt away and amazing speed for a capital ship, easily closing the distance to the Y-Wings. As the formations wept around the moon, they found the four light freighters attempting to escape the moons gravity well.

As the range to the targets rapidly ticked down, she ordered “Guns, fire when ready, continuous salvo”

“We have targeting solutions now, firing.” the gunnery officer said.

Ruby lances of light spat from the ships forward laser cannons, pummeling the shields on the closet two freighters. The shields quickly overloaded, lowing from orange to red to white in a matter of seconds before collapsing entirely. The Y-Wings slashed in towards the wounded freighters, their blow ion cannon bolts sending arcs of electricity playing over the vessels hull. Without sheilas to dampen the blows, the ion cannon wrecked havoc with the freighters internal systems.

Within several passes the one of the freighters were drifting in space, the glow of their engines rapidly fading as the main drives were shut down to prevent overload.

“Strange new contact on the broad, Commander, it looked like thousands of contacts simultaneously appearing, though its rapidly dispiriting now. The freighters, however, are picking up speed.”

“Clearly, they dumped their cargo loads, attempting to mark the positions and signal the Thunderstruck for recovery, let's see what they were hauling. Also, since we don't know, alert the fighters to be cautious.” she replied, “Guns, target the second freighter.”

---

Commander Tachi watched as his ship, the Tartan-class patrol cruiser Swift Strike sped towards its target. “Prepare to fire, when ready.” he ordered, “Do not destroy the ship, attempt to cripple it so the Challenger can move in and disable it.”

As they Swift Strike closed on the vessel, the ships sensor operator reported “Sir, their engines seem to be suffering a catastrophic overload!”

Tachi glanced at his command board and keyed for a sensor focus. “Indeed, it appears to be their number one engine.” he snorted “Terrible alien technology, to be sure. Continue as ordered.”

“I have firing solutions.” the gunnery officer declared

“Fire at will, single laser salvo”

The Swift Strieks forward laser batteries spat ruby red bolts of energy towards the vessel. The darts of energy impacted the ships shields, sending red lighting arcing across it, causing them to glow orange, fading into red.

“Seems their shields are stronger than we expected, prepare for a second salvo.” Tachi ordered. Ahead, the freighter began to maneuver, drifting several degrees higher than the Swift Strikes plane of approach. “Looks like their trying to run sir, however, their speed is decreasing.”

“Probably a result of the blown engine, target their remaining engines.” Tachi ordered. Ahead of him, he watched as the freighter’s cargo doors opened. “Their jettisoning something, evasion action!” he ordered

The ship moved up and away in a tight turn no other capital ship could match. If not for the massive internal compensator built into the ship, Tachi would have been flung across the bridge like a Chadra-Fan wrestling with a Rancor. As it were, he felt a small tug of gravity, like a strong wind blowing against him, as the ship executed the turn.

“Weapons fire! Weapons fire form the ship, laser barrage and a spread fo concussion missiles detected!” the sensor operator called “We detected no target locks, sir!”

“Warn the Respite!” Tachi shouted, “It' a trap, engage the freighter, find those weapons and disable them!”

---

“Ma'am, urgent from the Swift Strike! Volley of concussion missiles, our aft!” the comms officer shouted

“What!?” Rinou shouted, spinning away form the sensor station to stare at the comms officer. “Locate them!” she ordered

“I have them, ma'am, coming in from the other side of the moon, Swift Strike says the bulk freighter launched them, they're painting us now.” the senosr officer said, grabbing her arm and pulling her back around, pointing at his senor board

“Helm, go evasion, gunnery, initiate point defense fire!” she ordered

As with the Swift Strike, the Respite executed a tight turn, bringing it up and away form its targets, and the oncoming missiles. As with the i]Swift Strike[/i], the crew only felt the barest effects of the multiple-G turn.

As the ship came even again, the sensor officer reported “Only 2 of the missiles lost track, the rest are inbound, 10 missiles remaining,”

Helm, bring us broadside to the incoming missiles, shields full starboard, gunnery, Initiate final protective fire.”

Crimson lances erupted from the ships laser batteries as the incoming concussion missiles bore down on the Respite, Rinou watched as tiny pinpricks of fire erupted in space as the laser struck home, destroying several missiles in flight. The Tartan-class ships had been designed with anti-missile, and anti-starfighter, operations in mind, and boasted powerful sensors and computer systems enabled their guns to engage rapidly with swarms of small, swift targets.

However, even with all thee systems at its disposal, the concussions missiles continued to race towards the ship. “Six missiles remain, FPF continuing, impact in 3 seconds.” the sensor operator called

“Brace!” Rinou shouted, grabbing the rear of the operators chair.

The missiles impacted against the ships reenforced starboard shields, sending blossoms of white fire and lightning across the shield's surface. On the bridge, the internal compensator fought to resist the force of the missiles impact, rattling the ship.

“Shields down to 19 percent!” the tactical officer replied

“Roll us, bring the port shields to bear along the missiles vector, dump power from the starboard laser into the shield generators.” Rinou ordered as she regained her balance

“Scope is clear ma'am, no further similes incoming. “ the sensor operator declared after several tense moments.

“Right then, we've weathered their attack. Helm, bring us around, full speed and atch up witht hose fleeing freighters.” Rinou commanded.

The Respite picked up speed and lanced towards the fleeing freighters.

---

“Sir, Respite is clear, they are advancing on their targets.” the comm officer aboard the Swift Strike advised

“Very good, tactical, our status?” Tachi asked calmly

“Shields are dropping, down to 59 percent, the sustained turbolaser barrage is taking its toll.” the officer replied

“Very well, guns, why have you not eliminated the vessels turbolasers?” Tachi asked

“We're trying sir, they're small target and they've reenforced their aft shielding.” the gunnery officer replied

“I don't want excuses, Ensign, I want resales, pull that frighteners teeth at once, before they can fire another volley of missiles!” thundered Tachi

“As ordered.” the gunnery officer replied, clearly shaken by the commanders rebuke

As barrage after barrage lanced out at the ship, impacting against, and finally penetrating, the aft shields, small blossoms of fire erupted on the ships surface as the gunnery crews succeeded in destroying weapons emplacements aboard the ship.

“Commander, the Challenger is diverting to attempt to prevent the last freighter from escaping.” the comms officer advised. “We're ordered to continue to engage the freighter, but Admiral Takel wishes to restate his order that it not be destroyed outright. An assault shuttle should be arriving in moments.”

Tachi merely nodded “And so we shall deliver. Guns, cease fire, only return fire if fired upon or if the vessel attmepts to flee.”

---

“Gunnery, target freighters three and four.” ordered Rinou

“Captain, we're targeting three, four as escaped our range, Thunderwing Seven and Eight are pursing, but calculations indicate it's going to make the jump to lightspeed. The Challenger is diverting to try and intercept with tractor beams.

Rinou chewed on her lip; the Admiral’s orders regarding interlopers had been very explicit, none were to be allowed to escape the system. “Sensors, trace their hyperspace line. We don't want to lose them.” She watched as the two Y-Wings swarmed the third freighters, blue lighting playing across its surface. Even as she saw the prow of the Challenger come around Doornik-319's moon, she knew it was too late. Even as Thunderwing Seven and Eight tried in vain to pump enough ion bolts into the ship to disable it, the ship seemed to streak out into space, and vanished in a flash as its crew made the jump into hyperspace.

“Did you get the trace?” she asked

“We did ma'am, but its towards the deep core.” she sensor officer relied “There's no know species inhabiting it, and, navigation is difficult due to the mass of astronomical activity.”

“Forward it to the Thunderstruck and bring us about.” Rinou ordered. “Mark the position of the incoming shuttles and cover them s the approach.”

As she watched, the first of the Delta class assault shuttles hurtled around the moon and lanced towards the stricken freighters. In mere moments, they had taken up docking positions with the three disabled ships.

“It'll be tough fighting in those unknown ships” the tactical officer observed

“Not to worry.” Rinou said “Standard boarding procedure calls for the ships to be flooded with coma gas. If all goes well, our troops will find only sleeping crew memebrs aboard.” Smiling, she concluded “and then we can get to the business of finding out who these people are.”

---

The Thunderstruck rounded the planet as the last freighter leapt into hypersapce

“One got away.” Isard muttered

“Indeed.” Takel replied “But its no matter. We have 3 disabled ships to see to. Even now, troopers are flooding them with coma gas and boarding. Son, we'll have a plethora of prisoners.”

“What of the armed freighters?” Isard asked “Do you intend to destroy it?”

“Normally, I would destroy anyone or anything who had the audacity to fire on my ships, however...” Takel let his voice trail off, “From its armament, one can assume that ship led the convoy. I wish t speak to its captain about his hyperspace course plotting, as knowing how they managed to come out fo light peed so close to the planet could be very informative indeed.”

“What of the escaped freighter?” Isard pressed “It will surely return to its people and summon help.”

“Let it.” Takel said, “However, as soon as we finish off loading the colonists, I intend to take the Thunderclap and a small force after it, down the rabbit hole, you might say, to see whats on the other side.”

Turning his head to Captain Tyon, Takel ordered “Send a surrender signal to that stricken freighter, promise them safe conduct and honorable terms if he turns over his ship. Imply that if we have to take it by force, things will end badly for him and his crew.”

[Voltarus]

Thorel stared at the readouts scrolling across the nearest computer station. He still had propulsion, gravity, and life support, but he had lost his weapons and his shields were down. He had few options left, and none of them were very appealing. He was pulled from his musings by a flashing indicator. Well, he thought, let’s see what they have to say for themselves. He activated the comm unit and the scrolling displays on the screen was replaced by a human male. “I am Thorel Rosdon, captain of the private vessel Discretion, and I am willing to listen to your demands.”

The man on the screen seemed surprised or taken aback by something, though Thorel had no idea what it was. “Surrender your vessel now, and you will be given safe conduct. Otherwise it will be seized from you.” the man said in vaguely recognizable basic.

“Yeah, right.” Snorted Thorel. “Safe conduct straight into a collar. Take your honeyed words elsewhere, slaver. Board my ship and I will scuttle her.”

“Slavers!” spluttered the man on the other end of the conversation. “We aren’t slavers.”

“No? Who else but slavers would initiate such aggressive actions without any communication? Even pirates open with an offer to accept surrender. My crew and I will die before being enslaved.”

[Transnapastain]

Takel simply stared at the man, his mouth wide from shock/ This insolent fool thinks we’re slavers. He mistakes us for the scum of the universe. I'll pound his ship to scarp! I'll chain him to the reactor core of my ship and roast him alive!

“You you-” he began, rage pouring forth from his voice before he was suddenly cut off as Isard laid a hand on his shoulder

“Mr... What did you say your name was?”

“Rosdon, Captain Thorel Rosdon.” the man replied gruffly

“Captain Rosdon, there has been a misunderstanding.” Isard continued “We have rightfully taken possession of this world from the Galactic Conclave. Imagine our surprise when we arrived in system and found the world inhabited?” Isard said, his voice taking on a sorrowful tone “Imagine our shock when, as we sent a shuttle to the surface to negotiate with the begins current residing here, trying to find a way to co-exist, they opened fire on our delegation and transmitted a subspace message to an unknown party.” He shook his head “I regret that this incident had occurred, but we had no way to know that you were not arriving to reenforce their position....their hostile intent was mistakenly grafted onto your arrival.”

He stepped out form behind Takel and spread his hands. “Well begin recovery operations at once, our troops have boarded the majority of your vessels, we'll bring the crews aboard and treat their injuries. We'd like to do the same for you, Captain. We'll gladly treat your injuries and assist you in repairing your ship, as well as looking into repairing the other vessels. If it proves we can not salvage them, we'll transport you and your crews to any location you wish.”

After several moments of silence, the man nodded “I accept your words, and your offer.”

“Thank you Captain, I'm sure we'll be speaking again soon.” Isard said, nodding to the communications officers to end the transmission

As soon as the link was severed, Takel roared to his feet, bearing down on Isard until the men's noses were nearly touching “You will never, again, usurp my authority, Isard. I am in command here.” he groveled.

Isard, to his credit, did not back down from the Admiral, did not even blink as the man towered over him, obviously seething with rage. Captain Tyon edged away, moving towards the alarm panel to summon security while Novar stood transfixed on the scene unfolding on the bridge, the color draining from his already pasty white face,

Instead of rising to the bait, Isard replied in a clam voice “I would suggest, then, Admiral, that you learn to wisely wield your authority and direct your command.”

Takel nearly howled with rage “How dare you-”

Isard cut him off with an upraised hand “I dare, Admiral Takel, because I am correct. Your brother sent me along to ensure the goals he has proposed are established. It is not a job I take lightly. Nor should you.” before Takel could counter, Isard jabbed a finger at the command station, bringing up a holographic representation of the freighter. “Do you see this, Admiral.” he asked “Do you see the part where it says “Vessel type: Unknown:”? That means that somewhere, not to terribly far away, is a group of humans, or human-like aliens, that have the capability to produce starships, with hyperdrives, turbolasers and concussion missile launchers.”

He pushed another series of controls and brought up the battle data recorded by the Respite “This single volley of missiles, launched form what appears to be a bulk freighter, nearly overwhelmed the shields of this vessel. If this species has warships...and I have no doubt they do, what do you suppose will happen when we meet them?”

A final manipulation of the controls brought up the hyperspace trace that navigation had conducted regarding he vessels that had escaped, “and, to top it off, a vessel form the flotilla managed to leave the combat zone....going to an unknown location, to contact an unknown species, with an unknown military power. Do you not think it prudent, Admiral Takel, that was, instead of kicking in the teeth of every creature we find, attempt to parlay with them, lest we find ourselves overwhelmed and outgunned by the natives of the deep core?”

Takel shook his head, the rage having since bled from his voice “There are know native of the deep core.”

Isard laughed, though little humor colored the sound “You still believe this? Twice today events have demonstrated that this information is false, and that your belief is untrue, do not cling to it. Clearly, just because Coruscant doesn't knows anything about them, doesn't mean they are there.”

“So what do you suggest?” Takel asked “We make nice with them, take them aboard, and let them go.”

“No.” Isard said “We make nice with them, bring them aboard, learn everything we can from their ships and their minds and then-” he smiled “if its in our best interest to allow them to leave, we do so.”

“and if its not?”

“Then we deal with them at that time.” Isard replied “You intended to send ships to trace their hyperspace vector, I'd suggest doing so. We'll offload the HoloNet relay to the surface, so that we can communicate with Doornik-319, and then take the Thunderclap and escorts along it.” Isard said and turned to leave

“And where are you doing?” Takel asked

Glancing back over his shoulder, he replied as he headed for the turbolift “Do greet our new guests, and extract as much information as I can from them.”

Takel turned to see the entire crew gazing up at the command section. As his gaze fell upon them, they rapidly turned their attention back to their workstations “Navigation,” he called “Continue plotting the trace, find a probable system form them to have dropped out in. We'll get underway as soon as the unloading is complete.”

[Hippie Kiwis]

Is this Krayt, Thrawn, Palpatine, or Palleon era?