Star Wars: Empire's End RP (IC)

by **Cainesland** » Thu May 06, 2021 9:18 pm

Stalgasin
Lucrehulk “Freedom”
On route to Fondor

Corvette Inspection
A thin bug walked along the outside one of a corvette. One of 35 corvettes parked in the lower hanger in the Freedom. His boots echoed off the metal floor, and his nose could smell the sterile air of the ship. To his left, Kredrr, the 7.5 ft tall Black furred Wookiee Bosun walked alongside him.

The ship was in as good a shape as it was when he was first assigned the vessel in 19 BBY. Even better even. “These upgrades” The Geonosian began, with his universal translator speaking in a generic metallic tone, “How are you finding them?”

The Wookiee looked down towards the creature barely over half his height. “They are suiting our needs Captain. The Corvettes should be ready to deploy when we reach Fondor”. Stalgasin nodded. It was good news, with arrival expected in around 3-4 hours. Around them 10’s of droids moved about while they did their maintenance inspection. One senior droid supervising 9 droids each.

The inspection of the corvettes revealed a few minor issues that could be fixed quickly, but nothing serious. “Very good, Bosun” the translator repeated to the tall Wookiee. “Thank you, Captain”.

Shield Inspection
Following the successful completion of the Corvettes inspection, Stalgasin made his way to the shield department. The department itself was mostly along a hallway referee to as Tynna street. A song played in the hall as he got near the Department.

“We’re on Tynna Street, and it feels so neat.
Cause’ the world is such a treat, when you’re on Tynna Street.”

He soon came face to face with a short otter of a man, Lt. Commander Preston Brown, who stood a full 1.4 feet shorter than the Geonosian. The Tynnan stood at attention as Stalgasin approached. “At ease” and the Tynnans legs separated while his arms swung behind his back. “I am here to inspect the shields”. The Tynnan nodded and saluted, with Stalgasin saluting in turn before they proceeded.

The shield room was advanced, clearly of Tynnan make. A miniature model of the planetary shield on Tynna. The room had two large cylinders coursing with energy, different control panels, and a catwalk around the upper level of the room. “Any problems in this room?” Stalgasin inquired. The Otter took a breath. “We are running low on crystals for replacing the main focuser. Other than that we should be fine. It would be appreciated if more could be obtained though”. Stalgasin nodded. “Thank you for alerting me. I will keep an eye out”. As they carried on it became clear that the room was warm, with steam rising through vents in smaller tubes around the edges of the room. “How are you finding the coolant?” Stalgasin asked as they finished the inspection tour?” Brown stopped and said “Oh, we are fine with coolant sir. The cold water beneath our feet is doing a good job keeping the shield from overheating.” Stalgasin nodded, “that is good news, thank you”.

by **Ormata** » Wed May 12, 2021 6:44 am

Co-Write between Lotrisia, Tysklandia, Ormata

Fondor Defensive Fleet
Low Orbit, Fondor
Allegiance-class Paramount
Primary Bridge

Tranto stared at the console in shock. While he’d been given a message to expect Titan Command’s involvement, he’d been sure that it would have been months before they could organise themselves well enough to intervene. Admiral Harrsk was well-known throughout the Navy as being prone to much self-aggrandisement, and Ulen and Tranto had agreed that his declaration had been little more than some empty blustering from an old windbag. Yet another piece of background noise amidst a rapidly decaying command structure. This new force appearing before him, however, bore few traces of that man’s fingerprints. They sat in a crisp formation, with no stragglers or ships out of place. Two Venators, two Victory Is and a single Victory II, alongside an impressive screen of frigates. Oddly enough, Tranto could pick out CR90s and DP20s amongst them. While he knew such ships were standard fare of planetary forces who weren’t shelling out on Kuati designs, it was strange to see so many with what appeared to be a signposted battle squadron. Amongst those, hiding under the shadows of the larger capital ships, sat 8 Ton Falk Escort Carriers, which padded out the fleet’s already impressive numbers of fighters. In all, they could very nearly match Fondor’s own fighter forces outright, an impressive showing from a fleet not much bigger than his escorts. On the other hand, they totally lacked any heavy units, even Imperators, a dangerous proposition for them to be in. Should any one of the belligerents decide to open fire on them, they would be too small to fight it out and too slow to escape from the quicker ISDs and the Allegiance in orbit below them. Worth keeping in mind if this new situation, too, fell into the dump.

Their commanding officer, Rear Admiral Laurens, was known to him by reputation, a veteran more than his fair share of grueling campaigns. From what he’d heard, an eminently capable officer, if a bit prone to dramatic speeches. Of more concern to him, however, was this Admiral whose authority Laurens was claiming. A search on the fleet database, only patchily updated after the chaos following Endor, had shown her to be the captain of a mere Imperator. That had instantly made him suspicious. He found it difficult to believe such a leap in command would happen, especially under the thumb of a man as jealous as Harrsk had proven to be. Whoever she was, however, it was probably best not to piss her off with his opening moves. He’d burned more than his fair share of bridges today, in more ways than one.

“Signal to the fleet to cease fire. I want to see what these newcomers are going to do.”

The guns of the Fondor Defensive Fleet, before firing sporadically at the far-off Pentastar Alignment, fell silent, glowing slightly as the heat of the barrage bled out of them. On the bridge, Tranto scratched his stubble thoughtfully. Unsurprisingly, he found himself not entirely trusting these newcomers. At this point he was making a habit out of it. Still, it didn’t quite add together for him. How could a captain of an ISD claim authority as an Admiral over an entire planet in, what, 7 months? It seemed equally likely to him that Halder was yet another wannabe Emperor who had no real claim to her rank beyond self-promotion and dead rivals. He’d had 4 run-ins with people claiming exactly the sort of higher authority that Laurens was so far. Two he’d scared off with a withering glare from the Paramount’s centreline turbolasers, accompanied by the appropriate amount of threatening noises. Another had eventually calmed down, and bought some munitions from Fondor’s stockpiles before it left. Since then, it and a few ships claiming to belong to the same command chain had occasionally frequented their space, providing a surprisingly steady source of business. The last one, some hapless idiot in an Imperator, was currently orbiting Fondor as a cloud of vapour, alongside the remains of a Customs Corvette that had strayed too close while investigating the then new arrival. That particular encounter had drilled into him the value of keeping his distance from official-seeming arrivals. Still, he’d to listen to what Laurens had to say before he made any rash judgements. It wouldn’t be a good idea to make an enemy of a man potentially representing a whole fleet willing to aid Fondor.

“Open a link to Admiral Farren. We need to discuss this, er, new development.”

Task Force 117
Low Orbit, Fondor
Imperial I-class Bulwark
Primary Bridge

Farren had taken to pacing around the holographic image of the battlefield, the addition of Laurens squadron and their demands in the situation making the situation remarkably more complicated. Especially considering he knew little of Halder, practically nothing to be honest, nor her goals. Their current force was either very dangerous to their position or otherwise extremely advantageous, but Farren didn’t trust the situation… Fondor had been a decent place for harbor, especially considering the local Moff had made little demands or seemed to lack any desire for power games beyond the system. Like the local Moff, Farren had hoped to sit here and analyse the situation for a while. Mayhaps hoping that the Coruscant high command would reform itself and reform a feasible command structure that could restore some order. But if Fondor was claimed to be under the “protection” of Titan Command, his option to wait things out here without joining a side would be gone.

The grand declarations of articles and the throwdown of military rank seemed a bit aggrandizing. Added with the laying down of a sense of authority, Farren felt Titan Command was not offering it’s protection freely…

As he was analysing the situation, his communication officer declared Tranto was demanding a closed line to his ship. Likely to discuss the current predicament with Laurens and his Squadron appearing on the field so suddenly. He continued his pacing, leaving his ensign without answer for a few precious moments as he weighed his options… There was a distinct possibility that Laurens wouldn’t let him leave if Tranto let them take command of the orbital defense grid, he’d be forced to swear allegiance or even have his ships commandeered away from him. And he was unwilling to put the lives of his men in the hands of someone entirely unknown to him, just yet.

“I don’t trust Halder either, if that helps calm your nerves, Admiral Farren.”

Arlissa’s voice appearing from the open entrance to the CIC shook Farren out of his monologue. The realisation that he had not even noticed the doors opening and Arlissa entering made him distinctly aware he was fatigued and letting stress. He halted his pacing and turned to face her. He had only known her for a handful of days at this stage, but he believed he could identify the marks of a well hidden smirk underneath her otherwise neutral stance as she stood in the doorway. She was apparently finding some mirth in Farren’s indecisiveness.

Sighing, he nodded to acknowledge her words and motioned her to enter properly, allowing the doors to the CIC to close behind her. He didn’t entirely trust Arlissa, but she was an Imperial Intelligence officer and the information she had given on the Pentastar shipment had been correct, to the most minute of details. He had sent for her, in the hopes she would know more about Titan Command, to help him decide on a course of action.

“I need to discuss the situation with Tranto in a moment, what do you know of Halder that I should know?”

Arlissa nodded in response to the question as she stepped forward, before halting in a strict posture at the edge of the holographic display, opposite from Farren. She glanced across the display, taking in the changes in situation she had likely missed, in between her docking and her rush to reach Farren’s command room. After but a moment of silence, she replied.

“In short, she is a reformist, a radical one at that… She has already thrown the Imperial Charter out the window, in a time where Imperial unity is collapsing. With everyone doubting the future of the empire and chaos and instability around every corner, radical reforms that change the Empire at its foundations will, in my rather humble opinion, cause more harm than it will solve.”

She spoke from memory, speaking as she continued to gaze across the battlefield displayed before her, seemingly analysing the various forces at display. Apparently appeased, she straightened herself and finished her statement.

“I would suggest keeping Halder and her Titan Command at a distance and see how her strategy evolves.”

With a firm nod Farren acknowledged her words, before motioning to the communication officer to open up the link to Tranto. In mere moments, the holographic battlefield shimmered out of existence, replaced by an holographic image of the Imposing Vice-Admiral.
“Vice-Admiral, I believe you wish to discuss Rear-Admiral Laurens and his… rather outlandish demands?”

Fondor Defensive Fleet
Low Orbit, Fondor
Allegiance-class Paramount
Primary Bridge

The communications officer raised her hand to indicate that the line she’d been holding was now open. Tranto straightened himself, then turned about to face the holotable, which was flickering into life. An image of Admiral Farren stood in miniature before him.

“Vice-Admiral, I believe you wish to discuss Rear-Admiral Laurens and his… rather outlandish demands?” Farren said calmly, folding his arms behind his back. Tranto nodded.

“Exactly that, Admiral. Speaking freely, I don’t trust him quite as much as I’d like. His credentials seem fine, and he certainly acts like he’s actually part of something in the way of a command chain, but I still don’t like this one bit. I haven’t even heard of this Admiral Halder whose authority he’s claiming, for one. You know anything about her?”

“I do, Tranto. She’s legitimately in command of what forces, so I think you can rest your worries there, but we have other reasons to worry about her right now. She’s a radical reformist in command of a worryingly large fleet, which has just started operating coreward of Fondor. Risk of sparking more conflict, that one.”

Tranto snorted.

“Well, I can’t really see how much more conflict we could get, considering how determined the Core is to set itself on fire right now.”

Admiral Farren didn’t seem surprised at Tranto’s cynicism, shaking his head sadly.

“It can always get worse, Vice Admiral, and she’d definitely be one to do that. To tell you the truth, she’s been worrying me for a while.”

“How so?”

“With a fleet that large, I fear she might try to subsume us under her command chain. Right now, that’s the last thing I want, and I reckon you’re the same. It’d be a great help having her as an ally, but…”

“You’d like to keep your distance for now.”

Admiral Farren nodded his assent.

“I’d recommend you do that too, for now at least. The last thing we want after trying so hard to keep Fondor out of other’s hands is to just let her grab it. It’d be foolish to give too much away just as we come into contact.”

Tranto nodded at this, and drummed his fingers

“Right. On the other hand, we can hardly afford to get on her bad books with a force as large as you seem to suspect she has. We’re going to need to play all of this very carefully.”

“Indeed. I suppose we’re going to have to contact Laurens soon, for the sake of following regs. I’ll let you take that one first. Good luck, Vice Admiral.”

Tranto smiled grimly at that and bowed his head slightly in return.

“You too Admiral.”

He moved to turn away, but changed his mind, paused, and turned back to face the table.

“Oh, and one more thing.”

Admiral Farren, who had been turning away from the table, looked back at Tranto.

“Yes?”

“If things start getting hairy here, Farren, I won’t try to stop you from leaving. Your actions have earned you that much.”

Admiral Farren seemed surprised at this, but said nothing. The two officers saluted each other, then terminated the connection. Tranto stood for a second, consumed in thought, as the image of Farren was replaced by a tactical map of the system. The 16th Battle Squadron, surrounded by a cloud of fighters, hadn’t yet made any moves towards the planet. He motioned to his comms officer, who was watching him expectantly.

“Open a line to the 16th.”

“Line opening now, sir”

Tranto turned back to the holotable, and folded his arms. As he watched, the image of Rear Admiral Laurens flickered into life before him.

“Rear Admiral Laurens, this is Vice Admiral Tranto of the Fondor Defensive Fleet. There are some things I’d like to have clear before I let you into our airspace.”

The Rear Admiral surveyed the man before him, ever so slightly narrowing his eyes as he measured the other. He could recall a Tranto and with some effort could recall that the man was a good commander for the most part, though he was known for being a tad too zealous in his pursuits of the enemy. It was a costly weakness. The man was also, unlike some few others in PDFs, a combat veteran. That counted for something. He looked to his right just for a moment, absorbing the information on the screen like a sponge, before turning back to the Vice Admiral.

“Vice Admiral. My apologies but we are rather pressed for time. The clarification is rather simple, sir; New Republic fleet assets are en-route to this system already. The loss of these shipyards to that fleet, by destruction or capture, is unacceptable in a complete sense. I am sure that you would appreciate a certain haste of actions in these times. As it stands, my orders are quite plain: Protect Fondor and her shipyards against assault. Your continued autonomy and eventual return to the Imperial fold may be discussed later. What does require clarification, sir, is why you are engaged in a gun duel with Pentastar Alignment forces.”

Tranto registered little surprise at the question, and smiled thinly. He’d been expecting it.

“The short version is, Rear Admiral, armed Pentastar Alignment Gozantis violated our airspace after repeated warnings by orbital command to break off, and threatened our shipyards. We were forced to make use of lethal force to ensure the safety of our infrastructure after they failed to comply with our orders. The Pentastar Alignment Admiral took that rather poorly, as you may imagine, and opened fire. I pressed out the fleet to give our orbital defences time to come online, and we had a little duel, before one of our W-165s scored a hit and caused them to back off. Before anything else could happen, those newcomers you see in high orbit showed up, though they’re yet to give us a name for their fleet, and then your fleet popped out of hyperspace, so we’re all just sitting looking menacingly at each other. I have the full incident logs, if you’d like to verify my account.”

Tranto had been relatively still throughout his explanation, but his brain had been churning while he was talking. Lauren’s account of New Republic fleet assets on the way was troubling in the extreme, especially with the Pentastar Alignment still hanging around his airspace like a particularly bad smell. He’d need to deal with them, and quickly, even if it meant drawing the ire of Titan Command by attacking with the Paramount. Hopefully, Laurens would be of some use in neutralising them as a threat, even if through diplomacy. If not, well, he’d take the consequences for his actions, but only after getting rid of them for good.

It made little sense to Laurens, that they had engaged and destroyed several Gozantis which had made passes on the shipyards. Gozantis could not, should not, be able to threaten a shipyard of Fondor’s magnitude. They had more than enough ion cannons to deal with such vessels instead of outright destroying them. Conversely, if the intent was to destroy the shipyards or force Fondor to kneel, they would not have employed Gozantis to do it from the start. They would have instead deployed their six Star Destroyers to make the engagement. It seemed that there was something a bit more than what Tranto had told him. Laurens made little physical evidence on that suspicion, merely nodding for a moment.

“I see. In that case I find that I must insist this engagement cease. We have bigger prey on the horizon and I have little need for destroyed Imperial vessels even if they are Pentastar ilk. Even they may yet be turned back into the fold. Engaging their forces does little, save for damage both fleets and turn attention away from the true, immediate enemy. I doubt that the Alignment intends on destroying your shipyards, considering their importance to the cause of the Empire and to the Alignment itself. These newcomes, I’m receiving IFF from them.” The Rear Admiral paused, narrowing his eyes at the screen. “Dread Sovereign. Last known position was on the Rim before they went dark on our nets. Have they claimed to be anyone’s representative in this matter?”

He’s suspicious of them too, the little voice in Tranto’s head muttered. Laurens looked concerned, his brow furrowing slightly as he eyed the IFF signature that must have been directly in front of him. Tranto shook his head.

“Nothing out of them so far. No fleet, no higher command, seemingly not even a unique IFF designator. Everything about them is far too fishy for my liking. They seemingly coasted along to their current position on low power alone, from outside of our sensor screen. Ulen tells me their commanding officer forgot basic comms protocol too. The only reason I haven’t been able to press them about this is that we’ve had our hands full keeping the Pentastar Alignment away from our shipyards. You thinking that they’re deserters?”

“Perhaps something worse. Most factions claiming legitimacy are deserters to one degree or another, but I am less worried about their intentions. It’s one thing to bluster with self-made rank. It’s another thing to lie. Far too many vessels have fallen prey to the New Republic, especially following Endor, and it’s very possible that these would be that very same. I don’t trust it.” He looked-over the IFF information again, posture shifting ever so slightly. “All vessels of that formation are broadcasting over the unencrypted channels, but...I’m not seeing signatures on the encrypted Modes. There’s no reason they would do that. I’d say New Republic, Vice Admiral.”

Tranto swore profusely. He’d seen the odd nature of their IFF, of course, but he’d been too distracted by the Pentastar Alignment’s assault to give it enough thought. He’d chalked it up to simple mistake or equipment malfunction, more interested in trying to open up a clear firing line for the W-165. Now, however, the pieces clicked together.

“No chance of some other group having taken ships of that size. You’re probably right. Damn it! I should never have let something like that slip by!”

Tranto slammed his fist against the holotable in frustration. That kind of thing would never have slipped past him if he’d been paying attention. Keeping Kay away from the rest of the Cinder satellites had been his top priority at the time, but failing to notice what was, in hindsight, an obvious problem, was a foolish error.

“We can’t just open fire now, though. If we start shooting at these newcomers, the Alignment might take the chance to attack us too. No way they’ll let a chance to get at Cluster A go like that. We’re going to have to ensure that they stay out of the way when we engage.”

“They’re close enough to the Pentastar formation, though...Vice Admiral, would you agree to a temporary alliance with the Alignment? For the purposes of destroying these cowards and the oncoming New Republic fleet. They’re close enough to the formation that a surprise attack would devastate their forces, distracting them for my bomber wings to strike. Between shaking hands with Pentastar to kill Rebels and us all dying from infighting...I would choose the former.”

Tranto pinched the bridge of his nose. This, he thought to himself, is a damn sticky situation. On the one hand, he knew it would be dangerous to risk the possibility that Kay might move on his shipyards when he engaged Dawntreader’s ships. Her Imperators, while bearing some battle damage, were still a formidable threat, and one that couldn’t afford to be ignored. He wasn’t sure that the Paramount could reliably beat them, if they decided to resume hostilities, especially not with Dawntreader’s Imperators in the equation. On the other hand, if Kay could be induced to enter some sort of temporary alliance, she’d almost certainly demand the remaining Cinder satellites as compensation, if not more. Tranto had gone as far as opening fire on her to keep the rest of Cinder out of the hands of the Pentastar Alignment, risking his own fleet in the bargain. He’d be damned if he allowed that to happen. Complicating matters, Rear Admiral Laurens wasn’t cleared to know anything about Cinder, not even that it existed. The Emperor’s posthumous orders had been crystal clear on that front. He’d have to keep his cards here close to his chest, at least until he and Ulen could bring this to Halder.

“Things aren’t quite so simple, I’m afraid. Admiral Kay was here to collect a classified superweapons project, and is currently in possession of about 40% of that project’s assets. The assets she has already pose a major threat to the Empire should they get into Kaine’s hands, especially in light of Kay’s, and, through her, his, recent actions against the Empire.”

Tranto’s expression was grave.

“Even allowing the Pentastar Alliance to leave with the current assets they possess would place Imperial worlds and civilians in danger. While I believe we must act to avoid a fight with them with the New Republic on its way, we cannot allow them to leave the system with those assets.”

“I see, sir.” A short pause as Laurens’ lips tightened ever so slightly passed. “Unfortunate. The New Republic solves this problem, however, considering that Admiral Kay’s fleet is positioned so close to where they will likely enter the system. They possess very few smaller vessels able to outrun the majority of enemy vessels; their Star Destroyers will stand and fight or risk crippling damage from New Republic guns. Admiral Kay’s revolt against Imperial conduct will be answered for by the sacrifices her ships will inevitably take in this engagement. Is this acceptable?”

Tranto nodded curtly.

“I believe that should suffice, for now at least. I shall request that Admiral Farren and his 117th move to cover the shipyards when we engage our New Republic interlopers, as a cover in the case that the Alignment turns on us. Now, we’ve spent enough time talking, and the New Republic isn’t going to sit and wait for us to finish up flapping our gums. Good luck, Rear Admiral. I suspect we may need it to come out of today intact.”

“And to you, Vice Admiral.”

The Rear Admiral snapped off a salute that spoke of long years of discipline and practice. Tranto returned, as crisp as he could manage. He cut the connection, standing in place after Lauren’s image had disappeared off the hologram. As the holotable returned to a tactical display, Tranto found himself grinning. He’d missed this. No more wringing hands in orbit of a planet, hemmed in by untrustworthy acquaintances and uncertain contacts. No more pacing around the bridge of the Paramount, itching to do something that didn’t involve sending off warnings. His tenure here had started to make him reckless, yearning for someone to at least shoot at. Now, instead of painfully delicate politics and carefully crafted statements, he had a clear fight and allies he could at least rely on not to shoot him in the back. The commanding officer of the Paramount, after 3 years of having his hands tied, was finally in his element.

“Comms, signal the 117th that Dawntreader’s fleet is a suspected New Republic fleet and is to be treated as hostiles, and request that they move to cover Cluster A while we engage Dawntreader. Tell them to be ready to hold off the Alignment’s forces if need be.”

Lieutenant Commander Heloran sent the message, then turned to give him a thumbs up.

“Good. Inform me when they give us a response. Helm! Chart a course passing through sector 3-18-5, with a line of fire from our centreline HTLs to Dawntreader’s fleet, passing by the closest point of contact in 6 minutes. Execute on my mark. Gunnery, calculate a firing solution on their lead Imperator. Set IFF codes to hostile.”

Tranto’s flurry of orders spurred his fleet into action, as it organised itself around the Paramount as an arrow pointed towards Dawntreader’s ships. The Eviscerator, its few hull breaches patched, formed up on his left, with his escorts forming a shallow arrowhead behind him. On the tactical display, the steady yellow of the newcomer’s IFF beacons became a bright, hostile red. Tranto walked to the front of the Paramount’s bridge, his eyes falling to focus on the lights of the 117th. All he had to do now was wait for them.

...

Heloran turned to him, a pleased smile on her face.

“Sir, Admiral Farren is complying with our request. His ships are moving to a position covering our shipyards, ETA of four minutes. He’s transferred a squadron of Defenders to our command for this engagement.”

Tranto nodded.

“Thank you, Lieutenant Commander. Fighter Command, put those Defenders in with the heavy fighters in our attack squadrons. I believe they may be of quite a lot of use to us.”

The TIE Defender was the sort of fighter every commander whose ships had hangars dreamt of. Fast, agile, heavily armed and with substantial shielding, Defenders were arguably the finest fighters Sienar had ever produced, an impressive showing considering the strength of the rest of their lineup. The Vice Admiral wished he could have thrown out his old TIE/ln’s, which were by now showing their advanced age, and replaced them with a full contingent of Avengers and Defenders. Throw in Hunters as light fighters and maybe some Starwings, and it’d prove a tough act to match. If Tranto’s wishes were fishes, he’d have an entire ocean.

The fleet he’d sent off to the aid of Devaron, a carrier fleet by necessity due to the planet’s painful lack of proper fighter support, had carried with it some of the more advanced designs that Fondor had produced following the breakdown of supply lines, mostly Starwings and some squadrons of Hunters that had originally been on order for procurement for a strategic reserve fleet up near the core. That fleet’s carrier forces also had four of his Avenger squadrons, fighters he was desperately missing. He’d need to call that fleet back to Fondor. He hadn’t already mostly because Devaron was facing threats of its own from the New Republic, but now, faced with what appeared to be an imminent attack, he was regretting his act of good will towards his far-off neighbours.

“Comms, signal the 1st Expeditionary Force. Inform them that they are to return to Fondor at once, and that they should be prepared to face hostile forces.”

“Sir, permission to speak freely?”

Tranto nodded, his eyes focused on Heloran’s face.

“Permission granted, Lieutenant Commander. Speak your piece.”

“Sir, it’ll take them 5 hours to leave and get back to Fondor. By the time they’ll arrive, this action will have been long past. Why are we leaving Devaron more vulnerable to an attack for this?”

Tranto’s expression was grim.

“We need them here to strengthen our bargaining position with Admiral Halder. We can tend to Devaron as soon as we have some sort of agreement with her, hopefully with the aid of Titan Command ships this time, but for now, we need them by our side.”

Heloran nodded.

“Understood, sir. Transmitting the order now.”

Tranto strode across to the tactical map, and drummed his fingers against it. The 117th had finally reached their positions above Cluster A, shielding the stations bearing the remaining Cinder satellites. Far above, the 16th’s fighter forces were marshalling, albeit subtly, into an attack formation. It was time.

“All ships, battle stations, and make all necessary preparations for combat. Follow on Paramount’s lead, and open fire on my mark. Fighters, swing wide and attack from high orbit once we start firing. Godspeed.”

From the surface, the planetary shield danced with an ethereal fire as the radiation from the fleet’s engines turned the residual atmosphere trapped above it into plasma. The Paramount and her fleet thundered towards their targets, still oblivious, silent in the void of space.

16th Battle Squadron, Titan Command
High Orbit, Fondor
Venator-class Watcher
Primary Bridge

Vice Admiral Cruari Laurens had spent little time in the interim contemplating what the events unfolded might spell for the future. No, the path before him was set and by all the stars in the sky the man was going to stride along the path. He barked out his orders in constant pace, turning the activity of the bridge towards a frenzy, a smile playing about his face and his eyes bright, alive. The man was hunting, his prey before him, and the mirth in that grin belied an intent. Laurens was going to get to kill people and he was happy for it. The man’s own mirth was echoed a dozen times after, though in far more hushed tones as he ensured that the bridge did hear him and hear him well.

“Set Condition Aurek, all decks! IFF codes on unknown contacts, starboard bow, to confirmed hostile! Gunnery, calculate firing solution on the ISD. Order Tempestuous and Turbulent to extend foils and begin preparations for missile launch. Conning Officer, Fleet course to oh-eight-oh, speed three-zero.”

“Set Condition Aurek, aye.”

“Set IFF to hostile, aye. IFF red.”

“Solutions in progress, sir! ETA, approx two-zero seconds.”

“Sir, Tempestuous and Turbulent notified of the order.”

“Change course to oh-eight-oh, speed three-zero! Helm, change course oh-eight-oh and three-zero.”

“Change course, oh-eight-oh, speed three-zero aye.”

Over the 1MC, the call came quick and fast. “Set Condition Aurek throughout the ship. Don the mask, don the wire. Set Condition Aurek throughout the ship. Don the mask, don the wire.”

The bridge crew sprang into the motion, retrieving cases and masks from boxes here and there, all within easy reach of their stations, and they did so with that practiced motion that spoke of drill and drill and drill. It was an Imperial hallmark, one the Rear Admiral was proud of as he retrieved his own from a long line of such containers. It was a simple contraption, just an oxygen mask and container intended for a few minutes at most. He unceremoniously attached that container to his belt, wrapping the bottom strap of the mask on the back of his head and letting it hang loose before him. A thin little wire from his belt and he clasped that, too, to the handrail nearby. Laurens had little intention of losing half his bridge crew to a hull breach.

An immediate call, even as they were donning the masks. “Condition Aurek set, hangar bay!” A breath passed as the other two common frontrunners made appearances. “Condition Aurek set in Engineering! Set in CIC!”

“Copy that.”

A rapid check about. “Set on the bridge, sir!”

A few moments passed, reports moving here and there as the fleet slowly came about on a more extreme course with the cowardly rebel squadron.

“Condition Aurek set in Gunnery!”

“Set throughout the ship.”

The 1MC clamored again. “Condition Aurek set throughout the ship. Make all damage control reports to Damage Control Central.”

“Comms, open channel to the Pentastar force flagship. Audio only.”

“Aye sir...communications channel open.”

“Pentastar Alignment vessels, this is Rear Admiral Laurens, 16th Squadron, Titan Command. Be advised that unknown vessels on your port bow, identifying themselves as the Dread Sovereign and her escorts, have been determined to be hostile due to IFF and protocol discrepancies. Be advised that a New Republic fleet is inbound to Fondor. You have one of two choices; continue to engage Fondor or engage the New Republic beside us. Running is not an option. If you choose the former, you ally the Pentastar Alignment with the New Republic and destroy the manufacturing capacities of a major Imperial shipyard. Possibly you are all killed. I doubt Ardus Kaine would approve of any of those effects. If you choose the latter, your vessels may yet survive, Fondor is preserved, and the Pentastar Alignment does not find new enemies. Respond.”

A quick cut to the throat and Laurens transmission was silenced. The whole of the bridge was just as silent, all the better for Laurens to think on it. Yes, it was a good enough ultimatum. The fleet before him doubtless lacked the authority to declare such a war, completely lacked such a thing. If the Pentastar squadrons decided to engage the Fondor Defense Fleet, Kuat, and his own squadron...they would perform both long and short term suicide. Facing the planet, as they would have to in order to engage effectively, would leave them exposed to roughly where the New Republic would be exited hyperspace. Laurens doubted the New Republic would hesitate to take a few shots or proton torpedo launches at those Star Destroyers and, hit from forward and aft, they would be critically damaged...and Fondor would be smacked hard enough that it wouldn’t do anyone any good for some time.

The Rear Admiral just sighed, watching the wings of the Turbulent before his own vessel slowly release locks on her wings to open up and out, revealing that deadly payload underneath. He did hate politics.

by **Abbeyverne** » Thu May 13, 2021 5:27 am

Fire Across the Galaxy, Part V

TF-22/34
Fondor
--------

The holographic image flickered across the ISD’s holotable. Kay paced in front of the picture.

“Admiral Kay, greetings once more. You mentioned getting supplies from the station. Knowing of your force, I doubt they are consumables. What exactly would bring you here? On a separate note, at the moment we are not going to engage, as we have no reason to put either of your factions at war with my six ships.”

Kay changed the dial to a second broadcast and resumed pacing.

“Pentastar Alignment vessels, this is Rear Admiral Laurens, 16th Squadron, Titan Command. Be advised that unknown vessels on your port bow, identifying themselves as the Dread Sovereign and her escorts, have been determined to be hostile due to IFF and protocol discrepancies. Be advised that a New Republic fleet is inbound to Fondor. You have one of two choices; continue to engage Fondor or engage the New Republic beside us. Running is not an option. If you choose the former, you ally the Pentastar Alignment with the New Republic and destroy the manufacturing capacities of a major Imperial shipyard. Possibly you are all killed. I doubt Ardus Kaine would approve of any of those effects. If you choose the latter, your vessels may yet survive, Fondor is preserved, and the Pentastar Alignment does not find new enemies. Respond.”

She turned to Admiral Vought, “Well that’s not acceptable. We need to get this shipment, but now we are trapped between a potentially New Republic force, and a decidedly hostile Imperial one. Not good. But he is correct about Kaine’s opinion of whatever happens. I think the only recourse is to engage the newcomers.” He nodded, and she turned to the bridge crew and began spitting commands. “Starboard engines full! Change Darklighter’s force’s IFF’s to hostile! Come to port, 45 degrees, all batteries open fire! Launch fighters! Patch me through to Laurens!” She waited, and then spoke to the Rear Admiral.

“Greetings, Rear Admiral Laurens. This is Admiral Kay, Pentastar Alignment Task Force 34. As you can see we have accepted your request. In return, we would ask you order Fondor Station to deliver the supplies we ordered to us, once this hairball is over.”

Twilight Flight
Fondor
--------

“Sir, we still aren’t getting any return signals from the forces at Fondor. We sent that message several minutes ago, either they didn’t get it or they aren’t listening.” Patö turned back towards the windows, “And I think it’s the latter.”

Suddenly the communications officer turned around and stood up, addressing the Commander from the right trench, “Sir, we intercepted this message going out to the PA force!”

“Pentastar Alignment vessels, this is Rear Admiral Laurens, 16th Squadron, Titan Command. Be advised that unknown vessels on your port bow, identifying themselves as the Dread Sovereign and her escorts, have been determined to be hostile due to IFF and protocol discrepancies. Be advised that a New Republic fleet is inbound to Fondor. You have one of two choices; continue to engage Fondor or engage the New Republic beside us. Running is not an option. If you choose the former, you ally the Pentastar Alignment with the New Republic and destroy the manufacturing capacities of a major Imperial shipyard. Possibly you are all killed. I doubt Ardus Kaine would approve of any of those effects. If you choose the latter, your vessels may yet survive, Fondor is preserved, and the Pentastar Alignment does not find new enemies. Respond.”

“Well, you were right.” Dawntreader exclaimed, just as the first shots fired from the Pentastar vessels. The commander turned to his staff, “Battle Stations! Launch fighters, call in the corvettes! All ships, begin plotting for a jump, just in case. Batteries, return fire!”

Patö spoke up, “Sir, we can outgun the Pentastar forces with our Incursors, but if those other ships begin firing we will have a problem.”

“Very well. In the meanwhile, our fighters are also far superior, so we should be good there. Don’t launch the Gleam, but get her ready. Also, pull the fleet out of range of Fondor defenses.”

“Yes sir.”

The Consortium’s vessels turn to port in unison, opening fire on the leading Pentastar Destroyer, while they spew A-, X-, and Y-Wings into space. Two B-Wings pull in behind the main fighter force.

“Sir, incoming distress call!”

“What?” Jeremiah’s head swivels around.

“One of our spies, on Bespin. Here’s the message.”

”Twilight Command, this is Bespin station! Under attack, repeat, Bespin under attack by Imperial forces! Force size, one SSD, 12 ISD-size, 8 cruisers, and several smaller vessels. Many fighters. Received communication from blockaders:

‘Attention Rebels- or should I say New Republic- this is Rear Admiral Sebastian Thrymn of the Imperial 403rd Fleet. We are blockading Bespin. Now, it has come to my attention that you are intending to attack Fondor, a planet of extreme importance to the Empire. I am also aware of Bespin's importance to your government. As of now, Bespin is under the authority of the Galactic Empire. Any resistance will be met with the full force of our fleet. Here are my demands: call off your attack on Fondor, or there will be nothing left of Bespin. Attempt to fight back, I dare you. We are waiting. It is only a matter of time before the Emperor and the Imperial Senate are restored to power. You may win today, but we shall rise again. We, the Galactic Empire, shall strike back. LONG MAY THE EMPEROR REIGN!’

“This is Bespin station, over and out.”

“Well that’s just great. New Republic won’t back us up, we’ve been discovered, and now the Empire has blockaded a Republic-held world.” The commander turned back to the bridge windows. “All ships, set emergency hyperdrive plots for Bespin. First, target the Pentastar forces, though.”

TF-22/34
Fondor
--------

Alarms ring throughout the force, TIE fighters, wing panels sheared from their hulls, spiral through space before exploding in a plume of flames. A Y-wing bomber flies past, dropping several ion bombs on an Enforcer-class cruiser, the Leonides, disabling it. Badi Dea, Arquitens-class cruiser, spewed laser fire at the fighters from her dorsal turrets.

“Sir, Ma’am, we do not have the weapons to confront their cruisers, and especially their fighters. We will be destroyed!”

“Well we aren’t retreating!” Admiral Vought was sincere, “Signal the 16th Squadron again. We need fighter and anti-fighter support, now!”

Second transmission to 16th Squadron:

”This is Admiral Vought, Task Force 22, Pentastar Alignment. Under heavy bombardment, request small vessel and fighter support. Over.”

TL;DR:

TC forces are engaging PA ships.
TC has called their corvettes in from the edge of the system, and is pulling out of range of Cluster A and the W-165s.
TC learns of Bespin blockade.
PA Sends several transmissions to 16th Squadron.

by **New Oceanum** » Thu May 13, 2021 6:50 pm

IMPERIAL DAWN REMNANT

IMPERIAL DAWN REMNANT:
IMPERIAL 403rd FLEET:
ISD DAUNTLESS II:
ANOAT SECTOR, BESPIN SYSTEM, K-18, LOW BESPIN ORBIT

The blockade was in place. No sign of resistance had yet emerged, and Thrymn knew that fear was beginning to set into the populace of Bespin. Now, at their weakest moment was the ideal time to strike fear into the heart of the government and subdue the planet to the Empire. Thrymn hated the very idea of using that awful tactic against, good, law-following, Empire-loving, obedient civilians, as it stood against everything he stood for. However, the people of Bespin were rebels and extremists. All of them. The rebels were the enemy of the Empire, and Thrymn could find it reasonable to use fear against the people of Bespin. The extremists would wipe everything out 'for the Empire'. Thrymn had made a threat to wipe out all of Bespin's life, but he was not going to do that. He didn't want to do that. What Thrymn's goal was is to send a message to the people of the galaxy that the Empire was to be reborn anew. Thrymn wanted to restart the Empire, and he couldn't send the message of a mass defeat of the enemy to the enemy without a messenger and proof. Bespin was to be that proof. Thrymn knew that the chance of the New Republic actually stopping their attack on Fondor was low, and he certainly knew they were not going to let a large portion of their fleet divert from the task force, so he had time to do what he wished to do. "Silence on deck. Comms, patch me through to the government of Bespin, with audio output to every communication device on the planet. I want them all to hear this conversation, but only the government reply." Thrymn coolly ordered the communications officer, who nodded to signify that the Rear Admiral was connected, "Attention. This is Rear Admiral Sebastian Thrymn of the Galactic Empire. As you all know, I have blockaded your planet. I have no true wish to destroy it. I merely want some things of it. Resist and you will almost certainly be destroyed. I say almost certainly, as I need there to be some survivors. I need there to be someone to tell the tale of what I- no, we, the Empire, are capable of. The Emperor is gone, but we shall endure. The Empire will rise again. I have some demands that must be met, and a request that I want you to fulfill. The request is optional, but the demands are not. First, the demands. I require Tibanna gas for my fleet, so you will provide us with enough to last our fleet for a standard year under normal operating conditions. I also require that you turn over all Imperial equipment, troops, and starships to my command immediately. I then ask that you consider my request of laying down your arms peacefully, join me, and become the new capital of the Empire. Again, do not resist. Fulfill our demands, and you shall be safe. I await your decision. You have a quarter rotation to decide and comply. Admiral Thrymn, out." The transmission finished, and Thrymn gave his next order. "Comms, give me a status update on the Imperial Centurion's rescue OP."

"Yes, sir."

IMPERIAL DAWN REMNANT:
IMPERIAL 403rd FLEET:
GONZATI-CLASS CRUISER IMPERIAL CENTURION:
EN-ROUTE FROM BESPIN TO FONDOR

"Lieutenant, incoming transmission from the fleet." An ensign spoke up to his commanding officer, a Lieutenant, who was in command of the Imperial Centurion.

"Patch it through, Ensign." The Lieutenant replied, her voice showing some confusion and understanding at the same time.

"Yes, ma'am." The Ensign pressed several keys, opening a secure communications channel between the Imperial Centurion and the 403rd Fleet, but much to the pair's surprise, it was not Captain Gert who spoke to them, but Rear Admiral Thrymn himself.

"Lieutenant Stalov, Ensigns Vilolken and Themis, I wanted to personally thank you for taking this mission and deliver your orders myself." Thrymn addressed the look of confusion of all three of the bridge crew before continuing, "As you know, you are headed for Fondor. Do you know why?"

"No, sir," Lieutenant Stalov responded, "But I have a suspicion."

"Please share."

"Sir, I believe we are headed to Fondor to rescue some important spy and to establish communication with the other remnants, if I am correct, sir."

"Close, Lieutenant. You are headed to Fondor to rescue my daughter- who has been an excellent source of information so far- and to establish communication with the other remnants, as you said, and inform them of the impending attack, which should occur just a while after you arrive, if my intelligence is correct."

"Sir, if I may- permission to speak freely, sir?"

"Granted."

"Sir, why not come with us, if this mission is as important as you say, and how do we know our source is correct?"

Thrymn had thought the Lieutenant would ask that question, and merely said "I do not come with you as I don't trust that the fleet would run itself without a clear chain of command. Unfortunately, I do not know if our source is correct, as the 'when' of battles is usually very vague, so know that you should arrive before or after the battle. I only know that you will not enter combat, or I would have sent more escorts."

"Aye sir."

"Well, you have your orders. Good luck, stay safe, and please bring my daughter home to me. Thrymn, out." And the transmission faded.

"Ma'am, with all due respect, do we even know how to find the Admiral's daughter?" Ensign Themis finally spoke up.

"When we arrive, I shall ask the Admiral, as around that time he will want a status update. As for now, we focus on the mission at hand."

"Yes, ma'am." Themis replied, as the cruiser continued through lightspeed.

IMPERIAL DAWN REMNANT:
IMPERIAL 403rd FLEET:
ISD DAUNTLESS II:
ANOAT SECTOR, BESPIN SYSTEM, K-18, LOW BESPIN ORBIT

Captain Isé Gert, Rear Admiral Sebastian Thrymn, and a vast majority of the bridge crew stood around the Communication Officer, listening to the ongoing conversation. "The signal seemed to have come from some location on Bespin itself, sir. Directed to Fondor, as I already mentioned." the Comms Officer, "It was encrypted, but a non-Imperial one, so I was unable to discern its contents."

"So the Rebels are at Fondor and they have a spy on Bespin."

"From what I can tell, sir."

"Great. Just great." Captain Gert commented, "Comms, can you track down where on Bespin the signal came from? A planet is an awfully large place to search."

"I've already tried, ma'am. I was unable to." the officer replied, as both Thrymn and Gert exchanged glances.

"Jam all non-Imperial communications going to and from the planet. That is our best bet. Captain, set CCL^* throughout the fleet to Level 2. Expect Rebel retaliation any time now."

"Aye, sir."

"Aye sir."

"What needs to be done must be done to protect our chance of restarting the Empire."

TL;DR (I just learned what this meant today!)

Imperial Dawn (ID) increased combat readiness.
ID learns that Fondor was under attack.
ID sent a transmission to the IMPERIAL CENTURION.
Three new characters introduced!

by **Lotrisia** » Sat May 15, 2021 2:26 pm

Fondor Defensive Fleet
Low-Mid Orbit of Fondor
Allegiance-class Paramount
Primary Bridge

The Paramount strained against her leash, raring to scream ahead to intercept the New Republic ships ahead of her. She was hemmed in, however, by the acceleration of the fleet around her, and was forced to move at what felt to her helmsman like a painfully slow pace. Her crew, nestled in their vacuum-sealed anti-flash suits, stood or sat dead still at their stations, tense with anticipation. The battle was about to begin in earnest.

“Sir! The New Republic vessels are launching an attack on the Alignment fleet! Admiral Kay’s busy trying to get our assistance!”

Tranto swore, then shook his head angrily.

“What more does she expect me to do? We’re already going as fast as we can, dammit! Gunnery, how’s our firing solution? We have a lock?”

Lieutenant Ceros didn’t look up from his console as he spoke.

“Negative, sir. Our sensors haven’t been able to penetrate their ECM, and the Alignment’s ECM is making that far worse. If we fire now, we’ll be as likely to hit Kay’s ships as our own.”

“When you get that lock, don’t wait for my signal. Fire as soon as you’re able.”

“Soon as able, aye sir.”

Tranto tapped his fingers against his crossed arm. He looked tense. It was plainly obvious to his crew that he was anxious about the upcoming engagement.

“Helm, time to 10 000km?” he barked, his voice tight and harsh.

“T-40 seconds, sir.”

Here we go, Tranto thought, his lips pursed. On his gunnery officer’s display, the fuzz surrounding the battle already taking place resolved itself into a clearer picture. The New Republic ships had probably gotten the jump on Kay’s forces, judging by how they’d been sent reeling from the sudden assault. The New Republic fighters they must have carrying were wreaking havoc amongst the depleted fighter forces of the Pentastar Alignment, and, distracted by the barrage, Kay’s Imperators were having a hard time fending them off with their own point defence. As they came into focus, a squadron of Y-Wings dropped a salvo of ion bombs on a modified Vindicator, leaving it powerless, an easy target for the two attacking Imperators. A ballsy move by a force so small. Judging by their path, they were trying to head away from the planet, either towards the exit point of the oncoming New Republic, or towards the edge of the system for a jump away from the battle altogether. The Paramount’s gunnery officer smiled at his view screen.

“Firing, sir.”

“Copy that, Lieutenant.”

The Paramount’s ventral heavy turbolasers were the first to fire. Their ball turrets tracked around to the rearmost New Republic ISD, its back to the approaching Fondor fleet, and kicked back, one after the other, into their housings, their shots spiralling across the abyss to their targets. The Dread Sovereign, the targeted ship, twisted out of the way, and the bolts flashed past it into the void.

“No hits, repeat, no hits.”

“Gunnery, volley fire on Dread Sovereign from all batteries, initiating in T-10 seconds. Comms, signal the fleet to concentrate fire on their rearmost ships, focusing on Dread Sovereign. Helm, bring us to within 8000km of their fleet directly planetward, and then close to close range.”

“Volley fire on Dread Sovereign, aye sir.”

“Order acknowledged sir, fleet is commencing fire.”

“Copy that, sir.”

Tranto’s knuckles cracked as he clenched his fist, his eyes hard and cold as he watched . The bridge windows lighting up a luminous green as the Paramount’s turbolasers crashed off a sheet of fire, burning its way towards the New Republic command ship. Beside her, the rest of the fleet began opening up on their still-distant targets, though few of them could pull off the same coordinated sheafs of turbo laser fire the Paramount’s veteran crew could. Tranto scrutinised his tactical map as the first volley reached its target. The Dread Sovereign was well-handled, but Ceros had done his job well. The upper-left edge of the field of bolts caught the Dread Sovereign as it tried to dance away from the shots, glowing white as the shields absorbed the impact. One of the Paramount’s side HTL turrets burnt through a panel, slamming into the hull and burrowing through. Nothing vital was hit, but the ship rocked with the impact. Alongside her, an Incursor was kicked forward as one of its turrets was torn off by a round from the Eviscerator. Lagging behind the formation, a lone CR90 was torn in half by a salvo from the Venture's DBYs, disappearing in a flare of vapour and molten debris. Tranto grinned.

Score.

by **Ormata** » Tue May 18, 2021 12:27 am

Through early morning fog I see,
Visions of the things to be,
The pains that are withheld for me,
I realize and I can see

That suicide is painless,
It brings on many changes,
And I can take or leave it if I please

TITAN COMMAND, ONE-SIX BATTLE SQUADRON
RADM. LAURENS, CRUARI
H.I.M.S. WATCHER, FONDOR SYSTEM, L-13
COORDINATES: 25.261, -369.618

He could see turbolaser fire begin to spit out from the Pentastar warships, lines of light rushing out to meet the traitorous vessels, and the Alignment vessels began to turn about to bring their guns to bear. Their hangars began to launch more fighters, an odd thing as Laurens realized on his screen that the Pentastar task force had not launched her full complement. Why in all the saints had they not? Rearming? Strange enough then that Comms chirped up a report.

“Incoming transmission, Pentastar vessel!”

“Patch it through, Lieutenant.”

“Greetings, Rear Admiral Laurens. This is Admiral Kay, Pentastar Alignment Task Force 34. As you can see we have accepted your request. In return, we would ask you order Fondor Station to deliver the supplies we ordered to us, once this hairball is over.”

“This is Watcher. I copy your last. Once the engagement is concluded we may discuss terms. Out.”

A quick cut to the throat; he’d taken his chance, won them over for now, and it was more than doubtful that the Alignment would be willing to break off their full engagement with the enemy warships to begin firing off shots at Fondor. Once the fight was finished, at the very least 15th Battle Squadron would have arrived with a fresh complement of capital ships and fighter crews. Soon after them would follow the 3rd Battleship Squadron. By that time, Pentastar would be in no position to make demands and would more than likely be too damaged to defend themselves from boarders. No, Vice Admiral Laurens had made his point very clear. He had offered up a chance to not make new enemies...not a chance to gain supplies for whatever project it was which threatened the Empire’s safety.

The enemy squadron returned fire, launching out squadrons of the nominal alphabet variety, while...he watched his screen carefully. They were retracting their corvette screen, pulling them close. They were exposing themselves while coming about southwards. That’s what the bastards were doing, they were pulling out and away. It made sense, of course, and Laurens had little inclination to allow them that option. No, they had come to him and it was in that state that they were going to die.

“Sir, incoming transmission from Pentastar vessel!”

“Patch it through.”

”This is Admiral Vought, Task Force 22, Pentastar Alignment. Under heavy bombardment, request small vessel and fighter support. Over.”

A deep well of anger rushed upwards; the Pentastar vessels had elected to go along with the alliance, opening fire before any were truly ready to support that decision, and then they had the gall to complain of their own blunders? Fools, Laurens thought, they were fools all. Of course, it wouldn’t do to have that sort of dissatisfaction show on the bridge and thus his fist merely tightened, his mouth nearly pursed. The man nearly sighed at the thought.

“Damnable incompetence. Don’t give a reply; our support is already en route.”

“Aye, sir.”

“Change fleet course one-two-zero, shift 100% aft, 50% port, 50% starboard shielding power to engines. All ahead flank. Order fleet units to match speed. Detach Turbulent and Tempestuous to change course one-zero-zero, all ahead flank. Detach Martial to change course one-five-zero, all ahead flank.”

“Changing fleet course to one-two-zero aye. Helm! Course one-two-zero, all ahead flank.”

“Course one-two-zero, all ahead flank aye. Conn, my course one-two-zero, all ahead flank.”

“Sir, engineering reports shield modulation in progress.”

“Turbulent, Tempestuous, Martial have acknowledged the order, sir.”

“Copy all.”

TITAN COMMAND, OH-FIVE-TWO SQUADRON
LT. NORWHE, ELVIKEYS
H.I.M.S. WATCHER, FONDOR SYSTEM, L-13
COORDINATES: 25.261, -369.618

Before them the strangers had seemed to have gone mad as IFF signatures changed from all gray to a mixture of blue and red. Norwhe was glad it was mostly blue, a tiniest sigh of relief as Star Destroyers began to open fire on the surrounded squadron and they in turn began to launch alphabet soup fighters. They must’ve sensed something fishy about the bastards to have shot, though then again he’d known some commanders more twitchy than a Rodian Death Stick addict at a trial. The rebels seemed to be getting the immediate upper hand, though, their fighters and bombers playing merry havoc along the Pentastar warships...though he saw one little problem. They’d turned their backs to the bombers.

It was a bad move. A rough voice came over comms, growling into his mic.

“Group One, this is Kincaid. Targets lit. Begin SLAM, T minus five seconds. Over.”

“This is Spades, Group One lead. Copy all, SLAM in five, over.”

“This is Kincaid. Bring me bodies. Out.”

Old man wasn’t happy. He wasn’t happy at all. Norwhe adjusted his throttle, waiting as Spades began to count down in her just slightly sing-song tone. Pencle was just like that, counting down and down before they hit it. TIE series engines weren’t ever really made to be pushed hard, the scream of his own echoing even into the cockpit, and he could see the afterburners on the Ye-4s open up before they turned purple-tinted by the heat of it. The engines screamed in his helmet, force tugging at his straps, and he could see the fleet itself began to push and push and push. It was a strange thing to see a Venator surge forward, engine trails turning into a plasma cape behind her to wave in the breeze. The rest of the vessels were no less impressive, mind, though the twin Victory Is lacked that dogged, hound feel to their pursuit. They weren’t made to be fast, never were, though seeing the wings open on the Star Destroyers still made his heart sink just a little bit. They were scary ships, those.

His head turned a little, seeing a Raider keep pace with them as the formation of bombers and fighters began to close range with the enemy force. They closed, pushing along fast, and Norwhe could see the red and green spears thrown between the formations of warships. In the distance, the heavy bulk of an Allegiance loomed, cutting about behind the rear of the enemy and delivering distinctive volley fire into their broadsides. He watched as sensors picked up more and more enemy units, smaller craft obscured before by the turbolaser fire and natural jamming that came from any engagement. He could see friendly units, too, things like Defenders and Avengers, something that made him raise an eyebrow. Fondor hadn’t skimped on the advanced fighters, that was for certain.

“House, this is Spades. Receiving sensor data from Fondor Defensive Fleet. Standing by to transfer, over.”

Sensor data? They were pushing info up to Watcher and the rest of the fleet. Norwhe bit his tongue, though, seeing as how it wasn’t his conversation at all nor did he really have anything to contribute to it. Just water over rocks, something for him to listen to and be aware of, that’s all the talk was. He could see a corvette explode in the distance, breaking apart from the turbolasers at the aft as engine mountings came loose and the whole strain tore it limb from bloody limb.

“This is House. Send it.”

“This is Spades, sending now, over.”

“This is House, message received. Stand by for incoming ordinance to your rear, out.”

Hell. He could see the Turbulent just nearly out of sight from his port and even from that distance could see gases vent from almost two dozen missile tubes. White gas jetted out, swirling in smaller clouds before being cut by the open wings, and the tubes opened. A breath, that’s all there was to the pause, and then twenty lights broke the skin of the warship. They exited at a starfighter’s pace, turning about with the quick little movements that belied RCS thrusters and manual control, aiming themselves at the enemy fleet in a scattered formation before breaking free. Twenty little lights, that’s all Norwhe could see, but he knew from experience that a Victory I’s missiles were nothing if not heavy. The size of a small freighter, each seven meters in diameter and over thirty in length, they were capital ship killers in every sense of the word.

A beeping in his cockpit. They kept closing the range.

TITAN COMMAND
CAPT. VYNDAN, HARRIKS
H.I.M.S. HELLION, STEELIOUS SYSTEM, K-13
COORDINATES: -18.612, -324.242

The long lines of azure stretched out, battering against the hull of the Argus as the rogue fighter wings kept in their escort formations. Here and there the sheer power of the ion cannons would disable a TIE by it’s proximity to the impact, but those little dots drifted until the Victory II reached out with her tractor beams to take the disabled fighters in. Vyndan stared out into it, watching as the frigate’s engines flickered and died, the ship drifting on by momentum alone. Elsewhere on her surface, he could see the lighting flicker before going dark as well. Only a few systems seemed to continue to live, the hangar bay shielding among them. It’d helped greatly that he’d pushed power from shields to the cannons to end the fight quickly before someone on the Argus had the unfortunate idea to return fire. He wanted a whole ship and its whole compliment of fighters, not a piecemeal collection of damaged hulks. Besides, he also didn’t need a bunch of wounded to deal with. The man wanted prisoners, nothing more, nothing less. Vibrations continued throughout the bridge as the Hellion made her sprint to close distance, Vyndan pursing his lips in thought.

“Open a channel to the remaining fighters.”

“Channel’s open, sir.”

“This is Captain Vyndan of the Hellion. By order of Admiral Halder and Titan Command, stand down and return to Argus at once. You cannot hope to succeed. You have one minute to respond. Out.”

Another cutting gesture and, again, his side was closed. The Captain knew that he was right; they couldn’t hope to win, not with a disabled command ship. By the time they’d make final approach on any sort of run, even assuming they could damage the Hellion, he’d have destroyed the frigate and any potential of their returning to the run again. The system lacked any sort of major port of call which would allow their docking and not make a report, any sort of minor port being simply too dangerous for their arrival. No, they’d lost it without firing a shot. Vyndan was nearly happy by their failure to act, though hopefully they wouldn’t be as timid against the New Republic.

“Hellion, this is Lieutenant Commander Juran of the oh-nine-fifth. Standing down, over.”

He let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been keeping in. A quick jab at comms and the channel crackled back to life, Vyndan making a solid effort to keep his voice still bland and unemotional. One had to be professional, even to deserters, if anything for the records themselves.

“This is Hellion. We accept your surrender, out.”

The channel died yet again, the fighters turning about and returning slowly to the adrift hulk of the Argus, and Vyndan watched before something caught his eye. A few of the smaller engines on the frigate were returning to life, gradually pushing the vessel along. They were still trying to run...though not at any good speed and not for much longer. He turned about briefly, shaking his head before giving the necessary orders.

“Weapons, two turbolaser salvos on their aft. Cut their engines.”

“Two turbolaser salvos on their engines, aye sir.”

She gave her own orders to the gunnery officer, quick and specific. It wouldn’t do for them to miss the engines and, say, blow a hole or three straight through the Argus’s bridge.

TITAN COMMAND ORDER OF BATTLE

93RD FLEET

Dominion - Executor-class Star Dreadnought
20 x VT-49
32 x GAT-12
60 x Ye-4
600 x TIE/IT
3,200 x TIE/sa
120 x TIE/AG
60 x TIE/ph
120 x TIE/D Defender
2,400 x TIE/IN
12,480 x TIE/ln
Beholder - Imperial I-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Dart - Imperial I-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Javelin - Imperial II-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Warlock - Imperial II-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Tempest - Imperial II-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Silent - Interdictor-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/IN
Typhoon - Victory I-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Sparrow - Victory I-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Vanguard - Victory II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Nomad - Victory II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
1 x Carrack-class Light Cruiser
1 x Carrack-class Light Cruiser
10 x Gozanti-class Cruiser
10 x DP20-class Frigate
12 x Tartan-class Patrol Cruiser
2 x Raider-class Corvette
1 x Raider-class Corvette

Nemesis - Tector-class Star Destroyer
Berserk - Imperial II-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Untouchable - Imperial II-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Temeraire - Gladiator II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Governor - Gladiator II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Rampage - Gladiator II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Caltrop - Immobilizer 418-class Cruiser
24 x TIE/ln
Valiant - Victory I-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Verdant - Victory II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
2 x Carrack-class Light Cruiser
3 x EF76 Nebulon B-class Frigate
4 x Victory II-class Frigate
2 x Ton-Falk-class Escort Carrier
TOTAL PER: 72
24 x TIE/IN
48 x TIE/ln
4 x CR90-class Corvette
2 x CR90-class Corvette

Colossus - Tector-class Star Destroyer
Condor - Imperial I-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Victory - Imperial I-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Majestic - Gladiator II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Defiance - Gladiator II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Navigator - Venator-class Star Destroyer
120 x TIE/sa
72 x TIE/IN
192 x TIE/ln
Redeemer - Venator-class Star Destroyer
120 x TIE/sa
72 x TIE/IN
192 x TIE/ln
Trapper - Immobilizer 418-class Cruiser
24 x TIE/ln
Examiner - Victory I-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
4 x EF76 Nebulon B-class Frigate
2 x Imperial II-class Frigate
TOTAL PER: 60
24 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/IN
3 x Victory II-class Frigate
2 x Ton-Falk-class Escort Carrier
TOTAL PER: 72
24 x TIE/IN
48 x TIE/ln
6 x Tartan-class Patrol Cruiser
2 x Raider-class Corvette

96TH FLEET

Megador - Executor-class Star Dreadnought
20 x VT-49
32 x GAT-12
60 x Ye-4
600 x TIE/IT
3,200 x TIE/sa
120 x TIE/AG
60 x TIE/ph
120 x TIE/D Defender
2,400 x TIE/IN
12,480 x TIE/ln
Pilgrim - Tector-class Star Destroyer
Emissary - Imperial I-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Impassive - Imperial II-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Inquisitor - Imperial II-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Captor - Interdictor-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/IN
Challenger - Victory I-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Endeavour - Victory I-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Capable - Victory I-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Avatar - Victory II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
10 x Gozanti-class Cruiser
10 x DP20-class Frigate
12 x Tartan-class Patrol Cruiser
4 x Raider-class Corvette

Infernal - Imperial I-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Superior - Imperial II-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Impalor - Imperial II-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Restless - Gladiator II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Scavenger - Venator-class Star Destroyer
120 x TIE/sa
72 x TIE/IN
192 x TIE/ln
Demolisher - Venator-class Star Destroyer
120 x TIE/sa
72 x TIE/IN
192 x TIE/ln
Raptor - Immobilizer 418-class Cruiser
24 x TIE/ln
Companion - Victory I-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
3 x Imperial II-class Frigate
TOTAL PER: 60
24 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/IN
3 x Victory II-class Frigate
6 x CR90-class Corvette
6 x Tartan-class Patrol Cruiser

Impeachor - Imperial I-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Indomitable - Imperial I-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Stargazer - Imperial II-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Vehemence - Gladiator II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Glacier - Gladiator II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Dauntless - Venator-class Star Destroyer
120 x TIE/sa
72 x TIE/IN
192 x TIE/ln
Vigilance - Venator-class Star Destroyer
120 x TIE/sa
72 x TIE/IN
192 x TIE/ln
Baneful - Victory I-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Palatine - Victory II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
2 x EF76 Nebulon B-class Frigate
4 x Victory II-class Frigate
2 x Ton-Falk-class Escort Carrier
TOTAL PER: 72
24 x TIE/IN
48 x TIE/ln
4 x CR90-class Corvette
2 x CR90-class Corvette
1 x Raider-class Corvette

101ST FLEET

Ilthmar’s Fist - Praetor II-class Star Dreadnought
12 x GAT-12
48 x TIE/sa
24x TIE/D Defender
36x TIE/IN
Knight - Imperial I-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Insurgent - Imperial I-class Star Destroyer
12 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/ln
12 x TIE/IN
Gladiator - Gladiator II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/IN
Kraken - Gladiator II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/IN
Clarity - Gladiator II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/IN
Momentum - Venator-class Star Destroyer
120 x TIE/sa
72 x TIE/IN
192 x TIE/ln
Inferno - Venator-class Star Destroyer
120 x TIE/sa
72 x TIE/IN
192 x TIE/ln
Pathfinder - Immobilizer 418-class Cruiser
24 x TIE/ln
Flare - Victory II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Reaver - Victory II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Furor - Victory II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Victor - Vindicator-class Heavy Cruiser
12 x TIE/sa
12 x TIE/IN
24 x TIE/ln
Punisher - Vindicator-class Heavy Cruiser
12 x TIE/sa
12 x TIE/IN
24 x TIE/ln
2 x EF76 Nebulon B-class Frigate
12 x Gozanti-class Cruiser
2 x Imperial II-class Frigate
TOTAL PER: 60
24 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/IN
8 x Victory II-class Frigate
8 x CR90-class Corvette
5 x DP20-class Frigate
12 x Tartan-class Patrol Cruiser

Astute - Venator-class Star Destroyer
32 x Ye-4
96 x TIE/sa
72 x TIE/IN
192 x TIE/ln
Patrician - Venator-class Star Destroyer
32 x Ye-4
96 x TIE/sa
72 x TIE/IN
192 x TIE/ln
Constellation - Victory II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Pioneer - Victory I-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Delivery - Victory I-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
3 x Carrack-class Light Cruiser
4 x Imperial II-class Frigate
TOTAL PER: 60
24 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/IN
8 x Ton-Falk-class Escort Carrier
TOTAL PER: 72
24 x TIE/IN
48 x TIE/ln
12 x CR90-class Corvette
4 x DP20-class Gunship
7 x Tartan-class Corvette
2 x Raider-class Corvette

Watcher - Venator-class Star Destroyer - RADM Laurens
32 x Ye-4
96 x TIE/sa
72 x TIE/IN
192 x TIE/ln
Paragon - Venator-class Star Destroyer
32 x Ye-4
96 x TIE/sa
72 x TIE/IN
192 x TIE/ln
Turbulent - Victory II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Tempestuous - Victory I-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Martial - Victory I-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
3 x Carrack-class Light Cruiser
4 x Imperial II-class Frigate
TOTAL PER: 60
24 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/IN
8 x Ton-Falk-class Escort Carrier
TOTAL PER: 72
24 x TIE/IN
48 x TIE/ln
12 x CR90-class Corvette
4 x DP20-class Gunship
7 x Tartan-class Corvette
2 x Raider-class Corvette

OTHER

Repulse - Vindicator-class Heavy Cruiser
2 x VT-49
12 x TIE/sa
24 x TIE/IN
Wildcat - Vindicator-class Heavy Cruiser
2 x VT-49
12 x TIE/sa
24 x TIE/IN
Impulse - Vindicator-class Heavy Cruiser
2 x VT-49
12 x TIE/sa
24 x TIE/IN
Stronghold - Vindicator-class Heavy Cruiser
2 x VT-49
12 x TIE/sa
24 x TIE/IN
2 x Carrack-class Light Cruiser
5 x Gozanti-class Cruiser
4 x Raider-class Corvette

Hellion - Victory II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Interrogator - Victory II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Grave - Victory II-class Star Destroyer
24 x TIE/ln
Argus - Imperial II-class Frigate
24 x TIE/sa
48 x TIE/IN
5 x Gozanti-class Cruiser
2 x Raider-class Corvette

by **New Oceanum** » Thu May 20, 2021 11:05 am

IMPERIAL DAWN REMNANT

IMPERIAL DAWN REMNANT:
IMPERIAL 403rd FLEET:
ISD DAUNTLESS II:
ANOAT SECTOR, BESPIN SYSTEM, K-18, LOW BESPIN ORBIT

"Have the local garrisons began to fuel up the Tibanna transports, yet, Captain?" Thrymn was getting impatient. It had been two hours since his demands were sent, and no visible progress nor message had been shown to him. If his demands were not met by both parties, this massive risk was all for nothing. The seizure of Tibanna was vital to the operation of his fleet. Bespin was a warzone, sure, but that does not justify the slowness to respond.

"Some, Admiral. The Imperial Garrison on Cloud City has made slight progress with loading their Victory I-class and their Quasar Fire-class, and are preparing the evacuation of their garrison. The Rebels have not made any progress and are seemingly preparing to evacuate their garrison." Captain Gert responded grimly, "Shall I order the bombardment to commence, sir?"

"Not yet. Send a squadron of TIE-Ds and two boarding vessels to remind those pesky rebels that my demands will be met, and tell the garrison to hurry in loading using all available assets to assist in the loading. Their defense will be covered by us, therefore they need not worry. "

"Aye, sir."

TIE Defender Squadron 15 launched from the main hanger bay of the Dauntless II, headed toward the planet below. The fighters assumed attack formation, escorting the boarding ships to their positions, where the TIEs opened fire on the New Republic transports, destroying their shields, and circling overhead to provide cover for the boarding vessels. Two Stormtrooper squads boarded both of the New Republic tibanna transports, and swiftly seized them, suffering only eight losses. The transports then lifted off with their fighter escorts, heading for the Dauntless II. Meanwhile, the evacuation of the Cloud City Imperial Garrison was well underway. The Quasar Fire-class carrier-cruiser was fully loaded with its 36 TIE-LN Fighters and 12 TIE-SA Bombers. The Victory I-class was 45% filled with tibanna, all equipment stowed, all non-essential personnel on board. If needed, the ship could be fully ready for departure and hyperspace travel within mere minutes, albeit with a loss of 65% of the tibanna, which was an unacceptable. The loading of the Victory I completed about thirty minutes later, and the Victory I and Quasar Fire ascended to orbit and rendezvoused with the 403rd Fleet. With the ships ready, the fleet began to plot their course carefully. The four Interdictors' gravity wells were powered down, all cargo secured, and the Dauntless II sent a secure transmission to the Imperial Centurion informing them of the changed rendezvous location.

TL;DR

Two new ships join ID.
ID seizes Tibanna shipments from the NR with few (8 Stormtroopers) losses.
ID prepares to leave Bespin and head for Bakura.
ID sent another secure transmission to the IMPERIAL CENTURION informing them of the changed rendezvous.
Hyperspace jump will occur in the next two to three posts, if uninterrupted. Abbeyverne or anyone else, if you are planning anything, this should give you a window of time to start to do so.

IMPERIAL DAWN BESPIN BLOCKADE

TOTAL COMBAT VEHICLES:
Command Ship: Dauntless II Mandator III-class Super Star Destroyer
Ship List (Not including Dauntless II): 8x Imperial II-class ISD, 4x Interdictor-class ISD, 8x Arquitens-class command cruiser, 7x Gozanti-class Assault Carrier
Fighters (Dauntless II): 4,200x TIE/LN, 210x TIE/D, 4,200x TIE/IN, 420x TIE/SA
Fighters (Theta Station): 210x TIE/LN, 210x TIE/IN, 210x TIE/SA
Fighters (Others): 210x TIE/LN, 210x TIE/IN, 210x TIE/SA

Command Ship: Overseer III Vicotry I-class Star Destroyer
Ship List (Not including the Overseer): 1x Quasar Fire-class Cruiser-Carrier (Warrior II)
Fighters (Overseer III): 50x TIE/LN, 25x TIE/IN, 25x TIE/SA
Fighters (Warrior II): 36 xTIE/LN, 12x TIE/SA

by **Lotrisia** » Mon May 24, 2021 3:55 am

Fondor Defensive Fleet
Low-Mid Orbit of Fondor
Allegiance-class Paramount
Primary Bridge

“Missile launch from the 16th, 20 Class Ds! They’re targeting the rearmost Imperator, sir!”

“Acknowledged!”

The strain in his sensor officer’s voice was becoming evident, as the battle began to heat up once again. The Pentastar Alignment, still reeling from the sudden attack and harried by fighters, struggled to regain composure. Their fire towards the rogue ships in front of them seem scattered and disorganised, with little damage being done. A force that size should have crushed their opponents in short order, but it seemed to Tranto that their command structure had left its chain of command neglected.

“Hostiles are reorienting away from Fondor, sir! They’re attempting a retreat!"

“Copy that. Gunnery, barrage fire on their Incursors. Helm, maintain distance with them.”

“Aye sir, barrage fire on the Incursors.”

The Paramounts guns, before crashing out massive sheafs of fire in a bid to overwhelm the Imperators in front of it, began firing as quickly as they could at the New Republic fleet’s escorts. Barrels began to glow orange from the heat of the barrage, and the space between the two fleets dissolved into a sea of green bolts. The Paramount’s attendant fleet following her example, shots crackling towards their targets, shimmering with rage. Their targets began twisting and sideslipping in a bit to escape the onslaught, but against a force so much larger than them, it proved to be in vain. The shimmers of impacts on shields became a hailstorm, and the hostile fleet buckled under the load.

It was at this moment that the first of Fondor’s fighters howled through the Pentastar Alignment’s formation, baying for blood. Having swung wide of the ongoing fight and looped in from a higher orbit, they caught the New Republic’s fighters exposed. The fighters fielded by the New Republic were impressive pieces of engineering, and the Empire’s earlier fighter corps, built for vast peer wars and pitched engagements, struggled to deal with them. Frames like A-Wings and X-Wings, while perhaps not quite as economical as their TIE-series counterparts, had been a persistent menace to their formations, and had proved more than a match for much of the fighter roster that could be thrown at them. With advanced fighters like the Avenger, however, they had no such luck. Tranto’s heavy fighters, plucked from neglected orders following the chaos that had reigned in the aftermath of Endor, were some of the finest fighters the Empire had to offer. 36 Defenders, 108 Avengers, and 2 squadrons of the vanishingly rare X1s, thundering down on their targets in synchronous motion. The New Republic fighters, spotting them as they began the turn onto their targets, had managed to pull themselves into a line opposing the incoming force. It didn’t help. The heavy fighters barrelled through their formation and scattered them in a starburst, before tearing through the exposed bombers behind. The fighters in the line ahead, careening away from the wing of heavy fighters that had torn through them, were pounced on by the swarm of TIE/ln and /in that followed behind. A lucky few managed to disentangle themselves from the frantic melee and began tearing madly towards the safety of a higher orbit, hoping to reform with the capital ships now arrowing away from their pursuers. Many others were overwhelmed, flaring into flame before tumbling off in a cloud of wreckage. Across the battlefield, the pinging of search and rescue beacons became a maddening chatter, as ejected pilots called for help to the unfeeling monoliths of the ships around them.

The barrage on the New Republic ships alongside them began to intensify. The smallest ships were the first to suffer. Bolts, slipping through faltering shields, tore glowing gouges in hulls. As Tranto watched, another CR90 was caught by a salvo, this time from the Eviscerator, and exploded, battering the ships alongside her in a hailstorm of debris. An Incursor, her crew panicking under the relentless pressure, twisted too far in a bid to escape a salvo from the Paramount’s flanking turbolasers, and placed itself neatly in the path of the Eviscerator’s fire, which tore a hole through her hull below the bridge, spraying molten metal across her hull. She banked away from the zone of danger ahead of her, but cut off the Incursor alongside her, forcing her sister ship to dive downwards in a bid to avoid her, exposing her reactor to danger. This proved fatal. A volley from the Paramount’s ventral turbolasers missed the dome itself, but burrowed into the hull alongside it, severing the power lines that fed her target’s left bank of engines. The next shots were true, detonating the Incursor in a flare of white light. Despite the Paramount’s windows dulling to lessen the glare, Tranto still shielded his eyes from the light on instinct.

“Incursor down, sir!” His sensor officer yelled excitedly. Tranto grinned, watching the battered ships on his tactical display as they ran ahead of his fleet. The two ISDs, still strong under the strain, trailed wisps of vapour from the shots that were increasingly beginning to punch through their shields. They’re weakening, Vice Admiral Tranto thought to himself. It had all taken just over a minute from the first few salvos to the flare of light in front of him. The first kill.

“All ships, maintain fire. Tear that fleet apart."

by **Cainesland** » Sat Jun 05, 2021 12:07 am

Stalgasin
Lucrehulk “Freedom”
On route to Fondor

After the successful inspection of the shield generation facility, Stalgasin made his way to a separate chamber. This room, marked RIS, had two droidekas outside, a palm reader, and an eye scanner. It took a couple tries to get his exoskeletal hand read but soon he was inside. “Welcome” a voice spoke from inside. The rest of his name was not spoken to maintain confidentiality.

Around him in the room were a few offices, what looked like a garage and storage bay, some lab tables, and notebooks and mechanical parts about. In front of him, in green and yellow armour, was his weapons officer. The officer was human and looked to be pointing a gun at a target in the storage bay. Suddenly lifting the pistol up the officer shot a grappling hook out. The hook wrapped around a roof beam which was used to kick down a target.

“Good job” Stalgasin spoke. His universal translator ensuring the message was across. “Any updates on the other projects?” The mandalorian turned and walked towards a lab table with a few boxes on it. She grabbed a pair of sunglasses. “These are fitted for a human, but can function as a camera, scanner, and com link. No need to get caught with an ear piece.” Stalgasin nodded. The department had been making good, usable, products for the rebellions intelligence teams since the ship became one of the intelligence hq’s during the civil war. He was glad things were continuing well.

“I think that is all. Thank you”. The Mandalorian nodded and went back to the testing facility. Stalgasin made his way back to the bridge.

Once on the bridge he found his Navigation Officer. “How long until we arrive?” He asked his navigation officer, a spider humanoid of the Harch race. “Not long now sir. We are almost at Fondor”. Stalgasin nodded. “Thank you”. It was a big moment. With all systems go and ready for combat, he readied himself for when they drop out of hyperspace.

by **Cainesland** » Sun Jul 04, 2021 6:53 pm

Baroness Prescott

<Almost there>. What had once been a scientific research facility when I first obtained my ship was today a specialized Beskar forge. One cannot melt the Beskar. Do that and you introduce too many impurities. It needs to be just above melting to obtain the proper strength. Then carbon had to injected, the metal folded, and other metals added for increased flexibility.

Looking at what I was making using spare Beskar, a helmet for a foundling, the small amount of Beskar i have access to seems disappointing. “Computer, set course for Yavin 4”.

by **New Oceanum** » Mon Jul 19, 2021 2:07 pm

IMPERIAL DAWN REMNANT

IMPERIAL DAWN REMNANT:
IMPERIAL 403rd FLEET:
ISD DAUNTLESS II:
ANOAT SECTOR, BESPIN SYSTEM, K-18, LOW BESPIN ORBIT

"Comms, the M1C." Admiral Thrymn stood at the forward viewport, overlooking the rest of the blockade. The time had come. Bespin had expended its uses. Undoubtedly, a large New Republic task force, or other threat, was already en-route to attack the fleet. As the communication officer handed the Rear Admiral of the 403rd Fleet the device requested, Thrymn spoke to his fleet: "My fellow soldiers of the Galactic Empire, the time has come to rebuild what was once a force for peace and security in the galaxy. It is time to rebuild the Empire; time to rebuild our Empire. Today, the First Galactic Empire lives! Today, we begin a journey on a path to restoring greatness to the Empire! Each one of you plays a key piece in the daunting task that lies before us, but know this: we shall not back down, we shall not quit, we shall not cease our work until it is complete. Together, we will rebuild our Empire, and restore true peace, true prosperity, and true security to the galaxy. All commands, set a course for Bakura. There, in a world of little significance, we will begin to reclaim what is rightfully ours. What rightfully belongs to the citizens of our new Empire. Our Empire. The one that previously died with the Imperial Senate. The one that would ensure that all are treated equal before the law and before the Empire. Soon, we shall show that the Empire, even when reduced to cinders, shall rise again. All commands, prepare for lightspeed on my mark." As these final words were uttered, the engines of every ship in the fleet began to hum to life. The course was set. All that was needed to do now was for Thrymn to give the command. "Five. Four. Three. Two. One. Mark. All ships to lightspeed." The viewports of the Dauntless II suddenly blurred from that of a blockade over Bespin to that of a ship travelling through lightspeed. The recreation of the Galactic Empire had begun.

IMPERIAL DAWN REMNANT:
IMPERIAL 403rd FLEET:
GONZATI-CLASS CRUISER IMPERIAL CENTURION:
TAPANI SECTOR, FONDOR SYSTEM, L-13, LOW FONDOR ORBIT

The Imperial Centurion dropped out of lightspeed into what could be only described as the aftermath of chaos. There was the remnants of a Incursor-class and a CR90 corvette, among other vessels and starfighters. The three crewmembers all gazed at the wreckage, distracted for a second, before returning to the task at hand. Lieutenant Stalov spoke up first. "Open a secure transmission to the fleet." She ordered Ensign Themis, moving into the range of the Comms Station.

"Yes, ma'am. Opening a secure channel now." Ensign Themis replied, following his commanding officer's orders. Stalov straightened her posture, as Admiral Thrymn's words were spoken.

"Lieutenant, I believe your ship has reached Fondor by now?"

"Affirmative, sir. We have seemed to just missed the battle. A question, if I may, sir?"

"Go ahead, Lieutenant."

"Sir, how exactly are we to contact your daughter- Lieutenant Thrymn I mean?"

"Lieutenant, you remember the Commlink I gave you before you left?"

"Yes, sir. I do. I have it right here."

"That Commlink is a secure two-way Commlink. Enter atmosphere, and merely inform Lieutenant Thrymn that you are from the 403rd Fleet and here to bring her to the rendezvous site under my orders."

"Aye, sir."

"Anything else, Lieutenant?"

"No, sir."

"Then I shall see you all at the rendezvous point."

TL;DR

ID heads for Bakura.
The Imperial Centurion arrives at Fondor.

IMPERIAL DAWN FLEET

TOTAL COMBAT VEHICLES:
Command Ship: Dauntless II Mandator III-class Super Star Destroyer
Ship List (Not including Dauntless II): 8x Imperial II-class ISD, 4x Interdictor-class ISD, 8x Arquitens-class command cruiser, 7x Gozanti-class Assault Carrier
Fighters (Dauntless II): 4,200x TIE/LN, 210x TIE/D, 4,200x TIE/IN, 420x TIE/SA
Fighters (Theta Station): 210x TIE/LN, 210x TIE/IN, 210x TIE/SA
Fighters (Others): 210x TIE/LN, 210x TIE/IN, 210x TIE/SA

Command Ship: Overseer III Vicotry I-class Star Destroyer
Ship List (Not including the Overseer): 1x Quasar Fire-class Cruiser-Carrier (Warrior II)
Fighters (Overseer III): 50x TIE/LN, 25x TIE/IN, 25x TIE/SA
Fighters (Warrior II): 36 xTIE/LN, 12x TIE/SA

CCL LEVEL	PHASE
CCL 0	Orbital Bombardment
CCL 1	Fighter Patrols
CCL 2	Comms Jamming
CCL 3	Strengthened Blockade
CCL 4	Heightened Orbital Security
CCL 5	Normal Readiness

CCL LEVEL	PHASE
CCL 0	Orbital Bombardment
CCL 1	Fighter Patrols
CCL 2	Comms Jamming
CCL 3	Strengthened Blockade
CCL 4	Heightened Orbital Security
CCL 5	Normal Readiness

Star Wars: Empire's End RP (IC)

Fire Across the Galaxy, Part V

IMPERIAL DAWN- BESPIN BLOCKADE, PT. 1

IMPERIAL DAWN- BESPIN BLOCKADE, PT. 2

Thunderous Applause

The Empire Lives, Pt. 1

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