Battles
"Sir, the Imperials and the Corellians are on an intercept course!"
Damn, how did I manage to piss off everybody? And just whose side are the Corellians on? "This appears to be the lead Imperial ship, send the Furies after it, then have them go to plan Sheepdog. And open a line to the ESS. If I can get them to trade our people back we can get out of this screwy fight. Even if Shawn is the only surviver, I don't want to leave him. Lets hope its not to late for diplomacy. If it is, I'll have to go retrieve them myself."
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Brian loved the feeling of power he got from piloting a Fury. He dove his ship toward the Imperial capital ship, and his sensor board lit up with locks. He pulled the trigger, firing the 48 forward fixed torpedo launchers that was the frigate's only weapons.
(It was more of a very, very, oversize fighter than a frigate though, and was designed as a capital ship killer in short engagements. It only had enough ammo for ten full volleys, but firing like that was a huge risk, because if one of the torpedo detonated before they could spread out, it would take all the others with it in a massive explosion that would take the frigate, and its magazine, with it, creating an explosion big enough to endanger their escorts. And they had to have escorts, because with no broadside guns or lasers, they were easy for fighters and smaller ships. And while their pilots were wiling to be suicidal, the escorts usually weren't so happy with their assignments.)
His fellow ships were doing the same as he was, and they got of two more volleys before braking off, just outside gun range, and going after other ships with a safer fire pattern. He watched the rolling inferno the covered the ship, but was disappointed when it didn't explode and escape pods started to fly from it. He tried to get a lock on another ship, but the all twisted desperately out of his way. He smiled, "Execute plan Sheepdog." Now instead of trying to get a lock, he he and his partner herded the enemies, while the other pair did the same. the two groups passed each other going in opposite directions, escaping one pair only to fall into the clutches of the other. He smiled as his board again lit up with locks, and reached for the trigger. He never noticed the small group of fighters that broke through his screen and dumped their torpedoes into his ship. He didn't get a chance to now either, because one scored a lucky hit, breaching his torpedo magazine, turning him into a small, bright, brief star. But even though he died, the others still fired, savaging the Imperial ships.
"Corellian Intelligence just sent a priority report. They found out how the data was compromised. Seems an Imperial back door code that we thought removed was able to sneak through the security. We aren't sure who is responsible yet, but the code is definitely Imperial."
Vince made a face, as those newly arrived oversized torpedo boats made their run on Pitto's forces. While those returned mercenaries were already crazy enough to attack everyone in this area, Pitto was in a position Vince almost pitied him. This was not what he considered an even fight.
"Well, Admiral, it seems we have a commond enemy." Vince addressed the imperial. "Besides, I do have some scores to settle myself."
He turned to Blexton. "Dispatch Phantom Squad and have them help eliminate those missile frigates. If they can, they shall disable one of them, I find that technology rather intriguing."
Adressing the fleet he continued. "All ships, form up and spearhead the new arrivals.
Vince, there's something with that flagship Shiromy's voice called out to him.
Well, I don't like the look of those big guns. Anything else I should be concerned about?
The cannons are my least concerns. Shiromy replied. We can handle those.
There is a strong presence aboard that ship Roscha continued.
For a moment Vince closed his eyes and reached out with his senses. It didn't take much to discover what Shiromy was talking about. Someone powerful was aboard that ship.
So I guess it is 'disregard the big ship, go for the rest and let the ladies do their magic'?
Yes for the first two Roscha commented. Regarding the third - I'm not sure.
Can you handle him?
If necessary, yes. Roscha said. But I'd prefer we just drive them away.
I'll see what I can do. Vince concluded and turned his attention back to the fleet.
"Warhammer, lock two Omega arrays on that Calamari Cruiser. The rest, pick your targets and get lock on, but don't fire!"
"What about the fusion cannons" Platon asked.
"Easy, Harry!" Vince held him back with a fathery smile. "We'll spare those for the grand finale."
"Aw, alright." Vince shook his head. All the years and the man was still obsessed with those guns.
Moments later the Warhammer's trenches lit up crimson as two omega beams ripped through space towards the distant cruiser. The first hit the shield bringing it down. The second drilled through and tore the ship's prow apart. Not yet destroyed the cruiser was nonetheless out of controll and dying.
The response came quicker than he thought. "We're being hailed by the flagship."
"Put them through!"
"Am I speaking with the leader of the ESS fleet?" Not the usual sort of hailing, Vince thought, but then again, as far as he knew, this was no official military organization.
"You are. I am Supreme Commander Trageton of the ESS. Who am I talking to?"
"Who I am is of no concern. It is what I have to offer that matters."
Vince's eyes narrowed. "I think you're missinterpreting your current situation. Your trecherous actions and unprovoked aggressions have brought the ESS, the Corellian Empire and Imperial Remnants up against you. I think you are in no position to offer anything."
"You have proved the capability of your forces more than sufficiently, I do not deny that. All I am asking is that you return what is left of my people. No more casualties."
"I don't see why I should. They've committed numerous crimes against the ESS and are responsible for numerous deaths and considerable internal damage aboard one of my ships. They will be put on trial and will be brought to justice."
"You do not understand." The man said and Vince soon noticed how the man was trying to probe his mind. As a return he gave him a mental slap for this act of boldness. After a short moment of suprise the man continued. "This is my last offer. Return my people and no more harm will come to you."
"Time and experience have made me a cautious man. Even if I released your man, what guarantee do I have you won't attack us again?"
Ferris listened to Andrew's statement, and request with interest. "Well Andy I'm sure dad will be happy to have your forces to help him out, but it's just a few imps." She smiled at his slight shock. "I wouldn't worry though I'm sure we can put you to good use. As for the lightsaber, Dad won't even let me make my own so as for a spare you'd have to get with him on that."
A few moments later the Executor II reverted back into real space to find a new set of ships attacking the imperials. "Somehow I get the feeling these guys aren't with you Andy."
"Incoming transmission." called the person at the com station.
"Put it through."
"I see you made the pickup."
"Yeah dad, Where are you? Come to think of it where's the Roscha?"
"Oh I'm aboard one of Trageton's presents. as for the Roscha, I'll tell you later."
"Something's happened, And there's one heck of a presence aboard that new dreadnaught out there."
"You noticed that huh? Well that's nothing to worry about. Is Andrew Available?"
"I'm here." Andrew toned in
"I take it Canthas was of help to you, and you were able to get what ever business you needed done finished with little to no loss?"
"In fact no. I wasn't able to find the contact. In fact I ran into my old 'friend' Bill who cost me my Vangaard shuttle, and my Stardestroyer." Andrew's anger though controlled was pallaple.
"That wouldn't be the same Bill that my people stole that very stardestroyer from and gave to you would it?"
"Yes."
Mako sighed and stayed silent for a moment. "Ferris gather all our people and have them shuttle over here to the Warhawk.Leave the full compliment of T42Bs and Fodder squadron. You are to take the Gopher and go to the shipyards grab one of the other executer IIs there for your own and inform everyone I'll be there soon." Ferris started to protest but Mako cut her off. "Don't argue just do it."
"Yes Father."
"Now as for you Andrew, my gifts are far and few in between. It's not good business when one of my honorary members loses a gift from me or my men." Andrew started to talk but Mako rushed on before he could speak. "I hope this time around you'll be able to hold onto it. You'll find it very helpful when trying to make an impression, or a threat. the weapons systems are fully automated as well are the Fodder squadrons, there should be a full complement of them to add to the T42b Congreve fighters that are still aboard. Oh and it comes with Fold drives and a self destruct should someone be stupid enough to board you."
Andrew mind was reeling from what he was hearing. "What are you saying?"
"The Executor IIis yours. Take care of it I don't have any left to give away."
What does this man know of time and experiance. But he let the comment pass. "I'm afraid I don't think I have a guarantee you'll except, other than the fact that it would be a profoundly stupid thing to do. Now I have a battle to fight, but if you think of something, give me a call, and I'll try to supply your guarantee. But do try to think fast, in ten minutes I will have no choice but to attack."
David turned away, heading back to the battle holo. There was a new Dreadnought out there, and IFF identified it as part of the group associated with the ESS. And He sensed some powerful people on some of those ESS ships. He was starting to wish he was better at diplomacy. He really was hoping that Supreme Commander came up with something, and soon. This battle kept turning against him.
David watched as the Claw exploded on his sensors. Then smiled as it reappeared again after the enemy fleet jumped out. At least that has gone as planned. His techs had found the self destruct system and disabled it, but when they installed the cloak system that went in all his ships, they had added a program to allow it to mimic its effects. They had also upgraded the generators, allowing it to produce such a massive field without destroying itself. He turned to his commander.
"Move the Excalibur into the battle. I will be taking a Dagger and retrieving our people. Carry on in my absence."
The Dagger class shuttle's cloaking system had allowed him to sneak onto the enemy ship without being detected. He had charged his staff with a bunch of sleep spells for use on any troops he came across. He didn't want the ESS any madder at him then they already were.
However, there were few troops left and he only ran across four or five. As he stepped into the prison block, he saw a woman with a trooper, heading for one of the cells. He immediately put the trooper to sleep, but the woman moved surprisingly fast, and had mentally created a shield for herself. She charged him with a knife. He allowed her to get close, then dodged her blow and placed his hand against her stomach, unleashing a fireball immediately followed by a lightning bolt. They were the same spells Shawn had used but had a lot more power behind them. She flew across the room, her stomach a chard ruin. That won't do. He thought and walked over to her. He cast a healing spell followed by the sleep spell he had used earlier. She would be very sore when she woke up but otherwise fine. He was a little disappointed to find only twelve survivors, but he returned to the Excalibur with them and brought them to the ships hospital before returning to the bridge, strongly hoping no one had seen the need to power up an Interdictor while he was gone. But he couldn't help being a little pleased. Mission accomplished, and without using anything more powerful then a mid-level journeyman's heal.
"So you thought you'd just sneak onto my ship, steal my prisoners and wound my people?"
The man whirled around irritatedly. "What are you talking about soldier?" he demanded.
Vince smiled. The man's attacking Mryna had not gone unnoticed by Shiromy. Her connstant connection to her Hand had made sure of that. And while the intruder was making his way back to his enormous flagship, Vince had had more than enough time to swap his mind over to the enemy flagship and take control of one of the weak minded crewmen, finally awaiting the man as he returned.
He could feel the man's intense presence. "You have some interesting tricks on your little toy." He said pointing at the man's staff. "After everything you have done I thought it might be appropriate if we spoke face to face." As Vince ceased to hide his presence the man's eyes widened as he realized what was going on.
"Trageton! What have you done to my men?"
"I could ask you the same thing, if I didn't know already." Vince jeered. "But rest asured, your man will stay unharmed for the moment."
"What do you want?"
"The empress is very unpleased with what you have done. And I do have some tricks up my sleeve, too. In normal cases my presence on this ship would have meant certain death for everyone aboard." He went past the man and walked to one of the bridge windows. In the distance he saw the ESS, CE and Imperial fleets. "But in your case things are different. Thanks to your exceptional skills and prowess the Empress regards you with a certain respect. Besides, we have more important matters at to care about than some over-ambitious weekend-warlord who likes to play big."
He turned around again to face the man.
"You are free to leave this area at once. This is the Empress' gift to you. Should you ever return here or to ESS space, you will be destroyed. For now, farewell"
With these words Vince released the man and his mind returned to his own body. Opening his eyes he took a short glimpse at the distant enemy flagship.
"All ships, form up and set course for HQ rendezvous. This battle is over. We're leaving."
"Vince is everything alright?" came Wes' voice over private comm. "I haven't heard you sound that bitter in ages."
"I didn't want all this, Wes. This battle was unnecessary. And thanks to these events, Corellia is now on the brink of war with whoever holds a grudge against you and gets their hands on that data."
It was a disaster alltogether. The whole deal had seemed that easy at start - Mako would be granted refuge in the ESS in exchange for the Executor II. Simple.
He still had no exact clue how things had escalated, but it all had ended up in them being officially at war with the Imperial Remnants. In the end, half of the Galaxy's most powerful factions had found themselves in a standoff in this cursed nebula - just perfectly in time to receive this data broadcast. It seemed it all to come back to them now. Was it their fault? His?
"I should not have let her go on that mission alone, Wes."
"What? I don't understand"
"No...." He hesitated. "I should have been at her place."
"Oh come on, get yourself together, Vince!" Wes commanded. "You sound as if Shiromy was dead or something. Battles happen. What has happened is very unfortunate for all of us. But whatever has lead to this point, we cannot make it undone."
"Thank you, that REALLY made my day." Vince snorted.
"I'm sorry." Wes reeplied. "All I wanted to say: Leave it behind for now. You and us have a lot to do to prepare for what is coming to us. Let's concentrate on that."
"Yeah, I guess..." Vince muttered. "We're off then."
"Do that. We'll stay here until you're gone, should any of the other parties present change their mind."
"Thank you, Wes. I'll contact you underway. Vince out."
A few moments later the fleet departed.
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Vince leaned against the viewport of his chamber and gazed into the blue chaos of hyperspace.
"I don't understand what drove her to declare war against the Empire. I mean ... they're barely a faint reflection of what they used to be under Palpatine, but ... hell, they're still ten times as powerful as we are."
"hmmmm" The holographic projection of Wes Janson behind him frowned. "Tell me, when did you last give Shiromy a good workout?"
"Excuse me?!?" Vince glared at the hologram in disbelief of what his friend had just uttered."
"I'm serious here, Vince." Wes insisted. "When was the last time you two fought each other?"
Vince thought for a moment. Coming to think of it, it had been a long time since they last had sparred with each other. "A year ago, maybe." He suggested. "It's been a while."
"The way I got to know Shiromy is that she picks a fight wherever she can. And when she does, she seeks the challenge of being outmatched - in her eyes the only way to advance."
Vince sighed. "She spends most of her free time training - learning new techniques, perfectioning her skills. I can't offer a real challenge for her now."
"Alright, listen: Get home as fast as you can, take a good nap and don't spend any more thoughts on today's events. I have the feeling that she - all of us - will soon enough meet the challenge of our lives."
'Yes father' was the first thing that sprung Vince's mind yet he managed not to say it. Instead he nodded. "Will do. Good idea I guess. I'll contact you tomorrow then. Vince out."
Well, that was interesting.
"Move the fleet out, were returning to Shadow base."
David reached for his comlink and sent a short, encrypted transmission. Trageton had earned his respect, and deserved a gift of his own. When he returned to his office, he would find the Talon of Chysmia on his desk. Hopefully he would be able to handle her.
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Mako watched from the bridge of the Warhawk as Trageton's fleet left. There were no goodbyes to be said to Roscha as she left with Shiromy on the Dominance. A deal had been made and Roscha as well as he would uphold their end. Besides he was sure Roscha would prove to be more than a challenge for Shiromy, might even humble the Empress as she had humbled him all those years ago. Next to leave were the Mercs. Mako knew that he would have to keep his eye on them, he wasn't too fond of having another privateer with firepower close to his own running around. That would have to be a task for Ferris and Canthas to handle. All that was left were the Corellian ,and Imperial fleets. Mako felt bad for the Corellians, and Janson. With the major Data leak that they've just had things will be getting exceptionally tough for them. Mako just wished he could lend them a hand, but currently he had other things to worry about.
"Ty," Mako called out as he turned away from the viewport. "Send out the signal. I want every, Smuggler, pirate, privateer, Hutt, and Black Sun op. that works for me openly or otherwise is apart of our group to meet us at the rendevous. Do we have the coordinates that came from Wolf and J.D.?"
"Yes Boss."
"Good let the others know we'll be taking a small detour in our newest additions the Warhawk and the.." Mako waved his hand around as he tried to think of a name for the other Warhammer class vessel that he gained from the ESS. "Has anyone come up with a name for the other ship?"
"I'm not sure boss." Ty told him
"Well dammit call them up and ask."
A few moments later the holoimage of a slender Kaminoian appeared. "How can I be of service Mako?"
"Hey Mags," The Kaminoian made a sour face. She hated when he called her that. Serves her right for having a name that he couldn't remember. "Have you guys come up with a name for that ship?"
"I believe we have settled on the Starcrusher."
"I like that. Alright," Mako turned his attention back to Ty. " tell everyone else that we have a ship and comrades to save. Set a course for those coordinates. Oh and don;'t for get to ask Andrew if he wants to come with."
It took a while for the holo to establish. When his opposite finally materialized and recognized who had called him, his tired eyes widened in sheer disbelief.
"By all black holes, Vincent!" UPMF Supreme Commander Raymond Firkis coughed.
"Hello Ray!" Vince greeted his old friend. "It's been a while."
"It sure has. You're lucky I kept this communicator for nostalgic reasons. I was suprised it is still working."
"I see" Vince said. "So, how are things over there? I haven't picked up much about UPA business lately, especially since my quarrel with Alyn Yadrec."
Ray moaned "Just don't mention her. She's caused us a great deal of trouble with her little crusade."
"Me, too." Vince commented dryly.
"I guess so. Well, honestly, things could be better. The UPA are in unrest. The senate is corrupted like never before. Some systems are at the brink of war. The United Planets are dying." For a moment his gaze went astray. After a few seconds he seemed to realize he was in the middle of a conversation.
"But I doubt you contacted me to talk about politics and reflect on the good old times. I know you well enough to know you have good reasons to contact me."
Vince smiled. "That part about the political talk actually wasn't that far off."
"Oh?" Ray rose a brow.
"The reason why I contacted you is that the United Planets are in danger."
There was a moment of silence as Ray seemed to study Vince. "I heard that a lot in the past few years. but I know from experience that there must be something behind it, when it comes from you."
"Ray, I've seen a lot of this galaxy since I left. Both the UPA and our empire are pretty small reigns located at the core-ward borders of the great Corellian Empire - allies of ours. Some recent events have exposed the Corellian Empire to a great danger. As allies and brothers in arms with Corellia, the ESS have sworn allegiance to protect them, so we'll be in this anyway. But I fear the UPA may get caught up and slide right into one of the greatest wars this galaxy has ever seen."
Ray frowned. "For centuries we managed to keep out of everything the rest of the galaxy had going on. Our unbreakable neutrality and, if you will, isolation kept us out of all the great wars."
"Not this one." Vince insisted.
"What makes you so sure?"
"Those aggressors - I have seen a tiny fraction of them, seen what they're capable of. They give nothing about neutrailty. For them you'd simply be in the way."
There was a long moment of silence as Ray stared into the void. "What would you suggest then?"
"Maybe it is time to walk together again."
Ray sighed. "I have always believed in you, Vince. I mean just look at it ..." Ray tried to explain. "You defeated the entire UPMF with a handful of ships. When the battle was over many thought you would take control of the United Planets and bring back the balance they once had. But then you left."
Vince closed his eyes. "You know I couldn't return, as if nothing had happened. There was no place for me in the UPA - then."
"That's not true." Ray protested. "Although they didn't show, many supported you and thought as you did. They would have welcomed you with open arms."
"Maybe you're right." Vince admitted. "But I wasn't ready to return after all that had happened."
Again Ray hesitated as the dark memories seemed to return to him. "Most of Aelhoc's followers have been subdued, but there are still people who hold a grudge against you, since you've left. As your friend I know you had your reasons and I could understand your leaving. But there were many others that couldn't. They thought you had abandoned them."
"Maybe it's time to allow those old wounds to heal. I think I can still reunite the UPA."
"How?" Ray shook his head in mild desperation. "I mean ... please, Vince, I want to understand you and I was aching to hear those words from you for ages. But how do you think it possible?"
"Because of what I can offer."
"What can you offer?"
"Everything that Aelhoc has destroyed. Stability. Prosperity."
"What about peace?" Ray questioned.
"Peace" Vince repeated. "I think noone can offer that. There has always been conflict somewhere. However, there are two types of conflict: Conflict from within and conflict from outside. Conflict from outside forces us to advance. It strenghtens us. Conflict from within destroys us."
Ray obviously wasn't satisfied. "But wasn't it that conflict from outside - that war against the Dhilani that led to the fall of the United Planets?"
"No." Vince said with resolve. "The fight between Vaylon and Aelhoc had been raging since Vaylon had become UPA President. The war against the Dhilani gave the United Planets a common goal. For a moment we strengthened to become powerful enough to defeat them. It was then that Aelhoc's deception split the United Planets, leading to their fall. But for a moment we had risen above ourselves and became something new."
"And now you think this new conflict will reunite us again?"
"Yes."
"How?"
Vince shook his head. Ray sure was persistent. But after all, Vince couldn't hold it against him. "Come to New Cophuran. See what we've built up here. And you will understand."
Andrew got the message. His entire fleet arrived and surrounded his new SSD.
“I got your back. My entire fleet is standing by send those coordinates.” Andrew was still getting used to the large ship he had never had a ship this large. A smile had shown on Andrew’s face for the first time in a long time. “Mako, thanks for the ship. Time for me to repay you.” All of Andrew’s ships disappeared in a flash of light.
Soon after a battered VSD II emerged from out of nowhere followed by a Calamari Cruiser that had looked very strange. They soon entered hyperspace flowing Andrew’s trail.
