Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Space seemed to shimmer in front of Pierce; it was breathtakingly beautiful but also heart-stopping in its horror. He was flying with the rest of his group alongside -- or rather, in front of -- the pair of Inflictor-class Heavy Cruisers at the forefront of the left flank. "Stay clear of that turbolaser fire," he ordered. "Our course should take us below their line of fire, but keep an eye on it." The light show was dazzling to the Captain, but he imagined it was less entertaining to the men aboard the ship that was taking the brunt of Battlegroup Nebula. "Stay sharp. Keep one eye on those scanners," he ordered crisply. He let his eyes wander up to the blasts of multicolored fire that seemed to warp the very fabric of space as they streaked out towards their target. It was mesmerizing.
Nice and easy, he said. Patrol the fleet flank. Say that ten times fast. Patrol the fleet flank. Patrol the fleet flank. Patrol the fleet... flank? He was disturbed from his ruminations by the chirp of his radio. It was "Angel" -- [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]. He listened in, adjusting a knob on his yoke in order to tighten up something or other. Pilot stuff. He glanced over his shoulder out of habit, but his gunner O'Brien was no longer there. She was out there -- somewhere -- in her own TIE/sf Mk II. He had glanced because of the unusual thing that Colonel von Brinkerhoff had said -- loosen up. That was a clue -- a big one -- that as their mutual friend [member="Sioux Chambers"] would say: the S is about to hit the F.
He drove a hard bargain. In the old days, he would have switched to his private channel to Stash One and made some crack about earning five, but enough about that poor girl in your bed (ba-dum-tsh!) but things were different now. There was no private channel. A joke like that, overheard by the people von Brinkerhoff was surrounded by, would cost him his career. Roderik was high above him now in the ranks. They were still friends, of course, but he didn't feel it was quite the same.
When the announcement was over, Pierce was all business. "You heard the man. Give yourselves some room. I want to see order and discipline. Outer ships move first. Give it a magnitude of..." He paused to do some mental calculations. "...one point oh eight six. Go now."
Summary of Action: Stayed in current Hex 10.19, patrolling along the front line. Pierce has donned +5 Dexterity pilot gloves. Standard hairstyle (no stat bonus, cosmetic only).
Verz watched the battle play out in front of him. The tactical display flashed as ships gave and took fire. The Rally Masters in charge of their battlegroups reported in, one by one. The Mandalorians were advancing. His fellow commanders were hammering at the enemy. Larraq had turned to engage the First Order line.
"Ramhead here, the Gett'se has taken heavy fire, but we still hold. Shields at 60%. Advancing and returning fire. "
"Bes'bev, reporting successful launch of first wave of fighters. Prepping next wave now."
"This is Wolfpack One, reporting successful fire on enemy target. Mass drivers cycling for next salvo."
"Wolfpack Two here, targets eliminated. Ready for new orders."
The scarlet warrior began to issue new commands to his fleet when alarms blared. A technician called out.
"Marshal, sensors show huge buildup of power coming from Omega! It's firing!"
Verz watched the scanners as they depicted a lance of energy envelop a ship broadcasting Alliance transponder codes. The codes showed it as The Spirit of Drunkenwell. He switched it over to a viewscreen, and watched the recording of the massive energy lance nearly destroying the ship. It made him uneasy. It was likely that this was the first time the damnable weapon had been fired. If so, the blasts would likely increase in power.
In his mind, Verz was certain what needed to be done.
"This is Verz Horak, broadcasting on all channels. That battle station must be destroyed. There is no doubt in my heart on this."
Verz doubled down on his commands, issuing them as fast as he could, back on Mandalorian channels.
"Bes'bev, let's help out Larraq. Launch another wing at whatever his is targeting. Hit it hard. The rest of you, continue on your previous orders. Wolfpack 2, come back towards us. Fire on the Obliterator. I want that ship destroyed yesterday."
The orders were relayed throughout the fleet, with pilots scrambling, gunners taking aim, and repair crews on standby. Verz only had one last command to give.
"Bring us closer to the enemy line. Fire on those dar'jetti bastards. Guns full front!"
The gunners worked rapidly to coax firing solutions from their targeting computers. The Superheavy Mass Drivers spun up their fields, ready to rain the fury of Mandalore on their target. The whole ship raced towards her target, the engines pushing and accelerating the warship.
Then the whole ship shuddered as her guns fired in unison, firing slugs that flew at a signifigant fraction of the speed of light, ready to peirce shields and armor alike.
Command:
Alor Class Dreadnaught “Dha Werda Verda” 3000/3000 Shield 3000/3000 Hull Arm/Def 20/20 Hangar: 6 squadrons of Ra’gr Superiority Starfighters Starfighters, unlaunched Firing at: (Obliterator (1.22)) 6.28 to 4.27
Carrier Group:
Harbinger Class Carrier “Bes’bev” 850/850 Shield 850/850 Hull Arm/Flak/Def 4/15/8 Hangar: 36 Ra’gr Superiority Starfighters Starfighters 16 Vhe’viim Interceptors 15 Kandosii Bombers Launching 4 Ra’gr squadrons, 2 Vhe’viim squadrons and 3 Kandosii squadrons at Deify (2.19) Launching 4 Ra’gr squadrons, 2 Vhe’viim squadrons and 3 Kandosii squadrons at Obliterator (1.22) 4 Ra’gr squadrons, 2 Vhe’viim squadrons and 3 Kandosii squadrons attacking currently attacking Obliterator (1.22)
Sovereign Class Star Destroyer “Gett’se” 1000/1500 Shield (-500) 1500/1500 Hull Arm/Flak/Def 12/10/16 Hangar 4 Ra’gr Superiority Starfighters Squadrons at Ruination (1.20) Firing at Deify (2.19) Jahaatir Class EWAR Frigate “Co’pad” 300/300 Shield 300/300 Hull Arm/Def 5 (special)/10 Firing EWAR systems at (2.19) 6.28 to 4.26
Wolfpack 1
Nynir Class Heavy Frigate “Vode” 350/350 Shield 350/350 Hull Arm/Def 20/10 Firing at Javelin (1.22) Nynir Class Heavy Frigate “A’den” 350/350 Shield 350/350 Hull Arm/Def 20/10 Firing at Javelin (1.22) Nynir Class Heavy Frigate “Aliik” 350/350 Shield 350/350 Hull Arm/Def 20/10 Firing at Javelin (1.22) Jahaatir Class EWAR Frigate “Cuyan” 300/300 Shield 300/300 Hull Arm/Def 5 (special)/10 Firing at (1.22) using EWAR systems Nexus 2.5 Cruiser “Atin’la Baar” 550/550 Shield 550/550 Hull Arm/Flak/Def 16/16/18 Hangar: 2 Ra’gr Superiority Starfighters Squadrons Firing at Javelin (1.22) including Shield syphon 3.27 to 3.25
Wolfpack 2
Nynir Class Heavy Frigate “Adenn” 350/350 Shield 350/350 Hull Arm/Def 20/10 Firing at Obliterator (1.21) Nynir Class Heavy Frigate “Ba’balut” 350/350 Shield 350/350 Hull Arm/Def 20/10 Firing at Obliterator (1.21) Nynir Class Heavy Frigate “Aba’jurir” 350/350 Shield 350/350 Hull Arm/Def 20/10 Firing at Obliterator (1.21) Jahaatir Class EWAR Frigate “Gekyrdir” 300/300 Shield 300/300 Hull Arm/Def 5 (special)/10 Firing EWAR at (1.21) Nexus 2.5 Cruiser “Buurenaar” 550/550 Shield 550/550 Hull Arm/Flak/Def 16/16/18 Hangar: 2 Ra’gr Superiority Starfighters Squadrons Friring at Obliterator (1.21) 8.26 to 4.24
“Sir, the Spirit is well hit! Shields are heavily depleted.”
The Grand Admiral glowered. “But not destroyed. The Omega can destroy planets, why can’t it destroy a ship?” he demanded.
“We’ve been holding back power and the best focusing crystals for…”
“If we do not defeat this coalition of fools we will never have a chance to use it! Fire again, maximum power!”
“It will take time to charge…but we can fire again at the same power as the first shot.”
“Then do it!”
The Grand Admiral watched as the red beam arched out again, reaching for the Spirit a second time. Even if it was not destroyed by this volley he had more where that came from!
XXX
Grand Admiral Chysa'sk was practically chittering with rage as Admiral Choros’ fleet met a very destructive and predictable end. All his escorts were lost and most of his capital ships were damaged and all had depleted shields.
There was nothing for it, she would have to advance too, if only to give fire whilst she still had any support.
“Admiral T’Gaer will advance with us. Concentrate fire on the First Order. Knock them out of the battle!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjHw3pkrY-A
The One Sith were committing most of their reserves in a final drive on the centre to hold back the Imperial tide. Would it be enough?
[member="Taneas Haring"] your fire was far too long ranged and low powered to have any impact.
All First Order writers, the effects of [member="Avicus DuSang"]’s Battle Meditation is an increase in armament and attack craft performance.
@Valessia Bentioch your corvette’s fire was pretty much wasted on the Star Destroyer, but your heavy cruisers and especially Destroyer did some fine work. In numbers the Empire Class Frigates also chipped away. Fired 2 x Wrrylok 1 x Exalt at FIV Sloane as last turn. (09.16) Fired Darr Itah, 2 x Wrrylok at Chevalier. Fired 1 x Wrrylok at FIV Resolve. Fired 2 x Dark Blades, 2 x Invidias at FIV Valiant. Fired 2 x Maladis at FIV Fortitude
[member="Aerion Ivelisse"] your fire on the Yearn was very effective. Your long range fire on the Onderon less so simply because of its small size and the relative lack of long range weapons on many of your ships. The Tython would likely have more luck firing on bigger ships.
[member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] your fire was extremely effective against the Chargrin as it is a slow and relatively poorly defended ship. The Assault was also badly hurt by the fire of your Retributions. Return Fire – Unleashed 1 x Exalt, 2 x Wrrylok, 1 x Vanguard on the Vindicator (11.15)
[member="Natasi Fortan"] your fire hit the Apocalypse very hard indeed. It’s lost all its shields and been damaged as well. Your escorts were ineffective against the destroyer however.
[member="Cyrus Tregessar"] your Inflictor ships tried to move to 09.15 but it was already taken by Carlyle. I have relocated them to 10.13 the closest untaken hex. Your fire on the Worship was very effective. Your use of escorts was extremely effective. Good work, first points to First Order! Return Fire – Fired 3 x Fenris at your Boneshatter in 09.13.
[member="Tanomas Graf"] your punishment of the escorts was just brutal. Two more kills for the First Order!
[member="William Kerkov"] had to relocate your battlecruiser from 12.15 to 11.16 as it was already taken. I also redirected fire for the Huntsman because the Claw was already destroyed. I redirected both to the Assault, not the Charge as that was actually a long way away and the Assault was already damaged. This way the Assault was destroyed. Your fire of the 839th Escort Squadron was oddly aimed and ineffective at such range.
For your other squadrons I do not understand why you are firing at enemies a long away when you literally have targets at one hex, so I redirected your fire here too. If you really wanted to ineffectively blaze away at targets 6 hexes away rather than kills at 1 hex…well you don’t. Return Fire – Fired 2 x Razer at FIV Relentless in 08.17.
[member="Reshmar"] your fire was good considering the long range. Your ships’ selection of long ranged weapons certainly helped even at this range.
[member="Gir Quee"] your fire utterly destroyed a Razer and crippled another. Your corvette fire was mostly ineffective at this range, but still knocked down a bit of shields.
[member="Ayden Cater"] the Spirit’s fire did some considerable damage to the Praetor’s shields, but nowhere near as much as a full salvo would have. Your swarm of 32 fighter and 18 bomber squadrons has been met by 32 fighter and 9 bomber squadrons. The survivors can make their run next time, since I can’t determine how many of your ships will be lost in dogfights.
Your fire on the Razers was effective, despite the long range, and destroyed one, damaged another.
Omega was fired again at the Spirit. Return Fire – Fired Invidia, Dark Blade, 2 x Wrrylok and Immortal at Noble Class @06.07
[member="Knight"] I had to relocate your ship moving to 02.04 to 02.03 because it was already taken.
[member="Charzon Loulan"] your fire from the carrier and corvettes in 03.05 was ineffective due to long range and low firepower. However your escorts at point blank range destroyed the Puncture and Balmorra. Return Fire – Fired 2 x Maladi (armament 20) at Nekogal (03.09). Fired 1 x Dark Blade and 2 x Wrrylok at Mateus carrier.
[member="Captain Larraq"] your fire resulted in the first capital ship kill of the battle! After the Pacifier was destroyed I shifted fire for your third group to the Interrogator and that was destroyed also.
Your ‘snowplow’ and attack craft ball I’ve halted at point of contact. After you’ve removed casualties from your group next time then they’ll proceed on as specified.
In number terms I’ve calculated you have 56 fighter, 8 bomber squadrons and 48 light corvettes entering the dogfight with support from your flak frigates. Opposing them the 2nd Exalt and 3rd Immortal have put in 63 fighter and 12 bomber combined with 5 flak frigates moving in and the flak of the surviving ships in that hex.
Deduct your casualties and I’ll deduct mine and have the rest bombing run next round. Please just remove full squadrons at this point. Return Fire – Fired 2 x Maladis 1 x Boneshatter at Kaden Me'sen'ika & Can'gal Kyramund as they move in to flak. Fired 1 x Invidia, 1 x Dark Blade, 1 x Immortal & 2 x Wrrylok into ships in (04.23). Invidia and Dark Blade targeting Cabur be'te Be'kyrayc Tome'tayl. Capitals targeting Meg'hiibir Uvette de Tracyn. Fired 3 x Boneshatters at Be'tra Morut (05.22). Fired 1 x Exalt, 1 x Wrrylok, 1 x Vanguard at Be'vod Runi be'te Naast (05.22).
[member="Verz Horak"] your fire on the Obliterator was well directed and caused heavy damage. Your shooting on the Deify was ineffective and caused no noticeable damage. The Javelin suffered some heavy damage from your short ranged frigates.
Your attack craft I’m not sure if they were earlier merged with Larraq’s but I’m working on the assumption they were, and so I’m putting yours in with Larraq for a gigantic dogfight. If not I’ll add yours in as additionals. Just want all this fighter stuff out of the way in one blob.
If there’s any mistakes or if I missed something I do apologise. Let me know and I’ll fix it next round. This update nearly ended me.
"By the Force they're everywhere, Fox Squadron Manta Squadron bug out-"
"I can hold her, I can hold he-"
"-Leader to Hope Actual, get us the hell out of here!"
"Call them back!" Mazik snarled, eyes blazing in rage. Somebody had miscalculated badly, "Call them all back!"
Early reports indicating the Immortal-class Star Dreadnought Jotun had been crippled had turned out to be premature. The behemoth at least had enough fight left in her to scramble a proverbial hornet's nest of fighters and coordinate them into a defense screen. The order to begin their bombing run this early had met with disastrous results, even with the famed Rogue Squadron providing escort. It was a miracle in and of itself that none of them had been killed in the swarm, although his bridge staff had reported that Lieutenant Choli Vyn had been shot down over the surface of Castameer. The craft's transponder was responding, but there was no way to determine how badly the landing had gone and what the conditions were like on the surface below, and no time to scramble the proper search and rescue craft. The Commander would have to depend on the young pilot's own ingenuity and resolve to make it through this day.
Thankfully, it seemed the 5th Expeditionary's heavy weapons barrage had gone much better, scoring decent strikes against their intended targets. Pacing over to the sensor station, Mazik could see the Light of Ashla coming into position behind them. Wary of the Immortal's fighter screen, orders were relayed from Admiral Teros to keep their attack craft at bay for the moment until a safer target of opportunity presented itself. So far, the line of Galactic Alliance forces appeared to be holding, despite the early disarray of Republic forces. The Commander even began to feel the faintest twinges of hope stirring in the depths of his cynical brain, when all at once warning alarms sprang up throughout the bridge and the sensor readouts seemed to go berserk.
"Commander-"
"All nearby vessels, full power to shields!"
The Omega.
"All hands, brace brace brace!" Stazi yelled.
Too late the Commander threw up his hands to shield his eyes, and the light of the weapon was blinding. The glare dampening technology built into the bridge's view port failed to concept, and for a few moments space was alive with red. Mazik's attention was no longer on it, however, his blurred but slowly restoring vision focused on the sensor station, waiting for the wash of incomprehensible data to resolve itself into something more coherent. In those few terrifying seconds he found himself terrified that when sensors came back the Spirit would just be gone, that there would be nothing left of the pride of the Alliance but debris. The sensors cleared, however, and there she still was, although the technical readouts on the display were terrifying to behold. Doing some quick math in his head, Mazik knew that a blast of that power would likely have completely vaporized the Rebel's Hope.
"Orders, sir?" a junior officer asked.
"Give them hell."
Orders came through from the Light of Ashla that they were to maintain their current targets. Javelin cannons cycled, turbolaser batteries recharged, torpedo and missile tubes were reloaded from their racks. There was a moment of eerie calm aboard the command cruiser, and then weapons fire erupted all around them as the 5th Expeditionary Fleet unleashed another barrage of weapons fire. The Sith would have to do a lot better than that if they wished to crush the spirit of the Galactic Alliance.
Bridge, Indomitable-class Star Defender Light of Ashla Unknown Region, Site Designation OMEGA
"Admiral, incoming communique from the Spirit of Druckenwell!"
Thank the Force, someone is alive over there, Teros thought to himself. The Light of Ashla had moved into position on the Spirit's rear flank when the Sith superweapon had fired. The close proximity had wrought havoc with their equipment, and before the message had come through the Admiral and his crew had not been sure if the monstrous shot had managed to penetrate the massive flagship's hull. If it had, the internal damage could have been catastrophic for all they knew about its potency and capability. As the bridge's tactical readouts cleared they saw that this wasn't the case, but the Sith weapon had had devastating effect on the Druckenwell's shields.
'Relay the message.' he communicated silently to his bridge crew.
"It's from Cater himself, sir! Its just a single word, 'aegis', and spatial coordinates."
Examining the data within the message itself, the Admiral immediately understood what the Spirit of Druckenwell's commander was asking of him, and of his men. It would be his honor, and he knew the sentients serving under his command felt the same way, to a person.
'Order the Bulwark and Knight Errant to rally at those coordinates. And tell their Captains...tell them to enter the fire with an open mind.'
The orders were relayed, and moments later Teros could see two Shield-class cruisers break formation with the 5th Expeditionary and move into position between the Spirit of Druckenwell and the Omega superweapon. As soon as they reached their positions, they began aligning themselves so that the prow of each ship turned to face the Omega head on. Deep within the bowels of each cruiser, there was a subtle rumbling as their Umbrella Deflector Shield Emitters powered up and began to charge.
1,000 Hull / 1,000 Shield Armament: 20 Defense: 18 Target: 01.10 Wyyrlock Class Star Destroyer Praetor, 02.10 Wyyrlock Class Star Destroyer Imperator [member="Omega"]
900 Hull / 900 Shield Armament: 17 Defense: 16 Target:01.10 Wyyrlock Class Star Destroyer Praetor, 02.10 Wyyrlock Class Star Destroyer Imperator [member="Omega"]
Indomitable-class Star Defender and Nonnah-class Assault Cruisers maneuver closer.
2 Shield-class Cruisers move directly in front of the Spirit of Druckenwell and face towards the superweapon, charging their umbrella shield emitters.
The rest of 5th remains stationary (specific movement in fleet list).
5th Expeditionary maintains fire on previous targets.
Indomitable-class Star Defender fires on 01.10 Wyyrlock-class Praetor
2 Noble-class Star Defenders fire on 01.10 Wyyrlock-class Praetor and Imperator
2 Nonnah-class Assault Cruisers fire on 0.10 Wyyrlock-class Praetor and Imperator
Sentinel-class Cruiser and Unyielding-class Command Cruiser fire on 01.10 Praetor
2 Horn-class Escort Cruisers fire on 01.10 Imperator
5th Expeditionary Fleet takes heavy attack craft losses during its bombing run on the 01.10 grid.
Losses include 2 OS-B1 Avengers, most of its bombers, and heavy fighter losses (specific remaining craft in fleet list).
Bridge Audacity Unknown Region Firing on the Rogue Sith Fleet [member="Omega"]
"Captain, the Fourteenth's targets have suffered immense damage!" One of the sensor ensigns had cried out. Good. That was good, Jax Hastings turned his head away from that direction and then back to the tactical display. There weren't putting out damage as well as they should have, but that was due to their distance. He huffed, now was the time to move on ahead, before the rest of the Alliance Warships took up positions and left them firing at far ranges.
"Send us forward, we're closing in on our targets! The Sith are slowly becoming surrounded!" It even appeared that not so far away the Imperial Fleet was being met with a sizable Rogue Sith force. This also left a gap across the rear of the Rogue Sith, a gap that he was intent on widening. None of his ships could get there in time however, but he'd make sure to keep that gap in mind. Who would think that the Alliance would come to the aid of the Imperials, he'd await an opportunity to further exploit the Sith's formations.
"Transmit those orders to the rest of the Fourteenth, once that Destroyer is slag, we'll swoop around the flank of the Sith facing off against the Imperials."
He came to a realization as he looked upon the screen, "Prepare to deploy fighters for when we draw closer. We're going to need everything."
Fourteenth Fleet move closer to the ships they were firing upon. Continue to fire upon the same ships with the intent of destroying them once and for all.
Immortals to the right of her, Immortals to the left of her and Immortals in front of her. Boldly did she ride into the jaws of death, and into the mouth of hell. Boldly did she die, the great Admiral Yvarro. She could see the fire from the Rogue Sith fleet and she felt it in her very bones, as the Sloane could not survive her injuries no matter how fast her crews could work. And so, she walked to that fatal button. Abandon Ship. "All hands, this is Yvarro. Abandon ship, I repeat abandon ship, you will all head toward your nearest escape pod, shuttle and by the Balance you will all survive. If you do not I will personally see to your hell in the afterlife, Yvarro out." Aye, she could feel death now it was more like a memory as it graced her lips. "Lieutenant Galeway, Lieutenant Commander Walzer. I trust you'll teach the young petty officer how to make a proper cup?"
"I... You're coming with us, aren't you?" Galeway asked with fear in her eyes, "Admiral?"
Admiral Yvarro smiled calmly, "no my dear, I have lived my life and now you must live yours. As I trust you Walzer, to look after her, as I trust you all to do this fleet proud."
"Ma'am, no. We're not letting you die alone!" Walzer shouted, and Yvarro only smiled as she opened up the escape pod.
"You're a courageous young man, and this courage will serve you well, Walzer." She sat him into the escape pod, and walked out shutting the door she winced when Galeway rushed to the window screaming. Walzer held her back, and Yvarro closed her eyes as she hit the eject button. She then paced toward the holotable and watched as the Sloane's many escape pods jettisoned into the surrounding space. Admiral FioletteYvarro held her head high and approached the communications station.
First Order Naval Ciphers.
"I ask no more of you than I could ask of myself." She began, "this has been my stance for my entire life. And now, as the Sloane breathes her last. I want to let you all know that I am proud of you. Let my death serve to fuel your anger, let my life serve as a reminder of how much you can do with yours. You are all still so very young, still so full of life and now as you pick up the Sloane's crew. I ask that you care for them just as you would for each other. Remember, we shall not go quietly into the night, and we will not let these cowards win the day. Take the reigns of this battle and charge into the fray knowing that one day. This will have all been worth it. I must go now and see to a proper cup of tea, you have my utmost gratitude First Order." Yvarro cut the communications for the fleet and looked up as the hull integrity continued to drop. She didn't have much time, so she set the Sloane on a collision course with the nearest Sith ship.
She had doubts that it would make it that far, and so she pulled up Natasi's ship.
First Order Command Cipher - Concordia.
"My dearest Natasi, I can still recall the day I laid eyes on you. I can still recall the day I met your mother, and I cannot tell you how proud of you she would be." Fiolette took a moment to wipe her tears."As I am of you, I love you Natasi - my wonderful niece. I just wish that we could have had a little bit more time to get to know one another." There was a silence as Yvarro looked up to the dwindling numbers. "I love you so much my darling, and tell Lucy, my dearest Lucy that whatever she decides to do, I will always support her. I will always be with her, and her sisters, just as I shall always be with you. I love you, little Natasi. I lov-"
It was the last transmission from the Sloane, for she was silenced soon thereafter.
Strike Force Avalonia's new CO will be up shortly. FIV Rae Sloane is gone. Yvarro's fate is unknown, but most suspect she is dead. I will post with fleet movements soon.
Battlegroup: Thirteenth Expeditionary Fleet Flagship: The Leviathan Super Star Defender - ‘Leviathan’ Commanding Officer: Fleet Admiral Astarii Saren Faction: The Galactic Federation of Free Alliances Allies: [member="Zark"] | [member="Aerion Ivelisse"] | [member="Ayden Cater"] | [member="Reshmar"] | [member="Gir Quee"] | [member="Charzon Loulan"] | [member="Knight"] | Enemies: [member="Omega"] - The One Sith Remnant
A scorching lance of coruscating crimson light streaked across the bespeckled void, painting everything within the Command Deck of the Leviathan a vibrant hue of ethereal red. It was blinding, so much so that the polychromatic viewports could do little shield those within the forward section of the bridge from such coalesced savagery. When the malicious ruby-red radiance had faded away into nothingness, permitting the conflicting kaleidoscope of colors to fill the void of the Omega weapon’s absence, Astarii had fanned her fingers about the railing of her tactical display table. This had changed everything. What could they hope to do against such firepower? Had the weapon been as powerful as the Death Star or the Eclipse, the Spirit of Druckenwell would’ve been wiped from the face of existence with a single strike. Sixty-thousand souls atomized within a beat of her heart, and there was nothing she could’ve done to stop it. However, as the flickering projected image stabilized and updated, a small smile of pride curled upon her lips.“That crafty bastard.”The Hapan mouthed as the icon of the Spirit winked back into existence before her very eyes.
The Teferi-class Star Dreadnought was built of sterner stuff than she had ever imagined, and seeing it survive the blast from the remote doomsday device merely added to its legend - Especially if the vessel survived this onslaught. That was when the realization had hit her. If these rogue elements of the One Sith had borne witness to such an event, they would seek to strike again whilst the iron was hot. They’d be just as surprised as she was, scant seconds before cycling the super laser to fire once more. Thus, in unleashing their scion of the apocalypse, they had forced Astarii’s hand. With the shields of the Spirit near the point of collapse, the Leviathan was in prime position to aid her sister vessel. Visualizing the movements on the three-dimensional map displayed before her, the Fleet Admiral manipulated the image to represent the two Void Titan’s and their projected vectors. Altering the flight path ever so marginally, she had seen fit to place the Super Star Defender on a path that would bring the massive warship ever so close to the Spirit.
Satisfied with her prospective simulation, the woman passed on her findings to the swarming tide of tacticians that surrounded her and saw fit to order them to relay her command. The Leviathan was to swing in close to her wounded sister, charging it’s prototypical shield generator arrays as it made its planar descent, and project the gathered energy towards the Druckenwell. Such a selfless act would see the Teferi’s defensive barriers reinforced, in the hopes that should the weapon make ready to fire once more - it would not claim the Spirit until the old girl was well and ready to pass on to the other side. As that would take several moments to maneuver through the sea of infinite black, the Fleet Admiral began focusing on her errant Battle Groups and assigned them targets of opportunity as the information upon her display refreshed.
She had seen that as the Omega weapon had fired, the defiantly stubborn Immortal tagged with the transponder ident-card Jotun, had seen fit to unleash what amounted to a pitiful display of spent shells and dissipating nuclear energy. Having gone relatively unharmed during the earlier stages of the engagement, the moving Leviathan eagerly drank in the Jotun's furious last hurrah with ease. The deployed Interceptors, having taken to the skies minutes prior, kicked themselves into action and sallied forth into the fray. With their engines burning hot, they gunned their triggers and lit up the night with a ceaseless stream of coalesced lightning. Proton munitions and energy torpedoes were intercepted, and those that managed to slip through their interwoven attack patterns were swiftly dealt with by the point defense weapons of the Super Star Defender. Despite all the fury they had unleashed, there were those that managed to push on through the hurricane of stitched emerald light, and blossoms of fire bloomed along the curvature of the Leviathan's shields, weakening the projected barrier of defense by a fraction, rather than collapsing as the enemy commander had hoped.
They would teach this rabble of their folly, and reap a bloody toll upon those that remained.
“Contact the Vengeance,”She began, by altering the display before her to show the loosely staggered formation of Battlegroup Kerrigan’s Wroth and its projected target.“Have them and their Escorts cycle through their Javelin’s in our stead. Let them have the honors of slaying that Immortal.”From there she switched the view to show the steadily advancing vessels of Battlegroup Avenger and watched with interest as their weapon's cooked off materialized rounds into the unrendered depths of the void with a fury she was silently jealous of.“Inform the Vanguard to ready their fighters for a dangerous insertion. I want her birds in the air as soon as they make contact with the enemy formation.”The Hapan knew that the Cruiser would provide the attack craft with the cover they would need to safely insert themselves into the fray, allowing them to unleash their munitions at close-quarters - acting much like a scythe as it threshes the wheat from the chaff. “Finally, I want the Ascendant and Revenge to orientate their prows to the tenth grid accolcation. Get them firing those Javelin’s at the Imperator. No doubt these Sith will look to their iconic destroyers once that Immortal dies.”
With her plans set in motion and orders relayed across the expeditionary fleet, Astarii let out a breath she didn’t realize that she was holding, cursing the fates and all the ill-will they had brought. Perhaps when this was all said and done, should she still count herself amongst the living, there might be a drink or two in her future. The Hapan was the furthest thing from clairvoyant, but it gave her some small measure of hope for a brighter tomorrow and the delicious adventure’s it would bring.
The Leviathan sustained minimal damage to its shields as a majority of the munitions fired at it by the Jotun were intercepted. (Torpedoes only.) With the Omega weapon firing the first time, the Super Star Defender re-positions itself within One Kilometer range of the Spirit of Druckenwell to reinforce its shields with the prototypical generator/projector array. As the HVG's are no longer within the firing arc, due to a turn being used to position the Leviathan beside the Druckenwell, it's long range batteries continue to fire in the hopes of ending the Immortal. (See action summary for weapon types used.)
Battlegroup Kerrigan's Wroth unleashes it's full firepower once it comes within close-weapons range and targets the Immortal tagged 'Jotun' seeking to slay the ailing Star Dreadnaught with everything they have at their disposal. (See action summary for weapon types used.)
Battlegroup Avenger continues their advance and unleashes another withering salvo at the Dark Blade tagged Scorpion, seeking to kill it before moving onto other targets of opportunity. (See action summary for weapon types used.)
Battlegroup Ascendant picks up on the slack by unleashing a withering hail of munitions towards the Wyyrlok Star Destroyer tagged Imperator, seeking to bust its shields so that it's vulnerable to ship-killing ordinance. (See action summary for weapon types used.)
Action Summary
Battlegroup Leviathan - 4,000 Metres
'Leviathan' Deployed: 06.04 Movement: N/A Maneuver: Orientate/Turn to face the Rogue Sith. Target: Immortal Class Star Dreadnought ‘Jotun’ 01.11 Weapons Utilized: Heavy Long-range Octuple Ion Cannons, Heavy Long-range Mass driver cannons. Shield/ Hull: 3,550/4,000 (-450 Shields.) Armament/Flak/Defense: 20/18/20 Speed: Two Hexes Maneuverability: One Turn Hangar: Scrambling - Interceptors Deployed.
Battlegroup Kerrigan’s Wroth - 2,500 Metres
'Eriadu's Vengeance.' Deployed: 05.04 Movement: 04.06 Maneuver: Orientate/Turn to face the Rogue Sith. Target:Immortal Class Star Dreadnought ‘Jotun’ 01.11 Weapons Utilized (Noble-Class): Javelin-series Hyperveolcity guns [Standard Firing Rate] (Three Ferromagnetic Slugs, Fired from One of the Two available Cannons.) Mini-Javelin-series Hypervelocity guns [Standard Firing Rate] (Three Ferromagnetic Slugs, Fired from Two of the Six available Cannons.) Octuple Turbolaser Cannon Batteries, Dual Heavy Ion Cannon Turrets, Heavy Energy Torpedoes, Light Energy Torpedoes. Shield/ Hull: 1,000/1,000 Armament/Flak/Defense: 20/18/18 Speed: Four Hexes Maneuverability: Three Turns Hangar: Standing By
'His Eternal Vigil,' 'Void Kraken,' 'Hand of Justice.' Deployed: 05.04 Movement: 04.06 Maneuver: Orientate/Turn to face the Rogue Sith. Target:Immortal Class Star Dreadnought ‘Jotun’ 01.11 Weapons Utilized (Horn-Class): Mini-Javelin-series Hypervelocity guns [Standard Firing Rate] (Three Ferromagnetic Slugs, Fired from Two of the Six available Cannons.) Fastmount Turbolaser Cannnons, Cluster Concussion Missile Pods. Shield/ Hull: 500/500 Armament/Flak/Defense: 15/14/14 Speed: Six Hexes Maneuverability: Four Turns Hangar: Gunships Standing By, Interceptors Deployed.
Battlegroup Avenger - 2,500 Metres
'Hammer of Fondor.' Deployed: 04.04 Movement: 03.07 Maneuver: Orientate/Turn to face the Rogue Sith. Target:Dark Blade Class Dreadnought ‘Scorpion’ 02.10 Weapons Utilized (Noble-Class): Javelin-series Hyperveolcity guns [Standard Firing Rate] (Three Ferromagnetic Slugs, Fired from One of the Two available Cannons.) Mini-Javelin-series Hypervelocity guns [Standard Firing Rate] (Three Ferromagnetic Slugs, Fired from Two of the Six available Cannons.) Octuple Turbolaser Cannon Batteries, Dual Heavy Ion Cannon Turrets, Heavy Energy Torpedoes, Light Energy Torpedoes. Shield/ Hull: 1,000/1,000 Armament/Flak/Defense: 20/18/18 Speed: Four Hexes Maneuverability: Three Turns Hangar: Standing By
'Vanguard's End.' Deployed: 04.04 Movement: 03.07 Maneuver: Orientate/Turn to face the Rogue Sith. Target: Dark Blade Class Dreadnought ‘Scorpion’ 02.10 Weapons Utilized (Excubitor-Class): Heavy Long-range Ion Cannons, Heavy Long-range Turbolasers, Dual Turbolaser Cannon Turrets, Assault Concussion Missile Launchers. Shield/ Hull: 550/550 Armament/Flak/Defense: 14/10/10 Speed: Three Hexes Maneuverability: Two Turns Hangar: Standing By
'Warsong.' Deployed: 04.04 Movement: 03.07 Maneuver: Orientate/Turn to face the Rogue Sith. Target:Dark Blade Class Dreadnought ‘Scorpion’ 02.10 Weapons Utilized (Sentinel-Class): Fastmount Ion Cannon Turrets. Shield/ Hull: 500/500 Armament/Flak/Defense: 5/8/8 Speed: Six Hexes Maneuverability: Four Turns Hangar: Standing By
Battlegroup Ascendant - 1,390 Metres
'Aquila Ascendant,' 'Litany of Revenge.' Deployed: 08.05 Movement: 04.07 Maneuver: Orientate/Turn to face the Rogue Sith. Target: Wyyrlok-Class Star Destroyer 'Imperator' 02.10 Weapons Utilized (Relentless - Class):Javelin-series Hyperveolcity gun [Standard Firing Rate] (Three Ferromagnetic Slugs, Fired from One of the One available Cannon(s).) Heavy Mini-Javelin-series Hypervelocity gun [Standard Firing Rate] (Three Ferromagnetic Slugs, Fired from One of the One available Cannon(s).) Heavy Dual Mass Driver Cannons, Heavy Ion Cannons, Assault Concussion Missiles, Light Energy Torpedoes. Shield/ Hull: 470/470 Armament/Flak/Defense: 20/18/ Speed: Six Hexes Maneuverability: Four Turns Hangar: Standing By
'Golden Consul,' 'Word of Hermes,' 'Errant Hero,' 'Wailing Chariot.' Deployed: 08.05 Movement: 04.07 Maneuver: Orientate/Turn to face the Rogue Sith. Target:Wyyrlok-Class Star Destroyer 'Imperator' 02.10 Weapons Utilized (MCR-125): Dual Turbolaser Cannons, Concussions Missiles. Shield/ Hull: 150/150 Armament/Flak/Defense: 10/10/10 Speed: Four Hexes Maneuverability: Two Turns Hangar: Standing By
Hangar: x5 Squadrons and a Flight of TIE/fo space superiority fighters (64 fighters, 12 fighters per squadron) (LAUNCHED AND ATTACKING ARMAGEDDON AT HEX 5.18)
x1 Squadron and a half of TIE/fo-SK "Strike" bombers (12 fighters, 8 fighters per squadron) (LAUNCHED AND ATTACKING ARMAGEDDON AT HEX 5.18)
Hangar: x5 Squadrons and a Flight of TIE/fo space superiority fighters (64 fighters, 12 fighters per squadron) (LAUNCHED AND ATTACKING APOCALYPSE AT HEX 5.17)
x1 Squadron and a half of TIE/fo-SK "Strike" bombers (12 fighters, 8 fighters per squadron) (LAUNCHED AND ATTACKING APOCALYPSE AT HEX 5.17)
Hangar (External Racks): x4 TIE/FO Fighters (LAUNCHED AND SEARCHING WRECKAGE OF FIV SLOANE)
1050m in total
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxjjtboGvOw
"I ask no more of you than I could ask of myself. This has been my stance for my entire life. And now, as the Sloane breathes her last. I want to let you all know that I am proud of you. Let my death serve to fuel your anger, let my life serve as a reminder of how much you can do with yours. You are all still so very young, still so full of life and now as you pick up the Sloane's crew. I ask that you care for them just as you would for each other. Remember, we shall not go quietly into the night, and we will not let these cowards win the day. Take the reigns of this battle and charge into the fray knowing that one day. This will have all been worth it. I must go now and see to a proper cup of tea, you have my utmost gratitude First Order."
This message broadcasted throughout the entirety of Death Squadron. Tears were steaming down the face of the Abdicator's bridge crew, with their captain just staring blankly out into the deadly void of space as the FIV Sloane disappeared from view, obscured by other ships and the sudden explosive cloud that enveloped the area the Sloane used to occupy while it was making its first and last collision course. Tanomas was stupefied, their beloved admiral's life was snatched away from them by pretenders, right in front of his eyes. Decades of service and the thousands of deaths witnessed had not prepared him at all for that moment.
A few seconds had passed until one of the lieutenants aboard piped up "S-sir...You are the de facto admiral now. What are your orders...?". Silence reigned throughout the air as Graf struggled to swallow the lump in his throat, now replaced with a heavy weight on his chest. "Y-yes...I am...c-continue to move the fleet upwards. Notify the other front line squadrons that they are in independent control until the chain of command can be re-established." He weakly ordered, taking a stuttered deep breath before continuing "Launch all transports to search the wreckage of the Sloane, divert the TIE Fighters from the 59th Line to assist, I want any and all survivors to be taken back to this ship and treated until a medical cruiser can evacuate them."
The aged man glared out of the viewports towards the Sith armada, a sudden anger swelling within him, fueled by the battle meditation received from Admiral DuSang. They would pay for this, they would pay for all of this Graf heard screaming in his head as he growled his next set of orders through gritted teeth "Target those two destroyers at the front of the Sith formation, the ones responsible for the death of our comrades.". The crew acknowledged and sent the commands through. A fearful gunnery chief spoke "Sir, we are ready to fire on yo-"
"FIRE EVERYTHING!"
Summary of Actions:
Power vacuum has suddenly enveloped the fleet, Graf is a temporary admiral now.
Grief has spread like wildfire through the squadron
Destroyers have moved up.
Firing at destroyers belonging to [member="Omega"] at hexes 5.18 and 5.17
Vindicator (Flagship)Imperial-x class Star Destroyer
Shield/Hull= 0/10
Arms/Def=17/14
Hangar= Deployed.
Firing At= No-one anyone.
Remaining Conquest Line
Movement: None
Survivor Empire-class Heavy Frigate
Shield/Hull=500/500
Arms/Def=17/13
Firing At= Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
Sabre Dagger-class Escort Frigate
Shield/Hull=240/240
Arms/Def=6/4
Firing At= Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
Brutal Empire-class Heavy Frigate
Shield/Hull=500/500
Arms/Def=17/13
Firing At= Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
Victory Line: 2840m
Movement: None Standing By at 12.15
Defiant Imperial-x class Star Destroyer
Shield/Hull= 1600/1600
Arms/Def=17/14
Hangar=Deployed
Firing At= Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
Remaining Victory Line
Movement: None
Blade Dagger-class Escort Frigate
Shield/Hull=240/240
Arms/Def=6/4
Firing At= Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
Bruiser Empire-class Heavy Frigate
Shield/Hull=500/500
Arms/Def=17/13
Firing At= Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
Bombardier Empire-class Heavy Frigate
Shield/Hull=500/500
Arms/Def=17/13
Firing At= Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
Loyalty Line: 1880m
Movement: None.
Gallant Retribution-class Star Destroyer
Shield/Hull=900/900
Arm/Def: 17/15
Hangar: Deployed
Firing At: Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
Blade Dagger-class Escort Frigate
Shield/Hull=240/240
Arms/Def=6/4
Firing At= Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
Machete Dagger-class Escort Frigate
Shield/Hull=240/240
Arms/Def=6/4
Firing At= Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
Brawl Empire-class Heavy Frigate
Shield/Hull=500/500
Arms/Def=17/13
Firing At=Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
Royalty Line: 2340m
Movement: None
Rescue Retribution-class Star Destroyer
Shield/Hull=900/900
Arm/Def: 17/15
Hangar: Deployed
Firing At: Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
Steadfast Vindicator-class Light Carrier
Shield/Hull=600/600
Arms/Def=2/10
Hangar= Deployed
Firing At=Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
Resilience Vindicator-class Light Carrier
Shield/Hull=600/600
Arms/Def=2/10
Hangar= Deployed
Firing At=Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
Cutthroat Dagger-class Escort Frigate
Shield/Hull=240/240
Arms/Def=6/4
Firing At=Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer 6.14 (@Omega)
[/spoiler]
The last few minutes, Carlyle Rausgeber watched stunned as the Omega weapon fired. Viewed the noble sacrifice of Admiral Yvarro and saw as his prized ship, the Vindicator began to fall apart.
"Captain! We need orders sir!" The Gunnery Officer called out, "We're taking fire from too many places."
"A-a-" Carlyle stumbled over his words. Good God, this was it. This was the end. His last hurrah.
"Captain, we've just lost our bridge deflector shields," The Shield Operator called out. Carlyle breathed out, and looked into the eyes of his crew.
"Evacuate!" he commanded, "Abandon ship, move to the shuttles, and launch the escape pods!"
The crew scrambled to the nearest hangar, or to the bridges escape pods. Carlyle watched as his close lieutenants and confidants ran, "Comms!" Carlyle called out. The tall, slender brunette was the last crew member to move from her station. Another barrage of turbolaser fire hit the bridges superstructure. Terminals and screens exploded, overloaded by power surges.
"What is it sir?" Comms asked, somehow keeping calm despite the chaos around her.
"Send a message to the Defiant, Margs is hereby promoted to Captain, and is to continue the assault against the enemy."
"Aye aye sir!" Comms called again, her long slender fingers quickly typing the message. "Anything else sir?" she asked.
"Yes, I want a message sent to my nephew," he said, "Send it to the Concorida or some other ship, but I want it relayed to him." he said, "Tell him, I-I'm sorry."
Comms quickly abandoned her terminal with the messages sent, and ran down the command deck of the star destroyer. Carlyle followed quickly behind her, and watched as she found safety in a now filled escape pod. The Captain waved them goodbye. Perhaps his luck had run out, perhaps all the times he'd insulted dignitaries, and superiors had caught up with him in some kind of deadly storm of karma. Perhaps this was the powers that be, punishing him to a painful death.
Carlyle turned behind him, and looked out the viewport, watching as dozens of laser blasts began to take apart his beloved ship. If this was Hell, so be it. Within minutes of that, the Vindicator's hypermatter reactor exploded like a supernova. Bright, but not deadly, it left a skeletal husk floating in the midst of one of the Galaxies deadliest space battles.
Aboard Imperial-x star destroyer Defiant, Artemis Margs starred blankly at the screen, Carlyle was probably dead at this point. The man who'd influenced him, nurtured him had in his final command, to declare him the commander of his forces. "What are your orders sir?" The Defiant's chief Gunner asked.
"Move all TIE's to the Concordia, they'll be able to utilise them far better than us." Margs ordered, "Carlyle Rausgeber sacrificed his ship for the rest of us, I say we avenge him, and open fire on those that struck down such a great man!"
"Aye aye sir!" The gunnery officer replied.
"Deploy our shuttles, I want the escape pods picked up from the wreckage, and to see if we can find the bastard." The newly minted captain commanded, "Let's move people!"
Summary of Actions
The Fleet has maintained present positions.
The Vindicator has been destroyed, not totally, but it has been rendered a husk.
All of Imperator Battlegroups TIE Fighters (16 squadrons, 2 flights) and Bomber squadrons (7 squadrons) have moved to the 5.17 under to bring up the rump of my boy @Roderik von Brinkenhoff .
All ships are avenging firing upon a Wyrrock Star Destroyer @6.14
The Defiant has deployed shuttles to find any survivors in the wreck of the Vindicator
Despite the loss of Carlyle and Admiral Yvarro, [member="Avicus DuSang"] 's has served to steel the nerves of the remainder of the Battlegroup.
The First Order was being decimated, there was discomfort that settled in the pit of Horus' stomach. Wasted lives. The Mandalorians and Galactic Alliance were too busy scrambling to take down the Omega, the Commonwealth too small to deal a hefty blow to such a herculean fleet. They would be easily swept aside by the epic firepower of the Sith. So Horus made a call that he knew would go against the wishes of his political allies, but was aligned with what was right.
"Pass the news," Horus announced, not a second later the Vindicator cracked down the hull and erupted. "Priority: Alpha. We're abandoning the Mandalorians - This is a Search and Rescue operation now." His gaze steeled itself for the outburst to follow from the Mandalorian chain-of-command, but humanity called and he intended to answer.
"Full-thrust for the First Orders fleet, contact Winslow, I want Battlegroup Uluru to provide covering fire. Distract any detachments of Rogue Sith that try to wipe out the stragglers." The crew murmured among each other, although the First Order posed a threat to the national security of the Commonwealth, they couldn't stand idly by while escape pods were picked by circling vultures.
"Hail the First Order, let them know Lord Admiral Horus is coming to their aid. They don't have to worry about their boys - they need to keep their gunsights on the Sith in front of them, we'll worry about their wounded." Slow at first, the Commownealth Battlegroup Alexandria began to pick up steam, blazing a path across open space as they abandoned the safety of the Mandalorian fleet in favor of their humanitarian mission.
"I ask no more of you than I could ask of myself." She began, "this has been my stance for my entire life. And now, as the Sloane breathes her last. I want to let you all know that I am proud of you. Let my death serve to fuel your anger, let my life serve as a reminder of how much you can do with yours. You are all still so very young, still so full of life and now as you pick up the Sloane's crew. I ask that you care for them just as you would for each other. Remember, we shall not go quietly into the night, and we will not let these cowards win the day. Take the reigns of this battle and charge into the fray knowing that one day. This will have all been worth it. I must go now and see to a proper cup of tea, you have my utmost gratitude First Order." Yvarro cut the communications for the fleet and looked up as the hull integrity continued to drop. She didn't have much time, so she set the Sloane on a collision course with the nearest Sith ship.
"Cap-Commodore Grant?" Ensign Beauford asks his commanding officer, "wh-what do we do now? She's... she's gone." The entire bridge crew aboard the Dosuun watched in horror as Admiral Yvarro's ship went down. In shock that Old Ironpants... the Iron Dragon, was gone. Aileen Grant steeled herself, the result of [member="Avicus DuSang"] no doubt.
She took a moment to gather her thoughts, "reroute our fighters to search the wreckage for Yvarro if they can't find her they'll move to find Captain Rausgeber. And inform Lieutenant Commander Pavanos she's to report here afterward for new orders." She put a hand along the Ensign's chair and heard the alarms indicating more ships had been lost. FIV Valiant and her crew were also lost, and a Rapid Response line was being dispatched from First Order space, but how long until they arrive?
"On screen Lieutenant!" Grant shouted and looked on as the Vindicator and seemingly Captain [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] was lost too. She turned to her bridge crew. "You heard the woman, we are not going quietly into the night, pull back the wounded ships, form up Echo line behind the main battlegroups!" Rushing down to her command chair she punched in a few algorithms, "Com- Admiral Graf has targetted the Armageddon and Apocalypse, lock target on the Worship!"
"Aye, Commodore!" Ensign Beauford acknowledged, "locking - wait di- you mean, us or?"
Commodore Grant looked to the Ensign, "open lines to Strike Force Avalonia." Beauford brought up comms lines for the battlegroup that was once commanded by Admiral Yvarro. "WE SHALL AVENGE THE IRON LADY! ALL LINES OPEN FIRE ON THE WORSHIP, ON MY COMMAND!"
"All lines report ready,"
"FIRE!"
Summary of Actions:
Aileen Grant assumes command of Battlegroup (Strike Force) Avalonia
FIV Valiant, FIV Rae Sloane perishes
Rapid Response is dispatched to rescue crews of the Valiant, Vindicator, and Rae Sloane
+ [member="Avicus DuSang"]'s meditation
Echo Line forms from wounded ships, falling to the back
Remaining lines open fire on the Worship
Alpha Line falls to combine with Bravo, forming Foxtrot Line on the next turn
Faction: The First Order Mothership : Concordia Allies: [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] | [member="Pierce Fortan III"] | [member="Nils Brenner"] | [member="Sara Lee Jones"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"]
The space around her was like a massive theatre of starships and fireworks as the plethora of capital ships around her of various allegiances exchanged fire with the Rogue Sith forces. Greta and her flight of TIE fighters had been shadowing behind Pierce's squadron near the pair of Inflictor-class heavy cruisers, weaving in and out of any turbolaser fire that came their way. It was difficult not to find oneself mesmerised by the multicoloured array of laser colours in the blackness of space, the lights reflecting and glowing in such intensity that seemed to put on as much of a show as they were damaging. More than once, she had to remind her squadron to stay sharp and keep their focus on, for she did not want to lose anyone just now, and if she could help it, at all. The calls for reminders was not solely for her fellow pilots flying under her lead, but proved to be an equally important reminder for her as well, keep her head straight on and not to be distracted by all the pretty lights. She had dodged another burst when she heard the recognisable sound of their very own Colonel Von Brinkerhoff on comms.
Things was about to get serious here real fast. The key lied in their commander's choice of words. Gone were the usual tighten up, replaced now by the Loosen up, while reminding them to maintain their combat spacing. Anyone who flew under the Colonel often enough knew the severity of the situation when those words were absent/and or replaced. This was no joking matter and represented the fact that a mass amount of poodoo that was heading towards the fan. Not too long later did she see the destruction of not one but two of the First Order ships, their explosions lighting up the sky and her cockpit in a massive ball of light. All that tremendous loss of lives. She should have been sick if not terrified then. But she was not. Instead, she was motivated. Motivated by the fact to at least do her fallen comrades proud, to at least show that this wasn't for nothing. (Unknown to her, the morale boost was an effect of [member="Avicus DuSang"]'s mediation sphere thingy) Greta knew that she wasn't the only one seeing this, and the rest of her flight had no doubt witnessed it too. Getting on to her comms she said "Let us all give this a good one. Our best one. That's the least we can do for our fallen comrades in arms in the name of the First Order!"
Summary of action: Saw pretty laser show and fireworks. Tried hardest not to be distracted. Stayed in current Hex 10.19, patrolling along the front line. Ready to attack whenever. Morale and motivation boost provided by [member="Avicus DuSang"]
[member="Pierce Fortan III"], [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"], [member="Greta Kohler"], [member="Sara Lee Jones"]
Enemies:
Rogue Sith Fighter Craft
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Silence.
It was almost serene up here in the vastness of space, the emptiness of it broken up by the thousands upon thousands of stars spattered on the backdrop of darkness. Had it not been for the voice over the comms he might have enjoyed it for a moment longer. Good. Charlie Squadron was formed up and ready. That was Kohler's group right? Yeah, that was right he noted as he checked the roster once more, flipping over to Charlie Squadron on his HUD. Keying up a reply he began forming a slow turn, sticking around TheConcordia. He could see the flashes of light and weapon hits on the ships in the distance but he knew the importance of having a fighter screen, besides, they were still waiting on official commands anyway.
:: Charlie Lead, stay on me. Offset ten degrees high right. Coming around for another pass. ::
Ideally Kohler would position her squadron staggered high and to the left, cutting a wide turn to the left on his squadron's wing as they arced back towards the command bridge. He was going to make one pass, a nod to both their Colonel who'd more and more frequently been ushered out of the cockpit as well as a salute to Grand Moff Fortan. As he pushed his fighter forward he listened to the comm chatter in his ear. It looked like Pierce had gotten free of the hangars as well. He checked in with a quick transmission.
:: Alpha Lead, Bravo and Charlie Squadrons Up. ::
As Nils' and Kohler's squadrons streaked past the command deck his entire formation rolled right, spinning in a sort of quasi-salute before righting once more. After they had passed he pulled back on the controls, heading into a steep 'climb' before rolling over. It was an ancient maneuver called 'The Immelman' from the days before space travel and typically performed in atmos but it looked no less impressive in the vacuum of space. Nils' heart was pumping, adrenaline rushing through his veins. There was nothing quite like flying, especially with combat immanent. On regular sorties they'd banter back and forth, jokingly telling each other not to 'Send the TIE's back to the taxpayers', a lighthearted quip about not getting shot out of the sky but today there was professional silence. Most of the pilots in the 100th SFC knew the difference between work and play and the ones that didn't got sorted quickly.
Bringing his TIE's sights to bear on the unfolding battle he heard some errant chatter on one of the comm channels. He listened carefully pulling out key words, allowing him to form a clearer battlefield picture in his mind. He was itching to get in the fight, he could hear the damage reports being called in as he scanned the channels. Their comrades were taking the heat and he he was with the rest of his squadron, waiting. Still impulsive to an extent, the young pilot hadn't quite gained a tempered approach preferring to get in close and deal damage as fast as possible but despite his own leanings he trusted those in command. They could see more of the big picture than he could out of the transparisteel cockpit and scattered comm reports. His hands gripped the controls tightly, checking behind him via his computer. He grinned beneath his helmet. It looked like Kohler had kept up with him and was right where she was supposed to be. Reaching down he adjusted his power management to a more all around meter.
New reports were coming in.. the comm chirping in Bravo Squadron Leader's ear.
"I ask no more of you than I could ask of myself." She began, "this has been my stance for my entire life. And now, as the Sloane breathes her last. I want to let you all know that I am proud of you. Let my death serve to fuel your anger, let my life serve as a reminder of how much you can do with yours. You are all still so very young, still so full of life and now as you pick up the Sloane's crew. I ask that you care for them just as you would for each other. Remember, we shall not go quietly into the night, and we will not let these cowards win the day. Take the reigns of this battle and charge into the fray knowing that one day. This will have all been worth it. I must go now and see to a proper cup of tea, you have my utmost gratitude First Order."
He could tell after the first few words... this was a goodbye. Locking down the transmission he could tell it was coming from the FIV Rae Sloane. He couldn't remember who commanded that ship but he could tell they wouldn't be for much longer. He tried to get a bead on the ship through his cockpit screen. It took everything he had not to send his fighters screaming towards the ship but he could already see the defeat in the ship's movement. It had set a collision course, its nose turning towards the nearest Sith ship. He couldn't save the Rae Sloane but he might be able to help prevent any others from going down prematurely. He turned a sharp right, towards the front lines. He could see the turbo-lasers flashing, streaking missiles leaving trails across the backdrop of space. He was about to key up when a flash of light erupted from another ship. Quickly he glanced at his readouts, that was The Vindicator. He recalled the commander of that vessel had was Carlyle Rausgeber. Nils could see the ship being torn to bits by the enemy turbolasers and torpedoes but it held its form. It was a stoutly built ship but he could see its innards being gutted, the shell simply hanging there in space as electrical components and chunks of armor panels drifting.
That was two down in a matter of minutes. Cutting a sharp turn to his right he began scanning his sensors. Had he been flying anything larger he might have been tempted to look for survivors, his humanity tugging at him. Try as he might, he couldn't suppress the feelings that were burning deep within his chest, the anger was rising. He needed to keep calm and calculated but he could feel the rage coursing through his veins. He was sure command was getting hammered with requests for instructions or guidance and decided to remain silent on the comm, at least to command. He switched over to his squadron and patched in Charlie Squadron as well.
:: We've lost two ships out there. Stay frosty, I can't imagine we'll be flying defensive much longer. Double check your systems, get ready. I want those formations tight until we engage, till then stay on my wing. Bravo Lead Out. ::
The young pilot grit his teeth. For now they would stay in position but soon they would get their shot.
Summary of Action:
*EDIT* See Second Post for Summary of Action: Here
"At least we made this forlorn hope work: now the enemy has diverted its fire at other fleets" the Mateus' pilot comments.
"Our shields are down!" the captain of the Mateus reports.
"The shields of the Yearn are down! Squadrons Besh, Cresh, fire at the Yearn; Command battlegroup, aim at the Razer 11, on the double!"
"The Nekogal has been destroyed - thus far we took twice as much losses as we dealt on our enemies"
While the Mandos have renewed their attacks, enemy Star Destroyers were destroyed in the distance: their blips disappeared from the tactical display. That is, the Interrogator and the Pacifier. Two Wyyrloks and one Dark Blade fired their combined fire at the Mateus; double front shields made it such that its shields were down but not that much hull damage was sustained. Plus the opportunity to take out the squadrons that constituted their first kills of the day was too attractive to pass up. By now their forlorn hope may not be so forlorn after all; the rest of the light-siders have formed up behind TF17. Meanwhile the dark-siders are taking - and dealing - serious damage down the enemy center; now the dark-siders were to take the beating for the light-siders (but as long as the Spirit of Druckenwell lived, the Omega would be trained at it), which are about to kill Jol Kallak along with the 2nd Immortal Command. But the captain of the Mateus had malaises and collapsed to the ground.
"We are the Republican forlorn hope, we may as well make the most out of it! Until the end, target cruisers and larger only when they have taken heavy damage; otherwise aim at their escorts!"
"Forlorn hopes taking 2-1 losses is actually a better record than the Galactic Alliance forlorn hope at Jutland!" the security officer told Charzon.
"We never hoped that we would survive to make our junction with the other light-siders!" the Mateus pilot commented.
"The captain seems to be incapacitated. Padawan pilot, you're now in command of the Mateus until he recovers"
"I have a name, too: Julie Jutland!"
"Captain Jutland, evasive action!"
The pilot was a Padawan, too, brought from one of the witch covens on Serpena. Because admiralty deemed Jedi Aces to be in very short supply, admiralty decided that it would be a better use of resources to put a Jedi Ace on the bridge of a capital ship than in a starfighter. Good decision on their part; if the hunt for the Saak'ak is any indication, Jedi Aces can still be useful as capital-ship captains. That Ace would be slaughtered if he was deployed in the first wave. Needless to say, proper targeting was key to survival here. Don't bite more than one could chew. The Alliance's forward force at Jutland (240 ABY) made the mistake to fire all their fire at the nearest battlecruiser, leaving their escorts intact. Here after just one salvo that wasn't the case.
Summary of actions: TF17 had its command battlegroup fire at Razer 11 to finish off the squadron it first engaged; the Nekogal was destroyed, all other ships fire at the Yearn
Ship Name: The Nirvana (10 - Hex Move) Class:The NirvanaShield/Hull: 300/300 Armament/Defence: 4/10 Hanger: 0 Movement: 05.02 moving to 01.01 Firing At: In Stealth Mode Ship Name: The Risen (4 - Hex Move) Class:Phoenix DestroyerShield/Hull: 1000/1000 Armament/Defence: 16/16 Hanger: 4 sq 2x Honorable Class 2x Callan-class Starfighter – Idle 1 squadron Honorable Class 02.03 moving to 02.06 Movement: 05.02 moving to 05.03 Firing At: Ship Name: The T'Chala (4 - Hex Move) Class:Panther CarrierShield/Hull: 1000/1000 Armament/Defence: 8/8 Hanger: 9 sq 2x Phenex Advanced Jedi Star Fighter 3x Revelation Class Gunships 1x Reaper Class Starfighters 3x Specter Bombers – Idle Movement: 05.02 moving to 06.03 Firing At: Ship Name: The Gen'dai (2 - Hex Move) Class:Dirge Class Assault SDShield/Hull: 1600/1600 Armament/Defence: 16/10 Hanger: 4 sq 1x Reaper Class Starfighters 3x Revelation Class Gunships1x Mouse Landers – 1x Reaper Squadron moving to 02.05 Movement: 04.00 moving to 03.03 Firing At: Ship Name: THe Magellan (4 - Hex Move) Class:Cartographer Seeder ShipShield/Hull: 950/950 Armament/Defence: 0/8 Hanger: 2x Sasori Hauler sq – Movement: 02.01 moving to 01.03 Firing At: Idle Ship Name: The Seigar (7 - Hex Move) Class:Reigar ClassShield/Hull: 50/50 Armament/Defence: 2/6 Hanger: 0 Movement: 01.04 moving to 01.06 Firing At: Idle
There was a lot happening now and her fleet was in the back as she debated how best to move it forward. They wouldn't have a clear shot towards the others of the rogue sith without some of the ships getting in the way when she was directing them with a nod of her head. "Start moving the fleet, get us around and forward to advance. Prepare the squadrons for combat when we are within range." She was looking at the things and moving their repair ships out to go and provide the aid to them she could see they were getting the honorable fighters closer so they could move around between the ships. The heavier and more bulky ships were going to need to work on more of it. She had some movements and ideas in her head of where they would be able to go with a small tap of the screen. "Have all guns loaded and once they get within range, let loose with everything we can."
Action Summary:
Seigar moving to 01.06
Magellan moving to 01.03
Gen'dai moving to 03.03
T'Chala moving to 06.03
Risen moving to 05.03
1 squadron Honorable Class 02.03 moving to 02.06
Nirvana moving to 01.01
1x Reaper Squadron moving to 02.05
[member="Pierce Fortan III"], [member="Nils Brenner"], [member="Greta Kohler"], [member="Sara Lee Jones"], [member="Collin Calhoun"] [First Order Starfighter Corps]
Enemies:
[member="Omega"] weapon, Rogue Sith forces
Command Bridge, Resurgent-class Star Destroyer 'Concordia'
The ever-shifting display of the holographic projector before the Colonel showed signs of new activity. Flashes of information interspersed with real-time updates of Wing and Squadron movements from neighboring First Order fleets. They indicated to Roderik that several of the starfighter assets were forming up to attack the vulnerable flanks of the Rogue Sith's surviving star destroyers from the 1st Exalt Command's 1st Skirmish squadron.
"Now we force them to commit." He said to his Major without looking away from the holo-display. Instead, he leaned further in and worked the display's data-input keyboard. Assigning orders to the overall force he commanded, as well as individualized squadron duties.
The updated orders would read as follows:
All lead craft, intercept course 90.3.20 on galactic plane. Harassment & Interdiction fire on retreating destroyers. Seek fast movers.
The orders were simple enough -- they indicated the targets; a pair of Wyyrlok-class Star Destroyers, the Apocalypse and Armageddon, one of which had been hammered harder by retaliatory fire from the First Order fleet - and the trajectory in which their flight-paths should be adjusted in order to successfully intercept the vessels -- all while attempting to maneuver out of the defensive range of corvettes and gunships consisting of the 1st Scout Command from the Rogue forces' reserves.
The chief mission was harassment of the retreating star destroyers, most likely by way of hammering away at exposed critical infrastructure, such as turrets or engines. The secondary objective -- although it would shift to the primary as soon as they were detected -- was the luring out of enemy starfighters. The First Order had been wary to commit their fighters first, but without taking the bait it was apparent his forces would have to constitute the first move.
Roderik watched as the three wings under his personal command altered course, almost entirely at once, and pursued after their new orders like experienced and eager hounds unleashed. He was pleased by their performance, even if he could only observe it from a holographic representation. He momentarily considered that their superior performance was a product of the battle meditation employed by [member="Avicus DuSang"]. Roderik recalled the strange, but invigorating feeling he had experienced while navigating an impromptu asteroid-pocked 'race track'. He was sure their coordination was at least partially a matter of DuSang, though the Colonel felt a jab of ego-driven pride at his own contributions to their skills, experience, and training. Their conditioning to become the greatest pilots in the First Order was not at all based on Force trickery, or cheating. But instead through hard work and discipline.
The pilots who made it home could thank him for it later.
"Look," Major Marston pointed to where a series of small dots were beginning to appear, and rush out to meet the approaching TIE Fighters of the First Order Starfighter Corps.
"Didn't take them long to scramble when they detected us."
"Well, these guys aren't rabble, Colonel. We're fighting the real deal." The Major made a solid point, to which Roderik had no particularly clever response. The Rogue Sith, the Omega weapon they possessed. These were not the typical pirates and renegade back-water militia forces that his men and women were up against this time.
"So are they." Roderik responded finally, looking over at his executive officer to meet his gaze with a reassuring grin.
---
In space amidst the violent yet deceptively beautiful flashes of turbolaser fire being hurled back-and-forth between opposing fleets, many thoughts - simultaneously positive and negative, were racing through the minds of TIE Fighter pilots, fresh wingmen and seasoned flight leaders alike. Undoubtedly some of the squadron commanders themselves felt the tinge of excitement and anticipation - and worry, of the fight to come, as they all began detecting the incoming stream of enemy starfighters on their sensors.
"Here they come!" Yelled more than one excited voice over the various squadron and flight-level comm frequencies, among the nearly two hundred attack craft that made up the starfighter compliment of the nicknamed Nebula Fleet.
Combat Summary
Attack Craft Fighter Movement - Thrawn Group Moves from Hex 10.18 to 10.19 to Unify Forces - Moves from 10.19 to Attack Hex 5.17 (Fighters and SD Apocalypse)
Attack Craft Fighter Movement - Concordia Group Moves from Hex 10.19 to Attack Hex 5.17 (Fighters and SD Apocalypse)
Attack Craft Fighter Movement - Gallius Rax Group Moves from Hex 10.20 to 10.19 to Unify Forces - Moves from 10.19 to Attack Hex 5.17 (Fighters and SD Apocalypse)
Faction: First Order
Fleet Boss: [member="Natasi Fortan"]
Allies:
[member="Tanomas Graf"], [member="Valessia Brentioch"], [member="William Kerkov"], [member="Cyrus Tregessar"], [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] [First Order Fleets]
[member="Pierce Fortan III"], [member="Nils Brenner"], [member="Greta Kohler"], [member="Collin Calhoun"] [First Order Starfighter Corps]
Enemies:
Omega weapon, Rogue Sith forces
She inhaled
She exhaled
She looked to her right and left, her flight was behind her alomg with other flights around them, all ready to attack when the order was given, they were placed near the front to be able to attack the enemy head on
Soon her sensors lighted up showing attack craft inbound, she flicked everything at the ready and spoke* bolt flight prepare for attack all weapons at the ready" she said as she got ready checks and then it happened
The watches as bolts passes her fighters and git many others no doubt* break formation pick your targets and destroythem, but remember any fleeing vessel you see make that a priority target" she said as she broke off and spun around as she tailed a enemy fighter, she tumbled her controls and gave a few shots, five years made this newbie into a ace, she quickly got its engine and sent it tumbling before it exploded and she smiled as she switched to another, this one was tricky he kept weaving everywhere , she sighed and relaxed a missile hitting hik in the cock pit and sent him flying off
Meanwhile the rest of her flight moved to engage separate targets, all getting successful hits...however they were to bogged for attacking the cruisers....they'd need some help
The sensors pinged and rang, technicians working to talk to the ship, then relay that information where it needed to go. Gunnery teams reported in, talking to their superiors, who reported to the bridge. Within a couple minutes of the first slavo, the teams had all reported in.
"Marshal, gunnery teams report successful hits. Scans show enemy ship has lost shields and is showing heavy hull damage. Your orders?"
Verz thought for a second. If they could break one of these huge Sith ships, then the line would start to crumble. Not only that, the enemy morale would waver seeing a massive, seemingly invincible warship shattered by the Mandalorian fleet.
"Have Wolfpack 2 fire for effect, keep them from cycling shields. Then finish off that damnable ship with a full barrage. I want it pulverized. No survivors."
"And what of the other groups? Scans show large group of Sith fighters about to engage friendly fighters. Wolfpack 1 also reporting successful fire against the Javelin."
Verz activated his comm transmitter.
"Wolfpack 1, continue to fire for effect. Gett'se, help them out. Bes'bev, make sure that dogfight stays fair. That's a lot of enemy fighters. Make sure they don't recover them. "
The Sith would be broken. They would get no quarter, not from Verz. He would kill as many Sith as he could. He wasn't on the ground, but the Sith would bleed at his hands.
"Marshal! Commonwealth ships have broken off from the assault! They are taking up defensive positions around damaged Order vessels!"
"Give me a channel. Commonwealth commander, know that you will have to pay the price for this betrayal. Maybe not today, but one day. Mandalorians do not forget."
Sovereign Class Star Destroyer “Gett’se” 1150/1500 Shield (+150) 1500/1500 Hull Arm/Flak/Def 12/10/16 Hangar 4 Ra’gr Superiority Starfighters Squadrons at Ruination (1.20) Firing at Javelin (2.21) Jahaatir Class EWAR Frigate “Co’pad” 300/300 Shield 300/300 Hull Arm/Def 5 (special)/10 Firing EWAR systems at (2.22) 4.26 to 2.24
Wolfpack 1
Nynir Class Heavy Frigate “Vode” 350/350 Shield 350/350 Hull Arm/Def 20/10 Firing at Javelin (1.22) Nynir Class Heavy Frigate “A’den” 350/350 Shield 350/350 Hull Arm/Def 20/10 Firing at Javelin (1.22) Nynir Class Heavy Frigate “Aliik” 350/350 Shield 350/350 Hull Arm/Def 20/10 Firing at Javelin (1.22) Jahaatir Class EWAR Frigate “Cuyan” 300/300 Shield 300/300 Hull Arm/Def 5 (special)/10 Firing at (1.22) using EWAR systems Nexus 2.5 Cruiser “Atin’la Baar” 550/550 Shield 550/550 Hull Arm/Flak/Def 16/16/18 Hangar: 2 Ra’gr Superiority Starfighters Squadrons Firing at Javelin (1.22) 3.25 to 3.23
Wolfpack 2
Nynir Class Heavy Frigate “Adenn” 350/350 Shield 350/350 Hull Arm/Def 20/10 Firing at Obliterator (1.21) Nynir Class Heavy Frigate “Ba’balut” 350/350 Shield 350/350 Hull Arm/Def 20/10 Firing at Obliterator (1.21) Nynir Class Heavy Frigate “Aba’jurir” 350/350 Shield 350/350 Hull Arm/Def 20/10 Firing at Obliterator (1.21) Jahaatir Class EWAR Frigate “Gekyrdir” 300/300 Shield 300/300 Hull Arm/Def 5 (special)/10 Firing EWAR at (1.21) Nexus 2.5 Cruiser “Buurenaar” 550/550 Shield 550/550 Hull Arm/Flak/Def 16/16/18 Hangar: 2 Ra’gr Superiority Starfighters Squadrons Friring at Ruination (2.21) 4.24 to 4.21
When news of the completion of his command suite at observation deck 19 was complete, Kerkov subtly left the CIC, his departure of no importance amidst the battle. The raging of the turbolaser batteries could be heard throughout the bowels of the vessel. The echoes of screaming gunnery sergeants and torpedo commanders as concussion missile tubes were launched at the enemy vessels, reverberated in the hallways. So far the Triumph had not been hit saving the Grand Admiral and the crew of the painful cries of wounded, and the explosions of successful enemy turbolasers. It had felt as every second was a minute, and every minute an hour as he reached his observation deck. He could not see nor know what was happening during this short journey, laying stress across his mind.
As soon as the transparisteel view ports of the observation deck, Kerkov was slightly relieved. Now he had the chance to do something, and do something he would. The display in fornt of him was glorious, dozens and dozens of ships were in a ballet of battle. Colorful lasers and bright rockets skimmed across the battle, some landing on their intended targets, others just barely missing. It was a sight to behold. A strike of pride ran through Kerkov's veins, he could not be more satisfied by his actions. But then, he saw something amiss.
It was the FIV Sloane, command ship of Admiral Yvanno, one of his own subordinates. The ship was under heavy fire from two of the advanced Rogue Sith star destroyers. His own aide piped up, "Sir, a cipher from th-" He was interrupted by the destruction of the Sloane happening before their very eyes. All the Grand Admiral could do was stare in disbelief as the large ship was torn apart. The Rogue Sith had indeed destroyed the Sloane, but Kerkov could not believe that such a large ship had been taken down in such a short amount of time.
Slowly the flag officer pulled one of the cigara's from his pocket, a lighter from another. He lit the smoking device and let the now mixed air solution float calmly out of his mouth. His aid began to speak but was interrupted by Kerkov before he could start, "I would hold your own tongue before I do it for you." Other than the sound of the battle surrounding him, it was silent. No words were to be said, not until Kerkov had finished. After what had seemed like hours he extinguished the cigara, "Belay my past orders, we are to focus all fire on the Dark Prince. Let's give those bastards a taste of their own medicine." The aide nodded and began at work at one of the temporary computer terminals.
The acting comms officer approached Kerkov, "Sir, the fighter wings are being launched from our joint fleets," Sternly Kerkov replied, "Launch our own attack craft in cohesion with their forces, immediately. Once the interceptors and fighters have done their job, have our bombers bombard all capital ships in the area." "Aye aye, sir. One other thing, we are getting reports that a small fleet is heading towards our way, they claim to be coming to our aid. The message transmits under Commonwealth codes."
Kerkov, thought, Commonwealth, Commonwealth...Horus!. That old bastard's coming to our aid. "Order the officer in charge of the port flank, Commodore Graf, to allow them through. If we can dedicate more to our fight, and allow them to pick up the pieces, we might just come out of this alive."
Combat Summary
Using every ship available to fire on the Darr Itah Class Battle Cruiser, Dark Prince Using 172 Fighters, 36 Bombers, 16 Superiority Fighters, 12 Interceptors, attacking hex 5.17. Movement.
Side-note: Thanks for changing my last targets, I was making my post at 4 hours of sleep after 18 of being awake and I don't know what I was thinking.
Gir watched as the bright red beam of the Omega weapon reached out in front of his fleet to accost the Spirit of Druckenwell. His eyes briefly lingered on that ship as it absorbed the shot. He winced even as the weapon's faded away. It might be a minor miracle that the Spirit survived that. His thoughts immediately went to the possibility of his own ships crossing its path. Our ships wouldn't last against that for even a minute. Even with that thought in mind, Gir thought about pressing forward, but the risk of potentially coming across the beam while it targeted the Spirit of Druckenwell was just too large for him to consider. I need more information on quickly that weapon fires and maneuvers before I can make that sort of gamble. He cleared his throat.
"Comm's, signal the rest of the fleet to come to a complete halt and hold their current positions. We don't want to get in the middle of that slugging match."
With that concern out of his mind, Gir watched the continued barrage of the Silver Jedi weapons break against the approaching formation of Razer frigates. A particularly precise burst of autocannon fire from the Azure Hammer slammed through the shields to explode against the wide hull of the warship. Several explosions sprouted across the vessel's surface, knocking out various weapon emplacements, local shield projectors, and other systems. The next bursts of slugs and turbolaser fire from the Black Sword and the Green Mantle finished off the stricken craft. A quick glance across the holo-tank showed that the other ships of his fleet were in the process of battering down their opponents. His eyes fell upon a closer group of enemy ships attacking some of one of the Galactic Republic's assault frigates whose shields had fallen. Let's prop them up for a little while longer...
He selected the smallest enemy frigate, the Grinder, in that group as the new target for Black Sword Group. Mere seconds passed before the smaller guns of the heavy cruisers began to unleash turbolaser bolts and slugs at the assault frigate. Streams of bluish plasma energy torpedoes began to join them, followed by the sustained bursts from the Trident autocannons and salvos of Firelance torpedoes all lashed out at the assault frigate. But even the incoming fire from those warships moved to aid the Republic, Gir could see allied swarms of starfighters and even transports surging forward to engage the rogue One Sith strikecraft. Gir had been hesitant to commit his own starfighters into the fray, knowing that they would be immediately overwhelmed by the vast swarms of fighters that the One Sith appeared to have at their disposal, but now it appeared that everyone was committing their craft into battle, which made it the most opportune time to deploy his own. Yet that was not something he could easily keep track of while directing the other forces of his command.
"Flight control," ordered Gir, "I'm delegating full authority to you to direct our starfighters and starbombers to maximize damage to the enemy and minimize casualties to our own."
"Aye sir."
Seconds later, Gir could see the three wings of Typhoon starfighters had surged forward from their position around the patrol frigates to aid the allied craft fighting at the extreme right flank. While the groups had been evenly matched beforehand, the arrival of the Silver Jedi starfighters would more than double their numbers. A glance to the rear of his formation showed that his bombers were moving forward to a rally point just in front of the allied line of capital warships. His eyes lingered on the craft for a moment. We will bide our time until the moment is right...
Summary of Actions:
-Heavy Cruisers and frigates hold positions
-Black Sword group fires on Boneshatter-class Assault Frigate Grinder
-Steel Blade group continues to fire on Razer 6
-All 6 Delphin-class Frigates continues to fire on Razer 7
-All 8 Freedom-class Patrol Frigates continues to fire on Razer 8
-All 9 Typhoon starfighter squadrons move to intercept rogue OS strikecraft at 01.09
-All 8 Cyclone starbomber squadronss deploy to 01.05
Silver Jedi Expeditionary Fleet
Heavy Line - Black Sword Group (2700 meters)
Ship Name: Black SwordClass:Tercel-class Heavy CruiserShield/Hull: 900 / 900 Armament/Defence: 16/18 Hangar: 0.5 sq shuttles (embarked)Movement: Hold at 04.03 Firing At:Grinder, 03.11, [member="Omega"]
Ship Name: Green MantleClass:Tercel-class Heavy CruiserShield/Hull: 900 / 900 Armament/Defence: 16/18 Hangar: 0.5 sq shuttles (embarked)Movement: Hold at 04.03 Firing At:Grinder, 03.11, [member="Omega"]
Ship Name: Azure HammerClass:Tercel-class Heavy CruiserShield/Hull: 900 / 900 Armament/Defence: 16/18 Hangar: 0.5 sq shuttles(embarked)Movement: Hold at 04.03 Firing At:Grinder, 03.11, [member="Omega"]
Heavy Line - Steel Blade Group (1800 meters)
Ship Name: Steel BladeClass:Tercel-class Heavy CruiserShield/Hull: 900 / 900 Armament/Defence: 16/18 Hangar: 0.5 sq shuttles(embarked) Movement: Hold at 03.04 Firing At:Razer 6, 03.12, [member="Omega"]
Ship Name: White CuirassClass:Tercel-class Heavy CruiserShield/Hull: 900 / 900 Armament/Defence: 16/18 Hangar: 0.5 sq shuttles (embarked) Movement: Hold at 03.04 Firing At:Razer 6, 03.12, [member="Omega"]
Heavy Frigate Line- Shadow Hand Group (900 meters)
