Dominion Odik Onslaught- Republic Dominion of Odik

[Sev Onasi]

Theme
Hangar- RNS New Hope
Third Task Force
1st Expeditionary Fleet
Day 1 of Operation Heartbeat
​

"All squadrons, report to battle stations!" The words echoed through the crowded corridors as the carrier's crew hurried to battle stations. Erisi strode through the chaos, zipping up his flight suit as he dodged the support personnel. A gaggle of fighter pilots came after him, in various states of readiness. "Shadow Wing, launch in five minutes."

"You heard the chief, everyone, let's go!" Erisi called behind him, strapping his helmet to his head. He broke into a run down the corridor, while one of his flight officers broke into a cadence.

"Flying high and flying low! Watching the infantry on the go!"

"Belay it!" Erisis called back. "Mind on the mission. Debrief on the go. Our targets are the orbiting laser cannons. Can't hurt a cap ship, but will punch a hole through our gunships. Clear a path for the ground troops to mop things on the ground. Should be light resistance. Any questions?"

"No major!"

Erisis only nodded and dodged a refueling droid as it trundled across the hangar floor. He grabbed the ladder up to the cockpit and hurried up, pulling the canopy shut behind him. All across the task force, other pilots were doing the same while the Grand Army units were piling into the gunships to land on the surface. Their job was to make sure they got there. Nearly a dozen orbital laser cannons were in the approach sector and there wasn't much time before the gunships launched and were in range. It would have to be precise and fast.

"Shadow Squadron, you are cleared for take-off."

"Roger that, command. Shadow One departing." The X-Wing rumbled beneath his seat as its repulsors lifted off the hangar deck and spat out into space. He could see the task force ships spread out across space with turbolaser fire already cutting through the void. Behind him, the scanners picked up the rest of the squadron as they hurtled forward.

"Shadow One, I'm getting a strange reading on my scope. You got visual?"

"Negative, Shadow Five, what reading?"

"Point two-five, some sort of gravity anomaly."

Erisis craned his head in that direction. "Visual still negative. Must be some sort of anomaly. Stay clear of it. Adjust the approach vector."

"Copy that."

The one-eyed ace wasn't worried. After all, this was a blue milk run.

Bridge- RNS New Hope
Commodore Tex Pall​

"All squadrons launched, Commodore! Assault forces loading and prepped to depart in five minutes."

"Understood, Lieutenant, thank you." The commodore stood and stretched from where he had been bent over the holodisplay. "Keep me informed." He turned to examine the three-dimensional representation of the battle. "Move the corvettes up to cover the fighters. Shift the right flank away from that gravitic anomaly. Don't need that messing with our scanners."

The mission was simple enough and TACCOM anticipated minimal losses. The bulk of the Frozen Hand forces seemed to have been withdrawn farther into the Deep Core for some reason. Left only a skeleton outpost here on Odik and mostly automated defenses. It was a refueling camp more than anything resembling a base. Lightly garrisoned with mook stormtroopers and techs. Only difficulty was the shield protecting it. Otherwise, they wouldn't have bothered deploying ground forces. Just demanded surrender and bombing it to pieces if they refused. This wasn't a priority target.

The fleet just needed to secure its flank for the main assault push along the Byss-Prakith hyperlane. That was where the main defenses were, and the main Frozen Hand fleet. The bulk of the 1st Expeditionary Fleet was deploying further along the hyperlane to assault the Frozen Hand armies and fleets there. It was looking like it was going to be a slog of a campaign, but they were ready.

Welcome to the first major campaign arc for the Republic! In this series of linked dominoions, they are designed to represent a coordinated, concurrent military campaign across multiple systems and sectors.
Odik Objectives-
Starfighters- destroy the orbital defenses
Grand Army- Deploy from the task force, reach the ground, and either disable the shield generator or secure the enemy camp
Grand Navy- Protect the fighters and gunships against any counter-attack ​

 

[Hoid Hallafax]

Commodore Mazik Gunray
Erisi Kasra​

The Arkanian man stood gazing through the viewport of his bridge. Ordik II had centuries old prisons that had been serving as work camps for the Vanished, populations of far flung settlements that the Frozen Hand had been collecting for forced labor and conscripted soldiers. Outside of the workforce, the world didn't serve much purpose or value but Mazik wasn't one to ask questions. He'd seen first hand what happened when people asked questions. Now he commanded his own battlecruiser and a small fleet of his own within the Frozen Hand. All had been going smooth...

Until the damn Republic rebels attacked.

"Sir!" One of his bridge officers shouted, "Their fighters are going after the orbital defenses!"

"Well order the frigates to move up and defend those stations!" A turbolaser blast rocked the bridge as it glanced off their starboard shield. A low growl escaped his throat. "Order the star destroyers to move on their line! The best defense is a strong offense...All we have to do is wait for the fleet to return!" They'd picked the worst possible time to attack. Much of Mazik's fleet was on assignment elsewhere, doing the Lord Admiral's bidding. They were amassing power all over the Core and Deep Core. When he'd heard reports of their forces routing a scouting party with no casualties he'd thought the Republic to be a joke but apparently anyone can get spaced when they get caught with their trousers around their ankles.

 

[Republic Engineering]

The mission was simple.

Sigma Squad was tasked with taking out the Shield Generator that protected the Imperial Outpost on Odik II from orbital assault. Once the barrier was disabled, elements of the Grand Army would be able to move in and secure the facility - and whatever secrets laid within. Or, TACCOM would decide that the Outpost would better serve the Republic’s needs by being reduced to piles of molten slag.

Regardless of the inevitable outcome, the Commandos of Sigma Squad would have to bring the shields down first.

Thus, Gideon and his Squad swiftly boarded a transport that would ferry them towards the surface. Their approach vector would be covered by flights of Republic starfighters, who were tasked with protecting their shuttle from harm and punching holes through the planet’s orbital defences. While their transport was armed and more than capable of engaging enemy starfighters - such tasks were better left to more specialized Pilots and their void-bound mechanical steeds.

As the transport was granted the proper clearance and dusted-off the Destroyer’s flight deck, Gideon’s Squad began readying themselves for combat. Fresh magazines were slapped into their appropriate housings, and Grenades were hung from their collective bandoliers. Sharpened knives were slid into various sheathes with oiled ease, and fresh combat stims were loaded into their respective auto-injectors. Piece by piece, the Commandos made themselves whole once again.

With practised ease, the coterie of Republic Commandos were made ready to thurst their proverbial spear into the heart of the enemy’s stronghold. This was what they trained for. This was what they lived for. Now, all that remained was for them to survive the transit from space. Gideon wasn’t a fan of trusting his life, and the lives of his Squad to others - but the situation demanded it. So, the man forcibly clenched his teeth as he felt the gunship dust off the Fleet Carrier’s flight deck.

Here we go again, the man thought to himself as his hand snaked into the overhanging cargo netting and began mentally preparing himself for the fiery kiss of atmospheric re-entry.

| Republic Muse | Erisi Kasra | ​

 

[Cynthia Alucard]

Lieutenant Cynthia Alucard
Location: Bridge of Angel's Dust
Endurance II - Class Fleet Carrier

---

Stiffening a yawn, Cyn returned her hand back behind her back as she waited for her superior to complete their own mission briefing. The bridge that would be her new home, was that of an Endurance II Class Fleet Carrier, she had seen a few of these before in action but being inside of one a different experience. Better that my first visit with cuffs and as a prisoner. Cyn returned her focus as the sounds of heavy footsteps echoed and alerted her of the Commander’s presence. The older man’s visage was one of age and tear, clearly he took umbrage with a formal Imperial being a part of his Officer staff onboard his vessel, but not enough to do much more than make Cyn’s life a tad more challenging.

The occasional cold shoulder, angry stares or even passive aggressive remarks hardly fazed the young Cyn, having experienced less subtle attacks and far worse during the failing days of both the First Order and the Galactic Empire. If the Commander was simply going to act coldly to the ex-Imperial, Cyn wouldn’t mind it one bit, if anything she would have encouraged such behavior. Warm sentiments often cloud the judgement after all. . . better to have him tell me a bitter cold truth than a warm caring lie.

“The hostile element known to us as the Frozen Hand has a strong presence on the surface of Odik, the Mission Objective for us to allow safe passage of our troops to land and allow them to finish their mission.” The Commander quickly explained to Cyn and the other Officers around them, it was a simple enough escort mission.

“Keep a close tab on our transports and coordinate with our fighter wings to keep away any Interceptors. Our presence will keep the larger ships from approaching too closely but regardless, should the safety of our transports and logistics ever become endangered we will hold off the enemy until the defenseless ships reach safety.” This was though something Cyn grimaced inside, she despised being apart of any Vanguard, but acting as a Rearguard unit was even worse.

Regardless, Cyn saluted with the rest of the officers and quickly headed off to her station. But even as she reached her station, she could fear the intense stare of her Commander boring into the back of her skull. She used every ounce of will to not look back as she began to work on her task. Remember, better than any jail cell. . . better than any jail cell. . . better than any. . . jail cell.

Erisi Kasra Republic Muse

 

[Sev Onasi]

Cynthia Alucard Republic Muse Republic Engineering

"Accelerate to attack speed. Lock s-foils into attack position." Erisi said, almost automatically, as he tracked the approaching enemy ships. "Frigates moving to intercept. Adjust bearing five degrees on the z-vector." He nudged the the yoke of the ship downwards and the squadron followed downwards, dipping below the main combat plane. "Pull these frigates down. Get them to expose themselves to fleet's fire."

"Read you, Shadow One," the voice came back.

"Focus on those laser platforms. We've got you covered."

Erisi reached over and pushed the throttle to near-full. The engine beneath his seat rumbled more aggressively. Enemy fighters were headed their way. "Second wing is running air superiority," Erisi commented again. "Hold formation and cut through. We'll draw preliminary fire. Boost rear deflectors."

Even as he spoke, one hand was busy doing just that as the TIES hurtled past them. The X-wings had shields and more mass. Hitting another ship wouldn't go well for either, but they'd turn out better than the TIE pilots. "Distance closing to target. Prepare for initial attack run."

 

[Republic Engineering]

He felt his stomach lurch as the Gunship dusted-off the surface of the Warship's flight deck.

While his training prepared him for moments like this, the man wasn't used to standing up whilst the transport made for the orbital transit corridor. Instead, the Commando would often find himself seated and strapped into place by a restraint harness. It allowed him to keep his mind busy - either by sharpening his combat knife or calibrating the various projectile weapons in his possession. But, with him standing atop the troop deck… He felt mighty uncomfortable, especially with his hands doing nothing. He needed the distraction.

That was when the false-firelight of his visor danced across his augmented retinas. A digital representation of a Woman materialized before his eyes and found herself sequestered in the upper-left most portion of his HUD.

:: Gideon,:: She said as soon as the connection was established. :: Your Gunship's approach vector will bring Sigma Squad close to the facility, but you won't have any air support until that Shield's down. ::

The Commando nodded. "We'll make sure to bring down that Generator as fast as possible then."

:: See that you do, Lieutenant. Those suits you're wearing didn't come cheap, and I'd hate to lose them and their operators because of some bad calls in the field. ::

"Aye, ma'am. I'll contact the Fleet after we're finished for Exfil or further orders."

With seemingly nothing more to say, the Woman made to terminate the transmission - but was stopped midway through the process.

:: Gideon, one last thing. It seems you'll have company down on the surface. We just got word that a Jedi may be joining our operation. Keep a wary eye out for this individual. ::

"Any idea on who this Jedi is?"

:: Sadly, no. It was a last-minute transmission stating that one of the Order would be heading to the surface as well. ::

"Very well. We'll keep an eye out for them."

When the last words were shared between the two individuals, Gideon was the first to terminate the connection with a cordial farewell. He didn't really know the Woman all too well, nor did the man really care to remember her name. But, the Commando did what he could to remain on friendly terms with the Woman - she was his Squad's Handler, after all.

With his attention focusing back on his surroundings, Gideon realized that they were embraced by the bespeckled void. The Handler's distraction was a welcome one - but was soon replaced by a sliver of dread creeping into his mind.

Their embattled journey had just begun, and they were surrounded by friendly and enemy starfighters alike, each battling for dominance above the world of Odik.

| Erisi Kasra | Cynthia Alucard | Republic Muse |​

 

[Zahara Myneto]

Fleet Admiral Zahara Myneto
Battlegroup Savior
RNS Savior, Starhawk MKIII Class Battlecruiser

"All Squadrons have launched and all wings report S-Foils in attack position" reported Lieutenant Galek, the communications and logistics officer of the Savior. The Frozen Hand Campaign as many in TACCOM had begun to call it was simple: Liberate the Planet. To the burecrats whose official job on paper was to direct Republic forces from a heavily defended tower on Correlia, it was easy.

As the former Grand Admiral of the Correlian Confederation had put it: Just blast them to high heaven. But the Shield Generator was going to be a pain in the kark. Zahara's very patience was being tested by the mission, it was nerve racking.

"Hail Commodore Pall on the New Hope, I want a status report on his current position" he ordered.

 

[Lanik Dawnstar]

​

Slicing through the emptiness of space inside his starfighter Lanik flew in formation behind the shuttle that made its way down to the surface. Streaks of crimson and emerald painted his surroundings as Frozen Hand starfighters came from all directions. Their barrage of laser fire meant to shred through the convoy of fighters that were defending the shuttle as it made it’s way down to the surface. In the first pass, Lanik watched as three of the defending fighters exploded in plumes of flame, and one veering off as their wing was torn free.

Through the use of emergency thrusters, Lanik’s speed decreased and he peeled off, flying behind a trio of fighters. His hand rested on the steering yolk, his grip not too tight nor too loose. Calm filled the cockpit as the targeting systems within the fighter tried to lock onto the weaving fighters. Lanik’s eyes stared through the viewscreen, almost glazed over as if he wasn’t even seeing the fighters. Staring through them, past them. With a motion of his finger one of the starfighters met a fiery end as a pinpoint laser impacted their engines causing a chain reaction. Lanik felt their end and their final moments, the Frozen hand pilot hadn’t felt a thing.

Adjusting another few shots went out impacting the remaining two fighters. The lasers sliced through wings, and thrusters that sent the remaining Frozen hand pilots into an uncontrolled spiral. Their fear could be felt through the force. Part of the padawan hoped that they’d be found and tried for their crimes, but no one could be certain of the possibilities in battle.

Casting a glance down to the rear-view display Lanik saw that the other fighters were protecting the descending shuttle and decided to make his way to the waypoint he’d been given. The starfighter barely shuddered as it entered Odik’s atmosphere. What Lanik saw was a giant base set in the center of a vast ocean. It reached as high into the sky as some skyscrapers on Coruscant. “It can never just be a simple job can it?” Rarely did the Order ever truly tell Lanik what quantified the missions he was sent on. More often than not they simply told him where to be and what needed to be done. Everything else in-between was merely details left for the padawan to sort out on his own.

Opening his coms to the frequency he’d been given Lanik contacted Republic Engineering . While the Jedi had worked along the basic ground troops of the Republic this was his first time dealing with the Commandos. “Padawan Dawnstar to Lieutenant Raith, what’s your plan for infiltration?”

 

[Cynthia Alucard]

Lieutenant Cynthia Alucard
Location: Bridge of Angel's Dust
Endurance II - Class Fleet Carrier

---

“Squadron Three and Four to push forward and keep their sectors clear of hostiles.” Cyn explained, her voice kept low as she attempted to quell her inner anger. She despised how easily many of the junior officers were of strong attitude. Though none would challenge her outright, their actions would reflect a somewhat loose interpretations of her direct orders.

With a tempered voice she continued to relay the attack patterns of the larger force that have begun to contest them for superiority among the stars. Coordination was key to keep both the troop transports loses at a minimum and to allow a steady stream of logistical support. And now I’m back organizing this mess of an operation. While Cyn found herself far too important for such lowly responsibility. The haughtiness of seeing her task as beneath her would only serve to counter her goals of achieving a high standing within the Republic Navy.

Her holo-map blinked as several attack fighters entered the fray and Cyn this time added more of a forceful tone in her voice, “-Squad Commander Three-One, you need to pull your wing to engage the new Elements immediately, allow Four-One to keep his sector under control and worry about these threats to our transports.” Cyn explained, her teeth nearly gritting against one another as she all but hissed through her clenched teeth.

The transports though were already descending to the surface of Odik, a slight relief entered Cyn’s mind as she prepared to send out the next batch of transport ships to hopefully carry down enough of the heavier equipment to make the ground operations move along quickly. Though the moment the shields on the surface were disabled, the Frozen Hand forces would no doubt feel the wrath of the Republic Navy tenfold. Swift vengeance.

“Squad Leader Three-One, again, disengage and head to your designated marks and objective.”

Hearts and Minds Cynthia, Hearts. . and. . . Minds. . .

---

Republic Muse | Republic Engineering | Lanik Dawnstar | Erisi Kasra

 

[Venandi]

Republic Engineering | Cynthia Alucard | Republic Muse | Lanik Dawnstar​

Another planet, another enemy. It was all the same to Venandi and his brothers. They'd never heard of the planet Odik, nor this Frozen Hand. But here they were, fighting on said planet against said enemy. They'd be forgotten as soon as they stepped off planet though. It was just another system, another planet, another battle in the grand scheme of things. However, right now they knew all they had to about this planet and their enemy, even as they thundered down in their personal LAAT, Racer doing his job of racing them to their point.

The LAAT shuddered as it passed through atmosphere, and rocked as anti air fire and starfighters flew at them. But Racer just shot past it all, not needing the same escorts that other shuttles had, as the LAAT was simply too fast for it. Their trip down to the planet's surface was quick and rough, but hardly the worst they'd experienced. As such, as soon as they came to a hover above the water, Venandi and his brothers were quick to jump from the LAAT, before it shot back up into the sky, moving to assist the starfighters.

Venandi and his brothers for their part simply took a simple glance around their surroundings before moving. Each of them had jetpacks for this mission, and put them to good use. They shot off in the direction of the generator, having landed a ways away, but close enough to be able to make it there soon enough. For now they were under the radar and wouldn't be noticed, flying mere meters above the water. However, their silence would soon change they hit the frontlines. For now, Venandi and his brothers were alone, but they knew they'd soon be joined. So they flew forth, before diving under the shield and the water, then emerging once more, heading into another battle, in another time, and for another Republic.

 

[Sev Onasi]

"Next fighter wing is launched and coming up," the voice from the fighter contingent's TACCOM came through. Erisi simply grunted in acknowledgment. There was more than Republic OMI had anticipated. Trap? Or just a change since the last intelligence sweep? No way to tell. And as it was, it had turned into more than simply a blue milk run. This was a battle proper now. And it was taking all he had to make it work.

Already, three fighters from the initial attack wing had gone down. He knew their names, their homes, and their families, but kept these filed away in a box for later. Now, he twisted the yoke with one hand and constantly shifted the throttle with his other hand. Shifts in velocity were jarring and hard to track. He wasn't even consciously aware of how much he was changing them. He just did it randomly and hoped it wouldn't land him randomly in front of a turbolaser. Luck had carried him this far. It would take him far enough.

"Push through and hit those platforms." Erisi spat in the comms, finally getting an angle of attack on the closest one. "Else everything's going to get worse. Lure the TIEs in close. See if we can't get some friendly fire to take 'em out for us."

He pushed the throttle all the way forward this time, locking the targeting computer onto the platform as they raced into range.

Zahara Myneto

"Commodore! Admiral Myneto wants a report on our position."

The Commodore gripped the command console tighter as the ship rocked under the long-range turbolaser fire splashing against its shields. "Tell the admiral we're right where the plan called to launch fighters. Facing stiffer resistance than intelligence reported, but we can manage." Tell the admiral to focus on cutting through the rest of the enemy lines and cracking Prakith."

 

[Hoid Hallafax]

"Commodore!" One of the ensigns shouted over the chaotic sounds of battle coming from the bridge's aural sensors, "Several of the Republic's transports have gotten through our defensive line!" The Arkanian man cursed loudly.

"Emperor's black bones! What are our fighters doing?!"

"They...They can't keep up with the Republic's own fighters. They're chewing through them like nothing!" A growl emenated from deep within the Arkanian man's throat.

"Then we'll destroy their vessels so their fighters have nowhere to return to! Push our advantage!"

"But sir, our orders,"

"Are to defend the system. We can mop up a few fighters and ground troops once we've destroyed their escape route. NOW FOLLOW ORDERS!" He raised his hand and brought the backside across the ensign's jaw, sending him sprawling to the floor. Dazed and shocked the young man struggled to stand and scurried off to relay the commodore's orders. In unison the battlecruiser and its supporting star destroyers began to surge forward. The battlecruiser targeted the flagship of the Republic task force, the Starhawk. Its axe-shaped form was intimidating, almost more so than the classically designed wedge shape of star destroyers and battlecruisers like those of the Frozen Hand. But they had the upper hand. The battlegroup was a measly two carriers, the battlecruiser, and a few support ships. They had the same amount of true, hard hitting star destroyers and the battlecruiser he commanded. They could win, and if not win, they'd easily hold out until reinforcements arrived.

"FIRE!!!!" Green energy bolts lanced out towards the Starhawk. The starfighters began avoiding the starfighters and attempting to directly assault transports headed to the ground.

Erisi Kasra Zahara Myneto Cynthia Alucard

 

[Republic Engineering]

Gideon’s eyes were closed for the duration of the orbital journey - only opening as he felt the flames of atmospheric re-entry start to lick against the Gunship’s exterior. The man wasn’t a fan of the vast emptiness of space, especially when it was filled with enemy combatants seeking to tear down the nascent Republic.

He heard everything, on the other hand. He listened to the sounds of his comrades, cheering on the various allied fighter squadrons as they tore through enemy formations. There was even praise voiced alongside the subtle rattle of the deck when mass-driven missiles were fired out into the void - doubtlessly aiding in the Gunship’s vectored descent. The tell-tale thrum of beam weapons also threw themselves into the mix, as they likely stabbed out into the night - carving a swathe through enemy squadrons.

Yet, all of that noise paled in comparison to the Gunship punching through the stratosphere. That was a sound that Gideon enjoyed, as it meant he would soon feel the all too familiar pull of gravity once again. He opened his eyes in response and found several sigils blinking at the fringes of his display.

The first of these sigils were from the Pilot of their Gunship. It seemed another of their kind decided to spear ahead - as if the enemy starfighters didn’t exist. They were lucky, Gideon mused. Such recklessness would’ve likely seen then scattered across Odik’s heavens - turned into a fiery blossom of particulate debris. But, then again, what could you expect of relics from another age seeking to show off? The Commando rolled his eyes as those details became apparent.

The second sigil pulsed in regards to the Jedi, who was to be attached to their Unit. Lanik Dawnstar. That was an unusual name for a Jedi. It seemed that the man was already in the planet’s atmosphere - likely circling the erected shield barrier while it waited for the Commandos to arrive. It wouldn’t be long now, Gideon thought to himself - as he felt the Gunship’s ion engines extinguish and allowed for the integrated repulsorlifts to activate. His mood soured, however, as the Jedi’s message played out. He used his name over an unsecured connection. That was...

Tapping the side of his helmet, the Leader of Sigma Squad opened a secure channel to the Jedi’s starfighter.

:: I don’t know how much experience you have with the Special Forces Brigade, Jedi Dawnstar, but we use callsigns over unsecured connections. We don’t know who’s listening. ::

It took everything Gideon had for his humours to remain aligned, and for his voice to remain neutral - rather than fill with venom and spite like his heart desired.

:: As I’ve secured our connection, I want you to alter your fighter’s course to follow our Gunship in. There’s little point in trying to infiltrate the facility when the Fleet’s in orbit. The ‘Foehammer’ has been outfitted with some specialty ordnance for this mission - so we’ll be punching through that shield. You can either provide close-air support with our Gunship, or you’d be welcome to join us on the surface once we're through Be sure to be quick, Jedi, as the opening won't be there for long. Null - over and out. ::

As he severed his connection to the secured channel - despite leaving it open for any expected replies - the Gunship began to change. The ivory panels at the front of the transport began retracting to reveal the aforementioned ordnance. A single crystal found itself emerging from the Gunship’s hold, before the rest of the enigmatic apparatus. The cables pulsed with energy, and an eerie crimson light began building within the mechanism. It wasn’t long after that mounted ordnance opened fire.

A crimson lance of coruscating energy impacted the protected deflector shield, bathing the point of contact in a plasmatic shower of discarded energy. The beam began to corkscrew and widen as the Gunship got closer. More sparks erupted from the barrier’s surface, and even the projected deflector screen began to audibly whine under the relentless assault. Mere seconds later, a portion of the shield was torn open by the enigmatic energies. It would be enough for the Gunship to soar through - and it would offer Lanik the chance to follow before the overcharged capacitors worked to restore the barrier.

Once the ‘Forehammer’ was within the base, the Gunship’s weapons opened fire. Beams of emerald light stabbed out from swivelling bubble turrets mounted on either side of the transport and were joined seconds later by the thrumming pulse of particle beam weaponry. Their targets were visible emplacement batteries and nearby turrets. Anything that could’ve, and would’ve been considered a threat to the Gunship was reduced to molten slag. It seemed they didn’t expect the Gunship to survive - thus didn’t bother mounting a defence. Lucky us, Gideon thought.

The Commandos watched the spree of unbridled violence, and as the Frozen Hand tried to rush towards their defences. They all died screaming, as the beam cannons raked their positions. Nothing but smouldering flesh remained. Growing tired of the show and wanting to become part of the action, Gideon moved towards the now-retracted blast shields.

“Alright, Sigma Squad. Time to bring down that Generator!”​

| Lanik Dawnstar | Venandi | Republic Muse |​

 

[Cynthia Alucard]

Lieutenant Cynthia Alucard
Location: Bridge of Angel's Dust
Endurance II - Class Fleet Carrier

---

Her eyes perked when she noticed the orders she sent out were slowly being followed and finally they were making strides in clearing out the stars of all hostiles. Thank the Emperor. . . er. . Democracy. . . Cyn motioned for one of the aids to bring her the new tactical display he was eagerly holding in his hands. This was one thing she enjoyed the most with attrition warfare, grinding the enemy to dust and soon enough the Frozen Hand would be forced to retreat back to whatever corner of deep space they had emerged.

Warning flared and broke through her peaceful moment, Cyn looked in abstract dismay that the enemy positions were shifting. But not away from the fight, but flying into the main Republic ships. What brazen Commander would be stupid enough. . . . her thought though was caught off as the bridge was consumed with officers and ensigns rushing to their battle stations and many others re-coordinating the logistical support down to the troops below. They couldn’t allow their transports to get into range of the approaching larger vessels of the Frozen Hand, but likewise they couldn’t abandon their position with ground troops below.

Well, I could. . . Cyn grimaced as remembered her Commander’s words of being the rearguard for all ships. In essence we hold the line and allow our ships a chance to maneuver. . . Cyn quickly readjusted herself and began to issue orders to the remaining X-Wing squadrons to continue the last escort mission before pulling behind the Endurance II Carrier.

As the last of the escort vessels either landed or reached back to the Carrier, the X-Wings soon pulled back just before the main thrust of the Frozen Hand pushed inward. The Angel’s Dust remained steadfast as its shields flickered with ever consecutive turbolaser fire and mass driver shots wishing to tear the hull apart. Cyn felt the slight unease that permutated across the observation deck and bridge as a whole, defending to the last was always espouted to all, some sing them as lullaby platitudes that ease most career officers.

But the ultimate sacrifice is always something enigmatic for most. . . Cyn was perhaps surrounded by the most zealous and sacrificial personal back within the Imperial Fleets. And that’s the difference, I was told to die for the Imperial Cause, and these people here were told by the Republic to fight for their freedom and other’s. . .

“Keep an eye on the power generator in section four, the concentration of fire has been increasing in our aft. . .” Cyn explained as she kept an eye on her holo-map.

Republic Muse

 

[Sev Onasi]

"Transports have punctured through the defenses," a fighter commented. "Strike team is beneath the shield. One last bunch of transports."

Erisi craned his neck around to stare down towards the planetary surface. The other wave of the transports was on the way down. "Wheel around. Let the enemy fighters pull off. The main fleet can hold them off. Imp fighters aren't worth their weight in aurodium."

"Roger that, Shadow One," the replies came back in as the fighters pulled around. The laser cannons were just ahead. "All ships, lock-on target." His visible eye kept the targeting computer in the peripheral vision as the fighter hurtled forward. The targeting scopes narrowed down on the first laser cannon platform. He could make out the guns wheeling around to try and track their movements. "Evasive maneuvers."

The squadron split and began to bob and weave. Laser bursts hurtled past them.

"Fire is getting heavy, Shadow One."

"I read, Shadow Five." Erisi replied, adjusting the shield. "Keep fluid."

The computer lit up as it locked on and Erisi slammed his thumbs down on the triggers. Two proton torpedoes launched from the fighter and hurtled towards the platform. They slammed into it and a massive explosion rippled briefly through the void and winked out as the oxidizers were consumed. "Solid hit on all platforms. Circle around for secondary attack run."

 

[Lanik Dawnstar]

​

The instant response and backlash the padawan received from the commando caused a bit of red to climb Lanik’s cheeks. Thankfully there was no one around to see the Jedi’s embarrassment, he’d never had a need for callsigns when assigned with other groups on other such tasks. On the planet of Kuat when he’d led troopers he’d simply been called by his surname. When searching the Brighthome space station it had been the same. Perhaps these soldiers were just used to a more strict form of operating? Why shouldn’t they be? A small squad, all their lives on the line. Worrying his lower lip, the Jedi was tempted to offer an apology but before he could the second message played over the secure line.

The orders played out over it, Lanik listening to them and pulling off his course to align with the gunship. “I read you loud and clear Null, Dawnstar out.” Before he realized it Lanik had used his name once more on the coms. Hand rising up to smack his forehead hard enough to turn the skin pink he shook his head. ‘I know I’m probably going to hear about that one too.’

Sighing heavily Lanik looked back up to the viewscreen to see the beam weapon tearing a hole in the large shield. An impressed whistle escaped the Jedi as he marveled at it. The commandos were indeed as good as he heard. It was an honor working with them, if only they wouldn’t be so stiff.

Gripping the steering yolk Lanik dove in behind the gunship, he needn’t fire as the gunships own arsenal of weaponry razed the area. People attempted to flee only to vanish in flashes of light. Plumes of flame ate and spat back out machinery that fell off the platforms and down to the ocean beneath.

Activating autopilot Lanik popped the canopy of his fighter. Air whistled into the cockpit, air pressure pushed against the Jedi’s body as he freed himself from the constraints and rose up. One foot planted in the seat, the other on the ridge where his canopy opened. In one hand a blade the color of a summer sky hummed, on the other a shield the color of wealth. With that Lanik took a leap of faith.

Falling through the air Lanik shot towards one of the platforms. Robes billowing behind him the Jedi imagined himself slowing, and in response, he did as the force responded. On the platform stood a squad of Frozen hand troopers that unleashed hell towards the padawan.

As he fell Lanik’s saber painted a masterpiece, what was a single blade appeared to be at multiple places at one as darts of energy were sent harmlessly away. The ground rose to meet the Jedi, and meet it he did.

Coming down into a roll, the beam of cobalt sliced through the legs of one trooper. As Lanik came up the same blade sliced through the wrist of a second soldier. Spinning on his heel, palm extended Lanik was rewarded with watching the final three soldiers being snatched from the ground by an invisible pressure where they went screaming to the ocean below.

Republic Engineering | Venandi | Republic Muse | Cynthia Alucard

 

[Frielle Kinniak]

Deployed from the RNS Elin Garza, Frielle departed the ship's hangar with a smile on her face. Today's mission was relatively simple; eliminate orbital defenses. The keyword was relative, anything could be relatively easy and yet there she was strapped into a tincan with a deathwish as she pressed forward on the yoke. The X-Wing dropped its nose and headed for the objective, "target locked."​

​

"Looks like you boys could use some help, this is Wraith One to Shadow One."​

​

A fresh batch of fighters swooped through the void lighting targets up like Liberation Day. It felt good to know who she was fighting for, life in the Outer Rim wasn't easy and it was hard to tell who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. The anarchy within the Coalition turned OPA left a sour taste in her mouth. Granddaughter of Imperials and daughter of Spacers - Frielle's smile only grew wider as imperial TIEs appeared on her radar.​

​

Erisi Kasra ​

 

[Jerec Asyr]

ODIK II
FROZEN HAND PRISON

The guards were good at hiding that they were on edge. Really good, but this wasn't Jerec's first rodeo. The little hints added up. By the time weapons fire erupted dozens of miles above the clouds, he already knew the planet was under attack by someone who disliked the Frozen Hands as much as he did.

Probably for different reasons, though. Nobody out there cared about one Corellian independent shipper and an impounded cargo of blaster rifles. No, if this attack wound up setting him free - him and the other two hundred prisoners in the labor camp - it wouldn't be because they relied on whoever was up there.

Jerec got back to breaking rocks and thinking.

 

[Sev Onasi]

"I read you, Wraith One," Erisi said in the comm as he banked hard to the left. Lasers spat past him as he made the turn. "Nice to have you around. Want to help split these cannons' attention?" He rolled suddenly as another burst of fire streaked past him. "Getting a bit toasty around here."

A laser clipped his wing and the fighter shuddered under the impact. Shields down to fifty percent. It would take time to get them boosted to full again. One hand danced across the controls, reangling the deflector shield and diverting power from his own laser cannons. They didn't do much against orbital platforms and he was relying more on torpedoes regardless.

Already halfway back around for the next attack run, with the rest of the squadron a bit spread out. "Tighten up that formation. Y'all're getting sloppy on me."

"Us? Sloppy? Never, Shadow One. You're just grum-"

The message cut off as the comms filled with the crackling sound of an explosion. A knot tightened in his stomach and Erisi clenched his teeth, only pushing the trottle forward even further. Gs pressed him further and further into the seat as he tried to shorten the attack angle, but spots were beginning to appear in the corner of his vision. He eased up just a tiny bit until the pressure cleared from his chest.

Frielle Kinniak

 

[Jerec Asyr]

ODIK II
FROZEN HAND PRISON

When the order came, none of the prisoners heard it through the guards' helmets. The first anyone knew of the changing situation was the actual withdrawal.

Within ten minutes at most, every single guard had abandoned the prison. Someone somewhere wanted to put those troops to better use in a more defensible position.

They didn't even take the time to shoot the prisoners, which was a nice touch. A matter of conserving ammunition, presumably. That left Jerec and two hundred other folks shackled, locked up, but blissfully unsupervised.