A lone figure stood atop the dune...

cdJorai Kovel, Director of the Black Hand, glanced to the east, over the hundreds of dunes and endless miles of nothing but sand. It was a desolate place, where you could make a living by sucking the moisture from the air and selling it. Or if you wish, it could be the perfect place to hide, with the many cantinas and towns.

One could get lost out here...


The Director glanced back, down the south face of the dune. Resting in the coolness of shadow, was a small, black landspeeder. Giving an almost inaudible sigh opf relief that the vehicle still was there, Kovel glanced to back to the east, where a large vehicle was now approaching the dune.

The big brown vehicle had originally been brought to Tatooine by some faceless mining guild who had hoped to find valuble treasures on the planet. After the operation went through, the miners had left their mining vehicles and went off to the more inhabitable areas, to establish the few towns that now dotted the landscape. Now their vehicles, or sandcrawlers, were in the hand of the nomadic Jawas, smelly, short hagglers.

The sandcrawler stopped at the base of the dune, and three of the little beings disembarked, along with a human companion, who was cloaked in a brown hooded robe. All four approached Kovel.

The Jawa's made a half-hearted attempt to sell Kovel a beat-up looking blaster rifle, but he calmly waved them away and watched the robed man with curiosity.

"Kovel." The man said in a deep, gruff sounding voice.

"Do you have it?" Kovel asked, not bothering with pleasentries.

"Of course. Do you have my payment?" The cloaked man asked.

"Yes." Kovel said, handing the man a small satchel. The man peered into the bag, apparently satisfied.

"Lookin' good. Here ya go." The cloaked man said, handing Kovel a small holodisk.

"Have a nice day." The cloaked man said, turning to go. Kovel swiftly withdrew his sidearm, hidden within his jacket and calmly shot the man in the back, killinh im and sending his body sliding the the dune.

With one glance, the Jawas turned and hurried back to the sandcrawler as Kovel headed to his own landspeeder, but not before retrieving the credits that were contained in the satchel.

Bakura, three days later....

"Look at the unusual battle formations..."


President Griff watched in fascination as multiple GC ships fired low-powered lasers at other GC ships in a mock-battle, "Unusual?" He asked.

"Well, they are Imperial formations, firing at the other GC ships." Kovel said, who was seated next to Griff. The director had returned from Tatooine a few days ago with the holodisk that recorded a GC wargame activity.

"So what?" Griff said.

"It means that GC must be planning something, something big. Otherwise why would they specifically be using known Imperial battle formations in their wargames?" Kovel asked.

Griff smiled slightly, and Kovel caught on, "What is it? Do you know what they're up to?" The director asked.

"Yes. I have been contacted by GC leadership. And they are planning something." Griff said.

"Where?" Kovel asked.

"Corellia, actually." Griff replied.

"Corellia? Are they crazy?"

"I would think so, but we have to look to our own affairs. It is also our time to strike." Griff said, guesturing to a holo of the galaxy. He pointed to three specific planets.

"We are going to attack, in a few months. Here," He pointed to a planet in the Ison Corridor, "Bespin. And here," He pointed to another location, "At Taloraan."

"And where else?" Kovel asked.

"Sluis Van."

Kovel nodded, "What do you want me to to do?"

"Prepare Black Hand. Get some operatives in there, and do whatever you can to sabotage the works. I will prepare the fleet for our upcoming assaults." Griff said.

"Understood." Kovel responded.






"Alright, all vessels prepare to exit hyperspace. As soon as reversion is complete, raise shields, and load all missile and torpedo tubes."

Admiral Mack sighed with satisfaction as he settled down into the large VIP chair on the bridge of the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Defiant The battle was about to begin.

His resident battle coordinator, Captain Rickover, settled into his seat at his own console as well, ready for the coming battle.

"Hold all fighters in their hangars untill ordered." Rickover ordered.

The Sovereignty fleet reverted from hyperspace, just outside the planet Sluis Van's gravity well. Shields went up, and missiles were loaded.

Then the fleet formed up in a group formation and headed for the planet, wary of any traps.




ORS Fleet Manifest

Imperial - Class Star Destroyer - Defiant

Victory-class Star Destroyer - Explorer
Victory-class Star Destroyer - Shadow
Victory-class Star Destroyer - Deception
Victory-class Star Destroyer - Zenith II

Corona-class Star Frigate
Corona-class Star Frigate
Corona-class Star Frigate
Corona-class Star Frigate
Corona-class Star Frigate
Corona-class Star Frigate
Corona-class Star Frigate

288 B-Wing Fighters

Sluis Van... Near the Rimma Trade Route


Admiral Gatticus stook staring out into space, as if by sheer will the stars would align under the flag of the Empire. And, for a woman of 60, her will was strong indeed.

A mother of 2 and a grandmother of 6, she had better things to do with her time than patrolling this godforsaken corridor of the Yaga Minor Protectorate.

But, while it might be godforsaken, it was also important. This was the place where it would happen.

And she was tasked with making sure Grand Marshall Kaine's orders were followed.

With the recent attacks by the Coalition and their lackeys the Sovereignty, it was time to act.

There was a clear and identifiable pattern to their attacks that Imperial Intelligence uncovered. That knowledge, coupled with good old Imperial ingenuity would be catalyst to what would shake the galaxy to it's core.

She glanced at her antiquated timepiece.

Unfortunately, her will could not change the slow pace of time.

"Admiral?"

She turned to look at her aide that stood behind her holding a datapad. "Updates from Captain Alberto."

The man was impossible!

But then, tall people were. Or maybe it was the way soldiers of his particular cadre were brought up.

In any event, her forces were merely an augmenting fleet. The last thing she needed was a conflict between this Captain charged with defending the area, the Governing Body on Sluis Van, and her.. and Admiral ordered to her station by the Grand Marshall.

"Advance Tracking, multiple reversions." a computer voice called over the bridge.

"Incoming transmission from the fleet. We have enemy ships outside the mass shadow."

"Order the fleet to raise their shields, power their weapons, load missiles if they need too and get their fighters out there.." she quickly rattled out, as if by rote.

The Reign Star Destroyer was in a holding pattern on the planet's North Pole, while her Attack Sphere was on the opposite side of the planet at the equator along the line of sight of the system's primary (star). The planet's night side was facing the invading forces which also held the Admiral's two Fire Class Light Cruisers that were also readying to meet the enemy.

"Terra Kadra reports Devils launching."

The Admiral nodded.

"Where is our fleet?"

"Their circumference route would put them about here. They are moving to engage the enemy but the invaders exited hyperspace past them."

Indeed the enemy had tried to get as close as they could before the mass shadow would affect their hyperdrives. Such a tactic exited their fleet inside the Immobilizer's patrol grid. They would be bringing up the rear before long.

Right now, it seems they were all just out of range. The next move would be the invaders.

"Move half the Devils to take up a similar circumference route opposite the Immobilizers. Keep their arc tighter though. They will not have to go that far if the enemy advances."

"Aye Sir."

"Inform Sluis Van that they will need to initiate attack protocols. Their planet is under attack. Evacuate non essential personnel to safety shelters as best they can."

"The planetary government will probably want to speak with you Admiral."

"I have no doubt, Major. Now carry out my order."

"At once."


OOC Manifest:

1 Reign Class Star Destroyer - Yslavic
1 Attack Class Sphere (660 Tie Devils) - Terra Kadra
2 Fire Class Light Frigates - FCLC 1 & 2
7 Immobilizers - Immobilizer 1-7

Sluis Van, two months ago.




Captain Carlos Alberto stood stiffly as the shuttle landed on the surface of Sluis Van, the result of an 8 hr jump from his last post. He waited and moments later the landing struts finally locked and the gangway started to lower. Smiling to himself he stepped out into the night, his frame raising almost 6 inches as he raised himself to his full height, now unconstrained by the Lambdas hull.

From across the landing pad Carlos could make out an officer running towards him, he was a Commander, the rank He himself had held since early in his career, and he made a beeline towards the Corellian.

"Captain Alberto? I'm Commander Draco, base liason officer. Your partner is about to arrive himself..."

Partner..?





Sluis Van, Bridge of the ASD Seraphim.




"A number of Star Destroyers, inbound. Plus support ships. No fighters reported as yet..."

Carlos looked out the viewport at the distant daggar heads that were cruising now towards them.

"Are we in range?"

The scanning crew shook their heads, "No, considerably out. Shall we move to engage?"

The Captain paused, considering his options. The ASD was a powerful ship, but it alone would fall. Mentally he ran through the last recorded positions of the rest of the fleet. He knew the Reign was around the planet, as was the Attack Sphere.

"TIE Devils being launched..."

Carlos was snapped back into action by the scanners report.

"Launch all fighters, have them hold with us. SATAPs form a concave rear picket at close range. Lets engage in our own time. Shrouds move down the eliptical at full pace, stay out of range until engagement."



Fleet Manifest

1 Archangel Class Star Destroyer
Serephim - Captain Carlo Alberto

4 Star Avenger Tactical Assault Platforms
6 Shroud Attack Cruisers

1728 Starfury Assault Fighters
12 TIE/rpt

"B-Wings launching..."

The Imperial response was swift, which was to their credit. Mack was soon facing a superior force in a defending role, which did not bode well for him.

"Report." He ordered

"All ships and starfighters with raised shields, and missiles loaded." Captain Rickover reported.

Mack nodded but remained silent as he watched the Imperial fleet approach the Sovereignty formation.

"One Reign, one Liberty, one Sphere..." Rickover said, looking at the sensor report that was handed to him.

The Reign was perhaps the biggest threat, but the Archangel (Liberty) and the Attack-class Carrier Sphere were also dangerous. The Star Avengers were typical frontline warships, although if allowed to come in close they could be dangerous as well.

"The Explorer, Shadow, Deception, and Zenith II, along with the B-Wings are to move ahead staying out of enemy weapons range. Corona's are to move to the right, also staying just out of weapons range." He turned to his left, "Helm, begin on heading four-zero eight mark four (to the left), full sublight speed."

The four ORS Victory-Class Star Destroyers moved ahead, accompanied by the B-Wing Starfighters. The Corona Star Frigates moved to the right and the Defiant to the left. splitting into three formations.

"Order Vics to fire." Mack said calmly. Rickover relayed the command to the captains of the four Victory-class Star Destroyers, who acknowledged. Minutes later, 320 Concussion Missiles Lanced out from the Victory formation, speeding toward the Imperial formation, the Reign in particular.

"Vics are to retreat." Mack ordered.

The four Victory-class Star Destroyers then reversed thrust, and never turning away from the Imperial ships, they backed away.

"Coronas are to hold position, as are we. Continue on course." Mack went on.



*All ORS ships out of range of Imperial weapons.

RSD Yslavic


"They are outside weapons range... maximum targeting cannot obtain a lock."

"VSD's are coming closer but just not close enough.."

Admiral Gatticus was only half listening as she oversaw the communications stations relaying information to both the Empire at large as well as the planetary leaders.

"Get your citizens to their bunkers. Initiate Emergency Protocols."

"Admiral! They are firing!"

Gatticus made sure her orders were relayed to the planet before turning around. "They are out of range."

"Missiles!"

The aging woman raised an eyebrow.

"Target?"

"They appear to be fired at us, given that we are the only Imperial warship in their line of fire. If they were targeting us and only us, their trajectories would be converging given the spread of the enemy formation. They are not converging, just shot in our general direction."

"But we are the only ship in the way?"

"Yes, Ma'am. The missiles will pass Captain Alberto's fleet overhead."

"Well then, better ask Alberto to shoot at them as they pass by." She tuggered her uniform. "Helm, turn our bow to face them. Give the missiles the smallest area to strike against. Gunner's, extrapolate from those missiles those that will hit, starting with our critical areas and blast them to bits."

The missiles were heading in a straight line so the targeting computers had no trouble selecting those that the Admiral had specified.


The Reign Class Star Destroyer began firing it's long range weapons, the massive bolts of energy moving over Captain Alberto's ships striking missiles and continued to lay down blanket turbolaser fire.

Distant explosions were seen.

"Make sure you don't singe Alberto's hair.." The Admiral called out as the moved to her TAC screen making sure her people would react quickly if Alberto's forces for some reason moved into their line of fire.

"Text reply from Immobilizers."

The Admiral turned to glance at the message from the ships on the circumference route out beyond the current firing range of the enemy to the right of their position.

The Fire Class Light Frigates, on the night side of the planet near the equator confirmed weapons and shields raised.

"There is no danger to the Yslavic, Admiral."

"Excellent, order the starboard and port guns to shoot down the missiles as they pass us by." She stopped to think, "Well those missiles that dear Alberto misses and when they pass us by."

Then the Admiral stopped. "Open a channel to the enemy. Link Captain Alberto's vessel."

"Link established. Channel open."

"Hostile forces, you are ordered to surrender your vessels or leave. Any further action will be dealt with harshly."

They waited for a response.


What scum am I missing my grandchild's birthday for?


OOC:

All Imperial vessels under Admiral Gatticus' command out of range.

Of 300+ missiles fired, only those that would have struck the RSD have been destroyed (plus a few others). So far.

Bridge of the ASD Serephim.




"Missiles inbound, bearing... Its headed for the Yslavic. It should pass us by easily, well within engagement range."

Captain Carlos nodded as he watched the distant streaks moved quickly towards them. Overhead a flashing light activated indicating incoming missile impacts.

"Move to engage those missiles. Have 4 wings of SASs move on a NNW eliptical bearing vaguely mirroring the Shrouds, stay out of range otherwise. SATAPs to form up in a facing square around us at half compass points. All Phallanx and weapons focus their firing."

Bridge crew were already issuing orders as the Captain continued and it took only a moment of waiting before the projectiles came into range. From the pit a comms officer called.

"The Yslavic is establishing contact with the enemy and us. They too are engaging the inbound missiles, including the few astray that were heading for us. Enemy Fighters have been launched."

Alberto smiled, satisfied that his superior officer was as much on the ball as he.

"Make sure Admiral Gatticus knows i've just had a haircut, lets keep our fire tight!"

Ahead of him the pulses of laserfire were raining down upon the rows of missiles, SASs and phallanxs engaging slowly and safely, making sure to take their target down. A few slipped by, but these would undoubtedly be taken care of by Gatticus.

"Comms?"

"They are still out of range, but moving forward in 3 formations. All have Coronas in the unit..."

The ship still fired, making sure to account for all targets as Carlos stared distantly at the incoming shapes. The Coronas defences were useful against fighters, but that typically refered to the manned variety. The SASs would prove more than a match for their opponents.

"Dispatch another wing to assist Admiral Gatticus' FCLFs. In the event of engagement, have our SASs tasked in groups of half squadrons, each unit to target a Coronas individual laser. One group per laser. Have another task group of 500 on interception duties for those fighters, but to maintain in the skirmish line until they strike. The rest maintain a constant forward missile picket and move with the fleet.

If they don't surrender to Admiral Gatticus, we'll grind them down."


Staying out of range, Shrouds moving down the eliptical in flank, some SASs mirroring. Contingency orders placed.

Inbound missiles destroyed.

"Missiles on target." Rickover muttered as he watched a set of numbers tick down quickly on his command console, "Imperial forces set to intercept them. They should reach their maximum firing range shortly..."

Mack stepped over to the communications board as Rickover called out again.

"Missiles intercepted!"

Mack ignored him, focusing on his BAC and the communications console.

"Hostile forces, you are ordered to surrender your vessels or leave. Any further action will be dealt with harshly."

"Ignore them. Send them no response." Mack said quietly to the ensign manning the comm console.The ensign nodded, nervously.

"Pounders to move forward and release their payload. Order the Vics to reload missiles and prepare to fire."

The 288 B-Wings that were holding position moved forward quickly. They closed the distance between themeslves and the Star Avenger Tactical Assault Platforms. They stayed well out of turbolaser range as the targeted two of the vessels.

"Release." Mack said.

The B-Wings all shuddered as they released their proton torpedo complement. Each fighter had two torpedo tubes, which made well over five-hundred torpedo's focusing on two of the ships alone.

Torpedoes were slightly different from concussion missiles. Instead of the elongated "body" of the missiles, the torpedo was smaller, more compact. Harder to destroy.

"Pounders retreat back to former position and hold. Coronas continue on course, all ships stay out of Imperial weapons range." Mack ordered as the torpedoes struck their targets.


"Sir," The ensign at the communications station spoke up.

"What is it?"

"Incoming transmission."

"The Imperial commander again?" Mack asked, stepping over to the comm station.

"No. It is from the Legacy sir. She is inbound."

The Legacy was the President's personal ship that had been lent to Mack and his taskforce. The vessel had been equipped with a very new device that was going to be very useful. She had been on her way to Sluis Van at last report.

"Good."



SATAP - Light Damage
SATAP - Light Damage

Reinforcements - 1 Home One-class Command Cruiser

The Serephim.




The B Wings advanced slowly, their hulking t forms closing on the waiting Imperial ships. The crew on Captain Albertos ships watched with a strange sense of fascination as they approached in standard strike formation. There was something entirely unnerving about watching ships march to their destruction. Over 700 Starfuries sat directly between the B Wings and their apparent targets in standard defensive formations, with even more on their flanks. Immediately they set upon the rebel fighters, which for some reason continued to disengage, making for the SATAPs.

Only moments after the the fighters could engage, the other ships in the unit could too, the SATAPs and ASDs quads making each B Wing pay for its ground in hull integrity.

A number of dozen were taken down before launching their payload, considerably reducing the danger to Albertos ships, and even more were swatted down as they turned from the Imperial Fleet, their mission completed. Although the survivors made up the majority, not a single one was undamaged. Strangely though they had launched their missiles from long range, something Alberto could not fathom at this very moment.

"Phallanxs from all ships."

His crew were already relaying the order, and it was already being obeyed it was apparent, massive streams of tiny laserlights shooting out of his ships. Tactically, he had organised his ships for this exact eventuality. Spoting the VSDs and B Wings, and knowing that missile strikes would be key, Alberto had moved his ships into a position that allowed maximum engagement protection for his Phallanxs aboard all vessels.

"Sir, enemy has received a transmission. Encrypted. Cryptology is on it."

Nodding absentmindedly, he kept his eyes on those Corona cruisers.

"Order the wings sent to Gatticus' Fires returned for skirmish screen. I want those few extra fighters..."

The order was relayed, and Carlos just watched impassively as the crew scurryed like ants, missiles streaking in.

"Sir, our 2 northern SATAPs have taken light sheild damage. Around 15 % on both."

"Full engine power diverted to sheilds for said ships until we can get them back up to maximum. I want to see what this guys insides look like."


Damage:

Outside turbolaser range maybe, but i'm pretty sure fighters have to engage their ships (meaning come into range of them) when they launch missiles. Maybe outside turbolaser range, but inside laser range?

Right, considering you faced over 700 SASs, plus around 120 Quad Cannons, i think around 100 is ok.

Say, 90 B Wings lost, in total for that pass? and around 30 SASs, since you weren't even targetting them, but i assume your gunners would have at least taken shots, even if he was focused on the SATAPs. And i assumed you would have moved the B Wings out of strike range after the attack, so they are.



SATAP 85% sheilds 100% backups 100% hull 100% systems (full reroute from engines to sheilds, 85% and rising)
SATAP 85% sheilds 100% backups 100% hull 100% systems (full reroute from engines to sheilds, 85% and rising)

Average B Wing after strike
5% Sheilds n/a backups 95% hull 98% systems (although you guys have a quicker sheild recharge time than cappies, less SBD to heal i guess)

RSD Yslavic


There were really quite a few missiles shot at the Imperial forces from the great distance and those that would have struck the Yslavic were destroyed, her port and starboard gunnery crews moved to blast those that moved past the Reign Star Destroyer.

"Missiles entering local civilian shipping lanes, Admiral!" the secondary scanning officer shouted.

"Order those civilians to ground!" the Admiral nearly shouted to the communications stations.

"Local civilian comm chatter is rising. Apparently, the planet knows they are under attack and they are trying to get messages out."

"Civilians.." Gatticus murmured a bit condescendingly. "Begin high encryption of all military transmissions and get me the Grand Marshall."

"Aye."

"Two transports struck by rogue missiles, Admiral."

"Damn.." Gatticus swore under her breath.


Meanwhile, the FCLCs moved in behind the SATAPs setting their weapons to engage any enemy fighters that might come their way. For now, it seemed the enemy was choosing to remain out of range.

"Admiral, I have Imperial Center."

The gray haired woman stood stall and erect as the holographic projection of the Grand Marshall appeared.

"Grand Marshall, Sluis Van is under attack."

"I gathered as much, Admiral. What is your situation?"

"The enemy is holding beyond our reach and has only made a passing effort to fire upon our positions from extreme long range. They refuse communications."

"Strength?"

"Nominal, Marshall, but.."

"The fact that they are holding outside of range and not answering hails means they are waiting for something."

"My thoughts exactly, Sir."

"There is a fleet enroute from Muunilist and a patrol group near your area.."

"Composition?"

"Uknown until I speak to them. Hold, Gatticus."


"Understood, Marshall."


"Imperial Center out."


The Immobilizers slowed to remain out of range of the enemy fleet as they approached from the outer system. The fighter squadron also adjusted to stay out of range of the enemy as their advance slowed.


"Let's see what these mysterious @#%$ do.."


The Imperial Fleet was ready, their long range weapons picking a sensor target tracking their movements....

"They are advancing. The damaged ships somehow mantained their shields even though our directed missile fire was upon them." Rickover muttered.

"The SATAP is a very strong vessel. It is no surprise." Mack replied, "Pull all ships back. We are done here. They are to head to their proper points."

"Right." Was the response.

Rickover leaned down to his communications board and began typing a coded message, which was to be sent out to all the individual vessels, including the starfighters.

"Pounders are to initiate general order three-zero-seven and escort us out of here." Rickover spoke, after sending his coded message.

"Coronas to continue on course and enter hyperspace. Defiant also to continue on course and enter hyperspace. Vics and the rest are to come about and enter hyperspace." Mack said.

Again, a coded message was sent out to the ORS vessels. Orders were followed and all ORS vessels pushed their engines to max. The Victory SDs turned around and pushed their engines to the limit, B-Wings escorting them.

*All ORS vessels traveling away at full engine capacity. Note that there are three different vectors of exit.