Royal Palace, Hapes
Dakkon sat in relative silence, his mind locked in intense reverie. He had risked the lives of his younger sister and one of his up and coming courtiers on a mission that was neither necessary nor fully safe. The services of the local authorities would be, as always, grossly insufficient for dealing with any real thread to the pair, and with the increasing threats of his brothers band of sith disciples, Dakkon knew more would be necessary.
Enter Black Hand, a relatively secretive organisation that had maintained a healthy though hidden relationship with the Consortium since the clusters last great partnership had faltered. They had intervened, in a form, against the predations of a Corporation that grew too greedy. Although the falling out between IDTech and Hapes had long been solved, the Hapan Prince still worried inwardly that a similar event could happen, only this time harming his family.
His mind drifted back to what started as a friendly business venture, but almost turned into a war that threatened Imperial Intervention in the Cluster.
He leaned back in his chair. It has hand fashioned from the finest pelts from across the galaxy from the rarest of species. He planted his boots firmly on the floor as he pulled a datapad off his desk, glancing over the information it so beged him to read.
Planet: Danoz
Capital: Danoz Prime
Trade: Industrial and Military
Position: Outer Rim World
Government: Oligarchy
Defenses: 2 ISD's as well as a small picket force
Additional Notes: Danoz Manufacturing has had its filthy claws into the planetary government for many centuries now, control its actions to further its own agenda. Early in its birth years, Danoz Manufacturing stole many designs from Hapes itself and sold them on the free market to keep itself alive. Thus Hape's intelligance officers have infiltrated almost every arm of government on Danoz itself, ready for an eventual revenge strike to bring the criminal Danoz Manufacturing group to justice....
THis planet had a viable navy, meaning trained officers. IDTech would need trained officers for its new ships. Danoz had manufacturing faculties. Those could become useful to IDTechs cuase...
"Liandra, get me the Hapan representative on the Holo, I must speak to him immediatly"
He wanted it, and he would have it....
Crown Prince Darksword was examining the newly commisioned AEGIS type ships that had recently entered the Hapan navy when suddenly an aide tapped the Prince on his shoulder.
"Sire? We have a priority communication from Lord Raktus of IDTech, he says he has something on Danoz."
That got the Princes attention. He turned and made his way to the nearest comm-station. Up blinked a Hapan banner before it transmuted into the face of Raktus.
"Yes Heir, what is this information on Danoz you have? I assume you were breifed on their 'actions' against the Hapan Consortium as well as the potential and real damage done to our exports and reputation."
The Prince waited expectantly. If the CEO had discovered a pretense for an assault on Danoz that was real, he had the Crown Princes, as well as Hapes, undivided attention.
A small holovid image of him appeared out of his desk frame, an unseen holoproject he had had installed a couple of months back. A bit flickery, but then again show me a holoprojector that isnt. He held his tongue for a moment, letting the man from Hapes wait a moment in expectation before begining...
"Yes, I was quite briefed in the regular reports from your staff. Quite the situation eh? Anyways.... A few of my business associates on Danoz have reported to me of a predicament that you might find interesting. Appearently the Danoz Manufacturing company has begun construction of a Hapan Battle Dragon. They finished its hull, and its plain the design is the same, but its weapons systems are on par with that of the empire's. Its a supirior design..."
He couldnt help but grin as the Hapes offical showed utter disgust at his last comment. THose Hapes, far too into themselves...
"Dont worry so much, its very much lacking in the beauty that most Hapan ships posses. Still, its quite the smack in the face dont you think? Like hey, look what we did, whatcha gonna do about it..."
Stroke his ego, then put ideas in his head, by the book
"So, what ya think of all this anyway?"
Dakkon grimaced as one of his advisors blanched at the comment to Hapan royalty, another was forcably restrained for his anger at such disrespect. But the Crown Prince knew that the IDTech Cheif Executive Officer was more than correct.
And this slap in the face would be avenged, Danoz would suffer.
"Ah, well you are obviously unaccostomed to the now standard Hapan Nova Class. Its weapons are on par with anything the Empire can throw. The Centrepoint incident helped with that. But the Battle Dragon, now that would be quite the technical achievment. We have been unable to change its systems to match Imperial tech.
If this is correct, then vengeance might serve well, along with stealing the plans they had."
The Prince paused thoughtfully.
"Perhaps we should, educate, Danoz on the follies of triffling with us."
"Yes well, I myself have operatives on the planets surface. Mostly to monitor the competition, but they have training in such terrorist acts. Perhaps we should strike jointly?"
Dakkon grinned, his teeth bared in a smile unbecoming of Hapan Royalty.
"Yes. Such an action would be pertinant. I have special forces troops ready for such actions, and other Intelligence operatives already on planet.
Whats your suggestions for the assault?"
"First off, my forces will strike the planetary defenses worldwide, while at the same time your forces move to attack the planet. In the meantime, I'll have special units replacing specific units in the Danoz government. If all goes well, this entire spectacle will go unoticed by the general population"
The Prince smiled grimly at this show of military brute strength.
"Perhaps a little more tact would be required to do this. Continue with your infiltration while i do the same. We shall crush them silently, if not easily."
As the dozen IDTech transport entered Danoz space it sliped into the stream of commercial traffic its package was a prescious one. The holds were filled with the prescious metals the DC needed for weapons production, and this shipment from IDTech was to aid them immensly.
Following the lane beacons the small group of merchant ships made there way towars the planets surface, to dock with a pre-ordained docking port for unloading. Rather suddenly one of the vessels broke off course and shot straight for the Danoz Gencor shields, alerts went off in the planetary defense grid as the vessel's midsection suddenly disengaged from the rest of the ship and hyperjumped straight into the shield generator. Blowing a rather large hole in the structure but not destroying it, but rather disabling it. Immediatly defense platforms were trained on the IDTech vessel as it was obliterated in a hail of fire.
The lead IDTech vessel hailed the main defense platform immediatly...
"Dont fire! that was merely a drone ship, it had malfunctioned, we attempted to regain control and when we did the computer read an intruder alert and tried to jettison the cargo. Being too near the planet this happened, we will kindly repair your Gencor for you as well as pay for any other nominal fees incured, but lord willing please dont open fire!"
The Danoz Security badge identified her as Mergit Foa, a systems analysis Technician with Danoz Manufacturing. As far as the planet's military was concerned, she was Mergit Foa with all the pertinent papers and documents.
" I've got a report of a malfunction in Ion Cannon's cooling couplings."
The commanding officer scanned her ID badge and read at the repair order. " I wasn’t told of any problems."
Silver eyes rolled in frustration. " Look, all I know is that I got a call on my day off saying I had to get my butt over here ASAP to fix this bloody thing. Now if you want me to go home, that’s fine with me. I would much rather there, celebrating my son’s birthday with the rest of the family, than here. But I want your name and security ID number so if the Cannon overheats and explodes I have someone else to blame for it. I’m not going to take the fall for it."
He handed the order back to her and motioned for her to pass. " The main computer’s at the end corridor."
She stuffed the datapad back into the pocket of her coat. " I know where the computer is."
So it was that Terolyn gained access to the third, and final, Ion cannon of Danoz. With the new ID and documents provided by ID Tech, it had been easy enough for her to get to the first two. The third was turning out to be just as easy.
Placing her tool case on the computer console she opened it and connected the diagnostic computer to the cannons main computer. Her fingers danced across the keypad, entering the sequence that would synchronize this cannon with the other two across the planet. She glanced at the chronometer on her wrist and smiled. If all was going according to plan, the ID Tech ships would have arrived a few minutes ago and staged their little accident.
An hour from now, the ion cannons would begin to over heat and detonate the charges that were to have been installed in the cannons cooling couplings before hand by another operative. Another unfortunate ‘accident’.
By the time Danoz military figured out what happened it would be too late.
The starstreaks disappeared suddenly as the modified YT-2000 reverted to realspace. On board was a mottly assortment of men from all aspects of Hapan Society.
Clarr Maknor, Greatest Con Artist in the Galaxy. Arrested while trying to steal the Crown Jewels of Hapes, he has pledged by his peoples honour code to continue to steal and cause mayhem in the name of Hapes.
Darius Zzylar, Privateer descended from the founders of Hapes. One of the Greatest pirates ever, his contacts spanning several systems, almost as in a private empire.
Ki Adi Mundi, Surviving Jedi Master from the council of Jedi in the old republic. He now heads the Council of Ephors, the Hapan Academy of Jedi.
Jamno Dmaklao, expert theif and criminal. Rivaled Maknor for the greatest criminal in the galaxy, he has been attributed to many of the most heinous robberies in the galaxy. He serves Hapes for one thing.... Money.
Grak Delmonai, one man army. Head of the Krypteria, also known as the Hapan Guild of Assassins. He single handedly defeated a platoon of Democlean rebels who assaulted a farm where he was staying while making his way back to Democles Prime after assassinating one of the 3 warlords that sprung up after Democles joined the Hapan Consortium. He serves here as both a duty to the Consortium and as the one who will make sure this group succedes.
These men, and their comrades in adjacent shuttles, were all heading to Danoz on a mission of destruction and, to some of them, fun...
The shuttle crews acknowledge ground controls queries and the ships were planet bound.
An interstellar shuttle was now in orbit around the planet of Danzo. This shuttle had close to six hundred passengers on board.Amoung the passengers was Terex B Datoo. Although according to the passenger manifest on this ship his name was Ren Zeel. Ren looked like your average space traveler.He was in blue jeans and a T shirt with the words Eat my space dust written across the back of the shirt. Tex looked out the window as he heard a droid's voice say, Ladies ,and Gentlemen we will be landing on Danzo shortly.
When Terex looked down at the neon blue planet,he noticed small satilights orbiting.When the shuttle lowered farther into the atmosphere Terex noticed that the weather conditions on this planet must be very unpredictable because from his view point Terex could see the clouds below him moving far more rapidly then normal.
Within a few moments Terex felt the ship's landing gear deploy. At the same moment that Terex felt the ground below him he began to hear the ping of rain against the ship.As Terex began to exit he pulled the collar of his T shirt up a bit in a vain attempt to protect himself from the rain.As he surveyed the purple-green sky above him Tex noticed the clouds swirling in a black hole type movement.He also noticed that no one on this planet seem to even notice the rain I wonder why they don't try to keep dry.Terex though. Terex question was answered almost as soon as it had passed through his brain. The rain stopped just minuets after it had began.
A tour was offered to the passengers of the shuttle.Terex decided to tour on his on after all he did have a job to do.
At first glance Danzo looked like any other planet, parks, bars, restaurants all of the necessities of life.However as Terex continued his surveying he noticed check points all around the planet. These checkpoints were monitored by arm guards with blasters on their right hip and Com devices on their left.
Terex took out his own Com device set it to map, and mapped the location of each guard shack. It took most of the day, but Terex rode shuttles around the entire planet until he was sure that he had every guard shack's location mapped. Terex counted 150 guard shacks in all.
It was not hard to figure out that the Com links worked off the satilights. And from his work in Intel Terex knew that satlights ran from comand post that most times were not armed at all and if they were they were minimally secured.
After looking over his Com link Terex decided that the command post was somewhere in the middle of the planet. After a few stops along the way , and pursuits of dead ends.Terex came to a park directly in the center of the planet.
The New Galaxy Park was packed children, played hyperball with their friends, parents played with their children, Teenagers had picnics in the grass.After pretending to read the Danoz Daily News for about an hour, Terex went in search of the command post.
After about 30 minuets of searching Terex found a greenish purple building,with a satilight dish raised directly skyward. Terex knocked twice loud on the door. When he received no response he tired to pull the door open. When it didn't respond to his touch he took a small screw driver out of his pocket.He picked the lock and walked in.As he had guessed there was no one in the building. I'm sure they only send someone out if the satilight needs repair.Terex thought
Terex took a small piece of paper from his pocket on the paper were passcodes for the satilights.The codes had been given to Terex by ID Tech.After only five minuets or so Terex had the passcodes in , and now the Com links had a timer set on them the satilights would shut down in 15 minuets, and stay shut down for several hours. Terex reset the passwords just in case he had to get back into the system from his own Com link quickly. Terex walked out of the park with a confident stride ,and a smile
The comlink on the belts of all unit commanders went off, linking them to the Prince of Hapes.
"This mission is scraped. Due to circumstances beyond our control, and some within, this mission has turned from one of conquest to protection.
Move to secure positions in the planet, and notify the Danoz authorities about our plans, but only to the extent shown in contingancy 74ALS. Tell them they are under threat, and should they require it, we have a Fleet waiting to come to their assistance."
The comlink shut down and the relevant squad leaders went about their assigned tasks.
Upon hearing of the threat, and that Hapes was involved, they immediatly locked down the sector, a number of IDTech and Hapan ships being confined within the lockdown.
As the acknowledgments came through the Crown Prince frowned at the task he was about to be presented. It would require one more call.
"Terex? Bad news. The planets been locked down. Return to Hapes for debreif. Coordinates are being sent through for a ship with some of my crew to take you back to Hapes.
Something bads going on..."
The Prince frowned again as he shut off the comlink and headed back to his study.
And he had been such a nice guy!
"Reporting"
The metallic voice of the Droid commander aboard the lead ISD of the IDT fleet responded to the hail.
"Commander, Danoz, 24CB2"
The coded plan was instantly recognized and immediatly cycled through all droids in the fleet. Their AI's immediatly calculating future advances while their base programing got them moving towards their objective.
"Understood"
The fleet leaped into hyperspace, its two day jump would soon take it into Danoz space, for their conquest...
Transports had been ferrying in technicians for the past day, reorganising the defences of Danoz. But the transport that was now landing contained the most important thing of all.
The Droid Command brain for 1000 Xi-Char droid fighters, on loan to the Danoz defence forces in light of recent agressive ambitions by another group.
The elders of the Danoz Government had been breifed on the entire situation by Hapan Military Liasons Officers which had caused the escalation of security this far. 5 full Corps of Hapes had joined the Danoz defence forces in Peoples Volunteer Armies, and they had all come fully equipt and trained.
No larger force was allowed due to lingering suspicions over Hapes motives, but direct assurances from Hapan royalty had quelled most of them. A large part of the Hapan Fleet was waiting only a 5 minute jump away in a nearby sector, in case of an agressive fleet moving into the system.
While the brain was unloaded, the entire system was locked down, not a person in the already secure planet could step outside their doors for 2 hours around the landing of the brain and its 2 backups. In system, Danoz's ISDs and smaller capital ships took all shipping in system into a quarentine zone to ensure they could not be spying, and were all thoroughly searched. All IDTech operatives involved in the infiltration were siezed, including some who IDTech had not notified Hapes of their presence.
And so it was that Danoz and IDTech would come to blows.
Regretably of course, but Hapes hand had been forced, and now they would force back...
Fortunatly enough, as Raktus full well knew from first hand knowledge, Hapan intell was something to be joked about rather than taken serious.
"Get me the council Elder"
"Aye sir"
A series of channels were opened up all across the galaxy, secure channels, each of them, locked down and tight beam transmision. All but the final one which was wide beamed over the entire Danoz system, while still heavily encoded, to find the messages destination would be nary imppossible
"Senior Counsilman, I believe it is time"
"I understand mien furior"
and with that, the secondary plans went into action. Some time ago, one of the Council elders had been assasinated by an IDTech merc, the death was covered up and an HRD was deployed in his place, without a hitch the HRD was runing operations from Danoz as well as forming divisions in the Danoz government. If things were runing properly, this same council elder would be pulling together his most trusted military advisors, personal political friends, and all the resources he could muster for the coming civil war at hand.
If he had his calculations correct the strike fleet would be entering the Danoz system in just one days time, hopefully enough time for the Elder to begin his attacks. One could only hope...
"...And i call for a disolution of the corrupt Council that has ruined our fair planet."
Cheers erupted from the assembled crowds on every populated area of the landmass, finally released from their homes after security measures. Kraygor, head of the corruption committee of the Danoz House of Representatives, smiled as the elated masses releave ten years of collective oppression at the hands of the Danoz Manufacturing Corps and its puppet Government. The Oligarchy was hated across the planet, only the democratic reforms of a few years ago had helped them maintain a strangle hold on the planet. But now it was coming to an end.
"Spread the word, let all know that Danoz is now a free planet, and shall remain so forever!"
More cheering erupted, this time so intense it was overwhelming. The people of Danoz were chafing at the bit of dictatorship, an unstoppable force which came from all aspects of life, civil and military. It was the wave of the future, and that was was about to crush the little sandcastle that Danoz Manufacturing...
All over the planet, people were storming the objects of their imprisonment. Not Forts and airbases. Not Government buildings, but Danoz Manufacturing Plants. The CEO and executive board of DML called out to the Oligarchy to defend them, and they tried. Orders went out to the military to take out the protestors. But these were not followed.
For the military contains people too, and they were almost entirely part of the popular revolution.
Council of Elders Stateroom, Danoz Prime
Later that day
"But what are we to do?" asked one, "it is completely widespread!"
3 of the 9 members nodded their ascent, knowing that they had finally lost support completely.
"Perhaps we could call on Hapes for support...." Another suggested meekly.
"Never shall we bow before Tyranny of Hapes!" Shouted Senior Councilerman Vaygar, the man who had once been the puppet of DML who now had a strange leaning towards the other assailants.
"What are you talking about?" shouted Counciler Vasaiin, one of the 2 pro Hapans on the council, "Hapes has respected all our wishes in regards to our defence, never pushing us further than we wanted.
IDTech would be DML all over again. We would not survive that rulership, and nor would IDTech or the people of Danoz, whoever ran out of lives to throw into the rebellion first.
I believe our only safely lies in either abdication... Or joining Hapes."
All bar Vaygar and another man nodded, some agreeing with abdication, others with Hapes. Suddenly the sealed door to the council chambers opened.
Stepping through the door stood Senator Kraygor...[/i]
"Good evening Noble Elders.
I come to you with a choice. Abdicate and allow free elections or die."
Vaygar rose off his seat to stand on the raised dias reserved for men of his position.
"You presume to threaten me? Danoz will not stand for a dictator! Only our esteemed council can lead Danoz. So it has been for centuries before and after Imperial occupation."
Kraygor smiled grimly before replying.
"You are out of touch old man. Danoz hates the council, and you especially for your tyranny. But they only hate the symbol and you Vaygar, not the rest.
Do the rest of you concur?"
7 of the 9 men agreed, their ascent shown by some with a cheer, others with a world weary sigh. Counciler Ghamn, the only other specifically anti-Hapan on the council, and Vaygars right hand, looked up to his mentors, before his eyes returned to the Senator and nodded soulfully. Walking out, all 8 turned their heads to take one last look at the room from which their dreams had been realised, and their hopes dashed. All were taken into partially custody, for their own safety, and all that was left was Vasaiin.
"As for you Vaygar, you are under arrest by order of the Republic of Danoz for Grand Corruption, Treason and Conspiracy to commit murder among others. You have no rights, but will recieve a fair trial where you will be condemned to death."
Ten Guards appeared from the outer doors, and made their way up to the former Senior Counciler. As they grabbed him he started to struggle, but was clubbed repeatedly over the back of the head until he passed out, upon which time he was placed in heavy duty restraints.
Ten Minutes later he was strapped in a massive iron Vice, his body held tight, but not enough to bring death. That would come.
And at the exact same time, Danoz began a free nation.
The TTR fleet ship Zerzaust, an MC90, jumped out of hyperspace with its escort of 200 Chiss Claw Craft. The ship jetted in toward the planet so as to fulfill its part of the agreement with the new Danoz government. It moved into a permenant orbit around the planet.
At that very same moment the IDT fleet emerged from hyperspace. They formed a wedge moving straight towards the planet, as if a dagger in the night, out to end this puny rocks existance. Councilman Vaygar's com had since stoped transmiting their last meeting and Raktus had known what was happening, he could only capitalize as best he could on the situation. The IDT frigates broke free from detane status and roared to life, setting course straight for the oncoming ISD's. The ISD's practicaly overloaded their comunications systems boosting their signals to overide all other signals on the planet. Heir Raktus's voice was beamed to all of Donaz for all to hear.
"Dear citizens of the planet Donaz, I am Heir Raktus, CEO of IDTech. I humbly approach you with open eyes and open arms. I wish to embrace you as friend, and I recognize your new democratic government as a step in a beautiful new direction. Alas though, im sure you may have already noticed the warships near and in your sector. Worry not, I have sent my own personal fleet to protect you, for Hapes and its allies seek to enslave you as DML once did. Even now TTR has a slaveship positioned over your capital city, ready to take you away. I assure you I will not let this happen! Donaz WILL be free! Trust in me and all we be well again..."
The transmission cut out as the IDT fleet swooped into Donaz orbit. Vaygar still had his sopporters, an underground of merchants and mercenary's, much to build on, but enough to keep oneself out of danger if one needed to escape.
As the Zurzaust came into system to fulfill the defence requirements of the new democratic Danoz Government, popularly elected President Kraygor sighed, the Governments defences were finally secure. But as the IDTech Fleet appeared, the relief turned to outrage at such a blatent attack on Danoz's new sovreignty.
As the Mastermind of the attack's voice came out above Danoz and his subsequint denounciation of Danozs partners in freedom, Tholatin and Hapes, boos and jeers erupted from the assembled throngs of Danoz. The corporate nature of IDTech was a little too close to the hated DML for comfort, and the entire population knew it.
"Send out a code red to Hapes. Scramble the Xi-Char fighters, and have them send in any assistance they can!"
Meanwhile, Admiral Katar of Danoz Naval Command was issuing orders to the ISDs in orbit.
"Stick together, make sure they cannot get in between you and have the support craft divide into two groups, one to flank the IDTech forces, the other to support our ImpStars.
This is a battle for our newfound independance friends, lets not let our people down!"
The newly restored Ion Cannons opened fire, sending a triple volly into IDTechs leading ship. Its systems shut down immediatly as the blasts overloaded its sheilds and its systems.
Xi Char fighters launched from their bases, taking up loitering positions in the planets stratosphere, well out of the range of the incoming frigates.
And as the message was relayed to the short term Fleet base, Hapes sent out the word, IDTech had just overstepped its bounds...
With that, the Fleet moved off, the starstreaks appearing just as freedom would return to Danoz...
"Ships detected"
The metallic voice of the Droid commander rang through to Heir Raktus's main com. He studied the sensor readouts and immediatly recognized the outlines. Hapan ships had entered the fray, not only that but by that other ships registery his good friends TTR were in system as well. This required immediate action, before moving to a new com he hailed the commander once more..
"Alpha tango Donaz alpha"
"Yes comander"
With that Raktus got on the line and began to contact a new hidden source. Meanwhile over Donaz, the Star Destroyers luanched many small little transports to the planet, though no life signs registered on any of these pods, they still looked pretty ominous to any to behold. The Cargo vessels hovered in space, not quite knocked out, but then again, not really combat vessels and no need to go anywhere.
On planet...
Vaygar gathered his own commanders near the still unrepaired planetary shield generator. A private and secret meeting intended to begin a new order on Donaz.
"So its agreed, we cannot let our planet fall into the hands of those chaotic slobs. You've seen what they did to one of us already, imagine what they will do to you for the atrocitys youve commited! Yes, I can see it in your eyes, your frightened about the future. As you should be, the future is uncertain as the day that comes. But fear not my friends, for we shall overcome, for the best of our planet, we must win, spread word to all your inner circles, we strike at sun rise, this... IDT, has pledged its support to us. We shall win this day and Donaz will once again be a shining gem in the sky as it always has been!"
With that the meeting ended at the commanders slithered off into the shadows. sneaking and hiding till the suns rise, awaiting there next move. The Councilman merely walked off, as if nothing had happened and had been on a stroll...
"Landing Craft incoming!!"
The radar operator shouted above the cacophany of the Command Centre, its sirens blaring an alert.
"Life signs? Electronic readings?"
"No life signs, but electronic readings way above those standard for those small transports. Some have higher than others."
"Right, engage our Fleet with the transports. And our XiChar fighters. Those things cannot land. Have our Fleet maintain position between their fleet and the planet. Launch our TIE fighters and bombers."
As the words came out of his mouth, the Xi Char fighters were already engaging the unarmed escape pods. Without support, the transports were being slaughtered. The droids brain and its backup/relay stations signaled that they should engage the ones with the highest electronic signals, hence the ones with the most likelyhood to be carrying battledroids. Of the few transports/escape pods that had been launched, none would reach the planet. Unsheilded, and unarmed, they could do nothing to stop the 1000 Xi Char fighters ripping into them. With around a squadron and a half of fighters per barge, they were all destroyed, Simply and efficiently and most importantly without loss.
"Sir? The incoming craft were unsupported and were decimated by the Xi Chars. They had nothing to fight back with. If there were humans in there i would feel sorry for them..."
"Now is not the time for that ensign. Get on the comms. Send out for the Hapan Fleet. We are outnumbered by a large amount. Lets see if they can bring up the numbers.
And have the Zurzaust move into position behind our fleet and between the planet and them. Anything else they send through will be decimated..."
As the call went out, the Hapan Fleet had just been on exercises, and was just in a scramble drill. As the klaxons went off signaling a real scramble, the men were already running to their posts. Within minutes the Danoz Replacement Fleet was in Hyperspace.
15 minutes later
The starstreaks reverted to realspace as the Hapan Fleet appeared, Crown Prince Darksword at the helm. Shouting orders, they slowly begun to move around the planet and towards the area of conflict.
"Launch our fighters. We have them outnumbered in fighters, and ourgunned in Caps. Activate our Gravity Wells, we don't want them running away from their mistake..."
Things were looking good around here. Smoke thought this mission was pretty easy. All he had to do was watch over the brain that Hapes had sent. Nobody even saw the merc dressed in the ninja looking suit. He was using the Force to hide himself...his Dark Jedi training had paid off. His job was almost done, he was ready to collect his money and leave. This would be a good paying job...after all, he was recruited by the Prince of Hapes himself.
"Admiral" The young Captain said.
Admiral Jese Truun slowly turned around in his command chair onboard the Dynast-class Battlecruiser Insidious. He had been assigned this vessel by Viceroy Yanth and had been ordered to assist the allies of the Duskhan League.
"What is it" Truun said.
"The Prince has signaled us, we have confirmation on Danoz"
Truun nodded.
"Ah, good. All ships: Enter hyperspace, all speed. Battle stations. Target: Danoz"
A little later, the planet of Danoz filled the veiwscreens onboard the Yevethan vessels. But they weren't looking at the planets, they were looking at the ships surrounding it.
Truun sprung into action.
"All ships stand at the ready All Blessings-class ships: Power up gravwell and HB generators. Communications: Signal the Hapans and tell them we are ready"
Upon receiving the orders from the planet, the Zerzaust and its 200 Chiss Claw Craft moved in behind the Danoz fleet. When the Hapans jumped into the system, as well as the Yevetha, Captain Domani sent a message to them.
"This is Captain Domani of the Tholatin Republic MC90 Zerzaust. We are here as allies to you, and to fulfill our agreement with the new Danoz Government. Glad you're here."
With that, the shields went up, and all weapons were brought online. They prepared to do battle.
Danoz.
It held no true interest of the Rogue Empire, none whatsoever.
Except for those planning to take it through any means necessary. A corporation who's own goals meant more to it than the very sanction of the galaxy. How could they hope to rule without even a government or soldiers of their own?
They were a renegade corporation.
And Admiral Telween was assigned to taking them down.
The ships reverberated from hyperspace just five klicks from the battle, boosting itself to full speed and moving inwardly to the battle. The decorated commander was ready.
The Hapan Fleet rounded the planet, its gravity slingshoting the ships to speeds belying their size. Moving around the Danoz Fleet, they watched as the first ISD of Danozs forces buckled under the intense presure placed on it by IDTech ships.
The majority of the crew were able to escape, their pods rocketing them back to Danoz.
1000 Xi Char fighters moved through the wreckage of the Danoz ISD as the other ISD, momentarily confused, drifted closer to the IDTech torrent of firepower. Using the wreckage and the one remaining ISD as a platform, the fighters shot out from nowhere according to IDTech scanners. Too fast to be hit by the turbolasers on the Imperial Class Star Destroyers, they attacked with impunity, the sheilds on the ImpStars significantly reduced.
A number of assault shuttles took off from the planet to assault the drifting star Galleon, first hit by the triple volley from the Ion Cannons. What happened next was almost an exact duplicate of the fate of its comrade. The Ion Cannons fired again, 2 blasts impacting the body of the Galleon, a third hitting its small bridge area. Its sheilds, then communications, and finally its systems shut down. As the report reached the Hapan units, another Marine Crew scrambled to their assault trans, ready to capture another ship for the Cluster.
Meanwhile, the Hapan Fleet was flanking the IDTech ships. They were surrounded, Hapans on both Sides, Tholatins and Danozians holding the space between the planet, Yevethans behind them. And intermingled amongest the confused IDTech ships were the supremely agile Xi Char fighters, relentlessly pouring laser fire onto the floating behomoths. All Hapan fighters, armed with Heavy Rockets and Advanced Proton Torpedos, launched a double salvo of their heavy payloads, a total of 1568 Heavy Rockets and Torpedos launching towards the IDTech Fleet from 6 Different angles.
"That is for disrespecting the Hapan Royal Family." said Prince Darksword as the missles streaked towards their targets...
Yaga Minor, Regional Space Defense Station
(RSDS)
The countless holoscreens about the room showed figures and alignments for the Rogue Imperial missionary status in the Danoz system. A greenish glow emitted amongst all the young faces monitoring those vids.
"Situation report?" one of the series of crewmen asked.
"Five Star Destroyers sir, ten galleons, about times two friendlies," another responded.
"Ok then, upload the newest tactical relay."
RMS Majestic Beauty, Danoz System
Admiral Telween nodded at the latest uplink.
"Roger," he said calmly. "Move into attack position."
The two Star Destroyers, after finally finishing dumping their fighter compliments, moved into position around the enemy five, quickly pacing their turbolasers evenly. Volley after volley began sizzling out, sending a delightful whine with each one.
"We have a go."
The hard pressed IDTech forces were holding their position, less out of defiance and more out of the fact they could not move. They were surrounded by craft of different races and affiliations, all attempting to get in on the turkey shoot that was this battle.
"Docking sir." Came the cry from the pilots seat in the assault transports.
The doors slammed open on the transports, Royal Hapan Marines charging into both Galleons, now isolated by Hapan ships and completely surrounded and powerless. Marines rushed about the large cargo ships, easily routing the pitance of resistance shown. Star Galleons were not meant to be used as front line ships. And now they would serve Hapes to the glory of the Cluster.
"Prepare third volley!" shouted Major Dylan, commander of Danoz ground defences.
The power surged out of the ion cannons as another salvo was unleashed, this time with a different target in mind.
The Imperial Class of IDTech were harrassed on all sides, sheilds already heavily weakened by fighter attacks. The belleaguered ships were suddenely presented with an lose lose situation.
The triple blast impacted with a blue explosion of energy, one hitting the bridge colomn directly at its peak, completely ruining its sheild generators, the other 2 hitting the bridge side 'roof' of the Star Destroyer, completely shorting out its circuits. Inside, the lights flickered on, off, on, off until they were replaced by the red glow of klaxons sounding emergancy. Already assault transports were lifting off, this time from both the Fleet and the planet.
But this wasn't all. The missles launched closed the distance rapidly, a few stopped by the laser crews who were able to turn their attention from it. Most weren't able to, and thus the rockets and torpedos flew strong and true, each isolating sections of the ships.
Explosions rippled the Destroyers and teh Galleons, hundreds of them. The first projectiles impacting and destroying any sheild polarity the ships had left, the rest smashing into the hull. Each impact causing isolated damage to such an extent that the areas had to be sealed off so that the ships would not be drained of all oxygen.
The once proud and much maligned IDTech Fleet was reduced to drifting hulks, Hapan Fighters flying around them as swarms of Hapan Marine Assault craft flew in to seize the ships, so that they may be rebuilt to the glory of Hapes...
"Your Majesty? Shall we push onto Reece?"
"No ensign. IDTech made a mistake coming here, and for that they have been sorely punished and thus we shall take no further action."
And thus, the seige of Danoz was ended, and Hapes Fleets greatly increased in power...
The transmissions had stoped, the SD's didnt register on his screens, repeateded attempts to contact the commanders had failed.
"@#%$"
He wasnt actually cursing, but rather sending a direct command to his merchant vessels and if his SD's were still able to recieve messages they would soon be destroyed. Small metabolism micobacteria were released from inside the vessels eating away at the cores of the reactors, they would either iradiate the space around their locations with a sharp burst of radiation, or just fizzle and die.
The twin Star Destroyers let loose one more salvo of their deadly green blasts until finally the enemy they were on incinerated into a ball of combusted flame, leaving only a frame of its former self. Though the rest of the crew of the RMS Majestic Beauty was in an uproar of cheering for downing their first craft, Admiral Telween simplyed sighed, resting back against his command chair.
This was so pitiful for the great Admiral Telween, savior of Despayre, slayer of Almanians, and hunter of Chimerans. Now he was refined to hunting down a contraband of rigid and demented businessmen. This was not battle, this was mutilation. With the Yvethen here added to the Hapan Warfleet the Rogue Empire's presence was more of a symbol.
Send some new recruit on a symbolis mission, with the Empire breathing down the Rogue Empire's throats they needed him elsewhere, somewhere he would be of more substantial use. Somewhere like Chandrila or Yaga Minor, maybe even punching through the Imperial frontlines.
Not watching as the rival to Maverick Munitions Inc. fell at the hands of such competent navies.
"Another Star Destroyer down," the helmsman called out with more anticipated excitement. "Fighters got him."
"Alright then, let's finish with the mop up, contact the Hapan and Yvethen delegations, I wish to have a meeting with them," Telween responded. Moments later a message was sent to the two fleets, requesting that shuttles meet on planet, seeing as all that was left was a routed navy.
"SIR!"
A young console operator from Danoz shouted to the Crown Prince, his face half covered by the explosions from the 2 SDs just destroyed by the Rogue Empire.
"Our Marines report that in most of the ships, massive levels of radiation are being recorded. A short signal was detected going into the system, but it was only received by a few since mostly their systems were shut down."
"Which have been affected?"
Dutifully the ConOp brought up a holoprojection. All of the IDTech ships were a passive yellow, signifying their disability, but some were glowing, obviously showing the drastic increase in radiation.
The two Galleons drifting towards the Rogue Empire were glowing slightly. Also a Star Destroyer, along with 3 Galleons were glowing.
"Emperor Fearsons will be most displeased to see his gifts have been damaged...
Are they operable?"
"Yes sir. Not to organic life forms, but droids could operate them at a massively reduced capacity."
"Are they able to be restored?"
"We beleive so sir. We can keep the levels down by deactivation the core to the barest minimum, and if we can get them into drydock, although it would take weeks, we could fix those cores."
"Excellent Ensign. Return to your post and issue the orders. Have droids dispatched to the ships, and have our Marines put on their standard NBC suits.
Are the ships secured?"
A Tactical officer stepped forward to answer.
"Yes sir. All ships are secured except for 2 Galleons that were drifting towards the Rogue Empire 'floatilla'."
"Are the new Hapan Fleet vessels making way?"
"Just sir. Our 6 new Galleons are making way, our specialists have checked over the entirity of the ships, and have shown no more traps and failsafes have been overrode. The 5 Imperial Class are also making headway, although at glacial speeds. They have also been stabilised, but the Radiation leak is reaching critical levels on one... It remains serviceable, but will take a long time to return to Hapes for repairs.
But in all sir, things are under complete control."
"Excellent, dispatch more repair crews with full NPC kits to the ships, and have engineer crews sent to control them, along with any Astromech droids we can spare. Have our fighters return and Gravity Wells shut down. Secure the Fleet, and send our thanks to the Yevethans and Rogue Imperials. Congratulate them on their stirling destruction of that Galleon as well!"
With a nod, the massive operation began. Hyperspace tugs, brought to save damaged Hapan ships, quickly adapted to use. A few men were sick due to the initial exposure to radiation, but all in all, the operation was a success. It took an hour for the damaged ships to enter hyperspace with help from the tugs, albeit at a small speed.
Remains of the Fleet stayed in orbit around Danoz, to secure the system, and hundreds of millions of people sang to the skies to praise the final freedom of Danoz...
One of the Ships that remained had Crown Prince Darksword on board. Returning the hail, Dakkon awaited the Yevethan response, and pondered what this was about...
Jian watched impassively as the battle was carried out. His ships had done admirably, with only a few of their fighters destroyed and only superficial damage done to the capital ships.
'Viceroy, the Hapans and the Imperials are contacting us"
Jian sighed heavily. But he was instructed by the Council to keep up the good relations between TDL and TRE. And THC and TDL.
"Alright. Open a channel"
"Channel open"
"Rogue Imperials, Hapan gretou'm'neth, secreta grodoa fremnot couch't'jeejo Jian Paret. Dai tretch'ta crateeya"
(Rogue Imperials, Hapan vessels. This is Viceroy Jian Paret. We are victorious, Danoz has been saved."
"Viceroy, the Hapans and Imperials acknowledge"
Jian nodded and sat down in his chair.
"Set a course for N'zoth. Enter hyperspace when ready"
"Yes sir" The helmsman said.
The TDL vessels came about and entered hyperspace, leaving the planet and the other forces behind.
Elsewhere, at Reecee...
The Imperial Expeditionary Force emerged from hyperspace at the end of the system, broadcasting hails of peaceful intentions. As those hails were returned, the ships moved further in-system, taking up positions at the planet's shipyards and getting to work on the rapid deployment of mobile fortifications.
The Tholatin Republics MC90 sent out a hail to the TRE ships.
"Greetings, my good friends. What does our Emperor want TTR to do now?"
The Star Home entered normal space, the planet Danoz filling the view screen. The Hapan Queen Mother rose from her seat on the observation deck. The elaborate gown she wore billowed behing her as she strode to the railing that looked down on the bridge, the jeweled veil she wore hiding the look of displeasure on her face.
" Captain, open a chanel to the Jorgamund. I need to speak to the Admiral."
"Right away, Ereneda."
Vessana waited, chewing on the words she was about to say - something she never thought she would ever have to utter.
"Chanel open, Ereneda."
Dakkon Darksword's image filled the holoscreen, the surprise at his wife's prescence evident on his face. "Vess! What are you-"
" Admiral Darksword," she snapped, "You will hold your tongue! Your actions here appall me! Not only have you turned against an ally, but you have accepted outside help to betray them! You are relieved of duty and will step down immediately!"
Gritting his teeth, Dakkon looked up at his wife. Turning with a slight gesture, the screen blacked out.
He had put her on hold.
Walking out towards his quarters Dakkon turned back to the bridge crew, their eyes following their monarch as he walked.
"We're with ya sir! Just give the word..."
"There will be none of that Captain."
Turning he paced out and to his quarters. Entering, he opened the holocom, his wifes anger at being put on hold telling on her face.
"What did you.."
"Ana, Stop."
She looked at him irritably, but knowing from his expression he was serious.
"Your absence has left you with poor knowledge over events. Things will have to be explained to you so that we can make a correct decision."
They discussed it heatedly over the next hour, tension over her disappearence spilling over into the conversation. At last they came to a semi-conclusion.
"...oh I agree Vess, first and foremost all non Hapan ships must leave the system!"
The crew of the twin Star Destroyers, dusted and tired from combat, and at last they were about to be allowed to go home. It was about damn time.
Admiral Telween shook his head and picked up the comms device.
"Attention all Consortium craft, by order of the emperor in return for your further cooperation with the Rogue Empire as a solid ally we shall grant you the incoming Disruptor-Class Super Star Destroyer as a gift, and shall in turn defend the ways and justice of Hapes for all time. Do you accept this gift and this responsibility?"
Dakkons head twitched as the priority signal was beamed through. The image of his now calm, and immensely beautiful wife disappeared, to be replaced with the image of a slightly famous Rogue Imperial Admiral.
"Accept? This is truly a kind gift. We do most humbly accept Admiral.
Thank you."
"Affirmative, we shall meet in the Despayre System for the Alliance Signing Agreement, the turn over of the Star Destroyer, and the Conflicting Defense Agreement."
Dakkon did a double take as the Admiral mentioned an alliance.
"You had assured this being a gift of goodwill, with the possibility of an negotiated pact later.
An alliance at such a confusing time would only detriment Hapes. They gift may change that of course... At least partially.
"Hapes a lack of an alliance at this troubled time would institate a great grief within the Rogue Empire, indicating that they do not hold enough respect for Emperor Fearsons or his empire to be willing to stand by him as he did by you."
Hapes?
A slight wave of anger crept across Dakkons face.
"Admiral, you address a Person now.
And do not express indignation over the request. We will not be blackmailed into an alliance.And the respect we hold for the Rogue Empire, though significant, is being tarnished heavily by this prosumption that you infact have helped us. You have in fact merely come to attempt to broker this treaty. Your Coming here had no real point other than that, Hapes forces alone being enough to defend Danoz, let alone with Duskhan and Tholatin help..."
"As it stands Hapan Delegate," the admiral responded, still not receiving a name from this person, "the Tholatin forces here are under direct Rogue Imperial control. Please report to Despayre for emmissarial diplomacy. Jhilek kuhfoamen."
Hapan Delegate?
His anger was building up again. He had to swallow the rage in order to keep himself under control.
"This is Crown Prince Dakkon Darksword, consort to Our beloved Erenda, Vessana Dionysus and Commander of all Hapan Military forces.
The Zurzaust is actually here on the request of the Danozian Government, now a member of the Hapes Consortium.
I will go to Despayre at my pleasure.
Until then i bid you to take your leave from this system as per the command of this systems Sovreign Government."[/i]
As his reverie ended, Dakkon shook himself awake, his haze filled eyes focusing slowly as his mind too awhile to react. He dwelt on the memories for only a moment, knowing full well that the Black Hand would safeguard his family, and that this alliance would not fracture like that of the Cluster and the Corporation.
Dakkon sat in relative silence, his mind locked in intense reverie. He had risked the lives of his younger sister and one of his up and coming courtiers on a mission that was neither necessary nor fully safe. The services of the local authorities would be, as always, grossly insufficient for dealing with any real thread to the pair, and with the increasing threats of his brothers band of sith disciples, Dakkon knew more would be necessary.
Enter Black Hand, a relatively secretive organisation that had maintained a healthy though hidden relationship with the Consortium since the clusters last great partnership had faltered. They had intervened, in a form, against the predations of a Corporation that grew too greedy. Although the falling out between IDTech and Hapes had long been solved, the Hapan Prince still worried inwardly that a similar event could happen, only this time harming his family.
His mind drifted back to what started as a friendly business venture, but almost turned into a war that threatened Imperial Intervention in the Cluster.
He leaned back in his chair. It has hand fashioned from the finest pelts from across the galaxy from the rarest of species. He planted his boots firmly on the floor as he pulled a datapad off his desk, glancing over the information it so beged him to read.
Planet: Danoz
Capital: Danoz Prime
Trade: Industrial and Military
Position: Outer Rim World
Government: Oligarchy
Defenses: 2 ISD's as well as a small picket force
Additional Notes: Danoz Manufacturing has had its filthy claws into the planetary government for many centuries now, control its actions to further its own agenda. Early in its birth years, Danoz Manufacturing stole many designs from Hapes itself and sold them on the free market to keep itself alive. Thus Hape's intelligance officers have infiltrated almost every arm of government on Danoz itself, ready for an eventual revenge strike to bring the criminal Danoz Manufacturing group to justice....
THis planet had a viable navy, meaning trained officers. IDTech would need trained officers for its new ships. Danoz had manufacturing faculties. Those could become useful to IDTechs cuase...
"Liandra, get me the Hapan representative on the Holo, I must speak to him immediatly"
He wanted it, and he would have it....
Crown Prince Darksword was examining the newly commisioned AEGIS type ships that had recently entered the Hapan navy when suddenly an aide tapped the Prince on his shoulder.
"Sire? We have a priority communication from Lord Raktus of IDTech, he says he has something on Danoz."
That got the Princes attention. He turned and made his way to the nearest comm-station. Up blinked a Hapan banner before it transmuted into the face of Raktus.
"Yes Heir, what is this information on Danoz you have? I assume you were breifed on their 'actions' against the Hapan Consortium as well as the potential and real damage done to our exports and reputation."
The Prince waited expectantly. If the CEO had discovered a pretense for an assault on Danoz that was real, he had the Crown Princes, as well as Hapes, undivided attention.
A small holovid image of him appeared out of his desk frame, an unseen holoproject he had had installed a couple of months back. A bit flickery, but then again show me a holoprojector that isnt. He held his tongue for a moment, letting the man from Hapes wait a moment in expectation before begining...
"Yes, I was quite briefed in the regular reports from your staff. Quite the situation eh? Anyways.... A few of my business associates on Danoz have reported to me of a predicament that you might find interesting. Appearently the Danoz Manufacturing company has begun construction of a Hapan Battle Dragon. They finished its hull, and its plain the design is the same, but its weapons systems are on par with that of the empire's. Its a supirior design..."
He couldnt help but grin as the Hapes offical showed utter disgust at his last comment. THose Hapes, far too into themselves...
"Dont worry so much, its very much lacking in the beauty that most Hapan ships posses. Still, its quite the smack in the face dont you think? Like hey, look what we did, whatcha gonna do about it..."
Stroke his ego, then put ideas in his head, by the book
"So, what ya think of all this anyway?"
Dakkon grimaced as one of his advisors blanched at the comment to Hapan royalty, another was forcably restrained for his anger at such disrespect. But the Crown Prince knew that the IDTech Cheif Executive Officer was more than correct.
And this slap in the face would be avenged, Danoz would suffer.
"Ah, well you are obviously unaccostomed to the now standard Hapan Nova Class. Its weapons are on par with anything the Empire can throw. The Centrepoint incident helped with that. But the Battle Dragon, now that would be quite the technical achievment. We have been unable to change its systems to match Imperial tech.
If this is correct, then vengeance might serve well, along with stealing the plans they had."
The Prince paused thoughtfully.
"Perhaps we should, educate, Danoz on the follies of triffling with us."
"Yes well, I myself have operatives on the planets surface. Mostly to monitor the competition, but they have training in such terrorist acts. Perhaps we should strike jointly?"
Dakkon grinned, his teeth bared in a smile unbecoming of Hapan Royalty.
"Yes. Such an action would be pertinant. I have special forces troops ready for such actions, and other Intelligence operatives already on planet.
Whats your suggestions for the assault?"
"First off, my forces will strike the planetary defenses worldwide, while at the same time your forces move to attack the planet. In the meantime, I'll have special units replacing specific units in the Danoz government. If all goes well, this entire spectacle will go unoticed by the general population"
The Prince smiled grimly at this show of military brute strength.
"Perhaps a little more tact would be required to do this. Continue with your infiltration while i do the same. We shall crush them silently, if not easily."
As the dozen IDTech transport entered Danoz space it sliped into the stream of commercial traffic its package was a prescious one. The holds were filled with the prescious metals the DC needed for weapons production, and this shipment from IDTech was to aid them immensly.
Following the lane beacons the small group of merchant ships made there way towars the planets surface, to dock with a pre-ordained docking port for unloading. Rather suddenly one of the vessels broke off course and shot straight for the Danoz Gencor shields, alerts went off in the planetary defense grid as the vessel's midsection suddenly disengaged from the rest of the ship and hyperjumped straight into the shield generator. Blowing a rather large hole in the structure but not destroying it, but rather disabling it. Immediatly defense platforms were trained on the IDTech vessel as it was obliterated in a hail of fire.
The lead IDTech vessel hailed the main defense platform immediatly...
"Dont fire! that was merely a drone ship, it had malfunctioned, we attempted to regain control and when we did the computer read an intruder alert and tried to jettison the cargo. Being too near the planet this happened, we will kindly repair your Gencor for you as well as pay for any other nominal fees incured, but lord willing please dont open fire!"
The Danoz Security badge identified her as Mergit Foa, a systems analysis Technician with Danoz Manufacturing. As far as the planet's military was concerned, she was Mergit Foa with all the pertinent papers and documents.
" I've got a report of a malfunction in Ion Cannon's cooling couplings."
The commanding officer scanned her ID badge and read at the repair order. " I wasn’t told of any problems."
Silver eyes rolled in frustration. " Look, all I know is that I got a call on my day off saying I had to get my butt over here ASAP to fix this bloody thing. Now if you want me to go home, that’s fine with me. I would much rather there, celebrating my son’s birthday with the rest of the family, than here. But I want your name and security ID number so if the Cannon overheats and explodes I have someone else to blame for it. I’m not going to take the fall for it."
He handed the order back to her and motioned for her to pass. " The main computer’s at the end corridor."
She stuffed the datapad back into the pocket of her coat. " I know where the computer is."
So it was that Terolyn gained access to the third, and final, Ion cannon of Danoz. With the new ID and documents provided by ID Tech, it had been easy enough for her to get to the first two. The third was turning out to be just as easy.
Placing her tool case on the computer console she opened it and connected the diagnostic computer to the cannons main computer. Her fingers danced across the keypad, entering the sequence that would synchronize this cannon with the other two across the planet. She glanced at the chronometer on her wrist and smiled. If all was going according to plan, the ID Tech ships would have arrived a few minutes ago and staged their little accident.
An hour from now, the ion cannons would begin to over heat and detonate the charges that were to have been installed in the cannons cooling couplings before hand by another operative. Another unfortunate ‘accident’.
By the time Danoz military figured out what happened it would be too late.
The starstreaks disappeared suddenly as the modified YT-2000 reverted to realspace. On board was a mottly assortment of men from all aspects of Hapan Society.
Clarr Maknor, Greatest Con Artist in the Galaxy. Arrested while trying to steal the Crown Jewels of Hapes, he has pledged by his peoples honour code to continue to steal and cause mayhem in the name of Hapes.
Darius Zzylar, Privateer descended from the founders of Hapes. One of the Greatest pirates ever, his contacts spanning several systems, almost as in a private empire.
Ki Adi Mundi, Surviving Jedi Master from the council of Jedi in the old republic. He now heads the Council of Ephors, the Hapan Academy of Jedi.
Jamno Dmaklao, expert theif and criminal. Rivaled Maknor for the greatest criminal in the galaxy, he has been attributed to many of the most heinous robberies in the galaxy. He serves Hapes for one thing.... Money.
Grak Delmonai, one man army. Head of the Krypteria, also known as the Hapan Guild of Assassins. He single handedly defeated a platoon of Democlean rebels who assaulted a farm where he was staying while making his way back to Democles Prime after assassinating one of the 3 warlords that sprung up after Democles joined the Hapan Consortium. He serves here as both a duty to the Consortium and as the one who will make sure this group succedes.
These men, and their comrades in adjacent shuttles, were all heading to Danoz on a mission of destruction and, to some of them, fun...
The shuttle crews acknowledge ground controls queries and the ships were planet bound.
An interstellar shuttle was now in orbit around the planet of Danzo. This shuttle had close to six hundred passengers on board.Amoung the passengers was Terex B Datoo. Although according to the passenger manifest on this ship his name was Ren Zeel. Ren looked like your average space traveler.He was in blue jeans and a T shirt with the words Eat my space dust written across the back of the shirt. Tex looked out the window as he heard a droid's voice say, Ladies ,and Gentlemen we will be landing on Danzo shortly.
When Terex looked down at the neon blue planet,he noticed small satilights orbiting.When the shuttle lowered farther into the atmosphere Terex noticed that the weather conditions on this planet must be very unpredictable because from his view point Terex could see the clouds below him moving far more rapidly then normal.
Within a few moments Terex felt the ship's landing gear deploy. At the same moment that Terex felt the ground below him he began to hear the ping of rain against the ship.As Terex began to exit he pulled the collar of his T shirt up a bit in a vain attempt to protect himself from the rain.As he surveyed the purple-green sky above him Tex noticed the clouds swirling in a black hole type movement.He also noticed that no one on this planet seem to even notice the rain I wonder why they don't try to keep dry.Terex though. Terex question was answered almost as soon as it had passed through his brain. The rain stopped just minuets after it had began.
A tour was offered to the passengers of the shuttle.Terex decided to tour on his on after all he did have a job to do.
At first glance Danzo looked like any other planet, parks, bars, restaurants all of the necessities of life.However as Terex continued his surveying he noticed check points all around the planet. These checkpoints were monitored by arm guards with blasters on their right hip and Com devices on their left.
Terex took out his own Com device set it to map, and mapped the location of each guard shack. It took most of the day, but Terex rode shuttles around the entire planet until he was sure that he had every guard shack's location mapped. Terex counted 150 guard shacks in all.
It was not hard to figure out that the Com links worked off the satilights. And from his work in Intel Terex knew that satlights ran from comand post that most times were not armed at all and if they were they were minimally secured.
After looking over his Com link Terex decided that the command post was somewhere in the middle of the planet. After a few stops along the way , and pursuits of dead ends.Terex came to a park directly in the center of the planet.
The New Galaxy Park was packed children, played hyperball with their friends, parents played with their children, Teenagers had picnics in the grass.After pretending to read the Danoz Daily News for about an hour, Terex went in search of the command post.
After about 30 minuets of searching Terex found a greenish purple building,with a satilight dish raised directly skyward. Terex knocked twice loud on the door. When he received no response he tired to pull the door open. When it didn't respond to his touch he took a small screw driver out of his pocket.He picked the lock and walked in.As he had guessed there was no one in the building. I'm sure they only send someone out if the satilight needs repair.Terex thought
Terex took a small piece of paper from his pocket on the paper were passcodes for the satilights.The codes had been given to Terex by ID Tech.After only five minuets or so Terex had the passcodes in , and now the Com links had a timer set on them the satilights would shut down in 15 minuets, and stay shut down for several hours. Terex reset the passwords just in case he had to get back into the system from his own Com link quickly. Terex walked out of the park with a confident stride ,and a smile
The comlink on the belts of all unit commanders went off, linking them to the Prince of Hapes.
"This mission is scraped. Due to circumstances beyond our control, and some within, this mission has turned from one of conquest to protection.
Move to secure positions in the planet, and notify the Danoz authorities about our plans, but only to the extent shown in contingancy 74ALS. Tell them they are under threat, and should they require it, we have a Fleet waiting to come to their assistance."
The comlink shut down and the relevant squad leaders went about their assigned tasks.
Upon hearing of the threat, and that Hapes was involved, they immediatly locked down the sector, a number of IDTech and Hapan ships being confined within the lockdown.
As the acknowledgments came through the Crown Prince frowned at the task he was about to be presented. It would require one more call.
"Terex? Bad news. The planets been locked down. Return to Hapes for debreif. Coordinates are being sent through for a ship with some of my crew to take you back to Hapes.
Something bads going on..."
The Prince frowned again as he shut off the comlink and headed back to his study.
And he had been such a nice guy!
"Reporting"
The metallic voice of the Droid commander aboard the lead ISD of the IDT fleet responded to the hail.
"Commander, Danoz, 24CB2"
The coded plan was instantly recognized and immediatly cycled through all droids in the fleet. Their AI's immediatly calculating future advances while their base programing got them moving towards their objective.
"Understood"
The fleet leaped into hyperspace, its two day jump would soon take it into Danoz space, for their conquest...
Transports had been ferrying in technicians for the past day, reorganising the defences of Danoz. But the transport that was now landing contained the most important thing of all.
The Droid Command brain for 1000 Xi-Char droid fighters, on loan to the Danoz defence forces in light of recent agressive ambitions by another group.
The elders of the Danoz Government had been breifed on the entire situation by Hapan Military Liasons Officers which had caused the escalation of security this far. 5 full Corps of Hapes had joined the Danoz defence forces in Peoples Volunteer Armies, and they had all come fully equipt and trained.
No larger force was allowed due to lingering suspicions over Hapes motives, but direct assurances from Hapan royalty had quelled most of them. A large part of the Hapan Fleet was waiting only a 5 minute jump away in a nearby sector, in case of an agressive fleet moving into the system.
While the brain was unloaded, the entire system was locked down, not a person in the already secure planet could step outside their doors for 2 hours around the landing of the brain and its 2 backups. In system, Danoz's ISDs and smaller capital ships took all shipping in system into a quarentine zone to ensure they could not be spying, and were all thoroughly searched. All IDTech operatives involved in the infiltration were siezed, including some who IDTech had not notified Hapes of their presence.
And so it was that Danoz and IDTech would come to blows.
Regretably of course, but Hapes hand had been forced, and now they would force back...
Fortunatly enough, as Raktus full well knew from first hand knowledge, Hapan intell was something to be joked about rather than taken serious.
"Get me the council Elder"
"Aye sir"
A series of channels were opened up all across the galaxy, secure channels, each of them, locked down and tight beam transmision. All but the final one which was wide beamed over the entire Danoz system, while still heavily encoded, to find the messages destination would be nary imppossible
"Senior Counsilman, I believe it is time"
"I understand mien furior"
and with that, the secondary plans went into action. Some time ago, one of the Council elders had been assasinated by an IDTech merc, the death was covered up and an HRD was deployed in his place, without a hitch the HRD was runing operations from Danoz as well as forming divisions in the Danoz government. If things were runing properly, this same council elder would be pulling together his most trusted military advisors, personal political friends, and all the resources he could muster for the coming civil war at hand.
If he had his calculations correct the strike fleet would be entering the Danoz system in just one days time, hopefully enough time for the Elder to begin his attacks. One could only hope...
"...And i call for a disolution of the corrupt Council that has ruined our fair planet."
Cheers erupted from the assembled crowds on every populated area of the landmass, finally released from their homes after security measures. Kraygor, head of the corruption committee of the Danoz House of Representatives, smiled as the elated masses releave ten years of collective oppression at the hands of the Danoz Manufacturing Corps and its puppet Government. The Oligarchy was hated across the planet, only the democratic reforms of a few years ago had helped them maintain a strangle hold on the planet. But now it was coming to an end.
"Spread the word, let all know that Danoz is now a free planet, and shall remain so forever!"
More cheering erupted, this time so intense it was overwhelming. The people of Danoz were chafing at the bit of dictatorship, an unstoppable force which came from all aspects of life, civil and military. It was the wave of the future, and that was was about to crush the little sandcastle that Danoz Manufacturing...
All over the planet, people were storming the objects of their imprisonment. Not Forts and airbases. Not Government buildings, but Danoz Manufacturing Plants. The CEO and executive board of DML called out to the Oligarchy to defend them, and they tried. Orders went out to the military to take out the protestors. But these were not followed.
For the military contains people too, and they were almost entirely part of the popular revolution.
Council of Elders Stateroom, Danoz Prime
Later that day
"But what are we to do?" asked one, "it is completely widespread!"
3 of the 9 members nodded their ascent, knowing that they had finally lost support completely.
"Perhaps we could call on Hapes for support...." Another suggested meekly.
"Never shall we bow before Tyranny of Hapes!" Shouted Senior Councilerman Vaygar, the man who had once been the puppet of DML who now had a strange leaning towards the other assailants.
"What are you talking about?" shouted Counciler Vasaiin, one of the 2 pro Hapans on the council, "Hapes has respected all our wishes in regards to our defence, never pushing us further than we wanted.
IDTech would be DML all over again. We would not survive that rulership, and nor would IDTech or the people of Danoz, whoever ran out of lives to throw into the rebellion first.
I believe our only safely lies in either abdication... Or joining Hapes."
All bar Vaygar and another man nodded, some agreeing with abdication, others with Hapes. Suddenly the sealed door to the council chambers opened.
Stepping through the door stood Senator Kraygor...[/i]
"Good evening Noble Elders.
I come to you with a choice. Abdicate and allow free elections or die."
Vaygar rose off his seat to stand on the raised dias reserved for men of his position.
"You presume to threaten me? Danoz will not stand for a dictator! Only our esteemed council can lead Danoz. So it has been for centuries before and after Imperial occupation."
Kraygor smiled grimly before replying.
"You are out of touch old man. Danoz hates the council, and you especially for your tyranny. But they only hate the symbol and you Vaygar, not the rest.
Do the rest of you concur?"
7 of the 9 men agreed, their ascent shown by some with a cheer, others with a world weary sigh. Counciler Ghamn, the only other specifically anti-Hapan on the council, and Vaygars right hand, looked up to his mentors, before his eyes returned to the Senator and nodded soulfully. Walking out, all 8 turned their heads to take one last look at the room from which their dreams had been realised, and their hopes dashed. All were taken into partially custody, for their own safety, and all that was left was Vasaiin.
"As for you Vaygar, you are under arrest by order of the Republic of Danoz for Grand Corruption, Treason and Conspiracy to commit murder among others. You have no rights, but will recieve a fair trial where you will be condemned to death."
Ten Guards appeared from the outer doors, and made their way up to the former Senior Counciler. As they grabbed him he started to struggle, but was clubbed repeatedly over the back of the head until he passed out, upon which time he was placed in heavy duty restraints.
Ten Minutes later he was strapped in a massive iron Vice, his body held tight, but not enough to bring death. That would come.
And at the exact same time, Danoz began a free nation.
The TTR fleet ship Zerzaust, an MC90, jumped out of hyperspace with its escort of 200 Chiss Claw Craft. The ship jetted in toward the planet so as to fulfill its part of the agreement with the new Danoz government. It moved into a permenant orbit around the planet.
At that very same moment the IDT fleet emerged from hyperspace. They formed a wedge moving straight towards the planet, as if a dagger in the night, out to end this puny rocks existance. Councilman Vaygar's com had since stoped transmiting their last meeting and Raktus had known what was happening, he could only capitalize as best he could on the situation. The IDT frigates broke free from detane status and roared to life, setting course straight for the oncoming ISD's. The ISD's practicaly overloaded their comunications systems boosting their signals to overide all other signals on the planet. Heir Raktus's voice was beamed to all of Donaz for all to hear.
"Dear citizens of the planet Donaz, I am Heir Raktus, CEO of IDTech. I humbly approach you with open eyes and open arms. I wish to embrace you as friend, and I recognize your new democratic government as a step in a beautiful new direction. Alas though, im sure you may have already noticed the warships near and in your sector. Worry not, I have sent my own personal fleet to protect you, for Hapes and its allies seek to enslave you as DML once did. Even now TTR has a slaveship positioned over your capital city, ready to take you away. I assure you I will not let this happen! Donaz WILL be free! Trust in me and all we be well again..."
The transmission cut out as the IDT fleet swooped into Donaz orbit. Vaygar still had his sopporters, an underground of merchants and mercenary's, much to build on, but enough to keep oneself out of danger if one needed to escape.
As the Zurzaust came into system to fulfill the defence requirements of the new democratic Danoz Government, popularly elected President Kraygor sighed, the Governments defences were finally secure. But as the IDTech Fleet appeared, the relief turned to outrage at such a blatent attack on Danoz's new sovreignty.
As the Mastermind of the attack's voice came out above Danoz and his subsequint denounciation of Danozs partners in freedom, Tholatin and Hapes, boos and jeers erupted from the assembled throngs of Danoz. The corporate nature of IDTech was a little too close to the hated DML for comfort, and the entire population knew it.
"Send out a code red to Hapes. Scramble the Xi-Char fighters, and have them send in any assistance they can!"
Meanwhile, Admiral Katar of Danoz Naval Command was issuing orders to the ISDs in orbit.
"Stick together, make sure they cannot get in between you and have the support craft divide into two groups, one to flank the IDTech forces, the other to support our ImpStars.
This is a battle for our newfound independance friends, lets not let our people down!"
The newly restored Ion Cannons opened fire, sending a triple volly into IDTechs leading ship. Its systems shut down immediatly as the blasts overloaded its sheilds and its systems.
Xi Char fighters launched from their bases, taking up loitering positions in the planets stratosphere, well out of the range of the incoming frigates.
And as the message was relayed to the short term Fleet base, Hapes sent out the word, IDTech had just overstepped its bounds...
With that, the Fleet moved off, the starstreaks appearing just as freedom would return to Danoz...
"Ships detected"
The metallic voice of the Droid commander rang through to Heir Raktus's main com. He studied the sensor readouts and immediatly recognized the outlines. Hapan ships had entered the fray, not only that but by that other ships registery his good friends TTR were in system as well. This required immediate action, before moving to a new com he hailed the commander once more..
"Alpha tango Donaz alpha"
"Yes comander"
With that Raktus got on the line and began to contact a new hidden source. Meanwhile over Donaz, the Star Destroyers luanched many small little transports to the planet, though no life signs registered on any of these pods, they still looked pretty ominous to any to behold. The Cargo vessels hovered in space, not quite knocked out, but then again, not really combat vessels and no need to go anywhere.
On planet...
Vaygar gathered his own commanders near the still unrepaired planetary shield generator. A private and secret meeting intended to begin a new order on Donaz.
"So its agreed, we cannot let our planet fall into the hands of those chaotic slobs. You've seen what they did to one of us already, imagine what they will do to you for the atrocitys youve commited! Yes, I can see it in your eyes, your frightened about the future. As you should be, the future is uncertain as the day that comes. But fear not my friends, for we shall overcome, for the best of our planet, we must win, spread word to all your inner circles, we strike at sun rise, this... IDT, has pledged its support to us. We shall win this day and Donaz will once again be a shining gem in the sky as it always has been!"
With that the meeting ended at the commanders slithered off into the shadows. sneaking and hiding till the suns rise, awaiting there next move. The Councilman merely walked off, as if nothing had happened and had been on a stroll...
"Landing Craft incoming!!"
The radar operator shouted above the cacophany of the Command Centre, its sirens blaring an alert.
"Life signs? Electronic readings?"
"No life signs, but electronic readings way above those standard for those small transports. Some have higher than others."
"Right, engage our Fleet with the transports. And our XiChar fighters. Those things cannot land. Have our Fleet maintain position between their fleet and the planet. Launch our TIE fighters and bombers."
As the words came out of his mouth, the Xi Char fighters were already engaging the unarmed escape pods. Without support, the transports were being slaughtered. The droids brain and its backup/relay stations signaled that they should engage the ones with the highest electronic signals, hence the ones with the most likelyhood to be carrying battledroids. Of the few transports/escape pods that had been launched, none would reach the planet. Unsheilded, and unarmed, they could do nothing to stop the 1000 Xi Char fighters ripping into them. With around a squadron and a half of fighters per barge, they were all destroyed, Simply and efficiently and most importantly without loss.
"Sir? The incoming craft were unsupported and were decimated by the Xi Chars. They had nothing to fight back with. If there were humans in there i would feel sorry for them..."
"Now is not the time for that ensign. Get on the comms. Send out for the Hapan Fleet. We are outnumbered by a large amount. Lets see if they can bring up the numbers.
And have the Zurzaust move into position behind our fleet and between the planet and them. Anything else they send through will be decimated..."
As the call went out, the Hapan Fleet had just been on exercises, and was just in a scramble drill. As the klaxons went off signaling a real scramble, the men were already running to their posts. Within minutes the Danoz Replacement Fleet was in Hyperspace.
15 minutes later
The starstreaks reverted to realspace as the Hapan Fleet appeared, Crown Prince Darksword at the helm. Shouting orders, they slowly begun to move around the planet and towards the area of conflict.
"Launch our fighters. We have them outnumbered in fighters, and ourgunned in Caps. Activate our Gravity Wells, we don't want them running away from their mistake..."
Things were looking good around here. Smoke thought this mission was pretty easy. All he had to do was watch over the brain that Hapes had sent. Nobody even saw the merc dressed in the ninja looking suit. He was using the Force to hide himself...his Dark Jedi training had paid off. His job was almost done, he was ready to collect his money and leave. This would be a good paying job...after all, he was recruited by the Prince of Hapes himself.
"Admiral" The young Captain said.
Admiral Jese Truun slowly turned around in his command chair onboard the Dynast-class Battlecruiser Insidious. He had been assigned this vessel by Viceroy Yanth and had been ordered to assist the allies of the Duskhan League.
"What is it" Truun said.
"The Prince has signaled us, we have confirmation on Danoz"
Truun nodded.
"Ah, good. All ships: Enter hyperspace, all speed. Battle stations. Target: Danoz"
A little later, the planet of Danoz filled the veiwscreens onboard the Yevethan vessels. But they weren't looking at the planets, they were looking at the ships surrounding it.
Truun sprung into action.
"All ships stand at the ready All Blessings-class ships: Power up gravwell and HB generators. Communications: Signal the Hapans and tell them we are ready"
Upon receiving the orders from the planet, the Zerzaust and its 200 Chiss Claw Craft moved in behind the Danoz fleet. When the Hapans jumped into the system, as well as the Yevetha, Captain Domani sent a message to them.
"This is Captain Domani of the Tholatin Republic MC90 Zerzaust. We are here as allies to you, and to fulfill our agreement with the new Danoz Government. Glad you're here."
With that, the shields went up, and all weapons were brought online. They prepared to do battle.
Danoz.
It held no true interest of the Rogue Empire, none whatsoever.
Except for those planning to take it through any means necessary. A corporation who's own goals meant more to it than the very sanction of the galaxy. How could they hope to rule without even a government or soldiers of their own?
They were a renegade corporation.
And Admiral Telween was assigned to taking them down.
The ships reverberated from hyperspace just five klicks from the battle, boosting itself to full speed and moving inwardly to the battle. The decorated commander was ready.
The Hapan Fleet rounded the planet, its gravity slingshoting the ships to speeds belying their size. Moving around the Danoz Fleet, they watched as the first ISD of Danozs forces buckled under the intense presure placed on it by IDTech ships.
The majority of the crew were able to escape, their pods rocketing them back to Danoz.
1000 Xi Char fighters moved through the wreckage of the Danoz ISD as the other ISD, momentarily confused, drifted closer to the IDTech torrent of firepower. Using the wreckage and the one remaining ISD as a platform, the fighters shot out from nowhere according to IDTech scanners. Too fast to be hit by the turbolasers on the Imperial Class Star Destroyers, they attacked with impunity, the sheilds on the ImpStars significantly reduced.
A number of assault shuttles took off from the planet to assault the drifting star Galleon, first hit by the triple volley from the Ion Cannons. What happened next was almost an exact duplicate of the fate of its comrade. The Ion Cannons fired again, 2 blasts impacting the body of the Galleon, a third hitting its small bridge area. Its sheilds, then communications, and finally its systems shut down. As the report reached the Hapan units, another Marine Crew scrambled to their assault trans, ready to capture another ship for the Cluster.
Meanwhile, the Hapan Fleet was flanking the IDTech ships. They were surrounded, Hapans on both Sides, Tholatins and Danozians holding the space between the planet, Yevethans behind them. And intermingled amongest the confused IDTech ships were the supremely agile Xi Char fighters, relentlessly pouring laser fire onto the floating behomoths. All Hapan fighters, armed with Heavy Rockets and Advanced Proton Torpedos, launched a double salvo of their heavy payloads, a total of 1568 Heavy Rockets and Torpedos launching towards the IDTech Fleet from 6 Different angles.
"That is for disrespecting the Hapan Royal Family." said Prince Darksword as the missles streaked towards their targets...
Yaga Minor, Regional Space Defense Station
(RSDS)
The countless holoscreens about the room showed figures and alignments for the Rogue Imperial missionary status in the Danoz system. A greenish glow emitted amongst all the young faces monitoring those vids.
"Situation report?" one of the series of crewmen asked.
"Five Star Destroyers sir, ten galleons, about times two friendlies," another responded.
"Ok then, upload the newest tactical relay."
RMS Majestic Beauty, Danoz System
Admiral Telween nodded at the latest uplink.
"Roger," he said calmly. "Move into attack position."
The two Star Destroyers, after finally finishing dumping their fighter compliments, moved into position around the enemy five, quickly pacing their turbolasers evenly. Volley after volley began sizzling out, sending a delightful whine with each one.
"We have a go."
The hard pressed IDTech forces were holding their position, less out of defiance and more out of the fact they could not move. They were surrounded by craft of different races and affiliations, all attempting to get in on the turkey shoot that was this battle.
"Docking sir." Came the cry from the pilots seat in the assault transports.
The doors slammed open on the transports, Royal Hapan Marines charging into both Galleons, now isolated by Hapan ships and completely surrounded and powerless. Marines rushed about the large cargo ships, easily routing the pitance of resistance shown. Star Galleons were not meant to be used as front line ships. And now they would serve Hapes to the glory of the Cluster.
"Prepare third volley!" shouted Major Dylan, commander of Danoz ground defences.
The power surged out of the ion cannons as another salvo was unleashed, this time with a different target in mind.
The Imperial Class of IDTech were harrassed on all sides, sheilds already heavily weakened by fighter attacks. The belleaguered ships were suddenely presented with an lose lose situation.
The triple blast impacted with a blue explosion of energy, one hitting the bridge colomn directly at its peak, completely ruining its sheild generators, the other 2 hitting the bridge side 'roof' of the Star Destroyer, completely shorting out its circuits. Inside, the lights flickered on, off, on, off until they were replaced by the red glow of klaxons sounding emergancy. Already assault transports were lifting off, this time from both the Fleet and the planet.
But this wasn't all. The missles launched closed the distance rapidly, a few stopped by the laser crews who were able to turn their attention from it. Most weren't able to, and thus the rockets and torpedos flew strong and true, each isolating sections of the ships.
Explosions rippled the Destroyers and teh Galleons, hundreds of them. The first projectiles impacting and destroying any sheild polarity the ships had left, the rest smashing into the hull. Each impact causing isolated damage to such an extent that the areas had to be sealed off so that the ships would not be drained of all oxygen.
The once proud and much maligned IDTech Fleet was reduced to drifting hulks, Hapan Fighters flying around them as swarms of Hapan Marine Assault craft flew in to seize the ships, so that they may be rebuilt to the glory of Hapes...
"Your Majesty? Shall we push onto Reece?"
"No ensign. IDTech made a mistake coming here, and for that they have been sorely punished and thus we shall take no further action."
And thus, the seige of Danoz was ended, and Hapes Fleets greatly increased in power...
The transmissions had stoped, the SD's didnt register on his screens, repeateded attempts to contact the commanders had failed.
"@#%$"
He wasnt actually cursing, but rather sending a direct command to his merchant vessels and if his SD's were still able to recieve messages they would soon be destroyed. Small metabolism micobacteria were released from inside the vessels eating away at the cores of the reactors, they would either iradiate the space around their locations with a sharp burst of radiation, or just fizzle and die.
The twin Star Destroyers let loose one more salvo of their deadly green blasts until finally the enemy they were on incinerated into a ball of combusted flame, leaving only a frame of its former self. Though the rest of the crew of the RMS Majestic Beauty was in an uproar of cheering for downing their first craft, Admiral Telween simplyed sighed, resting back against his command chair.
This was so pitiful for the great Admiral Telween, savior of Despayre, slayer of Almanians, and hunter of Chimerans. Now he was refined to hunting down a contraband of rigid and demented businessmen. This was not battle, this was mutilation. With the Yvethen here added to the Hapan Warfleet the Rogue Empire's presence was more of a symbol.
Send some new recruit on a symbolis mission, with the Empire breathing down the Rogue Empire's throats they needed him elsewhere, somewhere he would be of more substantial use. Somewhere like Chandrila or Yaga Minor, maybe even punching through the Imperial frontlines.
Not watching as the rival to Maverick Munitions Inc. fell at the hands of such competent navies.
"Another Star Destroyer down," the helmsman called out with more anticipated excitement. "Fighters got him."
"Alright then, let's finish with the mop up, contact the Hapan and Yvethen delegations, I wish to have a meeting with them," Telween responded. Moments later a message was sent to the two fleets, requesting that shuttles meet on planet, seeing as all that was left was a routed navy.
"SIR!"
A young console operator from Danoz shouted to the Crown Prince, his face half covered by the explosions from the 2 SDs just destroyed by the Rogue Empire.
"Our Marines report that in most of the ships, massive levels of radiation are being recorded. A short signal was detected going into the system, but it was only received by a few since mostly their systems were shut down."
"Which have been affected?"
Dutifully the ConOp brought up a holoprojection. All of the IDTech ships were a passive yellow, signifying their disability, but some were glowing, obviously showing the drastic increase in radiation.
The two Galleons drifting towards the Rogue Empire were glowing slightly. Also a Star Destroyer, along with 3 Galleons were glowing.
"Emperor Fearsons will be most displeased to see his gifts have been damaged...
Are they operable?"
"Yes sir. Not to organic life forms, but droids could operate them at a massively reduced capacity."
"Are they able to be restored?"
"We beleive so sir. We can keep the levels down by deactivation the core to the barest minimum, and if we can get them into drydock, although it would take weeks, we could fix those cores."
"Excellent Ensign. Return to your post and issue the orders. Have droids dispatched to the ships, and have our Marines put on their standard NBC suits.
Are the ships secured?"
A Tactical officer stepped forward to answer.
"Yes sir. All ships are secured except for 2 Galleons that were drifting towards the Rogue Empire 'floatilla'."
"Are the new Hapan Fleet vessels making way?"
"Just sir. Our 6 new Galleons are making way, our specialists have checked over the entirity of the ships, and have shown no more traps and failsafes have been overrode. The 5 Imperial Class are also making headway, although at glacial speeds. They have also been stabilised, but the Radiation leak is reaching critical levels on one... It remains serviceable, but will take a long time to return to Hapes for repairs.
But in all sir, things are under complete control."
"Excellent, dispatch more repair crews with full NPC kits to the ships, and have engineer crews sent to control them, along with any Astromech droids we can spare. Have our fighters return and Gravity Wells shut down. Secure the Fleet, and send our thanks to the Yevethans and Rogue Imperials. Congratulate them on their stirling destruction of that Galleon as well!"
With a nod, the massive operation began. Hyperspace tugs, brought to save damaged Hapan ships, quickly adapted to use. A few men were sick due to the initial exposure to radiation, but all in all, the operation was a success. It took an hour for the damaged ships to enter hyperspace with help from the tugs, albeit at a small speed.
Remains of the Fleet stayed in orbit around Danoz, to secure the system, and hundreds of millions of people sang to the skies to praise the final freedom of Danoz...
One of the Ships that remained had Crown Prince Darksword on board. Returning the hail, Dakkon awaited the Yevethan response, and pondered what this was about...
Jian watched impassively as the battle was carried out. His ships had done admirably, with only a few of their fighters destroyed and only superficial damage done to the capital ships.
'Viceroy, the Hapans and the Imperials are contacting us"
Jian sighed heavily. But he was instructed by the Council to keep up the good relations between TDL and TRE. And THC and TDL.
"Alright. Open a channel"
"Channel open"
"Rogue Imperials, Hapan gretou'm'neth, secreta grodoa fremnot couch't'jeejo Jian Paret. Dai tretch'ta crateeya"
(Rogue Imperials, Hapan vessels. This is Viceroy Jian Paret. We are victorious, Danoz has been saved."
"Viceroy, the Hapans and Imperials acknowledge"
Jian nodded and sat down in his chair.
"Set a course for N'zoth. Enter hyperspace when ready"
"Yes sir" The helmsman said.
The TDL vessels came about and entered hyperspace, leaving the planet and the other forces behind.
Elsewhere, at Reecee...
The Imperial Expeditionary Force emerged from hyperspace at the end of the system, broadcasting hails of peaceful intentions. As those hails were returned, the ships moved further in-system, taking up positions at the planet's shipyards and getting to work on the rapid deployment of mobile fortifications.
The Tholatin Republics MC90 sent out a hail to the TRE ships.
"Greetings, my good friends. What does our Emperor want TTR to do now?"
The Star Home entered normal space, the planet Danoz filling the view screen. The Hapan Queen Mother rose from her seat on the observation deck. The elaborate gown she wore billowed behing her as she strode to the railing that looked down on the bridge, the jeweled veil she wore hiding the look of displeasure on her face.
" Captain, open a chanel to the Jorgamund. I need to speak to the Admiral."
"Right away, Ereneda."
Vessana waited, chewing on the words she was about to say - something she never thought she would ever have to utter.
"Chanel open, Ereneda."
Dakkon Darksword's image filled the holoscreen, the surprise at his wife's prescence evident on his face. "Vess! What are you-"
" Admiral Darksword," she snapped, "You will hold your tongue! Your actions here appall me! Not only have you turned against an ally, but you have accepted outside help to betray them! You are relieved of duty and will step down immediately!"
Gritting his teeth, Dakkon looked up at his wife. Turning with a slight gesture, the screen blacked out.
He had put her on hold.
Walking out towards his quarters Dakkon turned back to the bridge crew, their eyes following their monarch as he walked.
"We're with ya sir! Just give the word..."
"There will be none of that Captain."
Turning he paced out and to his quarters. Entering, he opened the holocom, his wifes anger at being put on hold telling on her face.
"What did you.."
"Ana, Stop."
She looked at him irritably, but knowing from his expression he was serious.
"Your absence has left you with poor knowledge over events. Things will have to be explained to you so that we can make a correct decision."
They discussed it heatedly over the next hour, tension over her disappearence spilling over into the conversation. At last they came to a semi-conclusion.
"...oh I agree Vess, first and foremost all non Hapan ships must leave the system!"
The crew of the twin Star Destroyers, dusted and tired from combat, and at last they were about to be allowed to go home. It was about damn time.
Admiral Telween shook his head and picked up the comms device.
"Attention all Consortium craft, by order of the emperor in return for your further cooperation with the Rogue Empire as a solid ally we shall grant you the incoming Disruptor-Class Super Star Destroyer as a gift, and shall in turn defend the ways and justice of Hapes for all time. Do you accept this gift and this responsibility?"
Dakkons head twitched as the priority signal was beamed through. The image of his now calm, and immensely beautiful wife disappeared, to be replaced with the image of a slightly famous Rogue Imperial Admiral.
"Accept? This is truly a kind gift. We do most humbly accept Admiral.
Thank you."
"Affirmative, we shall meet in the Despayre System for the Alliance Signing Agreement, the turn over of the Star Destroyer, and the Conflicting Defense Agreement."
Dakkon did a double take as the Admiral mentioned an alliance.
"You had assured this being a gift of goodwill, with the possibility of an negotiated pact later.
An alliance at such a confusing time would only detriment Hapes. They gift may change that of course... At least partially.
"Hapes a lack of an alliance at this troubled time would institate a great grief within the Rogue Empire, indicating that they do not hold enough respect for Emperor Fearsons or his empire to be willing to stand by him as he did by you."
Hapes?
A slight wave of anger crept across Dakkons face.
"Admiral, you address a Person now.
And do not express indignation over the request. We will not be blackmailed into an alliance.And the respect we hold for the Rogue Empire, though significant, is being tarnished heavily by this prosumption that you infact have helped us. You have in fact merely come to attempt to broker this treaty. Your Coming here had no real point other than that, Hapes forces alone being enough to defend Danoz, let alone with Duskhan and Tholatin help..."
"As it stands Hapan Delegate," the admiral responded, still not receiving a name from this person, "the Tholatin forces here are under direct Rogue Imperial control. Please report to Despayre for emmissarial diplomacy. Jhilek kuhfoamen."
Hapan Delegate?
His anger was building up again. He had to swallow the rage in order to keep himself under control.
"This is Crown Prince Dakkon Darksword, consort to Our beloved Erenda, Vessana Dionysus and Commander of all Hapan Military forces.
The Zurzaust is actually here on the request of the Danozian Government, now a member of the Hapes Consortium.
I will go to Despayre at my pleasure.
Until then i bid you to take your leave from this system as per the command of this systems Sovreign Government."[/i]
As his reverie ended, Dakkon shook himself awake, his haze filled eyes focusing slowly as his mind too awhile to react. He dwelt on the memories for only a moment, knowing full well that the Black Hand would safeguard his family, and that this alliance would not fracture like that of the Cluster and the Corporation.