OOC: They closed the OOC thread so I'll ask it here: Where the Firk is everyone??? Its' been over twelve days since the edit, and yet NO Imperials have posted.
In the Hands of the Gods (Corellia | Talus | Tralus)
I will be posting shortly, Dolash. There have been various arguments in the OOC threads and we are loath to post until they are concluded.
The Zenith
Corellia
Theren Gevel watched morosely as the last of the Coalition fleet died. The most unsettling fact of war was that, as grotesque as one act of mass-violence might seem, another loomed always on the horizon. Even as he destroyed these vessels, his tactics destroyed others at Dantooine. To survive was to kill, in the simplest of terms, and any soldier or commander knew he would have to do so again if he wished to survive.
“Communications are still not entirely up, sir,” one of the officers said.
Theren frowned. “Are there any remaining active Coalition vessels?” He asked, glancing at the ruined hulks of the ships.
“It doesn’t appear so, sir. Maybe there’s some residual static.”
“Maybe,” Theren said.
And so it was that a second fleet of Coalition vessels swooped in on Corellia, presumably from Talus or Tralus. It was not entirely a surprise; communications to the twin worlds had not entirely been restored, yet, and there were assumptions as to why. “Flank them and attack them, yes,” he said to the hologram of Malkar Carriel. “And shoot whatever half-assed barrier they’ve put in your way.” The man was a solid leader, but still unsure of his tactical skills, despite his age and experience.
The hologram winked out, and Theren looked up, out the viewports of the Zenith. The enemy vessels now surged steadily inbound. “Communications seem to be open, sir.”
“What, do they want us to fucking talk it out?” Theren asked incredulously. “Order our vessels to draw near them, but cautiously. Have the Skipray Blastboats divide into two flights of fifteen, each escorted by a Corellian Gunship, and approach the enemy at opposite wide angles, full speed. Have them stay out of range and be ready to evade if the enemy makes a move towards them. Both groups should meet up on the enemy’s flank, still out of range.”
Theren thought a moment more. “And order an Imperial Star Destroyer and Assault Frigate to stay behind as we approach. Have them move closer to Corellia, but keep them in reach.”
Tornel raised an eyebrow behind him. “Are you sure that’s wise?”
“It’s probably nothing. But if there was still jamming after the first fleet was destroyed…”
OOC:
BC Fleet: Moving cautiously towards enemy, not at full thrust
2 Groups of 15 Skipray Blastboats & 1 Corellian Corvette: Moving to the enemy’s flank at circular trajectories, staying out of range
1 ISD & 1 Assault Frigate: Moving closer to Corellia, staying in reach
More Imperial posts to come.
Corellia
Theren Gevel watched morosely as the last of the Coalition fleet died. The most unsettling fact of war was that, as grotesque as one act of mass-violence might seem, another loomed always on the horizon. Even as he destroyed these vessels, his tactics destroyed others at Dantooine. To survive was to kill, in the simplest of terms, and any soldier or commander knew he would have to do so again if he wished to survive.
“Communications are still not entirely up, sir,” one of the officers said.
Theren frowned. “Are there any remaining active Coalition vessels?” He asked, glancing at the ruined hulks of the ships.
“It doesn’t appear so, sir. Maybe there’s some residual static.”
“Maybe,” Theren said.
And so it was that a second fleet of Coalition vessels swooped in on Corellia, presumably from Talus or Tralus. It was not entirely a surprise; communications to the twin worlds had not entirely been restored, yet, and there were assumptions as to why. “Flank them and attack them, yes,” he said to the hologram of Malkar Carriel. “And shoot whatever half-assed barrier they’ve put in your way.” The man was a solid leader, but still unsure of his tactical skills, despite his age and experience.
The hologram winked out, and Theren looked up, out the viewports of the Zenith. The enemy vessels now surged steadily inbound. “Communications seem to be open, sir.”
“What, do they want us to fucking talk it out?” Theren asked incredulously. “Order our vessels to draw near them, but cautiously. Have the Skipray Blastboats divide into two flights of fifteen, each escorted by a Corellian Gunship, and approach the enemy at opposite wide angles, full speed. Have them stay out of range and be ready to evade if the enemy makes a move towards them. Both groups should meet up on the enemy’s flank, still out of range.”
Theren thought a moment more. “And order an Imperial Star Destroyer and Assault Frigate to stay behind as we approach. Have them move closer to Corellia, but keep them in reach.”
Tornel raised an eyebrow behind him. “Are you sure that’s wise?”
“It’s probably nothing. But if there was still jamming after the first fleet was destroyed…”
OOC:
BC Fleet: Moving cautiously towards enemy, not at full thrust
2 Groups of 15 Skipray Blastboats & 1 Corellian Corvette: Moving to the enemy’s flank at circular trajectories, staying out of range
1 ISD & 1 Assault Frigate: Moving closer to Corellia, staying in reach
More Imperial posts to come.
Arrayed against a somewhat immobile congestion of enemy warships sat six Imperial Star Destroyers barring the way to Corellia. Surrounded by a veritable flurry of assault shuttles, small gunboats, fighters of all kinds, and the mighty Skipray in small but potent numbers, it was not a useless bulwark against the advancing enemy. Manning the 1st Destroyer’s guns were well-trained and veteran crews, commanding her crews were disciplined and competent officers. While an ever present companion, Death-Incarnate was not an overpowering accomplice.
“ They are approaching, sir.”
“ Status report – squadron.”
An ensign turned from his terminal and looked hopefully on his Admiral before beginning. “ All batteries swung out and manned, targets designated and ranges calculated. Fighters deployed and all assault vessels in picket positions. Line abreast holding. Range to Target: plus ten minutes.”
" Continue on present speed. Commence fire at will by battery when range is met."
OOC
1st Destroyer Squadron continuing towards TGC Fleet
“ They are approaching, sir.”
“ Status report – squadron.”
An ensign turned from his terminal and looked hopefully on his Admiral before beginning. “ All batteries swung out and manned, targets designated and ranges calculated. Fighters deployed and all assault vessels in picket positions. Line abreast holding. Range to Target: plus ten minutes.”
" Continue on present speed. Commence fire at will by battery when range is met."
OOC
1st Destroyer Squadron continuing towards TGC Fleet
Corellia
This Coalition's First Fleet had been destroyed but for the fighting inside the larger vessels that the New Order now lay claim too.
And though the outcome inevitable they wanted death.
The alien mind was difficult to comprehend.
He noted the course changes of the Conclave forces as well as Desaria's Squadron.
"Sensor's detect enemy incursion into Corellia space!" and rattled off coordinates.
From Tralus/Talus vector.
"It appears the Coalition were serious in their war declaration." Ibren murmured.
They had no idea where or how many Imperial worlds had been attacked or what the Empire was doing in response having been locked in combat and cut off from the rest of the Empire.
A circumstance that Admiral Chandler would fix.
"Launch communication drones and once they clear residual jamming effects, open a signal to Imperial Center. Line of sight comm from the drones to all fleet command ships."
"Aye Sir."
"Get me Scimitar Flight Leader."
"On subcom 2 sir."
"Phalanx? We may need our little basket of tricks again. I am ordering all crewed fighters back. Reload, refuel, restock... This may not be over."
"Will do, Skipper." came the flippant response.
Fighter pilots! Chandler thought in admiration. It annoyed him (the Admiral) but he (the former fighter pilot) understood and envied the "hotshots".
Then the skittish communications came through from the enemy..
The bridge of the Victory almost stopped it's activity.
The Admiral knew there were two Imperial Governors on hand and so they were the ranking officers for this parlay.
Still, possibilities danced across the Admiral's mind. He wondered how the Governor's would react.
The Admiral shot a coded signal to the Centerpoint Fleet ordering them into a certain position. There was an acknowledging signal and their ships began to form up and change course.
This Coalition's First Fleet had been destroyed but for the fighting inside the larger vessels that the New Order now lay claim too.
And though the outcome inevitable they wanted death.
The alien mind was difficult to comprehend.
He noted the course changes of the Conclave forces as well as Desaria's Squadron.
"Sensor's detect enemy incursion into Corellia space!" and rattled off coordinates.
From Tralus/Talus vector.
"It appears the Coalition were serious in their war declaration." Ibren murmured.
They had no idea where or how many Imperial worlds had been attacked or what the Empire was doing in response having been locked in combat and cut off from the rest of the Empire.
A circumstance that Admiral Chandler would fix.
"Launch communication drones and once they clear residual jamming effects, open a signal to Imperial Center. Line of sight comm from the drones to all fleet command ships."
"Aye Sir."
"Get me Scimitar Flight Leader."
"On subcom 2 sir."
"Phalanx? We may need our little basket of tricks again. I am ordering all crewed fighters back. Reload, refuel, restock... This may not be over."
"Will do, Skipper." came the flippant response.
Fighter pilots! Chandler thought in admiration. It annoyed him (the Admiral) but he (the former fighter pilot) understood and envied the "hotshots".
Then the skittish communications came through from the enemy..
The bridge of the Victory almost stopped it's activity.
The Admiral knew there were two Imperial Governors on hand and so they were the ranking officers for this parlay.
Still, possibilities danced across the Admiral's mind. He wondered how the Governor's would react.
The Admiral shot a coded signal to the Centerpoint Fleet ordering them into a certain position. There was an acknowledging signal and their ships began to form up and change course.
Aboard the K011.
"Sir, we have reports that all enemy command craft have been disabled."
The Sith Lord nodded, immediately turning his attentions to his fleet, signalling for more troops to be launched aboard assault shuttles. Already he could see the last of the escape pods firing off the final set of Viscounts, some being accounted for by the Shrouds well oiled crew. Then, almost as a side note, he continued to use the mind meld.
Recover all fighters for resupply. Equip with heavy rockets.
Aboard the bridges of the Anvils ships, Captains rushed about issuing the said orders, and began to turn their ships about.
"Lets head for the shipyards..."
The words seemed to come out without concious thought from the Sith Lord, but he accepted his own statement with a sense of self ratification and sighed as the crew obliged.
Bridge of the Carlisle.
"Incoming transmission!"
["Imperials, I congradulate you on your most recent stratiegic victory, and I ask for a truce, to perhaps discuss a cease-fire agreement, or perhaps even a Peace Treaty, or at the very least recover our dead."
Captain Kilm smirked.
"Their commanders seen not to know the difference between a strategic and tactical victory. A pity..."
An ensign appeared at his side. "Shall we relay it to the Governor?"
Kilm smiled again, knowing full well what his reply would be. For the sakes of hilarity he wondered whether he should notify Darkside, on the big screen, simply for his bridge crew to see their leaders answer.
@#%$ you!
Still smiling, he shook his head. "I don't quite think that will be necessary. Order Battleline to move to 1/3rd power, slowly moving around the planet. Full recharge to sheilds. Also, send the Skirmish line, along with our gunships, to secure the shipyards until we arrive."
Kilm looked out the viewscreen at the command ships that lay dead in space before him. Already delta class stormtrooper transports were moving to dock with the hulks, ready to dispense the fire teams that would secure them for the New Order. His eyes stopped at the Yunos as the last of the escape pods circled the ship, trying to find space to move in to land. Already there were 1,000s aboard the ship care of the destruction of the Ravager and now the Inherent Victory, but the SDs crew would continue to serve, despite the loss of their vessel.
Aboard the Yunos.
Rannor smiled warmly as the runner approached.
"Sir, we've got engineering crew from the Ravager assisting the engineers we brought aboard with the landing. Mess crew and medics have been assigned to body clearing detail, they're dumping the bodies in the locked gymnasium. Each unit has a trooper or two with them to make sure any not-quite dead ones are made so.
Also, reports are coming in from the Viscounts that the IVs crew have started boarding, and are moving to secure said ships."
He nodded to the runner before replying.
"Download the ships schematics. I want to know this ship down to the last nut. And find out if there is a secondary bridge we can operate from. Otherwise we'll have to establish a command post somewhere."
The man ran off to relay the message, leaving Major Rannor to his thoughts. Around him hundreds of personel were being formed up for various tasks across the 7000m cruiser and with the arrival of Admiral Pitta, he had been removed as the man in charge.
Smiling ruefully, he picked up his rifle and began to make his way to engineering.
"Sir, we have reports that all enemy command craft have been disabled."
The Sith Lord nodded, immediately turning his attentions to his fleet, signalling for more troops to be launched aboard assault shuttles. Already he could see the last of the escape pods firing off the final set of Viscounts, some being accounted for by the Shrouds well oiled crew. Then, almost as a side note, he continued to use the mind meld.
Recover all fighters for resupply. Equip with heavy rockets.
Aboard the bridges of the Anvils ships, Captains rushed about issuing the said orders, and began to turn their ships about.
"Lets head for the shipyards..."
The words seemed to come out without concious thought from the Sith Lord, but he accepted his own statement with a sense of self ratification and sighed as the crew obliged.
Bridge of the Carlisle.
"Incoming transmission!"
["Imperials, I congradulate you on your most recent stratiegic victory, and I ask for a truce, to perhaps discuss a cease-fire agreement, or perhaps even a Peace Treaty, or at the very least recover our dead."
Captain Kilm smirked.
"Their commanders seen not to know the difference between a strategic and tactical victory. A pity..."
An ensign appeared at his side. "Shall we relay it to the Governor?"
Kilm smiled again, knowing full well what his reply would be. For the sakes of hilarity he wondered whether he should notify Darkside, on the big screen, simply for his bridge crew to see their leaders answer.
@#%$ you!
Still smiling, he shook his head. "I don't quite think that will be necessary. Order Battleline to move to 1/3rd power, slowly moving around the planet. Full recharge to sheilds. Also, send the Skirmish line, along with our gunships, to secure the shipyards until we arrive."
Kilm looked out the viewscreen at the command ships that lay dead in space before him. Already delta class stormtrooper transports were moving to dock with the hulks, ready to dispense the fire teams that would secure them for the New Order. His eyes stopped at the Yunos as the last of the escape pods circled the ship, trying to find space to move in to land. Already there were 1,000s aboard the ship care of the destruction of the Ravager and now the Inherent Victory, but the SDs crew would continue to serve, despite the loss of their vessel.
Aboard the Yunos.
Rannor smiled warmly as the runner approached.
"Sir, we've got engineering crew from the Ravager assisting the engineers we brought aboard with the landing. Mess crew and medics have been assigned to body clearing detail, they're dumping the bodies in the locked gymnasium. Each unit has a trooper or two with them to make sure any not-quite dead ones are made so.
Also, reports are coming in from the Viscounts that the IVs crew have started boarding, and are moving to secure said ships."
He nodded to the runner before replying.
"Download the ships schematics. I want to know this ship down to the last nut. And find out if there is a secondary bridge we can operate from. Otherwise we'll have to establish a command post somewhere."
The man ran off to relay the message, leaving Major Rannor to his thoughts. Around him hundreds of personel were being formed up for various tasks across the 7000m cruiser and with the arrival of Admiral Pitta, he had been removed as the man in charge.
Smiling ruefully, he picked up his rifle and began to make his way to engineering.
Star Defender... Bridge
"What is going on?" Ton Karlos demanded, stepping onto the bridge of the Viscount Star Defender (captured) that he had named the Dauntless. Outside, the battle seemed to be dying away. There were only a handful of terrorist ships left, and those were being overrun by the Imperial forces.
But the Star Defender was moving away from the planet, up towards its Northern Pole. And, the agent noticed, so was another of the captured vessels.
"We've had some trouble getting systems back up, Sir." One of the engineers reported. "The aliens don't know how to run a ship, evidently. They did a lot of damage."
"Can you fix it?" The engineer nodded.
"Of course we can fix it. But it's taking longer than expected. And in the meantime..."
The ship's engines were pushing it further away from the battle.
"We have shields. Mostly backup generators. And the hull is mostly intact."
Ton nodded.
"And the ship?"
"All of our sections have been sealed. We've cut off life support to the remaining sections of the vessel. There's no one left alive."
"Good. Keep me informed."
"What is going on?" Ton Karlos demanded, stepping onto the bridge of the Viscount Star Defender (captured) that he had named the Dauntless. Outside, the battle seemed to be dying away. There were only a handful of terrorist ships left, and those were being overrun by the Imperial forces.
But the Star Defender was moving away from the planet, up towards its Northern Pole. And, the agent noticed, so was another of the captured vessels.
"We've had some trouble getting systems back up, Sir." One of the engineers reported. "The aliens don't know how to run a ship, evidently. They did a lot of damage."
"Can you fix it?" The engineer nodded.
"Of course we can fix it. But it's taking longer than expected. And in the meantime..."
The ship's engines were pushing it further away from the battle.
"We have shields. Mostly backup generators. And the hull is mostly intact."
Ton nodded.
"And the ship?"
"All of our sections have been sealed. We've cut off life support to the remaining sections of the vessel. There's no one left alive."
"Good. Keep me informed."
"Sir, they're not responding"
Damn their hides! Regrad knew he had to act fast.
"Realign the targets, Hold us steady, the first ships will be withing firing range in a moment..."
The timer wound down, there was less then a minute to go.
"Sir!" cried a bridge-officer "According to a comparison reading they'll get their salvo off first!"
"Damn, all power to forward shields!"
All across the massive-yet-close formation of vessels, shields crackled to life around the fronts of ships, so strong they glowed an irridescent blue. Fighter craft hid behind their Capital-class command ships, so as to avoid the oncoming volley. As guns were brought into alignment, the crew gritted their teeth, and prepared to return fire...
Five...
Four...
Three...
Two...
One...
The First Destroyer thingy of the Empire was in range, and their guns hummed to life...
"Prepare to return fire!"
"Too late sir, Duck!"
________________________________________________________________________
Elsewhere on the battlefield, the stealth intruders plotted a dangerous course, shooting directly into the construction bays themselves. Shooting down them at dangerous speeds, only the razor-sharp skills of their pilots kept them on course. Waves of deadly fire sliced instruments and devices to pieces all along the shipyard, and windows shattered along with dura-steel supports all along the length of the shaft.
Damn their hides! Regrad knew he had to act fast.
"Realign the targets, Hold us steady, the first ships will be withing firing range in a moment..."
The timer wound down, there was less then a minute to go.
"Sir!" cried a bridge-officer "According to a comparison reading they'll get their salvo off first!"
"Damn, all power to forward shields!"
All across the massive-yet-close formation of vessels, shields crackled to life around the fronts of ships, so strong they glowed an irridescent blue. Fighter craft hid behind their Capital-class command ships, so as to avoid the oncoming volley. As guns were brought into alignment, the crew gritted their teeth, and prepared to return fire...
Five...
Four...
Three...
Two...
One...
The First Destroyer thingy of the Empire was in range, and their guns hummed to life...
"Prepare to return fire!"
"Too late sir, Duck!"
________________________________________________________________________
Elsewhere on the battlefield, the stealth intruders plotted a dangerous course, shooting directly into the construction bays themselves. Shooting down them at dangerous speeds, only the razor-sharp skills of their pilots kept them on course. Waves of deadly fire sliced instruments and devices to pieces all along the shipyard, and windows shattered along with dura-steel supports all along the length of the shaft.
Shroud Division
K19 'Widowmaker'
Corellia Orbit, Construction Regions
The Shrouds - twenty in all - had succesfully reloaded their missile stores aboard the massive shipyards hanging in orbit over Corellia.
The enemy First was crushed, the last remnants of the force being crushed by the Corellian Anvil. Despite the loss of the Ravager, the battle had gone well.
Now the Shrouds were set to reenter the fray as the enemy's second group emerged from hyperspace, some distance from the planet.
Around the K19, the other ships of the formation were moving forward.
"Colonel! Sensor contact, Incoming!"
It was difficult to see - a cloaked ship suffering damage, perhaps? - but it was certainly there.
The small craft ignored the Shrouds (not being able to see them properly) and set about demolishing the shipyards.
Or trying, rather. Less than a hundred meters long, even grouped as they were they could hardly hope to do serious damage to the massive constructs of steel that produced ships for the defence of the Empire.
"Firing patterns laid in." The weapons officer said with a slight smile.
Just because the enemy choose to ignore the presence of the Shrouds, did not mean that Colonel Janus should ignore them.
"Fire. All ships."
The effects were instantly apparent. The enemy ships were cloaked, certainly. But their positions were given away the moment they began to fire, and the Imperial gunners were the best in the galaxy.
Turbolaser blasts began to lance out from the Shrouds, finding targets in an instant within the enemy ranks. Those small ships, unsuspecting in going about their mission, stood little chance as the first barrage came from behind, and nearly half their number detonated instantly into blue-orange fireballs.
Of the others, ships began to appear in full view as the tiny holocams that made up their sensor stealth units were destroyed, and the systems began to short out.
<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>the stealth intruders plotted a dangerous course, shooting directly into the construction bays themselves<hr></blockquote>
And half the Shrouds - matching the number of enemy craft - followed, still firing.
The others set themselves up at the next intersection, hovering directly in the paths of the enemy ships and placing covering fire in front.
Losses:
8 Stealth Intruders Destroyed
2 Stealth Intruders Inoperable
K19 'Widowmaker'
Corellia Orbit, Construction Regions
The Shrouds - twenty in all - had succesfully reloaded their missile stores aboard the massive shipyards hanging in orbit over Corellia.
The enemy First was crushed, the last remnants of the force being crushed by the Corellian Anvil. Despite the loss of the Ravager, the battle had gone well.
Now the Shrouds were set to reenter the fray as the enemy's second group emerged from hyperspace, some distance from the planet.
Around the K19, the other ships of the formation were moving forward.
"Colonel! Sensor contact, Incoming!"
It was difficult to see - a cloaked ship suffering damage, perhaps? - but it was certainly there.
The small craft ignored the Shrouds (not being able to see them properly) and set about demolishing the shipyards.
Or trying, rather. Less than a hundred meters long, even grouped as they were they could hardly hope to do serious damage to the massive constructs of steel that produced ships for the defence of the Empire.
"Firing patterns laid in." The weapons officer said with a slight smile.
Just because the enemy choose to ignore the presence of the Shrouds, did not mean that Colonel Janus should ignore them.
"Fire. All ships."
The effects were instantly apparent. The enemy ships were cloaked, certainly. But their positions were given away the moment they began to fire, and the Imperial gunners were the best in the galaxy.
Turbolaser blasts began to lance out from the Shrouds, finding targets in an instant within the enemy ranks. Those small ships, unsuspecting in going about their mission, stood little chance as the first barrage came from behind, and nearly half their number detonated instantly into blue-orange fireballs.
Of the others, ships began to appear in full view as the tiny holocams that made up their sensor stealth units were destroyed, and the systems began to short out.
<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>the stealth intruders plotted a dangerous course, shooting directly into the construction bays themselves<hr></blockquote>
And half the Shrouds - matching the number of enemy craft - followed, still firing.
The others set themselves up at the next intersection, hovering directly in the paths of the enemy ships and placing covering fire in front.
Losses:
8 Stealth Intruders Destroyed
2 Stealth Intruders Inoperable
Star Defender - Bridge
The battle was far behind them now, as the two Viscount Star Defenders cleared the gravity well of Corellia. All reports were good - the Imperial engineers were the best in the galaxy, and they worked fast.
"Hyperdrives are operating..." One of the officers reported. "Not at full capacity, of course."
"Enough to get us home?" Ton asked, watching the space ahead of them. Empty...
"Yes, Sir." The officer reported. "Navigation is laying in the course now."
Not long, now, then...
"Very good, Major. Take us to hyperspace when ready."
The battle was far behind them now, as the two Viscount Star Defenders cleared the gravity well of Corellia. All reports were good - the Imperial engineers were the best in the galaxy, and they worked fast.
"Hyperdrives are operating..." One of the officers reported. "Not at full capacity, of course."
"Enough to get us home?" Ton asked, watching the space ahead of them. Empty...
"Yes, Sir." The officer reported. "Navigation is laying in the course now."
Not long, now, then...
"Very good, Major. Take us to hyperspace when ready."