The fire class light frigates screened the Imperial cruisers as the enemy heavy bombers struck, using their many quad laser cannons rated for combat against enemy starfighters to great effect, reducing most of the enemy bombers to flaming particles before they had the chance to launch their missiles. Some got through the screen, and attacked the Imperial Illustrious class Cruisers, but most of those bombers were soon destroyed by roaming Imperial fighters. The cruisers suffered very little in the way of damaged from the heavy rockets the bombers launched. Most of the damage was the shields, which began to recharge as power was rerouted from other nonessential systems in the ships.

The Imperial cruisers and frigates then accelerated to attack speed as they met the enemy capital ships head on. The Imperial fighters and frigates dived into the enemy skirmish ships, and screening fighters and bombers, blasting them apart with coordination as the Imperial cruisers lined up and hit the enemy captial ships with large salvos of heavy turbolasers, heavy ion batteries, and missiles. Take under assault by three cruisers, and two frigates, the lead Diamalan cruiser was blasted apart in a hurry, and began to drft, crippled.

The battle continued, with the Diamalan fleet beginning to fall apart............

b] Diamal Space [/b]

The powerful Imperial vessels tore into the Diamalan fleet, lighting up the space over Diamal with flashes of green, blue and red. Turbolaser bolts connected on sheilds, and explosions rocked the hulls of ships on both sides, as sheilds failed torpedoes and missles slammed into the thick hulls that kept the ships safe from the sucking vaccum of space. Amongst the massive capitals other battles raged, dogfights between the small snubfighters of each side, rapidly firing laser cannons sending hotshot pilots to their doom and others to glory. Twisting and jinxing they weaved in and among the capitals, as both sides let loose with their full combat powers, testing the designs first concocted on a holo design board far from the battlefield, by engineers and designers, who themselves never watched bolts of coherent energy fly at their face- praying their sheilds would hold one more time, only to repeat the same silent prayer a moment later. It was a drama, a tragedy and an epic all at once, as two sets of individual battled for supremecy of the space around a single planet.

A Diamalan escort, anchoring the middle of the defensive screen began to falter under a tremendous hailstorm of turbolaser fire from the mighty Imperial cruisers which were arrayed against it. It's strained shield faltered as bombers made runs with heavy ordanace, and then the which a great shudder the craft broke in half and it's peices fell away, joining its fellow, which was drifting slowly from the battle, crippled by an earlier assault. Still, the shape of the battle was not apparanet to the single pilots who svereved among the larger capitals. Diamalan bombers, more concearned with releasing their encumbering ordanace and returning to their launch bays disregaded the losses their fleet was facing, to complete their devasating attack run upon an Illustrious cruiser.

The powerful Imperial Vessel took several direct hits, and sheild already withered by from earlier runs and Diamalan defensive fire failed, allowing proton bombs to strike its hull. Pillars of flame rose up, only to be dulled by the coldness of space- but the damage was done. Huge holes remained where the salvos had hit, and the presious atmoshpere that kept its crew alive began venting in a huge cloud of white as it was sucked into the vaccum. No one paid such a loss any mind- the Imperial ships simply continued on their path of destruction, taking advantage of the weakened and suddenly porus Diamalan defensive screen to strike hard at one of the Diamalan carriers, bringing a fusilade of fire on the brittle defenses of the alien vessel. TIEs around the carrier exploded in showersof sparks as its point defense guns came to life, but turbolaser shots began to rain down on the ships hull, battering the alloys which were made only for the purpose of holding as many fighters in the cavernous bays they covered, not primarily defense. The results were as expected.

It was clear who was coming out on top in this day... even as the Diamalans scored hits and managed to cause the Imperials losses, their defensive force was curmbling under the might of the Imperial armada. Anyone viewing at a distance would see this fact as plain as day. But no one was watching the battle from a distance- the Diamalans were alone in their defense of their homeworld. At least at the moment.

Hyperspace

"Reversion in 30... 29... 28... "

The computerized voice spoke calmly over the intercom system of the ship, as if it was of no consequence that the vessel was about to enter a war zone.

No wonder they cannot render the sentient being obsolete.

Captain Yur Ziyor let the thought reassure him of his usefulness as his ship prepared to end its long sojourn though hyperspace.

".....25...24....."

The voice, as it uttered its next several numbers, was human. Ziyor almost let his stoic posture show his annoyance at such a mistake by the internal programmers of the vessel, but knew it was only a programming flaw. The Republic class Star Destroyer had orginally been a New Republic model, and it was likley the plans called for a humanoid voice program to announce re-entry from hyperspace. Such a calm, mechanic sound would have been thought to have a soothing effect on the crew of the ship.

Only goes to show the arrogance of humans.

"...17...16 ...."

He made a mental note to have that fixed after the battle. The thought that he wouldn't return from the battle never entered his proud, Falleen mind. He would do his duty, and do it in a manner that sufficently acheived his objectives. No human commander was going to stop him.

They will pay for their atrocities.

"...13....12...."

His grand parents had died in the great plauge, not from disease of course, but from the Imperial orbital bombardment. His father had been horribly mutilated by a turbolaser fire. His mother had received a small dose of the bioweapon, and struggled with pain for the remained of her life- death had not become a quick release for her. He had good reason to look forward to combat with the Empire.

But he had to keep such emotions out of the battle.

His superior mentality would allow him to do so. He was a Falleen was he not?

"...7...6...5..."

The human voice was begginning to annoy him, and he wondered why the countdown had been set at 30 seconds anyway. Did they human designers really believe a calm voice could relive the battle tensions of a ships crew? For the humans own sake, he hoped they didn't.

"2...1..."

Diamal Space
Away from main conflict

The viewport of the Republic Star Destroyer flashed white, and then cleared to a view of a raging space battle. There would be time to assess the state of both sides as they began moving to engage the enemy. For now, orders had to be conveyed.

"All ships, bring sheilds and weapons systems online. Order all fighters deployed, form up by squadron. Begin long range scans and anyalsis."

Most of his fighters had come in on their own hyperdrives, but some of the bombers had stayed in the launch bays to recieve their heavy ordanaces. The order was still important.

The bridge became alive with activity, and Yur took the downtime between his first orders and the next set to began planning a peliminary strategy, a general outline of what he would do.

He would strike his first blow of vengence.

OOC-

Manifest:

Republic Class Star Destroyer- Falleen's Fist
Kaloth Battlecruiser- Righteous Fist
Kaloth Battlecruiser- Destiny's Lance
Kaloth Battlecruiser- Winds of Change
Nebulon B Frigate- Anvil
Nebulon B Frigate- Auditor
Nebulon B Frigate- Abolisher
Nebulon B Frigate- Amerce
Class-1000 Cruiser- DA-008
Class-1000 Cruiser- DA-009
Class-1000 Cruiser- DA-010
Class-1000 Cruiser- DA-011
Class-1000 Cruiser- DA-012
Class-1000 Cruiser- DA-013
Class-1000 Cruiser- DA-014
Class-1000 Cruiser- DA-015
Class-1000 Cruiser- DA-016
Class-1000 Cruiser- DA-017
Marauder Corvette- Dari
Marauder Corvette- Final Brilliance
Marauder Corvette- Humanity's Folly
Marauder Corvette- Reliance
Warrior Gunship- Chancellor I
Warrior Gunship- Chancellor II
Warrior Gunship- Chancellor III
Warrior Gunship- Chancellor IV
Corellian Gunship- DAR-001
Corellian Gunship- DAR-002
Corellian Gunship- DAR-003
Corellian Gunship- DAR-004
Corellian Gunship- DAR-005
Corellian Gunship- DAR-006
Corellian Gunship- DAR-007
Corellian Gunship- DAR-008
Corellian Gunship- DAR-009
Corellian Gunship- DAR-010
Corellian Gunship- DAR-011
Corellian Gunship- DAR-012
Corellian Gunship- DAR-013
Corellian Gunship- DAR-014
Corellian Gunship- DAR-015
Corellian Gunship- DAR-016

204 XJ-XWings
65 B-WingEs
36 Y-Wings

"Sir, unknown vessels decanting from hyperspace. I read at least two dozen, most escort size, one large ship." sang out the sensors officer aboard the flagship.

"Damn. Send them a message asking them their intentions. Do we have any idea of who they are?" asked the Commodore.

"Sir, three Kaloth class Battlecruisers are seen to be among the ships in their fleet." said the sensors officer. "That puts the probability high that they are the Bothans."

"Bothans.......Yesti, recall all our fighters so that they may redock, and rearm. Let's pull our fleet away from that of the Diamalans, and prepare for full combat. Arm all missiles, load all tubes, bring all shields back up to full power. What is the status of the Diamalan fleet?" asked the Commodore.

"Sir, they have two carriers, and one badly damaged cruiser still operational, plus about three squadrons of fighters. At present they are scattered, and in full retreat." said the Sensors officer.

"Very well, reform our formation to deal with this new threat." said the Commodore.

OOC: Manifest:
4 Illustrious Fast Attack Cruisers: Shields at 100% on all vessels, 75% on one vessel.
8 Fire class Light Frigates: Shields at 95% on all vessels.
118 TIE Defenders
80 TIE Scimitars
84 TIE Devils

OOC- Although OOC the Diversity Alliance (whose ships you are facing) is affilated with the Bothans- ICly they are not connected yet.

IC- A large ciculare holorprojector whirred to life, as peliminary scans brought the first stretches of information back to the Falleen's Fist . The display was reading 12 small cruisers, and anywhere between 150 to 200 small fighters, of unknown types. Currently the display was very vague, but with every sensor sweep, more and more dfinitive information was coming in.

"Sir, we're being hailed by the Imperial fleet, asking our intentions."

Captain Ziyor nodded, but did not immediatly answer the call. Instead he issued an order.

"Order all ships to perform the Jirga Teron maneuver."

A voice confirmed the order, and began disseminating it to other ships. Meanwhile, Ziyor nodded to his communications officer, to path him through to the Imperial fleet.

"Imperial fleet, this Captain Yur Ziyor of the Star Destroyer Falleen's Fist . You ask our intentions, as is usually acceptable in such situations. However, let me break ettiquiette and ask you yours? If, as I have been briefed, you are here on a diplomatic envoy, was is a small armada necessary to escort your diplomats? Would any Imperial world except diplomats forced upon them by warships? Woul...."

Captain Ziyor let his voice trail off, not wanting to preach unnecessarily. That was the job of the politicans and diplomats- not fleet commanders.

"Imperial fleet- our intentions are to protect the soverignty and dignity of the Diamalans. We ask you to retreat from this system, a move which will save countless lives and protect your dignity. Their is no shame in retreating in the face of superior numbers. Please, except our offer- make pennance for the Diamlans who you have killed today."

The transmission was cut. Ziyor waited a second, then spat out,

"Human scum."

He hated being so considerate to those dogs- those whose unprovoked agression had killed hundreds of brave Diamlans...... and millions of Falleen. Still, an order was an order- he had been told to try all available means to convince the Imperial commander of the futility of the situation- combat was his last resort.

Not that he didn't expect to have to fight. The arrogant humans would try something to bring the battle back to their favor.... most likley a massive barrage of heavy weapons in an attempt to surprise the DA fleet. Unfortunatly, Ziyor was ready for that. His previously given order had put the fleet in a formation perfectly designed to make a mass firing of weapons ineffective.

His gunships had moved into 4 groups of 5, each lead by a Warrior gunships. Using the RSD as a centeral point the had spread out to the far extremes above, below, right and left of the 1250 meter wedge. They were in a semi-tight formation, ready to assualt the Empire from varying attack angles. The XJ-XWings were moving ahead of the capitals in a large fighter screen, while the bombers were congealing into large groups near the RSD. The other ships in the amramda were also manuevering, and their shape was not yet determinable.... though Ziyor knew where they would end up. Still, the effect was the same- he had left only one real target for a mass firing of torpedoes- the Falleen Fist , and the bombers forming up around it, along with some other escorts.

Maybe they'll see reason.

Looking out the viewport at the distant Imperial ships, then back at the green and red holodisplay, however Captain Yur Ziyor seriously doubted it.

Interlude: Two weeks ago....

After the Ishori aide had left his office, a short time later, another aide, a Diamalan aide, was ushered into the office of Vice Admiral Park Kraken.

After another, similar discussion, it was agreed, that in exchange for disposing of the Diamalan military leaders, the Prime Minister, Miatamia, and the citizen Diamals would welcome the rule of the empire, so long as no atrocities were comitted.

And so, in two weeks time, both the Ishori, and Diamalans be under the rule of the Empire, free law abiding nations, no longer locked in a lifetime fued and war with one another, finally able to embrace peace.

Now

The Imperial fleet reformed, and came about to face this unexpected threat. The Diverisity Alliance fleet was formidable, as it included four ships that could match any one or two of his Illustrious cruisers in sheer firepower, and an additional forty light cruisers, frigates, and gunships could easily overpower his Fire class Light Frigates. Commodore Carson didn't have much choice in the matter of his next move. He put out a call, first, for all Imperial ships in the immediate area to converge in order to offer up as much in the way of reinforcements as much as is humanly possible, then proceeded to move his fleet into motion. The fighters redocked, refueled, and rearmed, ready to be launched again in a moment's notice.

But under all costs, he would defeat the enemy fleet, and keep Vice-Admiral Kraken's promise to liberate the people of Diamal.

He ordered targeting locks on the large ships, mainly on the Republic class Star Destroyer in the fleet, and handed firing solutions on down to the frigates, and fighters. Then the fighters launched, and formed up into their attack wedges.

Commodore Carson made one last appeal to the enemy fleet.

"Diversity Alliance fleet, this is your last chance to turn back. We came here to liberate the people of Diamal from oppression, and their warlike ways. Depart now, and your fleet will not be harmed." said the Commodore.

Now they waited............

Aboard the Ravager II, one week ago.




"Admiral, the expansion of the Empire is everyones perogative, current tasks aside. Your desire to truly understand the way the aliens mind works is testament to your worth as the Diktats fleet officer, but it seems to have precluded you from offensive actions of late."

Admiral Danetta Pitta was stonefaced as he listened to Governor Darksword. He could freely admit that he was simply pursuing the more pleasurable of his duties, but such an act would only serve as a detriment to his goals.

"Of course Governor, and as such i have been attempting to combine said efforts into a single mission. If i may?"

He indicated the lightswitch, to which Darksword just nodded. Quickly switching off the lights, Pitta quickly activated the holocom that had been so much trouble to bring into the Princes presence. Instantly a small planet sprung into view, a number of file numbers floating vaguely next to it.

"Those numbers indicate an operation in progress Admiral Pitta..."

The governors pleasure was palpable, although Pitta had served with him long enough to simply ignore it.

"This is Diamal. The operation in progress is Iron Fury under Fleet Admiral Park Kraken."

Darkswords eyes raised now.

"Of the Mid Rim?"

Pitta nodded before continuing.

"The plans submitted indicate he plans to attack within the week. Date set for exactly 7 days from now. What i intend to do is arrive approximately 10 minutes after Kraken has arrived in system with Apocahk, the Angrix, and the Azgoghk. Along with the Ravager Battlegroup, we should be sufficiently protected to land and begin tests on the Diamala."

He was interupted before he could carry on.

"So you simply intend to usurp Krakens efforts, then engage in reducing the Diamal population to a shadow of its former self?"

The Admiral stopped, confused.

"Not ex..."

"I love it! You have full access to all non-Corellian resources."

The breifing ended an hour later with Danetta Jnr wandering from the room dazed and confused as to the way the mission would procede. Shrugging to himself he began issuing the relavant directives that would see the mission begun.




One week later, Shroud K11.




Darksword sat quietly, contemplating everything that was about to happen. The week had passed quickly, and the fleet was already formed, the battlegroup being the key strike unit of the Diktat. Noone but the loyal crew of the K11 knew the Sith Lord was with the group, and that was exactly how he wanted it.

Minutes later, the fleet none the wiser, they lept to hyperspace, bound for Diamal.


(OOC: Impy forces incoming, arrival vector is the opposite side of the planet as to where the engagement is being fought.)

"Lieutenant, report please."

The Imperial force had lashed out without even bothering to respond to his transmission. Not that it bothered Yur Ziyor, he didn't want to talk to the Imperial scum anyway. Still, he had hoped the Imperial commander would have seen the futility of the situation and retreated. Obviously, the level of reason and logic taught at the Imperial academy was dropping. Well, it would be the Imperial's loss- a loss of more than just ships and men.

"Sheilds are holding at 72 percent. Reserve power being funneled into the sheilds, should remain steady, at least for now."

Yur nodded. The the Imperial fleet had not yet opened fire, but they were manuevering to get into firing postion. Unfortunatly for the Imperials, the full brunt of the DA fleet had not yet moved in on them- and Yur was not about to let the Imperials fire the first shot.

"Lieutenant, order all ships to engage at will."

The Republic class Star Destroyer unleashed its fury on the nearest Illustrious Cruiser, a fusilade of turbolaser bolts racking its sheilds. The Class 1000 cruisers, closest to the RSD also flet fly with all of their weapons, adding to the torrent of fire. The groups of gunships began manuevering in from their angles, above, below, right and left, but they were not yet in targeting range. The 3 Kaloth cruisers had formed a tight wedge and were battering on another Illustrious Class Cruiser, as they made an attack run past the enemy cruisers. Yur worried about the Kaloth- they were older vessels with alot of firepower, but were very fragile. If the Imperial cocnetrated firerpower on them..... well there would be problems.

The Maurader firgates were also not in the fray, holding positions in the rear of the DA fleet to prevent an attack by Imperial reinforcments. However, it was evident to see they would not be needed. The Imperial fleet was going to soon be overwhelmed, as soon as the remained of the DA vessel launched their attacks it would be over.

And the first part of my vengence will be complete.

OOC-

Empire:

1 Illustrious Cruiser (Being Engaged by Kaloths, and previous damaged) Sheilds- 23% Hull- 100%
1 Illustrious Cruiser (Being Engaged by RSD, 4 Class 100 Cruisers) Shields- 55% Hull- 92%
1 Illustrious Cruiser (Being engaged by 6 Class 100 cruisers) Sheilds- 53% Hull- 100%

"Sir, no response from the enemy fleet." said the aide.

"Very well. Let's not provoke any hostilities with the Diversity Alliance. Have the fleet come about, and prepare to enter hyperspace." ordered the Commodore.

"Sir..... the enemy force is pulling back."

Captain Ziyor nodded. He had to make a snap decision.

"Order all ships to cease fire, allow them to retreat. We have done our duty."

"Aye Aye."

The Diversity Alliance forces ceased fire. The Imperial fleet hadn't fired a shot. Yur thought perhaps they had seen the futiltiy of fighting a superior force. Whatever the reason, they had turned and were moving away from the Diversity Alliance fleet, and Yur felt no need to press the advantage, as much as he would ahve liked to. He had accomplished his mission.

Till we meet again.

The Imperial ships made the jump into hyperspace, but they did not travel very far before they re-emerged. They re-orinted themselves to face the planet, then they waited.......