[font=Times New Roman]Beep, Beep, Beep.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan was rudely awoken by an alarm and looked around. He was onboard his YT-1300, Rover, which was docked in the landing bay of the Haven Light Cruiser Justice.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]What the hell? Why is there an alarm going off? What is happening?[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan quickly leaned over and grabbed his com link.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Captain Galden, this is Jan Dondana. What’s the alarm for?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Just a little training drill we have set up at Onyx. We are to simulate a small force of pirates coming in and attempting to steal an incoming convoy. As such we have turned over the defense of the convoy to forces already at Onyx. We’ll be coming out of hyperspace in 5 minutes.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I guess I forgot about the training exercise. I’m coming up to bridge to view the exercise.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Understood.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan hurried to get ready and then quickly walked towards the bridge. On the way he felt the ship shudder and the shields were activated. As he reached the bridge he saw something off the bow of Justice. It looked quite strange, like someone had ripped one of the gravity well generators off of an Interdictor Cruiser, welded it back shut to make a sphere. Then spare durasteel plates had been added on to give it a diamond shape engines added. [/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“What the hell is that thing?” he asked Captain Galden, pretending to be surprised. In fact he had noticed it as a new idea from both Intelligence and R&D, the X-5 Immobiliser, but its structural appearance had been modified, so as to keep its existence a secret. During the exercise it would be destroyed and everyone would forget about it. A story would be circulated it was designed to produce the same mass shadow as if a pirate group had towed an asteroid in the path of the convoy and that it had been the only one of its type, a prototype which had failed. In truth, Intelligence had several other copies and this was just the original and wasn’t working properly. Intelligence planned to use these for a variety of covert missions in the future.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I’m not sure. It was transferred to us here and we were told to use it to interdict the convoy. Perhaps it’s an interdictor designed to save money?” suggested Galden.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Possibly. I’ll have to question High Command about it when I get back to Azguard.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan sat back in a chair and watched the operation commence. The Defender Gunships had launched all their fighters and the Haven Light Cruiser had launched its shuttles. The shuttles held back behind the capital ships while the fighters formed a screen above and below the capital ships. Then the convoy came out of hyperspace. Its defenses were the exact same strength as those of the ‘pirate’ fleet.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Jam all long-range communications. All Ion Cannons, target the freighters. Turbolasers, attack the gunships. All missiles, launch at the gunships as they launch their fighters. Fighters, fire a salvo of missiles at the second two gunships when they are launching fighters and then take down the enemy fighters.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]The X-5 Immobiliser began to pull back as the ‘pirate’ fleet moved in. Ion Cannons on all of the ships opened up and fired on the enemy transports, which had begun to flee. Unaffected by shields, the ion cannon fire would normally have wreaked havoc on the transports’ electronics. However these were simulation shots and all were stopped but the shields, though the transports begun to slow and sent of signals showing their ‘damage’. At the same time the turbolasers on all of the ‘pirate’ fleet ships fired on the Defender Gunships. Then the commander dropped his particle shields to launch his fighters to provide a screen against the incoming enemy fighters and 5 missiles flew from each of the Defender Gunships and more from the fighters joined these. Missile after missiles exploded against the hull of the enemy gunships, releasing a harmless cloud of smoke. Numerous enemy fighters had been caught in these smoke clouds and broke off from the battle. The Defender gunships also began broadcasting simulated damages that ranged from minor damage to the hull to massive hull breaches one, depending on the area and on the other they broadcasted complete shield failure, due to the locations of the missile hits. This when then began broadcasting updated damages constantly, due to the turbolasers fire reigning down on.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“All turbolasers, concentrate on the shield less Defender Gunship. All missiles, concentrate fire on the other one.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]At this point the ‘pirate’ fighters swooped down on the enemy fighters and engaged them in a fierce battle. The fighters swerved and dodged, moving together in what seemed to be a complex dance. Jan smiled at their skill and then turned his attention back to the capital ship battle.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]The transports had been disabled and the shuttles had moved forward and began boarding them. The Ion cannons had stopped firing on the transports and had then turned their attention to the enemy Haven Cruiser. The ‘pirate’ Defender Gunships had launched another salvo of missiles at the Defender Gunship with shields and had destroyed the particle shields. The shield less gunship broke off from the engagement, signalling that it had been destroyed and all the turbolasers moved to concentrate on the other Defender Gunship.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“DG-11, break-off from the attack immediately. Helm, roll us so we can take some of that fire coming from the Haven.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes sir.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]DG-11, its shields having been severely reduced, broke off from the engagement and Justice moved to start absorbing some of the damages.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“How are the boarders doing?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Pretty good, they should be ready to leave in a few minutes.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Any chance of capturing that Haven?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“No sir. I expect reinforcements will be arriving from Onyx soon. The convoy is late and they won’t be able to reach it. They’ll naturally start moving back along the convoy’s course.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“As I expected. None the less, the transports are our primary targets.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Then the remaining Defender gunship broke off from the fight. As well, the last of the convoy’s fighters broke off from the fight.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“All guns, target that Haven. Fighters, begin to strafe that Haven from behind. Make sure they don’t transfer shield energy from the far side to reinforce this side. All ships, reinforce shields with power from unaffected areas.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Immediately all the guns turned their fire towards the Haven Light Cruiser and the fighters began to swarm it, concentrating on the engines. Shields were reinforced with power from the other side and it was only a matter of time before the Haven Light Cruiser would be destroyed.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Sir, the cruiser is signalling it destru-“[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Sir, multiple new contacts! 1 Imperial Star Destroyer and a couple gunships, along with fighters.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Are the transports ready to go?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“The first one is, the second one should be ready in a few minutes.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Deactivate the gravity well. Get Contact 1 to execute an immediate turn and hyperspace jump. DG-10 and DG-11 put tractor beams on that transport and get it moving out of here. Fighters, set up a screen for the transport and gunships. Reinforce shields; drain energy from all non-essential tasks. Helm, 180 degree turn, NOW!”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Sir?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Don’t question me, just do it.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes sir.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Justice began its turn and Jan was mystified by what Galden had planned. He was turning directly towards the incoming fleet, as if to engage them head on. But they outnumbered and outgunned his ship and he should have been running.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Helm, full speed ahead. Take us directly between that gunship on the right and the Imperial Star Destroyer.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes sir.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Guns, fire on the Imperial Star Destroyer when possible. When it is not possible, fire on the gunship.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes s-.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]An explosion from where the X-5 Immobiliser had been made him pause.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“What was that?” asked Galden.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Contact 1 just exploded sir. I think it didn’t have enough structural integrity to withstand the right turn and jump into hyperspace,” replied the sensors officer.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“At least it was only a droid ship, not a fully crewed one. Carry on.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]The Haven accelerated forwards at full speed and dived between the Imperial Star Destroyer and Defender Gunship. Turbolaser and ion cannon shots flew in front, above, behind and below the Haven Light Cruiser, as well as into it. Many of the shots that missed flew right on by and hit either the Imperial Star Destroyer or Defender Gunship. And yet the majority of the shots hit and impacted on the shields. Alarms began to go off throughout the ship.[/font]


[font=Times New Roman] “Sir, shields are down to 5%.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“How long until we get out of range?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“We should be out of range of the Imperial Star Destroyer in a few moments. However it and the Defender Gunships are turning to pursue and the Gunships will be able to catch up to us.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Not necessarily. How long until the second transport can leave?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“It is making its run up to hyperspace now.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Order all fighters to jump to the assembly point and then get them loaded onto the Defender Gunships. The Defender Gunships, shuttles and second transport are to jump to hyperspace. Plot a short jump ahead of us and then get us to execute it.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes sir.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Once we arrive, lay in the co-ordinates for the assembly point and then jump there.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes sir.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]The Haven accelerated forward as it prepared to make the jump to hyperspace.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Shields down.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Keep on going.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“We are out of range of the enemy ships. However they are turning to engage and if the Defender Gunships continue their present manoeuvres they are likely to be back within range in 5 minutes.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Time until we jump to hyperspace?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“30 seconds.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Excellent.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Captain Galden leaned back and relaxed as Justice accelerated forward and jumped into hyperspace. A few seconds later it came back out of hyperspace, turned around and jumped towards the assembly point. There it met up with the rest of the original convoy and jumped into the Onyx system, as if nothing had happened. And yet Jan had learned some key things. One was that if the exercise was to be taken at face value assuming that each force accurately represented half of the Coalition military, than half of the military was in terrible shape and needed serious training. However on the plus the other half of the military was doing quite well. Regardless, he knew that he, and the trainers, would have a lot of work cut out for them to get the military up to scratch. Which is why he needed someone who could really turn things around in charge. Someone who had known success in battle and who knew tactics and strategies. Someone who was like Logan. That was why he was here. Because Logan was the last true military genius of the lightside whose whereabouts were known to the Coalition.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“That battle was recorded, correct?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes. We have a holo of it, as well as records from sensors.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Excellent. Transfer a copy of both to my datapad as soon as possible.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes sir.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“How long until we reach Onyx?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“We should be there in 10 minutes.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Good job. I’ll be down in Rover.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Will you be wanting permission to disembark to head down to the planet immediately on re-entry to real space, sir?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“No, just when it is convenient for you.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“All right sir, I understand.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan headed off down to his ship and began running through the pre-flight checklist. Everything seemed normal, which was always good. He sat there in his cockpit waiting for permission to launch. Within a few minutes he heard the communications officer’s voice come over the com link.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Rover, this is Justice Control, you have permission to launch, shields down in Section 2.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Thank you Justice Control.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I’m turning you over to Onyx Control, they will take care of you once you’ve launched.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Understood.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan quickly launch Rover and began moving towards Onyx.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Rover, this is Onyx Control. Where are you heading?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“New Stonia.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Understood. Proceed forward on present course. Shield Sector 5 will be down by the time you get there. And you have a berth waiting for you, Number 52.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Thank you Onyx Control.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan proceeded forward and down into the atmosphere. As he passed through the shields he saw a bulk transport on the way out. Onyx had never been to busy, but it seemed that with a recent agreement between the natives and the settlers trade had picked up across the planet. He quickly landed and then disembarked. When he reached the end of the landing ramp he noticed a man waiting for him. Jan walked forward and shook his hand.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Governor Tekel, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Same to you, Minister of Defence. May I ask what brings you here?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I’ve been informed Joren Logan lives here in New Stonia and I need to speak with him. Would you be able to point me towards his house?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Sure. I’ve got a spare hover limo here waiting for you, its driver can take you there immediately.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Thank you very much.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan continued to talk with the Governor about a variety of issues concerning Onyx before heading off towards the hover limo. There he quickly got in and told the driver to head to Joren Logan’s house. It seemed that Joren Logan was well known here as the driver took off without question. However that made sense, as he had been the one to colonize Onyx and even after the merge of the New Alliance and New Republic he had been an influential member of the Onyx community. Most recently he had organised a trade deal between the native Onyxians and the settlers.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Soon the hover limo pulled to a stop in front of a house and Jan got out. While small compared to many houses on large worlds such as Mon Calamari or Corellia, it was none the less above average for the Onyx settlers, though definitely not the biggest house in the town. Jan quickly got out and knocked on the door, before waiting for an answer. Soon the door began to open, and Jan was surprised because he had not heard any footsteps approaching the door. In front of him was not Joren, as he had expected it to be, but Mahk, Joren’s bodyguard.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“What do you want?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I am here to see Joren Logan.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Who may I tell is calling?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I am Jan Dondana, Minister of Defence of the Galactic Coalition. I just want to talk to him.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Mahk said nothing, just turned around and left the door open for Jan to walk in. Jan did so and while he was taking off his coat he saw Mahk hurry off, presumably to talk to Joren. However, before he left Jan noticed Mahk giving him a long hard look, as if to search him for weapons. Lucky for Jan he had been warned that Mahk had a Noghri bodyguard and that he might not be allowed in Joren’s presence with a blaster, so he had left it on his ship. It was a well-known fact that Joren had led the New Alliance so it wasn’t surprising that he would have enemies. And Jan wasn’t exactly undefended either. Even now there was an underground pair of bodyguards outside, pretending to be an elderly couple. While Jan didn’t like being followed by bodyguards, he understood the necessity of it. While the Coalition might not be at war with anyone now, they weren’t exactly on friendly terms with the Black Dragon Empire.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Mahk soon returned and led Jan into a small room. There was Joren, sitting in a chair, looking as if he had just been watching the Holonet. As Jan entered Joren rose to his feet and came over to great him.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Minister Dondana, a pleasure to meet you at last. Please, be seated.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Thank you Regent Logan.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“So what brings you here today?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“You do. I have a proposition for you, one that I would like you to consider. The military of the Coalition is in ruin. Our troops are under trained. Our commanders are mostly incompetents and have never really known a victory. Our ships are in need of repair. Currently we are making arrangements to set up training facilities across the Coalition. However we need one person to be in command of that. We need someone strong, someone who has known victory and someone who knows tactics to teach them, to train them up to a galactic standard level. We need you, Joren Logan. Without you the Coalition military will continue to decline, before it eventually vanishes completely. However before it vanishes I can guarantee that other governments will move in and begin to take planets from us. The Empire always wants to expand its borders and will do so if our military deteriorates any more. Here, let me show you something.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman] <o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font='Times New Roman']Jan stood up and walked over to the holo projector. He then took out his datapad and connected the two of them together. Once he had them all set up he activated in and then returned to his seat. In front of him the holo of the most recent exercise began playing. Jan watched both the holo and Joren’s reaction to it at the same time. What would Joren make of it and would it be enough to convince him to join the Coalition and help train the military? Jan though so, but he couldn’t be sure as he had never met him before today.[/font]

Jan Dondana.


Of course Logan knew who he was. Dondana was a veteran of the Rebel Alliance, helping formulate strategies that defeated the Empire in several key battles.

During the New Alliance days, Logan had heard rumors of Dondana forming some sort of underground group that eventually became known as the “New Rebellion”. The New Rebellion was one of the groups who formed the Coalition. But Logan had been occupied with other things at the time, and he did not remember ever even meeting the man.

Dondana reminded him of himself, he decided.

An old warhorse that had seen too many battles. Too much death.



YOU WILL BE KILLED BY YOUR OWN SONS.


As he listened to Dondana speak, Keira’s voice roared in his ears. He knew it wasn’t a ghost, but he had been tormented by her garish nightmare visage for a week now. It was like a steady pain drilling into his skull.

Logan listened carefully to the “proposition”. Before quickly coming to a decision.


“No.”


Dondana looked at him for a moment, before showing him the exercise. Logan watched, trying to look uninterested, but he found himself paying close attention.

Wow… He thought as he watched the Coalition forces making one blunder after another. In his mind he noted several mistakes that could have been avoided by simply repositioning a ship, or star fighter squadron.

The holo clicked off after it reached it’s conclusion.

“The Defender Gunship is a superb vessel.” Logan said after a long silence, “But it lacks several key abilities. They should have rolled to starboard, to provide the fighters with cover, and they had no semblance of positioning…”

He rattled off half a dozen mistakes before stopping, realizing the futility of it. He wasn’t going to join the Coalition. He had left the warrior’s life long ago.

“No.” He said simply. After it became apparent that Dondana wanted some sort of answer.

“Why?” Was the reply.

“The Empire will always expand, Minister. It always has. The Empire simply will not go away. Your rebellion simply slowed them down, but while you cut the head off the snake by killing Palpatine, you did not finish the job. The Empire is now too big for the both of us.”

He paused.

“But you do need serious help.”

He shook his head as he stood and walked to the window, which offered a simple view of the distant Victory Mountains. Logan looked out over them now, remembering a time when he had first flown a shuttle over those very mountains when he had first come to Onyx.

“I have abandoned the warrior life, Jan. I don’t want to go back. There has to be an end to all of this. There has to be end to all of this!”

He pointed upwards to the sky, “When do we finally get to go home?”



***


Delaya



Delaya had once been a lush world, with forests, jungles, clear, pristine oceans, and a teeming native life. It had been the first world discovered by the Chalactans after they had achieved interstellar space flight.

A couple hundred years before, human spacers landed on Chalacta, and gave them hyperdrive technology, which the Chalactans embraced as a sign from their gods. They immediately set out to build bigger ships equipped with the drive.

They were never a militaristic people, instead choosing to explore the galaxy in search of ‘Enlightenment’. They were staunch pacifists, but they were dedicated to defending themselves when it was necessary.

They began to explore beyond their own star system, and after discovering Delaya, they began to colonize it, but the colonization effort failed and they returned to their world.

At the same time, the Sneevel had achieved hyperdrive capability and were exploring as well. But unlike the peaceful Chalactans, they immediately built warships and conquered all the worlds in their solar system, before expanding into neighboring systems as well. Just before the Battle of Naboo, they controlled twenty worlds, and maintained a fearsome military.

After the Chalactan’s left Delaya the first time, the Sneevel discovered it as well, and began their own colonization efforts. But the Chalactans soon returned to finish their own colony, and the two races fought a war. Delaya had been devastated, and was now nothing more than a smoking wasteland, a testament to the horrors of war. The Sneevel Remnant was now using it as a secret base, and the planet served as a meeting place between the Remnant and the Chalactan Resistance.

The shuttle bearing the mark of the Chalactan Commonwealth settled down after coming in for a rough landing deep inside the Morosa Mountain Range, just outside a series of caves.

Senator Brand, clad in a simple gray tunic, quickly made his way down the ramp and across the short distance to a cave entrance. He entered, not lighting a glowtorch, and strode purposefully forward, knowing exactly where to go.

He had been to this cave before; in fact he had been to it no more than twenty-three times and he knew exactly where to go. He walked exactly twenty paces into the cave and stopped, turned right, walked thirteen paces, stopped, turned to his left and walked six paces.

Then he stopped again.

It was pitch-black; he couldn’t see his hand in front of his face.

Suddenly, a voice spoke to him from a meter in front of him, “Brand.”

“General Borosh.” Brand said, acknowledging the leader of the Sneevel, “I really hate it when you do that.”

The leader of the Sneevel Remnant, chuckled as if making a Chalactan jump was the only amusement he got these days, “Sorry, Senator. I keep forgetting that Chalactans are afraid of the dark…”

“It’s not the dark that gets me. Its how you move so quietly.” Brand replied, himself smiling.

He had known General Borosh for several years, ever since Damon had assumed dictatorial powers over the Chalactan Commonwealth. After the razing of Sneeve, and after Brand had formed his resistance group, he had contacted the only remaining shreds of the Sneevel Military and had allied his group with it. They were a single front against Damon, and they were determined to restore freedom to both planets.



“Do you have the data?” Borosh asked. In the darkness, Brand handed him the small case he had been holding in a grip of death since his departure from Chalatca. Inside the case was a series of numbers that made up a code. It was the code sequence for Sneeve’s defense grid.

Brand realized that he could be called a traitor for doing it, but it was vitally necessary if the coup was to work.


The world of Delaya closed in around him as he and Borosh talked about the coup. His mind was elsewhere though, drifting among his memories.

He had not always been a Senator from Chalacta. In fact, he had not always been Chalactan.

Fifteen years ago, he had been a member of the New Alliance Intelligence service.

He chuckled silently as he remembered the jokes Joren Logan had made when Brand had been undergoing cosmetic surgery to make him look like a Chalactan.

He had been a sleeper agent. His mission was to integrate himself into Chalactan society and join the political corps. He did just that, and had been elected to the Chalactan Senate just before Logan had arrived on Chalatca to discuss the alliance with the Triumverate. At the time, he had been powerless to alter their decision. He could only watch from the sidelines as Logan and the New Alliance left.

He should have been recalled then. He had made all the arrangements to stage his own death and return to the New Alliance. But he had never received those orders like he should have. The New Alliance forgot all about him.

So he became determined to take advantage of his newfound political power.

These days, he felt more like a Chalactan then human.



Brand’s eyes were starting to adjust to the darkness, and he could make out the shapes of Borosh and his aides, who were busily going over the contents of the case.

“Good.” Borosh said at last, “Our forces are in position on Sneeve to take down the shields and the shipyards.”

Brand smiled, “Perfect. I have just finished negotiations with the Brotherhood of Stars. They have agreed to sabotage Damon’s command ship while he is onboard. Other than that, the Resistance has agents and soldiers on every ship in the Chalactan Navy, as well as our shipyards and defense installations. Once I give the order, they will begin their operations.”

Borosh nodded, or at least Brand thought he did, “Perfect. Now all we need is the Coalition…”

Brand almost sighed, “Yes. I have been trying to get into contact with my friends within the Coalition government…”

“Brand, we need them. The moment you give the order, millions of Chalactans and Sneevel will rebel against Damon and his forces. We have no idea if we will be successful, but the moment we kill Damon, the government of the Chalactan Commonwealth will be in complete disarray. You have to appeal to the Coalition for emergency membership, and they have to be prepared to accept.” Borosh said, his voice starting to rise.

“I know. They will come.”

He heard a growl, “You had better be right.”


Brand turned to leave, retracing his steps exactly as he made his way out of the cave. Behind him, he could hear the receding footsteps of the Sneevel, as the made their way deeper into the cave.

He stepped out into fresh air. Or what could have once been called fresh air. The atmosphere had been severely damaged, and was now permanently covered with dark clouds. Rain came down constantly in most parts of the planet, turning the lifeless dirt into deadly streaming rivers of mud.

The shuttle was being buffeted with heavy winds as it began it’s ascent into the atmosphere.

Worry was now creeping into Brand’s mind as the shuttle docked with the larger diplomatic cruiser that had carried him to Delaya from Chalacta. The rebellion and coup was set to begin in five days. The Coalition government was still deliberating weather or not to challenge Chalacta for control of Sneeve.

He had no contacts placed highly enough within the Coalition to be able to make a difference.

He sighed.

In five days, the Coalition needed to have a small fleet over Chalacta, or the coup would fail. Brand was sure his forces could take control of a few capital ships within the Chalactan navy, but they could not take all of them, and that would create a civil war, which could drag on for a long time. They needed to be decisive, to take control of the government in one big action, not create even more war.

He racked his bran, trying to figure out if he knew anyone anywhere who could persuade the Coalition to act, and assist them.

Who?

He rubbed his eyes, feeling the weight of his life and present conditions upon him. Then an idea hit him.

[i]Logan[i].

The old New Alliance leader, at last report, had sequestered himself into a “retirement” on the distant planet Onyx, bordering the Unknown Regions. Logan had served with almost every famous military commander in the last thirty years. He knew everybody from his New Alliance, New Republic, Jutraalian and Sovereignty days. Could he get the Coalition to assist the resistance?

As the shuttle settled down in the docking bay of his cruiser, he immediately turned to his aide, “I want you to contact Joren Logan…”

[font=Times New Roman]Jan was surprised by Joren’s initial answer, but not too much, as reports showed that he liked retirement. Even less surprising was his immediate analysis of the battle simulation. From all accounts Joren was a warrior and any warrior would have made the same response as him. What really did surprise Jan was how defeated Joren seemed to be. He seemed positive that the Empire could not be defeated and was now too large to be taken on, no matter what.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>[/font]
[font=Times New Roman]“Nobody wants to go back to war if they don’t have to. I know this because I was quite happy to retire the first time. I didn’t want to come back and continue the fight, but I had to. Why? Because if I didn’t the Empire would expand even more and nobody would have been there to stop or even delay it. While the Coalition has definitely not succeeded in stopping the expansion of the Empire, we have delayed it slightly. Without us offering an alternative to the Empire I am sure that their size would be more than double what it is right now.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Without us old warhorses, who would protect the weak? Who would go out and stop pirates, get rid of tyranny-infested governments and help the citizens? No one! Without us, dictators would rule Tynna and Kubindi. As well a mercenary group would have wiped out both Nkllon and Tammar. Not to mention the fact that the Black Dragon Empire would have continued their Jihad into space that is currently controlled by the Coalition and the Empire would have expanded even more and would own many more planets.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]
[font=Times New Roman]We will finally have an end to it when the Empire is destroyed and peace reigns throughout the galaxy. Until then to just retire and give up when the galaxy so obviously needs us would be not only a waste of potential and a guarantee of defeat for the lightside, but it would also dishonour all of those who have died fighting to bring peace to the galaxy. For you to give up now, and refuse to come and help our cause, would dishonour not only the memories of every New Republic, Coalition, Sovereignty and countless other government’s citizens who died fighting the Empire, but it would also dishonour the memories of all those who, under your command during the days of the New Alliance, died fighting the Rogue Empire and the New Order. We have to continue fighting for their sakes. To abandon the cause would be to dishonour the sacrifice that those soldiers made.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]We can all retire and go home when the Empire has been vanquished and peace has been restored to the galaxy. Until then we must fight for the cause, like those that fought under you and died. We –.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]His comlink beeping cut off Jan. As he turned it on the voice of his secretary came over the comm.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Jan, this is Mirax. I have someone here you should talk to.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Put them on.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]
[font=Times New Roman]“Minister Dondana, this is Special Agent Marsellis. I have recently returned from Almania and thought you should see something.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]At the name of Almania Jan saw Joren look startled.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]
[font=Times New Roman]That’s right, Almania used to belong to the New Alliance. Joren has numerous memories of the place. Hopefully this will be something I can use to convince him to join us.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“One second while I hook up to a holo projector.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan quickly hooked up his comlink to the holo-projector that had previously been displaying the exercise and set the attached datapad to record the incoming transmission as they were played.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]
[font=Times New Roman]“All ready here Special Agent Marsellis.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]
[font=Times New Roman]The projected image was fuzzy for a second before the operator of the holo-cam recorder brought the image into focus. What he saw before him was astounding. A team of engineers, Imperials judging by the uniforms, were clearing an area and levelling it off, obviously intended to build a garrison there. The view spanned a very large area before zooming in on one of the work crews. Operating small construction droids, they were clearing the entire area before. They approached a mound and just continued right through it. The image zoomed in once again and a tombstone was visible. Then the image was once again zoomed in and the name on the tombstone could be read.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Keira Logan.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]
[font=Times New Roman]Then a large object, which proved to be one of the construction droids when the image was zoomed out, ran through the tombstone. Jan looked beside him and saw Joren collapsed in his chair, is face white as a sheet.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]
[font=Times New Roman]Jan quickly walked over to the holo-projector and turned it off. Muttering a few words into his comlink, telling Special Agent Marsellis that he would call her back in a few hours, he turned towards Joren.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]
[font=Times New Roman]This could be the information needed to get him to return. With this image to fuel his anger, he could be turned into a potent force to be used against the New Order. But what of the personal cost to him? What toll would that extract from him? And would a man enraged with anger really be the best person to put in command of a fleet large enough to render a habitable world inhospitable? No doubt Joren would be able to find a New Order planet insufficiently defended enough that he could destroy the military presence there and then raze the planet. No, Joren is the right person for the job, but it would be unkind, even cruel, for me to use this to get him to join the Coalition. Right now he will need grieving, later he can join the Coalition. He will more focused then, and by then some of his anger will have burned off.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“My apologies Regent, I was unaware of the content of the message. I’ll leave you now, and perhaps visit you again at a later date –.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan turned away to leave, before he heard Joren’s voice behind him.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]
[font=Times New Roman]“No.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan turned back, and instead of the hurt he had seen earlier, or even the anger that he had expected to see, Joren’s face seemed blank of all emotion. Except for in his eyes. His eyes burned with a passion Jan had never seen before, in any man. A passion that would have frightened Jan had he thought that the passion was directed against him.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]
[font=Times New Roman]“No.” repeated Joren.[/font]
[font=Times New Roman][/font]
[font=Times New Roman][/font]
[font=Times New Roman]Jan just stood there, waiting for more. No he did not want Jan to leave? No he did not want Jan to come back? What exactly had he meant by no? Whatever he meant, he certainly seemed to like saying "No." today.[/font]

"Here... let me help you..."

Joren smiled at his wife, Keira Logan, as she moved towards him to adjust the front of his New Alliance uniform.

He loved the way she looked when she concentrated. He loved the look on her face when she disapproved of his sometimes-scruffy appearance.

She had come from a socialite family of the upper-class human citizens on Almania. He had met her during his promotion dinner after he had been promoted to Captain within the Almanian Home Army. Her family was one of the wealthiest on Almania and they attended all social dinners of any kind.

He remembered the first time he had seen her... looking so beautiful as she chatted up a retiring general...

He now smiled at her as she fixed his insignia.

"What are you grinning at?" She inquired, putting her hands on her hips as she apprised the rest of his attire, adjusting a strap here, or a buckle there.

"You. You look as beautiful now as you did when we first met." He said, slipping an arm around her waist.

"Oh hush, I do not. But you still are as charming as you were when we first met." She said with a small twinkle in her eye.

Suddenly, he reached forward and tickled her without warning. She giggled and tried to twist away, "Joren stop!" She managed to get out before collapsing in laughter.

He followed her as she fell to the ground in a fit of laughter. She landed on her back with him on top of her.

She turned her head, her face lit up with smiles-

And in an instant those smiles were gone, replaced by a twisted sneer. He recoiled as if he had just touched a hot surface. Now instead of the beautiful sound of her laughter, all he heard was a mocking tone in her voice as she looked up at him in what could only be described as hate.


"YOU WILL BE KILLED BY YOUR OWN SONS!!!"


Logan snapped out of his reverie as the name Keira Logan faded away into the hologram, replaced by the huge treads of what looked like a new-model construction droid with Imperial markings.

The droid then crushed the tombstone.

He slumped in his chair, and would have fallen off had Mahk not placed a steadying hand on his shoulder.

Dondana jumped up and switched off the holoemitter, apologizing quickly.

Mahk hissed quietly in his ear. Unknown to all but a few ex-TNA officials, there was a silent Noghri watch squad that had tasked themselves with protecting Keira's grave. They were called by Noghri on Honoghr as the Five Brothers and had dedicated their lives with watching over Keira and making sure she rested in peace.

Logan turned his head toward the side Mahk was standing on, "Where are the Brothers?" He asked.

Mahk hissed again, "I will know soon." He said as he stalked out of the room, silent as a ghost.

“My apologies Regent, I was unaware of the content of the message. I’ll leave you now, and perhaps visit you again at a later date –.” Dondana said, standing up and preparing to leave.


Logan looked at the man, in what seemed like the first time. He realized for the first time what Dondana was trying to do. Logan had heard recent reports from the holonet and his own sources that the Coalition had suffered grevious wounds from the war and were trying to recover. Many lives had been lost, and Dondana seemed like a man desperate for some hope.

Logan knew the feeling. He knew what it was like to lead an army against all odds, he knew what it was like to fight blackness itself, and he knew what it was like to retreate to the shadows and lick your wounds.

He also knew defeat, as Dondana did. Logan used to say that too many defeats could kill a man.

It had nearly killed him.

Logan had long ago lost faith in the lightside's ability to defeat the dark. After being beaten back so many times, he had lost faith in everything.

He had put his trust into so many people and each time had seen that trust die. He had lead the New Alliance until it was forced to cower before the Rogue Empire and run to the New Republic for assistance. Then the New Republic itself had fallen, as had Jutraal, as had Griff and his upstart Sovereignty.



Everywhere he turned, he seemed to get more lost.




He felt like he was drowning in time.




"No." He blurted suddenly, without trying to.

Dondana turned around, waiting for an explanation.

"Don't go just yet, Minister." Logan said, fighting the lump in his throat.

He took a deep breath and composed himself. Any shock or weakness from seeing the hologram of Almania dissapeared from his face.

"I once heard someone say that time is like a predator... and it's stalking you. Time is the one evil menace that we cannot escape from." He paused for a moment, remembering Keira's contorted sneer, "Time is the lake of fire that we drown in a little more each day..."

He rubbed his face.

"I feel that way... I feel like I am being consumed by time itself..."

He stood up and walked towards the Minister of Defence, "I am afraid that my time, past and present, is all I have to offer to you."

Going back to war was something he'd sworn he'd never do. He hated war and everything surrounding it. But he also realized that war was his life's work.

"I am not an idealist. I'm a realist. The Empire cannot be defeated." He said firmly, staring into Jan's eyes, "But it can be weakened."






He offered his hand and smiled, "Sounds like fun."

[font=Times New Roman]Jan smiled and shook Joren’s hand.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“And fun it shall be. While I admit it would be extremely hard to completely destroy the Empire, as I have no doubt that there will always be those who favour war over peace and personal power over selflessness, we can do much to weaken it. Educating the people about what the Empire truly stands for is just one step we can take, before we crush their fleet.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]But most importantly, before we do any of that, we must educate our soldiers and our people. The soldiers must learn how to fight properly and must learn that they can be victorious. And that’s were you come in Regent. We need you to join the Coalition and command the defences of Onyx. It is relatively isolated out here, far from the rest of the Coalition. However it is not so far from the Empire. We need you out here, protecting the few planets we have here. We have started to hear rumours of a mercenary gang operating nearby, which preys on shipping in the nearby area. We fear that they will soon turn their attention to Coalition shipping to Onyx. While we haven’t had enough proof to make a change in the readiness factors of the fleet in this region public, we need to be ready for when we do. And you are the one to get us ready. You have more than just your time to offer us. Your have your experience, knowledge and expertise. The Coalition needs them, needs you.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“So that’s why you had the fleet groups do a simulation of a pirate attack. You wanted to see how they would fair if this mercenary or pirate gang does turn on Coalition shipping.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes. And as Captain Galden showed us today, they could be very successful.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Few pirates are as well equipped as Galden was.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Maybe so, but for how long? The Galactic Liberation Front has to have a tremendous amount of backing to commit the acts that they do. We haven’t heard anything from them recently, so for all we know they could be this mercenary group. They could be using this to help finance their terrorist acts. Or else the Empire or any other government who wishes to see the downfall of the Coalition could be backing this mercenary gang. With the resources of the Empire, a mercenary gang might be enough to crush us. Plus, between all the battles that have happened over the years, how hard would it be for a ship to have been listed as destroyed and taken away somewhere? How hard would it be for a group to find an old destroyed fleet out there and scavenge parts from all of the destroyed ships to put together a new ship? Or simply to take the engines and key components of an older ship that was damaged, or simply out of date, and transfer them to another ship, potentially a bigger ship such as an Imperial Star Destroyer? While it might not be easy, it wouldn’t be particularly hard.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]
[font=Times New Roman] [/font]
[font=Times New Roman]Jan was about to continue when the sound of Joren’s com unit beeping cut him off.[/font]

Former Senator Brand huddled down in the basement of an old, closed-down julip shop, clutching the edge of a rotting wooden desk.

His eyes were unfocused, and glazed over.

"Mekel... Mekel..." A voice spoke next to him.

He rubbed his eyes and looked up to the speaker, "Miri.... sorry... I was thinking about tommorow..."

His wife of eight years, a Chalactan named Miri, smiled lovingly at him.

She knew his troubles.

'Tommorow' was the day he had been planning ever since Damon had seized control of ther Chalactan Commonwealth. As a matter of fact, tommorow was the day he had been planning ever since being dispatched to this world for the New Alliance.

No one other than he and a few highly placed TNA leaders new of his secret mission. To most of TNA intel he was an operative placed to nudge the Chalactan Triumverate into accepting the New Alliance "alliance" proposal. But when Logan had arrived, he had not been in position to do so, and it was beleived he had failed.

But his real mission... his true mission... was a dark secret.

In actuality, he had been placed within the Chalactan Commonwealth to foment an uprising that would overturn the Triumverate, and start a revolution. During the chaos, the New Alliance would step in under the guise of "assisting the peaceful government transition" - a government very friendly to TNA.

It was dirty. But in those days... everything was.

So here he was, in a little basement which served as the headquarters for his resistince movement against Damon. He knew that without the Coalition presence, the resistance would falter. Even fail.

But if he could just get one Coalition ship... just one... to appear in orbit of Chalacta pledging their support against Damon... the Resistance would have won.

Damon's followers were fanatics, but even they knew when the odds were against them. Damon would be overthrown, and a new government... hell... a new way of life would emerge.

With Brand at the helm. And why not? he had waited in the shadows for years, and finally it was his turn!

But he needed Logan's help.

He pressed the button.

In a minute, a very old and gruff sounding voice answered, "Logan."

Brand stared at his own long-range comlink as if a hand had reached out of his past and had slapped him in the face.

"Regent..." Brand fumbled, unsure of himself for a moment. Miri put a comforting hand on his shoulder, and he regained his "Senator's Voice", "Regent Logan. This is Mekel Brand..."

There was a long pause, "Chalacta, right?"

Brand almost burst into tears, "Yes sir. I am suprised you remembered me..."

"My past comes to visit me every day, Commander." Logan said, using Brand's former TNA rank.

As mine does with me, Brand thought.

"Sir..." He spoke aloud, "Are you aware of the situation here...?"

"Yes. How bad...?" Logan asked. There was no sympathy in his voice... which sounded labored.

"Millions dead sir...", Brand breathed, "Millions..."

"What can I do for you?" Logan asked, and Brand thought he could detect a hint of dread.

Brand told him.

There was another long pause, "We will be there in twelve hours."

The comlink cut out and Brand collapsed. Only with Miri's help did he avoid any broken bones.

[font=Times New Roman]Jan stood there silently as Joren talked to the unknown (at least to Jan) person on the comlink. Chalacta? That was a planet not far from Coalition space wasn’t it? I wonder what this could be about. Once Joren finished his conversation he turned towards Jan.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Who was that?” asked Jan.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Mekel Brand, an old colleague of mine from the New Alliance days. I need a fleet to go to Chalacta, now.” Replied Joren.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan knew better than to ask questions. There were few people who Jan would be willing to accept orders from without question, and Joren was one of them, despite the fact that they had just met.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“The fleet I arrived with has since left on route for Bimmisaari. We can send them a message and have them switch course for Chalacta. Then I can fly us there on the Rover. It is much faster than the fleet and we can probably catch up with them, or at least arrive shortly after they do. A second fleet will be dispatched from Bimmisaari, with its arrival timed for when the first fleet arrives.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“What do you mean by a fleet?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“A Haven Light Cruiser and two Defender Gunships. If I can swing it there might be a little surprise in there as well.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“All right, lets go.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan quickly led Joren and Mahk out to his hovercar. There they quickly flew to the Rover, where Jan his secure communications gear stored. On arrival Jan quickly ran into the cockpit and began starting up the ship. While the ship came online Jan opened a channel with Justice.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Captain Galden, this is Minister Dondana.”[/font]


[font=Times New Roman]“Minister Dondana, a pleasure to talk to you. What can I do for you on this fine day?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I need to you go to Chalacta, immediately.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Chalacta?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes. Don’t ask questions, a briefing will be sent to you later. Just change course and go there are flank speed.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“What about the convoy?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“They can continue onwards by themselves for now. A wing of SAB/SSFs has been dispatched to catch up to them. When that wing gets there the convoy can wait for the rest of the ships to get there.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes sir.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan cut the channel and then sent another message to the Bimmisaari Fleet Command.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Bimmisaari Fleet Command, General Haldarn’s office.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“This is Minister Dondana. Get me the General, now.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes sir. One moment.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]A few minutes later the general came on.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“This is General Haldarn.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“General Haldarn, this is Minister Dondana. I need to borrow a fleet.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“What do you need? We’re stretched pretty thin here, but I should be able to send you a bit.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I need a Haven Light Cruiser and two Defender Gunships, along with an escort carrier with SAB/SSFs to prepare to arrive at Chalacta in 12 hours.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I’m sure I can manage to send that much to you.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Another thing, has convoy Z-9120 come in yet?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“It should be arriving in two hours. I was planning on using its escort as the fleet to send to you.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Excellent. Do you think you could send along the “cargo” as well?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Sir, it hasn’t been fully tested yet…”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“But it has had combat testing, correct?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes sir.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“And at its end destination it will be used in combat scenarios, right?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Then this can just be another combat test, another example of a combat scenario for the crew.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I understand sir. The fleet will arrive at Chalacta in 12 hours.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Thank you General.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]The channel was cut and Jan leaned back in his seat. With all of his communications done, and the ship powered up, he turned around and saw that his passengers had buckled up. Joren and Mahk were in the seats behind him and his droid, “Merzo”, was in the co-pilot seat. Back in the main cabin there were a variety of troops, the bodyguard that High Command felt that Jan needed, much to his disgust. However they had proved competent in manning the guns in simulations and since he was flying into a combat situation, that might be needed.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan lifted off from the spaceport’s floor and flew off into space. Onyx Control immediately cleared him. On the way up he saw the fleet of SAB/SSFs launching and preparing to go meet up with the convoy Galden had left. Once he plotted the course for Chalacta and the ship had entered hyperspace he began transferring files off of Rover’s computer and onto a datapad. Once the information was transferred, he turned to Joren and handed the datapad to him.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Myself and the commanders of the Coalition fleets heading to Chalacta would be honoured if you would be willing to take command of the fleet. On that datapad is the information on the ships you will be commanding.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I’ll take command if that’s want you want, but I’m sure your commanders could perform fine without me.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Perhaps, but you saw the recent exercise…”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Joren nodded at that and began reading up on the information. Meanwhile Jan went to the back, to talk to the bodyguards, as it would be best if they knew what to expect when the ship reverted from hyperspace…[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]In space above Chalacta, 12 hours after Brand had talked to Joren Logan.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Justice, and its two escorting Defender Gunships, reverted from hyperspace. Immediately Galden began shouting out orders.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Take down ventral shields on the Defender Gunships and launch the SAB/SSFs. Then make sure all ships have all their shields up, and are ready to power up their weapons, but make sure that their weapons are not, repeat not, powered up. We are not here to start a war. Maintain our present course and speed.” [/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Understood.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]The SAB/SSFs launched and the fleet continued on its course, which would take it near Chalactan fleet, but not quite within weapons range. As well the course would take them past Chalacta and then out of the system. However Kit didn’t think they would get that far before the Chalactans started firing on them.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Scan the fleet. What do they have?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I’m reading a Victory Star Destroyer and a pair of Nebulon-B Frigates in orbit. The Victory is launching 24 X-TIES, the Nebulons are each launching 12 TIE-wings.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Any sign of the other GC fleet?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“No sir.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Continue on our present course.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Sir, they are hailing us.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Open channel.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Galactic Coalition commander, this is High Lord Damon. What are you doing in my space?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“High Lord Damon, this is Captain Galden. We are just passing through. You will notice that we’ve made no hostile actions towards you, have not powered up any weapons and are not even going to pass within firing range of any of your ships. In short, we are just here, peacefully exercising our right of free travel.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“You have intruded on Chalactan space. Turn around right now and go back to where you came from. Failure to comply will result in the use of force.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Sir, we are a peaceful convoy and will continue on our present course, which will not hamper you or in any way threaten you.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Turn around immediately or you will be destroyed.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Sir, we have nothing but peaceful intentions here. However, if you force me to, I will defend myself. Furthermore, an aggressive act on any Coalition ship would be an act of wa-.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Sir, they cut of the communication at their end. Their ships are moving in to intercept and have powered up weapons and shields.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Try to steer around them.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes sir.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]The Coalition fleet continued onwards, though began cutting away from the Chalactan fleet. However this did not seem to be good enough for the Chalactans. They continued to move in to cut off the fleet and the enemy fighters accelerated towards the Coaltion fleet.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Sir, their fighters are coming in on the port side. ETA…1 minute. At present course their capital ships will come into firing range in 1 minute, 30 seconds.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Continue onwards. Wait for them to take the first shot.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes sir.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]The enemy fighters came onto the Coalition fleet, guns blazing. The X-TIEs came first, firing just on Justice, and only with laser cannons. Then the TIE-wings came in and strafed the Justice as well. However the moment the enemy fighters shot at the Coalition ships, power was diverted to weapons and the fleet began answering back. The SAB/SSFs came at on the enemy fighters from below, flying at them from beneath the Defender Gunships. Despite being out-numbered almost 4-1 (the odds had been lessened thanks to the capital ships), the SAB/SSFs still went at it with everything they had. And for good reason. They were much better fighters than the Uglies which they were facing, and better pilots. The SAB/SSFs could withstand many more hits than the Uglies and could dish out a much larger punishment.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Capital ships should be in range in 10 seconds.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Rotate to attack them head on. I want us to fly straight down the centreline and cross over the bridge of the VSD, the Gunships shall follow us.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes sir.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]While some people might think flying head on against a foe that outguns you is not the most intelligent plan of attack, in this case it was on of the better ones available to Kit. Haven Light Cruisers were originally built for quick attacks against Imperial convoys and therefore had a large portion of their weaponry able to shot forwards. As well the Defender Gunships could bring all but 6 of their turbolasers to fire on a target in front of them. Furthermore the enemy was probably not expecting the fleet to suddenly turn towards them and then accelerate at them. They would be expecting the smaller, faster fleet to turn away from the threat and head out of the system, or engage in a fighting retreat, not a sudden charge. This tactic would hopefully surprise the enemy and put them off guard.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Kit watched as the Victory Star Destroyer came into range and the guns onboard Justice opened fire, starting by concentrating their fire on the bow of the VSD. However, even as his ships began firing on the Star Destroyer, the destroyer and its accompanying frigates returned firing concentrating on the front of Justice. Suddenly Kit noticed that the frigates were not staying in wedge formation with the destroyer, but instead slowing down and moving so that they would cut off Justice after it passed over the VSD. Apparently High Lord Damon didn’t want to risk the Coalition fleet blasting past the space defences and then attacking the planet.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Sir, we are reading multiple torpedo locks. Both from in front and astern.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Astern?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“It appears that the X-TIEs do have torpedo launchers, two each. Apparently they were just waiting for the opportune moment to fire them.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Order the fighters to concentrate on the X-TIEs and to try to screen us from those missiles with their mini-concussion missiles.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“They are trying but the X-TIEs managed to break away and now the SAB/SSFs have to fight through a pack of TIE-wings to get at the X-TIEs.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“That shouldn’t be a problem, TIE-wings are horrible.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“These ones are heavily modified, and carry shields.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Shields? Why didn’t they use them at the start of the fight?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I don’t know sir.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Apparently Damon is more intelligent than I would have thought. When can we expect reinforcements?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Soon.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“How long is that? 30 seconds? 1 minute, 10 minutes, what?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I’m not sure. I’m trying to get their ETA now.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Fine, will just have to try to stay alive for as long as possible.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]The VSD and the X-TIEs finally launched their missiles and the space dividing Justice from the Star Destroyer was lit up with the glow from 80 concussion missiles.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Incoming missiles! Brace for impa-.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Justice rocked from the impact of missiles impacting on the shields and then punching through to the hull both on the bow and astern.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Damage reports?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Bow shields down, stern shields are pocketed with holes. Bow hull suffered numerous minor penetrations. Most of the levels at the front of the ship are depressurized and venting into space. Engines and stern hull suffered only minor damage.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Seal off those leaks. All non-essential personnel get to escape pods, but do not launch. All essential personnel, prepare to get to escape pods once the order is given. Essential personnel at the bow evacuate into escape pods whenever you feel it necessary to, or when the order is given. Continue present course.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Escape pods sir? We have not suffered that much damage yet.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“The key word there is yet. What is the position of the Nebulon-B Frigates in relation to our present course?”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Dead ahead sir. If we don’t manoeuvre out of their way soon we will crash into both of them.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Excellent. Lock down the present course into the computer. Drain all power from non-essential tasks into engines. Drain power from shields into engines. Full speed ahead. All crew, abandon ship.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Yes sir.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Justice suddenly accelerated forward even faster, heading straight at the 2 Nebulon-B Frigates. Kit stayed on the bridge for a bit longer, making sure all of his orders were carried out. Just as he was about to leave he heard all call from his sensor officer.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Sir, our backup has arrived.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Excellent.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]With that Kit and the rest of the bridge crew got on the remaining escape pods and evacuated.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]



[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan smiled as Rover exited hyperspace. Arriving at the same time as him was the fleet from Bimmisaari, including the surprise Jan had planned for the Chalactans. At the head of the fleet was a Longsword Frigate. Jan began trying to open a channel with Justice. Suddenly it impacted on the 2 Nebulon-B Frigates and the 3 ships exploded.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“What the hell?” bursted out of Jan’s mouth.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Joren, seated in the co-pilots chair, was much calmer and glanced at the sensors.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“I’m reading numerous escape pods heading away from that explosion towards the Defender Gunships. They seemed to be grabbing them with their tractor beams as they go by.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]“Excellent. Regent, you are in charge now.”[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]Jan opened up communications with the other vessels in the fleet…[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]<o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]What had happened with the Nebulon-B Frigates was that their captains had not clued in to what Kit had planned. They were sure that Kit had no plan to sacrifice his vessel in such a manner, as they did not know about the incoming Coalition reinforcements. They only clued in when the escape pods began launching from Justice and the second Coalition fleet arrived. However by this time it was too late, Justice was already upon them and they were destroyed. This had left the odds heavily in the favour of the Galactic Coalition.[/font]
[font=Times New Roman][/font]
[font=Times New Roman]OOC: We're at 17, 355 words so once you're post is up just add together the two numbers and post in the planet list. Regardless of how much you post we have a couple thousand extra.[/font]

There's a killer inside you... don't deny it...


Logan ignored the nagging voice at the back of his mind as he suddenly felt thirty years younger.

He felt awake. Alive. Vibrant.

He had spent years in retirement, living someone else's life. But now, he suddenly and spitefully returned to his true 'self'.

A killer.

"Haven Cruiser, flank left, I want that ion cannon taken out!" He bellowed into the comlink of the Rover.

Jan was doing an excellent job of piloting the ship in and out of the Coalition formation. Logan could honestly say he had never directed a battle in such a way. Normally he would have been in a heavy command ship... but this way different. It was even... fun.

Damon's forces, though fanatical, were being steadily driven back, towards Chalacta, and the shipyards there.

The voice inside him continued to whisper, but Logan was no longer listening.



*



"Just who the hell are you?"

"My name is Commander Mekel Brand, New Alliance Intelligence unit Bravo-Four." Brand said as he withdrew a blaster from his jacket and pointed it directly at the man guarding Damon's opulant palace, "You may either stand there and die, or you can go home to your family and make sure they are safe."


The guard didn't hesitate. He raised his blaster quickly, and prepared to fire, but was cut down by Resistance members accommpanying Brand.

As soon as the Logan had pledged his support, Brand had sprung into action. He notified the Sneevel resistance, who prepared their operations to overthrow their Chalactan masters. Brand had alerted Resistance members across the planet, as well as within the ships that Damon employed in the Navy.

At the precise time, Brand had made a single singnal using a friendly media outlet that normally broadcast state-run 'relgious entertainment'. At the moment, thousands had revolted across the world, overthrowing their regional governments and taking control of the cities.

The capital, Taloor was in an uproar, with partisians taking the streets and sections of the government districts. Brand had been supervising their efforts, until it was reported that Damon was trying to escape. His shuttle was being readied.

Brand was furious. The coward was trying to run away!

He was now marching directly into the palace, which was mostly deserted and abandoned of government soldiers who had been dispatched to supress the uprisings.

Brand, and a contingent of Resistance troops, marched directly into his office, where he was busily packing. His office was devoid of soldiers or bodyguards whatsoever.

"I see that you have been abandoned." Brand said as he walked in.

Damon turned and gave him a sneer, "Thats what you think. Even now my soldiers are destroying your little insurrection."

Brand laughed for the first time in three weeks.

Without hesitation, he raised his blaster and fired twice into both of Damon's legs, "Your rule is finished. You are finished. And I am going to get to see you die. Just like you saw millions of my countrymen die."

Damon groaned in pain, "They are not YOUR countrymen. You are a foreign agent... sent to.... take control of my government..."

Brand glanced around at the other Chalactan Resistance members, "I may not be native born on Chalacta. But I am more Chalactan than you are."

He raised his blaster and fired one shot.



*


"It is with great pride and pleasure do I announce the formation of a new Chalactan government. Free of tyranny, oppression, and destruction. As free people, we hereby officially announce that the people and governments of Sneeve and Chalacta are now a single republic together, and will share in the ownership of the planet Delaya."

Brand, side by side with the now President Borosh, smiled broadly as hundreds of thousands turned out to watch the live broadcast over the HoloNet. Joren Logan, along with Minister Dondana, stepped up and shook hands with Borosh and Brand.

"And the first move by this new republic, we hereby do announce that the Galactic Coalition has granted us membership into their great nation!"

The crowds erupted into cheers.


And for one breif instant...


...Joren Logan felt....


...happy...