It had been several days since the Eclipse-class Star Destroyer <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Death's Hand<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> had escaped from Hoth with three of its smaller cousins, Imperial-class models.

Several days since at least three hundred thousand souls blinked out of existence. However, it was only a small price to pay for a war. That many men crewed a Super-class Star Destroyer, and sixty percent of that number which would become undoubtedly a much used statistic, crewed a Disruptor-class Super Star Destroyer.

Many things were happening all about, but the war had cooled off.

And then flared up in places that together could ignite into an inferno. The task ahead was fighting that fire with fire.

Reports had come in from Averam that an Imperial Order fleet had approached and begun engaging the planetary mine field. Its commander had been prudent to not go ahead peicemeal, for the mines were within maximum and just short of effective range for the network of planetary defenses below.

Averam, however, was not on the mind of the only seemingly operable Fleet commander.

* * *
<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Conference and Briefing Chamber 33::Level 200, Section G-87.
ESD Death's Hand<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

Assembled in the room were Captains, Line Captains, Commodores and a Rear Admiral. All were seated in consecutively rising tiers of seats and desks, from a main address floor at the center.

Missing was their commander, the aristocratic Grand Inquisitor, Rear Admiral Viscount del Forza. As per his typical style, he made an entrance.

Durasteel doors parted, allowing no light into the already-dim room, as there was no illuminateion in the hall. In stepped the dyed-white haired officer they saluted, in red tunic and black breeches.

His pair of ubiquitous guards held steady at the door; he proceeded ahead as the other senior officers took their seats.

" Gentlemen, I will spare you any blustering introductions..."

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Too late<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->, thought Line Captain Killrek, commander of Flotilla I, Task Force Jutraal, Sixth Fleet.

"...and shall get straight to business at hand.

" We have, for all intents and purposes, lost communications with High Command. The Emperor has sent us no orders, sent no Fleet bulletins, and no other senior flag officer has taken any intitiative to otherwise defend our homes from Order attack.

" I have spoken with commanders from the reorganized Planetary Defense Flotillas, who have agreed to put their forces on full alert and strike where ever neccessary in defense.

" To assauge your concerns, this includes Averam. When is an issue for that group commander.

" My forces, consisting of the Third and Sixth Fleet had been deigned by those who have spoken, to take the battle to the enemy. We are best equipped: we have the heaviest ships and the siege weapons capable. The Fleets are larger, but they are for battles. We must think engagement.

" As a wise ancient once said: cut, slash, and run.

" We will indeed be taking our battle to enemy. Every enemy, in fact, that raised arms against us. That contributed to the deaths at Hoth, above and below the atmosphere, in any way.

" This is where the briefing stops and suggestions begin. Whom do you know of that has attacked the sovereignty of the Jutraalian Empire?"

The question posed, the officers buzzed amongst themselves. Some wore masks of fear, their commands their firsts. Many others beemed with the possibility of vengeance.

" Id Tech, the Mon Calamari!" shouted Captain Vaalt, Sixth Fleet's Assault Group IV.

" The Empire," stately interjected the commander of Group 2, Third Fleet. He was among only three other officers of noble birth or stature in the room, besides the senior Rear Admiral.

" GDI and UE!" yelled the youngest of them all, perhaps the brightest officer under twenty-five. At twenty-one, he had graduated the Academy a year ahead of his class and already was a full Captain, Tarrl Yamarr. He was also commander of <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Death's Hand.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

The orgiastic shouting of possible enemies grew and grew, and the Viscount let them feed on the enemrgy of their peers, watching the group of OFFICERS turn into a war driven frenzy.

Satisfied each was completely loyal and willing, he motioned for quiet: he received it in record time.

" Gentlemen, we now who our enemies are, besides the Order. We must choose targets, and for this I ask you to submit suggestions and detailed battle plans, tactical routines, and timeteables to me no later than third watch today."

" Good day."

The Rear Admiral strode from the room, and the officers rose in unison. Captain Yamarr followed him out, their walk to the bridge uneventful and silent.

* * * * * * * * * *

One day later.

Captain Yamarr strode into the Admiral's executive office, located a deck above his quarters, above the primary superlaser feed channel.

" Admiral. You wishesd to see me?"

The Viscount stood, his breeches and boots on, but tunic given way to service garment covered by an elegant silk smoking jacket. In his left had was a crytalsheet, and his right a glass of purple brandy.

" Please, sit."

The Captain had been at ease with the Admiral in private since his taking command of the Fleet's flagship, and relaxedly moved over to a chair ahead of the Admiral's desk. Waiting, he finally received the cordial nod from the nobleman to take a glass of brandy for himself from the silver tray, adorned with the del Forza Crest.

" You have been here all day, sir."

" I have," The Admiral stated.

" I have happened upon a plan of action. If executed, we shall strike a blow for our fallen comrades, and take pressure off of the homefront until the Emperor returns to take his own command and defeat the invasion proper."

The Captain listened intently, his cap on the desk and brandy to his lips.

" What planet is owned by both the Republic and the Mon Calamari, both enemies in this war."

The captain turned his head, and eventually answered: Kessel.

" Correct, Captain. If we were to attack it, what do you think the response would be?"

" Forces from both factions would arrive to stop us."

" That is what I am counting on. I have allowed information to leak that one of our fleets is going to be moving against Kessel."

" In the last twenty hours, sir?"

The Inquisitor smiled. " I am the Grand Inquisitor. I have Intelligence sources which would boggle your mind and turn your stomach.

" Sir, hasn't the Republic been a posible ally?"

" They have. Which is why that information states that NCR ships will be eliminated; nowhere does it say we wish to harm Republic ships."

" We'll be hitting those who wish us harm. Not those of us who may be our allies."

" With their forces deployed elsewhere, and not even our seemingly defunct High Command knowing our exact location, not a soul alive could see us here or our departure without being slagged.

" Thus, we move. Against those who would stop us."

" Where, exactly, sir?" asked the Captain, taking a finishing sip of his brandy.

" At those who added to the mass. the Imperial pretenders, enemies indeed, and those that felled our allies."

A grin creased the unaged face of the Admiral, Viscount, and Inquisitor.

" We shall crush them where they least expect it. Karnak and Votras.

" And no one can see us coming."



There was no laughter, only evil. It grew and grew until the Third and Sixth Fleets had separated, each to do their own nefarious biddings: Vengeance.


Manifest:
:::Third “Iron Fist” Fleet:::
Designation: Heavy Assault/Bombardment Kampfgruppe

Task Force Echo-Heavy
Group 1
Squadron XVII
Disruptor-Class Super Star Destroyer Crimson Demise
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Revenge II
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Vengeance II
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Harnessing Power
Victory-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Protector III
Abolisher-Class Hyperspace Cruiser Implosion
Abolisher-Class Hyperspace Cruiser Hyfe
Lancer-Class Frigate Sieken
Lancer-Class Frigate Imperialist

Squadron XVIII
Corruption-Class Star Destroyer Serpent's Smile
Corruption-Class Star Destroyer Serpent's Poison
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Accuser
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Killer
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Black Thorn
Abolisher-Class Hyperspace Cruiser Victory
Abolisher-Class Hyperspace Cruiser Dementue
Lancer-Class Frigate Faction
Lancer-Class Frigate Eagle
Corellian-Class Gunship Magenta

Group 2-Commodore Aramin
Squadron XIX
Allegiance-Class Super Star Destroyer Platinum Katana
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Joker
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Reckoning
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Celestial Healing
Victory-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Battledrum
Abolisher-Class Hyperspace Cruiser Sublimity
Abolisher-Class Hyperspace Cruiser Vogue
Lancer-Class Frigate Hawk
Lancer-Class Frigate Talon
Corellian-Class Gunship Otega

Squadron XX
Corruption-Class Star Destroyer Serpent's Bite
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Freespace
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Mandoline
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Cerola IV
Abolisher-Class Hyperspace Cruiser Impregnable
Abolisher-Class Hyperspace Cruiser Abjegation
Lancer-Class Frigate Raptor
Lancer-Class Frigate Raptor Claw
Corellian-Class Gunship Science

Heavy Planetary Assault Group
::: Sixth Fleet:::
ESD Death's Hand CO: Tarrl Yamarr
Command Group
Disruptor-Class Super Star Destroyer Archimedes
Imperial-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Shadow Hunter
Imperial-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Nuroudo
Redemption-Class Battlecruiser Indestructible
Carrack-Class Light Cruiser Fiesta
Carrack-Class Light Cruiser Scarlet
Escort-Class Carrier Gunship
Lancer-Class Light Assault Frigate Courageous
Corellian-Class Corvette Everlasting Potent
Corellian-Class Corvette Mirror's Array
Corellian-Class Gunship Horrid
Corellian-Class Gunship Disfigured

Special Task Force Jutraal
Assault Group I-LINE CAPTAIN KILLREK
Allegiance-Class Super Star Destroyer Iron Katana
Imperial-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Marksman
Imperial-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Tempest
Victory-Class Star Destroyer Ravaging Storm
Victory-Class Star Destroyer Sheer Power
Interdictor-Class (Im-418) Cruiser Potency
Lancer-Class Light Assault Frigate Raptor
Corellian-Class Corvette Chardonnay
Corellian-Class Corvette Potar
Corellian-Class Gunship Warhawk
Corellian-Class Gunship Fetid

Assault Group II
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Sullied Sword
Victory-Class Star Destroyer Magurk
Victory-Class Star Destroyer Dragon Claw
Victory-Class Star Destroyer Emancipator
Lancer-Class Light Assault Frigate Scepter
Corellian-Class Corvette Yaga Minor
Corellian-Class Gunship Heretic
Abolisher-Class Hyperspace Cruiser Halo V

Assault Group III
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Crater Maker
Victory-Class Star Destroyer Virulence
Victory-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Leftrum
Victory-Class Star Destroyer Jedi Hope
Dreadnaught-Class Medium Cruiser Clean Sweeper
Corellian-Class Corvette Sluis Van
Corellian-Class Gunship Carnivore

Assault Group IV-CAPTAIN VAALT
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Mist
Victory-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Destiny
Victory-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Oblivion
Victory-Class Star Destroyer Fearsons' Mist
Dreadnaught-Class Medium Cruiser Star Member
Corellian-Class Corvette Despayre
Corellian-Class Gunship Spectral Knight

OOC: Oh, good job! Just make sure that the one possible ally you could've had in all this, the one faction which hasn't officially taken a side, hates you as well. Dip @#%$. Oh, I'll be sure to reply later, but I just thought I'd make sure you knew that you are, quite possibly, the largest idiot ever to grace the galaxy. Just as long as you're fighting everyone else, why not make the NR fight you as well!

OOC- I do as I am told. You would do well learn what exactly it is subordinates must do. It is lonely at the top, but easy to rule with no one to answer to.

I edited to make things right. TJE has no wishto quarrel with NR, and hoe thy will remain possible allies.

And read it carefully-no where did I plan to attack NR, even if I did engage Kessel.

You @#%$ idiot. I half-own Kessel. That's like saying "I don't want to fight you, but I'm going to punch you in the face a few times, okay?"

I'm not getting involved, because I think this whole thing is just another number power grab with no story. So MCR can defend it, if they're being attacked -- as you said, I can't possibly know-about or expect this.

He had no intention of taking the planet....just drawing away their forces....in the military we call that a diverson.

Now, why don't ttwo of you stop OOCing and get back to the RP!!!

Telan, you are Viscount. If you're going to do that creepy third-person crap to make yourself look all valid, I'm just going to come out and admit things like that.

Someone can delete these posts, now.

Apparently, Mr Jiren, you have never heard of character separation. Nor personal dingity, for that matter.

All non-rp posts--for any of my characters--are going to be ignored.

There were three droids assigned to every officer above the rank of Captain in the Jutraalian Empire. One was a tactical analysis unit, for conscise calculations and scenario planning. Another an all purpose droid, designed to aid in matters of etiquette and life; a type of non-essential secretary as it were. The last was a personal attache, designed to clean the officer's quarters and aid in matters of dress.

Rear Admiral del Forza's personal droid acted as more of sounding board for ideas and and a conversating patner while the flag officer dressed for duty.

His bright silver casing had earned that model the knickname brilliant. The Viscount had shortened it to Ant.

" Dinner plans?" the Viscount asked, polishing his jacbkboots as the droid brought his Inquisitoriate uniform to him.

The emotionless face did not move, but a sound came from the droid. " Not as such, sir. My weekly maintenance is scheduled with the head D-19 from Engineering."

The Admiral smiled, always wondering how those amazing designers created personalities in computers. No matter, they were there, and made great friends for those with few due to station.

" Tell me, Ant. What do YOU think of current condition?"

" On the whole, sir?"

The Viscount nodded.

" Given the inroads currently gained by the New Order, we stand a forty-seven percent chance of victory."

" Does this improve with victories?"

" Ours, that depends. If the enemy reacts militarily and feels threatened, they will retaliate against our populace and cause our morale to crash. This will overpower our own outrage, and victory percentages slide.

" If we are successful, the enemy has the other option of withdrawing to defend its own territory, smashing our assault, and then striking the Jutraalian inner regions. A gallant defense by the destroyed fleet will raise morale at home, causing our defenses to become victorious in their own right."

The viscunt was impressed at the droids summary, and frightful that he may be right. " You want Arbies job, don't you?"

" No sir."

The Admiral smiled and continued dressing. It appeared the droid Ant was going to see had just been buffed...

* * *

Many levels above, the Admiral stepped onto the massive bridge, and marveled at its advanced command. Above the primary deck and crew pit was a ring of duty stations, each one with a specific function. Most were relays from other departments, repalcing couriers and transmissions from the non-command departments. It also allowed for more concentration on one's task, as men were able to serve their station, rather than three.

Large plot tables were set up aft of the command crew pit and in the aft control corridor.

It was an excellent design, and the Viscount was very proud to serve on it.

" Captain do we have all our Gundarks in a row?"

" We do, my Lord."

" Excellent. Dispatch the Third Fleet's primary task force. At my mark, take us in."

And with that, the crew made final preparation for the jounrey that was to come, and the engagements that would follow.

ooc:so If i get this straight you're attacking the NR but not Kessel right?

*must learn to spell all things out.

Will not be attacking NR. Using information to feignt at Kessel, hoping to draw MCR resources, because they have no idea that the attack will not occur. The NR KNOWS TJE would not attack it. Thusly, does not want to send any defenses. MCR is between a rock and hard place, forced to defend the world on its own. If it does not and alows it to fall, they look bad. Either way, MCR loses. Don't defend, create bad NR press. Defend, resources not at other battle.

IDTech: we will be hitting thm as well.

EU: also hit.

MCR will not actually be attack yet.

It's all non-combat strategy.

Quiestions?

PS_the battle will only begin in this thread...

It will get into in the next