War on the Horizon
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PeaceMaker 03
Well-known member
What forces did Tarkin take to fight “pirates”?
Senatorial Sections: Part 1
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Senatorial Sections: Part 1
Date: 07.11.7975 CRC
Location: Senate Building, Coruscant
“We may be friends and allies here,” Senator Iblis looked around the conference room of his office. “But none of you see what is going to happen shortly. If we do not stand against the tax increases then the entire Republic is in danger.”
“Garm, you know that I am in favor of promoting peace on all sides,” Bail replied. “But with the loss of so many worlds to the Confederacy and the Mandalorian Federation we must find new sources of revenue.”
“The Mid and Outer Rims have been taxed into oblivion,” Garm sighed. “The tariffs will only drive us closer and closer to the failure of our government.”
“What would you have me do?” Mon Mothma asked. “We are the only institution that has stood the test of time and have brought peace and prosperity through the millenia. If we do not institute the tariffs, then we flounder as our bureaucracy slows with the lack of funding.”
“Cut taxes, cut tariffs, and cut spending!” Garm slammed his fist on the table. “You cannot continue to treat the rest of the galaxy as if they are unimportant, because with the loss of access to the Outer Rim’s goods, you’ll find that costs of everything will go up.”
“I care for the plight of the Outer Rim,” Mothma replied. “They have languished for far too long under tyranny.”
“Yes, the Republic’s tyranny,” Garm sagged in his chair. “I know that you value peace Mon, but if you continue down this path, then we will end in disaster. For the Republic and everyone else.”
–
–
“Senator Amidala,” the hologram of Queen Jamillia greeted her with a smile and a nod. “I am glad that you took the time to speak with me.”
“I serve the people of Naboo,” Padme replied. “And I always enjoy speaking with a friend.”
“Unfortunately, it is business that we must speak of instead of as friends,” Jamillia sighed. “The Gungans and local governments have come to a decision.”
A pit seemed to open up in Padme’s stomach as she swallowed and answered.
“And that is?” She asked.
“Naboo will remain in the Republic until Chancellor Palpatine has served out his term,” Jamillia frowned. “Then, if our people still languish under the burden of the excesses of the Core when they previously refused to help us. Then we will secede.”
“They are certain of this?” Padme asked.
“They are,” the queen replied. “And after seeing the data, I have been forced to acquiesce.
“I understand,” Padme replied. “I will do my best to represent our interests until my time to serve is completed.”
“Both you and Representative Binks are the voices of our people to the Republic and the Galaxy, I have faith that you will do that to the best of your ability.”
With that, the hologram winked out, leaving Padme to consider the news and how to move on from here.
Sitting back down, she lifted her datapad and glanced at her highlighted notes.
The Republic was once again heading into war. Only this time, they didn’t even have the same excuses from the Mandalorian Wars. The Republic had no military, only industry and planetary defense forces. The Judicial branch was hamstrung at every turn, and despite her best efforts, the people of the Republic suffered under the burden of excess taxes. All in the pursuit of the luxury that the Core offered.
She now understood why the Eriadu had sold their senator’s holdings in the 500 Republica and forced their senators and representatives to live in standard housing. It was all too easy to forget how other people lived when you towered above them.
With that thought passing through her mind, she stood and made her way to the wardrobe. Stripping off her usual clothing and replacing it with a worn, roughspun tunic and cloak, a holdout blaster tucked behind her right hip.
Sometimes she needed to see, to remember exactly what it was that she was trying to accomplish, who precisely she was fighting for the rights of. Those people were not up here in the clouds and high towers of Coruscant.
Date: 15.11.7975 CRC (Coruscant Reckoning Calendar)
“We must begin sending aid to the Yards of Kuat and other Core manufacturers,” Risi Lenoan’s seat floated around the Senate Chambers. “The Outer Rim’s shipyards are beginning to take business from us, and as our yards flounder, so does the economy of our region and of those around us.”
“Kriffing idiots,” Garm Bel Iblis muttered as he watched the proceedings. “Competition is what we need here, not to spend more government money on projects that will only fail. It’s just basic economics.”
But he could see the sheer number of people who agreed with the initial proposal and knew that it was likely going to be pushed through.
“We now recognize the Senator from Rendili!” Mas Amedda’s voice echoed through the chambers.
“Rendili believes that such a radical spending bill would be a gross misallocation of government resources,” Dominic Starr’s voice was calm. “The markets should be allowed to regulate themselves without government interference. All we will do with such spending is cause our own people to suffer. Both here in the Core as well as elsewhere.”
“You only say this because Rendili profits directly from the Confederacy of Independent Systems!” The Trade Federation delegate protested. “Should we also get into your ties directly to pirate groups like the Marksman or the so called “Executive Security Solutions”.”
“Order, we will have order!” Amedda broke them off. “We now recognize the Senator from Corellia.”
“People of the Republic,” Garm stood and began to speak. “We face dark times ahead of us. There are a few choices before us, but we must make the right ones, lest we plunge our great nation into darkness. Ahead of us, lie two paths. One in which we allow our economy and the markets to do as they will, for them to self-regulate. The other is one where we involve ourselves in that which we know little about. Where we dictate to those who run our economy how things will go. I, for one, have been a successful businessman in the past. But I make no pretense of knowing exactly how things will go should we fund either option.”
He paused, the senate floor hanging in silence.
“However, there is one thing that I do know. Our own bureaucracy is bloated, we consume taxes and tariffs with little to no results to show for it. We should be cutting back our own spending, cutting those taxes that burden our people and finding other ways to ensure that all of our people’s flourish. This bill, though,” Garm slammed his fist into his podium,. “Is a poison pill that is coated in stimulants. It will no doubt boost things for a time, but in the end will kill us. But we have heard enough talk today. Now let us vote, and see if this is indeed our poison, or if it is something else that will kill us.”
With that, he sat down and watched as the voting began, his speech had swayed more than he suspected it would, but it was not enough. As Garm stood to leave, he glanced back at the voting lights one last time and felt an intense sadness come over him as both Alderaan’s and Chandrilla’s voting lights shifted in favor of the spending bill.
Author’s Note: So, I can put these in the Sidestory threadmarks or the main channel threadmarks. Where do y’all think they should go? I’m torn between the two because they impact so much of the main thread and what’s happening there.
Date: 07.11.7975 CRC
Location: Senate Building, Coruscant
“We may be friends and allies here,” Senator Iblis looked around the conference room of his office. “But none of you see what is going to happen shortly. If we do not stand against the tax increases then the entire Republic is in danger.”
“Garm, you know that I am in favor of promoting peace on all sides,” Bail replied. “But with the loss of so many worlds to the Confederacy and the Mandalorian Federation we must find new sources of revenue.”
“The Mid and Outer Rims have been taxed into oblivion,” Garm sighed. “The tariffs will only drive us closer and closer to the failure of our government.”
“What would you have me do?” Mon Mothma asked. “We are the only institution that has stood the test of time and have brought peace and prosperity through the millenia. If we do not institute the tariffs, then we flounder as our bureaucracy slows with the lack of funding.”
“Cut taxes, cut tariffs, and cut spending!” Garm slammed his fist on the table. “You cannot continue to treat the rest of the galaxy as if they are unimportant, because with the loss of access to the Outer Rim’s goods, you’ll find that costs of everything will go up.”
“I care for the plight of the Outer Rim,” Mothma replied. “They have languished for far too long under tyranny.”
“Yes, the Republic’s tyranny,” Garm sagged in his chair. “I know that you value peace Mon, but if you continue down this path, then we will end in disaster. For the Republic and everyone else.”
–
–
“Senator Amidala,” the hologram of Queen Jamillia greeted her with a smile and a nod. “I am glad that you took the time to speak with me.”
“I serve the people of Naboo,” Padme replied. “And I always enjoy speaking with a friend.”
“Unfortunately, it is business that we must speak of instead of as friends,” Jamillia sighed. “The Gungans and local governments have come to a decision.”
A pit seemed to open up in Padme’s stomach as she swallowed and answered.
“And that is?” She asked.
“Naboo will remain in the Republic until Chancellor Palpatine has served out his term,” Jamillia frowned. “Then, if our people still languish under the burden of the excesses of the Core when they previously refused to help us. Then we will secede.”
“They are certain of this?” Padme asked.
“They are,” the queen replied. “And after seeing the data, I have been forced to acquiesce.
“I understand,” Padme replied. “I will do my best to represent our interests until my time to serve is completed.”
“Both you and Representative Binks are the voices of our people to the Republic and the Galaxy, I have faith that you will do that to the best of your ability.”
With that, the hologram winked out, leaving Padme to consider the news and how to move on from here.
Sitting back down, she lifted her datapad and glanced at her highlighted notes.
The Republic was once again heading into war. Only this time, they didn’t even have the same excuses from the Mandalorian Wars. The Republic had no military, only industry and planetary defense forces. The Judicial branch was hamstrung at every turn, and despite her best efforts, the people of the Republic suffered under the burden of excess taxes. All in the pursuit of the luxury that the Core offered.
She now understood why the Eriadu had sold their senator’s holdings in the 500 Republica and forced their senators and representatives to live in standard housing. It was all too easy to forget how other people lived when you towered above them.
With that thought passing through her mind, she stood and made her way to the wardrobe. Stripping off her usual clothing and replacing it with a worn, roughspun tunic and cloak, a holdout blaster tucked behind her right hip.
Sometimes she needed to see, to remember exactly what it was that she was trying to accomplish, who precisely she was fighting for the rights of. Those people were not up here in the clouds and high towers of Coruscant.
Date: 15.11.7975 CRC (Coruscant Reckoning Calendar)
“We must begin sending aid to the Yards of Kuat and other Core manufacturers,” Risi Lenoan’s seat floated around the Senate Chambers. “The Outer Rim’s shipyards are beginning to take business from us, and as our yards flounder, so does the economy of our region and of those around us.”
“Kriffing idiots,” Garm Bel Iblis muttered as he watched the proceedings. “Competition is what we need here, not to spend more government money on projects that will only fail. It’s just basic economics.”
But he could see the sheer number of people who agreed with the initial proposal and knew that it was likely going to be pushed through.
“We now recognize the Senator from Rendili!” Mas Amedda’s voice echoed through the chambers.
“Rendili believes that such a radical spending bill would be a gross misallocation of government resources,” Dominic Starr’s voice was calm. “The markets should be allowed to regulate themselves without government interference. All we will do with such spending is cause our own people to suffer. Both here in the Core as well as elsewhere.”
“You only say this because Rendili profits directly from the Confederacy of Independent Systems!” The Trade Federation delegate protested. “Should we also get into your ties directly to pirate groups like the Marksman or the so called “Executive Security Solutions”.”
“Order, we will have order!” Amedda broke them off. “We now recognize the Senator from Corellia.”
“People of the Republic,” Garm stood and began to speak. “We face dark times ahead of us. There are a few choices before us, but we must make the right ones, lest we plunge our great nation into darkness. Ahead of us, lie two paths. One in which we allow our economy and the markets to do as they will, for them to self-regulate. The other is one where we involve ourselves in that which we know little about. Where we dictate to those who run our economy how things will go. I, for one, have been a successful businessman in the past. But I make no pretense of knowing exactly how things will go should we fund either option.”
He paused, the senate floor hanging in silence.
“However, there is one thing that I do know. Our own bureaucracy is bloated, we consume taxes and tariffs with little to no results to show for it. We should be cutting back our own spending, cutting those taxes that burden our people and finding other ways to ensure that all of our people’s flourish. This bill, though,” Garm slammed his fist into his podium,. “Is a poison pill that is coated in stimulants. It will no doubt boost things for a time, but in the end will kill us. But we have heard enough talk today. Now let us vote, and see if this is indeed our poison, or if it is something else that will kill us.”
With that, he sat down and watched as the voting began, his speech had swayed more than he suspected it would, but it was not enough. As Garm stood to leave, he glanced back at the voting lights one last time and felt an intense sadness come over him as both Alderaan’s and Chandrilla’s voting lights shifted in favor of the spending bill.
Author’s Note: So, I can put these in the Sidestory threadmarks or the main channel threadmarks. Where do y’all think they should go? I’m torn between the two because they impact so much of the main thread and what’s happening there.
Feels more like a sidebar. Padme is a main character for SW, but not for this story. At least that's how I feel.
Sidestory: A Young Man's Game
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
A Young Man’s Game
“Lieutenant, please hail that freighter and have them stand by for inspection,” Captain Jerdan Falkner ordered.
“Aye sir, initiating communications,” the lieutenant replied, his face set with professionalism.
“Independent freighter Dancing Gamorrean please slow down and prepare for a routine inspection,” The junior officer ordered.
“Understood, slowing down and awaiting boarding,” the response came.
“Good,” Captain Falkner nodded. “Lieutenant, walk with me.”
The Comms officer stood and allowed an ensign to relieve him of his post before joining Falkner as they made their way to the Airlocks.
“I like you, Gilad,” Falkner spoke as the viewport showed the freighter slowly growing larger. “And I think you’ll go far in the Judicial Forces, but you lack something that will help you rise.”
“What might that be, Sir?” Pellaeon asked.
“You’re not as flexible as the admiralty would like,” Falkner sighed. “I hate it, but once you become a Captain, it’s no longer about performing your job to the best of your abilities. No, it’s about political games and making sure that you have the favor of the right senators.”
“Captain, I don’t think we’re that far gone yet,” the younger man replied. “We’re doing our job and ensuring that those sworn to the Republic are kept as safe as possible.”
“Were it so easy,” Falkner muttered as the two ships docked, the airlocks joining together as the Judicial Marines and enlisted moved to prepare for the inspection.
The Airlock hissed open and revealed a handful of cargo droids and a lone human in a grease stained spacer’s uniform.
“I’d give you a proper welcome,” the spacer chewed on some substance.. “But I ain’t got much to my name here.”
“Trying to cut costs?” Pellaeon looked at the droids.
“Aye,” the tired and filthy man sighed. “I used to run a route from Eriadu to Raxus. But now I’m restricted to struggling against bulk freight from the Core to the Mid Rim.”
“We’re just checking to make sure there aren’t any reactor leaks or hazardous materials out in the open,” Captain Falkner explained. “We noticed an odd signature and wanted to ensure that everything was alright.”
“I had a coolant leak that I just patched,” the man gestured to his filthy clothes. “The kriffing pipe seal burst because one of these hunks of metal didn’t triple check the torque.”
“We can afford to lend you a few spare parts if it’ll help you on your way,” Falkner smiled. “But I think we’ll let you be on your way.”
“Well, that’s a relief,” the man sagged. “I was worried I’d done something wrong.”
“We’re here to help serve people,” Falkner smiled. “Now, I’m going to let the smuggling of class III electronics slide here if you promise to get that engine checked out properly at your next destination.”
“How’d you- Yes sir,” The spacer started and then stopped as he realized he’d been caught. “
“Cargoman!” Falkner waved over one of the Judicial personnel. “See to it that we hand over some of our spare sealants, to this gentlebeing,” Turning to the rest of the forces he whistled and gave commands for them to begin leaving.
“Why did we allow him to continue on his way?” Pellaeon asked after they’d arrived back on the Ascent.
“There’s a thing in local policing on many worlds,” the Captain paused and looked out the viewport. “It’s called officer discretion. There is a time and place to enforce all of the laws and regulations. If he had been belligerent or hostile, then I would have impounded his freighter and ensured that he spent time in prison. But not all cases are the same; he’s obviously nearly at the breaking point. As you pointed out, it’s our job to serve and protect the people of the Republic. Not to make them enemies or the bad guys. Besides, I can all but guarantee that this man won’t smuggle again.”
The captain finished his explanation and the conjoined ships began to shake, the sound of blaster fire filling the airlocks and corridors.
“Kriff,” the captain drew his blaster and headed back towards the Dancing Gamorrean, his protege right behind him.
The spacer’s corpse lay smoking and blaster fire filled the air as the droids raised both regular blaster pistols and an oddly shaped one.
The Judicial Marines returned fire, taking cover behind a few crates and slowly working their way forward, a few of them being wounded and dragged back to the airlock.
Pellaeon’s heart thundered in his chest as he drove into a dividing wall, his blaster pistol kicking slightly as one of his bolts sheared off the head of one of the droids.
He poked his head out and pulled it back in time just as a bolt flew where his head had been.
Switching hands, he moved to another portion of the wall and stuck his hand out, his and a Marine’s blaster bolts striking true and lessening the return fire.
The Marines, sensing the right moment pushed up and rushed the droids, finishing them off and signaling that the cargo bay was clear.
“What in the Corellian Nine Hells was that?!” A marine kicked at the droid. “I’ve never seen a malfunction like that.”
“I don’t think it was a malfunction,” Gilad crouched and began to go over the droids for identifying markers.
“Then who was it?” Falkner joined them. “The Confederacy?”
“Doesn’t look like it,” Pellaeon found a mark on the arm. “I don’t recognize this manufacturing mark. It doesn’t look like anything from the Core, Mid Rim, or Outer Rim that I’m familiar with.”
“Start combing through the ship,” Falkner crouched down and looked at the symbol. “I’m going to have to reach out to some of my buddies in RI. They might have some sort of intelligence for me.”
“Too bad he’s dead,” A marine gestured to the spacer. “It’d be easier to ask him where he bought the droids than it’ll be to track them down now.”
“I’ll start taking scans of the evidence here,” Gilad responded. “I’d hate for any of it to disappear because some senator’s trying to cover something up.”
“Bag and secure one of those blasters too,” the Captain ordered. “I have a feeling that we’ve stumbled upon something that we weren’t supposed to. So, we’re going to be doctoring this. Report it as a malfunction and set the ship to drift away while we track down these leads.”
“And his family?” Pellaeon asked, jutting his chin out towards the spacer.
“I’ll make sure they’re taken care of. It’ll be the least I can do.”
“Lieutenant, please hail that freighter and have them stand by for inspection,” Captain Jerdan Falkner ordered.
“Aye sir, initiating communications,” the lieutenant replied, his face set with professionalism.
“Independent freighter Dancing Gamorrean please slow down and prepare for a routine inspection,” The junior officer ordered.
“Understood, slowing down and awaiting boarding,” the response came.
“Good,” Captain Falkner nodded. “Lieutenant, walk with me.”
The Comms officer stood and allowed an ensign to relieve him of his post before joining Falkner as they made their way to the Airlocks.
“I like you, Gilad,” Falkner spoke as the viewport showed the freighter slowly growing larger. “And I think you’ll go far in the Judicial Forces, but you lack something that will help you rise.”
“What might that be, Sir?” Pellaeon asked.
“You’re not as flexible as the admiralty would like,” Falkner sighed. “I hate it, but once you become a Captain, it’s no longer about performing your job to the best of your abilities. No, it’s about political games and making sure that you have the favor of the right senators.”
“Captain, I don’t think we’re that far gone yet,” the younger man replied. “We’re doing our job and ensuring that those sworn to the Republic are kept as safe as possible.”
“Were it so easy,” Falkner muttered as the two ships docked, the airlocks joining together as the Judicial Marines and enlisted moved to prepare for the inspection.
The Airlock hissed open and revealed a handful of cargo droids and a lone human in a grease stained spacer’s uniform.
“I’d give you a proper welcome,” the spacer chewed on some substance.. “But I ain’t got much to my name here.”
“Trying to cut costs?” Pellaeon looked at the droids.
“Aye,” the tired and filthy man sighed. “I used to run a route from Eriadu to Raxus. But now I’m restricted to struggling against bulk freight from the Core to the Mid Rim.”
“We’re just checking to make sure there aren’t any reactor leaks or hazardous materials out in the open,” Captain Falkner explained. “We noticed an odd signature and wanted to ensure that everything was alright.”
“I had a coolant leak that I just patched,” the man gestured to his filthy clothes. “The kriffing pipe seal burst because one of these hunks of metal didn’t triple check the torque.”
“We can afford to lend you a few spare parts if it’ll help you on your way,” Falkner smiled. “But I think we’ll let you be on your way.”
“Well, that’s a relief,” the man sagged. “I was worried I’d done something wrong.”
“We’re here to help serve people,” Falkner smiled. “Now, I’m going to let the smuggling of class III electronics slide here if you promise to get that engine checked out properly at your next destination.”
“How’d you- Yes sir,” The spacer started and then stopped as he realized he’d been caught. “
“Cargoman!” Falkner waved over one of the Judicial personnel. “See to it that we hand over some of our spare sealants, to this gentlebeing,” Turning to the rest of the forces he whistled and gave commands for them to begin leaving.
“Why did we allow him to continue on his way?” Pellaeon asked after they’d arrived back on the Ascent.
“There’s a thing in local policing on many worlds,” the Captain paused and looked out the viewport. “It’s called officer discretion. There is a time and place to enforce all of the laws and regulations. If he had been belligerent or hostile, then I would have impounded his freighter and ensured that he spent time in prison. But not all cases are the same; he’s obviously nearly at the breaking point. As you pointed out, it’s our job to serve and protect the people of the Republic. Not to make them enemies or the bad guys. Besides, I can all but guarantee that this man won’t smuggle again.”
The captain finished his explanation and the conjoined ships began to shake, the sound of blaster fire filling the airlocks and corridors.
“Kriff,” the captain drew his blaster and headed back towards the Dancing Gamorrean, his protege right behind him.
The spacer’s corpse lay smoking and blaster fire filled the air as the droids raised both regular blaster pistols and an oddly shaped one.
The Judicial Marines returned fire, taking cover behind a few crates and slowly working their way forward, a few of them being wounded and dragged back to the airlock.
Pellaeon’s heart thundered in his chest as he drove into a dividing wall, his blaster pistol kicking slightly as one of his bolts sheared off the head of one of the droids.
He poked his head out and pulled it back in time just as a bolt flew where his head had been.
Switching hands, he moved to another portion of the wall and stuck his hand out, his and a Marine’s blaster bolts striking true and lessening the return fire.
The Marines, sensing the right moment pushed up and rushed the droids, finishing them off and signaling that the cargo bay was clear.
“What in the Corellian Nine Hells was that?!” A marine kicked at the droid. “I’ve never seen a malfunction like that.”
“I don’t think it was a malfunction,” Gilad crouched and began to go over the droids for identifying markers.
“Then who was it?” Falkner joined them. “The Confederacy?”
“Doesn’t look like it,” Pellaeon found a mark on the arm. “I don’t recognize this manufacturing mark. It doesn’t look like anything from the Core, Mid Rim, or Outer Rim that I’m familiar with.”
“Start combing through the ship,” Falkner crouched down and looked at the symbol. “I’m going to have to reach out to some of my buddies in RI. They might have some sort of intelligence for me.”
“Too bad he’s dead,” A marine gestured to the spacer. “It’d be easier to ask him where he bought the droids than it’ll be to track them down now.”
“I’ll start taking scans of the evidence here,” Gilad responded. “I’d hate for any of it to disappear because some senator’s trying to cover something up.”
“Bag and secure one of those blasters too,” the Captain ordered. “I have a feeling that we’ve stumbled upon something that we weren’t supposed to. So, we’re going to be doctoring this. Report it as a malfunction and set the ship to drift away while we track down these leads.”
“And his family?” Pellaeon asked, jutting his chin out towards the spacer.
“I’ll make sure they’re taken care of. It’ll be the least I can do.”
Sidestory: Just your average ordinary...
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Date: 19.11.7975 CRC
Location: Christophsis, Outer Rim Territories, Republic
“Hey Soont, next round’s on me!” the Korkoiden gestured to the group of humans and aliens at the table.
“You got it,” the barkeep nodded and sent another round of drinks towards the table.
“So, you think we’re gonna leave the Republic and join the CIS?” Bix asked, leaning back in his chair as he sipped his ale.
“I don’t care,” Runa shrugged. “Long as I get paid for the crystals I mine, then that’s all I care about.”
“I guess,” Bix agreed. “But you get the feeling we’re stuck in the middle here?”
“We are stuck in the middle,” Runa shook with laughter, his reptilian snout bared in a fanged grin. “We’ve got one of the most sought-after resources in the galaxy. It doesn’t matter which side we go to. When it breaks into war, we’ll be right in the middle of it.”
“I dunno,” Mar looked into his glass as he swirled the ice cubes. “Way I see it, the Confederacy’s likely to leave us alone as long as we declare neutrality. The Republic won’t do anything, though. They’ve left Bakura and that whole sector of the Galaxy to themselves.”
“Aye,” Bix raised his glass and drained it. “It’s as if the galaxy is already in the Nine Hells and we’re just now waiting to find out about it.”
“The Galaxy’s the same as it ever was,” Runa sighed. “This ain’t the first time we’ve had troubles, and it won’t be the last. Just keep mining our crystals and squaring away until retirement and we’ll be fine.”
“I hope you’re right, Runa,” Bix finished his ale and set the mug down. “Because if you’re wrong, then my kids will pay the price.”
“I’m thinking of cashing out,” Mar leaned forward, stopping Bix from standing up. “My brother’s got a house on Beloria, and they’re opening up the factories to new workers all the time. I reckon that’s one of the safest places in the galaxy now.”
“Weren’t they attacked by the Trade Federation?” Bix asked. “How’s that one of the safest?”
“My brother and the rest of the city were evacuated and kept safe,” Mar tossed his liquor back. “And the Marksman have had a reinforced fleet in orbit ever since. It’d take a massive amount of firepower to crack them and the planetary shields.”
“I wouldn’t trust that bunch of pirates as far as I could throw one of their combat droids,” Runa signaled for a refill. “They’re a petty dictatorship that runs the whole system by now. I doubt they’re trustworthy.”
“They’re trustworthy enough that Dooku trusts them,” Mar retorted. “And he was a Jedi.”
“I trust death sticks more than I’ll ever trust a Jedi,” the Rodian scoffed. “At least I know the death sticks intend to kill me. I’d just be collateral damage to a Jedi.”
“I think I’ll just keep my head down,” Bix broke the argument with his slow words. “Work the mines until something happens, and then make a decision. Ain’t worth stressing over it much now.”
“Each to their own,” Mar agreed, standing up and swaying before catching himself and standing straight. “I’m goin’ home. Y’all can make your own decisions.”
Date: 24.11.7975 CRC
Location: Independent Freighter Bedazzled
“Where we headed, Cap’n?” the navigator asked.
“Kashyyk, we’ll pick up some high-grade electronics and then head to Dac, offload our electronics, and pick up spare parts for various ships. We’ll decide on the rest of the route then.”
“It might be worth stopping by Mandalore and some of the other sectors before going wide through to Bakura,” the navigator offered. “War’s bloody business, but it’s profitable if you manage it right.”
“I’ll think about it,” Captain Berand stroked his chin. “It’ll depend on how the conflict begins to spread. It’s been millennia since the Republic faced such a threat, and I’d rather my ship not be seized and used for logistics.”
“Your call, cap,” the navigator shrugged. “Just tell me where to go, and I’ll take care of it.”
“Kashyyk, and then we’ll figure out where to go next.
Location: Christophsis, Outer Rim Territories, Republic
“Hey Soont, next round’s on me!” the Korkoiden gestured to the group of humans and aliens at the table.
“You got it,” the barkeep nodded and sent another round of drinks towards the table.
“So, you think we’re gonna leave the Republic and join the CIS?” Bix asked, leaning back in his chair as he sipped his ale.
“I don’t care,” Runa shrugged. “Long as I get paid for the crystals I mine, then that’s all I care about.”
“I guess,” Bix agreed. “But you get the feeling we’re stuck in the middle here?”
“We are stuck in the middle,” Runa shook with laughter, his reptilian snout bared in a fanged grin. “We’ve got one of the most sought-after resources in the galaxy. It doesn’t matter which side we go to. When it breaks into war, we’ll be right in the middle of it.”
“I dunno,” Mar looked into his glass as he swirled the ice cubes. “Way I see it, the Confederacy’s likely to leave us alone as long as we declare neutrality. The Republic won’t do anything, though. They’ve left Bakura and that whole sector of the Galaxy to themselves.”
“Aye,” Bix raised his glass and drained it. “It’s as if the galaxy is already in the Nine Hells and we’re just now waiting to find out about it.”
“The Galaxy’s the same as it ever was,” Runa sighed. “This ain’t the first time we’ve had troubles, and it won’t be the last. Just keep mining our crystals and squaring away until retirement and we’ll be fine.”
“I hope you’re right, Runa,” Bix finished his ale and set the mug down. “Because if you’re wrong, then my kids will pay the price.”
“I’m thinking of cashing out,” Mar leaned forward, stopping Bix from standing up. “My brother’s got a house on Beloria, and they’re opening up the factories to new workers all the time. I reckon that’s one of the safest places in the galaxy now.”
“Weren’t they attacked by the Trade Federation?” Bix asked. “How’s that one of the safest?”
“My brother and the rest of the city were evacuated and kept safe,” Mar tossed his liquor back. “And the Marksman have had a reinforced fleet in orbit ever since. It’d take a massive amount of firepower to crack them and the planetary shields.”
“I wouldn’t trust that bunch of pirates as far as I could throw one of their combat droids,” Runa signaled for a refill. “They’re a petty dictatorship that runs the whole system by now. I doubt they’re trustworthy.”
“They’re trustworthy enough that Dooku trusts them,” Mar retorted. “And he was a Jedi.”
“I trust death sticks more than I’ll ever trust a Jedi,” the Rodian scoffed. “At least I know the death sticks intend to kill me. I’d just be collateral damage to a Jedi.”
“I think I’ll just keep my head down,” Bix broke the argument with his slow words. “Work the mines until something happens, and then make a decision. Ain’t worth stressing over it much now.”
“Each to their own,” Mar agreed, standing up and swaying before catching himself and standing straight. “I’m goin’ home. Y’all can make your own decisions.”
Date: 24.11.7975 CRC
Location: Independent Freighter Bedazzled
“Where we headed, Cap’n?” the navigator asked.
“Kashyyk, we’ll pick up some high-grade electronics and then head to Dac, offload our electronics, and pick up spare parts for various ships. We’ll decide on the rest of the route then.”
“It might be worth stopping by Mandalore and some of the other sectors before going wide through to Bakura,” the navigator offered. “War’s bloody business, but it’s profitable if you manage it right.”
“I’ll think about it,” Captain Berand stroked his chin. “It’ll depend on how the conflict begins to spread. It’s been millennia since the Republic faced such a threat, and I’d rather my ship not be seized and used for logistics.”
“Your call, cap,” the navigator shrugged. “Just tell me where to go, and I’ll take care of it.”
“Kashyyk, and then we’ll figure out where to go next.
Book 2: Chapter 22
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Date: 05.10.7975 CRC (Coruscant Reckoning Calendar)
Location: Belloria, Independent System
“Yes, Admiral, I’ll go ahead and position a battlegroup to move to Bakura and render assistance to the ORSF forces that are there,” Daron walked into the room where the bearded leader of the Marksman was discussing things with the current head of the ORSF. “I’ll ensure that ground forces are included among them as well as a group of Marines. If we can managed to capture one of their ships, then it’ll be helpful for intelligence purposes.”
“Daron,” Hull looked up as the hologram winked off. “I’d heard you were on planet.”
“Cheapest place around to get weapons,” Daron shrugged. “And I heard there were some good contracts coming down.”
“You want to be subcontracted or a full contract?” Hull rubbed at eyes that were full of exhaustion. “I’m about to have to head to Wild Space, but I can get something thrown together for you and ESS if you need it.”
“Full contract,” Daron replied. “Salvage rights about the same as what you have standardized for your contracts.”
“Aye,” Hull nodded. “I can probably swing that with the ORSF.
“I’ll be in the system for the next month or so,” Daron leaned against the nearby wall. “Those starfighters of yours have helped out in more than a few tough spots, and we’re picking up spare parts and replacements for those we’ve lost.”
“If you’ve got the cash, we do have some smaller ships that are about to come off the yards,” Hull smirked. “I’m perfectly willing to sell ‘em to you at a slight discount.”
“Not after the fees you charge for benign the neutral party in negotiations,” Daron scoffed, a smile of his own spreading.
“It was worth a shot,” Hull shrugged. “Now get lost, I’ve got paperwork to do, and people to get in touch with for your contract. I’ll have the preliminary one sent by the end of the local system day.”
“Good,” Daron acknowledged. “You know where to find me if you need me.”
With that, Daron left the office, a thoughtful look crossing his face as he looked up at one of the massive war droids that occasionally patrolled the streets of the city.
“I’ll have to purchase a few of those,” he muttered. “I have a feeling they’ll come in handy for any ground issues we might come up against.”
Shaking his head, he headed for the temporary office space he’d rented on what was rapidly coming to be the planet to arrive if you were looking for work in his field.. He had a lot of logistics to sort out before he accepted a contract with the ORSF.
Date: 17.10.7975 CRC (Coruscant Reckoning Calendar)
Location: Bakura, Wild Space
Bakura had invested in a planetary shield many years ago due to the possible threats that lurked in the Unknown Regions and Wild Space. It was this planetary shield that saved Garoche and the men and women under this command. When the enemy forces had arrived, he and his ships had been outnumbered well over twenty to one.
“Commander Tarkin, they’re tracking the signals we’re sending out to the remainder of the ORSF,” the communications officer reported. “I don’t know if they can understand Basic, but they’ve sent out a handful of ships to other places in the last few hours.”
“Can we get preliminary leads on where they might be headed?” Garoche asked.
“Negative,” the sensor’s officer shook his head. “Not with the shields in the way. We’re lucky that I was able to pinpoint any of them leaving the area at all.”
“Ensign, send as much data on the enemy weapons, shield strength, and other factors as we possess. We cannot assume that just because they are unknown that they are stupid. They were adapting their turbolasers even as we destroyed several of their ships during our retreat.”
“Sending data packages now,” the officer responded. “Standard encryption levels on it so it’s easier to decipher.”
“The real question is,” Garoche looked at the shimmering field that separated him and the enemy vessels. “Why aren’t they attacking yet?”
A few hours later, they had their answer as the first of several holonet stations was destroyed, the data package they’d transmitted being the last thing that went through before they were systematically cut off from the rest of the galaxy.
“It’s not just Bakura that they want,” Garoche muttered. “If they just wanted Bakura, they’d have stopped here and already begun their assault. No, they’re here to stay.”
–
–
The bombardment on the shields began a few days later.
“For something so devastating, it’s also beautiful,” Suna Palak stood next to Garoche on the bridge. “Here we stand, mere kilometers away from destruction and yet it shows such radiance.”
“Such is the nature of things,” Garoche looked out the viewport at the colors of the shield as it flexed and changed with the different turbolaser blasts striking it. “I expect that many across this region will see many such views. If they are able to see them at all.”
“Have there still been no transmissions from them?” Suna asked, her furred brow wrinkled in worry.
“None,” The younger Tarkin sighed. “I believe that they’ll be sending in ground forces soon. But we do not possess the troops to defend if they manage to land an invasion force.”
“We have a few reservists,” Suna replied. “And many of our people in the rural areas will be capable of defending themselves from native predators. But we’re going to need those reinforcements soon.”
Balloria
Also known as “Mercenary Star”
Astrophysical data:
System position: 4th
Jump point distance: 5.93 days
Moons: 3
Geophysical:
Surface Gravity: 1.2
Equatorial Temperature: 25 Degrees C
Surface Water: 65%
Highest Native Life: Reptilian
Landmasses: 4
Governance:
Population: 300,000,000
Planetary Government: Parliamentary system
Military Commander: General Arman Vedril
Capital City: Horizon
Companies and Industries
Sharpshooter Industries and Manufacturing
Rendili Starships
Horizon Minerals and Mining
Belloria Mechworks
Author’s Note: I’m borrowing Daron from TheIrishDreamer’s fic. I’m not planning on him being present a lot. I just thought it’d be a decent perspective shift.
Location: Belloria, Independent System
“Yes, Admiral, I’ll go ahead and position a battlegroup to move to Bakura and render assistance to the ORSF forces that are there,” Daron walked into the room where the bearded leader of the Marksman was discussing things with the current head of the ORSF. “I’ll ensure that ground forces are included among them as well as a group of Marines. If we can managed to capture one of their ships, then it’ll be helpful for intelligence purposes.”
“Daron,” Hull looked up as the hologram winked off. “I’d heard you were on planet.”
“Cheapest place around to get weapons,” Daron shrugged. “And I heard there were some good contracts coming down.”
“You want to be subcontracted or a full contract?” Hull rubbed at eyes that were full of exhaustion. “I’m about to have to head to Wild Space, but I can get something thrown together for you and ESS if you need it.”
“Full contract,” Daron replied. “Salvage rights about the same as what you have standardized for your contracts.”
“Aye,” Hull nodded. “I can probably swing that with the ORSF.
“I’ll be in the system for the next month or so,” Daron leaned against the nearby wall. “Those starfighters of yours have helped out in more than a few tough spots, and we’re picking up spare parts and replacements for those we’ve lost.”
“If you’ve got the cash, we do have some smaller ships that are about to come off the yards,” Hull smirked. “I’m perfectly willing to sell ‘em to you at a slight discount.”
“Not after the fees you charge for benign the neutral party in negotiations,” Daron scoffed, a smile of his own spreading.
“It was worth a shot,” Hull shrugged. “Now get lost, I’ve got paperwork to do, and people to get in touch with for your contract. I’ll have the preliminary one sent by the end of the local system day.”
“Good,” Daron acknowledged. “You know where to find me if you need me.”
With that, Daron left the office, a thoughtful look crossing his face as he looked up at one of the massive war droids that occasionally patrolled the streets of the city.
“I’ll have to purchase a few of those,” he muttered. “I have a feeling they’ll come in handy for any ground issues we might come up against.”
Shaking his head, he headed for the temporary office space he’d rented on what was rapidly coming to be the planet to arrive if you were looking for work in his field.. He had a lot of logistics to sort out before he accepted a contract with the ORSF.
Date: 17.10.7975 CRC (Coruscant Reckoning Calendar)
Location: Bakura, Wild Space
Bakura had invested in a planetary shield many years ago due to the possible threats that lurked in the Unknown Regions and Wild Space. It was this planetary shield that saved Garoche and the men and women under this command. When the enemy forces had arrived, he and his ships had been outnumbered well over twenty to one.
“Commander Tarkin, they’re tracking the signals we’re sending out to the remainder of the ORSF,” the communications officer reported. “I don’t know if they can understand Basic, but they’ve sent out a handful of ships to other places in the last few hours.”
“Can we get preliminary leads on where they might be headed?” Garoche asked.
“Negative,” the sensor’s officer shook his head. “Not with the shields in the way. We’re lucky that I was able to pinpoint any of them leaving the area at all.”
“Ensign, send as much data on the enemy weapons, shield strength, and other factors as we possess. We cannot assume that just because they are unknown that they are stupid. They were adapting their turbolasers even as we destroyed several of their ships during our retreat.”
“Sending data packages now,” the officer responded. “Standard encryption levels on it so it’s easier to decipher.”
“The real question is,” Garoche looked at the shimmering field that separated him and the enemy vessels. “Why aren’t they attacking yet?”
A few hours later, they had their answer as the first of several holonet stations was destroyed, the data package they’d transmitted being the last thing that went through before they were systematically cut off from the rest of the galaxy.
“It’s not just Bakura that they want,” Garoche muttered. “If they just wanted Bakura, they’d have stopped here and already begun their assault. No, they’re here to stay.”
–
–
The bombardment on the shields began a few days later.
“For something so devastating, it’s also beautiful,” Suna Palak stood next to Garoche on the bridge. “Here we stand, mere kilometers away from destruction and yet it shows such radiance.”
“Such is the nature of things,” Garoche looked out the viewport at the colors of the shield as it flexed and changed with the different turbolaser blasts striking it. “I expect that many across this region will see many such views. If they are able to see them at all.”
“Have there still been no transmissions from them?” Suna asked, her furred brow wrinkled in worry.
“None,” The younger Tarkin sighed. “I believe that they’ll be sending in ground forces soon. But we do not possess the troops to defend if they manage to land an invasion force.”
“We have a few reservists,” Suna replied. “And many of our people in the rural areas will be capable of defending themselves from native predators. But we’re going to need those reinforcements soon.”
Balloria
Also known as “Mercenary Star”
Astrophysical data:
System position: 4th
Jump point distance: 5.93 days
Moons: 3
Geophysical:
Surface Gravity: 1.2
Equatorial Temperature: 25 Degrees C
Surface Water: 65%
Highest Native Life: Reptilian
Landmasses: 4
Governance:
Population: 300,000,000
Planetary Government: Parliamentary system
Military Commander: General Arman Vedril
Capital City: Horizon
Companies and Industries
Sharpshooter Industries and Manufacturing
Rendili Starships
Horizon Minerals and Mining
Belloria Mechworks
Author’s Note: I’m borrowing Daron from TheIrishDreamer’s fic. I’m not planning on him being present a lot. I just thought it’d be a decent perspective shift.
Book 2: Chapter 23
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Book 2: Chapter 23
Date: 25.10.7975 CRC (Coruscant Reckoning Calendar)
Location: Unnamed System, Outer RimTerritories
The Leviathan dropped out of hyperspace, the system around them empty for a brief moment before the rest of the fleet appeared in formation around her.
“Last stop before Bakura,” Commodore Jewel looked at the holographic table that showed the fleet. “Colonel, I want you and your people loaded up and ready to head for the surface. We have no idea what we’re jumping into, and I don’t want you ground pounders getting killed doing something stupid in the void.”
“I hear you,” Hull chuckled. “I’ll head down to the bays once we start moving again. Now, have we heard anything else since the last message?”
“No,” Jewel shook her head. “There’s not even any chatter in the systems around us. The Holonet is just gone.”
“It’s strange that we got used to the interconnectivity,” Hull stroked his beard. “Now that we’re back to the level of the Inner Sphere, the galaxy seems large again.”
“And no HPGs to receive up-to-date intel,” Jewel agreed. “We might have to look into setting up some sort of communications network outside the Holonet.”
“Something to think about for the future,” The Colonel replied. “I’m going to leave you to it. I’ll be in the hangar if you need me.”
With that, the CO of the Marksman disappeared from the Leviathan’s bridge.
“Captain Anderson, have the rest of the fleet move into formation Delta,” the Commodore ordered. “Ensure our aerospace assets and escorts are on standby for deployment as soon as we exit hyperspace and have the Interdictors ready to prevent the enemy from fleeing.”
“Aye, ma’am,” the captain saluted and began issuing orders to the fleet.
“I’ll have my Marines on standby,” Felicia Paige leaned against the wall behind the commodore. “Just point us at the ship you want to be taken, and we’ll make it happen.”
“We’ll sort that out once we’re on the other side,” Jewel worried her lip. “We won’t know anything until we engage.”
“We’ll be ready,” Paige said, placing her helmet on her head and sealing it, breathing in the recycled air. I'm just waiting for you to pull the trigger.”
Date: 26.10.7975 CRC (Coruscant Reckoning Calendar)
Location: Bakura, Wild Space
The fleet dropped out of hyperspace into a full system.
Unknown vessels filled the solar system, their electronic signals bouncing around and spreading an unfamiliar language throughout; guttural snarls, hisses, and snaps were all that could be identified.
“Sitrep,” Captain Anderson barked while the Commodore began to issue orders to the fleet in the background.
“Enemy force strength mirrors our own, Captain! We’re looking at roughly thirty or so ships ranging from corvettes to cruisers in size.”
The holographic table was filled with green arrows, representing the enemy ships.
Then, they began launching fighters, and smaller arrows and dots filled the space between them.
“Enemy fighters outnumber us three to one, Commodore,” Anderson reported.
“Have them concentrate around our cruisers and corvettes,” Jewel replied. “We’ll try to avoid taking casualties, but this is combat. Someone always pays the price.”
“Enemy is moving on an intercept course. New enemy contacts are approaching from the dark side of Bakura. They’re larger than cruisers but smaller than our Interdictors and Dreadnoughts.”
“Possible carriers,” Jewel muttered, leaning over the holotable. “Keep an eye on them. If they start rotating their fighters through, we’ll have to mark them as a priority target.“
–
–
“Mirage Lead to all squadrons, stick with your wingmen, and cover the cruisers and corvettes. We’ll need their anti-fighter batteries to stay alive in this engagement,” She broadcast. “If you have to eject, your armor is rated for twelve hours of vacuum. Keep your transponders on, and Search and Rescue will get to you as soon as they can.”
“I dunno, Mirage, that’s a lot of bogeys,” Azure’s squadron leader commented. “I think I’ll make Ace before you do.”
“In your dreams, maybe,” the Goon’s squadron leader cut in. “I’ll buy out the bar if you make ace before Mirage does.”
“You’re on,” Azure laughed. “And may the best pilot win.”
The ships and starfighters drew closer together, and in the blink of an eye, Mirage Lead found herself and her squadron surrounded.
She twisted her sticks and dodged a burst of blaster cannon fired, pulling back and pulling the triggers to stitch her pulse lasers against the side of another enemy craft as she did so, her wingman finishing off the one on her tail as she tucked tight into the furball around the Hammer of Dawn.
“Mirage, regroup on me,” she ordered. “If you can’t shake ‘em, divert under the guns and link up with other squadrons. We’re in a target-rich environment here.”
Two of her six-fighter squadron managed to link up, and they kicked on the afterburners on their fusion engines, the inertial dampeners stalling for a brief moment before kicking in.
“Three, use Concussion missiles on that cluster!” she barked, moving ‘under’ friendly turbolaser fire that shattered two enemy fighters. “Four, clean up the rest. Two, we’re heading for that Corvette.”
–
–
Captain Jasiah Ali had been given the opportunity to command a larger ship, but instead of taking it, he had opted to stick with his beloved Two Birds, One Stone.
The CR-70 had been massively upgraded since the initial battles against the Trade Federation. Something he was grateful for now as missiles and blaster cannons splattered against his deflector shields.
“Captain, enemy Corvettes are emitting some sort of EMF interference,” the sensors officer reported. “It’s interfering with our ability to communicate and coordinate with our fighters.”
“Relay the information to the Commodore,” Jasiah sat in the captain's chair, forcing himself to appear calm before his bridge crew.
He tapped a few rough calculations into a datapad and nodded to himself.
“Follow the course I’m transmitting to you,” Jasiah ordered.
“But sir, that’s in the middle of the enemy formation!”
“I’m aware, Lieutenant,” Jasiah replied. “If you can’t stomach it, I’ll pilot this ship myself.”
“Setting suicide course, aye, sir,” Lieutenant Carteek’s hands flew over the controls.
“Front deflectors are taking a beating, Decks one and two are leaking atmosphere, and a handful of corridors are on fire,” the damage control officer reported.
“If anyone ignored the order to wear their suits, then it’s on them,” the captain replied. “Vent the atmosphere and begin fire suppression. Carteek, maintain this heading. Vas, reroute power from the atmosphere to the engines and shields.”
The bridge crew fell silent as they performed their jobs, moving closer and closer to what seemed like it would be their death.
“Prepare starboard emergency thrusters,” Jasiah ordered. “Execute on my mark.”
The Two Birds, One Stone’s shields sputtered one last time and then fell silent. Turbolaser batteries from the enemy cruisers began to lock onto the smaller ship before she exploded out of the way. The enemy’s turbolaser fire impacted their own ships and caused a pause in the battle. A pause that was exploited by the Two Birds, One Stone, and her fighter squadron, concussion missiles, and a flurry of turbolaser fire shattered the shields of one cruiser, the engines giving one burst as they tried to maneuver before sputtering to a halt and sending the enemy ship adrift.
“Get us out of here. Lieutenant, signal our escorts to hit that Corvette with missiles and then follow us. We’re pulling out of this fight.”
The emergency thrusters fired again, making the CR-70 avoid another flurry of enemy fire before hitting her main thrusters and moving out of the enemy formation.
–
–
The two formations slowly broke apart, leaving behind the shattered wrecks of ships and fighters behind.
“We’re not going to be able to keep up this momentum,” Jewel crunched the numbers. “Send Paige after this ship,” she said, highlighting a damaged carrier. “I want her Marines to own it.”
The Commodore sighed and looked at her comms suite.
“Colonel, I’m requesting permission to use the Taurian Protocol.”
“If you think it’ll help, then permission is granted,” Hull’s voice was distorted as his dropship rode through Bakura's atmosphere. “Just make sure it’s worth it before pulling that trigger.”
“Understood, Colonel, Godspeed down there. Jewel, out.”
Date: 25.10.7975 CRC (Coruscant Reckoning Calendar)
Location: Unnamed System, Outer RimTerritories
The Leviathan dropped out of hyperspace, the system around them empty for a brief moment before the rest of the fleet appeared in formation around her.
“Last stop before Bakura,” Commodore Jewel looked at the holographic table that showed the fleet. “Colonel, I want you and your people loaded up and ready to head for the surface. We have no idea what we’re jumping into, and I don’t want you ground pounders getting killed doing something stupid in the void.”
“I hear you,” Hull chuckled. “I’ll head down to the bays once we start moving again. Now, have we heard anything else since the last message?”
“No,” Jewel shook her head. “There’s not even any chatter in the systems around us. The Holonet is just gone.”
“It’s strange that we got used to the interconnectivity,” Hull stroked his beard. “Now that we’re back to the level of the Inner Sphere, the galaxy seems large again.”
“And no HPGs to receive up-to-date intel,” Jewel agreed. “We might have to look into setting up some sort of communications network outside the Holonet.”
“Something to think about for the future,” The Colonel replied. “I’m going to leave you to it. I’ll be in the hangar if you need me.”
With that, the CO of the Marksman disappeared from the Leviathan’s bridge.
“Captain Anderson, have the rest of the fleet move into formation Delta,” the Commodore ordered. “Ensure our aerospace assets and escorts are on standby for deployment as soon as we exit hyperspace and have the Interdictors ready to prevent the enemy from fleeing.”
“Aye, ma’am,” the captain saluted and began issuing orders to the fleet.
“I’ll have my Marines on standby,” Felicia Paige leaned against the wall behind the commodore. “Just point us at the ship you want to be taken, and we’ll make it happen.”
“We’ll sort that out once we’re on the other side,” Jewel worried her lip. “We won’t know anything until we engage.”
“We’ll be ready,” Paige said, placing her helmet on her head and sealing it, breathing in the recycled air. I'm just waiting for you to pull the trigger.”
Date: 26.10.7975 CRC (Coruscant Reckoning Calendar)
Location: Bakura, Wild Space
The fleet dropped out of hyperspace into a full system.
Unknown vessels filled the solar system, their electronic signals bouncing around and spreading an unfamiliar language throughout; guttural snarls, hisses, and snaps were all that could be identified.
“Sitrep,” Captain Anderson barked while the Commodore began to issue orders to the fleet in the background.
“Enemy force strength mirrors our own, Captain! We’re looking at roughly thirty or so ships ranging from corvettes to cruisers in size.”
The holographic table was filled with green arrows, representing the enemy ships.
Then, they began launching fighters, and smaller arrows and dots filled the space between them.
“Enemy fighters outnumber us three to one, Commodore,” Anderson reported.
“Have them concentrate around our cruisers and corvettes,” Jewel replied. “We’ll try to avoid taking casualties, but this is combat. Someone always pays the price.”
“Enemy is moving on an intercept course. New enemy contacts are approaching from the dark side of Bakura. They’re larger than cruisers but smaller than our Interdictors and Dreadnoughts.”
“Possible carriers,” Jewel muttered, leaning over the holotable. “Keep an eye on them. If they start rotating their fighters through, we’ll have to mark them as a priority target.“
–
–
“Mirage Lead to all squadrons, stick with your wingmen, and cover the cruisers and corvettes. We’ll need their anti-fighter batteries to stay alive in this engagement,” She broadcast. “If you have to eject, your armor is rated for twelve hours of vacuum. Keep your transponders on, and Search and Rescue will get to you as soon as they can.”
“I dunno, Mirage, that’s a lot of bogeys,” Azure’s squadron leader commented. “I think I’ll make Ace before you do.”
“In your dreams, maybe,” the Goon’s squadron leader cut in. “I’ll buy out the bar if you make ace before Mirage does.”
“You’re on,” Azure laughed. “And may the best pilot win.”
The ships and starfighters drew closer together, and in the blink of an eye, Mirage Lead found herself and her squadron surrounded.
She twisted her sticks and dodged a burst of blaster cannon fired, pulling back and pulling the triggers to stitch her pulse lasers against the side of another enemy craft as she did so, her wingman finishing off the one on her tail as she tucked tight into the furball around the Hammer of Dawn.
“Mirage, regroup on me,” she ordered. “If you can’t shake ‘em, divert under the guns and link up with other squadrons. We’re in a target-rich environment here.”
Two of her six-fighter squadron managed to link up, and they kicked on the afterburners on their fusion engines, the inertial dampeners stalling for a brief moment before kicking in.
“Three, use Concussion missiles on that cluster!” she barked, moving ‘under’ friendly turbolaser fire that shattered two enemy fighters. “Four, clean up the rest. Two, we’re heading for that Corvette.”
–
–
Captain Jasiah Ali had been given the opportunity to command a larger ship, but instead of taking it, he had opted to stick with his beloved Two Birds, One Stone.
The CR-70 had been massively upgraded since the initial battles against the Trade Federation. Something he was grateful for now as missiles and blaster cannons splattered against his deflector shields.
“Captain, enemy Corvettes are emitting some sort of EMF interference,” the sensors officer reported. “It’s interfering with our ability to communicate and coordinate with our fighters.”
“Relay the information to the Commodore,” Jasiah sat in the captain's chair, forcing himself to appear calm before his bridge crew.
He tapped a few rough calculations into a datapad and nodded to himself.
“Follow the course I’m transmitting to you,” Jasiah ordered.
“But sir, that’s in the middle of the enemy formation!”
“I’m aware, Lieutenant,” Jasiah replied. “If you can’t stomach it, I’ll pilot this ship myself.”
“Setting suicide course, aye, sir,” Lieutenant Carteek’s hands flew over the controls.
“Front deflectors are taking a beating, Decks one and two are leaking atmosphere, and a handful of corridors are on fire,” the damage control officer reported.
“If anyone ignored the order to wear their suits, then it’s on them,” the captain replied. “Vent the atmosphere and begin fire suppression. Carteek, maintain this heading. Vas, reroute power from the atmosphere to the engines and shields.”
The bridge crew fell silent as they performed their jobs, moving closer and closer to what seemed like it would be their death.
“Prepare starboard emergency thrusters,” Jasiah ordered. “Execute on my mark.”
The Two Birds, One Stone’s shields sputtered one last time and then fell silent. Turbolaser batteries from the enemy cruisers began to lock onto the smaller ship before she exploded out of the way. The enemy’s turbolaser fire impacted their own ships and caused a pause in the battle. A pause that was exploited by the Two Birds, One Stone, and her fighter squadron, concussion missiles, and a flurry of turbolaser fire shattered the shields of one cruiser, the engines giving one burst as they tried to maneuver before sputtering to a halt and sending the enemy ship adrift.
“Get us out of here. Lieutenant, signal our escorts to hit that Corvette with missiles and then follow us. We’re pulling out of this fight.”
The emergency thrusters fired again, making the CR-70 avoid another flurry of enemy fire before hitting her main thrusters and moving out of the enemy formation.
–
–
The two formations slowly broke apart, leaving behind the shattered wrecks of ships and fighters behind.
“We’re not going to be able to keep up this momentum,” Jewel crunched the numbers. “Send Paige after this ship,” she said, highlighting a damaged carrier. “I want her Marines to own it.”
The Commodore sighed and looked at her comms suite.
“Colonel, I’m requesting permission to use the Taurian Protocol.”
“If you think it’ll help, then permission is granted,” Hull’s voice was distorted as his dropship rode through Bakura's atmosphere. “Just make sure it’s worth it before pulling that trigger.”
“Understood, Colonel, Godspeed down there. Jewel, out.”
Book 2: Chapter 24
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Book 2: Chapter 24
"If you think it'll help, then permission is granted," Hull's voice was distorted as his dropship rode through Bakura's atmosphere. "Just make sure it's worth it before pulling that trigger."
"Understood, Colonel, Godspeed down there. Jewel, out."
The Comms channel shut down and Jewel locked eyes with Captain Anderson for a moment.
"Give the order," Jewel looked down at the holographic depiction of the space battle. "And get our fighters out of there. They're not expendable."
"Aye, ma'am," Anderson relayed the orders. "Lieutenant Gail, arm Ares pods one through six. Ensign Vron, have the Minuteman and Andromeda cover the fighter retreat and arm their pods as well."
"Aye sir, arming Ares pods one through six, waiting for firing solution," Gail's hands flew over the controls.
"Minuteman and Andromeda are moving into position sir, all fighter screens and corvettes are pulling back behind their lines."
Commodore Jewel did some rough math in her head and confirmed her numbers on a data pad before nodding to herself and taping the "send" key.
"Firing solutions have been transmitted to your crew," Jewel said to the captain. "I want the other two to mirror the firing solution and open fire."
"Aye ma'am!" Anderson and the bridge crew began coordinating with the two Interdictor class battleships.
—
—
In the void of space, fighters darted around the corvettes and smaller ships.
Through it all, the faithful Stings began to do the most dangerous job of all. Lacking the direct and overwhelming firepower of larger vessels, they focused on recovery operations. Their bays filled up with pilots and the life pods of ships that had evacuated.
"Taurian protocol has been activated, I repeat, Taurian protocol has been activated. ETA fifteen minutes to first detonation."
"All hands, strap in and prepare for evasive maneuvers," Hober cracked his knuckles and adjusted his seat. "Things are about to get hairy out here."
Extra hydrogen fed itself into the fusion drives, the bright glow of the same mechanism that drove the very stars themselves shining a brilliant blue against the inky black of the void. The Archon's Favor shook for a moment before the inertial dampening engaged.
The dropship twisted and deployed countermeasures, the missiles tailing her detonated early and the Archon's Favor shot like a rocket as she began evasive maneuvers.
"Archon's Favor, this is Mirage squadron, we're following you out of here. Our Corvette bit the dust."
"Glad to have you," Hober replied. "Just try to keep up, we need to get clear of this area, yesterday."
The two sides had mostly separated, only the carcasses of dead and drifting ships left behind in the void when the first of the nukes detonated.
For a brief moment, Bakura had multiple suns. The first deployment of the Ares nuclear warheads in a time of war. The detonation shattered the shields and emitters of everything within range, the electromagnetic pulse fried the sensors of those that survived.
And for those vessels that were too close to the detonation, their hulls and superstructures fractured and splintered under the forces, the raw fury of the nukes saw to that.
"Damn that's a beautiful sight," Hober grinned, the visor of his suit polarized and reflecting the last vestiges of the explosion. "Mirage, we're heading in to take advantage of this. Arm whatever proton torpedoes and concussion missiles you have left. Our work isn't done just yet."
"Mirage Lead confirms, you lead, we'll follow."
"How primitive," Tarkin muttered as he looked at the sensor feeds. "The galaxy has not seen the use of atom splitters outside of primitives in millenia."
"It seems to be effective though," Suna Palak looked past the shield at the void of space, the distant nuclear explosions quickly dissipating.
"Commander Tarkin, the yield of the atom splitters was beyond any we've recorded in the last thousand years," An officer reported. "The target was the enemy carriers."
"I hope it was worth it," The Cathar envoy sighed. "Look at the consequences."
The shattered hulls of several Marksman ships drifted through the void along with the unknown alien ships. The light of Bakura's star glittering off of the spilt Tibanna gases and alloys.
"They have performed as we expected," Garoche said after another moment. "The Marksman have a reputation for effectiveness. But it wasn't earned from conventional tactics nor war. Now, regardless of the battle in space. We must prepare to brief Colonel Hull on the ground situation. That is where he performs best."
"Colonel Hull, while I'm grateful to see reinforcements, I do not believe that you possess the numbers that will be required to fend off this foe," Garoche Tarkin stood looking out the viewport at the battle taking place above the planetary shields. "The forces left behind here at Bakura are a portion of what was present when they first attacked the system."
"The ORSF is rerouting forces already," I replied. "We're just the QRF."
"I suppose it'll have to be enough for now," Garoche sighed. "The enemy has landed troopships and corvettes here," he tapped a small hologram of Bakura, his finger settling on a valley about two hundred kilometers away from the city. "Neither myself, nor the Bakurans possess the forces to halt them from an advance."
"That's what I'm here for," I responded. "I've got a regiment of mechanized infantry, vehicles and mechs. I've got another regiment of infantry and tanks. "We'll handle the ground, you and the rest of the flyboys and girls can handle space."
"And where will you be?" Tarkin asked.
"Where I'm supposed to be," I shrugged. "In the trenches with my men and women."
–
–
"Alright, satellite feeds are showing that the enemy is gathering to push into the city," Hull glanced at the COs of the larger units. "It's our job to slow down, and failing that, halt them entirely.I'm going to be in the mobile HQ coordinating things with the local law enforcement and our people," he sighed. "I'll leave it up to each unit commander to decide how they want to approach things."
"Good luck with the civilians, Colonel," Lieutenant-Colonel Sturn laughed before turning to the Twi'Lek Major in charge of the other Regiment. "Uzi, which sectors do you need my infantry to dig in and prepare fixed defenses for?"
"We'll start working on getting artillery and Triple-A set up in the rear," Uzi replied. "I'll have my infantry dismount and assist with helping you set up fixed defenses in sectors five, nine, and twelve. We're going to need to set things up there for our 'Mechs to push out for flanking maneuvers in conjunction with our vehicles."
"Right," Sturn nodded. "I'll dispatch some extra infantry to those sectors and have them set up some field guns to cover your angles of attack."
"We're going to have to see if they have any air support, and place some scouts further along the battlefield," Uzi tapped the valley the invaders were occupying. "If they don't have air support, we can use VTOLs to level the playing field a bit. Drop some special forces along the rear and have them hit supplies."
"Right," Sturn agreed. "There's a lot of things we're going to have to figure out…"
"If you think it'll help, then permission is granted," Hull's voice was distorted as his dropship rode through Bakura's atmosphere. "Just make sure it's worth it before pulling that trigger."
"Understood, Colonel, Godspeed down there. Jewel, out."
The Comms channel shut down and Jewel locked eyes with Captain Anderson for a moment.
"Give the order," Jewel looked down at the holographic depiction of the space battle. "And get our fighters out of there. They're not expendable."
"Aye, ma'am," Anderson relayed the orders. "Lieutenant Gail, arm Ares pods one through six. Ensign Vron, have the Minuteman and Andromeda cover the fighter retreat and arm their pods as well."
"Aye sir, arming Ares pods one through six, waiting for firing solution," Gail's hands flew over the controls.
"Minuteman and Andromeda are moving into position sir, all fighter screens and corvettes are pulling back behind their lines."
Commodore Jewel did some rough math in her head and confirmed her numbers on a data pad before nodding to herself and taping the "send" key.
"Firing solutions have been transmitted to your crew," Jewel said to the captain. "I want the other two to mirror the firing solution and open fire."
"Aye ma'am!" Anderson and the bridge crew began coordinating with the two Interdictor class battleships.
—
—
In the void of space, fighters darted around the corvettes and smaller ships.
Through it all, the faithful Stings began to do the most dangerous job of all. Lacking the direct and overwhelming firepower of larger vessels, they focused on recovery operations. Their bays filled up with pilots and the life pods of ships that had evacuated.
"Taurian protocol has been activated, I repeat, Taurian protocol has been activated. ETA fifteen minutes to first detonation."
"All hands, strap in and prepare for evasive maneuvers," Hober cracked his knuckles and adjusted his seat. "Things are about to get hairy out here."
Extra hydrogen fed itself into the fusion drives, the bright glow of the same mechanism that drove the very stars themselves shining a brilliant blue against the inky black of the void. The Archon's Favor shook for a moment before the inertial dampening engaged.
The dropship twisted and deployed countermeasures, the missiles tailing her detonated early and the Archon's Favor shot like a rocket as she began evasive maneuvers.
"Archon's Favor, this is Mirage squadron, we're following you out of here. Our Corvette bit the dust."
"Glad to have you," Hober replied. "Just try to keep up, we need to get clear of this area, yesterday."
The two sides had mostly separated, only the carcasses of dead and drifting ships left behind in the void when the first of the nukes detonated.
For a brief moment, Bakura had multiple suns. The first deployment of the Ares nuclear warheads in a time of war. The detonation shattered the shields and emitters of everything within range, the electromagnetic pulse fried the sensors of those that survived.
And for those vessels that were too close to the detonation, their hulls and superstructures fractured and splintered under the forces, the raw fury of the nukes saw to that.
"Damn that's a beautiful sight," Hober grinned, the visor of his suit polarized and reflecting the last vestiges of the explosion. "Mirage, we're heading in to take advantage of this. Arm whatever proton torpedoes and concussion missiles you have left. Our work isn't done just yet."
"Mirage Lead confirms, you lead, we'll follow."
"How primitive," Tarkin muttered as he looked at the sensor feeds. "The galaxy has not seen the use of atom splitters outside of primitives in millenia."
"It seems to be effective though," Suna Palak looked past the shield at the void of space, the distant nuclear explosions quickly dissipating.
"Commander Tarkin, the yield of the atom splitters was beyond any we've recorded in the last thousand years," An officer reported. "The target was the enemy carriers."
"I hope it was worth it," The Cathar envoy sighed. "Look at the consequences."
The shattered hulls of several Marksman ships drifted through the void along with the unknown alien ships. The light of Bakura's star glittering off of the spilt Tibanna gases and alloys.
"They have performed as we expected," Garoche said after another moment. "The Marksman have a reputation for effectiveness. But it wasn't earned from conventional tactics nor war. Now, regardless of the battle in space. We must prepare to brief Colonel Hull on the ground situation. That is where he performs best."
"Colonel Hull, while I'm grateful to see reinforcements, I do not believe that you possess the numbers that will be required to fend off this foe," Garoche Tarkin stood looking out the viewport at the battle taking place above the planetary shields. "The forces left behind here at Bakura are a portion of what was present when they first attacked the system."
"The ORSF is rerouting forces already," I replied. "We're just the QRF."
"I suppose it'll have to be enough for now," Garoche sighed. "The enemy has landed troopships and corvettes here," he tapped a small hologram of Bakura, his finger settling on a valley about two hundred kilometers away from the city. "Neither myself, nor the Bakurans possess the forces to halt them from an advance."
"That's what I'm here for," I responded. "I've got a regiment of mechanized infantry, vehicles and mechs. I've got another regiment of infantry and tanks. "We'll handle the ground, you and the rest of the flyboys and girls can handle space."
"And where will you be?" Tarkin asked.
"Where I'm supposed to be," I shrugged. "In the trenches with my men and women."
–
–
"Alright, satellite feeds are showing that the enemy is gathering to push into the city," Hull glanced at the COs of the larger units. "It's our job to slow down, and failing that, halt them entirely.I'm going to be in the mobile HQ coordinating things with the local law enforcement and our people," he sighed. "I'll leave it up to each unit commander to decide how they want to approach things."
"Good luck with the civilians, Colonel," Lieutenant-Colonel Sturn laughed before turning to the Twi'Lek Major in charge of the other Regiment. "Uzi, which sectors do you need my infantry to dig in and prepare fixed defenses for?"
"We'll start working on getting artillery and Triple-A set up in the rear," Uzi replied. "I'll have my infantry dismount and assist with helping you set up fixed defenses in sectors five, nine, and twelve. We're going to need to set things up there for our 'Mechs to push out for flanking maneuvers in conjunction with our vehicles."
"Right," Sturn nodded. "I'll dispatch some extra infantry to those sectors and have them set up some field guns to cover your angles of attack."
"We're going to have to see if they have any air support, and place some scouts further along the battlefield," Uzi tapped the valley the invaders were occupying. "If they don't have air support, we can use VTOLs to level the playing field a bit. Drop some special forces along the rear and have them hit supplies."
"Right," Sturn agreed. "There's a lot of things we're going to have to figure out…"
Last edited:
Book 2: Chapter 25
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Book 2: Chapter 25
“Chancellor, what are you going to be doing to ensure the safety of the Republic with the Outer Colonies going dark along the border to the Unknown Regions?” A reporter asked the aging Chancellor from Naboo.
“We are working closely with members of our Great Republic and the Judiciary forces to ensure that worlds are appropriately protected,” The old man smiled. “I believe that Eriadu has already dispatched a fleet to render aid.”
“What about the loss of communications with all of the Holonet relays that are going dark? How does your administration intend to resolve that issue? The economy is already starting to feel the effects of loss in communications.”
“We have specialists working towards that as we speak,” Palpatine’s gentle smile never left his face. “And a bill to support the economy is already making its way through the Senate. I have faith in our Republic that we will see this threat handled swiftly so we may restore Order. The Jedi Council have also been alerted to this and have informed me they will be dispatching several Jedi to assist the Judiciary forces.”
“What about the rumors that the Confederacy of Independent Systems has an interest in the area?”
“If the rebellious states have an interest in the area, it has not been communicated to my office,” he responded. “Know this, regardless of our present difficulties, the Republic will continue to be strong. I will not have my final term as Chancellor end in turmoil. Order will be restored, and security and prosperity will be shared across the Republic.”
“Chancellor, will you be signing the military spending bill?”
“It is the responsibility of the Senate to enact laws,” Palpatine replied. “I will sign whatever is needed to bring stability in these trying times.”
Governor Wilhuff Tarkin stood before the window of his office. His hands clasped behind his back, and he looked at the urban jungle of Eriadu’s capital city. In the far distance, ships boosted off and left the spaceports, their ship hulls painted in the colors of the ORSF.
“Governor Tarkin,” Admiral Zsinj knocked on the wall beside the open door.
“Admiral,” Wilhuff turned and faced his friend and ally. “I take it you have received word of the recent events that have transpired around our most recent member.”
“Yes, I have. The Marksman sent a ship that relayed all of the information they possessed,” Zsinj sighed and sat down. “The invaders are numerous, and their technology is similar but different from ours. Several scientists and engineers are pouring over the technical data packages your son gave to the Marksman vessel.”
“And our plans for deployment?” Wilhuff asked.
“On track,” the Admiral responded. “Our means of providing for ourselves have increased despite the Republic’s attempts to defund us.”
“Good,” the Governor leaned back in his chair. “Did you see the Chancellor's attempts to sway the press?”
“Words are nothing in the mouth of those like him,” Zsinj spat. “He claims to be working closely with us and the judiciary forces and even takes credit for the hard work of our fleets and manpower. I have seen no judiciary forces mobilizing to aid us. The Jedi Order is only marginally better in that they at least saw that there was a need for their aid and have dispatched multiple teams to aid us along with a handful of freighters and starfighters.”
“I will take your word for it,” Wilhuff raised an eyebrow. “I find that the Order and the Chancellor share far too close of a relationship for my liking. The corruption grows deep and seems to have spread even to those we once called friends and allies among the Republic.”
“We can still secede and join the Confederacy,” Zsinj stated, knowing that Wilhuff would likely reject it. “For all that they are in bed with aliens, they have their priorities straight.”
“I have considered it,” the Governor brought his hand to his chin. “You are not the first to have broached the subject with me, Admiral. But I cannot and will not remove us from the Republic while hope in its institution remains.”
“I know,” Zsinj sighed again. “But I fear it will not be long before the Republic as we knew it has disappeared into history. Eriadu and the Outer Rims Security Forces face an opportunity and an uncertain future. The Unknown Regions beat at the borders, the Hutts begin to stir, and the Confederacy continues to remove pirates from within its borders. We are standing on the cusp of a new era.”
“And I must decide where we stand when it all falls,” Wilhuff rested his hand on his desk. “Whether it be alone against the abyss or strong with others. Now, enough of talk about what may never come to pass. The Marksman are good mercenaries but will only hold so long against a superior force.”
“I’ve already dispatched several battlegroups to aid them,” Zsinj made to stand up. “They’re bringing portable Holonet relays to function as replacements for the regions we have lost connection with. Once we have established contact and understand the situation better, I will determine what extra forces need to be routed to assist. But I cannot leave the rest of the worlds and systems that are a part of the ORSF undefended. Eriadu is the largest supporter, yes. But you know as well as I do that if we allow other worlds to come to harm without mobilizing, it will end in disaster.”
With the last word spoken, the Admiral left the room, only stopped by Tarkin clearing his throat.
“Admiral, see if my son is alive. And if he is not, return his body for the proper ceremonies. He has done his duty.”
Zsinj simply nodded and continued walking down the hall, leaving Tarkin to his thoughts.
Admiral Zsinj and the other advisors who had spoken to him were probably correct. The Republic was struggling. Its Senators were corrupt and greedy, and the Core increasingly ignored the plights of what little of the Outer Rim had remained. The Confederacy seemed better on the surface, but they were new, tested, and unproven. Only time would tell if they were a nation that would actually survive.
But for now, he had to focus on his world and allies. Anything else would come later.
Author’s note: Sorry for the late update on this. I rewrote the last chapter and got caught up in some other things. We’ll be back to more regular updates, barring a week in February when I’ll be out.
“Chancellor, what are you going to be doing to ensure the safety of the Republic with the Outer Colonies going dark along the border to the Unknown Regions?” A reporter asked the aging Chancellor from Naboo.
“We are working closely with members of our Great Republic and the Judiciary forces to ensure that worlds are appropriately protected,” The old man smiled. “I believe that Eriadu has already dispatched a fleet to render aid.”
“What about the loss of communications with all of the Holonet relays that are going dark? How does your administration intend to resolve that issue? The economy is already starting to feel the effects of loss in communications.”
“We have specialists working towards that as we speak,” Palpatine’s gentle smile never left his face. “And a bill to support the economy is already making its way through the Senate. I have faith in our Republic that we will see this threat handled swiftly so we may restore Order. The Jedi Council have also been alerted to this and have informed me they will be dispatching several Jedi to assist the Judiciary forces.”
“What about the rumors that the Confederacy of Independent Systems has an interest in the area?”
“If the rebellious states have an interest in the area, it has not been communicated to my office,” he responded. “Know this, regardless of our present difficulties, the Republic will continue to be strong. I will not have my final term as Chancellor end in turmoil. Order will be restored, and security and prosperity will be shared across the Republic.”
“Chancellor, will you be signing the military spending bill?”
“It is the responsibility of the Senate to enact laws,” Palpatine replied. “I will sign whatever is needed to bring stability in these trying times.”
Governor Wilhuff Tarkin stood before the window of his office. His hands clasped behind his back, and he looked at the urban jungle of Eriadu’s capital city. In the far distance, ships boosted off and left the spaceports, their ship hulls painted in the colors of the ORSF.
“Governor Tarkin,” Admiral Zsinj knocked on the wall beside the open door.
“Admiral,” Wilhuff turned and faced his friend and ally. “I take it you have received word of the recent events that have transpired around our most recent member.”
“Yes, I have. The Marksman sent a ship that relayed all of the information they possessed,” Zsinj sighed and sat down. “The invaders are numerous, and their technology is similar but different from ours. Several scientists and engineers are pouring over the technical data packages your son gave to the Marksman vessel.”
“And our plans for deployment?” Wilhuff asked.
“On track,” the Admiral responded. “Our means of providing for ourselves have increased despite the Republic’s attempts to defund us.”
“Good,” the Governor leaned back in his chair. “Did you see the Chancellor's attempts to sway the press?”
“Words are nothing in the mouth of those like him,” Zsinj spat. “He claims to be working closely with us and the judiciary forces and even takes credit for the hard work of our fleets and manpower. I have seen no judiciary forces mobilizing to aid us. The Jedi Order is only marginally better in that they at least saw that there was a need for their aid and have dispatched multiple teams to aid us along with a handful of freighters and starfighters.”
“I will take your word for it,” Wilhuff raised an eyebrow. “I find that the Order and the Chancellor share far too close of a relationship for my liking. The corruption grows deep and seems to have spread even to those we once called friends and allies among the Republic.”
“We can still secede and join the Confederacy,” Zsinj stated, knowing that Wilhuff would likely reject it. “For all that they are in bed with aliens, they have their priorities straight.”
“I have considered it,” the Governor brought his hand to his chin. “You are not the first to have broached the subject with me, Admiral. But I cannot and will not remove us from the Republic while hope in its institution remains.”
“I know,” Zsinj sighed again. “But I fear it will not be long before the Republic as we knew it has disappeared into history. Eriadu and the Outer Rims Security Forces face an opportunity and an uncertain future. The Unknown Regions beat at the borders, the Hutts begin to stir, and the Confederacy continues to remove pirates from within its borders. We are standing on the cusp of a new era.”
“And I must decide where we stand when it all falls,” Wilhuff rested his hand on his desk. “Whether it be alone against the abyss or strong with others. Now, enough of talk about what may never come to pass. The Marksman are good mercenaries but will only hold so long against a superior force.”
“I’ve already dispatched several battlegroups to aid them,” Zsinj made to stand up. “They’re bringing portable Holonet relays to function as replacements for the regions we have lost connection with. Once we have established contact and understand the situation better, I will determine what extra forces need to be routed to assist. But I cannot leave the rest of the worlds and systems that are a part of the ORSF undefended. Eriadu is the largest supporter, yes. But you know as well as I do that if we allow other worlds to come to harm without mobilizing, it will end in disaster.”
With the last word spoken, the Admiral left the room, only stopped by Tarkin clearing his throat.
“Admiral, see if my son is alive. And if he is not, return his body for the proper ceremonies. He has done his duty.”
Zsinj simply nodded and continued walking down the hall, leaving Tarkin to his thoughts.
Admiral Zsinj and the other advisors who had spoken to him were probably correct. The Republic was struggling. Its Senators were corrupt and greedy, and the Core increasingly ignored the plights of what little of the Outer Rim had remained. The Confederacy seemed better on the surface, but they were new, tested, and unproven. Only time would tell if they were a nation that would actually survive.
But for now, he had to focus on his world and allies. Anything else would come later.
Author’s note: Sorry for the late update on this. I rewrote the last chapter and got caught up in some other things. We’ll be back to more regular updates, barring a week in February when I’ll be out.
Book 2: Chapter 26
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
The Grand Plan had changed greatly in the last decade. The Dark Lord reclined in a chair and considered a map of the greater galaxy. The Republic was easy to maneuver. The corrupt and dead corpse of a government had long been susceptible to both Sidious and his since-dead master.
Yes, the Confederacy and the outliers that had sprung up in place of what the Grand Plan had arranged for were obstacles, but they could have been dealt with handily if the correct preparations had been implemented.
Plenty of tensions were rising now while the threat from the Unknown Regions was present. It wouldn’t take much more to point out tension and anger in the Republic against the Confederacy. The increased taxes the Senate had been so quick to approve and blame on the Confederacy would see to that. But it would take more to light that flame and set it ablaze into war, especially with the Mid Rim and what was left of the Outer Rim, which was concerned with the current invasion.
It would require some careful attention to put the blame on the Jedi Order. Adequately orchestrated, though, he could set young Skywalker toward a darker path. After all, he would require a new apprentice once his current one fulfilled her role. He could eliminate two problems at once if done correctly.
He mused on this and nodded to himself.
He would have to set up a situation where both Obi-Wan and Yan Dooku died together. One would drive the Confederacy to rage. The other would bring young Skywalker right where he wanted him into the easy manipulations of his words and a place where the council held less influence over him.
Now, he’d have to allocate funds to assist his apprentice. If she failed, then he would have to have insurance both to kill her and to finish the job.
With a smirk, Sidious stood and ran his hands into his sleeves. It was time that he returned to his office. The idealists and the easily swayed wouldn’t know what to think if he didn’t do it for them.
Location: Raxus Secundus, Confederacy of Independent Systems
Date:12.12.7957 CRC (Coruscant Reckoning Calendar)
“We cannot and should not intervene in Republic Affairs regarding military requirements!” Dooku’s voice stopped the arguments on the house floor. All of the representatives fell silent as the Head of State spoke. “It is not our responsibility to tend to the citizens of another nation. Nor to secure their future. However, many of us hail from planets that have long been threatened by pirates, the Hutts, or the Trade Federation. We understand what it is like to withstand invasion and to deal with forces that seem beyond our ken. But they are not a part of our great experiment. Our Confederacy of Independent Systems. So, we will not send military aid to Bakura or the other worlds that border the Unknown Regions still beholden to the Republic.”
Dooku paused and looked at the Representatives. Meeting the eyes of those who desired a war, those who wanted peace, and everyone in between.
“We can and will, however, begin to do things that will not involve us fighting the Republic’s wars for them. So, we will send aid to them. Just not in the form many of you are expecting. Each of our nations, our planets, and our systems brings something different. Some of us produce medical supplies, and some produce food or other goods that people need daily. Those are the things that the people of the worlds under siege will need the most. And we will answer that call. We will put together convoys protected by our Great Navy. They will bring medical supplies, food, and any other goods our worlds see fit to donate to the cause.”
Dooku’s voice was firm and steady as he nearly growled out this next part.
“But let no one mistake this. I do not want our people to be impoverished at the cost of aiding the Bakurans and others. We will only take donations freely given. There will be no increased taxes, and I will not sign any aid bill that takes away from our people to give it to another. That way only leads to the corruption of the Republic.”
Dooku stopped, his voice ringing through the chambers as the chamber considered his words.
“Admiral Landkai will see to it that your ships are escorted should your systems choose to donate or rescue refugees,” Dooku nodded at the Chief Naval Officer.
–
–
“That was quite a speech,” Obi-Wan Kenobi said as Dooku entered his office.
“Not exactly something you would hear in the Republic these days,” Anakin muttered. “They would be bound up in committees for months before even bringing a bill to the Senate Floor.”
“No bill is required for this,” Dooku shook his head. “The Confederacy will not do this as a nation. If individual systems should desire to give aid, we will defend the aid from pirates or those who would take it by force.”
Kenobi opened his mouth to respond when the Force warned him.
Immediately, the trio reacted. Anakin jumped back and ignited his lightsaber while Dooku wrapped himself in the Force, and he was thrown out the window by the force of an explosion. Leaving Kenobi and Skywalker alone, a red lightsaber ignited as lightning was thrown at the Master.
“Are you alright, Master?” Anakin glanced over at the other Jedi.
“I will be,” Obi-Wan grunted, his lightsaber absorbing the lightning. “I just hope that the Count survives the fall.”
“My associates will ensure that he does not,” the cloaked figure hissed, a second lightsaber floating up to her hand and igniting. “But you do not need to concern yourself with him.”
She leaped at the two of them, their lightsabers clashing together as she forced them back, her hood continuing to conceal her face.
“After all, I’m going to end your miserable existence here,” She taunted, dancing backward under a swarm of attacks before throwing her hand out and forcing Kenobi to narrowly dodge a piece of debris.
The hunk of stone sailed past him and crushed a member of the Confederacy’s security forces instead. Sealing the door shut with the rock and the corpse.
“You’ll pay for this!” Anakin snarled, his eyes shifting with anger.
“Anakin!” Obi-Wan stepped forward. “Center yourself, do not let her get into your head.”
She thrust out one hand with a lightsaber and shot lightning at the two of them, the Jedi absorbing the Sith’s lightning.
“Center yourself?” She laughed harshly. “No, give into your anger. Let me feed off your emotion!”
Her yellow eyes danced with mirth underneath her hood.
“I can still feel your rage, your hunger to see me fall,” She stepped back.
“Anakin,” Kenobi cautioned. “Don’t. That’s how they manipulate you.”
“You know nothing about the Dark Side,” the Sith shifted her attention to Obi-Wan. “Oh, did you think your little brush against the Dark Side on Naboo was enough?” She clicked her tongue, her lightsaber clashing against Anakin’s as she laughed. “One would think that someone with your experience would know better, Kenobi. After all, weren’t you the replacement for Xanatos? It’s sad, really,” She continued talking through the clashes of their lightsabers, her yellow eyes dancing in delight at their suffering. “Poor Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Knight who never measured up to what his master wanted. The second choice and bringer of destruction to anyone he loves.”
Kenobi was silent, his lightsaber gliding through the motions of Soresu as he defended against her strikes. He allowed Anakin to go on the offensive while he defended, the two acting as one while immersed in the force.
But one miscalculation, a split second of distraction, was enough to nearly spell disaster for them.
A pause, a shift in her stance, and both Anakin’s and Kenobi’s lightsabers crackled against each other before lightning gathered in her palms, the Force Lightning bypassing the lightsabers and forcing the pair back.
“Did you think I would be as one-dimensional as the one you faced before?” She taunted. “So full of anger and hate that I can’t see beyond my immediate circumstances?”
She threw her head back and laughed, the hood falling from her face.
“No, I’m afraid this is the end for you,” her pretty face twisted into something dark, the blond hair framing her yellow eyes.
As she stepped forward, the stone blocking the door shattered into pieces, and a dark figure stepped into the light of the local star.
Dooku stood, his dark uniform pristine and his cloak shifting dramatically behind him while security forces moved in behind him.
“I’m afraid your associates found a rather untimely end,” Dooku’s face looked like it had been carved from stone. “They proved no match for me and my security forces.”
Anakin looked like he’d seen a ghost; his face went ashen, and he shook his head before recentering himself to the here and now.
“It seems I’ll simply have to find another way to accomplish my task,” the Sith shrugged. “It is of no consequence. You may live another day.”
She touched a device on her wrist and vanished, her presence in the Force disappearing as if she had never been there.
“Medics tend to their wounds,” Dooku gestured to Anakin and Obi-Wan. “Captain, I require two of your most skilled guards. We are going to go on the hunt. This is not the first time I have encountered such technology.”
“We can help,” Anakin protested, struggling weakly against the medics as they began to tend to the lightning burns.
“I do not believe I will locate this Sith,” Dooku replied. “But all the same, I must at least make the attempt.”
With that, two soldiers with jetpacks and different armor joined him. The trio began to follow some trail that only Dooku could seem to sense or see.
“I have failed you, my Master,” She bowed low to the hologram. “All three of the targets yet live. I assure you that it is but a temporary setback.”
“You have fulfilled one of your objectives,” Darth Sidious smirked. “The Confederacy has begun to stoke the flames of War.”
“I have torn at the fabric of the bond between master and apprentice,” she replied. “Skywalker will now ask questions that none will grant an answer to.”
“Good, Good,” Sidious’s smirk turned hostile, and he reached out with the force and began strangling her. “You will not fail me again, Darth Misterre. You will accomplish this task I have set before you… Or I will find another to replace you.”
Misterre nodded, her hands grabbing at her throat until the pressure was removed.
“As you wish, My master. I will not fail you again….”
Yes, the Confederacy and the outliers that had sprung up in place of what the Grand Plan had arranged for were obstacles, but they could have been dealt with handily if the correct preparations had been implemented.
Plenty of tensions were rising now while the threat from the Unknown Regions was present. It wouldn’t take much more to point out tension and anger in the Republic against the Confederacy. The increased taxes the Senate had been so quick to approve and blame on the Confederacy would see to that. But it would take more to light that flame and set it ablaze into war, especially with the Mid Rim and what was left of the Outer Rim, which was concerned with the current invasion.
It would require some careful attention to put the blame on the Jedi Order. Adequately orchestrated, though, he could set young Skywalker toward a darker path. After all, he would require a new apprentice once his current one fulfilled her role. He could eliminate two problems at once if done correctly.
He mused on this and nodded to himself.
He would have to set up a situation where both Obi-Wan and Yan Dooku died together. One would drive the Confederacy to rage. The other would bring young Skywalker right where he wanted him into the easy manipulations of his words and a place where the council held less influence over him.
Now, he’d have to allocate funds to assist his apprentice. If she failed, then he would have to have insurance both to kill her and to finish the job.
With a smirk, Sidious stood and ran his hands into his sleeves. It was time that he returned to his office. The idealists and the easily swayed wouldn’t know what to think if he didn’t do it for them.
Location: Raxus Secundus, Confederacy of Independent Systems
Date:12.12.7957 CRC (Coruscant Reckoning Calendar)
“We cannot and should not intervene in Republic Affairs regarding military requirements!” Dooku’s voice stopped the arguments on the house floor. All of the representatives fell silent as the Head of State spoke. “It is not our responsibility to tend to the citizens of another nation. Nor to secure their future. However, many of us hail from planets that have long been threatened by pirates, the Hutts, or the Trade Federation. We understand what it is like to withstand invasion and to deal with forces that seem beyond our ken. But they are not a part of our great experiment. Our Confederacy of Independent Systems. So, we will not send military aid to Bakura or the other worlds that border the Unknown Regions still beholden to the Republic.”
Dooku paused and looked at the Representatives. Meeting the eyes of those who desired a war, those who wanted peace, and everyone in between.
“We can and will, however, begin to do things that will not involve us fighting the Republic’s wars for them. So, we will send aid to them. Just not in the form many of you are expecting. Each of our nations, our planets, and our systems brings something different. Some of us produce medical supplies, and some produce food or other goods that people need daily. Those are the things that the people of the worlds under siege will need the most. And we will answer that call. We will put together convoys protected by our Great Navy. They will bring medical supplies, food, and any other goods our worlds see fit to donate to the cause.”
Dooku’s voice was firm and steady as he nearly growled out this next part.
“But let no one mistake this. I do not want our people to be impoverished at the cost of aiding the Bakurans and others. We will only take donations freely given. There will be no increased taxes, and I will not sign any aid bill that takes away from our people to give it to another. That way only leads to the corruption of the Republic.”
Dooku stopped, his voice ringing through the chambers as the chamber considered his words.
“Admiral Landkai will see to it that your ships are escorted should your systems choose to donate or rescue refugees,” Dooku nodded at the Chief Naval Officer.
–
–
“That was quite a speech,” Obi-Wan Kenobi said as Dooku entered his office.
“Not exactly something you would hear in the Republic these days,” Anakin muttered. “They would be bound up in committees for months before even bringing a bill to the Senate Floor.”
“No bill is required for this,” Dooku shook his head. “The Confederacy will not do this as a nation. If individual systems should desire to give aid, we will defend the aid from pirates or those who would take it by force.”
Kenobi opened his mouth to respond when the Force warned him.
Immediately, the trio reacted. Anakin jumped back and ignited his lightsaber while Dooku wrapped himself in the Force, and he was thrown out the window by the force of an explosion. Leaving Kenobi and Skywalker alone, a red lightsaber ignited as lightning was thrown at the Master.
“Are you alright, Master?” Anakin glanced over at the other Jedi.
“I will be,” Obi-Wan grunted, his lightsaber absorbing the lightning. “I just hope that the Count survives the fall.”
“My associates will ensure that he does not,” the cloaked figure hissed, a second lightsaber floating up to her hand and igniting. “But you do not need to concern yourself with him.”
She leaped at the two of them, their lightsabers clashing together as she forced them back, her hood continuing to conceal her face.
“After all, I’m going to end your miserable existence here,” She taunted, dancing backward under a swarm of attacks before throwing her hand out and forcing Kenobi to narrowly dodge a piece of debris.
The hunk of stone sailed past him and crushed a member of the Confederacy’s security forces instead. Sealing the door shut with the rock and the corpse.
“You’ll pay for this!” Anakin snarled, his eyes shifting with anger.
“Anakin!” Obi-Wan stepped forward. “Center yourself, do not let her get into your head.”
She thrust out one hand with a lightsaber and shot lightning at the two of them, the Jedi absorbing the Sith’s lightning.
“Center yourself?” She laughed harshly. “No, give into your anger. Let me feed off your emotion!”
Her yellow eyes danced with mirth underneath her hood.
“I can still feel your rage, your hunger to see me fall,” She stepped back.
“Anakin,” Kenobi cautioned. “Don’t. That’s how they manipulate you.”
“You know nothing about the Dark Side,” the Sith shifted her attention to Obi-Wan. “Oh, did you think your little brush against the Dark Side on Naboo was enough?” She clicked her tongue, her lightsaber clashing against Anakin’s as she laughed. “One would think that someone with your experience would know better, Kenobi. After all, weren’t you the replacement for Xanatos? It’s sad, really,” She continued talking through the clashes of their lightsabers, her yellow eyes dancing in delight at their suffering. “Poor Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Knight who never measured up to what his master wanted. The second choice and bringer of destruction to anyone he loves.”
Kenobi was silent, his lightsaber gliding through the motions of Soresu as he defended against her strikes. He allowed Anakin to go on the offensive while he defended, the two acting as one while immersed in the force.
But one miscalculation, a split second of distraction, was enough to nearly spell disaster for them.
A pause, a shift in her stance, and both Anakin’s and Kenobi’s lightsabers crackled against each other before lightning gathered in her palms, the Force Lightning bypassing the lightsabers and forcing the pair back.
“Did you think I would be as one-dimensional as the one you faced before?” She taunted. “So full of anger and hate that I can’t see beyond my immediate circumstances?”
She threw her head back and laughed, the hood falling from her face.
“No, I’m afraid this is the end for you,” her pretty face twisted into something dark, the blond hair framing her yellow eyes.
As she stepped forward, the stone blocking the door shattered into pieces, and a dark figure stepped into the light of the local star.
Dooku stood, his dark uniform pristine and his cloak shifting dramatically behind him while security forces moved in behind him.
“I’m afraid your associates found a rather untimely end,” Dooku’s face looked like it had been carved from stone. “They proved no match for me and my security forces.”
Anakin looked like he’d seen a ghost; his face went ashen, and he shook his head before recentering himself to the here and now.
“It seems I’ll simply have to find another way to accomplish my task,” the Sith shrugged. “It is of no consequence. You may live another day.”
She touched a device on her wrist and vanished, her presence in the Force disappearing as if she had never been there.
“Medics tend to their wounds,” Dooku gestured to Anakin and Obi-Wan. “Captain, I require two of your most skilled guards. We are going to go on the hunt. This is not the first time I have encountered such technology.”
“We can help,” Anakin protested, struggling weakly against the medics as they began to tend to the lightning burns.
“I do not believe I will locate this Sith,” Dooku replied. “But all the same, I must at least make the attempt.”
With that, two soldiers with jetpacks and different armor joined him. The trio began to follow some trail that only Dooku could seem to sense or see.
“I have failed you, my Master,” She bowed low to the hologram. “All three of the targets yet live. I assure you that it is but a temporary setback.”
“You have fulfilled one of your objectives,” Darth Sidious smirked. “The Confederacy has begun to stoke the flames of War.”
“I have torn at the fabric of the bond between master and apprentice,” she replied. “Skywalker will now ask questions that none will grant an answer to.”
“Good, Good,” Sidious’s smirk turned hostile, and he reached out with the force and began strangling her. “You will not fail me again, Darth Misterre. You will accomplish this task I have set before you… Or I will find another to replace you.”
Misterre nodded, her hands grabbing at her throat until the pressure was removed.
“As you wish, My master. I will not fail you again….”
Book 2: Chapter 27
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
“Master Dooku, we must report to the Council at once,” Kenobi said after taking a moment to recenter himself in the Force. “It is clear to me that the Sith have agents among the Order. For she possessed information that is not available to the public.”
“Take a moment to engage with your Padawan, first,” Dooku tried to communicate something with his gaze. “He has just discovered a facet of you that he did not have knowledge of before. He will need support first. The council will still remain when you are finished.”
At that moment, one of the armored troopers held a hand up to his ear as he listened to a transmission of some kind.
“Head of State, the assailant has gotten away,” the Chief of Security reported. “It seems she had some sort of hyperspace capable starfighter hidden nearby.”
“You should put your forces on high alert. I do not doubt that she will have left behind traps or other surprises,” Kenobi interjected.
“We have procedures in place for hostile force-users,” Chief Dara replied. “But we will take your warnings into account.”
After that, the troopers started to disperse, some collecting evidence and trying to piece together the scene, while others tended to the minor wounds on Dooku, Anakin, and Kenobi.
There were bits of rock and debris embedded in Obi-Wan’s arms, and Anakin sat down on what was left of Dooku’s desk. Exhaustion filled his posture as he groaned in pain now that the force was no longer reinforcing his muscles and energy reserves.
“I recommend that you rest and collect your thoughts before reporting this to the Council,” Dooku said, allowing the medic to tend several wounds that had been hidden by his uniform. “Encountering the Dark Side is never easy,” He stoically endured the medic cleaning several lacerations on his back from when he had been thrown from the building. “Much less when they have struck at more than the physical. Young Skywalker, I sense the frustration and anger within you. Some emotion is normal after combat. But allowing it to control you will end poorly.”
“Master,” Anakin said after forcing his clenched fists to open and his anger to release. “She seemed to be targeting you specifically.”
“Yes, she did,” Kenobi sighed. “Though, I am uncertain as to why she would focus on me. She was better trained then the last Sith, her force techniques and mastery were much more refined. But her skill with the blade was not his equal.”
“So, we have faced two apprentices,” Dooku hummed in thought. “We have yet to face the master.”
“Take a moment to engage with your Padawan, first,” Dooku tried to communicate something with his gaze. “He has just discovered a facet of you that he did not have knowledge of before. He will need support first. The council will still remain when you are finished.”
At that moment, one of the armored troopers held a hand up to his ear as he listened to a transmission of some kind.
“Head of State, the assailant has gotten away,” the Chief of Security reported. “It seems she had some sort of hyperspace capable starfighter hidden nearby.”
“You should put your forces on high alert. I do not doubt that she will have left behind traps or other surprises,” Kenobi interjected.
“We have procedures in place for hostile force-users,” Chief Dara replied. “But we will take your warnings into account.”
After that, the troopers started to disperse, some collecting evidence and trying to piece together the scene, while others tended to the minor wounds on Dooku, Anakin, and Kenobi.
There were bits of rock and debris embedded in Obi-Wan’s arms, and Anakin sat down on what was left of Dooku’s desk. Exhaustion filled his posture as he groaned in pain now that the force was no longer reinforcing his muscles and energy reserves.
“I recommend that you rest and collect your thoughts before reporting this to the Council,” Dooku said, allowing the medic to tend several wounds that had been hidden by his uniform. “Encountering the Dark Side is never easy,” He stoically endured the medic cleaning several lacerations on his back from when he had been thrown from the building. “Much less when they have struck at more than the physical. Young Skywalker, I sense the frustration and anger within you. Some emotion is normal after combat. But allowing it to control you will end poorly.”
“Master,” Anakin said after forcing his clenched fists to open and his anger to release. “She seemed to be targeting you specifically.”
“Yes, she did,” Kenobi sighed. “Though, I am uncertain as to why she would focus on me. She was better trained then the last Sith, her force techniques and mastery were much more refined. But her skill with the blade was not his equal.”
“So, we have faced two apprentices,” Dooku hummed in thought. “We have yet to face the master.”
- “Breaking! Head of State Dooku fights off Attempted assassination! Watch exclusive footage of the fight only on the Holonet News Network”
- “Confederacy begins to push for more military funding and recruitment after failed assassination attempt on Head of State Dooku. When asked for a statement, no representatives of the Confederacy of Independent Systems were willing to speak.” – Outer Rims Publications
- “Outer Rims Security Forces and their mercenary allies successfully relieve the invasion of several worlds under threat from the invaders from Unknown Regions. Further details have not been revealed to the media at large.” – Eriadu General News
- "Executive Security Solutions and other mercenary groups join in the defense of the Outer Rim as the Invasion continues. Shipyard and mineral stocks on the rise as demand for ships and resources increases. Corellia begins trade negotiations with Confederacy and Republic Traders, becoming a haven for many merchants and traders." — Business Insiders
- "Senate approves bill to begin restoring Holonet relays in the Outer Rim. Tax increases are cited as ‘Necessary to ensure critical security protocols are enforced.’ " – Coruscant Information Network
- “Head of State Dooku and Chancellor Palpatine’s twisted relationship that caused the splitting of the Republic.” – Galactic Stars Informational
- “It’s all fake! This invasion is intended to get us to turn our attention away from the Senate! Mark my words! They’re intention is nothing less than the destruction of everything we love!” It’s all being orchestrated by the Elites in power, the Jedi Control everything!” – Infowars weekly.
- “Contracts for Bounty Hunting groups increase as more pirates and threats appear in the Mid Rim.” – Bounty Hunters Monthly
- “Judicial fleet is left unfunded and stranded in dry dock instead of sent to assist members of the Republic.” – Independent Journalists of the Core
- “Teams of Jedi found dead in the undercity! The Council declines to comment.” Coruscant Information Network
- “Trade Federation and other corporations move to support the Republic in this time of need. Droids flock to Kuati Factories as more ships are produced than ever before. Arriving just in time for the Military Restoration Act to pass.” – Galactic Inquirer
- “Military buildup and spending boosts the economy, but experts argue this is a short term solution at best. Sources say that a recession is coming and soon.” Economists Weekly
- “Mandalore negotiates trade deals with the Confederacy of Independent Systems and Hapes Consortium as votes are held to push for independence from the Republic.” – Holonet News Network
The Chosen One of Arroyo
Hero of the Wastland
Sweet new chapter looking forward to it.
Book 2: Chapter 28
New
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
“Colonel, I’ve got unidentified fast movers coming over the hill,” Major Uzi reported, his Swordsman feeding information through his viewscreens and neurohelmet. “Want me to pin ‘em down for you?”
The heat from the reactor darkened his blue skin into a deeper blush for a moment before the coolant ran through the vest and suit over his body, brightening it up. Sure, Twi’leks were used to the heat and the cold; his species had long ago adapted to it. But having a cooling vest was better than suffocating in the heat generated when his Swordsman got too hot from using the PPC and lasers all at once.
“Negative, Uzi,” Colonel Sturn replied. “Keep your battalion on station to respond if one of our sectors gets overrun.”
“Solid copy,” Uzi replied, his Lekku swaying as his ‘Mech moved along with the fifteen others that made up his command company. “We’ll stay on station.”
Of the sixty-four mechs and tanks that made up his battalion, sixteen were dedicated fire support mechs, the Archers and Catapults having enough missiles to act as a mobile artillery for targets that were moving too quickly for the regular Arty to handle.
The aliens were using odd vehicle patterns and formations. It was as if someone had taken ancient battle plans and tactics and mixed them with the droid brain from one of the Trade Federation’s tactical droids then armored them and given them huge blaster cannons.
For the infantry, it was a mixture of droids and brown-scaled Saurians. They had minimal armor, but had landed in numbers that dwarfed what Bakura and the Marksman had ready to face them.
“Major Uzi, Colonel Sturn,” Hull’s calm voice came over GROUNDCOM. “Force Recon is reporting a raiding force to the northwest, I’m taking a combined arms Battalion to deal with it. You two lock this valley down. I don’t want anything breaking through to the civilians that are behind us.”
“Understood/acknowledged, Colonel,” the two officers responded.
A few moments later, the first of the fast hover tanks drifted into view, a brilliant blue hue painted across them.
“Alright gentlebeings,” Uzi smirked as his systems automatically affixed to one of the tanks. “Break off by fireteams and coordinate fire. Tanks hold the line while mechs reinforce as needed.”
The Twi’lek then stepped on his foot pedals and began moving, staying anchored on the ground as his PPC struck the first enemy of the day.
The tank jolted from the initial burst, the EMP throwing the hovercraft into an odd stuttering motion before it regained speed and fired a cannon blast back.
The shot went wide, and Uzi retaliated with another bolt of lightning before he was in range of his other armament.
Behind him, missiles, lasers, blaster cannons, and PPCs exchanged fire across the battlefield, smoke filling the air as lone range and short range missiles exhaust bloomed.
Magscan was soon unreliable, the droids used by the lizards rendering it useless as they finally joined and supported the armor.
Strangely, the brown lizards were both better and worse combatants than the droids. Just as likely to engage in vicious combat until killed or run away the first time a slug thrower or blaster bolt whizzed by their scaly snouts.
That was all secondary to what Uzi was focused on at the moment. He finished off the first target with a rack of missiles before rocking back as some sort of massive disrupter melted shut the barrel of his PPC, the weapon going dark red on his wireframe as he retaliated with both medium lasers and a fresh volley from his missile racks.
Fortunately, his fireteam made up for his loss in firepower by bringing forward one of the few Demolishers they had available, the massive autocannon sent the enemy hover tank spinning downward, cratering the ground as the repulsors sputtered and died out.
But not everything was going well for the Marksman. For every tank and lizard they managed to take out, two or three more seemed to take their place. As the damage accumulated across his forces, Uzi was eventually forced to make a hard decision.
“Pull back to Rally Point Bravo,” Uzi twisted his sticks, narrowly avoiding one of the deadly disruptor shots that had melted away tons of armor already. “Rifle One-Three, I need danger-close support on grid Hotel One Five.”
“We read you, Alpha Battalion,” the calculated voice of the artillery replied, a veteran of who knew how many wars, he always sounded as if the battlefield were just another day of work. “I’m asking to confirm the fire mission. That’s right on top of Rally point Alpha.”
“Confirm fire mission,” Uzi replied, making sure that his mechanized infantry were loading into vehicles and heading back towards the secondary defensive positions. “I want Rally point Alpha to be a crater when you’re done.”
“Understood,” Captain Gray replied. “Beginning Fire mission. Rifle One-Three, out.”
If you were outside of a ‘mech or a tank, the distant rumble of artillery sounded like a storm brewing, then, the first shells of the thirty-six guns began to fall on the lizard’s position, the first shots landing a bit too close or far away, but eventually dialling into the first fighting position that the Marksman had held.
Dirt and greenery was thrown into the air, and the barrage shattered tanks and infantry formations when they first landed, the bombardment continuing in a rolling pattern of destruction until the guns fell silent as Uzi called for a stop.
The smoke and dust from the destruction drifted through the air for a time before eventually clearing to reveal nothing but a cratered field and the scattered remnants of those few survivors from the artillery.
“Thanks for the fire support, Rifle One-Three,” Uzi spoke into the channel, an odd feeling burning in his chest. “I’ll call for more assistance when we need it.
“Sounds good, we’ll be here.”
“Get medics out there,” Uzi switched to the Battalion channel. “But I want them escorted by two fireteams and a tank or ‘mech. We’re not out of the woods yet, but we’ve probably bought ourselves some time.”
My ‘Hammer shifted underneath me as I tapped at a control, calling up the feed from the satellite we’d placed on our way to the surface.
It seems we were eliminating more of the invaders than the casualties we were taking. Keeping them pinned down in the valley that they’d landed in was preventing them from flanking us or bypassing us entirely to hit the cities. But that was reliant on us keeping them away from the planet to land more reinforcements behind us. And these aliens had brought Carriers, with what looked like the capability to land a lot of extra forces if things went wrong in the void.
“Just gotta let the Navy do their job,” I sighed as I came to a stop and shunted my Warhammer into standby mode. The raiding voice had been a small force, and we’d crushed it rapidly, leaving a token force behind to secure that small route before heading back to the mobile HQ.
“Sir, Major Uzi’s Battalion fell back to Rally Point Bravo,” a young lieutenant briefed me, his body alread showing signs of the wear that planning and compiling information for a large force brought. “Colonel Sturn is holding steady, but he’s going to need some extra relief forces if they keep hitting his position like this.”
“Give him whatever he needs,” I looked at the holotable, piecing together the tactical situation and how we were going to move through it. “Captain Lane, any word on breaking through the jamming to our space forces?”
“Negative sir,” he shook his head. “No luck there. The planetary shields combined with whatever their network is doing is blocking everything that’s not in the umbrella of the shields.”
“Great,” I sighed. I had been hoping that we’d be able to bring in a handful of our ships to provide the threat of aerial artillery. But it seemed I wasn’t going to be able to follow that plan. “Are we still able to connect with Garoche and his small battlegroup?”
“One moment, sir,” Lane tucked the other side of the headset onto his head and touched a few buttons. “Affirmative, we still have communications with Commander Tarkin. I’m having to bounce it off of our satellite, and it’s a bit spotty, but it is there.”
“Get him on the horn and ask if he can get a ship over here. I want some turbolasers able to rain death down from above if he can swing it. If he can’t, then we’re going to do this the old fashioned way.”
“Which is?” The lieutenant asked.
“We’re going to go in and burn all of the invaders out,” I sighed. “Leaving nothing but death and destruction in our wake.”
“They’re on our front, and our sides, we don’t retreat, so all that’s left,” Captain Lane butchered the old Terran phrase. “Is through the enemy.”
“They don’t call it a target rich environment for nothing,” I gave a sardonic smirk. “For now, we continue as we are, we hold the ground we have. If Tarkin gives us what we need, we’ll be able to hold out as long as they don’t break through the fleet. If he doesn’t, then we’ll go on the offensive. We’ll take more losses that way, but less than holding ground without more fire support.”
“I’ll see what I can swing, sir,” Lane nodded. “You’ll get everything I can beg, borrow, or steal.”
Author’s note: Sorry for no updates. I’m working on a novel, and have been lacking inspiration on this one. I think once we make it to the war between the CIS and Republic, I’ll take a break from this one entirely while I work on some other things that have been left behind. The new Galactic Civil War deserves enough time for me to really think and plan it out. So, once we reach that point, this thread will close out and I’ll open up a new one unless people think I should keep it to this one.
The heat from the reactor darkened his blue skin into a deeper blush for a moment before the coolant ran through the vest and suit over his body, brightening it up. Sure, Twi’leks were used to the heat and the cold; his species had long ago adapted to it. But having a cooling vest was better than suffocating in the heat generated when his Swordsman got too hot from using the PPC and lasers all at once.
“Negative, Uzi,” Colonel Sturn replied. “Keep your battalion on station to respond if one of our sectors gets overrun.”
“Solid copy,” Uzi replied, his Lekku swaying as his ‘Mech moved along with the fifteen others that made up his command company. “We’ll stay on station.”
Of the sixty-four mechs and tanks that made up his battalion, sixteen were dedicated fire support mechs, the Archers and Catapults having enough missiles to act as a mobile artillery for targets that were moving too quickly for the regular Arty to handle.
The aliens were using odd vehicle patterns and formations. It was as if someone had taken ancient battle plans and tactics and mixed them with the droid brain from one of the Trade Federation’s tactical droids then armored them and given them huge blaster cannons.
For the infantry, it was a mixture of droids and brown-scaled Saurians. They had minimal armor, but had landed in numbers that dwarfed what Bakura and the Marksman had ready to face them.
“Major Uzi, Colonel Sturn,” Hull’s calm voice came over GROUNDCOM. “Force Recon is reporting a raiding force to the northwest, I’m taking a combined arms Battalion to deal with it. You two lock this valley down. I don’t want anything breaking through to the civilians that are behind us.”
“Understood/acknowledged, Colonel,” the two officers responded.
A few moments later, the first of the fast hover tanks drifted into view, a brilliant blue hue painted across them.
“Alright gentlebeings,” Uzi smirked as his systems automatically affixed to one of the tanks. “Break off by fireteams and coordinate fire. Tanks hold the line while mechs reinforce as needed.”
The Twi’lek then stepped on his foot pedals and began moving, staying anchored on the ground as his PPC struck the first enemy of the day.
The tank jolted from the initial burst, the EMP throwing the hovercraft into an odd stuttering motion before it regained speed and fired a cannon blast back.
The shot went wide, and Uzi retaliated with another bolt of lightning before he was in range of his other armament.
Behind him, missiles, lasers, blaster cannons, and PPCs exchanged fire across the battlefield, smoke filling the air as lone range and short range missiles exhaust bloomed.
Magscan was soon unreliable, the droids used by the lizards rendering it useless as they finally joined and supported the armor.
Strangely, the brown lizards were both better and worse combatants than the droids. Just as likely to engage in vicious combat until killed or run away the first time a slug thrower or blaster bolt whizzed by their scaly snouts.
That was all secondary to what Uzi was focused on at the moment. He finished off the first target with a rack of missiles before rocking back as some sort of massive disrupter melted shut the barrel of his PPC, the weapon going dark red on his wireframe as he retaliated with both medium lasers and a fresh volley from his missile racks.
Fortunately, his fireteam made up for his loss in firepower by bringing forward one of the few Demolishers they had available, the massive autocannon sent the enemy hover tank spinning downward, cratering the ground as the repulsors sputtered and died out.
But not everything was going well for the Marksman. For every tank and lizard they managed to take out, two or three more seemed to take their place. As the damage accumulated across his forces, Uzi was eventually forced to make a hard decision.
“Pull back to Rally Point Bravo,” Uzi twisted his sticks, narrowly avoiding one of the deadly disruptor shots that had melted away tons of armor already. “Rifle One-Three, I need danger-close support on grid Hotel One Five.”
“We read you, Alpha Battalion,” the calculated voice of the artillery replied, a veteran of who knew how many wars, he always sounded as if the battlefield were just another day of work. “I’m asking to confirm the fire mission. That’s right on top of Rally point Alpha.”
“Confirm fire mission,” Uzi replied, making sure that his mechanized infantry were loading into vehicles and heading back towards the secondary defensive positions. “I want Rally point Alpha to be a crater when you’re done.”
“Understood,” Captain Gray replied. “Beginning Fire mission. Rifle One-Three, out.”
If you were outside of a ‘mech or a tank, the distant rumble of artillery sounded like a storm brewing, then, the first shells of the thirty-six guns began to fall on the lizard’s position, the first shots landing a bit too close or far away, but eventually dialling into the first fighting position that the Marksman had held.
Dirt and greenery was thrown into the air, and the barrage shattered tanks and infantry formations when they first landed, the bombardment continuing in a rolling pattern of destruction until the guns fell silent as Uzi called for a stop.
The smoke and dust from the destruction drifted through the air for a time before eventually clearing to reveal nothing but a cratered field and the scattered remnants of those few survivors from the artillery.
“Thanks for the fire support, Rifle One-Three,” Uzi spoke into the channel, an odd feeling burning in his chest. “I’ll call for more assistance when we need it.
“Sounds good, we’ll be here.”
“Get medics out there,” Uzi switched to the Battalion channel. “But I want them escorted by two fireteams and a tank or ‘mech. We’re not out of the woods yet, but we’ve probably bought ourselves some time.”
My ‘Hammer shifted underneath me as I tapped at a control, calling up the feed from the satellite we’d placed on our way to the surface.
It seems we were eliminating more of the invaders than the casualties we were taking. Keeping them pinned down in the valley that they’d landed in was preventing them from flanking us or bypassing us entirely to hit the cities. But that was reliant on us keeping them away from the planet to land more reinforcements behind us. And these aliens had brought Carriers, with what looked like the capability to land a lot of extra forces if things went wrong in the void.
“Just gotta let the Navy do their job,” I sighed as I came to a stop and shunted my Warhammer into standby mode. The raiding voice had been a small force, and we’d crushed it rapidly, leaving a token force behind to secure that small route before heading back to the mobile HQ.
“Sir, Major Uzi’s Battalion fell back to Rally Point Bravo,” a young lieutenant briefed me, his body alread showing signs of the wear that planning and compiling information for a large force brought. “Colonel Sturn is holding steady, but he’s going to need some extra relief forces if they keep hitting his position like this.”
“Give him whatever he needs,” I looked at the holotable, piecing together the tactical situation and how we were going to move through it. “Captain Lane, any word on breaking through the jamming to our space forces?”
“Negative sir,” he shook his head. “No luck there. The planetary shields combined with whatever their network is doing is blocking everything that’s not in the umbrella of the shields.”
“Great,” I sighed. I had been hoping that we’d be able to bring in a handful of our ships to provide the threat of aerial artillery. But it seemed I wasn’t going to be able to follow that plan. “Are we still able to connect with Garoche and his small battlegroup?”
“One moment, sir,” Lane tucked the other side of the headset onto his head and touched a few buttons. “Affirmative, we still have communications with Commander Tarkin. I’m having to bounce it off of our satellite, and it’s a bit spotty, but it is there.”
“Get him on the horn and ask if he can get a ship over here. I want some turbolasers able to rain death down from above if he can swing it. If he can’t, then we’re going to do this the old fashioned way.”
“Which is?” The lieutenant asked.
“We’re going to go in and burn all of the invaders out,” I sighed. “Leaving nothing but death and destruction in our wake.”
“They’re on our front, and our sides, we don’t retreat, so all that’s left,” Captain Lane butchered the old Terran phrase. “Is through the enemy.”
“They don’t call it a target rich environment for nothing,” I gave a sardonic smirk. “For now, we continue as we are, we hold the ground we have. If Tarkin gives us what we need, we’ll be able to hold out as long as they don’t break through the fleet. If he doesn’t, then we’ll go on the offensive. We’ll take more losses that way, but less than holding ground without more fire support.”
“I’ll see what I can swing, sir,” Lane nodded. “You’ll get everything I can beg, borrow, or steal.”
Author’s note: Sorry for no updates. I’m working on a novel, and have been lacking inspiration on this one. I think once we make it to the war between the CIS and Republic, I’ll take a break from this one entirely while I work on some other things that have been left behind. The new Galactic Civil War deserves enough time for me to really think and plan it out. So, once we reach that point, this thread will close out and I’ll open up a new one unless people think I should keep it to this one.