Star Wars: The RPG ~ Episode VII: Dawn of the New Republic IC Thread

[NiteMare Shape]

Nyna follows in behind the escort of X-Wings as they make the Dreams makes its way toward the massive space station, avoiding enemy fire as they go.

"Head there, that should be the main docking bay." Joren says pointing to a break in the heavy plating of the station.

She does as he tells her, directing the Dreams straight toward the docking bay with the Falcon and Ordo's ship following close behind. As they make their approach vector, the enemy resistance intensifies, however, Rogue Squadron as well as the Corellian squardron of X-Wings clear a path straight to the docking bay.

Nyna brings the Dreams into the docking bay and brings the ship to a stop. In just a few moments, the Dreams is surrounded by a group of the Imperials who have taken the station, but these troops are different...they do not wear the traditional stormtrooper uniforms.

"Alright everyone, keep your heads down, we've got company."

 

[Byrd Man]

Nyna follows in behind the escort of X-Wings as they make the Dreams makes its way toward the massive space station, avoiding enemy fire as they go.

"Head there, that should be the main docking bay." Joren says pointing to a break in the heavy plating of the station.

She does as he tells her, directing the Dreams straight toward the docking bay with the Falcon and Ordo's ship following close behind. As they make their approach vector, the enemy resistance intensifies, however, Rogue Squadron as well as the Corellian squardron of X-Wings clear a path straight to the docking bay.

Nyna brings the Dreams into the docking bay and brings the ship to a stop. In just a few moments, the Dreams is surrounded by a group of the Imperials who have taken the station, but these troops are different...they do not wear the traditional stormtrooper uniforms.

"Alright everyone, keep your heads down, we've got company."

"I disagree," I say over the comm. "I think they're the ones who should keep their heads down."

Still inside the gunner's nest, I light the docking bay up with laser fire. The Imperial troops run and scatter as I lay into their forces.

"Joren, get everyone out of here while I lay down the cover fire."

 

[Optikal]

As the Dreams makes the docks, Myn wheeled his ship away from the procession. "All Talons, peel off and lets clean up this mess. be careful though, these aren't normal TIEs. Make your shots good".

The replies came through almost in unison. "Yub Yub, Talon Leader".

Myn grinned to himself as Shiner brought up an array of little red targets. Donos checked his proton torps and reeled his X Wing back into the fray.

"Shiner, bring up the schematics on one of these Star Destroyers. Maybe we can surprise them".
​

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Barrett looks at his mechanic DuCard and Lowenstein and says, "Get the control panel off a-s-a-p and then get the communications module in place. Once it is in place let me know."

Barrett orders the other to form a mini-parameter around the array. He silently cursed himself not bringing his engineer Hanson onto the surface with them, but he despite the fact that the Eagle's Claw had the most advanced weapons systems, engines, and defensive sytems the fact remained no one had ever tried using all of those items on one ship at one time. If there were problems he needed someone to fix them fast and Hanson could do it better than anyone else in the Alliance.

Lowenstein says, "Module is in place General."

Barrett crosses over to Lowenstein and says, "All-right activate it."

She flicks a switch and a module no bigger than a deck of cards begins to glow and hum. Lowenstien then pulls out a reciever and cuts it on. She listens for a second and hands it to Barrett.

Barrett begins listening and has to fight from smiling.

He says, "Music to my ears."

Ducard Asks, "What is it General?"

Barrett replies, "It's the Imperial Internal Communications Network. Meaning any battle plans they have, or priority one messages, or command ship mesages they want to send has to go through this network."

He says to Lowenstein, "Get me Leia's on the double!"

Lowenstein nods to Barrett.

Barrett says, "Leia this is Barrett on the planet surface respond."

 

[wiegeabo]

TIE's explode all around us as we clear a path for the Dreams and Falcon. But these are obviously not standard Imperial fighters. They take more of a pounding then any other TIE's I've fought before, and can maneuver better. Of course, when you've got two-dozen or so X-Wings flying in a quick moving wedge formation, tough ships go down about as fast as their weaker versions.

Once the Dreams and Falcon get into place, Rogue and Talon squadrons split up.

"Shiner, bring up the schematics on one of these Star Destroyers. Maybe we can surprise them".

"Rogue Two to Rogue One. Wedge, if you can keep Centerpoint free from Imperials, I'm going to head out with the Talons. I figure anyone crazy enough to take on a Star Destroyer with just x-wings could use a Rogue on their side."

 

[Optikal]

Myn wheeled the X-Wing through a barrage of green and red bolts, picking and choosing his targets with cold precision. The little Astromech plugged into the ship tootled and squealed as Myn dropped the ship onto it's left side, cutting into the vector of an oncoming enemy.

The TIE's were much like the ships pirates and brigands tended to use. Oftentimes those ships were mash-ups of various StarFighter parts, chopped and changed to suit the needs of the Squadron they flew with. The military generally referred to them as 'Uglies'. Despite the term though, these TIEs were proving to be deadly and Myn couldn't be sure whether they were indeed Uglies or something altogether more sinister.

Talons six and eleven had already fallen and the battle was still in full motion. Myn squeezed the trigger and opened up of volley of hot laser rthat took the Tie in the upper left of one of its wings and sent it careening off in a hard corkscrew. Myn past on by, and moved in tight towards the nearest Star Destroyer.

The info buzzed up in his display.

The Bridge sat high above the main vessel on the top of a long stalk. And sat above the Bridge, like sprouting horns were the Deflector Shield Generator Domes. Myn swallowed hard. What he was asking his crew was no easy thing, but right now, it was imperative that they made an impact. The enemy were attempting to take Centerpoint and in his peripheral vision, his home planet loomed large, the most likely target for any forthcoming attack.

The Corellian gritted his teeth as the trademark stubborness of his people fired his blood and he opened the comms to all channels.

"Talon Leader to all points. These guys are focused on taking that station right now. The way I see it, we have an opportunity to bloody them in a way that they aren't expecting.

"Talons, what I'm asking you to do is going to be the most dangerous thing you've ever done. I don't expect many, if any of us to even make it. But We're going to take down that Star Destroyer. Shiner is forwarding you all the details.

"I don't expect anyone else out there to back us on this, but I'd be grateful of the help if anyone else wants to join the party".

Myn took a deep breath as he finished, as he drew closer, the barrage from the Star Destroyer opened up. The X-Wing was nimble though and able to slide through the attack with some deft skill.

"Talon Leader. We're all in. How do you plan to take this thing down?"

"On the top of the ship, there are two domes. Shield Generators. Protons all the way. We take those out and we open them up. We should be small enough to avoid most of their fire, so long as we don't form up. Harrass them, but stay clear of any outright danger. Good Luck Talons".

Myn rolled the ship, coming up close to the behemoth and racing along it's edge, out of the direct sight of their guns. All around the Destroyer, X-Wings harangued the enemy, like Mace Flies around the face of a Krayt Dragon.

Yanking back on the yoke, Myn took the starfighter up and around, racking up the back of the column for the top of the ship, veering wildly as he fought to make a position to empty his payload...
​

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"I disagree," I say over the comm. "I think they're the ones who should keep their heads down."

Still inside the gunner's nest, I light the docking bay up with laser fire. The Imperial troops run and scatter as I lay into their forces.

"Joren, get everyone out of here while I lay down the cover fire."

Joren moves immediately following Han's last transmission.

"Nyna, lower the ramp. As soon as Dono and I are clear, bring it back up and get the Dreams off the station."

"We're coming with you." Nyna argues.

"No, we can't leave the Dreams unmanned with all the Imperials running around, and I'm sure as hell not going to let you guys stay docked for the same reason. Once we're off the ship I want you guys to head back towards the Venture. We'll contact you when we're ready for you to pick us up."

"We'll never make it back in time. You might need a quick escape, and if we're too far away..." Kelsa trails off as Dono interrupts.

"He's right, it's the only way. Once we're clear, get out of here. We can take care of ourselves."

Nyna reluctantly nods and then activates the ramp. Dono and Joren rush from the ship, Dono laying cover fire as Joren ignites his lightsaber and heads straight for the Imperials who are still converging on the ships that have just set down in the docking bay.

 

[Optikal]

KEYAN RAIKO

Keyan stepped forward, wiping his oily hands on an old rag as the three enforcers strode towards him. The first, a Rodian, carrying an old imperial carbine rifle, nodded towards the being on his left shoulder. "Kravokk here says you weren't very appreciative of our efforts to take care of your business the last time he visited you, Raiko".

Keyan glanced at the creature, a Quarra, and nodded slowly. "He's right. I don't want anything to do with whatever it is that you're pushing".

The Rodian sighed and shook his head remorsefully. "Such a shame. Harrar K'null offers you such a wonderful gesture and you care to throw it back and spit in his face?"

"I do nothing of the sort" Keyan growled "I didn't ask you here".

"Well, you know full well that bad things tend to happen to those who choose to defy the generosity of Harrar K'null. I'm a decent man, Raiko and I'll give you one last chance to make the right decision. All we ask is a small fee for a service that ensures safety and security for you and your family. Surely that is a small price to pay for that pretty young thing you've got holed up in your shack, hmm?"

Keyan gritted his teeth and instinctively thumber for his blaster. Met with the clicking of three weapons levelled at him, he stopped at the last second, hand hovering like an Old West Gunslinger. "You leave them out of this". he snarled, not taking his eyes off the little Rodian.

"I wish I could," the reply came almost sympathetically, but with mocking undertones. "Whatever may happen to you Raiko, you must live in the knowledge that you brought this on yourself". The Rodian nodded to the creature on his right shoulder, a shabby looking Bothan with a huge scar running down his tan muzzle. "Fetch them. If this reekspit won't pay up, we'll take what we need!"

"NO!" Keyan dropped to his right, his hand drawing the pistol and firing off a shot as his shoulder hit the ground. The shot caught the Rodian high in the arm and sent him reeling. Keyan rolled and found his feet...

KRACK!

A huge fist slammed into his temple knocking him sideways. His pistol skittered across the dirt and beyond his reach. Keyan snarled and dived at the Quarra, tackling him to the ground. Fists flew and blows were dealt as the two combatants rolled in the dirt, each unable to gain position. Keyan managed to slam a firm headbutt in between the ebony orbs of the Quarra, gaining him an advantage. Grasping a rock, he riased it high, ready to bring it down.

THUD!

The butt of a rifle connected with his temple. Key tried to rise, but a second blow, viciously sent him into the dirt. He managed to look up into the rage filled face of the little Rodian, his blood stained arm grasping onto the rifle. Key could only watch as it came crashing down a third time, sending him into darkness.
​

​

KEYAN RAIKO

Keyan opened his eyes, and found himself staring into the ground. Dragging hands through the dirt, he managed to get a position under himself and rise up onto his knees. Glancing around, his surroundings were dark, lit only by streaks filtered through cracks in the roof. The walls were bare and rugged, etched out of rock. The door, steel and pitted with an age of rust held him captive inside.

Keyan found his feet and made his way over, peeking out of the small bars in the door. The area beyond was also dimly lit, but Keyan could make out other cells much like the one he was in, formed around a semi-circle.

The last thing he remembered was the fight with K'nulls men.

Then it hit him.

Adela and Jaden.

Gripping the bars, Keyan threw his weight against the door. "HEY! LET ME OUT!"

His cry was met with silence.

"Can anyone hear me? HELP!"
​

 

[Carnage27]

"Rogue Two to Rogue One. Wedge, if you can keep Centerpoint free from Imperials, I'm going to head out with the Talons. I figure anyone crazy enough to take on a Star Destroyer with just x-wings could use a Rogue on their side."

"Sounds like a plan, Luke," I say as the Talons and Luke head off to help the other Rogues with the Star Destroyers. Once they've engaged, I open up my comm directly to the commanding ship of the battle, Admiral Ackbar's Home One, "Admiral, this is Wedge, come in."

After a few moments of waiting, the Mon Cal's voice comes barreling through my head piece, "Commander Antilles, took you long enough to get here. What do you need?"

"I need a starfighter wing at my location to help fend off TIEs from Centerpoint. We can't let the Imps get this station, Admiral."

"Understood, Commander," he responds. "Red wing is on its way."

"Androoni," I say to the Rodian pilot, "get ready for the next wave, and form up with Red wing when they get here. We'll deal with these bastards together."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Barrett looks at his mechanic DuCard and Lowenstein and says, "Get the control panel off a-s-a-p and then get the communications module in place. Once it is in place let me know."

Barrett orders the other to form a mini-parameter around the array. He silently cursed himself not bringing his engineer Hanson onto the surface with them, but he despite the fact that the Eagle's Claw had the most advanced weapons systems, engines, and defensive sytems the fact remained no one had ever tried using all of those items on one ship at one time. If there were problems he needed someone to fix them fast and Hanson could do it better than anyone else in the Alliance.

Lowenstein says, "Module is in place General."

Barrett crosses over to Lowenstein and says, "All-right activate it."

She flicks a switch and a module no bigger than a deck of cards begins to glow and hum. Lowenstien then pulls out a reciever and cuts it on. She listens for a second and hands it to Barrett.

Barrett begins listening and has to fight from smiling.

He says, "Music to my ears."

Ducard Asks, "What is it General?"

Barrett replies, "It's the Imperial Internal Communications Network. Meaning any battle plans they have, or priority one messages, or command ship mesages they want to send has to go through this network."

He says to Lowenstein, "Get me Leia's on the double!"

Lowenstein nods to Barrett.

Barrett says, "Leia this is Barrett on the planet surface respond."

Leia silently cursed to herself as the transmission came over the com board.

"This is Leia, what's your status Barret." She says before adding, "Glad to see you got to the surface without much trouble."

 

[Carnage27]

I blast past the Star Destroyer's exhaust ports with two TIEs on my tail, "I've got two on my back and I can't shake 'em boys!"

As quickly as I say it, a red bolt blows away one of their wings, sending the craft crashing into the other. Corran's voice comes over the comm, "No worries, buddy. Now follow me, we're dropping this mother's shields and sending these Imps to join the Emperor in hell!"

The two of us sweep back past the back of the ship and towards the shield generators of the Star Destroyers. As we approach, I attempt to fire one of my proton torpedoes towards the generators, when Arsix let's go with a warning, "What's going on!?" I look back down to see my launcher is jammed, "Corran, my launcher is malfunctioning!"

"I got your back," Gavin Darklighter says as a torpedo slams into the generator.

"Let's finish this!" I say as I turn my sights to some TIEs on Gavin's tail.

**********

Mission, Vartok, Rik, and Timi all exit the Dralshy'a, adorned in full Mandalorian armor, and blaster rifles blazing. Inside, Tien Nub fires the quad gun along with Han and the Falcon's. The Mandalorians lay into the stormtroopers with heavy volleys of blaster fire. Rik pulls a grenade from his belt and tosses it into a group, scattering them left and right.

The Mandos head over to Joren and Dono in standard cover fire-move formation. Once they get there, Vartok looks at the two exiting the Dreams, "You guys get out of here and take Mission! Timi, Rik, and I will cover the ships! A bunch of fancy stormtroopers aren't gonna be a problem for us! Is Han coming!?"
​

 

[NiteMare Shape]

**********​

Mission, Vartok, Rik, and Timi all exit the Dralshy'a, adorned in full Mandalorian armor, and blaster rifles blazing. Inside, Tien Nub fires the quad gun along with Han and the Falcon's. The Mandalorians lay into the stormtroopers with heavy volleys of blaster fire. Rik pulls a grenade from his belt and tosses it into a group, scattering them left and right.​

The Mandos head over to Joren and Dono in standard cover fire-move formation. Once they get there, Vartok looks at the two exiting the Dreams, "You guys get out of here and take Mission! Timi, Rik, and I will cover the ships! A bunch of fancy stormtroopers aren't gonna be a problem for us! Is Han coming!?"​

Joren nods to Vartok. Times like these are difficult enough as it is, but he feels better knowing that he will have someone that he can trust watching his back. He knows that having Mission along will make their task that much easier.

"Good idea, we might need a quick getaway if things don't go as planned."

 

[Byrd Man]

Mission, Vartok, Rik, and Timi all exit the Dralshy'a, adorned in full Mandalorian armor, and blaster rifles blazing. Inside, Tien Nub fires the quad gun along with Han and the Falcon's. The Mandalorians lay into the stormtroopers with heavy volleys of blaster fire. Rik pulls a grenade from his belt and tosses it into a group, scattering them left and right.​

The Mandos head over to Joren and Dono in standard cover fire-move formation. Once they get there, Vartok looks at the two exiting the Dreams, "You guys get out of here and take Mission! Timi, Rik, and I will cover the ships! A bunch of fancy stormtroopers aren't gonna be a problem for us! Is Han coming!?"​

"You bet!" I yell from the Falcon's loading ramp, my blaster firing at the stormtroopers.

"Chewie can stay back with you and provide cover for the ships."

A stormtrooper falls courtesy of a bolt from my blaster. "I'd like Leia to stay behind, too. But knowing her, I'll have an easier time fighting the stormtroopers than fighting her."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Leia silently cursed to herself as the transmission came over the com board.

"This is Leia, what's your status Barret." She says before adding, "Glad to see you got to the surface without much trouble."

Barrett could tell Leia wasn't too thrilled to hear from him. While there was mutual respect and common ground on a lot of things he knew Leia always disapproved of his the end justifes the means attitude.

Barrett replies, "Well I have had better days at the beach, but this one isn't too bad. Tell your communications tech to switch to an independent comm board, and then frequency 12.90 alpha 21.05 it's our own private channel."

He turns to Lowenstein and nods. She pushes a button and Barrett says, "That's the Internal Imperial Communications Network. We now can match them move for move the odds just evened up a little bit."

Barrett then lights a cigar and takes a drag. He then says, "We have taken control of their communications array here on the surface. They can't afford to blow it up because getting another one down here and setting it up and getting everyone on a new frequency will take lots of hours and resources they can't afford to use up."

He takes another drag and says, "Our pilot is making life difficult for their supply ships so that should help out, and if they want to retake the array..."

He takes a very long drag and says, "They have have to go through us."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Zsinj watches the battle unfold from the massive viewport on the bridge of the Imperial Star Destroyer Iron Fist. The battle had begon spectacularly, Zsinj's forces had easily routed Corellia's defense forces...and had even successfully taken Centerpoint Station. Even the New Republic fleet had posed little more than a nuisance to his forces, however as the battle has raged on his forces have begun to see some losses.

A New Republic commando unit managed to get to the planet's surface and take the communications array. That however, was not a total loss. It would serve as an inconvenience, as it was the main form of commication between the fleet and the ground forces, however the men he has on the ground are more than capable of handling themselves until communications can be restored.

The rebels have successfully landed a team inside Centerpoint Station presumably to help the Corellians already on board to attempt to retake the station. And the rebel fighters have severely damaged the Gundark.

Zsinj stands before the viewport, watching the New Republic fleet come dangerously close to tipping the tide in the battle. He knows that something must be done, and fast.

"Captain Tylon. It is time to deploy the pods to the surface. Let's see the rebels effectively fight us while they are dealing with our little surprise. I want you to contact the other Star Destroyers carrying the pods and order their deployment immediately. Confirmation Alpha, Alpha 228."

"Very good sir." Tylon says as he enters the commands to the other ships.

After several long moments, six of the large pods are launched from the bellies of the other Star Destroyers, each headed for their intended target...the capitol city of Coronet.

 

[Optikal]

I blast past the Star Destroyer's exhaust ports with two TIEs on my tail, "I've got two on my back and I can't shake 'em boys!"

As quickly as I say it, a red bolt blows away one of their wings, sending the craft crashing into the other. Corran's voice comes over the comm, "No worries, buddy. Now follow me, we're dropping this mother's shields and sending these Imps to join the Emperor in hell!"

The two of us sweep back past the back of the ship and towards the shield generators of the Star Destroyers. As we approach, I attempt to fire one of my proton torpedoes towards the generators, when Arsix let's go with a warning, "What's going on!?" I look back down to see my launcher is jammed, "Corran, my launcher is malfunctioning!"

"I got your back," Gavin Darklighter says as a torpedo slams into the generator.

"Let's finish this!" I say as I turn my sights to some TIEs on Gavin's tail.

"Great shooting, Rogues!" Myn exclaimed as he rolled his snubfighter around the neck of the Behemoth and rolled out two torps of his own, watching the azure trail carry them into the heart of the other generator.Behind him, Seven and Nine released their entire payload.

As the dome blew in a bright mushroom cloud of fire and white-hot metal, Myn peeled off and headed across the body of the ship, flanked by Seven and Nine. TIES rolled in to meet them as they danced through a barrage of laserfire. The capabilities of the Star Destroyer were meant to tackle other, larger ships and their fire would rip up an X-Wing like it was nothing. Myn likened it to using a bazooka to swat a mosquito. That knowledge only steeled his focus and determination.

Shiner tweetled as the X-Wing was rocked as a flurry of needles smashed into the X-Wings shields. To his rear left, Seven was lost as his ship was hit and spiralled down to crash into the head of the Destroyer. Nine closed up, swaying wildly to avoid two TIEs on her tail.

"Talon Leader, I can't shake them. They've eaten away at my shields!"

Myn cursed inwardly and yanked back on the yoke, the X-Wing roared up in a tight arc, as Shiner squealed and the X-Wing protested with an array of alarms and warning flashes. She held though, as Myn rounded her out through a 360 and fell in behind the pursuing TIEs.

"Don't worry Gem, I've got you covered" Myn called, flicking his laser to full power in a quad fire assembly. Lining up the first TIE in his targetting markers, Myn squeezed and hit his mark, rolling through the ball of flame, he lined up the next, but the TIE pilot pulled an evasive turn and leapt out of the pursuit.

"Thanks, Myn". Nine called, ducking back under the belly of the Destroyer, in tandem with Donos.

Donos glanced at his monitor to see that of the original twelve Talons, only eight of them remained, himself included. Gritting his teeth, he pushed the X-Wing on and opened up all comms.

"With those Generators down, the shields on this thing are down, aim for the Bridge and maybe we can cripple this thing! Throw everything you have at it!"

After several long moments, six of the large pods are launched from the bellies of the other Star Destroyers, each headed for their intended target...the capitol city of Coronet.

Shiner tweetled in surprise as the pods launched from under the Destroyers, unsure what exactly they were. Donos was sure that they couldn't be anything good though. "Can't worry about them, right now" he snapped at Shiner, as the droid uttered it's insistence at peeling away. "We're in the lions den, and we'll be lucky to make it out of here alive..."
​

 

[wiegeabo]

TIE's swarm all around me. Fortunately, most are distracted by the waves of fighters and large battleships, making them too concerned with a lone x-wing. But only most.

I've blasted a trio of fighters into dust on my way to meet up with the Talon's at the Star Destroyer. But I guess I finally take out one TIE too many as Artoo screams about a pair of fighters swooping in behind me.

"I see them, Artoo. Hold on tight!"

I put the x-wing into a spiral dive, blasts of lasers flashing past me as the TIE's realize they waited too long to get a solid lock. Artoo flashes some choice words on my screen, but I ignore them. I know every little bit of punishment this fighter can take in a maneuver. And I know that know TIE fighter could hope to keep up with what I can do.

Which means these two aren't ordinary TIE fighters. Because, despite the twists and turns I go through that actually make my fighter groan, they stay right on me. I veer starboard, then throw a quick jerk hard to port. Nothing, and my aft shields take a bolt for my efforts.

"Artoo, divert power to the aft screens." The screen gives me his ackowledgement. I rise in a wide corkscrew, and the suddenly shift into a hard loop. I shake them, but only slightly. They're soon on me again. I veer hard to part than starboard, throwing in a partial barrel roll. One finally falls for the maneuver, the other sizzles my shields. I rise quickly to avoid more damage, but it gives his partner a chance to rejoin the chase, just as he obviously planned.

I curse myself for my sloppiness. "Fine, you want to play the hard way?" I close my eyes and reach out, muttering to myself. "Port...veering to port..."

I throw my stick hard to starboard. One TIE shifts to follow me, while his partner reacts as if I'm going the other direction. They slam into each other and explode in a cloud of fire.

I let out a small breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Artoo, get me a bearing on the Talons." It takes a second for him to run through the sensor data, then the coordinates appear on screen.

"Right." I spin the x-wing in the indicated direction, only to see a Star Destroyer with it's shield generators in flame. "...Not bad."

I kick the engines to full. Better late than never. The Destroyer quickly fills the screen, and I soon have to avoid a smattering of turbolaser fire. I see a wing of Talons skimming the surface of the Destroyer towards the bridge stalk and angle my vector to join up with them.

And then I'm filled with a sense of dread.

"Rogue Two to Talon One. Veer off! Veer off now!!!" I shout over the comms as the skin of the Star Destroy in front of them begins to erupt in flame...

 

[wiegeabo]

"Why are you here?"

"I'm doing well, thank you for asking. And yourself?"

C'baoth rolls his eyes in annoyance and immediately starts walking away from the shuttles. "You left."

I sigh slightly, following C'baoth, and indicating for my guards to do the same. "I did. And I said I would return."

"You said you would bring me a Jedi. The Skywalker you had mentioned. And his sister."

"Yes, technically. I said I would deliver them to you. But I did not tell when or where."

"Do not play games with me, Thrawn. I am in no mood for them. It is a heavy responsibility to maintain order on this world. You promise much for my help, but provide nothing in return."

"If you need troops to keep order here, I can supply you with them."

"Under your command."

I stare at him. "They are my troops, after all."

C'baoth grunts. "I can keep my people in line without your help."

"Obviously," I say with no trace of sarcasm.

C'baoth stops and spins around to face me. "Why are you here?"

"I have news. And I believe I may need your help sooner than expected."

"You have not heard a word I said." He turns and stomps away furiously, dismissing me completely.

"Leia Organa is going to have twins."
​

C'baoth stops in his tracks. He stands motionless for several long moments. "You are certain of this?"

"I received the information from an impeccable source. Two newborn Jedi for you to train from birth. Think of it, C'baoth."

He still does not move to face me. "...What do you need of me?"

"Join me on my ship. I will be heading into several engagements soon. Your abilities will be essential."

"And then you will bring me Skywalker and Organa."

"I will make it so that Skywalker delivers himself to you."

C'baoth seems to mull this over for a minute. "And the sister?"

"Because of her condition, she will be well protected and difficult to separate from her companions. But, if you can convince her brother to reach out to her..."

"She will join us of her own free will." C'baoth turns to face me. "I agree. There is no need to deceive them. They will naturally seek out my superior guidance."

"Indeed they will."

C'baoth nods emphatically, his mind whirring with ideas. "When do we leave?"

I smile. "Immediately..."

 

[Rain Dog]

​

This is was the first time I had ever partaken in or even witnessed an actual space battle. Never before had I had the misfortune of having to lay my eyes upon the massive Imperial Star Destroyer. And now, not only was I staring directly at the dreaded vessel, but I was actually watching it get destroyed by the forces of the New Republic. This filled me with a strange mixture of victory and sorrow. It is good to see the battle going in favor of the Republic and to see a symbol of Imperial oppression go up in flames. However, it is just as disappointing to see so many lives lost. Just to think of how many people in the galaxy have just lost fathers, mothers, brothers, husbands, sisters, wives, sons, and daughters aboard that Star Destroyer….

…Perhaps I shouldn’t dwell on such matters. It is a nasty consequence of war that I must learn to deal with. Perhaps I should focus on more pressing matters: Joren and Dono have left the Dreams to board Centerpoint Station. I was a felt a bit hesitant when they asked us to stay aboard the Dreams and leave them after they were cleared. I feared the worst would happen. But then Skywalker’s teachings came rushing into my mind. I cleared my mind of my anxieties and remembered that I must have faith in them. I must have faith in all of our forces on Centerpoint, and above all, I must have faith in the Force.

I close my eyes and see Joren and Dono rushing towards a group of Imperial soldiers headed towards the docked ships and send the two a final message before they enter the fray:

May the Force be with you.

 

[Optikal]

"Rogue Two to Talon One. Veer off! Veer off now!!!" I shout over the comms as the skin of the Star Destroy in front of them begins to erupt in flame...

Shiner screamed in protest as Myn yanked back on the yoke and tried to wheel out of the fire. The X-Wing was built to be nimble and agile and it was. But no matter how well the craft was built, Myn was too deep and an explosion rocked his port side, knocking him sideways.

Wrestling with the controls, he managed to fire off his stabilizers and level out, working hard to make it through a growing wall of fire.

"Rogue Two, what the hell was that?!"
​

 

[wiegeabo]

Shiner screamed in protest as Myn yanked back on the yoke and tried to wheel out of the fire. The X-Wing was built to be nimble and agile and it was. But no matter how well the craft was built, Myn was too deep and an explosion rocked his port side, knocking him sideways.

Wrestling with the controls, he managed to fire off his stabilizers and level out, working hard to make it through a growing wall of fire.

"Rogue Two, what the hell was that?!"
​

I watch as all the Talon's just squeek out of the way before a plume of flame tears through the hull of the Destroyer.

"I guess you guys did more damage than it looks." Several other small plumes erupt from the Star Destroyer along its dorsal spine. It still maneuvers and lashes out, but it's obviously been seriously damaged. "Must have ignited a power conduit or something."

I sweep in to join the Talons as they regroup. "Care for another run at them?"

 

[Optikal]

I watch as all the Talon's just squeek out of the way before a plume of flame tears through the hull of the Destroyer.

"I guess you guys did more damage than it looks." Several other small plumes erupt from the Star Destroyer along its dorsal spine. It still maneuvers and lashes out, but it's obviously been seriously damaged. "Must have ignited a power conduit or something."

I sweep in to join the Talons as they regroup. "Care for another run at them?"

Donos rocked the X-Wing from side to side, a wave of sadness rolled through him as his display shown that a third of Talon Squadron had been lost. The sadness was overcome by a steel wall of determination though. Determination to not see any more of his squad lost.

"Copy that Rogue Two. We need to end this... and soon.

"Shiner, find me a weak point on this boat. If we can't destroy it, maybe we can at least incapacitate it".

The droid tootled andbrought up a variety of screens. The main weak point seemed to be the somewhat unprotected Bridge. To get to that though, any ship would have to run a gauntlet of Imperial guns.

"Rogue Two. I'm forwarding you details on a run that could bring this one down. How about we see if the kid that took down the Death Star has still got the skills?"

 

[wiegeabo]

Donos rocked the X-Wing from side to side, a wave of sadness rolled through him as his display shown that a third of Talon Squadron had been lost. The sadness was overcome by a steel wall of determination though. Determination to not see any more of his squad lost.

"Copy that Rogue Two. We need to end this... and soon.

"Shiner, find me a weak point on this boat. If we can't destroy it, maybe we can at least incapacitate it".

The droid tootled andbrought up a variety of screens. The main weak point seemed to be the somewhat unprotected Bridge. To get to that though, any ship would have to run a gauntlet of Imperial guns.

"Rogue Two. I'm forwarding you details on a run that could bring this one down. How about we see if the kid that took down the Death Star has still got the skills?"

Use the Force, Luke...

I smirk at the thought. "Copy that, Talon One. If you're ok with it, I'll take point and draw their fire. You can follow me in and help keep the Imperials off my back."

 

[Optikal]

Use the Force, Luke...

I smirk at the thought. "Copy that, Talon One. If you're ok with it, I'll take point and draw their fire. You can follow me in and help keep the Imperials off my back."

"Gotcha" Talon Leader grinned.

Opening comms to all heads, Myn dropped in on the starboard flank of Skywalkers X-Wing, peeling off shots as they flew.

"All Talons, form up on Rogue Two. Covering fire, just like we simmed".

A series of double-clicks acknowledged the remaining Talons confirmations and the series of purple tainted X-Wings began what was possibly their final run.

 

[Carnage27]

"Looks like the Talons are going to clean this one up, boys," Gavin Darklighter says over the comm system. "Why don't we try and take out a few of those pods headed for the surface? That can't be a good sign."

"Acknowledged, Rogue Three," Corran responds, turning the formation towards the surface of Corellia. "Keep your distance, though. I can't get a reading on them, so who knows what they actually are."

The Rogues and I speed towards the pods, dipping and diving past turbolaser fire from Star Destroyers and frigates alike. We reach firing range, and I open up with my quad lasers, which impact one of the pods, causing a fairly muted explosion, "Well, they're not bombs. That's for sure."

"Uh-oh, doesn't look like they were fans of that move, kid," Corran says. "Rogues, tighten up, we've got a bantha ton of TIEs coming our way."