posted March 13, 2000 01:36 PM               

Near the foreboding planet of Mon Calamari, the gleaming blue engines of a modified TIE Advanced roared as it flew behind a rocky asteroid belt which lay a few kilometers from a New Republic supply outpost.
Perspiration trickled beneath the helmet of the Vast Empire Intelligence operative who piloted the spacecraft as his attentive eyes flicked between the cockpit view before him and the Combat Multiview Display readout. He had nearly identified all the craft at the supply outpost: the Platform Otello, which lay in the center of the outpost; two Carrack Light Cruisers, the Star Wind and Freedom's Torch; and a large amount of patrol vehicles. Spiraling outward from the latter craft was a copious amount of civilian cargo vessels and transport ships.
Having completed his assignment, the Imperial pilot laid in the coordinates for the Lorn system and pulled back the hyperspace throttle. With a sigh of relief, the Intelligence agent watched as the stars around his cockpit turned to gray streaks and his craft disappeared into the stillness of space.
The New Republic sentry craft around the supply outpost seemed lax in their alertness to any unknown craft in the area, for they failed to even initiate contact and took little notice of the TIE Advanced in its clandestine scouting operation. The laxness was most probably attributed to the fact that the outpost lay deep in the Core Worlds, an area the New Republic deemed relatively safe from any Imperial threat. The pitiful leaders of the Rebel Alliance assumed the Vast Empire would never dare attack nor even send scouting parties that deep into their space. That assumption would soon be proved highly inaccurate. . .

Office of Colonel Sithspawn
Vast Empire Security Headquarters, Bastion
Erewhon system

" . . . Imperial aggression continued to show no bounds yesterday on the planet of Axxila where Admiral Francis Xavier Krennel, the commander of the ISD Reckoning, delivered a threatening speech from orbit to the planetary inhabitants due to their being suspected of harboring rebel traitors. Whether or not these suspicions were true, Krennel opened fire on the planet killing thousands. Rumors persist that Sate Pestage, the late Emperor's visier, was aboard the Imperial Star Destroyer at the time and encouraged Krennel's actions. In other news today . . . "
Sithspawn reached over and switched off the Rebel propaganda channel on his comlink when a knock sounded at his office door.
"Enter," the Commander of Security commanded.
His office door irised aside revealing a young Intelligence agent dressed in pilot attire.
"Good!" Sithspawn exclaimed, "You have finally returned from your scouting mission to Mon Calamari. What did you find?"
"I discovered a Rebel supply outpost above the planet," the intelligence operative reached into his pocket and produced a datapad, "All the technical readouts and identification beacons of the craft at the outpost, including the Platform Otello, have been stored in this datapad." He handed it across the desk to Sithspawn.
"Very well," Sithspawn said, keying several commands into the datapad, "Do you believe the outpost is vulnerable?"
"Perfectly vulnerable."
"Perfectly vulnerable?" Sithspawn echoed, his voice calm and level.
"Yes, sir," the Intelligence operative assured him, "Positively."
"Platform Otello," Sithspawn mumbled as he read the datapad, "Belongs to the Solar Navcom Corporation. That is listed in our records as a dummy corporation which is used as a front for the intergalactic gambler Lando Calrissian, I believe."
"That would probably answer the reason why a number of civilian craft were in the area," the intelligence agent articulated, "Calrissian is most probably earning a fair share of credits on the side while he is also helping the Rebellion at the same time."
"Yes," Sithspawn agreed, placing the datapad in his desk drawer then calmly steepling his fingers as he thought, "One of our spies reported last year that he also participated in the attack on the second Death Star. It would be only fitting that we exact our revenge upon him for the significant blows he has caused the Empire. I will report this information to Field Marshal Caramon Majere immediately."
There was a long pause between the two. The intelligence operative's eyes took in the scene before him, then gestured to a long-haired well muscled stern figure in a picture frame on Sithspawn's desk.
"Your father?"
"No," Sithspawn snarled, taking the picture and placing it in his desk drawer, "My mother."
"Oh."

Office of the Head of High Council
Rytorian City, Lorn IV
Lorn System

The regal figure of Field Marshal Caramon Majere, draped in his crimson red uniform, solemnly rose from his resplendent chair in the High Council meeting in the lavish Lorn IV palace. He eyed the other grim loyal Imperial officers who sat around the table. They were the best the Vast Empire had to offer. Their loyalty was beyond question, and each of them was festooned with medals and awards which they had won in the many years that they had served in cause of the New Order. Perhaps nowhere in the galaxy was there a finer assembly of the elite of the Empire.
Majere reached over and adjusted the frequency of the speaker comlink at the table. He altered it so not only would he be addressing the High Council, but the Detachment leaders of the armed forces and several key personnel from the naval forces as well, including Admiral Scarecrow.
"Servants of the Empire," Majere began, as he addressed his attentive listeners, "I have recently been informed that a Rebel Alliance supply outpost in orbit over the planet of Mon Calamari is vulnerable for attack. According to the information I received from Lieutenant Colonel Sithspawn, it also belongs to Lando Calrissian, one of the key Rebel Alliance figures who led the enemy forces at the Battle of Endor. We will be using the new TIE Droid starfighter in this operation that our shipyards have produced to replenish our empty capitol ships. Only a few active naval squadrons will be utilized and they will be placed under the command of Admiral Scarecrow."
Majere turned to face his gallant Executive Officer who sat in a nearby chair, his eyes fixed on the Field Marshal. "Grand Moff Kadann, I believe that the Vast Empire Dark Jedi Order can be used effectively in this operation. I will depend upon them to inflict a severe and long lasting blow to our Rebel adversaries . . . "

posted March 15, 2000 07:26 PM              

The troops weren't very enthusiastic even at the prospect of kicking some Rebel tail.

"Boarding party really isn't what I'm in to. Now those Zero-G troops they've got the good job. Lucky barstids" a private commented to no one in particular. Little did he know someone was listening.

"Complaining about being on a boarding party private? I could place you on home guard during this operation. Oh, and the zero G troops aren't lucky. You're much more safe aboard your transport. Now stop complaining and prepare for take-off." Crysus interjected, he from time to time liked to listen to what his troops were saying and just happened to catch the Private. He loved to scare the complaints right out of them.

Crysus turned back to the view screen to look over the battle plan again.

"We're launching now sir. See you on the other side of hyperspace." said the pilot.

A beep alerted him to someone outside his door. "Enter." said he.

Surface Marshall Viper walked in. "Reviewing the plans again? Don't bother. Things never go according to plan anyway. Seemingly useless things, plans are. This time, I don't know , it seems like things may turn out more chaotic than I can even estimate."

=================

Viper

------------------
General Ramses Viper
Executice Officer of the Vast Empire Army
Scourge of the Erewhon System
Keeper of the sword Gamdring
Servant to the dragon Smaug

XO/SM Ramses Viper/HCA-2/ISD Nemesis

posted March 15, 2000 07:49 PM               

------------------
SergeantTJ
Iron Horse
Platoon 1, Squad 1
VE ARMY

posted March 16, 2000 11:27 AM               

"Griffen Two, go ahead," said the pilot. "Launching transport now sir, please stand by," said the Devastator communications officer.
"Acknowledged Devastator, Griffen Two ready and waiting."

Suddenly the pilot began to sweat profusely as a very old, and familiar voice entered his mind, "Greetings my fellow brethren, the one they call Donitz. I think you know who I am. You will not win this fight, you will leave now or suffer the consequences."

A major question entered the pilots mind. Should be follow those he has currently chosen to follow? Or should he heed the advice. For the time being he chose to meditate on the subject until the transport was ready for him to escort.
......
Meanwhile on the Super-class Star Destroyer Mustang

"Thank you Moff Threeof4 for accepting the position. Your civilian title of Chief Executive Officere stands, but your Moff rank allows you to help me and Grand Moff Kadann when necessary. Here are your data cards, access cards, and a box filled with other stuff that you will need. I don't need to tell you about keeping this stuff secure. Now I need your advice about...."

Suddenly Majere went into convulsions, sweating profusely as he fought to rid himself of the sudden attack upon him. Right before he blacked out he could hear screems of people yelling for the medical officers. What was even more worrying was that Majere's personal guard of Massassi warriors were unconsious. Whoever made this attack, knows the darkside of the force very well....

Moff Threeof4 ran to the communications officer, "Get Grand Moff Kadann on the line now!" "

Sir, when Field Marshal Majere collapsed I already called him."

Starting to feel better Threeof4 said, "Good thinking lieutenant. Patch me through to him."

"Sir, nobody has been able to get reach the Grand Moff," said the very nervous lieutenant.

"Great, I knew I should have stayed in bed," Threeof4's day had just began. "Okay, I want you to patch me through to General Crysus and Admiral Scarecrow. I am now taking command of the Vast Empire. I also want you to keep me aware of Majere and Kadann's status."

posted March 16, 2000 04:41 PM              

The secretary looked up and began to speak: "Moff Threeof4 will see you now sir."

Daishi strode into Threeof4's office with a slight limp as a result of an injury suffered in a recent attack on the PLT Despot.

As Daishi stood infront of Threeof4's desk the clatter of several pads broke the silence as Threeof4 was fumbling with all the new paper work that came with leading the Vast Empire.

"Make it fast Daishi, as you can see I have a lot of work to do." Threeof4 snapped at Daishi.

"Sir I have a report on the stollen equipment from PLT Despot concerning destination. I managed to get a partial ID on the ATR that got away and traced the hyperspace path they used and beleive that the transport is on its way to dock with a freighter, the "Gint's Delight" I beleive, which is bound for space station D-54." Daishi ran off like it was an ordinary, daily report.

"Daishi, where do you get your information?" Threeof4 asked, honestly curious.

"Mathematical calculations and a confidential source or two." Daishi evaded like an expeirienced politician.

"Daishi you are impossible sometimes." Three scowlled at Daishi. "Now unless you want to be part of the boarding parties, which can be arranged even this late in the operation, you will tell me where you get your intellegence data from."

"As you wish. A large silvery bird told me." Daishi said as he cracked a smile despite his hardened military discipline.

"All right you asked for it. You will be transferred to the first wave, number four transport. Try and have fun there." Three replied with his own evil grin.

"Great what a day to get out of bed." Daishi mumbled as he went out of Threeof4's office.

posted March 20, 2000 07:58 PM              

"Why are you here?" Donitz demanded.

"I am building a domino, my kin" the voice replied.

"You help our enemies!"

"Do not be so dramatic. I have decided to enact the downfall of this New Republic the only way that has been proven successful - downfall from within. We have forever to wait, my brother, and forever to do our task. Another twenty-five thousand years is but an insignificant fraction of the galaxy's existence."

"You are too patient. You dare to assume that the vile alien scum will fall for the same trick twice in a row? Even they are not that stupid. You will fail."

"And you have always failed, brother! We can never meet the enemy face to face and survive, no thanks to your efforts! All of your time spent and you have what to show for it? This... pitiful little band of Imperial loyalists and nostalgia-seekers. Your strategies of defeat are at an end. Your forces will retreat or they will be destroyed to further my causes."

Donitz severed his force link, temporarily masking himself in a removal of his force print. The stars drifted in his viewport as greenish holograms and data tables flickered on and off inside his flight helmet. He could not kill this being... but he could not allow friendly forces to be routed. Swallowing hard, he opened the telepathic communication again.

"Call for reinforcements," he thought, quietly.

The belligerent tone reinvaded his mind. "Why? I do not need reinforcements to eliminate your paltry sum of vessels."

"You will call for reinforcements sufficient to easily overwhelm my companions. I will order a retreat before they arrive, so that it will be evident to intelligence that what you are doing here was a trap. Then, we will deal with our conflict later."

The surreal voice in the sea of stars was silent for a moment, in thought. "As you wish, my brother."

And like a fog on a sunny morning, the force presence vanished.

Donitz turned his fighter towards the Devastator, opening his commlink and doing his best to sound urgent. "Retreat, all forces retreat! It's a trap!"

posted March 21, 2000 11:18 AM               

A few moments later the communications officer address Admiral Atrus, "Sir, Moff Threeof4 is on the line and ready to talk to you."

"Admiral, thank you for calling. Before you start with your barrage of questions I want you to know that I have no answers. However, I am ordering your taskforce to the coordinates that should already be at your station now. You are to rescue the ISD Coruscant from a New Republic attack. Time is of the essence so get going immediately. If the Coruscant is destroyed I will be holding you responsible Admiral. Threeof4 out..."

Admiral Atrus turned to his navigational officer and ordered him to get going as soon as possible. Atrus then turned to his communications officer, "Comm, first get a hold of Admiral Donitz and send him to my office. Next, send the coordinates of the ISD Coruscant to the rest of the taskforce and tell them to rescue them as soon as possible. When we arrive launch all fighters and destroy everything with the exception of our freighters, those will need to be re-captured. If anything important comes up let me know. I will be talking to Admiral Donitz to find out what the hell is going on." A stressed Admiral Atrus quickly left for his office. A month ago if you would tell Admiral Atrus that he was going to be in charge of the Vast Empire's Navy and loose his first battle he probably would have laughed at you. This is definately not a laughing matter....

........
On the SSD Mustang
........

A team of top medical officers were peering over a calm Field Marshal. Just a few moments ago it took almost their entire storage of drugs to calm him. All that they could tell was that there was an unknown poison running through his entire body. All of a sudden the team of officers jumped at the sudden appearance of another Dark Jedi Master, "Sith poison."
The lead docter questioned with curiousity, "Sith what? I heard that stuff was not only banned, but extremely difficult to make!" Grand Master Kadann stated, "All you can do is help him feel comfortable and hope that you don't upset him when he recovers. Since he is already a Dark Jedi Master I am unsure of what exactly is going to happen. However, do not take any chances. That poison will have a very negative result on it's hosts surrounding." Grand Master Kadann then headed towards the office of Moff Threeof4.

.....
On the ISD Coruscant
.....

The red lights and the loud blaring sounds that surrounded the entire ship was dulled by immense laser fire. Wildcard Platoon Squad 3 (Raiders) was temporarily transferred to the ISD Coruscant as a routing security duty. Under the immediate command of First Sergent Trigit the Squad was now fighting for their lives. Dozens of New Republic soldiers had boarded the Coruscant and was trying to capture it for themselves. In order to accomplish this they will have to get past an elite Vast Empire stormtrooper squad. "Trooper, take a team of 3 and head down the left corridor. I will send another team down the right one, and I will take my team directly at them. We will catch them in a classic pinch movement," yelled Sergent Trigit. All of a sudden that trooper fell on top of Trigit with a blast hole the size of a fist through his chest. Although the trooper saved Trigit's life this time. The day was not over. Trigit was now wishing that he had chosen another squad to evaluate.

posted March 21, 2000 05:48 PM              

A crack on the comm alerted the troopers that a message was coming through.

"All troopers prepare for action. report to the breifing room in five minutes." A faint voice spat out, the troopers too fatigued to recognize who was issuing the order.

Daishi was the first to rise. His armor showing obvious patch work were he sustained direct blaster hits was on him in a minute flat. The rest of the troopers followed and all were in the breifing room in time.

"Once again troops we are blessed with the pressence of senior engineer Daishi on this mission. Our job is to counter board the Coruscant. Any suggestions on this one as well Daishi?" the squad leader said in what appeared to be one breath.

"Only one thing, the enemy no doubt has a good foot hold by now so we are going have two options, one: board where we can come in and fill the gaps in the defenses, and two: come in behind the rebels. I fel the second option is riskier but more likely to eliminate the rebel boarders." Daishi went on as if he had done the exact same thing hundreds of times before.

"Are you sure you are only technical support, because you have done some crazy things and made more sense then the commander." Some private wispered to Daishi as the troopers moved out for their transport.

"To be honest, before I became technical support, my job was to hold and/or take enemy vessels and add them to our fleet, I used to be quite good at it, now my luck is all that gets me from engagement to engagement." Daishi quickened his step as he realized he was starting to fall behind the other troopers.

posted March 21, 2000 06:30 PM               

Scarecrow: "Well done Atrus. I know you were handed an enormus task of running the Navy in my absence. Congratulations on receiving the SCCOM position. I understand Jackal is now the Dev captain...excellent."

Atrus: "Yes sir, glad to have you back. We have to immediately save the ISD Coruscant or risk losing her."

Scarecrow: "The VE Navy has never lost a battle, and I do not intend for her to lose one on my watch! Contact Nightflyer and Jackal immediately. I want full participation in this campaign!"

Atrus: "Yes sir! They will be contacted momentarily, and we are already underway to the Coruscant's location."

Scarecrow: "Excellent...notify me the moment our group reaches the destination."

Atrus: "As ordered, sir!"

Scarecrow took a moment to gather his thoughts. "Will we make it in time to save the Coruscant? At maximum speed, we might just make it in time, though we would not know until arrival. Once there, we will launch all squadrons and purge the ship of the Rebel invaders. The Coruscant is a noble ship, she will hold on till we arrive, I can feel it in my bones."

------------------
FC/Admiral Scarecrow/HCN-1/ISD-II Devastator/1ESF/VEN/NI[=A=][DSM][T/D Scythe]

posted March 21, 2000 11:42 PM               

"Sir, the other ships are docking now, we must have made good time."

"Excellent, send the squads on through the ship, I have to get back to the Devastator." Crysus said as he began to board another shuttle.

The Stormtroopers battled their way up the corridors and onto the bridge. Few prisoners were taken, and there was a minimal loss of life for the troopers. Reports were coming in that other teams were having the same luck, and some were not.

Cruising through space Crysus began to feel funny. He had felt this a few times before in his life. A sharp tingling covered his body, and he felt a weird force around him. Like always he resisted this force, mumbling about not having the time for it. The shuttle soon landed on the Devastator where the Prefect was greeted by Rear Admiral Jackal. The two looked at each other weird, almost like looking into a mirror.

"Glad to have you aboar General." stated Jackal.

"Good to be here." replied Crysus

The two began to walk towards the bridge.

----------[ space ]----------

"Watch your tails, and stay away from the capitol ships." ordered Athran as he lead Alpha Squadron into the battle.

A few X-Wings started to circle the group and soon a dog-fight started.

Reports were being yelled into everyones ears as more and more TIEs began to explode.

"Get your fighters away from the Capitol Ships!" ordered Jackal from the bridge of the Devastator. "Try to draw the fighters out into the open and engage them there."
He switched off the comlink and looked at Crysus. "We might need to call for droid reinforcements."

"Your call, I just shoot stuff, remember?" he said sarcastically.

At about that time Sesswanna came walking up as well. He now wore a light pink jedi robe and had a half grown beard.

"It feels good to be a 'civilian'..." he spoke.

------------------
General Crysus
Army Prefect
*Vast Empire Army*
PRF/General Crysus/HCA-1/Erewhon/VEA

posted March 22, 2000 01:33 AM              

"Everyone down!" Daishi spat over his com as he dove for the nearest thing that would pass for cover.

Daishi realized these rebels were smarter than they looked as smoke came billowing out from the grenade. Daishi formed himself into a crouching position in an open doorway and leveled his now netorious double barreled blaster rifle right at the rebel trooper that threw the grenade. Two quick flicks of the triger and the rebel was down.

This was too easy. The counter boarding operation was not meeting the kind of resistance it should have by now, unless the rebels were being exceptionaly devious...

posted March 22, 2000 05:06 PM               

Rarc Spartacus leisurely examined the ancient chronological archives of the Planetary Library of Lorn IV which had been culled from sources dating back thousands of years ago. He sighed at the peace which surrounded him. He had been happily retired for well over a month now, and for once in his life he had an over-due rest from the incessant excitement which seemed to always be present during his service in the Empire.
"Well, not entirely retired." Spartacus thought quietly to himself. He still held a small position as one of the aide-de-camps to the Field Marshal. Other than that, he no longer served in the Empire.

"Why had Spartacus retired?" A question which seemed to plague the minds of many individuals. They failed to realize, however, that the Vast Empire was now a different place. What had seemed originally to be a next generation to the older members, had now been replaced by an even newer one. A new High Command staff filled the ranks of the Vast Empire: A new and different Naval Commander; new and different Army Prefect, new and different military, new and different people --- a new and different Empire altogether.

"I look around me and see only a sea of strange faces . . . "
Spartacus ceased his lingering over past memories and studied more intently the brittle scroll which lay in front of him. It was a decrepit documentation of the life and times of Ulic Qel-Droma, one of the Jedi Knights who lived somewhere during the golden age of the Empress Teta system. He had failed to follow the path of the Light Side of the Force when he was seduced to the Dark Side by a Krath temptress, which led to his downfall.
The most important significance that Qel-Droma had on history was that he was one of earliest recorded Jedi Knights to have been injected with the toxin known as 'Sith Poison'. A poison which increased the anger and hatred in an individual beyond known bounds . . .

[*NOTE*: When I say 'To Be Continued', that means I want to control my character's part in this storyline and I do not want other people to :P, hehe]

posted March 30, 2000 11:32 AM               

"He is out of coma sir. I had a brief discussion with him and he seems to be ok. I asked him to rest for a few days before going back out to duty," the doctor said in a serious tone.

"Good, keep me informed," said Moff Threeof4 while leaving the medical ward to the command center.

After a few minutes of walking to the command center Threeof4 bypassed his chair and headed directly to the communications station, "Any word from the Devastator?"

"Yes sir. The ISD Devastator has arrived in system at the same time as another MC-80 and a New Republic Interdictor Cruiser. The ISD Coruscant is under heavy fire and has already been disabled. The New Republic is obviously trying to steal the Coruscant from underneath us but if they fail they are in a good position to destroy her too. They are also concentrating their starfighter attacks on the Devastator now as well. So far the Tie Droids are keeping them at bay but the New Republic are superior in numbers. If something does not change quickly we just might loose not only the Coruscant, but maybe even the ISD Devastator and her escorts as well. The Devastator was able to launch an elite team of stormtroopers to re-capture the Coruscant but no word as of yet. Admiral Scarecrow is positive that we will come out the Victor."

Moff Threeof4 starting getting more and more upset as the bad news just kept rolling accross his screen. The SSD Mustang was now en-route to try and save the Coruscant but it will not get there in time to save either one of them. All that Moff Threeof4 could do is hope that General Crysus and Admiral Scarecrow get things taken care of and turned around on their own. The entire battle now lies on their shoulders. The greatest way to train a new leader is to throw them into the flame. However, seeing as how things are going now. General Crysus and Admiral Scarecrow were not thrown into a flame. They just might have to find their way out of the depths of hells fire itself.

posted April 02, 2000 02:17 PM              

"I'm making a break for the life support control room on this deck someone cover me!" Daishi shouted over his com as he rose from his cover and blasted a rebel.

As Daishi ran down the corridor for the life support control room he was stopped by only one trooper in heavy environmental armor. The uniform a sleek grey that almost blended in to the walls of the ISD. The helmet was a rather odd shape implying that the occupant is not human. A single patch was on the left breast area of the uniform, a gold crescent shape with a silver eagle spanned across the gap and two ruby red stars above each wing.

Daishi immediatly raised his rifle and found it blasted out of his grip by his opponent's own rifle. Daishi quick drew his paired M-105 super heavy blasters and fired a shot into his opponent's left arm and gut.

The opposing trooper was forced to drop his rifle but still stood there looking straight into Daishi's face plate.

"Frak, somehow I knew it was going to be you." Daishi snapped out as he lowered his blaster pistols.

"[Yes Daishi, it is I, your source for all the good intel you have been getting. I hope you have been having fun using it.]"

"You set this all up didn't you, the theft of the equipment, the trap at D-54, and now the boarding of the Coruscant." Daishi nearly spit in his opponents face then realized both himself and his enemy were wearing helmets.

"[You have proven to be quite usefull, but now I must dispose of you, but before I kill you I must insist we do it face to face.]" The trooper said as he adjusted the environmental controls back to normal.

Both removed their helmets in unison and looked each other in the face. The creature staring at Daishi had a bright Blueish Silver skin with a slightly darker blue hair. Three painted lines were on the left side of his face, the farthest to the left was a dark red line that curved around the pure black eye, the middle line was a bright yellow line going straight down over the eye and the face, meeting the first line at the corner of the mouth, and the last line was a green lie, shortest of all just going straight down the side of the creature's nose.

"Jahromk, I thought I recognized you despite your attempts at concealment. One way or the other I will make you pay for your treachery." Daishi huffed out all in one breath.

Jahromk drew a vibro katana and started to run towards Daishi, who drew the light saber he took off a dead Clan Panther Warrior and neatly cut the vibro katana to a quarter of its previous length.

"[I see you picked up a new item, either use it or finish this the traditional way.]" Jahromk chirped at Daishi.

Daishi began to lower his light saber only to find Jahromk charging at him with a knife. In one fluid motion Daishi cut his opponents weapon arm off and brouth the light saber back down through his opponents other arm.

"Your part in this is now over. You will be lucky if all you do is rot in an Imperial prison for the rest of your life." Daishi said as he started pulling Jahmrok to his feet. "Oh before I forget, thanks for fixing the air on this deck." Daishi added as he drug his captive back to the hanger deck.

"This level should be more easily cleared now. I'm taking this prisoner to our temporary brigg in the hanger. I will rejoin the fight as soon as possible." Daishi snapped over his com to the platoon leader he was working with.

Finding a spot for his prisoner Daishi reattached Jahromk's helmet.

"Just in case they try and space the prisoners, after all we need to have a few words when I am not quite so busy." Daishi almost chuckled out.
------------------
Tech Daishi

[This message has been edited by da1sh1 (edited 03 April 2000).]

[This message has been edited by da1sh1 (edited 03 April 2000).]

[This message has been edited by da1sh1 (edited 05 April 2000).]

posted April 19, 2000 10:24 AM               

The Final Chapter

As Daishi removed the now dead husk of the leader of the rebel insurrection a new opportunity presented itself to the Vast Empire counter-boarding teams.

�Well sergeant, I have a little good news, the leader of this little fiasco has just been blasted pretty much in half. The rest of these boarders should be easy enough to deal with.� Daishi snapped over his comlink.

�You have a slight gift for understatement Daishi, we have already cleared the lower half of the Coruscant of boarders. Casualties are still fairly high; these enemy boarders just refuse to go down after being hit by a blaster bolt. We sure could use some reinforcements on deck ten if you are not too busy.� The sergeant that Daishi was assigned to replied over his own comlink.

Daishi marched his way to deck ten, picking up storm troopers that were now without a squad on the way.

�All right, we are going to do this the long painful way, but at least we will be sure no rebels are left on this deck. Split into groups of four. As one person searches a room the other three watch his back and cover the first. Use a line astern formation to optimize fire arcs and for maximum protection. Only four teams should search at a time while the rest watch the hallways for enemy boarders and be ready to fill the gaps in the search teams. We are going to go room by room. MOVE OUT!� Daishi snapped at the storm troopers accompanying him.

As the storm troopers obeyed his orders Daishi moved to the first set of rooms.

�All teams go.� Daishi signaled the start of the search.

As the counter-boarding operation was nearing an end the Coruscant began to shake violently.

�Daishi, we got a new problem, the rebels are beginning to attack the Coruscant. To make things worse the ground vehicle storage area has suffered a direct hit from a torpedo. At least we have a great many prisoners to go with us.� The still unknown sergeant announced to everyone on-board.

�We are not done yet. We have just enough time I bet that I can get at least one system on-line, weapons. For once my repair skills will come in handy.� Daishi replied with almost an evil glee in his voice.

Daishi with the aid of the remaining functioning droids had the weapons system on-line with about 75% hull integrity left.

�We are in business Sarg. I have sent the droids to work on the power system, but we need to get the weapons a blazing if we are to survive long enough to get more than a few shots off. If this works they way I hope it will, the attacking fighters won�t know what hit them until it is too late. I am on my way up, I hope you have men heading to those gunnery control stations.� Daishi reported to the sergeant.

�You seem to have a good eye. Now keep track of those fighters so that we can get the frak out of here in one piece.� The sergeant directed Daishi to the sensor station as he reached the bridge.

�Aye Cap�n. We�ll show those scally wags a ting or tuh about trying to steal a ship.� Daishi replied as he started assessing the situation out side the ship.

****Mean while aboard the SSD Mustang�s hanger deck****

�Soon we will be in battle again. I trust you all know what to do.� Atrus addressed his sith brethren.

�I made sure all pilots were properly briefed before hand personally. I also understand I am to be your wingman.� Donitz replied with his well-known habromania.

�Moff Threeof4, are your droid fighters ready for action?� Atrus spoke into his comlink.

�They are ready and will be launched as soon as we exit hyperspace.� Threeof4�s voice crackled back over the comlink speaker.

�Now everyone to your fighters, we will be exiting hyperspace in a minute. On my mark it will be 14:30� hack.� Atrus addressed his squadron mates.

The minor jolt of a ship the size of the Mustang coming out of hyperspace let the pilots know that it was time to launch and do their jobs. As the Mustang came out of hyperspace it immediately began to launch all fighters as fast as possible. The thick cloud of the fighters immediately began to form into one massive screen bearing down on the rebel insurgent forces.

�Coruscant sensor control to all friendly fighters, we have four Dreadnought class cruisers bearing down on the Devastator, three Strike class cruisers on approach to the Coruscant, three squadrons of A-Wings, and three squadrons of B-Wings. Recommend an exclusion zone be maintained against those B-Wings to prevent the Coruscant from being disabled again. I also recommend that the lead squadron of A-Wings be watched as well, they do not seem to be heading for any of our fighters.� Daishi reported after a prompt from the acting captain of the Coruscant.

As the Vast Empire fighters started to engage the rebel fighters, the Coruscant began to open fire on the lead Strike class cruiser.
�Sir power is back on-line, shields are charging and weapons are now powered as well. Droids have been reassigned to get our sub-light drives back on-line.� The temporary chief engineer spoke over the comlink.

�Excellent, all batteries continue to fire on that Strike cruiser.�

The lead of the three Strike cruisers quickly blew to pieces under the superior firepower of the Coruscant�s guns. The other two Strike cruisers began to return fire.

�Sir shields won�t hold much longer at this rate and those B-Wings are lining up for another torpedo run.� Daishi shouted over the nearby exploding communications panel.

Suddenly several B-Wings exploded nearly in unison as TIE Droid fighters began to get in range of the rebel fighters. Several more warheads impacted on the second Strike cruiser announcing the arrival of Griffin sect�s star fighters.

�Sir the Devastator reports that one Dreadnought has been destroyed and another is heavily damaged. Our fighters also report the elimination of all B-Wings.� Daishi reported now handling both communications and sensors.

The battle was progressing well for the now vastly superior Vast Empire forces. As if to exemplify that fact a Strike cruiser and another Dreadnought exploded in unison to the human eye.

�Sir I have three A-Wings on an attack vector. They have fired heavy rockets; frak I knew something was odd about those fighters. Interdictor Vernitchung also reports it is under attack by A-Wings.� Daishi spat out as the rebels attempted to extract a blood price from the Vast Empire for its victory.

�We are out of position to help them, at least once we clear out these A-Wings we will finally be out of danger.� The captain replied.

As Atrus pulled his starfighter in behind an A-Wing he chuckled, as the pilot didn�t even notice that he was now being followed. An advanced concussion missile finished off his already damaged foe.

�Donitz, cover me while I take a closer look at the last of the capital ships.�

�Heehehehehehe kills.�

Donitz quickly finished off a pair of A-Wings as Atrus began his inspection run on the now nearly crippled Strike cruiser.

�Hmmm that is odd, I get nothing at all from my inspection, I should get something. I�m on my way to check out the last two Dreadnoughts.� Atrus broadcast to all Vast Empire forces.

�I have your six.� Donitz replied as he blasted another A-Wing into oblivion.

�Sensors only have two Dreadnoughts and seven A-Wings left. Make that six.� Daishi reported.

As Atrus flew over the first Dreadnought, the second exploded spectacularly and a split second later the crippled Strike cruiser was also vaporized.

�This is Dreadnought Malicore, we wish to surrender. Please cease fire.� The rebel captain�s voice being heard for the first time.

�This is Moff Threeof4, as the highest ranking officer present I accept your surrender. A boarding party will arrive shortly. All ships cease fire on the Dreadnought.� Threeof4 broadcasted to the fleet.

�Daishi, I want you to oversee the field repairs on the Coruscant. I have dispatched a towing vessel to take the Coruscant into the nearest repair yard.� Three ordered on a private channel.

�Aye sir, fortunately the situation isn�t too bad here, we have partial sub-light capability and all power systems are on-line. I do have one slight request, please send a relief crew, we sure could use the break and besides, the temporary crew on-board has elected me captain, the previous one is dead, a support beam fell on him, I don�t want to be captain.� Daishi responded.

****Field Marshal Majere�s office after the relief crew boards the Coruscant****

�Field Marshal I am pleased to report that the droid fighters worked far superior than expected, so well in fact that I feel that several of the convoys they escorted would not have gotten through if the navy protected them instead.� Threeof4 reported to the Field Marshal.

�I concur, the lack of enthusiasm in the navy during this entire campaign has been lack luster. I here that you put one of your engineers on the boarding teams as punishment for not telling you the source of the intelligence he provided to you.� Majere responded hardly looking up from his data pad.

�Yes sir, the thing that annoys me is the fact that he became a temporary captain of an Imperial class Star Destroyer. The engineer�s name is Robert Lee; he goes by his old call sign from when he was still a fighter pilot, Daishi. Speak of the devil.� Three responded just as Daishi walked in the door.

�Sirs, at least this will save me a trip. The aid outside informed me that Threeof4 was in here, but the droid neglected to mention your were in here as well Field Marshal. I am here to give my after action report of the counter-boarding operation, the part of the space battle I observed while I manned the sensor station, and a damage report on the Coruscant.� Daishi announced as he entered the office still inside his marine combat armor.

�Proceed then.� Majere spoke up, still studying intently another data pad.

�The team I was assigned to made its entrance through the hanger bay as per standard procedure for boarding an Imperial class Star Destroyer. At first I noticed that there were far more storm trooper casualties than enemy boarder casualties. I later found this was due to two factors, the first is the armor they were wearing and the second was they had gained control of the life support systems and contaminated the air so that even a small breach in the troopers armor would spell doom for him. Proceeding to the life support controls I found my source for all the intelligence I had been getting since I was serving my home world�s planetary defense force. We proceeded to blast each others weapons away, realizing a blaster fight would mean my doom, for my opponent was a Hysan warrior and far more resistant to blaster fire than I, I decided to trick him into an unarmed fight. When he pulled a weapon I utilized my lightsaber and cut his arms off so that I may question him later. Unfortunately he was killed in an escape attempt. With the death of the individual I was summoned to help clear out deck ten, I acquired several storm troopers whose leaders and most of their squad mates were dead, together we cleared out deck ten, nine and eight. After the ship was cleared of all boarders the rebels began to attack the Coruscant with their star fighters. Utilizing my technical skills and the aid of the remaining droids I managed to put the weapons system on line. After successfully restoring weapons I sent the droids to work on the power systems. At that point I was called up to the bridge to take control of sensors and eventually communications. When I finished assessing the situation I relayed what I saw on the sensors to the arriving Mustang and its fighters. Thanks to the arrival of the Mustang the Coruscant, Devastator, and the Vernitchung were all saved. The enemy forces were destroyed quite easily. The Coruscant suffered major damage and will be in repair dock for at least another two months. Most of the damage consisted of the destruction of a large portion of the vehicle bay, hull damage, moderate damage to life support, power, propulsion, weapons, and fighter bays. Here is a read out of the sensor log and my typed reports.� Daishi rambled in his sometimes annoying calm monotone voice.

�What about the reports of this armor that the enemy boarders were wearing.� Threeof4 pointed out.

�It is marine combat armor, the particular type in question is almost identical to my own except for certain aesthetic qualities and a few minor additions, such as a built in comlink in the helmet and the separate air recycling system. Protection against blasters is excellent but against weapons such as lightsabers and certain fragmentary grenades it is quite weak. Fortunately for us this armor is hard to come by and rather expensive.� Daishi explained as Threeof4 pulled his blaster and fired three quick shots into Daishi�s midsection.

Daishi stood up after the barrage with only minor singe marks where he had been blasted.

�Well thanks for proving my claims Moff Threeof4, next time a little warning please.� Daishi grumbled as he rose to full attention again.

�I am confused about only one thing now, you say you used a lightsaber to cut off this Jahromk�s arms. I find this confusing because I cannot sense the force in you.� Majere spoke finally looking up from his data pads.

�Nor should you Field Marshal. I am not one with the force. The reason I can use a lightsaber so effectively is due to my years of experience with my vibro katana. The balance difference was the only thing I had to get used to, for both weapons are very dangerous melee weapons, both to the user and the target.� Daishi explained to the duo.

�Very well, you are dismissed.� Majere spoke as began to sift though the log Daishi handed him.

�Were did you find this technician of yours Three, I keep seeing his name on more of the battle reports than some of the army officers and more often then most of the navy.� Majere asked Threeof4 as Daishi was clear of the outer office.

�I recruited him from the Intruder Wing as a simulator programming specialist. If I had known then what I know now I probably wouldn�t have recruited him.� Three responded.

�Why not he has been a valuable asset, now more than ever. Besides it is now time for my next appointment. Admiral Scarecrow has a lot to answer for as do Niksavel and Schnapps. Also call in the rest of the command staff, I wish to get all this over with as soon as possible so that I can catch up on the work that has been pilling up on my desk during my absence.� Majere spoke to Threeof4 and his droid aide.

�First I wish to brief you all on our recent losses. The Devastator and the Coruscant have both been heavily damaged and will be in repair dock for a while. I am disappointed in the lack of enthusiasm in the navy and the lack of Eagle and Lion sect forces. Our losses stand as follows: We lost a frigate and six corvettes. We also lost many starfighters, but at least we recovered the pilots. Alpha squadron is down 4 T/A�s, I have authorized 4 T/I�s to replace the equipment loss. Lightening lost 4 Gunboats, 4 T/B�s have been authorized for their replacements. Avenger Squadrons loss of 4 T/I�s will be replaced with 4 T/F�s. The same goes for Steel Squadron. The last of our starfighter losses consist of Blizzard Squadron loosing 4 Scimitars, they shall have 4 Gunboats to replace them. We lost a great many storm troopers in all the various boarding and counter boarding operations. Admiral Scarecrow, due to your lack luster efforts I feel that we lost more equipment than we should have. Niksavel, Schnapps the total lack of your sects on the battlefield have made me consider your futures very carefully. For now the three of you are spared from my wrath because despite all that has happened I still require your services. For you Crysus, I have made something very special available to you. A personalized AT-ST. Atrus due to your superb skills and the mustering of your forces I have authorized an upgrade for your fighter and for your sect I have commissioned the VSD II Griffin to be your new ship. Now when we begin our next campaign I expect you all to be more persuasive with the personnel under your command and to show up for battle. Soon we will clear out this sector of the remnants of the forces that hit our convoys. Ready yourselves for battle with as many drills as possible. I want to see all the forces of the Vast Empire swarm down on our prey. Dissmissed.�