posted September 08, 2000 12:03 PM               

"Signal all ships, hyperspace in 10 seconds. If I am needed I will be in the Captains office." Spartacus quietly turned around and walked off of the bridge.

Seconds later all of the ships were gone. Next stop, wave 2's current location.
......................................
OOC
NOTES FOR CHAPTER THREE

posted September 08, 2000 05:38 PM               

The really, really good thing about stormtrooper helmets is that they make it possible to listen to bad news without having to maintain a cold, stone-faced exterior. Of course, they also restricted vision, chaffed at the chin, strained the neck, and really, really ruined a good singing voice. Anyway....

"Now that we are under way, I have been ordered to p*** along a status report. We are under attack in two regions. One is the first wave who is trading shots with a sizable fleet of antiques. That's not our problem." Sergeant Snake was going by the book and not horsing around a little. Not a good sign.

Obviously the news was not getting any better, but Fury did have a patrol to finish as well as listen to his squad leader. "Second wave is being hit by a medium size strike force. Not a lot of ships, but quite a bit of punch. This concerns the higher-ups as we've got a lot of supplies and brain power stuck in those ships being attacked. And, as we are headed in that general direction, that concerns us too."

A loop around the "commons" in the main hold, a stern warning to a larger child who was intent on become the major bully of this part of the ship, and more info from Sergeant Snake the ***ets at risk, courtesy through the comset.

"Our duty is to deflect any possible attempts at boarding. The captain and crew are going through the p***enger register to search for any people with military experience. Should we need that kind of manpower, volunteers will be culled from that list. They will be the ones to man the laser cannons and provide security. Our job will be simple: we stop being over-armed security maggots and become stormtroopers again."

Oh boy, sounds bloody. Have to get some target practice in. "I have no more information for you than that. Just hang in there, proceed as normal, but be ready for anything from here on out. Understood?"
"Trooper 7 copies," as Fury joined in the chorus at the appropriate time.

A rescue mission to save the intellect and data of the Vast Empire, performed by a fleet composed mostly of transports full of scared, homeless civilians. This was not an enviable situation to be. Those Navy boys were earning their pay right now. Soon it might just be time for Fury to do the same.

posted September 10, 2000 05:48 PM               

There were also some...less brilliant minds in the seats and when the lights went out, TJ heard a scream, a couple people yelled, there was a growl in the corner. There was a ripping sound, then suddenly the emergency lights flashed on and TJ saw what the commotion was; one of the passenger's pets hadn't been scared when the lights had gone off and had attached itself to the seat by ways of it's teeth.

"We're all going to die," a woman sobbed.

"Mommy what's going on? Where dd the lights go?" a small child pleaded.

"Attention everyone, do not be alarmed they are just putting extra power into the shields as a...safety precaution," TJ said over the comotion which was not dying down.

*Outside the Frigate*

Viper Squadron's TIE Interceptors danced through the cloud of fighters. They were now down to seven as a missle had knocked two unconcious. Luckily, the Crusader had been able to pull him out in time.

The numbers of the opposition had been dwindling for some time now and it looked as if Wave 2 could get out with minimal losses. Suddenly PJ's cockpit went black excep for the various lights on his control panel.

Looking up PJ saw the largest ship he had ever seen...

posted September 10, 2000 07:28 PM               

�Master, how are we going to get free of this ship?� asked a young aspiring Dark Jedi.

�Right now, I can tell we are hyper spacing somewhere. I�m guessing they are going to assist wave 2 of their group of ships. That is where we sent most of the Rebel faction�s units. And a couple of our very best people.� Replied a man in a Jedi tunic.

�We must get to a transport shuttle, while they are launching their fighters and repair teams we will slip out in the confusion it creates,� said the Jedi.

�This area looks clear, and if I remember the layout of this ship, from the few times I was on it, visiting the VE. Then there shouldn�t be too much to worry about, and remember are objective is stealth, we don�t want to be noticed,� said the Jedi.

-----------Shuttle: Enroute to the SSD Mustang ----------

Incoming Transmission: An Urgent Message from the Mustang.

�What is it now?� Athran asked himself.

�What in the world? Majere is missing! Wonder how they pulled that one off, he was even on Mustang, the best ship of the Vast Empire�s fleet,� Athran said to himself.

�I hope they can wait two hours, because that is how long it is going to be before I arrive at the Mustang,� Athran said to himself.

�I better rest up while I can, seems like I�ll end up having some trouble finding Majere,� Athran said as he laid down.

--------- Hyperspace: SSD Mustang and escorts 5 minutes to Wave 2�s Location -----

�Spartacus, we are almost to wave 2�s location, we need you on the bridge,� called Spartacus�s personal assistant.

Spartacus got up from his chair and strolled to the bridge with a sullen look on his face. He thought to himself what is that feeling. I�ve never noticed while being on the Mustang before. It�s as if the force is stronger than normal, but it shouldn�t be with Majere missing�

�Status?� commanded Spartacus.

�1 minute till arrival,� stated the deck officer.

�Tell all fighters to launch, etc, etc, when we exit hyperspace. They know the drill,� said Spartacus confidentally.

�Also get me a status report on the location of Athran, Threeof4, and Kadann. I think we will need all of their presences to figure out where Majere is,� commanded Spartacus, adjusting to the feeling of the Field Marshall�s chair.

�Sir we just exited hyper space, and we are picking up a transmission from the shuttle Athran is on. He is quite a ways off, but should be arriving soon.� Said the deck officer.

"Good I await his arrival," replied Spartacus.

--------------------

posted September 10, 2000 09:39 PM               

�Sir, Athran has arrived,� said the Deck Officer to Spart.

�Good get him on the bridge asap. I�ll be in my quarters, call for me when he arrives,� commanded Spartacus.

Athran stepped out of the transport onto the hangar of the huge SSD. He saw nothing but people moving and doing their jobs. He then met a low ranking officer and was escorted to the Bridge.

�What�s going on?� asked Athran.

�We have wave 1 and 2 under attack by a fleet of ships. Wave 2 we are assisting right now, but we haven�t heard anything of wave 1 for quite some time,� replied the officer.

�Anything else?� asked Athran.

�Not that I am aware of,� replied the Officer.

Athran thought to himself and thought why such a rush to meet with Spartacus so fast? Something greater must be amist.

------- SSD Mustang�s Bridge -------

�Sir he�ll be right here, we sent a message to be on the deck 5 minutes ago,� said the Deck Officer.

�Athran,� a voice from behind him said, �Come we will talk in private.�

Athran turned around and bowed before the DJM, knowing the voice of his colleague from service in the Army.

Athran followed Spartacus to the meeting room, and they sat down and talked about the Situation.

�So the New Imperium is behind the attacks on the VE?� asked Spartacus.

�Yes, I know without a doubt they are behind the sabotage attempts,� replied Athran. �If you want proof I have recorded data on my ship.�

�Well that explains what I am about to tell you,� replied Spartacus

�Majere is unable to be found, and we haven�t had enough time to establish a decent search team. We�ve had some low ranking officers look things over, but they can�t find him� I want you to find him, he may still be on the ship, I recommend you start looking immediately. I will gladly assist you however I can, but I must remain on the Bridge and oversee that we go to Bastion as scheduled. If you haven�t found him by that time you are to stay here and search all the nearby planets for him. If the New Imperium is behind this, then he will be very hard to find,� explained Spartacus.

�When was he last seen?� asked Athran.

�He said that he was going to go rest in his quarters for a few hours, but never got there. Most likely we have some New Imperium saboteurs among us. I warn you now, be careful, I can feel the presence of another Jedi, and if he is from the NI, then we have got some problems on our hands,� replied Spartacus.

posted September 11, 2000 10:39 PM               

"Launch everything we have at the Interdictor, we want the civilian ships to get out of here ASAP. And get all of our fighters into space, tell them to eliminate all of their fighters and come back to get equipped with heavy space bombs, and to make bombing runs at the Interdictor. And get ahold of the Nemesis, if they can hyper in behind the ships flanking us, we can take them out and then concentrate on the other two ISD-II's," commanded HG Spartacus.

"Yes sir," replied the Deck Officer relaying the orders.

"I want a status report in 5 minutes on the whereabouts of the Nemesis. We need the Nemesis here to take these ships out, the Mustang can hold out for a while, but not long against those two ISD-II's," ordered HG Spartacus.

------ Majere's Quarters: SSD Mustang -----

"So everything has been left the way it was when you got here?" asked Athran of a lower ranking officer poking around Majere's office looking for some kind of clue.

"Yes, sir," replied another officer in the room.

"But we have evidence that Majere did come to his quarters, he made a log on the computer," added the officer.

"I want to know every possible vent, air duct, entrance, and exit out of this office, and teams of 4 sent down each one. All of them are to report in every 10 minutes w/ a status report. If something doesn't turn up soon, I fear it may be to late to find him...." Athran commanded.

posted September 12, 2000 02:09 AM               

The only way he could avoid charges for what he was about to do was make sure the Dreadnaught Death's Nest never returned to the Intruder Wing's fleet.

"Commander on deck." Captain Greyscuttle announced as Daishi strolled onto the bridge.

"Here is the situation people. We have about ten minutes until we are in the combat zone. I calculate that Jansom's fleet will be in striking range of wave 2 and the Mustang in eight. I don't know what other forces are involved but we must ensure that his Interdictor is taken out of the fight." Daishi spoke as he looked around at the bulk of what remained of the Intruder Wing's ground forces.

"Daishi, is this such a good idea?" Jahromk spoke from behind Daishi.

"We have no other choice. It is either this or both of us die in a way that no one but Jansom could cook up." Daishi replied.

"True, all we do have is this Dreadnaught. This old heap wouldn't get us far before Jansom blew it out from under us." Jahromk remarked.

True to the saying the last minute is always the longest minute Daishi stood anticipating the drop from hyperspace. One way or another he knew that he had much to make up for but not what Jansom says he does.

The battle soon became apearent as Jansom's fleet was for the most part unnoticed yet, though his interdictor was obviously spoted as the traces of fire could be seen shooting out from it toward invisible targets.

"All right set maximum speed for the interdictor. Have the sensors been recalibrated as I described?" Daishi barked out as he started taking the battle in.

Jansom had forseen the enemy coming from an entirely different direction. His pair of frigates, dual Marauder corvettes, two Gunships, and five M-90 corveetes were entirely out of position to engage anything. Daishi quickly assesed that if he could just get fighter cover he could seriously maul the interdictor.

"This is Commodore Daishi. I have managed to gain the support of the Intruder Wing Ship Dreadnaught Death's Nest. If someone can give us fighter cover we can see about eliminating that interdictor for you." Daishi spoke over the comm channel.

[I'll stop here so I can keep it uncertain which wave this is happening at so that others may proceed with thier plans]

posted September 12, 2000 10:53 PM               

"Captain, they are getting nervous, what should we do?" asked Anakin

Just as he said that, a laser blast hit the roof of the transport, knocking everyone in the room down to the ground.

"Here we go! Gather the rest of the squad and start rounding up the civilians and get them to the escape pods just in case they start to heavy fire on us. I'll go and see what Crysus wants us to do." said TJ

As the Elite squad was gathering people up to be loaded up into the pods, there was a small explosion on one side of the room. The Alarms sounded, and a few seconds later the wall came crashing down and laser blasts shot through a whole in the wall.

"Everyone drop to the ground!" yelled Anakin as he and the squad whipped out his blaster and started firing on the hole in the wall.

After a few minutes of intense laser fire the shooting stopped and the Squad ran for the hole but when they arrived they found that the three bodies were all lying on the floor with burn marks on their backs.

"Check the rest of the ship and see if there are any more." TJ said as he stepped out of the smoke on the other side of the wall. "And see the passangers to a safer spot."

----------------------
Corporal Anakin

"Don't do what I did and underestimate the power of the Dark Side!"

posted September 13, 2000 12:26 AM               

------------------
ETRP/2LT Talon/1SQD/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/M-SSD Mustang/VEA/VE{BC}
FL/LCPL Claw/Viper 2-2/Wing III/ISD-2 Crusader/2ESF/VEN/VE
XO of Vast Empire Army Academy
ICQ# 16858121
A proud man swells magnificently just before an explosion.
Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
"..." -Harpo Marx

posted September 13, 2000 04:02 AM               

'Greetings, all those who are present. The disappearance of DJM Majere should have reached your ears by now, and I am sure that you know why all of you are assembling here at this moment.'

A rustle seemed to spread among the lines and everyone nodded in agreement, exchanging words of comments. An officer went up to us and passed us a device which consist a red button.

At a signal of DJM Athran, everyone fell silent again.

'Dark Jedis of the Vast Empire, all of you would be arranged in fours and be assigned to a route that DJM Majere might have disappeared to. I want a report in half and hour at my office without fail. All evidence must be taken note of. At any sign of movement that you suspect is from the kidnappers, immediately press the red buttons and troops will be sent to deal with them. Be constantly on alert, and May the Dark Side of the Force be with you.'

DJM Athran left us so that we could start our missions.

An officer approached the 4 of us and said,'Team Dark, you have been assigned Air Duct 12-A. SG SiriusV will lead Team Dark in its mission. '

--------
to be continued...not enough time..
SG Sirius V

posted September 13, 2000 11:31 AM               

"Alright, listen up. Just got an update on the situation. Seems the Mustang is under attack from forces inside the ship. They are confirmed to be NI agents so at least that's something to go on." Sergeant Snake had this uncanny ability to make even awful news have some good element. "So, Field Marshal Majere is still missing, there are jedi crawling all over our command ship, and we are still undermanned and without a clear mission. Any questions?"

"Um, no", was all Fury could think of. Not that he or anybody else said it.

"OK, here's what we DO know. We've screened the dossiers of some of our passengers and have selected a few to be our watchers in the crowd. These folks are veteran soldiers and pilots and appear to be truly loyal to the Empire. We've already got a few others under surveillance. Not that they've done anything, but their profiles don't exactly check out. You will receive a list of these subjects to memorize. It goes without saying, but stealth and some guile are needed here. We do not want a bloodbath in case something does happen on board."

Tension. You didn't have to be a Jedi to sense all the pent-up anxiety among the troopers and civilians. A not-so-routine abandonment of the VE's home systems, with a surprise attack by supposedly former allies did not mix up to be a comforting brew. To top it all off, there was not a damn thing Fury and the others could do. And if there was, it would probably be too late to save the lives of those under their protection.

"Just a few more details about our external threat and you can go back on patrol...."

posted September 13, 2000 04:56 PM               

Pulling out his lightsabre TJ cut a large hole in the door. He steped in to find nothing but a plain room with a DJK standing in the far corner.

"I've been expecting you," the DJK hissed.

"Wha-What have you done with my trooper," TJ demanded. Noticing TJ's sabre ignited the DJK ignited his own. The two DJK circled, attempting to force the other to attack first, making them ay for the mistake.

TJ sidestepped and did a quick jab. The result was fatal. TJ's move had forced the DJK to forget about waiting, and he sliced downward. With TJ's sidestep though, he missed his mark by just enough that it made it a whole lot easier for TJ to block.

The DJK yelled and TJ could see dreadful fear on his face as he pushed the DJK's sabre back and jabbed his own sabre through the DJK.

The DJK fell to the floor and six seconds later his sabre deactivated. TJ picked it up and looked around, besides the original door the room was just metal walls. No controls, no doors, nothing....

*The Battle Outside the Frigate*

"Flight 2, take out the squadron on the left, we've got the one on the right" Lt. PJ called over the ComLink.

"Acknoweldged, Viper Leader" Claw replied. Somehow, PJ didn't know how but they now outnumbered the pirate force in fighters and it'd be over right then and there if they had more capital ships, but instead the various TIEs would have to take out the three corellian frigates and the six other various ships one by one once they got the fighter nuisance over with.

"If only the Crusader would concentate their fire on the opposing capital ships," PJ thought to himself....

*Feel free to continue these two situations (just don't make TJ die )

posted September 15, 2000 04:58 PM               

"Alright, everybody listen up,� Anakin yelled, trying to get the crowd to quiet down. "As you can see, we are under attack; so I must ask for your full cooperation. We are taking you all to the escape pods just in case something else happens. There will you stay until we get the situation under control!"

As the squad and the civilians turned the corner to the entrance to the escape pod, they found themselves face to face with NI Stormtroopers, guns ready as if they were waiting for all of us to come.

�Here we go again!� Anakin yelled while he and the squad started to fire on the line of Stormtroopers blocking their way. �Get the civilians out of here before they get hurt, this is our fight!�

Blaster fire went back and forth. However, the skills of Elite Iron Horse were far superior than the troopers they were fighting against, giving them a big advantage. The Elite troopers also had very good positions, while the NI troopers were pinned down the hallway. However, the NI troops had a 4-1 numerical advantage.

Anakin, seeing that this battle would be devastating if they were to stay and fight, decided that they needed a better plan. �Iron Horse retreat!� he commanded through the comsets to squad. �Round the corner, I have a plan,� Anakin said with a laugh in his voice.

The NI troopers charged hoping to take advantage of the situation. Little did they realize that they were falling into a trap as soon as they turned the corner.

Anakin had stopped the squad in the middle of the hallway to get set up for their attack. �These civilians must be more important than we thought. Listen up squad, get into an attack position, and hold until they turn the corner, that should bring them down! And see the civilians back to the starting spot!� he commanded.

The NI troopers rounded the corner and found themselves running into a storm of blaster fire. The accuracy of the Elite Squad was no match for the NI troops. Immediately, the enemy started to drop like flies. The plan had worked perfectly...

To Be continued...

------------------
-------------------------
Corporal Anakin
Elite Iron Horse
CoP:OSK-TRP/CPL Anakin/1SQD/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/M-SSD Mustang/VEA/VE

posted September 15, 2000 04:58 PM               

As the enemy lasers splattered almost harmless against the shields of the Super Star Destroyer, High General Spartacus gazed beyond the trio of attacking New Imperium vessels at the countless other enemy ships beyond besieging the Crusader, Devastator, and all of their respective supply ships under the command of High General Crysus, Prefect of the Army.

The Communications Officer, a youthful fair-haired lieutenant, turned to the Council Secretariat:
�Sir, we are being hailed on all frequencies by one of the Imperial Dreadnaughts, sir, the Death�s Nest.�
Spartacus clasp his hands behind his back and assumed the best regal pose he could manage, �On speakers, lieutenant.�

"This is Commodore Daishi," the familiar voice crackled over the bridge, �I have managed to gain the support of the Intruder Wing Ship Dreadnaught Death's Nest. If someone can give us fighter cover we can see about eliminating that Interdictor for you."

��Send a return message to the Death�s Head with my compliments to Commodore Daishi. Inform him that we accept his offer and will provide starfighter escort for the Intruder Wing vessel,� Spartacus paused momentarily then added, �Select Sting Squadron as the escort for the dreadnaught.�

"Sir,� the Bridge Officer exclaimed, �The Imperial Star Destroyer Nemesis has arrived. Moff Threeof4 has ordered the launch of all starfighter squadrons to eliminate the enemy Indictitor.�

�Very well,� nodded the High General, �I believe this battle has solidly turned in our favor. However, we must do our best to reach the the supply ships of the Crusader and Devastor before they are destroyed and we lose our best Army units.�

Upon finishing his sentence an unusual feeling came over Spartacus. It was as if the Force connection between Majere and himself had now been completely severed.

--- Aboard the Supply Ship Pride of Derra VI ---
Following the attack by New Imperium stormtroopers upon Iron Horse squad, the latter unit finished loading the civilian passengers into the escape pods.
"That is the last of the passengers,� Anakin remarked to a fellow stormtrooper as he watched the four brilliant blue engines of an escape pod ignite and heard the thunder of exploding latches sound as the latter vessel ejected from the crippled supply ship. As the pod slowly receded into the twinkling stars of space and disappeared from his vision, Anakin turned to face his comrade:
�Where did our squad leader disappear to? I am only receiving static on his comlink frequency. Talon is missing too --- �
Another Vast Empire stormtrooper clattered up and reported to Anakin, �Sir, I have found the Force Pike and trail of blood leading to a locked room in the aft part of this supply ship. I attempted to open the kriffin� door, but was unable to do so. Perhaps if the entire squad attempted to break it down . . . �
�Assemble the squad,� instructed Anakin assuming command now that Talon and Teejay were missing, �We are going to make, or fight if we have to, our way down to the aft of this spacecraft and break down that door. This shields of this rig are going to collapse in a few minutes so we do not have much time.�

--- Majere�s Office, aboard the SSD Mustang ---
Krath Pontifex Sayrah �Schnapps� Mikfarlant slowly rummaged through the office of Field Marshal Camaron Majere as her recent orders from High General Spartacus specified her to do so.
�Why were they looking for Majere on board the ship?� She thought quietly to herself, �Perhaps by now the enemy Pirate, and New Imperium forces had smuggled him off the ship via one of the countless vessels departing from the hangar of the Mustang.�
She stopped for a minute to gaze at the ant farm which sat upon Majere�s desk.
�Ants.� Schnapps mused, �Tattooine ants at that. Their sting is very deadly. There must be over a million ants in this glass farm. Hmm. Athran likes ants too. He is so sensitive and caring about them you would think he is connected to them via telekinetics or something.�
As the Krath Pontifex turned, she accidentily knocked the fragile ant farm off the desk and gazed in horror as it shattered across the floor.

--- Air Vent in the interior of the SSD Mustang ---
�Are you all right. What is wrong?� Sith Guardian SiriusV asked Athran who had suddenly paused ahead of him in the vent.
�I felt a great disturbance in the Force,� Athran stated, his face deathly pale, �� as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened.�
�Funny. I did not sense anything,� SiriusV remarked.
�Nor did I,� remarked the other Vast Empire Dark Jedi member behind SiriusV.

---------------------------------------------
OOC
STORY SUMMARY THUS FAR:
1) Field Marshal Majere is no longer aboard the Super Star Destroyer Mustang though several minions of his captors still are.
2) All waves of the Vast Empire are now joined together at the same location in an effort to win a battle which is in their favor.
3) Schnapps, Athran, SiriusV, and Spartacus are aboard the Mustang.
4) Anakin, Teejay, Talon and the rest of Iron Horse squad are aboard the dying supply ship Pride of Derra VI. Talon is severely wounded.
5) Fury is aboard the supply ship, Memories of Tililix.
6) Moff Threeof4, as well as Vice Admiral Sess, are aboard the ISD Nemesis.
7) Commodore Daishi is aboard the Imperial Dreadnaught Death's Nest.

posted September 16, 2000 04:17 AM               

SG SiriusV said, " Let's go on and check out this air vent throughly to make sure that we did not leave out anything." But as they continue surveying the air vent, SG SiriusV went deep into himself, and using the Force, he scanned the area around him to see if he could find out what was actually happening when Athran felt that sudden disturbance in the Force. Suddenly, a thought flashed acrossed his mind. "Ants....Tatoonine...Glass" It clicked. DJM Majere's glass ant farm! He smiled as he had remembered how Athran loved ants and was giving him a lecture about that. Wait a minute...that means ...that the Farm's destroyed!?! Who did that? He scanned furthur, and an image focussed in his mind. Schnnaps =). Thats her alright. He went up to Athran, who was continuing to survey the area, but with a frown on his face. 'Athran, I think that what you have felt is the destroyed Ant Farm on DJM Majere's table. Schnnaps accidently knocked it over.' Athran paled. He loved ants, and the tatoonine species was his favourite. SG SiriusV put pat his back and said," Dunt worry, first , lets see if we can find anything on DJM Majere's dissappearance. It is more important than the Ants.'Athran nodded relunctantly. Both of them continued to scour the area for clues.

posted September 16, 2000 02:30 PM               

A relieved sounding TJ said, "TALON! Where are you? I thought you were dead. We've got to get out of here, this thing is dying."

"Slow down TJ, I found some NI troopers. How much longer do we have?" Talon asked.

TJ replied simply, "None."

Talon sighed and said, "I'll be right there." and he clicked off his comm link and ran back from where he came. After a few turns and some hallways he ran into TJ. He said out of breath, "Let's go." and the two ran as fast as they could. They didn't see any troops on the way back but they did pass the lifeless body of the Dark Jedi Knight that TJ killed. They heard a banging on a door down the hall and finaly saw two troopers break through the door. They were from the Vast Empire! Talon and TJ ran to meet them and they told the two to follow them.

posted September 16, 2000 06:26 PM               

"What about TJ and Talon?" one of his comrades had asked.

"We will look for them on the way back to the ship, have you eyes and guns ready, lets go!"

The Elite Iron Horse started running down the hall to the docking bay while looking desperately to find TJ and Talon.

"An-Anak--Anakin!" TJ's muffled voice came through his comm link. "I have talon safe with me. Where are you? Are the civilians ok, better yet, is my squad alright?"

"We are heading for the IDS Nemesis, docking bay 34," Anakin said in a rush. "After an attack against us we loaded up the civilians in escape pods and are away being picked up by the Navy fleets. Everyone else is fine."

"Good, hurry and get the ship, we will meet you there," said TJ.

"We are on our way, watch out for New Imperium Storm Troo...." The transmission ended with Anakin's comm link being blasted out of his left hand.

Anakin fell to the ground in shock. With the Hand he had left he grabbed his modified blaster and started firing at the two NI Stormtroopers that had taken off his hand, easily dropping them to the ground in two rapid shots.

The squad helped Anakin up and they started to sprint to the Docking bay. When they reached the bay they found themselves right in the middle of a small battle against the rest of the NI Stormtroopers and the IDS Nemesis Troopers. Nemesis troops seeing the Blood Red armor running at them, they went back into the ship to avoid friendly fire.

The NI troops thought that they had won the small battle until they started to drop. The Elite squad had easily taken them out from behind, and made their way on to the ship. Right behind them TJ, Talon and the two other troops had found their way and boarded the ship.

With all the Elite troopers safe onboard the IDS Nemesis, it detached from the Pride of Derra VI and took off away from it just as main rector had collapsed, and the ship blasted into a thousand pieces...

-------------------------
Corporal Anakin
Elite Iron Horse
CoP:OSK-ETRP/CPL Anakin/1SQD/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/M-SSD Mustang/VEA/VE

"Don't underestimate the power of the Dark Side!!!"

posted September 16, 2000 10:30 PM               

Anakin asked, "What happened to the Dark Jedi Initiate?"

"His neck got a little too loose." Talon simply replied as the younger EIH members said, "Oooo..." and held their necks as if it had happened to them. Anakin looked like he had just remembered something and handed Talon his force pike and his heavely modified blaster as Talon nodded to him.

Just then, a buzz could be heard from TJ's belt and his hand went for his comm link very quickly, turned it on and said, "TJ here."

On the other end of the comm link was a Lieutenant that was on the bridge of the Nemesis. "Sir, I have been ordered to inform you that your squad is needed to help get the civilians organized in the hanger of the Nemesis." the young officer reported.

TJ put on a lopsided smirk and said, "Thank you Lieutenant. We'll get on that immedietly." after he had switched off his comm link he said, "Looks like we are back to babysitting boys."

posted September 16, 2000 11:58 PM               

"Attention! The Deputy Grand Master is coming aboard!" Screamed DJK TJ, to all the other dark, cloaked figures of Griffen sect. They all snapped up straight and silent. TJ had just arrived a few moments ago, he was still trying to relax.

A few moments later an Imperial shuttle paint black and red landed in the Star Destroyer's hangar bay. A tall figure strode down the shuttle's ramp. A dark and commanding prescense surrounded this individual, standing at 6'2", truely an aura demanding respect.

He stopped at the bottom of the ramp and pulled back his hood, revealing his starke features. "Greetings... We have a new mission. I have decided that we are going to try to salvage Rear Admiral Daishi's ship, the Royal Barkalounger. If anyone can do it, it'd be us. So suit up, we'll be leaving soon on a transport that we captured from the enemy. Further breifing will be given on the ship, en route."

After the Sect started to disperse for their various quaters on the massive VSD-II, the tall figure turned towards the captured transport now landing. Dark Jedi Knight TJ rushed up to him, "Master Atrus, sir... Aren't you going to get any supplies?? Afterall it will be a dangerous mission."

"I don't need them... I have all I need" the Dark Jedi Master replied as he ran his fingers along the grooves of his lightsabre. "The Force is the only tool I need, for anything else I can improvise."

"Master, has there been word on Master Majere's disappearance?" Tj asked eagerly.

"No, but I do know he is somewhere very far from this battleground... I can feel him in the force faintly." Atrus spoke as he stared into the stars. "Sorry for pulling you away from your Army squad, but at the moment this assignment is more important, and I'm sure your squad can handle themselves for a short while without you," He said as if sensing the uneasiness TJ was feeling about the subject, "Now if you will excuse me, I have matters to attend to aboard our new transportation." He said then walked off briskly.

The young dark jedi stared after his master, pondering about him as he always has. Atrus always seems so distant from everything, yet observant of every little detail.

*** A while later enroute for the rescue mission***

"...and that is the end of the breifing, any questions?"

The last line was just followed by silence. As usual with the breifings, the elite members of Griffen sect had no questions of their duty. These men and women made up the most elite fighting unit in the entire Vast Empire, they knew what to do, and how to do it.

To be continued....

[Note: DO NOT, and I mean DO NOT! add onto this part of the story. I have very specific plans for this, and just got too tired before I had time to finish.

posted September 17, 2000 07:47 PM               

�Athran, do you sense that? The further we go into the ventilation ducts, the more I feel we are searching the wrong place,� said SG SiriuSV.

�I agree, and we must be getting back to get the reports from the other teams that were sent out,� replied Athran.

The Team of four walked back the way they came, retracing every step and movement they had made. Making sure to not miss a thing. They finally arrived where they started and saw a sea of puzzled faces. As the final team came back, and nothing showed up Athran sent the teams out again to search the hangar and comb the structure of the massive SSD Mustang.

�SiriusV, I know you�d rather be out there searching for Majere, but I need you to keep communications going while I talk to HG Spartacus. After I return hopefully I will have some more insight as to were we should be searching,� Athran said walking towards the Captain�s Quarters.

----- SSD Mustang: Captain�s Quarters -----

"HG Spartacus, Athran is here to meet with you," messaged Spart's private assistant.

"Send him in," replied the digruntled High General.

"What news of the search for Majere?" questioned HG Spartacus.

"Master, we have found not a trace. We have searched every area within a square kilometer of Majere's office, and not found a thing. I do not sense a good outcome of this, and I feel the force pulling and eating away at me to find our commander. It's as if the force is beckoning to me, but I can't figure out where it is coming from," replied Athran.

Spartacus turns and looks out the view port into the deepness of the stars.

"As it beckons to you it also beckons to me, I think all of the VEDJ minions feel it. We must keep moving though, for we have a designated place to be. After we finish off the rest of the fleet the New Imperium sent to hamper our trip to Bastion, we must continue,� replied HG Spartacus.

�The battle will last at least a couple more hours, and I�m commanding our repair teams to take care of some of the more damaged ships after the battle has concluded. I want our ships to be in the best condition we can get them in before we arrive and meet our fellow Imperials at Bastion,� added HG Spartacus.

Turning around and facing Athran, Spartacus says, �I�m estimating we will be leaving for bastion in about 12-13 hours. I recommend you get the most time out of the following hours that you can. After we leave here we will never be returning again.�

�Sir, have you any idea where he could be?� queried Athran.

�None at all, but I fear he is no longer on the ship, and if so all is lost. I have had the Mustang�s sensors on full trying to identify any unidentified fighters or transports, but all have checked out. These Jedi that captured Majere are far more experienced than we thought, which wears on my conscience even more,� concluded the disheartened HG.

Athran quickly bowed and exited the Captain�s Quarters, saying, �If he is on this ship we WILL find him.�

posted September 18, 2000 10:34 AM               

A Sergeant who was new to the Elite Iron Horse squadron, Exar_Kun, ran up to Talon and said, "Civi group A is under control. Orders?"

Talon thought for a moment and said, "Help Anakin with group C. He has a few trouble makers there."

Exar nodded to Talon and ran to join Anakin. Talon went back to some papers when a shout rang through the hanger as well as two blaster shots. Talon dropped the pile of papers on the ground and went to an all out sprint to the source of the noise. As he fought his way through the crowds he saw an enraged civilian with a small blaster pointing it at Anakin. Exar_Kun was behind trying to keep the other civilians back and try to get them out of the way. Talon stopped running and walked the rest of the way until he was close enough to the civilian with the blaster that he could talk to him. He calmly said, "Put the blaster down. What's wrong?"

The man waved the blaster at Talon and said, "You're trying to kill us! I'm not going to stand it any longer. You may kill me, but I'm taking as many of you with me as I can."

Talon didn't even seem to think it was that big of a deal. He pulled off his helmet and set it on the floor, took his blaster out of his holster and set it in the helmet. As he stood strait up he could see the curiousity in the man's eyes. Talon started to walk slowly nearer to the man and talk gently. The man started to relax as Talon got within arms length of him. Talon used the Force in a way that he had not quite mastered yet to relax the angered civilian. With a move that looked like a blur to Anakin, Talon hit the man's hand with one of his and his wrist with the other and the gun went sailing to the left. Talon then put his fists up and motioned for the man to do the same. The man put up his fists as well with very little hesitation. The two started to circle, waiting for the other to strike first. The civilian finaly took a swing at Talon, but the fist just flew over Talon's head as he planted his fist firmly in the man's ribs. The man staggered back and cought his breath. Talon again waited for the man to attack. This time the civilian tried a high kick that Talon cought and pushed up higher untill the attacker fell flat on his back. Talon immediatly backed up and waited for the man to get up again. As soon as the civilian got up Talon swept his legs out from under him. The man put his hands up in surrender and the crowd gathering around cheered as Anakin put binders on him and led him away. Talon hostered his blaster, put on his helmet, grabbed the blaster that he knocked out of the civi's hand, and went back to his papers that were scattered all over the floor, sighing.

posted September 18, 2000 05:43 PM               

On his way back to quarters for some rack time, PFC Fury checked in with his squad leader. "Comm shift duty report, Sarge," he called out into the darkened chamber used for the squadroom.

A tired voice, belonging to PFC Yillamien, yelled back, "He's not here. Go down to the transport hold."

Knowing better to ask more questions of an exhausted trooper; and not wanting to hear the calibre of answer that would probably be given, Fury headed off to the cargo area, in search of the craft section. Most of the remaining cargo onboard the ancient vessel were devoted to storing foodstuffs, equipment, and personal belongings. Two of them, however, were reserved for both land, air, and space vessels. Lots of them. In amongst landspeeders, swoops, a magnificent luxury yacht (sans hyperdrive apparently - damn!), and one modified Chariot tank, sat an old C-9979 Landing Ship. Sort of. The central core was there, but the cargo wings were not, making it an ugly and ungainly vessel as opposed to the beautiful ships that the Trade Federation used to disgorge battle droids on unsuspecting populaces. And for some reason, it seemed to be a hive of activity. About a dozen beings, in and out of uniform were crawling in and out of the vessel in various forms of activity. One of them was his squad leader.

Sergeant Snake saw him approaching the ship, "Fury, I hope you have some better information for me than we've been getting. Which is basically nothing."

"Sure thing Sarge. I just hope you know what to do with it." Fury went on to relay the litany of events occuring outside the ship. The ship-to-ship fighting, the continuing disappearance of Field Marshal Majere, the highjacking of an enemy vessel, and the exploits of other stormtrooper squads both on and off the flagship. Most important, however, was the matter of the Pride of Derra IV.

"The captain wants to call up our civilian 'reservists' for gun battery duty. A lot of the smaller ships in the fleet do not have sufficient radiation shields to protect against that core explosion on the Derra IV. A few of the larger transports like ours are going to have to protect them. Besides, it looks like some of the enemy fighters could come this way and start taking pot shots at us anyway. Or we could be boarded as well."

At this, all SGT Snake could do was smile. "Of course, all good reasons. If you wish, please relay my consent to the captain. I, however, am working on something else. You were involved with pirates or something at some point, weren't you Fury?"

"Umm...yes, sir. At some point in time." This was not ground normally covered in a routine report. Why this, why now?

"It seems as though our ship's mechs can't find a way to get the shield converter to kick in on this old thing. A passenger volunteered it's use for patrol or boarding purposes, but it won't do us any good if we can't take a beating. I assumed that as a former 'freelance trader' you had experience working on older vessels."

Whew...this conversation did have a positive direction. "Yes sir, outside of the Haor Chall engineers who designed the thing, I've worked alongside a lot of decent mechs in my time. I can get your shields back online with some help."

"You've got your help already on board. Get to it. If there is some way we can make an impact in this battle, I'd personally love it. The only way we're gonna be recognized in this army is if we pull our weight. And that's not going to happen if Iron Horse get the call every time a blaster needs fired." SGT Snake took a breath and let some color retreat from his face. "All I'm saying is that, we've done good work here, but there is a lot more we could do. Even if all that amounts to are some patrols outside this ship; we've got four cannon on this relic, we can have a say in this battle. Tell you what, take over the repairs here. I'll talk to the Captain about the defense of the ship. This is your primary duty for the next twelve hours. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" Somehow, Fury was more encouraged by his sergeant's angry disappointment at being left out of the action, than by any words he spoke. The other troopers also spoke of their dismay at being overpaid babysitters. Maybe gunning down a couple fighters would help make up for that, even if the battle was apparently wrapping up. The thought of emminent fighting even made up for the loss of the sleep cycle he had just given away.

posted September 19, 2000 02:58 AM               

As the traces of red fire streaked between the Death's Nest and the Interdictor the Death's Nest's ion batteries started shreading the Interdictor's sheilds.

"Estimate one more minute at this rate of fire until the Interdictor is destroyed which puts us 30 seconds ahead of schedule." Captain Greyscuttle replied from the XO's console.

"Very good, now get me readings on the rest of Jansom's fleet." Daishi replied.

"I read the Frigates coming back around with the two Marauder Corvette's moving into flanking positions. I also read the two Gunships and five Corvette's bearing straight for us. Looks like everything is going according to your plan." Captain Greyscuttle reported.

"Well remember I predicted for them to blow us away but since we are a bit ahead of schedule we may make it yet. Give launch orders for ATR's." Daishi remarked as he knew that even with the edge of being ahead of schedule he was a ways away from any freindly reinforcements that could make a difference in the final outcome.

With the constant barrage of laser and ion fire the Interdictor quickly began to submit to the Death's Nest's supperior fire power. As the Interdictor exploded the ATR's bearing the reamnants of Battallions one and two of the First Commando Regiment of the Intruder Wing's Planetary Operations Division became visible. With the combined ion fire from both the Death's Nest and ATR groups the two frigates were quickly disabled. The ATR's with all the speed and proficency Daishi had trained into them made thier escape from the rest of Jansom's fleet into the hangers of the two frigates. Only one problem remained, the rest of Jansom's fleet was bearing down on the Death's Nest and the old Dreadnaught had no chance of escape now.

"Captain Greyscuttle you may fire at M-90 Fascom 1 with all available weapons. All remaining guns concentrate on Fascoms 2 and 3. Bring the Death's Nest to oh oh decimal four on my mark... mark." Daishi barked out as the streaks of fire began racing between the Death's Nest and Jansom's remaining fleet.

The course Daishi ordered would not pull off to one of the flanks but instead dove the Death's Nest beneath the five M-90 corvettes on point allowing maximum fire and the greatest chance of escape.

All Daishi could hope for now was that his crack commandos and veteran troops could resecure the Royal Barkalounger from the Frigate Furious and hopefully draw some fire with the Frigate Zeram.

posted September 19, 2000 09:45 PM               

The stolen transport landed in the massive hangar bay. As it landed several mercenary troops gathered around it to see what was going on. They tightened the encirclement around the transport and aimed rifles at the hatchway was it slowly lowered. With a clank it hit the floor and all the troopers weapons flew out of their hands and into the ship.

Within a split second later five figures with bright blood red lightsabres charged out of the ship, all wearing all black utility suits and black face masks. Their outfit consisted of no armor what-so-ever. They moved lightning fast wiping out all the troopers around the landing transport. Every mysterious warrior, in unision, shut down their sabre and formed double rows by the hatchway, and a tall man walked down the ramp confidently, nodding to all the warriors as he passed. "Good job people, but this is only the beggining, we must take over this entire ship, if possible. However, ouro first, and primary objective is to secure Rear Admiral Daishi's personal ship, and get it into working order. Here are your orders: Team one, lead by me, will go take over the bridge. Team two, lead by DJK TJ well work on getting Daishi's transport back working... Don't worry TJ, you have a traing slicer and technician in your group. Any questions? No? Good. Let's move out, you two with me, and the other two with TJ."

To be continued.... Again do NOT add on to this branch of the story unless I tell ya you can, I don't want this falling apart like the plans did with the Devastator :P

------------------
Darth Atrus 'Nix' Hexum
Prince of the Vast Empire
Vast Empire Navy, Naval Executive Officer
Vast Empire Dark Jedi, Deputy Grand Master - Griffen Sect Lord
NXO/Fleet Admiral Atrus 'Nix' Hexum/HCN-2/VEN, =A=,[mT/P: "Nix Hex"]{NC}{VES}{BoH}
DGM-LoS/DJM Atrus 'Nix' Hexum/Griffen/DC-2/VEDJ, [mT/P: "Nix Hex"]{WoS}
{Starcraft Warlord}{Force Commander Warlord}{JK Warrior}{MotS Warrior}{XWA Ace}

posted September 27, 2000 02:52 AM               

Daishi nearly lost his balance as the combined fire of two M-90 Corvettes, a Coreallian Gunship, and a Marauder Corvette blasted away what little remained of the Death's Nest's sheilds. The fighter cover Daishi had been suplied had already been decimated and no reinforcemnts were available at this time as they were concetrating on the imp star, and imp star dueces.

"Mr. Greyscuttle do what you can about those gunships, on our current course we can avoid the bulk of the fire power of the other vessals." Daishi shouted over the sound of a nearby bridge station exploding.

"Aye sir." Greyscuttle replied.

The battle was actually proceeding better than anticipated as Daishi only expected to disable only one of the frigates, not both.

The expertly trained but seriously depleted and under equiped men of the 1st Commando Regiment had sent few reports other than taking severe causualties from the two frigates though it was obvious they were still inflicting greater loss on the enemy than they were taking. This was not neccissarilly a good thing as the chance of reinforcements was nill and it was very unlikely that the IW could manage the man power to bring thier numbers back up to strength.

A brilliant explosion marked the death of the M-90 directly in front of the Death's Nest but also was the last thing Daishi saw before he was consumed with uncounsciousness.

posted October 06, 2000 11:34 AM               

"Sir, are you ok? You are white as a ghost," said the officer on the other end. "I will be ok, just don't bother me for a while. Signal me when we are about to exit hyperspace. Since Daishi is currently in control of the battle I will let him direct us too. Hopefully we get there in time, otherwise this may look ugly for us all. Threeof4 out."

Threeof4 ended his communication. All he could think of was, "I hope you are still with us Majere. If you are dead, I would have lost another good friend." Threeof4 then walked to his refresher station and ordered a double of his favorite ale.
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//SIGNATURE//
Caramon Majere, Field Marshal, Vast Empire