NationStates Jolt Archive

"Come." Palpatine said to the assembled Sith. "Let us meet the future, together." Raising his hood over his frail and peeling head, grasping his lightsabre in hand Darth Sidious walked with renewed vigour to the dig site. As he and those whom he called allies left the great pavilion they were met by a grand pit extending down some fifty meters into the surface. Stormtroopers on all sides struggled to hold back the sand as it continuously rolled down, threatening to once again bury the prize. On the far wall was the entrance, Imperial guardsmen pressing inwards and onwards under the imperative of the emperors security.

"Majesty." Palpatine turned with hidden surprise. It was Tarkin who was carrying a small wristband. "A shield generator my lord, your first begs you to wear it." Palpatine looked at it intently and allowed the Moff to adorn him with another piece of technology.

"Curious, Moff Tarkin, that I did not sense you approaching." Palpatine led the walk to the cave entrance, carefully navigating a long extended staircase.

"Perhaps it was the emotion of the moment My Lord?"

"Perhaps." Palpatine grasped the hand rail while Vader supported his other hand. "Or perhaps all is not as it seems?"

"Indeed." Tarkin agreed. "This planet seems rather vague in its origin, mysteries, and fate Majesty." The hooked nose politician was the first to reach the ground extending his hand to his emperor; Palpatine took it, tentatively. Now they were before the darkened cave entrance, a tunnel winding it's way under the great dunes of the desert sea; the tunnel barren as the desert dunes above was yet filled with more potential and life than the great oceans which bridged the continental gulfs. Vader proceeded first, his grand and ominous respirator filling the walls with a dark fear, the aura of the dark side penetrating this virgin realm that was once guarded against the tyranny of the empire. Palpatine paused, Nightshade moving to support him.

"We must continue, Lord Vader, we turn left here." Palpatine pointed to a wall. "It shall crumble easily...." Vorman and Nightshade ignited their blades and cut through it in quick succession, revealing yet another dark tunnel extending further down into the night. Entering the Sith embraced the black as if it were their mothers wombs.

Careful and silent the journey progressed, light came intermittently from various devices brought in by the Imperial guards, it failed in every prospect, subsumed, embraced by the prevailing emptiness of the night. "Stop..." Palpatines voice was but only a whisper, yet it could be heard. "We are close, so, so very close. Bring light, I must see the walls." An Imperial guard pulled in a heavy cumbersome device, placing it before the emperor himself it was activated unleashing a yellow luminous haze. "Nothing." The emperor looked puzzled as his mind fell back to visions and former discernment. The emperor rubbed his palm against the ancient stonework, some blood left imprinted upon the touched stone. "This one." He commanded. "Break through it." The Red Robe extended his force pike, the tip as hot as a thousand suns sliced through the stone revealing a small, lone chamber isolated and alone. The light from the generator just clipped its far walls, alcoves and shadowed areas could be found everywhere but as the eyes focused upon the centre of the room, each set would fall upon the curious.

"Ahhh, Darth Sidious and.... Anakin." The voice trailed with sympathy as Vader stood rigid against his lost name. "So, how can I help you?"

"Back so soon?"

Cufadiss looked somewhat surprised that such a seemingly important battle strategy was already over. Abh officers could spend an hour pouring over star maps and configuring fleet formations prior to the battle. Perhaps those that suggested the meeting had already done their preplanning and simply wished to hear it aloud amongst other commanders incase there were any flaws that someone else spotted.

Admiral Spoor looked her typical bored self as she sat back in her chair and crossed her legs. "It was a rather simple meeting with nothing out of the ordinary. Some new faces have come to the stage but most lacked any particular flare about them. I did like the idea of simply nuking the continent from orbit. It had a certain Abh taste to it but it did not go over well with the others. Ah well, perhaps there'll be an opportunity for it in the future. Did I miss anything while I was away?"

Her chief of staff shook his head. "No ma'am. Everyone is ready and waiting to move out."

"Ah well it seems that the first prince of the Clyuve royal family has decided to play along with the landers. It seems the young one fancies the world more than is normal. I must admit that the idea of dueling is quite appealing and artistic in a certain way but he takes it to an extreme. Oh well, the Emperor is free to do with his child as he pleases."

"Message coming through."

The message from the Coredians was transmitted throughout the Abh fleet at Spoor's request.

"Well Chief, it looks like it's time to go."

"Yes ma'am."

"Then engage jump engines and take us to the battle."

OOC: I would appreciate it if Chron or US could respond to my engine-disruptors and defensive barrage etc.

IC:
Fire and explosions rocked the cities, devastation and desolation spreading across what had once been a thriving kingdom. In the skies above, countless battles were being fought, as the invaders were mercilessly attacked by heavy fire from the planetary defence systems and countless fighters. But, not even these well-coordinated and efficient attacks could stop the innumerable forces of incoming enemies, only limit their numbers and give ground-forces a little more time to prepare. The battle was about to reach the point where the defenders would go from defensive to offensive, and soon they would show the Imperial forces that they had in fact underestimated their victims. But, the time had not come yet; the sun above the Asfaltum capital would set in a couple of hours, and that’s when the Imperials would experience the full wrath of several of Asfaltums best divisions, who would come out from their underground networks and mount a surprise attack. Until then, Asfaltum was slowly but steadily giving ground to the Imperial troops, hoping to make their ranks slightly broader and looser in preparation for the upcoming battle.

Vector Skyrider, Jedi apprentice, opened his eyes and viewed the plain and simple, yet incredibly advanced, interior of his Ultrafighter (http://tn3-2.deviantart.com/fs11/300W/i/2006/187/5/e/Scyth_Fighter_Craft_by_Namelessblob.jpg). He looked outside the cockpit. Behind him lay the forces he commanded: 100 well-trained Asfaltum pilots, eagerly waiting to go into battle. They all checked and re-checked their system as their craft were crammed into the large bay. When everybody was cleared, a flushing noise announced that the bay was being flooded with sea-water. This particular installation, as many others, was located beneath the Asfaltum sea-surface, in deep cave networks where the Imperials would not venture, let alone reach them. As the bay was completely filled with water, the large entrance slid open, revealing a landscape of crevices, rocks and various forms of aquatic life. Vector glanced at the pilot in the cockpit nearest to him, gave him a thumbs-up, and slowly accelerated out of the bay, scattering fish formations as they went.

Several minutes later, Vectors forces joined other fighter-craft at an underwater meeting-point. The fighter-craft, which now numbered 1000, broke the sea-surface in a spectacular and breath-taking display, spiralling upwards in a shower of water and foam. After having gained altitude they were soon flying over the vast expanse of local Asfaltum desert, then over forest, and finally over the prairies located south of the Asfaltum capital. As they drew close to their target, they split into three groups. Two of them flew at low altitude and cloaked, moving in a large circle to come behind the enemy, while the third group, led by Vector, flew at high altitude, intending to get the attention of the enemy forces. So, while the enemy guns were all pointing at Vectors group, the two other formations would appear behind them, flying at low altitude. They would uncloak and take the Thrashians completely by surprise, targeting every major gun-site, while dropping high-yield tactical ordinances (like nukes, just without the radiation) on the clusters of enemy armoured vehicles. As the lasers started to fly towards Vectors group he smiled, looking at his tactical display and seeing that the other two groups were in position. Seconds later, while Vector was leading his forces in a daring frontal assault, the main group of fighters uncloaked and flew in at low altitude, attacking the enemy with enormous explosions and a barrage of armor- and shield-piercing cannon fire.

Meanwhile, Riddick had successfully infiltrated the enemy encampment which was hosting the Emperor. Sabotaging the digger had been a simple task, and an adequate distraction. Now, he moved around the cave entrance, disguised in his “borrowed” troopers’ uniform. He seized an opportunity and separated himself from the group, ditching his disguise in an obscure spot. He moved into the cave, removing his ‘sunglasses’. He was now in complete darkness, his optimal surrounding, awaiting the Emperors’ arrival. Meanwhile, the capital continued to be pounded by the orbital bombardment. The large shields which surrounded it took the brunt of the pounding, but they were regularly penetrated, although they greatly diminished the damage received, which would otherwise cause even greater damage.

Space stretched and flashed, releasing dozens of ships from the intricacies of hyperspace, followed by several more concerning the allies.

"Sensors, report." I ordered.

"Yes, sir. We've just reverted at the orbit of the sixth planet. Sensors are already lighting up with hostiles. Our aim is to reach at or near the fourth planet. Death Star's patrolling the area between the fourth and fifth planetary orbits. Whoa!"

"I see it." I muttered. Thousands upon thousands of hostile signatures suddenly blanketed the threat boards. "Move in! All long-range cannons, prepare to fire as soon as we get in maximum range!"

The Fleet began to move into the system, certainly getting some attention from the Imperial Fleet. At this range, even the Artillery Star Destroyers would have trouble hitting anything, but the plan at this point was to get their attention. Once we did, the real battle would begin. The Cloak won't be utilized just yet...

After the meeting, Ba’El approached Daniel.

“I have to return to The Zeus to fill in the Alpha Battlegroup Commander so he can run things while I am on The Much Ado. I will return before the two ships disconnect.”

With a bow of respect, Ba’El hurried off to The Zeus.

Two minutes later:

Commander D’Irk entered the Command Room aboard The Zeus. He had been in the area several times before but normally the Admiral would be here himself issuing his orders to the eight Commanders in charge of the Battlegroups that made up the fleet. Ba’El entered the room moments after D’Irk.

“Commander, I need to fill you in on some rather important details. Prepare for a Gestalt because time is short.”

Before D’Irk could say anything he felt his mind merging with the Admiral’s and a rush of information flooded his thoughts. He simply directed all the info into a hastily made virtual mind to sort out when he had the chance. The generics of the data were understood and he knew he was to be in charge of the Fleet while Ba’El was busy. There was also a little bit sealed away until the Executor’s FTLi went down that would self open. The entire operation was securely transferred and Ba’El closed the Gestalt. Dirk bowed to his superior.

“I will do my best.”

“I know. That is why you are in your position, you always do your best when situations like this are thrust upon you. I have great confidence in you.”

Ba’El turned to leave and stopped at the door.

Take good care of my Children while I am gone.

He left the Command Room and the door closed behind him, leaving Dirk to sort through the deluge of thoughts left behind by his mentor.

Two minutes later, the Admiral was the last to cross the docking tube before it was disengaged and The Zeus drew away from Daniel’s ship to assume their position for the raid.

Ba’El sat in his quarters with the lights off, meditation on what was to come. He knew he was going to have to use several abilities in the near future and wished to be ready for anything.



OOC:

CW, if you need to use Ba’El for anything you have permission to RP him while he is on the ship.

"Master Vergere." Sidious smiled as he entered into the cold, barren room. "I must say I am very happy to see you alive and... well." The Dark Lord glanced at Vader who remained still, his emotions as always in a state of chaotic flux.

"I suppose congratulations are in order, chance...excuse me. Emperor."

"Yes." Palpatine chuckled. "So much has changed since you were last with us, so, very much."

"You are the last of the old order." Vader walked forward, his mechanised form completely dominating the grey and withered Jedi who sat cross legged before them.

"Yes.... I sensed as much, but there are more than just myself remaining from the old order, they will rise again."

"False hopes by a cornered dog." Vader walked a little closer.

"Lord Vader, please, manners, we are after all guests. You know why I am here?" The Emperor asked Vergere directly.

"I have been waiting for you for some time, it seems that the force is still with you emperor, for now at least, but there will come a time where the torch must be passed on." Vergere looked up a Vader. "Help an old woman up Anakin, there's a good lad." She extended her hand which went promptly ignored. "You were once such a well mannered little boy."

"That past is behind me now."

"Yes." Palpatine quickly moved in. "We are here to deal with the future, now, show me what you have learned." Vergere rose slowly to her feet, he frail withered frame not much more than skin and bones, yet she talked and had the spirit of one who had just attended a mighty feast!

"You are aware Emperor, that the force is governed by destiny and not those who attempt to wield it. We are all walking predetermined paths, set out before us for the greater good of our being. Stoic logic and contemplation was once the path of the Jedi, the route of the old order of things. The Sith, like yourself have always been and forever will be that of emotion and raw strength. But the force has encountered an enigma, a third path set before our destinies."

"Yes." Palpatine agreed. "They have been growing in number for many years, they threaten the greater balance itself."

"Then you agree with me?"

"In what." The emperor asked puzzled.

"That you must reform the old order of the Jedi, if only to stem the tide of the enigma. Your actions are destroying the future." Sidious moved back slightly and took a seat in one of the engraved alcoves.

"The enigma can be stopped, exterminated, wiped out."

Vergere shook her head. "It will only evolve, stronger more destructive. You must see it, multiple fates in your visions, in, in my visions."

"I have only ever seen one destiny Jedi, and it is here and now. I am, yes, I am to ask you."

"What power does power seek?" Vergere finished the sentence. "You should know the answer emperor, it is after all your last request of me." Dissatisfied with the retort Palpatine rose to his feat, cane in hand. "Would you like to know the answer emperor?"

"I already know it." Sidious snapped vividly. "Now, reveal to me your secret as you are compelled to do."

"I warn you, if I reveal to you all that I know, you will surely die this day." Vergere bowed her head already aware of the answer.

"I have seen this day Jedi, and it is not me who dies." Vader began to circle the room, his dark form slowly appearing and disappearing against the black shadow of the walls. Nightshade took her place at her masters side, waiting, watching, learning.

"I see you have an enigma with you emperor."

"A former one." Palpatine reassured her. "She will not disrupt fate, only one is capable of that, and it is not here, yet."

"Soon enough." Vergere sombrely said as she now approached the emperor, Vormans hand crept to his blade fingering the hilt longingly. Tarkin on the other hand was nowhere to be seen. "So you demand power emperor? Are you sure you know what it is?"

"Yes."

"You demand knowledge, are you sure you can control it."

"Yes."

"You are here, now, at the end of your path, do you seek an extension?"

"Yes."

"Great strength lies within, a thirst, an intensity never before allowed by the mercies of the force. Are you prepared for the consequences?"

"Yessssss." The emperor hissed with drawn breath. And the two stood still, perfectly, staring into the eyes of each other, lost in corridors of the force.

**** In Orbit ****

Acting Admiral Netter frowned once more as his display ignited with a small mirage of blips. "Tell me, what, what is that?" He asked knowing full well the answer.

"Multiple ships, presumed to be hostile Admiral."

Netter with his small sliver for eyes glanced at the signatures for a second time. "Rebel configuration?"

"Long range sensors confirm Coredian signatures, as well as other unidentified hostiles." A small barrage of incoming signatures filled the display. "Enemy vessels opening fire, impact in two minutes." Netter clasped his hands like his mentor and glared out of the Executors mighty bridge windows.

"Alert our forces to the line of fire and have ships evade the plotted co-ordinates. Commscan?"

"Yes sir?"

"Relay a communication to our Huntarian friends, have them stay put within the cloaking field for now, and have them evacuate the repair yards." The good admiral turned to the tactical display once more.

"Admiral, Moff Tylin is demanding an update of the strategic overview, he reports the Death Star is preparing to engage the enemy." Netter shook his head.

"No no, I think not." Netter glanced at the display. Order him to hold position, if rebel forces converge he will engage them once they are committed."

"And the rest of the fleet?" The officer asked.

Netter took his time to answer as the long range bombardment passed through most of the Imperial lines impacting on the planet below. "Is to hold for now. Bombard Cruisers are to return fire." Netter walked away from the tactical display wishing for the command chair that Thrawn so often installed on his flagships. The view, as stunning as it was, was not as merciful on his feat as it was on his eyes.

"We're experiencing return fire. Our shields can take the shots. Our shots take two minutes to reach their targets. As a consequence, most of our shots are missing and will hit the planet." An officer reported.

I grimaced. "Nothing worse than they have already gone through. Target their Bombard Cruisers, stay at range. We have to force them to confront us. Fire staccato bursts."

The long-range game continued as heavy turbolasers, Artillery superlasers, and shots from the Coredia's Yamato Cannons split the sky, aiming for the Bombard cruisers. But not their actual positions. We're targeting their predicted positions when they decide to move in the two minutes they strike. We're also beginning to engage the Interdictor Cruisers, our primary targets.

In return, the enemy fire was easily handled by the Third Fleet's lead elements. The distance meant that even the diamond-boron missiles have to traverse a hail of fire before reaching us and our ships. Not to mention that we also can dodge the missile fire, more easily than they can due to vector thrust engines and the Third Fleet's unique abilities. And to give the Empire another headache, even if the missiles did connect, the hull breaches would be easily repaired in battle. 'Accidently' upgraded by a run-in with Balroggan forces, the Black Fleet's ship hulls were coated with a black, sentient-metal material we have dubbed Transmutium. Should the enemy breach the shields, the Transmutium can act to self-heal any hull breaches, using the energy provided by the bombardments themselves combined with the ship's energies. Right now, however, the fleet hasn't been committed enough to utilize the hull and a few other new tricks, so for all the Empire knows, the Black Fleet's just had their hulls repainted.

It was the first major engagement of the Black Fleet since that day at Xanthal, and it appears to be turning out well. For the first few minutes, anyway. We'll know more as we go on...

Wow it is a beautiful night, or is it morning?

Lt. Michaelson looks at his watch, "0438 it is morning."

It is always hard to tell when you are in the black of space, Lt Kalia replies, so beautiful, all of the billions of stars, and the silhouette of the planets.

"I am just glad we did not die being strapped to the hull of this ship."

So am I, I just wish the light show would go away, all the red and blue streaks hitting the shield, is very distracting from the view.

Lt. Michaelson laughed. "You are such an optimist, being ordered on a suicide mission, and you are complaining that you can not see the stars as well as you like."

Lt. Kalia replied, Why else would I join the Colonial Fleet. That and to be a sitting duck on a ship that is taking a pounding.

Lt. Michaelson looked at his instruments. "Draidus contact, two feint transmissions to the port, at Mark 390 Mark 54 Mark 22. Oh frak they are emergency transponders, one is identified as the Battlestar Orion, the other the Gunstar Solar Flare."

Out the cockpit, about 1000 clicks there are electrical sparks from the broken hulls of several ships.

"Begin to scan the area."

"I am reading debris from three, make that four, no three confirmed vessels. It would appear the ships were jumped. One Star destroyer and two Colonial ships. There is also the background radiation of several nuclear weapons. It would appear that our vessels put up quite a fight, yet ultimately lost."

Frak me. Any suriviors?

"None, if there were any it would appear that they were picked up already."

Lets hope our men have the good idea to kill as many of the bastards as they can before they are killed.

"You got that right."

The Draidus screen begins to blimp.

Several red dots, marked unknown, appear on the draidus screen, yet vanished momentarily.

Lt. Kalia picks up the radio:

Much Ado about nothing, this is Raptor 21. It would appear that we found our missing ships, at Mark 390 Mark 54 Mark 22. They appear to be destroyed. Also be advised, draidus is picking up several unknown contacts behind us, they keep fading in and out."

Moments later, the draidus screen begins to ping again, 64 Unknown targets.

"Oh my gods, it is an ambush."

The red dots change to green, Transponder's identify 42 Mark VIII Vipers and 22 Mark II Raptors.

Coredian and alien vessel this is Mudpuddle, Cag of the Gunstar Solarflare. Thank the gods you are here. We request permission to land, our vessels were attacked by four Imperial Star Destroyers.


This is insane, they survived, or some of them.

"Cargo bay's too full. Transfer to Fleet Carrier Vigilance." I replied. "My condolences for your loss. Looks like they took the bastards down with them."

To be able to take down a Star Destroyer one-on-one with nukes and railcannons is no mean feat. I salute the fallen.

Ba’El sat in deep meditation when a feeling overcame him.

Something was not right.

He stood and left his chamber. Once in the hall he followed his feelings until it lead him to an open portal. He glanced out the window and saw the battle had already begun. That was not what had disturbed him, it was something else. He had noticed when the ship had begun firing. The noise, vibration, and general mood of the crew had told him while he was meditating. It was something else and it lay out there somewhere.

Ba’El then turned and made his way to the bridge where he knew Daniel would be issuing commands. He was not sure if The Much Ado had cloaked already and left behind their decoy or not but he did know Daniel would have kept himself open to issuing commands as long as possible. If there was anyone aboard that could help pin down this feeling of wrongness, it would be Daniel.

Shortly afterwards, Ba’El entered the bridge after being cleared by any guards (assuming I would have to). He stood a moment before working his way over to Daniel and waited patiently for him to notice Ba’El. While he was waiting, he looked around at the bridge crew and their efficient operation. Something on the display caught his attention. The picture showed many strikes missing their targets and striking the planet. He suddenly knew what had drawn him out of his trance. They were destroying the very people they were here to protect. Ba’El could not hold back his opinion at the outrage.

“You must stop this. If you strike the planet, you are no better than the invaders. You have no idea if you are killing children down there. If you continue, our noble sacrifices will be tainted by the blood of innocence. That cannot and should not happen. Do Jedi commit atrocities?”

"I know." I replied quietly. "What would you have me do then? If I shift position, the Empire will shift and I'll still be hitting the planet. If I cease, I lose my chance to defeat the Empire here. Either way, it's lose-lose for us. All I can do is minimize the damage we cause. No matter how accurate we can get, I can't guarantee we won't hit the planet."

I sighed and switched coms. "All ships, you are ordered to avoid hitting the planet at all costs. If you must use time for accuracy, do so."

Firing was reduced as the fleet obeyed my orders. Some of the captains grumbled about 'soft-hearted Jedi' but they made up the reduction in firepower with an increase in accuracy. Still, I can't guarantee anything at this point.

“The important thing is when you are going in to rescue somebody we are not to further victimize the victims. Couldn’t you hear their pain from here?”

“An idea is to divide the forces and split them into two equal groups. Put them far enough apart that their firing arcs will clear the planet. That will also make the enemy split their fire allowing less energy to hit your shields. The hit ratio would decrease and allow the shields more time to restore themselves because they would be taking half the rate of fire since they would have to divide their response. If they concentrate on one group, the other will be unopposed.”

“It would not only divide the enemy but also place them in a cross-fire.”

"Unfortunately, that isn't possible. Dividing my forces when they're already outnumbered 20-to-1 is just asking for them to die quickly." I replied, wondering how this guy made Admiral. "You may think me heartless, but my main consideration right now is the mission above all else. To be frank, if the Empire hadn't attacked this place, I would likely never heard of it. And now? I mourn the loss of anyone who suffer and die, but don't blame it all on me. Lay it at the feet of the Empire instead. It's done a lot worse than we ever will."

OOC:
Daniel, and most Jedi in the Order are more Grey than Light. They'll mourn the loss of innocents, but won't let that stop them from achieving their goals.

Ba’El could not believe his ears. Daniel was trying to excuse his actions as being righteous. He addressed Daniel in a calm and even voice. The tone was not misunderstood; Ba'El was serious about what he was saying.

“The lesser of two evils is still none-the-less evil itself. Using the actions others to excuse your own actions will not absolve you of your responsibility for those innocent deaths that already stain your own hands. How many more are you going to victimize?”

Ba’El took a couple steps back to show he was not considering a physical alteration.

“What the hell are you thinking? You would not shoot the hostages to take out terrorist. You don’t assault the mugged victim. You don’t take captive the kidnapping victim. It is not in any means considered good to victimize the victim you are trying to save. That makes you worse than those you fought against. That just makes you a rival terrorist organization, not the good guys. All you are doing is betraying the trust those poor people are placing in you to save them. Just because you have never heard of this place before does not mean they are populated by a bunch of nobodys. When we get down there you will have to look into their eyes yourself and you will see you are guilty of genocide as much as the invaders are. ”

Ba’El paced a couple steps before turning back to Daniel.

“Don’t think this will not be made public. There are too many ships in this one system with scanners tracing those shots. You can expect an extensive propaganda campaign from those hated enemies of yours depicting you as truly victimizing Asfaltum by firing on the planet. The proof is right out there in reading from the impact sites. Your ordnance leaves specific traces and will be linked to your deeds.”

He paused for a breath but did not give Daniel time to interrupt.

“Another fault you have demonstrated is your inability to use your resources to their greatest extent. Your adamant refusal to even consider my suggestion was plainly displayed on your face. Their shots take two minutes to reach you as well as yours to reach them. That means the Black Fleet can dodge those shots easier than a Ninja Master can dodge his apprentice’s first day moves. You have two fricking minutes to sidestep out of the way yet you are not using their abilities to their fullest.”

To make his next point fully understood he looked Daniel square in the eyes and remained speaking in the same calm voice he had been using all along.

“As of this moment I think you are the most inconsiderate incompetent military commander I have ever seen in over a millennium. To put that in context, I participated in the TCG purge and fought against Sepheroth one of the times he tried to invade us.”

Ba’El had heard great stories of Daniel’s apparent wisdom but could not see where it was in the shallow obsessed individual before him. He strengthened his defenses in case Daniel had sunk to the point of attacking an ally in his newfound madness. Ba’El wondered if Daniel was turning into one of these Sith he has heard so much about. He would have to keep an eye upon him.

(OOC: CW I hope it is ok that my operative would be on the bridge during this battle. He would want to review the history of those he has been sent to assasinate, including medical, standard history, war records, what elementary school they went to, as much information on the red guards training as well as those that he protects. If this is not ok then please let me know and I will delete this post.)

The operative continued to look up the records, new subject name Anakin Skywalker AKA Darth Vader.

As the computer screen began to fill up with informantion, the operative was very impressed with his war record. This man was a true warrior, before he was cut up by his former master. This is interesting, most of his body was made up of electical machinery, as well without his life support unit, he would most likely die within a few hours. This man would be simple to take out the operative thought, a simple EMP gernade should disable his legs and arms, as well as his life support unit.

New subject name Darth Nightshade, sister to Emperor Daniel. "The emperor's sister, the operative thought, this mission is even more interesting. I just hope that the emperor will not have family loyalty to his sister, the operative continued to think, however he was having trouble coming up with a plan to defeat her, since the bickering on the bridge was becoming too much of a distraction.

The Operative walked over the Ba'el and Emperor Daniel.

"Gentleman please". The man stood with the stature of a hardened solder, yet his voice was as gentle as a priest or even an oracle. "Do you desire Emperor Palpitine to win?", the operative asked.

"War is truly Hades, and many causalities occur on both sides. Sometimes civilians get caught up in the matter, and although it is unfortunate, it is unavoidable. Emperor Daniel has ordered his ships to reduce fire, to avoid hitting the planet and to help safeguard the "innocent" people on the planet. No matter what I think of this order, one thing is for certain. In a time of war, one does not question the military commander on their ship during the battle. You are causing morale to drop, and you are frustrating your allies. Ba'El you are causing a rift between this alliance on this matter, and as such you are giving the enemy a greater advantage by causing anamosity.

If you do not like the current plan, and you feel or think that the current plan is not working, then you should speak your mind, but not here and not now. Especially not in front of his men and those in his command. As an Admiral you should know this." the operative continued to say in the calm voice of a close friend.

The operative stood there, with his arms behind his back. "I hope to the gods that the Alliance here will stop arguing, or else the Emperor has already won. If you continue, then we might as well withdraw. A house divided can not stand, and our enemies have a fortress. You especially can not insult the commander on his bridge in time of battle. Only one man can be in charge and that is Emperor Daniel. Had this been a colonial battlestar, he continued, you would be damn lucky not to have a bullet in your head by now. And remember what is at stake. If we succeed here Emperor Palpitine will die."

"The thing about Empires are they are fragile. After the death of an Emperor, the successor becomes the next emperor. However here at this moment in time all of the Galactic Empire's successors are on the planet below. If we can succeed in killing them all, then the empire's admiralty will fight for control. It will be civil war, and the empire will collapse upon itself. The trade off of a few innocent lives that we do not even know are dying is worth the risk."

The operative then looked at the sensor scans of the sector. He pointed to the holographic representation of the deathstar in firing range of the planet. He looked at Daniel and Ba'El, hoping that they were listening. I do not think that if we fail that there will be much of a population left. There is only one reason to have a planet destroying ship in orbit after all. I think the population below would not mind a trade off of a few accidental shots against the planet in exchange for saving the entire planet from annihilation.

In the name of the Emperor, servant of the most high and pestilant Gods! In the name of Chaos everlasting, and divinity eternal! Hear my words, unbelievers! You come to interfere with the Emperor's will! Not the Emperor himself, of his Galactic Empire, but the Warmaster! Remiel De Drakan, our Lord and Master, whose name is forever and whose power is undeniable!

In the name of his might everlasting and the strength of his manifold legions! We fight! Bow your heads in shame at the utterances of your false religions, bow before the thrones supernal and know humility! You are each gnats, consumed by your own hubris! Unknowing of the Gods and their true power, the TRUE FAITH! The Chronosian Imperium stands against you, each new invader and damned rebel and heretic.

We shall shatter your bones to ashes and dust, we shall blast this world to nothingness and render your fleets into scrap metal. The void shall exalt at the taste of your blood! Come forth unbelievers, come forth and taste the venom of Chaos! Stand against us and be damned!

-Chronosian communique recorded at the Battle of Asfaltum, broadcast to both approaching ships in orbit and the resistance on the ground, accompanied by propaganda from conquered worlds, and images of their Emperor.

The Chronosian message was picked up by the tiny raptor onboard The Much Ado.

Lt. Kalia and Lt. Michaelson listened to the message intently.

Wow they sound very friendly.

Indeed, Lt. Michaelson chuckled. They sound more feverious then the Geminon and Saggitarians combined. I will never understand such zealousness in the gods.

Let us see what we have on record for the Chronosian Empire and Emperor Remiel

Ok sounds good.

Lt. Kalia began to search through the records on the Chronosian empire. Most of the records came from the Coredians with the message attached, "Stay far away from them", yet an interesting footnote appeared in the record.

Footnote: Admiral Helena Cain, commander of the Battlestar Ares is in current diplomatic negotations with this empire. Do not engage them unless fired upon, at all costs.

What the frak is that, do not engage. We will be in the middle of a huge engagement zone.

You have to love it when politicians like to play Admiral. No matter orders are orders. I am transfering their I.D. signatures to neutral status.

On the draidus screen, the chronosian vessels change from a red color to yellow.

Lt. Kalia then put her head back and began to stare at the stars again. There was not much else to do at this moment.

The command and control room aboard the Much Ado About Nothing grew silent, despite the battle raging outside. The atmosphere grew cold as well. It was as if Ba'el slapped me.

"Admiral..." Naruto growled, preparing to defend his best friend.

I held up a hand to stop Naruto. My voice turned into steel. "Admiral. You have good points and I will take them into consideration. But it seems I must remind you that you are a guest aboard the Commander in Chief of the Coredian IDF's ship and I will not tolerate guests undermining at me in front of my crew, ally or not. Also, you are guilty of insubordination which will normally have the culprit be relieved of duty pending a court-martial. I will bring your insubordination up with your leadership later. For now, you are confined to quarters until further notice. Sergeant, please escort the guest off my bridge."

A soldier stopped being wallpaper and nodded. "Yes, sir. Admiral, please come with me."

With that, I sighed. Good points they may be, but the fact of the matter is that it won't matter if the Empire decides to destroy the planet. We have to stop Palpatine now and henceforth, no matter the cost. After that, we can deal with the aftermath.

After hearing Chronosia cry like a baby, I smiled grimly.

"Prepare to initiate Phase Two!" I ordered. "It seems we have the Empire's attention. Move fast, stay alert and do your duty. Much Ado out."

The fleet began spreading out horizontally and vertically so as to dodge the Death Star's blasts more effectively and the lead elements began to accelerate, keeping the FTLi ships and the Executor in the crosshairs. Their firepower began to decrease to give the engines even more punch. Their forward shields were reinforced as well for the increasing incoming fire. The Third Fleet has become an arrow to pierce the Empire's side.

"Time to begin phase 2." I grinned. "Rig ship for cloak!"

"Rigging ship, aye!" Chris replied and pressed some buttons.

The Much Ado About Nothing shimmered and disappeared from sight. Then one second later, the cloak failed.

"What?!" I asked, smiling. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it seems, Master." Chris replied, barely holding back a grin. "Let's go."

I nodded. "Transfer pilot controls to me. We're going in."

The 'Much Ado About Nothing' stayed in place as the crew presumably tried to figure out what's wrong. In the meantime, something began to accelerate and move out above the plane of the elliptic. With fewer targets up there, I expected that we would have a slightly easier time than the rest of the fleet to reach the 4th planet. Once I pushed the ship as far as I could go, I started descending for Asfaltum...and the Emperor Palpatine's doom.

OOC: Your cue, Orthodox!

On board the Much Ado about Nothing, it seemed the very lifeforce was drained. The shielding was at minimum strength, and the massive barrages that once shot out at the Empires' ships had all but stopped. It was painfully obvious that the main laser cannons were offline. Whatever happened, the ship was barely hanging on. The ship however was still moving at the same speed as the rest of the fleet. Whatever happened, one thing was clear it was not the engines that had malfunctioned.

The ship continued to line up in formation, even in it's handicapped state. The ship barely seemed able to hold a lock on the enemy targets, yet in an act of bravery or foolishness continued, as the pride of the Coredian Fleet. With bravery and conviction, casting all doubts of the Coredian and Alliance resolve, and dispite the massive risks, the Much Ado continued on, to protect the innocent lives on the planet and to stop the evil menace that was the empire. (Cough propaganda moment cough)

Missle tubes are ready, and it would appear all systems are acting as they should

"Perfect, when we get within weapons range fire the barrage."

We only have 36 missles left, will that be enough? Also in our current condition we will not last too long if we take more than a few direct hits.

"Our goal is not to have enough weapons it is to hold out. Hince why they call these suicide missions. Prepare for evasive manuevers, nothing too fancy, just enoughto keep us alive."

Let us pray that we can hold out. I got a lock on the Star Destroyer.

"Do not fire yet, wait until we are in optimum weapons range."

Moments later the Much Ado began to send out a general signal to the Fleet:

This is the Much Ado about Nothing. We have had a reactor problem. Do not concern yourselves with our well being you all have your orders, and you are to carry them out. Admiral Achilles, you are in command of the fleet until we can isolate the problem and commence repairs. And may the Force be with you.

OOC: CW you have a TG.

Admiral Achilles took command of the fleet after the Much Ado cloaked and recieved the notice. If he didn't already know the plan, he would have been concerned for the young Emperor. As it is, he allowed himself a small smile.

Very well Much Ado. We shall carry out our orders. May the Force be with You, Emperor Masaki.

With that, he began barking out orders and the fleet continued to accelerate, moving even faster now.

Doron sat back in the chair he had occupied since the outset of their journey to the Asflatum. A small sly smile spread on his face as he watched the events unfold on the bridge of the Coredian vessel. He had always heard these rumors about how intelligent the Balroggans were. A race engineered to be vastly superior than any other. The Abriel couldn't help but think how foolish this particular one looked at the moment. Foolish to question an officer commanding his own vessel, stupid to question an emperor.

Doron wasn't exactly concerned that this confrontation would come to blows at in the open but he wasn't going to let it come to that either way. Already, he was prepared to grab the Balroggan with a force choke should he make a threatening move. If he proved uncooperative, then squeezing a little harder would simply snuff out the flame of his life. Afterall, what was one dead Balroggan to an Abh? Just one less he would one day have to fight and kill.

But for now, Doron watched to see if he would cooperate with the security guard and go back to his quarters.

“Fine, if that is what you wish. I would rather be safely in my quarters instead in this den of murders. Hope the blood stains wash clean from your souls. Let the record show that I opposed this atrocity. What you do from this point forward is your own responsibility.”

Ba’El turned with a flourish and ignored the soldier who was to escort him to his quarters. He left the bridge and returned to the quarters assigned to him.

Once safely within the room, he locked the door from the inside to keep any possible assassins out and returned to his meditative state.

Sire, I have done as you requested, the [Balrogga] Empire will not be brought down with these fools and their desire for petty vengeance.

You have done well




OOC:

OK, done with the argument you requested CW.

Orbit ~ Asfaltum Prime

Acting Admiral Netter kept his grim stoic expression as his training and loyalty conflicted. He had to remain above the planet, yet, he also had to prevent the enemy forces from engaging while the emperor himself was upon the surface, vulnerable and isolated. The holographic display flickered and glowed as the red blips signalled a substantial movement of enemy vessels - dotted lines extending from each detailed their extrapolated courses. "Well, it appears that they're breaking apart." Netter stood his ground and deliberated for a moment. "Order the Huntarian force to leave the cloaking field, flank and destroy enemy vessels at will." His eyes once again met the projection swirling above his head. "All Imperial vessels are to proceed out of the gravity well of the planet and meet the enemy in open space. Formations are to be wide and tight. The Executor will remain above the planet, amongst the Chronosians."

Imperial vessels just like countless battles before left the tight and grimacing orbit of Asfaltum, rejoicing in the fervent zeal of ending the crumbling light of the rebel alliance. Imperial Star Destroyers, cruisers, frigates and fighters all made their way out of the planets orbit. In the distance, rebel ships made their way forward sure in their courageous insanity.

The Death Star held position, yet her mighty frame spewed forth fighters and bombers. From further afield the Huntarian starfleet would scramble forward, ship after ship suddenly appearing as if by a manifestation of deceit. And below, below on the battleground of Asfaltum an emperor lay entombed in meditation as fire graced the heavens above.

Tarkin stood arms folded as his emperor conducted another feat of archaic magic. As a man of logic and technology Tarkin never truly understood the uses of a Sith; they had potential to be feared and used as a public symbol of fear, but their whims and insane courses of conquest often destroyed more of their empires than gaining anything noteworthy. Though, the Moff was rather sure that this was certainly a last ditch gamble of survival. They just.... just stood there eye interlocked, and hands clasped together. Both now shivering as though they were at war, how was Vader viewing this the Moff wondered. Looking around, he was nowhere to be seen.

The Black Fleet sped through space at speeds that would leave even the Empire's fighters boiling from the Death Star trying to play catch up. As it is, several squadrons' worth of corvettes and gunships of the fleet flew towards the enemy ranks and above the elliptic to draw fire away from the main fleet, shooting down any fighter or bomber that dared to live with superior maneuverability and survivability. To top it all, the Black Fleet acted more like the fighters they are not, dodging various bomber shots in seemingly impossible ways for ships of their sizes. It was as if they were facing a fleet of ships like Battlestar Coredia, only even more agile if that was possible.

And it would only get worse for the Empire as the ships neared the front lines of the Empire's fleet, ignoring even Huntaer's incoming forces. The Black Fleet sped through space at speeds that would leave even the Empire's fighters boiling from the Death Star trying to play catch up. As it is, the dozens of corvettes and gunships of the fleet flew towards the enemy ranks and above the elliptic to draw fire away from the main fleet, shooting down any fighter or bomber that dared to live. To top it all, the Black Fleet acted more like the fighters they are not, dodging various bomber shots in seemingly impossible ways for ships of their sizes. It was as if they were facing a fleet of ships like Battlestar Coredia, only even more agile if that was possible.

Aside from the corvettes and fighters, the Coredian ships did little more than flicker point-defense weaponry at the incoming fighters and bombers. This is to ensure the Third Fleet won't fire upon the Imperials until they could pretty much see the whites of their eyes. An unusual move, to be sure, but after the orders the Emperor gave to minimize civilian casualties on the planet, the Admiral decided it would be best to strike when the enemy could no longer dodge the fire. That meant getting into knifefighting range.

"Targets selected. Bombard Cruisers, FTLi Interdictors, and Star Destroyers. FTLi Interdictors are priority targets!" Fire Control announced.

"Very good. Shields?" Admiral Achilles asked.

"Holding steady. Recommend we reinforce them with hyperdrive juice." The shield officer replied. "It'll give us more energy."

"Very well." The Admiral nodded. We won't need them for a good while, anyway.

The hyperdrives were soon drained of energy to power the shields even more, giving the fleet all that more energy to survive.

Several minutes of pulse-pounding fire continued. And then...

"Sir! We're within optimal range of our weapons! Accidential planetary bombardment has fallen below 10% of potential shots fired!" That meant that a very small number of shots could hit the planet, insignificant compared to before and even more insignificant compared to the Empire's deliberate assaults.

It was time.

"Cut the throttles! Use the energy to power main batteries!" Admiral Achilles ordered. "Fire on my mark!"

From below, the ships that split from the main fleet began choosing their targets. From above, the lighter ships continued to draw enemy fighters away from the main fleet.

Hundreds of blue engine glows disappeared, allowing the ships to coast in the frictionless vacuum of space. The main cannons were overpowered with the energies from the reactors, up to 110% of normal shots. Certainly if any ships survived, the weapons will need to be checked for strain damage, but now was not the time.

Targets were acquired. Shields were holding, even though a few weaker ships fell to the incoming onslaught. Now, the only thing to do was...

"FIRE!"

A massive display of destructive fire lashed out at the lead elements of the Imperial Navy, concentrating on several ships at once. Most of the fire were concentrated on the Interdictor Cruisers to take them out of play, although massive slashes of beamlaser cannons and ion cannons carved through the enemy Star Destroyer ranks. And that's not all, for swarms upon swarms of yellow Shattermissiles, blue proton torpedoes and red anti-ship concussion missiles roared out to strike the enemy down. The ships from below smashed through the ranks, also firing all weapons. From two vectors, the enemy would feel the bite of the Coredian Navy!

=====

As soon as the Navy opened fire, I grinned and powered my way towards the planet itself. Now that the attention was fully diverted to the Navy, I can slip in unnoticed under cloaked.

I then heard a strange sound pipped through the speakers and rose an eyebrow in surprise. It was a music piece known as Liberi Fatali. I grinned again. "Excellent. I like that music."

I dove straight for the planet, nimbly dodging enemy ships and random fire. I have to hurry, for I sense the Emperor is about to execute his mission. My face stone-faced with determination, I broke through the enemy lines and headed down towards the planet itself...

Admiral Brivun watched D'Irk walk out of the room with the look of disgust about his face. Brivun got up and followed D'Irk as he had important matters to discuss with him and couldn't bring it up in the meeting. Brivun caught up with D'Irk, "D'Irk may I have a word with you in your quarters?"

The Zeus:



D’Irk looked around in surprise as Admiral Brivun approached him.

"Yes? How can I help you? Oh, please follow me."

D’Irk led Brivun through the halls of The Zeus to his private meeting rooms. After they entered one, the door was sealed and the privacy systems engaged. D’Irk gestured at one of the lavishly upholstered chairs for his guest to sit in and took the other one. On the table along side Brivun the replicator came to life waiting for any requests.

“What can I do for you Admiral?”




Kala-Keihm:



The Zeus and her escort returned to the position within the system. After arriving a lone shuttle left the carrier and returned to the Kraeton vessel that had recently arrived as Niiat returned to his ship. Minutes later the ship activated it FTL and disappeared to wherever it was needed.

Elsewhere in the system the four Battlegroups patrolling the border closest to the invasion returned to their positions before the flood of refugees began to arrive. Two of the Battlegroups simply uplifted and returned to their assigned places elsewhere in the system guarding against intrusion from other directions and the original two turned and headed back across the border after the Wander jar forces activated their FTL and left.




Aboard the Much Ado:



Ba’El sat motionless as he meditated. He knew he was probably being watched by Daniel’s security so he made sure there was nothing to see.

He had just finished giving his report of the incident on the bridge directly to Nhur-Galladu along with the memories of the actions of those present. It was also accompanied with the memories of the meeting before the mission started. Nhur-Galladu seemed to be very interested indeed.

Meanwhile, he reached out passively with his mind and tried to find the cams that might be directed at him as well as listen to the minds of those who thought they would be his keepers.

It was dusk, and the forest was as ancient as it was deep and impermeable. The child of about seven years with pale skin and oval eyes and a white dress was lost, looking around and alone, in this most ancient part of the world. Somehow she got lost from the path that she was on, from the trail that would lead her to safety, back to the loving arms of her parents.

The child soon fell into despair, tears fell from her like a spring rain. How could this be, how could she be alone? Was anyone looking for her? Would she ever see her parents again?

She soon fell to her knees, crying out, "Mommy, Daddy, please help me, I am right here." Yet no one came, the forest swallowed her voice. No one would come, no one could. She was lost.

As she cried for what seemed to be an eternity, soon she heard a rustling in a nearby bush. She jumped to her feet, terrified of what it might be. Seconds turned into days, as the small child could do nothing but fixate on the rustling of the bush, and what monsters might lye behind.

The monster soon appeared, it was white, with long ears. The child smiled, as her monster soon turned into a white rabbit. The rabbit though was not as eager to see the child, as it began to run. "Come back", the small child yelled as she began to chase the rabbit, running for many miles, never quite catching the rabbit, yet never losing sight of it. Soon though the monster would appear.

The rabbit stopped at the edge of the deep forest. The little girl smiled, and picked it up, and began to pet it. "Hi, she said. My name is Hera, what is yours?" The rabbit only stared in the distance.

She glanced into the distance and saw the sky on fire. Streaks of fire coming out of the sky, like a meteor shower. However this was not a meteor shower, it was her home, her family, everything she knew. The fire came from the sky and began to engulf the horizon. The sky turned red as blood, with flashes of lightning from the very tempest of hell.

She looked around in horror as she saw a hooded man with a black cloak and a torch approaching the edge of the forest. She was too terrified to speak a word. The man walked up to her and smiled. His face was wrinkled, old as if he had lived a thousand years. He grinned at the girl as he passed by with the most wicked grin she had ever seen, his yellow teeth as bright as the sun.

The rabbit jumped out of her arms, and she began to run after it again. Her legs grew tired as she continued chasing it though the plains. It was her only friend she had and the whipping of the long grass was not about to stop her from getting to the only companion she knew, until she tripped. As she fell , her face fell into a mud puddle. The cold mud on her face freaked her out, and for a moment she was confused about how she ended up on the ground. Was she pushed? She looked back and saw the horror of horrors, the forest was on fire. The man in the black cloak laughing in the background, echoing across the plains, as if he were Hades himself.

Hera knew she had to get out of there, running as fast as she could. She soon however came across a huge building, sparkling white and red, with golden trim, and seven roads leaving the building. It looked very similiar to the pantheon. She knew this building, it was .... home.

She ran inside, "Mommy Daddy, where are you?" She ran through the ornamental hallways and stair cases, until she came to the stage. A red stage with five white curtains hanging in the background. A small spotlight was focused on the center stage. She ran to it, and a person appeared.

The person was in a white robe, and had the glow of an angel. The face was obfuscated by the light, but she felt the warm glow, and knew it to be good.

The person bent over to the little girl. "You have to lead your mother and father here. Only here will they be safe from the great blaze that is about to come."

Hera woke in her bed. Her mother was sitting over top of her. "It is ok Hera, it is just a dream. Dreams can not hurt you."

Hera looked at her mother. "No mommy, it has happened before and it will happen again."

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


The President of the Colonies sat at his desk. He overlooked two files Project Eden: the rediscovery and re-colonization of Kobal and the Terra forming of the planets in the system, and project spearhead labeled Top Secret. As he over looked the files, he began to drift off.

"Being the president can be a bit dull" he stated as he began to over look the project Eden again. He knew that the funding would be expensive, but it would be a good idea to have a fall back position. The location of the colonies would not be a secret forever, and unless we get more allies, then this fallback position will be a necessity. How can I get the Quorum to fund it however?" he thought to himself.

The phone buzzed in, "Mr. President Admiral Garrison is here to see you."

The president pushes the reply button on his phone, "Send him in."

"Any word on the Orion, or BSG 21?"

None sir, they are probably experiencing the same difficulties with their FTL drives. They should be fine however, we have confirmed that they met up with the Coredians as well as a few other aliens and have entered the engagement zone.

"Very good, keep me apprised ofthe situation. The president began to look at his papers, but the Admiral stood in the same spot as before.

"Is there anything else Admiral?"

Yes sir, the Hybrid has begun school, and all of her physical tests are above the average. I would like to begin to place her in a military academy and begin to train her.

"Have you talked to her parents yet?"

No Mr. President. However with the security issues that would have to be put in placed to keep her safe, I doubt that they will mind. After all the Galactica is hardly a place to keep one of the greatest potential resources. Besides as a father, I would hate to have my child grow up on a battlestar. It is not the proper enviroment for a little girl to grow up in. There are not enough children for her to socialize with.

"Go to the Galactica and talk to Admiral Adama. See if they will allow their child to be taken away to this "elite private school." If not then we will have to order her parents to be transfered to a secure military base."

Yes sir.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the Asfaltum system

The Much Ado About Nothing, began to accelerate with the main attack fleet. Although it's turbo lasers were offline, it dodged easily most of the attacking fighters. It's maneuverability was impressive, and side skirted the bombs flying towards it. Even the shots that hit that burned a hole in it's armor, soon began to heal at an accelerated rate. For a crippled ship, it still had a few surprises left in her.

As the fleet broke into two groups the Much Ado began to break off with the second fleet, to go under the Interdictior and Star destroyers. As it got close enough, it unloaded all of it's missiles. 36, 500 Kiloton Nuclear warheads, on the ship to ship missiles began screaming in the dark of space towards 4 separate targets. The missiles were designed by the cylons to take out a battlestar. Even with the shields up, one of these missiles should create quite a punch. 9 missiles each would insure it's destruction.

Aboard the Much Ado:

Ba’El sat motionless as he meditated. He knew he was probably being watched by Daniel’s security so he made sure there was nothing to see.

He had just finished giving his report of the incident on the bridge directly to Nhur-Galladu along with the memories of the actions of those present. It was also accompanied with the memories of the meeting before the mission started. Nhur-Galladu seemed to be very interested indeed.

Meanwhile, he reached out passively with his mind and tried to find the cams that might be directed at him as well as listen to the minds of those who thought they would be his keepers.
The mind-searching took place and would find that the Emperor has taken the controls of the Much Ado and is now currently heading for the planet itself from above the plane of the elliptic. It would also seem that the Emperor, for all his lack of strategy according to Ba'el, was still an excellent pilot and tactician, one of the top ten in the nation of Coreworlds and one of the few who could handle Darth Vader if the Sith chose to use a fighter in battle.

The Huntarian fleet stood still, within the cloaked field. Undamaged, unaccounted for, and for all general purposes, it would appear that they're also undetected. Grand Admiral Heromath snorted at the idea to himself as he sat in his command chair. While it would appear that their fleet was unhurt, the crew of the Nemesis were anxious for things to come. Some wanted to fight, others wanted to stay in the "safety" of their Cloak Field.

"Keep me updated on the status of the Galactic Empire's fleet. The Imperials, Thrashians, Chronosians, Wanderjarians, the whole lot of them. And keep an even closer eye on the enemy."

"Aye sir. Still no word from the Emperor to strike?"

"No tactical. You'd have heard it by now if we did. We resume position and monitor battle. Keep the Achilles Heal activated, search for weak spots in the enemies hull and armor and get ready to target any possible weak spots."

"Aye sir."

"Admiral! Message from Grand Moff Tarkin! He's ordering us to move out of the field now! Assault the Coredians. I'm transferring our specific orders onto a datapad." The Comms officer quickly walked from his station and handed the Grand Admiral the datapad.

Heromath looked at the orders, and grinned. Finally, it was time to move on out. "All hands, this is the Admiral. We got new orders from the high command. We are going to split up the fleet. I want all Armageddon Cruisers, Necrosis Cruisers, and half of the Armada Battleships to assault the Coredians from their behind as they charge the Imperial Fleet. The rest of you lot, fall back to the belly of the main fleet and protect them. We'll provide heavy cover with our Shield Stations and Axial Laser Platforms. Fire into the heart of the Corredians. Execute orders, now."

In an instant, the fleet poured out of the cloaked bubble and began to spread out. The Nemesis headed towards the Executor to help give it and the rest of the fleet cover as ordered, while the rest charged into the Coredian Fleet to give them a distraction. The shield stations emerged from the fleet, and activated their shielding. A glowing blueish white sphere emerged, and surrounded the fleet giving it adequate protection. The Coredians will soon have more trouble on their hands than they're worth.

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

On the Surfface...

Vorman's mind was in two places at once, keeping an eye on any unwanted enemies approaching the planet and the task at hand. He continued to journey down the Temple with Palpatine, Vader, Nightshade, and the new mysterious sith whom he's never heard of. Perhaps he should be more mindful of the many Sith Lords there were over the number of Kirtir Lords. Then something disturbed him... His glowing yellow eyes grew brighter as this disturbance came closer and closer to the planet. It was a presence he couldn't ignore. A very, very unwanted presence, one of which he would very much like to encounter. Masaki... He could feel Daniel approach the planet as clearly as Daniel can feel that the Emperor was close to completing his mission. Vorman knew what to do, as it was his duty to protect the Galactic Empire's commander.

::Emperor, your life is in danger. I feel a presence approaching... I must turn around and confront it at the foot of the temple. I'll distract him for as long as I can. In the meantime, continue your journey my Lord...:: Vorman bowed politely, and then turned his physical shape into a lithe ghostly mist and floated down below the floor eventually disappearing from sight.

Then a hissing message was sent to the approaching Coredian Emperor, however all it said was: ::Masaki...::

The Huntarian fleet stood still, within the cloaked field. Undamaged, unaccounted for, and for all general purposes, it would appear that they're also undetected. Grand Admiral Heromath snorted at the idea to himself as he sat in his command chair. While it would appear that their fleet was unhurt, the crew of the Nemesis were anxious for things to come. Some wanted to fight, others wanted to stay in the "safety" of their Cloak Field.

"Keep me updated on the status of the Galactic Empire's fleet. The Imperials, Thrashians, Chronosians, Wanderjarians, the whole lot of them. And keep an even closer eye on the enemy."

"Aye sir. Still no word from the Emperor to strike?"

"No tactical. You'd have heard it by now if we did. We resume position and monitor battle. Keep the Achilles Heal activated, search for weak spots in the enemies hull and armor and get ready to target any possible weak spots."

"Aye sir."

"Admiral! Message from Grand Moff Tarkin! He's ordering us to move out of the field now! Assault the Coredians. I'm transferring our specific orders onto a datapad." The Comms officer quickly walked from his station and handed the Grand Admiral the datapad.

Heromath looked at the orders, and grinned. Finally, it was time to move on out. "All hands, this is the Admiral. We got new orders from the high command. We are going to split up the fleet. I want all Armageddon Cruisers, Necrosis Cruisers, and half of the Armada Battleships to assault the Coredians from their behind as they charge the Imperial Fleet. The rest of you lot, fall back to the belly of the main fleet and protect them. We'll provide heavy cover with our Shield Stations and Axial Laser Platforms. Fire into the heart of the Corredians. Execute orders, now."

In an instant, the fleet poured out of the cloaked bubble and began to spread out. The Nemesis headed towards the Executor to help give it and the rest of the fleet cover as ordered, while the rest charged into the Coredian Fleet to give them a distraction. The shield stations emerged from the fleet, and activated their shielding. A glowing blueish white sphere emerged, and surrounded the fleet giving it adequate protection. The Coredians will soon have more trouble on their hands than they're worth.
"Sir, the Huntarians have decloaked and are now firing on us!"

"Ignore them." The Admiral growled. "Our target is the Executor and nothing else!"

The crew looked frightened, having heard stories of the nightmare tactics the Huntaerians employed. Still, they were disciplined as any force and continued to concentrate their firepower on the Executor's fleet elements.

With the Upgrades, even the Huntaerians found it hard to track the fast-moving agile ships, meaning that the Axial lasers would only graze one or two ships at best. Even so, they were damaged by all the fire thrown at them, despite the healing powers the Balroggan-treated hulls provided. With the hulls treated so, it will take longer to bring down a Third Fleet Star Destroyer than it would take bringing down a normal Coredian one, and that was the main saving grace of the Third Fleet. If anyone could help the fleet escape this suicidal battle alive, it's the sentient Transmutium.

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

On the Surfface...

Vorman's mind was in two places at once, keeping an eye on any unwanted enemies approaching the planet and the task at hand. He continued to journey down the Temple with Palpatine, Vader, Nightshade, and the new mysterious sith whom he's never heard of. Perhaps he should be more mindful of the many Sith Lords there were over the number of Kirtir Lords. Then something disturbed him... His glowing yellow eyes grew brighter as this disturbance came closer and closer to the planet. It was a presence he couldn't ignore. A very, very unwanted presence, one of which he would very much like to encounter. Masaki... He could feel Daniel approach the planet as clearly as Daniel can feel that the Emperor was close to completing his mission. Vorman knew what to do, as it was his duty to protect the Galactic Empire's commander.

::Emperor, your life is in danger. I feel a presence approaching... I must turn around and confront it at the foot of the temple. I'll distract him for as long as I can. In the meantime, continue your journey my Lord...:: Vorman bowed politely, and then turned his physical shape into a lithe ghostly mist and floated down below the floor eventually disappearing from sight.

Then a hissing message was sent to the approaching Coredian Emperor, however all it said was: ::Masaki...::
Cold. Darkness. When Vorman spoke to me, it caused involuntary shivering, as if a Dementor was present. I forced myself to shake off the feeling and focused on descending into the atmosphere of the planet. I had Chris play with the cloak a bit so that it looks like a mere meteor or dying ship caught in the gravity well. Once I reach the appropriate altitude, it would be time to implement the next stage of the plan...

The Much Ado About Nothing continued to dance around the fighters. With all of it's missles deployed there was little left for it to do, but survive. However that was proving harder than originally anticipated.

With the emergence of the Huntarean fleet, a new volley of weapons fire came flying at the ship.

The first rounds penetrated the holo cloak/shielding system, leaving massive holes in the ship. Luckily though the ship was 3 times smaller than the one that the huntereans were aiming at. At least for the moment.

The second volley came, and the "severely damaged" ship continued to move as if nothing was wrong with it. Many more holes was punctured through the hull, until one lucky shot hit the small raptor inside the holo cloak.

The shield system could not take a direct hit from a capitol ship gun, and soon the Much Ado began to break apart, and exploded. As the explosion occured, the decoy missles fired, dispersing in the area. Soon the missiles began to create a new holograms, ones of wreckage and debris. The Much Ado was gone, as were the two pilots.

All that could be hoped for was the missiles they sent flying to the Interdictors and the Star Destroyers would enact enough vengence for the two pilots lost.

Several thermonuclear explosions rippled in the distance as Acting Admiral Netter spied his chance. The tactical situation was one of overwhelming superiority, though the Coredian forces were inflicting more damage than anticipated, he was still sure that his battleplan would proceed perfectly.

The enemy forces had split into two groups, the heavier Coredian ships were in the process of flanking below the ecliptic and damage the more undefended sections of the empires forces. Too few to spread themselves along the entire line the Coredians could only concentrate upon the centre. "The Star Destroyer Perceive has just been destroyed Admiral." Commscan announced a tad ruefully - The corresponding blip on the holo-projection faded.

"I believe that was an inhibitor class Star Destroyer?" Netter asked rhetorically. "Are they continuing to target said vessel configurations?" The officer checked the databases for a small moment.

"All Inhibitor class vessels are reporting heavy enemy fire."

Netter clasped his hands and smiled. "Excellent, then our trap is set. Order our Huntarian friends to raise their own inhibitor fields, and once that has been completed order our own destroyers to power down and begin firing upon the enemy. In the meantime, they are to retreat to the centre of their formations. Order all Tector class Star Destroyers to take point and engage the enemy at point blank range. Let us see if they will continue this folly."

"And the wings Admiral?"

"Order them to break formation and envelop the enemy. Once the Coredians are surrounded they will be beyond saving." The multiple blips of the Huntarians appeared upon the holo-projection as they approached the conflict zone.

Brivun sat down across from D'Irk in his living quarters. "Its about our ship numbers. We have only replaced about 22 percent of the numbers destroyed during the evacuations. The Council has asked for some assistance in the construction efforts so that we can offer what we can for this war and relieve our home forces on Ganoxa."

The Much Ado:

Ba’El kept track of the ships progress through the cameras and the passive thoughts of nearby guards. He had gotten many varied reports of what is going on, most being rumors but one thing was clear, they had pulled clear of the rest of the fleet and were now approaching the planet. Soon he would be able to find out what was so important to the Galactic Empire out here so far away from their home.

He wished Daniel would hurry though. Ba'El was getting the feeling they might be too late.

-----

Brivun sat down across from D'Irk in his living quarters. "Its about our ship numbers. We have only replaced about 22 percent of the numbers destroyed during the evacuations. The Council has asked for some assistance in the construction efforts so that we can offer what we can for this war and relieve our home forces on Ganoxa."



The Zeus:


D’Irk sat patiently as he listed to the Admiral. He sipped at a hot mug of something clear. Brivun was not sure what it was.

“I see. You are asking for some sort of assistance? What is it you desire?”

"Councilman Kotor has told me we need assistance with naval construction efforts so that we can effectively defend the people and take the offensive against the enemy. Maybe if you can spare a shipyard or two we can replenish our ship numbers and then some." Brivun then took a sip of water from the glass on the table.

“I don’t care what meeting I have today. Reschedule them. I have something that needs to be taken care of, personally.”

The entourage trailing behind Nhur-Galladu hurriedly carried out several commands he had just given while he walked to his personal transport.

“Make sure Grand Admiral Rdz’Quix has The Serendipity and the Honorguard ready for immediate departure. I feel we cannot waste a single moment. Something is brewing and it is demanding attention. Besides, I don’t approve of the treatment of Admiral Ba’El and will have a word or three with Daniel if he returns from his little mission. Send a copy of the reports to the Seneschals and begin their official reply.”

The Emperor finally arrived at his shuttle and before entering, he turned to his aids.

“”Contact the Admiralty and put everyone on full alert. My precognition is bothering me something awful.”

Nhur-Galladu entered the Stiletto shuttle and it quickly left, ascending to the waiting super dreadnaught waiting above.




Kala-Keihm, The Zeus:



D’Irk listened to the Ganoxan admiral as he explained the state of their navy due to running the gauntlet with their fleeing citizens. They had made it out with several hundred million of refugees and the Empire had transported them to their new world. The only problem with his request is he did not have the authority to command any of the shipyards. That had to come from higher up.

“I would love to assist you but I really don…”

Suddenly the Klaxons sounded as a fleet Emerged a light second away. The Serendipity seemed to ooze violet vapor as the dimensional energy radiated from the ship.

“Holy shit. She used M-Space to get here. That is damn dangerous and forbidden unless it is an emergency.”

“It was”

D’Irk turned and saw an elderly figure standing at the table where there was none before.

“First of all, you will have three shipyards diverted from Gliese to your new world. They should arrive in about ten minutes by wormhole. Please let your people know.”

"Vice-Admiral D’Irk, fill me in on the current situation. Brivun, you are free to add anything you might know. I need to get caught up on this immediately. It is demanding my attention.”

Several thermonuclear explosions rippled in the distance as Acting Admiral Netter spied his chance. The tactical situation was one of overwhelming superiority, though the Coredian forces were inflicting more damage than anticipated, he was still sure that his battleplan would proceed perfectly.

The enemy forces had split into two groups, the heavier Coredian ships were in the process of flanking below the ecliptic and damage the more undefended sections of the empires forces. Too few to spread themselves along the entire line the Coredians could only concentrate upon the centre. "The Star Destroyer Perceive has just been destroyed Admiral." Commscan announced a tad ruefully - The corresponding blip on the holo-projection faded.

"I believe that was an inhibitor class Star Destroyer?" Netter asked rhetorically. "Are they continuing to target said vessel configurations?" The officer checked the databases for a small moment.

"All Inhibitor class vessels are reporting heavy enemy fire."

Netter clasped his hands and smiled. "Excellent, then our trap is set. Order our Huntarian friends to raise their own inhibitor fields, and once that has been completed order our own destroyers to power down and begin firing upon the enemy. In the meantime, they are to retreat to the centre of their formations. Order all Tector class Star Destroyers to take point and engage the enemy at point blank range. Let us see if they will continue this folly."

"And the wings Admiral?"

"Order them to break formation and envelop the enemy. Once the Coredians are surrounded they will be beyond saving." The multiple blips of the Huntarians appeared upon the holo-projection as they approached the conflict zone.
"The Much Ado has been destroyed, sir!" A sailor cried out, as numerous captains gasped in horror.

The Admiral conducted the appropriate face of fury and sadness. "Very well, let it be known that we shall avenge our Emperor and tear the Imperial dogs apart! How far are we from the Executor?"

"At least 1 AU. We still have a gauntlet to go through! Sir, if we continue, they'll close avenues of escape to us and trap us within their forces." The sailor warned.

"That's the idea." Admiral Achilles smiled grimly. "Our orders are to destroy the Executor and by the Force, we will execute them! Break through the blockade!"

OOC: Because I am currently unavailable due to RL issues, I give Balrogga permission to use my fleet on the condition that at least 10% survives the battle (including the Ankylosaur and Battlestar Coredia). The Star Destroyer that is to ram Executor is called Serpent.

IC:
Streaming through the Asfaltum skies, the real Much Ado About Nothing becomes a meteor, fire licking at its hull as friction turns the air into an oven. Once through the atmosphere, I took the ship all the way down to the ground.

"All right. Time to search for the Emperor's presence. Chris, you have the helm." I said, and the young man nodded in reply.

Now that we were on the same planet, it wasn't hard to find the supremely evil presence of Emperor Palpatine. I had the ship hover at a quiet spot away from Imperial presences, but close enough to see a network of caves.

I keyed the intercom. "Now hear this: We are about to embark on a dangerous, S-level mission to defeat the Emperor Palpatine. If anyone wishes to back out, now is the time and you will remain on the ship for the time being. Otherwise, please assemble in the cargo bay. Thank you."

Twenty four colonial marines and twelve cylon centurions line up in the cargo hold of the Much Ado about Nothing. The operative stands before them, assembling his sniper rifle, and grabbing an assortment of epm gernades, batteries for his laser pistol, and magizenes for his standard pistol.

After he is done inspecting his equiptment, he walks in front of the marines.

"Men today we will have a difficult mission ahead of us. The empire is bound to have an assortment of troops, armed with weapons that we have never seen before. They will use tactics that we have never encountered. I tell you though, you should not be afraid. You are colonial Marines. You have survived a war that threatened your very existance. Time and time again you have proven your worth, against impossible odds, against persistant and invulnerable enemies. You have shown those that could not die the gates of Hades. Today will be no different. If any of you have any reservations though, then please step forward. No one will think any less of you if you do."

One marine shouts, "Sir, I think I can speak for the men when I say lets go kick the bucketheads, and Emo's ass."

Hoo Rah

The Operative smiled. As Daniel entered the cargo hold, the operative walks over to him.

"We are ready."

Doron shed his dark cloak and left in the chair he had occupied throughout the trip. The Abriel folded it and placed it in the seat with respect, assuming that it would be safe in its current location.

Checking his two lightsabers at his hip, Doron made his way down to the cargo hold of the Coredian vessel. While he did not share the same enthusiasm as the marines aboard, he was pleased to have the chance to put the old emperor out of his misery once and for all. Afterall, the universe was only big enough for one Empire.

OOC:

This will be difficult because I really don’t know CW’s crew and ships but oh well, gotta plunge ahead to get anyplace. Please forgive me if I do anything wrong.

I am not sure who was firing what at whom for the moment. Please assume there were unstated damages as well as a couple ships turning into miniature suns as they get blown up. I am unsure as to his numbers and types of ships.




Coredian Fleet:


“Admiral?”

Admiral Achilles looked over to his tactical officer. He could see in the lieutenant’s expression there was a suggestion he wanted to ask. “Yes Lieutenant? What is on your mind?”

“If we concentrate our ships, pack them in tight, we could put most of our shield power on the side facing outwards and use the shields of the other ships to keep our inner faces covered. By overlapping the shields like the scales of a dragon, we would almost double the shield strength while really not taking any overall reduction on the other side of the ship because the presence of the rest of the attack fleet.”

Achilles thought about it for a moment, considering the merits of the maneuver. It might allow them to break through the gauntlet without taking as much damage but if a ship fell, it would expose the rest of the ships until they could close ranks and cover the hole.

“See to it, if this works and we make it back alive, I’ll recommend a promotion for you. If it doesn’t, well there isn’t much we can do about it. After we get through the blockade, break formation and go after The Executor.”

“Thank you Sir. Issuing commands to the rest of the fleet.”

The ships pulled in tighter and the power from weapons was cycled into shields and rerouted to the “outside” shields of their formation.



Aboard The Much Ado:

Ba’El heard the message through the intercom system as well. He recalled his awareness from the security cameras and the nearby guards he was snooping on, they would never know he was listening in on them. He stood and approached the door of his quarters.

“Please open the door; I have to go to the cargo bay. You heard the message.”

After a few moments of muttering where he knew they were debating if the message meant the Ta’Nar, it was decided taking him to the bay would be more desirable than keeping him here. The alien spooked them and they were tired of feeling like they were being watched even though he was locked in his quarters. The rumors about the Ta’Nar were pretty wild and in case some of the more extreme were true, it would be better if he was on the planet below instead of here. The door was opened from outside and Ba’El was escorted to the cargo bay.




Kala-Keihm System, The Serendipity:


Vice Admiral D’Irk gulped at the appearance of Nhur-Galladu. He never expected a visit from the Emperor himself and it threw him for a moment. After collecting his thoughts for a moment, he began.

“Admiral Ba’El went on a mission. He suggested a small force sneaking into the underground chambers where the invaders seem to be gathering. He went on the-“

“I know this already. I spoke to the Admiral a few minutes ago. He filled me in on his mission details. I meant about the Ganoxan forces and the diversion’s current status.”

D’Irk turned to the holo-display and examined it. “It appears the false Much Ado vessel has been destroyed while the real one has arrived at the planet. The attack fleet seems to be pulling together to overlap shields and punch through the blockade. They are taking damages but the maneuver seems to be helping. I am reading a number of strikes and a couple ships lost.”

http://scienceblogs.com/strangerfruit/WindowsLiveWriter/Aneverendinggame_12D0B/Test-Card-F%5B5%5D.jpg

Emperor_Sithilicious666 was dropped from the game (error 665)


(dropped the internet, will be back later)

OOC: It turns out that I'm only available like once a week, if that. I'll try to come on more often, but that may be the best I could do. Until then, Balrogga may continue to use my fleet. The Admiral's a bit ambitious, so his personality will sometimes allow him to think about glory and all that jazz, especially with him helming the 3rd Fleet. Still, he's a good man in a storm, as they say.

IC:
We were all assembled at the cargo bay and I had allowed Ba'el to attend the team as well. The relation between us was still cool, but having a Balroggan help us again the Emperor's cronies would definitely be a good idea. Besides, it wouldn't do well to keep him cooped up in his room like a child.

Then Doron and the Colonial Marines arrived, followed by me and the original Team Seven. I was clad in a mithril-layered Jedi Body Armor and dragonhide cloak, the best the defense companies could build. The armor was treated to resist lightsaber blades while the cloak would protect from most energy weapons. Along with my powers, the armor will ensure that I would make it to the Emperor relatively intact.

The Operative smiled. As Daniel entered the cargo hold, the operative walks over to him.

"We are ready."

"Very well." I nodded and the cargo bay opened, revealing the sand and the wind. Reaching out with the Force to ensure that there's no enemies, I jumped down first, slowing my fall with telekinesis. Then followed my friends and presumably the others. We landed on the sand and Sasuke turned on a chameleon field that will allow us to avoid Imperial presences until we get into the caverns. Once everyone was off the ship, the cargo bay doors closed and the Much Ado About Nothing invisibly lifted off. Now it was time to deal with the Imperials!

OOC: Dictionary time!

A chameleon field is basically active camoflage that allows those within a radius of about 20 meters to blend in with the environment. That way, I would have a reduced chance of meeting Imperial patrols throughout the desert. It does have its weaknesses though...

Ba’El watched Daniel as he used his Force abilities. He had read reports on the Jedi abilities but this was the first time he has seen anyone use them in person. He watched as energy flowed through Daniel’s body as he was channeling the Force and shaping it to a form that could be used. Overall it was very interesting to watch as the “green” energy of Life flowed through him.

After he had gathered the energy for his sensing, he expanded it to allow him to sense the presence of anyone that might see them disembark from The Much Ado. The energy that was not used was released and returned to the energy field they tapped into. He also noticed Daniel gathering energy before jumping out of the hold and using it to slow his fall in a telekinetically controlled fall. After joining him on the sand, Daniel activated a device that extended a cloak around the party that masked their presence.

As Ba’El walked with the rest, he wondered where the energy that was expended was taken from. To achieve the effects, the energy had to be used and was not returned. Did the use of Force actually affect other beings by depriving them of moments from their lifetime? That is a question that would have to be answered in time.

As they moved closer to the enemy camp ahead, Ba’El reached out and explored carefully the emplacements and the positions of the guards as well as their view ranges. He then contacted Daniel and showed him what he had found. It would be easier to avoid being seen if you could know where the guards were looking at that moment.



OOC:

Just a little philosophical musing while we walk…

Doron was next out of the ship using the Force to ease his descent. The Abriel quickly fell in line with the rest of the crew disembarking. His lightsabers remained at his side, perceiving that there was no immediate danger. Even with the Balroggan in tow.

On Caprica:

Hera was flipping through the pages of the History of theTwelve Colonies. It was a drastic bore, she thought to herself. She had already read it twice, yet her teacher, Lt. Gah'riel, wanted her to read it again. The teacher emphisised that it was to make sure that all of the students would be sure that they knew where they came from, and learn the mistakes of the past to insure that none of the cadidates would repeat the mistake. She knew the truth, that she was feared. They were trying to instill propaganda in her, to make her one of their own. They feared her mother, her race, her potiental, and her destiny. They would stop at nothing until they owned her mind, body and soul.

She looked down again, but now she was in a field, one that had been tilled not too long ago. She looked around, the breeze was warm, the sky the brightest blue she had ever seen. The sun shined on her pale skin, and she looked up into the sky then smiled.

As she began to look around, out of the ground four plants sprang forth, one an apple tree, the forbidden fruit that gives knowledge but steals innocence. The second was a lemon tree, which was pretty to look at, and in the right mixtures very tasty, yet alone was bitter to eat. The third was a rose bush. It looked innocent, smelled sweet, and was delicate yet when you touched it, it will sting you with it's thorns. The last plant was a vine. The vine came up, and smothered the rose bush, then it grew, eventually covering and choking the life out of all of the other plants. Soon the fertile farm, became over run by the vine. She looked into the distance, and she could see the farmer coming. He poured a liquid on the ground and burned the dead plants and the vines to the ground.

She looked up and whispered, "It has begun"

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

The operative, signaled, and the marines and cylon centurions jumped out of the Much Ado about Nothing. The jump was a decent one, As the operative landed, he felt a sharp pain ride up his shin. Nothing serious, but the pain was very aggrivating. He only wondered about his men, who wore about 100lbs more in the gear that they carried alone. If any were injured none, would say, nor would show a sign.

The centurions jumped down, in their mechanical precision. When they landed they immediately stood up. The Operative thought to himself, Damn machines didn't even flinch. Although he was originally trained to hunt and kill these machines, he secretly admired them, their precision, and their ruthlessness. He even envied them, slightly.

As the march began, none said a word. The cylons continued in their mechanical fortitude, easily keeping up with everyone. The only sign they were around was their uncanny clanking, which was unavoidable. Hopefully though in the desert with the high winds no one would hear them until it was too late.

The operative looked around at those that were with him. He wondered their backstory, their livelyhood, and what points in their life brought them to this moment. Soon he believed he would find out.

Bump

Waiting for the rest of the Internet to post too. I know US is having internet problems from the above post and CW has only a day or so a week but there are others to post too.

Too bad the two chief antagonist are both offline.

OOC: Will post soon... :)

Octavian Blackstone, professional trader and ex-minister of Trade, sat in his armchair, hands clasped in front of him, staring at the desk. It was so close, yet so far. He had worked hard at this plan of his and now, with Imperial fire raining down on the enemies outside the building walls, he could nearly taste victory. True, some unfortunate Jedi had tried to destroy the fruit of his labours, but the problem was being fixed. Soon he would go from “Octavian Blackstone” to “Emperor Octavus”, and the “Interplanetary Armed Kingdom” of Asfaltum would become the “Imperial Federal Dominion” of Asfaltum. A face appeared in front of him, hovering over the desk. “The problem has been fixed sir; we are ready to broadcast the activation transmission world-wide.” – “Good.” He paused. “Do it.” – “Yes sir.” The face disappeared. The thin pale man moved restlessly in his armchair, waiting. Then, the sound of heavy fire from the defence-installations suddenly came to a halt. He smiled a sinister smile, then stood up, readjusted his black robes and walked over to the holographic transceiver. He activated it and sent a message to the Imperial ships in orbit, and the Emperor, he hoped.

“Greetings!
It is with great pleasure that I send you this message of victory. During the past few years I have busied myself with a small project of mine; adding small amounts of nanites into this planets’ water supplies. These nanites are designed to seek out and attach themselves to a particular part of the brain. When activated, the average citizen will not feel anything out of the ordinary, except a profound loyalty towards the Galactic Empire, and a profound hatred towards the Royal family, and all Jedies. I dare say, Jedies are being “dealt with” all over the planet right now. All military forces have put down their weapons and you will be welcomed as heroes. Please cease firing at the planet, it will only cause unwanted controversy and is completely unnecessary. I look forward to meeting the Emperor in person and discussing further developments, now that all armed forces have been brought under my command. Thank you.”

Octavian realized that the transmission could be intercepted by enemies of the Empire, but he didn’t really mind showing off his “accomplishment”, and if they were smart, they would take the hint and retreat; now that the Empire didn’t need to bombard the planet, it could throw its entire fleet at the rebels…

Strategorum froze. A force was trying to take over his will-power. He quickly tracked and destroyed the nanite origin of this attempt, but while he was still pondering over who might have tried to do this and what it implied, he sensed a change of atmosphere sweep through the command-bunker. The fire fight outside seemed to have calmed down. All the Generals in the room were glaring at him. “Traitor!” one said. “Arrest him!” But before the guards at the door could even move, they were knocked out by a wave of Force. Strategorum speedily removed himself from the command-centre and headed down the corridor, throwing himself into a room as he sensed guards approaching. He contacted Riddick through his head-set. “Change of plans.” He said. “Remember that piece of equipment I gave you? I need you to activate it now.” – “Whoa, take it easy… first things first…” Riddick replied, leaning back in the darkness of the cave. He pushed the button of the detonator he was holding and tossed it away. A distant explosion and all the lighting in the cave going out, confirmed the fact that the device he had previously attached to the main power-cable leading into the cave had exploded.

“Now…” he said, pulling out a small circular device and placing it on the ground. “You were saying?” – “Press the large triangular button.” – “Ok… done. Now what?” – “Wait a few seconds.” Riddick crossed his arms. These high-tech thingies were irritating. He preferred knives, they were logical and simple. A blinding light lit up the surrounding cave walls for a few seconds as Strategorum was teleported into the cave. Riddick stood up and walked a couple of metres, rubbing away the slight pain in his eyes resulting from the unexpected light. He put on his sunglasses while activating and throwing a small torch to the ground. “Did you bring all the equipment I gave you?” Strategorum asked. “Most of it…” Riddick answered, trying to avoid the issue. As he turned, he noticed a strange distant smell of electronics and blood coming from behind, as well as felt a presence approaching. In a split-second he threw himself to the right, rolling and coming up back on his feet concealed from view behind a rock. He activated his light-sabre and peered round the boulder, finding that Strategorum was facing the intruder, holding two activated green light-sabres in his hands. Riddick looked back at his own light-sabre and frowned.
“Violet?”

OOC: Sorry for being inactive lately… Sithy, I hope you don’t mind me making an opening for the confrontation between my guys and Darth Vader, after all, I would hate to have him die from one of Coreworlds/Gnosticisms EMP grenades… :P

OOC: That’s more like it Asfaltum, I’m very impressed with the post. :-) Try an EMP grenade, the rebel alliance did XD. As for everyone else, I’m just going to be concentrating on the character stuff for the moment, I trust everyone to be realistic in damage and losses. I really only have time for the character.

IC: The small seething chamber of this hostile world burned against the force with rage and chaos. The stream of life some aliens cried, the river of purity others decreed, had suffered taint and injury. Whatever was happening here and now, the force was aflame in contortion, Palpatine and his Jedi prisoner swayed back and forth as their hands were locked against each other. Light seemed to swirl from Vergeres very person as she struggled to survive.

Watching aghast at this, this, witchcraft Tarkin curled up his nose and face at the disgust of such archaic weapons, false ethos and grand designs of power or democracy he spat. There was only one true power in this Galaxy for him, and that was fear. “Perhaps dear fellows it is time we made our way back to the surface.” The Moff said with a look of mortal concern. It came as no surprise to Lord Vorman or the Lady Nightshade as they idly watched, everyone knew that Tarkin was only ever concerned with his own progression, and survival.

“By your leave Moff Tarkin.” Nightshade laughed threateningly. Extending her hand she graciously pointed to the door way and the light beyond, which to the Moffs sheer horror, detonated in the darkness, trapping him with this sorcery.

“I think, dear lady, that one shall remain here for the time being.” The hooked nose Admiral quickly retorted regaining composure. Brushing his wrist, Tarkin activated some form of energy field around him. He went ignored by the two Sith standing closely by.

Meanwhile……

In the great tunnel leading to the entrance Vader stalked his prey. As deadly in the light as he was in the dark, the Sith Lord maintained his reliance on his artificial limbs and devices. The hate and anger of the fires of Mustafar burned with him, almost as brightly as his lightsabre. These tunnels were infested by Imperial forces, each one being carefully mapped and scanned, while the emperor moved ever closer to achieving his goal.

OOC: lol, that Tarkin doesn't have much luck... Btw. Riddick has violet, and Vader is not aware of his presence. It's between him and Strategorum now. (Strategorum=long white beard and robes, think Gandalf)... also, when you get a chance, try to respond to my transmission to your ships...

IC:
The cave walls displayed a show of light; the blue aura from the torch, the red swinging light from Vaders light-sabre, and the short and precise flashes from Strategorums two green lightsabres as he slashed away at his enemy with astounding precision, only to be beaten back by the towering figure cloaked in black. "How discourteous of you not to introduce yourself..." Strategorum remarked, making a side-ways flip and avoiding a thrust. He switched tactics; instead of hitting back, he simply avoided his opponents attacks, making him miss and get tired and irritated; more liable to make a mistake.

Ba’El cast his mind forward keeping track of the progress and the location of the multitude of troops on the ground. The sheer number present was staggering. There were two destroyers at least that landed and disgorged their contents on the desert plain the small group were trying to sneak across. Hundreds of droids patrolled in small groups looking for anything out of the ordinary. Off in the distance ringing the edge of the dome were impressive fortifications surround the generators that assisted the main generator inside the dome. Their gun placements caused the structure to bristle with hardpoints outside the placements and the patrol areas of the troopers and droids several walkers seemed to scurry around on their two legs. Nearby was a walker where the sergeant was sitting with his upper torso poking out through the roof of the cabin with a pair of viewers scanning the distance for any sign of intruders. A voice from inside caused him to retreat inside as the walker moved out of the way as an ATAT came around the dome. The presence of ATAT made the ground shudder under their footsteps as they completed their rounds outside the dome’s defensive perimeter.

Daniels holo-cloak was a great idea but if the people you were hiding from were accidently inserted into the cloak area it would spell disaster for this reason Ba’El was tracking all the enemies that might be included in the radius. It was obvious the only way to cross the track of the ATATs was to go right after one passed but before the walkers scurried out. They had to time it so the ATAT’s legs did not disappear in the cloaking field and give their presence away.

Ba’El was sure to communicate everything directly to Daniel so none of the others knew they were getting guidance from the Ta’Nar. It was obvious the Abh would have taken offense at the idea and the others were of similar mindsets but if the orders came from Daniels then they could not argue the point. It was not his fault if none of the others possessed Total Combat Awareness or the ability to share it with another being. Ba’El just made sure he did not allow his awareness to completely sink into hunting mode so he could remember to convert what he perceived into something the human could understand before sending it to Daniel. If he didn’t, Daniel would receive the exact view Ba’El was seeing which would at best confuse the human if not overpower his mind as he saw everything expressed in their energy forms.

If it wasn’t for the others, Ba’El could just turn off his physical manifestations and simply walk through the camp with very few individuals having the chance to be aware of his presence. As it was, he had made a commitment to seeing this mission through and he was going to make sure it succeeded.

He gave Daniel the signal when to move and tried to keep an eye out for any others that might be seeing their movements. Ba’El was looking for minds so it was easy to overlook the low power laser line that was set up. One of the group walked through it and set off an alert somewhere. The sensors were hidden in a small pile of rocks nearby to either side of the path they were taking. At the other end of the circuit was a lone spotter situated atop the nearest fortifications. When the proximity sensor began to flash, he reached over and hit the reset button to rearm it. “Better not be one of those damn droids. They are so frackin’ stupid. I told them the last time if they would not avoid the tripwire, I would shoot them.” He muttered to himself as he reached over and picked up Matilda. Matilda was an enormous sniping rifle with an equally enormous spotter scope mounted atop it. The others preferred the automatic model but Rafael liked to do things the old fashioned way. His kill shot ratio was the best in his company so the others begrudgingly kept silent about his eccentric ways, when not around him it was different. He leveled the killing tool towards the tripwire sensor and carefully peered through the scope. When he saw absolutely nothing in the area (due to the cloak) he was confused. “What the hell caused it to trip? Diagnostics says it is working properly so what the hell caused it to go off?”

He adjusted the setting s of his scope and peered in it again, this time looking at a magnified image of the area carefully examining it for any changes. The trampled ground from the ATAT route was unhelpful but he noticed a large number of footprints leaving the track headed for the general area of the tripwire. To anyone else it was just ripples or simply indents in the sandy ground but to his eye they were too regular and spaced too convincingly to be natural in origin. That only meant they were left by someone walking through the area, or rather a group of someones. The curious fact there was nobody in the area caused him some considerable confusion. Pausing for a moment to rub his eyes, he again looked through the scope. To further his confusion, there were more footprints and they were advancing. The complete lack of dust in the air immediately around the footprints was another puzzling piece to the dilemma he was experiencing.

Then it hit him. A cloaking field! He had seen reports of them being used by Coredian Special Forces but none have been recovered so he was unsure of the radius of effect. If he could figure it out it would be another set of honors to be placed on him further setting him above and apart from the other yahoos in his team. He carefully watched the entire area looking for disturbances in the dust caused by the wind. It was about 120 feet in front of the revealing footprints. “Hmmm, it seems to have a radius of about 20 meters or so. That means the center of the field would be where the head of the group would be because it seems the leader would possess the generator. If I set my sites just so… and then aim right about here… that would be where the squad leader would be.” Rafael took two breaths and let out the last halfway. He carefully and gently began squeezing Matilda’s trigger when his world suddenly exploded. Pain rushed his senses and his eyes seemed to flash with brilliant colors. He felt a pressure in his skull grow as he began to lose sensation within his body. His arms jerked as if they were under their own control and Matilda fell to the ground, her scope giving off a small cracking sound as the optics took a damaging blow on the hard metal. Rafael’s body fell beside his beloved rifle as it shook in convulsions before finally lying still. A small trickle of blood dribbled out of his ear as his eyes stared unseeing to the war torn sky above.

Below, the Ta’Nar was looking up at the distant fortifications. He was relieved because it was closer than he believed. He had noticed the power surge caused by the diagnostics done on the trip sensor and then followed the data stream back to the display panel. From there he was able to determine what was going on. Normally the spotter’s mind would be outside his scanning range because he was not looking for them, just immediate threats but he had just barely caught this one with only a breath to spare. He had to take care of the spotter and made it look like an aneurysm or a ruptured blood vessel in his brain was the cause of his death. He had placed a telekinetic blockage in the aorta and caused the vessel to burst. The result would be what would be determined as a natural death.

Ba’El increased his scanning range to include the possibility of spotters and low grade trip sensors. The group slowly made its way to the opening to the catacombs below. He had diverted attention away from the group as well as he could but getting past the guards at the tunnel mouth would take a little more work. He was not sure what Daniel would want but in times like this, it would be better to appear as if they were troopers themselves. Ba’El had an idea and quickly suggested it to Daniel.

“If we appear to be a group of troopers taking a prisoner to the catacombs, we can get through these guards. If we destroyed them, their absence will trigger alarms that would get every soldier in camp here. We have to be allowed to go through and if a large group of troopers were escorting, say for example, the Abh prince or even Daniel himself, they would be let through because they know the Emperor would want them there personally, especially if I were to play a little trick and make the guard in charge thinks he hears his communicator tell him to let us pass.”

He changed his appearance to that of one of the storm troopers and then placed similar images over the other members of their group. To show he could do it easily enough. The disguise moved as if they were actually wearing the stuff. As the group approached the opening to the tomb, Ba’El hailed the leader and approached him.

“Hey, we have word the Emperor wants this prisoner escorted to him. Go ahead and check but don’t hold us up, I don’t want to be tie one to piss him off.”

When the officer reached for his communicator, Ba’El entered his mind and made him hallucinate that he called in his orders and the permission was granted to progress forward.

“OK, you have clearance. Hurry up and don’t blame your standing around on us if you are late.”

“Yes Sir.” Ba’El waved the others to continue into the Tomb and took point as if he were their officer and acted the proper way he would in the situation, as gleamed from the officer’s mind while he was in there playing his trick. The group entered the Tomb as if they were supposed to.



OOC:

Sorry if I stepped on any toes but I felt as if I had to do this in order to get things moving again. I’ll let you decide who plays the prisoner because it really is a moot point. Either way, we are in the Tomb probably approaching the battle that is going on in the tunnel soon. I think we should come on them after the battle is over so Vader can bring us to the Emperor or something like that. I know we could probably destroy him but if we get Vader to escort us back to the Emperor it would make it even easier.

OOC: Sithy, I have noted the changes that you have made to your previous post. I rather dislike them as they add things which I didn't have the possibilty to RP in my following post... hopefully you won't do that again... just a reminder... :sniper:

Thrashian Front, Capital Area

The 12th Army Group had achieved its first objective. Even though they had been set back on other fronts by large groups of airborne threats, the amount of AA that the army had with it was reasonably off to dispose of the pests quickly, as well as with the help of hundreds of Tie Fighter sorties flying from in-atmosphere placed Victory-class Star Destroyers. The motorized armored divisions had succeeded in cordoning off the entire city cutting it off, from the surface, from any communication from outside.

Then began the bombardment.

For more than three days the various artillery units and orbital bombardment created a deluged of destruction, raining turbolaser strikes and explosive shells upon the population center before them. Fire and brimstone on a Biblical scale was the creation of such mindless ferocity.

Now the bombardment is over and its up to the infantry to enter the now malign and twisted remains of the city proper.

----

"Get down!"

Fire sprayed across the broken road with a high stucato beat. Three white armored troopers were caught in it. Limbs were torn and blood fountained from burnt out holes in their armor. Return fire blazed and two medics risked their lives, running out into the maelstrom and dragging the still conscience back into cover. Bodies littered the ground. Piles of rubble and walls of warped metal were all around the four corners of the block.

It was only the fifth block into the city.

Captain Farigute coughed as dust and debris moved over him in a cloud. He envied the troopers around him with their protective helmets. At least they could breathe properly. Farigute scratched underneath the edge of his armored chest plate and scanned the area ahead of them.

The Asfaltum rebels had been fighting like devils all morning since the bombardment had stopped. Many had thought no one would be left alive in the city, except a few poor shell-shocked bastards who were better off dead than alive. That however was far from the case.

Instead of rag-tag groups, the Thrashian advance met stiff, organized and well armed resistance. Streets were kill zones that only a fool would venture out into. Rubble piles became pill boxes. A charred one story building a snipers nest. The entire place looked like the planes of Hell. The enemy seemed to be everywhere and nowhere all at once.

"Alright sergeant!" Farigute called. "Get ready for another go. 1st platoon, get your tread-fether up front and ready to use."

"Yes sir," responded one of the white armored troopers, his shoulder pauldron showing his rank as a sergeant. With hand signals and quick battle language chats, the company, or what remained of it, formed up again.

Farigute looked to his left and right, checking the hidden faces of his soldiers. With a brisk nod the sergeant returned the look. Farigute nodded and pulled out his blast pistol and unsheathed his chain sword. "Charge! Long live Treize Kushrenada!"

"Aaaaah!"

Hundreds of white armored troops rose from the ashes and charged. Las bolts roared and flew up from enemy positions. It was going to be another bloody afternoon.

Doron heaved a heavy sigh. "Fine, fine, fine. You better enjoy this moment though, you won't get a second."

The Abriel threw back the hood of his cloak. If anyone knew anything about geneology or Abh ranks, his pointed ears would give away his rank and status within the Empire. He put both lightsabers behind his back to hide him. He wasn't about to let them go incase they came in handy.

Doron kept a steady pace with the mock trooper as they headed towards the tomb. He shot the guard a threatening glare just to keep up the charade of being captured. Once passed, Doron checked his bindings again to make sure they weren't too tight.

“If we appear to be a group of troopers taking a prisoner to the catacombs, we can get through these guards. If we destroyed them, their absence will trigger alarms that would get every soldier in camp here. We have to be allowed to go through and if a large group of troopers were escorting, say for example, the Abh prince or even Daniel himself, they would be let through because they know the Emperor would want them there personally, especially if I were to play a little trick and make the guard in charge thinks he hears his communicator tell him to let us pass.”

He changed his appearance to that of one of the storm troopers and then placed similar images over the other members of their group. To show he could do it easily enough. The disguise moved as if they were actually wearing the stuff. As the group approached the opening to the tomb, Ba’El hailed the leader and approached him.
I scowled a bit at the thought of being captured (yet again!) by the Empire. It would be like the fourth or fifth time, but I immediately placed a 'this one doesn't count' mental sign on this mission.

"He has a point. I think it's the best way to get to the Emperor." Naruto whispered to me, transforming into a stormtrooper by Ba'el's technique. While my friends could do that themselves, letting Ba'el do it was a sign of (temporary) trust. "We could fight our way in, but it'd be a waste of energy."

"Who's side are you on?" I bantered back, but allowed him to put the binders on my hands. Sakura smiled apologetically while her face transformed into the pitiless white face of a stormie while Sasuke remained stoic as he too was transformed.

“Hey, we have word the Emperor wants this prisoner escorted to him. Go ahead and check but don’t hold us up, I don’t want to be the one to piss him off.”

When the officer reached for his communicator, Ba’El entered his mind and made him hallucinate that he called in his orders and the permission was granted to progress forward.

“OK, you have clearance. Hurry up and don’t blame your standing around on us if you are late.”

“Yes Sir.” Ba’El waved the others to continue into the Tomb and took point as if he were their officer and acted the proper way he would in the situation, as gleamed from the officer’s mind while he was in there playing his trick. The group entered the Tomb as if they were supposed to.
"Two high-level prisoners for the Emperor." Sasuke intoned.

I did my best to look menacing to the Imperial troops as we walked in.

Today was a day of surprises, the Operative thought. After sneaking through the Empire's main base, and seeing their formidable, and terrifying weapons of war, walking through legions of faceless solders, into a situation that the Colonies had never faced before.

As they snuck into the caverns, then to have your uniform and outward appearance turned by a thought of Ba'el, into that of the persons that we were about to engage, was also a terrifying thought. These aliens, who for all intents and purposes were human or humanoid, seemed to possess the powers of the gods themselves.

The operative could not tell how the marines felt about the situation, mostly because of their facial expressions being hidden by the masks of the "bucketheads", but based on their movements it would appear that they were also unsettled. Only their disipline, and military training kept them in line. Most people would have run in terror by this point. Only the cylon centurions, in their mechanical horror, stood resolute, without any sign that anything was wrong. The operative for the first time in his life envied his former enemy.

The operative pointed his rifle, that now looked like an oversized hair dryer, at the "two prisioners". Move it. he said, surprised that his voice had been altered by the mechanical overtones that the helmet would have given.

The prisoner escort moved past the guard post and into the tunnels. Ba’El followed the guide lights strung by the surveyors who cleared the tunnel ahead of the Emperor’s passage. The lights were strung out a distance apart so there were areas that were in complete darkness with only a distant point of light to guide you further.

The presence of many booted feet was shown in the footprints left in the sand on the tunnel floor. That was a good sign because it proved that a large escort had come through here. There were other ways to travel but they were not lit like this main pathway was. Dark ominous openings were situated periodically along the side, supposedly leading to their own separate tombs or even trapped dead ends. It was best to keep to the main path.

As they rounded a corner, ahead in an area of deep shadow the flickering of sabers could be seen flashing as two opponents battled in the tunnel. There was a single red beam opposing two violet ones. Vader was known to use a red lightsaber so Ba’El cautioned the rest.

Careful, if we move forward as if we are troopers, perhaps we can get Vader to take us to the Emperor. His presence would be a perfect alibi to our disguise. Keep in mind you are troopers and don’t let that falter one bit. If you do he might see through the disguise with his Force skill. Perhaps our presence will end the battle and we can have whomever he is fighting there to assist when we meet the Emperor.

Ba’El clamped down on his defenses and moved forward leading the troops and stopped an appropriate distance away holding his “weapon” ready to fore at Vader’s opponent, like real troopers would do in that situation.

As Ba'el began to move into a defensive position, the Marines began to hug the wall and pointed their rifles at the pair of glowing violet light sabers. The marines knew of the colonial nickname for the jedi, "Priests with Glow sticks" but this was somethign completely new. As the lights flickered in the distance they could not help but be in awe of the sight. Clashes of red and violet, as well as th white light that occured when the blades met, was truly a beautiful, yet terrifying sight. They however did not know the difference between the colors of the blades. They had no idea who the real enemy was, but since Ba'el raised his gun at the one with the violet blades, they followed suite.

The operative tried his best to act as a imperial storm trooper as he readied his rifle. The Centurions however did not take cover, instead pointing their "rifles" at the target. The operative quickly gave the do not fire command with a motion of his hand, before the centurions had a chance to fire. Although the cylons were tough, he did not need them to give them away by firing kenetic rounds when they were pretending to use energy weaponry. That would have been a dead give away.

The centurions quickly lowered their "rifles" and the operative gave another command to them using hand signals, "Keep your target on the prisioners." The cylons raised their guns at the two prisioners. The operative thought to himself, I really hope that Daniel and Doron do not try anything at the moment, the cylons will not hesitate to react if they do. The centurions would not know the difference between a covert activity and a real one. They like their raider counterparts were more animalistic in their intelligence, than human like their "skin job" counterparts.

Only time would tell if the rouse would be successful.

It was a while since I last met the Emperor's top dog. When I last faced Vader, I was a newly minted Knight, barely able to keep up with his onslaught. Now, it seems if we fought, it would be more evenly matched. I could sense the Force swirl around the three combatants, a Jedi Master wielding dual green lightsabers against Vader's red. I had the itch to join the fight, but stormtrooper Naruto poking me in the small of my back with his rifle stayed my hand.

The cave walls displayed a show of light; the blue aura from the torch, the red swinging light from Vaders light-sabre, and the short and precise flashes from Strategorums two green lightsabres as he slashed away at his enemy with astounding precision, only to be beaten back by the towering figure cloaked in black. "How discourteous of you not to introduce yourself..." Strategorum remarked, making a side-ways flip and avoiding a thrust. He switched tactics; instead of hitting back, he simply avoided his opponents attacks, making him miss and get tired and irritated; more liable to make a mistake.

OOC: just wanted to point out to you guys that all the lights in the cave are "out of commision" due to Riddicks sabotage... in other words, it's pitch black... (except around where Vader and Strategorum are fighting...)

IC:

While Strategorum was having a chat with Vader, Riddick was detecting the approach of strangers. He hid in the shadows while the group of would-be Imperial soldiers escorted their would-be prisoners through the passages, and then stopped to point their guns at Strategorum. By the time they had done this, Riddick was already aware of their true intentions. He himself, who was of the Furian race, used illusion abilities among others, and could detect such tricks without any major problems. Especially when he was made suspicious, like now.

An annoyed Riddick sighed and switched to telepathic communication. While those of the group who were somewhat able to cope with such abilities had no problems, those who were not used to hearing a voice in their mind talking to them would probably find it slightly uncomfortable.
I admire your courage. I also admire your idiocy, not to mention that of the Imperial troops who let you in. To begin with, you don't smell like Imperials, I could notice that when you were 100 metres away, but then I guess not everyone has my sense of smell. Then, you use illusion abilities to change your clothing, while leaving behind you a 300 metre trail of non-Imperial boot-tracks which have probably alerted the entire enemy camp by now. Not only that, but you use hand-signals to communicate with your high-tech can-openers; hand-signs which are completely different from that of Imperial troopers' sign-language, and which are a total give-away. (You're lucky Vader here had his back turned...) To top it all off, you interfere with a duel between a Sith Lord and his opponent, which is the fastest way for any Imperial trooper to get himself killed, by the Sith Lord. In these situations troopers usually either hang around looking foolish, or stare in awe at the display of lights. You're not doing any of these, and if I were you, I would run for cover. It was an interesting tactic you tried, I must say, although if I had a five-year old daughter I'm pretty sure she would do a better job than that... The voice in their head disappeared into the shadows, untraceable even for Ba'El, leaving the group alone with themselves and their thoughts, while Strategroum paused at one end of the large passage in an artistic semi-kung-fu pose. And Vader was about to turn towards them.

OOC: Please see comments made in the OOC Thread starting with Post #304


http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=519383&page=21 (http://http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=519383&page=21)

OOC: I’m ending the duel with Vader now.

Darkness and light,
Red and blue,
Tyrany and freedon,
Sith or Jedi.

The force is a stream of chaos, filtering through the vessels of humanity and other beings which dance the breath of life. For millennia the Sith and Jedi have battled, surging forward in hate. Countless billions have died, lost in the burning hell of turbolasers and bombs from the pointed guns of vacant souls.

Deep within the Milky Way, under the barren sands of a desert, the fate of a Galaxy hangs in the balance. The fate of an infinite conflict dangles on a precipice.

Vader slashed and missed sending sparks through the dry crisp wall. Venom flowed through him, the hate and tenacity of the kill grew in torrents as his power became manifest. The heavy respirator seethed as it dragged through the foul air as the Sith Lord clumsily stumbled over rock and stone. Slashing, and swinging with the full majesty of the dark side, Darth Vader advanced down the narrow corridor like a basilisk of dominion.

His dark figure eternally masked in the lightless void of the thin tunnel was only visible by the slightest glimmers of a crimson gleam. Rage flowed quickly and steadily, the vessel the force had chosen to unite it still rejoiced in the power and anger of the dark side. Tainted by his master, his father, Vader paced forward only growing stronger with every blow.

“I have you now.” The black clad knight decreed as the force clasped the heart of Strategorum. Embracing it, cuddling it at as though a mother would caress a nursing child, Vaders darkened mask betrayed no emotion, no sympathy.

A rumble of weeping air rocked the tunnels, an ominous foreshadowing of the night. The roof creaked and crumbled, dust and rocks dropped one by one as the force made its power known. Vader stood tall and still now, his sabre held upright and the blade between both of his ocular implants. The small satisfying odour of Ozone managed to grace his lungs as the Sith continued to feed from the poison of his rage.

The tremors grew and the pain sparking through Strategorum forking at ever juncture. Limbs flailed and tears fell as his heart struggled against the rushing wind of inevitability.

Silence clasped the moment, nothing could be heard, not even the voiceless whimpering of a battered foe, as his soul came closer and closer to departing to the force. Still no mercy from Vader, none as his firm hand of judgement considered the appropriate penance.

A snap was heard, a loud tear as the spine of his foe cracked against flying rock. Vader would be back for this one.

The humble flickering of a generator sparked light once more into the voided tombs, and Vader turned to be faced with Storm troopers and prisoners, both interested him intently. “Daniel Masaki.” The bass voice clapped happily. “Such a surprise, welcome back to the empire.” The black clad knight chuckled a little as his lidless eyes scanned the other prisoner. “Take them both to the emperor. I sense he wants them near, to witness the end of their…..struggle.” The blade that has slain a thousand Jedi flickered into nothing as the hilt once more adorned Vaders belt.

The crew of prisoners advanced perilously towards the vast cavern of the embalming room. There Palpatine and Vergere were still locked intently upon each other, eyes closed and foreheads pressed. A small glow of light pushed in from the stand outside while the force grew in anticipation. This was a moment of destiny, another fork in the road which would shape life to come.

Vader pushed through the prisoners proudly entering before them. His tall menacing figure dominated the thin but deadly Nightshade and his breathing added to the fear of Vormans malevolent presence.

Something was happening, the time was up, the game now set with all the pieces now safely on the board. Tarkin retreated now to a small pillar which obscured his plotting eyes, while the others, sensitive to destiny of not, would awake, eyes uncovered to the true splendour of the force.

The transformation was instant and complete, there was no delay with fate. In the blink of an eye, before all in the room stood, instead of a frailing demon and an artefact of lost dogma, was a young man, tall and proud with a slick tell tale grimace which truly revealed his origin. A gasp of breath flustered through him and he turned towards Daniel Masaki.

The Colonial forces stood motionless, and speechless. Their minds intruded upon, a feeling of nervousness, and near panic overtook the marines. Had it not been for their superior training, fighting the mechanical horrors of the second cylon war and their experience fighting an enemy that could not die, they would have been lost to their panic. Several of the marines began to tinker with the idea of setting up charges to blow the cave, and all of it's inhabitance back to the pits of hell from which they came. The evil, the darkness of this place needed to be crushed, destroyed back into the oblivion in which it came.

As the duel progressed, and with Vader's spectacular victory over his stricken foe by some invisible hand that reached out and crushed his enemy as a six year old boy crushed a soda can, this fear became overwhelming. Several of the marine's hands were shaking in the darkness, at their "godlike" foe. Only the cylon centurions stood emotionless, oblivious to the designs that fate had sealed the Colonial marines into, and their very mechanical existance.

Had the marines been preparing to do something drastic though, the lights in the cave re-lit, to have the dark mechanical face of the Dark lord of the sith nearly on top of them, quickly crushed any idea of acting on impulse. The marines stood their, facing the very incarnation of the Darkside, staring into the black eyes that had stolen thousands of souls, as motionless as statues. The Operative as unnerved as he was, paid attention to everything that was being stated by the dark lord. One sentence was strange, one phrase that he took special note of "Such a surprise, welcome back to the Empire." He was unsure of the meaning of this, but he knew it may be important.

As Vader commanded, the marines began to escort their "prisioners" to the emperor himself. Several of the marines began to wonder but never stated, how they could have any hope of winning, surrounded by an army that out numbers them 1000 : 1, against people with the powers of the gods themselves. Only the operative felt assured. He knew that one way or another today very soon thousands of lives would be saved, and the fate of the Colonies of Kobal would indeed be secure, one way or another.

As they entered the tomb, where the once aged and impotent emperor once stood, he transformed into a young man, with as much life and passion as the very troops that the operative commanded. The operative thought to himself, "This changes things a bit."

The humble flickering of a generator sparked light once more into the voided tombs, and Vader turned to be faced with Storm troopers and prisoners, both interested him intently. “Daniel Masaki.” The bass voice clapped happily. “Such a surprise, welcome back to the empire.” The black clad knight chuckled a little as his lidless eyes scanned the other prisoner. “Take them both to the emperor. I sense he wants them near, to witness the end of their…..struggle.” The blade that has slain a thousand Jedi flickered into nothing as the hilt once more adorned Vaders belt.
"A welcome most unwanted." I quipped back, but was taken away quickly by the 'stormtroopers'.

The crew of prisoners advanced perilously towards the vast cavern of the embalming room. There Palpatine and Vergere were still locked intently upon each other, eyes closed and foreheads pressed. A small glow of light pushed in from the stand outside while the force grew in anticipation. This was a moment of destiny, another fork in the road which would shape life to come.

Vader pushed through the prisoners proudly entering before them. His tall menacing figure dominated the thin but deadly Nightshade and his breathing added to the fear of Vormans malevolent presence.

Something was happening, the time was up, the game now set with all the pieces now safely on the board. Tarkin retreated now to a small pillar which obscured his plotting eyes, while the others, sensitive to destiny of not, would awake, eyes uncovered to the true splendour of the force.

The transformation was instant and complete, there was no delay with fate. In the blink of an eye, before all in the room stood, instead of a frailing demon and an artefact of lost dogma, was a young man, tall and proud with a slick tell tale grimace which truly revealed his origin. A gasp of breath flustered through him and he turned towards Daniel Masaki.
The Darkness stood in the center of the cavern. The face I knew as a wrinkled old prune was no more. Now the Butcher of Alderaan was young and fresh, with a body to match mine in every way. For a moment, a dark spectre of fear gripped my heart and the hearts of my companions. We were too late, for Palpatine apparently had succeeded in rejuvenating himself, making the battle far harder to win. Now it would have to come down to pure skill.

My sister Nightshade stood before her Master, giving me an evil gleam of triumph. I wondered what she thought of Palpatine rejuvenating himself. The ghostly Vorman sent shivers down our spines. Other Sith and villains of the Empire stood around us, blocking all hope of escape, for now.

I felt the fear of my companions, especially the Colonial Marines. I knew they must be terrified to face such horrifying foes as the Dark Lords of the Sith. I knew they must be overwhelmed at the prospect of facing nothing more than the 'gods' themselves. Though I had the icy grip of fear, I gave my companions my strength and will.

Have courage, my friends. Though we walk in the valley of the shadow of death, we shall fear no evil, for the Light is with us. I sent to my companions, radiating a sense of hope and warmth even in this den of Darkness. Let us account ourselves well against these dark gods.

"Emperor Palpatine. I see you have changed." I began. It was almost time.

Shadow infinite paused for a moment collecting its thoughts. Silence...... Clarity...... Dominated the lightless heart. Staying still, stagnant for a few fleeting seconds, the shadow rejoiced in its power. Daring to take a first step the darkness moved forward, advancing upon the light.

Youth came to the tyrany incarnate with remarkarkable ease. Lungs surged with breath while thin, almost lidless eyes fixated upon the light.

Laughing, moving more confident now the shadow twisted as Masaki utterd coarse and hard words.

"Emperor Palpatine. I see you have changed."

"For the better, don’t you think lad?” The emperor struggled for a mere moment, taking still he leaned against a pillar to catch a precious breath. “How could you believe in victory Jedi? How could you not foresee this day? I am the force, why do you continue this futile struggle?"

Daniel Masaki looked up, hard as stone and noble as his father was before him. "I believe in freedom, I believe in the force, I believe ahhhhh." Vader battered the knees of Masaki, knocking him to the ground.

"In prophecy?" The Emperor cackled contemptuously. "You Jedi are all alike, so arrogant, so noble, you never change, and for your defiance the force demands its silver, how could you not see this coming? How could you deny the existence of the Sith? How could you refute the power of destiny?"

"How could you kill so many? How could you torture a Galaxy? Why, why must you destroy with your emotion?"

Palpatine looked down disgusted at the defiant man who most called hero. Igniting his lightsabre hate smirked through thin cracked lips. "Because I can Jedi, because there is no other way to achieve power than to wield it.”

The jeehdai rose to his knees only to be knocked to the ground once more. “Lord Vader, Darth Vorman, Lady Nightshade, Guards, kill them.” The darkness glanced at its noble acolytes, joyously watching them advance with searing brilliant blades in hand. Crimson filled the room, dawning it with a premonition of blood.

Tarkin remained lurking in the shadows, fearful and devious of the conflict which was about to erupt.

The Temple:


Ba’El snapped to attention as Vader gave his “troopers” the command to escort the prisoners forward, making sure their disguises were securely working. He followed them as any Imperial soldier would. To do so would be blowing the whole mission. They needed to get to the end of the tunnel to see what was going on. The lights returned and the hall was brightly lit again. Ba’El escorted the prisoners following Lord Vader down the hall into the large embalming chamber at the end.

Even before they rounded the last corner, Ba’El could see the very stonework flickering with multiple energy patterns. The very air pulsed with activity and he did not doubt that if he had a body, it would be able to feel the pulsations of energy. When he actually entered the chamber, he could only look wonderingly at the display before him.

Washes of energy flooded the room. The background energy they called the Force seemed to be concentrated all in this single room. It permeated the walls, floor, and even the very air. Ba’El looked closer at the energy patterns. He noticed the energy was not just present, it flowed. After refining his perception, he could detect a definite flow that he failed to notice moments earlier. The energy seemed to originate from the room and it gathered around those present. The Force sensitive present seemed to gather more than the normals. Daniel and the Abh prince were definitely among the first group.

Ba’El continued to concentrate on the energy and noticed the elderly man actually dissolve his body and take on an energy form. No, not an actual energy form for his body was more energy being concentrated in particles contained within. The change was spawned by those tiny energy sources that seemed to gather and channel the energy for those Force sensitives to use. Those made the Emperor seem to be composed of particles of energy instead. It was a natural form of illusion that only the Ta’Nar would be able to observe, or even experience. If he was not so deep under cover, he would share this with the rest of the Empire through his Link but he suppressed the desire.

The most curious thing about this energy, it was absolutely unaligned and just a tool until it was manipulated by the User. The means of their manipulation made the difference between the two groups. That was very interesting indeed.

Ba’El watched as the interaction between Palpatine and Daniel occurred. He was checking out the others in the room, gauging their abilities by the amount of energy they were subconsciously gathering. This was definitely going to be a sticky situation to get back out of. The two Emperors also seemed to be having much bad blood between them, personal issues that needed resolved. He was not about to suggest to either that a “time out” would help. They would soon be settling their differences if things continued.

Ba’El was pleased his disguise was working so far but he knew it would only be a matter of minutes before it was broken. He could feel events coming to a head. When the Emperor commanded everyone to kill the prisoners, Ba’El stepped back away from the two heads of state and raised his weapon as if he was about to fire, the expected action of a trooper in this situation.




Space:


The shield maneuver seemed to work even though several more ships were reduced to wreckage. The dead hulls of those that took the brunt of the attack so the ones protected behind it floated in the combat area, being used as cover for fighters and other small craft. The strike force continued to push through the cloud of debris and pass the gauntlet. Ahead, only empty space and a couple hundred TIE Fighters stood between them. The leading ships moved to provide coverage for The Serpent while the main body of escort ships spread out to provide rear coverage for the strike.

The Serpent was one of the ships from Daniel’s Black Fleet. Aboard the ship, the captain looked at the holo display in front of him.

“Where should I hit the damn ship?”

Next to him, a disembodied head formed as the ship formed an interaction icon for the captain to, well, interact with. The face turned to look at him.

“I have gone over all the data on the Executor and I suggest a ramming maneuver against eh ship at this point.”

On the display, an area of the underside was illuminated.

“If we can do enough structural damage we could crack her in half. The ship is thinnest at that point, other than her bow. The area under the hull is mostly large empty spaces meaning there would be less structural support there. In other parts of the ship the presence of internal walls adds to the overall structural integrity of the peculiar areas. The target area is the most logical location to hit the ship. It will also cripple several functions dealing within the target zone if the ship survives.”

“Hmm… Target another part of the ship and veer into the actual target area at the last moment. That maneuver would make them concentrate shielding away from the true target and might allow us to succeed.”

“An excellent idea Sir, one I was about to suggest myself. If we arc towards the nose, that might think we are after the weaponry there. That should cause them to concentrate defenses at the front and away from the target zone. We should have a second ship escort us to their nose to make it look like we are going for full effect. When we veer away, they would have the difficult choice of reallocating shields or take the barrage she is throwing at the Executor. Cover fire.”

“Have The Knowledge accompany us and throw down covering fire. We are to make out move immediately.”

“Yes Sir, request sent and the missile cruiser is ready.”
“Execute.”

The Serpent and The Knowledge accelerated out of formation at incredible speeds. The inertial compensators struggled to adapt to the forces afflicted on the crew as the black ships sped up at incredible speeds, very uncharacteristic for a typical Coredian vessel. Their shields were concentrated on their forward arrays, depending on the protection of the tattered fleet behind them to cover their attack. If The Serpent didn’t kill their foe, they hoped to seriously injure them.

The Serpent was poised to strike…

Palpatine looked down disgusted at the defiant man who most called hero. Igniting his lightsabre hate smirked through thin cracked lips. "Because I can Jedi, because there is no other way to achieve power than to wield it.”
I stared at Palpatine in the eyes, scoffing, wiping a trickle of blood that came from the corner of my mouth. "One thing you've never learned, Emperor, is that power is useless without compassion."

The jeehdai rose to his knees only to be knocked to the ground once more. “Lord Vader, Darth Vorman, Lady Nightshade, Guards, kill them.” The darkness glanced at its noble acolytes, joyously watching them advance with searing brilliant blades in hand. Crimson filled the room, dawning it with a premonition of blood.

Tarkin remained lurking in the shadows, fearful and devious of the conflict which was about to erupt.
Blades with the color of blood rose to strike. Blasters powered up. Force pikes crackled with deadly energy. It appeared the end...

Suddenly, three lightsabers ignited. One bright orange-red. One purple-pink. One yellow-orange. Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto revealed themselves, their lightsabers poised in defensive stances.

"To wield power for power's sake is one thing, but true power comes from courage." I said, standing up once more. My blue blade hissed to life. My senses became hyperaware. Lightning crackled between my fingers.

"True power comes from friendship." Naruto said, standing by my side.

"True power comes from justice." Sasuke added.

"True power comes from compassion." Sakura said.

"Your reign is over, Palpatine." I moved into a judan stance, my eyes bright with determination. "And too long a rule it was."

The shatterpoint, as the long-dead Mace Windu would know it, has come to pass...

A moment in time, all of the important events that shape our world, are but a quick moment in time. The Operative thought to himself, as Emperor Palpatine transformed into the young man that he now is. He knew his troops were scared, but he also had faith in them. Faith, such a funny word, knowing something absolutely, yet having no evidence to support the belief. The operative had faith, and knew the outcome. He truly believed that the death of the Emperor, and his sidekicks, would be the eventual salvation of the Colonies. Killing Emperor Palpatine is the right thing to do.

As the twenty-four marines got ready for the eventual blood bath that was about to occur, a strange sensation overcame them. Where was once hopelessness and despair, came hope, peace, and acceptance. They heard in their mind, what they thought was the goddess Athena, "Have courage, my friends. Though we walk in the valley of the shadow of death, we shall fear no evil, for the Light is with us. Let us account ourselves well against these dark gods."

Their spirits rose, for the goddess of battle and wisdom was now at their side. As Emperor Palpatine began his order for the troops to kill the prisoners, in a new confidence, they rose their rifles. They set their sights. They knew in such an inclosed space their rounds would richoet off the walls, and would fill the air with deadly lead. The first shot was important, and they took careful aim. They already knew the outcome of this fight, and they would be victorious.

As the light sabers ignited, and as Daniel and the Jedi stood like a fortress against an angry horde, the Colonial Marines began to take cover. The toasters began to unload their rail-gun ammunition at the storm troopers, and their counterparts the red guard. They stood absolute in their horrific visage, their lone gleaming red eye, targeting the onslaught of imperial troops. It was as if the very air would soon be nothing more than lead. The bullets that missed began to bounce off the wall. The sounds in the cave echoed, sounding like the darkest tempest of hell.

As the marines took their positions, they were not as clumsy with their shots as their robotic counterparts. They took their time, aiming, carefully choosing their targets. They drew a deep breath as they set their sights, they slowly grabbed the trigger and squeezed gently as they breathed out. As the last part of the air left their lungs, their massive rifles let out a deafening roar, heading directly towards their unsuspecting targets. They began to fire. The first volley, was the armor piercing and explosive ammunition, designed to take out a cylon centurion in a single shot. It should be able to easily cut through the armor of a solder which was designed to absorb energy. They hoped that the red guard, and the storm troopers would soon be taken out as their organs should explode beneath their plastic suits.

The Operative as the cylons and marines began to shoot the "bucketheads", quickly ran for cover. He knew that in the open, against these gods forsaken aliens he would have little chance. He picked up his sniper rifle, and carefully took aim at his target, the one with the black helmet, the dark knight that once stole the life out of his victim earlier. The one known as Vader. He knew he had only this one shot, and he knew that the marines would soon dispatch the remaining imperial solders. This was his moment. He only asked the gods for one thing, to let him see the salavtion of the Colonies, and the salvation of the galaxy. He took aim, and fired his armor peircing explosive rounds. Three shots erupted from his gun, aiming at the control panel on Vaders chest, he hoped that one would take it out.

Doron had never really meant Emperor Palpatine before but from what he had been told, the Emperor wasn't supposed to be as young as he looked now. Apparently someone had one heck of a make-over. He stood tall near and defiant near Daniel's side like any good prisoner would do in the face of the supposed scurge of the universe. His hands rubbed at the bindings as if they were too tight but he simply felt that latch, ready to throw them off.

The discussion seemed to be coming to an end so Doron prepared for the ensuing fight. Once the first lightsaber appeared, Doron through off his shackles and force grabbed his two light sabers behind his back. In one motion he shaked off his dark cloak and ignited twin crimson red blades of energy. With a quick twirl, he had both blades paralelling the back of his arms.

"God you all have to be so theatrical. It's nothing but drama with you Coredians."

The darkness plots and waits,
It is forever patient and wise,
The darkness never hurries, never rash,
It always plots, for every moment.

The darkness, is with us when we sleep,
It is within us when we wake,
The darkness, follows us, it even hides beneath our feet,
The darkness is patient, it waits for its moment.

The darkness looms over love and peace,
It thrives on the decadence of morality,
It moves and spurns, destroys and burns,
Even the purest of loves.

The darkness is here, forever before, and forever after.
For even the brilliant light of a million stars will one day die,
And Fall to darkness.

The shadow betrayed and angered, wracked with doubt and hate, raged against the machinations of destiny. Never to fall, never to die, never to succumb against life, the embittered emperor Palpatine would not be reduced by the demons of his past.

His visions, his great plans of fate spiralled around him, his dreams and desires cast reflection upon the truth standing before him. Jedi encircling and steady, coiled before the emperor like a snake in waiting, frothing at the opportunity to spill innocent blood.

The casting shadows of the emperors elite, the red robed guard that for over a hundred years watched over a tyrant surged forward against the light. Their crimson spears sparked and crackled like suns as there charge impacted upon the steady line of defenders.

Noise filled the stale air, destiny churned as it struggled to rise against the will of the darkside. The empire, countless lightyears away stood baited upon the precipice, and an emperor in disbelief bared his fangs, malevolent and filled with potency. The same snide lips that prepared to erupt in anger wished a thousand deaths upon the rebellious fools. “Arrogant to the end Jedi.” Palpatines hands raised slowly and forked. “You are wrong, you always have been, Lord Vader knows the meaning of true power, he knows that only true power can come the darkside of the force!” Blue forks of lightning erupted and engulfed the room. Lancing out upon red guard and Jedi alike, the searing bolts cast their shadow upon the victory demanded.

Screams fell upon rejoicing ears, as the Sith and Jedi met in clashing conflict. Darth Vader, flanked by two red robed warriors slashed out in heavy swings with their blades, advancing in tandem each of them pushed forwards in a dark rage which threatened to eclipse the light that struggled to fan forth. One faceless warrior fell away from Vaders side, impacting upon the far wall beyond and slumping menacingly against the dust covered floor. His armour torched and molten, ripped and shredded flaked and fell off leaving a bright blue trace of precious bacta, while his dark lord crashed through the conflicting sides.

Vaders heavy breathing thundered louder and louder, his arms swung high and low with effortless ease, he was aware, a conduit of the force, spurning onwards and forwards as one. The empire relied on him. The emperor relied on him. The Sith relied on him. A Galaxy too tired of war relied on him, to maintain the tyranny of peace. A scream punctured his thoughts as his heavy durasteel boot crumpled upon a now severed limb.

“MASAKI!” Vader boomed over the raging crowd. “MASAAKI!” He voice thirsted for blood. Pausing, he turned in a moment faced by a Cylon Centurion. The force swirled forth from the dark lord, his anger becoming more and more manifest, the rage boiled, surged, grew and grew. Padme’ he thought, killed because of these machines! His lightsabre struck out while his body armour pushed back against the machines tenacity. “MASAAKI!” Vader advanced again. His blade moved outwith his body, swinging, surging, parrying and deflecting in a whim. The force was his, the force granted his strength, it showed him his power, he was its vessel, he was life, he was the Galaxy the empire was his, the EMPIRE IS HIS!

SHATTERPOINT

Palpatine turned in horror, he had felt this before, he had sensed this raw emotion only once in his past. It stunk of destiny, it smelled of defeat, but for whom? His eyes looked forward at the black knight now advancing firmly into the circling group of Jedi. His blade pierced and crackled, it moved faster than the eye could see, and now Lady Nightshade and Lord Vorman surged together. Their blades all flowed from Vaders one, their will of the force was an extension of his. All three were working together like a weapons cast by the force itself. And here he the emperor stood alone out of reach and surrounded by the masked menace of his guard.

An explosion rocked the tunnel outside and another and anther until the tell tale grimace of a drodikas roll could be heard as it rose to its feet. The first of an angry graission which now flowed like the solar winds was pouring down towards their lieges mercy. “For Emperor and Empire, Sons of Coruscant!” The chant bellowed down to the battle.

Hidden, Tarkin watched with a curious eye at this event. Lord Vader was stronger than he had ever seen, while the emperor cowered away against the onslaught. Flanked by two Imperial guards, Palpatine was almost untouchable for now, the Jedi and their futile gesture were sure to be lost in the tide of ferocious guards.

Lancing bolts of a droidikas heavy repeater filled the room, bouncing off lightsabre and wall alike, filling the already fluorescent colours of the battle with another strike of crimson. “Your Majesty!” Tarkin bravely shouted. “Your Majesty! We must get you out of here. You must come with me!” Palpatine turned to his most trusted admiral.

“Let us leave, guards, guard our retreat.” The emperor sent the two red robes down into the foray to battle against Daniel Masaki, who was himself pushing out of the onslaught.

Turning his back, the emperor walked quickly from the chamber, young and youthful, prized and forever victorious. The droidika taking his place, protecting his fast exit from a most dangerous battlefield.

The tunnel, just like Palpatine was dark and malevolent, guarded by shadow and deceit. The very stone lied to his perception, its true nature masked and stowed as to not fully unveil the truth of the situation. Tarkin was walking pistol outstretched, afraid of Jedi pursuit, there was no one to be found, apart from the screams of encroaching reinforcements and a fight for dominion over the force.

Tarkin was alone with the emperor, Palpatine was dazed and confused, his body still not in control of whatever he had done to himself. His eyes flickered and mouth croaked dry and barren. “Which way is it Whilhuff?” The Dark Lord of the Sith asked lost.

“No way for you your Majesty.” Tarkin grasped a small band on his wrist, activating a device mysterious and sly causing the emperor to erupt in a fire of pain! A Blade extended, not a lightsabre graced by the fires of hate, but a knife, a silver engraved vibroblade which plunged into Palpatines back. The Emperor cried out as it plunged in again, and again, blood poured furiously from his being. He cried out to the force, he scrambled for its healing mercies, the force was gone, adbsent through trickery. His legs collapsed, giving way to death, his head fell upon the ground and his pale eyes looked up at Tarkin, who happily wiped his knife with a white handkerchief. “I’ll take this.” Tarkin said with a wink, as he took the emperors lightsabre. “Let us call it a trophy, for my new empire.” Palpatines eyes glared a final time, as he fought for breath.

“I will be avenged, traitor….”

Red robes came pouring through the tunnel a second too late for an emperor on the ground. “THEY KILLED HIM!” Tarkin shouted. “The Jedi, they killed the emperor!” His voice rose in pitch. “Kill them, kill them all! Kill all of them!!!!” Tarkins hooked claws pointed to the sound of clashing blades still furiously sparking in fight. As the first wave of guards passed, Tarkin shouted for someone to bring a stasis pod as he kneeled before the corps, gifting the body with his malevolent device. “Technology, emperor, is always a match for your sorcery.”

A rumble coursed through the tombs.

Space

The Executor Super Star Destroyed throbbed against the tenacious onslaught of the enemy. Her shields fired and holding repelled the consistent attacks of the Coredians. On the bridge, acting Admiral Netter watched the holo-display intently as two capital ships approached, aflame and purposeful.

“Intensify forward firepower.” Netter casually ordered as the two destroyers continued to approach. Netter having served on the Executor when it first came into service was familiar with the entire vessel and as such he had quickly rose in station, from a lowly deckhand to a commander of an entire fleet, and today he was about to obtain his greatest victory in the history of the empire. The end of the rebellion.

The Coredians had dispatched their greatest ships, most experienced crews to deal a futile crippling blow to the empire, they were being surrounded, enveloped, crushed and hammered by his hand. And once, once they had lost, and they would lose, the Coredian territories would be ripe for invasion.

Netter had great plans of terror, he was anticipating on raids, and strikes which would scour any resistance out of the Galaxy. He would hunt them down from system to system, purge and burn, and scour whatever stood in his way. And in the end, the emperor would reward him for his loyalty, he would be celebrated, chronicled in the emperors history as a great hero, an Admiral which would rival that of even the red eyed Thrawn, which to this day, all knew and feared.

Under his victories the empire would expand, push into the Milky Way, crush the Unknown regions, and finally rid the Coreworlds of the continuous raids of the Outer Rimm. Everything for Netter rested on this one moment, and it collapsed…..

“Enemy capital ship passing our bow Admiral, concentrating firepower.”

“Enemy vessel disabled, it's adrift sir.”

“Coredian capital ship passing on our port bow, fluctuations in her engine core detected.”

“Admiral.” A hand came up and shook Netter from his visions of grandeur. “Admiral, look.”

Netter glanced up at the holodisplay, his eyes forced to focus upon one small destroyer preparing to overload her engine core. “What’s its designation?” Netter prepared to note in his log as another kill for the Executor.

“The ISD Serpent.” Commscan duly reported.

“Ahhh excellent, I assume they’re moving for ramming speed?”

“Very well shunt power from the forward generators to starboard aft, and have the inertial dampeners compensate.”

These orders, forever would fall into infamy. Upon reflection the empire would realise that these orders caused the Imperial Navy to lose her greatest flagship. The Serpent, would strike from below, ramming the hardest and most defended area of the ship. While above, her counterpart, in pretence of being adrift, surged to life and struck the bow with her body, impacting upon the great twist of towers and guns, crippling the shields as they proceeded to transfer their power flow.

At the same time, the Serpent struck upon the shields below, her body twisted and broken, decintigrated harmlessly, until in a moment, the entire shield network failed. Collapsed, the defensive screen failed into nothing, from a safety feature designed to stop every generator from failing in a single moment of madness. The aft of the serpent continued onwards, forwards, upwards until she impacted into the cavernous hanger bay of the Executor.

Ammo would detonate exposed to the fires.
The explosion would ripple from a fuel line exposed under repair.
The light would spread, through pipes and explosives until it reached the sublight storage dump.

In an instant, without even a second thought, the rear of the Executor detonated, her superstructure engulfed in flames, shocked at the suddenness of it all.

In the first few moments of the battle, Doron found himself clashing with two guards in red robes. From the looks, it appeared to be imperial guards of the higher ranks. Twin red blades came up and crashed against their energy pikes as the electrical currents crackled mere inches from his face. The two pikes were caught in the cross section where his blades met. With a grunt and a mighty heave, Doron heaved the guards back with all his strength.

Something in the distance caught his eye. Movement. The Emperor was fleeing the cave! If he escaped, then their mission would be a failure. Energy pikes clashed against crimson light blades once more. "Damn guards. Just die!"

His body was a wind of blades as he twirled and dance around them. Striking out at openings in their defenses and pulling back to cover his own. With a reversal slash aimed at their midsections, Doron sprinted off to the cave exit where Palpatine was leaving.

"DANIEL!! THE EMPEROR! GO! I'LL COVER YOU!!"

Doron had to shout over the battle to make sure his voice was heard. Red guards poured out of the tunnel clashing against his red light sabers. So many so that he was being forced back. Forced back into the death dealing trio of Nightshade, Vader, and Vorman. A stray lightsaber came arcing down towards the back of his leg which was parried by his right hand. Red guards pushed in on his left. The light saber in his left hand slashed out violently to beat them back and keep them off balance.

He now had to fight multiple battles at once, though he had been well trained in such matters. One man's philosophy rang out true in his mind.

CUT

One guard chanced in too far and found the thrust of his light saber as penalty for mistepping. The guard pulled back in pain.

Cut deep but always stay vigilant, never focus on what the enemy wants you to see but be aware of everything around you.

Another punishing attack came from his right but Doron lunged to his left fighting multiple guards and droids at once instead of worrying about parrying the lightsaber attacks on his right. The lunge cost him ground once the imperials regained their footing, pushing him back.

"JUST GO DANIEL!!"

Doron kept up the fighting as best he could to give Daniel an opening to chase after the Emperor. He only hoped that Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura could give Daniel the opportunity he needed to chase after Palpatine.

Olympus Super Star Destroyer; Admiral Daala's Flagship

While the Emperor's main fleet had engaged the arriving Coredian forces, the Thrashian Imperial Fleet had taken a back seat to most of the combat. Daala deployed her Star Destroyers on the far flanks of Admiral Netter's forces, taking pot shots as it where against the oncoming raiders. The sheer number of which surprised Daala. For so many to have gotten past the hyperspace inhibitter field seemed almost impossible. The battle had gone apace and it seemed all was well...


Captain Innicus stood beside the gunnery sergeant's station, watching as the Olympus's heavy turbolasers set salvo after salvo into enemy capital ships. Small groups of TIE Interceptors had been sent to support the main fleet and where thus far the only casualties.

"Helm, five point port-yaw turn. Bring our super structure to point towards that heavy cruiser," ordered Innicus over his shoulder. "Sergeant, concentrate all main batteries on her."

"Aye captain," responded the helm. "Coming about five points port."

"Target lock complete," said the gunnery sergeant.

"Fire!" ordered Innicus.

He was greeted with a hail of green light as the turbolaser batteries opened up and cast a salvo of death down upon the single enemy ship. Its shields collapse after the first few hit, then the succeeding blasts tore its hull apart. A small ball of flame and shrapnel erupted in space.

"Look for another large target and do the same," ordered Innicus, smiling now. He turned and walked out of the crew pit. There in the center area sat Admiral Daala, contemplating over the holographic command pict. Innicus stepped over and took his usual place beside her.

"The battle is going well ma'am," Innicus allowed, smiling a bit.

"Yes," said Daala, offhand and not paying attention. She turned her flashing red haired head to the ComScan station.

"Bring up a close in image of the Executor. Now!"

"Admiral why are-," began Innicus.

"Quiet captain."

Daala leaned forward and watched as her main pict screen blanked out and
was replaced by an image of the almost identical Super Star Destroyer Executor, the Emperor Palpatine's flagship. She watched as a large burned out hull of an enemy Imperial Star Destroyer was advancing toward it at as much speed as it could manage. Then she watched in horror at what Netter was doing about the problem.

"Comms, get me a direct emergency link to the Executor!"

"You have it!" called the comm officer. He opened the link broad band so the Admiral could hear better, just in time to hear what was happening on the opposite ship's bridge.

“Ahhh excellent, I assume they’re moving for ramming speed?” asked Admiral Netter's voice. He must have gotten a nod because a heartbeat later he spoke agian.

“Very well shunt power from the forward generators to starboard aft, and have the inertial dampeners compensate.”

Daala nearly screamed. "Netter you idiot what do you think you're trying to-."

However Daala's words were washed away. The entire bridge watched as the enemy ISD impacted upon the bottom of the Executor's super structure. Because of Netter's orders the shields there were not strong enough and the inertial dampeners where not made for such an impact of that magnitude.

In the back of his mind Innicus thought the explosion reminded him of when he was a boy watching the Emperor's Day Parade and all the magnificent fireworks that they had set off for the celebration. This however, as reality checked back, was no firework.

Daala's fists tightened so hard that her knuckles cracked and if she weren't wearing gloves her nails would have drawn blood. Her teeth ground together in hate and frustration. She had to do something, now that that idiot Netter was dead.

"Comm, get a fleet-wide band open, I want all ships to hear this," ordered Daala. The lieutenant on duty stood there for a moment, still in shock, then shook his head as if coming awake from a dream and nodded. "Wide-band open Admiral."

For a moment Daala leaned back and took a deep breathe. Then opening her eyes with new determination she cleared her throat.

"Attention all Galactic Imperial ships, this is Admiral Daala of the Empire of Thrashia. The Imperial Flagship Executor has just been destroyed along with all its crew. I as ranking Imperial Officer are taking full command. All ships are to press forward and continue fighting off the enemy. Fight for the Emperor. That is all." With a wave of her hand she cut off the transmission.

Captain Innicus straightened as she turned and looked at him. "Captain, send a message down to Grand Moff Tarkin or Emperor Palpatine, which ever you can reach and inform them of what has happened and that I have taken command. Then have all our reserves press forward and attack. All fighters are to deployed as well."

"As you command," replied Innicus, he snapped his heels together then turned smartly around and went about following his orders. Daala brought her tactical screen back up and updated its contents to allow her full operational view of the events taking place in space.

"Now I will show them," she whispered quietly to herself.

As Tarkin bent beside his fallen Emperor, presumably quite satisfied with what he had just accomplished, he was unaware of a most disturbing sound. Not audible to human ears due to the ongoing battle, there was a tip tap of an object rebouncing on rock, slowly making its way across a calculated path which was the result of Riddicks calculations and a strong pitch. The small black globe rebounced on the stone walls changing its direction multiple times, fell to the floor, hit against a rock and then was drawn down into a small cleft. The cleft led the globe downwards for a while, making it surface just beside the passage which was now filled with troops and, Tarkin.

The tactical nuke rolled slowly across the floor, seemingly unaware of the stampeed of feet who were equally unaware of it, and slowly came to a halt right beside the body of the fallen emperor and, just in front of Tarkins' (presumably widening) eyes. In the shadows, Riddick waited. Not triumphant, not expectant or with any other sign of emotion, just waited, like someone who has gone through this an infinite amount of times and wishes it to come to an end. He sat beside his fallen friend, Strategorum, quietly aware of the chaos which filled the cave not so far below him.

Then it blew, white light filling the already overfull passage. The grenade, apart from being a tactical nuke, also had a few other properties. When exploding, the immense heat that was caused led to the melting of an immensly small particle burried within its black coat of metall. After the explosion had cleared the passage from any lifeform, it left behind it an immense cloud of smoke, drfiting and filling the cave with toxic gas. Anyone still alive, such as the combatants in the neighbouring cave and Riddick in the cave beside them, would be subjected to a wall of smoke which, when inhaled, would lead to immediate unconsciousness. Riddick peered through his gasmask, looking at the body of the fallen Strategorum. He activated his comms button.
-This is Underground Express to White Hawk, Underground Express to White Hawk, do you read me?
- Loud and clear. What's your status?
- Mission accomplished, the target has been eliminated. Number two is down, he'll need immediate treatment.
- Roger that. We're bringing you ho... we're bringing you in.
- One more thing. There's friendly folks in there. They sneaked in undetected. Although they're not marked with any friendly identification tags they shouldn't be so difficult to find... my experince of these kind of situations tells me they're probably located in a small bunch in the middle of the raging battle.
- Don't worry, we'll find them... up you go...

Riddick and the fallen Strategorum disappeared in an aura of blue light, teleported into the waiting cloaked ship which was hovering at an adequate altitude above the cave complex. They were soon followed by the other group of survivors, who, for security reasons were teleported into the cargo bay which was presently filled with a small team of medics backed by Terminators, their cold blue eyes glowing ominously at the new guests. After all, they had done their best only to teleport the individuals who seemed to be outnumbered, but, they could just as easily have teleported some of the Imperials, whether troopers or worse...

The fully cloaked ship slowly turned and moved forward, gaining altitude as it went. The FTLi hindered it from simply vanishing into hyperspace, so it settled down into a comfortable pace, heading away from the chaos of battle and the lost planet which had once been its home, now changed forever. Once it reached the boundary of the FTLi, it would make it's way to a safehouse, if there existed any.

Space:


As the stern of The Executor detonated, the concussion wave threw the ship like a ragdoll. The drifting hulk spun away from its last active position, crippled and dead. Aboard the Coredian ships the crew cheered loudly after a few seconds of silence as they realized what had happened. There were many an eye filled with tears of joy as they saw one of the symbols that was held over them for years as a threat being engulfed in fireballs of plasma and burning fuel.

Then the enemy regained their composure and returned fire on their position.

Three more ships full of enjoyed soldiers joined The Executor in its fiery display.

The rebel fleet turned any guns that were still pointed at their dying prey back behind them to those who were swiftly approaching with guns flashing. More ships were hit and the hulls on the Black Fleet were self repairing but the pounding the Turbolasers were inflicting was too much without feeding the power going to the guns to the replication process. The net result was the wearing down of individual ships of the Black Fleet although their toughness showed that many more of those ships remained than the conventional ships. The largest of those ships left were The Ankylosaur and The Battlestar Coredia.

Aboard The Ankylosaur, the admiral shouted out commands.

“Concentrate shields between us and those damn ships. Use the fighters to take out those damn TIEs. Send out the Raptors before we don’t get another chance to. Send reinforcements to…”

The bridge crew scurried to get their orders completed because they had the confidence in their leader that he would get their tails out of the bonfire they now found themselves in. Unfortunately, he could not make the closing Thrashian and other GE ships magically disappear.

“Admiral, I am picking up massive energy distortions behind us.”

“What? Where?”

“Their position is where The Executor was.”

“Oh, great. What are they throwing at us now? Get someone to cover them, NOW!”

“They’re already coming through.”

Several black vessels faded into existence as they Emerged from T-Space where they have been waiting. The Imperial Strike Group spread out and the three kilometer carrier moved into position behind the fleet. The battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and frigates passed over and under the rebel fleet to engage the Enemy. The Turbo lasers struck their shields, purple flaring from the energy/kinetic strikes were channeled away across the dimensions, reducing the damages so what always trickled through was easily handled by the Adaptive Armor.

This is Strike Group Gamma from the Balrogga Empire. You are to remain clear of this position for the next few seconds as Extraction is initialized. We will cover your retreat.

As soon as they were clear of the Coredian vessels, enemy sensors detected multiple launches as they unloaded their tubes at the enemy. Immediately hundreds of singularities were activated as the Grav Torps cleared their tubes and began to home in on their targets. The Torps continued to speed up as the singularity projected in front of it pulled it faster and faster towards the enemy vessels with their only desire being to eat through the ship and then turn back around for pass after pass until they were destroyed.

The hole in the FTLi field made when The Executor was stricken quickly filled with a tearing and boiling of space-time as a wormhole formed. After several long seconds, the aperture stabilized an it was apparent that it was clear to begin evacuation procedures.





The Tomb:



Ba’El dropped the disguises covering the others and readied himself for the fated battle to come when suddenly he felt something strike him that sent him reeling. He shook his head to clear the cobwebs and suddenly saw the Emperor and Admiral Tarkin walking around the corner. He followed them although they were looking through him as if he was not there. Ba’El checked and he was still projecting his image so their off reaction, or rather lack of one puzzled him at first. Then it hit him, he was having a Precognitive Vision. Something that was about to happen was a strong enough trigger point that it was enough to activate his latent divination talent. This has happened only twice before and both announced a life changing event. The visions had showed him what was to happen and he was given the choice to either follow the event or to change it.

Ba’El followed behind the two fleeing commanders and saw Tarkin looking back through him with his pistol held out in case someone tried to follow. A few meters later Palpatine stopped to rest for a second, leaning heavily against the wall. Tarkin spoke to him, the vision muffling the words so Ba’El could not tell what was spoken. He then activates something on his wrist and a blade appeared which plunged several times into the enemy before him. Ba’El felt nothing for either of the two since they were both foes but continued to watch. Moments later a troop of guards came down the tunnel and Tarkin sent them to the large melee around the corner. The anxious troopers marched through Ba’El form and the sounds of battle suddenly became more intense as flashes of blaster fire lit the hall.

Suddenly a small object came bouncing down the hall and came to rest right in front of Tarkin. After a moment he recognized it and tried to activate some sort of device, probably a dampening field. He was too late as white light flooded the hall, traveling like a flood of destruction and plasma rolling both directions. Ba’El suddenly found himself back in the Embalming Room in the midst of the battle as a wall of plasma rolled into the chamber. Vaporizing everything it came into contact with. The Cylons were turned into slag puddles and the humans in the room were simply ashed where they stood, nothing left but melted and radioactive metal drippings from their weapons.

The Vision left him as suddenly as it came. He again tried to clear away the after effects but it made him feel as if he were moving slow. He looked around and saw the two leaders disappearing around the corner. He quickly dropped his image and tried to follow but the after effects of the Vision made him move as if he were in molasses. He struggled to make it to the corner and arrives as Palpatine’s surprised gasp could be heard barely below the sounds of the battle behind him. He could see the two forms huddled in the shadows ahead and he knew what had already happened. The troopers arrived moments later and were directed to the battle. They passed within mere inches of Ba’El’s struggling entity without even knowing he was there. A flash of black on black along with the tell-tale scuffling of a thrown object caught his attention and he knew he was out of time. He used every last but of remaining power he has and tried the only thing that would avert the slaughter he envisioned what seemed like hours ago. Tarkin was surprised to see the Tactical Nuke come to a rest right below his face but he was even more surprised to see it flicker with blue light and vanish. Ba’El lost awareness as his mind shut down from the strain. The last thing he felt was a immense power gathering in the fallen form of the Emperor as the Force he absorbed in his ritual raged within him, then there was nothing.

On the surface, a black object appeared next to a trooper. He was lying atop one of the platforms that were erected atop the shield generators around the encampment. The sniper lay with blood dripping out of his ears and his eyes staring unseeing into the sky at the distant explosion that he would never know was The Executor being rammed by The Serpent. As the explosion in space ravaged the fallen flagship, another much smaller one happened atop the generator on the Sniper’s Platform, creating it’s own ravaging and chaos.

OOC: Thank you Bal

Two small raptors emerged from the Battlestar Coredia. The pilots on board knew they only had a few moments to get to the Alliance fleet, before they would be overwhelmed by the fighters in the area. As tough as a Raptor is, it could not stand alone against a swarm of enemy fighters.

Spin up the FTl drive, and raise shields to maximum the pilot ordered as they left the safe perimeter of the Coredia's shields. Fighters began to attack the raptors almost immediately, hitting the shields with an array of turbo laser fire.

Our shields are taking a pounding, shields down to 20%. Sir the FTL is up and running.

The pilot began to get nervous, as his vessel's sheilds were dropping faster and faster. He quickly pointed his vessel at one of the star destroyers, and launched all 36 500 Kiloton nuclear missles at it, and vanished in a bright light.

The other raptor was not as lucky. As it fired all of it's missles at a second star destroyer, a lucky turbo laser shot hit the FTL drive. The second raptor began to spin out of control, as a swarm of enemy tie fighters began to dive on it. Soon it was destroyed.

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

On Asfaltum Prime: The Marines began to duck as more and more enemy troops began to pour into the small tomb.

Well isn't this frakking fantastic! one marine shouted, as he took his rifle and began to aim at the white armor of the storm trooper.

Yep another marine laughed at least these bucketheads can't aim worth a gods damn. My daughter can shoot better. as laser blasts went by them.

One of the marines grabbed a gernade and threw it into the tunnel, throwing it will all of his might. "Duck" he yelled, as the gernade exploded, wounding and killing a few storm troopers. That will show those bastards, right Dave.

No response came.

The marine looked back, but his friend was dead, a lucky shot from one of the storm troopers ate throguh his body armor. He was dead.

A thunderous noise began to erupt from the tunnels, and the marines looked with anticipation. Soon several driods began to pour into the tunnels, shooting a massive barrage of laser fire.

Frak us, one marine said over the com system, they have frakking cylons too.

Well then it is time to smoke those toasters as well. another marine said, as he began to shoot at another storm trooper.

The marines reloaded their armor peircing explosive rounds and took careful aim. They shot again, as the noise in the room began to increase with a thunderous explosion, pounding against the droids as they began to unravel. Several exploded before they could get their shields online.

One of the cylons turned around to see Lord Vader stab another with his light saber. As the cylon began to get a target assessment, it noticed two red guards fighting one of the Abh jedi. It knew it's target. It's ammo depleted the cylon ran over to the red guard with lighting speed. As the Abh jedi deflected the hit from the odd melee weapon, the cylon took it's razor sharp talons and shoved it into the back of one of the red guards. As it did, he picked up the limp body and broke it's back over his knee. The cylon began a new target assessment as it was soon riddled with shots from one of the Empire's cylons. Flashes of red ran through it, as the machine collapsed.

The operative knew this was getting out of hand. He grabbed an EMP gernade, and threw it into the middle of the jedi. As the gernade discharged, he hoped that it would shut off the arms and legs and life support of the Dark Lord of the Sith, but only time would tell. He looked through his rifle and took his time. Targeting one of the red guard fighting, Daniel, he waited for a clear shot. Then it came, Daniel ducked a light saber blow, as daniel went down, the shot was fired. The bullet's course was true, and should take out the red guardsman with relative ease.

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

At the Alliance fleet:

The surviving raptor emerged in a bright white flash.

This is Raptor 21, to the alliance fleet. The Executor has been destroyed. Prepare the fleet for immediate departure. The package was delivered, but we do not know the status of the package. Be advised Asfaltum Prime has been conquered. We intercepted this transmission:

Greetings!
It is with great pleasure that I send you this message of victory. During the past few years I have busied myself with a small project of mine; adding small amounts of nanites into this planets’ water supplies. These nanites are designed to seek out and attach themselves to a particular part of the brain. When activated, the average citizen will not feel anything out of the ordinary, except a profound loyalty towards the Galactic Empire, and a profound hatred towards the Royal family, and all Jedies. I dare say, Jedies are being “dealt with” all over the planet right now. All military forces have put down their weapons and you will be welcomed as heroes. Please cease firing at the planet, it will only cause unwanted controversy and is completely unnecessary. I look forward to meeting the Emperor in person and discussing further developments, now that all armed forces have been brought under my command. Thank you.”

Also please be advised the Battlestar Orion and Gunstar Solarflare have been discovered, but we were too late. Debris discovered suggests that both ships were destroyed by the Empire, but the Orion managed to destroy one ISD,, and severly wound another. Many pilots survived, and are on board one of the Coredian carriers.
"Raptor 21, this is Hera Actual, good work. Combat landing is authorized come on home."

Commander Hallen listened to the message. Her fears had become a reality. The pacifist's of the alliance had to now know that Asfaltum was lost, and would soon become a beachhead for the Empire's strike into the Milkyway Galaxy. If the Alliance would not do what needed to be done, she would.

"Set Condition one throughout the fleet. Set the cannons on EMB, and load tubes Loak all 100 missile tubes with tactical Strike Nuclear missiles and prepare for planetary bombardment. Launch the Raiders and heavy raiders, and prepare a combat jump. Tell the Fleet to prepare Defensive position Delta, and to make sure nothing gets near this vessel. We must prevent a beachhead at all costs.

Her Xo responded, Yes Sir.

400 cylon raiders and 200 Heavy raiders armed with boarding parties began to fall from the hybrid ship. They swarmed around the ship like bats, before vanishing into space. As her orders were being carried out, the Colonial fleet jumped.

Doron was sort of surprised to see a Cylon running to his aid but he would take the help where ever he could get it at the moment. His blue hair was matted with sweat and it almost became a hinderance as long as it was but he fought through it all. Even as the Cylon went down from the multiple shots, the Abriel moved into a position where he could deflect laser bolts and keep up his defense.

It was practical suicide but he was trying to draw all the attention onto himself and give a few of the others the chance to chase after the Emperor.

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

The Abh attack squadron stood by waiting to head into battle. Only 150 lay at Admiral Spoor's command. In some instances this would have been weak even for a reconnisance squad. But the Abh didn't have the time to send a full fleet out to play with the Galactic Empire. They were sort of thrust to the bottom rung at the moment.

The message from the Raptor came through the comm channels aboard the Latchkau. "No matter. Even if the government has surrendered, we can still use this as an opportunity to further our gains. Kill a few GE ships and we can simply glass the planet."

Cufadiss hated everytime the Admiral got one of her ideas. They either placed him in a lot of danger or did not exactly adhere to Star Forces tennants. Cufadiss guessed her plan was more inline with the later.

"Uh..ma'am. We are only given orders to distract the enemy fleet long enough to allow comrades to escape. We still have the first prince of the Clyuve family on the planet as well as some allies."

Spoor gracefully eased out of her command chair and walked to the railing overlooking the tactical display map. "Ah but my dear chief, we could simply blame it on the Galactic Empire thus driving more masses into our protective bosom. Wouldn't that be perfect?"

Cufadiss wasn't sure if she was joking or being serious. "Admiral, I believe the Colonials are leaving. We should probably follow."

"You're right chief. We shouldn't be the last ones to battle. It would make our work only that much harder. We can discuss the finer points of my plan on the way."

Spoor turned to her communications officer. "Inform all ships. We enter Hyperspace now for the battlefield."

Olympus Command Bridge

Admiral Daala watched as the rebels were momentarily distracted by the destruction of the Executor. It wasn't too much of a surprise that they would spend a small amount of time celebrating. Most petty pirates and scoundrels were like that. However Daala made sure they paid for their partying. With quick succession three more rebel ships joined the Executor in death.

"Captain, order all Interceptors to concentrate on the area surrounding the two largest surviving rebel ships. We'll not let them escape in any fashion," ordered Daala. Cold fury burned its ways like a storming river through her veins. She would not be denied her prey.

* * *

Imperial Star Destroyers converged on the now cornered enemy. Turbolaser fire from the heavy batteries set loose a deluge of destruction not seen in a long time, near non-stop in their efforts.

Commodore Philips, a lower fleet command officer, stood on the bridge of his own Star Destroyer commanding a small task force of them. His fighters were taking a loss but everything wasn't out the window yet.

"Sir," called a deck officer. "ComScan reports that the larger ship, the Battlestar Coredia is stretching its shields to cover other enemy ships.[/i]

"Perfect!" Philips turned to the gunnery sergeant. "Have all heavy batteries concentrate all firepower on that ship. Destroy it now!"


As the salvos impacted upon the Battlestar Coredia two Raptor's managed to escape the hold and even evade a number of fighters. A lucky shot from a Dreadnought caught one on its engines, causing it to go out of control and explode. The other however turned its way straight at Philips ship.

"Sir! Singularity detected, fourth quadrant. Its coming right at us!" called an ensign.

"What is it?" shouted Philips.

"A missile sir. We detect nuclear-class, heavy ship-killing material."

Commodore Philips glared out side at space and was rather amazed that he could actually see the missile heading straight for the bridge. Shields were useless, he had no point defense cannon that could hit it, and it was coming fast. "Frak."

The Desolater was immolated in fire as the entire bridge and neck section of the Star Destroyer was engulfed in flame and explosions. The hull was ruptured and the ship exploded.

* * *

"Admiral," called Innicus. "We've just received word that Commodore Philips has been killed along with the Desolater. An enemy fighter, Rapter-class, or something of the sort got off a nuclear missile at him."

"Order all Lancer frigates to move up and bring online their singularity combat protocols. I want every missile removed from my battlefield!" ordered Daala.

An ensign from ComScan suddenly jumped out of his seat in the crew pit and looked up with a startled expression on his face. Innicus was just about to reprimand him for it when the man nearly cried. "Admiral, ma'am, an enemy fleet just came out of hyperspace or something. Numbering in the hundreds."

"What! Impossible," said Innicus, outraged. "The Emperor had a FTLi field put up. Its impossible for them to get through."

"The Executor's explosion ripped a small hole sir," explained the ensign. "We can't do anything about it."

Daala smashed her fists into the arm of her command chair. "We still outnumber the bastards! I want every single piece of hardware out there and fighting! All fighters, all blast boats, all missile boats, all Star Destroyers, Dreadnoughts, Frigates, and even patrol craft!" Daala was seething with anger and she was breathing heavily.

"They'll not escape me this time!"


Across the area hundreds of Star Destroyers of all classes and ships of all design, part of the Imperial armada, brought their teeth to bare. Turbolasers were fired. Missiles rained down. Hell had no fury like a woman scorned, and Admiral Daala was no exception.

The darkness plots and waits,
It is forever patient and wise,
The darkness never hurries, never rash,
It always plots, for every moment.

The darkness, is with us when we sleep,
It is within us when we wake,
The darkness, follows us, it even hides beneath our feet,
The darkness is patient, it waits for its moment.

The darkness looms over love and peace,
It thrives on the decadence of morality,
It moves and spurns, destroys and burns,
Even the purest of loves.

The darkness is here, forever before, and forever after.
For even the brilliant light of a million stars will one day die,
And Fall to darkness.

The shadow betrayed and angered, wracked with doubt and hate, raged against the machinations of destiny. Never to fall, never to die, never to succumb against life, the embittered emperor Palpatine would not be reduced by the demons of his past.

His visions, his great plans of fate spiralled around him, his dreams and desires cast reflection upon the truth standing before him. Jedi encircling and steady, coiled before the emperor like a snake in waiting, frothing at the opportunity to spill innocent blood.

The casting shadows of the emperors elite, the red robed guard that for over a hundred years watched over a tyrant surged forward against the light. Their crimson spears sparked and crackled like suns as there charge impacted upon the steady line of defenders.

Noise filled the stale air, destiny churned as it struggled to rise against the will of the darkside. The empire, countless lightyears away stood baited upon the precipice, and an emperor in disbelief bared his fangs, malevolent and filled with potency. The same snide lips that prepared to erupt in anger wished a thousand deaths upon the rebellious fools. “Arrogant to the end Jedi.” Palpatines hands raised slowly and forked. “You are wrong, you always have been, Lord Vader knows the meaning of true power, he knows that only true power can come the darkside of the force!” Blue forks of lightning erupted and engulfed the room. Lancing out upon red guard and Jedi alike, the searing bolts cast their shadow upon the victory demanded.

Screams fell upon rejoicing ears, as the Sith and Jedi met in clashing conflict. Darth Vader, flanked by two red robed warriors slashed out in heavy swings with their blades, advancing in tandem each of them pushed forwards in a dark rage which threatened to eclipse the light that struggled to fan forth. One faceless warrior fell away from Vaders side, impacting upon the far wall beyond and slumping menacingly against the dust covered floor. His armour torched and molten, ripped and shredded flaked and fell off leaving a bright blue trace of precious bacta, while his dark lord crashed through the conflicting sides.

Vaders heavy breathing thundered louder and louder, his arms swung high and low with effortless ease, he was aware, a conduit of the force, spurning onwards and forwards as one. The empire relied on him. The emperor relied on him. The Sith relied on him. A Galaxy too tired of war relied on him, to maintain the tyranny of peace. A scream punctured his thoughts as his heavy durasteel boot crumpled upon a now severed limb.

“MASAKI!” Vader boomed over the raging crowd. “MASAAKI!” He voice thirsted for blood. Pausing, he turned in a moment faced by a Cylon Centurion. The force swirled forth from the dark lord, his anger becoming more and more manifest, the rage boiled, surged, grew and grew. Padme’ he thought, killed because of these machines! His lightsabre struck out while his body armour pushed back against the machines tenacity. “MASAAKI!” Vader advanced again. His blade moved outwith his body, swinging, surging, parrying and deflecting in a whim. The force was his, the force granted his strength, it showed him his power, he was its vessel, he was life, he was the Galaxy the empire was his, the EMPIRE IS HIS!
We fell upon the Sith Lords and their guards with a mixture of lightsaber and the elements. As I cut down guard after guard, I saw Sasuke out of the corner of my eye, his orange-red sword cutting down a Red Guard and burning the body of another with fire that blew from his mouth. His consort Sakura used her incredible strength and TK to smash through the ranks, her blows a hammer to beat back the enemy, while Naruto evaded attacks with the agility of a fox and smashed an enemy with a ball of grinding wind. I, myself was a whirlwind of destruction, slicing limbs and dicing torsos, and flickered bolts of electricity whenever the opportunity presented itself. When I ducked to avoid a blow, the Colonial operative made his move and killed a Guard with a well-placed shot to the head. I nodded my approval to him and continued fighting.

The Emperor cackled and laughed and fired bolts of cursed lightning at Jedi and Red Guards alike, screaming something about the Dark Side having all the power. I would have chuckled if it wasn't so serious since I've heard it all before.

Then the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader shouted my name in a rage and I knew he would be trouble. The next thing I knew, I was fighting for my life against the most powerful Sith I knew...

SHATTERPOINT

Palpatine turned in horror, he had felt this before, he had sensed this raw emotion only once in his past. It stunk of destiny, it smelled of defeat, but for whom? His eyes looked forward at the black knight now advancing firmly into the circling group of Jedi. His blade pierced and crackled, it moved faster than the eye could see, and now Lady Nightshade and Lord Vorman surged together. Their blades all flowed from Vaders one, their will of the force was an extension of his. All three were working together like a weapons cast by the force itself. And here he the emperor stood alone out of reach and surrounded by the masked menace of his guard.

An explosion rocked the tunnel outside and another and anther until the tell tale grimace of a drodikas roll could be heard as it rose to its feet. The first of an angry graission which now flowed like the solar winds was pouring down towards their lieges mercy. “For Emperor and Empire, Sons of Coruscant!” The chant bellowed down to the battle.
We engaged the Sith Lords with all our strength. Sasuke against Vorman, Sakura against Nightshade (they kept spitting and hissing like cats; I wish I could roll my eyes), Naruto and I double-teaming against Vader. As Vader used his dark powers to meld his underlings into one, battering us in a wave against us, so I fell into the Light Side meld, joining the minds of the Jedi present and becoming the cliff that stood firm against the dark wave. The Royal Guards became insignificant against the clash of light against dark as they switched targets to the Colonial Marines, their potshots useless against the storm at the center of the cavern.

Hidden, Tarkin watched with a curious eye at this event. Lord Vader was stronger than he had ever seen, while the emperor cowered away against the onslaught. Flanked by two Imperial guards, Palpatine was almost untouchable for now, the Jedi and their futile gesture were sure to be lost in the tide of ferocious guards.

Lancing bolts of a droidikas heavy repeater filled the room, bouncing off lightsabre and wall alike, filling the already fluorescent colours of the battle with another strike of crimson. “Your Majesty!” Tarkin bravely shouted. “Your Majesty! We must get you out of here. You must come with me!” Palpatine turned to his most trusted admiral.

“Let us leave, guards, guard our retreat.” The emperor sent the two red robes down into the foray to battle against Daniel Masaki, who was himself pushing out of the onslaught.

Turning his back, the emperor walked quickly from the chamber, young and youthful, prized and forever victorious. The droidika taking his place, protecting his fast exit from a most dangerous battlefield.
Because we were so into the duel against the Sith Lords, I almost missed the Emperor slinking away like a whipped dog. It was Doron yelling to me that snapped me out of the trance. Naruto took over the meld.

"DANIEL!! THE EMPEROR! GO! I'LL COVER YOU!!"

"Go, Daniel!" Naruto yelled, locked in battle against Vader. "I'll hold him off!"

"But..." Vader was really powerful, taking the two of us just to stand against him.

"JUST GO DANIEL!!"

As soon as Doron shouted once more, Naruto focused his energies as well, making a quick cross with his fingers. In an instant, a dozen clones of himself appeared and attacked Vader, giving me the opportunity to pursue the Emperor.

I jumped, made a half-flip and bounced off a wall towards the exit and sped down the tunnel after Palpatine and his Tarkin toady. Then two burly Royal Guards stopped me, their staves crackling with deadly energy.

"Out of my way!" I shouted, smashing one Guard against the tunnel wall telekinetically and stabbing the second one in the chest. Then droidekias attacked, slowing me down as I fought to deflect their bolts...

The tunnel, just like Palpatine was dark and malevolent, guarded by shadow and deceit. The very stone lied to his perception, its true nature masked and stowed as to not fully unveil the truth of the situation. Tarkin was walking pistol outstretched, afraid of Jedi pursuit, there was no one to be found, apart from the screams of encroaching reinforcements and a fight for dominion over the force.

Tarkin was alone with the emperor, Palpatine was dazed and confused, his body still not in control of whatever he had done to himself. His eyes flickered and mouth croaked dry and barren. “Which way is it Whilhuff?” The Dark Lord of the Sith asked lost.

“No way for you your Majesty.” Tarkin grasped a small band on his wrist, activating a device mysterious and sly causing the emperor to erupt in a fire of pain! A Blade extended, not a lightsabre graced by the fires of hate, but a knife, a silver engraved vibroblade which plunged into Palpatines back. The Emperor cried out as it plunged in again, and again, blood poured furiously from his being. He cried out to the force, he scrambled for its healing mercies, the force was gone, adbsent through trickery. His legs collapsed, giving way to death, his head fell upon the ground and his pale eyes looked up at Tarkin, who happily wiped his knife with a white handkerchief. “I’ll take this.” Tarkin said with a wink, as he took the emperors lightsabre. “Let us call it a trophy, for my new empire.” Palpatines eyes glared a final time, as he fought for breath.

“I will be avenged, traitor….”
It took two ion grenades and several doses of lightning to knock out the droids, but I continued to run down the tunnel. Then I sensed it before I saw it. Rounding a corner, I saw Tarkin with a bloody knife in one hand and Palpatine's lightsaber in the other and put two and two together. Somehow, Tarkin managed to murder his Emperor.

Treachery is the way of the Sith... I thought grimly. Then my mind clicked again, switching targets. Tarkin must die, for the good of the galaxy. Unfortunately, before I could take the necessary steps to commit the deed, a horde of Royal Guards came pouring down a tunnel.

Red robes came pouring through the tunnel a second too late for an emperor on the ground. “THEY KILLED HIM!” Tarkin shouted. “The Jedi, they killed the emperor!” His voice rose in pitch. “Kill them, kill them all! Kill all of them!!!!” Tarkins hooked claws pointed to the sound of clashing blades still furiously sparking in fight. As the first wave of guards passed, Tarkin shouted for someone to bring a stasis pod as he kneeled before the corps, gifting the body with his malevolent device. “Technology, emperor, is always a match for your sorcery.”

A rumble coursed through the tombs.
Tarkin's lies proved enough to enrage the Royal Guards and I found myself having to Chain Lightning the lot of them to reduce their numbers before retreating back into the battle, my lightsaber once more a whirling Cusinart of destruction.

Finally, a sudden rumbling occurred and I could sense a grave danger.

"RETREAT!" I bellowed. "Retreat or we die!"

Lightning from me and fire from Sasuke blasted the Sith Lords and Guards alike, hopefully throwing enough elemental Force to cover our retreat.

=====

OOC: Balrogga! Admiral on the bridge! Retaking command of the fleet right about...now!

IC:
The cheers went on as the Executor blew apart and the allies popped in the hole in the FTLi to provide the much-needed assistance. But the cheers were short-lived as the Empire's rage battered the Third Fleet.

"Sir! We have to retreat, now!"

Another officer called to the Admiral. "The Thrashians have taken command of the Imperial Fleet!"

"Daala." Admiral Achilles grumbled. Now there was a target that needed dealing with. "Has the Much Ado been spotted yet?"

"No, sir! I think they're still on the planet."

"Great." The Admiral grumbled again. "Have our allies cover the fleet." Then he had a thought. "Status on Shattermissiles and singularity missiles?"

"One volley left throughout the fleet! After that, we'll need to rearm! We still have other missiles, but not many!" The weapons officer replied.

"Very well! Target the Olympus, full volley of all missiles!"

"I can't guarantee we'll hit at this angle! We'll deplete our stocks as well!"

"We only need to give them another headache to think about! Fire!" The Admiral ordered. "Then sound the retreat!"

A brilliant stream of glowing yellow Shattermissiles (think Stargate SG-1 Ancient drone-missiles for those who haven't seen them yet) roared out of the various ships of the fleet and sped for the Thrashian Super Star Destroyer, followed by ominous black singularity missiles and the remaining antiship proton and concussion torpedoes. With the projectile stocks of the battered fleet depleted, the Third Fleet and the Battlestar Coredia task force began their retreat through the Balroggan wormhole. Now all that remains is to hope against hope that the Much Ado About Nothing would make their escape as well...

Lancer Group Lazarus

Captain Micheals stood in the cramped bridge area on his Lancer-class frigate. The order from the Olympus had been received a bit ago. It seemed like a wasted order in Micheals opinion but then he wasn't the commander of the combined Imperial Fleet. He just had responsibility for his ship group, known as Lazarus, made up of ten Lancer frigates.

"Captain," called one of the targeting ensigns. "We've detected fire spots."

'Fire spots' was slang for the flash one saw when a ship fired a missile in space. Some equipment couldn't detect a missile until it was well out of its missile tubes, but Thrashian scientists had developed a radar system that allowed for such unique heat signatures to be detected right out of the missile launch tubes; and therefore increase the reaction time of anti-missile crews.

"How many?" asked Micheals.

"I'm estimating several hundred. And their all headed for the Olympus!" said the ensign, incredulity echoing in his voice.

"Concentrate on the leading missiles!" Micheals nearly shouted. "Launch missile nets behind!"


The wave of missiles rush on towards their intended target only to be met by the fierce avenging fire power of the Lancer frigate group. Lancer's had been originally created as an anti-fighter ship. However the Lancer's abilities had been taken one step further by the Grand Admiral Thrawn who personally saw over the project of upgrading the intercept capabilities on the laser cannon and their targeting acquisition programming; making it possible for the Lancer to fire at and destroy multiple amounts of enemy missiles.

The Lancers worked like feverish fanatics. Missile after missile was destroyed. Missile nets, large electrical nets made by small dispenser pods, were launched into the space before the Olympus. Missiles that were caught by the nets became deactivated and disarmed.

For all their efforts however a few missile still got through. A dozen at least impacted upon the shields of the mighty Super Star Destroyer.


Micheals stood nervous as he watched the debris clouds clear. He and the entire crew were on edge. When the large form of the Olympus appeared, harmed but not dead, they cheered.

"Captain, a message from the Olypmus."

Admiral Daala's face appeared in front of Captain Micheals. "Good work captain. I expect it to continue."

"Of course Admiral," replied Micheals.

"Good," said Daala. Her face disappeared and Micheals cleared his throat.

"Alright you slouches!" roared Micheals. "Get back to work! Keep your eyes on your monitors."

"Yes sir!"


* * *

Admiral Daala turned off the transmission line and leaned back in her command chair. Captain Innicus sighed for a moment and looked a bit more relaxed than he had been when they'd first been told a massive salvo had been fired straight at them.

"Damage report captain?" asked Daala.

"Most of it is superficial ma'am," said Innicus, looking off a data pad with incoming information. "However we lost a few rows of lower port side medium turbolaser batteries. Crew loss is estimated right now at about 1,500."

"Not enough to stop us fighting," smirked Daala. She turned her attention to the large command vessel of the rebels. "I think we should return the favor."

"Ma'am?"

"Have all Victory Star Destroyers launch their missile loads. Aim for the largest of the retreating rebel ships," ordered Daala.

"Yes sir admiral."


Within the Thrashian Fleet were over 70 Victory-class Star Destroyers. Each was equipped with 80 rapid deployment missile tubes. The respective captains of each ship group acknowledged the admiral's order and pressed the attack. A missile barrage even bigger than the one the rebels fired off, was sent howling back like banshees from hell.

Multiple flashes of light began to appear, as the raiders and heavy raiders came onto the scene. As if they were born ready, the small fighters began to fire a wave of missiles at the swarms of tie fighters. As the tie fighters began to duck and weave, the missiles stayed true, striking any near by fighter or bomber.

THe raiders began to slide into the fray, striking down any foe with it's two heavy cannons. Streaks of light burst like fireflies, as the bullets flew towards their targets.

Moments later thirteen massive warships appeared out of the void of space. Sliding into the area as if they were always there, they began to open fire. The Flak cannons fired, along with the main and secondary guns, filling the void of space full of deadly munitions. Every inch of the battlestars seemed to be armed, as the lights of the tracer fire headed towards their targets, the star destroyers.

Commander Hallen looked at the Draidus screen. My gods, she exclaimed, the frakkers have an armada. Order the other battlestars to hold position, and to begin to fire their jump drive nukes.

Sir, those weapons are usually used as a last ditch effort, are they truly neccessary. one unexperienced officer asked.

Commander Hallen looked at him as if fire were shooting out of her eyes. I gave you your orders. She slowly reached for her pistol at her side. The young officer noticed her hand sliding down by her waist, and knew he had better act. It was better to order the most expensive weapons deployment in Colonial History, then to be shot.

As the Vipers and Raptors slid out of the battlestars, as a swarm of angry bees leaves the hive, the battlestars recieved their orders. Cannons blazing, and flak cannons filling the vacuum of space, their missile doors began to open.

In a moment several missiles launched, these missiles designed by Admiral Cain personnally had never been combat tested. This would be their trial. Each battlestar choose it's target, and locked on. As the cannons continued to pound the enemy shields, one missile took off from each battlestar.

As the missile left the tube, it locked on to it's target, and scanned for the largest opening inside the vessels. As it proceeded, the missile armed the 50 megaton nuclear warhead, and spun up it's FTL space fold jump drive. Once the missile found it's location, it jumped, hopefully into a large area inside the vessel. If it works, the target should be destroyed, if it works...

Sir the perimeter is secure and the fighters are engaging the empires. For the moment, our defensive position over the Hera is sound, and the Coredian fleet has been battered. They appear to be retreating.

"Any word on our strike team?" Commander Hallen asked in a concerned manner. Sweat dripped from her face, as she felt the weigh of the world on her shoulders. This was her first major combat action, and she prayed it would not be her last.

None sir, The Much Ado about Nothing has not come back to the fleet.

They may need more time. the XO responded.

"Fine we will give it to them, she replied. Target all of the lead ships, and fire all missiles at the star destroyers.

The cannons of the Battlestar Hera roared, as the constant stream of kenetic warheads were launched towards it's target, but the Hera's biggest surprise was about to come. One hundred missiles shot forth from the Hera's massive cylon spokes, targeting several of the Imperial Star destroyers. Even with the shielding up, with each missile carrying two gigaton warhead, they would surely shread the enemy shields and the massive number of them would surely overload any defenses the enemy would have, or so she thought.

She looked to the cylons. "Start preparing a targeting package, for a full scale bombardment of the planet's surface. She wiped the sweat off her face, as the room shook. Prepare it fast, I want all of the cities and towns, as well as any landing sites for the Empire's troops to be loaded in the computer. When I give the order launch a full scale bombardment against the planet. You frakking toasters are good at that so get to work."

Leoban and D'Anna, stared at each other, in contempt of the Commander ordering them around like a lapdog. As they stared into each others eyes, Leoban smiled. They placed their hands in the warm liquid above the computer console, and their eyes rolled back into their heads. The panel near the "waterfall" turned yellow, as their minds began to scramble for the best places to revert the planet back to a pre stoneage society. As they continued to search, their minds interlinked with that of the ship. Although it was an unnerving experience, it was a very effiecent method. Within a few more seconds they will have plotted every point for annihilation.

Commander Hallen then turned to the communications officer. "Scan for their communications frequencies, and bring up the jammers. Lets add a little chaos to this battle, and kill their communication lines, if it is possible. When the jump drive nukes go off, I do not want them to be able to talk to each other."

Aye Sir


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

On the planets surface in the tomb:

Ad Daniel gave the order to retreat, the marines, the few that were left, quickly reloaded their weapons. They began to back out of the tomb slowly, firing on anyone that moved. The operative grabbed several dogtags, as many as he could and followed. Soon they would see their homes again, soon they would be heroes.

OOC:

I am not sure where the first volley of 250 Grav Torps went because they were not really mentioned by name. I have to locate my previus post where I named the ships. When I do I will edit in more details.



IC:

The Avatar Carrier moved into position covering the retreat of the Coredian fleet. Her escorts took defensive positioning and they began to fire additional volleys of Grav Torps, the carrier itself using all her launch tubes to fill the void with hungry maws of Grav Torps. The singularities pulling countless housings behind them as their speeds increased. The greenish-white of the singularity causing a blur as it distorted space around itself with the immense gravity it generated. Light actually warped slightly through the gravity lens generated by over a thousand torps closing on the invaders fleet. The targets were randomly chosen but spread out so it attracted a lot of attention away from the fleeing fleet.

“There, if that doesn’t piss them off enough to ignore the rebel ships to give them time to escape, I don’t know what would.”

“Commander, we could always disassemble. The Swarm would be enough to…”

“I know that. It was a rhetorical statement. Load all tubes for another volley. Let’s draw more attention to us and away from them.”

Tears in the veil of space appeared as the Abh fleet made its entrance from Hyperspace. Out glided a number of Victory Class Destroyers (B5 style), Whitestars, Rambirds, and artillery ships. Admiral Spoor walked to the railing overlooking her tactical map while thumping her command saber in the palm of her hand.

"Well well. They certainly have a lovely display of ships here. This should be fun. Chief, have all artillery ships deploy here and prepare for volley. I want the Whitestars out front followed closely by the destroyres with the Rambirds mixed in. Got all that?"

Cufadiss was already a whirl at his station putting in the orders for the squadron. "Yes ma'am. All orders have been sent and acknowledged."

"Good work. All artillery ships fire. Concentrate attack on the enemy's front lines."

From the three artillery ships came a massive barrage of missles numbering at a couple thousand as this was their sole purpose in battle. Overwhelm the enemy with little darting bastards that are hard to hit with defense systems and sweep away the smaller and less meaningful craft in one fell swoop. Thus allowing the larger ships to move in and engage the enemy's heavier vessels without concern for pesky light craft.

-----

Doron heard the call to retreat which was sort of odd but he didn't question it. He simply beat his lightsabers furiously at the guards and droidekas attacking him and then disengaged following Daniel and the rest of the group back out of the tunnel.

As the Balroggans launched their infernal grav-torps as many as could be were targeted and destroyed. However that could not be said for as many as Admiral Daala would have liked. The torpedoes gravitational properties played merry hell amongst the closest ships of the Imperial Fleet. More than a hand full of Star Destroyers were twisted and warped by the effects of them upon their hulls. Shields worked to some effect but were not strong enough in some cases to prevent at least one to make it through.

The destruction they wrought infuriated Daala.

Olympus

"Captain!"

"Yes Admiral?" Innicus turned and stared up from the aft side crew pit where he'd been helping direct the gunnery lieutenant's firing solutions. Admiral Daala, sitting up in her command chair and outfitted for mass communication with the fleet looked like some ancient magician outfitted to perform his tricks of magic. And she looked like a rancor who'd woken up on the wrong side of the bed.

"Ignore the retreating Coredians for now," Daala said through clenched teeth. "They've been beaten and are running. I want Group Arcan and Lascider to concentrate their fire on the large Balroggan carrier ship. Either damage it beyond use or eliminate it from my space."

Innicus didn't dare to say anything else, he simply nodded his head. "As you wish ma'am." The captain turned and issued the orders to the two Imperial Star Destroyer groups, organized into wolf packs who worked in concert to take down large enemies.

"Captain Alman and Captain Biddarc, you have your orders," Innicus said into a holo transmission. "Concentrate all your fire power on that heavy carrier. Have your fighters run interference against those incoming enemy fighters as well. Five squadrons from the Olympus will be sent to support."

Innicus received an acknowledgement from the two group Captains and shut down the transmission. He watched as the thirty+ number of Star Destroyers that made up both groups halted their present attacked and brought about their heavy batteries. The salvo was impressive to say the least.

Then to Innicus' said dismay another two groups of enemy ships came out of hyperspace. "What party is this and how come I was the one who missed the memo?" Innicus muttered. He shook his head and turned sternly to the tracking officer.

"Where'd they come from?"

"Same as that Balroggan fleet sir. The FTLi isn't working properly. It seems one of the main transmitting ships was caught in the same explosion as the Executor. Without it its like a huge gap in a wall with a sign that says "hey here's where we hid all the cookies" and the damned rebel brats came running." Innicus wanted to reprimand the man for his ill humor, but there was time for that later.

He raised his head. "Comms, get Group Hades and Illuvitar, have them move an engage to sector 47. Enemy ships coming out of hyperspace."

"We've identified them as from the Abh Empire," said the ComScan officer. "Victory-class ships, and lots of other damnable contraptions."

"Message sent," shouted the comm officer.


Admiral Daala in the mean time was raising hell on a transmission line to Commandant Spears. "Spears where the hell are you?" demanded Daala. "We needed your support yesterday. Get my meaning?"

The snake-like man smiled. "Admiral you worry to much. If you don't watch out it'll make your hair fall out. Wouldn't want that happening."

"Spears!"

"Don't worry, the Epion is making a orbital run as I speak. You'll see us within five minutes. We're going at full burn. From the data you sent me, we should be coming around behind the newest bunch of rebel scum," said Spears with confidence. If oil could be produced from words, Spears would have been a refinery of the stuff. Daala ground her teeth and nodded.

"Very well. Have your fighter compliment launch in full readiness. I want you to smother them!"

"Believe me admiral," smiled Spears. "You ain't seen nothin' yet."



While the Imperial Fleet was there to induce a blockade and guard the Emperor, led by the great Executor and Olympus, another massive machine of metal was also present in the system. It had disgorged the invasion forces of Thrashia. Millions of the 501st and other stormtrooper legions had been quartered aboard it. A vessel that was as large as the Death Star, but more heavily armed than a fleet of Super Star Destroyers.

The Epion.

The massive sphere came around the planet of Asfaltum like a sling shot, using the natural physics of gravity to increase its usual slow pace. As it came around to the battle, it came wide and around, putting it "behind" the invading enemy raiders.

As it did so a dark wave was loose from its hangars and open launch bays. More than 600 TIE Interceptor, Defender, and Phantom squadrons, 75 fighters to each squadron, launched into mass groups of hunter-killer teams. Death bore wings.

When the fighters had spread out enough and out of danger zones, the Epion itself let itself be heard. Massive, gigantic turbolaser cannon batteries and laser cannon of all type and size were brought to bear upon the Abh Fleet, closest of the enemy targets. Missile tubes spread out across its metal surface spewed their deadly innards sending hails of missiles down as well.

Spoor watched as her missles darted out towards the imperial lines. She watched as their icons on the display map flashed out from enemy defensive fire or as they crashed against the hulls of ships and winked out. What she also saw was two of her artillery ships winking out of existance along with the appearance of a new blip on the screen identified simply as large and hostile.

Needless to say, this infuriated the proud Abh admiral. "Oooh chief....care to explain why I've just lost two artillery ships because an unknown craft snuck up behind my fleet and fired a barrage right up our engine exhausts?"

It might have been more appropriate to have made some remark about being raped but there was no concept of the term among Abh. It was still enough to make Cufadiss regret being on the bridge. "Uh...no ma'am. It must have been hiding behind the planet when we arrived."

The image was brought on screen while Spoor stood there watching it with her arms crossed. She nodded her head. "I see...How in the hell does something like that hide from us my good dear Chief of Staff? I wonder why the Coredians didn't provide us with any information on such a craft. Did they not know or do they deliberatly enjoy irritating me? They must know I don't like surprises on a battlefield."

"Pardon me ma'am but I believe their intelligence simply did not know."

Spoor stroke her delicate chin with lithe fingers. "I see. Then I suppose we will have to deal with this problem. Inform the Colonials to lend us some fighter support. I want three-fourths of our fleet focused on this ugly contraption while the remaining see to guarding our rear for attacking GE ships. And get that lone artillery ship back to our lines reloaded with phasic torpedoes. How long will that take?"

"A couple minutes ma'am but it will be done. Kinda makes you wish we broke out the homeguard fleet for this attack."

"This foe is not worthy of such an honor. We'll deal with them here and now with this small force. Now, let's show the enemy what a mistake this was. Forward line of destroyers fire at once."

Ships spun or flipped as quickly as possible to face this new force. Whitestars simply 180 with ease from their inertialess drives and headed to their assigned locations for the new formation. Destroyers flipped end over end and rolled as they came down with multiple thrusters. Rambirds were brought online but given orders to hold off for now. Their time would come but not yet.

By Spoor's orders, frontline Victory Destroyers powered up their main weapon. With a hunk of metal so large, a wide dispersal of fire would do little more than scratch it. Commanders of their ships all targeted a single quadrant hoping to breach the machine with their attack. Energy hummed throughout the ships as it continually built up at three prongs on the ship. Continually building as it crawled out to the bow of the ship where the largest energy spike was until they converged in one gloriously powerful stream screaming out towards the Epion.

Energy drained for the moment from the vessels, they drifted back behind the next line of destroyers to watch.

Asfaltum Space:


“Commander, it seems we have attracted their attention like you desired. The enemy vessels are establishing locks on The Raphael.”

“Initiate Defensive measures. They are far enough away that their firing should be along a similar tangent. Use the SGE Manifestations to absorb the incoming fire. Any that are missed, we will have to rely upon Shields and the armor to absorb.”

“Activating SGE now. Singularities forming. Increasing the Schwarzschild radii to provide overlapping coverage. Full Unbrella manifestation achieved.”

“Also send a message to those other fleets.”

“Channel four open.”

Attention rebel fleets.

The objective was reached. The Coredian ships have exited via the wormhole. Our job is done. Anything you do is on your own shoulders. We are leaving. The Empire does not support your actions nor would Daniel if he still could tell you. Good luck.

“Message off sir.”

“Good, let’s get to business. Navigation, plot a course for the Wormhole and use the lull between volleys as cover to turn around. Get us back to the hole in the FTLi. Tactical, launch a full spread of Singularity Torps and keep them slow but in a wall formation. They will eat some of the incoming fire. Set them to self destruct after we are off their sensors.”

Both stations acknowledged his orders.

The space between The Raphael and the invaders shimmered and then was torn asunder as eight singularities formed. Their sizes increased so their staggered formation overlapped from the point of incoming fire. They didn’t actually overlap otherwise they would have merged into a larger one, their positions prevented this from happening. The result was what could be termed a shield of singularities with one in the center and seven ringed around the edge, much like an umbrella. It would stop most of the incoming fire but the enemy forces were spread out enough that some were not affected by the gravity and managed to slip by unhindered.

The incoming fire from the unbelievable barrage of those ships was mostly blocked by those ever hungry maws but a significant number of shots did get by. Those shots slammed into the Dimensional Shielding. The Dimensional Shielding of the Empire never completely stops anything. Something will always get through. The way the shield works is by diverting some of the force of the attack away by spreading it across several dimensions thereby acting as a damage reduction defense system. The remaining damages would be taken care of by the armor of the ship.

The Reactionary armor detected the multiple incoming and began to thicken as additional layers began to form. Holo-Emitters provided the pattern for a fast replication of the actual armor. The result was a general thickening in the area of impacts which would be torn off as it absorbed the impact. Well, that is the theory. Sometimes the impact was greater than anticipated or strikes in a single area exceeded the absorption potential and the impact struck deeper in the armor and disabled the emitters or replicators below. That would cause holes in the defense that in the past has resulted in ships being destroyed. No system is perfect.

The incoming fire struck the shields and filtered through the reduction fields until it hit the armor. Several points along the extreme ends of the ship not covered by the singularity umbrella were struck. Shredded armor littered space as it was blown and boiled off from the attack. Several areas the defensive layer was forced into repair mode as neighboring replication units were busy replacing damaged areas. Further hits in those spots would allow further penetration.

The Carrier began to turn as it realigned with the wormhole. The gravity drives initiated and the 3000 meter began to move, leaving the cloud of shrapnel from the strikes trailing behind.

“Commander Far’Gohn, we have taken damages on the forward and aft superstructures. The Umbrella did not sufficiently cover those areas. We will need extensive repairs. Forward Gravity Catapults are disabled as well as the Aft Cutter Beams. Numerous weapon placements are also offline. Regenerative systems are trying to compensate with the damages but it will take time.”

“Launch Trops to form a screen. If they try to follow us, let loose with the Ion Cannon. It was designed to use on worlds, it should do something.”

“Commander, three of our escort frigates and two cruisers were damaged in the barrage. They apparently tried to use their bulk and shields to protect The Raphael. It appears the ships were lost. The remaining escorts are collecting crew.”

“Dammit, this covering the rebel’s asses is becoming too costly. Get those ships back here ASAP. We are leaving. There is no reason to stick around. Keep the screen up and dissipate the Umbrella right before we leave.”

The carrier rocked again as more shots were taken to the stern during the rotation maneuvers. Debris covered the area of one of the “legs” of the carrier as a large hole was left.

“Damage report.”

“Solid hit against the stern again. Further placements damaged as well as part of the superstructure. Replication Factories damaged as well as some additional sub-systems. Drive efficiently in the are down by 26%, compensating by overlapping fields. Loss of Torpedo tubes from the damaged areas too.”

“Get us out of here. We did our jobs already. Hanging around further would be suicide.”

“We could disassemble.”

“Negative, we don’t have orders for that. Releasing Kythons would cause them more trouble but we don’t have the clearance for that. Our mission is over.”

The Raphael tried to make it to the hole to Uplift. The Wormhole was still there for the two additional rebel fleets to use to escape if they wished but it would not remain there for long.




Empty Space:



The area the rebels used to meet was suddenly torn asunder as the other end of the wormhole appeared. The aperture settled and stabilized and soon the Coredian ships started to arrive. Waiting for them was two fleets of Imperial Ships; most of Ba’El’s fleet and the Honor guard Fleet of the Emperor himself. If any tried to follow the ships through the wormhole, there would be hell to pay. The Serendipity herself was waiting to greet the victors or the enemy alike.

Aboard The Serendipity, Grand Admiral Rdzquix monitored the state of The Raphael and her escorts.

“Sire, five of her escorts have been lost as she has taken a lot of damage. She is trying to get to a point where she can use her Mirage Drives to Uplift but the enemy is closing. We have lost roughly 25% of the ships in that single barrage.”

“I see, what of her defenses?”

“Shields are holding and the Umbrella Maneuver seemed to have saved her so far. There are thirty SSDs going after her. They are initiating a Cover Screen of Torps. ”

“All standard maneuvers, but erected at the proper moment. If the Umbrella was used sooner, they would have fanned out instead of clustering. That would have guaranteed more hits. Who is this Commander?”

“He is Far’Gohn. Loyal and scored above average at the academy. I would trust him in my fleet.”

“Have a Link established to draw in the psyche of any crew from lost ships. We cannot lose any Ta’Nar, we are so limited already.”

“Yes Sire, I will see to it right away.”

Nhur’Galladu continued to watch the scene as it played out in the holoscreen. Things didn’t feel right, as if something was about to happen. He was not sure of what it was but he felt it would be far reaching and particularly nasty. He wanted to get his men out of there as soon as possible.

Epion Command Center

Commandant Spears stood at the highest tier of a room filled with computers, rows of them, watching a gigantic holographic screen that stretched out in front of him. He watched as his thousands of fighters made headway into the enemy fleets. Such overwhelming numbers was undeniable and it was almost a pathetic gesture to even defy them in Spears' eyes.

His gunnery crews were working their magic as well. Several of the Abh craft had been eliminated in the first surprise barrage. Not enough for Spears liking, but enough that it would give them pause for thought.

"Commandant sir," a ComScan ensign said, turning in his station seat. "We've verified that the Abh Fleet is turning about and coming to face us."

"What do they hope to accomplish against a station more than 600 miles in diameter?" smiled Spears. "Send a group of fifty squadrons to run interference against them."

"Incoming fire!" called one of the gunnery sergeants. "Abh craft are concentrating on quadrant 89, lower hemisphere."

"The fools," laughed Spears. "Do they really think we didn't plan for such a simple trick?"

One of the marvels of Thrashian engineering, produced secretly more than ten years prior, was what was known as 'Reactive Shielding'. Powered by the MAGI super computer system, linked to all data feeds coming into the Epion, the MAGI was able to calculate the power of enemy weapons incoming in large numbers to any one spot. Normally the planet-grade shields would be enough to block any normal barrage, but however it was common doctrine, derived from the Torpedo Spheres, that if you hit a heavy shielded target in one spot for long enough, then you should be able to pierce it.

Thrashian scientists took this idea to heart and created the antithesis: the Reactive Shielding. The MAGI program was capable of shifting power levels of the shield in different areas, weakening one while strengthening the other.


The large barrage from the Abh ships impacted upon the glowing shields of the Epion. Explosions of electrical clouds from laser energy impacting upon shields exploded out, one or two blasts slipped through, giving superficial damage to the reinforced hull. When the 'dust' cleared, the Epion showed no real signs of visible damage.

Spears smacked his knee in delight, then regained his composure. "Order the lower hemisphere cannon to concentrate on those incoming Abh destroyers. I want them erased from existence!"

It was truly a bloody day, the screams of the viper pilots echoed through the com system of the CIC, in the Battlestar Hera. All Commander Hallen could do was stare at the Draidus screen as fighter after fighter was vanishing, only to be replaced by an emergency transponder.

The search and rescue Raptors were working doubletime, as they tried to retrieve as many of their downed pilots as they could. Dispite the Vipers, and raiders exceptional Manuverability over the enemy fighters, it was quickly becoming apparent that their superior numerical advantage was becoming to great.

The Draidus officer, jumped out of his chair, "Commander new draidus contacts, Oh my gods, it is a massive battlestation. Sir, we are picking up, then he paused.

"What!" Commander Hallen yelled.

"Over 750 squadrons of enemy fighters. They seem to be focusing on the Abh fleet sir."

"Good the Abh should be able to handle it themselves." she replied in anger. How in the frak did something that big go unnoticed, she yelled.

"It would seem it was hiding behind the planet."

Maintain the defense perimeter, and prepare to engage the new fighters should they notice we are here.

"Sir, new message, it is coming from the Abh fleet, they are requesting any and all fighters that we can spare to aid in the upcoming onslaught."

Commander Hallen lowered her head, slowly looking towards the tactical planning table below the Draidus screen. Order the deployment of squadrons 40-70 to aid in their attack.

Encrypted message to the Abh Fleet:
This is Hera actual, to the Abh fleet. Your request has been granted. We will send 30 squadrons to aid in your attack. Please be advised that contained in this message is a copy of the transponder codes, of our fighters. We are about to engage the holo cloak system, so update your computers accordingly to avoid friendly fire.

This is Hera Actual, to squadrons 40-70. You are to cease attacking your current targets and meet up with the abh fleet to help repel the new attack. Operation Trojan is a go.

Over 300 Vipers recieved the message. As they did, the did a 180 degree turn in .03 seconds, and engaged the holo cloak system. The Vipers shimmered and transformed into Imperial Tie Fighters, as the Raptors shimmered and transformed into Tie Defenders. As they raced through space, it would appear as if they were chasing the Abh fighters. The only give away, would be when they fired, as their tracer rounds look nothing like the turbo lasers that the Empire uses.

"Sir we are recieving a new message."

The objective was reached. The Coredian ships have exited via the wormhole. Our job is done. Anything you do is on your own shoulders. We are leaving. The Empire does not support your actions nor would Daniel if he still could tell you. Good luck.

Commander Hallen stood their in disbelief. "The objective was achieved. What objective is that, to allow the empire to control this planet, and kill Colonials." she exclaimed in wrathful tone. She picked up a model of one of the raptors and threw it on the table scattering the fleet formations.

Prepare Operation Pandora. I do not want that planet habitable for at least a century. she ordered as she looked at the communications officer as if fire were about to shoot from her eyes.

Encrypted message to the Colonial Fleet:
This is Hera Actual to all Battlestars: Operation Pandora is a go.

All missiles are loaded Commander

She looked to the cylons, controlling the missile grid. "Obliterate that planet, they will not get their prize. Only avoid any underground structures, Daniel and our marines might be in one of them. " "Besides I want survivors, and there should be a lot of scared civilians hiding in those fall out shelters.", she said in a sadistic tone. "Let the galaxy know what happens when you frak with the Colonies."

As the order went out, the battlestars began to roll. As they rolled, the top of the ships opened, revealing 40 Tactical Nuclear missiles on each battlestar. In a second, the battlestars unloaded their planetary bombardments, as a total of 480 Missiles fired from the 12 battlestars and 100 , 2 gigaton missiles fired from the Hera.

The Hera's missiles would be enough alone to destroy the biosphere of the planet, but the other battlestars, were to add insult to injury.

As the normal battlestars missiles entered the orbit, the nose of the missile broke away, revealing 12, 50 megaton warheads, and one 1 gigaton warhead in the center. The warheads broke away, scattering across the planet. Mushrooms began to appear, visible from space. Hundreds, then thousands of mushroom clouds appeared, as the oceans were literally picked up and slammed ashore. Hundreds of miles inland would be hit by massive tsunami's, as the Polar icecaps were obliterated. Where cities once stood, massive clouds appeared. The only area that was spared a direct assault was a 1000 mile radius of the landing zone, but within 30 minutes, that area also would be filled with lethal radiation and 500 MPH winds, as the clouds would begin the horrific nuclear winter that would follow for years to come.

As the missiles impacted the surface, the remaining Raiders, fired up their FTL drives and jumped into the planets atmosphere, on the far side of the planet. They locked on to anything they could see, and fired their 10 megaton Nuclear ordinance. When the attack was done, the surface of the planet should look like a desert, and devoid of all life, except those lives held safely underground.

OOC: for visual reference please see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sBIRrinFHU between 0:55- 1:09

How should warriors of the Gods fight?

As hard as steel, as sure as iron. As true as faith.

"Disregard any and all Thrashian orders." The message, simple and yet audacious, was echoed throughout the fleet as Chronosian captains and admiralty brought their ships into a more defensible position, fire pouring at the enemy from their positions about the ruined husk of the Executor. The Chronosians poured their fury upon the void, intent upon denying any of their myriad foes the pleasure of any gain.

"My Lord!" An adepts voice rose over the fray, the shaking of the ships subsiding as movement ceased and the guns thundered again. “What are your orders?”

The admiral paused, gazing out at the carnage that enveloped the world below and the stars about them. This was war, limitless war across the galaxy. War in the name, not of the Emperor who ruled from another galaxy in the name of the Sith, not the decrepit warlord of Coruscant but the glorious Lord of Chaos, the Scion of the Gods. The Chronosians thrived on such conflict. They always had. Always extolling the virtues of the Great Crusade, first to unify Mankind beneath the false conceit of the God Emperor, and then beneath the glorious banner of Chaos.

They had come far. Entire worlds had died to bring them to this very moment, not in the service of the Empire, but always in the name of the Imperium. He could almost feel the threads of fate weaving tight about him, Tzeentch’s will upon the universe.

“I will address the fleet. Prepare the vox.”

“Aye Lord.”

He smiled lightly, his face weathered with the harshness of the light, with the sheer weight of life in the void. It had been long since he had felt soil between his fingers, air against his face. Now he began to speak, his words carried to the Chronosian fleet and to the others who would hear them.

In the name of the Emperor and by the authority of the Imperial Warmaster, it is a Chronosian hand that will guide us in our endeavor. Your eagerness is noted, Admiral Dalaa, and commended, but you will stand down in favor of your betters and direct all fire towards the Abh and the Coredians. The bastard sons of Masaki will not escape us again. Pursue them all! Destroy each and every enemy of the Empire! By the Gods you will all fight and die for the Throne!

“Incoming astropathic orders, sir! It’s from Chronosia Prime!” The Admiral reached down, his fingers closing around the gene-locks with a wince as they extracted blood. He unfurled the papers, the characteristic seal of Remiel apparent upon the paper. His words were scarce. He demanded that none touch the Colonials, he espoused that the moment of judgment drew near, the fulfillment of his grand designs. One above all standing out for all to see.

Deny.

“We have our orders. The Emperor has blessed us. Fate smiles on us this day. We dare not question the word of the Emperor. We do not stand against the designs of the Changer. Deny. Resist! Onwards to glory, Men of Chronosia!”

OOC: A later post will espouse the occurances on the ground. Apologies, but I have to run to work.

What looked like destroyers ready to fight were actually ships simply covering the rear of the Abh squadron that was trying to leave the system. Spoor simply didn't want anyone blowing turbolasers up her skirt anymore. Destroyer lines were ordered to fire and continually fall back behind the lines as they steadily worked their way towards the hole in the FTLi.

Abh loved their energy beam weapons especially for fighter craft. It was always said that if the Abh shot fast and accuratly enough, you could write your name in the flames of dying fighters. Without wasting anymore heavy attacks on the Epion, who was fastly falling out of range of their weapons, forward energy beam weapons ripped out towards the fighter swarms. Whitestars came out in support simply to keep them at bay while the main fleet retreated.

Pulse cannons and lances of green energy lanced out from every Abh vessel facing an attack. Spoor was banking on the massive ship being slower than her much smaller vessels as they made their way out of the system. Once far enough away, they could completely disengage from the attacks and break for the quick run home.

Another hail of laser fire ripped out but slowly losing its affect. Still it impacted against ships and was doing damage. Damage that Admiral Spoor could not afford to let slow her squadron down. "Chief, how much longer until those trans-phasic torpedoes are ready?"

"Another minute Admiral."

"Tell the damn computer to hurry or you can get out and load the tubes yourself."

It was a rare emotional outburst from the typical calm Admiral but it was understandable. "Yes admiral. It will be ready shortly."

"Keep us in line with the Colonials but keep pushing them back towards the gate. I don't want anyone left behind."

Cufadiss watched his screen for updates. "Trying ma'am but the Chronosians are looking towards them as targets."

Spoor sighed with a small smile. "Chronosia...It doesn't matter. Push those landers towards the gate and put our fleet between them and any fire they might face. I want everyone out of this system."

"Yes ma'am. Transmission from the Balroggans."

"I really don't care what they have to say at the moment Chief. A little busy commanding a squadron and all that."

"Admiral, they want us out of the system."

Spoor whirled around to regard her Chief of Staff. A stray laser bolt impacted against her flagship causing her to lean heavily on the railing. "Really? Leave the system.... They must think I am a complete fool. I have no intention of remaining in this system outnumbered as greatly as we already are. Staying to fight impossible odds is something irrational humans would do or at least something of the Abriel family."

The Draidus officer stared at the Draidus screen in absolute horror. Mushroom cloud after mushroom cloud ravaged the planet below, Millions, if not Billions of lives in a single instant, snuffed out of existance. He knew that many innocent people were just slaughtered, out of vengence, for what the destruction of one battlestar, The Orion. THose who would survive in the underground bunkers, he knew would have a tough life. As he watched his readings came back, as the continents and oceans of the planets surface was vaporized by the nuclear blasts. The oceans, rivers, rainforests, the cities, even small towns were gone, wasted by massive explosions that now continued to ravage the world below. Only that small area where Emperor Daniel landed remained unscathed, for now, but time was running out, as the radiation would soon glide over that area.

Sir, THe Abh are begining to make their way towards the Balrooga Wormhole. They are in a slow but steady retreat, he said after he took a moment to look at the fleet formations.

Commander Hallen sighed. This operation was a complete waste of life, she thought to herself. Even with the planet irradiated for many decades, and with the surface of the planet now looking like that of a moon, still she felt disappointed. She knew that they had failed to beat back the empire. The sacrifice of the Battlestar Orion would forever be attributed to that of failure. Her only comfort was that their would be nothing of value left on the planet below, except a bunch of people who would have to live out their entire lives in a small bunker, with limited supplies. Their lives would be harsh, but that is the price for aiding the enemy in a time of war. The cowards on Asfaltum should have known better, than to betray those who were sacrificing their lives to save them, Commander Hallen thought to herself.

She picked up the com system.

This is the Battlestar Hera to all squardons, come on home, repeat come on home, combat landings are authorized.

Minutes came by as the surviving fighters flew at high velocity into the landing platforms. As a few of them landed, they slid across the deck, a few of them smashing into each other. Had their been an atmosphere in the flight pod, it surely would have started a blaze.

Minutes went by, yet it seemed like an eternity.

Commander, all of our vipers and raptors have been accounted for. Also all of our tactical nuclear missiles have been deployed towards the planet.

Commander Hallen picked up the com system one last time. Her fleet raced towards the hole in the FTLi.

This is Commander Hallen to the Fleet. Begin withdrawl to the Balrooga wormhole, and maintain your FTL drives. Once you clear the FTLi, proceed to jump to the wormhole.

Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall free me.

Darkness fell upon Sidious, the shadow clenched his heart, pulling him deeper and deeper towards the deep abyss of death. The force was gone, cut off from him by some terrible device that the traitor Tarkin had placed on his person, there was nothing he could do, his potential his limitless power was about to edge way into nothing.

Darkness crept ever closer, the shadow clawing at it's source, ready to devour its only parent. Coldness crept towards the emperor, the malevolence of death. His eyes faded, black grasped his throat, his legs collapsed, all feeling in them gone. His heart surged franticly, trying in desperation to keep whatever blood was left flowing around his crippled body. His hearing started to fall away into silence, truly Palpatine would become one with shadow.

A touch graced his side, a lance of a force pike devoured whatever was there.

*SHATTERPOINT*

MY CHAINS ARE BROKEN

THE FORCE HAS SET ME FREE

MY BODY IS GONE

MY MIND IS RESTORED

I AM THE FORCE

I AM DEAD AND I AM ALIVE

THROUGH POWER I HAVE GAINED VICTORY

The body of the emperor quivered for a moment, shock prevailed and his eyes dilated. A weeping Red Robe lay at his side, in tears at the sorrow of his master, destroyed, killed and executed in the most brutal of ways. A traitor had stabbed the emperor, the device, he picked up; what remained of it, was obviously Imperial in origin.

“Whoever you are traitor.” He thought. “I shall enforce the emperors vengeance.” The guard whispered into the emperors ears. Another red robe approached, also in deep mourning, his eyes covered in tears as he broke down at the corpse of Palpatine. They had failed, failed the emperor, failed the empire, failed in everything they stood for. Yet their hope was not entirely lost, for the corpse of Palpatine faded, it slowly began to disappear as it became one with the force.

Darkness crept through the world, light scurried as it struggled under the terror. The force surged with anger, destiny was being foretold, prophecy was being maintained. And the order of the Sith survived. One Master, One Apprentice.

In orbit -

It would begin, the darkness of Asfaltum, with a tendril of lightning sparking over the southern continent. The air burned, igniting into flame as it spread over the entire world. Next the strikes became more frequent, in a moment of seconds Asfaltum was engulfed in a planetary wide storm, striking, destroying burning everything alive on the surface. Fires raged, shadow dominated, and yet it grew like tide of resentment.

The force yearned for the dead, the life lost in a moment, in the name of power. The storm continued higher and higher, the sparks grasped the emptiness of space. The raw energy forking between planet and moons and yet it continued unabated. Higher it climbed the fires of darkness consuming the shadow of the void.

*SHATTERPOINT*

THE EMPIRE

THE EMPIRE

THE SITH

DESTROY THE JEDI

This was a force storm, exploding in the will of Palpatine. It's energy its life screamed with his presence, his consciousness, yet it was madness incarnate. Some say ultimate power corrupts absolutely, and when it comes to those so driven for this elixir, even their last bastions of sanity fall to the pleasures of darkness.

The force storm raged, sparking out towards those that dared oppose the empire. Its forks of destruction concentrated upon the innocent, those unknown to the infinite power of the force.


THE CHAINS ARE BROKEN

THE FORCE HAS SET ME FREE

Ba’El lay dreaming.

He was floating in a seemingly endless cloud, mists reaching everywhere. It felt nice and safe; his total self crowded into one little area of his mind. After what seemed like eternity, memories began to flicker into his consciousness. He saw a world full of tropical forests. The massive Space Tower of Kala-Keihm flashed by overhead as he surfaced from the thick clouds. He could feel the fleet ships in orbit above but currently he didn’t have any desire to visit them, the mists were all he wanted and he sank back into them feeling safely hidden in his refuge.

Suddenly darkness intruded into his refuge of solitude. The mists became storm clouds and boiled with rage. Hatred flashed in sheets of lightning as Ba’El tried to retreat, not understanding what had happened. The storm seemed to follow him everywhere, not unlike a hunter trailing its prey. Ba’El tried to put distance between the Hunter and himself but no matter where he turned, the darkness was there. It seemed as if it were everywhere he tried to escape. Energy flared as lightning struck close to where Ba’El was cowering. The shock of the strike caused scattered images to flash in his mind.

He was suddenly standing on the bridge of his ship. He witnessed The Zeus pulling alongside another ship. He was then in the other ship talking to a lot of others. There was arguing. He was then aboard a ship in a simple quarters. He got a bad premonition of something happening. He was standing on the bridge of the ship watching a planet getting bombed. He was protesting the actions. He was confined to quarters. As he left the bridge, a pointy eared Abh was preparing to attack him. He was locked in the quarters. He was brought to a cargo hold. He disguised the group. He killed a sniper. He got the group into the tomb. He was standing there with them as a fight started. He got a premonition of disaster. He used his last energy to save them.


They abandoned him.


That last realization struck him true and hard. He felt the anger rising within him, inundating him like a flood. He had risked his very existence to save them and all they ever did was mistrust him and treat him like an enemy, even after he tried to save them.

He was left alone as they tried to save their own skins, the meatbags used him.

Ba’El seemed to draw in part of the thunderstorm that Raged around him and used the furies to bolster his strength. He willed himself to rise out of the storm and the turbulent clouds faded. They were replaced by darkened hall as a couple red-shrouded guards knelt by their fallen Emperor. Palpatine faded away and blackness seemed to spring from him as his rage and energy was unleashed. Ba’El could see the Force Energies flowing upwards through the ceiling. The black energy caused arcs of lightning not unlike those in his dream to score the ceiling and to strike out at anything. The only thing different was the energies of the darkness seemed to be mutating the natural creatures around it but avoided anything Imperial. An arc of lightning jumped out towards Ba’El and passed right through him, causing an incredible amount of pain as he felt part of himself being drawn into the balckness. He could not remain here without his energy anchored for he knew more strikes would completely drain him to nothingness. He would be absorbed bit by painful bit into the energy cloud he could feel enveloping the surface. He turned and went back into the Embalming chamber; the only direction to travel that was away from the source of darkness.

The troopers were cleaning up after the rebels fled. Energy arced through the walls striking some of the scurrying insects, causing them to grow and change. Ba’El saw his chance and used his ability to inhabit one of them, hiding within the form of the mutating insect.





In Orbit:




The remains of the strike force were nearing the Wormhole when the Force Storm struck. It quickly expanded from the planet and overtook them as they were arriving at the edge of the Wormhole. At a mere 34,000 kilometers from the planet, the last position of The Executor before she was struck down by The Serpent, the wormhole was just outside the minimum distance needed from a planet. Any closer and it would have begun to siphon off the atmosphere resulting in huge storms that would put a hurricane to shame.

“Commander Far’Gohn, I am picking up an energy reading from the planet. It appears to be an energy wave of some sort approaching us at great speed.”

“Take evasive actions.”

“Not possible, it is too large.”

“Concentrate shields and have the Escorts overlap to provide maximum benefit from that tangent.”

“Not enough time, impact in three seconds.”

The wave of blackness overtook the fleeing Battlegroup. Energy flashed from the billows and scarred the ships, even through their shields. The Raphael, already damaged by the number of hits from the Thrashian barrage, seemed to flounder just before she was swallowed by the wormhole. Moments later the black cloud was obscuring the wormhole, cutting off the others from using it.





Space:




The Wormhole pulsed as the Coredian fleet emerged from within its depths. The damaged ships were battle scarred and mostly consisted of the remains of the Black Fleet. Those ships were quickly healing their battle damage thanks to the enhancements afforded to them right after the Mirfolk Battle. Within a short time, all signs of damage would have been erased.

Aboard The Serendipity, Nhur-Galladu watched using the Dreadnaught’s sensors. He was pleased with the way the modifications held up and the increased stamina afforded to the ships was a testament to their work. The mission was a success and the removal of The Executor from the Imperial Ship manifests would be a major blow to the GE itself.

Several ships rushed to the conventional ships of the Coredian ships to assist them with their repairs, lending a hand to their new friends. Nhur-Galladu opened an open channel to the Coredian fleet.

This is Nhur-Galladu, welcome back safely from the front lines. If any Imperials are foolish enough to follow through the wormhole, my fleets will decimate them. You are safe from Imperial attack here in the middle of empty space. The tugs will remove you to the back of the formation where you can begin repairs.

I wish to congratulate you on your successful mission. With the destruction of The Executor the GE has been dealt a crippling blow to morale. For generations, your deeds will be looked upon with reverence for you dared to stand against overwhelming odds and…

Suddenly Nhur-Galladu stopped. Something was not right. As a matter of fact, it felt very wrong. The wormhole again opened and the remains of the Battlegroup drifted out. The Raphael was badly damaged and they barely had half the escort vessels left operational.

“This is The Raphael to all fleet ships. Run. Get out of here right now. Save yourselves. It is commin…”

The wormhole suddenly belched blackness as the Force Storm was expelled. The black Rage flooded the Honorguard and Imperial fleet standing by. Black Rage penetrated through the shields as if they were not there. The raw emotion struck every crewmember straight to the core as it was also transmitted through The Link they all shared. Even Nhur-Galladu was struck by the overwhelming Rage rush unawares as it filtered through the Link into his awareness. He felt everything seem to shift and twist. It was reminiscent of the time Mini-Meihm and Chronosia opened a Warp Gate in the Cluster. The raw Entropy afflicted the entire Empire and caused drastic changes to the nation. This Emotion seemed to follow the same course, afflicting every Ta’Nar, Childer, and Kython through the Links they all shared. Nhur-Galladu had in his close proximity aided the contagion by boosting its ability to afflict the entire population.

That was how The Dark Night began.

At first everything seemed to be normal. Then it struck. Massive emanations, for those who were Psionic or even Force sensitive would feel the outright screams and disruptions of that night. Those too close or sensitive were even driven mad by what they experienced. They would never speak of what they saw, even under medication and those who delved within their minds were stricken by the victim's memories and also driven insane.


The Fear. The Hate. The Hunger. The Desire. The Lust. The Rapture. The Rage.

But mostly The Hunt.


The worlds of the Balrogga Empire went silent. No calls were answered or returned. Ships were strangely silent and everything seemed deserted the next day. Those who investigated only found empty worlds. There was large holes where buildings once stood, still showing the shape of the foundations. Every building, vehicle, or artifact the Balrogga Empire produced was missing. Only the whispering wind was left and it was keeping the events of the night before its own secret.

The Truth of that night was The Rage. Everything was The Rage and then afterwards The Hunt which was driven by The Rage. The Childer, who was barely in their 4th century of existence, was the key. Their eventual Uplifting was originally scheduled to occur over a millennia but the events in The Cluster triggered a premature uplift. The incorporation of Entropy due to exposure from an Eye caused by the actions of Mini-Meihm and Chronosia in their battle with SeaQuest caused the plans of the Ta’Nar to go awry.

The result was the evolution of the AI and Humans into Childer, pure minds that were gifted with psionic abilities, much like their hosts, the Ta’Nar. They were called Childer, being in a sense the children of the Ta’Nar. Over the next few centuries they tried to correct the problems the incomplete evolution of their plans had caused. Unfortunately there was not enough time.

The Force Storm with the massive emotional Rage triggered something within the Childer. They quickly lost control and began to hunt each other as well as any who happen to be in the way. Those who fell were absorbed into the Hunters using their Psychic Vampirism abilities. They were eaten alive, right down to the core of their being. The Ta’Nar who were also afflicted by The Rage was able to overcome the Urge but at a great cost. They were each only able to save ten Childer, protecting them from the others who shortly burnt themselves out of existence hours later being deprived of a source of feeding.

In that evening, over six billion Childer were wiped out of existence, resulting in the largest Force Disruption since Alderaan was destroyed. The surge of the dying was indeed spread out but since they were all connected by The Link, it was felt equally everywhere the disaster happened.

That night, the population of 42 systems of the Balrogga Empire disappeared. Their culture was lost and the Kythons turned and stripped anything of Imperial origins. They disintegrated anything and everything in each system leaving nothing material of the Empire, only empty memories and equally empty systems. Even the Imperial Palace of Earth, the place where they climbed to the stars was stripped clear. Nothing remained of the Balrogga Empire in the entire Sol System, the chain of islands in the pacific scoured empty and bare. The satellites, mining operations in the belts, and Solar Station all devoured and missing.

The Empty worlds were left for any who would risk the Psychic impressions haunting them. Any would be able to claim them if they could brave the mind-numbing ghosts that haunted them. Most would end up abandoning them shortly after arriving. That is the way with haunted sites, even when the whole system may be haunted.


Back where Nhur-Galladu would be trying to strengthen his nation from the attack within. Over the next few hours, the survivors would be arriving in their Kython ships. All the military resources of the Empire gathered in the one spot outside the leaking wormhole bleeding Rage into them. Even the Draconus Fortress was moved from the Cluster and the 45 kilometer battlefortress joined in that single space, floating silently. Every remaining Ta’Nar, Childer, and Kython of the Empire in a single location, the first time since they left Earth more than a millennia ago.


All except Ba’El.





The Tomb:






The Force energies twisted the bug into a giant insect-like form. The internal organs changed along with the outside form, allowing it to adapt to survive the transformation. The typical internal organs of an insect would not allow it to survive larger than a domestic canine. The life energies infused the form giving it strength and form that even millions of years of evolution could not. Using his abilities he steered the growths to what he needed.

After a while, a two meter insect stood on its four legs and flexed its four arms. The head looked around at the now empty supply room just off the Embalming room the others were within. Ba’El cold hear the vibrations the men made as they moved about, his new senses providing the strange input. He left the supply room and took up a discarded cloak, draping it around his form to hide himself. He was still unsteady and weakened from his ordeal. He felt the Rage coursing inside him, unsure of what it was. He noticed the lightening strikes did not touch him anymore and he cautiously moved forward to see what had happened.








Note:


These changes will affect all new RPs I am in. I will finish the ones I am in and count them as happening before these events.

The ITH will continue as it always has, completely independent from my nation and disconnected from all events.

The Mirror Wars will continue in their own standing since I was never using those events as a part of my history.

Each other thread will be case by case.

"Sir our long range sensors are picking up disturbances over the Asfaltum planet. A storm of immense size and power that seems to be growing at a disturbing rate," a communications officer said to General Grenzer, head of the Ganoxan defense effort.

"When will the storm reach Ganoxa?"

"At its rate of expansion it could reach our planet in about two hours," the officer grimaced.

"Two hours?!? Begin evacuation of the planet. All Military and militia forces must be evacuated. Get as much equipment as possibly can onto the transports. ASAP."

"Right away sir," the comms officer acknowledged.

One hour later the transport fleet started to head out of the system to meet up with the prearranged Balroggan Wormhole. Escorted by the the entire fighter squadrons of the GAF the transports at least had some light protection against threats against them. The storm had reached the long range sensors on the outskirts of the planet instantly destroying them. At this time there is still some 100,000 men and women on the surface still preparing the transports for takeoff.

OOC: Finally got back from vacation.

The Battlestar group raced at full speed towards the FTli hole, where the Executor once stood. Flying through the void after the devastating nuclear barrage, the battlestars engines glowed white, as they pressed forward with everything they could bring to bear.

Commander Hallen stood their quiet, thinking of the loss of life that she had ordered, those that would be destroyed. She comforted herself, knowing the Empire lost their prize, and that those who would collaborate with the enemy would suffer unimaginable horrors, as the land and water itself would be poisoned. She knew out of the survivors few would live long enough til the radiation would naturally dissipate, but those that would live would remember today forever. This day they will learn the hard lesson, if you side with the enemy, you will suffer. She had no clue how that lesson would come true.

As the Battlestars began to enter the FTLi hole, she began to notice something odd. None of the Empire's vessels seemed to be firing on the battlestars. They seemed to be focusing on the everyone else, yet the Colonial ships seemed be be coming out unscathed, except for the lost fighter pilots. Turbo lasers shot into the Balrooga, Abh even Coredian vessels, but the fleet that destroyed the Empire's prize from them, remained unharmed.

She took special note of that, although she was not abotu to complain.

Commander, the planet is on fire. the draidus officer shouted, breaking the silence in the CIC.

"We just blew it back into the stone age, of course it is on fire." Commander Hallen replied.

No sir, the draidus officer remarked, this is something else. A massive storm has overtaken the planet, and is reaching out into space, at dramatic speeds. It will overtake us in 15 seconds.

"How far are we from the Balrooga wormhole?" she asked.

Two minutes sir.

She grabbed the com system, "All hands this is the commander Jump." she ordered, while wondering what in the frak caused that storm.

As the storm approached the battlestars, they vanished, leaping towards the original coordinates of fleet prior to the invasion.

On Asfaltum Prime 45 seconds ago:

As they entered Asfaltum's atmosphere, they began to launch their 10 megaton nuclear warheads at any surviving structures or people. The attack was devastating, as the missiles launched out of the fighters, like a fan, spreading out in every direction. More mushroom clouds appeared in the background, adding insult to the injury of the planetary bombardment. The red eye of the cylon raiders began to scan for anyone within their range, preparing to attack them, until they noticed the storm. The storm swooped over them, as a tsunami would over a toy boat. With lighting arcs frying the biological brains inside the heavily armored ships, they began to fall like rain onto the planets surface. It was as if all life were snuffed out of them, and in a instant, all of the raider squadrons died. As the ships crashed, a signal began to be transmitted towards the Battlestar Hera. Only a few would make it before the massive vessel jumped, leaving the majority of raiders to suffer the unimaginable, Death.

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

In the tomb one minute ago

, the colonial troops had fought their way to the surface. They smiled as they saw the light of day, the warmth of the sun. They would soon be home, they thought. That was until they looked to the horizon. Mushroom clouds appeared in the background, looming over the sky, as if a symbol of the upcoming death.

"Frak, we got nukes incoming." one marine yelled. The surviving marines began to rummage through their bags, looking for their anti-radiation meds. Little did they know how in vain the move would become. Lighting struck out from the tomb, striking the marines and the operative. As the lighting coursed through their bodies, striking cylon and human alike, in the unbridled pain and suffering of the deceased sith lord, the operative struggled to reach for a button on his arm. Although his life would soon be over, he pressed on, until he hit the button. As he pressed it the life was snuffed out of him, yet a signal began to transmit from his camera to the Battlestars racing to leave the system. Although they would be dead, the Colonies would learn what they did, and that they did not die in vain.

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

At the Colonial Fleet, outside the Asfaltum system, the colonial fleet reemerges. Commander Hallen sighed, she outran whatever weapon the Empire through at them. What ever it was, it made their attack against the planet seem like a firecracker vs a nuke. She was truly scared, terrified of the unknown storm that had struck the system.

Sir, incoming message.

"Put it on speakers, she stated, as she put her hand to her throat, hoping it was good news. One moment turned into an eternity, then the horror that would come from the speakers would forever haunt her. It was almost prophetic in a way.

“This is The Raphael to all fleet ships. Run. Get out of here right now. Save yourselves. It is commin…”

She immediately picked up the com, All hands this is the Commander, spin up the FTL, and prepare for immediate jump back to Caprica.

The storm grew, consuming all in the area, and it approached the fleet with considerable speed, like a rider of death, it seemed to spare no one. As it approached, the Battlestar Hera and 11 of the other 12 battlestars jumped into the void of space.

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

Onboard the Battlestar Nymph:

One young officer yelled, "Sir we are having a malfunction in our FTL drive.

That was the last word uttered on the Battlestar, as the Storm overtook it. Lightning arched across the metal corridors killing everyone on board. Screams echoed the halls, as the Telium on board caught on fire. A second turned into an eternity as the pain and horror of the storm, swallowed the battlestar. In a second the battlestar blew, engines, flight pods, and pieces of the broken hull scattered across the void, flying in every direction. There were no survivors...

The black fleet of Balrogga floated in the empty reaches of space. The silent vessels were still.

Too still.

For the last few hours the ships writhed as if in throes of agony, the spines of the ships quivering and flexing, the hull rippling and undulating. Some of them even merged and split apart and other fleets began to arrive from elsewhere. They were from the ghost worlds of the Lost Empire of Balrogga, now nothing but a collection of a couple dozen worlds of deserted and haunted planets. No sentient creature was left alive on those worlds, unless they were completely secluded. Even then, they would have wished they had dies in the long hours of that Night.

The ships were surrounding a behemoth, the Fortress as it is now called. The huge Battlefortress that once served as the seat of power in The Cluster was now reassigned. The Wormhole that had channeled the Force Storm long closed.

Within the structure, there was a gathering of entities, the Ta’Nar from across the Old Empire were arriving to pay Nhur-Galladu homage and to act together as a whole. The Calling came as the ravages of The Rage claimed over 6 billion Childer, although they were able to save about 60 million of them from the self-destruction of The Rage.

The Gathering was mandated by Nhur-Galladu. He demanded the full attendance of every surviving subject and what he wanted he got. The Fortress was packed full of Ta’Nar as well as the nearby ships. Within the black ships and the Fortress, a meeting of a sort was taking place. Those Ta’Nar of higher Status were allowed to attend the Gathering at the Fortress, the others and the Childer were to remain on the ships but the entire affair was broadcast psionically through the Link.

The Gathering was kept secret from outsiders and none found out what went on in those few hours. It is known Nhur-Galladu was no longer called Emperor after that day. He Took the Title of Warlord and led the remains of his nation through one last Wormhole, appearing above Coruscant, easily shattering the FTLi and triggering every alarm in the system.

Much Ado About Nothing

Chris Worthington, Jedi Knight and former apprentice to the Emperor, hovered in silence, watching and waiting for his superior and company to emerge from the cave. He hoped they would emerge in triumph, but settled for survival. He simply hoped the man he grew to love as a mentor survived the likely carnage that would come from facing down the entire Sith contiguent of the Empire, not to mention the Royal Guards and the Imperial forces.

He waited, and waited. Until things began to get exciting when dozens of flashes and rumblings of the air shook the ship.

"Chris! We got incoming!" A sensor operator shouted.

"What? From where?" Chris asked, his hands gripping the controls of the ship.

"Nuclear ordinance, ranging from five megaton range to gigaton range." The officer reported. "They're...hitting everything!"

Chris felt it and felt sick. "I sense it. Millions of voices suddenly cried out in pain and were silenced. The Empire?" Everyone knew that the Empire was likely to do such a thing. Perhaps Palpatine ordered the bombardment to shaken up Daniel.

"Doesn't look like the kind of ordinance the Empire uses. Hold on." The sensor operator clicked some buttons and brought up trajectory screens. "Battlestars, sir."

"Not ours. surely?" Even Captain Holland, as fierce as he gets, would balk at such wanton destruction.

"No. Colonial."

The Jedi Knight scowled. "Great. Daniel's going to be pissed if he gets back."

A few minutes passed as more and more bombs fell. Then...something was in the air. Something Chris sensed. A terrible foreboding. Something that screamed get the hell out of there!!!

Against his instincts, he waited for Daniel and posse.

Then...

"His signal! He's coming!" Someone shouted.

=====

Gasping for breath as a sudden darkness grasped my mind, my friends and I raced out of the cave system with the hordes from hell hot on our heels. We dropped grenades, tore down cave ceilings to slow our pursuers, and even sent clones to distract them but they still seemed to come in droves, firing their blasters. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, we burst out of the entrance to the cave.

But with one (super powered) person missing.

"Where's Ba'el?" I shouted over the sudden hurricane that has sprung up.

"Don't know! The Colonials are gone too!" Naruto yelled back. I grimaced, knowing that the Imperials have likely killed them. Too much blood has been shed in this damned war.

"Quit yapping! We have bigger problems!" A powerful foxlike being roared from the ninja master's belly. It surprised me that I could actually hear the fox, but my surprise turned to bigger matters.

Lightning flashed in the air and the clouds began to close above us. Then a bolt struck me, shocking me with the sheer power that came from it. Even with my resistance to electricity, it hurt! "Aaaah!"

"Daniel!" Naruto grabbed my smoking body as lightning struck the ground near us.

"Where's the ship?!" I gasped.

A moment later, my question was answered. The modified Valkyrie frigate appeared before us, its cargo bay yawning open. We (and Doron) jumped up into the cargo bay, the troopers behind us still firing. The Much Ado returned fire, turning them into charred flesh, then headed towards space at top speed.

As we somewhat settled into the ship, I headed for the bridge despite my injuries. "Step on it, Chris! This is no ordinary storm! It's a Force Storm!"

"Why am I not surprised?! Is Palpatine--" Chris yelled in shock as he gunned the engines further.

"Sort of! I'll tell you later!" I replied. Flashes on the shields showed that TIE fighters approached as we sped out of the atmosphere, but our speed was simply too much. "Make the jump as soon as possible!"

The entire planet was engulfed in a terrible storm, more powerful than anything nature could cook up and yet the storm was growing by the minute, nay the second.

"Daniel! Sensors show a Balroggan wormhole!"

"Go for it!" I yelled, instinctively knowing that it was a measure of safety.

Fighting through the gauntlet, with Imperial and Chronosian cruisers ahead and the Force Storm behind, we sped for the wormhole, turbolasers blasting away at our shields. Finally, with mere seconds to spare before we would get consumed, we made it to the wormhole and ran through it...

Admiral Spoor had given orders for no one to leave the system until the allies on the ground had evacuated. They were to remain behind and pose as a distraction until all were secure. Even as countless turbolasers pounded the sides of their ships, melted armor, and claimed lives; Admiral Spoor stood resolute on the command deck with her arms crossed as she watched for any signs of the lone ship to break free of the atmosphere.

"Ally signature detected, Admiral." Cufadiss was relieved to finally be away from this acursed system. He never was one for heroics.

"That's it. All ships, prepare to make the jump. We're leaving now."

"Admiral! There is anomanoly approaching. Power readings are off the chart!"

Spoor spun and sat down in her chair. "Jump now!"

With the last bit of the Abh ships remaining, the squadron dove into Hyperspace and headed for safety and hopefully home.

Hakar dove low as the nuclear heatwaves seared Asfaltum. He watched cities vanish in the distance, watched as the light flickered and grew about the points of impact, as though the world itself bled and buckled under the onslaught. This was madness. Treachery! It was either the howling guns of the enemy, or the hatred of the Empire. He let a snarl twist his lips, for he understood none of this. He saw only with the sight of Sanguinius.

He roared as he watched the vast walls of the Emperor's palace buckle and shudder under killing fire. The flame was real, but he saw what had once been, enrapt in the Black Rage. He saw the Loyalist dogs of the False Emperor cast down beneath the Legions of Horus, he saw fire and blood. He let a howl of purest bloodlust spill forth from his lungs as the Apothecaries and Sorcerors and Chaplains who moved in attendance radioed to the vast fleet.

The Primarch cast his eyes up, the howling sky was aflame with nuclear rage. He moved with preternatural speed and strength, wings flexing as he did, imagining all that he could accomplish. He was the lord of Blood and the master of Ruination. He was a God in mortal garb, he was....

He froze. The distance seemed to crackle and burst in shadowy abomination, lightning crackling and twisting up into the atmosphere. He could taste the crack and the hiss of discharge, felt the winds change and turn foul, blackened by whatever rose. It was not the warp, it was something primal and material, something weaker and altogether different and more sinister than the Immaterium, strong only because it was here, now, on this plane, a part of this plane.

Hakar saw only the flare of warpfire as teleporters engaged, bringing his warriors back into the belly of the fleet.

The fleet moved as one, rocks in the storm that engulfs them. They whether the howling rage, moving through its folds, guns roaring in pursuit of the craven heretics who would flee from the might of Empire and Imperium. Deny, he has said, Deny. And so they do, moving to intercept those they can, bringing their fury upon the foe with the roar of missile and the howl of lance.

Some elements turn their eyes towards Ganoxa as they slide like sharks through the inky blackness. Hungry. Thirsting.

Vengeful.

Lady Nightshade, Dark Lady of the Sith, cackled madly as the power of her old master fueled herself. As the Force Storm raged, her abilities strengthened, nearly at the cost of her very sanity. So strengthened was her abilities that she managed to detect something she had almost missed during the battle.

The Force energies twisted the bug into a giant insect-like form. The internal organs changed along with the outside form, allowing it to adapt to survive the transformation. The typical internal organs of an insect would not allow it to survive larger than a domestic canine. The life energies infused the form giving it strength and form that even millions of years of evolution could not. Using his abilities he steered the growths to what he needed.

After a while, a two meter insect stood on its four legs and flexed its four arms. The head looked around at the now empty supply room just off the Embalming room the others were within. Ba’El cold hear the vibrations the men made as they moved about, his new senses providing the strange input. He left the supply room and took up a discarded cloak, draping it around his form to hide himself. He was still unsteady and weakened from his ordeal. He felt the Rage coursing inside him, unsure of what it was. He noticed the lightening strikes did not touch him anymore and he cautiously moved forward to see what had happened.

Wary of this new creature that she spotted, she had her lightsaber out, ready to destroy it. "I sense much power from you. Unrefined, but potent. But just one question remains. Who are you?"

OOC:

Ba'El's saga will be continued in this Thread:


http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=12792976#post12792976



As a nation, I have left this Thread and have no forces here anymore.

"Copy command continuing on escort duty. Waiting on other transports from the surface."

"Copy red leader standby... alright transports on their way. Over."

"Copy that have them in our sights. Continuing to transport group," then an alarm rang through his cockpit alerting him to imminent danger,"what the hell?"

"Sir this is Red 3, I am getting interference from the storm, my instruments are getting fried, AHHHH AHH..." Red Leader watched as Red 3's fighter burst into flames as it got struck by some sort of energy spike. The storm was near.

"Get the transports out of there now!" ordered Red Leader as he juked away from where Red 3 met his demise. Before he knew it four transports were destroyed in the storm. He dodged a piece of the transport and made a barrel roll to avoid more debris. "Goddammit!"

"Sir the storm is rapidly advancing on the planet."

"We need to get out of the system now," he looked down at his radar and saw more blips disappear from his screen. More men and women lost. He put his fighter into full thrust trying to beat the storm to the edge. He jinked and juked to avoid the energy spikes and continued to push it to the metal. He was almost there then he was suddenly struck causing system failure to his fighter.

"This is Red Leader I'm hit I am hit. I repeat I am hit. I am going EV," he pounded the ejection button and his cockpit portion of his fighter ejected. As his cockpit turned planetside he watched in horror as the storm entirely engulfed Ganoxa and soon him.

On the other side of the wormhole, it was pandemonium as the Force Storm reached out, blowing up ships left and right. Out of a full two hundred ship fleet, less than half survived the whole battle when the Black Fleet made the jump to hyperspace for the secondary rendzevous point.

And then...

Just as the Balroggans were affected, so the Third Fleet was affected through the Shipmind link, but not as badly and soon recovered, cut off and disoriented from the sudden loss of the Balroggan civilization, it was up to the ship crew to sooth them. The Jedi and Shinobi were also affected heavily by the loss of an entire civilization.

As I sat back and rendzevoused with my allies, thinking about the sheer losses incurred by this battle, as well as the events that lead up to it, I felt a profound sadness for the price of victory. A half of my fleet decimated does not compare to the massive Force disruption caused by the loss of the Balroggan civilization. It was an enemy, to be sure, but it was also an honored foe. I'm also sure Godular knows about this and soon, the ESUS would learn of this.

Ironic. The ESUS might want to go after the Empire for this, but I disgress.

For now, I will have to head over to Colonial space and make my formal complaint about the nuclear assault the Colonial navy conducted while I was on the ground while the Third Fleet goes home to recover from the battle and the Battlestar Coredia resumes its mission after it gets repaired. With that in mind, Team Seven was sent back to the Coredia. After that, I made the jump to hyperspace after sending a strongly worded message requesting an audience with President Adar ASAP.

As Doron returned to the bridge of the Coredian vessel where Daniel was already giving out orders, the Abriel absently dusted off his garments. Dust had plagued his clothes from the ground world though it blended in well with his dark garb. He retrieved his cloak on the same chair he left it and threw it around his broad shoulders.

Walking up behind the human emperor, Doron patted the man on his shoulder. "Well old friend, what do you have planned now? It doesn't look like your heading home anytime soon."

For now, I will have to head over to Colonial space and make my formal complaint about the nuclear assault the Colonial navy conducted while I was on the ground while the Third Fleet goes home to recover from the battle and the Battlestar Coredia resumes its mission after it gets repaired. With that in mind, Team Seven was sent back to the Coredia. After that, I made the jump to hyperspace after sending a strongly worded message requesting an audience with President Adar ASAP.

The phone rang in the president's office.

Yes what is it?

"Mr. President, Picion Intellegence has just picked up a message from Emperor Daniel of the Coredian Empire. The message was brief, yet it stated that he was coming to Caprica personnally."

President Adar nearly dropped his morning cup of coffee. "He is coming here, what has occured?"

"I do not know sir, but Commander Hallen's battlefleet has also returned to the colonies. We lost the Battlestar Orion, and in the process of aiding the Coredian assault fleet, the Battlestar nymph was also lost due to some unknown Imperial weapon that covered the system in a ... a storm..."

The president listened to the report from his secratary, and could not believe his ears. "Thank the gods though that they survived. Where is Commander Hallen?"

"Sir she is at Picion Military headquarters debriefing the Admirality. I am sure that within a few hours, we will get a report on what occured."

Any word on the Ares, and Admiral Cain?

"None yet sir, but she is due to check-in, about 35 minutes from now. We do know that she has returned to the Ares and after they escort the Chronosian representitive off the battlestar, she will be heading back to Caprica."

Adar thought to himself, "Today is going to be very interesting, as he picked up his coffee and took a slight sip."

When is the Emperor due to show up.

"Best estimates at hyperspace travel show in about 30 minutes he will be in Colonial space."

Direct him to tarmat, 21 and have a full military parade with full honors assembled for the Emperor. Whatever it is that he wants, it must be important for him to come in person. Also when Admiral Cain returns, have her report to my office immediately.

"Yes Mr. President."

President Adar hung up the phone, and held his hand to his head. I need to get ready, he thought to himself, as he put on his sports coat. 30 minutes would give him little time to prepare, and not enough time at all to assemble the Quorum. He walked out the door, soon out of his office. He got in the new repulser lift limo, and sped off towards the star port. He would be there to greet Daniel himself, and the pictures of him with Daniel should prove to be valuable to his upcoming election.

As Doron returned to the bridge of the Coredian vessel where Daniel was already giving out orders, the Abriel absently dusted off his garments. Dust had plagued his clothes from the ground world though it blended in well with his dark garb. He retrieved his cloak on the same chair he left it and threw it around his broad shoulders.

Walking up behind the human emperor, Doron patted the man on his shoulder. "Well old friend, what do you have planned now? It doesn't look like your heading home anytime soon."
"Right now, I'm going to give the Colonials a piece of my mind about their conduct concerning their nuclear destruction of Asfaltum just before that big storm. I know you Abh are likely to do the same thing, but if they work with us, they better follow certain rules. I'd like you around to give some political pressure from an esteemed ally." I said, smiling thinly at that. "After that, I'm going to want to call a press conference to discuss the recent events. The Emperor is dead -granted not by our hands- but still dead. Balrogga's also dead, as far as I could determine through the Force, and that's going to cause a big stir among the interstellar nations and I'll need to chat with their leaders."

OOC: I'll create the press conference thread soon.

IC:
Thirty minutes later, we arrived in Colonial space and was directed to the appropriate landing spot. I brought the sensor data and a holo PDA to give my stern words weight. Then, with the Colonial band striking up a number, I descended the platform to meet the President of the Colonies.

Me! (on the right) (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e6/DuoMaxwell1.jpg)

It was dark in the room, as Hera awoke from her sleep. She woke up screaming, to find no one around. Her parents and all she knew were gone. She stared into the vast emptiness of the Galactica, no one was there, not a soul. Every noise in the ship began to creak, moan, as if the metal of the bulkhead was torn asunder. Suddenly she was on the ground, looking to the sky. She remembered this dream from previously, the sky was burning, as the man in the black robes came to burn the forrest. Only this time, time seemed to move slower. She looked into the sky to see the sky on fire, as ships and debris flew into the atmosphere. Nothing else was happening.

She woke from her sleep, a small child. She looked around. The great blaze would soon descend on the colonies, and it's first part would happen today.

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

On Caprica, as Daniel descended the Much Ado about Nothing, President Adar came up to the Emperor, and his unexpected Companion.

"Welcome to the Colonies, I am President Adar, EMperor Daniel it is quite a pleasure and a surprise to see you hear. If you desire we may speak, about what brings you and your friend here." President Adar looked at Doran's pointed ears and tried to hide his surprise. He knew true aliens existed, but he had never met one before. As the three turned cameras began to take pictures of the three leaders.

As the three leaders got into the Limo, and were escorted to the Presidents office, you see a copy of the morning newspaper folded. It's headline you can easily see "Traitor Commits Suicide, Baltar found dead after last appeal is denied".

Soon the Lino pulls up, as two guards salute President Adar, Emperor Daniel, and Doran, as they walk through the presidental hallway. The Hallway is white, and has pictures of all the previous presidents of the colonies. At the end of the Hallway, are two huge wooden oak doors, that lead into a very spacious interiour. In the center of the room is a wooden desk. President Adar sits down at his desk, "What might I do for you, and what is the urgency?" he asks very politely

Doron squeezed Daniel's shoulder gently. "Easy now. You don't know the full story of the events that occurred. The battle was intense enough that the commander could have acted without higher orders. Perhaps not much of an excuse for you but it is a possibility. Just remember that these lander democracies don't always have strong sway over their military."

As the Abriel prince entered the chamber with the Coredian Emperor, Doron took a figurative back seat at the moment. Doron knew that this was Daniel's show for now. He would only be a force of restraint should it come to that.

I gave a small nod to Doron, acknowledging his advice. Then diplomacy came to pass.

"I came here to provide some good news, some bad news and some ugly news." I said, easing the President into my words. "The good news first: thanks to your assistance, we have managed to deliver a severe blow to the Galactic Empire. The Emperor Palpatine is dead and his flagship, the HMS Executor has been destroyed."

I paused for reaction.

"Now for the bad news. It is to my regret to inform you that the operative and Colonial Marines you sent us have fallen in battle fighting against the Emperor's forces. They are to be commended for their bravery and sacrifice. Also, the Emperor's fury has managed to reach beyond the grave and the solar system has now been consumed in a storm of which the likes has never before been seen. Even I was surprised by it. I highly recommend declaring the coordinates of Asfaltum persona non grata, off limits on pain of much suffering and the like. In other words, no ship is to come within ten lightyears of that area or bad things will happen. Which comes to my final bit of news, the ugly bit."

I paused again to choose my words carefully, placing the sensor data on the table.

"Now, prior to the escape from the planet, the Much Ado About Nothing, my ship, has recieved sensor data that showed indiscriminate nuclear bombardment all over the planet from your forces. I would like to express my displeasure at such wanton destruction, not just because it goes against my principles as a Master of the Jedi Order and leader of my people, but also because the Empire will most likely use it as a propaganda weapon against us."

"You see, the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances is not just in the fight to defeat the Empire so that democracy can be restored, but it's also fighting for the hearts and minds of billions, possibly trillions of people, of all races and species. As such, we like our allies to maintain the high moral ground in order to secure those hearts and minds, and if our allies resort to killing innocent civilians as the easy way out to winning battles, then people will simply say that we are no better than the enemy we fight and it'll be that much harder to generate support."

"You can understand where I'm coming from."

I paused once more for comments, rebuttals, etc.

Doron realized that a lot must being going through the President's mind. The realization that lives had been lost and now a foreign power was filing complaint against the actions of its military.

"You have to understand that every war is not always about lines on a map but the most important wars are fought and won in the mind. These battles are ones of ideologies where there can be no compromise lest we let innocents slip through our fingers to the trappings of a repressive order.

Understand that the Emperor here and his people have been fighting various members of the Galactic Empire for a great many years. This is not a meeting of hostility or aggression, it is simply to inform you of the status of your military personnel as well as some of the deeds you may or may not be aware of that were committed."

I gave a small nod to Doron, acknowledging his advice. Then diplomacy came to pass.

"I came here to provide some good news, some bad news and some ugly news." I said, easing the President into my words. "The good news first: thanks to your assistance, we have managed to deliver a severe blow to the Galactic Empire. The Emperor Palpatine is dead and his flagship, the HMS Executor has been destroyed."

President Adar began to shuffle through some of his papers, looking for the file on the Asfaltum sector. After a few moments he pulled out a thick folder. He opened it up, it's corners all cut off, on the paper, he began to look through it for the mission objectives. I see, I am glad that we could be of service, but what of the Battlestar Orion? The small fleet was also to determine the whereabouts of our lost vessels in that sector. Do you have any idea of what happened to them. Our commander is at Picion Military headquarters, so it will be some time before I get debriefed by the military.

President Adar sat back in his chair, and took a sip of his Ambrosia. "Forgive my manners would you like some Ambrosia, or would your friend, Prince Doran, I believe."

I paused for reaction.

"Now for the bad news. It is to my regret to inform you that the operative and Colonial Marines you sent us have fallen in battle fighting against the Emperor's forces. They are to be commended for their bravery and sacrifice. Also, the Emperor's fury has managed to reach beyond the grave and the solar system has now been consumed in a storm of which the likes has never before been seen. Even I was surprised by it. I highly recommend declaring the coordinates of Asfaltum persona non grata, off limits on pain of much suffering and the like. In other words, no ship is to come within ten lightyears of that area or bad things will happen. Which comes to my final bit of news, the ugly bit."

As Daniel paused the huge wooden doors to the presidents office opened. In stepped a woman about 5'10, with long brown hair, and brown eyes. She was dressed in a full blue uniform, with the insignia of an Admiral.

When the President heard the words of a strike team's demise, he lowered his head and took off his glasses. He looked at the Admiral.

"I am so glad to see you Admiral. Admiral Cain this is Emperor Daniel of the Coredians and Prince Doran, of the Abh Empire." President Adar stated, holding his hand to the individual's that he is introducing. "He gave her the report, Would you care to explain why a search and rescue team had sent a strike team to the planets surface and were put in harms way without my authorization?"

Admiral Cain picked up the report. "With all due respect... Mr. President, you ordered this mission without consulting myself, or my vessel. I was on a diplomatic mission to help out the colonies, and I had to hear out in the black of space of this operation, from the nation I was meeting in a first contact situation. Perhaps had you consulted your Military Advisiors, and prepared for any contengencies, then they would not have died."

President Adar stared at the Admiral in disbelief. "I did consult with the Admiralty, and they swore that 13 Battlestars would be enough for any search and resuce op."

Then Daniel began to speak again.

I paused again to choose my words carefully, placing the sensor data on the table.

"Now, prior to the escape from the planet, the Much Ado About Nothing, my ship, has recieved sensor data that showed indiscriminate nuclear bombardment all over the planet from your forces. I would like to express my displeasure at such wanton destruction, not just because it goes against my principles as a Master of the Jedi Order and leader of my people, but also because the Empire will most likely use it as a propaganda weapon against us."

"You see, the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances is not just in the fight to defeat the Empire so that democracy can be restored, but it's also fighting for the hearts and minds of billions, possibly trillions of people, of all races and species. As such, we like our allies to maintain the high moral ground in order to secure those hearts and minds, and if our allies resort to killing innocent civilians as the easy way out to winning battles, then people will simply say that we are no better than the enemy we fight and it'll be that much harder to generate support."

"You can understand where I'm coming from."

I paused once more for comments, rebuttals, etc.

President Adar fell into his chair, completely taken away by the devestation of the planet. "She nuked an entire planet? President Adar said, as if Daniel had knocked the wind out of him. He stood there, his face completely blank, as he tried to take in the horror of what had occured. "What happened that would make her nuke an entire planet."

Admiral Cain stood back, completely unphased by the news. Well Mr. President it is withing regulations that if in a beachhead situa...

The President cut her off, "I do not give a frak what is in the regulations, Admiral. I want Commander Hallen arrested, and charged.

Admiral Cain looked at the President, as she slowly walked up to his desk. "What is the matter, you do not have the guts to take responsibility for your mistake, of sending in an unexperienced commander with our most powerful ship designed to wipe out a planet, into a battle with an unknown enemy. It would be a shame if this got out, so close to an election. No, Mr. President I will not charge her, however I will hold a inquiry."

"I am the President Adar shouted back. You will do what I order, or else I will see your resignation on my desk."

Admiral Cain laughs, then look at him square in the eyes. "I do not give a damn what you want, I will not send one good officer up the creek for following regulations. She was most likely trying to prevent a beachhead form occuring, and from the sound of it they failed. You authorized this operation Mr. President. She shoved the folder on his desk. It says in there that you also gave her orders to defend herself as she saw fit, which is what Commander Hallen most likely did. Like it or not, you authorized it. You can try to convict me if you like for disobeying an order, but you only have two months in office til election day. It will be a shame if the military throws it's full support behind one of the other canadate, and news of this holocaust reached the prime time news."

President Adar, stood up and stared at Admiral Cain in her eyes, "Are you threatening me Admiral?"

Admiral Cain looked into him, as if she were looking into his soul, "No sir, I would never dream of threatening you Mr. President."

Doron realized that a lot must being going through the President's mind. The realization that lives had been lost and now a foreign power was filing complaint against the actions of its military.

"You have to understand that every war is not always about lines on a map but the most important wars are fought and won in the mind. These battles are ones of ideologies where there can be no compromise lest we let innocents slip through our fingers to the trappings of a repressive order.

Understand that the Emperor here and his people have been fighting various members of the Galactic Empire for a great many years. This is not a meeting of hostility or aggression, it is simply to inform you of the status of your military personnel as well as some of the deeds you may or may not be aware of that were committed."

As Doran speaks, he breaks up the arguement between Admiral Cain and President Adar.

President Adar sat there in silence, fuming over the Admirals blatent disrespect that was shown, in front of foreign leaders none the less. Admiral Cain turned. "Winning the hearts and minds is a great strategy once you have a successful invasion or liberation of a population. However morals in war can only occur when you can afford it. Did you succeed in liberating Asfaltum? Has the Empire been stopped in creating a beachhead into this galaxy? Morals with defeat, does not help you to win the hearts and minds of a population. No one will rise against a victor that will have no problem shooting the populace in the head for the slightest infraction."

President Adar looked at Emperor Daniel, "Do you happen to have your sensor logs, and perhaps one of your holographic interfaces so that we can see exactly what happened here?" President Adar states, as he tries to regain his composure.

This was why humans did not run the Abh Empire. They were too emotional and driven by personal motives. It was disturbing to see it all played out so plainly before his eyes as the Admiral and President argued over the matter of fault.

"To be honest with the Admiral here, the objective of the Abh was not to liberate Asfaltum. Whether or not its liberation was successful or a failure is of little importance to us and since there is no longer a population on Asfaltum, it appears we do not have to worry about morals and defeat in this case.

But no tyranny has ever lasted built on the base of fear and intimidation. Every structure is doomed to fail and fall at the hands of the people. What would the difference be to losing your life from a gunshot when compared to losing your life under tyranny when your life is no longer your own to live as you see fit? In my opinion, one is quicker and less painful.

Getting away from the argument at hand, Doron listened to the president. "If the Coredians do not have the records of the actions, then I can have records from the Empire brought in for support."

President Adar began to shuffle through some of his papers, looking for the file on the Asfaltum sector. After a few moments he pulled out a thick folder. He opened it up, it's corners all cut off, on the paper, he began to look through it for the mission objectives. I see, I am glad that we could be of service, but what of the Battlestar Orion? The small fleet was also to determine the whereabouts of our lost vessels in that sector. Do you have any idea of what happened to them. Our commander is at Picion Military headquarters, so it will be some time before I get debriefed by the military.

President Adar sat back in his chair, and took a sip of his Ambrosia. "Forgive my manners would you like some Ambrosia, or would your friend, Prince Doran, I believe."
"I recall that the Orion fell to an Imperial Star Destroyer, but not before taking out said Star Destroyer in turn." I said. "I only recall collecting the surviving Viper fighters. I believe they have returned to your fleet during the battle."



As Daniel paused the huge wooden doors to the presidents office opened. In stepped a woman about 5'10, with long brown hair, and brown eyes. She was dressed in a full blue uniform, with the insignia of an Admiral.

When the President heard the words of a strike team's demise, he lowered his head and took off his glasses. He looked at the Admiral.

"I am so glad to see you Admiral. Admiral Cain this is Emperor Daniel of the Coredians and Prince Doran, of the Abh Empire." President Adar stated, holding his hand to the individual's that he is introducing. "He gave her the report, Would you care to explain why a search and rescue team had sent a strike team to the planets surface and were put in harms way without my authorization?"

Admiral Cain picked up the report. "With all due respect... Mr. President, you ordered this mission without consulting myself, or my vessel. I was on a diplomatic mission to help out the colonies, and I had to hear out in the black of space of this operation, from the nation I was meeting in a first contact situation. Perhaps had you consulted your Military Advisiors, and prepared for any contengencies, then they would not have died."

President Adar stared at the Admiral in disbelief. "I did consult with the Admiralty, and they swore that 13 Battlestars would be enough for any search and resuce op."

Then Daniel began to speak again.
I scowled at the Admiral as I spoke. Such blame-gaming wouldn't be tolerated at home.

President Adar fell into his chair, completely taken away by the devestation of the planet. "She nuked an entire planet? President Adar said, as if Daniel had knocked the wind out of him. He stood there, his face completely blank, as he tried to take in the horror of what had occured. "What happened that would make her nuke an entire planet."

Admiral Cain stood back, completely unphased by the news. Well Mr. President it is withing regulations that if in a beachhead situa...

The President cut her off, "I do not give a frak what is in the regulations, Admiral. I want Commander Hallen arrested, and charged.

Admiral Cain looked at the President, as she slowly walked up to his desk. "What is the matter, you do not have the guts to take responsibility for your mistake, of sending in an unexperienced commander with our most powerful ship designed to wipe out a planet, into a battle with an unknown enemy. It would be a shame if this got out, so close to an election. No, Mr. President I will not charge her, however I will hold a inquiry."

"I am the President Adar shouted back. You will do what I order, or else I will see your resignation on my desk."

Admiral Cain laughs, then look at him square in the eyes. "I do not give a damn what you want, I will not send one good officer up the creek for following regulations. She was most likely trying to prevent a beachhead form occuring, and from the sound of it they failed. You authorized this operation Mr. President. She shoved the folder on his desk. It says in there that you also gave her orders to defend herself as she saw fit, which is what Commander Hallen most likely did. Like it or not, you authorized it. You can try to convict me if you like for disobeying an order, but you only have two months in office til election day. It will be a shame if the military throws it's full support behind one of the other canadate, and news of this holocaust reached the prime time news."

President Adar, stood up and stared at Admiral Cain in her eyes, "Are you threatening me Admiral?"

Admiral Cain looked into him, as if she were looking into his soul, "No sir, I would never dream of threatening you Mr. President."
Not many things shock me, but the Admiral's brazen argument in front of her Commander-in-Chief -and in front of foreign guests too- had me floored. What the hell is going on?


As Doran speaks, he breaks up the arguement between Admiral Cain and President Adar.

President Adar sat there in silence, fuming over the Admirals blatent disrespect that was shown, in front of foreign leaders none the less. Admiral Cain turned. "Winning the hearts and minds is a great strategy once you have a successful invasion or liberation of a population. However morals in war can only occur when you can afford it. Did you succeed in liberating Asfaltum? Has the Empire been stopped in creating a beachhead into this galaxy? Morals with defeat, does not help you to win the hearts and minds of a population. No one will rise against a victor that will have no problem shooting the populace in the head for the slightest infraction."

President Adar looked at Emperor Daniel, "Do you happen to have your sensor logs, and perhaps one of your holographic interfaces so that we can see exactly what happened here?" President Adar states, as he tries to regain his composure.
"Yes, I did, and the Abh Empire can add any holes my forces may have missed." I said, a subtle nod to Doron's words. I pulled out my sensor data and plugged into my personal datapad, replaying the Much Ado's sensor readings in full 3-D movie-like quality. It showed the bombardments taking place while my ship was waiting for the strike team and the readings indicating that Colonial Battlestars were the culprits. "I might want to note that there was a danger -very slight, mind you- that a wayward bomb could have ended the mission and I might not be here to talk to you."

And I'm not going to rise to the bait of the Admiral's words. I was tempted to shove a retort down her face, though. There was something weird about her, though and I wondered about what I sensed...

As the Data pad began to play out, it was painfully obvious that their was no error. The room turned silent as the recording played out. It was a bloody battle to be sure, over half the Coredian fleet was wiped out, then what looked like rain began to fall on the planet. Missiles came out of the sky, tearing the world to shreds, destroying the eco system, killing many innocent men, women and children.

President Adar watched the recording, in absolute horror. "I am so sorry, please accept my apologies for this, is there anyway that I can make this up?, President Adar replied with a sorrowful tone. He felt the weight of all of the lives lost on his conscious.

Admiral Cain on the otherhand was conpletely unphased by the battle, the bombardment, nor the lives lost. She stood there as resolute as a statue, with the fortitude of a battle hardened solder. For the moment she was silent, until the recording was complete.


"To be honest with the Admiral here, the objective of the Abh was not to liberate Asfaltum."



She looked at Doran, "If you did not care whether or not Asfaltum was liberated, and it would seem no one did with the inadequate forces, and the botched attempt at taking out the entire head of the Empire, why did you fight? If you only desired to take out the head of the Empire, why did you not bomb them from orbit from the begining. Taking out one super ship, and leaving the Empire with successors is not a victory by any stretch of the imagination."

President Adar stood up in anger, if he had the force the Admiral would be frying with lightning at this moment. "Admiral, that is enough, you are dismissed. I do not know what the hell has gotten into you since you arrived, but you will take an immediate leave of absence, to clear your head. Now get the hell out before I have you arrested."

Admiral Cain turned to President Adar. I mean no disrespect, Mr. President. She turned and saluted him, and placed a report on his desk.

"First Contact: Chronosia" with a huge red label on it "Top Secret"

President Adar, did not even see the report, as Admiral Cain turned around and walked out of his office. The president sat back down, and poured a double shot of Ambrosia, and gulped it down.

"Please accept my apologies, she is normally the perfect example of a Admiral. I do not know what the hell her problem is, but please be assured I will find out. She does not speak for the colonies, President Adar continued, while offering Daniel and Doran a glass of Ambrosia. We value your friendship, and our alliance. I hope that you will not look on the colonies in a negative light, due to one Admiral."

"You also have my assurances that those that are responsible for the needless deaths of those inhabitants will be held accountable. Is their any kind of reperations that I can offer?" President Adar said, his voice still quivering in anger, as he tried to settle down from the Admiral's blantent and unexcused aggression.

As the Data pad began to play out, it was painfully obvious that their was no error. The room turned silent as the recording played out. It was a bloody battle to be sure, over half the Coredian fleet was wiped out, then what looked like rain began to fall on the planet. Missiles came out of the sky, tearing the world to shreds, destroying the eco system, killing many innocent men, women and children.

President Adar watched the recording, in absolute horror. "I am so sorry, please accept my apologies for this, is there anyway that I can make this up?, President Adar replied with a sorrowful tone. He felt the weight of all of the lives lost on his conscious.

Admiral Cain on the otherhand was conpletely unphased by the battle, the bombardment, nor the lives lost. She stood there as resolute as a statue, with the fortitude of a battle hardened solder. For the moment she was silent, until the recording was complete.

She looked at Doran, "If you did not care whether or not Asfaltum was liberated, and it would seem no one did with the inadequate forces, and the botched attempt at taking out the entire head of the Empire, why did you fight? If you only desired to take out the head of the Empire, why did you not bomb them from orbit from the begining. Taking out one super ship, and leaving the Empire with successors is not a victory by any stretch of the imagination."

President Adar stood up in anger, if he had the force the Admiral would be frying with lightning at this moment. "Admiral, that is enough, you are dismissed. I do not know what the hell has gotten into you since you arrived, but you will take an immediate leave of absence, to clear your head. Now get the hell out before I have you arrested."

Admiral Cain turned to President Adar. I mean no disrespect, Mr. President. She turned and saluted him, and placed a report on his desk.

"First Contact: Chronosia" with a huge red label on it "Top Secret"

President Adar, did not even see the report, as Admiral Cain turned around and walked out of his office. The president sat back down, and poured a double shot of Ambrosia, and gulped it down.

"Please accept my apologies, she is normally the perfect example of a Admiral. I do not know what the hell her problem is, but please be assured I will find out. She does not speak for the colonies, President Adar continued, while offering Daniel and Doran a glass of Ambrosia. We value your friendship, and our alliance. I hope that you will not look on the colonies in a negative light, due to one Admiral."

"You also have my assurances that those that are responsible for the needless deaths of those inhabitants will be held accountable. Is their any kind of reperations that I can offer?" President Adar said, his voice still quivering in anger, as he tried to settle down from the Admiral's blantent and unexcused aggression.
"Only that justice be properly meted out on those responsible." I said, sipping the (wonderful!) ambrosia. "That's the best we could do for those lives that were taken."

My eyes trailed to the folder, but no reaction came from me. "If there's anything else, I would like to take my leave. Oh, one more thing. I am going to host a conference with those who fight the Empire very soon. If it's possible, would you send a delegate since you pretty much have drawn the Imperial's eye by fighting with us?"

President Adar took the invitation as a sign that Daniel and the Coredians were not too upset with the colonial government, however he would understand fully if they were pissed at the military.

"I would love to send a representitive, where per chance is this meeting being held, and is there anyone you would desire to be our representitive in particular?

President Adar then stood up, and began to walk with the Coredian Emperor, and the Abh Prince, back to the limo. As they entered the limo, Presdient Adar offered his hand in friendship to both Daniel and Doran. "You have my assurances that justice will be met, I truly hope that you forgive us."

Doron took the President's hand and shook it. "There are no hard feelings towards you from the Abh Empire I assure you. We'll see you at the conference though. Always good to meet another lander President."

With that finished, the Abriel exited the car and waited for Daniel.

"Jurai. The meeting will be on my capital planet of Jurai." I said, then remembered something. "If I'm not mistaken, there's already a Colonial delegation in Coredian space. If you could use that, that would take care of things from your end. I thank you for your assistance and thank you for meeting with me. As with all things, may the Force be with you."

With the meeting concluded, I shook the President's hand in friendship and entered the limo. Needless to say, it took us back to the Much Ado About Nothing and Doron and I boarded the ship.

"How did it go, Master?" Chris asked as he turned on the engines. The ship majestically lifted off and headed into space.

"It went well. Make for Jurai as soon as possible." I said, then turned away to face Doron.

"We have a problem." I said, the moment we entered hyperspace.

Doron smiled as he found himself a seat and plopped down. "That's the problem with you Coredians. If it isn't one thing, it's another. I'm amazed the Empire is in as good condition as it is sometimes. I'm assuming you are refering to the document that the Admiral handed the President? The one disclosing the first contact with Chronosia?"

Doron smiled as he found himself a seat and plopped down. "That's the problem with you Coredians. If it isn't one thing, it's another. I'm amazed the Empire is in as good condition as it is sometimes. I'm assuming you are refering to the document that the Admiral handed the President? The one disclosing the first contact with Chronosia?"
"Yeah." I said. "It's only speculation, but I think the good Admiral met with the Chronosians on diplomacy. I can only guess at what was talked about. We can do naught but wait and see what comes to pass." Which, of course, is my least favorite job, but it's one that I have to do.

"Judging from the Admiral's attitude and sheer hostility to everyone in the room, I would believe it is safe to say that nothing profitable for us came of that conversation. Problem is, what does Remiel want with this nation besides the usual glorious malevolant harvesting of human civilizations in order to bring more into the fold? I mean other than that, I can think of nothing useful.

Do you know anything about these people that might help us to better understand the potential they possess for him?"

"Well, I don't really know much about the Colonials. We basically just met although as you can see, we hit it off well. The only things I could think of are the Cylons and the fact that they worship the Greek pantheon." I replied. "Wait a minute. I remember something Naruto told me after our first meeting. It seems the Cylons have the ability to produce biomechanical beings almost identical to humans in every way. It's not much to go on, but that could be an angle Remiel would work with."

"So you're telling me that these Cylons are robots that look like humans? Great, that shouldn't be hard to tell them apart. So we're looking at a possible revolution between Cylons and humans fueled by the Chaos Lord...well at least we won't be bored. It's been a while since I've met Remiel. This should prove interesting."

Where am I? What am I doing? What is going on? Its dark, cold, I can feel it in my veins. A light. A light coming my way. Ahhh its all white....

The man woke up from his deep sleep. It was Red Leader, Captain Crimson Torry, who was in the cockpit pod that ejected from his fighter after racing out of the storm. He had been floating through space for a week now, now in no sight of any habitable planets.

"AI give me a status report," he ordered.

"Life Support System indicates 7 days of sustainability. Emergency Beacon has been relaying a signal since ejection. Scan systems for habitable planets have been initiated and found no results. Scan still in progress."

I see... its a miracle I am still alive.

"Any more orders, Captain."

He looked up, "No. Alert me when any ship or habitable planet is found."

"Roger."

God. I hope someone finds me. Anyone...

OOC: Thought I should use Red Leader more. Develop him a bit.

"So you're telling me that these Cylons are robots that look like humans? Great, that shouldn't be hard to tell them apart. So we're looking at a possible revolution between Cylons and humans fueled by the Chaos Lord...well at least we won't be bored. It's been a while since I've met Remiel. This should prove interesting."
"More like robots that can produce humans. The bio-Cylons are human in all aspects except for something in their blood that sets them apart." I replied. Then I grinned, sparks flying here and there. "Of course, heavy doses of electricity does them in just as easily."

OOC: Thought I should use Red Leader more. Develop him a bit.

Where am I? What am I doing? What is going on? Its dark, cold, I can feel it in my veins. A light. A light coming my way. Ahhh its all white....

The man woke up from his deep sleep. It was Red Leader, Captain Crimson Torry, who was in the cockpit pod that ejected from his fighter after racing out of the storm. He had been floating through space for a week now, now in no sight of any habitable planets.

"AI give me a status report," he ordered.

"Life Support System indicates 7 days of sustainability. Emergency Beacon has been relaying a signal since ejection. Scan systems for habitable planets have been initiated and found no results. Scan still in progress."

I see... its a miracle I am still alive.

"Any more orders, Captain."

He looked up, "No. Alert me when any ship or habitable planet is found."

"Roger."

God. I hope someone finds me. Anyone...

OOC: Thought I should use Red Leader more. Develop him a bit.

"Sirs, we've just detected an emergency beacon. Should we check it out?" The sensor officer asked.

Reaching into the Force, I felt the faint presence of a lost and frightened pilot not one of our own. I have a choice. I could leave the person to die a cold death, or I can save him, regardless of the risk that it may be an Imperial pilot. Then the Jedi save-the-lost intuition kicked in.

"Pick him up. Ready the brig for his arrival." I ordered.

"Yes, sir."

The 250 meter long modified heavy frigate flashed into realspace several thousand kilometers from the beacon's location and sent a message.

"Pilot, this is the Coredian Interstellar Defense Force Much Ado About Nothing. Be advised that you will be tractored into our hangar bay and rendered medical and/or navigational assistance. Thank you and have a nice day!"

The Much Ado About Nothing opened it's hangar bay and turned on the tractor beams, ready to pull the cockpit inside...

"More like robots that can produce humans. The bio-Cylons are human in all aspects except for something in their blood that sets them apart." I replied. Then I grinned, sparks flying here and there. "Of course, heavy doses of electricity does them in just as easily."


"They get close enough to kill us, I'll be close enough to kill them. Man or machine, they'll all die just the same with a lightsaber. But that will be a matter for another time, for now let's just head back to civilized space."

I will be posting the arrival of the forces diverted from TFU as they return to Asfaltum. There are 200 SD and about 800 support vessels already here. When I can get to a real computer instead of my phone I will type a proper post.

Asfaltum:



The Death Star was returning from Terra Prime. Moff Irling scowled as the tactical officer announced their arrival in the system. He would have rather stayed at Terra Prime and finished destroying the moons of that traitor. Vader’s new Apprentice decided to order him back here instead.

“Sir, we are arriving in the Asfaltum System. We are near the Gnoxian planet. The Star Destroyers from the other systems are arriving too.”

Alarms went off and screens filled with data. The Tactical Officer quickly turned and read the readouts.

“Sir, we are picking up what appears to be a heavy frigate. It appears to be answering a faint distress beacon. The Force Storm seems to have interfered with the beacon but I can pinpoint the location by the position of the frigate and their tractor beam.”

Moff Irling perked up; here was a chance to take out some of his frustration.

“Send out TIE Fighter Squadrons seventeen through twenty-one. What are the closest Destroyers to our location?

“The Devastator and The Emperor’s Might.”

“Call them in to intercept the frigate. Use the fighters to harry the frigate so they cannot get the life pod aboard. Use the Inhibitors to keep them from jumping. I want them and I want them bad. We need someone to keep the President company in his prison cell. Time until we can get the frigate or the lifepod in our tractors?”

“About two minutes, Sir.”

“As soon as either gets within range, lock them down and drag them in kicking and screaming.”

Moments later a large number of TIE Fighters swarmed out of the Death Star as the two Star Destroyers closed in from opposite positions like a vice.





OOC:



Just a little drama. It is up to CW and CG to decide who gets to pick up the lifepod. CG can post either a TIE clamping on the pod and returning to the DS with it or being dragged aboard CW’s ship.

"Sirs, we've just detected an emergency beacon. Should we check it out?" The sensor officer asked.

Reaching into the Force, I felt the faint presence of a lost and frightened pilot not one of our own. I have a choice. I could leave the person to die a cold death, or I can save him, regardless of the risk that it may be an Imperial pilot. Then the Jedi save-the-lost intuition kicked in.

"Pick him up. Ready the brig for his arrival." I ordered.

"Yes, sir."

The 250 meter long modified heavy frigate flashed into realspace several thousand kilometers from the beacon's location and sent a message.

"Pilot, this is the Coredian Interstellar Defense Force Much Ado About Nothing. Be advised that you will be tractored into our hangar bay and rendered medical and/or navigational assistance. Thank you and have a nice day!"

The Much Ado About Nothing opened it's hangar bay and turned on the tractor beams, ready to pull the cockpit inside...

Crimson saw a white light. His vision was blurry not quite yet awake from the ordeal he had suffered. He saw somebody looking over him. He was in and out of consciousness and finally went back into sleep. He woke up only to find himself in some sort of prison. Where was he? How did he get here? So many questions were to be answered but he had to keep his cool. He sat by the side of the bench he was laid upon, dazed and confused, looking down with a mixture of exhaustion and relief (http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a287/GeneralZhukov3333/?action=view&current=Colonel.jpg). He got up and walked to what seemed like a door.

"Hello?" he yelled, "is anyone there? This is Captain Crimson Torry of Ganoxan Space Force Red Squadron. ID# 3564-A."

“Sir, the Coredian ship made it first to the life pod.”

“Dammit, I can see that. Order the TIE fighters to engage the ship. I want it kept busy until those destroyers get in range. Order them to open fire immediately. Disable the ship if possible, I want prisoners.”

“Yes Sir. Sensors report the pod is outside the Asfaltum system proper but within our domain. That would explain how it wasn’t detected right away.”

“I don’t care about excuses, get me that ship.”

Moff Irling watched the holo display as the two ISDs closed in on the distant ship. First he was denied the chance to finish cleaning up the Terran Prime system and now this interloper might elude his grasp. He was not having a good day.




OOC:

OK CW, make it interesting and dramatic.

Crimson saw a white light. His vision was blurry not quite yet awake from the ordeal he had suffered. He saw somebody looking over him. He was in and out of consciousness and finally went back into sleep. He woke up only to find himself in some sort of prison. Where was he? How did he get here? So many questions were to be answered but he had to keep his cool. He sat by the side of the bench he was laid upon, dazed and confused, looking down with a mixture of exhaustion and relief. He got up and walked to what seemed like a door.

"Hello?" he yelled, "is anyone there? This is Captain Crimson Torry of Ganoxan Space Force Red Squadron. ID# 3564-A."
"Ah. Welcome back to the land of the living, Captain." An MD droid hovered over the Captain, speaking in a crisp Coruscanti (read: British) accent. "You have suffered from exposure, a concussion, and two cracked ribs, but the bacta did its job. The Emperor will see you momentarily," suddenly, the ship shook as its shields flared from fighter and turbolaser onslaughts, "but as you can see, he is quite busy at the moment."

"I count five incoming squadrons and two Star Destroyers. Evasive maneuvers in place!" My apprentice Chris called out calmly as he pulled back on his control stick.

The young Jedi was almost as good a pilot as I am, weaving and spinning the ship with uncanny agility, while the turbolasers and laser cannons swatted the TIE fighters out of the sky with almost mechanical precision. The TIEs weren't the problem, however. The Star Destroyers kept on blasting away at the shields with their main cannons even as we raced to make the jump. Adrenaline pumped through everyone's veins as we hoped to make it out alive.

"Prepare to fire Shattermissiles, then break contact and make the jump!" I ordered as the ship shook with every blast. The weapons crewman pressed a button, opening small holes on strategic positions of the heavily modified Valkyrie-class Frigate.

Shattermissiles are our favorite presents to gift the Empire with. They get their name by the way the lead missiles 'shatter' the shields of an enemy ship, allowing the ones that follow to burrow into the hull and detonate their baradium-tipped warheads, leaving gaping holes in their wake, eventually eating their way into the ship and hopefully hitting vital systems. Incidently, this system of assault may give the enemy captains the impression that the missiles, flying in swiftly moving, closely-packed streams, can pass through shields with impunity. The perfect 'frak you' message to the Empire!

"Fire!"

Out of the missile tubes, the glowing yellow missiles roared out to attack the Star Destroyers while we immediately veered off for an escape route, punching the coordinates to make the jump to hyperspace...

Crimson tried to maintain his balance as each shot hit the ship. He had almost blacked out again as he was tossed to the wall by another blast and immediately climbed into a chair. Are we going to make it? he thought.

Suddenly he heard some sort of roar through the hull. What was that? Missiles? Another shock rocked the hull. "Ugh," he cried out grabbing his ribs through his flight suit. Although they were healed he can still feel the bruises.

"Commander, I am reading missile fire from the Coredian ship. They are firing on The Emperor’s Might and The Devastator. I am reading multiple point defense and flack that seems to be working for the most part. There are a couple explosions on the forward bow of The Devastator but since The Emperor’s Might was further away, she had more time to react to the missile attack."

Irling growled in frustration. Why can’t they do their job and get a simple frigate.

“What is the condition of the Intruder?”

“The ship appears to be trying to get away. She is taking a course perpendicular to the destroyers and away from us.”

“How long before the main weapon is charged?”

“We have 20 minutes yet before we can fire. It is too soon after destroying Terran Prime.”

“Dammit, put more TIE squads after that ship.”

“Sir, I have a reading on the identity. It appears she is The Much Ado, Daniel’s flagship.”

“I thought she was destroyed in the assault on Asfaltum.”

“Apparently that was a decoy. The readings were just confirmed, it is Daniels ship.”

“Inform Tarkin and get me that ship!”

“Yes Sir.”

More fighters were poured into space and additional ships were called into service as three more destroyers began to move into position trying to head the fleeing flagship off.

Unfortunately, the Star Destroyers moving into position moved too slow. By the time they reached their station, the Much Ado About Nothing was already past them, still fighting off the increasing numbers of TIEs at their heels.

"We're nearing the edge of the hyperspace inhibitor, Master!" Chris announced.

"Make the jump when we're free." I ordered quietly.

Silence gripped the chaos of war. Then, a violent rumbling shook the ship. Several crew were almost thrown off their chairs.

"Shields are dropping! We won't be able to take another hit like that!" The shield operator yelled.

"Bring them back up!" I snapped.

"Trying...damn it! The generator took a serious hit!"

Horribly contemplating being captured by the Empire once again, I closed my eyes, then heard Chris shout out once more.

"We're free!" Chris yelled again. The red hyperspace indicator suddenly turned green.

"Jump!" I ordered, but didn't have to as the stars finally streaked out and we entered the blueness of hyperspace.

We finally breathed a sigh of relief. Our hyperdrive was too fast for most ships, never mind Star Destroyers, to catch.

"All right, I'm going back to check on our guest." I said. "Stand down."

"Yes, Master." Chris nodded as I moved aft towards the small brig.

I found the prisoner, bruised, but alive. "I'm Daniel Masaki, friend. You appear a long way from home."

Crimson got up once again after that last blast that shook him out of his seat. Suddenly there was a calm. Are we out?he thought. Crimson looked to the door to see a person coming in

"I'm Daniel Masaki, friend. You appear a long way from home."

"Yea you could say that hehe ugh," he grabbed his chest again, "I'm Captain Crimson Torry of Ganoxan Space Force Red Squadron. You have my gratitude for rescuing me."

He looked around at his surroundings for the first time. "Quite a ship you have here."

He tried to get up, just barely standing. He stabilized himself while letting out a grunt. "Sounds like it took a beating a while back."

"Lost a shield generator." I nodded in agreement, pilot to pilot. "But at least we're safe. I'm Commander of Rogue Squadron, Coreworlds."

I decided to use my former title so that he doesn't get a heart attack about meeting the leader of a Republic.

"Had to jettison my fighter after it took a hit by that energy storm. All those 'special modifications' sure saved my ass. Well Commander Masaki, privileged to meet you," he reached out with his hand while scratching the back of his head.

I took it. "it's good to meet you too. We are returning to our capital planet of Jurai. I'm afraid that until we reach there, it will be express-only. No more stops. Until then, make yourself comfortable."

"You're lucky to survive that storm. Few can survive such horrors." I said knowingly. "I assume you and the Empire had a date at Asfaltum. Is this true?"

I reached slightly into the Force. They say it's impossible to lie to a Jedi. Let's put that to the test.

"Actually our planet was in the same system as Asfaltum. We couldn't send any ships to the Asfaltans as we were barely getting a navy up. Just some twenty years ago we were at what others called 'early to middle 20th century earth'. The only reason we advance so fast is that we reversed engineered technology from the very aliens that invaded us before, the Cyverons." Crimson looked down and remembered the horror of that war. The day of his mother being assimilated into the Cyverons, the transformation of her body was gruesome and painful. He was only five at the time when he had to shoot his mother to relieve her suffering.

"I'm.. I'm sorry."

I could sense he was suffering from his memories and decided to end the questioning. "There's no need to be. We'll soon be at Jurai, so then you can call your people and get a ride home."

OOC: He should do that in Emperor is Dead thread.

"Thank you. I will remember your hospitality," he said then looked to the side, "Heh can't wait to get back into a fighter or an arm slave. I like to keep active, but I guess sleep will do." he sat down on the bed he was on previously and went to sleep.

OOC: Was planning to do that. I'll have him talk to Juvi in the thread. But if things come to worse in the emperor thread we can work out something. Can we exchange IMs?