Cry of the Chimera, Part I: To Take the Lion's Share (Rho, Solle, Neive)

[Professor Mors]

***Phu System, Colonies, Grid Coordinates J-13***
***Victory I Class Star Destroyer Reverent, Captain's Quarters***

It had been months, weeks, and days of endless waiting. Between personnel setbacks and munitions shortages, Line Captain Vassyl had begun to give up hope that the operation would ever have its moment on the galactic stage. Then, at last, the final blockages gave way, and the joint elements of the Second and Third Fleets were strategically poised over the precipice of martial glory. The crews had been briefed, warheads were checked and rechecked, and in a few short moments, the attack would be underway. All that remained was for Doren to give the Alpha Task Group the go ahead, and they would strike out at their unsuspecting target. Leaning back into his seat, Vassyl glanced over the multitudes of holodocuments dotting his main display.

So much had gone into the planning and strategic postulating that the Captain could not help but feel assured of their victory. His conscious, in contrast, warded off such prenatal notions of success, and he considered his last visit to the target in question. The rebel fleet was not some simple, unorganized rabble. They were well trained, well armed, and possessed senior officers whose merits could not be ignored. It would be slow-going, yet if the Imperials prevailed here, it would mark the beginning of a new expansionary era. In the ambient background of his chambers, the thundering tones of T'nevbor's Fifth Symphony stoked Doren's nationalistic mood to a fevered pitch, and finally urged Vassyl to let loose the providential, prophetic transmission over an tightly encoded channel:

[Recipient: Codename Devastator...]

[Pending Secure Connection...]

[Connection Secured]

[Brave emissaries of the Empire, the time to display your ardent loyalty is now at hand. You are to make best possible speed towards Target Alpha, and engage the enemy directly. To best hide our motives, your assault must appear as brutal and genuine as is believable. High Command has given you clearance to attack whatever local targets you deem worthy, and will no doubt be ingratiated to you for any enemy units that you successfully eliminate. However, let me reiterate that the lives of you and your comrades is our primary concern. If the orbital situation shows any indication of swinging in the rebel's favor, you are to retreat immediately. Those that fail to do so and squander the livelihood of personnel and other assets will be met with a tribunal: that I much guarantee. This concludes your briefing: sally forth, and remind our enemies that the Empire has not forgotten their transgressions]

OOC:

Naval Assets in play:
Chimera Task Group Alpha

Tactical Adjutant - Commander Rhoden Carbine
Commanding Fleet Officer - Line Captain Jeoffry Karolson
Provisional Flight Commander - Lieutenant Solle Ozrok

Allegiance Class Super Star Destroyer Devastation
Imperial II Class Star Destroyer Reclaimer
Imperial Star Destroyer Adversary
Strike Class Cruiser Fang
Broadside Class Cruiser Rubicon
Nebulon B2 Frigate Razor
Nebulon B2 Frigate Red Wind
Imperial Escort Carrier 009
Lancer Frigate IN-308
Lancer Frigate IN-303
CEC Corellian Gunship IN-903

XG-1 Starwing Nu Wing
TIE Interceptor Wing 08
TIE Interceptor Wing 10
XM-1 Theta Wing
TIE Bomber Wing 03
TIE Bomber Wing 04

[Master Buggie]

((OOC: Faction based threads like this that influence or change the course of the war cannot and should not be closed.))

[Neive Undant]

Neive sat in the commander's seat of the head of the fleet, a Marquis star defender. He thought to himself as the fleet kept in orbit of the planet, ready for attack.

"Are we sure the intel is correct?"
"Yes, sir. An attack is imminent. Though, their forces may be more than we anticipated."
Neive nodded. He stood, walking towards the bridge.

"Melzan! It's time we prepare."

On the bridge, giving the commands: Melzan Zucrat, a rodian admiral.

"I suppose it is."

Neive nodded and stood beside the rodian, looking out as the men prepared.

"Want to say a few words of wisdom?" The rodian smiled a bit.

Neive nodded and walked to the middle of the bridge, a holo-projector showing his image on the windshield as a camera picked up his image.

"Men and women of the Alliance. Today I want to tell you something. This day, we do not fight for our individual glory. This day, we don't fight for survival, or to say we fought at all. This day, we do not fight alone. This day... we are not ourselves. We are a unit, we are a group. We are the Galactic Alliance! And on this day, the Alliance will win!"

Cheering came over the comm systems as Neive exited the communication, ready for the upcoming battle.

"I think I've properly inspired them." Neive looked at Melzan, who only nodded.

"Indeed you have... I'll send you if I need you, but for now we can only wait. I think that our fleet can combat them fairly well, but if you're needed, I'm sure you can handle it."

Neive nodded, and only stood and watched through the glass in front of them.

((OOC:

Naval assets in play:
Task force independence

Tactical Adjuant- Commander Neive Undant
Commanding Fleet officer- Admiral Melzan Zucrat

MCSD Independence
BB(Bulwark) Farther Star
MC (Marauder) Usher
NB2 Spitfire
NSBC(Neutron) Serenity
NSBC Antares
STRK/M (Modified Loronar Strike Cruiser) Spear
MC30c High Tide
CR90 Jate Kara
MC40a Valiance

Assault Wing Herf: 6 B-wing (Per Squadron)
Strike Wing Esk: 6 XJ X-wing (Per Squadron)
Strike Wing Dorn: 6 XJ X-wing (Per Squadron)
Strike Wing Forn: 6 X-wing (Per Squadron)
Interceptor Wing Cresh: 6 A-wing (Per Squadron)
Bomber Wing Grek: 6 K-wing (Per Squadron)

[Rhoden Carbine]

Commander Rhoden Garrick Carbine smoothed his uniform one final time as the Lambda-shuttle of Task Force Inferno landed in the hangar of the Devastation. He recalled the meeting and original orders given to him in regard to this mission, the promotion he had received. Unfortunately the operation had been delayed, and as a result his part in the operation had changed drastically. One of the diversion attacks had been dropped and he had received a rather substantial upgrade in firepower. Further still he had been given Command of Task Force Inferno. He smiled, regardless of undesirable alterations to plans and unexpected delays still it felt good to be back on one of the Empire’s true warships. He felt a surge of pride and apprehension too, for not even before the fall of Palpatine and his own unfortunate setbacks he had never commanded a ship such as the Devastation.

Rhoden did not, however, allow any sign of his trepidation to show as he walked onto the bridge. His blue eyes swept across the bridge, taking in every person present, surveying them--penetrating them. He allowed a small, confident smile. Captain Jeoffry Karolson stepped forward after a moment's hesitation, still taking in the unique uniform of the Inferno Squad--black with red trimming, ranque plaque and code cylinders of gold and no cap.

“Welcome aboard, sir.” the man said. He was noticeably discomfited and agitated at having to take orders from Rhoden, someone of lesser rank, but not so much as to compromise his reliability and professionalism--good. “You keep a fine ship, Captain. Is the rest of the task force in position?” he asked. “Yes, sir. We’re ready to move out when ordered.” Rhoden nodded in satisfaction and walked over to a holographic tactical display. Officers and stormtroopers straightened and averted their eyes as he walked--excellent, a well disciplined crew indeed--they would become less rigid once they had a measure for the Commander. For now they were displaying caution and fear in the face of an unexpected variable. Who was this Commander so important as to be given command of a crucial task force? What was this uniform, unseen throughout the Empire until now?

The tactical display listed off data regarding the various ships of the force, constantly scrolling by. To the side was information regarding the starfighters of the force by squadron. The Devastation was centermost in the displayed formation, with the Reclaimer off to starboard and slightly behind and the Adversary holding the same position to port. Between the Devastation and the smaller Star Destroyers were the Razor and Red Wind. Off of Adversary’s port was one of the force's Lancer-frigates, and the other held position off of Reclaimer’s starboard. The escort carrier remained further back, behind the bulk of the force with the Corellian Gunship off its port, and the Fang to its starboard. The Rubicon held position under the Devastation.

Rhoden brought a hand up to cup his chin, running calculations through his head and checking quickly the hyperspace calculations that were put in. “Very good, now all that’s left is to--” he trailed off as a junior officer handed him a datapad, it bore a communication from Captain Vassyl. Rhoden read it quickly and smiled, “Ah, and so it begins.” he said. He turned and walked back to the elevated center of the bridge, glancing into each crew pit. He stepped forward and clasped his hands behind his back, smiling once more. Captain Karolson stood to his right and slightly behind. “Make the jump.” he said, the Captain confirmed the order and the ships of the force checked in, and a few seconds after the last vessels confirmation the stars elongated and burst into the blue swirls of hyperspace.


The jump was fast and passed without incident. All vessels appeared at a respectable distance from Commenor. “Initiate communications jamming,” Rhoden said, “And deploy fighter screen.” The two Interceptor wings would form up in front of the entire force, and the wing of Starwing’s would be spread out from the center, not quite covering the entire force. The XM-1 wing and two wings of TIE Bombers would launch too, but would remain behind the main fighter force until otherwise ordered. Rhoden turned to the communications officer, “Open comms to all of our ships and fighters.”

He turned and looked out to the enemy forces. “We are the superior force.” he said, “We have the skills and the firepower. We will win because we must win, to bring order to the galaxy and put an end to those who would set it to flames.” he smiled again, “Fight as you’ve never fought before, show these rebels you’re more dedicated than they’ll ever be and most importantly: Come back alive, and keep fighting the rebels, fight on to victory.” he slashed a thumb through the air across his throat and the communications officer cut the transmission. He prepared himself for the coming battle because, as could so unfortunately be seen out the forward viewports, the rebels stood ready. There was a vibration in the deck and the vessels began moving slowly towards the distant hostile fleet.

[Solle Ozrok]

As much as Solle would hate to admit it but he hated being one of the first space-fighters to initiate an attack, being the front line offense. He stood in standby for any orders to come into the comms by the higher-ups, unless there was needed action to take at any moment. Solle TIE Avenger hummed lowly as it's speed decreased to a slow, positioning himself along with his handful of fighter-ships to command for the fight. From within the tight and technology cramped cockpit, Solle eyed his scanner, seeing that his XG and XM squadrons in formation, right behind his ship. "I expect my crew to follow my orders to the T" Solle spoke into the comms, his tone different from missions from before, more serious and quiet, unlike his usual joking and carefree attitude. Solle sighed, knowing his role and plan that Doren gave to him before and his briefing with the squadron, he had hoped that despite their current space-fighters, no one would be left behind. This mission and tactic that Doren trusted to Solle was his specialty but hopefully the others had shared the same talents as Solle.

Perhaps they did and Solle was just over reacting? Solle glanced at his ship weapon weaponry displaced on a monitor, everything was up to date and refilled, nothing wrong on his end. Solle gritted his teeth, he hated worrying about everything. The sudden rank-up and massive stress of work was taking it's tool on Solle mind, it also didn't help that piloting in space with these fighters is indeed different than combating in the air. Solle shook his head, focusing his mind on the fight that was to unfold right before him.

He deeply engraved the plan and it's contents in his head, he firmly placed one of his hands on the piloting mechanism and the other on the throttle, ready to move about on a moment notice. When Solle breaks off to begin the attack, his squadrons will follow behind him tightly. "Solle and his squadrons are ready for orders." Solle spoke into the comms once again, waiting patiently unless something else were to provoke him to start doing whatever comes into his mind for Solle. He looked ahead, breathing in his TIE pilot helmet, Solle knew that he was getting tense due to the worry of the squadrons safety and he needed to be quick on the piloting, otherwise Solle would be good as dead as soon the battle started. "Both Squadrons, is everything fine at your respective positions?"

"Positive, Lieutenant" said the leader of the XG squadron.

"Everything is green right here, Lieutenant" replied the leader of the XM squadron as well.

Solle deeply inhaled and exhaled "Just relax, it's just like performing in a concert..Not that you have been in one but..same thing right?"

[Neive Undant]

"Sir, multiple targets approaching. Imperials..."

Neive nodded. The information was a bit overestimated, but that only plays in the favor of the alliance.

"Alright, this is what we've prepared for. Fight as a team, help each other, and don't hold back! But most of all, make sure... they shoot first."
The rodian narrowed his eyes. Nobody knew why, but it felt like those words were a cliche. Like someone had said the same thing long ago, if not out loud then in their own head.

The vessels began targeting, but held back their blasts as the enemy forces approached.

"Sir, they're jamming our signals. We're in this alone."

The rodian nodded, Neive only watching on.

"Not a problem. If we can't handle them on our own, the ground forces are still in place to defend."
With that, the fighters and larger vessels prepared themselves for the upcoming conflict, only moments away.

[Rhoden Carbine]

Rhoden observed the enemy forces far ahead preparing for battle, fidgeting; as it were. "Nervous bunch for outnumbering us." he commented, "A cautious commander, I'd say. Or a sloppy one." Captain Karolson said. Rhoden smiled, "Or a young, recently promoted one." the Captain grimaced, "In charge of a fairly important defense operation? Madness." Rhoden shrugged, "They are rebels."

"All squadrons in position, sir." one of the Lieutenant's reported, "Good, good. Ease us forward at a nice pace, half power I think." Rhoden said, "We don't want to give them time to call in reinforcements, or give such forces a window of time in which they can arrive, but I'd like to draw this out as long as possible." he brought his hand up to cup his chin once more, "We'll be outside of their range for a while yet..." he muttered, "If only we had more forces, we could cost 'em something fierce."

Captain Korolson took a deep breath, "I'd like nothing better, sir, but the day will be a victory if we accomplish what we've set out to do." Rhoden smiled, "Yes, of course. It's just... so many targets." he raised an eyebrow, "At least we won't miss," he turned to the weapons officer, "And if we do, I'll be most.... disappointed."

[Solle Ozrok]

It was foolish to even entertain the thought of charging in without the back-up of the Imperial ship scanner jammer. There was still quite a bit of distance from where he was to the Alliance, he rather not get obliterated from the sky as soon he leaves the range of the scanner. He loosen his grip on both the throttle and piloting mechanism, ready to "slam" the controls when something goes awry. "Both Squadrons are to move when I go, understand?" Solle said through the comms.

"Understood sir!" Both leaders of said squadrons replied in unison.

Solle sighed "XG Squadron I do hope that you remember your small role in our group, XM Squadron don't get separated by any means, and lastly don't group up too close and don't leave distance from each other."

"Yes sir!" The leaders of both squadrons under Solle care said once more. With that said, Solle turned his focus to the star-filled space in front of him, moving his TIE Avenger at a slow pace along within the range of the scanner jammer.

[Neive Undant]

Neive thought for a moment as he watched the group of vessels approach. it was odd, the firepower they had brought. A super star destroyer, but not enough fighters to protect it... they'd have to use that to their advantage.
The rodian stepped forward, examining the situation.

"Foolish bunch for charging us with this amount of power..." he commented, "A confident commander, I'd say. Or a sloppy one." The admiral looked at Neive, who only nodded.
"Or a young, recently promoted one." For some reason, he felt he needed to say the words he spoke.
"In charge of a fairly important offensive operation? Madness."

Neive and Zucrat stood together, the tension growing as the vessels neared each other.

[Rhoden Carbine]

"Bring us up to flank speed, get us in range, one we're there ease us to a stop." Rhoden said. "Aye, sir." the helm said, manipulating his controls. There was a rumbling in the deck as the massive vessel increased in speed. Captain Karolson licked his lips, "I don't like us offering ourselves up here, we're just begging to get hit hard." he said, Rhoden smiled tightly, "I know the feeling, but we'll play this smart, and get out without losing too much.

Rhoden's eyes scanned the enemy ships and their formation, nothing particularly noteworthy. He did make a note to disable the hostile ships which were equipped with gravity wells--if he had reinforcements they might have been useful in another fashion, alas he did not. His mind ran through many lists of possibilities, calculated odds, acceptable losses, various plans based upon a broad range of variables. He tapped his cheek with two fingers.

"It's been too long since I've taken part in a big operation like this." he muttered, "Sir?" the Captain asked, confused by the comment. Rhoden held up a hand, "Nevermind, it's a personal matter and even if I had time to explain you'd probably not understand it all." the Captain frowned, unsure of whether or not he'd just been insulted; grimacing he decided to make no comment in either case.