Shadows and Mystery

Shadows and Mystery
Information
Modder	FSGT Igneus Esh
Participants	* FCPL Jathrin Thoyan FCPL Kato Forn FCPL Voltan Kreig CMN1 Execurus Edun CMN1 Mo`Rak Stice CMN1 Kiger Wulf
Start date	Dec 27, 2006
Ending date	Mar 05, 2007
Award	None

Shadows and Mystery, originally called "Shadows and Tears", was a 4IF scenario played between December, 27th 2006 and March, 5th 2007. It was the first combine scenario played by its participants, and the first and only scenario modded by Igneus Esh to date. The scenario had to be abruptly finished when Igneus Esh was assigned as 4IF XO and Beta Line CO, and didn't have time enough to both be in charge of command duties and continue the scenario. The end of the scenario was, therefore, improvised, and the name of the scenario had to be changed, as well as the initial post edited to fit the unexpected end. However, this improvised end, was used to explain the rank boost the participants received during the scenario.

Forces engaged

Imperials

• VSD Devotion, commanded by Jathrin Thoyan, that acted as Mission CO
• VSD Venom, commanded by Kato Forn, that acted as Mission XO
• Alpha T/F squadron, commanded by Voltan Kreig
• Beta T/B squadron, commanded by Mo`Rak Stice
• Gamma T/I squadron, commanded by Execurus Edun, originally was meant to be commanded by MFSGT Dimitri Rozenkranz
• T/S Solitaire 1, piloted by Kiger Wulf, originally was meant to be piloted by Execurus Edun
• T/S Solitaire 2, piloted by Parek Kamalas (NPC), originally was meant to be piloted by Kiger Wulf.

Foes

• Pirate WCRS Defiance (NPC)
• Pirate FRG Calamity (NPC)
• Pirate CRS Chaos (NPC) (scenario finished before it could participate)
• Pirate Z-95 Sword, Dagger, Saber and Knife squadrons (NPC)
• Pirate Y-W Red, Blue and Gold squadrons (NPC)
• Pirate FRT Unnamed 1 and Unnamed 2" (NPC)

Allies

• CorSec CRV Duel (NPC) (scenario finished before it could participate)
• CorSec GSP Strike (NPC) (scenario finished before it could participate)

Scenario Log

Igneus Esh:

SHADOWS AND MYSTERY It is a dark time for the Empire. Although the Empire may be living his most glorious hour, piracy and terrorism are getting stronger each second and continue to defy the New Order. To bring order and peace to the galaxy, a group of brave soldiers in the 4th Imperial Fleet are on a defense mission on the Corellian system. They continue to do their routine defense and patrol activities, unaware of what will happen in the next minutes…

In the bridge of the VSD Devotion

Flight Sergeant Igneus Esh is sitted in the Communications and Sensors Officer post. He likes being the First Officer of the VSD Devotion, but the routine scan and patrol work is beginning to bore him. Igneus considers himself a man of action. A man that like the adventure, and this kind of boring missions tire him.

Although there is a lot of spaceship traffic in the Corellian system today, there hasn’t been even a single problem. The day develops normally, as one would like to it to do everyday. Igneus continues to scan all the ships that pass by, not seeing anything unusual. Suddenly, his sensors reading show a new YT-2000 Corellian transport (abbreviated CORT) coming out of hyperspace. As a routine, Igneus tries to identify it, but its name doesn’t appear on the records. Being out of range, theVSD can’t scan it. Igneus opens a short range open communication with it: “Here is the VSD Devotion, calling the unidentified Corellian Transport. State your origin, cargo and destination.” Igneus waited for seconds for a reply, and then when it didn’t come he repeated the message again and again, always waiting for an answer that never came. Igneus calculated with the navigational computer the estimated path of the CORT, and seeing that it won’t take it inside the scanning range of the VSD, that is stationed in orbit of Corellia, he informed his superior: “Captain Thoyan, sir. I have a unidentified corellian light transport that doesn’t answer to the hails. Should we ask the TIE Scouts to scan it, sir?”

((OOC: Only and last time I’ll make my character make a suggestion, it’s just to get the scenario running at the beginning like I planned it to do))

In space, Corellian system

Crewman FC Wulf, on the TIE Scout Solitaire 1, is being followed by Crewman Parek Kamalas who is assigned to the Solitaire 2 and is his wingmate. Crewman Kamalas is the newest pilot assigned to our fleet (NPC of course…). No one had much time to make friendship with the newcomer, but he seems like a good guy, although he talks too much. Kiger recieves a communication from him.

Parek: “Hey Kiger, ever piloted an Interceptor?. A friend of mine told me they are great! I can’t wait to pilot one of those…”

((OOC: Well, the Alpha and Beta Squadrons are on the VSD Devotion, while the Gamma Squadron is on the VSD Venom. The CO of the VSD Venom (Kato) is on service in the bridge, but the Squadron Leaders aren’t on service, so they may be doing what they want (resting in the cantina, sleeping, doing some manteinance work to their fighters, whatever) until they are called. Just roleplay what you are doing.))

Kiger Wulf:

Wulf sighs as Crewman Kamalas asks yet another ridiculous question. He mutters to himself.

I can’t believe this freaking guy, why did they saddle him with me?

He switches his headset back on.

No, Parek, I haven’t had the opportunity to fly an Interceptor yet.

Parek responds:

Oh, well, someday maybe you and I will get the chance to pilot some of those in the same fleet, that would be cool, wouldn’t it? I mean, if we both rose through the ranks at the same time and were able to remain wingmates forever?

You’re got to be kidding me… this guy is ridiculous.

Wulf calls over to Parek,

Seriously Parek, for the love of the Emperor, you have GOT to quit talking. Why don’t you just try to count the stars?

The com-link falls silent for a moment. The silence is suddenly broken…

1, 2, 3, 4, 5…

Wulf cuts him off…

Parek, SHUT UP!

The com-link falls silent once again. Kiger begins scanning the system again. Off in the distance, he can see the arrowed shape of the Victory-class Star Destroyer Devotion, and the other way, he sees the Victory Star Destroyer Venom. Wulf continues flying around the system, waiting for new orders…

Kato Forn:

Kato is walking slowly across the bridge of his Victory Star Destroyer.

This scanning is too much routine, I want action. Some hostile or unidentified ship that's flying into the system would be very welcome.

Kato reaches the Crewmen and Corporal at the scanning devices. Kato walks to the Flight Corporal.

Kato: Corporal S. Canning,

Corporal Canning: Yes, Sir?

Kato: Have you seen anything on the scanners?

Corporal Canning: Quite a lot, it's a busy day, Sir

Kato: I meant something hostile or unidentified, smartass. He laughs.

Corporal Canning: No nothing, Sir.

The young captain Forn returns to the transparisteel windows of the bridge. He sighs. Little does he know that something is happening at the other side of the system....

Execurus Edun:

Gamma Squadron Flight Leader Execurus Edun has sent the rest of the squadron to the cantina ahead of him while he is doing last minute adjustments to his fighter adding a few secret modules and missile spaces

Mo`Rak Stice:

After a long days work with the squadron, Lt Commander Mo`Rak Stice returns to his quarters aboard the VSD Devotion to finish some reports intended for Fleet Command. Having already dismissed his squadron for the day he wonders if they're keeping out of trouble...

Damn... i hate doing these reports says LTCMDR Stice, to no-one in particular, and gets back to work.

Execurus Edun:

After working on the secret addons for his fighter, Lt. Commander Execurus Edun goes off to have a rest so he can continue working on it tomorrow

Jathrin Thoyan:

“Captain Thoyan, sir. I have a unidentified corellian light transport that doesn’t anwer to the hails. Should we ask the TIE Scouts to scan it, sir?”

Must he bother me with every spec of space dust that hypers into this system.

Captain Jathrin Thoyan walked over to the young Com officer. Looking over his soulder, Thoyan smiled as he remember how naive and protocol driven he had been when he was a budding naval officer. He patted the Com officer on the shoulder and back to the bridge promenade.

Somebody should tell this kid that Corellia is a major transport hub he mused.

"Com Officer, have both Scouts attempt to hail the ship. Then, whether it identifies itself or not, escort the transport to the Venom. Tell Captain Forn to scan and board that ship.Tell him to remind his stormtroopers to check for hidden compartments. After that, turn the pilot and and any other passengers over to CorSec. After all, that's what they are here for."

Transfer of responsibility..I love the privilage of being Mission Commander for this zone of Corellian space.All the minor annoyances are somebody else's problem.

"I will be in the library" As he prepared to leave the bridge, a tech on duty called him. "sir" the tech said sheepishly,"you dropped this". The tech scuttled off as he inspected the object.It was an object he had been looking for several days. It was simple black lace with the imperial insignia on each side.he felt te material and realized one thing had changed: It had holofilm on it now. The light sparkled to reveal a message: check your holomail. We are nomore. Well, looks like something interesting might happen today.

Igneus Esh: Igneus hurries to fulfill his orders. Opens a private channel with both the Venom and the Solitaire 1 and 2: "Here's the Devotion to the Venom and Solitaire 1 and 2. I have orders from Captain Thoyan. Solitaire 1 and 2, hail the recently arrived CORT and escort it to the Venom. Venom, scan the ship and once you have captured it, board it. Devotion out."

While saying that message, a Bulk Transport gets out of hyperspace. When he notices that, Igneus quickly hails it, but again this ship doesn't answer. Checking that the communication are working and that's not the problem, again bothers the Captain, just before he leaves the bridge.

"Sir, a new medium size transport has appeared from hyperspace and doesn't answer to the hails either."

Kiger Wulf:

Finally, some action… Parek, are you alright over there?

Silence…

Parek?

692, 693, 694, 695…

Parek, stop counting the stars! Didn’t you hear, we’ve got orders!? Follow me!

Wulf turns his ship around and engages the sublight engines. He flies his ship over to the unidentified CORT. The ship is flying in the general direction of the VSD Venom, but its true destination is unknown at the moment. Kiger speaks to the ship:

Unidentified YT-2000 Corellian Transport. This is Imperial TIE-Scout Solitaire 1. Please be advised that we are accompanying you. Please proceed directly to the Victory Star Destroyer, Venom. I will transmit coordinates shortly. You are in Imperial Space, failure to accompany us to the VSD will be interpreted as a hostile action, and will be dealt with accordingly.

While talking with the unidentified ship, Kiger runs a scan of the ship so that he may know its passengers and materials. While he is finishing his scan, the comlink is interrupted:

Yeah you hostile bastard! We’re here to escort you to the VSD. If you don’t listen, you’ll be turned into space dust before you can even say “His Royal Majesty, the Emperor Himself, Lord Vodo Bonias, his Excellency.”

Kiger Interjects…

Parek, you’re not helping anything here, just fly next to this guy, and make sure he doesn’t try anything fishy.

With that, the two TIE-Scouts accompany the unidentified CORT to the VSD, Venom.

Voltan Kreig:

Commander Kreig was in VSD Devotion space combat simulator to have some fun. After he finished he went to the VSD barracks, he greeted LT Commander Stice and then he dismissed his squad after he went to his bedroom and turned on the Holo-Vision service device to relax. Then he thought "I don't know how much more time I'll spend confined in this VSD, I want to kick rebel asses"

Execurus Edun:

Enters Gamma Squadrons meeting room to give orders to his squadron Gentlemen, Today there isnt much going on so im going to split the squadron into 2. Flight Officer Bruce Boxleitner will be leading team 2 while I will lead Team 1. Team 2s' orders are to patrol 2 klicks out on the port side of the command ship while Team 1 will be patrolling 2 klicks on the starboard side. Its vital that you keep the new moduals a secret, no-one knows what our squadron is capable of so if we do get rebel fighters in system they wont know what they are in for. Any questions? Knows there wont be any so dismisses the squadron to prepare for launch

Kato Forn:

A Crewman gets from his position behind the Commlink and runs to his captain, whe he just started running he remembers something the Captain told him on his first day 'Haste and panic is not good, keep calm. That's why you walk in a capital ship and not run.. The Crewman lowers his pace untill he is walking.

Crewman: A message from VSD Devotion, Sir. Kato: 'Lead on Crewman Akureyri. Crewman Akureyri presses the replay button and a hologram of a Flight Sergeant pops up.

"Here's the Devotion to the Venom and Solitaire 1 and 2. I have orders from Captain Thoyan. Solitaire 1 and 2, hail the recently arrived CORT and escort it to the Venom. Venom, scan the ship and once you have captured it, board it. Devotion out."

Finally, some action., thinks Kato delighted

Crewman, open the intercom channel. Stormtroopers of the 421st go to hangarbay 2. Await further orders, I'll be there in a few minutes.

Kato gives Crewman Akureyri a sign and he closes the channel.

Now send the following transmission to CorSec. "We have intercepted a YT-2000. 2 Tie-Scouts are escorting it to my ship. When it's docked, we'll scan it through. I received orders to send the crew to you."'

He walks to Flight Sergeant Beam, the Main Gunner. Flight Sergeant Beam, a YT-2000 is escorted by two TIE-Scouts. Keep the Tractor Beam at stand-by.

Good that's settled then, Kato mutters to himself and he heads of to Hangarbay 2.

421st, you're the finest on this ship. When this ship is docked, you get in and look for the crew and scan what it's carrying. Don't forget to check for hidden compartments!

In the distance Kato sees 3 ships flying towards the Venom. A loud humming noise and the YT-2000 is caught in the Tractor Beam.

Jathrin Thoyan:

"Sir, a new medium size transport has appeared from hyperspace and doesn't answer to the hails either." of all the com officers in the universe, I get the precedure nut

Captain Thoyan waived his hand in an almost deletante fashion. "Tell Solitaire 1 and 2 to the same thing to the new ship, and any ships after that. Chances are we have a smuggling operation, which is expected around here."

Mo`Rak Stice:

Puts down the holopad. Finally! I'm done with these reports. Might as well take them to Captain Thoyan straight away.

Straightens up his uniform, takes the holopads and starts his way to the bridge to hand in the new reports.

Igneus Esh:

In space, Corellian system

"Unidentified YT-2000 Corellian Transport. This is Imperial TIE-Scout Solitaire 1. Please be advised that we are accompanying you. Please proceed directly to the Victory Star Destroyer, Venom. I will transmit coordinates shortly. You are in Imperial Space, failure to accompany us to the VSD will be interpreted as a hostile action, and will be dealt with accordingly.", states Kiger to the CORT, but as before no answer is recieved.

Suddenly, the YT-2000 sets max impulse and tries to gets away from the Scouts. Although it is more manoeuvrable, the Scouts equalize it in speed, and it can't increase the distance that separate them.

The YT-2000 trying to escape from the Scouts

Kiger recieves again a bothersome communication: Parek: "Hey Kiger, let me shoot at it, please!"

The young crewman didn't have time to beg to Kiger for that again, because the CORT surprisingly begins to drastically diminish its speed. Kiger takes some seconds to realize why: the VSD Venom has it now in his tractor beam, and as the YT-2000 floats slowly to the Venom, Kiger recieves another transmission from the Devotion: “Solitaire 1 and 2, you have orders to proceed in the same way with the new arrived Bulk Transport. It doesn’t answer to the hails either. Escort it to the Venom.”

But Kiger notices something that the officers looking at their sensors in the ships wouldn’t be able to. The ship flight is too perfect. It follows a very lineal path, and it can’t be the autopilot, because it gets automatically disconnected once the ships gets out of hyperspace. The only thing that can fly that way are droids.

Another communication from his wingmate: Paker: “Hey Kiger, that ship flight is weird, don’t you think? Anyway, will you let me shoot at it this time?”

The Bulk Transport entering the Corellian system

Bridge of the VSD Devotion

After the orders of the captain, Igneus agrees with a “Yes, sir”, and communicates with the Solitaires. Once it is done checks the YT-2000, and sees that it is almost inside the VSD Venom, and then checks the Bulk Transport. “Weird, its course is leading it directly to the VSD Venom.”, but Igneus doubts about telling this to his captain, because he seems quite angry about receiving this kind of reports. Instead he communicates with the Venom: “Venom, here is the Devotion. Look at the recently arrived Bulk Transport’s path. It’s going directly to you. Have you engaged the tractor beam on it?” “Negative.”, replies the Venom comm officer. “It isn’t still on range. Will do so when it is.” “Then communicate this to your captain, please. Devotion out.”

Bridge of the VSD Venom

“Captain”, says the comm officer to Kato. “I have a message from the Devotion. They want me to tell you that the Bulk Transport that arrived to the system is in a direct course to this ship and doesn’t answer to the hails.”

Kato Forn:

The YT-2000 is floats into Hangarbay 2. The repulsor lifts are activated and the ship slowly descends. Kato nods to the Troopers of the 421st. They walk over to the ship and open the boarding ramp.

A few minutes later 5 Stormtroopers walk out with 3 people and stop in front of Kato.

Stormtrooper: We found these 3 smugglers. The ship was full of secret compartments which were filled with Spice. Kato: Well done Troopers. Get the spice out and bring it to the incinerator. Don't let me see you eating this stuff! Bring these 3 man to the cells. A representative of CorSec will get them out later today. Stormtrooper: Yes, Sir. You 4, you heard the Captain, take them to....

A bleeping sound from Kato's commlink. “Captain, I have a message from the Devotion. They want me to tell you that the Bulk Transport that arrived to the system is in a direct course to this ship and doesn’t answer to the hails.”

I'm on my way back to the bridge. I'll take care of this when I'm back.

Kato walks a bit faster than normal. I wanted action and I get it. Fine, but there's something about this. Too many things happening...

Kato: Flight Sergeant Beam, is the Bulk freighter in Tractor Beam-range? FSGT Beam: No Sir. Kato: Keep your eyes on that Bulk Freighter. Once it's in range fire the Tractor Beam. Bring it to Hangarbay 1.

Flight Corporal Akureyri, send following message to Solitaire 1 and 2. "Solitaire 1 and 2, this is VSD Venom. Escort the Bulk Freighter to Hangarbay 1 on the Starboardside of my ship. When it's in range the tractor beam will take over."

Kato grabs the intercom of the VSD. 425th Devision, go to hangarbay 1. A Bulk Freighter will be escorted to there. You'll meet me there.

He walks to hangarbay 1. I certainly get enough exercise today! Kato: 425th, you've got to get out the crew of this ship and have a look at the cargo of the ship. Don't forget hidden compartments. It's flying very perfect, so don't be startled when there are no persons onboard.

Execurus Edun:

Gamma Squadron, get to your interceptors and be prepared to launch incase we are needed He watches the rest of his squadron board their standard TIE Interceptors then proceeds to walk over to his modified TIE Interceptor and clambers in

Jathrin Thoyan:

So it looks like the Pinky of Vodo is no more Thoyan said after reading the message the awaited him apparently the organization had been a laborer's union that had attempted to subvert the Anzati government on bealf of the Empire.The Department of Administration had had enough and disbanded the organization. Ironically, the man Thoyan had known as the "Pinky of Vodo" and survived and was now a customs official in the Outer Rim.

His message finished with only one phrase: "Remember the Empire has enemies."

Idiot..... why is he always stating the obvious?

He put down the datapad and decided pick up Advanced Capital Ship Tactics: Vol 2.

I promise that I will give this book back to Sol.................. eventually

Voltan Kreig:

After relaxing and resting, Commander Kreig noticed that there was some movement in the system, so he contacted and alerted his squad, and told them to be ready for launch at any moment.

Kiger Wulf:

Wulf and Parek leave the CORT and begin flying back into their patrol routes. As they make their turn back into patrol the com sounds and tells them to escort the newly found transport to the VSD Venom. Right after the announcement, Parek yells...

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

It's so loud that Kiger throws his headset off in frustration. He curses, then grabs his headset and puts it back on. He calls over to Parek.

Parek, what is wrong with you, man!? Why did you think you needed to yell like that?

Sorry Wulf, I'm just so excited that we're getting so much action!

Yeah, whatever, why don't you just stop screaming and follow me to escort this idiot. Attention, unidentified transport. This is Solitaire 1 representing the Imperial Navy. Please accompany us to VSD Venom. There you will be taken in for processing.

At that point, Wulf begins to scan the vessel, and transmits that information to the VSD. Parek begins speaking to the Transport...

Yeah, we're takin' you in for questioning you idi-

Wulf cuts him off...

Parek! Quiet!

With that, the two TIE Scouts begin to escort the Transport to the Venom.

Mo`Rak Stice:

Upon reaching the bridge of the VSD Devotion, Lt Commander Stice notices the buzz of recent activity.

Hmm... i'd hate to dampen their party, but if there's a job to be done, i need to make sure they're ready.

Walks over to an empty comm station to put his squad on ready alert, in case some heavy firepower is needed.

Igneus Esh:

In space, Corellian system

”Attention, unidentified transport. This is Solitaire 1 representing the Imperial Navy. Please accompany us to VSD Venom. There you will be taken in for processing.”

To Kiger’s surprise, the transport obeys. In fact, it was going directly to the Venom in a collision course from the beginning. Kiger starts to escort the transport while starts a complete scan of it.

Results shows in his fighter’s monitor: the transport is in perfect hull state, deflector shields at full power, all of the systems with energy, no lifesigns onboard. The scan continues and seconds later his heart almost gets out of his body: the transport is full tons of active plasma explosives.

Kiger opens the comm, and has time to warn both VSDs about the Bulk Transport just before something no one expected happened.

A flash of light and a warning in the sensors indicate that two capital ships entered the system.

When Kiger and Parek turn to see, the image of a Calamari Cruiser and a Nebulon-B Frigate shocks them.

"What the hell?!", screams trough the comm a confused and annoyed Parek.

The MC-80b Calamari Cruiser and the Nebulon-B frigate came out of hyperspace

The ships begin to jam the long range communications in a clear demonstration of hostile intentions. But no further proof of the ships intentions are needed, as the the Calamari Cruiser starts to fire with its turbolasers and torpedos to the VSD Venom.

Luckily, the 'Venom'’s shields were up, and take all the damage, but they begin to drain. In the meantime, from the both the cruiser and the frigate’s hangars get out 3 squadrons of BTL-S3 Y-Wings and 4 of Z-95 Headhunters.

But, aside of all of that, the Bulk Transport continues to head directly to the Venom, with tons of explosives inside.

Bridge of the VSD Devotion

Igneus continued to be attentive at the sensor reading and the communications. However, when he hears the quick warning from Solitaire 1 informing that the Bulk Transport is full of explosives, can’t avoid screaming: “What?!! Captain Thoyan, that Bulk Transport is heading on an impact course to the VSD Venom and is full of plasma explosives!”

Igneus doesn’t wait for the captains answer, as the sensor warning call his attention. When he sees what the sensors are showing quickly adopts the professional attitude and seriousness he is trained to.

“Captain, two enemy ships came out of hyperspace. One is a M-80b Calamari Cruiser and the other a Nebulon-B frigate. They are jamming our long range communications and start sending out Y-Wing and Z-95 fighter squadrons. The calamari cruiser is shooting with full power to the Venom.”

Bridge of the VSD Venom

Kato was returning to the bridge when, suddenly, the VSD shakes in a horrible and violently way; such violent, that some crewmans that were walking through the corridor doing their routine duty fell to the floor.

The personal comm sounds, and Kato turns it on: “Sir, we are being attacked by enemy forces. Please return at once to the bridge.”

When Kato arrives to the bridge not even a minute later the situation isn’t as bad as he imagined, but is still hard: although a Calamari cruiser and a frigate don’t equalize two VSDs in power, the enemy seems to have much more fighters. “Sir, we are receiving hard enemy fire and our shields are draining. Shields are at 90%.”, starts saying the first officer to Kato. “Shall we return fire? Also, if we launch the gamma squadron right now, they have a high risk of being fired upon when they get out of our hangars. However, if we don’t launch them, the alpha and beta squadrons stationed at the Devotion won’t have a chance against the enemy fighters. What should we do, sir?”

Execurus Edun:

Listens in to the reports then sends a holographic male to the ship captain "Sir, I believe it might be prudent to angle the ship so that the hanger bay is 45 degree angle away from the enemy ships. At least it will cover our launch, maybe even lower the hanger shields and re-inforcing all other shields."

OOC: if you know the series, read Heir to the Empire

Kato Forn:

Kato was walking back to the bridge when, suddenly, the VSD shakes in a horrible and violently way; such violent, that some crewmen who were walking through the corridor fell to the floor.

A bleeping sound from Kato's commlink. “Sir, we are being attacked by enemy forces. Please return at once to the bridge.”

Ok, this is a situation in which I have to let go my priniciples. Kato raises his pace. When he reaches the bridge the first officer immediately gives him a full status report.

“Sir, we are receiving hard enemy fire and our shields are draining. Shields are at 90%.”, says the first officer to Kato. “Shall we return fire? Also, if we launch the gamma squadron right now, they have a high risk of being fired upon when they get out of our hangars. However, if we don’t launch them, the alpha and beta squadrons stationed at the Devotion won’t have a chance against the enemy fighters. What should we do, sir?”

Fire the turbo lasers and a salvo of proton torpedoes at the capitals. I have a plan on how to give Gamma Squadron cov....

Another bleeping sound from Kato's commlink. "Sir, I believe it might be prudent to angle the ship so that the hanger bay is 45 degree angle away from the enemy ships. At least it will cover our launch, maybe even lower the hanger shields and re-inforcing all other shields."

You beat me to it, Lt Commander. I was about to say that. Thanks for the advice anyway! Prepare for launch.

Kato switches his commlink off and turns to the first officer again. As I said, I have a plan on how to give Gamma Squadron cover. Turn the ship to a 45 degree angle on the enemy caps. This will also make it easier to fire a salvo of PTs on them. Fire the heavy lasers on the fighters. But first, let someone scan that Bulk Freighter.

Corporal S Canning: Sir, the ship is loaded with plasma explosives! Kato: First Officer Peacock, why didn't they say that! Fire some PTs on that ****** Bulk Freighter as well! Send a message to Solitaire 1 and 2 telling them to stop escorting the Bulk Freighter.

The ship is slowly turning to a 45 degree angle. When Kato notices this he calls for CWN Akureyri. Crewman, send following message to Gamma Leader. "Lt Commander Edun, you have clearance to undock. We will fire at the fighters with our Heavy Lasers. Watch out for the PTs and Turbo Lasers which will be fired at the capitals.

Execurus Edun:

"On our way sir, and thanks for the cover" Flicks to his squadrons private frequency "Alight boys we got orders and targets. Gamma 9-12, the Y-wings are yours, use your menouvering ability the rebels suck at it espeically the y-wings" Rest of you on me target the z-95s, again use menouvering. Watch out for friendly fire though and remember that we arent shielded, use missiles on dual fire to take out enemy shields then flick to lasers, it wont take long" After getting confirmation from the rest of the squadron, sets his lasers to 75% power then launches.

Kiger Wulf:

Wulf hears the chatter on the com, and barrel rolls away from the Transport. He begins to move toward the Mon Calimari, slowly. He notices, however, that Parek is still moving next to the transport. He listens in to what Parek is saying...

1,112, 1,113, 1,114, 1,115...

Are you still counting the stars!? Aren't you paying attention? That ship you're flying next to is a BOMB!

1,116, 1,117...

PAREK! Listen to me! You've got to get away from that ship!

Kiger? Is that you?

Who else could it be!?

Oh! Hey man, what's going on?

Parek, get away from that ship!

But if I move, I'll lose count. I don't want to lose count.

Seriously Parek, I'm not playing. They're firing Proton Torpedoes at a ship that is basically a huge bomb. We need to get away from that ship!!!

Oh, really?

With that, Parek maneuvers his Scout away from the Transport. He flies his ship down to a position next to Kiger's. They begin a movement towards the Mon Calimari in an attempt to be ready for any more incoming ships. They both engage their sublight engines at full speed and move to the rear of the Mon Calimari to await the arrival of any new ships. While he is flying by the Calimari, Kiger flips some switches to run a scan on the Cruiser. After scanning that ship, he runs a scan on the Nebulon Freighter..

Jathrin Thoyan:

"Captain Thoyan, message from the bridge" a message came over te com, interrupting his reading.

“Captain, two enemy ships came out of hyperspace. One is a M-80b Calamari Cruiser and the other a Nebulon-B frigate. They are jamming our long range communications and start sending out Y-Wing and Z-95 fighter squadrons. The calamari cruiser is shooting with full power to the Venom.”

Son of a bantha. Thoyan cursed as he rushed back to the bridge.

"Engage the Mon-Cal with Proton Torpedoes and Turbo lasers.Heavy lasers on the fighters.DO NOT LAUNCH!!!! Alpha and Beta squadrons.If the Nebulon and the Mon-Cal have friends waiting, we don't want to tip our hand.Relay a message via gamma squadron:Tell both solitaire's good job and hold position and make sure we know if any friends of thiers show up."He yelled over the com. Whoever these guys are, I'll make them regret messing with the Galactic Empire.

We need to take care of these enemies before they harm any transports in this system."

I can imagine the field day the rebel tabloids will have if we screw up this one: 'Extra! Extra! Key Imperial system defenseless

He arrived on the bridge as the link with the VSD Venom went live.

Kato's doing a good job,but I was too slow to respond. Thoyan thought.

He looked out toward the bridgeviewer. The Empire won't be outsmarted today. He looked back at his Com officer. "Crewman,Contact Corsec:Send them the hull signitures of the mon-cal and the nebulon. Tell them that I need those two ships identified now.

Informaton is ammunation

Mo`Rak Stice:

Listens to the chatter over the comm while waiting on orders for launch. His squad had been briefed about the situation and seemed eager to get into the action.

Execurus Edun wrote: Gamma 9-12, the Y-wings are yours, use your menouvering ability the rebels suck at it espeically the y-wings"

Opens a channel with the Lt. Commander. Lt. Commander Edun, tell Gamma 9-12 to aim for the power couplings on the y-wings. They are exposed and make an easy target!

Execurus Edun:

Mo`Rak Stice wrote: Lt. Commander Edun, tell Gamma 9-12 to aim for the power couplings on the y-wings. They are exposed and make an easy target!

Yes Sir Flicks the com to his squadrons PRIVATE frequency Gamma 9-12 change targetting parameters to 006. All Fighters report

Gamma 5 here boss, 2 zeds wipesd out, permission to assist gammas 9-12 Gamma 6 reporting, 2 assists with Gamma 7 on 3 zeds, Gamma 2 still on your wing Gamma Leader Gamme 3 on your port side Lead Gamma 8 here, having a whale of a time. Im with Gamma 5, can we assist Gamma 9-12

Edun shakes his head at the constant begging about helping Gamma 9-12

ok ok, yeesh, Gamma 6-8 go assist Gamma 9-12. Speaking of which, why having gammas 9-12 reported in yet

Gamma 9 here sir, sorry for the lack of response but we were just busy dudging a torpedo from our own ship. You would expect them to know the difference between an enemy capital ship and their own fighters ...

Edun Interupts Gamma 9 Will you stop whining, its your own fault. Did I or did I not say to watch out for friendly fire. Now then, follow these instructions pricicely. WATCH OUT FOR FRIENDLY FIRE. Is there a part in that which you DONT understand

Gamma 9 responds No sir, we are watching friendly fire sir

Edun shakes his head and sends an encrypt com message to Captain Thoyan Sir, request target lock confirmation on the enemy capital ships shield generators. Get those down then I can use my speed to knock out their communications and missile launchers.

Igneus Esh:

OOC: ((Hey Exe, you just godmodded in that last post. Take note that the GM is the only that can give combat results. I'll post in the next posts how the combat develops rolling dice.

It may seem that before Kato godmodded also, when saying that the crew of the YT-2000 were smugglers, but it wasn't like that, I told him so in IRC.

Please edit your post accordingly, and when I see it edited I'll post how this continues.))

Jathrin Thoyan:

"Incoming transmission from Gamma squadron" the Coms officer stated promptly.

"Sir, request target lock confirmation on the enemy capital ships shield generators. Get those down then I can use my speed to knock out their communications and missile launchers. "

"Gamma squadron leader set up a private channel"

Afetr a few minute, they had a plan.

Now to tell Kato

He angriliy turned back to the comsat station. "Where is that data from CorSec?"

Igneus Esh:

((OOC: Four things. I’m sorry the poor quality of this post, that just shows the results of the battle. If I had tried of narrating the situation the best that I can, it'd probably took me more days to post, so I thought of just posting like this so we can continue. But now that you know the battle result, please RP the best you can what happened, before posting what you do next. The second thing is that you shouldn’t know the enemy squadron names, and I wait for you to RP that. I show them just to make the combat results clearer in the summary. Third thing: I forgot to tell that all Gamma squadron Interceptor fighters have 6 concussion missiles, and all Beta squadron Bombers have 8 torpedoes. Finally, the last thing is that from now on I’ll be using the official abbreviations for the ships. The ones I’ll be using are:

VSD: Victory-class Star Destroyer I, WCRS: Mon Calamari MC-80 Cruiser (winged MC-80b version), FRG: EF76 Nebulon-B Frigate, T/F: TIE/Ln Starfighter, T/I: TIE/In Starfighter, commonly known as “TIE Interceptor”, T/B: TIE/Sa Bomber, commonly known as “TIE Bomber” , T/S: TIE/Sr Starfighter, commonly known as “TIE Scout”, Z-95: Z-95 “Headhunter” Starfighter, Y-W: BTL Y-Wing Starfighter, FRT: BFF-1 Bulk Freighter, CRV: CR90 Corellian Corvette, GSP: DP-20 Corellian Gunship))

Solitaire 1 and 2 get away of the FRT, just on time before two torpedoes launched by the VSD Venom hit it. Altough it hasn’t been destroyed, the FRT lost its shields and has suffered light damage, mostly on its sublight drive, and continues to move on an collision course towards the Venom, but now at one quarter of its original speed. The Solitaires Scouts move at max impulse in the direction of the enemy cap ships. The scan results don’t show anything unusual, but Kiger and Parek don’t have time to continue with the scans, because two Z-95s are heading their way. They are on long range, and getting close quickly.

One of the two Z-95s closing in to the Solitaires

Gamma squadron separates, half to take Y-Wings and the rest to intercept the Z-95s. Altough two of the Headhunters of that squadron engaged the Solitaires, the remaining 10 close to take the Gammas 1-5. While closing to the Z-95s, Gamma 2 is destroyed by the FRG's heavy lasers, although luckily or thanks to their skills and that the Interceptors are great fighters, the remaining 4, including Execurus, escape. Gamma squadron manage to take 5 of the enemy Z-95, but the enemy takes down Gamma 3 and 4, and just Gamma 1 and 5 remain in that group. Incredibly, Gammas 6-12 manage to take an entire Y-Wing squadron before they shoot their torpedoes, but its Z-95 escort take 4 of the that interceptors’ group. Jathrin recieves a message from his first officer: "Sir, our computers confirm that the Nebulon-B is, or at least was, an Imperial ship. Its name is "Calamity". CorSec has confirmed that. We don't have information about the Calamari Cruiser." The capital ships exchange fire for almost a minute, until the weapons need to recharge their energy. Although no ship suffered damage to its hull, the FRG lost all of its shields, and the VSD Venom is also near of losing them.

All of you prepare for a new round of attacks, when a new FRT comes out of hyperspace. This time, however, it is in a collision course directly to the VSD Devotion, and not the VSD Venom, as the first FRT.

Summary:

• VSD Devotion: Undamaged, deflector shields at 80%
• VSD Venom: Undamaged, deflector shields at 30%
• WCRS Defiance: Undamaged, deflector shields at 90%
• FRG Calamity: Light damage, lost deflector shields.
• T/F squadron Alpha : Undamaged
• T/B squadron Beta: Undamaged
• T/I Gamma 1, 5, 9, 10 and 11: Undamaged
• T/I Gamma 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 12: Destroyed
• T/S Solitaires 1 and 2: Undamaged
• Z-95 Sword squadron: Undamaged
• Z-95 Dagger squadron: Undamaged
• Z-95 Saber squadron: Undamaged
• Z-95 Knife 11 and 12 (fighting solitaires): Undamaged
• Z-95 Knife 1, 2, 3, 7, 10: Undamaged
• Z-95 Knife 4, 5, 6, 8, 9: Destroyed
• Y-W Red squadron: Undamaged
• Y-W Blue squadron: Undamaged
• Y-W Gold squadron: Destroyed
• FRT 1: Light damage, lost deflector shields, sublight drive damaged
• FRT 2: Undamaged

((OOC: From what I can see, I made all of the rolls, but there are so many ships that, maybe, I forgot about one or two and didn't to post a result. If you see that there is a result that isn’t shown, please tell me ASAP, so I correct the post.))

Jathrin Thoyan:

"Sir, our computers confirm that the Nebulon-B is, or at least was, an Imperial ship. Its name is "Calamity". CorSec has confirmed that. We don't have information about the Calamari Cruiser." Captain Thoyan felt the ship lurch as its deflectors absorbed damage.

shields at 80 percent, Kato's even worse at 30. Thoyan surmised. If this plan is going work we need them to operate on our terms

Suddenly, his first officer alerted him about a bulk frieghter that had hypered in very close.Too close.Way too close.

Right on top of us.

Now how did I know that they were going to do that.

"Evasive manuevers."

As the VSD avoided the incoming frigate he already had his next orders in mind:

"Hit those fighters again .Launch Alpha and Beta squadrons.Tell them to vector right for the mon-cal.Tell the bombers that I want precise hits on that Mon-Cal:shield generator and fighter bays.DO NOT DESTROY IT! After that DESTROY the Nebulon.PT's on the Mon-Cal"

"First officer Esh, open a channel with gamma squadron"

The officer in charge of the Interceptor squadron looked stressed out. "Mr Edun return to base for refit and repair.Don't worry about that thing we talked about.You'll get that chance, but I want your squadron back to reasonable strength."

He saw the VSD Venom recover the pilot pods of the destroyed Gamma squadron fighters as it engaged the enemy fiercely. Time for the next act to begin.

(OOC: Whew! this scenario is giving me a mental workout.I hope that this is ok.I put my RP reaction first, then I had what I planned to do.I definitely think that when NHC gets the war college off the ground there should be tactical excercises like this to keep us on our toes. Keep up the good work, Ig, :D )

Execurus Edun:

Will do sir orders his squadron back

Mo`Rak Stice:

Squad, launch!! Now remember our orders. We are to target the Calamari cruiser. Aim for the shield generators and fighter bays. We have 8 torpedos and i want precise hits and nothing but!!

Do not destroy, and do not be too distracted by the enemy fighters. Alpha squadron is there to protect us, so i want you all to focus your attention on the cruiser.

And i repeat, Do Not Destroy it.

Kiger Wulf:

Kiger curses when he sees the Z-95's approaching him and Parek. Apparently trying to get around the Capital ship wasn't a good idea. He looks around for any asteroids that might work to shield him and Parek from the 2 fighters coming their way, seeing none, he calls over to Parek.

Alright Parek, listen up. We're in a lot of danger. Let's split up, and try to get back to our Capital Ships. Stay away from the two enemy ships, they could easily take us out. Once we get close enough, the other squadrons can provide some cover for us to get into one of the VSD's. Understand?

You got it, Kiger. Let's rock and roll.

With that the two ships split apart and make turns in seperate directions. As they try to outmaneuver the two Z-95's, Kiger realizes that he and Parek are probably going to die. He makes one last call over the radio to his fleetmates.

Attention all members of the 4th Imperial Fleet. This is Solitaire One. I am being engaged by one of the Z-95's. I don't need to tell you that I'm heavy and have no weapons. I could use some cover fire, and some help. Solitaire 2 and I are trying to get back to the action, so if someone could lay some cover down and try and take out one of these Z-95's on our tail, we would appreciate it. Over.

With that, Wulf continues evasive maneuvers in an attempt to get away from the Z-95's...

OOC It's kind of bush league that I got stuck in a stupid TIE Scout during a combat mission. The VSD's could have made the initial scans.

Voltan Kreig:

After Beta squad was launched the CMDR Kreig alpha squadron followed it. It was a dangerous situation and the squad was in red alert and 100% focused for combat. As the Beta squad bombers were getting near the WCRS the Alpha squad T/F continuously monitored the space , ready to blast any rebel fighter that comes in to range.

Igneus Esh:

Kiger Wulf wrote: It's kind of bush league that I got stuck in a stupid TIE Scout during a combat mission. The VSD's could have made the initial scans.

((OOC: But the Scouts do have weapons, two lasers, or at least that is what says in the Combine Rules page, although you are right to say that they aren't the best ships you could be in a combat situation.))

Kato Forn:

Kato was looking through one of the transparisteel windows. He could see the fight between Gamma squadron and the enemy fighters. Kato sees the number of Y-wings decreasing rapidly, until there are no more Good work Gamma Squadron

Kato: First Officer Peacock, status report! FO Peacock: Sir, we hit the Bulk Freighter, but it's still flying at a quarter of it's speed. The shields of the Nebulon-B are down and it has minor damage. Our shields are down to 30%. Kato: What is Jathrin doing? FO Peacock: He has launched the bomber squadron and fired Proton Torpedoes at the MC-80b. Kato: OK, we don't have to worry about the MC-80b then. Fire 15 Proton Torpedoes on the Nebulon-B and the remaining 5 on the Bulk Freighter. Aim at the right side, from our perspective, of the Bulk Freighter, so it might change course and head to the MC-80b. Fire 70 turbolasers at the shieldgenerators of the MC-80b and the remaining 50 at the Nebulon-B. FO Peacock: Yes sir.

A few moments later First Officer Peacock walks up to Kato again. FO Peacock: Sir, everything is fired. Kato: Good. Now turn the ship and pull back till behind VSD Devotion. Send as much mechanics as possible to the shield generator to repair it.

The First Officer nods and walks away to notify all mechanics.

Mo`Rak Stice:

Notices the 15 proton torpedos that have been launched at the MC-80b Cruiser.

Squad, sensors indicate that the VSD Venom has just launched 15 torpedoes at our primary target. Watch out for them. Enter the following attack co-ordinates.

I want this ship crippled and a sitting duck. Once we get the shields down and the fighter bays are destroyed. I want you to disable it's sublight drive so that they must pay for what they've done!

Sends co-ordinates

First wave of torpedoes. FIRE! After the first wave, attack at will!

Execurus Edun:

Watches as whats left of his squadron enters the hanger, his interceptor last "Gamma Squadron reporting back in hanger"

Mo`Rak Stice:

As he watches the first wave of torpedoes fly towards the MC Cruiser he smiles.

Opens up a channel to the VSD Devotion This is Beta Leader to VSD Devotion, first wave of torpedoes launched succesfully.

Ok squad, watch out for the incoming fighters.

Igneus Esh:

Kiger Wulf and Parek Kamalas, each one in a TIE Scout, split up, trying to lose they persecutors. When the Z-95 are in firing range, they fire several time on the Scouts. Although he may be a young and an inexperienced pilot, it looks like Parek is quite talented, and is having less dificulty in avoiding the lasers than Kiger. Luckily, no one impacts in either of the bombers. Parek does a complete roll-S with the slow moving and poor maneuverable Scout, getting in the tail of the enemy Z-95 with a single quick movement, that shows to Kiger that definetely Parek has future as a fighter pilot. Parek shoots the Z-95 once with the dual lasers of the Scout, but the enemy also manages to avoid that shot.

Alpha and Beta squadrons launch from the VSD Devotion. Beta squadron moves directly to the WCRS as ordered, and Alpha squadron sets an escort position around it. The enemy doesn’t wait, and two of the three Z-95 squadrons stop escorting the Y-Wings and intercept the Imperial fighters. The combat begins quickly, and although the TIEs are better fighters, the enemy highly outnumbers Alpha squadron. Voltan Kreig and his squadron manage to take 4 enemy fighters in the first seconds of fight, but as the battle develops, the numerical advantage begins to be more and more clear, and Alpha squadron loses 5 fighters. Voltan himself took down 2 enemy Z-95s, and the rest of his squadron 13 more, an entire Z-95 squadron, making that the 5 pilot deaths are, at least, easier to bear with.

A Z-95 shooting Alpha 2, Voltan’s wingman

Mo’Rak Stice and his squadron take advantage of Alpha squadron’s escort, and head directly to the enemy Cruiser. Each bomber fires a pair of torpedoes draining a lot of the cruiser shields, but not enough to take them out. After diring the torpedoes, Beta squadron remains in a bad position The frigate begins to shoot its heavy lasers at the Bomber squadron, and the Bombers get in the middle of a laser rain. Stice manages to evade with great skill several laser beams, but not all of his squadron is so lucky. Stice looks at his fighter sensors monitor, and sees 5 green dots less than seconds ago. Five of his squadron pilots are dead.

Beta 1, Stice’s ship, after launching the torpedoes

The capital ships continue to exchange fire, and while the ships begin to lose their deflector shields, it begins to be clear who will be the winner. The frigate after the being fired by the Beta squadron and the VSD Venom has critical damage, it’s power is diminishing, several systems aren’t working, and strange coloroured gases begin to escape from several decks of the ship. It turns and begins to withdraw, and as it is faster than the VSD, it’s achieving what proposes. However, its course isn’t taking it where it came from, to prepare for an hyper jump. Instead, it seems to be heading directly to the civilian ships.

The torpedoes fired by the VSD Venom impact on the first Bulk Freighter, destroying it instantaneously. The second Bulk freighter continues to head to the VSD Devotion, and will impact with it in less than a minute.

The VSD Venom, even after retiring and trying to be stay covered by the VSD Devotion, continued to receive high amounts of damage, most of all from the Y-Wings’ torpedoes, and nearly lost all of its shields. The VSD Devotion shields seems to be able to resist quite a bit more, although the WCRS fire also drained a lot of the shields energy. The calamari cruiser still has some shields left, but like the frigate, seems to retreat and the two remaining Y-Wing squadrons seem to head for its hangars. Some Z-95s continue to battle the Alpha squadron, and others head to intercept the Beta squadron. Two of the Z-95 continue bothering the Solitaire Scouts. The remaining five Z-95 fighters that are left after fighting with Gamma squadron seem to be following the frigate on its course towards the civilian ships.

The technicians say to Execurus that his squadron is ready again to launch again. Although his fighter wasn’t damaged, some of the others fighters in his squadron were, but now all of the remaining fighters have been repaired.

Summary:

• VSD Devotion: Undamaged, deflector shields at 40%
• VSD Venom: Undamaged, deflector shields at 2%
• WCRS Defiance: Undamaged, deflector shields at 50%
• FRG Calamity: Critical damage, lost deflector shields, damage on several decks, damage on several systems
• T/F squadron Alpha 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11: Undamaged
• T/F squadron Alpha 2, 3, 6, 8, 12: Destroyed
• T/B squadron Beta 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9: Undamaged
• T/B squadron Beta 3, 5, 10, 11, 12: Destroyed
• T/I Gamma 1, 5, 9, 10 and 11: Undamaged
• T/I Gamma 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 12: Destroyed
• T/S Solitaires 1 and 2: Undamaged
• Z-95 Sword : Undamaged
• Z-95 Saber 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 : Undamaged
• Z-95 Saber 1, 2, 5, 9, 12 : Destroyed
• Z-95 Dagger squadron: Destroyed
• Z-95 Knife 11 and 12 (fighting solitaires): Undamaged
• Z-95 Knife 1, 2, 3, 7, 10: Undamaged
• Y-W Red squadron: Undamaged
• Y-W Blue squadron: Undamaged
• FRT 1: Destroyed
• FRT 2: Undamaged

Execurus Edun:

Orders whats left of his squadron to launch and immediately set course for Z-95 Knife 11 and 12 while remaining out of range of the other fighters and ships. the fire a missile each at each z-95 at max range (2.4klicks).

(TO BE CONTINUED...) Shadows and Mystery: Part 2