SWRPF Archive Galactic Empire (IBOP)

Field Marshal Maximilian Veers

Aboard the Strike Cruiser, Spider's Web, Unknown Regions

The Supreme Commander of the Imperial Forces ran down the corridor as quickly as his bruised and battered body would allow him. His pace was not as fast as he would have liked, but at least he was not crawling away. The pain in his hips was agitated by his gate and he began limping but his attention paid no heed to what his body was currently feeling. His mind was on escaping and only escaping.

I will not be captured again, he repeated over and over again in his mind. He was not going to return to his cell nor was he going to be recaptured alive. Veers had finally decided that he would fight to the very end if he could. And it began to look like he would have no choice but to fight, for he now saw the blastdoors beginning to close in front of him.

"No!" he exclaimed and willed his legs to move faster. He reached the door just as it closed on him and banged his cut fists against it. "No! No! No! No! NO!" The Field Marshal hopelessly rested his forehead against the door and would have turned and slid down to the floor had he been alone in the corridor. But he wasn't.

The prisoner turned around to face his persuer and as expected the man was confidently walking down the corridor towards him like a superior coming to implement dominance over an inferior. The Field Marshal backed into the blastdoor as if to try to walk right through it. "Do you know what they say about a cornered fox?" he said to the guardsman and raised his fists and crouched slightly into a fighting, defensive position. "They are more dangerous when trapped."

SLAM!

His eyes drew to his cell door that had abruptly and loudly shut, the dead body of the guard he had killed was missing from the corridor. Either the dead can walk or we're not alone.

TAG: Thok, LSA, ShadowWarrior

 

IC: Draug Layor

Unknown Regions

Veers exclaimation carried and echoed through the entire corridor. It was the sound of disbelief, an unwillingness to accept what had come to pass. The man turned away from what was, choosing what could not be. Draug Layor wondered if perhaps the broken man had lost his mind. He dismissed the possibility immediately thereafter; that was unacceptable.

The Field Marshal hopelessly rested his forehead against the door that sealed his fate only to turn around a moment later to face his pursuer, the Guardsman confidently walking down the corridor towards him like a superior coming to implement dominance over an inferior.

Backed up against the blastdoor he confronted the sight before him, ready for a final stand. "Do you know what they say about a cornered fox?" he said to the guardsman as he raised his fists and crouched slightly into a fighting, defensive position. "They are more dangerous when trapped."

SLAM!

Veers' eyes drew to his cell door, which had abruptly and loudly shut, the dead body of the guard he had killed now missing from the corridor. Before him, coming to a slow pause, was the scarlet robed man who served the woman Veers hated more than any other being he'd ever known.

Draug Layor knew that someone else was within the corridor and he was not at all pleased. He had believed that all of the Fallen had left the Spider's Web, and he knew no one else aboard that might rival his own skill. Despite his beliefs, he knew that he was mistaken. Someone else was within the corridor, too, someone very dangerous.

"Come with me," Layor offered, his tone firm but not demanding. He had no wish to fight the Field Marshal, certainly not in an attempt to subdue the man while an unknown entity stalked the corridor. "You must leave before they return." He did not reveal who 'they' were, nor did he say anything further, as his heightened sense of his surroundings kept open to detecting anyone else that might interfere with his duty.

TAG: CmdrMitthrawnuruodo & Thok

 

Field Marshal Maximilian Veers

Aboard the Strike Cruiser, Spider's Web, Unknown Regions

Blink.

What? his mind inquired just before his mouth replied, coldly and full of malice, "Do you take me for a fool? I will not willingly walk to my death!" This Royal Guardsman had to be the most stupid of them all to think that he would fall for that old trick in the book. Still he was surprised to even hear the Royal Guardsman speak and that set him off guard slightly. As far as he knew the red robed soldiers were silent protectors and to speak was like risking to reveal that they are really there.

The Field Marshal narrowed his eyes at the guardsman, studying the man for any weakness or oppertunity in overpowering this enemy. His eyes scanned the corridor for anything, anything that might be useful as a weapon. When he found nothing immediately, his gaze quickly shifted back to the red robed figure.

"You can inform your Director that I will see her in Hell," he snarled just before he charged.

TAG: ShadowWarrior, Thok, LSA

 

IC: Draug Layor

Unknown Regions

From beneath his impassive mask, Draug Layor smiled with slight amusement. The Field Marshal was certainly not a blind fool, but he was still a fool nonetheless. "That can be arranged," Layor promised, raising his force pike slightly in a guard position. He was ready to attack or defend at a second's passing and he wanted Veers to be fully aware of that.

"You are wasting time. Mine and your own," the Guardsman said flatly. "If Ysanne Isard wished you dead, you would not be here. And, if I wished you dead, I would not be uttering these words!" He remained silent then, his tone fierce and unforgiving. They were not alone and the longer they played games the more danger they risked.

"It would be easier if you came willingly," Layor stated finally. He stepped backward, returning his weapon to his side in a gesture of good will. The Guardsman was confident that Veers would see reason once he took a moment to think beyond his immediate feelings of hatred and despair.

TAG: CmdrMitthrawnuruodo & Thok

 

Field Marshal Maximilian Veers

Aboard the Strike Cruiser, Spider's Web, Unknown Regions

Field Marshal Veers paused his charge to a halt, leaving only a few meters distance between them as he contemplated the guardsman's words. There was some truth in the man's words, he could see that. Afterall, since when were Royal Guardsmen this talkative? Still, he wondered if he was being foolish in even listening to the man. "Why should I trust you?" he asked. There was confusion in his expression; despair, exhaustion and wariness in his posture. "And why would a Royal Guardsman of Isard go out of his way to... help me?"

TAG: ShadowWarrior, Thok

 

IC: Draug Layor

Unknown Regions

"You shouldn't, not blindly or unwillingly," Layor responded. He knew better than to demand trust and loyalty from a man who had been ready to him fight to the death only moments earlier. "I can tell you only this: My pledge is not to the Director, nor the Emperor. It is to the righteous ideals upon which the Empire, like many governments, has been founded." Layor remained silent after he spoke, seeking to anticipate Veers' response.

TAG: CmdrMitthrawnuruodo & Thok

 

Field Marshal Maximilian Veers

Aboard the Strike Cruiser, Spider's Web, Unknown Regions

He snorted derisively. "A pointless pledge if you are willing to serve traitors," Veers sneered back but then shook his head as if to dismiss an arguement before it began. This was not the time nor place to argue over ones loyalties. "What do you want and where would you be taking me if I went with you?"

The Field Marshal did not move from his place in the corridor. Not like there was anywhere he could go if he wanted to get away. He was trapped in this section of the corridor with the Royal Guardsman and the only other place he probably could consider safe and secure from the man would be back in his cell. A place he did not want to return to anytime soon.

Subconsiously a hand raised to his temple and massaged the stinging pain of the infection beneath the flesh and bone. He was in no condition to fight this man and if he was really speaking an ounce of truth, this would be his best chance of getting out of this nightmare alive. But how could he go with this guardsman? How could he risk his life like this?

He had a solution and a way to test this man's honesty. "Give me your blaster. I know your kind carry one under those robes. If I am to go with you, I want to be armed." Veers gave further instruction for the guardsman to kick the weapon across the floor if he chose to comply to his demand.

TAG: ShadowWarrior, Thok

 

IC: Draug Layor

Unknown Regions

"A pointless pledge if you are willing to serve traitors," Veers sneered back but then shook his head as if to dismiss an arguement before it began. This was not the time nor place to argue over ones loyalties. "What do you want and where would you be taking me if I went with you?"

Layor's eyes narrowed dangerously. It was a very good thing he wore a mask. Comments as to treachery were not to be taken lightly. "Elsewhere," he murmured. His mind considered several alternatives before setting on the most fitting and obvious. "Bastion," Layor said. "To put an end to the war that will divide us all."

The Field Marshal did not move from his place in the corridor. Not like there was anywhere he could go if he wanted to get away. He was trapped in this section of the corridor with the Royal Guardsman and the only other place he probably could consider safe and secure from the man would be back in his cell.

Subconsiously a hand raised to his temple and massaged the stinging pain of the infection beneath the flesh and bone. He was in no condition to fight this man and if he was really speaking an ounce of truth, this would be his best chance of getting out of this nightmare alive.

"Give me your blaster. I know your kind carry one under those robes. If I am to go with you, I want to be armed." Veers gave further instruction for the guardsman to kick the weapon across the floor if he chose to comply to his demand.

Layor's annoyance rose. He was not at all pleased with the notion of escorting an armed man, a man that could turn on him at any moment. For a moment he considered denying the request outright, knowing that it would otherwise give Veers power to rebel and ruin everything Layor planned. And yet if he gave the Field Marshal a blaster, it would allow them both better chance to face any potential challenges that confronted them on their way.

Wordlessly, Layor lifted an arm and held out the blaster he carried at his belt. He did not drop it or kick it toward the Field Marshal, however. He simply held it there for the man to collect. Layor had no intention of harming the man and he knew that Veers would realise that when he finally accepted the weapon at close quarters, at a time when he was most vulnerable to the cunning deception he suspected.

TAG: CmdrMitthrawnuruodo & Thok

 

Field Marshal Maximilian Veers

Aboard the Strike Cruiser, Spider's Web, Unknown Regions

When Veers realized the guardsman was not going to do as he instructed, he hesitated. He was just a few meters away from having a blaster in his hand once more. All he had to do was go over and take it from the guardsman. If the man was cleverly deceiving him this entire time, now would be an oppurtune time to spring the trap--when he went for the blaster. But if Veers could get the weapon in his hands, he had a chance against the guardsman if his intentions turned out to be ill-willed after all. Warily he decided to take that risk. To have a blaster again was worth taking a chance. What more did he have to lose anyway? Without taking a chance he was not leaving this corridor anytime soon so it did not matter whether he took it or not.

Field Marshal Veers crossed the distance between them and reached out for the weapon, snatching it quickly from the guardsman and backing away with it pointed at the man. He waited for the attack but found the man only standing there with his force pike and now empty hand. Seeing that he was not going to be recaptured for the moment, he relaxed slightly and lowered the barrel of the weapon so that it no longer pointed at the guardsman.

"Now what?" he inquired. It felt good having a blaster in his hand again. He had almost forgotten what it felt like to have the cool, smooth metal pressed against the palm of his hand. Like a professional soldier, he examined the weapon both with his eyes and hands, checked its power levels and made sure the safety was off before he was satisfied with it.

TAG: ShadowWarrior, Thok

 

IC: Draug Layor

Unknown Regions

The blaster was Imperial-issue. Its design was similar to the weapons granted to special forces divisions and certain areas within Intelligence. This particular design was not all at standard, however. The weapon's grip was customised to fit comfortably in the hand of a specific wielder, it held a longer-lasting power pack and was unusually light.

"Now, you escape," Layor said, his tone serious, as he turned and led the way down the corridor toward the hanger bay. His eyes scanned left and right as his senses extended to the area around him. While there had been no further sign or evidence to suggest an invisible man watching them, Layor felt something out of place.

He called in to the Cruiser's control room requesting that all doors be unlocked and that the ship be examined thoroughly for any sign of intruders. Once he reached the hanger bay he walked directly toward a Lambada-class shuttle, the very same shuttle Veers had witnessed his son exit not more than a few days ago.

Layor noticed another vessel within the hanger bay, one of unique design. He gazed upon it thoughtfully and sent a call for that vessel to be thoroughly searched, along with its occupants or owner. The craft had not been present when Layor arrived and he did not recognise it, even as one from the Fallen.

"Ready when you are," Layor commented, as he gestured for Veers to enter the shuttle. The Guardsman remaind outside, watching for any sign of trouble before he, too, boarded the vessel.

TAG: CmdrMitthrawnuruodo, Thok & LightSide_Apprentice (this is the final call for intervention)

 

CmdrMitthrawnuruodo

Endor, Moddell Sector, Outer Rim

"Imperial starship, this is Admiral Thax Varioun of the Super-class Star Destroyer, Iron Fist," he announced as he slowly stood up from his command chair. "State your purpose here and allegiance."


"Admiral Varioun, we are stationed here to protect the moon of Endor, our allegiance is to the Galactic Empire." The man paused, knowing that he had not been asked to identify himself. A transponder check would reveal that his VSD II was Justice's Hand. The captain kept his name to himself, however. "What brings you to Endor, Admiral?" He asked.


"I will be asking the questions, Captain," Varioun replied. "If you are protecting this system then praytell explain why New Republic ships are allowed to remain here unharassed?" Varioun's ship captain stepped over to one of the operators and glanced at the readout of the ship's name.

The Justice's Hand was unfamiliar to him so he had the name ran through the computer core for who commanded her, where she was last stationed, her last mission, and where and when she was seen last.


Captain Annakoh was not at all pleased with this recent turn of events. Not only was Admiral Thax Varioun proving to be difficult, but the man was superior in rank, held more powerful forces under his command and enforced his superiority knowingly. Annakoh sighed softly and looked toward his communications officer questioningly.

"Sir, we've called for reinforcements, as ordered. They are already on their way from Nkllon, Bakura and the Senex Sector." He paused, for a moment then added quickly, "Word has also been sent directly to the Grand Admiral's offices."

"Excellent," the captain complimented, somewhat relieved and filled with renewed confidence. He stood tall and spoke into the comm firmly, "They remain unharassed because they pose no danger to our operations on Endor. There is no need to protect a world when it is not under threat, Admiral."


It took some basic and in-depth research, but information suggested that the Justice's Hand was under the direct command of Captain Raokoh Annakoh, who had been assigned to Endor after several years serving at Yaga Minor where the Justice's Hand had been stationed since her construction at the shipyards in that area of space.


CmdrMitthrawnuruodo

Trade Federation Battleship, Toydaria

Reasley and Arison headed toward the hanger bay after having planted remote charges to disable the Battleship's tractor beam. They cautiously made their way towards the hanger and whenever they could, they took to the ventaliation shafts to travel in secret. They hung back from entering the hanger immediately, in an attempt to gather as much information as possible as to the enemy strength within.

Like most of the more important areas within the ring-like ship, there were battle droids and droidekas standing on guard and others making patrols. There were also a number of droid starfighters assigned to similar duties. Enough droids filled the bay that they would be able to hold their own against a small army, or in this case, a special ops team.


Meanwhile, Heinz tossed a few smoke grenades down the corridor and dashed across toward the otherside before diving to a prone position. Mitth had already flattened himself against the floor and up against the wall of the corridor.

Both commandos began crawling their way down the corridor. The smoke screen obscured much of the enemies' visual view of the corridor while the commandos own armour protected the two from sensor detection.

As soon as Mitth made it within range of the remaining droids, he began lobbing the remaining ion grenades at a large area of the chamber so as to get as many of the droids as possible. Once he was done, Heinz followed suit with his fragmentation grenades.

They would added blaster fire to whatever remained standing and soon cleaned up all signs of opposition.[/colo

 

DarkSide_Apprentice

Earlier ...

Bastion

Raum managed to leave the Palace without incident. There was no sign of the Director and he was pleased. She would only get in the way of things. With preparations at Bastion finally complete, Raum headed directly toward Bilbringi, taking an Imperial shuttle equipped with everything he would need for his part in the Deceiver's plan.

As he travelled through hyperspace, his thoughts drifted to the Deceiver and the role of his many agents in this most recent plan. Iaius and the High Command had already branded Isard a traitor and those that did not believe her dead were always quick to point at finger at her at the first sign of unrest or chaos from within the ranks of Intelligence. Raum was so very pleased and amused that the Fallen managed to weaken the Director's position so easily, manging to ruin her in the eyes of those she sought to protect. Truly, the Deceiver was the greatest puppet master of all.

Their instructions were to cause widespread panic and fear among the civilian populace and within the military. Once the military was tied with addressing the myriad of problems that sprung about in a single day, they would be hard pressed to defend themselves against the onslaught that would follow. And, in the midst of it all blame would fall on one being, the being the Deceiver sought to weaken above all others.

---

[b]GrandAdmiralJello, CmdrMitthrawnuruodo, NaboosPrincess, Thok[/b]

[i]Offices of the Imperial Ruling Family and the High Command[/i]

[color=darkblue]News flooded too quickly to gather and disseminate. Chaos seemed to break out all at once and without warning. Such a vast array of destruction was too well coordinated to be coincidence. Someone with considerable resources and manpower was responsible. The only questions was who, and why.

First there were reports from Bilbringi of an attack from rebel saboteurs who single-handedly destroyed an [i]Imperial[/i]-class Star Destroyer that was near its final completion. What they did not know was that Raum had placed explosives throughout several key weak points within the vessel, set to detonate simultaneously. They would find no trace of his involvement, of course, but the Rebels who 'escaped' from the custody of Intelligence were executed once blame had conveniently been placed upon them.

Azazel had seen to the destruction of a major military research laboratory on Borleias, killings its personnel with gas, and incinerating those who had not been suffocated or had their lungs corroded. It was too easy for someone that could slip in and out of sight with a simple thought, even when they did have all the necessary identification one would expect from an employee at the installation. Azazel, like Raum, was pleased with the spectacular destruction he caused, knowing full well none of it could be traced back to him directly.

Similar stikes occurred on several other key Imperial worlds. Marchosias had seen to the complete obliteration of an ISD II at Fondor, Abaddon to the devastation of a university and nearby barracks on Mrlsst, Beelzebub to the deaths of an entire complex filled with cadets in training on Carida and Focalor to a heavy weapons and equipment depot on Balmorra.

Coordinated attacks ranged not only on those specific worlds but on many more, too, including Kuat, Corulag Eriadu and, the Deceiver's own, Coruscant. Each had been planned well in advance for this first strike, all carried out once the order was given. Perhaps the most significant all, however, were those conducted by the leader of the Fallen.

Explosions throughout infant schools, hospitals, shelters and other civilian targets not only on Coruscant, but across scores of worlds in unison, would arouse a distant and horrible memory. It were as if the citizens of the Galactic Empire were forced to relive a terrible nightmare, one in which the populace fell prey to a terrorist enemy right alongside the attacks targeting the government's military units.[/color]

 

Field Marshal Maximilian Veers

Hanger Bay, Spider's Web, Unknown Regions

The Field Marshal relunctantly followed the Royal Guardsman through the corridors of the ship. The traitor led him into the hanger and for a moment, the Field Marshal had a sense of deja vu as he strode across the massive chamber. In his mind's eye he could clearly see a replay of the events that had occured here a few days ago. An event that resulted in the death of his son and his failure in avenging the boy. His gaze glanced ahead at the very shuttle which had brought his son to this wretched place, the same shuttle which he now found himself approaching.

Abruptly he stopped.

The Royal Guardsman gestured for him to board the shuttle. The Royal Guardsman. There had been a Royal Guardsman with his son just before he died. He searched the memory for anything that would indicate to him that this was the same man. How many Royal Guardsmen had black lining at the bottom of their robes and how many had access to this particular shuttle? It didn't matter to him. He knew deep down that this man was the man who had brought his son to his death.

"You!" he hissed and raised the blaster that had been given to him. "You brought my son here!" Out of the corner of his eye he saw a ship he had not expected to find here. A ship he easily recognized belonging to a certain Grand Inquisitor who had saved his bacon months ago during a bachelor's party gone south. Now he knew who had been in the corridor with them and wondered if he had followed him to the hanger.

Again it didn't matter.

Veers had decided that he would not go with this guardsman any further. He would still escape this place via Jean LeBlanc's starship and with the Sith Lord's help. He trusted the Sith far more than he trusted this guardsman and to prove it, he pulled the trigger of the blaster even as he was dodging towards the Reaper starfighter.

TAG: Thok, ShadowWarrior, LSA

 

OOC: This is a combine!

Emperor Iaius Jello, Empress Kiera Callaghan Jello
Imperial Palace, Coruscant

The reports kept coming in, and it was all he could go but keep watching. He was in his uniform, working at his desk when they first came in.

This had happened before. And it was, disastrously, happening again.

He tapped his commlink, deciding not to sneak up on his wife for once. "Kiera, dear?"

"What's up?" Kiera replied cheerfully, "You ought to take a break here soon and come see what Arya has created in the kitchen. Our daughter is becoming an artistic genius."

"I'll be right there to take a look. But then we need to talk right after." He shrugged, wishing she could see his expression. She'd see it soon enough.

"Okay, that's fine." Kiera put down the comlink and scooped the baby up from the floor where he'd been waddling, observing his big sister work her magic with bits of cooked pasta and vegetables.

The Emperor briskly made his way through the Palace, quickly getting through the short distance from his office to the kitchen. Despite himself, he gave his wife a warm smile and waved at the kids. They were always something to be happy about.

She could see the concern in her husband's eyes, despite his valiant attempt to hide it with a smile. "Arya, Ty, come here, let's go to your room for playtime," she said quickly, taking them down the hall. When she returned a few moments later, she inquired about the current trouble, since something was obviously awry.

He went up to her, and probed her face slowly. "Do you remember that big mess with the explosions and the attacks half a year ago?"

"Sure, why?"

He handed her a datapad with just an inkling of the news reports. "That's dated today."

"How could this have happened again?" she murmured in shock as she read.

He bit his lip in frustration. "It's set us back months. We've spent this entire year building back up infrastructures, repairing damage, rehousing citizens... and we have another strike, just as we hit normalcy."

His hand made a soft fist. "At least this time the citizenry should be behind us, since we've made it through it once. They won't be keen on making trouble while they're already suffering."

"I am not so sure. It could also be seen as a failure on our part to protect them-- our most important duty. I hope that you are right, but we cannot count on it."

He shook his head. "We've been giving them recovery efforts and aide right and left. There will be some problems, especially with the Veers thing too--but they're not about to put more hardship on themselves. Especially if they perceive their leaders to be suffering with them."

"Well, we are suffering, truly...this is terrible. All those children, and innocent civilians. I can barely even bring myself to read about it."

He nodded. "We should make a joint statement together, to allay everyone's worries and try to stabilize the situation."

"That is a good idea," Kiera agreed

He reached out and took Kiera's hand. "It'll all be fine," he counseled. "We just need to work harder still. But for now... show me these drawings of Arya's."

"They aren't really drawings exactly..," she laughed. "See for yourself." She led him over to the table where Arya had laid out her creation.

He peered at it. "What in the Empire is that?"

"It's a family portrait, see?" Kiera pointed out the various blobs which were supposed to represent the people of the Imperial Family. "She even put her aunt and uncle in."

He laughed. Hard. And for a moment, even the tragedies of the day seemed far away.

 

Sith Lord Jean LeBlanc

Unknown Regions, onboard the Spider's Web

Though some of the puzzle peices were missing as to what exactly was happening here, the Sith Lord could make out most of what had occured here. He could feel the pain Veers was feeling when he accused the Royal Guard for bringing his son here. This Royal Guardsman was responsible for some great deal of pain and anger, Death. Something didn't seem right, for Jean had thought that he only had one son, who had been sentenced to an execution after being tried for treason. Odd But this pain was genuine, and above all else, flowed through Veers' mind fueling him for what he was about to do. The shot rang out from the small blaster the Royal Guard had given Veers.

As pure reflex, Jean's hand slid down to his saber as the Field Marshal discharged his weapon. Though the shot was not aimed at him, he still was on his guard. Though he knew that Veers would most certainly be an expert marksman, he felt that there stood little chance for him to win against a highly skilled Royal Guard trained in the Enchanti martial arts. So close, yet still he would fail in his escape. He had been subjected to so much and only have his one and only hope of escape briskfully taken away. Jean knew it in his heart that he should do something, not because it was the right thing to do, but because he felt an immense amount of pity and sadness for the Field Marshal for his loss of his loved son. Jean knew what it was like to hate someone whom had been responsible for the death of a loved one. He wanted to kill that being over and over untill the end of time if he could, but alas he could not. He would not let Veers feel the same as he did. Uncloaking from his position, Jean grasped his saber from his belt, and ignited it as he brough the blade up in an attack position. Snap-Hiss "Run Maximillian!" With a sweep of his hand, Jean raised a crate from the landing bay, and pushed it towards the Royal Guard. If it did not hit him, at least it would distract him long enough to allow the battered Field Marshal to run to saftey.

Tag: LSA, ShadowWarrior, and Mitthy

 

CmdrMitthrawnuruodo, ShadowWarrior, Thok

Aboard the Strike Cruiser, Spider's Web, Unknown Regions

Upon recognising the Lambada-class shuttle, knowing it was the very same ship that had brought his son to the Spider's Web, Veers hissed and raised the blaster that had been given to him. "You brought my son here!" he accused. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a ship he had not expected to find here. A ship he easily recognised belonging to a certain Grand Inquisitor who had saved his bacon months ago during a bachelor's party gone south. Now Veers knew who had been in the corridor with them and wondered if Jean had followed him to the hanger.

Veers decided that he would not go with this guardsman any further. He would still escape this place via Jean LeBlanc's starship and with the Sith Lord's help. He trusted the Sith far more than he trusted this guardsman and to prove it, he pulled the trigger of the blaster even as he was dodging towards the Reaper starfighter.

Having already called for a thorough search of the ship and an examination of the strange craft within the hanger bay, Layor had no need to call for formal reinforcement.

A detachment of six stormtroopers entered the hanger just as the escaping prisoner fired upon the Royal Guardsman and ran toward a strange starship. The men were accompanied by two Imperial officers and an investigative team, one of the former pair calling for further reinforcement within the hanger bay as he gave an order for all ships to be denied departure from the Web no matter the circumstances.


Uncloaking from his position, Jean grasped his lightsaber from his belt, and ignited it as he brought the blade up in an attack position. "Run Maximillian!" he called. With a sweep of his hand, Jean raised a crate from the landing bay, and pushed it towards the Royal Guard. If it did not hit him, at least it would distract him long enough to allow the battered Field Marshal to run to saftey.

Had the lightsaber's snap-hiss not been enough to draw attention to himself, Jean's use of the Force certainly was. Two of the six stormtroopers had moved off to pursue Veers firing one stun blast after another in an attempt to stop the man, while the four that remained converged on Jean firing to kill the Jedi in their midst.

 

IC: Commodore Lysander Martz

SSD Corusca, Obroa-Skai system

The information provided by the hidden probe droid was transmitted to the Imperial strike force high above Obroa-Skai. The collection of capital ships had been awaiting the latest information from the probe. As soon as it came in, Commodore Martz turned to his second in command. "We need to act fast. We have a few hour flight to Myrkr from here at Obroa-Skai. If Isard's forces at the world have discovered that probe, they will most likely be preparing to scatter before any large scale operation is mounted against them."

Martz continued. "We have too few forces to cover every hyperspace vector. Given the estimates of the forces currently at the world, splitting this force up could be fatal. Therefore, i have decided that out best course of action will be to jump directly into the system nearest the main hyperspace entry point. From there we can fan out and engage any warships still in orbit over the world."

The second in command raised an eyebrow.

"Sir, do you think that any of those ships will still be there? If they have remained hidden for so long, what makes us think that they are not already alert to our plans?"

The Garqi native shrugged. "We have our orders commander. We can only do the best that we can with the current disposition of forces. Had I had it my way, I would of wanted Imperial Starfleet Command to assign me a larger number of Star Destroyers in place of this SSD. It would of made our force more versitile. But, we are Imperial naval officers. We do what we are told to the best of our ability. We utilize whatever assest we have to their fullest advantage."

After readying the force for hyperspace, Commodore Martz gave the oder to jump to Myrkr. The entire strike force jumped into the unknown, not sure what they would find at the other end.

TAG: LS_A

 

Field Marshal Maximilian Veers

Aboard the Strike Cruiser, Spider's Web, Unknown Regions

"Run Maximilian!"

No one needed to encourage him any more than that. The Imperial Field Marshal ran as fast as his battered body would allow him. He heard the snap-hiss of a lightsaber behind him and the sound of an opening blast door to his right. Veers quickly glanced in that direction see Imperial stormtroopers enter the hanger with two officers. So close! his mind fretted as stun blasts started heading his way.

Veers ducked down and to the side before diving behind a loader-droid for protection. He cornered peeked with his blaster pistol and began returning fire. He knew he could not stay here for long before more reinforcements arrived or those already in the hanger decided to join in and out-flank him. He saw the Reaper starfighter to his left and knew he could not make it without risking getting hit by the stormtroopers.

He needed Jean.

"Jean!" he shouted over the deafening rhythm of blaster fire.

TAG: ShadowWarrior, LSA, Thok

 

OOC: LSA, I've talked with NYJ and he's pretty much out of the loop here until August 25th and has given me the OK to use his character for the actions around Dantooine. So with that said, I think we're pretty much ready to jump to Dantooine.

 

IC: Cor Linka

"What did he just say?" It took Cor a minute to realize that Chief had called him and given him the news. As he walked towards the office he prayed

"Capital ship duty, capital ship duty, capital ship duty."

His composure stayed the same as he walked. He had known the chief for a while now. They talked on and off, but he had listened to the rumors about Chief. He used to work on the big ones. Navy vessels. A small dream to Cor, would to one day be like that. He walked into th eoffice and saluted.

"Yes chief."

Tag: LSA

 

IC: Draug Layor

Unknown Regions

"You!" Veers hissed, as he raised the blaster that had been given to him. "You brought my son here!" The Field Marshal pulled the weapon's trigger even as he dodged towards the strange starfighter occupying a place within the hanger bay.

There was a time for thought and a time for action. For Draug Layor, facing a direct burst from his own blaster, the time for thought had no place. The Guardsman leapt aside in an effort to evade the blast, but quick as he was he could not move faster than light. A portion of his robe was singed, with a hole put through the once-perfect, scarlet uniform.

Layor was not harmed, though the blast had only barely missed his protective armour. He knew that the weapon was not enough to kill him, but had worked to evade the shot knowing that it would keep up appearances. He shifted to pursue the fleeing Field Marshal, when an unmistakable sound pierced the still air.

Snap-hiss

"Run Maximillian!" someone yelled. Someone, Layor noted, who had only just appeared as if from nothingness, someone wielding a lightsaber.

While the Guardsman had never fought a Jedi himself, he knew their weapon well and as such shifted all focus away from Veers to a far greater threat. The two were in collusion, but as far as Layor knew, the Jedi had not allied with the Empire. Moreover, Veers' dislike for Force-sensitive beings, particularly those that were trained, was all but common knowledge within the upper ranks of the Empire and certain divisions of the military and intelligence.

There was no time to ponder the identity of the stranger, however. With a sweep of his hand, the Jedi raised a crate from the landing bay, and pushed it towards Layor. Fortunately for the Royal Guard, his reflexes were quick enough that there was ample time to react. He leapt aside, and prepared to rush the Jedi, force pike in-hand.

It was then that Layor witnessed the entry of a detachment of six stormtroopers, who came into the hanger bay accompanied by two Imperial officers. Two of the six stormtroopers moved off to pursue Veers, firing one stun blast after another in an attempt to stop the man, while the four that remained converged on the stranger, firing to kill the Jedi in their midst.

Layor paused to assess the scene for a brief second. He noticed Veers duck and dive behind a loader-droid for protection, returning fire to the newcomers. "Jean!" he shouted over the deafening rhythm of blaster fire.

And, in that moment everything fell into place.

Jean.

Draug Layor recognised the name instantly. It belonged to the mysterious Grand Inquisitor who worked alongside some of the most skilled and able agents within the ranks of Imperial Intelligence. His ability to use a lightsaber and command the Force was easily understood, it was a quality Layor believed all members of the Inquisitorious' upper ranks possessed. What it did not explain was why the man was present in an attempt to rescue Veers.

Disbelief rocked through Layor like a shockwave. Jean was within the Web to rescue Maximilian Veers. It all made sense. Were it not for Veers' sudden outburst the man may have escaped without causing such a great fuss. Layor summoned his frustration and channelled it.

"Hold your fire!" he roared, his tone crashing across the bay like a frozen glacier, silencing the stormtroopers in an instant.

There was no mistake as to who gave the command and they knew the authority of Isard's elite guards well enough to obey without question. To their credit, their accompanying officers followed the soldiers' lead and silenced themselves, too.

Layor ignored the Field Marshal, trusting the man to cease his pitiful assault as a sign that he was willing to cease fire as long as the stormtroopers were prepared to do the same. The Royal Guard walked across the hanger toward the infamous Jean LeBlanc, intent on speaking with the man and salvaging his own plans.

TAG: CmdrMitthrawnuruodo, Thok & L

 

Jedi_Dave810

Orbital Starship Dock, Yaga Minor

"Linka," someone called from across the mess hall. "Linka! Get your butt in here son, you're being reassigned." It was Cor's supervisor, an aging man they knew as the 'Chief'. No one born in the last twenty years had been around when the man earned that title, though rumour had it that their supervisor was ex-Navy.

It took Cor a minute to realise that Chief had called him and given him the news. As he walked towards the office he prayed, "Capital ship duty, capital ship duty, capital ship duty."

His composure stayed the same as he walked. He had known the Chief for a while now. They talked on and off, but Cor had listened to the rumors about Chief. He used to work on the big ones. Navy vessels. A small dream to Cor, would to one day be like that. He walked into the office and saluted.

"Yes chief."

"Linka," the Chief responded, by way of acknowledgement. He did not return the salute, though a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You're being reassigned to a place you might just fit in." Recognition of authority was a must for anyone serving in a role like the one he was assigning to his best starfighter mechanic. "They need a supervisory mechanic on the ISD II, Redeemer, which has just been completed. Your duties will range from work on the vessel itself as well as oversight of its starfighter compliment."


New_York_Jedi, Blue_10

Near Bastion, Outer Rim Territories

Captain Ensis Ecthelion and Lt. Commander Marius Ardan arrived at Dantooine without incident. Among the first things they noticed upon arrival was that scores of transports were heading to and from the planet, freighters and larger cruisers among them. It seemed as though an evacuation had been underway even before the world was reinforced with capital ships. In any case, it was a very large operation for a planet that was not known to be heavily populated.

They spent three full days at Dantooine with no sign of combat. Scouts had been sent out to evaluate the nearby regions, many of which returned with news of an increased Yuuzhan Vong presence further out along the Rim, particularly near Dubrillion. The enemy seemed to be massing for an attack, and, before long, the attack came to Dantooine.

Several large asteroid-like warships were detected coming in from the system's edges, with many more arriving with each moment that passed. All such craft seemed to be heading rapidly toward Dantooine and were obviously keen on battle.

Captain Ensis Ecthelion

Imperial Star Destroyer, Invariable
Lancer, Blitzkrieg
Carrack, Isshinryu
Carrack, Distant Rover
Dreadnaught, Hood
Dreadnaught, Iron Cross
PB-950, Alpha
PB-950, Beta

Lt. Commander Marius Ardan

Gunship
7 TIE/rc fighters [modified for reconnaissance]


CmdrMitthrawnuruodo, AdmiralNick22

Near Myrkr

Commodore Martz's entire strike force jumped into the system, entering the unknown. The group of vessels had only been in system for a few minutes, if not less, when they fell prey to attack from a number of sources.

Hunreds of seemingly random bolts of laser fire rained down upon the task force, targeting no single vessel but rather any given opportunity.

The lasers were not powerful enough to destroy a capital ship, but given the great number of them and their relentless assault, they served well in weakening the shields of many of the vessels that fell under attack.

 

IC: Commodore Lysander Martz

Myrkr system

Some days you just wish that you had stayed in bed.

What the frack is going on?

The thought had crossed the mind of Commodore Lysadner Martz at least a dozen times since the massive laser barrage had commenced moments before. One second the Imperial strike force had been cruising into the heart of the Myrkr system, the next they were assaulted by a hailstorm of laser fire that seems to come from nowhere.

"Sensors" barked Martz, "Find out where the hell these blasts are coming from!"

Turning towards his tactical officer, Martz said, "Fire three volley from every trubolaser and ion cannon in the fleet. Each is to be programmed to fire at a random spot. You will coordinate all fire from the fleet. If there is something out there that is cloaked and firing, I want to hit it."

The Corusca's captain approached Martz from the side. "Sir, I have diverted power from all non-essential systems to the shields. That should begin to reduce the affect of this low powered laser storm."

Martz nodded. "Good. Send a priority message to the entire fleet. Have them cut power to non-essential systems and reroute it to their shields. We need a bit of time to examine what the hell is going on before we just pack up and run back to Coruscant with our tails between out legs."

TAG: LS_A