Beyond - Legends TIE Fighter: Unknown Regions -COMPLETED 12/26 (Maarek Stele, Thrawn, OCs)

=) Yay another chapter!

BTW, when does the story take place? I somehow thought it was shortly before Endor, though apparently I'm wrong. Was Stele at Endor?

 

Red_Serratia: This story takes place about two years post-Endor. As for your other question, Stele was not present at that battle as he was engaging the forces of the renegade Admiral Demetrius Zaarin in the days leading up to the battle and could not be redeployed in time.

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Stele?s active sensors picked up the Ungarov force as soon as he broke through the atmosphere. At least twenty Ungarov starfighters swarmed the [i]Rattler[/i] and from the looks of it, the carrier?s TIE escort was barely holding them off. From time to time as Stele?s impromptu group approached one of the Ungarov would launch off a torpedo which would impact against the [i]Rattler[/i]?s particle shields or send a burst of red laser fire into a TIE Interceptor, forcing it to careen away from the battle before transitioning into a fireball.

Stele transferred energy from his deflector shields to increase his speed and acquired a sensor lock on one of the enemy craft lining up for a torpedo shot at the [i]Rattler[/i]. Although the shieldless TIEs which provided the close escort were taking losses, they were holding down the Ungarov ships which would make Stele?s job a lot easier.

?Aurek, Direcat, pick your target and engage at will.?

Stele waited for the missile to obtain a good targeting solution and fired. The Ungarov aborted his attack run by breaking left and low. The twin missiles gently arced in pursuit of their quarry. In the final moments before impact, the Ungarov cut his forward thrust and used every means available to reverse direction inside the missiles? approach. However, the maneuver was performed two late and the warheads slammed into the fighter?s side, ripping it apart with a series of explosions.

Sliding past the debris of his first victim, Stele picked his next target and fired a series of snap shots to drive it away from the escort carrier. When the range had decreased sufficiently, he dual-linked his lasers and fired a pair of shots into its rear. The Ungarov applied rudder and lateral control to make a wide inversion which culminated in a ?downward? spiral. Stele easily followed the maneuver and caught it with a pair of shots to its belly. The Ungarov slalomed as Stele continued to pour fired into its tail section. The Imperial pilot scanned the surrounding space with sensors and his eyes and, once he was satisfied that no one was going to creep up on him from behind, continued his barrage.

The Ungarov broke right. Stele pulled up on the control yoke and rolled away from his opponents? turn. After about two and a half revolutions, he banked hard in pursuit. The Ungarov pilot panicked and dove away. Stele followed effortlessly and raked the entire length of the opposition craft?s fuselage. A pair of shots ignited the dorsal engine, gutting it.

After engaging and destroying another target of opportunity and shooting another enemy fighter off the back of a TIE Interceptor, it looked to Stele as if the Ungarov assault was breaking. The remaining fighters had abandoned their torpedo runs on the [i]Rattler[/i] and by then lacked any sort of cohesion. The Imperial ships were picking the assault group apart one by one.

Then, in a moment, it all changed. Six additional Ungarov fighter exited hyperspace dozens of kilometers from the [i]Rattler[/i]. Intertwined with hostile fighters, the Imperial fighter group was unable to engage the new attack unit before it entered torpedo range. The new arrivals fired two salvoes at the besieged carrier.

?Ignore the fighters,? Stele ordered as his light forces finally broke out of the diversionary dogfight. ?All ships, target those warheads.? He lowered his shield recharge rate and diverted the newly available energy to his fighter?s twin ion engines. With the new burst of speed, he shot out toward the incoming torpedoes. Behind him, the other TIE Advanced of Aurek Flight followed.

Engaging fast moving torpedoes was one of the hardest missions an Imperial pilot could be assigned. Without highly massed fire, the chance of one or more torpedoes slipping

 

i have a question too, does Stele know whats happning to the empire in the core?

 

I'm sorry for the lengthy delay in posting an update and I feel it deserves an explanation. I started College on the 15th. The transition has not gone as well thus far as I had hoped and I have my first paper due in a few days. For those reasons, I have barely touched this story in over a week. I am a slow enough writer as it is, so there is not telling when I will pick up again on the Boards.

imperial_Warlord5: Yes, Stele does know about the disintegration of the Empire if that's what you mean. I don't remember where exactly it is but somewhere early on in the 'fic he reminisces on this during a trip through hyperspace.

 

thanks for answering my question im surprised hes cant see thrawn as the only one capable of stablizing the empire, take your time just give us a longer chap when u get time lol

 

Here is the long belated update. Again, I can make no gurantees regarding when you will see the next one. I will put it up as soon as possible.

imperial_Warlord5: Stele has been betrayed too many times to be that trusting.

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?You are certain the damage was intentional??

?Yes, Lekhib,? the holographic figure said, his head bowed. ?The breach in the information conduit was too precise to be resultant from an overload.?

?Have you identified the culprit??

?No, Lekhib. All non-Ungarov have been confined to quarters and my military police units are sweeping the barracks as we speak.?

Lek?Rortan seethed. ?Has it occurred to you, Governor,? he said dryly. ?That you have simply driven the saboteurs underground or even inspired further acts of resistance??

A quantum of fear slid onto the Governor?s features. ?I did nothing that was not outlined in His Majesty?s internal security protocols.?

?Fool,? Rortan hissed. ?Mutiny or insurrection is one thing. Sabotage by an unidentified agent is another thing entirely. You should have acted more subtly.?

?I did my duty,? the Governor said sharply, directly facing Rortan for the first time. ?You have nothing more to ask of me, Lekhib.?

Rortan kept his face blank despite the Governor?s insolence. Like Kor?Sebelwan whom he had removed semi-legally, the Governor was appointed directly by the Grand Archfather. Unlike Sebelwan, however, this incompetent had committed no tangible crime against the Supremacy. Rortan could not touch him.

?I will expect a full written report on this incident, Governor,? Rortan said sternly. ?Although your immediate superior is the Grand Archfather, military matters such as this are subject to my oversight and mine alone.? The last part was strictly not true, but leaving political functionaries with an inflated sense of the Supreme Commander?s power was rarely unjustified by events.

Rortan dismissed the Governor and placed himself behind his desk. He picked up one of the datapads scattered across the desk and began to finger it. The loss of the Schahetzoi plant was not debilitating but it would set back fighter production by weeks. It was just as well. Even with the added starfighter numbers, there would were not enough trained pilots to overcome the Empire?s advantage in light craft. The loss of Convoy IR-772 was more worrisome. Without the hadrium it carried, the arms plants on Ungar II would be inoperational within twelve days. Most of the commercially-viable hadrium deposits in the Supremacy were within easy reach of enemy forces. Every shipment was vital.

Rortan finally activated the pad and began recording orders for the Reactionary Force. A major training program would be needed if he was to confront the Empire on something approaching equal terms. The enemy?s lightning thrust into Ungarov space had shown the folly of entrusting the regime?s security to half-trained conscripts. He would have to impress the Grand Archfather with the necessary of a volunteer-based force when the crisis was over, assuming of course that the Ungarov Supremacy was to survive it.

Rortan shook away the painful contemplation and turned his attention to a report by the Deputy Governor of Orpramian regarding an outbreak of Uturqi inflammation among the garrison there. He opened his mandibles in the equivalent of a smile. That would make some nice afternoon reading.

[hr]


Stele cornered his reluctant assistant the next day.

?Have you found anything?? he asked impatiently. ?Do you have the codes??

Keithal kept her face blank as she answered him. ?No, sir. I haven?t been able to obtain a copy of the decryption keys.?

Stele gave her a wary look. ?This is important, Warrant Officer,? he warned. ?The fate of the Empire is at stake here.?

?I?m sorry, sir,? she said, her eyes cast downward. Stele lifted up her chin with a hand and held her gaze for a few moments.

?Get those codes,? he growled. ?Or tell me how to.? He gave her a final appraisal before walking off ahead of an approaching stormtrooper

 

Nice fic, I just discovered this, and anything with Thrawn or Stele is worth reading. And Thrawn and Stele together is amazing. Keep it up, I can't wait to read more.

 

what is thrawn up to?, and ive read many thrawn fics but never with this level of genuis

 

Yay a new chapter =). And I already thought all Thrawn fics got abandoned... So thanks for the update!! I'm looking forward to what Thrawn is planning. I've already given up guessing ;-)

 

Happy Chrismahanakwanzaka, everyone! Now I meant to finish the Battle of Ubuk with this post but It was getting too long and formatting from MS Word to the 'Boards is a pain so I'll just have to leave [2nd person plural pronoun] with a cliffhanger of sorts.

Vialco: Yeah, they are great together.

imperial_Warlord5: For that question, I'm afraid you won't receive the full answer until the end of the story. I'm glad you like my Thrawn. He is an extremely difficult character to write well. I never feel like mine's plans are cunning enough.

Red_Serratia: I have to say I've noticed that too. I don't understand it.

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Rortan found himself absorbed in the bridge chronometer. At the same time, the command sensor console called out for his attention. His survival was dependent on a race over which he could exert no control. He was barely even a spectator.

He could not understand what the Imperial commander was waiting for, a failing which filled him with shame. There was no reason for them to wait and ambush the reinforcements which were surely on the way. That could be done after his own pitiful force was wiped out. There was an extra connection between the Empire and his own actions he could not fathom.

?Lekhib, our reinforcements are coming out of hyperspace,? Orl?Kaynen, the captain of the [i]Lek Diligence[/i] announced. More sensor contacts appeared on the main console, identified by their transponders as a [i]Lek[/i]-class Battleship and four [i]Patriarch[/i]-class Cruisers. The new reinforcements moved into position alongside Rortan?s main force and began to launch their complement of LCS Mark Nine starfighters. It was not as much as he had hoped, but along with the orbital defense platforms distracting a major part of the Imperial force, he could make himself a nuisance.

?Enemy large ships are moving in to engage us, Lekhib,? a junior officer called out. Rortan tapped at the nearest console then looked out through the forward viewports at the two enemy warships able to exceed the [i]Diligence[/i] in length.

?Line abreast formation,? Orl?Kaynen murmured. ?Not a particularly inspired tactic.?

?He doesn?t need one,? Rortan countered. The admiral gestured to the sensor console. ?Some of their cruisers are moving to support. They?ll hit us on both sides of our line. We don?t have the maneuverability to evade.?

?True,? his flag captain said thoughtfully, wearily noting the decreased distance between the themselves and the advancing Imperial fleet. ?But those cruisers have a lower sublight speed and are working against the planet?s gravitational pull. We can deal with the others first.

Rortan nodded. If today was his destined end, then at least he would be able to remove the head of the Imperial forces arrayed against the Supremacy.

?All ships, full ahead at one-six-seven,? he ordered. ?Turbolaser batteries are to commence firing as soon as the enemy vessels are in range.?

The range now began to close rapidly. The Ungarov starfighter screen stayed close to their mother ships, unwilling to enter a straight-up fight with the better trained Imperial corps. As the Imperial Star Destroyers and their frigate escort grew larger in the Ungarov?s viewports they began to fire ranging shots. The Ungarov ships, with their less powerful reactors, were forced to take the first few blows without complaint. A stray shot from the [i]Inexorable[/i] destroyed three of the Ungarov fighters. Seconds later, the Ungarov guns opened up.

[hr]


On the bridge of the Imperial Star Destroyer Admonitor, Grand Admiral Thrawn nodded to himself. The Ungarov had acted just as he had hoped and predicted. The important part of the battle was over. Now he just had to win it.

?Attack Squadron Two is to launch a flanking attack on the Ungarov squadron,? Thrawn ordered. ?Captain, bring the flagship into action. Forward turbolaser batteries are to open fire when ready.? The first command was relayed to the [i]Victory[/i]-class Star Destroyers engaging the Ungarov orbital defenses. Fou

 

no one could have predicted that tractored tie bomber ploy brilant

 

imperial_Warlord5: I'm glad you think it was brilliant.

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?Weapons free, Aurek,? Stele announced. ?Launch and break by pairs.? He removed his finger from the comm control and fired off a pair of advanced concussion missile with the firing solution set by his SFS fire control system. The other five TIE Advanced of Aurek Flight fired their own missiles nearly simultaneously. Stele broke hard to port, his wingman following close behind. The other two wing-pairs went right.

Five of the two dozen Ungarov fighters approaching the Imperial flight group disappeared inside brilliant fireballs. The remainder divided their attention, and their course, between the two directions which the TIEs had used for their escape.

Okay, Three, we?ve got at least six behind us, any ideas??

?I?d have to say no, Lead,? Carpus said quickly, performing a snap roll to evade a burst of enemy fire.

?We need to break up their formation, somehow,? Stele reasoned. A tremor worked its way through his spine. He side-slipped to the right, evading most of the oncoming fire. A single bolt impacted the rear of his ball cockpit at the base of the left array. He pumped more energy into his deflector shields to compensate.

?Move up,? Stele ordered. ?And be ready to cover me.? He reduced throttle and pitched his nose up, moving behind his wingman in what appeared to be a bob. His next maneuver was infinitely more complicated.

He killed his forward momentum and activated the twin ion-stream projectors mounted on the back of the ball cockpit. Using the finely tuned controls of those projectors, he spun his craft around, simultaneously shifting the concentration of his deflector shields to the front. He fired a quick burst at one of the oncoming fighters before the mass broke to evade the new obstacle.

Carpus pulled around to engage one of the isolated Ungarov while Stele sprang back into action. The Imperial ace activated his twin warhead launchers and felt for the target ahead. Without even bothering to activate the fire control computer, he sent a pair of missiles down its tail section. The resulting explosion filled a quarter of his viewport.

?Okay, Three, we?re even with them,? Stele commed. He pulled around to engage another Ungarov fighter. He peppered with single shots and followed as it attempted to shake him off its tail. In desperation, it began a right downward spiral. Stele executed a Tallon Roll, pushing on the control stick as he did so, and fired off a final volley while inverted. He righted himself directly behind the alien ship as explosions raced from aft to fore section.

Stele rose above the expanding wreckage and turned toward the other Imperial starfighters to allow his eyes as well as his electronic sensors to observe. He had only moments to take a glance before his attention was required by his own struggle but moments were all he needed.

The four TIE Advanced which had gone the other way darted around between the dozen enemy fighters which had pursued. The two sides traded fire and both suffered.

?Two, Four, mayday!?

Aurek Four was in trouble. Two Ungarov fighters sent laser bolt after laser bolt into his rear deflector shields. A further volley ripped off part of his starboard array. He ejected seconds before the rest of his craft came apart. Stele was satisfied to see a chute.

?Lead, break now,? Carpus warned. Stele veered hard to the fight, putting a little spin in to further confuse any pursuer. His wingman pulled in behind the interloper and put a quad-linked shot into its tail section. The Ungarov pilot broke high but Carpus was able to stay on. The reduced airspeed of the alien gave Stele the opportunity to maneuver into position himself. The ace pilot sent a trio of single shots into the dorsal engine then several more into the target?s rear. A pair of dual shots removed the last of its defensive energy and cut a gash into the port side. The Ungarov pilot made a final panicked maneuver, turning the junior of the Imperial pilots and side-slipping. This presented Carpus

 

The Imperial officers pursued the mouse droid at a distance, careful to remain out of sight of anyone who might be in front of it. They both knew their current actions could very well earn them places in front of a firing squad. Stele was forced to admit that he was pleased thus far with Keithal?s handling of this delicate task. Fear and necessity made excellent teachers.

?Sir,? she asked quietly as they rounded another corner. ?What will we do when we reach the retrieval point??

Stele stopped. Reaching out with the Force, he disabled the next security camera in the line covering the service corridor. ?I don?t know yet,? he admitted, resuming his pace. ?How is not important as long as we obtain those logs.?

In truth, he was terrified of his lack of planning. The obvious course of action was to trail the ISB operative until they reached the location where the decryption key was stored, but that task would be infinitely more delicate than following a simple-minded droid. There was indeed a strong chance his brilliant career would end that night.

They followed the small droid through several more twists and turns, Stele disabling cameras as they went while attempting to keep the artificial messenger within sight.

?Wait,? Keithal said, stopping abruptly. Stele swore under his breath as the tiny droid darted out of sight.
?What is it?? he asked her, restraining his temper for now.

?Sir, this is where I saw the ISB officer.?

?Really,? Stele mused. This was not a development he liked. It reminded him too much of the old Stormtrooper adage about things being too easy and ambushes. It would be very much like the ISB to set up a trap for him.

They found the mouse droid derelict beside an environmental control panel which had obviously not been used for some time. Stele opened up the small droid and pulled out a datapad which he smoothly placed into one of his uniform pockets. He looked around the corridor and frowned before pulling out his sidearm.

?See what you can find in there,? he instructed Keithal, gesturing to the control console. With his blaster at the ready, he went to scout out the area.

The corridor was far too quiet be such by coincidence. The ISB had obviously roughshod over the day?s work schedule. Stele searched several nearby compartments and found each to be similarly empty in return. Keeping his fear of an ambush in mind, Stele walked gingerly into one final room.

What he saw nearly made his reflexes get the best of him. An ISB officer, a Captain from the look of his rank insignia, was slumped over a cluster of waste canisters. Stele kept his weapon trained on the body and searched for a pulse. He found a faint one. Whoever had decided to look out the Imperial enforcer obviously did not intend for him to wake up for some time. Stele decided not to waste time pondering this stroke of good fortune and began to sift through the man?s pockets, pulling out a code cylinder after a short search. If it contained what he hoped, he would be well on his way to uncovering the final elements of Thrawn?s insidious plot.

He returned to his accomplice and showed her his findings. ?I want those comm logs decrypted and in my possession tomorrow,? he said as he handed her the datapad containing the top secret data and the code cylinder which hopefully contained their key. Keithal bit her lip but said nothing. He left her standing by the deactivated mouse droid and returned to his quarters.

---

Regional Naval Supply Area 14 was still operating on an embryonic level. Although dozens of cargo containers resided within its boundaries, some anchored to small unmanned docking platforms and others simply held in place by tractor beams, all marked by encrypted comlink-frequency identification chips, the XQ6 Platform which would serve as the operations headquarters was still days away from completion. For the time being, the [i]Bayonet[/i]-class Light Cruiser [i]Admiral Mecklenof[/i] served as flagship and a pair of IPV-1 system patrol craft provided perimeter security.

Despit

 

Only a short update today. It's been a really hard and busy week and I really wanted to give you something.

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Grand Admiral Thrawn waited for Major Colsan to finish his report. The veteran ISB officer finally took his seat.

?This meeting is adjourned, Gentleman,? Thrawn said finally in an unusually stiff voice. ?Major, if I could have a private word with you.? The other men filtered out, leaving Colsan standing at ease before the Imperial commander-in-chief.

?I believe you will be pleased to know that Captain Nagin is expected to make a complete recovery.? Colsan said nothing. Thrawn?s glowing red eyes drilled holes into the intelligence officer.

?We have had this conversation before, Major,? he said severely, anticipating the source of his adjunct?s disease. ?He is no more a threat now than the Noghri. In time, you will see that his place in the Empire of the Hand is set.?

?Sir, with all due respect,? Colsan said gingerly, his face a perfect mask of indifference and loyalty, ?the only place Stele should get is one outside the [i]Mauler[/i]?s main airlock.?

Thrawn frowned, his eyes assuming a very dangerous shade. ?I have considered your concerns, Major, and I consider them misplaced. Do you understand me?

?Yes, sir,? Colsan said, clenching his jaw tightly.

Thrawn nodded contently. ?Although we have made inroads into the Ungarov Colonies at Ubuk and Loyp?an, those gains are still fragile. Although Rortan no longer possesses the resources necessary to retake those systems by force, I cannot become complacent toward the possibility of an Ungarov-inspired coup. We are reliant on allied forces to garrison these worlds as you know well. I would hate for you to be distracted while the Empire suffers setbacks behind the lines.

?Sir,? Colsan interjected. ?With those comm logs Stele will know everything. The base on Nirauan, your contacts in the Chiss Ascendancy-? Thrawn silenced him with a wave of his hand.

?Colonel Stele will know what I wish for him to know when I wish him to know it.? He held Colsan?s gaze for a few moments. ?You are dismissed, Major.? Colsan saluted and left the room.

Reynard Colsan was not normally one to second-guess the judgment of Grand Admiral Thrawn. The Chiss commander had proven himself time and time again with his invaluable and never replicated strategic insight. However, that grand history did not do anything to diminish his concern over the fighter pilot?s budding treason and the Grand Admiral?s obliviousness to the situation. Perhaps he did have some sort of overarching plan, Colsan considered, but the risk was still too great for the Empire. Stele had brought down two high-ranking Imperial traitors; if he set his sights on Thrawn then the damage he could do was unthinkable. He could not be allowed to interfere no matter what Thrawn decreed. Stele had to be taken care of.

[hr]


Maarek Stele fingered the datacard carefully, as if he feared it would be unbearingly hot to his touch. He was advancing on the enemy fortress and knew the next step would be much more hazardous than the ones before. Finally, after much hesitation, he inserted the information depository into his own datapad, hoping that the decryption software Keithal had written worked.

It took only a moment for cleartext symbols to fill up the small screen. It was the sheer volume which startled him at first. Thrawn had obviously been busy. More patient scanning of destination files sent a deep chill down his spine.

[i]The Ungarov High Palace.[/i]

There were, of course, valid reasons to have agents near the enemy throne. But why were their communications going directly to the admiral?s personal holocomm? There was only one reason why Grand Admiral Thrawn would not trust his own communications staff. He filed away that part to memory and continued.

Dozens more messages originated from or went to other planets in Ungarov-held territory. All of these used either Thrawn?s own connection or receivers unlikely to be used by Imperial line personnel. Stele let out a sigh. The band of traitors was too lar

 

A massive geyser of flame spouted from the starboard bow of the Assassin-class Corvette Far Conquest. A half-squadron of Ungarov fighters maneuvered pas the deadly obstruction as they passed the crippled ship. A kilometer in front of the corvette, a cluster of bulk freighters and modular conveyors took fire from three sides. The combined firepower of three Ungarov cruisers firing at their maximum rate was too much for the ships which had been designed for transport and not combat. Around the perimeter of the battle, the few Delta-class JV-7 Escort Shuttles and TIE Fighters which had survived the initial Ungarov assault tried desperately to hold back the enemy squadrons. But against Ungarov capital ships, Convoy Wesk-Aurek Six was doomed.

Six TIE Advanced fighters exited hyperspace just seconds outside range of the Ungarov capital ships? turbolaser batteries. From the cockpit of the lead vessel, Colonel Maarek Stele performed a sensor sweep of the contested area. The last of the escort ships was a flaming wreck and almost all of the remaining transport craft and freighters were in heavily damaged. With three Ungarov cruisers boxing them in, getting any survivors out would be iffy.

?Convoy Wesk-Aurek Six, this is Aurek Flight,? Stele commed. ?We are coming to your assistance. Break low toward our origin.? There was a click in his comm system which Stele assumed was confirmation. Sure enough, the remnants of the convoy ?dove? relative to his own orientation and adjusted their course toward his flight group. One of the bulk freighters exploded under enemy fire almost immediately after beginning its maneuver. The rest struggled under the immense pressure to escape. Beyond the maelstrom, the surviving Escort Shuttles formed a line abreast pattern and swept toward their beleaguered charges. The Ungarov fighters which cared to follow were treated to a barrage of fire from their rear turbolasers, slowing their otherwise effortless pursuit.

?Aurek, engage those fighters,? Stele ordered, bringing up one of the fast-moving targets on his Combat Multiview Display.

?Aurek Lead, this is Slingshot Lead,? one of the Escort Shuttle pilots reported. ?We?re going to engage those cruisers, try to draw their fire. Wish us luck.?

?Good hunting, Slingshot,? Stele answered more for propriety?s sake than actual enthusiasm. He took a moment as he closed in on his own target to glance at the Ungarov battleship directing operations. If the escorts got too close to that behemoth they would be slaughtered even faster than they probably would be against the cruisers.

His targeting reticule turned red to indicate a good lock. Stele squeezed the trigger and a pair of advanced concussion missiles shot out and ran toward the Ungarov fighter. The alien pilot threw up countermeasures and maneuvered away as best he could but his efforts were to no avail. The projectiles struck below the bubble canopy and where the port wing met the fuselage. The target exploded.

Stele acquired a new target. This enemy choose to rush the Imperial fighter group at full speed, leaving insufficient time to acquire a full fire solution. Stele pointed the nose of his fighter at a predicted course and fired his next volley of missiles blindly. The enemy pilot pulled away as soon as he noticed the danger but did not prevent the first of the Imperial warheads from exploding against the port wing of the Ungarov fighter. Stele slowed his craft by diverting additional energy to his weapons and shields and sent a wave of single shots into the top of the fuselage. The deflector shields were overwhelmed and a trio of shots ignited the weapons bay, consuming the target with a large fireball. Stele dove away from the newly-formed debris field.

Aurek Flight chewed away at the enemy fighter squadrons, leaving the three Escort Shuttles free to pursue their objective. They closed in on the Ungarov cruisers pouring their fire into the fleeing convoy and opened fire with their triple KX5 laser cannons and what few concussion missiles remained in their magazine

 

Lek?Rortan stared through the thick protective glass down at the technicians and officers milling about in the Lek Diligence?s starboard hanger bay. The viewing gallery was mostly empty except for Rortan and a few engineering officers viewing telemetry from the Lek Combat Systems Mark Six Interstellar Reconnaissance Drone. Similar in appearance to an oversized air-dropped bomb, the drone boasted a single ion engine optimized for long-range, stealthy cruise and a variety of sensors both passive and active as well as an advanced electro-optical system with both visual spectrum and infrared modes. The drone and its brothers had already achieved considerable success, identifying a major supply depot for attack and helping the Rortan?s battlegroup evade enemy patrols. The particular drone below on the flight deck would be going out again as soon as the engineers finished programming its navigation computer and testing its various complex components.

?Despite our greatest efforts, engineers still manage to produce such marvelous weapons of war,? Rortan mused.

One of the nearby engineers looked at him. He had spoken too loudly. Rortan turned to the other Ungarov and stared him down for several seconds. Finally, the engineer, a Shipdeacon, turned away without saying a single word.

Report on me for defeatism, Shipdeacon. I dare you.

The engineering and scientific crew on the flight deck began to move away from fat drone. It?s repuslorlifts were activated remotely and it slowly lifted off from the deck. It moved forward and cleared the magnetic containment field which kept the air inside the hangar bay from escaping into the vacuum of space. The darkness of space and the design of the reconnaissance platform conspired to make it disappear almost immediately.

?Hangar Two to Bridge, Drone Four-Four is away,? the lead telemetry officer reported.

?Acknowledged,? the voice of Lesser Captain Hjer responded through the ship?s intercom system. ?Initiate primary survey route.?

?Yes, Lekhib,? the engineering officer said solemnly. Rortan nodded in satisfaction at the proceedings and left the viewing gallery.

---

Lieutenant Arthur Densee squinted at the display console which presented the readout from the ship?s sensor suite. The [i]Strike[/i]-class Cruiser [i]Clendora[/i] and the [i]Assassin[/i]-class Corvette [i]Faultless[/i] had been on station for six days on surveillance duty. The Ungarov Frontier, normally quiet due to the inability of the Ungarov to mount major offensive operations, had been unusually active with several attacks on Imperial shipping. The two ships had therefore been deployed to provide what early warning they could of their intentions.

The focus of Densee?s attention had been a brief blip in the upper right corner of the sensor screen indicated active sensor transmission. It had lasted less than a second before disappearing. He tapped one of the other sensor operators next to him.

?Hey, Gille, take a look at Grid Ten by Six-Two.? He activated the sensor system?s recording function and played back the time when the blip had appeared and as quickly gone away.

?Looks like a sensor burst,? Sub-Lieutenant Gille Noss said with a frown. ?It must be one of those Ungarov long-range probes.?

Densee felt his stomach fall out. They had only appeared in the current conflict a few days prior, but word had already spread about those probes. When one appeared on your scopes it meant you were going to get hit, hard. Without hesitating for even a moment, he hit the alert button at the side of the console. Within moments, the Officer of the Deck arrived at his station. Densee showed him the recorded data.

?Power up the CGT,? the superior officer ordered.

?Yes, sir,? Densee answered. He reached for a series of switches and began to hit several of them. The [i]Clendora[/i] had been retrofitted with a crystal gravfield trap several weeks earlier. Using a synthetic crystal grid to locate stealthy targets by their gravitational influence, it was vitally important for t

 

Ladies and gentlemen, with this update I have now surpassed the 100,000 word mark.

---

Lek?Rortan swore at the loss of the [i]Patriarch[/i]-class Cruiser [i]Harmony[/i]. Its destruction created a hole in his attack group which the Imperial starfighters were happy to exploit.

?Squadrons Five and Six, move to relative grid Nine-Two and execute barrier patrol,? he ordered. He turned his attention to the Imperial capital ships as the [i]Lek Diligence[/i] began to rock from successive turbolaser hits. In terms of absolute strength, the Imperial advantage was slight but the superior Imperial gunnery tipped the scales. With that Imperial gravity ship keeping his fleet in-system, the situation was not turning in a good direction.

Rortan pondered his options. There was obviously no good way to shoot his way out. Successfully maneuvering around the Imperial ambushing squadron and out of the artificial gravity field was similarly unlikely. The deck shook underneath his feet.

?Damage control, status report!?

?Lekhib, forward deflector shields are at seventy percent and dropping. Starboard shields are at sixty-five percent. All systems are functioning normally.? Rortan nodded. All was not lost yet.

?[i]Admonisher[/i], flank enemy frigate at relative grid One-Seven.? The old [i]Deacon[/i]-class Cruiser complied, sliding forward with her turbolasers and ion cannon active. The move was a dangerous gamble on Rortan?s part. Unless the old cruiser?s position made up for its woefully antiquated weaponry and defensive systems, it would be a heap of burning metal within minutes.

The Imperial commander did not miss the trick. One of the other frigates shifted its course to assist its brother. Rortan sent two squadrons of starfighters its way in order to buy the [i]Admonisher[/i] additional breathing room. The single ships attacked with torpedoes, prompting a response from the Empire?s elite starfighter units. Several of the Ungarov fighters were destroyed in rapid succession and the Imperial starship suffered only minor damage to its shields.

?All capital ships are to withdraw toward the initial exit point,? Rortan ordered. ?All starfighter units are to cover their withdrawal against enemy attack. Reserve squadrons will engage the gravity ship.?

?Lekhib, we?re losing the [i]Admonisher[/i],? Orl?Kaynen said from the Admiral?s side. Rortan gave a quiet exhale as the old cruiser took on enemy fire in the form of both light energy and projectiles. A large explosion blanketed the front half. The rest followed a full ten seconds later.

?Get those ships back!? Rortan snapped at the communications officer. He should never have sent that ship forward. The act probably would not gain his two remaining cruisers more than a few seconds in which to attempt a retreat. Of course, if the starfighter pilots did not do their job even that avenue was ultimately fruitless.

The entire bridge bristled with activity. Rortan gave the alacrity at which his officers went about their tasks a mental nod. Imminent mortal peril was proving its ability to temporarily undo centuries of safety-induced lethargy in the Ungarov military. Were he a more daring being, he would have suggested that such a state of affairs would be a delightful permanent solution.

Such thoughts were nonsense, of course. The Ungarov Navy was being destroyed, torn apart bit-by-bit as the Imperial forces moved inexorably forward. There was no advantage to be garnered from that. None at all.

[hr]


?Lead, enemy fighters inbound on the [i]Archduke[/i].?

?Acknowledged,? Stele answered, shifting course. The rest of Aurek Flight followed suit. He brought up fire control for his two remaining advanced concussion missiles as he centered his nose on the [i]Strike[/i]-class Cruiser which had deployed in support of the smaller [i]Archer[/i]. As the massive ships grew nearer, he slid into an intercept vector with the Ungarov assault squadron and waited for a missile lock. He fired as soon as the targeting reticule had turned red. Three Ungarov fighters were wiped out by the opening I

 

Just a small update this time to set up the next sortie.

---

The door to Grand Admiral Thrawn?s sanctum slid open. Commodore Voss Parck strode into the room and gave the entire compartment a scan with his eyes. It was exceptionally dark, the only light provided by holograms of small sculptures from a recently liberated Ungarov colony. Despite the gloom, it was still possible to make out two glowing red eyes in the center of his vision.

?Ah, Commodore Parck,? Thrawn said, his head rising several degrees behind the obscurity provided by his redecoration. He pressed a button on the armrest of his command chair. Immediately, the holograms disappeared and the ceiling-mounted lights turned on, returning the chamber to its normal luminosity.

?I believe you have reviewed Captain Raeder?s report on the recent ambush by his forces??

?Yes, sir,? Parck said simply. ?It was disappointing that part of the enemy squadron was able to escape, but our supply lines should be safe from large-scale attack now.?

?There are advantages to the way it played out, Commodore,? Thrawn told him. ?We just have to be patient.?

?Yes, sir,? Parck said in a voice altogether free of commitment.

?However, other results of that operation are less fortunate. The [i]Archduke[/i] and [i]Porpman[/i] will remain in space dock for several weeks, depriving this task force of two of its most distinguished vessels. Coupled with the losses sustained in the last offensive against the Ungarov colonies, we are down a substantial percentage of our total strength.? Parck opened his mouth to speak but Thrawn stopped him with a raised hand.

?The situation in the Known Regions is deteriorating, Commodore. The Rebels are pushing closer and closer to the Core Worlds. We can expect no further reinforcements from the Imperial Starfleet.? He paused for a moment. ?In addition to this difficulty, the Ungarov have become more efficient in their security methods, no doubt due to the influence of Admiral Rortan. Defection as a source of ships and materiel is becoming less lucrative by the day.?

Thrawn pressed another button on his armrest. In place of the holographic artwork came images of a major orbital installation.

?The Lek?Tur Shipyards,? Thrawn announced. ?It is close enough now that a retrieval operation is feasible. I will send you the plan for the attack later this evening. I wish for you to assemble the required forces. Quietly, please.?

?Yes, sir,? Parck said with a slight nod.

Thrawn gave the barest hint of a smile. ?I will not keep you then.?

[hr]


Admiral Lek?Rortan knelt before his sovereign. He did not need eyes to know that the full attention of every being in the grand audience chamber. To his right was the Ionieen delegation. Their world had been one recently taken by the enemy and their anger toward the Supreme Commander was palpable.

?You have been long in returning, Brother,? the Grand Archfather said in a cold and dangerous voice. He was mostly recovered from his disability, which Rortan himself had played no small part in creating, and now glared down at his wayward fleet commander.

?I remained where I felt most needed, Your Majesty,? Rortan said in his most respectful and penitent voice.

?You remained on a fool?s errand while our Supremacy fell to our enemies!? the Grand Archfather thundered. ?You have betrayed the sacred trust of our subjects! You have committed treachery against your Grand Archfather!? The monarch stopped to catch his breath. ?Our entire realm sees your failure as clear as day,? he said more quietly and more restrained.

?I apologize, Your Majesty,? Rortan said. ?I never ceased to hear for your word, for any hint of danger for the Supremacy.?

It was a boldfaced lie and anyone who had been on one of Rortan?s ships knew it. He hoped that the Grand Archfather did not think to question any members of his crew.

?We trust there will be no repeats of this carelessness,? the Grand Archfather warned.

?There will not, Your Majesty,? Rortan answered, careful to hid

 

Major Kert Brendon pushed himself past the crates of tool-and-die products which littered the cargo hold of the Ungarov freighter Fortune of the Dynasty as he made his way toward the bridge.

?How?s our time, Chief?? he asked the man sitting at the navigator?s station as he stuck his head in.

?We?re sixteen minutes and twenty seconds behind schedule, sir,? Chief Petty Officer Colles answered without so much as a glance away from his controls and toward the Stormtrooper officer. ?We should be able to explain it away as equipment trouble or slow loading.?

?Very well, Chief,? Major Brendon said in a satisfied voice, nodding toward the five humans and one Jaryasin manning the bridge stations. He returned to the hold, where the rest of his thirty-man team awaited orders.

?Mount up,? he said, loudly enough to be heard throughout the entire ship. His men climbed into their Mark II Zero-G Assault Armor. The Major mounted his own suite and soon thirty Imperial Spacetroopers filled the hold. It was an exceedingly tight fit in the bulky powered armor. There was just enough room for them to emerge single file into the airlock. That would be sufficient as long as surprise remained on their side.

Major Brendon divided his team into three squads. He would command Alpha Squad while his Executive Officer Captain Firrier would command Beta Squad. Sergeant Major Ohren took Gamma Squad. Thus assembled, they waited for the captured freighter to arrive at its destination.

---

?Coming out of hyperspace in four?three?two?one.?

The starlines faded back to single points in the background of space. Out the forward viewport, the six-being crew was treated to a breathtaking visage of the Lek?Tur Shipyards. The construction and repair facility was organized along traditional Ungarov lines with four stations linked together by metal outriggers to which Ungarov capital ships were attached so they could be assembled or repaired.

The naval Lieutenant piloting the [i]Fortune[/i] steered the freighter toward one of the shipyard stations adjacent to three Ungarov cruisers undergoing repair. Soon after the course correction, an authoritarian Ungarov voice came in over the comm system. The lone Jaryasin of the Imperial crew began to reply in the Ungarov language. Their conversation lasted several minutes as the [i]Fortune[/i] slowly made its way toward the repair station.

The Jaryasin finally turned to the Lieutenant at the helm controls. ?I have told them that the spaceport workers on Kemmet were sluggish in their work, Lekhib.?

The Lieutenant nodded. ?Beats having a maintenance crew check us out. Chief, tell the Major it?s time to get his boys ready if he hasn?t done so already. Warrant Officer, see what you can do to fool their life form indicators.? Chief Colles moved aft and the Warrant Officer in the copilot?s seat got to work.

The freighter docked with the Ungarov station flawlessly. Despite the ease of the connection to the alien structure, every member of the Imperial crew tensed visibly. If things went south, there would be little hope of survival for any of them.

Back in the cargo hold, Major Brendon punched the airlock controls with an armored fist. Both doors slid open and the seasoned Stormtrooper officer stepped through. Four members of a furry bipedal species stood outside. They wore nondescript laborer?s garb and were genuinely surprised to see the Imperial trooper. Brendon raised his right gauntlet and fired the blaster cannon it contained. All four were down in seconds. He waved the rest of his team forward and advanced further into the station.

He turned left around a corner and cut down two more alien workers. The other Zero-G Assault Stormtroopers hurried to catch up. The corridor was only wide enough for three men in armor to stand side by side, which slowed their advance considerably. Brendon was not overly concerned, however. The narrow battlefield meant that accuracy would not be an issue. This would be an advantage for the more durable Imperial troops.

Ungarov soldiers finally appeared shortl

 

great if you dont have reinforcements coming take your enemys ships
cant wait for more

 

For pacing reasons there will only be a short update today. The semester is winding down so it will be a while before I can dedicate a good amount of time to writing this. I hope you all enjoy.

---

?Is no one capable of even the most basic tasks?? Higher Captain Kab?Ornam snarled. ?Those starfighters must make it past the enemy line at any cost.?

?Lekhib,? the starfighter coordinator reported, too professional to openly protest the pronouncements of a superior officer, ?The Group Commander reports heavy casualties from the enemy screen and requests further orders. What should I tell him??

Kab?Ornam glared at the younger officer who quickly averted his gaze. ?If Lesser Captain Kuorul wishes to elude the enemy fighters by way of the shipyard?s guns, he may do so. My orders have not changed.?

?Yes, Lekhib,? the starfighter said before refocusing on his station to transmit the revised instructions.

The bridge shook. A klaxon mounted above the navigation officer?s station began to wail. Kab?Ornam swung his head toward the origin of the sound.

?Report!? he barked.

?Lekib,? the navigation officer reported. ?We have received multiple torpedo hits on our starboard side. Maneuvering thrusters in hull sector three are offline.?

Ornam quickly muttered a prayer to one of the Archfathers of old. It was that or lose his composure in front of his officers. that was completely unacceptable. It was tempting, though. The loss of those thrusters would diminish his tactical options, make his ship more vulnerable to envelopment. Of course, considering the enemy?s numerical advantage, that threat had already existed in quantity.

The warship?s torment continued. The feeble Ungarov counterfire seemed to barely singe the enemy deflector shields. The punishment to their own defensive systems increased as the range to the enemy starships lessened.

?Lekhib,? one of the crewman manning the operations station reported in a tense yet excited manner. ?Our forward shields are in danger of failing.? As if to provide additional weight, twin salvoes slashed toward the battleship and obliterated a point-defense battery.

?Navigation, full starboard turn with main engines,? Ornam ordered. The nearly kilometer and a half long capital ship began to adjust its course away from the shipyard and roughly perpendicular with the aggressing Imperial vessels. This did not stop the Imperial fire streaming in but it took some of the pressure of the forward deflector shields and allowed more of the Ungarov batteries a chance to enter the fight.

The rate of closure began to decrease and the bearing rate steadily rose. The change in the relative situation threw the battleship?s fire control crews for a lurch. More experienced crews would have been able to adjust their firing solutions almost instantly. The abbreviated training programs many of the Ungarov crewers had not provided them with that kind of efficiency. Their fire slackened and the Empire was more than happy to fill the gap created.

[hr]


The last Ungarov fighter died under the combined fire of two Imperial TIEs. Stele slowed to cruising speed and performed a full sensor survey of the battlespace. The 45th Special Operations Group had lost two of its fighters with one KIA. However, with a more than ten-to-one kill ratio, he was as satisfied as a commander ever had a right to be.

Stele?s unit was admittedly not the only one achieving great success. The gunners of the Imperial capital ships rained fire on the Ungarov Battleship with near pinpoint accuracy. Even if the enemy ship was to survive the present engagement, Stele scoffed at the thought, it could offer no more than token resistance to the extraction of the three [i]Patriarch[/i]-class cruisers.

Hull plates on the Ungarov capital ship melted. Patches of fire appeared along its centerline from repeated turbolaser strikes. The [i]Mauler[/i] and [i]Hammerhead[/i] were perfectly positioned to close in for kill. They advanced on the near helpless alien warship, rotating to make the most of their available firepower. Effectivel

 

Lek?Rortan strode powerfully into the conference room aboard the flagship.

?Report,? he demanded.

?Lekhib,? one of the standing staff officers said quickly. ?The Empire has moved against the Lek?Tur Shipyards. We have reports of heavy starfighter casualties.?

?What about the damage??

The staff officer deflated. ?We are awaiting further information, Lekhib. It appears that a transmitter was damaged in the attack.?

Rortan repressed a snarl. ?Redirect the signal a hundred times if you have to,? he ordered. ?I expect no more delays.?

?At once, Lekhib.?

Rortan took a seat at the wooden table and pulled a datapad out from one of the pockets of his uniform. It was apparent from the postures of the staff as they continued their work that his presence was unsettling. Good, they could use the motivation.

?Lekhib,? one of the officers reported several long minutes later. ?We have a connection with the shipyards.?

?Put it through to the main projector,? Rortan instructed. A slightly hazy holographic image of an Ungarov officer appeared above the center of the conference table. Immediately upon seeing the Supreme Commander of the Royal Ungarov Navy, the officer bowed.

?Where is Overseer Torpon, Archdeacon?? Rortan asked before the subordinate could begin to speak.

?The Overseer is inspecting the damage caused by the attack, Lekhib,? the junior officer admitted uncomfortably.? Rortan did his best to hide the fact that he was fuming inside. Qad?Torpon was hiding from him. That meant the damage inflicted upon the shipyard by the Imperial aggressors was greater than he wished to admit.

?Do you have a report for me, Archdeacon?? Rortan asked politely, but firmly.

?Yes, Lekhib,? the Archdeacon swallowed. ?An Imperial special operations team infiltrated the shipyards onboard one of our freighters carrying tools and died from Kemmet. They defeated our security patrols and boarded three Patriarch-class Cruisers undergoing repair.? Seeing that Rortan had nothing to say at that point, he continued. ?They sabotaged the airlocks and neutralized our repair crews by depressurizing the cruisers. Shortly afterward, four capital ships decelerated from lightspeed and entered our defense perimeter. Our gun platforms were quickly neutralized and our fighters suffered heavy losses.?

?What about the cruisers?? Rortan asked, leaning forward. The Archdeacon forced his mandibles together to form a barely audible click.

?The enemy deployed prize crews in armored transports. They assumed control of the cruisers? navigation systems and took them out of the system.?

Rortan swore loudly, causing the Archdeacon to jump back. The loss of three prime cruisers and their addition to the enemy forces was a grave blow to what was left of the Ungarov war machine. That such a complex and hazardous operation had been allowed to succeed was inexcusable. Yet, in the junior officer?s eyes he sensed more unpleasant news.

?What about the Lek Majesty? Did it not respond to the attack? The Archdeacon made a mournful sound and diverted his gaze to the floor.?

?Lekhib, the Lek Majesty engaged the enemy squadron and was destroyed.?

This time Rortan allowed no visible sign of what he was thinking. In truth, he was not terribly surprised that the Lek Majesty and Higher Captain Ornam had met their end. The Imperial strike force must have contained three or four times the firepower of his ship. Still, he had to do something regarding the disaster. He had to ensure that it never happened again.

?Archdeacon, you are to place Overseer Qad?Torpon under arrest immediately.? Despite the palpable shock on the Archdeacon?s features, Rortan continued. ?My aide will contact you regarding his transportation to Ungar Prime so that he may stand trial for his incompetence.? His basic message delivered, Rortan abruptly killed the connection.

Placing the Overseer under arrest had been an impulsive act. Rortan conceded that another officer probably could not have prevented the capture of the cruisers. Still, he could not have a commander who

 

Maarek Stele double-checked his sensor display to ensure that the other five TIE Advanced which made up his flight group where in position around him. Aurek Flight had been on a routine patrol when he had received orders to assist in the extraction of an Imperial agent within the Ungarov military which had been compromised. Stele wearily noted the reading on his fuel gauge. This sortie had to be quick or the odds of Aurek Flight?s safe return to the Mauler were slim.

The tropical canopy of Trhomea appeared below. Stele set his navicomputer to the planetary coordinates which he had been given. His sensor display was clear of any Ungarov airborne assets so far. Apparently, whatever response they had mustered did not extend to the local fighter squadron. That would make his job much easier.

?Aurek, stay sharp,? he cautioned over the main squadron frequency. ?We?re behind enemy lines and until Besh catches up we?re on our own.?

It was probably an unnecessary advisory but any activity that could keep his pilots alert while they searched for the compromised operative was more than welcome.

?BROKER, this is Aurek Lead,? Stele transmitted over a wider frequency. ?If you receive this message reply with two clicks only. Repeat, two clicks only.? He waited about ninety seconds before repeating the message. He knew that by doing so he was revealing his location to any Ungarov forces which had not already detected him using active sensors.

He heard two clicks in his headset. The direction-finding function of his comm system immediately projected a bearing, One-Six-Zero, onto his sensor display. He immediately adjusted course to put himself on a direct path to the target agent.

?Aurek Flight, spread out and monitor the following frequency, automatic triangulation mode.? Stele transmitted the frequency on which he had heard the twin signals along a secure datalink.

?BROKER, Aurek Lead, repeat last transmission.? A few seconds later, he received two audible clicks. The same bearing was reported by his comm system. The other five TIE Advanced reported their own readings automatically by datalink. Stele?s navicomputer then triangulated the approximate location of the Imperial agent. With both range and bearing ascertained, Aurek Flight could begin close air support operations until pickup arrived.

---

The first unit able to respond was the 3rd Battalion of the 487th Reserve Motor Rifle Regiment. This was a ?local? unit, meaning that all of its enlisted personnel and many of its junior officers were recruited from the indigenous Trhomeans rather than Ungarov colonists. These were furless bipeds with their bodies covered entirely by a porous membrane, perfect for the tropical and semitropical climate of Trhomea. This resulted in an appearance similar to a three dimensional paper cutout doll. Their membrane also possessed the unusual property of being highly sensitive to light. This served the function of eyes, allowing them to perceive their environment in every possible direction. While this physiological adaptation gave them unparalleled situational awareness, it meant that concentration toward a single target was poor compared to more conventionally-seeing species. This, Regimental Subcommander Kor?Meluuro decided, was the principle reason for the many false sighting which filtered in to his command post.

?Lekhib, signals reports a fix on the traitor?s location,? Meluuro?s Chief of Staff, Chief Assaultdeacon Uri?Bahmtan said from the field officer?s side. He pointed to a spot on an old-fashioned paper map which lay on an ammunition case. In the rush to mobilize the 3rd Battalion, much of the advanced command and control equipment had been left behind.

?Number Two Company is best positioned to take him,? Meluuro observed. ?Relay orders for a full envelopment. That spy will not escape.?

?At once, Lekhib,? the Chief of Staff dutifully answered. He turned to a junior staff officer and barked a series of commands. The young Subassaultdeacon adjusted the controls of his headset and began to speak to the com

 

In orbit around Ubuk, Loyp?an, and Elklu Minor, Imperial warships gathered to arm and equip themselves for the next phase of the Imperial planet-hopping campaign. Those smaller vessels which required refueling were topped off by support craft while the larger cruisers and Star Destroyers ran drill after drill.

Onboard the Victory-class Star Destroyer Janissary, Commodore Voss Parck briefed an assembly of Captains and other officers.

?The targets of this operation are Gherding, Munter, Schahetzoi, and Daulioe. Your ships? assignment are on the datapads in front of you,? Parck used a pointer to indicate those systems. ?The assault on Munter will begin at 0250 Hours Galactic Standard Time. Daulioe will follow at 0314. These attacks will divert attention away from the Regional Defense Fleet base at Gherding and the factory complexes on Schahetzoi which have seen increased security. Those worlds will be attacked simultaneously at 0400.?

Gherding and Schahetzoi were the main objectives of the offensive. Taking the other two worlds was strictly unnecessary as the Ungarov were no longer in any shape to launch counterattacks against the column of Imperial-held worlds steadily advancing toward their capital. They were on the chopping block for two reasons. First, diverting a few Ungarov ships away from the more strategic worlds would reduce the Empire?s casualties, always an important consideration. Second, opening up additional fronts gave those units formerly loyal to the Ungarov much needed experience with combat operations in conjunction with Imperial forces.

Parck closed the meeting and the visiting Captains returned to their ships in order to make preparations.

---

?Okay,? Carpus said. ?One electronic lock breaker.? He pulled the small, roughly bean shaped object from a gray duffel bag similar to the ones used by the [i]Mauler[/i]?s maintenance crew and put it on the table in front of Stele. ?Two computer probes, one anti-security blade, one infrared glowrod, one vibro switchblade, one sound dampener belt, two suppressor tubes, and a set of hands-free electrobinoculars.?

Stele stared at the array of intrusion tools before him. He then gave Carpus an exasperated look.?Of all the kriffed up things you?ve done this tour, Commander,? he said with amazement and gratitude. ?You?ve outdone yourself this time.? He scooped up the items and deposited them into a bag of his own. He gave his surroundings, a protected alcove of the main simulator room, a close inspection. He had manufactured a fault in the closest security camera, but was still understandably wary of anyone who might stumble upon his dealings.

?Naturally, we will both keep quiet about this,? Stele said finally. ?You have done the Empire a great service.?

?Of course,? Carpus said a little too brightly. ?Back at the Academy, I was known in some circles as ?Old Reliable.?

?I seriously doubt anyone has ever called you that,? Stele said evenly as he got ready to leave. ?Flight line at 0100,? he reminded his wingman before exiting the room.

[hr]


On the edge of the Schahetzoi system, undetectable by all but the most sensitive deep space probes, the vanguard of an Imperial assault force exited hyperspace. Three [i]Victory[/i]-class Star Destroyers, [i]Mauler[/i], [i]Blackguard[/i] and [i]Impenetrable[/i] formed a dense durasteel core of the formation. Four [i]Strike[/i]-class medium cruisers and a [i]Bayonet[/i]-class light cruiser hurried into position as a screening force. Three [i]Patriarch[/i]-class cruisers, lately of the Royal Ungarov Navy, accompanied the [i]Victory[/i]-class ships. Off to one side, the Imperial Star Destroyer [i]Inexorable[/i] served as flagship.

In the hangar bay of the [i]Mauler[/i], twenty-one TIE Advanced of the 45th Special Operations Group prepared for takeoff. Once all final checks were complete, they dropped through the magnetic containment field into the harsh blackness of space.

Once its preparations were complete, the assault force picked up speed and assumed a pla

 

yupp thrawn said it. its a little to late for the supreme commander turn this around
love it