Mission A Sphere of Annihilation

[Derron Daks]

Primary Participants: Treoff Kellak Makai Dashiell Derron Daks
Secondary Participants: Maybe you. Drop us a message and ask about joining us.

​

Wild Space.

The name wasn't a misnomer. It was a largely unexplored and un-surveyed region of the galaxy. Uncontacted aliens resided there, with nation-states that were unrecognized by the larger galaxy. Unknowable phenomena filled the reaches of Wild Space, with undiscovered traits that strained the imagination.

And of course, there was a further danger. A known danger.

The most dangerous criminals of the known galaxy were constantly on the run from powerful governmental forces. If they were notorious enough, they might find no safe haven in the explored regions. But the unexplored reaches of Wild Space were patrolled by none of the usual powers. No matter how dastardly the lawbreaker, they might find a haven within the scope of the unknown.

They might even create a power-base there, where no Sector Ranger would dare to descend upon them.

And so, any mission into Wild Space was a mission into danger. Derron Daks had decided to contract for some extra help on this mission. The Horizon Class frigate which had been custom-made for DDSI was quite formidable, but it had its limits. It was not a warship. It was not filled with fighters, but rather with useful support craft that had firepower as a secondary consideration.

That's where StarGuard came in. They had supplied two frigates and four corvettes to provide protection and escort for DDSI's operations. So far, there had been no trouble. Anyone with long-range sensors would be able to see what appeared to be a military flotilla moving along, and would surely avoid it. Merely by being present, StarGuard had fulfilled their mandate of protecting DDSI from harm.

Now, the DDSI Horizon came out of hyperspace at its final destination.

Derron had bought the coordinates of this rogue planetoid from a scout-for-hire named Crasdon Kaine. The Outbound Flight contractor had been mapping Wild Space when he'd nearly crashed into a planetoid that was not in orbit of any star.

His scans had revealed a hollow within the planetoid, and an enticing hint of life-signs. It was possible that life had somehow developed inside this hollow world, surviving without the life-giving heat of a parent star.

Who knew what sort of biology or capabilities such life might take?

Soon, Derron Daks would know.

DDSI Horizon - Bridge
​

The planetoid soon came up on sensors, and Derron ordered the Horizon to approach.

Then he opened a channel to speak with all of the ships that had come through with the Horizon. Most of those ships belonged to StarGuard. But there was also a contingent from Salacia Consolidated, a mining company who had been contracted to make exploration possible.

"This is Chief Executive Daks to all fleet elements. We are closing on the planetoid. Early scans confirm that it has a heavy presence of Quadranium ore in its crust, just as our tipster previously indicated.

Chief Executive Dashiell, we will need a ten-meter wide hole drilled 5 kilometers down through the exterior at a reflex angle. This is the only way we can have any hope of investigating the hollow within. As per our contract, if objects in the crust necessitate lengthening the tunnel further in order to get around them, we will pay additional fees for each 100 meters of extended tunnel length.

The Horizon will be sending down a preliminary landing party to investigate the surface while other work is ongoing. I will be accompanying them.

Chief Executive Kellak, ground units will need protection while they work, even as our ships require protection in orbit.

Let us begin.

Discovery awaits."

 

[Treoff Kellak]

The day finally came when Treoff's company had its first big mission. They have had several missions before this, but Treoff took it upon himself to proclaim this as StarGuard Dynamics first outing, officially, into the wider Galaxy. It could have been on a famous planet, could have been to the Hutts, but no.... it was in Wild Space. A little daunting, as Treoff only understood the rumors and myths, and the stereotypical dangers of Wild Space. He genuinely had to study the region before the voyage. He felt his little fleet would be formidable enough, perhaps even if a powerful pirate brought their dreadnought about. He had heard stories about some pirates having ships as big as a Star Destroyer, but beyond that, they had Uglies and corvettes. No matter what, he'd be able to fulfill his duty and obligation to DDSI.

He knew the mission, he knew what he needed. He tasked his men with finding ships he personally couldn't, and had them retrofit for whatever Treoff felt was necessary to ensure their safety, and DDSI's. Thankfully, it wasn't all old tech he came across, and one particular piece he was quite proud of himself for finding. DDSI may have no idea he was keeping this little prize in his back pocket for emergencies, probably suspecting it was some little freighter or support craft. In any event, the time was upon them, and they were beginning to exit Hyperspace beside Derran Daks and his personal ship. Treoff didn't announce 'Battle stations', but he might as well had. Everyone was at their station, ready for a fight. They were the military contract here, if they weren't ready, who would be?

An imposing planet, indeed. Barely lit from the rest of the galaxy, it was a dark planet. Exiting hyperspace, that was the first thing Treoff saw. His crew chirped up, saying they had the other signals of the other ships. "Have our ship take a closer position next to the Horizon. We're going to hover. I'm not letting any chance for a screw up," Treoff barked the order as he continued to stare at the planet. 'This was supposed to have life on it? No.... Bacteria, micro-organisms.... maybe,' Hhe pondered to himself. He has very little information from his new partner, and he didn't bother to try and dig for more. His mission wasn't the planet, it was Horizon.

"This is Chief Executive Daks to all fleet elements. We are closing on the planetoid. Early scans confirm that it has a heavy presence of Quadranium ore in its crust, just as our tipster previously indicated.

...

Chief Executive Kellak, ground units will need protection while they work, even as our ships require protection in orbit."

Treoff quickly pointed at the comms officer, "Open the comms in response... ... ... Affirmative, preparing shuttles now for ground support." He nodded to the comms officer, implying he was done, "let's get those shuttles launched ASAP, we're going to escort them going in, and protect them on the ground. Ensure they are suited up, as well. Send over the confidential fleet organization to the Horizon on an encrypted signal." To the outside, Treoff was aboard a Marauder-class corvette, leading it like an admiral of his small fleet. He was not a Captain. He was commanding a Carrack-class Cruiser, two IPV-1 System Patrol Craft, and a single Raider-class Corvette. Lastly, a very modern Orran-class Escort Frigate. "Order the IPV's to patrol around the planet, scouting for any hyperspace contacts, and have the Raider strategically positioned at different angles of the planet, staying within view of this Marauder," he ordered, the commsman relaying those orders out after he sent the encrypted transmission. The Marauder launched two Lambda-class T-4a Shuttles and six Preybird-class Starfighters, who would divide themselves up as necessary when they saw the other shuttles launching. If all else, they would prioritize the other shuttles escort services, and leave the Lambda's to protect themselves.

As he promised, he had two HT-2200 Medium Freighters nearby, waiting on standby, though they were a fair bit farther away from the action. Potentially to Derran Daks surprise, they were escorted by two DP20 Frigates - could practically call these guys heavy gunships! And they were being used to escort the freighters instead of the Horizon!

....Encrypted Message...

...Composition of Fleet...

...Carrack-class "Light" cruiser: Retrofitted for Anti-Capital Ship combat,
...Orran-class Escort Frigate: Armament priotized for Anti-Starfighter combat,
...2x IPV-1 System Patrol Craft: Retrofitted to hunt down smaller ships and starfighters,
...1x Raider-class corvette: Anti-Frigate and Anti-Capital Support Corvette, retrofitted,
...1x Marauder-class corvette: Missile cruiser variant, Diamond boron missile launchers,
...2x DP20 Frigates: Same configuration as the Carrack
...VT-49 Decimator: Held in reserve, In-System, Sensor Cloaked. Retrofitted Shields, Engines, Increased Armor, Modern+ Armament, prepared for Anti-Capital Bombardment.

"Spared no expense!"​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

​

Salacia Consolidated had already done some leg work in terms of setting up the mining site. They had to ; the equipment and scaffolding was heavy, expensive, and was labor intensive to set up at times.

Thanks to a contract with MaratTibX for tunnel borers, it had been a simple fix to re-route the borer bound for one site to another. A massive piece of equipment, it arrived in massive sections and was to be assembled on the asteroid itself.

Makai could already see progress from his ship. A contingent of workers were visible, hard at work and steadily making forward motion if all the reports were to be believed.

The half-Galan was here to ensure things were running smoothly. There was no way he could spend a month on the asteroid ensuring the day-to-day. Aggressively expanding on mining efforts meant he was also insanely busy. As such, a replacement had already been selected and was to arrive in a weeks' time, giving himself enough space to ensure DDSI felt comfortable with Salacia as a whole.

"Just Makai will do fine, Mister Daks."

if he hated Mister, he was loathing Chief Executive.

"Pleased to report the tunnel borer will be completed by end of day. Progress of its construction is going well, crews report all systems will be a go."

 

[Derron Daks]

Corporate Collaboration: A Sphere of Annihilation
Primary Participants:
Treoff Kellak Makai Dashiell Derron Daks

Secondary Participants: Maybe you. Drop us a message and ask about joining us.​

---

DDSI Contingent
Descending from DDSI Horizon

​

Within a few minutes, the Horizon launched one of its Crab Carryall Dropships. The carryall had onboard capacity for twenty personnel and cargo. But it also had the ability to carry heavy vehicles or containers onto the surface of planets. The vehicle for today's mission was the TREV-1 Rover, a huge exploratory rover favored by DDSI for planetary exploration.

The TREV-1 was a tracked rover, eschewing repulsorlift for mechanical propulsion. Tracked vehicles were very good at overcoming difficult terrain, but they couldn't go everywhere. Repulsorlifts would have been more ideal for all-terrain transport. Unfortunately, some environments with extreme electromagnetic fluctuations could interfere with repulsorlift drive systems. Because DDSI's mission included exploring diverse territories, they had opted for simpler mobility options which were less prone to interference.

Once the TREV-1 Rover was ready to be set down, the Carryall lifted off once more, setting down a few meters away to offload its personnel and cargo. The process was repeated with additional Carryalls and crews, until eighty DDSI personnel and four rovers had been deposited upon the surface.

The next stage was to create a base-camp from which operations could be conducted. Base elements were offloaded by DDSI teams, and semi-rigid inflatable habitation zones were erected. Within four hours, four full DDSI surface research installations were present, and DDSI researchers were busily moving across the surface of the world, taking samples and investigating the alien terrain.

Derron toured one of the installations, satisfied with the speed with which the erection had been made. The first time they'd put up a temporary exploration basecamp like this, it had taken all day. Now it was just four hours. The personnel of DDSI had really hit their stride. What had begun as an assorted collection of ad-hoc hired help had become a true team, fully proficient at the corporation's operations. Of course, it was all made easier by the fact that StarGuard was handling security. With Kellak's people watching for threats, everyone at DDSI could focus on basecamp assembly.

Once he was satisfied about the operation of the DDSI basecamps, he made his way over to the drilling site.

"My compliments to your people, Makai," Derron transmitted across the shared channel as he looked up at the scaffolding for the drilling machine, which was descending into the crust of the planetoid right on schedule. Foz wasn't along on this trip, but the droid had repeatedly reminded him to thank everyone for everything they did, and to note when things were going well. It seemed superfluous to thank professionals for doing a professional job, but he knew that following his protocol droid's advice had paid dividends in the recent past.

But no sooner had he said these words than a tremor could be felt rumbling through the soles of his feet. It was much more intense than the vibration he expected from the drilling, and he could see some of the scaffolding swaying slightly.

Then the rumble passed, and the ground was still again, except for the vibration of the drill.

"All personnel- report. What was that?"

His own suit's built-in scanners whirred along, collecting as much information as they could...

 

[Treoff Kellak]

Derron Daks | Makai Dashiell​

Aboard his own shuttle to meet with Derron Daks down on the surface, as he promised to provide the man with personal security, he listened to the comms between everyone. Treoff was also monitoring active scans around the planet and maximum distance sensor scans in the nearby system. He was personally making it a priority to minitor these scans as he felt he was essentially the security chief, so he wasn't going to leave mistakes to his crew. He was taking responsibility.

As he observed the scans, the digsite, and DDSI's preparations, he thought about the potentials on this planet after the job was done. If this planet had resources, Treoff could possibly make a profit mining here after mister Daks got what he needed. Should everything go well, perhaps he'd request any mineral scans and propose purchasing the site from him. However, those thoughts were quickly dispersed as he heard Derron with concern over comms.

He quickly got suited up in his enviro-suit, being handed an ordinary blaster pistol. He wanted his Legion Slugthrower, but he was concerned with its functionality in open space. And at that moment, he remembered something - "Mister Daks, did you scan for Exogorth signs of the planet before beginning the drilling? What is your current location," Treoff almost sounded like he barked out an order, though hopefully Derron understood his urgency. Treoff was supposed to be Derron Daks personal security, and there was a potential security risk happening at this very moment. If he wasn't right beside the man if chit hit the fan, he failed his only job. Treoff spoke out loud, getting the pilots attention, preparing them to change course to head straight for Derron Daks if the need arose. The rest of the security teams were dispersed throughout the digsite.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Derron Daks | Treoff Kellak
​

Makai had gotten used to various rumblings and shaking during drilling. Depending on the planet, it could feel like an earthquake or it could just feel like a whole bunch of rumblings.

Scaffolding swayed and there were some shouts over the comms to get out of the way just in case something was to fall.

[ That was unusual. ] Thirty-Seven, chiming in with the obvious.

Yet the large, first rumble had stopped. There was nothing but the vibration of the drill underneath his feet now. He waited patiently, waited for another rumble, waited for more scaffolding to shake.

"Could be a number of things. Exogorth, mynock horde, tectonics....could have hit a rough patch of ore that disturbed the drill, maybe a gas pocket was underneath and we've just collapsed some type of underground chamber."

If he had learned anything in the world of mining, expect the unexpected. Something was always sure to arise, whether it be broken equipment or tunnel collapse.

The envirosuit prevented him from running a hand through his shaggy hair, hand bumping against the helmet as he had forgotten he was wearing it for a moment.

"Keep going, we will see if it happens again. If not...well...full steam ahead then I suppose."

 

[Derron Daks]

Salacia Consolidated
Drilling Site
​

"I'm at the Salacia Consolidated drilling site. Whatever happened... it seems to be over, now. The drilling seems to be proceeding without incident."

Derron twisted his torso to the left and right so that he could visually survey the scene. His suit was very protective from a variety of threats, but the helmet dome was attached to the chest section, making it impossible to see to the sides without angling his body.

​

"The life-signs we detected on site don't conform to an Exogorth or other known astroxenological species. There were no crevices to the central hollow which a roving astral species might use to form a nest within the planetoid. Otherwise, I'd need not have contracted the services of Salacia.

However, I cannot discount the possibility of some unknown variable or undiscovered element. Horizon, do our researchers have a preliminary analysis?"

There was a pause before the ship responded.

​

"This is Commander Simmerlin, Chief. Based on readings from the four surface research stations, we've been able to determine that the tremors came from within the hollow core of the planetoid. It's strange, because there was no seismological activity previously, and we have no indication that this planetoid is geologically active.

Doctor Stoan believes that there may have been a subsurface collapse of material caused by the drilling, which is to be expected when drilling into a hollow. However, she notes that the magnitude of the seismological event doesn't conform to computer models. If the planetoid is hollow, there should be little pull into the center compared to a solid world. That's why you're only dealing with a quarter-gee down there. So any displacement or collapse of material into the hollow should be minor.

She suggests the experts at Salacia may have additional ideas, given their expertise."

Derron frowned slightly, an expression of extreme consternation for the emotionally blunted Yakan.

As he thought about the possibilities, the continuous vibrations of the drill came up steadily from the ground, an expected reverberation well within safe parameters.

"Perhaps we should schedule a meeting for later today. Though, I imagine it is difficult even for mining experts to make strong conclusions based on a single observed event."

Meanwhile, at the extreme perimeter of sensor range, an object of considerable size transited out of hyperspace. No details could be read about it at this range, but it was about an hour away at sublight...



Makai Dashiell Treoff Kellak

 

[Treoff Kellak]

Derron Daks Makai Dashiell​

Treoff listened intently to the commlink once he was completely kitted out, pressing the commlink to hear better. Not any button, just the entirety of the device. "I'm at the Salacia Consolidated drilling site," Treoff immediately made a hand gesture to track the location, and the pilot changed the direction of the shuttle, heading towards the Salacia drilling site. Treoff waited patiently, as it seemed Derron was speaking more, in a conversation with his Commander. When the conversation seemed finished, Treoff spoke up, "I'm on my way, Executive Daks." From what Treoff could hear, his mind started to race. That was part of who he was, being a security specialist, he had to think of every possible incursion, then plan out how to defend against or eliminate them. Of course, he was no security droid, or any droid, for that matter, so he couldn't think of every possibility. Though, his mind was racing at what could possibly going on. Really, really racing. He had never been put up against something like this, so the ideas were pretty wild. The biggest of which was ... 'there's no way, no. There are massive creatures in the universe, but.... it could explain why this planetoid is solo but.... no, it's not an egg.'

The shuttle pilot did his best to scan for Derron, thinking he would be outside of any of the facilities. When the pilot spotted him, he made aggressive maneuvers to change course, into the direction of the executive. about 4 or 5 meters away from Derrons position, the shuttle came in hot, quickly lowering to the ground, at a speed not rated for landing, but quick drop-off. The boarding platform opened up and laid out, behind it Derron could see a squad of soldiers beginning to exit. Their enviro suits were much more suited to combat, more like warfare, for soldiers. Compared to the rest of the security personnel, who were in much more lightly armored environmental suits. The security personnel had protection against environmental hazards, while Treoff and his squad only had protection against slugthrowers and lasers. They would be at a much higher risk to things such as radiation, heat, or cold, compared to anyone else. The squad followed who appeared to be the leader of the detachment, although none of them had any distinctive markings of rank or name. The shuttle lifted off, heading back to the designated landing site.

The leader of the squad hustled up to Derron Daks, and immediately saluted. As he saluted, the suits visor mechanically pulled away, like some sort of armor plating. It was Treoff, "Reporting for duty, sir. Continue on with your business, we'll b-" Treoff was interrupted as StarGuard comms (publicly tied into Derron Daks comms) chirped up. Treoff put his head down to signify his attention was elsewhere. "Treoff, sir, we've just picked up a blip from long range scanners. We can't tell if it was a hyper jump or if it was just passing through, but the reason we even picked it up, is because of its massive size." Treoffs heart sank and he lost his breath, he hoped and prayed to the maker that this wouldn't be a Star Destroyer like those of old or larger, maybe it's just a creature passing through. His eyes darted up at Derron, knowing Treoff himself would be expected to sort this out all on his own. It was his responsibility.

Treoff turned around in the spot he was standing, avoiding the intimidating stare of a higher up watching over him, "it's probably nothing, have one of the IPV head out close enough to get some scans on it, but don't get too close. If it's a ship, order it to state its intentions. Lastly, did it appear anywhere near the Ghost?" "Understood, rerouting IPV Alpha to the target. No sir, should we give it an activation order?" "No, but it can start heading that way, stay at minimal power."

Treoff finished the conversation, turning back to Derron, "sorry about that sir, we have everything under control. Any personal thoughts to the tremor? I'm not familiar with anything like this, so my ideas are very.... out there," he gave a slight bit embarrassed smile.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Eyebrows raised as the shuttle came in a little too hot for his liking. Makai frowned, it just seemed unprofessional at a job site. One false slip of a pilot's hand and it could easily cost expensive equipment, or worse, invaluable lives.

He hadn't met this security director before. A group of soldiers came rolling out of the ramp and he turned to look around, seeing if there was a threat besides vast nothing. Makai supposed there could be pirates or raiders lurking out in the beyond. The asteroid seemed very void of anything besides the equipment set up recently.

"No, no answers to give you then what was already mentioned. I'm not overly concerned, just because there is no core on the planet doesn't mean collapse. More to do with magnetic fields and asteroids than the stability beneath our feet."

Upon hearing the words of someone or something exiting hyperspace, he greeted the news with neutrality. In his eyes, there was nothing to panic about quite yet. Not until he was getting shot anyways.

"Probably best just to use caution, more worried about falling equipment at this point."

 

[Zago Kint]

​

Zago Kint stood on the bridge of the largest ship he had ever stood upon.

It was a thrilling development. After proving himself by attacking the auction-ship of a prominent underworld figure, Zago had been granted command of the Dusate pirates' most premium asset: A retrofitted Altor Class replenishment ship.

The Malevolent Mother had originally been constructed to supply military fleets operating far from support. But it had been decommissioned long ago, left to decay at a surplus yard until the Dusate pirates had come across it. The immense vessel had been stolen and retrofit with an immense arsenal of weapons and the largest shield generators that the junkyards of the galaxy could yield.

Now the Malevolent Mother made repairs and resupply of the entire Dusate Pirate Fleet, including Zago's own ship, the Hornet.

Unfortunately, such a large vessel was also a large target, and it would be easy for the authorities to find it and kill it if it remained within reach. That was why Zago had found this place in Wild Space: A lone planetoid which might be mined for materials to make replenishment of the fleet possible. He'd collected the coordinates a month ago, after overhearing a scout talk about nearly crashing into it after becoming tipsy and talkative at a bar.

But apparently, the scout had run off at the mouth more than once. There was an entire flotilla of vessels here.

It would take thirty minutes to spool up the hyperdrive again on a ship this immense. Already, elements of the unknown fleet were approaching her position.

There would be no quick escape. No... the Malevolent Mother would have to fight.

"It seems someone has preceded us. Well... our good Mother was never meant to engage enemies directly, but I try to never let best intentions obscure realities. We have the firepower to remove this threat. Ready all weapons. Launch all fighters."

Momentarily, the immense faux fuel canisters on the replenishment ship yawned open with hidden hangar doors, and an outflow of 'ugly' fighters began pouring out. The 'uglies' were sub-standard fighter craft made from cast off and salvaged parts and pieces, bolted together haphazardly into new forms that worked... but not as well as the source craft.

Still, the sheer quantity of craft emanating from the replenishment ship was daunting. Twenty-four squadrons of fighters were vomiting forth. It was a force designed to stave off Galactic Alliance fleets.

The ship's improvised hangars only allowed the fighters to come out a handful at a time. They might be stopped before being fully disgorged if the replenishment ship itself could be heavily damaged or destroyed.

But there, too, was a daunting prospect. Eighty-eight quad laser cannons defended against enemy fighters. Sixty-four heavy turbolaser turrets defended against capital ships, along with Twenty assault concussion missile launchers.

Zago Kint hadn't come expecting trouble. But he was ready for it.

Soon, the space around this rogue planetoid would be a starship graveyard.

---

Makai Dashiell
Treoff Kellak
Derron Daks

 

[Derron Daks]

DDSI Horizon
​

"Chief," Commander Simmerlin's voice came across the comms, "I can confirm StarGuard's observations. Something huge just came out of hyperspace. One-hundred and sixty-seven million kilometers. Thirty minutes' travel at high sublight speed, if they decide to head this way.

But they may not be hostile, or even interested in us at all, as observed by StarGuard. Most vessels of this size are large fuel carriers, replenishment ships, colony vessels, or supermassive cargo haulers. Likely to be on their way to somewhere else. StarGuard assets are in a position to tell."

---

Derron nodded dismissively, "Understood. I trust that you will keep me informed."

Then he spoke to Makai and Treoff, "I suppose it's too soon to be certain about the cause. I would not chastise anyone for having unusual theories. The galaxy has already unfolded one truth about itself in the short time I have explored its reaches: No mind can predict all of its possibilities, and there are possibilities within its scope that defy prediction."

He shrugged slightly within his suit. "However, the most likely explanation is a natural perturbation of mining's many usual variables, as noted. If Salacia's Chief Executive is not overly concerned, then neither am I."

---

Makai Dashiell
Treoff Kellak
Zago Kint

 

[Treoff Kellak]

Derron Daks | Makai Dashiell​

Treoff agreed for the moment, the quake didn't concern his contractor, and since it didn't concern the expert, he would follow with that determination. He wasn't hired to contemplate tremors or shakes. While he was hired to protect the good Commander, and prepare as best he could against potential problems, the expert here was an expert for a reason.

Treoff nodded to Derrons words, taking them in stride. For a moment, he thought he heard the comms chirp up, but he shrugged it off as a sound of the nearby mining. "Executive Daks, if all goes to plan here, I'd like to purchase these coordinates and setup a small sensor base. Do you think we-," he was swiftly interrupted by loud comms. Derron Daks and Makai heard it as it was made a priority one transmission, transmitting over all other channels, even Makai's and his connection to his crew. It sounded like some sort of code, though to Makai it may mean nothing, yet to Daks, he may not know StarGuard Dynamics codes, they certainly didn't make it hard to understand something very bad was happening.

Treoff pressed the side of his helmet to his head, "Repeat last transmission, confirm!" If Daks or Makai tried to get his attention, he would shoo them off so he could listen intently. "I repeat, this is Captain Han of IPV Alpha, we have an Omega Protocol Level Threat! The obkect we detected is a pirate dreadnought, and it - full turn, full turn back to the fleet! Treoff, it's launching a tsunami of fighters, we need reinforcements! We do not have antifighter defenses, retreat to the formation!" Treoff was shell shocked, he never expected to face a pirate dreadnought of all things. Makai and Daks could see the shock on his face, and that's all they needed to know... Treoff was afraid, even with his forces he could bring to bear.

He shook his head, "Fleet, drop all distress beacons. IPV Beta, Orran Fleeter, proceed to IPV Alphas position. Marauder, Carrack, engage the enemy. Raider, cover the IPVs. Ghost... standby." Treoff paused, taking a breath before looking up at Daks, "Commander Daks, we have a threat greater than an Imperial-class Star Destroyer. My Carrack is here to engage those levels of threats, the problem we are dealing with is maybe three Star Destroyers, maybe more, in comparison. I can either order all - and I do mean all - forces to engage the enemy, and we may have a chance. However, we would not have any cover to escape. I recommend we make a play to escape, sir, we would use Ghost to evacuate you and Executive Makai. I would stay behind to cover the retreat of the rest of your forces. I'm waiting on your decision, please make it quick. Engage or retreat?"

Treoff was sweating, his group was never desitned nor trained to fight something like this. An argument could be made his forces could potentially be on par against a trove of Ugly fighters, even with their numbers. And the dreadnought potentially may have a lot of attack power, but not much in the armor, however, none of the ships in Treoffs group had enough time to analyze the threat completely, only enough to visually see the hordes of fighters vomiting forth, and the weapons batteries charging up. Treoff didn't want to risk anything, and that is why he made the recommendation. Although, he could have absolutely gave Daks a firm order to retreat, yet his confidence told him he still had a chance. It was one, lone ship. No matter how big it was. And if they got reinforcements... they could make a play to take the dreadnought themselves.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Derron Daks | Treoff Kellak
​

The key to running any business was knowing when to cut your losses.

Mining was a dangerous business. Heavy,unwieldy equipment. Tunnel collapses. Avalanches. Explosive mishaps.

As such, Makai knew when to not push his luck. It was time to drop everything and get out. Salacia paid a great deal in insurance ; equipment could be declared a total loss a replaced, their skilled workers could not be. In a dangerous business, reputation was important when it came to worker retention. He didn't want it to appear they were playing fast and loose with lives, families couldn't replace the main breadwinner like a tunnel borer.

"Alright, Salacia, evac immediately. All Salacia employees evac immediately. Leave everything behind and show some hustle."

Mining equipment was left running. Tools were dropped.

They were well aware of the collective effort to just leave .It was trained and ingrained from day one ; if push came to shove, just pack up and leave.

Makai had encountered this before. Sometimes all the opposition wanted was money from the mines, mineral rights of sorts. Sometimes they were focused on total annihilation. He rarely stuck around to find out, and not with a fleet this size.

[ I've already started your vessel remotely Sir. ]

He and Thirty-Seven were already on the move.

[ The first column of workers from the control room are already underway back to our nearest facility. ]

 

[Derron Daks]

​

The bad news came hard and fast. The worst possibility was now manifest as reality, and Derron had to decide what to do about it.

Makai didn't waste any time in ordering a withdrawal, and for good reason. The forces described were well beyond them in power, and personnel were always a more valued asset than equipment. Even so, this would cost Salacia tens or hundreds of thousands of losses.

"The enemy is thirty minutes away at high sublight. It may take more than thirty minutes to evacuate all personnel safely. If StarGuard is amenable, I intend to meet the enemy in force and with maximum violence to delay them and give them pause enough to be sure all personnel are away.

I do not believe we can seriously contend with the main ship you describe. But I do believe we can interfere with the embarked craft which are descending upon us. There is even a possibility that we can cause enough damage to those craft to make withdrawal of their forces adviseable.

Pirates are at least as profit-driven as corporations. But they rarely keep proper reserves and none of their assets are insured. Their business model relies on low-cost victories. They can not risk a fight that costs more than potential revenues."

Then he widened his communication to all DDSI personnel.

"This is the Chief Executive. All Carryalls are to take off and form up with StarGuard forces. You will be operating in a support capacity during anti-starfighter operations.

Horizon, launch all Lambda Shuttles."

It may have seemed a strange choice. But the Carryalls had no hyperdrives. But the Shuttles had good personnel capacity and could leave the system on their own power as soon as each one got filled. There would be no need to retrieve the entire force before getting them to safety. Each shuttle was its own evacuation platform, and could even choose a different route and destination if they deemed it adviseable.

"Have the Lambdas collect our personnel and jump out of system as soon as each shuttle is full.

I'm coming up with one of the Carryalls. Horizon, I want you to form up with StarGuard's Frigates.

We fight, and fight hard, until everyone is away."

He cut the general transmission and sent to his fellow Chief Executives: "I regret the losses of materiel you are both about to endure. StarGuard was meant to be a precaution for an unlikely scenario. But it seems the least likely and worst scenario is upon us."

---

Makai Dashiell
Treoff Kellak

 

[Treoff Kellak]

Derron Daks | Makai Dashiell​

Treoff nodded as he listened to Derron speak, beginning to smirk when he realized the decision made. When he was finished, Treoff activated his comms, "Understood. All vessels, all vessels; this is Commander Treoff Kellak. Execute protocol Alpha Niner Delta. All hands, to battlestations." Treoff gave a quick salute to Derron, before twisting on his heel to head towards his shuttle. One of his squad mates radio'd for the shuttle to come back and pick him up. In the mean time, Treoff kept giving orders, "Escort DP20's, form up on the Carrack, provide fire support, target the mothership. Cargo Freighters, I want you to dump your cargo in what comes off as where the fighting will primarily be. If the enemies fighters have bad turn-rate, we might be able to catch them up in the debris. After, form up on the Orran Fleeter to provide anti-starfighter support."

The shuttle came around and Treoff hopped aboard, immediately turning to look for Derron. If he was still in view, Treoff would whisper 'good luck out there' before getting right back into the flow. "Ghost, it's time. Activate. All ships, launch all fighters and bombers. Heavy ordnance and bombers focus on the shields and shield generators. Ghost, I want you to hit their engines as much as possible. I want them dead in the water. Marauder, get in close and find their sensor arrays, barrage them, overwhelm the sensors if you can. IPV's, retreat to the Orran Fleeter to get any fighters off your tail, then move in to support the DP20's. Try to spot their comms array. If we can knock that out, maybe the fighters won't be able to coordinate with the mothership."

The shuttle wasted no time, immediately heading up into space. Meanwhile, with the fleet, their own flurry of fighters and bombers would begin launching. The shuttle Treoff was aboard was already ordered to head back down to the planets surface when they dropped him off on the Marauder. The shuttles that dropped off security personnel were already being tasked with assisting Daks' evacuation. The security personnel would stay on the ground, coordinating the evacuation effort and providing ground support against fighter craft. They weren't equipped with much anti-starfighter equipment, but they would try to steer and potential weapons fire away from civilians.

Meanwhile, about 1,600 meters out, a small blip would show on sensors for the pirate vessel. It was behind them, about about the size of a YT-1300 light freighter. It was a large energy signature, it was the Ghost. It hauled ass to the target, cutting the distance in half within almost a minute. Once it was close enough, it would unload a salvo of concussion missiles into the engine area of the enemy ship. It wasn't sure if it had shields, or if they were activated- or if they would be intercepted. But it would launch a barrage as a welcome gift.

Orran

• 3x X-83 TwinTail starfighter
• 3x Preybird-class Starfighter
• 6x TIE/IN interceptor
• 3x TIE/IT Interdictor starfighter (Ion Bomb loadout)

Carrack
- 4x TIE/D automated starfighter

Marauder
- 12x Preybird-class Starfighter

 

[Zago Kint]

'Malevolent Mother'
On approach to the Planetoid​

"Sir... I think they're... attacking." The report from the signals officer was tinged with the same surprise

"Attacking? With what?" Zago was incredulous. He'd expected a haphazard retreat in the face of their power, not an attack.

There was a pause, "I'm reading... thirty-one starfighters of various types and... four dropships taking up formation behind them. Small Capital ships are also engaging. Nothing formidable. We can take them."

Zago frowned. He wished that he had the Hornet here. "It's not enough to take them. We have to take them without suffering significant losses. Keep the Malevolent Mother out of the fight. We'll let the starfighters take the brunt of it. Make sure the newest recruits are at the front. We don't want to lose veterans in this."

Even as he'd said the words, the signals board lit up with a new contact.

"Sir! A new ship on approach, coming at incredible speed. It's approaching our aft quarter. Firing missiles!"

"Missiles? Now?!" The Malevolent Mother was still launching fighters. The Particle Shields were down. There was nothing to stop a missile from impacting the ship. Zago gritted his teeth. If the Malevolent Mother took damage, he'd have to answer to the Dusate Pirates' leader... and that encounter would not be pleasant. "Can we turn? Take it on our flanks?"

The helmsman shouted a response, "No time! It takes forever for this tub to make a turn! She's not a warship!"

It was true, of course. The Malevolent Mother was a retrofitted replenishment ship. She carried an impressive arsenal, and a huge amount of embarked starfighters. But she was still just a slow-moving civilian ship with bolted-on danger. She wasn't designed for combat maneuvers. Even a destroyer would have trouble turning in time. The Mother had no chance.

"Brace for-"

He didn't get to finish the sentence before the ship shuddered and the gravity generators flickered off and on. All of the officers on the bridge were thrown forward into consoles and bulkheads, and Zago himself fell forward and slid across the bridge overlook before the inertial stabilizers and grav generators came back online.

One of the huge thrusters at the rear of the Malevolent Mother had just been destroyed, and its destruction had caused severe damage to adjacent thruster units. The already sluggish ship had just lost half of its speed...

---

Treoff Kellak Makai Dashiell Derron Daks

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Ordering the evacuation was easy. Not many Salacia workers had joined the site, just those with enough knowledge and willing to risk being on the asteroid site.

[ Sir, we need to evacuate. ]

Makai was in agreement, but he was doing one last sweep of their site. He didn't want to risk leaving anyone behind, although he doubted someone would be foolish enough to try to save a piece of equipment or even a datapad.

"Just making sure we are clear Thirty-Seven."

[ Roster count indicates all are either aboard or have already evacuated. Falling back to our nearest facility. ]

"Then lets get aboard and leave ourselves."

[ Excellent Sir. Next time may I recommend we hire a security firm? ]

"Never thought of it." Makai deadpanned. "Thank you for your insights Thirty-Seven"

The droid straightened with pride, practically beaming.

[ You're welcome Sir. I have been specialty programmed to assist you, it is great to see the programming is adapting well with our continued interactions. ]

Makai rolled his eyes and got aboard his ship. Best leave before the poodoo really hit the fan, he could circle back with Derron later.

Derron Daks | Treoff Kellak

 

[Derron Daks]

First Contact
​

The first two-dozen of the Dusate Pirates' Uglies soared across the void. They were a haphazard assemblage of Imperial and Galactic Alliance parts and pieces. Perhaps not even from the current incarnation of those powers' fighter craft. The surplus of the past century might be cobbled together within their frames, working together via clever interfaces, power converters, soldering, and dreams.

Still, whatever the shortcomings of the fighters, the pirates drove their rides bravely. And they had good reason to be brave. They vastly outnumbered the enemy they were trying to defeat.

It was not long before their laser cannons opened up, filling the starscape with bolts of emerald death.

---

DDSI Crab Caryall #3​

"This is Chief Executive Derron Daks to Star Guard fighter units. I am having our Cary-alls form up with you. These are not nimble ships, but they are durable and they are armed. I hope that we might inflict sufficient casualties upon the enemy forces to shock them and perhaps even convince them to withdraw. But ultimately, I'd like to buy time for our resources on the planetoid to be evacuated.

I'm contented to hear that Salacia Consolidated has already evacuated their personnel successfully, but DDSI personnel will need at least fifteen more minutes.

All of that having been said, I am not a tactician or security specialist. Our units will take instruction from your units.

Star Guard, you have command."

​

Makai Dashiell

 

[Treoff Kellak]

Derron Daks​

StarGuard Dynamics still had several hundred security personnel on the ground from before, coordinating evacuation efforts. They were prepared to use their anti-personnel weapons against the uglies, if anything, to aggro the uglies weapons fire away from civilians. They would be the last to be evacuated, after Derrons people. Even the shuttles StarGuard Dynamics had were prioritizing evacuation of the civilians. Unfortunately, since everything was committed to the battle, the transports and shuttles didn't have any direct cover.

Once Treoff was back aboard his Marauder, he assumed full command of the naval battle. "Executive Derron Daks, my recommendation for your Crawlers would be to give cover for the escaping shuttles, although with enough firepower on the frontlines, we might force the enemy's hand to committing to the battle. Freighters, dump your cargo between the Fleet and the swarm of enemies fighters, let's see if we can trip their fighters up, maybe knock a few out in the debris field. Afterwards... Form up on the Crawlers. You will all act as flak emplacements, a wall of laser fire for the enemy starfighters, if they so dare to try and fly beyond your positions. Oh, and Derron, I'm with you until the end. Hired hand or not, my security personnel on the ground are not leaving until your people are evacuated, so I'm committed."

The rest of the fleet already had their orders and were moving in. The Carrack took up formation as the primary hitter, so it along with the two IPV's were already engaged by the enemies fighters, but the three ships were ignoring them for the most part. Only the Carrack could partially engage them. They pushed forward, piwering weapons to fire on the Mothership. The Orran and the Raider were coming up fast behind the Carrack, taking some time to catch up, but were within range of the uglies. As the Orran and Raider were specially designed for anti-starfighter loadouts, they began their assault, targeting only the fighters. StarGuard Dynamics own fighters being quite old, wouldn't be that superior to the Uglies, however, they were advanced in direct comparison, no matter the age. Preybirds would be able to one shot fragile Uglies, while TwinTails could expertly engage them. TIE Interceptors would just be too fast for the Uglies to chase down, so the Interceptors could genuinely just harass any fighter they wanted at any time. The Automated Tie Fighters were very few, and only act as cover for the Carrack, only engaging fighters and bombers targeting the Carrack automatically. The Tie Interdictors would do their best to fly through the swarm of Uglies, to try and target the mothership, looking for sensitive, key systems.

Meanwhile, the Ghost was not slowing down. After the barrage, it continued its trajectory and speed, it utilized the massive open skeleton of the Mothership to bob and weave inside of the frame, evading any weapons fire from the ship. It would not hone in on fighters it saw, but its turrets - being manned by personnel - would open fire on any Uglies they saw anyway, from the protected center of the Mothership. It then turned around, leaving the safety of the insides of the Mothership, heading back to the rear, it was preparing for another run on its Engines.

Orran

• 3x X-83 TwinTail starfighter
• 3x Preybird-class Starfighter
• 6x TIE/IN interceptor
• 3x TIE/IT Interdictor starfighter (Ion Bomb loadout)

Carrack
- 4x TIE/D automated starfighter

Marauder
- 12x Preybird-class Starfighter

 

[Derron Daks]

​

The freighters or transports discarding cargo in the middle of the battlefield had the immediate intended effect.

It was a common occurrence for people who were attacked by pirates to jettison cargo and flee, hoping they'd be left alone.

And it was a common practice for pirates to secure such cargo rather than chase fleeing ships.

It did not matter whether or not these were the orders that the enemy Uglies had been given. Their instincts were not merely to swerve around the cargo, but to stop and collect it. Many of the ships- thinking the battle had been won- began tractoring-in crates for return to the mother ship.

Only, as the transports and freighters made their escape, and the pirate Uglies stopped to collect loot, it became clear the battle was only beginning.

Blaster fire filled the intermediate space as the Uglies grabbed up prizes, and a dozen of the small ships exploded as they were struck by the sniping defenders.

The pirates soon raged in response, abandoning their loot and charging forward to take on the attacking craft.

Meanwhile, the four Carryalls and their twelve twin laser cannons did their best to create a barrier of death for the fighters which passed too far beyond the cargo-crate roadblock. Star Guard fighters swarmed in and out of the melee space, picking apart the pirate forces with a sense of ease.

Before long, two full squadrons of the Uglies were ash. A nice start, but the capacity of the mother ship was formidable, and more continued to pour forth...

... but the new launches were not so quick to make it into conflict with the defenders...

---

Treoff Kellak Zago Kint