An Elite Unit Deserves a Worthy Design (Fighter)

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Mason Deschart"]

Alva fidgeted about in her uniform for a moment, but decided not to keep up the poor posture for long. She would not allow any to see her discomfort, not when she was supposed to be of high status and class. However, it was more difficult to remind herself of that fact as she wore the attire that was less than comfortable compared to the usual outfits she had worn prior to opting into the Imperial military. It certainly was the best way to further increase in rank and status considering how her world now belonged to them rather than just the Royal Family, but they definitely used less than great materials for their clothes.

Still, that was perhaps her lowest complaint about joining the Imperial Armed Forces. Her biggest was a lack of real ways to advance with the Remnant in its less than glorious state. She needed to make the Remnant an empire again, and to do that she needed to make it achieve greater heights. And for that reason she had a brilliant idea. She had scoured the Imperial manifests and archives as she became a part of its group, and she had checked up on its histories.

What she wanted to do was restore an elite unit of the Empire, one that matched the elites of other galactic powers. And so now she was here to get things done. Now she was here in the Admiral's office, waiting to meet with him so she might pitch the idea of restarting the 181st Imperial Wing, first as an elite squadron and commando unit to match those of the Republic's famed Wraith Squadron and the Rebel Alliance's Rogue Squadron. She would seek out his approval to form, and perhaps even lead, this new unit to glory and victory. It would make a nice start.

And once he approved of their formation, she would pitch to him a redesign of the Imperial TIE Fighter the Crinan Royal Industries had been working on using the new Imperial data and designs they had.

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

Again he was summoned. Again he was given a brief reprieve from stressful work in the form of seeing to some new fighter design that the locals had come up with after studying up on Imperial technology. Not that he was particularly against this fact, but he had serious doubts about the validity of the locals being able to come up with something grand enough to actually be worth the time of the Imperial high command. If they just wanted to build the standard TIE's that was one thing, but this seemed something else altogether.

When he walked in, he spotted the Princess yet again. She seemed to always be the face of the drive yards on Crina. He wondered if she'd been delegated to that task for some particular reason or if she'd chosen it for herself. Not that it particularly mattered. He took his seat and looked at Alva.

"Show me what you have."

[member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Mason Deschart"]

With a nod in the Admiral's direction as he entered Alva immediately complied. The man was quite to the point it seemed, and while it was quite rude to gloss everything over in protocol. She hadn't even gotten to detail exactly everything she wanted to even. Still, no hesitation would get her further in this system and society. "Admiral Deschart, after reviewing Imperial records I came across the famed 181st Fighter Wing that served in the Empire during its height, revival, and return in history. I feel that a display of the Imperial Power returning in the galaxy would do well to include such a renown military unit. However, even with your approval for the group's formation, they require a suitable fighter in which they can travel and fight in."

Digging out a data disk from her pocket, Avla held it up and offered it towards the Admiral wishing she had brought her own datapad with her as she continued explaining the situation. "The Crinan Shipyards are quite advanced despite our own vessels lack of efficiency. That is more in the construction process and available material rather than a fault of our production abilities. With the Imperial designs now being passed through and several of your engineers taking up foremen positions, I believe the yards could fully develop a new Imperial Fighter design on par with current modern standards. We've already developed blueprints for such, resembling something like the TIE Interceptor of old. Have I grasped your interest yet?"

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

So she wanted to bring back the 181st. That meant Skull Squadron. Interesting. Surely it would be a good counter for the famed units in the Republic and that infamous Rebellion he'd heard was still lurking out there somewhere. This was sound reasoning on the part of the Princess. Perhaps she would do reasonably well amongst them despite not having the use of the kind of technology that the Empire made use of in her past. If she could adapt this well, then it did bode well for her.

When the data disk was offered, he took it and inserted it into his datapad. He opened the disk and found himself looking at something reminiscent of the old designs, though there were clear upgrades versus the old equipment, which was good. He studied it for a moment, not immediately responding to her query. Though he wasn't as advanced in technical knowledge as the people that worked for Regent, he was still keen enough to understand what he was looking at. This wasn't an ordinary fighter, this was an elite craft capable of taking on almost any foe.

"You have my interest. Please continue."

[member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Mason Deschart"]

If anything the young princess hoped she might indeed do reasonably well among Skull Squadron if she could revive the 181st for sure. It would be just what was needed to boost herself up through the ranks and system perhaps. Not only that but she would get a first hand look at the prowess of the new modern technology now becoming available to Crina. In a way it excited her, in another she saw it as problematic considering how a change in the system might affect how Crina's people took to authority if their lifestyles were altered too much. Just the knowledge there was indeed others in the galaxy had sparked civil war, she'd hate to see people get too accustomed to new technology to forget their place.

Hearing the Admiral's response as he looked over the data she had given him made her smile with pleased delight. She had been hoping the design would pique his interest. The Crinan yards had worked hard with its engineers to develop a variant of the old Imperial TIE Interceptor with a modern spin. Now to give the best explanation she could. "Admiral, based on the original TIE Interceptor's design, the Crinan engineers with some input from your own Imperial Technicians have created the design with the thought in mind for an elite class of starfighter to once more strike fear into Imperial enemies. Our intention is create a craft as fast as the original interceptor, but arm it with more firepower. We aren't sure whether we can or should install a shield generator in a design that never had one before, but we do wish to arm it with four laser cannons and a pair of concussion missile tubes if possible. However, what we would also like to do is work to include a Heavy Ion Cannon as well or the Shield Generator if such is possible with the TIE design. What specifications for its major systems would you wish to prioritize Lord Admiral?"

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

He listened to her speak. So many different possibilities it almost made his head spin. It wasn't enough, though. Weapons alone would not make a ship. Rebel fighter craft had done wonders in knocking down Imperial fighter craft over the years simply because the rebel craft had shields. That's how they'd destroyed the death stars in the past, and it was how they remained a perpetual nuisance to any and all craft in the galaxy. Without shielding, these new fighters would be just another bit of cannon fodder for enemy guns.

"Shields should be the priority, Captain. Without them the ship is essentially worthless. Our foes field vessels with shields. Even with superior pilots we don't match them without the ability to eat a few shots."

This seemed like a no brainer to him, but he understood that she was presenting the case. On one hand, shields. On the other, big and powerful ion cannon. He would much rather have the shield than the ion cannon. No point in having a big gun if you got killed before you could use it. He pressed a few buttons to send a call to an old Imperial contact at Sienar. Hopefully she could get there relatively quick.

"With all of these weapons and armaments I'm worried it's going to be a slow fighter. How will it compete with other elite craft?"

[member="Alva Calvarona"] [member="Sasha Santhe"]

 

[Sasha Santhe]

[member="Alva Calvarona"]

It didn't take Sasha long to arrive. The idea of a new Imperial force in the galaxy was intriguing to say the least. The owner of Sienar Fleet Systems and copy-write holder of the Twin Ion Engine arrived shortly after the summons. Sasha reviewed the specs enroute. She already had a craft that fit the profile of this new empires elite starfighter. In addition she had another which was probably close enough. God forbid anyone look at companies per-existing products when building up a new military. No, everyone wanted all new things. Brand new toys. It infuriated Sasha that this happened every time she tried to make a deal. Letting out a little sigh she waited for her escort to be brought before [member="Mason Deschart"]. Sasha had a full line of craft available for purchase, including some of the best small craft in the galaxy beating out competitors on nearly every front. She would probably use this as an opportunity to sell, however she remembered her primary goal of helping to create a suitable craft for this empire.

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Sasha Santhe"] [member="Mason Deschart"]

Well Alva would like to see anyone make a complaint about someone from an isolated world know about the catalog of a company she hadn't even heard of until recently learning things on her own. Even then knowing whether or not any of their fighters already existed that might fit, which several of them might, and the writer knows this, but Alva and her are agreed that while buying a few might be nice, an exclusive and iconic design for the Skull Squadron of the 181st Imperial Fighter Wing would definitely be a plus.

Besides, there can never be enough TIE Fighter designs out there!

Perhaps for other units the Imperials could buy a few squadrons worth of Santhe's TIEs, but that would be an Admiral's decision and not that of a TIE loving Captain. In the meantime she took the Admiral's comments to heart. Shields over extra weaponry, that made sense, especially since everyone else was fielding it. It completely baffled the Crinan woman how previous TIE models had opted to not have any at all. Whoever flew them was suicidal at best in her opinion. Made her wonder what the people of the time were thinking. Still, all things considered it hadn't hurt to ask to maintain Imperial tradition if it boosted her status.

"we're hoping to make it as maneuverable as TIE models typically are and thus provide that edge to the craft over other elite starships, but we hope to make it faster in the long run as well like the original Interceptor concept was. The weapon systems will depend on the amount of funding, time, and dedication we put into the initial project. Perhaps Seinar systems can help with that. As for shields we'll ensure to add them onto the craft. Its an understandable weakness from the old designs but I was unsure how your units thought of tradition."

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

"Traditions have changed over the years. One of the greatest fighter craft the Empire has ever fielded is the TIE Defender, created by Sienar Fleet Systems. I understand that they have a representative here and I've asked her to join us."

A button was flashing on his datapad and he pressed it. A screen popped up showing the woman that was waiting, and he nodded to the waiting officer. So, it was indeed the woman herself. How interesting. Normally he would have expected a simple flunky, not a grandiose owner such as Sasha Santhe herself. No matter, though. If there was anyone to deal with when it came to creating new TIE variants it was certainly the owner of the company that originally created them.

The woman was led in by the officer, who saluted both superior officers in the room before departing.

"Ms. Santhe. Interesting to find you touring our halls. I thought we'd largely gone unnoticed here, but no matter. Captain Calvarona here is wishing to create a new TIE fighter variant. I thought you would want to offer input, and perhaps advise on the matter. Not to mention the fact that your company owns the original design so we need you to sign off on us producing them."

He turned to the captain.

"Please show Ms. Santhe what you have."

[member="Alva Calvarona"] [member="Sasha Santhe"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Mason Deschart"]

"Very well then Admiral, I'm sorry for perhaps being a little short sighted." Bowing her head a little as she spoke, Alva looked to the apparent CEO of the Santhe and Seinar companies. Working on this project would be highly beneficial to Crina's Royal Industries as well. The shipyards at Andreea would flourish working with such advanced modern shipbuilding monsters like those Ms. Santhe owned. This opportunity being provided by the Remnant was one of the few reasons the Crinan Princess didn't mind their intervention in the civil war so much. The chance to better her world was always a tempting prospect for the young woman. "Ms. Santhe if you would look, we have a copy of the design and the specific systems and components here on this spare datapad."

Offering the information to the senior company owner, Alva then began to proceed describing the work CRI could and would perform. "With the Imperial support our facilities have become much more capable of handling the production of these advanced fighters. We fully intend for them to be the best of the best for our pilots to use. My desire is to design the engines to reach the same capability of TIE Interceptors of old in this modern period, and to arm them with an array of laser cannons, a heavy ion cannon, and a pair of concussion missile launchers. With Seinar's clearance on the design and support in the information on improving the engine capability we'd like to move ahead with production if possible."

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

[member="Alva Calvarona"]

Mason continued to sit and listen to the woman as she spoke. Laying things out for the owner of Sienar was rather a tedious task, but if there was anyone that would understand what they were trying to do, it was most certainly Sasha Santhe. Once everything was explained, however, it became time to take things to the next level. The owner of Sienar didn't seem to be finding fault with their design, or the intent of it, but a true test of the design couldn't come from holos or flimsi or anything else.

"How soon can you get a prototype up and tested? That's the true test of whether this is worth pursuing."

His question was directed to the Crinan Princess, not Sasha. He was staring the junior officer down, waiting expectantly for her to answer.

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Mason Deschart"]

The Admiral's question did not surprise the Princess. For such a level of starship constructing it would certainly be difficult, especially for Crina's Shipyards level of advancement . . . .at least prior to the Imperials arrival. Ever since the Remnant had settled in, the docks at Andreea had been steadily been improved with each passing day in the attempt to merge the best aspects of both CRI and the Imperials methods of construction. Very soon the capabilities of Crina's shipyards would likely rival those of opposing modern shipwrights. "We could have a prototype finished within a week with the blueprints all completed. To put these ships into mass production would require just a little more work, but with the Remnant's backing and Santhe's permission and support we could likely have these filling our navy with max production in a month if the prototype meets your expectations. Would you like us to set up a simulated run for the prototype for you to witness?"

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

Prototype completion within the week. Aggressive, but with the Imperial scientists helping them out he didn't have any doubt that this was plausible regardless of the intensity of the design itself. If they were truly dedicated to the design then he saw no reason not to pay for the production of a prototype. If it flopped, the resources spent on one fighter wouldn't be enough to put a major dent in the funds of the Remnant. If it did work, the benefits would certainly be worth the effort and money.

"Yes. Schedule it for the end of the week. I expect to see something worthwhile."

He stood and straightened his jacket.

"Set up a meeting with my secretary and I will be there."

[member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Mason Deschart"]

Then that was what would be done.

Besides, it didn't seem too aggressive to Alva. The blueprints were all written up and designed, any flaws during construction would be dealt with. The hard part of ensuring the design was sound in structure and mathematics during the drawing board phase normally took the longest. Once developed it would take that long to build in an actual shipyard. After all, Rendilio Stardrive for example could build a 315 meter ship every 10 days over 5000 years ago. If they could do that, it wouldn't take that long for a small, but exquisite, TIE Seeker to be constructed within the same timeframe.

So a week later as promised, though perhaps just barely since it seemed the expansions to the yards slowed down production facilities temporarily, Alva had word sent from CRI to the Admiral's office that a demonstration was ready. And as such she was waiting within the hanger staring up and out into the Crinan Sky with the TIE Seeker sitting on a rack behind her, as she waited for Mason Deschart to arrive. The young Princess wondered throughout the week how best to display the craft's abilities, but it really came down to two options in her mind. It would just depend on the Admiral.

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

Well, they had delivered as promised. Mason couldn't argue with their voracity. He stared at the meeting reminder and then left the office to head through the military outpost. This meeting was to take place at the newly constructed hangar facility, one with the racks necessary for storing tie fighters in readiness for launch. He left the city and wandered towards the hangars, passing amongst the common Crinan rabble and completely ignoring them, even though many stared at his outfit and rank insignia.

When he walked in, he spotted Alva standing by the fighter. Instead of immediately speaking to her, he headed for the ship itself and began to visually inspect it. Despite the more primitive nature of Crinan craft, he found the ships exterior to be rather immaculate. When he climbed up to look inside, he found that everything seemed in order.

"Looks like you got a little help with the interior systems from Sienar and Regent. Good work."

He climbed down and walked over to the Princess.

"Let's see it in action."

[member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Mason Deschart"]

The hanger had already been in the process of construction before the TIE Seekers were put into development, otherwise they wouldn't be having their conversation in such a well prepared environment as they likely could not have finished both within a week. The racks had been input on Seinar/Santhe's part and Alva had to admit she was very much pleased with the concept as it was a very efficient way of storing craft within the hanger space. However, she was much more pleased with what the Andreea Shipyard engineers had transformed from concept to reality, now sitting before them both.

It made the Crinan Princess grin seeing how the Admiral took to the TIE before approaching her, perhaps a sign of his piqued interest. "Regent did well collecting the materials and supplying Imperial basics, but Seinar/Santhe truly had much to say about what's proper for an advanced TIE's cockpit. It's all ready for flight Admiral, you can take her up yourself if you want to see it for yourself, or we can set up in the other room where we have recording equipment set aside for a live flight with a test pilot drawn from an Imperial pool."

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

"Hmm."

Fly it himself. It had been a long time since he'd climbed into the cockpit of a starfighter. Weaving through the skies, shooting down enemy fighters. That all seemed like ancient history for him. He'd been much younger and much better equipped for the even more rapid reactions necessary to be a pilot. That was definitely not him at the moment.

"I think we should have another pilot fly her. I'm not much for flying."

That said, he turned towards the door and walked towards the other room, regardless of whether she followed him or not. He was eager to see the fighter in action. And yes, he did hope it performed, even if it seemed he was indifferent to anything to do with it. Far from it. He was rather impressed with the work that had been done on them and he was eager to commission some for his top notch fighter corp, but he wouldn't do so until he'd seen them in action.

[member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Mason Deschart"]

"Feeling old are we Admiral?"

Normally Alva wouldn't take the risk of potentially insulting her superior officer, not when it might jeopardize her plans to ascend the ranks and status quo. However, under the circumstances it felt as if the chiding would not be reprimanded seriously. Besides, even such a stiff and by the books military man had to relax sometimes. Especially at the Grand Admiral's apparent age. Plus as a Princess of Crina, Alva did feel somewhat constrained having to play the lower privileged individual.

Nonetheless she still followed the Admiral into the other room as a pilot came in, apparently without having been signaled, and climbed into the TIE Seeker. The start up preparations were already finished by the time Alva and a few techs already in the monitoring room had the recorders and displays all set up. Permission was granted for launch right away, and soon the TIE Seeker detached from its holding rack and rushed out of the hanger. It would speed through the Crinan Sky, gaining altitude and increasing in velocity each second as Alva clicked a command on the console to signal a trio of Crinan Interceptors to drop from the clouds to engage the new TIE Fighter.

Monitors would display the feeds from each of the Crinan Interceptors and TIE Seeker, along with an overarching view provided by a pair of Noble class frigates holding distance and directing their sensors for visual confirmation of the actions. As the engagement began Alva stayed silent. She had already described the capabilities and armaments of the TIE Seeker, so now it was up to the test pilot to show them off. Right off the bat it would put into a spin and make a dive through the sky, curving through the air before coming back around behind the Interceptors attempting to follow after it. Clearly it performed better in atmosphere than the Crinan Craft, but then their wings were obvious flaws in wind draft. However, the fact it clearly could match them in speed was certainly of note, as was the fact a moment later the TIE Seeker fired with everything it had,

Four laser cannons spewed forth as the heavy ion cannon flashed as well. The Interceptors scattered to evade the attacks, however, one found itself quickly torn apart . . . .or well, the readings said it would be if the weapons had been set to full capacity. As a simulation they weren't looking to kill their own forces after all. The remaining test hostiles swerved about and began to come around to catch the TIE in a pincer, but the pilot took it head on right for one of the enemies in its sight and exchanged laser fire, giving the opportunity to show how the TIE Seeker had been installed with a shield generator to fix the flaw of its ancestor designs as it overpowered the Crinan Interceptor and continued its course before turning in an arc to come back for the final target.

This one received barely any attention or care as a pair of concussion missiles were launched and quickly painted a victory of cleared objectives for the TIE Seeker when they struck the final Interceptor and, covered it in smoke. "That's more than enough. Return to base, we'll check the data for final calibrations and evaluations. . . . . . .what do you think Admiral?"

 

[Kamon Vondiranach]

"You might be the Princess of this world, but in the Empire you never disrespect someone that outranks you."

Yes, he was quite serious when he said that. Though he was, indeed, feeling old, he didn't need the young whelp of a Crinan pointing that out to him. It was a blatant disregard for decorum and such things were not to be tolerated amongst the Remnant. Only order and a strict adherance to such separated the peace and safety of those in Imperial space from the chaos of those that lived elsewhere. This sort of behavior would not be tolerated and he'd just given her the one and only warning he would give.

He waited patiently as the TIE took off and soared into the air. It did look rather majestic flitting about. Then came the Crinan interceptors. He should have requested that the Seeker go up against some Defenders, but this would do well enough. Interceptors were fast and maneuverable. If the Seeker could take on these then it could certainly take on most any craft that other galactic governments could throw at it.

The ship did well. In fact, it absolutely annihilated the enemy without so much as a second thought or half a care in the world. The shielding looked good, as did the heavy armament. He was rather impressed with it even though his face remained an impassive mask that gave absolutely nothing away as to what he thought of the craft. Truth be told, he couldn't wait to see these fighters annihilating the enemy. How delicious it would be to destroy the Republic with such craft.

"It performed admirably. I will commission a full line of them for the use of the 181st. Make sure it happens."

[member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Mason Deschart"]

The fact that the Admiral took actual offense at her comment, or just even was that . . . .pitiful in his attitude, left the Crinan woman rather annoyed. He would do well to remember whose family it was that invited the Imperial Remnant to Crina in the first place, and not forget all the talk about not being war mongering oppressive type anymore as he had said to the Mandalorians. There was a limit to how far one could take being a peacekeeper and mixing it up with a karking ass.

So she only deigned to ignore him and let the glares from the engineers and other CRI staff act as her response. Even Royalists were still iffy, being that much of a jerk over friendly banter was just asking for problems. The dear Admiral appeared to have problems with social cues. Regardless though, he was at the very least capable of acknowledging hard work and quality. Sure it could have been used against TIE Defenders and what not, but at the same time it wasn't as if that were fair with how old those designs were nowadays.

"Of course Admiral. We'll supply the full wing, all three squadrons, with these and more."