Crusading Coalition

[Kyrana Gould]

Admiral Friedrich Stahlmann (ret), stepped aboard the small space station orbiting Voss. His new uniform was rather more shiny and silver than he had expected. Still, it was not garish, and he could grow into it.
Though retired from active service, he has offered the new Coalition his services to design and test the new ships of the fleet. Designing a fleet from scratch had been something of a blessing and a curse. On the one hand he had the chance to start almost entirely from scratch. On the other he had to start almost entirely from scratch! It all came down to perspective, really.
So far his escorts had been rolling off the production lines freely enough, but the Admiral knew well that it was the big guns and the big ships which won battles. The Coalition needed capital ships, and he meant to give it to them.
Heading into the small office he had set aside for his meeting, he found the Coalition’s fleet admiral waiting for him. Admiral Kyrana Gould, a woman linked to him for over a decade, was the perfect choice for the position.
“It’s good to see you, Kyrana. How is Jacen?”
“Well, sir, thank you. And yourself?”
“Also well, thank you. Now, to work…is the representative here?”
“She just arrived.”
[SIZE=11pt]Stahlmann nodded, waiting for the representative from Firemane to reach him.[/SIZE]

 

[Kyrana Gould]

Whilst the Admiral waited he looked down on Voss. That world was one he had often thought about, but had never been able to visit for long. He had heard much of the enigmatic Voss and their mystics. More Force lingo, but the Admiral had something of a fascination for it, being that he was as Force blind as a plank. That fascination did not go as far as letting enemy Force users survive a cleansing blast from a turbolaser though!
The blast doors opened to reveal former Lady Protector Tegaea Alcori, now head of Firemane, and a big industrial backer for the Coalition.
“Admiral, it’s good to see you again,” she said, shaking hands.
“And to you as well. Your wife is well, I trust?”
“Very well, [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] is overseeing some important work on Tygara.”
“Excellent. Thank you again for coming. This is the new commander of the Coalition fleet, Admiral Kyrana Gould.”
“A pleasure, Admiral,” Tegaea said politely, shaking hands.
“I have heard a lot about you,” Gould replied.
“And I you.”
Stahlmann coughed slightly. “Yes, indeed. Now, I have the designs for our latest capital ship to be looked over. Any changes you wish to make, please tell me.”
“Please begin, Admiral,” Tegaea said with a nod.

 

[Kyrana Gould]

The Admiral activated a holo-projector which showed a ship which had some of the lines of classic star destroyers, but had features all its own, and a more rounded shape.
“The Coalition needs a heavy Destroyer to hold the line of battle, and I feel that this should be the one. It’s a big undertaking for us, but when the Primeval or Techno Union come calling, we need to be able to face them. This ship will do that, I feel. It’s going to have heavy guns, but I am mainly aiming for a balanced mix of heavy, regular and ion weapons. When it comes to the mix of protection, speed and firepower, I value speed the most in this instance. As I will be constructing it without long range weaponry, it need to close the distance quickly. Secondly, I will be placing emphasis in firepower, lastly protection.”
“Won’t a lack of protection leave it vulnerable to the enemy though?” Tegaea asked. She was not a fleet strategist, but it was a fair question to ask.
“Of course, but no more than any other ship in combat. It is not unarmoured, but it lacks the redundant shield generators and heavy plating which would offer additional protection, but slow it down.”
“Like on the Sentinel Class, I have also given this vessel the possibility of concentrating power to the weapon batteries at the expense of shields and engines. In some cases I can see this being of great assistance. At close range, this ship can deliver a tremendous pounding with ion and turbo cannons.”
He moved to the next section….

 

[Kyrana Gould]

“When it comes to attack craft, we need to be somewhat circumspect. It seems as though the ability to create ships with the cavernous hangers of yore have been lost. This is unfortunate indeed, but I believe I can compromise somewhat.”
He displayed a plan of the ship’s hangers.
“Six full squadrons, just like the old Imperial Star Destroyers, can fit here. The breakup of the squadron counts themselves is left to the situation. My personal notion would allocate five fighter and one bomber squadrons. To defend the ship will be an array of defence guns, mainly quad lasers and point defence. However, this ship, like all capital ships, must be supported by both attack craft and escorts.”
Tegaea noted one oddity. “The hanger is underneath?”
“Yes, again like the ISD, it presents a less noticeable target for the enemy, and gives better usage for the central area of the ship. Is there anything else we need to discuss?”
“I think this is acceptable and within our bounds to build. I will discuss this with my technical team and give you any suggestions tomorrow.”
“Excellent!” the Admiral said, shutting off the projector.
“Oh, what did you have in mind for the name?” Tegaea asked as she was walking out.
“I try to match the ships with their intent, or to fit in with who they will work for. I have named the smaller ones after Jedi topics, but I understand the Coalition is more…militant. How about…Crusader?”
“Sounds nice and militant,” Tegaea said dryly. “The Crusader Class Destroyer. Sounds perfect.”
“Then we shall discuss more tomorrow, Ms Alcori,” Stahlmann said, nodding.

 

[Kyrana Gould]

The next morning the Admiral was overseeing the inevitable flood of people seeking commissions in the new fleet.
“Ensign, what is this?” he asked, holding up a datacard.
The Ensign, a young Mirialan, frowned. “That one came in earlier today, sir. They are seeking a commission.”
“I can see that. Since when have Gamorreans made naval officers?” He looked over it quizzically. “Surely this must be a joke. ‘My experience, alas, has not extended to the field of naval combat, but my works on the theory are extensive.’” The Admiral shook his head. “It must be a hoax, send no reply.”
“Yes, sir,” the Ensign replied dutifully.
Somewhere Nargur the Destroyer waited hopefully for a call which never came.

“Have we got that list of changes from Firemane yet?” the Admiral asked.
“Not yet…wait, here they are.” She offered a datacard for the Admiral.
Reading through it, the Admiral nodded. “Minor changes to the engine configuration, that’s fine. Should give a 5% increase in speed. Hmm, reworking the fire arcs slightly to give better coverage to sector five and seven. Hmm, acceptable. And…what’s this?” he asked, peering.
“Literacy module? What is this, a library?”
The Ensign couldn’t prevent a coughing snort.
“Something you need to share?” Stahlmann asked.
“No, sir.”
“I see. ‘Shrine to Ardarvia’. This is a warship not a church. These Jedi might run the show, but I will not have heathen temples on board my ships. Besides, this sounds like one of those Eldorai things. Space elves…. Well, those two are going. Make a note of it, Ensign, this is a warship, not a bordello.”
[SIZE=11pt]“Yes, sir, of course.”[/SIZE]

 

[Kyrana Gould]

A few hours later when Tegaea Alcori returned the Admiral had managed to compose himself. Accompanying the Director was a pretty young Eldorai with an indecently large smile.
“Admiral, this is my aide, Chesna. I trust my suggestions were to your liking?”
“For the most part. Some of the non-combat attachments I have removed as unnecessary.”
Tegaea didn’t push the point, but the two of them did look very amused.
“Excellent, we’ll have a final look over it and then send the designs to our shipyards. Chesna can check the details with your aide if you wish.”
“Yes, see to it.”

Whilst those two went off to discuss matters, Tegaea and the Admiral looked down on Voss.
“What are you looking at for production schedules, Admiral?”
“The Coalition does not have the territory or resources of the Republic or Protectorate. I feel a pair of Crusaders will be more than enough for now.”
“Agreed. We will be unlikely to produce any more than that for a while anyway.”
“There has been some pressure from within to ensure we do not appear to be an ‘imperialist warmonger’,” the Admiral commented sourly.
Tegaea made a grunt of agreement. “I remember people like that. The ‘peace in our time’ faction. Never mind that our enemies are the warmongers and will continue to warmonger even after our peaceful utopia is exterminated by them”
The two stood together in joint contemplation about the illogicality of naïve pacifists.

Finally, the Admiral stirred. “Well, I’d best be getting back to work. I need to find crew and officers for this ship and get the finances approved.”
“Best of luck, Admiral. Chesna, come,” Tegaea said, nodding as she headed for the exit.
“Yes, Mistress…I mean…ma’am,” Chesna said, hurrying over. Tegaea gave her a stern look, and then they were gone.
Stahlmann shook his head, going over to his desk. He couldn’t help but notice that the young Ensign’s face was a bit red.
“Well? Were the changes acceptable?”
“Changes…yes, of course, sir,” she replied, coughing.
[SIZE=11pt]“In the name of Kuat,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]the Admiral said in exasperation, heading out. He sometimes wondered if he was the only sensible person left in the galaxy.[/SIZE]

 

[Kyrana Gould]

Interviews were never fun for anyone. For Stahlmann, the process was very much like picking a ball at random. Sometimes the most promising candidates cracked under pressure, sometimes the most unlikely or unsuitable ones became brilliant officers.
He and Gould had seen eight candidates that morning. All of them were experienced officers, some formerly with the Republic, others from the Protectorate, Sanctum or Rebellion. It was a diverse group.
And now, like an episode of Corellian Idol, they’d have to choose. Hopefully there’d be less singing though.

“What did you think of seven?” he asked, though the pattern had been repeated all morning.
“He’s got the experience. I think he could handle the role. Not sure if he’s too safe though. Too defensive.”
“Hmm, I agree.”
Finally, after several hours, and more cups of stimcaf than he’d had before Academy finals, they’d reached their decision.
Lieutenant Thrakso was a tall and distinguished looking Cathar with an impressive mane. He had served with distinction with the Republic and Mandalorians, though Stahlmann had never met him personally.
When he entered the room he had a commanding presence. His lack of actual ship command experience was an issue, but not a deal breaker.
“Come in, Lieutenant. After detailed examination of the candidates, we would like to offer you the rank of Captain in the Coalition Navy. You will work with Admiral Gould here to organise a crew for the flagship and if she deems you worthy you will command it.”
“Thank you, sir. I will do all I can to be worthy of your trust.”
“Good man. Now go. My Ensign will show you to your quarters.”
When the new man had gone, the Admirals shared a glance. “I’ll monitor his performance, but I feel we made the right choice.”
“I hope so. I have to organise the attack craft. I will be in my office.”

 

[Kyrana Gould]

Time passed, but the Admiral still made opportunities to oversee work on the new Crusader. The funding bill for the ship had passed. He had been pleased to discover that the Coalition was a good deal less finicky about these matters than the Levantines had been, and even the Republic at times.
Now the shipyards as he inspected were abuzz with droids, machines and workers. The skeleton of the vast ship was taking shape. At 1600 metres, it took someone almost half an hour to travel from one end to the other. The ship was almost larger than Voss-Ka, and had more people than whole settlements.
“The heaviest weapons started being fitted yesterday,” Gould told him as their shuttle flew past.
These weapons, heavy ion and turbolaser cannons, were almost as large as their shuttle was. A single bolt from one of these could shatter an unprepared freighter.
“Is it still on schedule?” Stahlmann asked.
“Yes, sir, no problems so far.”
“Excellent. Keep up the good work, Admiral. How is our new Captain taking to his role?”
“He needs some work still with technical matters, but we knew that already. He’s proving to be a good leader so far. The crew and respect him. He’s firm but fair.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Build up the junior officers. We have a smattering of experience, but it’s from many different ships and many different groups. We only can hope the baptism of fire is gentle.”
[SIZE=11pt]The shuttle continued its voyage, taking them back to Stahlmann’s ship.[/SIZE]

 

[Kyrana Gould]

Timelapse footage showed the building of the ship. Stahlmann had been sent it to prepare him for the finished product. It was a marvel of engineering, and a wonder of design. The skeleton of the great ship, the interiors, then the outer hull and the finishing touches. Weapons were added, shields and reactors installed, hull sealed and locked in place. When it finally finished special blue paint was used to give it stripes to symbolise the Coalition’s new future.
“Are you ready, sir?” Gould asked, coming behind him.
“I’m ready. Let’s go.”

The shuttle, flanked by escort fighters, roared through space. Coming from the far side of the moon they could see nothing yet. However, bit by bit it came into view. Gleaming silver-grey with blue stripes, the Crusader was ready.
“Crusader, we are approaching your position. Ready hanger for the Admiral’s arrival.”
Passing under the behemoth they came into its gaping underbelly. As they settled down they saw that a score of marines and all the senior officers including Thrasko were there. They saluted on cue.
“At ease, Captain. Is everything prepared?”
“The Crusader is at your disposal, Admiral.”
[SIZE=11pt]“Excellent, then let’s take it for a run….”[/SIZE]

 

[Kyrana Gould]

The bridge of the Crusader bustled as any Destroyer’s nerve centre. The crew were well dressed and neatly turned out. The ship gleamed. Waiting on the bridge was Tegaea Alcori herself.
“Welcome, Admiral.”
“Thank you, Ms Alcori. Come to see the finished product, yes?”
“I couldn’t let my company’s first Destroyer not have me there to see it off.”
The Admiral nodded. “You’ve done fine work. Now, let’s put it to the test. Captain Thrasko, if you would.”
Confidently, the big Cathar turned to the crew. “Begin operations. Come to course 314, speed six-zero. Shields up, weapons ready, all flight crews their ships.”
Stahlmann smiled as the crew leapt into action. It was the first day of course, it was to be expected they would be almost too eager to please. There was something about thousands of people working together…it almost made him miss command.
The Crusader headed into space, the first of the Coalition’s new capital ships, but hopefully not the last.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

Far away on Tygara, Siobhan Kerrigan limped into her suite, gripping her cane. She had spent a good deal of her time outside overseeing construction of one of the settlements and then at the palace in Zeheb, negotiating with the Shahbânu. Assassins had tried to kill her again, which had given her some short-lived entertainment tearing them apart. Alas, this also meant that her suit was a mess.

Ah, well. Her faithful 'attendant' and 'secretary', Harmony was waiting for her. As usual she had an indecently large smile on her face. Her white dress was quite brief and showed an enticing amount of leg. "Welcome back, Mistress. Intense negotiations?" she asked with an indecent wink.
"The most. Lots of talk, speechifying, couple would-be assassins. Kind of dull really. I got to confiscate some aristo's property! That's nice," Siobhan said flippantly while she took off her jacket, which Harmony then hung up properly for her. Such a sweet girl. "Any news from my wife?" Siobhan asked, knowing that [member="Tegaea Alcori"] had accompanied the Crusader on her maiden voyage. The first Star Destroyer ever constructed by Firemane. Hopefully her first time in action would not be her last, for the clouds were darkening.
"Yes, Mistress. She sent a message earlier. Looks like the shakedown cruise is going well. However, I'm sorry to report that your idea to rename the Vortex Cannon the Thuella Cannon was turned down by the admiral," Harmony said with a totally straight face.
Siobhan looked rather annoyed and huffed. Almost childishly. "Why not? It's an awesome name. Besides, we're building it. We ought to decide that sort of thing! I'm paying for it," she sulked in the most...sulky tone. It took a good deal of Harmony's self-control not to burst out into laughter.
"Yes, Mistress, I think it's because that Stahlmann guy doesn't want to build a personality cult in his fleet. Or something like that," she said gently. This was just too funny in her opinion.
"It's not a personality cult at all! First no shrine to the Great Goddess Ardarvia, now this. Men. Typical. Ah, well, he's a good admiral, so I'll let it slide." Apparently she did not realise that it was not her decision anyway. Doubtless her wife would enjoy trolling her. "Ah, well, I'll just claim my own Crusader and run it my way."
"Mistress...you're not a naval commander. Haven't you told me many times that you don't get naval combat?"
Siobhan shrugged her tones shoulders in response. "Yes, so what? I own Firemane with Tegs, so we might as well have our own."
"Yes, Mistress, of course, Mistress. Make it a monument to your glory. A strangely phallic-shaped one. I prefer the Ardarvia though. By the way, I've prepared your bubble bath. Just the way you like it. Would you like me to...join you?" This was the best way to distract Siobhan whenever she felt like ranting, since she had a short attention span and loved being fawned over. Now, Harmony loved her Mistress - and her money! - but sometime she got a bit overdramatic and moody if she did not get her way.
The Countess could see what Harmony was trying to do, but did not mind. After all, she felt like she had earned the right to relax a bit. "Yes, darling, do join me. Would be a crime to waste all that lovely hot water. And while you're at it, do call Cora and tell her to come. Poor dear has been through so much," she smiled.