Rise of the Kraken: Raid on Hollastin / DM for Invite)

[Spirit of the Kraken]

SETTING​

The time had finally come. The Pirate coalition of newly formed and armed ships was on the prowl. Informants had dropped a juicy morsel into their lap. There was to be a convoy of merchant vessels protected by a smaller fleet of ships headed to Hollastin. Onboard was rumored to be either gold or platinum and a large cache of weapons and supplies for war. Hollastin was gearing up to defend its territory from either the Bryn or to resist the Silver Jedi Concord. Whilst their eyes were turned to their neighbors in the north that left them vulnerable from southerly space. All of Hollastins main fleet was arrayed on the northern border of their hexes at the behest of the Admiralty.





Our tale begins with a small five ship flotilla making it's way at half speed through space. Hollastin's valiant Rear Admiral, Adrian Carlock is escorting the merchant convoy on what appears to the galaxy as just another blue milk run, bringing goods in along one of the trade hubs many routes.....

HOLLASTIN; 1 PARSEC FROM ORBIT
HOLLASTIN MERCHANT MARINE FLEET
REAR ADMIRAL ADRIAN CARLOCK


HNV Spear of Hollastin - Gurrcat 9600-series Heavy Frigate
100 | 100
Actions:

HNV Reaper - Terrik Series Attack Frigate
100 | 100
Actions:

HNV Vengeance - Terrik Series Attack Frigate
100 | 100
Actions:

HNV Defiant - Terrik Series Attack Frigate
100 | 100
Actions:

HNV Shield - Terrik Series Attack Frigate
100 | 100
Actions:


It was another day on the large black expanse for the Admiral. He'd held a Captains Mast for an unruly Sailor caught stealing and written his signature on dozens of request forms. The old man ran his hand through his silvery hair, planted firmly in his seat behind a grand oak desk. His quarters was the only place he found solace. They were simple, with a Hollastin flag, a few books and a holo globe of the planet in decoration. After a lifetime of struggle the Admiral was a simple man.

So far they'd had an uneventful trip. That was the way he liked it. The arms he was transporting and the money would be reinvested in the Capitol and give the people of Hollastin a chance to resist whatever major power would come for them next.

The comms beeped and he grunted, smoothing his uniform and placing his service cap upon his head. An old wrinkly finger pressed the switch, presenting a ghostly blue image of his Executive officer Major Talcot.

"Yes Major?"

"Sir, we have something on long range scopes. Could be an asteroid, could be something else. Shall I prepare the fleet for hyperspace jump short range?"

He mulled that question over. They could micro jump closer to orbit and radio for reinforcements. But that would mean he would be known as the spooked Admiral. No it could truly be asteroids or something else.

"Negative, set the fleet to condition 2, keep present course and heading. Alert me to any changes immediately."

"Will do Sir. Talcot out."

He glanced back down at the stack of paperwork on his desk and growled. The paper could wait, he had a date with the mess hall. The admiral rose and shoved his chair into the desk, stretching wide. It promised to be another boring day....

 

[Cass Gemini]

Location: edge of the system
Ship: The Midnight Kyber, 4x Sciss stealth fighters
Cass's personal Gear: Harlequin Sabers

Spoiler: Current actions

Cass Gemini - on Midnight Kyber

Midnight Kyber - on approach - cloaked

All fighters - launched - performing high speed flanking maneuver - cloaked

Cass Gemini sat in the dimly lit bridge of the Midnight Kyber as it dropped out of hyperspace on the edge of the system fully cloaked. A few seconds later the holo system updated with the ships present, she could see the small enemy fleet and her own fleet.

"Release the fighters, send them round this way, ask them to hold off until we engage and pick our target" she drew a long arcing line on the holo. Moments later she saw visual distortions pass her viewport as the 4 ships left the hangar right below her bridge and engaged their fast engines. "Good hunting and see you in a while" she flipped them a small salute.

Looking back over at her holo, the Crystal Grav-trap was running but not detecting any cloaked ships other than those accompanying her fleet, it was unlikely that a merchant convoy would have cloaked escorts, but cloaks were so common amongst pirates she couldn't help but worry.

She opened a tight band secure comm to the other ships in the attack "the Midnight will hold off with her fighters until our heavier ships have engaged. We will perform precision strikes and attempt to disable. Remember we are in this together, try not to squabble until the enemy are neutralised." She laughed, imagining the enemy crews amusement at watching rival pirates fighting over the loot pile.

Her crew were fired up and ready, teams waiting at the umbilical for a combat breach. She opened the ship wide channel, "to all my crew, i wish you all luck, this is our first time fighting as part of the coalition, fight hard and watch your backs. Cheers" She knocked back a shot of rum, knowing each of her crew would do the same, as was tradition aboard the ship before entering combat.

She had her own EV suit on and ready to board, but she would stay in the bridge until she was needed, she loved running into battle with her men, the thrill of the fight good her heart racing better than any man could.

​

 

[Isidor Justeene]

Location: Edge of the system
Ship: Blood Lightning

• Star Fighter Squadron 1
• Star Fighter Squadron 2

Since the meeting, Isidor grew bolder in his exploits and Blood Lightning has been flying the Galaxy with a steady amount of speed. Dropping out of hyperspace with cloaking enabled he was able to stay on the periphery without being noticed.

Looks like a raid, good Isidor liked raids and his vault had been woefully empty as of late. Time to rectify that situation as quickly as possible. The call has been made to launch the fighters and they hung close out of scanner range of the convoy. Surprise is key here.

He pinged Cass Gemini back in acknowledgement, he didn’t need to respond but he did bark out a short laugh at what she said though. Temptations are there to squabble. He’ll keep his greed in check as per The Code. Said Codex was safe back at headquarters where it cannot be damaged or stolen by outsiders because the Location is a closely guarded secret.

His Lightning Corsair Pirates were restless, they milled around like angry Desert Hornets wound tight with tension, anticipating a fight, and so they should a crew that itches for a fight are a crew to be feared. Those who stayed onboard manned and loaded the weaponry to the many guns on the ship. Isidor’s first mate Pyotr barked orders to stand by to shoot when the time comes.

<“Today we shall taste the spoils of plunder, today we fight to win as part of the Kraken Coalition.”> Isidor addressed his crew, tone confident and strong. <“May the winds turn in our favour.”>

He refused to show unease at such an engagement so soon after the unification of The Coalition, it’s not that he is worried about it, just unused to coordinated unified cooperation.

Sure, he did help make it possible, but he wondered how well they will do working as one. Pessimism does not win loot he reminded himself as Blood Lightning quickly moved into position nearby ready to strike when the time comes.

So far, the Convoy has not realised that it’s being hunted like prey. The element of surprise is very much on their side, an advantage is always valued in engagements such as these.

 

[Messorem]

Objective: Raid the convoy
Tags: Spirit of the Kraken | Cass Gemini | M Mark Air Gami | Isidor Justeene
Ship: Alma Oh-One

Another day, another raid, and more loot to add to the hold. Oh what a glorious time to be alive. As the Alma Oh-One slipped from hyperspace, its cloak engaged as a scan of the system went out. The news that scan brought back made Messorem smile, even as he leaned back calmly in his captains chair. Everything was as the informant had said, and there was a good turning out of Kraken Coalition pirates. Watching as various calls and notes went out regarding their fellow pirates, Messorem decided for a different approach.

"Helm, bring us towards the front of the convoy, but keep us at range. We're going to cut off their escape."
With an 'Aye sir', the Alma Oh-One began flying that direction, moving slowly and steadily. They also sent out a message to their fellow pirates, stating their plans for this, just to ensure everyone was on the same page. They all had the same objective, raid the convoy and plunder it dry. Leaning forward with a predatory glint in his eye, Messorem spoke once more.
"Gunnery, prepare to run out guns once they're needed. Let's show our friends just who we are."

Cheers came from his bridge crew at that, ready and eager to show the Coalition just why no one ever got to second guess the Alma Oh-One. Compared to others, they were the picture perfect image of a freighter, until they ran the guns out and began blasting. No one suspected them until it was too late. Grinning beneath his mask, Messorem observed the tactical display with an eery calm, watching and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. They would take everything and give nothing back.

 

[Dolor Cordis]

Location: Edge of the Sector with Coalition allies
Objective: To Eliminate and Loot the Convoy led by Rear Admiral Adrian Carlock
Ship: The Voidless Behemoth - Frigate

Having spent some time getting a new ship to replace her older, 800 year old ship from the Clone Wars Era, Dolor was fascinated to try out her new Frigate. It was a hulking beast of a ship with an appropriate name. The once white plating of the exterior was now darkened and, in a similar way to her past ship, had its hull littered with hundreds of marks from intense heat. She had tried to push the ship to its limits, and now she knew them. Armed with multiple laser cannons, Turbo-laser cannons and even Flak Cannons, she knew that most close combat would be no issue when hers and her opponent's ships were practically touching. But she had requested something more. Her ship was armed with multiple shields for her ship, and it even came with four Rail Guns and a special device that costed her more than she care to admit. The Null-Blast Projector. Anything caught in this weapon's blast would deal little physical damage, so it was useless for hull damage, but any living being in that blast was knocked out cold. And for an extensive period of time. a good blast around either the bridge or the main core of the ship and a majority of their foe's ship would be silenced.

Having landed out of Hyperspace, Dolor, her crew and the ashen, and foreboding ship arrived at the coordinates she had found leading to a convoy of supplies and weapons. Having heard her allies' plans for sneaking and being precise, and Messorem going to cut them off at the front, she felt she should move into position as well. "Get up behind them out of their scanner range. When the others strike, so shall we," Dolor ordered, her Lieutenants and First Mate shouting commands to comply with her own to the crew via the comm network. Slowly, the ship moved to just out of range of their scanners right behind them. Dolor knew she had to be careful. They were nowhere near Dathomir and as such, her living weapon. It would take hours if not a day or two for it to reach them. It was very fast, but not fast enough for this. "Get every weapon ready and prepare to charge the Rail Guns for action," Dolor said again to her crew to pass on the message, "And don't fire until I say so. Anyone who fires any time before will face severe punishment." Dolor was adorned with her armor, black and red, with the horned helm under her arm. She could easily wear this in space just like an EVA suit. It was built for every eventuality. As she was ready for anything they threw at her or the Coalition.

 

[Cass Gemini]

Location: edge of the system
Tags: Messorem Dolor Cordis Isidor Justeene M Mark Air Gami
Ship: The Midnight Kyber, 4x Sciss stealth fighters
Cass's personal Gear: Harlequin Sabers

Spoiler: Current actions

Cass Gemini - on Midnight Kyber

Midnight Kyber - on approach - cloaked

All fighters - launched - performing high speed flanking maneuver - firing proton torpedos at Shield while at full speed - cloaked

From the right flank where the Midnight Kyber had been positioned, and pushed forward forming an invisible pincer, the enemy formation looked solid. Gamis ships and the The Voidless Behemoth were not cloaked and clearly visible on screen but as they had not made an aggressive move, the enemy had not yet reacted.

"Gami" she spoke into the comm, "my fighters are in position and I will try to break their formation up a bit, be ready with interdiction field as soon as I engage."

Her fighters were cloaked and at full burn to the right and now behind the enemy frigates. Cass issued the orders and each of the four of them launched 2 proton torpedos at the closest frigate the Shield the 8 torpedos were at very long range which would give the enemy time to react, but it also meant by the time the enemy were able to respond to the launch location of the torpedoes, the still cloaked fighters would be tens of miles away after making a quick course change.

The torpedos sped through space, aimed at the engines of the Shield hopefully it would force the enemy to send at least one frigate out to investigate. The Dalyrake frigate captained by Gami could then interdict to prevent the fleet running away and also giving them target areas of them. She just had to rely on whether Gami had the stones to be the first non-cloaked ship to make an aggressive action.

"Messorem, Isidor and Dolor, you ready too? Going to need your guns to make sure the enemy knows it needs to look both ways, I am going to pass through their lines and hit them from behind."

Cass Gemini's heart began to quicken as the raid was on.

​

 

[Isidor Justeene]

Location: Edge of the system
Ship: Blood Lightning

• Star Fighter Squadron 1
• Star Fighter Squadron 2

Tags: Messorem Dolor Cordis M Mark Air Gami ​

Cass Gemini

Blood Lightning has not been idle it crept forward like a predator ambushes its prey. The Cloaking generators holding and keeping it off the scanners. Once he received Cass’s comm he directed the helmsmen to keep trajectory as is but make sure to also slip behind the convoy as well. Best to have two ships at the enemy’s stern.

Which makes a retreat harder to complete and escape slim to none.

Many of his Corsairs wondered with a mix of agitation and uncertainty as to why they haven’t made the first strike yet. Isidor wanted to strike the Convoy hard once he was in range but held fast, because if they get this wrong.

The element of surprise could be lost, and the prey may bolt, and the loot may be forfeited as unclaimed for The Coalition.

Next on the agenda, he needed to direct the 2 squadrons of fighters that had just launched to begin to form into a battle pattern ready to swoop down when he gives the word. For now, they were still in the periphery as they would be spotted if they got any closer as they lacked any stealth capabilities. He'll rectify that when the raid has been completed.

::<“Isidor to Cass, we are heading towards the rear left, we’ll hit it from there. Strike now or hold?”>:: He replied to Cass Gemini’s comms with his own.

 

[Messorem]

Objective: Raid the convoy
Tags: Spirit of the Kraken | Cass Gemini | M Mark Air Gami | Isidor Justeene | Dolor Cordis
Ship: Alma Oh-One

​

The Alma Oh-One advanced parallel and ahead of the convoy, waiting to slip before them and cut them off fully. All it would take from them would be to turn right and decloak, thus presenting their flank to the enemy. Normally, a terrible idea, for the Alma Oh-One, it simply meant a proper broadside, compared to the somewhat weaker all around weapons elsewhere on the ship. Messorem knew the capabilities of his own ship and his crew, so it was fascinating to watch his fellow pirates operate. Most were cloaked as well and moving rapidly, methodically, and circling ever closer, preparing to strike.

"Aye Ms. Gemini, we are ready." Turning his head, Messorem nodded to his Gunnery officer who promptly saluted before setting to work. Their guns were now live and hot, all he needed to do was press a button and the guns would emerge. Messorem spoke once more then, addressing all the present captains. "Strike hard and true, and we will stop their forward momentum. We await your strike."

As good as the Alma Oh-One and her crew was, they couldn't stop the convoy's momentum alone, so they would have to wait for them to panic. That meant the others had to strike, and only then could they intervene and halt them. Once that was done, they'd surround the fools and take it all for themselves. Grinning beneath his mask, Messorem leaned forward more, waiting for the perfect moment to strike, waiting for his fellow captains to make their moves.

 

[Aisha Garon]

Location: Edge of the system
Allies: Kraken Coalition
Ship: Blade of Varl, her Chelandion-class warship

Large, yellowish eyes stared out into the dark tapestry of stars. On the bridge of the ancient, yet remarkably hardy, Chelandion-class stood Lady Duleuga. The she-Hutt was dressed in her full regalia: Huttese battle armor, her blades, and especially her legs. She paced around some as eight, mechanical legs crept along the floor of her ship. Like the others, she had kept her ship cloaked from the target. As a veteran of several, petty wars on Nar Kanji, she knew how to play this game. Yet, her presence there was more out of convenience rather than necessity.

She was not truly affiliated with this band of cutthroats calling themselves "the Kraken Coalition". She merely knew how to use her kajidic's connections to listen in. When she heard of this prize, she made contact with the pirates and.....persuaded them in by offering the firepower of her command ship. The Blade outsized many of the ships this measly flotilla consisted of. Duleuga had decided to give a distractive role to the whole heist. The Blade would, when the chaos ensued, provide heavy fire as a cover for the pirate starfighters to swarm and do their part. All of this, for a slice of the reward to sell back to her fellow Hutts, or into her own stores. She had yet to decide.

As the Coalition inched closer to attack formation, she silently directed her subordinates to steer the ship into position. The lorda of House Vosadii skittered on her cyborg, arachnid legs to the comms at the helm of her ship, making sure she was on the same channel as the other Coalition allies.

"This is the Blade of Varl." Came her deep voice over the line, strangely in Basic, "We're in position. Ready to fire on your word."

 

[Kara Moonlighter]

Dropping out of Hyperspace in the Convoy Path

​

While the others had taken the more subtle route, she'd decided she'd be the bait. By interstellar law ships with a distress beacon were always checked out by neutral or lawful governments. Her mercenary Pirate crew were already in the tubes of the grav launchers as they exited space with a rip and flash. They were approximately 100 meters from the bow of the lead convoy vessel.

From the outside S.S. Redstar appeared to be rather large and voluminous cargo vessel. Kara had tweaked her engines to run dirty, simulating a malfunction. Meanwhile in space her distress beacon blared, loaded with a viral load if the enemy flagship locked onto it, Crew ran to and from about the bridge and they held their breath waiting.

The signal pinged again and again.

"All fighters are ready Cap'n. Shall we?"

She shook her head, drawing a circle around their position on the holomap.

"No wait till they engage us over comms. Once my virus hijacks their navigation we can blind them. Then we strike."

She turned to her comms officer. She could hear the other Captain calling out their positions.

"This is Captain Moonlighter from the S.S. Resdtar. I hear you all, and copy. Wait for them to engage over the net. The second they do S.S. Redstar will strike. We'll draw fire and swarm them with our fighters as a distraction so ya'll can do your thing"

 

[Spirit of the Kraken]

HOLLASTIN; 1 PARSEC FROM ORBIT
HOLLASTIN MERCHANT MARINE FLEET
REAR ADMIRAL ADRIAN CARLOCK


HNV Spear of Hollastin - Gurrcat 9600-series Heavy Frigate
100 | 100
Actions: Flying formation

HNV Reaper - Terrik Series Attack Frigate
100 | 100
Actions: Flying formation

HNV Vengeance - Terrik Series Attack Frigate
100 | 100
Actions: Flying formation

HNV Defiant - Terrik Series Attack Frigate
100 | 100
Actions: Flying formation

HNV Shield - Terrik Series Attack Frigate
100 | 100
Actions: Flying formation


He was in the mess hall lower deck. From his vantage at his table he could see the cooks preparing lunch as he stuffed his face with some cold cereal. The Admiral liked to eat light during the day, heavier in the evening. He'd only gotten his third bite before his commlink rang. He thumbed it and kept eating.

"Yes?"

"Sir we just had an unidentified freighter drop out of space right in our path. Reactor is leaking and it seems like they are blaring some sort of distress code."

He growled. It could be true, could be distress.

"Could also be Pirate bait. Put the vessels in formation, nothing happens till I make it up there."

"Aye sir."

When he did arrive to the bridge the weapons crews were standing bye, keying in the new freighter as a possible target. Major Talcot greeted him with a smart salute, and then rattled off the situation.

"We just came into contact no more than four mikes ago sir. Unsure of what to do. Do we approach?"

"Hollastin Naval law says we have to. Lets raise them first, but stay ready on the guns. Could be some kind of suicide ship filed with explosives or scrappers. Keep us center and align the escorts evenly on either side facing the threat. Guns start target lock sequence. Comms open me up a channel."

"Aye sir."

Static crackled and suddenly his screens went dark. Controls flashed various colors and red skulls flashed across every screen with some version of hardcore deathmetal he could only assume was from the lowest levels of Coruscant.

"Damn it. Turn off the speakers, what the hell is happening to our ship!"

"Sir, we're locked out of our systems."

"Can we signal the fleet?"

"Only by Ion cannon fire pattern."

"On alert, I sense an attack! Get the systems rebooted and back online! Signal the Escorts to close in and shield us!"

 

[Cass Gemini]

Location: edge of the system
Tags: Messorem Dolor Cordis Isidor Justeene M Mark Air Gami
Aisha Garon
Kara Moonlighter

Ship: The Midnight Kyber, 4x Sciss stealth fighters
Cass's personal Gear: Harlequin Sabers, Calypso's Thunder

Spoiler: Current actions

Cass Gemini - on Midnight Kyber

Midnight Kyber - on approach - cloaked

All fighters - launched - performing high speed flanking maneuver - fired proton torpedos at Shield while at full speed - cloaked

"Pass me that slab again" Cass shouted to her second, the accountant in her, the side of her that kept her rich had been crunch numbers and was concerned. As more and ever larger ships appeared, she was doubting the benefits of this risk. She hit some buttons bringing up her cost calculators. She was a small, heavily automated frigate, running at 90% of her complement and yet she had just under 300 crew on board. Looking at the holo, a couple of those ships were two or three times her size, the Chelandion alone would have a complement of two thousand. These were warships, not mere raiders.

280 crew at 1 cut a peice, an possibly an extra 150 cuts for hazard pay if there was combat boarding, 60 cuts between her 5 officers and then her own 50 cuts. That makes 540 cuts. She then worked out prospective gains, if they score a half million credits, which was a generous estimate, there were now six captains involved, thats 83 thousand credits each, reasonable expenses of 20% leaves 64 thousand profit per ship, so 125 credits per cut on her ship. Not a great score after all really, and she had no idea how it would go down on a ship if they had 6 times her crew to share their profits amongst.

"You captains pay your crews right?" Cass radioed the fleet, "with the kilometres of ship we have arriving on our side, the score isn't going to go far, half considering retrieving my fighters and scarpering" she laughed aloud on the comm so they knew she was joking. In truth though she was only half joking, that 1200 credits of proton torpedoes her fighters had fired would make a dent in her share already.

She continued to watch the movements unfold, unwilling to be the first to fully engage, not when there were bona-fide cruisers on her side.

​

 

[Dolor Cordis]

Location: Beside the Targeted Fleet at their most exposed side
Tags: Messorem Cass Gemini Isidor Justeene
M Mark Air Gami
Aisha Garon
Kara Moonlighter Spirit of the Kraken

With every word spoken by the other captains, Dolor waited till the main ship had failed just like Miss Moonlighter had said it would. "We shall begin with our attack now their systems have failed!" When her sensors scanned around and found her allies had launched torpedoes, she called to her ship's crew. "All hands! Get ready to open fire on my command!" Her voice boomed over every deck of the Frigate, its charred exterior turning to be side on to the fleet of disorientated ships. With every weapon ready, Dolor lent forwards, intent on the ships and their cargo, "FIRE!" She roared, tens of lasers from Laser Cannons and even Turbolasers fired at once in continuous unison. It was like a storm with beams of energy instead of rain. Any smaller ship would be instantly downed my the assault, but these ships would take more time. "Charge the Top Cannons!" Dolor shouted at her Lieutenants as they barked orders to the correct floors.

The two top mounted giant cannons turned to face the large main Frigate. "Fire at their engines!" Dolor yelled again, her face under the horned helmet grinning with excitement. With a sudden energy spike from them both lasting only seconds, two single gigantic, flashes of kinetic rounds fired directly at the ship. These kinds of weapons were mainly used for Orbital Strikes, so she was anticipating their damage in zero gravity without any to slow the shot. The two top Rail Guns began their recharge period as the two lower ones powered on. Dolor just showed off two of her four powerful weapons, with her fifth and foremost cannon still awaiting any functions. Her ship began to move closer to the fleet, it's cannons on all sides that could see the ships were none stop firing. Flak Guns, Laser Cannon Turrets and Turbo-laser Cannons hailed on the fleet, every 9 or 10 targeting a different ship to drastically reduce any level of coordination.

 

[Isidor Justeene]

Location: Edge of the system
Ship: Blood Lightning

• Star Fighter Squadron 1
• Star Fighter Squadron 2

Tags: Messorem Cass Gemini M Mark Air Gami Dolor Cordis Kara Moonlighter Aisha Garon Spirit of the Kraken

<"FIRE NOW!">

Just like that every weapon battery lit up in laser fire all aimed at the convoy and while this was going on blood lightning uncloaked. Seeing that it was in the right place to spring the ambush. Isidor barked further orders to prepare for boarding to help claim the loot that is onboard along with the other Captains.

Sharing the spoils is one of the major rules of their code. One he will uphold and restrain a greedy Corsair where necessary. He knew just how greedy Pirates can be because he was prone to bouts of complete and utter greediness himself. Which he chuckled to himself over the seer irony of it all.

::<“All squadrons attack formations now!”>:: Isidor barked to his Starfighter squadrons through a commlink. The fighters in question had been waiting in the shadows for this particular order and once they had it, the loose formations tightened into arrowheads before launching their own volleys into the enemy ships.

Once the Convoy was dealt with the Tractor Beams will be used to bring them closer for easy boarding, this is where the fun would begin because boarding a vessel is the best part of it all. That and the plunder waiting for them, ripe for the picking.

 

[Messorem]

Objective: Raid the convoy
Tags: Spirit of the Kraken | Cass Gemini | M Mark Air Gami | Isidor Justeene | Dolor Cordis | Aisha Garon
Ship: Alma Oh-One

​

Everything and everyone was ready, they were all in position, simply waiting for the call to attack. As Ms. Moonlighter and her ship emerged from hyperspace, evidently showing off some damage or another for pity from the convoy, they were contacted by said convoy. Clearly that was the signal, as the attack began then.

"You know the drill men, attack!"
And just like that, the Alma Oh-One joined in. Decloaking near Ms. Moonlighter and her no longer flailing ship, the Alma Oh-One spun right as it ran its guns out. Then they opened fire upon the convoy's lead ship, aiming for the tried and true method of halting the convoy by destroying or stopping the leader. Messorem was still leaning forward, calmly looking at the tactical display that showed everything happening thus far. It all brought a smile to his face. Turning right, he looked out the bridge's window at the spectacle that was there. A truly beautiful sight to behold.

With any luck, this would end once the convoy's leader realized they were outmatched, and they would surrender. However, there was some doubt from Ms. Gemini, though she did laugh it off as well. Chuckling back over open comms, Messorem decided to answer.
"No Ms. Gemini, this score won't go too far as is, I agree. We'll have to get creative on getting the rest then, ransom perhaps, or kindly ask the fools to donate a ship or two. I'm sure they'll say yes if it's their only option."

Laughing, Messorem stroked his weapons, a blade and blaster pistol. All around him was organized chaos as his crew continued firing, still fully aimed at the lead ship. They knew their jobs well, now all it'd take is a bit more of this, and then they'd call and ask the convoy to surrender. Perhaps they would, perhaps they wouldn't, time would tell.

 

[Spirit of the Kraken]

HOLLASTIN; 1 PARSEC FROM ORBIT
HOLLASTIN MERCHANT MARINE FLEET
REAR ADMIRAL ADRIAN CARLOCK


HNV Spear of Hollastin - Gurrcat 9600-series Heavy Frigate
80 |75
Actions: Firing on S.S. Redstar

HNV Reaper - Terrik Series Attack Frigate
0 | 100
Actions: Firing on nearest ship

HNV Vengeance - Terrik Series Attack Frigate
75 | 100
Actions: Firing on nearest ship


HNV Defiant - Terrik Series Attack Frigate
0 | 100
Actions: Firing on nearest ship


HNV Shield - Terrik Series Attack Frigate
75 | 100
Actions: Firing on nearest ship

"All hands battle stations!"

The Carrier had dropped out of space right in front of them. It was a bold move and the Admiral was certain they could dash her, until the swarm of 72 TIE Mining Guild fighters ripped forth. They were strange looking craft, missing center panels and painted gold. He knew they were modded aftermarket when cluster missiles rained down on the stern shields, rippling in waves like the ocean across their defenses.

"Sir, We've lost shields on the HNV Reaper, and Defiant!"

"Critical hit on the engine, rear shields down."

He knew there would be little tactical respite. Proton torpedoes impacted their flanks, blossoming into angry orange blobs of haze and death. The ship shook and he grabbed the railing.

"Oder our escorts to tack to starboard and provide broadsides to any enemy vessel in range. Guns, target the enemy carrier. All crews prepare for boarding. Seal off all hatchways that are non essential!"

They carried a compliment of 200 marines aboard the Spear. The other Terriks were much more vulnerable to attack with their smaller crew compliments.

"Can we run?"

"Engines are critical Sir, any speed past half will blow the reactor."

"Then we stand an fight. all guns fire at will!"

A massive fusillade was delivered from the Spear, raking into the trajectory of the enemy vessels arrayed around them. When you were surrounded it was good, it just meant you could fire in any direction. Meanwhile on the decks below the marines and crewmen gathered at the Armory to draw pistols and carbines. Every squad loaded up with a scattergun as well, just in case.

"Sustain fire, cripple the carrier! Point defenses, fire chaff to intercept fighters!"

Their sides erupted in deadly meal shrapnel, making dangerous clouds of razor sharp debris for the pilots to contend with. Meanwhile point defense laser cannons homed and tracked interceptors and TIE's alike, spitting a cacophony of green death and destruction into their formations...

 

[Cass Gemini]

Location: edge of the system
Tags: Messorem Dolor Cordis Isidor Justeene M Mark Air Gami
Aisha Garon
Kara Moonlighter

Ship: The Midnight Kyber, 4x Sciss stealth fighters
Cass's personal Gear: Harlequin Sabers, Calypso's Thunder

Spoiler: Current actions

Cass Gemini - on Midnight Kyber

Midnight Kyber - on approach - cloaked - fired 2 discord missiles at Shield

All fighters - fired disruptor torpedoes at Shield - moving toward frigate themselves to attempt boarding.

Perfect, thought Cass as she detected the shields of the Shield shut down. "Get the fighters to switch to disruptor torpedoes, that should hopefully take out most of their loint defense and sensor in that flank."

There was a brief blip on the holo as the fast fighters followed their orders, then they were gone, still running their engines in full. Cass added to the barrage by firing a pair of Discord Missiles into the path of the oncoming frigate from her own ship. They would momentarily give away her position, but with them now engaged they may not even notice, and would certainly not get a firing solution.

The missiles would shower buzz droids al over the already punished flank if the frigate.

..aboard one of the fighters..

The Amonid, Dryshan was impatient, he never realised when taking this job that his first combat insertion command would be spent hiding inside cloaked fighters. He gingerly felt the explosives around his belt and went over the plan again.

"We get aboard their ship, we blow the cargo bays, we get out and the Captain scoops up the loot. Oh, and we kill every marine that tries to stop us." He reved his chain axe to add emphasis. Since leaving the Maw he had not seen combat. By the darkness he had the thirst for some blood today.

A buzz came through from the pilot, they had launched more ordnance and after the disruptors hit, that would be their signal to infiltrate.

"Get ready, not long now" the fighter lurched, its compensators barely managing to balance the incredible turning speed of the small ship. They were now making a bee line toward the enemy vessel.

​

 

[Isidor Justeene]

Location: Edge of the system
Ship: Blood Lightning

• Star Fighter Squadron 1
• Star Fighter Squadron 2

Tags: Messorem Cass Gemini M Mark Air Gami Dolor Cordis Kara Moonlighter Aisha Garon Spirit of the Kraken

Ah, the shields are down, perfect. As soon as they were able to get in range, they'll be sure to board the vessels to relieve the occupants of their valuables but first, they need to disable most of the weapons of the Shield. A Warhead should do the trick, but not a high yield one as it would scrag the loot.

However, Isidor’s attention was suddenly redirected to the fact that they lost some of their fighters to Chaff, which is infuriating but part of battle engagements. Isidor knew this fact all too well. He would morn the losses later, now is not the time.

<“Launch the low yield Warhead and aim it at the Shield’s aft!”> Isidor ordered as he left his spot on deck and headed towards the armaments because he can’t instruct on high. Besides the Comms signal was doing a major fade up there anyway.

<“Evade the Chaff, concentrate your fire on the Shield.”> He barked into the Starfighter Comm channel, pleased that the signal was clearer.

As soon as the signal to start boarding is given, he and his Corsairs will board the Convoy vessels and start the plunder, capturing live prisoners is often a bonus too. But killing is also fun and necessary too.

 

[Messorem]

Objective: Raid the convoy
Tags: Spirit of the Kraken | Cass Gemini | M Mark Air Gami | Isidor Justeene | Dolor Cordis | Aisha Garon
Ship: Alma Oh-One

They fired and fired upon the convoy, who promptly fired back at the pirates. It made Messorem's heart beat with excitement, with the thrill of the hunt and of battle. Watching with baited breath, he grinned in approval at the shields breaking of one of the frigates. Then anothers shields broke and they moved in. The Defiant and Reaper's shields were both down, while the rest of the convoy's shields were heavily hit. However, Ms. Gemini and Mr. Justeene continued to batter the Shield, bringing it down ever further.

Eye alight with glee, Messorem barely noticed his ship rocking under the return fire, nor the fact that the shields had taken such a brutal punishment. Instead he was focused on the Reaper at the front of the convoy.
"Is the raiding party ready? ... Excellent, tell them they'll be attacking soon. Helm, bring us closer to the Reaper. That'll be our quarry."

Fire continued to pour out of the Alma, even as the shields continued to hold steady under the enemy fire. It was all coming together, and any second they'd begin their own raid. They'd steal their own loot and dispense it later. Eye widened with glee, Messorem watched the tactical display watching and waiting.
"NOW!"

The Alma Oh-One suddenly lurched, all but leaping closer to the Reaper. At the same time, tubes shot out and would disgord a small horde of cheap droids followed by pirate raiders. They had targeted the area where the cargo most likely was and came equipped with some light shields and blasters, focused more on stealing the loot and running. And from the bridge, Messorem simply watched it all with baited breath.