The Misadventures of Kolab: Moff to a Bad Start [Republic Remnant/The Sovereignty]

[Kolab Shansaash]

[SIZE=12pt]Exiting Hyperspace Outside Eadu[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=12pt]Onboard Amathia-Class Corvette Puddlejumper[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=12pt]Mission: Republic Remnant Diplomatic Delegation to The Sovereignty on Eadu[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=12pt]Escort the dignitaries on their visit to the capital of The Sovereignty. It wasn’t the sort of glorious mission that would lead to a war story to be boasted about but it was something deemed to be essential to the Republic. That was enough to silence any open griping about such an assignment from the Barabel soldier. Today it was keeping overwatch on those who were practiced in the art of diplomacy. Which was a fancy way of saying they were here to give it their best shot at making strides to good relations with a growing power in close proximity to the Republic. Such a friendship wasn’t something to be sneered at either. It was always better to get on the good side of your neighbors, even your interstellar neighbors. Never know when you’d be needing to borrow a cup of sugar. Or...join them in a military operation that would expand the interests of both parties. It was easier to bake a cake or launch a military operation with your neighbor’s help. That was the bottom line. So while the diplomats talked and talked, Kolab as well as the rest of those given this assignment would busy themselves with ensuring none of their people ended up blasted, thrown out an airlock or possibly eaten by some exotic Eadu animal. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]So far the journey had been quiet. That was never something to be sneered at either. Being a ground pounder as he was made him about as useful as a datapad with a dead battery in an emergency that occured in wild space. Mechanical failure? He’d be left standing there without a snowball’s chance on Mustafar in doing anything to assist. Coming under fire from an enemy ship? Well, he could watch from the viewport as both ships broadsided each other over the expanse of space between them. That was about it. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]A voice over the loudspeaker of the Puddlejumper warned all those onboard that the drop from hyperspace was about to occur, along with a helpful countdown from ten to accompany it. This meant to brace for that inevitable jolt that accompanied such a transition in speeds. Bracing himself, he felt only that familiar lurch in the stomach that told him the transition had been made smoothly. A sign that he ought to look lively and gear up. If everything went well they’d be planetside before dinner. That was if everything went well, of course. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]What this soldier didn’t know was that an Imperial II-class Star Destroyer dropped out of hyperspace mere moments behind them, followed by a trio of Carracks that flanked the Destroyer in a formation, if Kolab had known the slightest thing about naval warfare, was one prepared to intercept their Corvette from behind with the intent to destroy. Yet they hadn’t fired upon the Republic. The only one who would truly know why this delay existed was Grand Moff Wilman Tarkin, who commanded from the bridge of the Destroyer itself. [/SIZE]

 

[Ever Dawnracer]

Ever had decided to go on this particular mission, just because of the proximity of the Sovereignty to their location. If these guys were overly hostile, she wanted to know about it. Considering she knew nothing about them, and hadn't encountered them while she was searching for the Republic, she didn't have much to go on. Her father was off on some mission to meet with a group called the Metal Lords, or something, which meant that there wasn't anyone, really, besides her that could represent the interests of Nadiem on this mission. So really, she didn't have much choice but to go. Which was alright because she didn't have any pressing missions to go on at the moment. It wasn't like the Republic was at war or something.

The trip had been largely quiet. She'd sat in one of the ready rooms, her feet perched up on the table in front of her, allowing her to look out the viewport. She was calmly twiddling her fingers when the announcement came that they would be reverting. Finally, she thought to herself as she lowered her feet from the table. It wasn't that long of a trip between Nadiem and Eadu, but it was long enough when you were stuck on a ship nammed Puddlejumper with a bunch of stiff necks. At least Kolab was onboard, though she hadn't quite figured out where it was that he was hiding before giving up and settling in to wait.

When they reverted, she stood, still looking outside, and blinked when a Star Destroyer and three other ships exited hyperspace right behind them.

"Oh. Well, that's not good."

She took off at a run, sliding into her quarters to grab her helmet and staff. Once she had them, she ran for the bridge. They weren't being fired upon yet, which was odd, but she wasn't going to complain. It made it easier for her to reach the bridge without the ship getting slammed to pieces. These diplomatic vessels were nice, but they weren't built to take on a Star Destroyer and its support ships, nevermind the inevitable assault from fighter craft that they would be under. They needed to hail the Sovereignty immediately, or get down to the planet. Or both. Sitting around in space was just going to get them killed in the worst way imaginable. She shivered at the thought of getting spaced, beads of sweat forming on her brow. No, she did not like that idea.

[member="Kolab Shansaash"]​

 

[Mark Crassis]

Mark Crassis's eyes popped open as the familiar lurch of a ship exiting hyperspace pulled him from his dreams and the flood of memories that had been raging through his mind. Mark would have called them nightmares....but they were experiences from his past he'd actually just wish were dreams. Pulling himself into a sitting position in his room, his head spun for a moment. One too many Menkooro Whiskey's last night left his head throbbing and his stomach churning.

Mark usually did not get drunk, it was too dangerous and left one exposed. But the soldiers he had met in the Cantina were so very talkative and had given him dirty looks when he started to slow his drinking. It had all served a purpose. Yes, it had been risky and ended in his currently unhappy state, yet it got him information that he may be able to use one day. That was typically Mark's objective in all things....to gather as much information as possible.

Turning and grabbing his cane Mark leaned on it heavily to rise to his feet. Mark had started his career in the military, serving in the fleet until a disastrous battle against the One Sith saw his ship destroyed and leg left in such a pitiable state that he would never walk without a cane again. Mark did not regret it, as this had lead to his illustrious career in the intelligence community. Still, it would be nice to rise one morning unaided and not in pain.

A few moments later, after putting himself back together and appearing seemingly normal, Mark stepped into the hall to see soldiers rushing past. One of the soldiers Mark recognized from the night before, and he extended his cane, stopping the man in his tracks. For a moment the soldier looked annoyed and then he recognized him from the previous night.

"Senator," He coming to attention.

"What is happening?" Mark asked.

"Enemy ships have dropped out of hyperspace." The solider said and Mark dropped his cane so the man could continue running. Mark followed him, at a brisk limp.

​

[member="Ever Dawnracer"] | [member="Kolab Shansaash"]​

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Armour​

Location: Eadu System, Obtruder-Class​

​

​

Varik waited patiently in one of the rooms of the Medium Cruiser, tapping his finger on his other arm as he kept both arms crossed. He found that he was antsy; there had been an awful lot of diplomatic visits lately, and very little else. He would have to get used to that, but he was still someone with a mind honed for conflict, to outthink and outdo an enemy whenever he could. So diplomacy wasn't exactly his forte, but he would have to try.

The Obtruder-Class cruiser drifted in space, waiting to meet the Republic Remnant ships that were coming into the system. Other military forces waited in the wings to act as escorts or in case of an emergency, though Varik had doubts that anything would happen - unfortunately, the back of his mind told him.

At least, that was until the alarms started going off across the ship. Varik moved out at a hurried pace, pushing past crewmen and marines until he finally reached the bridge, the Captain turning towards him in a hurry with his hand raised in a calming manner. "Your Grace, I can assure you that-" Varik stared out the viewport, glancing to him. "That there is a Star Destroyer out there. Get someone to ready my ship."

The Captain sighed as the Sovereign stormed from the bridge and in the direction of the hangars, deciding he was going to personally get involved; if he didn't get involved with aiding his allies, he could not expect the same from them. True, this was originally a diplomatic envoy, but things had changed. No doubt, reinforcements would be here soon.

[member="Kolab Shansaash"] | [member="Ever Dawnracer"] | [member="Mark Crassis"] | [member="Zedd Harkor"] | [member="Aeric Saigo"] | [member="Cynan Hague"] | [member="Cassus Stoma"] | [member="Nilia Saavilin"]

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

Eadu System, Obtruder-Class (Medium Cruiser), Passenger Quarters, Undetermined Time | Unstoppable

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Senator Saavilin had been expecting something, but not that.

When the Sovereign Senate had been informed that a diplomatic meeting between their government and representatives of the Republic Remnant (Truthfully, Nilia had never heard of them -- She'd made her assistant chase down every scrap of info for her to look over prior to leaving Eadu) was to occur, they had concurred that one of their own must attend. It was practically demanded. What Nilia did not expect was herself to be among the chosen diplomats to go and meet these new, potential allies. It was nervewracking and thrilling, to be deemed worthy by her peers for such an important task, and she'd accepted with a confident smile. How hard could it be?

Now she could see why nobody was very interested in volunteering, and why she had been sent with the High Sovereign alone.

With wide eyes she watched the Star Destroyer effortlessly glide out of hyperspace, cutting a sinister figure in the empty space as it lumbered after the Remnant ships, like a great monster. A brewing flood of panic inside was swiftly replaced with rational thoughts; this was their system, their turf. Their power was consolidated here. Once these vagabonds were routed, talks would continue as normal, and it would all be alright. But there was something, some negative concern chittering in her overactive brain, that brought up an interesting point; those don't look like just some big-shot rogues looking to interrupt their parlay.

---

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Spoiler: Interacting With

Nobody yet

 

[Zef Halo]

ABOARD THE IMPERIOUS
EADU SYSTEM

"Sir, the Republic delegation has re-" Sensors officer began but halted abruptly.

"Officer?" Saigo's eyebrow arched.

"Unidentified Imperial Star Destroyer flanked by three Carrack-class light cruiser just reserved after the Republic, Sir. They have a pursuit course after the delegation." The officer tried concealing the arising panic in his voice. He was a recruit. Saigo understood him. For now.

"Helmsman, plot a course towards the Republic delegation's upcoming ships. Make sure you halt where the hostile Star Destroyer's firing range begins. Commander, keep our shields down for now. Comms, contact the Sovereign and Lord Admiral [member="Zedd Harkor"] regarding this situation. Let them know that a sole star destroyer will have no chance against that the hostile's composition."

Saigo perfectly knew the Imperial Star Destroyers and the Carrack cruisers. On these ships he built his career, on these ships he learned the ropes of naval warfare.

"Get me their transponder ident-" The captain began but stopped as the holographic feed of the identification of the Imperial Star Destroyer surprised him. On his usually stoic face, features of grim disbelief now clearly showed.

This was the ship of his eldest cousin from his mother's side - Wilman Tarkin.

Aeric had no knowledge of the man's demise or any changes to his career that would send him away from his flagship.

"Comms, open a line to the interloping Imperial Star Destroyer. Let them know Captain Aeric Saigo would like to speak to Moff Tarkin."

[member="Nilia Saavilin"] [member="Varik Ice"] [member="Mark Crassis"] [member="Ever Dawnracer"] [member="Kolab Shansaash"]​

 

[Kolab Shansaash]

Onboard the Puddlejumper, Hallway to Armory from Crew Quarters​

It was only when the alarms to call all on board to action stations that Kolab even knew anything was amiss. In the blink of an eye everything went from the doldrums of a diplomatic mission to every soldier and civilian on board springing up from where they lounged and rushing to their designated stations. Soldiers and marines aboard were to make their way as swiftly as possible to the armory to arm up and prepare for the possibility of boarding. The civilians...well, he wasn’t exactly sure where they would end up in this whole mess. Civilians were just one step below a ground pounder like himself in terms of usefulness in the event of an enemy ship appearing on the scanners. His usefulness only extended to the maximum range of a blaster. Not the great expanse of space between two ships, where he may as well have been carrying a child’s BB Gun firing upon reinforced durasteel plates.

Following the press of marines, which numbered about twenty as he reckoned, they reached the armory of the Puddlejumper. It was about as barren as one could expect for a ship that was created to carry diplomats to and from short range endeavors within the system. The selection was between a locker of blaster pistols, another of satchels filled with power cells for said blasters and...scatter guns. When it came to defensive options for the marines onboard there were at least riot shields, tarnished from being handed down from previous owners, but the metallic plates on them should hold true. Against small arms fire at the very least they would hold out. But, exactly -who- was this enemy coming upon them? With the fog of battle already setting in, there was only one cure. Get patched into the comm traffic on the emergency channel of the Puddlejumper. That was step two for a soldier, after retrieving their gear. Get your head on straight and figure out where best to be deployed.

Claiming one of the riot shields along with a scatter gun which was jammed into holster on the interior of the shield, Kolab snagged one of the comm devices hooked on the wall where they sat charging. True, it would’ve been more beneficial to have a helmet with such a device built in. But rarely did a one-size-fits-all helmet, which were primarily made for humanoids and other fleshy species, fit a Reptilian like himself. The woes of being a scaly boy. Yet there was no time for bellyaching! Battle was at hand! Hamfisting that comm headset onto his noggin, Kolab tapped the side to sift through the channels until it reached the one with the most noise coming through. Must’ve been the right one.

“Armed and ready! Where do you need soldiers deployed?”

This was a general question placed over the Puddlejumper’s comm network. Though truthfully he hoped to hear the voice of Ever Dawnracer or even that elderly senator he’d spotted onboard earlier.

ATTN: [member="Ever Dawnracer"] [member="Mark Crassis"]

Onboard Imperial Mark-II Star Destroyer, Command Bridge, ​

Grand Moff Wilman Tarkin​

“Deploy the fighters! That Republic ship’s engines are to be destroyed immediately! Do as I command!” Came the nasally voice of Grand Moff Wilman Tarkin to the second in command of the Star Destroyer. The dark circles under the man’s eyes paired with his exhausted voice made it clear that this XO of the Destroyer was not new to the command of the Grand Moff as he relayed the order to the comms officer, who subsequently sent the command throughout the ship to see that the fighters were to be sent on their attack run, one that was bound to target the engines of the Puddlejumper. If the ship was to be captured this would be the first phase of their assault plan. This was the reasoning as to why the Destroyer had not simply opened fire with their array of turbolasers the moment hyperspace was left and their opponent had been sighted.

“Sir! There are multiple ships beyond the Puddlejumper! Unable to confirm who they are, but they appear able to engage us!” Came the voice of the radar operator in the command bay of the Star Destroyer’s bridge. The response to this was a sharp, angered wave of the hand through the air by the Grand Moff as he surveyed the scene from the main viewport of the bridge.

“That is obvious! Use our Carracks to obstruct them! I want that Republic ship! Now!”

With this new set of commands given, the trio of Carracks accelerated with shields raised, placing themselves in the no man’s land between the Puddlejumper and the Sovereignty ships. They were to be used as nothing more than physical barriers as the fighters closed in for their first attack wave, a dozen TIEs spraying the engines of the Puddlejumper in groups of four.

“Sir! There is a hail coming from one of the ships! It registers as...Captain Aeric Saigo. Should we put it through?”

The Grand Moff’s frown only grew at this news, followed by another nasally snarl. “Ohh hail no! Ignore it! We press the attack! We will show these fools the might of the -true- Empire!”

It was true that the Grand Moff was as zealous as they came to the old Imperial doctrine. Yet, such a response earned him a sidelong glance from the XO of the Destroyer. He certainly was...erratic. To put it lightly.

ATTN: [member="Aeric Saigo"] [member="Nilia Saavilin"] [member="Varik Ice"]

 

[Ever Dawnracer]

The ship rocked as the first blast from a TIE Fighter hit them. One shot wasn't going to be enough to overload their shields, but Imperial Star Destroyer's carried more than a single starfighter. As expected, their engine area was soon being overwhelmed with blaster fire. She didn't even make it to the bridge before an explosion resounded somewhere in the aft of the ship and sent her careening into the bulkhead. She slid to the floor, a line of blood running down her scalp and her hair laying all over her face. She was seeing double for a short time, too. Eventually she got herself together enough to put her helmet on and stand once more, but it was on shaky feet at best. The ship wasn't helping, rocking back and forth as its guns opened up on the enemy.

She heard a call on the comms from Kolab, and staggered towards the nearest panel. It took a moment to figure out what she was looking at, but eventually she found the right button.

"Kolab it's Ever. Have them station at the dorsal airlock. That's how they'll come in if they get us," she said before releasing the button.

Up ahead, she spotted the senator they were transporting questioning one of the soldiers. After he left the man to go, he had started to follow, which was taking him towards where Ever was. She waited until she didn't have to yell before speaking.

"Senator I think you should head to the bridge to help with comms lines. We need to ask the Sovereignty for help. We'll handle boarders if they come."

​

[member="Kolab"] Shansaas h[member="Mark Crassis"] [member="Varik Ice"] [member="Nilia Saavilin"] [member="Aeric Saigo"]​

 

[Mark Crassis]

Crassis felt the rumble of the ship's shields taking on fire as they were being attacked. It was in no way an attack by the Star Destroyers, it would have register more....which meant the capital ships still hadn't engaged. Some might consider this a relief....but the calculating mind of the older man he found it more curious than comforting. Why weren't the capital ships attacking? Clearly, if they were not attacking with the capital ships than it was likely it would be a hit in run operation to disable the ship and board.....but why? What could they possible hope to gain by capturing the ship.

While Crassis pondered this thought, he heard someone speaking to him and looked up to see a soldier standing before him. A quick glance over her attire and gear told him she wasn't a common soldier....one of the Rangers perhaps?

"Of course," Crassis said, "and try not to get killed." He called over his shoulder as he pushed on toward the bridge. Crassis slipped into a chair in front of a comm panel and immediately went to work.

"This is Senator Mark Crassis onboard the Puddlejumper," Mark said into the comm piece, "hailing all Sovereign ships. We are under attack and in need of assistance. Can you lend aid?"

Crassis cut the message and sat back and awaited a reply and glanced at the tactical display to his side. He hoped the Sovereign were indeed interested in an alliance of some sort....because right now, they needed their help!

[member="Ever Dawnracer"] | [member="Kolab Shansaash"] | [member="Aeric Saigo"] | [member="Nilia Saavilin"] | [member="Varik Ice"]​

 

[Thaaros Klopp]

In Thaaros’s opinion it had always been rather awkward to be a higher-ranking Officer on someone else’s ship. Though of course, in his case, it should not have been. Captain Thaaros Klopp had rarely been in direct command and he had never really wanted to be. The limelight had never really suited him. For most of the journey Thaaros had tried to stay off the bridge and out of the commanding Officer’s way. The man in charge of the Puddlejumper was a young and relatively newly promoted Commander, the powers that be had decided that a Diplomatic Delegation would be uneventful enough to allow an inexperienced Commander to get to know the job. Unfortunately, things had already ceased to be ‘uneventful’.

Thaaros had been sent with the Delegation because it had been decided that there needed to be some sort of Naval representative present. The truly senior members of the Remnant’s Naval Command had either decided they had more important things to do or just did not want to go; so, they sent Captain Klopp instead. He was sat in his quarters reading through some incredibly tedious files when he began to here increasing commotion outside of his room.

He got up and stuck his head outside the door, “You there, Ensign. What is going on?”

“Star Destroyer…” The young woman huffed and continued her run through the corridor.

Thaaros closed his eyes, rubbed his temples and sighed heavily before heading towards the bridge at a brisk pace. As he made his way through the ship, the all to familiar sound of an explosion rang out before a great a shudder through Thaaros against the nearest wall. They had been hit. However, it could not have been from the Star Destroyer, he knew a ship of that size could vaporize them with little difficulty. He quickly adjusted his uniform and continued on to the bridge, now running.

As he stepped on to the bridge, he could tell that things were not looking optimistic. The room felt tense and uneasy. “Situation, Commander?” He asked calmly.

Without turning to look at Thaaros the Commander replied, “Three Carracks have moved ahead and intercepted our path. The Star Destroyer is hanging back but our engines have been taken out by their Starfighters.”

“Well then, that’s good news.” Thaaros spoke in a relieved tone.

“What?” The Commander now turned his head and sounded slightly exasperated.

“If they simply wanted us dead they would of have been able to do that by know. I assume they are going to board. Giving us a fighting chance but more importantly giving us a bit of time.” He ended his sentence with a nod of the head, in an attempt at reassurance. “Have we been able to contact those we were meant to meet?”

“We are doing so now.” Came the firm response.

Thaaros found himself an unoccupied seat and began to rub his chin, “I suppose the real question is what do they want? Is there something or someone aboard this ship? Have we been double crossed? Or are we being used as bait for a bigger fish?”

“That hardly matters now. Ensign, status report on the engines.” The Commander turned away and continued his work.

‘Know thy enemy’ Thought Thaaros as he sat back in his seat, pondering what to do next.

 

[Cynan Hague]

Thundering polymer rung through echoing halls in a cacophony of rhythm. The Obtruder-Class SNV Bayonet sat staring down a strange and hostile fleet as alarm bells rang and fighters launched. A stalwart team of increasingly battle-hardened AECO gallops towards the nearest airlock, with a strangely unique mindset of undoubtedly suicidal nature. Each lugging upon their backs a strange burden in the form of an EVA thrust-pack, shining in stark contrast to the black and gold armoring of the soldiers. Rank and file their charge comes to a crescendo organizing defiantly in the face of oncoming oblivion. The distinct sounds of vacuum seals form a strange drumroll as they check their comrade's equipment. In an instant, once all were ready and braced, the valiant few so boldly exposed themselves to the gripping void of space, their once burdens now their only saving grace.

The goal was simple, gunships wouldn't do, they're outgunned and to the same regard no two vessels could possibly come as close as to intersect, yet few point defense systems are aligned as to so target free-floating bodies, for fear of eviscerating one's own manpower. This was a singular and defining hole in the enemies defense, one the AECOs would soon drive a knife into. The group maneuvers steadily past obstacles, though are forced to veer dangerously close to a friendly fighter wing, the thrust of one singing Ze's leg.

Blasterfire whizzes past, their mission was of course, suicidal by description, still, it was enough to cause some general uneasiness as for their target - a hostile carrack - grew closer. The vessels were small enough to be taken by a single team but large enough to be a suitable thorn in the side of any would-be attacker, the perfect vessel to turn on the enemy - black and gold di, after all, look good on anything. What felt like hours, yet in truth lasted only minutes came to a sudden end.

The victorious sound of electromagnets echoes into the corridors below.
Runali removes a single plasma-torch from her belt.
Hague offers only a nod of affirmation.

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Armour​

Location: Eadu System, S-Wing​

​

​

Climbing up into the cockpit of an S-Wing, Varik tapped on controls to put the vessel into a state that it was ready to fly. The transparisteel viewport closed over him as he checked status and began to lift up. Flying out from the Cruiser's hangar, Varik only had moments to glance and see an AECO team actually launching themselves out of the vessel and into the cold depths of space, hoping to capture an Imperial Ship. If they survived, he'd have to consider medals.

As his wing approached the diplomatic vessel, Varik spoke into the communicator. "All wings, keep the TIE fighters off them. White Leader, you disrupt one of those Carracks." As he continued to flick controls, the Sovereign changed his communication channel - to respond to the Republican calls for aid. "This is the High Sovereign, your aid is here." If they were watching scanners, perhaps it would've given away that he was in a regular fighter now zipping past them, and not sitting on the bridge of a cruiser, watching from afar.

Hurling himself into the crowd of TIEs, Varik's lasers immediately took out two of the prospective attackers. Getting two on his tail, he rocketed towards the Star Destroyer, avoiding the TIE's "chin lasers" as he did it. Rushing past the point-defenses, one of which actually destroyed one of his pursuers in a misfire, he went under and then up around the ship, slipping around the bridge tower and no doubt in full view of whoever was captaining it. The TIE fighter came up from underneath, leaving the pilot confused when he couldn't see his target.

Varik did his full loop around the bridge tower, coming up to the side of his adversary and firing laser cannons repeatedly into the side of its right panel, sending it careening down, scraping across the bottom of the bridge tower and exploding into pieces on the Star Destroyer's hull.

[member="Kolab Shansaash"] | [member="Ever Dawnracer"] | [member="Mark Crassis"] | [member="Nilia Saavilin"] | [member="Aeric Saigo"] | [member="Thaaros Klopp"] | [member="Cynan Hague"]

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

Eadu System, Obtruder-Class (Medium Cruiser), Bridge, Undetermined Time | Unstoppable

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Slowly, the Senator rose to her feet and left her quarters aboard the cruiser and began to walk. There was no need to run, she wasn't in immediate distress or panic. It was a curiosity to know more, and the lead in her stomach, that propelled Nilia towards the bridge. Her title granted her enough leeway and the officer on deck graciously allowed her on deck. Standing in front of the viewport of transparisteel, she watched as fighters streaked through space, TIEs and Sovereignty vessels dancing in front of her. She caught a brief sight of what she thought could be the High Sovereign's ship, sending another crashing down to the Star Destroyer's hull. It was an impressive move, and Nilia simply watched the battlefield unfold before her with wide eyes.

And, she hoped silently, that there'd be enough of a Remnant left to talk with by the end of it all.

---

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Spoiler: Interacting With

Watching [member="Varik Ice"] and his mad flying skills, yo

 

[Kolab Shansaash]

Onboard Mark-II Star Destroyer​

Grand Moff Wilman Tarkin​

This battle wasn’t going well at all for the Grand Moff. The first step of the plan had gone off without a hitch of course. Ambush the Republic’s diplomatic vessel and ensure that the engines had been disabled. By the sight of the Puddlejumper drifting idly through space with flames flickering from the heavily damaged ion engines, their usual red hues having gone dark to prove to all in the conflict that the ship was indeed disabled. What had not been expected was the swift response that these would be Republic allies had given. The Grand Moff should have expected for the Sovereignty to have had their fleet on standby in orbit of Eadu, ready to receive the Republic Remnant’s delegation for the talks. A fatal misjudgement in terms of the Sovereignty's readiness for war had been made. This mistake had thrown a wrench into the ambush.

This fact was hammered home by the sight of a lone starfighter zipping around the bridge, the Grand Moff and XO of the ship only catching the briefest glimpses of the small ship before it disappeared out of view with TIE fighters in pursuit. The futility of this effort was heard, and felt, at the impact of the latest disabled TIE that plummeted into the bottom of the bridge tower, which sent the personnel in the command bay jolting about, the Grand Moff himself forced to grab hold of the panel near the main viewport lest he tumble down. The shields had taken the brunt of the crashed TIE, but by the blaring sound of the alarm that was heard it revealed that the hull had sustained damage. “The next fighter to crash into -MY- ship will get a fresh one upside the head!” The Grand Moff raised his hand in a gesture prepared to backhand this poor, would be TIE pilot. Even though they’d be nothing more than space dust after they, you know. Crashed in a flaming wreck.

“Order all turbolasers to take down that pilot! Deploy additional TIEs! DO SOMETHING!”

The Grand Moff’s orders were carried out, as the turbolasers redirected themselves to take aim at the sighter buzzing around the Destroyer. Another squad of TIE fighters roared out of the hanger of the Destroyer as well, the six ships making a beeline toward the starfighter of Varik Ice.

[member="Varik Ice"]​

Imperial Carrack Under Attack by Sovereignty Boarding Party ​

Suicidal was exactly what the command crew of the Carrack that Cynan Hague and his squad drifted towards. Certainly there was no chance that they would manage to make their way onto the hull of the ship through the storm of laser fire that was aimed at them from the Carrack’s weapon systems. Yet...after each barrage the sight of the squad only grew closer and closer. Something that certainly did not bode well for the ship, nor it’s crew. The ship was equipped with powerful shields and a thick hull to disrupt incoming attacks that would be aimed for the Destroyer. The vulnerability that existed was what damage could be done by a small squad seeking to board the ship through unorthodox means.

The hull of the Carrack proved to be nothing more than a temporary obstacle for the Sovereignty boarding party as the plasma torch cut through the layers of metal like it were the blast door of a bulkhead, tough but in the end breachable. This left the small crew onboard the Carrack forced to abandon this breached corridor lest suffer the vacuum of space. The ship’s own alarms begun to sound as the bulkheads at either end of the corridor sealed themselves with a hiss. If the hull had been any indication as to how the plasma torch, or even blaster fire would do to resist them, this battle was already lost.

[member="Cynan Hague"] ​

Onboard the Puddlejumper​

Kolab nodded after Ever’s directive was given and passed a glance around to the other eleven marines aboard the distressed ship, ensuring that they had heard the command as well or at the very least were equipped and ready to roll out. “Don’t you worry, commander. They won’t get two steps inside this ship-”

The impact of the TIE fighter’s blasters disabling the engines sent the Barabel careening down to the deck of the ship, his fall being broken by the riot shield that he’d managed to hold onto. Fall being broken in this case was his shoulder smacking straight into the rim of the metallic plate, the rounded edge saving him from a puncture wound. Even with the durable scales that covered his body, it -hurt-. Scrambling back to his feet, mildly disoriented, he rushed outside of the armory with a hiss of anger followed by his brothers and sisters in arms. That was, until a handful of them took off in the direction opposite of himself and the other Marines.

They were going the wrong way! Or...was he going the wrong way? Exactly which was was it through the Puddlejumper was the dorsal airlock? Truth be told he wasn’t so certain that he and his merry band of armed border repellers were indeed in the right in this situation. But, doubts be damned, he bellowed down the hall after the second group of marines. “Stop! Where are you going? That is not the way! Wait! Let me show you the way!”

But it was far too late for them to hear him as the door they passed through closed with a hiss. Welp. No use crying over spilt milk. Raising the riot shield from the deck, Kolab gestured sharply with a nod of the head off towards the direction the second party of marines went and took off after them. This action in the end spared him the wasted time of becoming lost, a mistake that would only have played into the advantage of their attackers.

The dorsal airlock was reached shortly, thanks to the relative small size of the Puddlejumper. This gave Kolab and his comrades plenty of time to set up in a defensive formation around the airlock in preparation for breaching. A shield wall was made ten feet from the blast door of the airlock itself in an effort to give their would be assailants as little space to claim upon breach, with those not carrying shields setting up behind the defensive position with clear lines of fire at the door.

[member="Ever Dawnracer"] [member="Mark Crassis"] [member="Thaaros Klopp"]

Onboard Mark-II Star Destroyer​

Grand Moff Wilman Tarkin​

“Lock onto that Republic ship and bring it in with the tractor beam! We can not let them escape! We need access to their central command computer!”

The Destroyer managed to achieve this with success, so far. The free floating Puddlejumper was slowly and steadily drawn closer and closer to the underside of the Imperial ship to give their first wave of the boarding party the ability to crack that ship’s airlock open like an egg and get access to that central computer. That was the overall objective of the Grand Moff after all. They wanted to know everything possible about this Republic Remnant. Base locations, the strength of their navy, their army, and especially the locations of the Chancellor and senators.

 

[Thaaros Klopp]

On the bridge of the Puddlejumper​

“Sovereignty forces have engaged the Imperial Starfighters and are holding them at bay.” Reported a frantic communication officer.

“Very good. Have the marines mobilized yet?” The young Commander was attempting to make their defensive forces sound slightly grander than they were. He was hoping that what they lacked in numbers they would make up for in skill.

“Sir, the marines are deployed and have setup defensive positions around the airlock.”

“Very good. Where is my report from the engineers? We can’t just sit here floating for much longer.” He was trying to remain calm and appear as though he knew what he was doing. Though he knew the truth was that he was just following protocol, he had no idea how they were going to get out of this.

“They are still assessing the full extent of the damage. . . but it doesn’t look good. . .” The comms officer’s voice trailed off slightly as they spoke.

For the past several minutes Thaaros had been sat switching his attention from the occasional TIE fighter that flew dangerously close to the Puddlejumper’s bridge, to the increasingly manic situation on the bridge itself. The young Commander of the ship, who seemed to get younger every time Thaaros looked at him, had been growing on him. While the boy was clearly unremarkable, one should never under appreciate the value of someone who can keep calm under pressure and at least look like they knew what they were doing. In Thaaros’s opinion that was what people looked for in a leader, somebody who looked the part. It rarely mattered if they were actually talented.

“The engines hardly matter now.” Thaaros began to speak as he got up from his seat, he found that he had to use both arms to push himself up out of any seated position now. Middle age was apparently just as much fun as it looked.

“What? I don’t have time for your babbling.” The Commander snapped.

Slightly annoyed Thaaros replied, “Remember your rank Commander.”

“I do, Sir.” The Commander strode up towards Thaaros and looked him directly in the eye, “But I do not need to be interrupted by some pencil pushing Captain on my own ship.”

Thaaros narrowed his eyes and asked, “You still have not answered my question from before. What do they want?” He pushed past the Commander and moved over to the viewport, looking out over the battle that still raged all around them.

It was then that the ship juddered sending most of those on the bridge grasping for something to hold onto. The Puddlejumper was no longer aimlessly floating through space, it was being pulled towards the Star Destroyer. They had been caught in a tractor beam.

“They want us.” The younger Commander had gotten younger still, he seemed to speak in a childlike tone.

“I doubt that. You and I aren’t that important, nor are most of the people on this ship. No offence” Thaaros turned his head and smiled awkwardly at those working away at the panels closest to him. “I expect there is someone or something on board that they want something from.”

By this point Thaaros had made the short walk back over to where the Commander was standing and by this point he looked rather lost. They both knew that all eyes on the bridge were on them, everyone there was looking for signs of leadership and skill. They were looking for a glimmer of hope that they were not all about to be killed.

“How many marines are onboard?” Asked Thaaros in a whisper.

“Twelve.” Came the reply.

“Armaments? Supplies?” Thaaros’s question was simply met by a shake of the head. Closing his eyes for a moment Thaaros sighed and then announced “Well then we have them out numbered.”

“Wha. . . Ah, yes.” The Commander straightened up slightly as he spoke, seeming to regain his composure.

“They have taken your bait, well done Commander.” Said Thaaros in a faux congratulatory tone that seemed to do the trick.

He could not be sure if anybody on the bridge actually bought that little act but it seemed to do the trick, they all carried on their work without screaming or panicking. Perhaps he was wrong earlier, maybe it was not just those in positions of leadership who just pretended like they knew what they were doing. Maybe nobody knew what they were doing, maybe everybody was just going along with the pretence because without it you were left with chaos.

Taking his seat once again, Thaaros began to strum his fingers on the arm of his chair and he started to ponder what to do next. ‘Stranger things than twelve people in a Diplomatic Corvette fighting off an Imperial Star Destroyer have happened. Haven’t they?’ Thaaros was now trying to kid himself. One more bit of bluff surely could not hurt.

[member="Kolab Shansaash"] [member="Mark Crassis"] [member="Ever Dawnracer"]

 

[Ever Dawnracer]

While Kolab stationed his men at the airlock, that left Ever to determine the best place for her. She was relatively certain that the airlock she'd told him to go to was the likely point of entry for these scumbags, there were other airlocks they could enter as well. No guarantees. The dorsal was the most visible, so the likely choice, but there was one back in engineering that they could try and enter as well. Going there alone, and then having them come in there, would be dangerous, but if she was wrong about the dorsal then she could at least stall them until Kolab and his people arrived to back her up. Risky, and ultimately she'd probably be scolded for going it alone, but she knew what she had to do.

As she set off, the ship bucked and she nearly lost her footing again. That had to be the tractor beams of the Star Destroyer latching onto them. The engines had stopped not long ago, and they hadn't kicked in again, which meant that they were definitely going for the capture and not the kill. She didn't know who these people were or how they'd found them, but it didn't matter. They had, and they had big ships intent on capturing them. It was not a good situation.

"Always in space. Always. I hate this stuff."

She shook her head and made her way down a few decks and back towards engineering. When she arrived, she maneuvered to the airlock and checked both the inner and outer seals to make sure that they were closed tight. They were, but she didn't want that to be all that they were. Looking around, she spotted one of the crewmen working on the engines and waved them over.

"Get a torch and start welding this shut. Welding this shut. We're about to be boarded."

"Yes, Ma'am."

That ought to work.

[member="Thaaros Klopp"] [member="Kolab Shansaash"] [member="Nilia Saavilin"] [member="Varik Ice"] [member="Cynan Hague"] [member="Mark Crassis"] [member="Aeric Saigo"]

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Armour​

Location: Eadu System, S-Wing​

​

​

Varik's gaze went towards the bridge as his S-Wing continued to zip past it, and as he checked the scanners on his ship's instruments, it was only now that he was realizing. It looked like almost every turbolaser on that ship was aiming at him. This was a problem, especially with a squadron of TIEs now on his tail. He couldn't just fly back to the fleet; he'd be a more open target and likely get hit, or it would miss him and strike one of their own ships.

Perhaps now was the time to try something stupid. Instead of heading away, Varik went up, looking up and around as he bombed straight towards the Star Destroyer, the TIEs still on his tail. As he screeched near the hull and up near the bridge tower, he hoped to not only either cause some defense turrets to strike its own bridge, but lose the TIE fighters in a maze of green death.

Turbolaser fire screeched past him as he made a round of the bridge's 'neck' and then hurtled down the front of the large ship, his S-Wing screeching as he narrowly avoided some TIE fire, though some struck his shields, barely avoiding actual damage to the hull. For now, anyway.

[member="Kolab"] Shansaah | [member="Thaaros Klopp"] | [member="Ever Dawnracer"] | [member="Mark Crassis"] | [member="Nilia Saavilin"] | [member="Aeric Saigo"] | [member="Cynan Hague"]

 

[Kolab Shansaash]

Onboard Mark-II Star Destroyer​

Grand Moff Wilman Tarkin​

​

“Sir! There is an issue with the tractor beam!” The Imperial technician announced from his place at the controls of the beam on the bridge. As a matter of fact the Imperials were indeed experiencing difficulty in maintaining the field that encompassed the ship that was, as of previously, drawing it in at a slow but sure pace. This latest hiccup came from a mechanical dysfunction of the beam’s inner components bred from the lack of routine maintenance on the aging Star Destroyer. Truthfully, the ship itself had numerous components that were long overdue for inspection and repairs. The cost, logistics and time for such an endeavor were the hurdles the Grand Moff had yet to overcome. He’d come from an era with limitless supplies, funding and personnel. That age of the old Empire was but a memory.

​

“Impossible!” Barked the Grand Moff, paired with a clenched fist that shook angrily at the now released Puddlejumper. “This is putting the objective in jeopardy! We will not accept anything less than total victory!” Yet behind all this fuming and blustering, even Wilman Tarkin knew that events were swiftly spiraling out of his control. The Puddlejumper had been released, one of their Carracks had stopped responding to inbound transmissions, and every fighter group that was deployed had less and less success against the Sovereignty vessels. If events continued to transpire as they were for much longer his own vessel would be put at risk of assault, if not boarding. Such a thing would never be allowed. Even at the expense of a bitter retreat.

​

Onboard the Puddlejumper​

​

With this failure came the freedom of the Puddlejumper, in this case freedom being the ship returning to its state of drifting idly through the blackness of space above Eadu. The risk of boarding had all but been eliminated. The issue now was for the occupants of the Republic vessel to do something that no soldier ever enjoyed. Sit tight and await assistance, even if it was from potential new friends. It would be a blow to the pride of Kolab at the least. Although, beneath all that bravado and self assurance existed the lingering fear that a boarding assault would never have been repelled forever. The assaulting force always had the upper hand in terms of logistics. More firepower, more soldiers to throw at them in a battle of attrition, more ammunition for those soldiers. Every choke point could eventually be broken through with enough people thrown at the problem overtime.

​

Kolab was the first of the Republic soldiers in their defensive formation to break rank and rise from the crouched position he’d taken. That unnatural tugging sensation, the feeling that the deck beneath his feet was being steadily pulled from beneath them had suddenly ceased. Cautious optimism begun to spread at this fact, along with the rapidly escalating realization that there were no attempted boarders. No sound of an airlock being forcefully attached to their vessel, no sound of a plasma cutter sawing its way through their blast doors, nothing.

​

“Kolab to command. Did they break off their attack? Our new friends so terrifying that they sent them packing already?”

[member="Ever Dawnracer"] [member="Thaaros Klopp"] [member="Mark Crassis"]​

​

Onboard Mark II Star Destroyer​

Grand Moff Wilman Tarkin​

​

“Grand Moff! There is no fixing the tractor beam in the middle of a battle…” Came the shaky voice of the technician from their command console. As if to bring the point home their display screen flashed an alarming red in a rapid fire pattern that made it clear that there was little to salvage of this situation.

​

“One of our Carracks has been boarded and is believed to have been unable to repel the assault!” Came another ensign, laying on another layer of bad news for the Imperials.

​

This was announced shortly before another violent jolt rocked through the Destroyer as green flashes filled the view port of the bridge, followed shortly after by Varik’s S-wind zipping on by unscathed.

​

Wilman Tarkin simply stared out the main view port with a scowl cast across his angular features as alarms resounded once again to state the obvious, the shields of the bridge had taken a serious blow. From his own turbo lasers at that.

​

He knew the orders that were needed to be given, yet issue them was a blaster bolt straight to the gut. This attempted surgical strike was supposed to have gone off without resistance. Now, the Republic would escape with their secrets intact and without having destroyed even a single enemy ship, whist at least one of his Carracks were surely lost.

​

“Order our remaining ships to retreat! Make the jump to hyperspace the moment we have the solution for it. These terrorists and their friends will rue the day they opposed us! Mark my words!”

​

With that the Grand Moff stormed off from the command bridge, the blast doors sealing behind him shortly before the Mark II Star Destroyer made its jump to hyperspace. The two Carracks that were left to respond to their orders were forced to maneuver to attain a clear shot to make their own jumps, a task that would take them precious time.

​

[member="Varik Ice"]​

 

[Cynan Hague]

The AECOs slowly but surely cut their way into the carrack, the battle had all but ended just as they were ready to storm the bridge. Despite a quick action, the unyielding and slow nature of durasteel bulkhead after durasteel bulkhead proved nothing short of uncompromisingly problematic. None the less, their reckoning was soon at hand, the plasma torch slowly cut away at the last door, the single orange glow radiating through, an ill-needed warning for those still cowering within the Carrack. The truth was, the team was entirely aware that the crew could easily detonate the reactor core if they so chose, which would, of course, leave the Sovereignty Special Forces in a radioactive position none wanted to be in. The solution was simple, take engineering, though the response was leaving the team significantly thinned for either action. Five men stood poised to take the engine room as another five at the bridge, perhaps giving the Imperials just the touch they needed to make their daring escape - or last stand.

Hague sighed morosely, the whole affair was almost becoming boring at this rate, but it would soon end, a slight twinkle in his eye as the bulkhead slowly gave way. Cynan had always wanted his own ship, after all, this would be as good as any, even if it were temporary. It wasn't too often they'd get the opportunity to live out fantasies as fleet officers. Provided they could figure out how to work the damn thing, that is. Ultimately, only one thought on the matter crossed his mind "How hard could it be?"

The unmistakable sound of a bulkhead caving in echoed into the halls, shortly followed by a chaotic chorus of blaster fire and that truly sublime sound of the AECO carbine. The engineering team had made their entry. Cynan and those comrades at his side turned, a large swath cut into the obstacle, soon they would be next, for better or worse. This ship would be black and gold.

 

[Ever Dawnracer]

They were in the process of selling the hatch shut when everything stopped going down. The ship gave a shudder as it was released from the tractor beam and she looked up, frowning. If they were disengaged, and not being boarded, did that mean they were about to get blasted to bits? She waited for it to happen, lamenting the fact that she was going to die in space rather than with her boots on the ground. It didn't happen, though. They just kept sitting there welding away.

She tapped the engineer on the shoulder and waved for him to cut it off. Once he did, she pointed back the way she'd come.

"Something's happened and they released us. I'm going to go check it out. Go back to your post."

The engineer nodded and she started making her way back towards the ships bridge. If they weren't being invaded then they were probably free since they weren't deadm. The Sovereignty must have intervened and chased their foes away from them. It seemed the most logical assessment considering they were on their way to meet with them in the first place. They probably didn't want a diplomatic ship getting blown apart on their watch.

"Kolab," she called into her comlink. "What's your status?"

[member="Cynan Hague"] [member="Kolab Shansaash"] [member="Varik Ice"]