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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 13, 2017 17:02:05 GMT -8
Hargrave nodded solemnly. Being a jock or a bucket-head had a shorter life expectancy then most other careers in the 'verse. The fact that Fel was still standing here before him now was a true testament to the man's skills and will to live. Hargrave sighed.
"Son, we've all done things that we've gotta live with. It certainly isn't easy. I myself have taken part in several engagements that should have been avoided. Why? Because we follow orders. That doesn't mean we sure as hell don't question them. Take the Clone Wars for instance. Looking back on it all, we were all pawns from the start. Every. Single. One. And why? So billions of sentients could be afflicted by a galaxy-wide war? Ridiculous. One thing I've learned in all my time is, trust your instincts. That's about the only thing that won't steer you wrong. Though you probably already know that. You don't need some old codger who's been adrift in the stars too long to tell you that."
Hargrave goes silent for a few moments. He then raises his glass.
"To the fallen..."
Taking a swig, Hargrave savours the flavour of the Brandy for a few moments. Once he swallows, he looks to Fel once more.
"Maybe some day we can sit back and swap memories. But right now, we have a job to do. Which means we are off to Raxus Prime soon enough, I suppose."
Hargrave swirled the contents of his glass around, then downs it in one gulp. He places the glass back down on his desk, waiting for Fel's response.
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor 
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565 
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 13, 2017 17:09:32 GMT -8
He holds up his empty glass. as the Admiral gives his nod to the past.
Absent Friends.
Snapped out of the moment by the reminder that there's a job to do, Fel nods.
Yes, sir. The Mantis is at your disposal, Admiral, if you'd prefer to go incognito, or if you'd prefer, I can grab my gear and be ready for embarkation at your say-so, sir...
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 14, 2017 9:02:15 GMT -8
Hargrave nods as Fel offers his ship as a means to get underway.
"I appreciate the offer. However, I think we'll need a bigger vessel for this trip. After all, I have pilots and troops to supply."
Hargrave then activates the comm on his desk.
"XO. Hargrave. Have all squadron leaders from the 73rd, 101st and 81st assemble in hangar two. And begin transferring all non-essential supplies from the Cryptwalker to the Infinitium. Also, have Deck Chief Lorenzo assemble an away team. Best of the best that can work well under a deadline."
As he finished issuing his orders, the ship's XO, Commodore Jenkins, replied.
Understood sir.
Hargrave nodded and closed the link. He then looked at Fel.
"I have no doubt you'd like to hand pick the pilots volunteering for this little adventure. Shall we go meet them?"
As Hargrave finished speaking, he rose from his seat and motioned for Fel to do the same. Though, Hargrave admired the former Commander. Despite his 'lone wolf' mentality, he seemed to slip back into the military discipline with ease. So habits died hard, he figured. Now it was time to go and select the pilots. There was an attack to finish planning.
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 14, 2017 18:25:51 GMT -8
Fel rose quickly as the Admiral got up (when a C.O. rises, you get your damn butt off the chair.)
I'd like that, very much sir. Lead the way.
Fel walked alongside the flag officer for a spell in silence, before another thought came to him.
Sir -- if the FO is already ensconced above Taris, they'll likely roll us with 418's. No telling what the enemy commander is thinking, tactics-wise, and though it might force our hand a bit, in that we'd have to follow this move up quickly, or else give away our element of surprise... we might want to consider sending a few drone ships in-system, to see what triggers the grav-wells, and where. Be an awful short trip if we're caught that way.
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 18, 2017 22:04:14 GMT -8
Hargrave listened to Fel as the duo made their way through the ship the the secondary hangar. He smiled. Fel was intelligent and seemed to be thinking ahead. He had to respect that quality about him. Once Fel finished speaking, Hargrave spoke up.
"Initial recon reports showed only a handful of ships in orbit above the planet. That has likely changed by now, but we will rectify that before we begin. Our first order of business is to get your pilots. Second order is to hopefully have the CR70 ready to go once we arrive at Raxus Prime."
As the duo entered the hangar bay, the small formation of squadron leaders, numbering no more than two dozen, snapped to attention as Hargrave approached. Stepping forward, he cleared his throat.
"As you were."
Collecting the correct words, Hargrave let the silence hang over them. Once the right words came, he spoke, his voice clear and commanding.
"You have been assembled here because you are the best of the best. And right now we need the best. My associate here, will fill you in, in a moment. Before he does, I must say that this is strictly a volunteer assignment. Know that before you hear what comes next."
Motioning for Fel to join him at the head of the group, he spoke once more.
"This man will be in charge of the assignment once we get underway. You will give him the respect and loyalty you have given me. Mr. Fel, the floor is yours."
Hargrave took a step back and waited for Fel to address the pilots.
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 19, 2017 5:28:46 GMT -8
The pilots had sized him up as soon as he entered the room, like any good, brash, brazen, eyes-full-of-fire pilots should. Fel wasn't in uniform. He wore a too-large green flight suit, devoid of insignia or patches. The jumpsuit was dirty, and the top was rolled down to the waist. In its place, a somewhat-clean, but wrinkled white Tee-shirt covered his torso, and a dark jacket, unzipped, hung like a coat-hanger on his bony shoulders. The flight suit was tucked into combat boots, worn and greasy. His hair was long, as was his beard. Hargrave had used his name, which had obviously twigged the curiosity of some of the pilots. Still others looked at him with open appraisal, and a few, with obvious disdain.
Fel walked up and down the line, looking pilots in the eye (the ones that would meet his gaze.) That was good. It was an unspoken challenge.
So here's the score. Unless things have changed a lot since I was standing where you are, you've all been jawin' 'bout what you think you know. The next big push, how many TIE's you'll get to paint on your skins, all the maneuvers you're gonna pull and how you're going to beat the other guy. Funny... it always came down to beating the other guy. Being the best. The most kills. The fastest. The sharpest shot. So who is it? Who's the best here? I want to know.
There was a murmur in the group, a general shuffling of feet and in a few moments, it became clear that a man off to Fel's left was being singled out to step forward. Galdaart noticed this, and moved over to the young human.
What's your name, pilot?
The young officer looked Fel square in the eyes. Lieutenant Noahjay Brusiir. Noah.
What's your bird, Noah? E-Wing Mk. II
How many kills to your credit, L.T.? Fourteen. The young man looked suitably proud.
Fourteen kills. Impressive. And how many in your squadron, Lieutenant Brusiir? Let me guess. Twelve birds. Twelve other lives in your hands. Feels like a lot of responsibility, when back home you're barely old enough to get a drink from the local shit-hole, no? addressing the whole assembly Let me lay to rest any lingering thoughts. What-ifs, that sort of thing. Taris is the target. First Order carries the big stick. Always been that way. What's needed is to land a force on the surface. looking back to Brusiir Hell of a lot more than twelve lives at stake though, Lieutenant. The powers that be in your command want to land battalion -strength numbers covertly on the surface. Minimal support.
The looks on the faces of the men surrounding him had gone solemn.
That's right. So, Lieutenant Brusiir, when was the last time you flew a Corvette on the angry side of the double-yellow, with four hundred jar-heads in the belly, angling for planetside, with a dozen or more First Order cruisers breathing down your neck and no fleet backup? 'Cause I got to admit... It's been a few months, myself.
addressing the whole assembly I need a crew for the bridge of the 'Vette. Who wants some?!
Many hands went in the air, and a whoop was sent up from the assembled fliers. Brusiir was amongst them. quietly Not you, Lieutenant. You get a special mission...
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 19, 2017 9:27:29 GMT -8
Hargrave watched Fel address the pilots. He certainly was a man that didn't sugar coat anything. Hargrave could respect that. Before they continued, one pilot stepped forward.
"Sir. Captain Harvelle. 81st Reconnaissance Squadron. You need a co-pilot on this run, then I'm your man. I've flown everything from snubs to freighters. Hell, I've even been part of the Vice Admiral's bridge crew at one point. Twenty-eight confirmed kills, thirty-two successful combat runs. Not to brag, sir, but you will not find a more experienced pilot among the group."
As Harvelle waited for Fel's response, Hargrave watched as all the pilots that had volunteered reacted to the idea. They all looked determined. No traces of fear or doubt. They were the best Hargrave had to offer. And it showed. Which was fortunate, because they would be leaving soon and all doubts and lingering questions would have to wait.
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 19, 2017 9:50:08 GMT -8
Fel nodded, motioning for Brusiir and Harvelle to follow him, as he walked back to the Admiral, standing a stone's throw away.
Captain Harvelle, Lieutenant Brusiir, I have a special mission for you. We're up against it on this one. One shot to get it right, and about a hundred chances it could all go horribly wrong. I need a recon bird with the full works to pop in-system, take readings on the FO fleet, and jump out, letting us know the location of their Immobilizers, and any heavy weapons platforms. As far as I'm concerned, you two just got the offer. The trio arrived at Adm. Hargraves' location. to Harvelle what kind of range do you need on your snubbed to get the intel I need? to Brusiir ...and you're flying wing on this one, Lieutenant. No engagement unless absolutely necessary. You cover the recon bird at all costs. And Captain -- don't get any closer than you absolutely have to. You get that intel out with you, or we stand no chance of getting planetside. Am I clear?
Admiral -- I think we're set.
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 19, 2017 10:05:46 GMT -8
Hargrave nodded.
"Then we leave now. Those of you not coming along, you all know your duties. Get prepared to come out swinging. Captain, Lieutenant, let's depart."
As Hargrave began walking over to the shuttle prepared to take them to the Cryptwalker, a Majestic-Class Heavy Cruiser, Harvelle replied to Fel.
"My bird will suffice. Stealth X outfitted with all the measures we'll need for this assignment. And Brusiir here will be flying as my wing-man. Couldn't think of a better man to have my back."
And with that, the trio followed Hargrave to the shuttle. Once they were all seated and the shuttle was prepped to leave, it lifted off the hangar floor and left the Infintium's hangar bay. A few minutes later, they were setting down in the Cryptwalker's hangar. As Hargrave and the others disembarked, he issued orders.
"Have Commander Hyde get us underway. Raxus Prime. We've got a small window to get this ready and get back here before we jump to Taris."
As the deck officer ran off to carry out his orders, Hargrave called to the group following him.
"Gentlemen, join me on the bridge. We've got work to do."
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 19, 2017 16:20:43 GMT -8
Fel and the two combat pilots followed Admiral Hargrave. The smuggler was mostly quiet, knowing that he had left Melia and the Mantis -- his only real link to his life, behind on the Infintium. He had much on his mind, the mission being only one of several items vying for space in his grey matter. There was the issue of time lost to comms. All this time, he could have been monitoring comms traffic, waiting to see if Ade or the crew had contacted him. He could have gone coreward, or to the Run... utilizing the network he had at his disposal to find the Unfair Advantage. Why was he here? And yet -- here he was.
They stepped onto the bridge just in time to see the ship enter hyperspace...
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 29, 2017 11:31:36 GMT -8
As the group reached the bridge, the Cryptwalker, a Majestic-Class Heavy Cruiser, had moved away from the rest of the fleet gathered over Dathomir and accelerated to hyperspace...
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Oct 17, 2017 7:17:56 GMT -8
The Majestic-Class Heavy Cruiser, Cryptwalker exited hyperspace above Dathomir, moving to rejoin the Vice Admiral's battlegroup. On the bridge, Hargrave spoke to Fel.
"We'll hop a shuttle back to the Infintium. From there, you can go on your way..."
As Hargrave began walking towards the lift that would take them down to the flight deck, he reached into his pocket and pulled out at holo-comm.
"Before I forget, here. Captain Harvelle and Lieutenant Brusiir have temporary command of the Blasphemy. Once the retrofits you suggested are complete, they'll contact you and deliver the corvette wherever you wish to stow it until we decide to put our plan into motion."
As the doors to the lift parted, Hargrave stepped in. Soon they Admiral and the spacer would be parting ways. But being on friendly terms with a smuggler such as Fel was beneficial. It was something that could later be used in the fight against the First Order. But for now, Fel probably had more important things to do. Though if the Admiral needed him, he'd call.
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Oct 17, 2017 8:32:14 GMT -8
The turbo-lift door hissed closed, Fel extended a hand. Thank you, Admiral. Might I say, sir -- I wish you'd been in command a bunch of years ago when I was under Daala. Who knows... maybe I'd still be wearing the uniform. The lift stopped at the hangar level. This is me. Until next time, Admiral... Fel gave a quick salute, and stepped out into the busy hangar bay, filled with deck hands, starfighters, and in the midst of it all, the D5 Mantis 'Spear,' right where he'd left her. Walking up the entryway, he didn't have to look too hard for Melia, ducking a right hook that would have sent him onto his ass. Good to see you too, Mel. Can I assume we've partaken of the Alliance's good will and provisioned the Spear? She connected the second time, a short left jab that caught Fel in the solar plexus. Kark you, Galdaart. Do you realize how many questions I've had to field in the last three days? ...continued in Kessel's open orbit...
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2017 17:24:40 GMT -8
It had taken some time, but the repair works on the pair of Cardan III space stations were completed thanks to some assistance provided by the Galactic Alliance. The funds and resources made available to them had expedited the work by several months. Galactic Alliance techs soon filled in half the crew of the space station, while the other half was a mix of Dathomir and Kro Var personnel. The fleet meanwhile remained crewed as it had before the founding of the Galactic Alliance, with the crews instead all being inducted as officers of the Galactic Alliance Navy. It had been one of the perks of being a founding member of the GA
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Merrik Piett
The First Order
Posts: 67
Affiliation: First Order
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Post by Merrik Piett on Apr 14, 2018 18:45:33 GMT -8
The TIE silencer piloted by Agent Vixen made it's way quietly out of Dathomir's orbit and into hyperspace, keeping itself as stealthy as possible using the most modern technology the First Order had available. Coming out of hyperspace at a nearby dead system the agent sends a quick transmission to a specific point in space before immediately jumping back out of the system, making a few indirect jumps back toward Dathomir.
Commander Merrik Piett, interim Director of Imperial Intelligence, stood on the bridge of bridge of the Immobilizer 418 cruiser Dark Web, his black Navy uniform pristine as he stands staring out the forward viewports watching the massive warship dwarf his much smaller ship. After a few moments he is interrupted by an aide bringing him a secure datapad. Looking down at it he smiles, his very white teeth gleaming. It looked like it was finally time to show the galaxy what the First Order's newest toy was capable of. Moving to the back of the bridge he makes his way into his small but tidy office, bringing up a private communication terminal and initiating a secure line of site link to the massive warship his small ship was accompanying. As soon as Admiral Admiral Auguste Rendrake was summoned Merrik smiled again, an almost predatory gleam coming to his eyes. Admiral, prepare Retribution Squadron, it is time to show the galaxy the might of the First Order. A few quick strokes sent the data package his team had gathered to Rendrake, detailing the relative strength and positions of the enemy.
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Post by Brock Ferrum on Apr 14, 2018 21:13:00 GMT -8
Aboard one of the four Resurgent-Class Star Destroyers in Retribution Squadron sat a single Sigma-class shuttle. Painted White and gold it stood out distinctly among the generally darker colors of the starfighters in the hangar. In the cockpit Brock Ferrum, Imperial Knight, started working on a pre-flight checklist. They had just received orders that the mission was about to be a go. As he checked readouts and began startup sequences his mind began to wonder. It felt good to be on this mission. They were on their way to remove a despot from power, that was something he could get behind. After missions of killing traitor and bringing traitors back to be executed, it was good to have a mission to actually do some good in the galaxy. As such he was actually in a very good mood, smiling to himself behind his dark beard. Getting the last of his checklist done he turns to face the door to the cockpit as he feels a familiar presence enter, bringing his smile with him to face his old friend for the first time in a long time. It feels good, doesn't it? He asks, his usual jovial tone finally returning to his voice.
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 301 
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Apr 14, 2018 21:32:54 GMT -8
Her thoughts not far different from Brock's, Faina nods without hesitation as she leans against the hull inside of the cockpit after entering, a rare smile surfacing on her face as, unaware she compulsively clenches and unclenches her prosthetic left fist as though to reassure herself that she has control of the artificial limb that as yet feels foreign and separate from her, she says, "It does indeed. Not wanting to dwell long on the reason their current mission, which has none of the moral complexities or ambiguities of the last assignment she and Brock undertook together, is one that appeals to them both, Faina lifts her chin to indicate the control console Brock faces as she asks, Can I help with anything?"
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Post by Brock Ferrum on Apr 14, 2018 21:53:02 GMT -8
His smile widens as she asks if he needs any help. He gestures dramatically at the cockpit around him. Alas you have once again managed to arrive just as I've finished all the work. I assume next you'll want to take the credit? He winks, laughing just a little. She had saved his bacon enough times to prove that statement false, but it never hurt to give your friends just a little crap. Turning the pilot's chair most of the way around he brings his light brown eyes up to meet hers before gesturing to the copilot's chair. Have a seat. He says, turning back around to look out the viewport of the shuttle. So how's the grandmaster gig going? He asks, putting just the slightest emphasis on the title he almost never uses for her
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 301
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Apr 14, 2018 22:21:06 GMT -8
Faina emits a brief and quiet sound that Brock alone might recognize serves, for her, as a laugh when he asks if she will be taking the credit for his work, and shakes her head as she pushes herself away from the hull and walks towards the copilot's seat without replying verbally to the rhetorical question.
Moving her cloak to the side so that she is not sitting on it, Faina settles into the copilot's seat and arches an eyebrow as she considers whether to answer Brock's question about her recent promotion honestly and fully or banteringly. Electing on somewhere between honesty and banter, Faina says, "As well as you might imagine given all of the changes the Empire has undergone while being refashioned into the First Order. Reaching up to put her hair into a bun, Faina decides that it might be best to move away from considering some of the changes, such as some of their new allies, if they are to maintain their lifted spirits, and nods with her chin towards the planet visible outside of the viewport as she opines, Missions like these will make 'the gig' easier though. The Imperial Knights need to see that, while some things have changed, the First Order is still in the business of sowing justice and, she laughs softly at the repetition of the word when no other comes to mind to replace it, order."
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Post by Brock Ferrum on Apr 14, 2018 22:31:57 GMT -8
Brock's hearty deep laugh fills the cockpit for a moment. Yes it wasn't exactly a prime example of joking, but for some reason the it was extra amusing to him, things happen. Avoiding mention of the changes as well he strokes his hand through his beard for a moment, thinking before responding his grin slipping just a little as he slips into a more serious tone. I know one knight who was very much in need of that particular reminder. Images of blood and screams of battle wash through his head for a moment before he banishes them from his mind, relying on a few old breathing tricks he learned back when he had been a jedi apprentice. That was the past now and it was time to look toward the future. His smile disappears completely though as he studies his friends face for a moment, not getting upset, but just getting very serious for a moment as he considers. Our lif is duty and loyalty, both to the Emperor and to the Galaxy as a whole.He takes a deep breath deciding to open up just a little to his friend. Do you ever wish you had taken another path? He asks, eyes dropping slightly with shame, obvious to anyone who knew him well that he had had some thoughts about that recently.
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