Jace Stealer
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Post by Jace Stealer on Jul 31, 2015 8:55:45 GMT -8
Somewhere just outside the Korriban system, a small task force dropped out of hyperspace. A single Acclamator I-class assault ship flanked by two Belarus-class medium cruisers sat in line formation, a single CR25 troop transport hiding behind them. Crew members bustled about the deck of the Acclamator as they prepped the squadron of XJ7 X-wings and the squadron of K-wings for intercept and close fire support. Watching from the catwalk, Commodore Selkayim observed the proceedings. It would only be a matter of time before the forward scout reported in with the current situation of Korriban. And once that happened, they make the micro-jump in and begin...
Meanwhile within the system of Korriban, a single Tartan-class patrol cruiser dropped out of hyperspace. The shields, sensors, and weapons came online within moments. Ready for immediate contact, the vessel sat and waited with an open comm frequency.
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The Shepherd
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Post by The Shepherd on Aug 1, 2015 11:17:40 GMT -8
"Sir! We've got something!"
The ops officer stationed at the ship's scanners pointed out the several blips on his large screen as Rutil walked over, his eyes darting over the triangles and their designations. They were not yet identified as friendlies, but their coordinates matched up with the ones he had provided the Emerald Blades, and given that he had chosen a location in the system well outside the normal hyperspace entry route, the Jedi Master found it difficult to believe a Sith fleet just happened to arrive in that same spot. And he was glad for that; having an Acclamator on his side again gave him a warped sense of nostalgia and pride.
Gentlemen, Rutil said as he took command of the comm unit another crewman of the Spearhead had taken the liberty of preparing, good to see you all made it. My plan was to just have you lot standing by up here, but you might actually be better equipped for this mission than we are.
The operation is as follows: when we touch down in the Valley of the Dark Lords, five of my commando squads are going to clear out the main tombs and the academy. I'll be down there myself, just in case any wayward Darth Sonofabitch decides to pop in and say hello. Following that, we're going to cart some ordinance into the heart of each area, clear said areas, and blow the entire region to hell and back. We've got a couple dozen proton torpedoes on our side, you boys have anything heavier?
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Jace Stealer
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Post by Jace Stealer on Aug 1, 2015 18:12:35 GMT -8
As Commodore Selkayim watched his crew members prepare for whatever lie ahead, one of his aides rushed over with an earpiece. Slipping the link into his ear, he listened for a few moments before turning on his heel and making his way to the bridge with haste. On his way he gave the task force the order to jump into the system itself, and for the Tartan-class patrol cruiser to make the jump out of the system and back to it's original routine.
A minute after the transmission went out the Tartan made the jump into hyperspace. Ten seconds later, the task force jumped in right where he just was. The ships descended towards the planet, with active scans of the planet's surface for signs of weapon installations within range while they took up positions in orbit. Selkayim sat down at his seat on the bridge and opened a private channel to Rutil.
Understood. I'll have my teams create a perimeter and maintain a watchful eye out for any surprises. Meanwhile, we have a decent load of thermobaric missiles in storage for our K-wings. It sounds like they'll be of better use down in that academy. I'll have the CR25 ship it down with an escort to your men when they are on the ground.
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The Shepherd
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Post by The Shepherd on Aug 3, 2015 11:05:27 GMT -8
Just as Rutil had thought, the mercenaries had come better prepared than they. Not that he minded; with proton torpedoes, accomplishing the mission to standard would have required the Spearheads' full complement of ordinance to achieve the desired result, as well as whatever the Skiprays had brought with them. But two thermobaric warheads per tomb would be plenty. The K-Wings might be able to provide a better bombing run. And as far as the grand finale went, Rutil knew firsthand just what an Acclamator could do.
Excellent. My team will relay our initial scan of the area so you can calculate the appropriate ordinance. We're making our approach now and we'll set up base camp on-site.
Within a minute, the computers of the Acclamator received a series of data sheets and topographical scans, conveying all the information that the Spearhead's computers were able to gather; topographical data, size of the area site, and local climate was all theirs to know. Not long after the initial ping, the CR90 ignited its engines and made its way planetside, the Skiprays fanning out to being patrolling the sector.
Oh, the old Zabrak chimed in over the comlink, and that ordinance? Find out what's needed...and double it.
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Darth Andor
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Post by Darth Andor on Aug 3, 2015 11:14:50 GMT -8
Suddenly, a RC-2 Twilight scoutship blinked into existence as it exited hyperspace near the system of Korriban. Currently, it was easily out of reach of detection from any patrolling craft or of the planet's orbital control... For now. The fourth and final scout sent directly by the Grand Inquisitor of the Galactic Empire to scope out the activity of the planet's Sith Academy. That was all the pilot knew, having been told as little information as possible in case of any compromises.*
*The sleek, nimble craft slowly crept closer towards the planet as the pilot flicked a couple of switches on the control panel, activating the ship's cloaking device and its long-range sensors. He starred at the monitors displaying the data the scanners received. In this sector, all was quiet, and actually quite deserted. There was no activity at all.*
*Pushing the thrusters to a slightly increased level, the scoutship cautiously made its way around the planet, preparing to orbit it to observe all sectors before heading down to the academy.*
*Should there be something else in the planet's orbit, and should it detect the presence of the Imperial Scout, despite the advanced stealth technology, they would find the ship bore no markings or call-signs. There was no way to trace it to the Empire and to Andor, except from the pilot himself.
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Jace Stealer
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Post by Jace Stealer on Aug 3, 2015 18:24:05 GMT -8
Commodore Selkayim watched as the information from the topographical scans rolled into their computers. While the analysts compiled the data and compared the data to what they had in stock for ordnance, Selkayim keyed his comms.
Understood. My boys will be following in your wake with the required ordnance.
As his analysts brought up the numbers for the payload on a screen before the Commodore, their client brought up the comms again and updated their requirements. The crew looked to Selkayim and after a few moments pause, he nodded to them before activating his comms.
Will do.... Now, can I get a name so I know how to address you.... And if not, could we at least get a call sign?
While they conversed, the CR25 loaded itself up with the required ordnance and took off from the hanger. Two LAAT/i's cut out as well and escorted the transport down to the planet's surface.
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Darth Andor
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Post by Darth Andor on Aug 3, 2015 21:42:17 GMT -8
As the scoutship continued to patrol the planet, the monitor began to beep. Slowly the craft to a dull crawl, the pilot assessed the data showing up on the screen in front of him. Suddenly, on the very edge of the ships long-range sensors, the pilot took note of twelve star fighters fanning out and heading in the opposite direction, a CR90 Corellian Corvette, two Belarus cruisers, and an Acclamator I assault ship.*
*Something was definetley off. The cruisers and the assault ship were displaying callsigns affiliating themselves with something called the Emerald Blades while the Corvette had a callsign of Spearhead. Taking note, the pilot double-checked the stealth technology and the ship's cloaking device. Everything was functional and active. He shouldn't be detected unless someone was specifically looking from him, and even then, it was possible the little RC-2 would be looked over.*
This is Corporal Yothers, checking in from Korriban's orbit. I've picked up some activity: an Acclamator I and two Belarus cruisers affiliated with something called the Emerald Blades and a Corellian corvette with the callsign of Spearhead. They seem to have no detected me yet." The pilot leaned away from the microphone for a moment as he continued to observe.*
*The monitor beeped again, now displaying three new transport spacecraft heading into the planet's atmosphere. "Detected ships are sending transports to the surface."
Ending the recording, the pilot began to heavily encrypt the message and after all procedures had been taken, sent it back to Kuat and to the Grand Inquisitor of the Galactic Empire.
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Post by Aeryn Morningstar on Aug 3, 2015 22:50:15 GMT -8
Aeryn opens his eyes as Sypher's chirping grows louder from inside the cockpit of his StealthX fighter. Stretching as best he could, Aeryn takes hold of the yoke and reads the information displayed to him by Sypher, looking up he gazes at the planet before him...Korriban. He had been there once before while studying as a Padawan and he had hoped he would never have to return. But the will of the force is not so kind, Aeryn plots his landing course and activates his stealth systems and heads down to the planet. Aeryn can feel the force presence of his target below, hopefully he can make it in time.
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The Shepherd
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Post by The Shepherd on Aug 4, 2015 13:52:24 GMT -8
The lone fighter had indeed activated its stealth systems and made its way to the planet below, but not before it had been spotted by a squadron of Skipray Blastboats patrolling the sector. They had been unable to get within range, open a channel, or get a lock before the craft vanished. But there was one tool they had that could outrun any starfighter.
This is Hoser, the pilot of one of the Skiprays said over the secured comm channel, broadcasting his call-sign, we've got one going to the ground team. StealthX from what we saw. Stay sharp.
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Darth Andor
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Post by Darth Andor on Aug 4, 2015 15:13:07 GMT -8
The cloaked RC-2 scoutship's pilot finally plugged in the coordinates for Korriban's Sith Academy. The sunlight engines glowed brightly as it shot towards the planet, keeping special tabs on the ships detected on his sensors.
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The Shepherd
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Post by The Shepherd on Aug 4, 2015 17:16:12 GMT -8
Not long after Hoser's squadron picked up on a ship making its way towards the planet, another squadron of Skipray Blastboats saw something unmistakable. The glow of a ship's sublight engines were hard to disguise as anything else to a seasoned spacer, even less so when their eyes saw little else in the course of their duty.
Whoa, the appropriately-nicknamed Eyeball called out over the mission's secure channel, we got another one, boys. Acklay Squadron, form up on my mark and flank on my target, you'll know when you see it.
Kicking the fighter into high gear, Eyeball was joined by her squadron in pursuit of the freighter - an RC-2, judging by the engine configuration - and heard the sounds of several lock-on chimes as their weapon systems targeted the heat signatures of the stranger's engines. There were only so many reasons any ship at all would be flying around a waste of a world like Korriban, let alone undetected until the very last minute.
Pilot, Eyeball began, this time broadcasting on an open channel, you are flying in controlled airspace. Identify yourself immediately or you will be shot down. Acknowledge.
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Darth Andor
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Post by Darth Andor on Aug 4, 2015 17:32:18 GMT -8
He was so close to breaking into the atmosphere when his sensors picked up the change in course of the some of the blast boats. Cursing to himself, the pilot let off the throttle, slowing the ships speed to give the advancing spacecraft the illusion that he was complying.*
*Suddenly, he was picking up chatter on an open channel, the dialogue being directed at him. With luck, maybe he could talk himself out of this.... If not, well, he had a few countermeasures up his sleeve. Pressing a button, the pilot began recording the transmission, preparing to forward it to Andor's secure commlink should things go awry. "Eyeball," What kind of name is that?! "My name is William Potts, seeking solitary refuge on Korriban. With whom am I speaking? Your callsign does not identify you to be a part of an orbital control." The pilot, whose name was actually Trevor Morgan, had his hands resting just an inch above the switch would activate the RC-2's jamming systems, which would in turn, eliminate the squadron's usage of targeting systems, communication, and navicomputers, in case his ploy failed to convince the patrol.
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The Shepherd
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Post by The Shepherd on Aug 4, 2015 17:39:42 GMT -8
Solitary refuge? Who the hell needed cloaking systems and felt the need to sneak past a small blockade in order to make a solitary refuge? Who the hell sought refuge on kriffing Korriban? Whoever this Potts person was, Eyeball felt absolutely no need to indulge him. For all she knew, this ship was part of a Sith landing party.
Maintain your course, RC-2, or we will open fire.
Switching channels back to the encrypted line, Eyeball sent further word to her mercenary allies. She and her squadron could handle a single freighter, for sure, but having backup never hurt.
Blades, mark my position, we're dealing with an RC-2 freighter on our end and I've got a bad feeling about this. Care to lend a hand?
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Jace Stealer
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Post by Jace Stealer on Aug 4, 2015 18:02:56 GMT -8
Aboard the Acclamator 'Freelancer', communications officer Lieutenant Hillman was already motioning for the others on deck to get on this. After double checking both the channels encryption and the guarantee of reinforcements, he tapped the transmit button.
Position marked, and we've got a fix on that RC-2. We've got a squadron deploying from the hanger now, moving to a stand-by position in case things go south, over.
As he transmitted to Eyeball, one after another a full squadron of XJ7 X-wings zipped out of the hanger one by one, moving into position to provide assistance if necessary.
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Darth Andor
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Post by Darth Andor on Aug 4, 2015 18:12:32 GMT -8
"Acknowledged. And please, for the love of God, don't shoot me. I'm just trying to get away from them." The pilots voice betrayed his true fear of being shot down. Hopefully, for his own sake, it would just help further convince the squadron that something was indeed after him. His eyes continued to scan the sensors as he picked up more incoming starcraft. The chances of getting out of here alive were getting slimmer and slimmer. Fortunately, he still had his tricks.*
*Continuing its current course, the RC-2 would navigate its way to Korriban's terrain, landing at a small rocky outcrop a few kilometers from the Sith Academy... Should it ever get there.
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The Shepherd
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Post by The Shepherd on Aug 7, 2015 13:28:40 GMT -8
We'll sort that out in the valley. Maintain your current heading and keep radio silence and wait for further instruction.
Eyeball rolled her sharp eyes, keeping the freighter in her sights. If he didn't do anything, all the better; they could get his story - however incredible it may be - and maybe even provide a measure of protection. And if he tried something, he and his ship would be smoked. Easy day. Textbook, in fact.
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The Shepherd
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Post by The Shepherd on Aug 7, 2015 21:34:50 GMT -8
Some time later, the CR90 going under Spearhead had broken the atmosphere and raced towards the makeshift fleet of ships. On the bridge, Captain Marris called back all of the Skipray Blastboats that had accompanied the corvette to the system, and the co-pilot began laying in coordinates for the jump to lightspeed. Deeper within the ship, inside the vessel's stateroom, Rutil Iorek flipped a small controller around in his hand as a jeweler would examine a gem for flaws. On the controller were three switches, and when all three were flipped, ordinance meant to rip massive holes in battle cruisers planted deep within the Valley of the Dark Lords and the Sith Academy itself would detonate, obliterating the valley from within and - with the help of a localized bombardment from the Acclamator the Spearhead was flying towards - remove any physical trace that the Sith had ever been there. Two of those switches had already been flipped.
Rutil paced across the stateroom, back and forth, grappling with himself. He had no doubts about the mission, but the appearance of Morningstar and the freighter's unknown elements complicated things. The freighter and its crew were of little consequence; with no tourism industry for Korriban and their similar attempts to sneak past the fleet, the best case scenario made them incredibly well-equipped grave robbers. And given that they were there on the very day Rutil and the Blades had shown up, the old Jedi knew their very being there was suspicious. Morningstar, however, presented a different problem. The man was a fool, no question about it, but there was no ill intent to his presence, nor was there malice. Whether or not he was truly a Jedi, Rutil could not say. But he certainly wasn't a Sith Lord, nor was he even one of the so-called Grey Jedi.
And Rutil had ordered him to remain in the Valley of the Dark Lords to detain the strangers, knowing full well what lied in store for anybody there.
Jedi were expected to fight and die to end the Sith threat. But had Rutil, in his fervor to eradicate the Sith, crossed some intangible line? It was one thing for them to fall in battle. But the more the broken-horned Zabrak thought about it, it felt less like enabling a sacrifice and more like actively making one. It felt like a ruthless, vicious act of war.
It felt like murder.
Acclamator, Rutil said, his voice almost weary, are you locked onto the Valley of the Dark Lords?
There was almost a quiet desperation to his words, as if the young and optimistic Jedi Padawan that had once been in the hard, leathery body was screaming for him to stop what he was doing. And every time it came up, Rutil crushed it back down. A trick of the dark side; the valley itself playing with his mind, fighting back in the hopes of preventing its destruction. After all, it was only after the Spearhead had taken off that the Jedi had begun to have second thoughts. And he had been somewhat out of sorts ever since Naboo. Surely all he was feeling was the confusion of emotion.
There is no emotion, Rutil reminded himself, there is peace.
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Jace Stealer
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Post by Jace Stealer on Aug 8, 2015 12:41:12 GMT -8
Behind the CR90, the CR25 and two escorting LAAT/i brought up the rear. Peeling off from the formation, the three ships made their way back to the task force waiting in orbit. The CR25 took up it's position in the fleet while the LAAT/i's slipped into the hanger. Aboard the Acclamator "Freelancer", Commodore Selkayim motioned for the crew to move the ship into a proper position in orbit for orbital bombardment. After a few minutes, the ship sat in geosynchronous orbit above the Valley. This is Commodore Selkayim of the Acclamator 'Freelancer'. We are in position above the Valley and are awaiting further orders.
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The Shepherd
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Post by The Shepherd on Aug 8, 2015 13:27:25 GMT -8
There wasn't time to wait. A second-guessing commander was no commander at all. It would paralyze his decision making. It would weaken morale. And if it was all because some frail old man got spooked by a kriffing graveyard, then the entire campaign to come was all for naught. History would vindicate him. The Force would forgive him.
Target the Valley of the Dark Lords, Rutil said, any trace of doubt or fear gone from his voice and replaced with a cold determination, and turn it into a gorram parking lot.
Setting the comlink down, Rutil Iorek looked down at the controller he had been given, and flipped the final switch.
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Jace Stealer
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Post by Jace Stealer on Aug 8, 2015 15:37:16 GMT -8
The Acclamator rotated into position where it could utilize as many of it's twelve Quad Turbolaser Cannons as it could. A second after an explosion could be seen on the planet's surface, the turbolasers opened up full bore on the surface, particularly the Valley of the Dark Lords. Total devastation was now raining down on the small blemish of Korriban.
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