Session export: Diverging Agenda's

The trio of ships dropped out of hyperspace on the edge of the Aliso system. None aboard the Corra VII, Century Hawk or the Liberty 1 had been near the seat of Plagueian power in several months. The operational tempo had been high to say the least.

Karracca and Reece were in the cockpit of their highly customized, and mint condition YT-1300 and about to set course for Aliso City when they saw a cargo hatch open on the side of the Corra VII.

“Hey team, check out my new toy. The guy who sold it to me said it was essentially a budget brand X-wing.” Kalen said as he flew his new fighter out of the minimal use hangar he had recently installed.

Reece swiveled his dome to look at the rotund wookie seated next to him.

“That’s nothing like an X-Wing, looks like the boss got swindled again.” The emancipated R3 twittled in derision.

“I mean…I suppose it kind of looks like one when you look at it from a certain angle.” Karracca groaned and churled as he watched Kalen zip back and forth infront of their little flotilla.

Reece activated his commlink, “Looks great boss, just try to be careful maneuvering around the Hawk, we just had her detailed before we left the Shame Corner.”

“She’s definitely zippy. With some snapped flight control inputs.” Kalen replied over the comm as he did a corkscrew maneuver over top of the Treel and his newphew whowere flying in their up-armoured Starspeeder 1000.

Knowing Kalens recent flight record painfully well Treel broke into the comm channel and flatpy said, “That is a V-92, not an X-Wing, remain a safe distance from my vessel… I have spoken.”

“Yeesh, I was just having some fun. Anyway, I gotta check-in at Hellas apparently. I’ll see you all back on Aliso soon.” Kalen said before closing the channel and zooming off towards Trecurus and the main fleet yards of The Ascendant Fleet.

As Kalen got within 1 AU of the yards, he recieved and challenge over the comm and saw a few TIE that were on patrol begin to vector towards him on scanners.

“Sith!” Kalen swore, he hadn’t registered the new vessel as being his. So he likely looked like an intruder.

He quickly transmitted his code clearance and ident.

“Apologies Aedile, this is Glory 4. We have no flight plan or registration for your vessel. State you business and destination milord.”

Kalen rolled his eyes at being called milord yet again. Since he elevated to the role it was becoming more frequent, but it was still taking some getting used to.

“Just test driving a new acquisition Glory 4. I figured I’d do some impromptu intruder training. Excellent work, I’ll be sure to inform your Squadron commander about your competence and professionalism. I will be heading to Hellas Yards for an urgent briefing now.”

“Understood, please, standby…Roger that Aedile Joss, we will escort you in to the yards…does your vessel have a designation for our records, milord?.”

Kalen was out on the spot, its didn’t, and considering how he was just thinking about how he had just gone rogue by lying to the pilots to save himself from a reprimand, or atleast a stern talking to, thats the word that came to mind.

“Uh, yes it does, this is Rogue 1.”

A prolonged silence ensued.

“Copy that Rogue 1. We’ll be forming on your wing in about 5 seconds.” The pilot said the word rogue with a odd mix of derision and amusement, his father had been lucky to survive the encounters he’d had with a former Alliance/New Republic squadron that had gone by that name.

The pilot closed the comm channel and mumbled to himself “The guy thinks he’s Wedge FLICKIN Antilles now….eeesh.”

Kalen glided his fighter through the massive complex that was the new Hellas Fleet Yards. The upper orbit of Trecurus was dotted with orbital weapons emplacements, droid launching platforms and a few stations that sat on a never ending vigil with several squadrons of fighters on standby to launch.

The Eternal Orders sneak attack several months ago had destroyed a few ships, smashed one of the stations, and damaged a dozen other vesselsand facilities. But within weeks the Plagueian military and the full economic weight of Hyperdyne Interstellar was thrown into rebuilding and upgrading the entire sprawling area into a well defended beehive of activity.

Where the old Hellas Repair Yards had once sat, three new modular stations had emerged, with a large Bastion class station, equipped with a massive drydock and fleet support capabilities serving as the heart of the Fleet Yards.

The TIEs escorted Kalen V-92 past a Munificent class ship that had quarter of it hull plating removed and several barges and work platforms parked around it. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted a familiar ship racing towards the large angular station infront of him. Its was the Banshee, apparently his pal Zuser had also been invited to…whatever this was.

“You’re cleared to dock at bay 2B. Directly in front of you, milord.” The TIE pilot said over the comm before the two of them abruptly veered away, presumably headed back to their patrol area that Kalen had foolishly encroached on.

“Roger that Glory 4.” Kalen called before landing behind Zuser.

Kalen was walking past the rear hatch of the Firesprsy when Whuloc emerged.

“Hey buddy, long time no see. Got any idea what this is all about?”

<@542380450484715522>

Commodore Phaelon was barely into his 40s, but had served in space for nearly a quarter century at this point. He had spent the last decade with the Ascendant Fleet, and thought he had found a nice cushy pre-retirement job several months back when he was named the Head of Logistics for the First Mobile Fleet. He figured he had earned some light duties considering his busy years of service in command of the Lightning.

The FMF had much of the bulk of the offensive firepower of the Plagueian navy, and for the past several years it hadn’t deployed often, or for very long when it did, standing almost as a jewel in the Dread Lords Proverbial Crown. During Selika Rohs final year as Consul the FMF had only deployed once, and other then taking part in a week long training excersize, she spent the rest of her time in port. But that had all changed with the Eternal Orders covert assualt on the Aliso system a few months back. That one event had sparked off a whirlwind of command staff purges and emergency deployments that had conspired to find Corrk Phaelon promoted and placed in charge of the entire complex as Commodore, Hellas Fleet Yards.

With the recent campaign against the Order and even more recent emergency deployment to the Nei'kapo system the Ascendant Navy was stretched extremely thin.

One of Phaelons staff came over to inform him about an urgent communique that had come in from for the Krung System, and passed him a datalink with the readout.

‘That’s only 2 sectors away. And most of our ships are either deployed or layed up for repairs.’ Faelon thought to himself as he peered over at the elevated platform with the holodisplay in the centre of the command deck. Proposal Furios and Quaester Blackhawk were already present as a few other members of the summit were en route for a briefing about fleet readiness and rebuilt yard complex.

‘This is serious’ he continued the internal monologue with himself as he read the datalink.

An invasion force, consisting of a Victory-II, a Strike-class cruiser and couple Carrack-class vessels along with a few assault transports were massing just outside the Krung system; an otherwise non-aligned system with a population of only a few million cosmopolitan residents spread across its one terrestrial planet and few different mining ventures. The optical sensor images attached to the message clearly showed livery and markings that indicated that the vessels were loyal to the Eternal Order. But then again that could be exactly what someone wanted them to think.

Phaelon took a deep breath and went to walk up the stairs and inform their lordships about the situation that was brewing.

“It appears so milords. The Goreleech was performing some unconventional(Plagueian milspeak for ‘false flags’) ops near the Krung system when they stumbled upon what appears to be an Eternal Order strike force assembling near a planetesimal on it fringes.”

“Krung signed on to the articles of Confederation with the COR just last year.” One of the senior Intelligence briefers added, growing concerned with the look of consternation on the Commodores face.

“So what ships are we taking to go and see them off with?” Kalen asked as he emerged at the top of the long curved staircase at the edge of the command deck. He had heard everything while he and Zuser climbed the steps.

“2/3rds of our available combat forces are deployed or on their way back from Nei'kapo. Aside from the guardships we only have a handful of ships in the yard that are combat capable.” Phaelon replied.

“What kind of strike force are we talking about here?” Kalen walked over and casually leaned on the edge of the large central console.

“1 Victory, 1 Medium cruiser, 2 Carracks, and a handful of assault landers sir. The message took 2 hours to get here though. Their number may grow by the time any of our ships can intercept.” Phaelon replied.

Kalen looked to Blackhawk and Furios then back to Phaelon, “So…What are we waiting for here exactly? Why arent their sirens and klaxons blaring already?”

Kalen turned towards Furios for approval, hoping he hadnt just overstepped his bounds, “Should we just get everything we got and go?”

Later that evening

The ‘Krung Relief Force’, such as it was, had rendezvoused in orbit above Aliso. Due to the current deployments and need to maintain a guard to ensure the safety of their home system, it was a motley band of ships that included; The Resolution and Maelstrom from the First Mobile Fleet, a Tartan-class from each Expeditionary Fleet that were coming off of maintenance availabilities, the Gozanti’s Nimble and Hazard from the clans Transport Group, and Bright Light.

The makeshift fleet would be augmented by the personal vessels of several members as well as the First and Fourth Battalions of Armoured RCT Delta of the Ascendant Legion.

*Bridge of the *Bright Light **

“The last flight of assault landers is approaching landing bay 2 sir.” The dark haired Rotakian reported

“Thank you Lt,” Kalen flicked on the ships intercom, “Crew of the Bright Light this is Kalen Joss. In a few moments we will set off for Krung. We will jump to staging area outside of the system and be briefed on our mission and targets once we arrive. To the members of 4th Battalion, Regiment Combat Team Delta who we will be transporting. Welcome aboard, please remain in your assigned cargo bays, or on the mess deck until the ship makes the jump to Hyperspace. Command out.”

The door cranked open behind to reveal Karracca, Treel and Reece.

“So much for you refusing to fly with me eh?” Kalen asked after his pals had joined him on the elevated deck at the rear of bridge.

“You’re not flying, thus our promise is still being kept. I have spoken.” Treel said.

“I left Kaycee and Dee(3P0) with Corra, she says she’s staying at home.” His massive wookie compatriot groaned.

“Is she mad that I didn’t call?” Kalen asked nervously.

“Yep.” Karra roared.

“If you were in her presence when you informed her about this mission, she would likely have caused you grave bodily injury.” Treel raised his palm towards Kalen.

“That’s not good.” Kalen bit his lip.

9 hours later

The eight ships dropped out of Hyperspace in the sensor shadow of a large ice giant with a long eccentric orbit around Krung.

The battle plan was bold but simple. Blackhawk woukd lead the main body, and all of the droid fighters they currently had embarked and intercept their foes strike force. Karracca would take the Century Hawk, Banshee, Onyx, Liberty One along with the Bright Light’s A-Wings and the Resolution’s Hyenas and attempt a daring strike; jumping in right behind the oppositions single Star Destroyer. Furios was nominally in command of the operation and would use his Raider II-class Corvette, the Geirskogul as an escort for the clan interdictor, the Maelstrom, and jump into the fray if it became possible to trap the enemy force, or as a tactical reserve when needed.

The last report they had from the Goreleech was that the enemy fleet had swept Roo’s local defense aside and opeared to be preparing to launch their landing craft.

The final orders were issued issued, and within minutes, the the elements of the Plagueian force broke from one another and began performing their final jump sequences.

“May the force be with you brothers and sisters.” Kalen mumbled softly to himself as he was watched from the bridge of the Pelts class frigate as his three best friends, and two of his top subordinates from his House jump to lightspeed with the small craft element.

The arrival of the Plagueians could not have been more at a more opportune time. The small craft element streaked in from above and to the rear of massive wedge shaped vessel. Blackhawks element of capital ships jumped into a very high orbit and moved to engage the two frigates and medium cruiser that were escorting the Resolute Vengeance.

As the Century Hawk whipped down towards the rear of the Star Destroyer, chills ran down Karracca’s spine as he saw the engine layout of massive ship. It wasn’t a Victory, it was Victory II, and a heavily upgraded one at that.

“Onyx, Banshee, focus on the port engine assembly. Everyone else, hit the primary engine in centre. Increase to attack speed, hit them hard! Century Hawk out!” The fat old wookie announced before closing the comm channel.

As the oddball group of Firesprays, A-Wings and Hyena droid bombers were about unleash their first salvoes a cluster of dozen TIE Interceptor raced out from underneath the Star Destroyer and instigated a massive and chaotic fur ball.

Just then the medium cruiser and one of the Carracks vectored in towards the main Plagueian force, after a few accurate salvo they had punched nearly a dozen holes in the Nimble and left her a burning wreck before focusing on the Resolution.

A fraction of a second later the Star Destroyer had turned enough to get herheavy turbolasers firing solutions. The Hazard to 2 direct hits and evaporated in a ball of flame and wreckage.

“I thought you were.gping to take out their engines Karracca” Kalen yelled into the comm on the bridge of the Bright Light as the vessel rocked from several blasts from one of the Carracks.

“We tried!” The wookie roared back as Kalen could hear the sound of laser fire splashing off the Century Hawks shields and her 2 Quad cannons firing incessantly in the background.

After several minutes of intense exchange of fire with its escorts, the Victory swung its guns towards the formation of Plagueian ships and quickly destroyed one its Gozantis and crippled the other. The attack on the rear of the Star Destroyer by the small craft had only knocked out one of it 3 massive ion engines, and ship slowly turned and rose into a higher orbit.

“Karracca help take out those landers and then habe your groupprepare another strike on their flagshil” Kalen said into the comm.

“We’re getting low on ordinance brother.” Karracca roared back.

Through the viewport Kalen could see the Resolution with his buddy Blackhawks in command bravely trading blows with both Carracks and the 2 Tartans spraying the area in what seemed like never ending streams of laser cannon fire as they tried to screen the formations from the dozens of TIEs that were swarming towards them.

“Signal Furios and the Maelstrom Lt. Bring in the reserves.”

The battle raged as the Star Destroyer lifted out of low orbit, its cannons and turbolasers firing wildly at the swarms of Plagueian fighters and clusters of capital ships.

The Hynestian-Class Resolution was able to tie up the Orders Strike-class cruiser while the rest of the of the force concentrated and trying to deal the Carracks and Victory. The addition of Furios’ Corvette and the Clans interdictor helped to sway the fight in favour of the Plagueians, but only for a moment.

As the Victory rose onto a roughly parrellel plain and completed turning her prow towards the relief force, she looked a furious salvo from her turbolasers that all but vapourized the Gozanti class vessel as she manuevered in front of the Bright Light.

“Have out fighters and smaller ships focus on neutralizing the Vic’s weapons emplacements. Manuever us below the Victory and past them, we won’t survive long exposed to her forward arcs.” Kalen ordered as he saw the Victory last out and crippled the other Gozanti.

“The next ones coming out way boss.” Zuser shouted from the command table.

“Deflector screen double front.” Kalen shouted.

No sooner had Blackhawk spoken when the Victory lurched forward and fired a massive salvo towards the CC7700 interdictor and though the well armoured ship weathered the torrent of turbolaser fire, the Eternal Order ship was able to successfully knock out its shields and disabled two of its grav well gens.

The momentary reprieve allowed the Star Destroyer just enough of a window to perform an emergency jump to Hyperspace. Though the remainder of the Orders fighters, landing craft and ground forces were left to either die or suffer even worse fates in captivity.

In the aftermath of the battle both the Liberty 1 and Century Hawk landed in the Peltas bay and joined Kalen on the bridge.

“You’re new Consul has impecable timing Brother.” The Wookie roared as the trio came in.

“I’ll say. I was already resigning myself to the fact that the three of us would have to raise your fatherless child for you Kalen. Five more seconds and you all were goners.” Reece bipped and bootled.

“Mind your manners Reece. We had shields double front, we would have tanked that Victory for atleast a few salvoes.” Said one of the Plagueian R4 droids who had gotten chummy with Reece over the course of several months.

The two droids continued there digitized mechanical banter in the background as one of the comms officers came over and delivered a datatablet to Kalen.

“What has transpired?” Treel asked perceptively, seeing the pained grimace appear on the tall Aediles face.

“Well the Consul has commended Blackhawk and I on our conduct and thanked me for providing the excellent CONOP for this whole affair.” Kalen immediately gave a sheepish glance over to Karracca who furrowed his brow and crossed his arms indignantly.

It had in fact been the old, rotund, former New Republic Deputy Defense Minister who had worked for hours to devise the hasty plan that Kalen had proposed to his fellow Plagueian summiters just before they had set off from Aliso.

“Don’t worry buddy, I’ll make sure he knows that it was you who should get the credit.” Kalen winked.

Karracca began chuckling and shaking his head.

Treel hopped up and stood on one of the chairs that surrounded the holo display table and interjected, “I believe you are mistaking our compatriots reaction, he was demurring about the reference to the Concept of Operations being in any way excellent.”

Karracca growled an acknowledgment, “Precisely. Without the arrival of the Consul and his new advanced Star Frigate, it’s likely our entire force would’ve been destroyed or atleast routed in utter defeat.”

“Sooooo, uh, I shouldn’t, tell, Alaris, it was your plan?” Kalen inquired.

“Correct.” Treel said, still standing on the chair as he leaned his hands on the command plot.

The Ugnaught commando added, “What else is included in that communique?”

Kalens shoulders shrank, “The Consul has also placed me in charge of the rear party that will remain here in the Krung system to help the colony recover. He wants us to be on station to provide security for several shipments of re-construction supplies and replacement defensive systems that Hyperdyne is diverting this way.”

Reece rolled back over, having finished his reparte with the Pelta’s R4 and overhearing the convo, “So, basically you won’t be getting back home to Corra on Aliso anytime soon?”

Kalen shrugged.

Treel interjected by snapping his fingers, held his open palm out towards the Aedile and motioned for the tablet.

After recieving and studying the particulars the Ugnaught smiled, “You’re in command of the rear party. It says nothing about you being required to remain here with it. As I hold an active commission in the Ascendant Legion, you may delegate local operational authority to me and return home to Aliso with Reece and the Century Hawk.” Reece started to raise his hand in his standard ‘I have spoken’ signal.

Kalen stopped him from completing the arm motion by firmly grasping and shaking Treels hand, “Thank you Colonel. You are a true Brother.”

Reece swivelled his optical sensor to face Kalen and beeped, “I’ll gladly take you home, but fair warning bub! If you go anywhere near the pilots seat of the Hawk I’ll have you sedated, shackled and locked in a cabin for the whole trip.”

“Offer accepted.” Kalen chuckled.