"Alright pilots gather round."  Will called out to his squadron.  Kaph squadron had been sent to the hanger to prepare themselves for a secret mission that was about to get underway.  None of the crew onboard the Dreadnaught Dark Shadow had any idea where they were going or what the taskforce was supposed to be doing.  The commander of the taskforce, Comodore Amadeus Steinhoff, had been mute about the mission since he was informed of it.  Navy Commander Japheth had personally sealed the mission briefing in Steinhoff's personal safe with an order not to open for four days.  Once opened, the orders had come swiftly but any indication of what was about to happen was not forthcoming.

"I have just been informed to prepare this squadron for a rapid strike mission.  This Dreadnaught, as you know, is on its own at the moment.  Our objective is to rendezvous with a New Republic shipment of medical supples and weapons that is to pass through a nearby sector.  After blending in with the other escorts, which a Dreadnaught was ordered to do, we are just taking its place, we will launch a surprise attack on the convoy.  The attack will be triggered by the entrance of the Victory Star Destroy Rising Star which should draw some of the Republic forces away.  Due to our slow speed, we will volunteer to stick with the convoy and then launch the assault."  Will explain.

"Is that very risky?  What happens if they don't go for the bait.  What if they call in reinforcements to guard the convoy?"  Goltred ask to the nods of some pilots.

"Very good questions.  We will be hung out to dry for a bit save for the Dark Shadow however, given the nature of surprise that is in our favour, I think we can destroy the escorts and enough of the convoy before needing to engage in the escorts that return and the reinforcements that come.  The Empire is on the offensive and we have to take some risks.  If they work, they will pay enormous dividends.  The New Republic's outer range is suffering due to our strikes and cutting off shipments of weapons and medicine is going to provide enormous problems for the Republic and will greatly assist our assault."

"What kind of armaments will we have?"  Demonic inquired.

"We are being given extra missiles but I have been advised to tell you to avoid using them unless absolutely necessary.  This taskforce, the taskforce being the Dark Shadow, Rising Star, the Lancer Frigate Protector, and the Dreadnaught Relentless, is moving immediately to engage of a series of followup strikes culiminating with an assualt on this region's New Republic staging area for supply shipments.  If we can distract and scatter them enough in the leadup missions then we should have a shot at destroy the supply facility and dramatically cutting off supplies to NR forces in this area giving us the momentum and strategic advantage."  Will answered.

"Where do we go after here then?" Than asked.

"Our orders will be given to us as we go.  The Empire is launching a series of diversionary strikes, the results of which will affect which areas we target next.  I am told that the Captain has a list of strike targets that he will exercise as he sees fit.  One thing I do know is that the final objective is the large rebel staging area.  Our intelligence informs us that there are 3 Golan platforms, a fuel depot, a small shipyard, orbital hanger, and gun platforms guarding the area where convoys group together and meet fighters and capital ships before heading out.  This is a mini space harbour and to destroy it would be a great coup for us.  A series of ruses are in the works to help scatter the defence but even with that, this will be a tough battle for us at the end of a rapid series of missions."  Will said.  There was silence as the squadron contemplated what was about to happen.  They were about to have the busiest few days of their lives.

(OOC: I have sent mission ideas to Will for the inbetween missions.  He will exercise that list as he sees fit in order to ensure that you have writing for the entire month.  Plot twists are his domain.  Good luck everyone!)
 
-----------------------
WAJ/2LT Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/M-SSD Atrus/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][LSM][LoC]


"The way of war is a way of deception. When able, feign inability; when deploying troops, appear not to be. When near, appear far; when far, appear near. Lure with bait; strike with chaos. If the enemy is full, be prepared. If strong, avoid him. If he is angry, disconcert him. If he is weak, stir him to pride. If he is relaxed, harry him; if his men are harmonious, split them. Attack where he is unprepared; appear where you are unexpected. This is victory in warfare; it cannot be divulged in advance. Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple calculations before battle. Most spells victory; least spells defeat; none, surer defeat. I see it in this way, and the outcome is apparent." -- Sun Tzu

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting." -- Sun Tzu

Krius didn't look nervous, but on the inside, he was scared out of his mind. Even though he had just gotten back from a mission and went through the thrill of actual combat, it hadn't prepared him for this. Everything happened so fast...to fast for Krius's liking. First he was in the Naval Academy and next thing he new; he was out on his first mission. The mission was a success, but Krius didn't do much except shoot a few enemy fighters down. But this mission, Krius would consider his first. He new everyone in his squad now, not very well, but well enough.

First was Will, Krius's Squadron Commander. He was a nice guy, and easy to start a conversation with. Will was also the first person Krius met. Then there was Kal, he was cool, but Krius never really had the chance to talk with him. Most of the time he was tuning up his ships or doing some other stuff. There was also Cyleaf the Zabrak. Krius never really had the chance to talk to him, but he seemed nice enough. One person Krius was fond of was Than. Krius new him better then everyone else in the squad, and he was fun to hang around with. Than was nice and he was someone Krius had the chance to talk to.

The sound of doors sliding open interrupted Krius from his thoughts. The hangar bay was bustling with activity. Techs could be seen repairing ships and talking to each other. There were pilots telling them what and what not to do and every once and a while the occasional screaming.

Looking to the right, Krius could see the insignias of Kaph Squadron on there Hawkbats.Nice were flying Hawkbats. As usual, Than and Kal were tuning up there ships, not noticing the nervous Krius.

"You two spend way two much time in here," said Krius with a grin on his face. "You know, some of us actually enjoy this new thing, it is called talking."

"You should watch what you say about quiet people," said Cyleaf, just walking off the Repulsor Lift.

"Hey, nothing against quiet people," said Krius "I just like talking a lot."

"We noticed," replied Sion.

As soon as Krius was about to open his mouth, he saw Will hop off the Repulsor Lift. "Looks like we got the whole squadron here. Nice,"Said Will while popping open the hatch door of his TIE. "I just got a notification that were gonna launch in 24 hours, so start doing what ever you need to do now, that goes for you to Krius," said Will while doing the check-up sequence.

"Sorry Will, I'll start right away," said Krius while activating the check-up sequence. The familiar beeps and flashing of lights could be heard as Krius ran through the check-up sequence. "So you guy's nervous?"

"Nope, just excited," Will said with and eager tone. "I mean, there's really nothing to worry about, except getting shot down. But I don't plan on that happening for a loooong time. Why do you ask?"

"Just wanna see how you guys feel, and at this point, it looks like I'm the only one who's nervous."

"Don't worry bud; we all have your back. I just hope you have ours," finished Will with a low chuckling at the end.

This gave Krius some reassurance, which helped alot. After five run-throughs of the check-up sequence, Krius was finally finished. Settling back into the comfortable seat of the Hawkbat, Krius closed his eyes and  ran through his thoughts, and eventually fell asleep.


-----------------------
KaphSquadron
FM/ LCR Krius/ Kaph 8/ Wing 2/ mSSD Atrus/ Pheonix Wing/ VEN/ VE/ (=A=)
Krius=Leon

*Before the Briefing*

Cyleaf sat alone in his barracks room; it was where he and Jemel Berhek had shared before the battle. Though they weren't together long, maybe four or five days Jemel also known as Dodger had kind of grown on him. But all that had changed, Dodger had saved his life by giving his.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he began to pack up Dodger's belongings into a box. His extra flight suit, a manual on piloting ties for dummies, which brought a smile to his face. His friend didn't have a lot, just the basic issue and who knows that might just be given to a new recruit.

Grabbing a second smaller box the Zabrak placed Dodger's personnel belongings inside. Gently he placed the pictures of the human inside; lastly there was a holo recording disk. Curious Cy took the disk and put it into the player sitting on the desk and made it come to life.

An image of Dodger sitting in a chair appeared and it began to speak, "My dear Sophia, I hope this disk finds you and Jr in good health, I have just been assigned to a new squad, it's called Kaph and it's for a big mission." The image sighed and continued "See here is my wingman, don't let those sharp horns fool you he's as cuddly as a durni, not much for talk though" the image pans across the room to settle on a sleeping Cyleaf.

"He's a rookie fresh out of the academy, but they say good things about him." Jemel comes back into view, "But the real reason I am writing this is the fact that I am sorry, sorry for not being there for you and Jr, I have been a defunct dad and a horrible husband."

Dodger wipes a tear from his eye and continues "But after this mission I will make it up to you both, I have some time off due me and I am going to collect, that is if you will still have me. I am sending this letter out before I leave I love you both with all my heart, never forget that." The image of Dodger reached forward and than disappears.

The Zabrak cried, he cried like a little baby after seeing that video. I never knew he had a family and he says I am cuddly like a durni Cy thought sniffling some. He hadn't recovered completely from the last mission that Kaph had been on, though the others seemed like hardened steel due to the fact about Dodger and thinking they lost Will, though him being alive was truly an emotional lifter that the squad needed then. They were due to be transferred to another ship soon.

Cyleaf took the disk out and placed it in the personnel property box and lay down on his bunk. He still had some time to nap and definitely needed it.

*On board the Shadow*

Finally after being on this ship for four days the squad received a briefing. Just like everyone else the Zabrak deep in thought, they had not stated what ships they were to fly, but they were going up against rebels. Cy knew that they wouldn't be the same ones that killed his family but a rebel was a rebel.

It was time to go to the hanger bay, where everyone else was gathering but he had one stop left, Will's room. The Zabrak approached the door and hesitated, Will had his two robot guards outside the door as usual and they turned towards him in anticipation. "Petty Officer Cyleaf to see Will" though he was freshly promoted, he was still wet behind the ears. The droid disappeared inside for a minute and when it came back out he motioned Cy forward.

Stepping inside the Zabrak saw his commander sitting at the desk one foot up, his blue-grey eyes staring at him, "Ahem Will, sorry for the intrusion, but can I have a moment to talk freely?" he asked bringing his hands together in front of him. "Sure Cyleaf, anytime. So what's on your mind?" "Well, its Dodger ahem I mean Jemel. I packed up his issued items, and brought them to the quartermaster, but his personnel items, with your permission I'd like to bring them to his family personally." A tear came to the Zabrak's eye as he remembered the holo, "its not easy losing a team mate kid, hard to keep good friends in this business." Will's eyes showed some compassion, " It's even harder when they do it saving you, you sometimes wonder if you were worth the sacrifice am I right?" his commander's question drilled deep down inside him, it was the same question he had been wrestling with since that mission, a lot of people had saved his life than numerous times, and all he could do right now was nod.

Will brought his leg off the desk and stood up, "We have all been there" he said putting his hand on the Zabrak's shoulder like a mentor to a student, "But you have to put it aside during a fight and fly like you did before, off time is grieve time. Now how about you go to the hanger Demonic should be there, probly Than if I know those too correct, and permission granted." Nodding Cyleaf headed to the door and left towards the hanger, he had a renewed admiration for Will, maybe this team was exactly what he needed in life.

Cyleaf entered the hanger, the smell of welding work and grease filled his nostrils as he inhaled a deep breath. As he walked off the repulsor lift and over to the familiar Hawkbats Kirus's voice could be heard "You two spend way two much time in here,"  "You know, some of us actually enjoy this new thing, it is called talking." "You should watch what you say about quiet people," Cyleaf added to their surprise. "Hey, nothing against quiet people," said Krius "I just like talking a lot." The Zabrak agreed.

Going over to his Hawkbat in # 3 Cy began to inspect the work, the droids and engineers had done some modification to all of them increasing the missile payload as well as other things. Just than Will entered and walked over to his squad saying "Looks like we got the whole squadron here. Nice," Said Will while popping open the hatch door of his TIE. "I just got a notification that were going to launch in 24 hours, so start doing what ever you need to do now, that goes for you to Krius."

Cyleaf entered the hatch of his own Hawk and began to run a systems check, all lights came up green, and his radar clicked on, it wasn't a standard one, but a holographic one. Poking his head out of the door he saw Than Sion leaving, and he called out to Will "Hey Will, who authorized the holographic radars?" "Oh those, well I figured why not upgrade a little more than just the weaponry, and it was approved, at least I think so" was the reply.

Cyleaf smiled his violet eyes seemed to shine; he would like it here, definitely.

 
-----------------------
FM/PO2/Cyleaf Aehait/Kaph 1-3/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=*A*=)

Kal climbed out of the hawkbat, finally satisfied with the condition of the fighter. Ever since he had first started working on starships, he made it a habit to always adjust the controls to the exact settings he preferred. It irritated him when the technicians made changes without telling him.

He took a deep breath, then made a face of disgust as the smell of burnt wires mixed with leaking fluid met him. This ship is pretty old... He thought to himself Dreadnaughts from the clone wars. The imperial metal block. He thought to himself, recalling the nickname one of his academy instructors had given it.

Kal liked capitol ships. They were grand and powerful. They were like a town or city, but a place entirely and utterly created and controlled by sentient beings. One day he hoped to captain one.

Demonic opened the door to the lounge walking in and throwing down his pack on the table. He took out his drawing supplies and some paper, and began sketching. He started to draw a fighter idea he had, then put the pencil down.

---------------

The boy blinked a few times as he got up, looking at his surroundings. He was in a small, dark room. The walls were in poor repair, and the door appeared to be broken. He got up and walked over to the door. He pushed it open, walking out into a larger room. Two men sat at the table, playing Sabaac

"Hey, the kid woke up." One of the guys said. The other looked to him briefly, then waved for him to come over.

"Hey kid. We found you in the wreckage of a transport. Your in Coronet city, Corellia. Do you know how to contact your parents? We didnt find any other people except a dead Twi'lek, so I assume they weren't on board. The boy stood there for a moment, thinking.

"I don't know who my parents are." He said, sitting down at the table. He rested his head in his hands. "I dont remember anything."

"Thats too bad." The man that had spoken to him earlier responded. "Don't worry, you can stay with us until it comes back to you." Suddenly a loud roaring, like some unknown monster, came through the walls.

"Looks like the guys are practicing their racing." The second man said, looking out the window. The boy hopped out of the chair, looking out the window to the events taking place below. Three men and a woman sat on speeders, lined up. Suddenly a man standing off to the sidelines raised his hand and fired his weapon, sending a blaster bolt soaring up into the sky above. The riders took off, racing down and around a corner, out of site.

"Who are you guys?" The boy asked, still watching the window.

"We're "The Demonic", a speeder crew."

---------------

Suddenly Kal came back to reality. He drew in a few more details, then put the sketches away.

I never did remember He thought to himself. Who am I?

-----------------------
|FL/CPO_Demonic/Kaph 5/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE| (=*A*=)(=*SA*=)(VC:B)
100% on both Exams, looking good.
Demonic = Darr-Rann
Kaph 2nd flight leader

(Just making my place to where I've counted, continue please)
 
-----------------------
WAJ/2LT Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/M-SSD Atrus/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][LSM][LoC]


"The way of war is a way of deception. When able, feign inability; when deploying troops, appear not to be. When near, appear far; when far, appear near. Lure with bait; strike with chaos. If the enemy is full, be prepared. If strong, avoid him. If he is angry, disconcert him. If he is weak, stir him to pride. If he is relaxed, harry him; if his men are harmonious, split them. Attack where he is unprepared; appear where you are unexpected. This is victory in warfare; it cannot be divulged in advance. Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple calculations before battle. Most spells victory; least spells defeat; none, surer defeat. I see it in this way, and the outcome is apparent." -- Sun Tzu

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting." -- Sun Tzu

Than Sion had been searching through his duffle bag when his hand brushed up against something familiar.  He moved some stuff aside and picked up the item.  It was a nova crystal ring that had been passed down in his family for generations.  Engraved in its silver base were symbols Sion could not decipher.  Maybe one day he would find out what it all meant, but for now it was a priceless memory of his parents...

He was ten, when his father took him into the basement to show him something.  His dad had opened a safe.  Among important hard documents, software, and other things was the ring.  Than's father had taken it out so that his son could get a better look.

"This is very important to the Sion family, my son," his father had said.

"How come father?" Than Sion had asked.

"It used to belong to someone very important to our family," his father had replied.

"Who?" Sion had asked persistently.

"Well, that is the thing, we don't know.  His name was lost to us along time ago.  We only have these symbols on the side.  Someday, someone in our family will finally leave this planet and find out what they mean."

"It wont be me father, I will stay here and help you guys forever and ever and ever!"

"I am happy you want to be here for us son."

Than Sion came back to the present.  He was still looking at the mysterious ring.  It was ironic; that he who wanted nothing more than to stay were his home was would be the first Sion, on Kazaar, in generations to leave the planet.  When he thought a little more about it, he became sad.  He was also the last Sion from Kazaar.  For three generations back, the Sion's had only a single male child.  His father's parents had also died, before Than Sion was born.  Oh well, maybe it is my destiny to find out what the ring's symbols mean, thought Sion.  He then put the ring away.

He took a little more time to go through the bag until he found what he had originally been looking for.  It was a canister of boot polish.  He took off one of his boots and went to work.  When he was done shining his boots, he put them back on, got up, and headed for the hanger. 

When he got there, he was greeted by Willtconq, "welcome back Than, I just want to remind you that we will be launching out in 15 hours."

"Ok, thank you sir," replied Sion.

"Just thought you would like to know," said Will, "and by the way, Than, please don't call me sir."

"Yes sir...I mean ok."

Will just laughed at this and got into his fighter.  Than Sion did the same, opening the hatch and dropping in.  He put the computer through another diagnostic check, just to make sure nothing was wrong.  Then he just sat back and relaxed for a few minutes to catch up with himself.




-----------------------
FM/CPO Than Sion/Kaph 6/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE(=A=)(=*SA*=)[MC:1]
Than Sion, destroyer of all things cute and fluffy!!!

Cyleaf left the messhall with a little more appreciation of Kirus, unlike himself the young Human dealt with his loss in a different way. Cy bottled it all up inside himself keeping his distance while the other became a quick talker always trying to be the center of attention, with this realization the Zabrak tolerated him. He saw a lot of Dodger in him.

Kirus had seemed nervous at first while talking to him alone, maybe it was the horns but probly the red tattoos that decorated his face in the shape of a skull. He had tried to reassure him that as long as we had each others back everything would be fine. But he only half believed that, he was still too rattled from before.

Walking in the direction of his room, he abruptly stopped and turned around, had he forgotten something in the mess hall? Checking inside his breast pocket he noticed his parent's picture was gone. Panic shot through him like ice water as he ran back inside, it was the only thing he still had left of them.

He searched franticly getting down on his hands and knees checking under the tables, bumping into other people and apologizing. Everything moved as if in a dream, slow and out of whack. His violet eyes came upon his tray that the droid had picked up and was heading to the disintegrator to dump the trash.

Racing towards his picture that seemed to float on air over the tray he moved as if in water. He never had a chance, screaming no at the top of his lungs and snatching towards air he watched as the picture vanished his heart in his throat.

Others in the room turned towards Cyleaf looking with curiosity, others laughing as the tears streaked down his face. Only one person in the whole room looked at him with sympathy almost as if she knew he had lost something near and dear to him.

Cy bolted out of the room and headed towards the door unaware of the female rising from her table and coming after him. He entered his room as she yelled out "Wait" but he was gone. Timidly and almost hesitantly she knocked on his door. She heard some sniffling, followed by a half hearted gruff voice saying "Be right there" followed by some banging.

Cyleaf opened his door to see an extremely beautiful blond haired women staring at him with baby blue eyes. She was just a few centimeters shorter than him. She cupped her hands in front of her and crossed her feet, looking down bashfully she said "Hello, I'm Crystal Ann, I saw what happened in the messhall, is everything alright?" "I'm fine" he replied closing the door behind. Crystal blinked her eyes, nodded to the door and turned around to walk away.

Cyleaf felt extremely bad for acting like he just did, peeking his head out the door he called to her "I just lost something very dear to me in there" he paused "I am sorry for slamming the door in your face" he added. Turning around she walked back towards his door smiling, "It's no problem, care to talk about it?" Stepping aside he held his arm up pointing in. "After you" he said letting the door close behind him. They were due to leave in a couple of hours and he had some time to spare.

 
-----------------------
FM/PO2/Cyleaf Aehait/Kaph 1-3/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=*A*=)

Kal set down the wrench, examining the newly adjusted engine. He was twelve years old, and member of "The Demonic" a speeder racing crew. It was two years after he had been discovered in the wreckage of a transport. His birth date and some other minor medical information was found on a dataplate in the wreckage, but not much else was known. He was given the name Kal, and became one of the repair crew for the gang. He turned out to have a knack for fixing machines, and soon he became the personal tech. for Ted Vodd, The Demonic's current champion racer.

"How's the engine coming?" Ted asked, walking in to the room. Kal didn't like Ted very much, who tended to be a bit egotistical at times.

"I adjusted it so it wont overheat as quickly, and I put in a new accelerator I made." The boy said as he placed it into the bike which rested on the floor beside him. He began installing it.

"It better be, I've got a reputation to uphold you know." Ted said. Kal rolled his eyes and kept on installing the engine. Ted saw this and grabbed him by the arm. "Dont you dare roll your eyes at me kid!" He said angrily. Kal got free, running towards the door. Ted tried to follow but tripped over a wire running along the ground, falling hard on his arm.  Just then the door opened and Ben, head of the Demonic, walked inside.

"He broke my arm! The little bastard broke my arm!" Ted screamed furiously, scrambling to get up. Ben walked over to him, examining the limb.

"Your right, it is broken. Kal, did you break his arm?"

"No..." Kal said quietly.

"Yes he did, the bastard did it! I having proof right here!" Ted screamed, now up on his feet, raising his good arm to punch the boy.

"Stop!" Ben said, throwing Ted into the wall. "What happened Kal?"

"He tripped over one of the power cables and broke his arm. He was trying to beat me up." Ben sighed and walked over to were Ted lay, sobbing.

"Never touch Kal here. Ever." Ben said.

"Why? Why are we even looking after the little bastard, he isn't one of us! He's just a little runt you found in the wreckage of some ship. He's no responsibility of ours." Ted said angrily. Kal felt a pang of sadness, but it was suddenly forgotten as Ben spoke next.

"He's one of us more then you are. You act like your so special, but really your just another racer. He works hard in this crew, and he's always been good to everyone." Ben kicked Ted as he spoke.

-----------------------------------------

Demonic came to reality again. He looked towards the floating scraps of burning metal. Dammit, this is going to be one hell of a mission

A voice reached him over the comset. "This is Kaph leader, prepare for immediate attack."

Then another voice. "This is Kaph 6, I'm picking up fighters on my sensors, coming strait at us!"


 
-----------------------
|FL/CPO_Demonic/Kaph 5/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE| (=*A*=)(=*SA*=)(VC:B)
100% on both Exams, looking good.
Demonic = Darr-Rann
Kaph 2nd flight leader

"This is Kaph leader, prepare for immediate attack."

"This is Kaph 6, I'm picking up fighters on my sensors, coming strait at us!"

That is almost two squadron's worth of fighters.  The frigate must have been able to get all of its fighters out before being destroyed, thought Sion.  I didn't hear the sound of battle when we when we came back to real space, so what had destroyed it?  Don't remember anything in the briefing about this either.  Something weird seems to be going on.  It was now only the Imperials, the enemy fighters, and the hunk of scrap metal in the background.  Whatever had destroyed the Nebulon-B Frigate had left and the rest of the convoy was not there yet.  If they could get rid of the fighters, their cover may not be blown.

Sion came back from his thoughts quickly, right before a combat situation was not the time to have thought session.  His questions would probably be answered later.  Ah Sith spawn!  Not X-Wings again, thought Sion.  Than Sion had had his issue with Xs since he got shot down by one in his first mission.   

The attackers were made up of a mixture of X-Wings and A-Wings.  It wasn't a complete two squadrons.  They had lost a few numbers by what ever had attacked the Nebulon-B Frigate in the first place. 

"Kaph 5 to Kaph 6, let's pull away from the rest of Kaph and come back, when the engagement begins, so we can do a surprise attack on them."

"Roger that Kaph 5," replied Sion.

"Kaph 3 to 5 and 6, I will let you know when it begins."

"Thanks 3," said Demonic.

Than Sion and Kal pulled away from the rest of the squadron and came around to the far side of the Dreadnaught  They had waited a short time when Sion heard Cyleaf say, "They are on us now!"

With that, the two Imperials raced out from behind the capital ship.  They took two X-Wings and an A-Wing by surprise, turning them into space debris.  The enemy was now alerted to their presence, taking evasive action for the Imperials that had flanked them.

Than heard a beeping sound, it was the missile lock alarm.  One of the X-Wings must have gotten a lucky lock on him.  He tired to pull out of the lock but he couldn't.  The missile alarm went off.  Sion went into a barrel roll to keep the missile busy.  He then noticed an X up ahead, this gave him an idea.  He flew toward its left flank, moving left as it went so not to lose it.  He gunned the engines to max as he got closer on his trajectory.  The X-Wing pilot must have been confused when Sion came with in firing range but his cannons were silent.  When Sion got closer than comfort, the pilot tired a lot harder to get out of Sion's trajectory, probably fearing that the TIE Pilot was going to Kamikaze him.  Only a second after this realization, Sion was about to hit the X-Wing, when he pulled down in a sharp dive.  The missile hit the X-Wings shields, knocking them out.  He was coming around to finish it off, but Demonic took the X-Wing from behind, blowing it to smithereens. 

"Thanks Five," said Sion.   



 
-----------------------
FM/CPO Than Sion/Kaph 6/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE(=A=)(=*SA*=)[MC:1]
Than Sion, destroyer of all things cute and fluffy!!!

You gotta be kidding me? Krius couldn't imagine the fight that these escorts would put up. Two had been hard enough, but Krius thought this was going to be impossible. They were definitely out numbered in terms of fire power, but they had the upper hand in maneuverability. The radar showed that they were coming from the front left and front right. The other two were coming at the same angles; they couldn't fire yet though because they would hit the other ships. Just then, Krius's flight leader came over the intercom.

"Kaph 1, you got a plan?" Kal asked.

There was a short pause and then there squadron leaders voice came over the intercom. "Nope, what about any of you?"

Krius let out a short chuckle, he thought it was unbelievable how Will could keep so calm in these kind of situations.

"How about this," said Kal once again. "Flight 2 takes on the escorts approaching from the back, and you guys take the escorts in the front. Then, make it look like your going to fire at them and pull up. Once you get behind them, turn back around, let out a volley of canon fire and pass over them again. After that, do what ever you want."

Krius could feel his adrenaline spike as he followed Kal and Than, who were now rushing towards the escorts.

"Krius, Than, ignore the escort on the left it won't be able to do much because his friend will be in the line of fire. Just don't stray too far or he'll turn you guys into scrap metal."

Krius swerved to the right, ending up on Kal's right flank, and Than did the same on the left, forming an arrow, Kal being the point. They would be in firing range within three seconds, the countdown going off in Krius's head.Three... Krius could now see the huge laser turrets pointing directly at the trio.Two... The ship began to let out a couple of shots, but none hitting it's targets. "ONE!," Krius shouted.

The escort let loose a hail of shots, splitting the trio apart. One of the canons had focused on Than, and another one on Krius. Krius gave the Control Yoke a tug to the right, and then pushed it forward barely missing the oncoming line of fire. He managed to get away from the top turret that was focused on him, but to his disappointment, the other Escort had gotten with in firing range and was already raining down shots on them. But it was to late, by the time it had managed to fire at them, Krius, Kal, and Than had already passed under the belly of the ship and were getting ready for there attack run.

Krius gave the Control Yoke a hard tug to the right, and stepped on his right rudder pedal making his Hawkbat turn sharply to the right. The moment he was fully turned he was met by more canon fire, the light green bolts whipping by his TIE. Krius faked to the left and then rolled to the right, while prepping for fire. Krius could see Kal and Than already letting loose a volley of canon fire on the escort, which was shortly followed by his. Krius watched as the blood red linked canon fire met its target head on. He managed to get four shots in before having to pull up.

The other escort had managed to get a better angle and was now ripping shots at Krius. Two shots had managed to hit his shield, taking a quarter away. "Damnit, he's on me, he's on me!" Krius shouted into the intercom, hoping for Than or Kal to come to his rescue. Unfortunately for Krius, they had there hands tied up to. Krius quickly pulled to the left and then pushed forward on the control yoke sending his Hawkbat into a dive. He then pushed forward on the control yoke again sending him straight towards the first escort.I'm not even gonna waist my time with you. Thought Krius as he prepped his missile for launch.

Krius started trying to get a lock on it, and with no difficulty at all got one. He then let the missile fly, which decimated the enemy's shields. "Kal his shields are down, get him!" Krius screamed over the intercom. Krius saw Kal come in from above diving straight towards the escort, with canon fire right on his tail. Kal then let loose a massive array of canon fire, practically tearing the escort in half. At the last second, Kal pulled up, and the decimated escort behind him erupted into a huge ball of fire.

"Nice one," Than said over the intercom.

"Thanks, now let's get that other one," replied Kal.

Krius had wondered why they weren't being attacked by the other escort, but then realized why. The remaining escort had flown over to Will and Cy who were desperately trying to escape the enemy's line of fire. Krius gunned the throttle to full speed, while focusing his shields to the front. Kal's voice crackled over the intercom.

"Alright, we can't bother wasting our time with all three. They need our help, and fast. Try and get a missile lock on the Escort that escaped and then pound it with fire. Then we can focus on the two remaining escorts."

Krius immediately focused his attention on the ship that had escaped, it hadn't noticed them yet, to busy with Will and Cy. Will had managed to get a couple of shots in but that's all, he was to preoccupied dodging the constant array of canon fire. After three more seconds, Krius saw that he was within range to get a lock. Looking down at the HUD, he started twisting the nob's left and right, trying to get a lock on the ship. A square boxed the ship, showing that he almost had a lock.C'mon almost there, almost there. After two more seconds, Krius got a lock on the ship. "Bye bye," Krius said with an evil grin.

He let the missile loose, which was closely followed by Kal's and Than's. The ship tried to escape but it was too late. The three missiles pounded into the shields one after another. The first two had lowered its shields, and the third missile met the escort's engines, which exploded into an expanding ball of incandescent gas.

"That was my kill by the way, just thought I'd clarify that," Than said calmly over the intercom.

"Don't get to excited now," Kal said sarcastically. "Let's go give the remaining escorts hell you guys, and be all over them like drool on a hut."


-----------------------
KaphSquadron
FM/ LCR Krius/ Kaph 8/ Wing 2/ mSSD Atrus/ Pheonix Wing/ VEN/ VE/ (=A=)
Krius=Leon

Suddenly the two escort ships  flew out of the combat and came together, one slightly behind the other. Kal swore to himself. "Their using wingman tactics,  looks like we're going to have to change our strategy!" He said, adjusting his shield. The shit has really hit the fan now... He thought to himself as the remaining enemy fighters clustered in with the escorts. He remembered were he heard first hear that expression...

----------------------------------------------------------

"Well, the shit has really hit the fan now!" One man said. It was half an hour until the race, and Ted's arm was nowhere near healed. They needed to find a racer, and fast. None of the crew wanted to take up the race in his place. It was the "Suicide Circuit", a race made classic for the high rate of mortality among it's riders. Only the skilled or the reckless ever took place.

"Dammit, we cant lose this one through forfeit. We'll lose respect in the racing community, not to mention we wont make it to the Tournament races..." Ben said. As the head of the crew, he was traditionally disallowed to race in the circuit, as he had to present the prize to his racer in the event of him or her winning.

Kal sat by the bike, putting the finishing touches on it. He couldn't help but feel guilty. Sure, he didn't break Ted's arm, it was his own mistake. But if he had just stood there and taken the beating, as stupid as it sounded, then maybe they would still be able to race.

"Ben" He said, getting up. "I'll race in his place."

"No." Ben said simply. "You haven't even raced before. I know you must feel responsible for this, but its not your fault. I don't want you killing yourself over this.

Kal shook his head. "I've piloted speeders before. I'll take it slow, making sure not to hit anything. All we need is for someone to compete to advance, right?" Kal could see the look of conflict in Ben's face

"Alright, but if there is even the slightest chance you can get hurt somewere, I want you to drop out of the race, got it?" Ben said. Kal nodded.

"I wont let you down."


----------------------------------------------------------

"Alright guys, focus all of your fire on the forward escort." Willtconq said over the com. set, "Watch those fighters, and stay out of the escort's targeting." The broke apart, feeding the enemy ship a volley of laser fire. Kal grinned as the shields dropped and the ship was torn to pieces. His happiness was short lived, however. His own shields suddenly died, for a reason unknown.

"Dammit!" He swore loudly, barrel rolling. The fighter shook as he took a few skimming shots to the side panel. "Dammit!" he said again. Suddenly his shields flickered to life again. He fired a quick missile into the attacking fighter, not bothering with targeting. He scored a lucky hit and the enemy was obliterated.

"Well, thats annoying..." He muttered to himself. The second escort suddenly burst into flames, demolished by the laser fire from the other Kaph pilots  Kal rejoined them in formation.

"Okay, Lets finish off these fighters!" Said Willtconq.
 
-----------------------
|FL/CPO_Demonic/Kaph 5/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE| (=*A*=)(=*SA*=)(VC:B)
100% on both Exams, looking good.
Demonic = Darr-Rann
Kaph 2nd flight leader

"Kaph leader, this is Alpha leader." Said an unfamiliar voice over the communications set. "We, Beta, Gamma, and Delta are all moving to reinforce your assault." A large amount of allied blips suddenly came into their sensor range.

"Roger that Alpha leader, prepare to engage the platform on my word." Will said. "Okay guys, time for our first objective. Up ahead is a orbital fuel platform. Guess what we're doing?"

"We're blowing it to hell!" Krius responded enthusiastically. Kal grinned.

"Thats pretty much correct. It'll be guarded by a fairly large set of fighters, not to mention the gun emplacements, heavy shielding, and capitol ships waiting for their fighters." Once they were all in formation, Willtconq gave the order. "Alright, lets hit them now!"

Kal increased the power to his Ion engines. This should be fun. He thought to himself. A moment later he made a mental note. This is a very easy way to die. Focus on the mission, kill or be killed.

As they neared the platform, it suddenly became alive with activity. "Angle shields to the front, watch out for quadlasers!" They flew evasively, dodging the barrage of lethal energy the station sent to them. One of the non-kaph pilots wasn't quick enough though, and his fighter was obliterated under the rain of energy. A few squadrons of X-wings rushed forward to meet them.

"Alright, this is what we're being paid for." Will said. Kal locked on to one of the approaching combatants, sending a small flurry of laser fire at his target before being driven off by another enemy's assault. Than joined his wing, and together they locked on to a fighter who had fallen too far out of the formation. As the two groups met, Than and Kal quickly brought their fighters behind the target. Their laser cannons tore the X-wing to shreds in mere seconds, and then they moved on to the next target.

"Help! Get these guys off me!!!" The voice of one of the pilots reached them over the communications set. Kal looked to see a hawkbat being chased down by a pair of X-wings.

Damn, he must have gotten separated from his wingman. He thought to himself.

"Six, let's give this guy a hand." He said, speeding towards the pilot's position. They got behind the attackers, firing upon them recklessly in hopes of driving them off. They managed to destroy one of the fighters, but it was already too late. The Hawkbat pilot screamed as his fighter rolled out of control, bursting into a spectacular ball of flames.

I guess thats just how things work some times... Kal thought to himself, taking half a second to morn the loss of the pilot before moving to chase the escaping fighter. Sometimes your obliterating the enemy, and sometimes its you who's getting killed. Alot of the time it comes down to skill, circumstances, and dumb luck. He only hoped luck would keep going his way.
 
-----------------------
|FL/CPO_Demonic/Kaph 5/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE| (=*A*=)(=*SA*=)(VC:B)
100% on both Exams, looking good.
Demonic = Darr-Rann
Kaph 2nd flight leader

Have to get these shields down, have to get these shields down, thought Than Sion over and over again.  The battle had changed pace quite quickly, from taking out escort craft to attacking a fuel platform.

"Our friends are making another round, Kaph," said Willtconq in a not too humorous voice.

Indeed they were, the reduced X-Wing squadron was coming around ready to swat the "Imperial flies" that were on their space platform.

"Kaph leader to Kaph, let's mop up this squadron, there is more where this one came from!"

At first it would seem that Kaph would use the same technique as the first pass, flying straight for the enemy squadron.  But Kaph wasn't stupid enough to believe that the enemy would fall for the same trick twice.  At about firing range the Imperial squadron scattered, using the Hawkbat's greater speed and maneuverability against the X-Wings.  In the confusion, Sion got behind one of the Xs.  He only was able to pump a few shots into the fighter before it went evasive.  Sion kept tight on the NR pilot's tail, just trying not to lose, not being able to get a clean shot off on it.

This guy is good, thought Sion.  The pilot went into a barrel role to try to lose the TIE, but kept on him like the orange flight suit the pilot wore.  Than Sion kept on adjusting knobs as he flew, trying to get a good shot on the pilot.  Finally he got on a roll, getting a series of shots off on the X-Wing that brought its shields down to orange.  The X, with out warning, went into a sharp dive.  Quick reflexes and some luck kept Sion on the snub fighter's tail.  Sion wasn't about to let this one go.  Than Sion stopped diving when the enemy fighter came back up, believing that Sion would stay on his tail.  Instead, Sion waited for the fighter to come right into his cross hairs.  He got a few good shots off and continued the chase, but this time at a forty-five degree angle to the enemy fighter.  A shot got through the shields as it wavered in the reds, causing damage to its left, top engine.  An evil grin crossed Sion's face, under his helmet, as he relentlessly battered the crippled, enemy fighter. 

The engines sputtered out on the snub fighter and the pilot ejected.  Than Sion just let the pilot's body go.  He was no longer a threat in this battle so he would not unnecessarily take the enemy pilot's life.  He didn't believe in shooting up EVed pilots.  He took a few shots at the "ghost X" to make it un reusable and moved on.

It was back to plummeting the shields with laser fire.  The destruction of most of the X-Wing squadron had left Kaph some time to do damage to the platform's shields, bringing them down to 75 percent.  But it was short lived as a squadron of A-Wings took over the job of "exterminators."  Speed on speed, thought Sion.  from seeing what that one x-wing pilot could do, this could get interesting.

These pilots were doing pretty good compared to the majority of the RS ones he had gone up against in the past.  Maybe in different circumstances he may have ended up on their side, but as it was that would never happen...

"If you are not willing to join us, then you must be Imperial," a New Republic soldier said.  "By the way, you know what we do with Imperials?"

"I think I can guess," Sion's father had said,  "though that wouldn't matter since we are not Imperials."

"If you are not with us, then you are Imperials and we Kill Imperials."

"You can't just force people to join your cause, we stand were we stand."

The man pulled out a blaster pistol, the memory then went blurry.  Coming back into focus, his parents were cold on the stoop of their house and the soldiers just walking away...

His family was neutral, until that day.  Sion had become Imperial at that exact moment.  It didn't matter when he later learned that they had been drunk.  They had still killed his parents in the belief that they were some how better than everyone else.  His parents were still six feet under.



   

 

 
-----------------------
FM/CPO Than Sion/Kaph 6/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE(=A=)(=*SA*=)[MC:1]
I must have the power of the force, Trix lost three games due to early eight balls in pool.  

"Great, a squadron of A-Wings, just great," Krius mumbled to himself as the A-Wing squadron converged on Kaph.

"Alright Kaph, stick close together, they outnumber us by seven. Don't hesitate to use your missiles either."

As soon as Will stopped talking, the A-Wings were already on them. Krius managed to get on one of the A-Wings tail, but another A-Wing got behind Krius and forced him to break off. Krius pulled off a barrel roll while easing up on the throttle, the enemy A-Wing hadn't noticed that he was slowing down and at the last second, Krius brought his Hawkbat to a complete stop. The A-Wing shot past Krius, and Krius gunned the throttle right when it was passing over him. Now to get a lock.

The A-Wing started going through evasive maneuvers, using its speed to an advantage. But it was hopeless, Krius's Hawkbat was faster and eventually he would get a lock. The A-Wing made a bad move and break turned port, which gave Krius a chance to lock on, and he did. The missile streaked towards the enemy A-Wing, who tried to shake it off, but had to eject at the last moment, the missile incinerating his fighter.

"Scratch another one off for me," Krius said cockily over the intercom.

"When you're done bragging, I was wondering if you could get this A-Wing off my tail," Cy said sarcastically.

A smile came across Krius's face as he pulled behind Cy who had two fighters on his tail. Krius let out four bursts of linked canon fire, two of the shots nailing the A-Wing before breaking off.

"Thanks Kaph 8," Cy said.

But Krius couldn't respond from the stress the A-Wing was putting Krius through. This guy is good. Krius thought while turning hard port. Krius started turning his nobs left and right, trying to get a good shot on him, but it was impossible, he was moving around to much. Then out of nowhere, a burst of three shots came from port, knocking the A-Wings shields out.

"Quit trying to steal my kills!" Krius screamed over the intercom to whoever took those shots.

"Heh, sorry Krius, I got a little trigger happy," Kal said innocently over the intercom, making Krius laugh.

"Now to finish you off," Krius said to himself while taking a shot above the fighter, which made him veer down running into A blast of linked cannon fire that obliterated his engines, and was followed by an explosion. "WOOOHOOO!" Krius screamed, the excitement getting to him. Reminds me of my first time flying, man this is awesome.

Krius and Cy were the only pilots who didn't have fighters on them, and took this as an opportunity to attack the Fueling Platform. Krius followed behind Cy, who was going full speed towards the shield generators.

"Kaph 8 lets try and take those generators out. If you shoot the shielding that's closest to the generator, then it will stress out and the shields might fail, lets do this," The Zabrak said, his voice quavering with excitement.

As soon as Krius and Cyleaf were about to get some shots out, the Quad lasers had opened up on them forcing the duo to pull out and head back to Kaph.

"Well, that didn't work. What do you have in mind Will?"

 
-----------------------
KaphSquadron
FM/ LCR Krius/ Kaph 8/ Wing 2/ mSSD Atrus/ Pheonix Wing/ VEN/ VE/ (=A=)
Krius=Leon

More fighters aye, thought Than Sion.  The platform was gone and the enemy was all too ready for revenge.  Sion was all too ready to let them try.  A mixture of A-Wings and X-Wings was converging on the Imperial forces.  It must have been what was left of the fuel platform's fighter support. 

Will came on the air waves, "All imperial fighters, let's take out these NR fighters and move onto the next objective!"

Than Sion tightened his grip on the control sticks.  He moved forward to engage, heading for a flight of A-Wings.  They didn't have very good form, must have been green.  This didn't matter to Sion, they were still ships with guns and rockets which made them a threat.  In a dog fight, there was no such thing as picking on someone.  You did what you had to do to stay alive and finish the mission.

He came in firing at the enemy fighters from their right flank.  He took out two of them before the other two got the sense to do something.  One tried to pull away as the other went evasive to avoid getting shot at, or so he made it seem.  Sion wasn't that stupid, he knew that the one that pulled away was going to come back and try to get him by surprise.  He didn't immediately let them figure that out, he pretended to take the bait.  He chased and watched his radar until a red blimp showed up on his display.  He then hit the left foot pedal hard, bringing him around a total 180 degrees.  His sight became dotted and he experienced tunnel vision, but he wasn't going to go out.  He was getting pretty good with high g-forces.  He fired head on, counter surprising the A-Wing.  He shut down its shields and turned it to a ball of fire with minimal damage to himself. 

He was prepared for the other one to try to get on his tail, but the green pilot kept on running in fear of being destroyed by the more experienced Imperial Pilot.  Dumb mistake, thought Sion with another one of those evil grins on his face.  He went into chase with the sole A-Wing, quickly gaining ground with the Hawkbat,s greater speed.  When he came within firing range he opened up on the poor, enemy pilot.  It didn't take long to take out the shields and shoot up the engines.  Before the craft exploded, the pilot was able to eject in time.  Than Sion flew by the little orange figure floating in space.  Maybe this will teach him a lesson for next time, never underestimate an Imperial, thought Sion.

"This is Kaph 9, I have a boogie on my tail and need someone to assist!"

"Kaph 6 coming in to assist."

Sion watched Skylla's Hawkbat making evasive moves to try to throw off the X-Wing on her tail.  Sion came up on the snub fighter's tail and took a few shots at it.  The fighter backed down retreating to avoid taking more fire in the rear end.

"Thanks Six," said Skylla.

They had worked together quite a few times in the last mission including a situation where they destroyed a garage full of RS tanks.  It wasn't as good as the team work that Kal and he had, but it wasn't that bad on the other hand.   

 
-----------------------
FM/CPO Than Sion/Kaph 6/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE(=A=)(=*SA*=)[MC:1]
I must have the power of the force, Trix lost three games due to early eight balls in pool.