Senior Chief Petty Officer C-3PX2 looked out the viewport in the Wayfarer Class Medium Transport “Delta”, the ship he was been assigned to. What he saw was an all too familiar sight from his past, the destruction left behind from the Criminal Enterprises that declare their control over areas of space. It was highly unlikely that the second convoy would have found them, for it was expected that they would have drifted into an area where sensors cannot go. They were still all in formation, granted a formation that was drifting, but a formation nonetheless.  C-3PX2 left the hanger bay and walked through the ship until he entered the cockpit of the Transport.

“Is that all of the Freighters?” C-3PX2 asked the Sensor Crewman

“Yes, Sir; they are all still there, just drifting.” The Crewman responded

“Life-Signs?” The Transport’s Captain asked the Sensor Crewman.

“Hard to say, Sir. There is a near by nebula that is disrupting our sensor’s accuracy. We don’t have the accuracy to pinpoint life signs.” The Crewman reported.

“Damn, if we close the range, will that improve the readings?”

“Yes, Sir; It should make the readings more clear.”

The Captain of the Transport thought to himself for a second, then he looked out the view port, he then looked over to the Comm. Officer.

“Comm. Officer, get me a secure line to Transport Alpha.” The Captain said across the bridge.

“Transmitting, Sir; your connected” the Comm. Officer said as the connected the line.

The Captain picked up a wired communication device and began to speak.

“Wayfarer Delta to Wayfarer Alpha; we cannot get a clear reading on life signs from this location, requesting permission to close the gap.” The Captain said over comm.

“Stay on course; we will close the gap in time. If one of us breaks formation, it could scare them off. Request Denied” The Transport Omega’s Captain said over comm.

“Copy, Sir; Discomm.” Transport Echo’s Captain said over comm. Then he disconnected the line. He then looked over to C-3PX2, “You better get ready, because once we get the order, and there will be no hesitation to go in.”

“Yes, Sir” C-3PX2 said to the Captain as he gave him a Salute. He then walked off the bridge and continued into the crew quarters area. There he saw Crewman Jinxzo sitting in a chair reviewing the mission specs.

“Crewman, suit up. We will be doing mission flight prep in thirty minutes.” C-3PX2 said to the Crewman.

“Yes, Sir.” Jinxzo replied, “But before I do, I have a question.”

“Ask away, if you have a question most likely I have an answer.”

“Do I bring the standard issue DL-44 Blaster Pistol?”

“I would, you never know when you will need a weapon.” C-3PX2 then began to walk over to the cargo bay, “Remember, Thirty Minutes until prep.” C-3PX2 said to Jinxzo.

“Yes, Sir; Ill be there.” Jinxzo said, and then he began to walk over to his quarters.

C-3PX2 Continued on his way over to the hanger. He then went down a hall and stood by a wall. Then as secretly as he could, he pushed his hand against the wall where a slot appeared as he did it. Out of that slot a keypad appeared, C-3PX2 typed in a number code, there was a confirmation beep and the number pad went back into the slot. An entrance way appeared, and C-3PX2 walked through it into the Hidden Cargo Room. He had converted this into his quarters for the stay aboard the transport. In there he had a workshop, computer terminal, recharge station, and plenty of parts. He had thirty minutes and he was prepped for the mission, and less than twelve meters away from the hanger. He decided to spend that thirty minutes tinkering inside the computer he was building.

He walked over to a pile of crates and removed a panel from the crates, exposing the control screen for the computer. He then turned and removed the metal panel on the top of a cargo crate, revealing the components of the computer. The computer itself was highly outdated, but C-3PX2 planned to fix that. He reached into the crate, disconnected, and removed the old Main Board. On the board were plenty of memory crystals, but the majority of them had burnt out. He placed a new main board in, and mounted it to the case; he then began to apply memory crystals into the board. He completed that with the finesse needed for handling those materials, they break very easy at the slightest bending. He decided to do to both things at once, change the power supply, and transfer the HDD data to a One with more HD Space on it at the same time. He linked the two drives and began the transfer. He then went about removing the screws mounting the power supply and disconnected it from the rest of the computer. He looked at it for a second and then tossed it into a scrap pile. He then opened a box and pulled out a shiny new power supply, one that could run off the ships main core, similar to all other computers onboard. He heard a confirmation beep and noticed that the HDD data transfer was complete. He then put the new drive into the computer and mounted it in. He then pulled out a new Nano-Processor and Graphical Accelerator. The Accelerator was the easiest thing in the computer it just fit snugly into one of the expansion slots. The Nano-Processor was not as simple, for if too much pressure was put on it the Nano-Pins on it would bend or worse break. He carefully placed it into the socket, and looked over to see how much time he had left. Time minus Time Minutes, that was what the counter showed. He was almost finished, just three more steps left to complete. He pulled out a Sound Accelerator and, like the graphical accelerator, put it into an expansion slot.

“Two left.” He said to himself.

He then reached into a box and pulled out what was labeled “Hoth-Ice Computer Cooling Unit” he placed in into the crate and then used screws to mount it into place. He then took all the wires and rewired the computer. After which he closed the top plate of the crate and flipped a switch on the rear of the crate. He then walked over to the control panel of the computer.

He pressed a button in the center under the view screen, and the screen lit up. The Vast Empire Logo loaded onto the screen, but then there was something wrong.

“Error, could not connect to Imperial Network” Appeared on the screen

“What the hell?” C-3PX2 said to himself, as he walked over to the case. He looked at it and then noticed the problem. The Fiber-Optic Network Wire had yet to be connected, he connected it ad walked back over to the view screen. There it had connected to the Imperial Network, and had identified itself an Imperial Naval Pilot’s Computer, using C-3PX2’s Identification Code. It gave him access to all the data he would normally have, working off the ships communication beacon. He then looked over at the clock, Time minus Five Minutes, it showed as C-3PX2 powered down the computer, then the room. He then exited the room through the sealed entrance way and walked into the hanger. There he would wait until he got the order to launch.

OOC:

1250 Words

C-3PX2 stood next to his designated Twin Ion Engine Fighter Craft, noting its technological age.

“Legacy Tech isn’t it?” a Star fighter Mechanic said to C-3PX2.

“Legacy Tech should not be used in this kind of mission, this is not about showing a symbol of imperial power, this is a rescue and recovery mission.” C-3PX2 replied.

“These aren’t any regular TIEs; these have been modified to perform to the standards of today. We have added shields, and thicker hulls, these things will do their job.”

“We shall see if your confidence is well placed.” C-3PX2 said as he began to inspect his TIE. He inspected it for damage, cracks in the hull, and anything else that could cause problems in combat. He checked the Cockpit thoroughly; making sure it would be a safe flight. He did not trust these old craft, even though it was what they would be flying for the mission.

He looked around the ship; it too was an older design. These ship designs were create in the latter days of the Old Republic. They were built by Kuat Drive Yards, and were designed to have the ability to swap out the hanger and cargo module for other modules. It was not a ship made for combat though, only having two weapons on the hull. It has a Laser Cannon, and a Quad-Blaster, not nearly enough firepower to match even the smallest star destroyers. They were not the fastest ship either, but with the capability to hide a star fighter squadron inside them, they would be a valuable resource to the mission. The ship itself was well designed, suitable for personal, commercial, or military use. Unfortunately, when it was released by Kuat Drive Yards to the public sale markets, the high price drove away the business. This mission would not only test the pilot’s skills, but also the skills that were built into the craft that are to be used during the recovery.

C-3PX2 looked out a view port, staring into the system they were in. The two planets had a fog-like glow illusion, caused by the Star-Remnant Nebula and Asteroid Fields around. This system was the only pass through an asteroid field that crosses in the middle of a minor trade route. It was the perfect staging ground for Pirates, and the perfect place for them to attack. They could only hope that a second convoy, with one ships more than the last, will tempt the pirates enough that Viper Squadron would get the opportunity to wipe them off the face of the galaxy, liberating this desolate system from Criminal Enterprises. This trade are would soon see the power of the Pilots in the Vast Empire, and the pirates would get a first hand lesson in why you don’t raid Vast Empire Transport Convoys.

C-3PX2 stood next to his TIE star fighter craft, waiting for the green light to begin pre flight prep, though he had no idea when that would be, he expected it would be soon.

OOC:

503 Words

As Jinxzo navigates the corridor into the hanger bay he notices C-3PX2 looking over his ship. 

“Anything wrong with these wonderful creations we call TIE’s?”  ask Jinxzo.

“Nothing but the usual Crewman” C-3PX2 responded.  “That is the one you will be flying.  I suggest you go over there and give it a good inspection.” 

“Any problems you encounter with the TIE please report them to the mechanic and to me” C-3PX2 said sharply. 

“Roger that sir” Jinxzo said.

With a quick sprint over to his fighter, Jinxzo begins his inspection.  As he looks the poor and battered TIE over something catches his eye.  A small 3-inch crack in the hull. 

“This cant be good” he thought to himself. 

With a sharp whistle to get the mechanics attention Jinxzo waves him over. 

“Tell me what you think about this crack,” said Jinxzo.  The mechanic inspects it. 

The Mechanic speaks  “Sir I don’t think that crack will effect the fit or function of your mission.”

“Very well then, thank you” responded Jinxzo. 

Jinxzo heads over to C-3PX2 to inform him of his findings. 

“Sir I found a small crack in my hull about 3 inches long” Jinxzo says with concern. 

“Did you ask the mechanic what he though?”  Ask C-3PX2. 

“Yes sir I did, he thought the crack would not effect me during this mission.”

“Very well then Crewman continue as you where.” 

“Roger that sir” said Jinxzo. 

He continues back to his TIE to finish his in inspection.  Now standing in the cockpit of his TIE, Jinxzo gives it a good once over.  Everything seems to be, as it should.  Jinxzo knew what him and the squadron were about to embark on.  He knew his training and experience of his superiors would get him through this.  Soon he would do what he knew he was destined to do.  With quickness he notifies C-3PX2 that his ship was in good standing order and that he was ready for departure at any time.  Now the waiting game begins.

OOC:

335 words

C-3PX2, after hearing about the damage to the TIE, walks over to the Head Mechanic.

“The second Twin Ion Engine Fighter Craft has damage to its hull.” C-3PX2 said to the mechanic.

“What kind of damage did you find?” The Mechanic asked.

“There is a three inch long split into the hull of the TIE, it requires repair.” C-3PX2 answered.

“There is nothing to worry about; the crack is not deep enough to cause any problem during flight.” The mechanic said.

“Really, I can think of a number of situations where it could cause major injuries or death.”

“Name One”

“The Pilot’s Helmet cracks or stops functioning, which forces him to switch the air flow into the cockpit. The vacuum would suck out all the air, suffocating the pilot.”

“The chances of that happening are well below a level that requires attention.”

“Yes, well I believe you were the one who said ‘These things will do their Job.’, and I cannot allow this fighter to be used with this damage on it.”

“Fine, we will get it fixed. Give us sixty minutes to fully repair it.”

“For a patch or weld on the hull, I will give you thirty at a maximum.”

The mechanic glared angrily at C-3PX2

“I will return in Thirty Minutes, and it better be complete.” C-3PX2 said to the mechanic as he walked back over to Jinxzo.

“The Mechanic has decided it would be in his best interest to repair the damage to the fighter, it will be ready in Thirty Minutes. Report back here at that time, and we will begin Pre-Flight Prep.” C-3PX2 said to Jinxzo.

“Yes, Sir.” Jinxzo said to C-3PX2.

C-3PX2 then walked over to the bridge and opened the hatch.

“Comm. officer, get on the horn; get me a secure link to Viper Lead.” C-3PX2 said to the Comm. Officer.

“Yes, Sir; Right away,” The Comm. Officer replied, “you’re Connected, Sir.”

C-3PX2 picked up the communication device.

“Viper Lead, Viper Nine. We are delayed in Pre-Flight. There is critical damaged to one fighter, it is currently pulled for repair. Will notify you when the craft will begin pre-Flight.” C-3PX2 said over Comm.

“Acknowledged, keep me updated.” Viper Lead said over comm.

“Will do, Discom.” C-3PX2 said as he closed the comm. channel.

Jinxzo walked out of the Hanger Bay to his quarters.  As he approached the twin doors they slide open.  He walked in and laid in his rack.  As he stared up at the ceiling of the ship he thought things back home.  He thought how he missed his mother and father.  He thought about how proud they were.  He laid there for a few more moments just letting his thoughts carry him.  Then he sat up and looked at the clock.  15 minutes left till flight.  "Hope the mechanic fixed that crack well enough" he said to himself.  He proceeded out of his quarters and headed towards the Hanger Bay.

Jinxzo enters the hanger and immediately heads toward his TIE.  The mechanic shuts off his welder.

“Sir, your TIE is fixed and ready to fly” mechanic says.

“You sure this time?”  Asked Jinxzo.  “Last time you told me that my flight leader had a word with you.”

“I’m positive this time. Sir” the mechanic says reassuringly.

“Don’t worry C-3PX2 and myself will look it over once more.  I’m sure if there is another flight delay someone will be trouble.” Jinxzo says with authority.

With a dubious glare the mechanic speaks.  “It’s fixed, I do not doubt my skills.”

Jinxzo walks over to C-3PX2.

“Sir, the mechanic says the crack is fixed and we are ready to fly.” Says Jinxzo

C-3PX2 slowly turns to face Jinxzo.

C-3PX2 speaks with patience “Jinxzo, did you look over the TIE yourself?  I know you possess some knowledge of ship repairs.”

“No Sir, I did not.  I wanted you there while I looked it over.  The extra expertise and knowledge will not hurt us.”

“Very well crewman lets look it over.”  Says C-3PX2

They walk over the to fighter and begin to inspect the repair.

“Sir, I noticed the welding preformed on this is pretty clean.  Don’t think we will get any air leaks.” Jinxzo says.

“Your right Crewman.  Let me notify Viper lead that we are a go.  Be ready.” Said C-3PX2.

“Roger that.” Replied Jinxzo.

Waiting was always the hard part.


    HellKite’s black bangs fell over his eyes and the pilot had to shake them off.  It felt extremely stuffy inside the helmet; he had spent too much time outside of his ship.  Having recently been switched over to Viper Squadron, HellKite hadn’t had much of a chance to become familiar with TIE fighters.  It hadn’t just been the fact that he had a hospital stay for months, it seemed his whole Imperial Pilot career had been plagued by inactivity.

“Stay with your wingman,” ordered Thomas, a phrase that got HellKite thinking.  He had been lucky enough to be paired up with someone from his old squadron.  Jaden had been in Kaph also.  Though a much better pilot and an extremely seasoned man in the navy, Jaden hadn’t intimidated Hellkite nor comforted him.  It seemed like an odd idea to pair up two aggressive pilots but heck, at least he wasn’t assigned to some fresh green.

    The fighters ahead had gone entirely into clear view, the very sight of them was menacing.  Their wingspans seemed huge, having a slight resemblance to X-wings.  A bell within HellKite’s head had been rung and yet, he wasn’t exactly sure what they were or where he had encountered them before.

“Preybirds,” Hellkite heard Jaden whisper over the comlink.  Jaden had already drifted in front of him and from the looks of it, Jaden wasn’t planning on waiting for Hellkite to follow.

    Though they had been in the same squadron, HellKite only knew a certain amount about Jaden’s flying style.  The most noticeable thing was his experience; Jaden flew with such ease that it made his fighter look like a living creature.  It was only until later that HellKite had also found out that Jaden’s fighter was modified.  This modification left his fighter more vulnerable but left it with a handful of nice features as well.

    The six fighters were now in a nightly formed formation, they had decided to stick together rather than divide up.  Perhaps they felt that they had the edge.  HellKite wasn’t exactly sure they were wrong either.  Though Viper squadron had quite a few experienced pilots, there were also a couple of new ones and it would’ve been a handful to keep their partners alive while going through with the mission in the face of skilled enemies.  From the looks of it, C-3PX2 still wasn’t ready either, which deprived the squadron of two more pilots, one of which would’ve been useful.

    A few more minutes proved HellKite wrong.  From a distance, two fighters launched off from the Wayfarer transport that had contained the two pilots.  At least they weren’t going to be outnumbered.  HellKite had begun to slowly accelerate as he noticed Jaden had started drifting forward again.  They were still waiting though.  The flock of six preybirds got closer and closer…


Before

    “Garuda Translyvon, callsign Hellkite,” the man spoke into the microphone.  A beep followed as the door breezed open.  A stench of disinfected filled the room that Garuda stepped into, it was a like a new-fighter smell.  So this was where his new room would be.   From the looks of it, most of the flight members had already moved in and there were voices coming from the end of the hall.  Never having been the sociable type, HellKite ignored them as he walked the other way, looking for his room number.

    Not surprisingly, his room looked just like his old one as did every room in the building.  With a sigh, the pilot threw down his luggage and got to work.  There were a lot of stuff to put away.  The luggage seemed never-ending and Garuda began to wonder where all the extra clothes came from.  The noise from the other side quelled down as well.

    His sorting was interrupted when his datapad rung and HellKite jumped up as the object vibrated in his pocket.  Taking the small black computer out, he realized he had a new message.  Perhaps more administrative notices?  Garuda scrolled down his mailbox to see.  No, it was a medical bill.  Sighing, he read through the bill which had summed up to a whopping amount of money.  The minute he found that “Talstorin” he was going to break his neck…  Destroying his wedding, sending him to the hospital and making him seem like a fool wasn’t enough, now he had to pay off a bill with the little money he had.  Boy, that kid had better hope he dies before HellKite found him.

    The datapad bounced a little as it was thrown and landed on the mattress.  Garuda eyed his luggage and decided to finish unpacking some other time.  He stepped into the hallway to find Jaden, they were to be wingmen.  Finding Jaden in the kitchen, chatting it up with a good-looking blond, HellKite decided to bother him some other time.  How bad of a partner could Jaden be anyways? 

OOC:

Ugh, sorry for the delay.  Rather embarrassing actually.  I've been busy and I never switched to HellKite so I didn't realize I was transfered or that we had a story.  Thomas, for future purposes, just mail me under Tnepres.

*Prior To Mission* - Aboard Atrus

Jaden slumped the duffel bag onto the ground as he took a look across the barren but neatly kept barracks of Viper Squadron.  Once a member of the squadron before his disbandment and honorable discharge, Jaden could still smell the blood and sweat from one of the most highly noted and honorable squadrons known to the Vast Empire Navy.  Vivid pictures and memories flew through Jaden's mind as he took a place at his old bunk.  Name card and all, it was ready to be reaquired.

The roster of the re-opened squadron looked to be promising for the moment.  Jaden's previous Nazgul squadron member would be heading up the squadron.  It didn't seem as though he had an Executive officer marked up yet, which seemed a bit odd because Megadeath, one of the previous members that Jaden had served with, was on the roster.  Jaden had been paired up with another familar face; HellKite from Kaph would be flying with him for the next assigned mission.  Sputnik seemed to be a fresh one to the squadron, and he would probably benefit from flying with Tomas.  Megadeath was heading up second flight, which made much sense, but the female he was running with seemed to have a bit off attitude from what Jaden had caught off of her around the ship, the few times he had seen her.   

The robotic yet friendly C-3PX was heading up flight three with yet another greeny, Jinxzo.  The pairing up for the squadron seemed to look fool proof, but nothing could be said before the mission; most of the pilots hadn't worked with eachother in a while and not very much at that.

Jaden didn't mind being paired up with HellKite.  They had gotten along through all their times in Kaph, but yet they had never gotten too close to eachother.  Mostly in seperate flights having seperate goals throughout the mission, he didn't know how the young pilot worked or if he had many marks on his record, but he did know that the two would probably be able to work things out.  Jaden hadn't had some competition in a while.

After finishing up with unloading, Jaden headed to the mess hall to grab some flatbread and tea, hoping that the arrival would settle soon and he would be able to arise ready for the mission.  Upon entering the complex he noted that none of the squadron members were present.  Just a couple of usual goers and pilots were sitting around two of the tables conversing about different things.  Jaden grabbed his muchies, and sat at a table by himself.  He was wearing his uniform, which marked him in every way as a veteran pilot.  His rank stuck out the most over the vast amount of medals and awards that were pinned to his uniform.  Second Lieutenant had taken him quite a while to achieve, but with that he earned the respect of the younger pilots that he flew with.

After finishing up Jaden headed back to the barracks to look up the rest of the mission details.  It didn't contain much that he didn't know already, so he decided to get some shuteye in sight of the mission that was about to be conjured up.

*Present Time*- Tie Fighter - Viper Three

Jaden's HUD finally began to come to life with far off sensor readings.  They weren't the best, but it was good enough for the situation.  The asteroid fields were now behind the pilots, and the preybirds were nearly within firing range.  As the two groups of pilots approached, Jaden checked his vectors to make sure that everything was where it needed to be.  His commander instincts were beginning to come into play; one thing that he had hoped would get in the way with his current position as a regular flight member.  He kept his finger off the trigger and the com unit, just letting the mission flow from adrift.

"Viper Three, requesting permission to engage Preybirds," said Jaden, noting that there were six of them.  Each with their long spread wings and rearly mounted gunners, looking for a fight that they hoped they could win.

"Permission granted.  All fighters engage your enemines.  Mark down your targets and stick with what you've got.  These preybirds are going to be tricky, and note the fact that they've got rear gunners and rear launching tubes.  Those missiles could end up to be a real bugger," said Tomas, "Good luck and God speed"

It had begun.  Jaden fell back a bit and let Hellkite take the nose.  The preybirds kept in their formation throughout the shifting of their enemy tie fighters.

They've got to be having a ball right now...with their superior firepower and what not, heading into battle with a group of fossils.  I laugh at what thoughts are running through their heads right now as they are probably doing the same.

Jaden kicked the fighter up on the starboard wing just in time to whiz past one of the preybirds.  He flew non-chalantly, just waiting for the exact time to whip the fighter around on the rear of the enemy preybirds.  Within a few seconds the two pilots, Viper's three and four, were closely in knit with eachother on the asses of the enemy preybirds.

Jaden came up on the ass of the left fighter with confidence.  They had just broke formation and we're flaking off with the ties now covering their asses.  It was eight on six, and they knew that they now needed to work together to survive.

The targetting redicule said otherwise.

Jaden let the trigger flick a couple of times, sending the green bursts of firepower into the rear of the enemy preybird.  Red bolts spit out at his tie as he weakened down the shields of the goliath fighter.  The fighter was a bit slower than the tie in a dogfight, but if the pilot needed to, he could get right out of the situation when he wanted to.

More agressive shots came from the rear gunner, throwing Jaden off a bit, but not too much.  The TIE was something he hadn't flown in a while, but he still knew he could handle the old relic.  The enemy pilot got nervous and decided to pull out his punch while he thought he had the TIE pilot in his hands.  Two missiles sprang from the enemy fighter, sending Jaden into a hard roll to the left.  Jaden let out a loud grunt as he flipped the fighter over the other way, letting off green bursts straight into the flight path of the preybird.  One missile overshot and the other didn't come near his fighter.  The enemy pilot had made a mistake that he would forever regret.

Jaden pulled out his heat and let the enemy pilots know that he wasn't screwing around.  The green bolts pelted the enemy preybird as the pilot hesitated and went into an idiotic barrel roll.  The shields were down with seconds and the hull readings just scrolled off the charts.  The preybird gunner ejected, but the pilot unfortunently didn't make it.

Oh what a sad story that is...

Jaden wooted through the com as he brought the fighter up from the debris.  HellKite was still latched onto his fighter, but the outcome was still to be seen.  Around the playing field the rest of the pilots were scattered out working on their own respective fighters.  It would be quite the show this dogfight here, and Jaden loved the fact that he had gotten one of his goals accomplished.  Getting a kill before any of the other pilots.

Yea, I still got it

OOC:

Sorry to write with such a cocky attitude there...Its just been so long and I wanted to open up the fact that my character is a veteran pilot, though most of you probably already knew that, but I was just pointing it out.  Didn't mean to offend anyone.

OOC:

1,285 Word Count : MS Word

The NCO walked off the bridge of the Wayfarer Transport, into the hallway for the Crew and Passenger Quarters. There in the main lounge area he saw the person he would need for operation; Telok “Jammer” Redstorm, a VEN Pilot who was currently a member of the reserves. He was on the transport in case of an emergency where extra pilots/crew was needed. The NCO knew that since Jammer had nothing better to do that he would agree to help, which he did. The NCO, having to get back to his post, handed a data pad with the objectives of the operation to Jammer. Then after the NCO went back to the bridge, Jammer went to work on reconfiguring the com array to activate sensors on the transports, and then streaming it to the rescue convoy; not an easy task.

Telok activated the comm. system and tried to establish communication.
“This is the VEN Wayfarer Transport Delta, can anyone hear this message?” he said, and then he waited for a response, one that he did not get. He closed the comm. channel.

He then began the presses or remotely activating the sensors on the transports so that they could see exactly what was out there, and what they were up against. Whatever was out there, Viper would soon know about it.

OOC:

sorry for such a short post, had to get off of the computer.

The two squadrons of fighters bore down on each at a quick velocity. Although designed to be faster, Tomas had ordered the Viper pilots to take a bit of a defensive stance while they waited for for C-3PX2 and Jinxzo to get into the action.

"Viper Three, requesting permission to engage Preybirds," Tomas heard from Jaden over the comm as the preybirds came into range.

"Permission granted.  All fighters engage your enemines.  Mark down your targets and stick with what you've got.  These preybirds are going to be tricky, and note the fact that they've got rear gunners and rear launching tubes.  Those missiles could end up to be a real bugger. Good luck and God speed." Tomas replied. The two groups exchanged sporadic fire, though the TIE Fighters kept on the move due to their inferior protection.

Upon making the first pass the rear gunners of the enemy fighters opened fire sending Viper squadron into temporary evasive mode before pairing off and slipping into the heat of action and reaction. It didn't take Tomas long to notice an outstanding amount of control being displayed by his inexperienced wingmate. Having said this, the better of the two Preybird pilots had almost immediately locked himself onto Sputnik. The second followed its leader and left Tomas with his pick of targets while Sputnik dodged and weaved for his life.

"Viper Two, keep moving I'm going to try and take the leader off your tail. You can handle this other schmuck, piece of cake. Toy with him. We'll get you some help as soon as possible."

"Copy that, Viper Lead. Happy hunting...time to take a ride pira-" Sputnik replied, the last few words obviously meant to only be heard by himself though the comm had taken some time to shut off. With that, he pulled off an spectacularly-performed maneuver that sent the one Preybird reeling. As Tomas pelted some focused fire on the Preybird leader, it broke off realizing he was going to be blown to bits if he kept on his current target. What ensued was an aerial chess match, as each lead pilot fought for the upper hand in the dogfight. In actuality, Tomas had read many of his opponents moves like a book, but the presence of the rear gunner had him constantly moving himself and unable to get off a good shot.

** On the Bridge of the Wayfarer Delta **

Telok “Jammer” Redstorm watched the sensor screen intently as one by one most of the sensors from the trade convoy activated. It took only a few moments once the grid had been established for the data on Delta itself to update.

"Shit! Viper Lead, this is Wayfarer Delta we've got an additional four Preybirds closing in our position...they came out of nowhere!"

"Copy that Delta, Viper 9 .. 10 you able to provide the transports with some support?" Tomas asked calmly as he made another maneuver in attempt to get out of view of his target's gunner.

"We're on it Viper Lead." C-3PX2 replied in his distinct-mechanic voice.

"Sir, there's something else." Jammer's voice spoke up over the comm again. "It appears to be a ... Carrack Cruiser. Off in the distance, but working its way towards us."

Frak, what's taking that Star Destroyer anyways? I don't see why it didn't come in as soon as the trap was sprung. "Alright guys, looks like we may have our work cut out for us for a bit. Take out what you can, then form up on the transports. Lead out." Tomas had been so focused on the conversation and his target that he had lost track of what had gone on around him. Two Preybirds destroyed and before he knew it Sputnik was right on his wing in support against the Preybird Lead.

"Welcome back Viper Two, got a taste for some more pirate?"...

OOC:

651 words.

A cigarette hung loosely from Mira's lips, on leg up on the bench the other swinging freely as a board was brought out to explain their mission. From what Mira could make from it, granted she was playing with her lighter the entire time was they were going to be loaded up on a Star Destroyer, let loose to provide backup for her squad, and in Mira's opinion blow some shit up. Still fiddling with her lighter, she desperately wanted to light up the cigarette in her mouth, but resisted, she was trying to quit and was keeping to her promise of one cigarette after a successful mission. Tugging on a curl that had escaped her braid Mira got to her feet and followed a Zabrak who the briefing officer had called, 'Oops,' an odd name but Mira had heard worst names.

Her flight helmet under one arm, Mira entered the shuttle that would take her and Oops to the Star Destroyer. Both of them were silent as the shuttle took off, Mira peered out the small window in the shuttle. She felt comfortable in her flight suit, she had been working out almost everyday since she had left basic so she wouldn't gain back the weight she had lost during those tough month of training. Though she was still curvier then most female pilots, Mira was within height, weight standards and her clothes fit. She did secretly envy the thinner pilots, they made their taller, sleek figures look so graceful, while Mira constantly felt dumpy and sluggish. Taking the cigarette out of her mouth Mira stuffed it back into her pack of cigarettes, she stared at the small package for a moment before tossing it under the seat. Getting up as the shuttle docked Mira left her stash of cigarettes on the shuttle. She was going to quit, no more cheating, she could do it. She still craved a cigarette.

Raising an eyebrow at Oops as they checked over their fighters as the Star Destroyer changed course and headed in what Mira supposed was the direction of the fight. She patted the cool metal of her Fighter, it was an older ship but it would do, she liked older ships more character. She checked over the weapons and grinned, one of the higher ups knew that she was more of a, 'boom,' person then the fancy dodging stuff some of the other pilots preferred to be. Patting her Fighter once more, Mira turned, wiggling her eyebrows at Oops a few times before she made her way to the bunk room for a quick nap before they arrived.

A few hours, or what felt like it Mira tossed herself out of bed to the sound of sirens. Smoothing down her flight suit, grabbing her helmet she ran into the hangar, once she was dropped into the cockpit of her Fighter, Mira began going through her checklist turning on different parts of the ship, flipping switch, and strapping herself in. Then as the hangar opened and her Fighter was dropped into space the same roll in her stomach appeared just like in basic training when they flew. Mira barrel rolled her Fighter a few times to loosen herself up before speeding off to the distant sparks and explosions. Arriving on the scene, Mira was slightly taken aback by the scene of dogfights, explosions, and Fighters whistling past. Not one to stand and dwell on things Mira and Oops shot forward into battle.

Mira forgetting about her radio found herself speeding past enemy targets and fire heading straight for their cruiser. She guessed that she was the heavier guns in this fight and flying by the cruisers tough hull she let loose a few shots before spinning away to avoid the cruisers return fire.

"Viper Eight do you read me, Viper Eight!" a smooth voice broke through Mira's concentration as she tried to out maneuver two enemy fighters behind her, dipping and swerving she distracted the enemy ships enough that they didn't notice until it was too late as they flew right in range of two of the Viper Fighters.

"Viper Eight here, and checking into duty," Mira replied using her low seductive voice, "Chief Warrant Officer Dagoram I'm guessing and my guesses are usually right. Crewman Mira O'Riley a pleasure."

"Where in the hell did you come from....and did you just shoot at the cruiser on your own..... and make your hits in the shape of a.....smiling face?" the voice said in a tone as if he didn't believe what he just saw.

"Well yeah, usually the pirates get P'oed when you vandalize their stuff," Mira chuckled.

"Are you insane?"

"Well I've been asked that before," Mira answered not giving CWO Dagoram a straight answer. But she really needed and cigarette.

Rocketman came out of the Star Destroyer to see the smiling face on the carrier. “This is Viper 11 reporting for duty Sirs.” Permission to engage enemy hostiles?

Granted. says Tomas

Rocketman pulls the tie fighter out of the course it was on to help Viper Nine with the other 4 preybird. He takes the quickest root to the chaos. “I this is so not like basic training" says to himself.

I come up on the little slippery fighter when he launches two missiles, which I almost did not dodge. Checking his sensors to see if the damage from the missile was serious.
I guess I lucked out this time. Puts his shields to 75% power and his lasers to 25%. I don’t know how long I can hold out against this barrage.

Hale was snapped out of his thinking when his indicator went red from being on a missile lock from behind. Shit need to get out of this one. Okay think all I need to do is do a break turn to the right and I should be fine.

Hits the breaks a little too hard and sends his fighter into a right turns just a little too wide, but the maneuver survived its purpose and he was able to lose both of the fighters.

OOC:

don't be made at this post it is my first and i have tried but its is 213 words.

They were coming in hot. The ISD, transporting various numbers, including reinforcements such as himself, would be arriving momentarily, and he had been told to scramble to his fighter.

It wasn't new for the Strangler. In fact, his first day in Kaph had been in a fighter completely alien to him, yet he formed up in his element, and made due with the fact that he was wet behind the ears, and didn't really know how to work the Aggressor he had been in to full capacity. But this was a different time, a different battle. He had received order, while on his leave, to report to the current position of the mSSD Atrus, which had been his home anyhow, but in the care of a different squadron: Viper.

He would be Viper 12; he knew this already. He had looked at the Squadron manifest and, with a tad bit of delight, that a “friend”, if you could call “him” that, would be his Flight Leader: the droid, C-3PX2. It, the droid, was an excellent pilot, yet he had always thought that it lacked the human finesse necessary to be a pilot, no less be in a leadership position. But it really didn't matter to him. He would work well as part of C-3's flight. He had also checked out his wingman, Viper 11, callsign Rocketman. He was just like the Strangler had been: wet-behind-the-ears, newbie, straight from Abrae...without the Star of the Academy, which set Enzadi apart from the others.

The Strangler moved to his fighter, and was displeased by what he saw: a standard TIE fighter, as opposed to what he was used to, the Interceptor. He wrinkled his nose at a grease monkey as he climbed into the cramped cockpit. He mouthed to the man, “I hate these things,” receiving and knowing smile and eye-roll. He primed the engines for insertion into a hostile environment and awaited the ISD's drop from hyperspace.

Enzadi could feel it vibrate through the ship, and through the exit point, stars became points, and scenes of battle filled the little view he had. He waited for clearance, he was waved out. He guided the fighter through the hold, and exited.

This was his element. The ship at the command of his squeezing hands, trying to wring excess life from  the yoke. It was a great feeling, especially after the absence he had suffered. But it was like he had been trained: you never do forget. Even if you're flying a throwback craft like he was.

The Strangler dialed into Viper's comm channel, and also opened channels with Three Flight, and attempted to hail Viper 11. He hesitated. The first words to your new companions and back-coverers were important, albeit always simple.

“Viper 9, this is Viper 12. Ready and waiting to incorporate into formation. What's your position?” the Strangler said coolly into the channel.

OOC:

491 words

Well at least I didn’t die and we didn’t lose a transport that’s pretty good.
"This is Viper eleven reporting in."
"All systems are green except for shields and oxygen but it is fine one of my tanks got hit but I am still fine, but just in case I am requesting to go back to the ship for repairs."

OOC:

I did not know what to post besides this but i will make a better one though.  60 words so sad.

The fighter began to beep at Jaden.  Thousands of high pitched frequencies at once.  It was the alert that a new signature had jumped in, and it was actually good for once.  Jaden grinned as the Preybirds scrambled to return to formation.  They all just seemed to be glued right to the cruiser once the Imperial Star Destroyer had jumped in, and that was the worst of their mistakes.  The Imperial Star Destroyer had been dubbed Suspense, respectively.

"Viper lead to Flight one, our back-up has arrived, switch your vectors straight for those preybirds.  They're huddling back around the Carrack cruiser in a last attempt to save her before our cruiser makes anything worse," said Tomas

"Three here, affirmative on your last.  Run them down and toss them around sir?  Or just let them run if they can?" said Jaden

Jaden imagined the smile that would be appearing on his commanders face right then, "Run them down and toss them around Three," said Tomas, "But don't get too carried away"

Jaden had been too caught up with keeping the Preybirds in the center of his mind to realize that four bombers and TIE's had just joined the mess.  He watched as the lead bomber went out on a stray run.

Nasty bomber pilot there....I wonder if he knows he's on a suicide run?

Jaden chucked as the bomber released a quarter of its salvo.  Five different bombs sprung out from the bomber and landed in a perfect smiley face on the carrack cruiser.  He knew now that the pilot was showing off, not actually trying to do something serious.  The reality of the whole fact was that once the Star Destroyer had jumped in, too many people let their guard down.  It was dissapointed to the seasoned pilot to see that a new recruit was already showing off in probably one of their first missions.

This new generation of pilots...Amazing what they accomplish having attitudes like they do

Jadens communications terminal lit up listing the new pilots and their assignments.  Two of the bomber pilots and two of the TIE pilots were now listed under Viper squadron.  This simple fact nearly brought Jaden to tears as he looked at the new fully complete roster.  Every single space was filled.

It has been years...

Jaden quickly brushed the reminiscence from his mind and snapped the fighter into a tight formation with his wing.  They were coming around the port side of the Carrack to pursue the fighters when Viper Flight Three swung from what seemed like out of nowhere, and had jumped right on top of the enemy cruiser.  Two bombers and the rest of the fighters filled the flight besides its previous members, and they were now attacking every single part of the cruiser's hull, especially the weak points, which had by now been highlighted on the pilots HUD's.  Within what had seemed like only a minute, the hull had been shattered and the reactors had started their combustion sequence.  The carrack cruiser was now stopped dead in it's tracks, and the fighters were now going wild.

"Viper Lead to all Viper pilots, commendable actions out there, but we aren't for sure out of this yet.  Assist those transports as they dock up with our bulk freighters and get our people out of there.  Technicians will be sent aboard every ship, besides the last one because of the situation with Wayfarer Delta, meaning that we will need utmost protection of those transports.  Those technicians have the lives of each one of those freighters crews in their hands as they attempt to get them going again.  If it comes to the point of where we can't save the freighters, we're going to pull the crew members out, and have them dropped off at the Imperial Star Destroyer Suspense.  Alright?  Alright"

Jaden couldn't help but notice the beauty of the area that they had been doing all this fighting in.  A bright orange, nearly neon to Jaden's eyes, gas planet was just off about 150 kilometers from their position.  It had been backgrounding them their entire time, as if they had been swimming in the planets shadow for the most part of the battle.  On the other side was the planet Osigao-Phi.  It seemed inhabitable, but Jaden had never looked up any files on the planet, nor did he care too.  The only thing he cared about was the somewhat eerie green glow on the surface of the planet.  It's atmosphere looked thin, too thin at times to be able to hold life, but from the naked eye it could be seen that the planet was thriving with life.  The asteroid field only sharpened the already beautiful scene that had been created.

These pirates sure do know how to pick out a good spot to pull someone out and raid them...

Jaden toggled around his targetting computer, going through all of the old targets and marking the ones that he had either assisted in or had gotten the last shot in, and then marked was was still left in the area.  Six Preybird starfighters remained, and nearly every single one of them was on the good side with their systems.  The only thing that foreshadowed their failure was the fact that they were running towards the transports, but with their backs turned towards the Vipers.

Big Mistake

Rocketman went into a very tight turn to avoid the mine. It sent the fighter into an almost uncontrolled turn, but was able to pull out.
Frak dame mines, ok did not get hit much I think. Okay need to check my systems. Weapons green, shields green or at least decent, hull green, air yellow. Frak two tanks hit, now shit need to revert systems to third and fourth and hope it lasts. Engines green at least they weren’t hit that’s pretty good. Now all I have to worry about is my air and than I will be fine I hope. I surprised I was able to pull out of that blast area with out more damage of course it is still bad that my tanks where hit.

Viper 11 to Viper Nine “Sir what was that”?

“That was a Sonic Mine Viper 11” says Viper Nine

“Wow that’s the first time I have been though that thanks for the warning sir.” Says Viper 11

“And about rushing in to the four fighters I realize that was a mistake for that and I will not do it again sir.”

“Umm sir I got a problem, my oxygen tank two just quit on me and I have no idea how long tanks three and four will last requesting to dock on any ship for any repairs sir, because I think that if I get hit again I don’t think that I will be able to take another hit by my air tanks.”

OOC:

Okey better post atcually awake for this one and its 251 wourds too.