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Topic:  Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
Shazam
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Shazam
 
[VE-NAVY] Lt. Commander
[VE-VEEC] Chief Reporter
 
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  Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
April 30, 2006 3:56:59 PM    View the profile of Shazam 

Shattering Fate


Phoenix Wing- Campaign 01



Note You must read the instructions within the Navy Storyboard thread before proceeding.  Exact times and instructions will be given to you for posting.  Enjoy




***The Coruscant***

(Time: Three standard weeks and five days after the simultaneous attack on all three squadrons in Phoenix Wing.)

"Attention!" Shazam announced sharply.  Phoenix wing lept to it's feet as Japheth entered the briefing room.

"At Ease." Japheth instructured as he made his way to the centre of the room.  The rigid imperial posture exemplified control.  "Commander, Lieutenant, make sure those doors are locked."  He instructed Shazam and Arturus.  The two men each went to one of the doors and secured them; in the meantime, Japheth lifted a large square-shaped briefcase onto a table beside the holoprojector used for the briefing.  A soft electrical hum emerged from the box after a switch inside was flipped.  "Did you remove all datapads and other electronic devices capable of storing data?"  Japheth asked Shazam.

"Yes Admiral.  All datapads, communications devices, and other such equipment was confiscated from those who forgot about the order you sent out."  Shazam replied.

"Good.  None of the following information is to leave this room in any way."  Japheth instructed sternly.  There was some whispering amongst the pilots seated in front of him; secrets always seemed to inspire a mix of confusion, curisoity, and almost giddy excitement.  "Order ladies and gentlemen.  Let me make this clear again.  You are not to take notes of any kind; you are not to to speak one word of this outside of this room, and you are especially not to mention this in any way shape or form to anyone not in this room.  Do I make myself clear?"  The admiral demanded staring at the pilots assembled in front of him.  There were silent nods, everyone now understood that this was something very serious and very important.  "Good."

Japheth pulled out a filefolder and began his presentation.  "For the past month, VEN has been in standby mode.  As I am sure you are aware, no fleet operations have been conducted and indeed all have been restricted to simulator training and other exercises unless absolutely necessary.  It is time to move beyond this stage both due to necessity and due to the fact that we now have a segment of VEN that is cleared to begin operations again.  Each one of you have had intense background checks and as I am sure you recall, all have been subjected to long interviews that were called ideological evaluations.  Based upon this immense security operation underway, we have managed to isolate a complete taskforce and two wings of fighters that are cleared for operations and indeed, as you can tell from recent movements, have been seperated from the rest of the fleet.  The ISD Coruscant, the ship you are on right now, is the lead ship of taskforce Shadowfire and this taskforce has been ordered to have no contact with the rest of VEN for the moment.  All of you are cleared for this operation as your loyalty to VEN has been determined.

"The first thing of note is the fact that your squadrons have some new personel.  In the process of isolating the taskforce we wanted the best pilots around, both experience and those coming up, to be in this wing.  Phoenix Wing is the elite wing of VEN and as a result, yours was a priority for clearance.  All of the new pilots are well qualified and should fit in well."  Japheth continued.  The excuse was a lie but a plausible one.  Pilots who were suspected of not being completely loyal had in fact been transferred to other units while further investigations were conducted.  Nevertheless, in order to prevent wingmates from petitioning officers about the loyalty of their friends who had been transferred, the lie would suffice.  Given the severity of the issue which had already been drilled in at the start, it was doubtful that many would suspect that it was not the truth.

"Now I am sure more than a few of you are wondering why it is that such an operation is occuring.  That ladies and gentlemen is the reason why I am giving this briefing.  The information contained in here is the background information for what essentially will be a campaign against an enemy that is both internal and external.  It will also tie together the recent missions you have been on and a series of events that are all tied together in a nice little package to undermine VEN and create a new rival in this galactic conflict; a rival that would eventually take all of what we now control in its quest by power.  This organization is driven by a powerful combination: those who desire power and those who desire wealth.  Coupled with a clever campaign of propaganda, information suppression, and manipulation, they have been quite successful to date; much more successful than any of us expected when this investigation first began.  I'll begin by outlining this organization and those involved; from there the links to VEN and the internal conspiracy can be better understood."  Japheth flicked on the holoprojector and a logo appeared.

"This is the logo of the Reugrand Sovereignty, the organization that created and is following through on this plot.  In fact it could be aptly known as the Reugrand Supremacy as some form of Supremacy is most certainly the primary goal of this organization.  The name Reugrand in the Harjanne study means "Rising Grand" and it often refers to triumphant heroes and their quests around the galaxy.  Apparently Luke Skywalker and his Rebel organization fit into this category although the cynical revisionism of the rebels hardly makes their contribution to the destruction of law and order any more positive in the eyes of people around the galaxy."  The projector shifted to the next image.  "This is Jacre Roelk.  He was born on the planet Darlea in the Harjanne system and was sent to Imperial Centre at the age of nineteen.  His schooling is typical of many aspiring to be imperial officers, he has a background in political science and in Imperial rules and doctrine.  Over the course of ten years he also studied issues of war-time mobilization, galactic peace, law, and the art of persuasion and arguing."  The projector switched from an image of Roelk to a system map.

"This is the Harjanne system.  I mentionned that in the Harjanne school, Reugrand means "Rising Guard".  This system is significant.  The people of the Harjanne system have hated their Imperial Government for a long time due to apparent complaints regarding limitations and restrictions placed upon the people.  Clearly they have no appreciation for the security and prosperity that is provided because of Imperial rule.  Their ancestors that established the basic-speaking colonies in this system had no heroes to use as a rallying point for resistance nor any allies to appeal to for help.  As a result, they have not been outwardly resistant to the Empire.  Roelk was a senator up until the Emperor banished the committee due to its redundancy in the functions of government.  During this time, the idea of cloning to create a large army to control the galaxy had been discussed and Roelk was aware of this and its potential.  Roelk was in exile between the disbandment of the committee and the takeover of Imperial Centre and its transformation into Coruscant.  He spent his time in the Harjanne system with a group of counterparts that began to form this organization." 

The holoprojector brought up the picture of another man.  "One of those counterparts is Mospo Vieag.  Vieag is a human from the planet Nubsuria, also located in the Harjanne system, and is believed to be slightly unstable.  He spent fifteen years of his life in a state of mental breakdown.  At one time, Vieag was a renowned student at the Imperial Academy at Imperial Centre as he contained the interesting ability to remember random facts and recall them anywhere and anytime.  Vieag was expelled from the Empire for an experiment on cloning that exceeded Imperial Law.  These laws came into effect as the Emperor attempted to control forces in order to prevent another clone war.  Vieag is one of the best scientists when it comes to human cloning and has a bitter hatred of the Imperials because of his explusion.  He joined forces with Roelk who has a burning desire to retake the Harjanne system, his home system, from the Empire and together they created a plan to undermine the Empire and create clones right under their nose.  This plan would see the creation of another organization in the galaxy vying for power and would certain be a threat to the interests of VE."  Japheth pressed the button for the next image to appear and continued the briefing.

"Another one of the conspirators is Corvo Rothow.  Rothow is from the planet Eirbuik and is said to be extremely blood thirsty.  His only intention is to gain power and gain it through war.  He spent part of his life on Imperial Centre and was very impressed with the demonstrations of sheer power.  He has an envy of those who wield great power and benefit from it and is said to have been influenced by men such as the Emperor, Vader, and Thrawn.  Those who know him say he has an inner-grievance of somekind that makes him extremely vengeful.  After meeting Roelk on Imperial Centre, Rothow befriended him and kept in touch as he performed military service for the Empire and in particular the Imperial Navy.  His career, however, was cut short when he attempted to save the lives of his friends aboard the Imperial Star Destroy Might from the forces of the Empire.  After defying a direct order to destroy its own fighters, the Might, also known as the Imperial Might, was ordered to be destroyed when further orders to disengage from the battle and abandon the ship were ignored.  The Star Destroyer fled and eventually wound up in the Harjanne System and in the servies of Roelk and the Reugrand Sovereignty.

"It is believed that Rothow's initial hatred of the Empire came when his own ideas were ignored by people directly above him.  His superiors continued to ignore his clear aptitude for tactical warfare.  At one point, Rothow attempted to bring his superior officer in on a plan to take the Might from Imperial Control while part of the bridge's tactical staff.  It is thought that in order to stop being constantly kept in the dark, he wanted to appeal to the commander by wanting to increase the commander's power before taking the ship for himself.  It is also believed that the member of the Might have been brainwashed into the same ideas of the so-called "High Council" consisting of Roelk, Vieag, and Rothow.

"The High Council initially promised free trade for the sector so that the planets within it could grow.  They claimed that it would allow the planets to grow to the size promised when they had joined the Empire.  Clearly this is a manipulation as all planets have met of exceeded promised levels of growth but nevertheless, it shows what the Reugrand Sovereignty will say and do in order to further their plans.  Initially after the so-called New Republic took control of Imperial Centre, Roelk temporarily left the Harjanne system to see if he could acquire what the High Council had been hoping for to get for a long time: industry, space commerce, and big cities with twilight towers and peaks of steel.  He was forcefully turned down, however, because the New Republic was not interested in monopolizing an outside sector when there was work to be done in their traitorous campaign against us.  In addition, the Harjanne system is relatively close to an Imperial Faction known as the Vast Empire.  Any extra trouble was considered something to avoid by the New Republic and as a result, Roelk did not recieve assistance.

"Roelk returned to the Harjanne system to continue his plan.  Since neither Imperial or New Republic forces were in the system, it seemed as though they already had free trade.  If this was the case then we have to ask, why continue the plan?  The answer lies in what I said about Supremacy before.  The plan was indeed never to control one system but rather an entire sector.  In order to control the sector, the Reugrand Sovereignty would be required to take the nearby Vectra system and other VE controlled territory.  By taking the Vectra system first, they would have to develop technology fast but they would not be required to construct new ships as they had already captured enough since the original conception of the plan.  When the plan was introduced, Imperial control was still strong in the system and traffic was frequent.  Building a base of operations anywhere was extremely difficult to practically impossible.  Above all, they did not want to be discovered and have their plans foiled.

"After the fall of the Imperials at Yavin IV, the Reugrand Sovereignty, hereafter referred to as the RS, began a scrounging operation in order to find the materials necessary to build a base of operations and begin creating clones.  Using the ISD Might and a few other ships from the planets within the Harjanne system, they began to take large shipments approximately every six months.  It was possible to do this because many were searching for sources of income as the low level of traffic had created economic problems.  In order to conceal the purpose of the shipments, they were not sent on a consistent basis.  The goal of the operation was to make it look like a pirate operation.  As a result, traces of planetary fighters were left behind at the scenes.  The Might was used to neutralize and capture targets at random.  In one case, the engines of a frigate sitting in a shipyard were neutralized and the ship captured.  The Might was never mentionned in reports because any space stations or shipyards that were attacked were taken over and vessels accompanying the Might would disable the communications of nearby ships and facility.  The Star Destroyer always outclassed its opponents and often took enemies without a fighter; in fact the class differential was so great that fighters were rarely deployed in battle."

"Now that you know how the RS managed to gain it's current power I'll provide you with the intelligence estimates on their progress.  If the Reugrand Sovereignty is using pre-Empire equipment then it would take around ten years, thus about five more years from our present time period, in order to create a mature trooper.  This is based on the assumption that they started a few years after the destruction of the first Death Star.  However, if the RS is using technology from the time of the Empire's control of Imperial Centre or technology from our present time period then a clone could be created in a matter of about five years.  This means that troops could be taught and ready to go now.  Overall, we believe the motives of this organization rest in an overwhelming sense of greed rather than ideology.  They use brainwashing and propaganda tactics to gain personnel on the cheap but ultimately they are not trying to establish a new order based on new ideas but rather a new order that helps their bank accounts.  They bring people to their cause by promising power and wealth; these are too powerful motivators on their own but those who turn for those reasons can be turned back.  Greedy and ambitious people are not trustworthy by nature; if you can bribe someone, someone else can also for a higher price.  In terms of power, the only way to turn those who join organizations such as this for power is to show their weakness or to promise more power.  We intend to do the former by striking at the heart of their operation but that briefing will come later.

"For now, I want to highlight one final piece of this puzzle.  Many of you are probably wondering how this enemy is both internal and external.  Clearly they have external ambitions that could potentially cause problems for us.  However, they also had a clever internal operation that we have discovered and this is what led to this security operation.  The link revolves around Warren Dimmias, a man who some of you know and have served with.  After the destruction of the Death Star, Roelk was trying to get assistance from the New Republic.  Failing that, he and his conspirators went back to the Harjanne system to plan expansion.  It was their belief that the Vectra system should be the first system to expand into.  Roelk as you know was once a senator and Rothow was a ship commander in the Imperial Navy. This means that they had access to the lists of names and information about people in various sectors.  Some of this information they were not supposed to have but it was not overly difficult to get as no secret manouvers were occuring in this area.  Given that VEN is still associated at a distance with the Harjanne system, it was not completely out of the ordinary for them to acquire this specific information.  In order for this operation to succeed, they need people to work from the inside.  Unable to buy off anyone important, they instead fell upon the type of person every conspirator wants; someone who truly offers complete loyalty.  That man was Warren Dimmias." A murmer went through the crowd and looks were exchanged after the realization took place: that man was in our wing only a few weeks ago!

"Warren Dimmias was originally a member of Viper Squadron, the strongest and most elite squadron in VEN at the time.  This means that he was an elite pilot.  He was capable and had access to people within the Empire.  Viper Squadron was our equivalent to Rogue Squadron.  Their missions took them around the nearby systems and sectors gaining support from the planets and showing off the power and heroic status they had obtained.  Roelk, failing to bribe any men of important, got total allegiance from Dimmias.  You might ask why.  The answer is rather complicated; you have to think like this man does in order to attempt to rationalize it.  Dimmias has always been greedy; there has never been a time when he wasn't privately planning for some great command.  He does not desire wealth; he is instead obsessed with obtaining power, status, fame, and greatness.  Viper Squadron was a start but for him not satisfactory, he wanted more.  Dimmias is naturally sneaky and will do anything if it promises to give him more power and fame that he has; it is an irrational obsession and thus hard to understand.  Nevertheless, understanding is important in order to see how these people operate."

"There is another factor that made this transition easier.  Initially, Rothow, Dimmias, and others in this organization were highly supportive of the Empire.  It provided power, order, and put on great shows of power and might.  All who serve in the Empire are highly regarded for their military excellence, courage, and bravery.  Prior to the death of the Empire, pilots thought the Empire was their life because it offered what everyone person wants; power, money, and fame.  After the Emperor was assassinated, Roelk managed to convince Dimmias that the Vast Empire and other Imperial factions are not the Empire because there is no longer an Emperor.  They convinced Dimmias that he was fighting an uphill battle with no possible hope for success and every guarantee of ultimate failure.  Roelk offers Dimmias a choice; fight and lose for the Empire or join him in creating a new Empire.  They would build their forces quietly then surprise the universe with a powerful arsenal including possibly some remake of the Death Star.  Farfetched but Dimmias bought it."

"Dimmias was given an assignment: collect information in VEN and he will be made a hero.  Due to his flying ability, Dimmias soon gained command of Decta Squadron, not an elite squadron but his position was a step up.  He turned each of the pilots in the squadron to his idea and built an enemy squadron within our hangers.  However, Dimmias soon began to complain that he wasn't given the compensation he was promised, namely the hero status.  As a result, the RS sped up the process by setting up Decta Squadron.  They launched an attack masquerading as a pirate attack; they used a cruiser believed to be owned by pirates.  Decta squadron specialized in fighting pirates so they were sent in to take out the pirate ship.  After the battle began, the ISD Might jumped into the fray.  Decta's pilots believed that the Might was still an Imperial ship and so thought assistance had come.  Instead, the Might openned fire on Decta Squadron.  The pirate cruiser had been captured earlier by the RS and was used for the purpose of making Dimmias a hero.  Those on board the ship, aside from the officers, were people captured and brinwashed to support the RS.

"Dimmias knew about the ambush the entire time but to his pilots, it looked like the Empire had found them out and was trying a coverup mission by ambushing them.  After a chase that led to the destruction of a small system patrol craft capable of housing one squadron of fighters, Decta Squadron had been destroyed and everyone thought it was just a result of a clever group of pirates.  For the moment, Dimmias disappeared.  Decta had fled to its rendezvous point and was ambushed there, thanks to information from Dimmias and killed.  A space station in the area alerted VE of a pirate raid and as a result, VE began operations to clear out pirates in the Vectra System with the result being the destruction of all pirate forces.  Pirates, however, were not what attacked us.  Getting rid of them actually helped the RS as it removed one threat to them; pirates are a threat to all and RS needed as few threats as possible.

"A month later, a distress signal was received from a pirate ship matching the description of the one at the site of the ambush.  VE jumped in to attack to found that the ship had had all oxygen cut off save for the bridge.  Dimmias was in control of it and had sent the distress call.  Only some pirates remained alive onboard the ship; as a result, Dimmias was seen as a hero for single-handidly taking control of the ship that ambushed his squadron.  Before the VE could interogate the pirates, Dimmias, citing personal grievances and burns from an apparent attack on board was allowed to execute the pirates.  As a result, he was a hero and no one was left to tell of the trickery he had been engaged in.  It was a nice neat little package and deceived us all."  Japheth concluded.  He paused, took a drink of water and shut off the holoprojector.  "I know this is quite a bit of information to digest and I thank you for your time and your understanding in this matter.  You are now assigned to Shadowfire Taskforce under the command of Captain Marcus Falensarano.  This taskforce will be responsible for beginning our fight against the RS.  There is a mission upcoming that the entire force will be in on, I'll let Commander Shazam brief you in at his convenience.  I am returning to the Atrus to continue the internal investigation and deal with the upheaval.  Thank you again, dismissed."  Japheth finished.

"Before you go..." Shazam said as people began to move.  "There will be a briefing tomorrow at 09:00 for both wings regarding the next mission.  As of now, moderate your alcohol consumption and standby in mission readiness status.  That's all."


-----------------------
*Flash Was Here...*

CMDR/LtC Shazam/Nazgul 1-1/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/1VENF/VEN (=A=) (=*SA*=) (=*MA*=) (=*FOCE*=) [LoM] [LSM] [VC:S] [DSM]

Commander of Nazgul Squadron, Phoenix Wing and Training
[This message has been edited by Arturus (edited April 30, 2006 4:01:01 PM)]
Arturus
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Arturus
 
[VE-NAVY] Ensign
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 2, 2006 9:07:23 PM    View the profile of Arturus 
"Settle down ladies and gentlemen."  Shazam said from the podium at the front of the room.  The pilots of Phoenix Wing quieted down as the briefing was about to begin.  Standing at the front of the room was Shazam, an army major, and Captain Marcus Falensarano; Falensarano was the commander of taskforce Shadowfire and an officer that the wing had worked with before on their last joint operation.  His tactics had earned the respect of many during the last mission and his ability to adapt to the situation, especially given the surprising mass self-destruct of the transports they were trying to capture, proved he was more than capable of the task ahead of them.  Falensarano was taller than Shazam and had a heavier build.  The priviledges of command and the sedentary lifestyle had taken its toll on his body; he was not at all in shape to fly a fighter.  Nevertheless, he was good at what he did.  As was the case with so many Imperial officers, he was arrogant and considered himself a superior specimen.  It was not without merit but nevertheless, if he had a weakness, that was it.

"Let me begin with some background."  Shazam said as the briefing began.  "Over the past while, all three squadrons have had missions that seemed independent of each other but now, given the context of yesterday's briefing and some detailed analysis of timing, we have determined that they are all linked together and all point to operations of the Reugrand Sovereignty.  We have managed to piece together the relevant data and clever intelligence operations have yielded great success.  Ladies and gentlemen, today we declare war against the RS and strike at the heart of their operation.  Success in this mission will send them on the run.  We will chase each one day and annihilate them and end this sinister plan to undermine the Vast Empire.  They picked the wrong people to target and they will feel our wrath."  The opening words were strong and poignant.  Pausing momentarily, Shazam saw everyone deeply focused and intense.  They were ready for this and his opening remarks reinforced the immense importance of this operation.  "This need not be said but I will reinforce it; failure is not an option, we must and will succeed."

"Now," Shazam, said moving on, "I will begin with Nazgul Squadron.  In their last mission, Nazgul Squadron was engaged in a battle in the Cepany system.  During the battle, some of the enemy ships escaped.  There were a couple of badly damaged light cruisers and more importantly, the Assault Frigate Rothow and the Hapan Battle Dragon Roelk escaped with only minor damage.  We traced a number of possible courses for the damaged cruisers to take and created a short list of probably targets.  However, after matching it with information from the other missions we managed to find the target system.  Kaph Squadron's mission against the Phalanx also yielded valuable information despite the fact that the ship itself escaped.  Having captured the Whirlpool, Kaph Squadron used it as a base of operations to try, unsuccessfully, to re-take the Phalanx from what we believed to be the New Republic.  However, this was not the case.  The crew of the Whirlpool was interogated after information about an organization known as the Reugrand Sovereignty was found in the cabin of the ship's captain.  There was also information regarding Imperial fleet formations in the surrounding areas.  This information should have been destroyed but fortunately we caught a break and Kaph Squadron managed to surprise the ship; the information was not destroyed due to the chaos.

"It appears at the Phalanx was heading to the Harjanne system after it and the Whirlpool were unable to assist the RS forces at Cepany.  Probes were sent to the Harjanne system and intelligence operations were launched in order to gather information.  What is very interesting is at the time that the Phalanx escaped, Dimmias and the forces at Cepany also fled; apparently, a general fleet retreat was sent to all ships.  The ship that Aegis Squadron was trying to take fled, abandonning its fighters, at the exact same time.  It is through analyzing these patterns and the intelligence operations that we have managed to piece much information about the RS together and also to find our target for this mission."  Shazam pressed a button on the holoprojector and a planetary system came up.  "This is one of the planets in the Harjanne system Rameis Seven.  It is a small planet covered mostly in hills and forest.  There are a number of small cities but overall it's small, somewhat remote, and not overly important to anyone.  By all definitions it is ideal for a base of operations."

"We know that the RS was engaged in attempting to create clone forces.  The main facility is located on this planet, fifty kilometers south of the medium sized city Karvaki, located in a heavily forested area.  If we knock out this facility, we knock out the main part of the RS' operation and destroy the center of this threat.  As a result, this will be a two part operation coordinated heavily with the army.  Phase one of the operation is reasonably simple.  The third battalion of the 1284th Mobile Regiment has been assigned for a quick strike ground operation against the facility.  Major Palif Lorcken, the battalion commander, will elaborate upon the army mission shortly.  Phase one of this operation is escort duty.  Phoenix Wing will escort the twenty-four transports that contain the battalion onto the planet.  The landing zone is fifty-two kilometers east of the facility.  There are very few landing areas large enough and this one is still small.  We do not expect an abundance of firepower orbiting the planet; the damaged ships from Cepany would most likely go to a RS controlled system with the appropriate shipyards.  However, it is possible that either the Roelk or the Rothow could be in the system.  I'll yield to Captain Falensarano to address this situation."

Captain Falensarano walked up to the podium as Shazam stepped down.  "Thank you Commander.  This taskforce is prepared for a variety of scenarios and has contingency plans in place should we find ourselves in the very unlikely position of being outgunned.  The space end of this mission is simple: destroy as many RS ships and fighters as possible.  As a result, we have the following in our arsenal: the Imperial Star Destroyer Coruscant, the Interdictor Cruiser Stranglehold, the Dreadnaughts Thunder and Storm, and the Carack Cruisers Griffin, Lion, and Dragon.  Once in system, the two Dreadnaughts will flank either side of the Coruscant with the Interdictor located beneath us.  This will give us a punch against any enemy cruisers in the area.  Firestorm Wing will be on standby to deal with fighters once the transports and Phoenix Wing are in atmosphere.  Should no threat exist, they will escort the transports back out of the atmosphere in case ground-based starfighters engage them.  The Carack Cruisers will provide escort for the transports up to the atmosphere.  From there, they will provide anti-fighter support.  Finally, we have half a squadron of Assault Transports ready to go; our goal is to capture rather than destroy these ships as we may be able to gain more information about the RS and future targets.  Our planning should allow for Phoenix Wing to only spend a minimal time in space before moving on to its primary mission."  Falensarno concluded.  Shazam retook the podium and continued.

"Thank you Captain.  Once in atmosphere, Phoenix Wing will provided cover for the transports.  Only four can land at a time in the landing area so landing operations will take approximately twenty minutes.  During that time, our objective is to ensure that no enemy fighter, space or atmospheric, gets anywhere near the exposed troops.  Before being destroyed, the probe showed that there were a number of squadrons stationed at the facility so we can expect a response almost immediately.  Once landing is complete, our mission is two-fold: air superiority and ground support.  The army is weak to air attacks so we must protect it in that regard.  Also, all fighters are equipped with the abiltiy to home in on targets lit up by the army.  In order for the mission to succeed we will need to strike at ground targets that impede army progress.  Given that our probes were shot down in flight without a starfighter nearby, we can only assume that there is heavy anti-air defences around the facility and as the result, we will be competing with both fighters and anti-air bombardment.  Keep low and ensure your speed is up; if you fly too high you will be a sitting duck.  The last thing we need is to heavy excess casualties due to high altitude so ensure you stay down.  I've invited Major Lorcken here to give a basic briefing on ground operations and some more specifics on the ground support operations side of this mission.  Major."  Shazam said turning to the army officer.  Major Lorcken was a shorter man of slight build.  It was clear that he made his living in a mechanized unit rather than a regular infantry one as the regular infantry officers had much bigger builds.  What he lacked in impressive build he made up with in a thundering, powerful voice.

"Thank you Commander.  The Vast Empire Army and Navy have rarely worked together on specialized missions before; as a result, this will be an experience for both of us.  We require three things from you pilots for success.  First, we need to ground in one piece; this part you have already heard about.  Once on the ground, we need cover for the first phase of our operation that takes us from the landing zone to the first of three defensive rings in front of the facility.  Due to the nature of the terrain and the need to move with speed in order to get into position, we will be using the lone road heading towards the facility.  This means we will be sitting targets in the open.  As a result, it will be your responsibility in this phase to keep enemy fighters off of us.  We have limited mobile anti-aircraft units or AAATs but they are support and not main firepower.  Once we reach the first defensive ring, we will begin to encounter some vehicles and a number of reinforced bunkers.  Depending on the ground resistance, we may illuminate targets to you from the ground for airstrikes.  This will be particularly important when we reach the second and third rings where there are many more defensive installations including anti-air installations.  Since speed is important in this mission, you men will have to knock out anything that holds us up.  This could mean bombing areas of heavily concentrated vehicles or well fortified positions, particularly on hilltops (OOC: maps of targets will be provided closer to this phase of the mission).

"Finally, and most importantly, there is one very vital task you must perform.  The facility itself is protected by a heavy shield.  The probe was unable to identify where the shield generators are located.  One of our companies specializes in reconnaissance and is tasked with finding the shield generators.  We have two shield disablers but should the generators be on the other side from our assault and their main defences then it will be unaccessible in the limited time that we have.  Therefore, it will be up to you in that case to destroy the shields generators.  We can expect that they are well defended both from the ground and the air so your ability to fly low, perhaps even between a valley of trees against a flurry of anti-air fire may prove the deciding factor.  We will do what we can to assist you from the ground and to destroy anti-air defences; we will also do all we can to clearly identify key targets to speed up the mission.  Hopefully this cooperation will be a success so that we can build upon this in future missions."  The major concluded.

"Thank you Major.  With that, this briefing is adjourned.  All pilots are to report to the hanger in five hours in full flight gear.  Dismissed!"  Shazam ordered.  With that, Shazam, Falensarano, Lorcken, and Arturus left the room leaving the pilots to mull over the details and spend the time focusing in on the mission.


-----------------------
ESN 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
[This message has been edited by Shazam (edited May 3, 2006 4:02:47 PM)]
[This message has been edited by Arturus (edited May 3, 2006 9:17:40 PM)]
[This message has been edited by Arturus (edited May 3, 2006 9:18:14 PM)]
[This message has been edited by Arturus (edited May 3, 2006 9:39:00 PM)]
Shazam
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Shazam
 
[VE-NAVY] Lt. Commander
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Post Number:  2352
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 3, 2006 4:38:50 PM    View the profile of Shazam 
Jacre' Roelk sat at the desk as if uncertain, stagnant and in utter consternation.  What Rothow had just given him was not at all as he'd expected. 

"You're sure that it was a taskforce on our outskirts?  Rhaegent and Sian are more logical- they'd have outpost there.  Probably just resupplying..."  The medium build man with wirey glasses and a short, almost frizzy beird was cut off by the more brusque, sharp looking individual in front of him.

"So they can attack...  You know you're denying this.  They are perfectly within range to attack- if they needed somewhere to stop, they'd have stayed in the Vectra System- that was their point of origin two weeks ago and as far as our intelligence has gathered, they haven't engaged in any massive attacks...  They just get bigger."  Corvo Rothow was looking particularly passionate today, Roelk noted, as Mospo Vieag huddled quietly in his chair.  This is how things had been going for the last month, since only half of the attacking forces came back and both the Assault Frigate Precipitous and the Hapan Battle Cruisier Absolute needed repairs to their exteriors.  Roelk could still remember the utter fury that Rothow extended toward the both of them that day- whether he was mad at himself or their entire organization was a bit of a mystery.

"What if they're already on their way..." Vieag brushed his thick hands through his long, greasy hair.  He was a man of about six foot and was remarkably thin.  His eyes appeared to have taken heavy damage from years of malnutrition and both the provisional council as well as his counter-parts on the High Council had suggested he take some time off or at least speculated he had a severe case of jaundice that would eventually kill him...

You know that either of the two are just looking for a chance to take it all for themselves... He could hear the words fresh in his mind, Chymay having to whisper for fear that her own body guards would take her into custody and have her executed.  Executions he and the rest of the High Council had deemed legal.  Yes, she was right, but if they could just control it a little...

"They probably are...  Our last count indicated a variety of cruisers including atleast one star destroyer...  When the destroyers drop in, you know they're ready." The room's plain white, windowless walls appeared darker now that Rothow had confirmed all of their assurances- he had a way of putting an ominous spin to things, as if there was some great, evil conspiracy shrouding thier futures. 

"What about the Might?" Roelk questioned hopefully.  Even before the bitter remark slung back at him, he knew it was a stupid question.

"It'll be out for days and at this rate, it'll only arrive after the battle..."  He said no more, maybe afraid of his own premonitions...  Yes, if the Might jumped in after the battle, what would it find?  The same base hidden behind dense layers of green leaf jungles or acrid smoke and the aftermath of a lost battle...  And the Imperials...

"So what do you suggest we do?  You're the military man." Roelk had been sitting at the desk with his eyes cast away from the group, but now he stood as if to confront Rothow for his own blatant blaming.  He was disappointed when a rejoinder flashed yet again his way-

"We prepare...  They have no idea of what type of forces we have here..." Rothow began but Vieag spoke up modestly.

"Deception is the key and in this place, there's not an end for it..."  Why everyone else had stopped speaking, they were not sure- but in that trivial line, again, they thought they heard some pre-eminent death threat from outside or within.  This is how it had been for a month...

Roelk finally spoke. "Fine.  Place the bunkers on full alert and make sure our fighters are ready- do we have any nearby forces?"

"The Precipitous can jump into orbit within the hour and the Absolute in about a half dozen...  I'll see what nearby control craft we can bring up as well."

"How many squadrons?" Vieag querried from behind his hollow eyes.

"As of right now, we're not sure of what type of pilots we can actually get...  They got us pretty good..."

"Maybe if we wouldn't have sen them all at once..." Mospo was again going into his routine against Rothow.  The meager formation of his body and the whitening layer of his skin made him out to be weak, but maybe we was the only one not afraid of everyone else...

"You're not helping Mospo- collect what forces you can and set them in sector so they can jump in if we need them." Roelk was now pacing as Rothow had been for an hour.

"Attach half of the force to our planet and maybe we'll be able to bottle neck 'em..." Rothow seemed excited to be planning traps once again- his ruthless aptitude for destruction worried Roelk slightly, but at this point: he was just glad the psycho was on their side.

"Who knows," Vieag said arrily," maybe they won't even attack."  Rothow shook his head and exited the room as if to say "I'll be working..."

"He could have atleast said good-bye..."

"The provisional's ganna have a fit about this..."

(Alright: no posting just yet.  Again, we'll let you know.  Art- you got those last post done?  Do it to it bud   Also, you need to put in the jobs of each squadron above.  Rock On.)
 
-----------------------
*Flash Was Here...*

CMDR/LtC Shazam/Nazgul 1-1/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/1VENF/VEN (=A=) (=*SA*=) (=*MA*=) (=*FOCE*=) [LoM] [LSM] [VC:S] [DSM]

Commander of Nazgul Squadron, Phoenix Wing and Training
Arturus
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Arturus
 
[VE-NAVY] Ensign
 
Post Number:  1285
Total Posts:  2143
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 4, 2006 2:51:00 PM    View the profile of Arturus 
Five hour later, the pilots assembled in the hanger as ordered.

"Alright gather around."  Shazam ordered to his wing.  The pilots clustered in close so they could hear him over the noise of the mechanics who were engaging in last minute preparations.  The hanger was a mess as the army was also making its last minute preparations and loading its gear into the twenty-four transports that made up the landing force.  "We're not quite sure what we can expect upon arriving but we can assume that there will be something in system when we get there.  Our first goal is simple, get the transports down safely.  If there are enemy forces, Kaph Squadron is to engage the fighters well away from the transports.  If there are capital ships in range or fast enough to get in range then Aegis Squadron is to attack them with Nazgul escorting.  Any fighters that get past Kaph are the responsibility of Nazgul and Aegis; a double-ring defence should protect the transports well.  Anything that gets through that will find intense fire from the Sentinels."

"How much of our payload can we use on the capital ships?"  Chipmunk inquired.

"As little as possible.  Be thrifty with your missiles as they will be needed for ground strikes.  However, if the tranports are in danger then use them up; getting the transports to ground is the first priority."  Shazam replied.  "Any other questions at this point?"  He asked.  Silence.  Everyone was focusing in on the mission and the importance of it.  "Then to your fighters, we will be there shortly."  He ordered.  "Dismissed and good luck!"

---

On the bridge, Captain Marcus Falensarano paced about the bridge as the hyperdrive computer continued to count down the time to arrival.  Only a few minutes now.  It seemed like an eternity to everyone; everyone understood the importance of this mission for the future success of VEN.  If they failed here then it would be a long time until a new force was security cleared for operations.  In the meantime the RS could act unimpeded by VEN; so great were the suspicions about navy personnel that no one in the High Command wanted to chance operations against the RS out of fears of information leaks leading to ambushes.  As a result, Marcus Falensarano was about to command his most important mission to date.  Arrogant and cocky on the surface, even he was nervous.

The alarm sounded in the bridge and one of the engineers disengaged the hyperspace drive.  Ahead, seemed to race towards them as the taskforce slowed down to sublight speed.

"Scanners report all contacts.  Navigator, how long until we reach the deployment point?"  Falensarano demanded.

"Five minutes sir."  The young lieutenant replied.

"Proceed.  Scanners, anything?"

"Captain, space contacts bearing 295.  Four capital ships and two squadrons of fighters twenty kilometers away."

"How long to intercept?"

"Eight minutes, nine at the most for the fighters."  The navigator replied.

"Carry on, inform Phoenix Wing to standby for early deployment."  Falensarano ordered.  "Is one of the ships the Roelk or Rothow?"  He asked hoping that they had managed to catch part of the damaged fleed that had escaped.

"Stand by, they are just in range now."  The navigator replied.  "Negative sir.  There is an Assault Frigate, a Nebulon-B Frigate and three Corellian Corvettes but the Assault Frigate is not the Rothow.  There are no Hapan Battle Dragons in system."

Uh oh Falensarano told himself.  Neither of the ships at Cepany were in system.  That worried him, it meant that they were still floating out there and that with them was more firepower than they had encountered here.  Clearly the RS was more powerful than he had thought.  It also meant that should an ambush be planned against them, it could very well be with more firepower than they had expected.  Time to play it safe.

"Instruct the Stranglehold to take position directly beneath us.  Have the Thunder and Storm form up on our starboard and port respectively.  The Carack Cruisers will form up in front and prepare to be part of the escort of the transports.  The rest of the taskforce will follow; revert to plan B for escort and keep an eye out for anymore ships.  Prepare to have Phoenix Wing deploy two minutes earlier than assigned so that they can cover the transports as they deploy."  Falensarano ordered. 

"Yes Captain."  The communications officer responded.

"Captain, the Assault Frigate is named the Vieag and it is flanked by the Nebulon-B Frigate Precipitous with the Corvettes Guile, Acuity, and Percipience in front."

"Keep me informed of their movements.  If the Corvettes break free of the rest let me know."  Falensarano ordered.  "Navigator, how long to intercept?"

"Six minutes for the fighters.  They are Preybird Attack Starfighters Captain."  The navigator responded.

"Radio that information to the Commander."  Falensarno said as he made his way to his command chair.  Let the battle begin.

-----------------------
ESN 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
[This message has been edited by Arturus (edited May 4, 2006 2:54:35 PM)]
[This message has been edited by Arturus (edited May 4, 2006 2:58:42 PM)]
[This message has been edited by Arturus (edited May 4, 2006 5:27:49 PM)]
Shazam
ComNet Marshal
 
Shazam
 
[VE-NAVY] Lt. Commander
[VE-VEEC] Chief Reporter
 
Post Number:  2354
Total Posts:  4197
Joined:  Jun 2003
Status:  Offline
  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 4, 2006 7:33:20 PM    View the profile of Shazam 
Ever since the commander of Nazgul Squadron began to think of himself as a Wing Commander, he felt different.  As he sat before the pilots of Phoenix Wing, he couldn't help but feel important.  Is this what made all those commanders before me so arogant?  He'd do his best to beat that fear away. 

It wasn't like him, though, to be imperial in any sense; talking about the treacherous NR?  He remembered back those words and swore he'd never do it again, even with the pressure from Japheth.  The commander had subtly pushed his own quiet aggression onto him in such an efficatious fashion, he barelly realized it had happened.  It occured to him that Japheth wanted him make the RS out to be as bad as the NR...  This did serve some military purpose- raising moral and spirits in general.  He wanted the type of Imperialistic vivaciousness people had witnessed in the battles before Yavin IV or atleast Endor.  But both Japheth and he wanted to let their people know just as equally that the power they had at the moment would come and sweep away anyone who even breathed a whisper of treachery...  Every waking moment had been tense since the past month's simultaneous attack and everyone was just anxious to get out and fly a little.  Patrols around the rendevous's sector had increased to about three times that of regular mandate- atleast one of the pilots had to be loyal enough to report an enemy capitol ship jumping in...  Yes- this had been the idea the entire time...  Movement.  By constantly keeping people busy or sending them out, there would be no time to plan or perform their ploys...

Even still- never again would he swear such allegience to the VE and come down furociously upon other factions.  For longer than he could remember, he had wanted out of the VEN.  Yet he loved it...  The gentle, rhytmic hum of the TIE at his fingertips with the power of the galaxie's most state-of-the-art equipment at his finger tips?  He'd be crazy to abandon a presence so periodically satisfying.  Plus, it wasn't like he hated the VE in any way- in fact, he was thankful he'd found it.  It had offered him more than a few opportunities and his obvious skill in the cockpit had led him to the position he was currently at...  But he wanted to make sure that people know he wasn't some die-hard that wouldn't listen to reason.  He would stay loyal to the VE always- the NR had taken too much away from others and they were just as bad as the original Empire... 

Shazam shook away the thought and peered out across the frantic hanger bay.  Gleaming white shuttles lined the surface while TIEs hung like bats from above as if waiting for dark to launch their hungry campaign for blood.  Gotta love those things...

"Depature in five minutes- Phoenix Wing prepare to depart as transports do..." The voice was harsh despite his obvious attempts to keep it even.  Crap, he thought, realizing that he hadn't even started prepping his fighter yet...  He jogged up the staircase as he'd always done to get his heart beating before getting into a fighter and thought-I'm ganna get my head bit off if I hold-up this mission...

"Are we launching?" he thought he heard a young pilot ask before he reached his own fighter- On all the days to not be paying attention...  Maybe that poor soul would get his head lopped off instead.

The TIE Aggressor wasn't quite his favorite, but it would do.  Considering the fact the last time he'd flown in combat he'd been lent Japheth's personal Defender, this seemed like a gross, hodge podge of spare parts.  He had to forget that though and the thought that the Defender was probably only one of Japheth's back-ups was comforting as well.  Who knows what he actually flies... he thought, almost chuckling as the image of old Japheth suddenly wiping out half a fleet...

"Squadrons report-" this was a different man.

"Aegis awaiting orders.  Out- out..." Chip sounded enthusiastic enough.  Shazam knew that the distance had grown between them only because of the literal space they normally were seperated by.  Chip had once been his wingman, then his flight commander, but after that, the wing had expanded and he was put in command of Nazgul with Jack at his side...  Man- Jack would be missing this... 

"Kaph Squadron is ready to go, command..."  Jack Nebulax was Shazam's Chip for Will.  The two had also gone through Flight School together and been seperated by the growing wing's activities and obvious command opportunities.  It was like Shazam and Chip were a pair of freinds will brothers that hit it off just as well as they did.  Of course, Will and Jack had their disagreements, but their loyalties to eachother was just as obvious.

"Nazgul Squadron here- running through our checks now..."  I'm running through them atleast...  He switched to Nazgul's private channels at the swivel of the dial on the left hand side of the main control yoke and said-"Check in loud and clear, Nazguls..."

"Nazgul Two, here..." Jaden was no longer as tired as he appeared in their last battle and this was comforting- nothing like having a good freind that you knew would never betray you on your own wing.

"Nazgul Three, checking in."  Art had a certain way of saying things that just made him sound Imperial.  Yea, there was no doubting it-he was waiting for a chance for upper-management, but his presence was certainly felt in the squadron despite his position as a flight member once again.  He'd been shifted around so much, Shazam wondered if he even considered it a hit to his pride- then again, Art never really wanted command of the squadron in the first place...  As he suspected, he was probably waiting for a bigger, better position that would take him out of fighter combat and into the chair of a command bridge.  He also had Taylisha to worry about- no doubt he was encountering somewhat of the same heat Jack had taken from his new wife- that was, after all, why he supposebly went on extended leave.  That and his upcoming baby...  There had been a little bit of a quiet exulsion for the baby, but no one really spoke about it for some reason...

"Nazgul Four- I'm here." came a quick, and furtive voice that Shazam recognized as SCRW Tyrrax Ordres.  He was a little disappointed that they'd decided to put someone on a hunch into his squadron, but he tried to by kind to the pilot anyways.

"Nazgul Five- good to go, of course..."  Shazam sighed slightly as he recognized her voice.  This whole guessing game was not for his own benefit but more or less for satisfaction- maybe the greatest releif always came from that of hearing his good freind Jen Knight on the other end.  Yes, she was a pretty young woman that Shazam might not have ingnored had they been in different circumstances, but more than anything- she was support.  She was his XO- and a darn good one.  More than once she'd been the one to see things that Shazam could not peice together on his own- arogence or inherited male tunnel vision: he wasn't sure.

"Nazgul Six- all systems go."  MCPO Darius...  This was one person that the VEN had been reluctant to let into the battle group.  His past history was not bright and was anything but the resume' the Imperials hoped to be accepting; then again- they were desperate.  Now he had proven to be a valuable pilot in more than one sense and had shown time and time again he could take care of himself in some extreme cases- he was important enough to save from Kessel, Shazam remembered and listened on.

"Seven, reporting in..."  Tokijin's shy exterior had more than confused people throughout her time in the VEN.  She spoke in a soft, quaint voice that always seemed freindly and totally not that of a battle-harded Imperial pilot.  Shazam had expected her to change after being in such a rough battle last time...  A lot had happened then.  First, they'd been taken aboard a pirate craft they'd been fooled into thinking was one of their own- tortured- broken out by Warren Dimmias only to find out that their commander had been killed trying to escape.  Then at the last battle, Shazam had suddenly re-appeared in a Defender to hunt down Warren Dimmias- the new SC of Nazgul at the time.  Yes- Dimmias had escaped and Tokijin had to see a lot of things most pilots didn't see in their entire careers, but she was doing considerably well.

"Nazgul Eight, here!"  LCRW Coren Horloinne- Shazam reminded himself.  Too many new guys...

"Nazgul Nine, reporting."  Trevor was yet another sigh of releif amongst the crew of semi-unknowns and wilds.  He'd been as close to a commander candidate as Shazam had ever seen and was now undergoing Shazam's "Under my wings of fire" treatment.  Shazam's cool way of saying "watching your back..."

"Nazgul Ten, reporting in," Gunnay said uniformly.  He was still fresh out of the Academy, yet he'd delivered the killing blow to the heavilly armed corvette they'd encountered on Cepany just a month ago.  Maybe that kill shot had gained him his position in Nazgul Squadron- Shazam did not know...  So much was kept secret from him despite the fact he was "in the loop" that he wondered if he'd ever see anything about all that had gone on.  Probably in thirty years when the files are released to the public he figured and dismissed the last two of the squadron with a gruff cough.

"And this is Nazgul One: give us a light, command..."  Shazam had taken the time to let his sensors run over his ship to detect any possible defects before announcing his readiness of course, but he knew that he could easilly have missed something.  The rest of the pilots had already spent about a half hour searching their ships for sure...

"You have a green light, One: you may depart..." 

"Thanks, command- see you in a bit."  Shazam replied.

"The force be with you..."  Shazam smiled as he realizeds he loved some of the crews from here and wished they'd be put on the Atrus for a while so he wouldn't have to deal with the snootier officers.

"Be careful everyone- the transports are launching from right below- no need to take out half of this battle group because we don't check blind spots..."  Shazam's repulsor drives were activated as the TIE Aggressor detached from the hook with a slight hiss, the fighter drifing down only a few meters before pulling into his exit vector.

"Eww...  Pretty..." Jaden said, following suite in the slow parade.  The glowing white transports below hovered momentarilly before beginning their own wave of quiet, but powerful locomotion for the black space beyond the hanger's exit.  Shazam lingered only momentarilly above them, pushing the throttle forward slightly to surpass the group and loop out and away from the star destroyer.  He barreled left as his radar came alive with contacts-nothing is as important as feeling your fighter.  He barrelled in the opposite direction, snap-rolled and pulled into the escort path he'd been instructed to folow.  Kaph Squadron had already launched and their glinting TIE Hawkbats appeared eerie in the starck light from Rameis Seven, but powerful none the less; Shazam gave another barrel roll for good measure...  The forest planet gleamed in a patriotic fashion to it's own array of cruisers and craft on the left.  At the moment, two squadrons of Preybirds were moving in to intercept- Kaph would reach them in three minutes easy- their group a good thirty mglt faster. 

"Aiight- form up around the transports now- we've got the outer circle- you can take the inner one, Aegis Squadron," Shazam said to no-one in particular.  He got an affirmitive from Chip and he couldn't help but wonder if this was all going to turn out okay...  He had the feeling every once in a while, that maybe he'd gotten himself into more than he could handle, but there was also the strange buttress of support inside of him, telling him that he should be calm...  Not to worry...

***Rameis Seven-RS High Command Suite***

"That's the last time I cover for you, Jacre'..."  Yea, that's right- I called you by your first name...  Take that Dad...  Jacre'...  Meye Havret, or Roelk as Jacre' insisted, had re-addopted her mother's name despite her step-father's best attempts.  Chymay loved her daughter, but she also loved her husband, so when the diplomatic leader spoke of rebuilding their sector in such a way- it was like a knight in shining armor that simply could not be passed up.  The daughter would grow to like him...  Hopefully 

"It had to be done- if there was another way, I'd certainly have done it myself..."  Yourself? She nearly laughed.  Nearly...  At one time, she'd liked Roelk, maybe even loved him, but as she learned the ways of the galaxy from her counselors and her greatest mentor, Liam Ryshnell, who she always thought had a funny name, she began to realize he was like every other 'great ruler.'  This Provisional Council, and really even the High Council at times, was all an elaborately planned scam.  Even the engagement to his mother was probably, in some way, a plot.  After all, she was one of the only forms of royalty in the Harjanne System.  Well, more or less old republic royalty.  The Republic side of things was still brighter than the Imperial one, so it was natural for the citizens of the sector to choose her lineage over probably more favorable Imperial ones...

"If you really wanted to do it yourself, you wouldn't have called me in- you would have stepped up in do the sharade you've been working so hard at this entire time..."  Roelk had that fire in his eyes again that made Meye wonder if she had in fact gone- too far...  Then, abruptly, it vanished and he said-

"You are to stay here until I call you- your mother should be home soon enough..."  He turned to leave but Meye spoke up-

"And you are going where?"  Her eyes peirced the back of his mind- she'd learned this skill from her mother so he was probably absorbing every ounce of venom in it.

He did not turn but replied- "Work..."  Then he was gone and Meye was by herself again.  How tragid her role in the Harjanne system was- she needed something more...  What do you call galactic domination?  She delivered the reprimand at herself with such a menace that she recoiled slightly in her mirror.  Yea- Roelk was out for the big gain, but she couldn't help but feel they were holding onto the sharp side of the bayonet.  There was no back-up plan if all of this went downhill...  This thought had brought her to join the diplomatic program that the RS had set up one of the near-by worlds.  Yes- this one only contains a few small cities, but it is important too she conceded, the same line from the various seminars she'd been too echoing in her mind's resovoires... 

She stared into the mirror a little longer- she was pretty enough to be royalty...  What does royalty really look like? she thought absent-mindedly and pulled down her long brown hair.  It had been hanging into a decorative bun at the back of her head and was now as restless as she was of her situation.  Princess Leia was royalty...  How many hours had she gazed at that picture of her in the Imperial Senate- so proud and still a pinacle of royal beauty...  Yes- that was what she wanted to be...  Too bad the Empire was long since in power...  The New Republic had destroyed it's magestic Imperial Center and renamed it Coruscant in an attempt to bring back the old days.  No- the New Republic was not the Republic and never would be- the Imperials were the closest thing to it...  My, would it would be like without the Emperor in control of it...  She shook her head slightly and went back to the bed to retrieve her datapad.  Dreams of space adventure and heroic gun battles was not something a diplomat of peace and prosperity should be thinking about...  No, not at all...  And with that, she fell back to her bead and closed her eyes...

(Alright- Commanders, post your openers, you can follow the same type of opening style I did where you just run through your members and give a breif explanation of them and what's been going on in your group, or you can think of something else.  Either way, Kaph is engaging two squadrons of Prey birds- take them out semi- quickly.  Don't make it too easy, they still have quite a few numbers and you won't just kill all of them, eventually they'll retreat.  As for the rest of us- we'll be escorting our ships still, a fighter from Kaph's enemy group might swoop in every once in a while- remember that we are giddy...  Don't make it to atmosphere.  We have something planned so no-go on that- we can only get eight minutes out and then no one is aloud to post beyond that point until we put in the next story mover.  From that point on, it should free up substantially.  Remember- squadron commanders first, then members can post their character's personal thoughts and insights after those initial ones.  This is basically Nazgul's opening post- lets rock.)
 
-----------------------
*Flash Was Here...*

CMDR/LtC Shazam/Nazgul 1-1/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/1VENF/VEN (=A=) (=*SA*=) (=*MA*=) (=*FOCE*=) [LoM] [LSM] [VC:S] [DSM]

Commander of Nazgul Squadron, Phoenix Wing and Training
Arturus
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Arturus
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 6, 2006 11:47:21 AM    View the profile of Arturus 
"Report!"  Captain Falensarano barked.  They had reached the deployment point now; once the twenty-four shuttles left the hanger it would take fifteen minutes, assuming progress was not impeded, in order to get into the atmosphere.  The taskforce would following the shuttle as best as it could but given the lack of pace the Dreadnaughts had as compared to the transports over time a gap would be created.  The Caracks, however, were very fast and would be able to provide enough cover against the RS fleet should it manage to intercept.

"The enemy formation is beginning to split into three captain.  The two frigates are on course to intercept us while the corvettes, having seen our transports are moving on a course to intercept the path between us and the atmosphere."  Lieutenant Piransky, the officer in charge of the scanners replied.

"What about the Preybirds?"

"They are heading straight for this taskforce.  Kaph Squadron has deployed to intercept them and they will engage approximately three minutes from our position.  Any fighters that get through most likely will go for the other fighters and the transports; Nazgul has that covered."  The Lieutenant continued.

"Very well, proceed.  Lieutenant Reincroft, have you managed to jam their communications yet?"

"It appears so sir.  There is nothing coming from the enemy ships although given their distance and possible scrambling technology on board, we cannot be certain yet."  The lieutenant replied.  The captain responded with a nod.  That was puzzling; seemingly no radio traffic at all from the enemy taskforce.  It seemed rather strange considering the fact that they were outgunned and were defending a planet of such great importance.  There was most definitely something odd about this entire mission so far.

"Navigator, how long until the frigates intercept us?"

"Ten minutes sir."  The navigator replied.  Given the estimated gap between the taskforce and the transports at that point, it appeared that the transports only had to worry about passing through the three corvettes on their way in.  Between the Carack Cruisers, the armaments of the Sentinels, and Phoenix Wing, the landing appeared set to remain on schedule and land with little interference.  But a lot could happen in fifteen minutes.

Captain Falensarano stood up from his command chair and began to pace down the bridge, waiting for more information and for the battle from his standpoint to begin.

---

Arturus was not a happy man.  It was his own fault really.  At the end of the Cepany mission Arturus had done something he had been considering doing for a long time: leaving Nazgul.  It wasn't that he didn't enjoy flying, he did.  Flying was relaxing no matter what it was that one flew.  What was particularly bothering him was combat.  It wasn't that he was afraid of combat, on the contrary, he relished competition and in defeating his enemy.  The problem was that he had become bored of flying combat missions.  It was no longer thrilling to him as it had been when he had first flown a fighter in combat nearly 12 years earlier.  At thirty-two, he had seen and done pretty much everything one could in a fighter and there was nothing new he could do.

Arturus had always prefered strategy to fighting.  He enjoyed trying to get into the mind of his enemy, play mental games, and think up new and different ways to surprise him.  To some extent that could be done in a fighter but Arturus always had the larger picture in mind.  He would much rather be responsible for many pieces and bring them together to unmask a tactical nightmare for his enemy rather than just be one piece in someone else's larger picture.  As a result, he had resigned as a member of Nazgul squadron to become wing adjutant to his former boss.  In a way, other than not flying, nothing had really changed but he did have some ability to use some of his other skills.  He had always been a good pilot but his talents lay elsewhere.  It was his hope that he could finally climb the step somewhere to where his talents, that he had used effectively while smuggling, could be used again.

In the meantime, however, he was, to the surprise of many, back in the cockpit doing something he swore bored him.  It did, but Arturus also had a tremendous sense of duty.  He knew just how important this mission was and given the fact that Nazgul, given losses from previous missions, was getting new members for this mission, he felt that he should fill one of the places temporarily as he knew the squadron, could still fly quite well, and fit into the squadron chemistry that had been developed over the last while.  He shunned comradery but he enjoyed and appreciated it when he could work effectively with others and that effective chemistry existed in Nazgul.

The downside of his move, however, meant that rathering than flying wing with one of his old squadronmates, he was stuck with some new pilot transferred over from another wing in VEN.  Tyrrax Ordres was her name.  She was a petite woman, maybe mid-twenties Arturus guessed which meant that she was probably semi-experienced.  Her long brown hair and dark green eyes made her reasonably attractive although she would most certainly not wing the taskforce's beauty contest, something that was a guarantee anyhow given that this was the Empire and it did not engage in such activity.  The fact that more and more women were serving was quite the change.  Arturus greatly approved of the change; in many ways he embodied the self-righteous moralistic nature of the Empire but he also believed in equality and the worth of all beings.  For him, what they were was not important but rather what their skills were.  He had an immense appreciation of any being that demonstrated merit.  In many ways he believed that the reason why the first Empire fell was because of a lack of meritocracy in favour of patronage and corruption.  Such action was inevitable in a dictatorship it seemed but it was hardly becoming of those who managed to make it to the top.

Arturus settled down in his cockpit and continued to circle around the Coruscant as the transports began to deploy.

"Stay tight four and listen closely as we go."  He said in a tone that most certainly made Tyrrax feel rather inferior.  If he had to fly with a less experienced pilot then he wanted to make damn sure that she had what it took before trusting her.  In the meantime he would resort to talking her through the mission where needbe.  Arturus had a very certain way of doing everything; he had practiced many combinations of manouvers and memorized them in his head according to a series of numbers.  Rather than just react with slight movements, each of Arturus' manouvers was a series of moves designed to bring about a certain affect from his enemy.  As a result, he often seemed rather erratic and unpredictable in his flight style but the results proved the effectiveness of it.

Planning many moves ahead was something he thoroughly believed in.  The problem was that his wingmates didn't know the programmed moves nor what moves he was planning in advance.  Those who flew wing with him for a long time learned to recognize some of the patterns but also learned that rather than trying to imitate the moves of think about what Arturus was thinking, they would instead stick to their own way of flying only assisting Arturus, or by contrast Arturus assisting his wingmate, if they required it.  For the most part the relationship had always been one of two independent pilots who rather than fly together, just helped one another when help was needed during battle.  The only rule was stay close but other than that there were no rules.

"Ensure your rear guns are activated and fully charged.  Once we are in battle they will prove very effective."  Shazam said over the comm.  Arturus double-checked the control panel to ensure that his rear guns were armed.  They were set and ready.  Fifteen...sixteen...seventeen Arturus counted slowly as each transport left the hanger painstakingly slow.  It was nearly time for it to begin.


 
-----------------------
ESN 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
chipmunk man
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chipmunk man
 
[VE-NAVY] Ensign
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 7, 2006 4:22:44 PM    View the profile of chipmunk man 
Chip paced around his bomber, doing his pre-flight check. He ran his left hand along the starboard solar panel, walking from rear to front. The scimitars were interesting, specially designed for close air support of ground operations. He hadn't flown one in combat before, and was rather leary of the prospect. Chip hated atmospheric flying. The wind slowed you down, buffeted you and caused tubulence, and gave resistance to manuevers. Vacuum was so much smoother. Plus, if you were shot down in vacuum, as opposed to atmospheric, there was no ground to slam into. You could just eject and float about until picked up after the battle. It was much more difficult to survive an atmospheric shoot-down. The fact that Chip had, once, indeed survived an atmospheric shoot-down was irrelevant. He shook his head. He still had some bad memroies of the shock-induced hallucinations; his mind slipping back and forth between the battle with enemy recovery teams and a dance back home that had ended long ago.

Bah, enough of that. Back to business. He peared into an open hatch, inspecting the targeting reciever that would allow the army boys to illuminate ground targets for bombardment. Interesting peice of equipment, could have made use of it at the Battle of Ugron. Now that had been a battle. Chip had a mix of good and bad memories from that. The particularly bad, of course, being the way he and Shazam had been shot down. But again, enough of that. He nodded to his crew chief, Raydon Pontel. Pontel was taller than Chip, by a good five inches, and still hadn't gotten used to Chip's being made a commisioned ensign. As a matter of fact, neither had Chip. So Pontel still occasionaly called Chip "Chief" instead of "Sir." Chip didn't mind; Pontel kept him alive, so Chip let it slide. Heh, that almost rhymed...

He climbed atop the scimitar, then lowered himself into the cockpit to check the controls. Satisfied that the toggles flipped smoothly enough, his pilot's survival pack was correctly strapped to the ejection seat, and that the targetting computer was properly calibrated, he took off his right glove and slid a faded photograph from a pocket. He was going to need to print out a new copy soon. Two corners were already missing, the remaining two were dog-eared, and the image itself was faded yellow and stained black from mechanical lubricants that occasionaly flew around a cockpit after particularly bad enemy salvos. But Chip had flown with this one for so long that he couldn't stand the idea of replacing it before the thing actually fell apart. Besides, he didn't even need to look at it to see her face.

Bah, another thing he shouldn't be thinking of, esspecially before a combat mission. He tucked it into the corner of the targetting computer screen, and climbed back out to check on his squadron. Chip was going to miss Gemini. She had been a good pilot, and it wasn't going to be the same without her. One of the new recruits passed by, obviously very nervous. Hunter gave the kid a pat on the back, but Hunter's mechanical eye seemed to be making the poor kid even more nervous. Chip chuckled. Rusty and Raigen were talking, Raigen and Templar again voicing their displeasure at flying bombers. But the scimitars were going to be better for close air support. Yes, gunboats had better shields, but the canopies were in the wrong place for targeting ground forces; they faced up instead of forward. A TIE's unique forward-canopy was needed in order to see the surface. Which, even more importantly, was also necessary to prevent slamming into buildings or trees while hugging the ground and, as Chip called it, flying "nap-of-the-surface."

A wrench flew across the hangar; Rusty was mad again that his maintenance crew couldn't understand wookie. Chip chuckled agian. Many Imperial factions still had an intolerance for non-humans, and the equipment the VE used was not designed for a figure as tall as Rusty. But Chip had flown with Rusty back in the old Aegis, under LoneWolf, and trusted him far more than any of the new kids. "Hey Rusty, at least they don't feel the need to wear Mrr-proof armor around you. That's gotta count for 'em, right?"

"Rhrhrhrhraaaawwwww."

"Heh heh, yeah, yeah. Look, keep an eye on these transferees for me. It'd be nice if they could actually last for more than one brief engagement. I know they don't seem to have much flying sense yet, but give 'em some time and maybe we can change it."

"Rrrhhm."

"Thanks." Rusty turned back to his own TIE, grabbing a tool from a mechanic and using it himself. Chip donned his helmet, just in time to hear that the wing was deploying two minutes early. "Step it out, people, we're deploying early. I want everyone in their TIE's ASAP." Chip waited until everyone was settled in their cockpits. "Alright, give me a status report. This is Aegis one, clear."

"Aegis two, clear."

Aegis three, clear."

"This is six, here to mix, ready to kick some butt!"

"Six, wait your turn, and stick to protocol; I don't give a damn how relaxed you were in the academy!"

"Err, sorry sir..."

The check finished smoothly, the new guy stuttering somewhat in his embarassment, after trying to sound cool...

And now, Chip thought, we wait.
 
-----------------------
SC/ESN Chipmunk Man/Aegis 1/Phoenix/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)[LoC][MC:1]x3[LSM][VC:B]

"I know what you're thinking, punk. You're thinking, 'Did he fire six shots, or only five?' Well to tell you the truth, I've forgotten myself in all this excitement. But being this is a .44 magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and will blow your head clean off, you need to ask youself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya? Punk!"
-"Dirty" Harry Callahan

"Mr. Stratford, it's just a party..."
*wags finger* "...And Hell is just a sauna."
Zharyn
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Zharyn
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 7, 2006 6:13:29 PM    View the profile of Zharyn 
As he ran through the preflight list, Zharyn found himself looking at the small holo he always kept around his neck. His father's graduation. Full uniform, slicked hair, the works. It seemed like a lifetime ago when his father had been around; it was a lifetime ago, now that he had a new life here in the Vast Empire. He put the holo back inside his flight suit.

This is your legacy, dad. Help me today and guide my aim, so that I might help to rid the galaxy of the scourge that did you in. I need you.

Zharyn turned his attention back to the preflight, a renewed sense of vigor and determination filling him, giving him new energy and spirit.

He had never flown a real Scimitar before, but he had gotten some sim time in on them, and felt proficient enough behind the controls of one. They were a little slow for his taste, but the good thing about the Scimitar was it wasn't skimpy on weaponry. He had two lasers and two concussion missile launchers at his disposal, not to mention a bomb bay full of high-yield proton bombs, designed for ground support. The shields were average, but the thing appeared to be fairly sturdy in its construction.

As he circled the craft and came around the starboard wing, he heard a loud Clank! from the other end of the hangar. Looking up from his work, he saw that an agitated Rusty had thrown a wrench across the bay. Chip strolled over and conversed with him, apparently calming him somewhat. Shaking his head and suppressing a small smile, he returned to work.

One of these days, Rusty is gonna lose it over those mechanics. That might be an interesting spectacle, provided I'm not in the way

Just as he finished the checklist, Chip announced to everyone:

"Step it out people, we're deploying early. I want everyone in their TIEs ASAP."

Zharyn clamored into the cockpit. As far as bombers went, it wasn't too roomy; then again, TIEs weren't designed with luxury in mind. Putting on his gloves and helmet, he connected the life-support unit and powered up. The controls came to life with a faint hum, and suddenly, Zharyn felt like he could tackle almost anything the enemy threw at him.

As the pilots of Aegis Squadron called out their readiness over the comm, Six, a new transfer, spoke out of turn. Chip quickly chewed him out for that bloop in protocol. Zharyn's turn came, and with a soft but strong voice he called out:

"Ten, engines green and ready to go."

The entire Squadron reported in, and no further mishaps took place. The Wait, the period of seemingly endless boredom and anxiety, a pilot's agony, had begun.






-----------------------
~Cailis "Zharyn" Kaz
~FM/SCRW Zharyn/Aegis 3-3/Wing I/mSSD Atrus/1VEF/VEN/VE (=*A*=)
Aegis Ten- Flying under the command of a furry rodent man
Hail to Mountain Dew
Fire is my friend
Reader of Sun Tzu
Navy: Accelerate your Life
A "Shazam Success Story"
[This message has been edited by Zharyn (edited May 7, 2006 6:16:29 PM)]
[This message has been edited by Zharyn (edited May 7, 2006 6:17:52 PM)]
Rustichituk
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Rustichituk
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 7, 2006 7:30:20 PM    View the profile of Rustichituk 
[I told you that we needed to modify the cockpit. I've informed you all a million times, if I've informed you once! I DON'T BLOODY FIT! So don't you dare get mad at me because I took it upon myself to fix the problem.] Rusty was waving a wrench angrily at a mechanic whose face was that of confusion and frustration.
"Sir, you were not given proper clearance to use our tools to modify that craft. There would be no prob-"
[I BLOODY TOLD YOU! I DON'T FIT!] Rusty roared at the mechanic and flung the wrench he had been waving around in the other's direction. Whether it was his intention to hit the mechanic or not, it wasn't too clear, but if it had, it would have surely done some damage.

Luckily, Rusty had just finished the modification and was merely tweaking a few things and checking his scimitar over. Rusty had enough experience as a mechanic and he really didn't need those yobbos anyway. As he was doing his final check over the craft, Chip yelled, "Hey Rusty, at least they don't feel the need to wear Mrr-proof armor around you. That's gotta count for 'em, right?" and approached the hairy humanoid. They had a quick conversation before Chip had departed and donned his helmet quickly and shortly thereafter announced, "Step it out people, we're deploying early. I want everyone in their TIEs ASAP." Rusty slipped on his own, custom helmet, tossed his Ryyk blades into the cockpit (he figured, if he got shot down, he would want those around...) and climbed into his cockpit. Bloody hell...it's still cramped in here... Rusty thought as he settled himself in and fired his ship up.

That buzz had a lot of memories attached to it, granted, the scimitar's was a bit different than what he was used to, but Rusty wasn't about to get picky. He heard other pilots complaining about the fact that they were in bombers this time around, but he saw it as a privilege to even get to fly at all. They should consider themselves lucky.
Suddenly, he heard Aegis 6 burst onto the intercom. Don't these kids have any manners...that bugger's gonna get it when we get back, I'll see to that! Rusty noted to himself.

[Aegis 5 is a go.] Then he let a mighty roar over the comm to get everyone fired up. Another day smiting infidels...should be fun. Rusty's thought accompanied a toothy grin.

-----------------------
FL/PO2 Rustichituk/Aegis 2-5/Wing 1 (Phoenix)/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=A=)
[This message has been edited by Rustichituk (edited May 7, 2006 7:31:35 PM)]
[This message has been edited by Rustichituk (edited May 7, 2006 7:36:12 PM)]
[This message has been edited by Rustichituk (edited May 7, 2006 7:39:27 PM)]
Willtconq
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Willtconq
 
[VE-NAVY] Chief Warrant Officer
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 8, 2006 3:25:35 AM    View the profile of Willtconq 
Will sat up in the bed as one of his protocol droids walked in. He had been in the sick bay for about a few hours now. But his wounds haven't healed yet. He was walking in one of the many halls earlier, reading on some things on his data pad as he went along. When he came to a flight of stairs, he had meant to step down, but instead of reaching the step below, his foot struck a mal-functioning mouse droids that had somehow gotten itself onto the stairs. Will lost his footing, and fell, all the way down to the bottom of the stairs. It was a wonder he didn't break his neck. His legs felt dead was the last thing his brain processed before he blacked out. When he came to, he was laying in the bed he's in right now, in the sick bay. He had his personal bodyguard, a magna-guard, take care of the mouse droid.

"Sir? Did you wish to see me?" The protocol droid asked.

"Yes." Will winced as pain shot through his legs. "The doc said I should be able to get about and move in a couple of hours. I want you to go to storage cell 3117. In side the cell I have a number of black boxes. I want you to take one to the hanger where the Hawkbats are being prepared. Take R2, R4, and the repair droid with you to the hanger along with the box. Have them install it into the hawkbat I'm assigned. Report back to me when they're done. You're not to say anything of what I've just told you to anyone besides the three droids, and tell them that they are not to say anything either. If you say anything, I'll have your memory wipes immediately."

"Yes Sir." The droid responded, and headed off toward the elevators.

After the droid had gone, Will laid back in his bed, and closed his eye. After some time, Will heard foot steps approaching him. He opened his eyes, and saw a familiar figure.

"You feeling any better?" Lauren asked in her usual soft voice. Without waiting for a reply, she stepped around to the end of the bed, and started to check Will's leg's conditions.

Will bit his tongue and didn't make any sounds as the pains shot through his legs again.

"Still hurts huh?" Lauren asked.

How she knew without looking at him, Will didn't know. "Barely." Will lied. He wanted to just get out of there, get in a Hawkbat with the rest of his squadron, and go on the mission. It was almost time for him to report in to the hanger.

"With this bacta around your legs, your legs should be like new in a couple of hours. You took quite a fall earlier. It's a wonder you didn't break a neck bone or sustain any major upper-body injuries." Lauren said. "I'll come and check on you in another couple of hours or so ok?" Then Will was alone again.

Once again, Will tried to rest a little. But more footsteps awoke him after a few moment. Dammit, am I ever going to get any rest?! It was the protocol droid.

"Sir." It said, and waited for a reply before continuing.

"Did everything go alright?" Will asked with a heavy sigh.

"Yes Sir. There were some troubles with the mechanics. They wouldn't let us work on your fighter, until we told him that you were in the sick bay, and had ordered us to do the modifications. But other than that, everything went smoothly. The droids also took the liberty of looking over your fighter for any malfunctions and such. It's now ready for flight Sir." the droids finished the report with a little bow.

Will made the motion of getting up, expecting the pains in his legs. But they never came, not much anyways. I must have laid here for some time since Lauren checked on me. He swung his legs off the bed, then motioned for the droid to hand him his cloths. He took off the big cast around his legs, but kept the bacta strips on his legs. He reached out to his droids for support as he stood up. This time however, pains shot through his legs and he applied his body weight on them.

"Sir, are you sure you're ready to leave? You don't look very well yet." The droid queried.

"Just get me a hover chair or something. I need to get back to my room."

The droid took Will around the waist, and half lifted Will up, before leading him out the room.

When Will got back to his room, he sat down before the desk, and wrote a card to Lauren:

Dear Lauren,
I'm sorry, but I had no choice. I couldn't just sit around
and do nothing while my squadron members are putting
their lives at stake. But this is not the reason I'm writing
this to you. I've put a lot of thoughts into this, I think
we should stop seeing each other...

Tears welled up in Will's eyes as he continued.

...We're both really busy people. I just don't think it is
fair to either of us that we should have an almost
non-existant relationship. Our jobs have kept us apart
for ages. Today in the sick bay was the first time I've seen
you in months. I had a wonderful time when we still had
time aside from our jobs. I'm sorry.
Sincerely,
Willtconq

Will wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, then looked up. "I want you to take this card back to the sick bays, and hand it to the nurse named Lauren."

"Yes Sir." That was all the droids said before it went out the door.

Will turned around to face his two magna guards. "You two." Will directed his order at them as they immediately came to attention. "I want one of you to stand guard outside my door until I come back out, while the other patrol the hall ways in tis area. Let no one into this apartment unless it's Lt. Shazam, Ensign Arturus, or Lt. LoneWolf. Anyone else who attempts to enter, order them away, or go find either one of the three men above if they want to enter."

The two droids stamped their staffs on the ground signifying that they understood the order, then headed out the door, and locked it from any outside entries.

Will checked to make sure everything was in order, his legs are almost healed by now, then pulled back the covers that hid his personal Hawkbat simulator/remote controller from view inside his closet. It was a one of a kind machine that only he knew of. The box he had the droids install was the other end of the remote system that sends all the information to this main machine. It also contains senses that takes in what one would see through the front view port, then send the information to the main machine almost instantly, If one was to wake up and fine him or herself piloting inside this simulator, they wouldn't be able to tell the difference whether they were in a real Hawkbat, or remote controlling one. Especially since all outside observers would only know that someone is piloting the Hawkbat out in space.

But, there is a down side to the remote controller. It has limited ranges. The connection would be severed if the fighter flew beyond the range. Meaning, even though the fighter is equipped with hyperdrives, the remote controller would never be able to engage the hyperdrives. But like all advanced systems, there is a fail-safe. Once the fighter goes beyond the range, it would switch to auto-pilot, plan out the best path to a place where the remote controller can reestablish a connection. It would make that its first priority, even if the fighter was being chased right before it lost connection, even if it meant possible destruction. None of these are in the common Hawkbats. Only the box provides the fighter with such abilities. As far as Will knew, he was the only one who had such things.

Will pulled on the helmet after he switched on the remote, and screens flickered to life. a menu appeared on the view ports of his helmet. Will went through the procedures and made a connection with the Hawkbat he had the box installed. The front view port of the ship immediately show the hanger as one would see if they were sitting in the actual fighter. Will looked around, all the fighters of Phoenix Wing had already left, and few remaining transports are in the process of taking off. Will flipped his comm channel and changed to the main frequency.

"Kaph 1 reporting in."

"This is command. Kaph 1, you have been reported out of action."

"Negative, Sir. I was out of action, but I'm alright now. All systems check, ready for take off." Will took one last look at the panels to confirm the droids' reports. Everything was green.

"How long have you been in that fighter, Kaph 1? And how the heck did you get in there? No one saw anyone enter that fighter besides some droids."

"You know that black box the droids carried aboard? I was hiding in it. It was the only way for me to get of the sick bay without the medics screaming their heads off trying to get me back in bed." Will lied to the control officer, trying to keep the conversation light. Some things had to be kept secret, even from command officers. When they moved the machines into Will's room and the storage cells, everything were in boxes; no one laid eyes on any of the objects inside the boxes; the secret of the objects were well kept.

"Alright, Kaph-leader. Stand-by for take-off clearance." The officer waited as he put Will into queue for take-offs. "Kaph 1,  you're clear for take off. Good luck out there. May the Force be with you."

As soon as Will "left" the hanger, he switched his comm to the Phoenix frequency, and reported in. "Kaph-leader reporting in."

"Will!" Shazam's voice boomed through the speakers above everyone else's, "Glad to have you back among us. Unfortunately, your squadron's already in action. I'm sending you the coordinates. Two Preybird squadron, those things you guys flew in your last mission. You are to stop them from intercepting the transports."

"Roger that." Will goosed his thrusters and headed in the direction of the on going battle. Will checked his sensors, twelve dots showing up as members of Kaph. Wait, that's not right. There's another Hawkbat not far behind me. Will opened a private channel to the Hawkbat trailing him. "This is Kaph 1, requesting information on unknown fighter."

"Sir, this is Kaph 13. I'm back from retirement, Sir."

"What is your call sign, pilot?" Will ordered again.

"Scout, Sir, is my call sign."

Will paused as a series of images flashed through his mind of the times a man call signed Scout served under him not too long ago, before he went into retirement due to personal causes. "Please repeat, what did you say your call sign was?"

"My call sign is Scout, Sir." Scout said again. "Petty Officer Scout reporting for duty, Sir!"

"Scout! Welcome back." Will laughed as he finally recognized the voice. "We don't have much time right now. So you're my wing-man for the time being. We can talk after the mission. Form up on me." Will reduced throttle a little to wait for Scout to catch up, then put the throttle on 100% again.

(Alright Kaphs, looks like LW wasn't able to make the post. So i got up in the middle of the night to write this, risking my whole Summer's worth of comp time. You guys had better make my risk worthwhile. Now it's our time to roll, show 'em what you've got Kaphs!)
 
-----------------------
-(William the Conquerer)-
King of PPC
We are still here because we conquered our enemies, and we shall do it once more! and more, and more, and more!
SC/CWO Willtconq/Kaph 1/Wing I/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (=*A*=) (=*SA*=) [VC:B][SV]
Wm/Wm Willtconq/WM:1/Webmasters/VET/VE
Raigen
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Raigen
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 8, 2006 3:36:36 PM    View the profile of Raigen 
    Raigen adjusted himself inside the bomber. It was bad enough that he was stuck with a scimitar, but he still wasn't used to the cockpit. There was no way he could fly this thing. Despite the hatred he had for the scimitar, he pulled his helmet on and started to upload his control calibration program. His helmet was a black rebel style model with orange shielding and the imperial seal on either side. It made the other pilots mad to see him it so he wore it for the sheer pleasure of their annoyance.

    Raigen waited for Aegis 10 to chime in as he finished with the calibration. His cockpit was cramped with controls and his own ESK(Emergency Supply Kit) which included rations, flares, and other assorted items that were stuffed in a vacuum bag and shoved in the space between the seat and the right side of the cockpit. Raigen also had his O-6 blasterpistol safely in its holster around his waist.

    "Aegis 10, engines green and ready to go." Zharn called out. Chip acknowleged the clear. "Thats it then, Aegis Squadron clear, ready and willing!" Chip chimed through the speaker in Raigen's helmet.

    "Hold up there Squadron! Aegis 11 is clear awaiting green light for departure!" Raigen laughed at the fact that Chi forgot that he was a new addition to Aegis. Although Asteroid Prime had broken him in, he was still pretty new. Raigen finished adjusting his helmet and awaited Chip's response.

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FM/SCRW Raigen/Aegis 3/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (VC:B)
[This message has been edited by Raigen (edited May 8, 2006 3:41:38 PM)]
Jaden
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Jaden
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 8, 2006 5:00:07 PM    View the profile of Jaden 
The cold feeling of the helmet made Jaden feel right at home.  He had now fully recovered from the last mission.  The last mistake he made was almost the last mistake he could have ever made.  A fighter had collided with the aft end of his fighter, sending him into the front monitor of the fighter, rendering him unconcious.  Not a good deal.  Long story short, it was all good after the escape from the hospital.

It was good to hear Shazam's voice chirping off orders to the new guys.  Reminded Jaden of his days as a new recruit.  Shazam was now commander of the wing, which made Jaden feel left behind, but in other ways it left Jaden more space to prove himself to others in the Navy.  Being a commander was not a big thing that Jaden wanted to achieve, it was just being an excellent pilot that was at the top of his list of goals.  Individuality was now something Jaden would work on, but also incorporating teamwork with his fellow squadron mates to make sure that the job got done.

Jaden had studied all of the new quirks of the fighter he had been assigned to now.  Not all fighters in the navy are perfect, a pilot must either have the fighter repaired or services, which takes a lot of paperwork, or toy with the fighter himself.  Sometimes it look a long period of time, but it was worth the time of filling out the annoying paperwork.

Jaden felt comfortable in his fighter has he fell into formation with his fight.  Shazam, Arturus, and Tyrrax.  Jaden had grown close to the model of the tie fighter-tie interceptor ever since his uncle had handed down the fighter many years ago, but tragically the fighter was incapable of being flown at the moment.  Extensive repairs were still being made my Jaden himself to ensure that everything was done right to leave the fighter just how his uncle had it.

Hal, I wish you could be here to see me achieve such things as this....

The transports were spilling out, one by one.  Nazgul squadron was circling around the Coruscant, waiting for new orders.  Kaph was currently en-route to engage the new marks, and Aegis was also defending/escorting.

Jaden hadn't paid much attention to the briefing, but after looking through the logs of the briefing that only Shazam could have, he had aquired enough knowledge to know what was going on.  In this mission, screw-ups would not be allowed.  It was almost necessary to make sure that you stayed in the air.  If you were found on the ground of Rameis Seven by the RS, you were bound to be killed on the spot, either that or put through immense torture by the people of the planet.

"I know we're supposed to keep the chatter on the minimum," reported Jaden, "But Shaz, it's been a while since we have really flown tight together like this, you know?"

It took a moment for Shazam to respond, as if he was remembering the old times.

"Yea bud, It has been a while.  Just keep close and fall in place with the flight, and for god sakes, make sure you come back in one piece this time....," said Shazam, pausing for a moment, "Or however many pieces you still have of your natural-born body left" he chuckled.

A smile appeared on Jaden's face.

It's been way too long since I've smiled like that....

-----------------------
Jaden Khaar


Vast Empire
FM/SCPO Jaden Khaar/Nazgul 1-2 (Nazgul 2)/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (=*A*=) (=*SA*=) [VC:S] (SV) (CBV)
[This message has been edited by Jaden (edited May 8, 2006 5:02:00 PM)]
Than Sion
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Than Sion
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 8, 2006 7:38:46 PM    View the profile of Than Sion 
So, commander "short fuse" wasn't New Republic, thought Than Sion. He rubbed his jaw that was still sore from his interrogation aboard the Phalanx. Ever since the briefing that revealed the existence of the RS, he had been going through the whole last mission in his head. This revealed many things about the enemy that were un NR like.

"Oh but you don't have to my friend. The only reason you weren't blasted to pieces when we first detected you is that we need you," the commander had said.

This was the most notable difference for it totally went against the NR's way of easing their consciences through bias trails.

"We have Preybirds coming to intercept the task force," said Lonewolf in a stern, commanding voice, "report to your fighters to engage!"

Lonewolf had taken temporary command because Willtconq had received injury. The rumor going around was that he was attacked by a mouse bot. Anyways, Lonewolf had filled the job well since he once had been a squadron commander himself. Sion dropped down into the hatch of the TIE Hawkbat. He had never been in a TIE with rocket tubes before, well not at least in a real one. This brought up what had been eating at him since the briefing, why was he on this mission? This was only his third mission. Command had said that the roster change had been due to wanting the best pilots on the mission. Why did he deserve to be on this mission, why had he been left to stay when many other pilots had been culled?

"Kaph Squadron, report," said the flight controller."

The squadron started down the line, "Kaph 2," ready to deploy.

How did he deserve to fly on such an important missions with experienced pilots like Lonewolf who had been in control of a Squadron?

"Kaph 3, clear&," the clears went down the line until it came to Sion.

"Kaph 6, ready for combat...," it went down the line until everyone had been confirmed ready.

"Kaph Squadron is clear deployment," said the flight controller, "go, go, go, go!"

The Hawkbats left the TIE racks in an orderly, but quick, fashion. They headed for the two squadrons of Preybirds. It would take three minutes before contact which may not seem like much, but when you are nervous it seems like an eternity. It was kind of ironic that in kaph's first engagement with the RS they were in Preybirds, and was now in Preybirds. That brought back the memory of that GWB-43. The astromech in his Preybird had been taken over by GWB who was a droid conscience from the Sith Wars that was all bent out of shape over finding some super weapon. This had gone to the point where the little devil had hacked into his Preybird in attempt to continue his mission for his long dead masters. He had to eject. Now that he thought of it, he had never found out what had happened to the little droid after the fighter had been disabled and brought back to the Steel Talon.

The thought of eject brought back the feeling of undeserving ness. He had crashed his TIE On the first mission and had to eject on his second. How the heck did he end up on this mission?

"This his Kaph 2, prepare for engagement!"

The battle had begun and there was no more time for doubts. He turned concentration completely on the fight ahead. I got to get back at that Sith spawn commander for these jaws pains, thought Than Sion right before his mind became completely submerged in combat mode.



 
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FM/PO1 Than Sion/Kaph 6/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE(=A=)
Paintball is the only sport that you get to shoot somebody in.
Hunter
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Hunter
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 8, 2006 7:59:22 PM    View the profile of Hunter 
    Sliding into the Scimitar's cockpit, Hunter felt no emotion but one, anger. Ever since Shazam had told them that the Pirates that killed Gemini back on Asteroid Prime were the same people they were going to attack today, his blood had begun to boil through his veins. This was a good thing, for everyone else flying with him. Hunter had lived his whole life with loss, and the anger that came with it. Learning to adapt and use it had taken time, but now instead of it controlling him, he controlled it. Stowing it in the back of his mind, it was something to harness in an emergency-that added boost of will that determined life or death.

  Sliding his helmet over his head, Hunter blinked a few times to adjust his eyes to the difference. Having two mechanical eyes gave him a slight advantage over some people, but they had their drawbacks, one being they weren't his own. Shaking off the memories, Hunter concentrated on focusing his eyes. Being highly more sensitive to light than regular eyes, the slightest change in intensity scrambled the circuit pathways for a nanosecond, long enough to distract someone not used to it.

  Once they had adjusted, Hunter focused his mind at the task ahead of him. He had never learned the talent to plan ahead, but had instead focused his skills on reflexes and battle plans. The moment the fight began was when his mind engaged, logging every pattern or variance, storing it for later use, analyzing any enemies' reactions that he could see, and calculating a plan of attack. His mind was a lacework of twining information, forming a pattern only he could understand.

  Moving through the pre-flight check, Hunter thought about who his wingman would be. Zharyn huh? A newcomer, well, this is his chance to prove himself to the VEN, as well as mine, again. I don't know if I should be happy that we are only flying cover for the first part of this mission or not. Would I rather be in a dogfight like Kaph or will saving my energy for the planet side mission be worth it? Who knows, I may not have time to relax at all, if the transports get attacked by heavy forces, improbable as it may be. Chip's voice came over the intercom, "Alright, give me a status report. This is Aegis one, clear."

  Once his number came, Hunter replied, "Aegis nine, here, ready to fly." Hunter was happy his pre-flight had just finished, allowing him the freedom to just wait. It took longer than Hunter expected for the transports to finally exit the hanger, but once they were finished, the signal to launch was shortly given. As his Tie was released from its position, Hunter fell into a series of motions, falling into place with the rest of the squadron. It was a rehearsed motion now for Hunter, having practiced everything he knew to perfection. Exiting the hanger, Hunter felt a wave of awe rush over his shell of anger. Space was a beautiful sight, no matter how many times you saw it. Stars speckling the blackness, but the true beauty was the planet below. Being able to see the sky swirl above the green surface along with blue streaking through was something totally inspiring. Even from a distance, Hunter felt small, a minuscule entity in the universe.

  "Aiight- form up around the transports now- we've got the outer circle- you can take the inner one, Aegis Squadron," Hunter recognized that as Shazam's voice, and followed orders, leading his flight to fill the defensive shell the two squadrons were forming. Well, so much for relaxing, it seems like anything could happen. Spotting the enemy ships on  his radar, Hunter looked around until he spotted them, seemingly only floating in nothingness. Enough speculating on why space is space, Hunter, and more flying. Falling back into his shell, Hunter glided his fighter ahead of the transports.


-----------------------
=Aegis-Squadron=
Petty Officer 1st Class Hunter

XO/FL/PO1 Hunter/Aegis 9/Pheonix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (=*A*=) (VC:B)

Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will be victorious in ten thousand battles.
You may forget the past, but it always has a way of haunting your future.
Men can die, but a symbol is eternal.
[This message has been edited by Hunter (edited May 10, 2006 9:05:57 AM)]
Cyleaf Aehait
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 9, 2006 2:14:36 AM    View the profile of Cyleaf Aehait 
It had only been a couple days since Cyleaf had presented his orders to CWO Willtconq,  who with a sly smile and rough voice welcomed him to the Kaph Squadron, well more or less. Pausing for effect as Willtconq finished a quick briefing about the squad he added "Since that all has settled into your head, we have a briefing about and upcoming mission, something big. So I want you to have your game face on kid cause this one is going to be a rocky." With that Willtconq dismissed Cyleaf with a wave.

Cyleaf spent the rest of the day in thought, going over everything Gunnay and Shazam had taught him in the academy, he wanted to be at his best when the call came to fly. I wonder how precise they are with those interceptors, I could definitely learn some techniques on the fly out there the Zabrak thought to himself. Some of the anxiety of being somewhere new as the little guy, well he could handle that and prove his worth if it was his destiny.

The rest of the time before the mission seemed like a blur, a couple of briefings here and there was a lot of information coming at Cy in a big lump. Feeling a little overwhelmed with everything at once, he hoping for a smooth transition into the squad but he'd have to make do. Also what was a Hawkbat he'd seen data cards at the academy but had never flew in one, that would be interesting. Cy had rummaged through information back in his room looking at specs, and any info he could find on this ship&.


"Kaph 3, Kaph 3, hey wake up kid don't start bugging out already," came Crewman Jemel Berhek said snapping Cyleaf out of his trance. Jemel also known as Dodger was a transfer from some other squadron into Kaph, he was a seasoned pilot, an excellent fighter but his attitude had gotten him passed up for promotions and even demoted to Crewman. "Sorry Dodger just doing a little thinking" Cy replied as his vision again registered the stars and ships around him. He had  launched from the ISD Coruscant and put this new to him ship through some movements to see how it handled, than his mind sort of drifted away till Dodger snapped him out of it.

"Form up on my right Kaph 3 and we will proceed with the rest since you made us lag behind," Cy began to maneuver his Hawkbat into position and they began to head towards the rest of Kaph at full sublight when another Hawkbat launched from the hanger shortly followed by a second.  Cyleaf's com unit began to buzz in his helmet as Will announced he was proceeding towards the battle. Wasn't he in sickbay at least that was what I was told Cyleaf thought to himself while raising and eyebrow. He shrugged it off and began to check all his systems shields, weapons, right down the line preparing for the upcoming battle. Cyleaf smiled.


 
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FM/SCR/Cyleaf Aehait/Kaph 1-3/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=*A*=)
Raigen
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Raigen
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 9, 2006 3:16:41 PM    View the profile of Raigen 
Raigen flipped the small chrome toggle to deactivate his bomber's over shields. If he did come too close to one of the other scimitar bombers during preflight, he didn't want his shields overloading. He also didn't want to end his flight before it started so no chances were to be taken. Many of Raigen's preflights involved accidents, One of which took the life of his last living relative(brother Haedon Tei-Yehn.) He hadn't taken preflight chances since.

Raigen plugged in his helmet/targeting interface chord and waited for the reticle to appear on the clear orange shield. His nerves were edgy. He hated bombers and scimitar's worst of all! Add that to the fact that he hadn't slept in a week and his preflight phobias, and you get an edgy pilot. Raigen tried to clear his mind as the reticle popped up and his bober was released. Raigen powered up his engines but, obviously, he had forgot his basic training and accidentally hit the bomber's control stick and threw the bomber downward, nearly hitting the floor of the hanger bay. Raigen recovered quickly and powered the engines down a little. "I'm fine guys. Just a small user error!" He had to laugh a little. If anything, Raigen thought, this mission would be enjoyable!

"Don't let it happen again 11, we don't need any early accidents. Just check yourself next time, ok!" Chip ordered through the speaker. Raigen chuckled at the fact that Chip called him by his squadron designation. He was definitely the new guyof the squadron. One of the scimitar's alert signals came on. It was the automatic target acquisition program, or a-TAP for short. Raigen must have knocked it loose during his little mistake. He decided not to tell Chip about it and activated the EWO(emergency warning override.) It'll be fine! he thought as he leaned back in his flight seat.

"Is there any damage, Aegis 11?" Chip inquired.

Raigen waited a second before replying but drifted off in search of an answer.

"Aegis 11!" Chip barked.

"Huh?....OH....no sir, I had already powered down the shields so they didn't overload in case, well, something like this happened. No damage to the ship, sir!" Raigen lied. He would probably catch heap for it later but that was later and this was now. Raigen liked that. That's later! This's now! he repeated to himself as he fell into formation.


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FM/SCRW Raigen/Aegis 3/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (VC:B)
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Hunter
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Hunter
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 10, 2006 7:40:46 PM    View the profile of Hunter 
    Cruising along in formation with the rest of the squadron, Hunter constantly scanned the area for anything out of place. He had received a message a moment earlier, explaining the approach of the three corvettes, but with the Carack Cruisers also escorting and the combined power of Nazgul and Aegis, he wasn't worried. Glancing down at his radar, Hunter saw that Kaph squadron had were almost in range with the incoming Preybirds.

  Glancing in their direction, Hunter was rewarded with the first criss-crossing fire of the now engaged groups. Creator's grace. Hunter absently prayed for the squadron. Though not a religious man, Hunter did believe that some higher entity had a say in the universe. Whether for good or evil, he didn't know, or just couldn't tell which was which. Looking back outside his fighter, Hunter kept an eye on what he was doing while still tracking the fight ensuing only a kilometers away.

  From his position, Hunter had an almost front row seat. He had obtained a position on the side of the escort which would give him the first chance to attack any fighter craft that broke away from the dogfight. Though still in control of his anger, a deeper emotion had a firm grasp on him, unbeknownst to him. It was the emotion driving his anger, giving it a purpose-vengeance for a loved one.

  Trying to make out ship designs from his position was nearly impossible with the black background provided by space. Instead of wasting time trying, though he knew he could, Hunter decided to use his radar display. Tilting his head down, Hunter examined his display, trying to copy it and look up fast enough to get a fix on which fighters were Imperial. Getting a fix on Kaph four, Shian Orrak, Hunter followed his engagement with a Preybird, while still regularly checking for something that could cause harm to the transports.

    Surprisingly, it seemed as though Shian was having slight difficulty landing a solid enough hit. These pilots are good. Better than most people I've faced. Suddenly, Shian's fighter began to perform a slight barrel role, but Preybird pilot both realized what he was doing. It easily countered Shian's next move, one that should have brought the Preybird directly into his targeting reticule, by inverting and diving right under Shian's fighter. Unfortunately, that landed it directly in front of Kaph three. Perfectly played. Hunter though as the Preybird received spray for laser fire, bringing down it's shields.

    Tearing his eyes away from the dogfight, Hunter glanced at his radar again, noticing an enemy fighter breaking away from the main group with a Kaph pilot hot on its tail. "We have a break away." Hunter said into his comunit.

    "We see it." A Nazgul pilot said. Hunter glanced at his display and saw the voice belonged to one of the fighters on his side of the escort. Pulling out formation, two of the Tie-Agressor's quickly intercepted the incoming fighter. It was over before it began. Pinned between three fighters, the Preybird was quickly reduced to space dust. A minute later, the two Nazgul fighters returned to the shield formation. Now why would a pilot be dumb enough to come at us like that alone. With a wingman it might have been plausible to buy enough time to hit one of us or the transports with a missile, but alone, just suicide. The caravan as Hunter now called it, continued its approach to the planet unimpeded for another minute.

  Only another eleven minutes, and we'll have entered the atmosphere, unless those Corvettes reach us. Then we might have a slight delay. Running through his systems to check them for any malfunctions again, Hunter was beginning to feel anxious. Waiting was not one of his strong suits, and with a foreseeable battle approaching and one already happening near him, this fault was heightened. He wanted it to begin. Slowly approaching the planet while anything could happen bugged him. He wanted to be entering the atmosphere or at least engaging the Corvettes, because then he would have something to do. Long flights were something he hadn't gotten used to yet. Probably never will. Oh well, I'm in the Navy now, so I better get used to it. Only ten minutes now.

  "This is getting old." Hunter said out load. Heart beating in his ears, Hunter quickly checked to make sure he had closed his feed into the comchannel. Relaxing into his chair, Hunter took a deep breath. "That would have been good. Breaking comsilence just to say you're bored." Time seemed to stretch agonizingly slow. Things that should have happened in seconds took minutes, and minutes into hours. Looking back at the dogfight between Kaph squadron and the Preybrids to distract himself, Hunter saw that the fight was still raging with frenzy. These guys are good. Hunter thought again. Realizing that he had complimented his enemy twice in a short period of time, Hunter focused on keeping alert and not wish for a fight. If they were good enough to keep Kaph busy and receive any form of praise from Hunter, then it was no time to get anxious. Anything could happen with these people. Tapping into his store energy, Hunter gave himself a slight boost, motivating himself to better for the memory of Gemini.

    Nine minutes. Hopefully Kaph will be done soon. Hunter hoped.

 
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=Aegis-Squadron=
Petty Officer 1st Class Hunter

XO/FL/PO1 Hunter/Aegis 9/Pheonix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (=*A*=) (VC:B)

Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will be victorious in ten thousand battles.
You may forget the past, but it always has a way of haunting your future.
Men can die, but a symbol is eternal.
Trevor Evenson
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Trevor Evenson
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 10, 2006 8:48:22 PM    View the profile of Trevor Evenson 
OOC: I kinda missed the pre-flight stuff..I`ll just include it now.

***Before we all get lifted-off***

Trevor had his helmet under one arm as he walked towards the group of Ageis pilots and their Scimitars. They didn`t know how much he would give to be back in a bomber. He had originaly been a bomber pilot, and he still occasionaly longed for the feeling of knowing that you might be going slow, but people were scared to blow you up because they didn`t know how big your payload was going to be. That and the slowness wasn`t all bad. Gave you more time to avoid things.

He ducked to avoid a flying wrench, and looked to see where it came from. Oh, and Angry wookie. I feel sorry for that tech. He thought to himself with a grin.

He walked through the group of pilots and approached a Scimitar. He put his fingertips on the wing and walked alongside it, trailing his arm behind him. When he got to the end of the wing, he turned and look at some of the nearer Ageis pilots.

"You do not know how lucky you are to fly a bomber like this. I`m use to flying Y-wing bombers, and I`m sure that these are much more advanced then those. What I`d give..." He said to no one in particular, trailing off when he noticed the odd looks he was getting form the pilots. "You know..I`m just going to leave now..."

He turned and started on his way towards the Nazgul fighters. They were a fighter he had never flown before, Tie Aggressors. He arrived in the group of pilots to find them busy on pre-flight checks and such, and thought he should probably do the same. On his way to his fighter he walked past Toki and gave her a nod, calling 'good luck' to her.

"You to." She said, looking up from her checks with a grin. With that, she returned to her checks, and Trevor continued to his fighter. When he arrived he tossed his helmet through the hatch and climbed in, beginning his flight check.

As soon as he finished, Shazam called for them to call in. As he awaited his number, he realized that being Nazgul 9 ment he had a long time to wait forhis number to be called. As soon as it came he announced quickly over the comm.

"Nazgul Nine, reporting." It was a basic, standard thing to say when one was ready. The rest of his flight finished off. He had almost forgotten about the new two. Although, one was not that new to him, as they had gone to flight school together. He had forgotten how large the man was though. Or did he just get that big between flight school and now? He asked himself.

As soon as they were given the word to drop, he followed after another new pilot, and as soon as they were out of the hanger, formed up with his flight.

"Watch how close you get Gunnay. These things handle alot different from an Interceptor. I don`t want any of us to get busted up before any fighting." He warned Gunnay when he swerved a bit close to Trevor. "Not that I want any of us to get hurt during the battle either." He finished with a chuckle.

"Gotcha Flight Leader." Gunnay replied. It feels nice to be called that again. Loved being called it in the RA, Loving it now. He thought to himself.

"Whatever you say boss." 12 piped in over the comm.

"Heh, good to hear from you Mika. Its been a long time." Trevor replied.

"Sure as hell has. Lets go kill us some pirates."
 
-----------------------
FM/CPO/Trevor Evenson/Nazgul 3(1-3)/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=*A*=)
Raigen
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 11, 2006 11:08:21 AM    View the profile of Raigen 
Raigen had secured a spot at the rear of the squadron with aegis 12 close behind. He watched as one of the preybirds shook off a Kaph and pulled in behind the former pursuer. The enemy pilot fired a spray of laser fire which just missed the kaph pilot.

"Somebody help Kaph 8!" He hollered througfh the mic. Another Hawkboat closed in on the fireing preybird, Raigen didn't recognize who it was. The new hawk put a series of fire into the preybirds sheild as the pursuee did a corkscrew and fell in behind the other Kaph fighter. The preybird tried to break for his wingman but he was no where to be found. The two Kaph's split and did a 180 and leveled out while firing at the lone preybird. It never had a chance.

"Good Job guys. Keep it up and they don't have a chance in Hell!" Templar commented. Raigen chuckled at that but it was cut short as a stray lasor fire went past his right wing. He had to pull out of formation to avoid it but recovered shortly after.

"Where'd that come from?" asked Aegis 12, Raigen's wingman.

"I don't know. Keep an eye out in case they get closer."

"What's happening back there, 11?" Hunter asked.

"Nothing Hunt, we got your back. How long till we reach the atomosphere?" Raigen replied. Hunter was slow with the response but finally answered.

"About eight minutes!"

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FM/SCRW Raigen/Aegis 3/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (VC:B)
[This message has been edited by Raigen (edited May 11, 2006 3:09:36 PM)]
[This message has been edited by Raigen (edited May 11, 2006 3:16:29 PM)]
Jaden
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Jaden
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 11, 2006 3:51:34 PM    View the profile of Jaden 
The transports were all moving in a group now, towards Rameis Seven.  Kaph was engaging as many of the oncoming preybirds as possible; while Aegis fed on anything they could find.  But Nazgul, Well, Nazgul was in tight formation, covering every point around the transports that they could, while maybe taking a few shots off at the oncoming fighters.

Jaden could see all of the action happening around him; he fought his instinct to fall out of formation and go for any fighter he desired.

Keep your cool Jaden, the fighters are taken care of...

"Two, keep tight in formation, looks like more preybirds have just been launched from the Precipitous" said Shazam, "You look like you're falling out of formation"

"Nope, just thinking about something.  Sorry for the error sir.  I've picked up the marks on my targetting computer," said Jaden, marking targets as they started pouring out of the hanger, "Looks like that last launch was the rest of Hawk Squadron.  That still leaves half of Eagle Squadron left to be launched, so be on guard for that"

"Thanks for the info two, just stick on my right and you'll be fine.  We'll be coming in on the atmosphere pretty soon, ETA 5 minutes.  The transports have now picked up speed." said Shazam

"Roger that one," said Jaden, "Aegis and Kaph SURELY have those covered, correct?"

"Yes two, don't worry.  We're here to deal with the forces on the ground.  Kaph and Aegis will be follow though," said Shazam.

(OOC: I know this sounds wierd, but, I'm kinda getting bored here.....)
 
-----------------------
Jaden Khaar


Vast Empire
FM/SCPO Jaden Khaar/Nazgul 1-2 (Nazgul 2)/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (=*A*=) (=*SA*=) [VC:S] (SV) (CBV)
Zharyn
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 11, 2006 4:13:13 PM    View the profile of Zharyn 
(OOC: I know what you mean, Jaden.  Hopefully things will pick up when we hit the Corvettes)

Zharyn was sweating, and not because he was nervous.  Apparently, the small climate- control unit in the Scimitar had malfunctioned, and it was stuck on Heat.  He'd have to razz the techs that had put it in later.  Right now, he had a job to do, and discomforts had to be ignored. 
   
Aegis, along with Nazgul, the troop transports and the two Dreadnoughts, was heading towards the planet, but the two enemy Corvettes that were still barreling towards them blocked their path.  They would have to be taken out. 

What in the Sith are these guys trying to pull?  All this will do is get them blown out of space.  They have to be up to something, but I'm not sure what.

He opened a private channel to his wingman, Hunter.

"Nine, this is Ten.  Those corvettes have something planned.  I suggest we keep our eyes peeled for any funny business."

"I don't see anything funny about it, Ten, but you're right.  Stay frosty and keep an eye on those two.  Let me know if anything happens."

"Yes, sir."

As the Scimitars slowly made their way towards the enemy ships, small bursts of laserfire from them began to permeate the area around and between the bombers. 

Chip's voice came over the comm, strong and clear.

"Aegis, this is One.  We are moving into range of those Corvette's guns.  Take evasive maneuvers when necessary and spread out a little- give yourselves some operating room.  I'll let you know whether or not to go after the Corvettes."

A chorus of replies resounded throughout Zharyn's helmet.  As he juked right to avoid a turbolaser blast, Zharyn again spoke.

"Nine, what's our ETA with those Corvettes?"

"Only four minutes now.  Keep going; if the fire gets too intense we can always break off if we need to."

"Gotcha, Nine."

As Kaph was continuing to engage the Preybird squadrons, the Taskforce slowly kept moving towards the Corvettes.  They were heading right towards them as well.  Soon, all of the ships were going to be on top of each other, fighting for their lives.  Zharyn kept a steady hand on the controls, continuing to dodge incoming fire, continuing to wait to engage the enemy, continuing to sweat.  Only now he was a little nervous.

 
-----------------------
~Cailis "Zharyn" Kaz~
FM/SCRW Zharyn/Aegis 3-3/Wing I/mSSD Atrus/1VEF/VEN/VE (=*A*=)
Aegis Ten- Flying under the command of a furry rodent man
Hail to Mountain Dew
Fire is my friend
Reader of Sun Tzu
Navy: Accelerate your Life
A "Shazam Success Story"
Shazam
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 11, 2006 6:45:05 PM    View the profile of Shazam 
"Cover the port flank!" The hand's he'd come to think we're mere fossils jumped to the lateral stabilizers as his foot stomped the left pedal; no more hobby handi-caps... Shazam spun his fighter so fast he felt as if the ship would tilt off of it's central axis; all this for a chance to see the Hapan Battle Dragon. These were ships he considered to be beastly, unpredictable monsters- products of ingenuity at their best but meant for the worst...

He did not dwell on his opinion of the glorious monstrosities for long; monitors and sirens he'd forgotten existed screamed in warning as the radar came alive with multiple radar contacts.

Just think, half a minute ago we were getting bored... Shazam replayed the event in his head- a streak of white light and then an entire enemy force practically on top of them. The Imperial forces had been so occupied with the forces to the right and the trivial band of fighters that they left themselves totally exposed from the left. Of course, there was no real convincing evidence that an enemy would jump in so closely from that side, but never the less- they'd been dependent on a single-minded strategy. Truly, maybe they'd underestimated the genuine creativity of Rothow- perfecting hyperspace jumps so that attacking would always be in their favor was a tactic of Grand Admiral Thrawn- he was said to be a genius after all...

The aggressor's nose now came to bare on the enemy constellation pitter-pattering the black vacuum to the left of the Imperial landing force; an enemy group on both sides... So what did Rothow think to pull in? Shazam had collected a Hapan Battle Dragon, an Assault Frigate, two nebulon-bs and a couple Corellian Corvettes to compliment it. Shazam half wondered if they weren't going to get their butts handed to them now that he fully examined the whole scheme of things. The original enemy force was set to the right and this new, probably more powerful and tactically able one to the immediate left; Pincer attack then... The idea imposed even greater on his mind as the double platform Battle Dragon loomed impressively; it stood out like the Atrus as if to say "Try me..."

The larger ships and capitol cruisers weren't the immediate threat though- two squadrons of R-41 Starchasers sat silhouette against the battle-dragon background, another squadron of Razor Fighters obscured just behind them. Or so the Coruscant was informing them; the formations just appeared as blips on the radar until a close enough proximity could be reached.

Time to do the WC thing...

"Transports, if you aren't on full throttle yet- get to it!" The fighter ended its role with the precision Comprey Courtney had taught him to respect long ago, Jaden dropping in to his direct right then quickly pulling back to get a stagger going. "Aegis and Kaph, if you can... Get over here- in the meant time..." Shazam observed his equipment before continuing-" Nazguls, you are allowed to use your full salvos if it means protecting those transports. Form up and pick a mark..." He said it harshly as he noticed the distance to target meter dropping. We won't have a chance if we don't break these punks up...

"It looks like the R-41s are pulling ahead to engage us first, One," Darius noted, falling in line with the XO of the squadron, Jen Knight.

"Dully noted, six- two flight, take the second wave, one and three- we need to break them apart- full speed..." Shazam kicked his own throttle forward, forgetting his own anxiousness as he used it to fuel his wiled adrenaline rush.

As Shazam had suspected, the larger ships and cruisers appeared to be veering toward the center of the formation as if to take on the Imperial Capital ships rather than deal with the impending invasion force. However, the first enemy force that they'd practially forgotten about had already begun moving in position to intercept the Imperial caravan. So now it would be a race... Don't make me come back to head them off, now... he messaged the bridge crew in his moniker, telepathic warning tone. He let the sound of the engines sooth him though, even if it wasn't the Defender he'd grown used to in the last mission...

"Fifteen seconds until missile lock range..." Gunnay provided casually. Indeed- the white forms were now tightly knit together; a blob in the front and another to the top and a little ways back were easily identified as the Starchasers. Far off were the Razor fighters armed with proton torpedos...

"Nazgul One, engaging..." Shazam said despite the fact he was far out of missile range yet. Clicking into the auxiliary weapons mode, Shazam realized he probably could have had it up the entire time if he'd have known his intention at the beginning.Yea- sometimes hammering your way through just won't work... he noted bitterly, recognizing the formation. It wasn't his thing to perform or impress others, but in this case- he'd make an exception. Dumb firing, he let off the missile into the center of their globular formation. The aggressor seemed as if it would fall apart as it buckled and shuddered nervously, but then, from underneath, the beam of blue projectile light streaked toward the dispersing enemy formation. Kind of reminds me... He dropped the memory before it could be reached and watched as the first six fighters cleared it entirely. The next two just a little in the blast radius, rattled slightly with their shields varying shades of red. Unfortunately for the last four, they'd penciled themselves into the perfect target reticule for the igniting orb as it detonated in a frenzy of explosive reds, yellows and evening orange. The first eight fighters had all barreled away, but the stark surprise was evident amongst them as damage reports were probably being called on. The blast has blocked Shazam's view of actual damage, but he could pretty much presume he'd just scared them a bit. Enough to scatter at least...

"Nazgul two, firing," Jaden's voice was enthusiastic after the successful stunt and the whoop that followed was even more so; even though Shazam's missile hadn't taken anyone out, it had cleared the way for Jaden's shot. The image had cleared as the center four fighters shot through the remaining, cloudy aftermath. Jaden's missile impacted almost immediately thereafter on the upper left, catching the enemy fighter by total surprise. The nose bent down awkwardly as the pilot had become aware of the missile, but the Starchaser absorbed the full impact and seemed to hit a brick wall as the cockpit imploded and the posterior engine compartment separated from the forward position entirely. The two pieces seemed to dangle momentarily, but then they became shards of dangerous transparisteel and debris as they exploded through the inner formation.

"Good kill two; firing on target now," Art announced and both he and Tyrrax let off efficacious shots- both actually achieving missile locks for themselves before firing.

"Shields down on mine!" Tyrrax announced as Art linked his fire. He'd hit his target and brought the shields down as well, but his enemy was far enough back that maybe he could get a shot or two in... Yes- short range- head to head. The enemy fighter picked up on it as well and appeared to be darting upward in an attempt to give Art a more difficult weapons envelope... Not! Art continued forward without a shot, ducking down just a little to keep from coming anywhere near the fighter as it met Tyrrax's linked cannon's. Art wasn't suicidal but he ascribed some credit to himself on his acting skills. Then again, maybe he'd underestimated his wingman- actually able to read my tactics without me having to say anything?

"Nazgul Nine firing!" Where Flight One had taken the center and some of the outskirts, Trevor's third flight was much wider and just picked up whomever they could. Three flight let off their first volley just as one flight broke through the initial enemy line. Trevor's and Gunnay's missiles met the same target, dropping the shields on the first impact and crippling the ship with the second. A slow delicate roll ensued and the R-41 dropped out of the widened formation... Mika and Jesati sprinkled the unharmed fighters with cannon fire to further discourage them from taking a direct route to the transports as Flight Two joined the battle with just a little space between them.

That was only the first squadron of course, but not too bad considering they'd taken a totally packed squadron and transfigured them into a line of uncertain rogues. Then again- how could they be uncertain? Were they clones? The question of just who the enemy was irritated the group and would probably plague them past the mission's end, but it would go unvoiced unless provoked.

"Aegis squadron acquiring incoming fighters," Chip announced as his squadron cam to the rescue from just above the sentinels, picking up remaining fighters from the first enemy squadron as Nazgul intercepted the second to the far left.

"Confirmed kill!" Tokijin announced triumphantly as Nazgul's second flight now circled the entrenched areas of the space battle and got their first chance at the pirate force. Up ahead, Art and Tyrrex had gone high above the second squadron of R-41s to pull off some fighters while Shazam and Jaden went low. Shazam and Jaden would rely more on timing and given skills rather than eloquent strategies Art would likely pull within the next few moments. Dropping into a sharp loop, Nazguls One and Two decided to try and pick some of the enemy squadron's people apart with post shots since no one had bothered to follow them. To quick of an approach... Shazam half smiled as he figured getting into a missile lock position was better than being painted by the enemy fighters from his original plan... The commander made a quick observation and gathered that the group would not be dispersed of so easily- they'd learned their lesson from the first squadron and had spread considerably to accommodate the incoming blast. Then again- did they have much to worry about? Twelve to four... Good odds. But then again- Shazam no longer believed in numbers.

"Form up and then it's loose deuce, got it four?" Art and Tyrrax were now pulling up high and nearly completed an immelman. They didn't bother to invert because there wasn't much of an up and down in space at this point- at least they were bringing the enemy back to willing Imperial fighters. This was Kaph Squadron- sitting just outside of the periphery; not too close to the cruisers but still clawing back to the transports. Art glanced through the lower right hand corner of his view port to watch the armada of champion Imperial landing craft, gleaming in their stylistic whites... Kaph should be able to close by now... They'd taken care of whatever fighters they could while Aegis bolted to assist the rest of Nazgul squadron against the incoming fighters. If Kaph can't pick them up, at least the Carracks will have a chance to get a good meal in... Art thought this quietly with a smile and was suddenly spinning back away from his wingman.

On the other side of things, Rustichituk growled excitedly as a starchaser went spinning out of control, Rysdi Troesel snap-rolling then break-turning to avoid the splinters of spreading debris. Aegis looked to be doing alright, but was now the inner and really, only circle surrounding the transports. Kaph would have to get back into the action quickly if they wanted to spare the trooper freighters from the Razor fighters that were sure to be approaching now. Yes- with those protons, they could do some damage... They'd just have to keep that from happening.

There was also to be a fireworks display though- soon enough, the capitol ships would come into range of eachother and it would be a fight for position- neither the transports nor Phoenix Wing would be in the middle of that, Art hoped.  He also had the sinking feeling that the day would be longer than they had thought...  While there was no apparent day or night as of yet, when they made landfall, surely time would be a greater player in their minds.  Maybe that'll work for us though...

(OCC: Les kick some butt...  And once that Razor Squadron is through, we are going to need about five or so of those transports taken out...  Preferably equipment, but kill about half the men off as well- Enjoy )

-----------------------
*Flash Was Here...*

CMDR/LtC Shazam/Nazgul 1-1/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/1VENF/VEN (=A=) (=*SA*=) (=*MA*=) (=*FOCE*=) [LoM] [LSM] [VC:S] [DSM]

Commander of Nazgul Squadron, Phoenix Wing and Training
[This message has been edited by Shazam (edited May 11, 2006 6:49:43 PM)]
[This message has been edited by Shazam (edited May 11, 2006 6:53:40 PM)]
templar
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 12, 2006 1:21:40 AM    View the profile of templar 
Templar yawned as his ship along with the rest of his squadron made their way slowly planet-side. He noticed with faint disdain that even though no one was going at full speed, Kaph and Nazgul squadron's ship were both steadily trailing theirs in the space dust. Man, the only good thing about these ships is their awesome payload... Templar thought to himself. meh, their armor isn't that bad either. He glanced to the to Kaph Squadron's direction to see that they were closing in to attack range with the approaching Preybirds He turned his gaze away momentarily to look at the two pictures attached to his canopy. The first picture was a recovered holo of his family. The second was a picture of his old Squad mate, Gemini. His mind momentarily flashed back to that fateful fire fight in that security building on Asteroid Prime. He grimaced as he remembered looking down to Gemini's now lifeless body. Thank the Empire her eyes were closed.

Templar's head jerked to the side as he noticed the now beginning dog fight between Kaph Squadron and the enemy Prey-Birds Templar felt adrenaline rush through his veins, and felt his grip tighten on his control stick as he watched the battle unfold. Templar noticed that both sides seemed to be making a lot of fire and misses. He assumed that both Squadrons must be really excellent, having never actually seen Kaph Squadron in action. He looked on with interest as one of Kaph's fighters went into a tight barrel roll. The following Preybird predicted the Kaph's intention than diving under it. The Preybird's plan backfired though, as in doing that move he had placed himself directly in front of another Kaph fighter, thus resulting in a few direct hits on it's shield. Oh, how templar longed to be amids that fight, weaving around fighters and debris, and bringing a quick death to any and all enemies to the Empire. Templar noted a runaway as one of the Preybird pilots broke away from the main fight and made it's way toward the convoy, followed closely by a Kaph Fighter. "We have a break away." Hunter said over the Comm. Templar nearly broke away from his squadron right their and then, eager to score a kill. "We see it." One of the Nazgul pilots said. Templar's hopes were dashed though, as two of the Tie- Aggressors left formation and intercepted, than destroyed the fighter.

Templar stared on with envy as Kaph squadron was mopping up the rest of the attacking Preybird Squadron. he turned his attention to the three Corvettes that were making their way toward the convoy. He flicked a switch to turn off his Comm., or rather to make it so he can hear output from the squadron, but he they could not hear anything he said. he turned his head again to watch the battle between kaph and the enemy. He felt the adrenaline rush in his body again, making his head swim, along with a general feeling of giddiness. One of the attacking Prey-Birds managed to out maneuver a kaph Pilot (Close enough now so that he could identify which pilot number it was Via radar.) and get behind him. "Somebody help kaph 8!!" templar yelped to no one in particular, not knowing that everything he was saying was being heard over the Comm. Another Hawkbat came to the assistance of Kaph 8, appearing behind the attacking Preybird and landing a few hits on it. The preybird tried to make a break for it but was reduced to a hunk of twisted and charred metal by the now level Kaph 8. " Good job guys, keep it up! They don't have a chance in hell!" Templar said, again to know one in particular. Templar looked down at his Comm. and noticed that the red light was still on, indicating that it was still on an open two-way channel. Templar blushed and grinned stupidly. "Oops."

As the the Convoy got closer and closer to the planet, now only within a few minutes away, Templar felt like he was about to burst from all the excitement. He turned his attention away from the now almost finished battle with Kaph toward the now much closer Corvettes, still flying toward them. Templar gaped at the audacity that was in motion. Two Corvettes? trying to take on two whole fighter squadrons? Insane. "What in the Empire..." Suddenly the twin Corvettes opened fire, sending waves of laser fire among the the Convoy. Though the Corvettes were in the minimum range to attack, they were still to far away to actually do much damage. Chip's voice came over the Comm. "Aegis, this is one. We are moving into range of those Corvette's guns. take evasive maneuvers and spread out a little; give yourselves some operating room. I'll let you know whether or not to engage them." "Aye Aye Sir." Templar responded, and began weaving through the field of blaster fire. It was starting to get exciting now... Zharyn's voice came over the Comm. "Nine, whats our ETA with those Corvettes?" Nine Replied. only four minutes now. Keep going; if the fire gets too intense we can always break off if we need to." "Gotcha, Nine."

Templar felt a faint trickle of sweat begin to pool on the tip of his nose. he shook it off, than stared with intensity at the now almost face to face Corvettes. Templar stared with disbelief as out of the blue-or black, rather- an entire task force of fighters and capital ships came out of Light-Speed on their left. Templar swore loudly, completely forgetting protocol. He was going to get flamed for that later, if they survived. Templar counted a number of enemy ships including a Hapen Battle-Dragon and a few Nebulon-B Frigates, not to mention some more Correlian Class Corvettes. They had been Flanked. templar thought about blaming the Brass for the failure to predict re-inforcements, than thought about it and realized the improbability of such an event occurring. He blamed the Brass anyway. It made him feel better. Templar counted the smaller fighters that appeared from behind the Battle Dragon, counting about two full squadrons. He grinned broadly as Several of the Nazgul fired missiles into the group of R-41's, blowing up a couple, scattering the rest.

The rest of Nazgul Squadron fired, taking out at least half of the first enemy squadron. Chip's voice came over the Comm. "Aegis you have permission to engage the remaining fighters of the first squadron. I repeat, you have permission to engage. Try to save your bombs and heavy fire power for the ground mission though!" Their was only a seconds hesitation before Templar gunned his Scimitar for all it was worth. He couldn't help but howl into his Comm. "Today, I become an Ace!!!"

 
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FM/LCR Templar/Aegis2/Phoenix/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=A=)
Raigen
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 12, 2006 11:25:57 AM    View the profile of Raigen 
"Not before me you don't, Temp! 12, get behind me and stay tight if I pull out fire ahead and take out any birds to your head. Tuck and roll e'ry body!" Raigen yelled as his scimitar hit top speed and did a barrel roll and bank toward the enemy fighters. Not many were left but he wanted another kill for his record. Aegis 12 followed close behind but seemed to have a harder time with the more unconventional maneuvers.

Raigen's ship pulled in behind a two-man element of prey birds."Lets earn our stripes 12. Take up a position to my right and we'll pour out on these pirates!" Raigen said as he moved his ship to the left to show his wingman the chosen targets. Raigen put on some extra speed and opened fire on one of the preybird's shields."Come on Morman, let's take these guys." He said as the element split up and turned around. The four fighters were in a chicken match with all weapons unloading. Raigen's target pulled out and he was compelled to follow it.

Raigen finished off the preybird and went about to find his wingman."Where are you 12?"

"I need assistance!" cried Morman as a R41 fired at his tail end. Raigen poured on as much speed as he could toward the enemy fighter. Before Raigen could open fire, Templar swooped down with his wingman and took out the fighter. Raigen had just missed a save.

"Good work Templar. Looks like we're tied. 1000 credits says I get more kills!" Raigen said jokingly as he took a position in front of Aegis 12. Templar and his wingman pulled up next to him.

"You're on!" he exclaimed.


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FM/SCRW Raigen/Aegis 3/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (VC:B)
[This message has been edited by Raigen (edited May 12, 2006 3:33:34 PM)]
Rustichituk
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 12, 2006 3:52:35 PM    View the profile of Rustichituk 
"Aegis you have permission to engage the remaining fighters of the first squadron. I repeat, you have permission to engage. Try to save your bombs and heavy fire power for the ground mission though!" Chips voice buzzed over the comm.

Time to fry us up some enemy fighters. Rusty thought to himself with a grin.

[Aegis Six, keep your eyes open. We're not nearly as maneuverable as I we'd all like to be in these flying waste bins, so don't go pulling off anything fancy. Be nice and conservative, we might have permission to engage fighters, but they're mighty fast and the likes of us will not be able to keep up. Just...watch your ass, is all I'm saying.]

"Gotcha, 5." replied Rysdi Troesel over the comm. He was newly transferred into Aegis specifically for this campaign against the RS. He didn't quite feel comfortable around the group yet, and he was feeling quite a bit of anxiety. He had only momentarily met Rusty the day before. He had thought it strange, a wookiee in the Imperial Navy. He had never seen anything quite like that before. Rusty made Rysdi anxious. He didn't trust the wookiee because, well...wookiees were never with the Empire, always against it. What's more is that Rusty seemed like he had such a short fuse that Rysdi was positive that he would go berserk in the middle of the mission and cause issues. Rysdi went to see Chip about his concerns the night before hand and had been reassured that Rusty was one of the more competent pilots around, and that he was rather collected while flying. Rysdi still wasn't sure. He was still rather skeptical of Rusty, however, the wookiee was proving rather calm this far into the fight...but that was just beginning. Rysdi sighed and hoped everything would work out. Just then, his ship jerked a bit and he noticed that he was being rained with laser blasts and his shield was depleting.

[Six, what are you doing? Daydreaming? Pay attention to you're surroundings and what I'm saying! I told you that you had 2 fighters flanking your right. Damnit!] Rusty belted into Rysdi's helmet.

Who are they letting through flight school these days? This kid's bloody hopeless. Rusty noted.

[Okay, Five, I'll get the one whose pelting you, you just try to keep him distracted...it seems his buddy it merely hanging out back there in case there is any trouble...]

Damnit, I was really hoping we wouldn't have to deal with any of these preybirds ourselves...this could get ugly.

Rusty jerked his joystick so he'd slow down and so Rysdi and the pair of enemy fighters would blow past him, and then sped his way back up again. He had to roll a few times with them, trying to get those preybirds within his targeting reticule. He got a few shots off that grazed both of the fighter's shields, but it wasn't much use.

[Hey, One...is there any way we could get a bit of help with these Preybirds? 5 and 6 are having a few issues with them, and these Scimitars are just no match. If Kaph and Nazgul could get back here and engage some of the fighters they've missed, it would be much appreciated!]

I thought the idea was that we'd be the last resort... Rusty scrunched up his brow.
 
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FL/PO2 Rustichituk/Aegis 2-5/Wing 1 (Phoenix)/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=A=)
Hunter
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Hunter
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 12, 2006 6:33:48 PM    View the profile of Hunter 
  [Hey, One...is there any way we could get a bit of help with these Preybirds? 5 and 6 are having a few issues with them, and these Scimitars are just no match. If Kaph and Nazgul could get back here and engage some of the fighters they've missed, it would be much appreciated!]

  "We got you covered. Try to push them toward the transports." Hunter said into his comlink. "Stay close Zharyn."

  [Toward the transports?] Rusty growled questioningly, as he and Aegis six kept in pursuit of the two Preybirds, now circling around toward the transports.

  "Just trust me." Hunter responded, and looked down at his radar. Smoothly guiding his fighter with his controls, Hunter tried not to flinch as his Scimitar flew only meters above one of the transports. Pulling back, Hunter brought his ship perpendicular to the transport and began to circle around it. Not sparing a glance to see if Zharyn was with him, Hunter maintained his close proximaty with the trasnport. Ignoring the alarms and sirens wailing in his cockpit, Hunter flicked his wrist, jarring his fighter away and aiming directly at the incoming Preybirds Rusty was doggedly chasing.

  Surprise! Linking his laser cannons, Hunter squeezed the trigger, firing directly into one of the fighters. Shields collapsing, the Preybird tried to pull up and out, but Rusty was able to track him easily, due to the distance now between him and the Preybird. As the Preybird became dust in space, Hunter looped back around. An explosion to his side marked the demise of the second Preybird. Swerving to the side, Hunter fell in with Zharyn.

  [Thanks for the assist 9 and 10] Rusty said, now joining Rysdi to find another target close to the transports.

  Nodding, Hunter fully engaged the Scimitar's engines, launching him toward the front of the convoy again. Two surviving R-41s were cruising in to make a strafing run on the lead transport. "Time to get our own kill." Hunter said to Zharyn. This isn't about who kills the most. Right now, it's just to keep us all alive while these damn slow transports make it to the ground. Then it's killing time. Hunter reminded himself. "Keep your fighter in line, and don't twitch." Hunter said.

  "Roger." Zharyn acknowledged, though confused on why he was to do it.

  Bring his fighter into a slow rotation, Hunter began to circle Zharyn's fighter, making it so his fighter would act as a shield for Zharyn to any incoming fighters. With one hand still guiding his fighter, Hunter's free hand skimmed across the controls, flicking through key strokes. Switching to missiles, Hunter didn't wait to get a target lock as he pulled out of his spin and fired. Blazing through space, the missile seemed to be off its target. Spotting the incoming missile, the R-41s broke their attack on the transport and swirved away. As the missile flew harmless underneath the fighters, Hunter could almost see their cocky faces. Suddenly, the missile exploded; close enough to the R-41s to damage their shields and send them slightly careening due to the shockwave. Breaking away from Zharyn, Hunter switched back to lasers and pummeled the lead R-41, lowering its shields even more.

  Recovering from its spin, the R-41 fired at Hunter, causing him to swerve to the side. Jinking from side to side, Hunter dodged the fighters continuing laser fire. A roar came through the comlink, as laser fire cut in between Hunter and the R-41, forcing the enemy fighter to pull out of its attack. "Thanks for the assistance." Hunter stated as played with the floor pedals and controls, stopping his forward momentum and spinning his fighter around. Targeting the retreating R-41, Hunter fired another linked laser shot. Flashing through space, the green bolts impacted the fighter's engines. Rewarded with the fighter's flashy demise, Hunter glanced at his radar to find Zharyn.

  Memorizing the coordinates, Hunter saw that Aegis 6 had aided Zharyn with his fighter as well. "I guess were all even now." Hunter said, joining with Zharyn above the lead transport. An untranslatable Wookiee growl was Hunter's response. "It looks like Kaph has gotten to Nazgul now." Hunter said to Zharyn as he checked his radar for any more fighters. Barrel rolling, Hunter aimed his fighter back toward the middle of the Imperial caravan where any of the fighters that slipped by Nazgul or Kaph would logically try to attack.

  "Aegis, incoming Razors near the rear of the transports." a transport pilot said.

  Where? Hunter pumped a little of his shields into his engines to give him a slight boost to speed, blurring past transport after transport with Zharyn hot on his tail. Oh "Crap!" Hunter cursed as the first flight of Razors got into missile range of the transports. "I can't make it. Anyone else close enough?" Hunter exclamed as he mentally calculated distances and tried to remember if those transports cared men or equipment. A flash from the first four Razors marked the launch of a wave of missiles. NO!


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=Aegis-Squadron=
Petty Officer 1st Class Hunter

XO/FL/PO1 Hunter/Aegis 9/Pheonix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (=*A*=) (VC:B)

Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will be victorious in ten thousand battles.
You may forget the past, but it always has a way of haunting your future.
Men can die, but a symbol is eternal.
[This message has been edited by Hunter (edited May 12, 2006 6:37:24 PM)]
[This message has been edited by Hunter (edited May 12, 2006 6:44:46 PM)]
[This message has been edited by Hunter (edited May 12, 2006 6:45:49 PM)]
Trevor Evenson
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Trevor Evenson
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 12, 2006 7:33:39 PM    View the profile of Trevor Evenson 
"Woah Cowboy! I need a hand, I got one stuck on me!" Mika called over the comm to Trevor as he attempted a floppy barrel roll. Cowboy? I havn`t heard that in so long. Trevor thoguht to himself with a grin. Trevor had been given a fewnicknames during BT, one of which was Cowboy. Although he preteneded to dislike the name, something about it made him feel tougher then he was.  He`d still prefure his old callsing of Ace, but that was from his RA days.

"I got ya." He replied calmly as he stomped on the right rudder pedel, swinging his fighter in a sharp 180 turn. He pushed the throttle to 75% and quickly made his way to Mika and the Preybird that was on him. Nazgul 12 attempted another evasive menuever, pulling back on his throttle and pushing the control yoke upwards. Trevor had to wodner for a moment if the suddend decrease in throttle had been caused by Mika`s extra girth, but then reminded himself that that would only affect the fighter in atmosphere, and probably very little, if at all.

The Preybird didn`t expect the move and shot past him, quickly pulling back on his yoke to avoid becoming Aggressor prey. Trevor pushed his throttle to 100% and followed the fighter, letting off occasional bursts of laser fire. He had just punched through the shields when his cannons overloaded.

"Shit!" He exclaimed as he pulled the triggar a few more times out of frusteration. Then a pair of green bolts hit the fighter, making contact with an engine and a stabilizer. The Preybird spiraled out of control, and Trevor let out a sigh. "Who do I owe?"

"Me." Mika replied with a tone of cockiness in his voice.

"Ah, I see..Good job twe- Oh shit! Someone shoot that fight-...." Trevor exclaimed, pointing out his viewport towards the fighter, even though it did him no good. The fighter was headed for the transports. A few green bolts were fired at it, but only one made contact, and that one hit shields, which the pilot had apperently juiced up with power from his weapons or engines. It did him no good though. He streaked through the empty space between himself and one of the transports. A few seconds before the immediate impact, the fighter pilot ejected, launching himself onto the nose of one of his wingmen.

The original fighter`s shields touched the shields of the transport, causing both to overload, and in less then a second had made contact with cockpit of the transport. A series of small explosions ripped the transport apart.

The fighter who had been hit by the ejected pilot momentarily lost control, but regained it in time to be shot to bits by a Hawkbat.

"Well, Thats two down, but we lost one of our own. What was aboard that shuttle?" Trevor asked over the comm, slightly mad at himself for allowing the fighter to get so close to the convoy by overloading his cannons.

"There were three troopers aboard, the two pilots of the shuttle, and a large amount of supplies. But that is one of many. We packed a bit heavy, because we knew that at least one would get shot down. Lets hope that is all." He recieved from the head transport.

"You`re lucky Mika. Don`t pull any stupid shit like that again."

"Sorry Cowboy..." Mika said glumly, making a gesture to Trevor which he would be thankful could not be seen. Mika pulled away from Trevor and went to form up with Jesati. Trevor got ahold of Gunnay next.

"Alright, we got to watch those transports more closly. Kaph can`t do it alone."

"Yessir." Gunnay replied. Trevor flipped to the channel for flight three and reached up to wipe sweat off his forehead, then realized he still had a helmet on. With the sweat dripping into his eyes and burning, he spoke to his flight.

"Alright flight three, this is 9. I want you to all keep a closer eye on those transports. Kaph cannot do this by themselves. Let flights one and two worry about the rest of the fighters. I want you to stay within a 300 meter radius of the transports." Trevor ordered. 300 meters was still quite a good distance, but it allowed them to still participate in combat while still being able to keep a good watch on the transports.

"Yes sir." Gunnay replied quickly.

"Gotcha sir." Jesati came in next.

"Whatever you say Cowboy." Mika replied, with a tone of defiance in his voice.

Switching over to a private chanel, Trevor got hold of Mika.

"Look here Mika. If you`ve got a problem with me, tell me now, before things really start to heat up and I`ll be able to shoot you down and blame it on an enemy." Trevor said angerly through gritted teeth. While in BT they had gotten along OK, Mika had seemed to be trying to get at Trevor the whole time.

"I haven`t got a problem with you. I just think that I should be leading this flight, not you." Mika replied, sounding just as annoyed as Trevor.

"Well, look here bucko. I`ve been in this squadren alot longer then you. I`ve flown with alot of these people before, and you havn`t. You are the one who was Transferred here, Wern`t you." Trevor said, putting specific enphasis on transferred.

"Well, yeah, but..."

"No buts about it 12! I`m your flight leader here." Trevor commanded.

"Yes sir..." Mika replied unenthusiasticly.

"See if I ever save your fat ass again." Trevor replied before flicking his comm back to the main chanel.

Some people are just so difficult, I mean, back at the RA, people would listen to me as if I was the XO, even though I wasn`t. Mika is just gunna have to live with me. And if he can`t, to bad. It will get him killed out there. Trevor said, momentarily pondering the thought of shooting Mika down once there were more enemies around, but quickly dismissed it to be wrong, and knew someone would find out. He formed up near one of the transports and blinked the sweat out of his eyes before looking for a new target.
 
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FM/CPO/Trevor Evenson/Nazgul 9(3-1)/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=*A*=)
Cyleaf Aehait
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 12, 2006 8:23:05 PM    View the profile of Cyleaf Aehait 
Cyleaf and Dodger had joined the rest of Kaph Squadron and the incoming Preybirds.  Checking his shields and making sure they were at maximum was a good thing because a laser shot smacked right into the front alarming his console but silencing almost as quickly as the shield regenerated itself to just above the red.

"Watch yourself Kaph 3, don't make yourself more of a target than you already are" came Lonewolf's voice over the com, as another bolt flew by the front cockpit. Dodger picked up an incoming Preybird and began to squeeze shots in its direction both zooming off to the right. Engaging his engines Cyleaf joined he battle checking for his own targets.

A second Preybird zoomed by towards Dodger and the other trying to sneak up on his wingman, throwing the engines to full Cyleaf took up the chase calling "Dodger you got a bogie on your tail, I am in pursuit." Turning his target reticule so the ship was in his crosshairs Cyleaf squeezed the trigger watching the bright green bolts streak to his target, the first one impacting in the enemy's rear shields as the second flew wide due to the Preybird going into evasive maneuvers. Well at least I got it off Dodger's back Cyleaf thought as he match the Preybirds break turn slamming the throttle to almost all stop letting the other overshoot and began to fire catching another two lasers on the side before the enemies shields dropped. Leading his target slightly as they both increased speed again the Preybird got caught amidships by the bolts which punched a whole through the reactor making the ship exploding in a brilliant light, "Yeah chock one up for me Dodger" and before he could finish the statement his Hawkbat rocked as a blast hit him in his aft shielding. Pulling straight up into an Immelman and not inverting Cyleaf saw another Hawkbat pelt his follower with laser fire blowing it into space dust. "Careful 3 that could be a very fatal Rookie mistake, celebrating before the battle is even over, next time keep a better eye on your radar." Came Willtconq voice, "Yes Sir I will and thank you for the assistance" "Anytime kid, I just don't want to see any of my pilots get whacked out here" came the Co's reply.

"Kaph's 3 and 4 I want you both to go help out with those Preybirds that are attacking the transports, stay back some and engage any that might slip through" "Aye aye Sir!" came Cyleaf's answer And I thank you again for helping me Cyleaf thought to himself as he and his wingman flew towards the other group at full sublight.

 
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FM/SCR/Cyleaf Aehait/Kaph 1-3/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=*A*=)
Darius
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Darius
 
[VE-NAVY] Master Chief Petty Officer
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 12, 2006 10:32:49 PM    View the profile of Darius 
Darius slowly eased himself onto the tail of one of the Razor fighters that came out of hyperspace with the Hapan Battle Dragon.  I've got you now.  He linked his cannons and pulled the trigger once.  The Razors shields popped in a bright red display of energy.  Immediately, the pirate began to climb, trying to shake off Darius, but his fighter was faster and better than the arcaic Razor.  Slowly but surely, Darius lined up his second shot, but was cut short of his intended glory by a R-41 that had popped off a shot to save his buddy.

Dammit.  The veteran Imperial pilot pulled off of his pursuit in order to take care of his pesky pursuier.  "Nazgul five, how we doin' over there?"

"Well, these cursed R-41s keep distracting me from my targets," she replied in a very irritated voice.  "How's the rest of flight two doin'?"

"Dido on what you said Jen, these damned things are everywhere," answered an annoyed Tokijin.  It came to Darius' attention that he if it wasn't for the new guy, Coren, he would be outnumbered by women in his flight.  Not that he was worried though.  He found female companionship comforting, even if it was other women beside his beloved wife.  Not that the thought of having an affair even was conceived in the dedicated young man's mind.

"Hey Coren, how are things goin'?"  Darius asked.  He had much concern for the transfered pilot.  He was very young and very inexperienced.  According to what Darius had read from his bio, Coren was only in the squadron because of his test scores, not because he belonged.  In fact, Coren has never even been in actual combat until now.

"I've got one," he answered very quiet and disturbed.

"Killin' not in your bag kid?"  Darius asked.  He recognized the voice before.  Darius had grown up all of his life around death and despair.  In his mercenary days, he had to deal with a great deal of young volunteers deal with a first kill.  Some explained the feeling as to having your very own soul being ripped in two.  And every kill after that just shredding it even more.

"I've got one on my tail!" he yelled.  The young pilot had gone from sad to scared in a split second. 

"Don't worry kid, I'm on my way," Darius acknowledged.

"Thanks Darius, I've got my hands full here," said a grateful Tokijin, Coren's wingwoman.

Darius looked over his shoulder and watched the R-41 still follow him.  He had been pulling complicated manuevers and had the turret on his rear firing throughout the little conversation in a subconscious manner.  He had almost forgotten it was on his tail.  Not one of the better pilots, he thought to himself.  He pulled himself into an upward loop and the R-41 followed.  Looking down at the display screen on his control yoke, he turned his auto-turret onto manual and carefully aimed at the pirate.  After feeling satisfied with his shot, he shot off and burst, which made contact with its shield, but didn't break them open yet.  The R-41 broke its pursuit and Darius pulled out of his loop and cut it off.  In a linked quad burst, the fighter and its pilot was nothing but debris and gas.

"Darius, help me please!" cried Coren.

"Coming up on your tail now, just keep firing back at the Starchaser." Darius said, getting back into his usual character of showing no emotion.  Some people who had known Darius compared his voice to a gentle Boba Fett.

"Darius, my shields are at twenty percent!"

The seasoned pilot let off two quad bursts and took out the R-41.  "Get back on seven's wing, and quit the names.  We don't know who's listening and it could jeparadize our mission."  It had happened before on a mission to Nar Shaddaa.  Two Trandoshan bounty hunters and ambushed the group, hunting for Darius.  The fact that Nar Shaddaa was a dangerous place to for some of Nazgul had to be taken into consideration though.  "Also watch you six more carefully and keep that rear turret firing.  I may not be there to save you next time."

"Will do sir," he replied in a cowering voice.  Just then, a second transport exploded violently.

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All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men to do nothing. --Edmund Burke
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FM/MCPO Darius Pursius/Nazgul 2-2/mSSD Atrus/Defensive Fleet/VEN/VE (=A=) [VC:B] [CB*] [CBV]
[This message has been edited by Darius (edited May 12, 2006 10:41:14 PM)]
Willtconq
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Willtconq
 
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  RE: Phoenix Wing Campaign 01: Shattering Fate
May 13, 2006 9:03:55 PM    View the profile of Willtconq 
Will switched to missiles again as he almost depleted his lasers' energy again. Taking aim on a Preybird braking off for the transports, he fired as his targeting computer confirmed a lock. The missile missed the fighter as it veered off course. Probably tipped by one of his squadron mates. The missile detonated anyway as it came within range, dropping the preybird's shields. Taking up pursuit, Will switched back to lasers. He checked his sensors, another preybird was trying to wrestle for a position behind him with Scout. Will imagined from his radar's reports as scout suddenly cut throttle, dropping behind the preybird, then quickly caught up again, and disintegrated the preybird without giving it a chance. Putting the throttles on 100%, Will's hawkbat soon reached top speed, and closed in on the escaping preybird. Will locked onto the fighter, and sprayed the aft of it, scored enough hits to cause the fighter to go spinning out of control.

"Kaph 1, the remaining Preybirds are retreating to the cruisers." Demonic reported. "Should we pursuit?"

"No, let them go. We need to get back to the transports. Nazgul and Aegis need us." Will watched as a couple more Preybirds were shot before his squadron abandoned pursuits and got back into formation, and headed for the transports and the incoming Razors.

"Kaph Leader, this is Coruscant. Lt. LoneWolf is commanded to return to the Coruscant a.s.a.p." Coruscant out.

"Kaph 2, what's going on?" Will opened a private channel with Lonewolf, and asked.

"I don't know, but it can't be good. Especially if they're calling me out in the middle of a battle." Lonewolf replied sadly.

"Well, hurry back."

"I'll try." With that, Kaph 2 veered off the formation and headed directly for Coruscant. Scout, no longer an extra man, flew into Lonewolf's position before.

"Alright guys, full throttle." Kaphs acknowledged as they all increased to top speed, and zoomed toward the transports and the incoming Razors. "Engage at will."

"I can't make it. Anyone else close enough?" Aegis 9's voice came through the comm.

Just as he finished, the leading flight of Razors released their first salvo of proton torpedoes at the tail transport. Will watched as the missiles impacted, then exploded. The transport also exploded soon afterward.

"Kaphs, reduce speed to 75%, spread out more, then Flights two and three acquire missile locks, flight one prepare to ride the missiles as close as we can but outside their damage radius. Flights two and three follow in a small gap to do clean up work. those Razors are gonna pay." Will ordered. "Fire on three, one, two, three." Will watched as eight missiles streaked away at the squadron of Razors ahead of them. Pushing the throttles to full once again, the four Kaphs followed the missiles in close pursuit. Hopefully the missile blips on their radars will distract them that they don't won't notice us coming, especially with us practically on top of the missiles.

At the range they were fired, it was hard for direct hits, but three impacted shields nonetheless completely dropping the shields on those Razors. Three more exploded with four of the Razors within blast radius, dropping their shields by half. The remaining missed harmlessly. Coming out of the explosions, Will and Cyleaf scored direct hits as each of them linked their lasers and fired on two of the three razors that lost their shields from the direct hits by the missiles. Scout and Dodger each fired a missile that was followed by a series of quick bursts that took out two more razors. within five seconds, Kaphs destroyed an entire wing of razors. That'll teach 'em a lesson.

"Good job Kaphs." Chip commented. "You guys took them by total surprise."

The Razors retreat momentarily to regroup as their morals were probably shaken by the fact that an enemy squadron appeared out of their blind spots while they were attacking, and destroyed a third of their squadron.

Flight two and three caught up with one, and together, Kaph squadron welcomed the advantageous odds of three to two. "Let's go get 'em." Will added as Kaphs caught the razors as they were preparing for another attack, and engaged the enemies in another dogfight.

-----------------------
-(William the Conquerer)-
King of PPC
We are still here because we conquered our enemies, and we shall do it once more! and more, and more, and more!
SC/CWO Willtconq/Kaph 1/Wing I/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (=*A*=) (=*SA*=) [VC:B][SV]
Wm/Wm Willtconq/WM:1/Webmasters/VET/VE
[This message has been edited by Willtconq (edited May 13, 2006 9:05:27 PM)]
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