Ambush at Orto (7-16-1999) Muster Area -- NRSC Deliverance The muster room is one of the less luxurious areas of the sleek Mon Calamari Cruiser, but it does not detract from the sheer presence that the room possesses. Upon the slightly domed ceiling are spaced the four crests of Rogue Squadron, Ghost Squadron, Archer Squadron and Blue Squadron. There are four office doors along the port wall, each inscribed with the officer's name to which it is assigned. Along the starboard wall of this medium sized room are large cabinets and lockers which house flight gear and personal equipment used by the squadrons. In the center of the room, below the ceiling emblems, a group of tables form a hemispherical arc. Many chairs are also located here, making this 'pilot's ready room' a fitting location for many different purposes. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Williams => Draz => Bec => Silver => Danny => Altair => Q6-V12 <> Commander Shanor Lang CO - Assault Frigate Ranger NPC'd by Renkek Lt. Commander Arands CO - Archer Squadron Lt. Commander Williams XO - Assault Frigate Ranger NPC'd by David Lieutenant Bec Ga'lec Pilot - Rogue Squadron Lieutenant Danny Styrer Pilot - Rogue Squadron Lieutenant jg. Jhonn Silver Pilot - Ghost Squadron Lieutenant jg. Altair Quila Pilot - Ghost Squadron Flight Officer Akilan Ara Pilot - Archer Squadron Flight Officer Drazen Vaa'lyik Pilot - Archer Squadron Arands stands beside the conference table, Akilan to his right. For once, Arands doesn't occupy the center of the table, instead watching with interest as the pilots file in and take their seats. He spots the XO of the frigate, a Lt. Commander, and nods a greeting. Danny folds his arms, sighing slightly before he sees a small object hurtling towards his head. He jerks his head sideways, out of the way of the clip and lets it clatter into the vacant seat behind him. "Hey," he grumbles, casting a curious eye around, no one else likes to antagonize him more than a select few, and only one of them is present, "Ga'lec, make sure next time you sleep, you sleep with one eye open." Draz remains sitting as still as a statue in his seat, eyes opening wider for just a second as he files away the fact that humans can sleep with one eye open. Bec grins, turning just slightly to favor Danny with the blinding display of pearly white teeth. "That how you stay so successful in the cockpit, Styrer? I knew you had a trick." The Lt. Commander's unfamiliarity with this particular cruise is apparent as he enters as his head scans the room just a little bit to slowly. Lt. Commander Williams is the picture of military precision in dress, his uniform is immaculate and looks as if it is pressed with near fanatical attention, and precision in march as he picks his way so that his measured and rhythmic steps are not impeded in the least. Spotting the Arands, and his greeting, Williams responds with a rather feminine wave of the hand. Williams is quick however to take his seat upon spotting it, "Hello again," he manages as he seats himself quickly. Danny snorts, averting his attention back to the front of the briefing room. Eyeing the two Commanders before glancing about the rest of the briefing room, occasionally glancing down at Bec to see if he'll be flinging a hydrospanner his way any time soon. Altair continues to eat the bowl of red jello, occasionally using the sleeve of her flight suit as a napkin. She scratches her head absentmindedly and waits for the briefing to start. Her mind wanders from one random topic to another as she stares at the ceiling. Impatiently drumming her fingers on the edge of her jello bowl, she ponders the whereabouts of the Ghost CO, the strangeness of the word squalor, and the origins and fate of the universe. Arands clears his throat slightly, indicating its time to begin. Pushing the datapad out of his way, he leans forward on the podium and nods to Akilan who dims the lights slightly. A three-dimensional display of a space system comes to life in the center of the holoprojector. "Settle down people..." he says as he looks out over the group. "We have a mission.. " Bec won't be flinging anything Danny's way anymore, since the higher ranks have started settling into place at the front of the room. At the mention of a mission, the Rogue pilot scoots forward an inch of two in his chair and quiets down to pay close attention while he fusses with the cuffs of his flightsuit. His head tilts just slightly in concentration, and no doubt his eyes narrow a bit too, behind those mirrored lenses. Silver clears the doodle of a Corellian blossom from his data pad as he gets ready to write down what Arands' is about to say. Weather or not he was a well liked person he was a professional flyer and that came first in his books. He's been settled down for a while and waits now for the briefing to being proper. Korbel enters the Muster Room and takes a seat. Trying to be quiet, but not rude, Korbel salutes the Commanding Officer, and then sits quietly waiting for more information. Draz folds his arms across his chest, producing a small *clunk*. He shifts his feet carefully on the feet carefully on the fragile chair and turns to look at Arands. Danny raises an eyebrow slightly as the word is mentioned that they have a mission. He begins to wonder what it'll be this time. Recon, Blow up another convoy, escort some diplomat from a planet he's never heard of before to some place he's never heard of before. Possibilities are endless for the amount of annoying missions there are. Maybe this one will be more challenging then the last one he flew. But then again, maybe not. At the back of his thoughts, he starts thinking of what kind of drinks they'll be serving in the mess when the mission is over... Altair swivels her head towards Arands, trying to pay attention to the proceedings, though she would really just like to get out into space. She begins her usual practice of checking the flaps of her pockets while the higher ups speak, lest they open in the middle of a barrell roll and a datapad lands on her head. Arands chews his lip for a moment as he reads his notes. A bad habit he's picked up from Shannon he thinks as he forces himself to stop. "Intelligence has noted a strange fluctuation in one of our main HoloNet transceivers near the Orto system. This transceiver is a highly important military and intelligence communication device and although it's well guarded and well concealed, we had to be sure that it was safe." He pauses for a moment, bringing his dominant left hand onto the edge of the podium. "Intelligence sent a lightly escorted repair vessel out to investigate and, if necessary, repair the transceiver. .." a dramatic pause, "we haven't heard from the ship in twenty two hours." Renkek comes in late but as quietly as possible and sits in the back and gets his datapad out and takes notes to remember later. Bec's foot starts to tap, quickly and incessantly, at the mention of the missing ship. Life gets more interesting all the time, when you fly for the Republic. He leans forward to put his elbows on his knees, one of them bouncing along with his foot, and just continues to listen. Danny's eyebrows cock upward. Finally, a mission that seems to fascinate him in some way. Oh, let there be resistance. There's no such mission as a mission with significant resistance. His thoughts wander as he begins pondering how many kills he gets to have painted on his hull at the end of the mission. He yawns quietly to himself, shaking his head briefly and glancing at the holoprojector for a brief moment, then back at Arands. Altair doesn't bother with taking notes, letting her hyperactive brain do the remembering for her. Continuing to fasten the various pocket covers, she glances up for just a moment as Arands speaks of the missing ship before returning to her work. This might be more interesting than she thought it would be. Williams' CO's fashionably late entrance earns her a snide little self-satisfied smirk, as if he's tallying marks against his CO and this is yet another one. Drawing attention to himself and then to her, he rises, his boot squeaks on the floor and empties his seat in favor of allowing a member of the 'gentler' sex to fill it. The projector comes to life with a display of the Orto system. A small blue dot is notable just within an asteroid belt. A red dot is also visible where the primary habitable world is located. Arands continues. "We'll be escorting the Assault Frigate _Ranger_ to investigate the missing ship and the communication array." He nods towards the female Commander who has just arrived, "Commander Lang and her First Officer, Lt. Commander Williams." Arands nods at both in turn to introduce them to the pilots. Commander Lang comes in and looks at her XO and shakes her head and nods to Arands and makes sure all the pilots can see her and then sits in the seat she did when she arrived, not taking Williams's seat Draz's eyes rove slowly over the other pilots as the briefing goes on. Strange... he is the newcomer to the unit, but he marvels at how young they are and how much they've accomplished so far. His thoughts wander across the almost a full century of his life so far and just shakes his head a little. He hopes the repair ship is just experiencing a malfunction so he will get to know each person. His thoughts fade as the holoprojector comes to life. Silver watches and listens to the Commander as he writes on the data pad now in earnest. Data is fed into the pad from the central computer, such as IFF transponders of friendlies in the area. He waits for the end of the briefing, then slings his helmet onto his head and gets ready to get out of here. Williams scowls at the possessive attachment of his name to Lang. Retaking his seat his expression seems to read, 'fine then'. Aside from these antics however Williams is the picture of military etiquette nodding and mumbling something affirmative whenever appropriate. Arands returns to his briefing, "Archer squadron will move ahead to the asteroid field to flush out any activity. If we encounter any Imperial activity from the garrison here," he points to the red dot, "Archer squadron will run interference for Ghost and Rogue squadrons to engage the enemy." He looks out over the pilots and nods once to himself, "If the array has been discovered, we're to try and salvage it before the Imperials can... Are there any questions?" Danny glances at the Commander Lang character making for the briefing table. He shakes his heads slightly, glancing at Williams. His eyes catch site of the holoprojector as it activates, glancing at the sector's geography. His boots slide on the floor as he moves about in his seat to get a bit more comfortable. He searches his memory for any past experiences that he might have had in the Orto system, but finds none. New territory for him, unless combat is involved, in which case it would be the same old, same old. Altair glances at the holoprojector briefly and lets the image imprint itself on her mind. She then glances around the room to see if any pilots have questions, as she's ready to head out. Lang listens quietly still taking notes she looks around from time to time noticing everyone's looks just in case she loses a pilot in combat, and looks up to the holo-image and tries to remember how it looks No questions leap readily to Bec's mind, but instead of saying so aloud, he just slides his feet back, and puts a hand on his helmet, waiting for the word to dismiss to the hangar bay. Danny shakes his head slowly, barely noticeable. His eyes appear to fire up as he intently stares at the briefing table, waiting for the word to be dismissed. He idly slips on his flight gloves and prepares to go space bound. "No?" Arands asks again, an eyebrow raised. "Good... get your fighters ready.. Squadron leaders will have your jump coordinates and mission parameters. We lift off in fifteen minutes." He nods to the Naval Fleet officers as they rise from the table. Offering his hand to Lang, he grimaces somewhat, "Good luck, Commander.." Nodding once at Williams out of respect, he moves away from the table as the lights come up fully. Time to go to war. Altair stands up and trots towards the door, thumping Silver on the back and throwing him an excited grin as they make their way towards the ships. On the way out of the room, she grabs her flight helmet out of her locker and, carrying it in one hand, exits. Danny stands as the order is given, finishing placing his flight gloves onto his hand. He moves off the corner of the row and quickly turns on his heel towards the door. Hoping he won't get trampled as the greener pilots eagerly run off to their fighters. Hangar Bay -- NRSC Deliverance Cockpit - Archer 1 This cramped cockpit is filled with the latest in starfighter technology. From the computer assisted targeting sight to the central VDU, everything here is ready to go. Of course, much of the equipment looks as if it has been replaced or retrofitted, but that in no way can detract from the overall power of this starfighter. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- leads to Auxiliary Bay -- NRSC Deliverance. SF-2829 has taken off from CS-9139 SF-2829 lifts off from the Deliverance with two flights of A-wings behind it. The ships move out to flank a heavy assault frigate moving to jump to hyperspace. SF-4025 has taken off from CS-9139 SF-4025 Rogue 3 clears the Hangar Bay with Rogue One Flight - composed of 3 other X-Wings. The ships fly in a standard V formation - which form up on the topside of the Assault Frigate. SF-3766 has taken off from CS-9139 SF-3766 blasts off from the side hangar of CS-9139. Its stubby landing gear folding up inside its small wedge form. The bright glow of its engines shining brightly on its mothership's hull briefly. SF-6757 has taken off from CS-9139 SF-6757 swoops out of the belly of the MonCal cruiser with four other X-wings, all flying in a cluster. The group of gray ships takes a slow circle of the Deliverance. from SF-3766 - Radio test from SF-2829 -- Archers - report readiness. SF-8242 has taken off from CS-9139 SF-3766 and six sister ships fall into loose formation with SF-2829's ship. from SF-6757 -- Ghost 4 to Ranger. Ready to jump to hyperspace. SF-5277 exits the hangar bay at the point of a second flight of Rogue fighters, the four X-wings streaking away from the ship and the other exiting flight groups before executing a gracefully powerful banking turn which circles them behind their squadron mates. SF-2829 slows as it aligns itself near the frigate. As if on cue - the A-wing and the 7 A-wings in formation with it streak into hyperspace a moment before the frigate and the other escorting X-wings. from SF-2829 -- -Archers... on my mark.. 3 2 1.. mark <> SF-2829 | The Orto system is actually quite busy with space traffic as the group of Alliance ships exit hyperspace. Far off in the distance several planets can be seen but only the standard flurry of commercial traffic is evident. Closer to where the fleet emerges from hyperspace is the gravity well of a massive asteroid. Alliance scans immediately reveal the presence of a heavy freighter just inside the asteroid belt. Smaller blips can also be scanned -- just before the positive ID can also be scanned -- just before the positive ID on the Communication Array clicks. The freighter and activity surrounding it are right on top of the transceiver signal. SF-5277 exits hyperspace as a streak of blurred white, which slows to a sharp-edged formation of fighters seeming to come to a halt after the tremendous speeds of hyperspace travel. In actuality the Rogues are still moving at a fair clip even as their S-foils lock into the trademark 'X'. SF-6757 falls out of hyperspace and comes to a stop waiting the brief second or two until the rest of the ships drop out from their jumps too. Immediately raising its shields and popping the trademark S-foils into their open and locked position the alert craft seems to survey space for any suspicious activity. SF-4025 Rogue One Flight exits hyperspace nearby the frigate - maintaining their V shaped formation. The crafts lock their S-Foils into attack positions. The other ships maintain a steady pace with their flight leader - Rogue 3 - as the ship leads them towards the front of the frigate into a screening position. from SF-4025 -- Oh yeah - Asteroids - Gotta love em. SF-6475 |Ghost Flight 1 drops from hyperspace as one unit all four X-wings forming up into a V flight - Ghost 3 in the lead - as if on cue their S-foils lock into the open position and their shields click on fully. from SF-3766 -- Lead:Two - My scanners are getting strange readings off the area around that freighter. SF-8242 leaves hyperspace slowing considerably. Remaining in its flight of A-Wings, the sleek craft seems ready to leap into action... poised. Shields go up and lasers start charging. SF-2829 appears from hyperspace with two-thirds of a squadron in formation with it. The leader immediately pulls up and away to starboard as three fighters follow. At combat speed the group starts towards the asteroid belt even before the scans reveal activity. SF-3766 pull up and away with its own set of three fighters and moves to a higher plane position so as to cover its sister ships in the lead. SF-3766 raises its shields from SF-2829 -- Got it 2. Intercept formation Tango. One Flight is going over their heads to sneak a peek. from SF-2829 -- Ranger this is Archer Lead. I have suspicious activity near the transceiver. Archer Squadron on an intercept course to investigate. SF-8242 is one of the three fighters following SF-3766 keeping in tight form tight formation. from SF-3302 -- Acknowledged Archer lead keep us informed SF-6757 |Ghost Flight 2 falls into position beside and slightly behind the other group of grey X-wings. The ships prepare themselves for combat by charging their weapons as the message of suspicious activity comes over the com channel. Looks like something was indeed up. from SF-4025 -- Ok Rogue's - Keep in formation until the TIEs get in range, then break off with your wingmen and mix em up nice and messy. from SF-3766 -- 2 Flight:2 Lead - Go passive on scanners unless we have hostiles. We don't want to give our numbers away. SF-3302 holds its position for now seeming almost lifeless with all the starfighters and TIEs around. It seems as though no one on board is paying attention to the battle from SF-8242 -- -2 Flight: Archer 4 - Understood... but if we see them see them it goes to reason they suspect us. SF-4025 Rogue One Flight forays ahead of the Ranger as it makes way to engage the TIEs. Unfortunately - the Rogue's X-Wings aren't as fast as Archer Squadron's nimble and fast A-Wing - nevertheless - the squad came here to fight and fight they will. The range quickly grows shorter as they are almost into the asteroid belt... SF-5277 and its group of four fighters bank away from their squadron mates increasing the lateral distance between the flight groups even as their V-formation reforms into a three-dimensional group of looser precision but more practical use. The fighter at the bottom piloted by one of the squadron's younger recruits paces out ahead of the rest and a gleeful shout from its pilot echoes through the com system before being cut off by a terse command from Rogue Six. SF-6475 |Ghost Flight 1 circles out behind the Ranger waiting for the trap to be set and the ties to be sent their way. The flight appears to be armed and ready some even have proton torpedoes ready to be launched when needed. SF-6757 | Ghost Flight 2 hovers near the frigate opposite to Ghost Flight 1. One ship keeps inching forward impatient for the action ahead. SF-2829 screams into the asteroid field at full thrust - darting nimbly between the smaller rocks and debris. Its wingman flies closely behind and the other pair of One Flight swings wide to port to mimic the maneuver just along the rim of the asteroid field. Green slivers of light streak past the A-wings from in front of them as a handful of TIEs come streaking out of the asteroid belt towards them. Sensors come alive as nearly twenty TIE fighters burst from the heavy freighter. from SF-3766 -- 4 this 2 - Stick close.... I sense much danger.... 2 FLIGHT GO ACTIVE - COVER ONE FLIGHT. from SF-2829 -- Ranger:Archer Lead. We have two squadrons - I say again - 24 TIEs outbound from the freighter. We have been engaged. Two gunboats are flying escort for the freighter. *The voice is mellow but the excitement of battle is evident in Arands voice* from SF-8242 -- On it 2. I'm on your wing. SF-3766 goes wing over wing and dives down towards the enemy formation from above breaking it up a bit but scoring only one kill as it finally falls in behind SF-2829's fighters now heading toward the Valiant. from SF-2829 -- Archers into attack formation kappa. One pass on the eyeballs then lead them away from that freighter. from SF-3302 -- Fire upon only when fired upon - do not fire first - repeat do not fire first SF-8242 snap rolls ninety degrees and inverts following SF-3766, lasers firing when opportunity presents itself, trying more to keep the TIEs from swinging around behind his leader. SF-3302 moves ever so slightly closer to the battle and waits a while till the TIES get in range to start taking any real action. SF-2829 | The heavy bulk freighter adds its own firepower as it unleashes on the gnat-like A-wings interrupting its mission. The gunboats are slow to come about but the TIE fighters that burst from the freighter are quick to take advantage of the A-wings apparent vulnerability in the asteroid field. Dozens of bolts of laser fire chase the A-wings as they split up and away from each other in some sort of graceful sky maneuver. A dozen TIEs follow one flight right towards the X-wings providing a screen for the Ranger. from SF-4025 -- Rogue One Flight here - We're heading into the asteroid field for some extra cover - Bec - you and the guys might wanna do the same. SF-6475 |Ghost Flight 1 heads towards the Ties diving at them from above they get off some proton torpedoes, disintegrating one TIE before they disperse and start to head in to engage the X-wing flight which breaks off into pairs and starts to go after the Tie Fighters themselves. SF-6757 |As the message comes over the radio Ghost Flight 2 breaks away from the other half of the squadron and streaks towards the asteroid field to engage the enemy TIES. Performing evasive maneuvers in expectation of the arrival of the Imperial vessels, a few green streaks zoom by as a sort of invitation to attack. The X-wings break formation and head into the outer fringes of the asteroid field trying to screen the other fighters from the TIES and do as much damage as they can. from SF-8242 -- Rakrth! This is more congested than a Hutt's nasal passage. *The Vaakthree rookie's tone seems more annoyed than anxious* SF-4025 Rogue One Flight enters the asteroid field just as the TIE's enter range. One Flight breaks up into a 2-ship element and heads off to draw the TIEs away. Rogue 3 and Rogue 2 target the first TIE's in range and open fire. Scarlet laser bolts dart out from the laser cannons - quickly mixed in with the green lasers from the TIEs. Rogue 3 nips a fighter on the solar panel - not doing much damage. The impact of the shot spins the TIE off to starboard right as an asteroid crosses its path. The ship is pulverized in between the asteroids - twisted debris flying out from where the TIE once was. Rogue 2 quickly snaps off a quick shot before diving - this one hits where the TIE's solar panels are jointed to the ball cockpit - sending the fighter off spinning into the asteroid belt without any attitude control. SF-3766 leads its flight right thru the X-Wing fighter screen dodging nimbly between the X-Wings as they begin to fire. With the X-Wings covering the A-Wings rear the whole flight turns into one another and heads back towards the fireball. SF-8242 maneuvers with SF-3766, keeping in tight formation. It executes the turnabout with precision, the beauty of the tactic certainly must seem imposing to the Ties who followed the 'easy kills'. One can almost imagine the pilot smiling and chuckling as he arms the missiles. SF-3302 moves closer and starts firing on what apparently look to be some hotshot TIE pilots as they come close to the ship probably wanting to do a kamikaze attack on it there are some blown up and some others that are hit but still capable to fly the Ranger also fires a few shots at the freighter between shots at the TIEs SF-4025 | Half of the TIE fighter squadron - designated 'Theta' - dodge through the asteroid belt eagerly. Their main aim is to drive off the enemy forces and not get themselves killed - which seems much harder when your flying without shields. The TIEs move in towards the dogfighting. This unit in particular has one thing on their mind - to drive off the heavier guns - in this case that assault frigate. As the TIEs enter range of the frigate - their cannons light up in unison as green bolts spit out of their cannons at the frigate. The TIEs roll and pitch and yaw away from the frigates anti-starfighter weaponry - nevertheless - the pilots are concerned about overwhelming the frigate with superior numbers - once their other squadmates arrive... SF-2829 |Six TIEs - designated 'Omega' - break off from the blitzkrieg attack and strafe the X-wings known to the Alliance pilots as Ghost. Several X-wings seem to absorb the green bolts with their shields - however two of the TIEs fly straight into a barrage of laser shots from the Assault Frigate _Ranger_. Assault Frigate _Ranger_. SF-3766 |A grouping of 6 TIEs breaks off and makes a head to head attack on SF-3766's flight. Both the AW's and TIEs dodge along the approach but the TIEs focus their efforts on one of the flight's rear AW fighters. It explodes in a small but brilliant fireball. As if in defiance of death the small wedge shape craft's debris is hurled into the lead TIE. Both pilots and craft are lost. SF-4025 Rogue 3 splits between 2 asteroids as they cross paths - a pity the TIE's flight profile isn't as narrow as the X-Wing's can be. The TIE fighter's main fuselage twists violently. The ignition of the fuel cell doesn't do much but give the pilot a quicker death as fire erupts from what's left of the TIE - vaporizing the twisted debris instantly. Rogue 3 pulls a fast loop around and heads back towards the main group of fighters. The rest of One Flight - in its 2 ship elements - fend off the TIEs admirably - using the asteroid field to their advantage. The X-Wing's dive and cover behind asteroids as the TIE's take potshots at the more experienced pilots. SF-6475 |6 Tie fighters turn and head directly at the A-wings known as Archer Squadron once they get range they fire in unison sending beams of green death down upon the A-wing fighters it seems they didn't fall for the flush. from SF-3766 -- Lead I lost 9. from SF-8242 -- Sithspit! from SF-2829 -- Not now 2. *small pause* 2 Flight - break to starboard. Interceptors coming in from behind that big asteroid! Keep them off the Ranger! SF-3302 continues firing on TIEs and the freighter and it seems the freighter is showing signs of damage by now and some of the TIEs are no more. SF-2829 | As the TIEs seem to be evenly matched for the moment almost matching kill for kill - suddenly a stream of TIE interceptors appears from behind the mammoth asteroid the Alliance fighters haven't scanned behind yet. Following in their wake are a pair of Carrack Light Cruisers. Further still behind them is an Imperial Dreadnaught. Both the Carracks and the Dreadnaught are too far away to engage any targets at this time. from SF-2829 -- *voice slightly raised now with concern* Ranger: Archer Lead. I have 24 squints - I say again - two-four TIE interceptors leading in a pair of Carrack cruisers. *brief pause* Sith... that's a heavy assault dreadnaught behind them... we've got trouble Ranger. from SF-8242 -- Archer 4 -- Something important must be out here lead.. aside from our ship. SF-3766 breaks wide along with its 3 fighters as the TIE/Ints seem to be more interested in the Ranger and are moving in for a pass. SF-3766 and company perform a dizzying corkscrew maneuver and end up behind the TIE/Ints. All three begin firing upon the TIE/Ints. The TIEs caught between the Ranger are suddenly down to half their number. Two break off but one seems to be on a collision course with the freighter. SF-2829 loops over and around -engines burning white orange- as it streaks towards the Interceptors and the transceiver they are beginning to swarm. The lead A-wing and its wingman fire paired concussion missiles towards the grouping - or is it towards the freighter. Either way - the missiles strike two TIE interceptors. The squints return what they get and the lead two A-wings begin to take hull damage as their shields begin to collapse. from SF-3766 -- Archer 4 nab that TIE. I'm out of position. SF-4025 Rogue 3 quickly becomes lively as it picks up 2 bandits coming at him hot and heavy. The twists and turns between the asteroids push the human body to the limit in the way of G-Forces. Over the Comm systems the sound of straining breaths and grunts are accompanied as the high-g turns are executed. As the pilot quickly recovers from a black out - he realizes he's on a direct course for a TIE fighter. The TIE spits green lasers at Rogue 3 viciously. The X-Wing rolls quickly and scoots downward for a brief moment - then pulls up sharply - giving a split second decision. Rogue 3 fires its laser cannons - the scarlet bolts puncture the ball cockpit and equipment - igniting it in a large explosion and a rain of shrapnel. The shrapnel briefly clips the wings of the TIEs in pursuit - not enough to damage them - but enough to let Rogue 2 slip in from above and pick them both off with extreme precision. from SF-3302 -- Continue attacking the TIEs for now Archer lead and on lead and once the imperial fleet gets too close for comfort return home. SF-8242 trails his lead to the starboard side. As the one TIE/Int breaks away on a collision course towards the freighter, the A-Wing executes a quick tight roll to port and comes out of it firing its lasers one at a time in rapid succession. The bolts strafe across the TIE/Int; 1 2 3 BOOM. The A-Wing levels out, avoiding the explosion as it moves to reform. from SF-4025 -- Thanks - Rogue 2. *a smug reply is offered to Danny as Rogue 2 responds* Yeah - you owe me a drink. *Danny replies quickly* Shut up and get back on my wing. Once you're in position - go after those 4 Interceptors in front of us. Hold your fire until we're within .09 kliks. *Rogue 2 replies uneasily* We'll get pretty cooked at that range. *A small laugh is heard* Not as cooked as they're going to get. from SF-8242 -- Archer 4 -- Got him 2. I'll never understand Imperial mentality. SF-6475 |Ghost Flight 1 is split into two wings one is being chased by three tie fighters while the other manuevers in behind them for the kill They get one with their quad laser fire but from nowhere comes the other three Tie fighters coming down on the wing killing Ghost 12 in barrage of fire. Ghost 3 pulls some heavy Gs and turns when his wing man is cooked and the fighter lances another Tie for good measure freeing the original 2 pilots from being attacked. Ghost 3 tries to chase two ties off his backside getting painted by their lasers. from SF-3766 -- Good work Archer 4. You have been blooded honorably. from SF-2829 -- Ranger:Archer Lead. I've got trouble. That freighter cost me my shields. Shunting power from engines to compensate. Archer squadron - begin to withdraw. Ranger - advise you leave the area. Rogues and Ghost escort them out.. I'll see if I can kill that satellite. from SF-6475 -- Ah sith I lost 12. *static* Damn I'm hit get on it Ferret get the stabilizer working first and get me more power to the aft shield. Ghost 9 and 10; swing around and give me a hand here. from SF-3302 -- Acknowledged Archer lead we will be leaving shortly SF-3302 shoots a few more rounds at the freighter and then shoots some TIEs and watches them explode into space dust and enters hyperspace SF-3766 moves in from underneath SF-2829's position. Each A-Wing in its flight releases a small barrage of missile fire into a set of TIEs, who now are breaking away from the lead AW flight. Most of the missiles are easily dodged but two find home over killing the shieldless TIEs. from SF-3766 -- Lead:Two - You picked up some trailers but they are having second thoughts. We are in the clear for the moment. SF-8242 keeps on SF-3766's wing in lieu of chasing more kills. The A-Wing nimbly maneuvers behind its leader, lasers flaring sporadically to scare off pursuit. SF-2829 reduces speed as the A-wing leader and his wingman close range with the freighter. By now the Interceptors have moved off to engage the frigate but the gunboats remain. Lead goes into a complex maneuver of spins and turns, finally coming up beneath the satellite with lasers firing. Its wingman swerves around to cover Archer Lead's aft; a standard tactical maneuver, but timed poorly. The lead gunboat fires off a pair of missiles at Archer Lead and his wingman moves into the missiles flight just in time to catch both in his weakened aft shields. The satellite disappears and Archer Lead throws everything he has into engines to escape the guns of the freighter and gunboats. from SF-2829 -- *Corellian curses fill the air* Jenkins is gone *Arands voice says after a moment. - The TIEs pursuing Archer Lead fall away as the A-wing pours all power from shields and guns into its engines.* SF-8242 |The three remaining A-Wings of 2 Flight form up on Archer Leader's position. They also seem to be giving everything to speed as only an A-Wing can. from SF-2829 -- *a tired voice* Copy jump calcs from the Ranger. Jump on their mark. from SF-2829 -- Ranger we have copied the jump home from you. We are vectoring for an exit. We'll follow you out. from SF-3766 -- This is 2 confirmed and ready to jump. SF-4025 Rogue's 2 and 3 form up. Carefully weaving between the asteroids - but closing fast with the 4 Interceptors. As they enter range - The Interceptors begin to fire madly. The Interceptors have much greater firepower than the TIEs - armed with 4 laser cannons as opposed to the 2 on the TIEs. The Rogue ships evade the shots - conserving their energy for their task. As their range begins to get dangerously close - the 2 Rogues win at the game of 'chicken' with the Interceptors. The Interceptors begin to break off - giving the 2 X-Wings ample opportunity to pick them off. Rogue 2 breaks high and picks off the 2 Interceptors with quad laser bursts. The first shots burning through the solar panels and puncturing the hull - the craft spins off into an asteroid and explodes. Rogue 2 quickly compensates and burns the second Interceptor - which was flying fairly close to the first one - a costly mistake. The second shot separates the solar panels from the Interceptor - leaving the center ball cockpit to go spinning off into the asteroid belt. Rogue 3 breaks low and plugs the other 2 Interceptors with more difficulty. The first one is vaporized as the X-Wing's dual lasers hit the fuel cell and trigger the explosion. Rogue 3 has to pull a tight loop and get behind the last Interceptor. The last interceptor quickly dies as a volley of scarlet bolts blow through the back of the ball cockpit of the Interceptor - which is sucked into a large gravity well of a large asteroid. The other Rogue's break off from the attack and make way for their hyperjumps. from SF-4025 -- Rogue's here - We're ready to go. from SF-8242 -- Archer 4:2 Lead -- I heard him. Copying course. from SF-6475 -- This is Ghost 3 I got a small problem I'll have it fixed in a minute or two... Heading away from the frey at full speed all ghosts jump without me. Don't worry I'll be coming home. Archer 1 - My hyperspace stabilizer needs work. Ferret is working on it. SF-2829 |Of the TIEs and TIE interceptors - over two dozen still pursue the rebel ships. One of the Carrack is moving into attack range on the trailing fighters and begins firing their many lasers at them. The Dreadnaught lumbers forward under full power. from SF-3766 -- I offer myself as Guardian for the Ghost pilot Archer Lead. from SF-4025 -- We all jump at once - or we don't jump at all. But then again - that's just my opinion. SF-6475 | Most of Ghost flight forms up with the rest of the squadron, near the ranger. A lone X-wing heads away from the fleet and the remaining fighters at top speed outdistance the cruisers. SF-3302 continues to move forward and comes to a position and stops and seems as if it's preparing to jump out of the system. from SF-2829 -- Fix it fast Ghost 3. Ghost Two flight - cover his aft with shields. Archers - come about and discourage our pursuing fighters.. Stay clear of that Carrack though. Rogues - Fire double volleys of torps at those Carracks. from SF-4025 -- Rogue Lead here - We're on it. from SF-8242 -- Archer 4:2 Lead -- Suggest we swing around and fire some concussion missiles 2? Let the Ties dodge. from SF-2829 -- Stay with your wingman, 2. No heroics today. We all stay until Ghost 3's ready. Those Carracks' are still far enough away to acquire him. Especially with a stabilizer broken. from SF-3766 -- Negative 4... too risky... follow me in for standard bracket attack. from SF-8242 -- Copy 2. On your wing. SF-4025 The Rogue's - now all formed up - loop around towards the Carrack's in unison. 6 of the craft run cover for the fighters. Blue lights dart out from the X-Wings as they fire their torpedoes at the Carracks. The other 6 Rogue's fire their laser cannons at the TIE's running interference for the Cruisers - a few of them evaporate in balls of fire as some of the Rogue's score some hits. The torpedoes guide towards their targets. They gradually slam into the shields of the cruiser - opening the shields up for some damage. Small fires erupt from the hull as armor is vaporized from the explosions. Although no major damage is done - the cruiser's captain turns his ship about to one of its undamaged shields to prevent any more damage - buying the fighters some more time... SF-3766 along with the rest of his flight invert and loop down to come face to face with a group of the TIE/Int. The TIEs expecting a face to face confrontation bunch close together. As lasers begin to fire the two AW's break to port while the lone AW breaks to starboard. Suddenly 2 flights A-Wings fall into position at the TIE's flanks. As if on cue, AW Flight One appears from above and below. The resulting crossfire destroys all but one of the TIEs in a confusion mix of lasers and missiles. The A-wings nimbly fly past each other and debris. SF-6475 the droid in the back Ghost 3 appears extremely busy for a few seconds then it seems to glow brightly as if satisfied. Ghost 3 closes its S-foil and waggles its wings almost happily, then turns towards the hyperspace vector. from SF-6475 -- We're ready lets get out of here.. Like you all should have minutes ago. from SF-4025 -- Get going - We'll cover you for a few more seconds. SF-4025 The Rogue's take a few more shots at the TIE's zeroing in on the X-Wing groups - then loop about on the hyperspace vectors. All of Rogue's X-Wing's S-Foils fold up in unison as they all engage their hyperdrives. The TIE's take a few potshots on the Rogue's as they get ready for their jump. The ships quickly dart into hyperspace. The ionized plasma from the laser cannons of the TIEs hitting empty space where the X-Wings from Rogue Squadron were just a split second ago. SF-8242 maneuvers through what was once a full flight of TIE/Ints lasers still blazing until the smoke clears, kills hard to determine as everything was a jumble. SF-3766 is hit by a piece of debris losing its port laser cannon and taking minor damage but the damage seems light. It moves into formation behind Archer's Lead flight as the AW's move into hyperspace position. SF-8242 |The remaining A-Wings of One and Two Flight form up on Archer Leader. As if on cue, the squadron streaks off into hyperspace, leaving destruction and a few friends in their wake. <> SF-8242 slows considerably. Its gears extend as it prepares to land on CS-9139. SF-4025 has landed on CS-9139 SF-3302 has landed on cs-9139 SF-2829 seems to limp back towards the Deliverance - more battle scarred this time than any other return. The Lead A-wing lowers its landing gear as it begins its approach to the Deliverance. SF-8242 has landed on cs-9139 SF-2829 has landed on cs-9139 Auxiliary Bay -- NRSC Deliverance This portion of the bay has been specifically designed to house, launch and maintain the four squadrons of fightercraft assigned to the Deliverance. The central section is wide open with a high arched ceiling to allow some fighters to be moved to the upper 'storage' areas on either side of the main landing bay. To one end of the hangar is the hazy blue magnetic shield, which separates the vacuum of space from the atmospherically safe interior of the ship. Halfway up the inner wall is the 'Flight Control Room', from where the flight control operators oversee the activity below. This brightly-lighted bay is organically colored in deep grays, whites and greens, much like the rest of the ship. Starfighter technicians and utility droids are scattered throughout the hangar area. Astromech droids are in abundance, following their pilots or doing other tasks for the fighter they're assigned to. Many of the pilots are also in evidence, some congregating near the muster room while others work on their ships alongside the techs. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => STARFIGHTER: Alliance A-Wing Starfighter -- Archer 1 => Draz => STARFIGHTER: Alliance A-Wing Starfighter -- Archer 4 => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Rogue 3 => Silver => Akilan => STARFIGHTER: Alliance A-Wing Starfighter -- Archer 2 => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Ghost 3 => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Rogue 6 => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Ghost 1 => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Ghost 8 => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Ghost 6 => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Ghost 5 => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Ghost 7 => STARFIGHTER: Alliance A-Wing Starfighter -- Archer 5 => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Rogue 4 => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Rogue 5 => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Rogue 7 => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Rogue 8 => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Rogue 1 => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Rogue 2 => STARFIGHTER: Slayn and Korpil B-wing -- Blue 2 => STARFIGHTER: Slayn and Korpil B-wing -- Blue 3 => STARFIGHTER: Slayn and Korpil B-wing -- Blue 1 -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- tarboard leads to Hangar Bay -- NRSC Deliverance. Arands enters Auxiliary Bay -- NRSC Deliverance Arands allows his A-wing to be guided into a recovery parking area before dismounting the little fighter, Leaving his helmet on the hull of the fighter, he is in far less a positive mood now than before the mission. Dropping to the deck, he makes his way towards the aft area of the hangar bay. Akilan moves the canopy back from his fighter manually, the port side of his craft shows signs of impact. Its port laser torn off, its port missile tube closed off, and a long streak running down its side. He climbs out slowly and stretches, his height and volume seem to expand slightly. After stretching he kneels down before his fighter his arms crossed over his chest, muttering strange words to himself. Lang appears from an accessway to port, her ship must already be docked with the Deliverance. She doesn't seem to show any emotion at all and nods to all the parties present. Draz opens the canopy of his fighter, looking it over and simply nodding to himself. The shields took most of the damage but a few scorch marks can be seen along the left side of its hull. Dropping to the ground with a thud, the Vaakthree pilot pats his A-Wing almost lovingly... THUD THUD... well, lovingly to a Vaakthree. He then leaves it in the techs capable hands and moves off to where the others are gathering. His expression is... scary... somber, but quite intimidating. The canopy on Rogue 3 pops open as the pilot places the helmet on the dashboard of the fighter. Danny slides down the boarding ladder and to the floor, greeting Rogue 2 and complimenting him on the successful execution of the 'chicken maneuver' that earned them both an extra few kills on the boards. He pats 2 on the back and heads towards the group of pilots gathered, obviously there will be a debriefing on this one. Danny sighs, feeling tired and just wanting a nice, hot cup of caf right now... and maybe a few hours of sleep. He ruffles his hair briefly, and crosses his arms as he mixes in with the group. Akilan stands up from his crouch, ignoring the looks from the techs that have been waiting on him. He looks around taking off his helmet and walking towards Arands. Along the way he pulls a knife and holds it in a reverse grip in his right hand. The canopy of Ghost 3 pops open, and as it does the pungent odor of sulfur and an electrical fire that comes from it. It's back end is slightly charged from blaster bolts, The chrome headed pilot pops his head out of the cockpit and then attempts to jump out of the cockpit but lands hard on the ground taking the landing on his legs he crumples onto his right side as his left arm still smolders a little bit. Silver pushes himself up with his good arm and stands, wobbly cradling a slightly charged left arm. "Medic!" As Commander Lang approaches the fighter pilots, Arands moves forward to meet with her. He gestures towards the muster room with a silent request. He'd prefer to debrief away from the rest of the crew until all the pilots can recover from the battle. "With your permission, Commander... " Casting a glance to one side as the medics push through the pilots to tend Silver, he grimaces once more before heading towards the muster room. Akilan follows Arands and the rest of the Archers towards the Muster room. <> Arands wants to slump into his seat, but his reaction and attitude will affect not only his own pilots, but the pilots of other squadrons as well. Losing good pilots is never easy, as he was reminded today. Taking a seat to one side of the podium facing the pilots, he waits for all to get settled. A naval crewman brings in water and non-alcoholic drinks for the pilots. As usual, Arands has a cup of Tralusian Leaf tea placed in front of him. Akilan stands beside Arands and in one quick motion brings his blade across the inside of his left hand, the cut not deep is starting to bleed in a thin red line across his hand. He sheaths the weapon with his right hand, while running his cut left through his left hair tie. This leaves his silver streaks and metallic bands covered with a slight film of blood. He then takes a seat not far from Arands and begins to bandage his hand. Along the way from the hangar bay to the muster area, Draz seems to have found a non-functioning part of some kind. It is square, boxy and burnt, but it is far sturdier than the chairs available. He sets it down where the rest of Archer squadron is seated and sits down on it. His eyes blaze and even with his alien features, it is not hard to tell that he is upset. Danny quietly walks down the steps from the entrance, taking up his usual spot. 1st row up from the front, at the end of the row. He nods as one of the crewman brings him a nice hot cup of caf, a usual for him after every mission. They all end up the same, they score a pretty good victory and he ends up feeling miserable and tired in the end. He doesn't seem to show it much, as he sits rigidly in his seat, and appears to be alert. He takes a sip from his mug of caf, feeling the liquid melt away his fatigue and giving his mentality that state of alertness he needs. Lang and Williams come in and sit close to the front of the room but Lang makes sure she sits far enough away from Williams for his own safety. Silver comes in at the protest of the medic who is still trying to work on his arm, Silver's intentions are to get debriefed first, he heads over towards Ghost squadrons section and sighs, know he'll never seen 12 or 13 again. Taking his seat front and center, he finally sighs and lets the med tech work on him, first the medic cuts off the sleeve and pulls it off the best he can, and then debreeds the wound before wrapping it in a wet gauze. He tells the pilot to get to sickbay as soon as possible. Silver knows he needs to go, but this is more important to him right now. Arands motions to the naval officer to close the muster room door on his way out and it seals as the Marine guards outside secure the room for debriefing. Arands takes a few minutes to sip from his tea before rising. For a long moment, he stares out over the returning pilots. He manages a partial smile before beginning, "We'll arrange a fitting memorial for those we lost today.." He grimaces only slightly at his words, as if they're too casual for the situation. But he needs to get them concentrating on the living, not the dead. "This entire task force performed valiantly today. You are all heroes, as bitter as it sounds right now." He inclines his own head out of respect. "Squadron debriefings begin in an hour, feel free to use the pilots billets down here until your squadron is called to my office." He seems done, but looks to Commander Lang to see if she has something add. Lang shakes her head as he has relayed the message she had in mind and then looks around the room for a bit, before focusing back up front. Arands nods affirmatively, his own demeanor returning to normal as he lets go of the anger for awhile. There'd be time for that later. "Very well.. Rogue Squadron is first. One Flight, report to my office..." As the words are spoken, Rogue's One flight stands up and departs from the room, and enters the office. Giving the pilots in the room a bit more breathing room without the extra pilots. Draz swivels his head to look about at the pilots who remain in the briefing room. In a deep, rumbling voice, he says "Set up. We... Actually, I do not believe we were set up. This one believes we stumbled on something. I expect that sector will become decidedly more hostile until they do... whatever they are doing." Akilan takes a seat at a small but sturdy table in the corner of the Muster Room and seems to be meditating. His left hair tie still blood soaked. <>