Open Invasion [Kessel] Deep Strike

[Rhonwen]

Spoiler: Music

Song

Death enabled / Kessel / open to 1 Imperial and 2 Syndicate​

Kessel, a spice producing marble in the center of a devastating storm. Rhonwen had read the reports from the last attempted invasion of the world and had been unimpressed. Thinking she could do it better, the Chiss had volunteered to lead a strike force to conquer the planet. She would succeed where others had failed.

The Imperial Security Bureau had seen fit to allow agent Rhonwen the command of a small flotilla. Lieutenant Rhonwen stood onboard the bridge of the Apparition, a Yuso class corvette, with her hands clasped behind her back in a relaxed stance akin to parade rest. The bridge was abuzz with reports of other imperial small craft joining them in the narrow corridor through the Akkadese maelstrom . Numerous volturius heavy starbombers, aquilae assault fighters and Impetus class interceptors joined the larger vessel. Even a pair of malleus class heavy gunships flanked the corvette making the strike force capable of taking the world alone if it turned out to be relying solely on its local planetary defense force.

One of the Apparition's bridge crew voiced an alert which was likely being mirrored across each ship in the strike force. "We're approaching Kessel, Ma'am. It should be coming into view on the scopes shortly." Rhonwen strode towards the front of the bridge, keen to set eyes on the planet she intended to conquer. She had to give the shipbuilders credit. They made a fine warship. It had weathered the dangers of the maelstrom well enough so far and had enough of its shields to have a fighting chance against anything they met in orbit. Now it was time to see how well Rhonwen could put it to use.

Spoiler: OOC

This doesn't have to be a naval battle since I know not everyone enjoys that sort of thing. If people would prefer a ground invasion I'm cool with doing a brief time skip to where the Empire touches down on the surface and begins moving infantry but that will imply that the empire was not opposed significantly during its approach to the planet. I'm hoping to have some fun with this since the syndicates have a big fleet. Let me know your thoughts and let's have fun!

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael once again found himself on Kessel when it got attacked. He had come here now to dip his fingers in the spice trade and gather some funds. Yet as he was trying to make a deal the alarms began ringing out across the planet. The Hutts may have been complacent in the power their wealth afforded them they weren't too arrogant to have the Kessel run watched. So the Imperial raiding force was spotted by scanners and forward stations as they reached the end of the run.

With the Daimyo absent and the various mercs and misc forces of the Hutts scrambling, it was the perfect opportunity for an ambitious Sith to gain some favor. Trael had plans for his future, and he would need substantial credits to achieve such plans. Trael arrived on the bridge of the Voracious Class Battle Carrier that acted as the flagship as it made its way to battle. It was joined by an escort of two Varl-Class Frigates. The entirety of the starfighters consisted of several wings of Z-07 Syndicate Class Starfighters.

The bridge crew mostly fell silent at the notice of his lightsaber. The 'commanding' officer began to bark orders at Trael to leave the bridge before there was a sickening snap and his body fell limp. "I am taking command of the defense of Kessel. You may call me Admiral Drast." His voiced boomed as he addressed the crew, all of which quickly began running through the standard flight procedures. Trael had been planning to take his real family name once he had claimed a planet. Kessel would be the first he claimed, the start of his powerbase, the cornerstone of his ambitions. "Form a V pattern with the carrier at the rear." He commanded over the communications. The enemy ships had already made it out of the Kessel run and were closing in on the ships as they moved into the formation.

@Darasuum

 

[Rhonwen]

As the planet Kessel came into view Rhonwen’s glowing red eyes fixated on the defense fleet. Reports from the bridge of the Apparition were like the senses of a body informing the brain what was going on around it. The Chiss felt each and every ship as an extension of her body and their respective extremities told Rhonwen how much danger they were in.

A quick analysis from the I.S.B. agent informed her they were outnumbered. Lieutenant Rhonwen’s largest vessel at her disposal had only a single corvette which was already dwarfed by the enemy’s escorts. It would not be an easy feat to take down one of the frigates, let alone two. That was not even considering the power of a carrier. But Rhonwen had not undertaken this operation because it was easy. It was because she liked a challenge. She had come because she wanted to strike back an instigating blow against the scum of the galaxy that hampered her desire for control and security. There was no turning back.

“All ships align trajectory with the Apparition and follow my lead. Target their carrier with all torpedoes and missile launchers. Wait for target lock and on my signal fire half your compliment.” Her feminine voice boomed deeply as she remained stoic and unmoving on the bridge. In a matter of seconds she heard confirmations of her orders being followed to completion.

"Fire"

She also subsequently ordered the Apparition to turn, banking to begin following the border of the Akkadese maelstrom rather than head right for the planet. All imperial shields were doubled to port side to better protect against any attempts at shooting back whilst also adjusting their profile to the narrowest possible margins. The range of the enemy’s turbolasers were ineffective at their current distance, close to fifty kilometers, which was both a boon to the enemy and a saving grace for the invading imperials in kind. The Apparition and her fellow imperial ships began flying counter clockwise and maintaining a relatively safe distance from the Hutt’s defense fleet.

The carrier of the defense fleet, whomever commanded them, would see each of the two sizeable gunships fire a total of 56 concussions missiles at the carrier one after another before adjusting course. The large capital vessels were too large to avoid target lock while remaining out of effective range from their turbo lasers, giving the imperial vessels a chance at drawing first blood.

Even the numerous aquiliae class starfighters and impetus class interceptors fired off 4 concussion missiles each. Their dual missile tubes allowed for missiles to be fired no less than two at a time. Three torpedoes were fired from the fixed hardpoints on each aquiliae class assault starfighters and were fired like a screen that the enemy ships would be forced to avoid or dare trying to tank directly. Rhonwen expected some of them to miss but it would be like trying to dance between rain drops in a storm. Their smaller warhead size was negligible compared to large ships, but all the same the volume of long range ordnance would add to the destruction and if the enemy’s shields fell below fifty percent the damage would strike true and score direct blows. It looked like a spanning spiderweb made up of contrails streaking at high speed towards the enemy flagship across the no-man’s land of formerly empty space. The missiles would course correct while the torpedoes sped menacingly forward. It was an omen of the inevitable.

Spoiler: TL;DR & map link

map link: here

• Rhonwen has all ships with missiles fire half of the concussion missiles they have upwards of 56 missiles at the carrier. The main numbers are from the 2 large gunships while the rest come from numerous starfighters/interceptors. (Probably equal to a third of what the Hutts have in terms of starfighters if that)
  • 24x impetus interceptors and 24x assault starfighters =192 concussion missiles
• The aquilae assault fighters fire 3 torpedoes each (x24), all aimed at the carrier as well. Totaling 72 torpedoes.
• The shields of all imperial ships have doubled shields to the port (left) side, facing the Hutt defense fleet.
• After firing missiles and torpedoes the Imperial fleet begins moving counter clockwise following the edge of the storm to remain beyond maximum effective range of turbo lasers (50 kilometers)

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

The ships were getting into position when the enemy corvette began to turn and follow the maelstrom’s border. Trael was about to order the ships to move to cut them off when the bridge alarms began going off about a lock on. That’s when he saw the concussion missiles get shot towards the fleet. Subsequently a group of proton torpedos were also fired, “Move the ship up. We need to get off the axis of the proton torpedos. Focus all shields to the front of the ship, we need to limit the amount of missiles that make it through.” He barked to the bridge crew.

While the carrier climbed to get out of the path of the proton torpedoes, Trael ordered the frigates to descend to avoid them. This would cause the bulk of the proton torpedoes to fly by harmlessly. Due to the upward swing of the ship multiple missiles would hit each other before slamming into the carrier. The concussion missiles would chip away at the ships shields, due to the mass amount of them the last dozen made it through as the shields fell. Following this five of the proton torpedoes hit the rear of the ship, damaging an engine but not causing it to be inactive.

Trael listened to the damage reports coming in from the bridge crew as the ship started to level out again, “All fighters head in to attack the enemy fleet. Group 1 fire off a missile barrage aimed at the corvette before redirecting towards the fighters and gunships. Group 2 focus all fire on the corvette and take it down.” Trael called out over the coms. Group 1 had a load out of four concussion missiles and two proton torpedoes, while group 2 was more suited to taking on larger vessels and had two proton torpedoes, two ion missiles and two proton bombs. Group 1 moved closer to the enemy fleet firing two of their concussion missiles each at the corvette. After which they would move to intercept the enemy lighter aircraft. Group 2 would follow shortly behind waiting until they were closer to the capital ship before firing a dozen ion missiles and both of their torpedoes. The pair of frigates would fire their own proton torpedoes intermittently. Firing one each every so often to keep the corvette on its toes.

Spoiler: tldr

• The heavy ships all move to avoid the proton torpedoes a few hit the carrier after its shields are down from the concussion missiles damaging an engine and slowing it down.
  • I feel if the ships are able to land and take off from a planet than they should be able to move along the y axis in space. If not lmk.
• group 1 consisting of 100 star fighters fires a salvo of concussion missiles at the corvette before moving to engage the enemy smaller craft. 100x2=200 concussion missiles.
  
• Group 2 consisting of 50 star fighters fires a group of ion missiles 12 and all of their proton torpedoes. 50x2=100 proton torpedoes.
  
• The frigates use their singular proton torpedo tube to fire them every so often as a deterrent to the corvette.

@Darasuum

 

[Ina'al'ena]

Naale felt the Hyperion lurch as it entered the edge of the convoluted battlefield through the Channel. A hyperdrive malfunction had resulted in an annoying delay, but the corvette was repaired and, by the looks of it, arriving just in time. Kessel's defenders were taking hits from the Imperial ships but seemed to be holding strong. "Comms, open a channel to the Apparition." When the commander of the other Imperial ship accepted the transmission, Naale clasped her hands behind her back. "This is Lieutenant Naale of the Hyperion. My timing seems perfect." Muting herself for a moment, she turned to one of the cremembers. "Launch Hunters," she ordered calmly. "Helm, give me all speed. Stand by for maneuver one, targeting the carrier." A clipped 'yes sir' greeted her words, and the corvette accelerated to top speed, closing the gap to the best of its ability. Then Naale unmuted herself, turning back to watch the battle. As the Chiss watched, the TIE Hunters appeared within her field of vision in a spearhead formation over the top of the corvette. "Five seconds to range!" a man called from his station. Naale took a deep breath, gaze concentrated on the scene outside her viewport. This was it.
@Darasuum @Javier esschoolbus
(Sorry for botching my earlier post)

 

[Rhonwen]

Rhonwen had no time to appreciate the degrees of success her attack had as there were hundreds of missiles and torpedoes being fired at the imperial fleet she was responsible for. “All craft, screening formation, Maneuver and shoot those missiles down. Whatever you do, remain outside of the storm and follow its border.” She then commanded her own vessel to begin evasive maneuvers to avoid being hit by the incoming torpedoes. Rhonwen’s corvette dipped and dove inconsistently to throw off the torpedo gunners on the enemy side and not allow them to find a predictable path as it decreased and increased in relative elevation. The evasive manuevers allowed them to avoid the long range torpedoes entirely.

Her next order was to her own ship and it alone. “Approach the storm and dive into it up to the Apparition’s width and no more. We have to confuse their missile lock. Be ready to pull out of the clouds at my command.” The crew were sweating from the prospect of the dangerous maneuver as the missiles continued to close the distance but they obeyed without question. The idea was simple. Whilst the imperial small craft tried to whittle down the incoming warheads the corvette would ply the storm like a shark, flying only a single capital ship’s length into the storm so that its port side was barely lost amidst the clouds. The storm’s natural effects would confuse the targeting capabilities of the various missiles causing them to explode prematurely or veer off course and fly deeper into the maelstrom. But it would only do so much and not stop the missiles completely on their projected course. A significant number of them detonated on the doubled shields of the corvette, betraying its current location if only for a moment on impact. The vessel’s port side shields were down to 60% but they were holding, for now.

The storm’s effects were a double edged sword. While it protected the Apparition from some of the missiles, the unprotected starboard side was open to the harmful dangers of the Akkadese Maelstrom and furthermore it messed with the corvette’s sensors and communications. Whether it was lightning, asteroids, or the damaged hulks of forgotten warships, the Apparition took direct damage on its unshielded side. Relayed alerts informed Rhonwen that the ship’s turbo lasers were out of commission for the immediate future and the crew were struggling to get them working again. It was partially because of those dangers that she had ordered the smaller ships to remain outside of the storm. The corvette could handle it, if only briefly, but the starfighters and bombers were more likely to get wiped out from the stunt especially if they were forced to remain in a strict formation.

The missiles had a lead on the ships that fired them, giving the imperial starfighters a chance to adjust and intercept the outnumbering enemy after trying their best to mitigate the warhead swarm. Once the initial barrage had detonated the Apparition pulled out of the storm and regained the ability to read and communicate fully with the battlefield. It appeared as though more imperial forces had joined the battle. Meanwhile, the Hutt defense force had crossed the distance but left their larger ships behind and without much support. With a screen of imperial escorts between them and the corvette they would have a hard time getting an accurate shot on the corvette but even so the Apparition took several more torpedoes and ion missiles to their shields, dropping it down below 50% and scoring direct hits on its exterior. The Chiss braced as she felt her vessel rock from the impact. The ship’s engines were damaged and would be incapable of reaching its normal maximum speed but it could still keep up with the slowest of their ships.

“Fire all remaining missiles and torpedoes at their carrier and begin bombing run. The rest of you engage their starfighters.” The 24 heavy starbombers adjusted course immediately and flew through and past the incoming syndicate starfighters, firing laser cannons as they went at the enemy starfighters. Each heavy starbomber was packing 1000 proton bombs so if even a single heavy starbomber made it to the voracious carrier it had a high chance of taking it out. Their intended course would fly between the two varl class frigates, forcing the capital ships to either risk hitting one another with their laser batteries and causing friendly fire or hold their fire all together and risk the consequences. Their heavy shields balanced out to all sides now that that they did not have the storm guarding their starboard side anymore.

48 starfighters, half assault fighters and half interceptors, would meet and engage with the syndicate starfighters in a relatively close dogfight. They would follow and harass any of the starfighters if they gave chase on the starbombers or if they continued to focus on the Apparition.

Spoiler: TL;DR

Sorry for the long post. I should have known writing naval stuff involved more math. Let me know if anything is unclear or needs to be changed.


The Apparition increases and decreases elevation in a vertical zig zag maneuver to evade the incoming torpedoes from the frigates.

Bombers, gunships, starfighters and interceptors focus on screening for the Apparition and acting as point defense with laser cannons to mitigate some of the missiles coming towards the corvette with limited success.

• The Apparition also banks into the maelstrom to confuse the incoming missile’s targeting system but it doesn’t stop their flight.
• A portion of them still strike the corvette’s doubled shields and take damage from some of the missiles that make it through and drop to 60%.

The turbo lasers of the apparition are knocked out for 2 turns as the crew attempt repairs due to the dangers of the maelstrom.

The Apparition pulls out of the storm after Group 1’s missiles have passed or struck. Some of Group 2’s hit and damage the shields down to 40% and also its engines are partially crippled.

A second barrage of missiles and torpedoes are fired at the carrier from all available ships, the same as last time.

• 56 missiles from gunships
• 192 split between both interceptors and assault starfighters.
• 72 proton torpedoes fired from assault fighters

24 heavy starbombers begin bombing run on the voracious carrier.
24 interceptors and 24 assault fighters engage the syndicate starfighters in a dogfight.

@Javier esschoolbus @Interdictor

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael watched from the bridge as the Star fighters missiles careened towards the corvette as they moved to engage the enemies star fighters. That’s when the corvette banked into the maelstrom, a daring maneuver. As it was out of view and communications range the syndicate fighters closed the distance between them and the rest of the imperial fleet. That’s when the second corvette began coming out of the run, Trael’s attention immediately darting to it.

“Baal move to engage that enemy corvette that just showed up. Keep it preoccupied until the initial force is dealt with.” With that the frigate closest to the entrance to Kessel shifted to intercept and engage the newest enemy starship, the Hyperion. Once in range it would fire alternating volleys of its turbolasers and standard laser batteries. The intent wasn’t to destroy the enemy vessel but rather keep it focused on the target in front of it. The Apparition reappeared from the maelstrom noticeably worse for wear especially after Group 2 attack hit it. Group 1 had closed the distance with the enemy starfighters and gunships, and began to engage them with their laser weapons. Any fighters that weren’t engaged shot down any munitions they could. That coupled with the large swarm in their path would disrupt the amount of missiles launched. The carrier once again changed elevation this time lowering. It avoided the torpedoes fine but a handful of missiles made it to the ship and made one of the hangers inoperable. Trael noticed a handful of bombers making their way through the dogfight trying to slip by.

A few of the fighters fired on the bombers as they passed taking out a couple of them but not giving chase. Nor, the other frigate, opened fire once the bombers got in range. It tracked them and fired until Baal was at risk of being shot as well taking a few more. As they approached the carrier all 10 quad medium turbolasers opened up firing on them the entire path to it taking out the remaining handful. Once the bombers were dealt with Trael was informed that 20 of group 2 star fighters were in bound to do a bombing run on the corvette, this gave Trael an idea, “Hold off the bombing run till my command. Circle the corvette till you receive further orders.”

He opened up a holocall with the corvette that was the initial attacker. His image flickered on the holo if his call got accepted. If the ISB agent had any dealings with an Imperial Knight she would notice his lightsaber hanging from his hip as a lightsaber. “Officer of the Empire,” His voice spoke to her, not from the holo but in her mind, “I am Trael Drast acting commander of the defense forces of Kessel. I am willing to offer you and your ally, if you wish to include them, a choice. You can either pledge yourself to me and aid in my efforts to take the Emperorship, or you can die here an unnamed casualty that was the catalyst for another war.” He waited for her to respond, he then cut the communication.

If she declined then Trael would give the order to commence the bombing run. The fighters would launch their ion missiles to lower or weaken the shields. They would then fly along the ships hull dropping bombs towards the bridge.

Spoiler: tldr

• The frigate closest to the new arrivals veers away from the fleet and begins firing on the Hyperion as it approaches the fleet.
• Group 1 would engage in dogfighting against the enemy star fighters as their munitions are launched. The overwhelming amount of craft and some ships being hit before firing would lower the amount of in target missiles.
• The carrier manages to avoid the torpedoes. Some of the missiles get through the shields rendering a hangar inoperable for the remainder of combat.
• As the bombers make their way through the dogfighting a couple are taken out by star fighters. Once they make it through Nor the frigate remaining with the carrier opens fire. Taking out some of them before stopping to prevent friendly fire. On the approach to the Carrier its mass amount of fire eventually takes out the remaining ones before they can reach it.

• Trael upon seeing the loss of the bombers and receiving word of 20 fighters prepared to make a bombing run attempts to offer the Imperial forces a way to survive. Defect and serve under him. If they decline the bombing run commences. The groups entire payload of ion missiles is fired at the corvette. 20x2=40 ion missiles. Following that the entire bomb load of proton bombs is dropped along the hull of the ship. 20x2=40 proton bombs

@Darasuum @Interdictor

 

[Rhonwen]

Rhonwen's tactics had been a gamble but she felt she was doing well all things considered. However, her strategic capabilities made her aware it was unlikely to be enough. She was not someone who relied on luck or depended on hopes. The imperial forces at her command were dwindling by the second and in a matter of minutes they would be wiped out even with the reinforcements from the Hyperion.

"We're being hailed by the enemy, ma'am." One of the bridge crew informed her. She looked at them with a slight degree of surprise. Nodding at the officer the holo-call was received on a nearby terminal that she approached. Rhonwen was coming close to accepting her end of days was near but this...this was a curiosity that was worth investigating.

As the message came through her red eyes widened. Drast was a name known to many as a dynasty of force sensitives. The name had weight and was not something anyone just threw around and certainly not mid-battle. The chiss's mind raced as it made calculations that only an intelligence officer could perform. But as a Chiss, one secretly loyal to the Ascendancy, the man's words had even more meaning. It was an opportunity she could not have anticipated and would not pass up.

"You have my fealty, Lord Drast. All that I ask is you spare my forces and give them the same offer you do me. I am commanding them to surrender." She did not want a last minute mutiny, nor did she wish to waste useful assets. There were good pilots, good soldiers among those that had followed her here to Kessel. There was a chance that some would continue to fight and die for the current "Empire" but she would relay an order for all her troops to stand down and surrender.

@Javier esschoolbus @Interdictor

Spoiler: TL;DR

Rhonwen accepts Trael Drast's offer and commands her forces to surrender.

 

[Ina'al'ena]

Naale watched as the frigate maneuvered to intercept the Hyperion. A spattering of turbolaser and cannon fire was unleashed in her direction, but it wasn't precise or voluminous enough to be an issue. The Imperial corvette's crew managed to evade a majority of the shots, and the few rounds that did connect with the Hyperion caused little to no damage. If the defenders wished to eliminate Naale's warship, they would need to do better than that.

She was about to order her gunners to retarget this new threat when her gaze was drawn to the tactical. As she stared at it, bomber after bomber was eliminated until the attack group was gone. Wait a minute… "Comms, can you identify the command ship?"
There was a pause as the man pressed a few buttons on his console. The Chiss knew what the ensign was doing: he was scanning comm chatter to see which ship was receiving and sending the most data. "It's the carrier, sir, I'm sure of it," the crewman said with certainty. "Thank you, ensign. Guns: maneuver one." With a short nod, her order was complied with. With the corvette's nose pointed directly toward the carrier, the ship fired four ion cannon rounds and three concussion missiles. However, unlike what the enemy commander desired, these shots were aimed not at the frigate but at the carrier. The next moment, the corvette was swinging to the left and targeting the carrier with its turbolasers. Eight rounds sped away from the guns, then another eight. The excellent skills of the Hyperion's gunners and the highly effective stabilization system on the turbolasers ensured that the shots were quite accurate despite the occasional evasive maneuvers to avoid the shots from the frigate. Naale clasped her hands behind her back and stood ready to survey the effects of her fire.

Meanwhile, the corvette was still advancing, albeit very slowly. "Stand by for maneuver six, targeting same," Naale ordered coldly. Suddenly, her comms officer let out a choked gasp. Naale half-turned, affixing her eyes to the ensign as she wondered what was wrong. "Yes?" she asked. The man stood, slack-jawed, at his monitor. "Lieutenant Rhonwen has ordered all ships to…surrender," the officer finally managed to say. Naale's normally expressionless face shifted for just a moment. Her red eyes widened and then narrowed. Her brows lifted for the quickest of moments before furrowing. Why? What the kriff was Rhonwen thinking? Although the Imperial forces were certainly outnumbered, the situation was salvageable. "Helm, full reverse. Guns…retarget the Apparition's bridge. Full salvo on my order." Naale glared out of the transparisteel viewport as the guns began to swivel around. That traitor would pay.

Spoiler: TL;DR

The Hyperion evades most of the scattered fire from the frigate, but Naale gets suspicious and orders her comm officer to find out which ship is the command vessel. The ensign confirms that it is the carrier, and so Naale orders the gunners to target the carrier. The corvette fires a salvo of four ion cannon rounds, three concussion missiles, and sixteen heavy turbolaser bolts. When Rhowen gives the order to surrender, Naale instead orders full reverse. She then orders her gunners to target the Apparition's bridge.

@Darasuum @Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael watched as the bombers were slowly whittled away by the ships laser fire. His mind was beginning to peace together that this was likely a victory. He didn’t see the need to kill the imperial officers if they would join him. Before he started the holocall the Hyperion gained target lock with their concussion missiles sending alarms across the bridge. After being informed where the fire was coming from Trael could see and count the number of projectiles, “All shields to the starboard side and orient the ship to where the hangars are facing downwards.” The bridge crew stared at him in confusion, “Sir the enemy is to our port side.” One of them said speaking up. Trael coiled the Force around him, “Do it.” He said through gritted teeth.

The crew followed his orders, the shields were fully transferred to the starboard side leaving the port side completely open to damage. The ship was moved at an angle that positioned the top of the hull more towards the enemy than the hangar bays to prevent the remaining hangar from being damaged or destroyed. The ion cannons were beyond their effective range but not maximum so when they hit it wasn’t as catastrophic as it could’ve been shorting out two of the quad turrets leaving them out of commission for a bit. The concussion missiles had higher success completely destroying one turret and leaving the other also disabled for a while.

Due to the time it’d take to fully transition to a broadside and the distance there was a gap between the two bursts of munitions, “All shields to the port side now!” Trael ordered as the turbolaser shots came careening towards the ship. The shields were up just in time as the enemy rounds harmlessly splashed against the shields. The holocall still was able to proceed, “Any imperial forces that surrender will be spared and given the opportunity to serve me as well.” He said no sense of a lie in his tone or expression, he didn’t lie but he did omit the fate of those who declined intentionally. The holocall ended and Trael noticed the dog fight puttering out quickly.

Rhonwen’s forces were keeping a close 1:1 ration with syndicate forces. Both sides down roughly 20 fighters. The advantage they had were the Malleus gunships one of which was in dire need of repairs from being in the thick of the fighting. The other one had also taken some hits but was mostly functional. When the call to surrender went out Rhonwen’s forces who were battle weary and very knowingly outnumbered followed the order and slowly began disengaging with the syndicate forces. Trael also orders his forces that were engaged to stand down and meet back up with the fleet.

“Sir the enemy corvette that joined later in the fight seems to be turning to engage the other imperial vessel.” His officer watching the coms and holo of the battle grounds informed him. Trael quirked a brow has he looked at the holo and saw how the ship was maneuvering towards the other. “All vessels that have line of sight prepare to open fire on the corvette that is port side. Do not destroy it, I want it crippled. When I order you to attack. I also want a boarding party prepared.” He ordered. He would try the same tactic that he did with the Apparition, hailing the enemy vessel and seeing if they’d reply if so he would appear before the ships captain, “I am Trael Drast leader of the defense fleet.” He said to her, the Drasts were a famous, or infamous, dynasty. Even the most recent emperor was a Drast. “I will offer you the same I did your ally. You can pledge yourself to me, as I work to take the vacant title of Emperor and order your forces to stand down. Or you can reject my offer that will save the lives of your men, and fight to the death.” He said mimicking the offer given to Rhonwen. He once again waited for the imperials response.

If the corvette’s commanding officer denied his proposal or opened fire on the Apparition Trael would say one word, “Fire.” The twin frigates would then fire off a couple volleys of turbolaser fire at the enemies ship seeking to lower or take out their shields. Group 2 would wait till the effects of the turbolaser fire before making their own attack. They would launch whatever remaining ion missiles they have and then use their proton bombs to take out the weapon systems of the Hyperion. A part of Group 1 would go in after them focusing exclusively on the engines. They would fire all remaining concussion missiles and proton torpedoes at them to seek to destroy them.

Spoiler: tldr

• Trael would leave an opening in the carriers shields to prevent them for taking damage. This would result in 3 of the turrets being unusable for 2 turns. 1 turret was also destroyed leaving the carrier with 6 working turrets.
• With Rhonwen surrendering all the fighters that were fighting her forces were called back to the fleet.
• Trael hails the Hyperion and offers Naale the same deal as Rhonwen. Submit to him and save herself and her men or die fighting.
  • If death is chose both frigates open fire with their 12 medium turbolaser turrets. Firing two salvos for a total of 48 medium turbolaser shots.
  • Part if group 2 consisting of 20 fighters launches all 40 of their ion missiles and bomb the weapon platforms of the Hyperion that were visible.
  • Part of group 1 consisting of 30 fighters fires the remaining half of their ordinance at the engines of the ship. 30x2=60 concussion missiles and 30x2=60 proton torpedoes

@Darasuum @Interdictor

 

[Rhonwen]

Briefly Rhonwen wondered what her mentors would think of the gambles she had taken so far. They were calculated, weighed against the risks and rewards. But everyone liked a bad idea when it paid off. However Rhonwen had never made a choice she regretted and today would be no different.

Her forces obeyed her commands. The syndicate forces under the Drast's control held true to their master's orders. Soon the Apparition was left alone. It continued to limp away from the Channel of the Maelstrom and in turn, continue to gain distance from its sister ship the Hyperion.

"Cycle shields and point towards Kessel. Bring up the Hyperion on the screen." Her voice as stoic as ever. She predicted the planet would be their new destination. The Yuso class possessed a backup shield array and in a few moments the damaged corvette's shields would be back to full and evened out across all its sides.

Scopes showed an image of the Hyperion beginning to make its manuevers. Clearly its commander still believed they could make for an escape. Maybe they could. But what caught her eye was the angle of the dorsal mounted turbo lasers that faced in the Apparitions direction. Rhonwen knew what was comming next. "Double shields to port side and have all the small craft take evasive maneuvers. The Hyperion wishes to execute us all." Despite the expected friendly fire, the Chiss's demeanur remained as ice cold.

It was not unexpected. But the friendly fire was unappreciated. Rhonwen hoped the captain of the Hyperion saw reason. Otherwise they would be taken out before their chance to escape and not by the Apparition. It would make things easier for the Chiss if they were given the same offer and accepted. Otherwise it would be in Rhonwen's best interests if nobody learned of the exact nature of the surrender. But such details would be discussed once this was all over. Her cover was the least of her worries.

@Javier esschoolbus @Interdictor

Spoiler: TL;DR

The Apparition banks and points towards Kessel putting the Hyperion on its port (left) side.

The backup shield generators are cycled to replace the damaged ones and subsequently doubled to the left side as Rhonwen notices the Hyperion's turbo lasers angle towards them.

The rest of the Apparition group take evasive maneuvers to avoid being targeted by the Hyperion effectively.

 

[Ina'al'ena]

Naale was about to order her gunners to fire when two things happened. First, the beeping of an alarm filled the bridge, alerting her to the fact that multiple targeting systems were locked onto her ship. Second, her comm officer informed her (in a rather nervous voice) that the enemy carrier was hailing them. "Prepare the package for drop. Comms, bring up the signal from the carrier on the main holoprojector." In front of her, the projection of a man flickered to life. Immediately, the enemy commander introduced himself as Trael Drast and told her that, should she surrender, she and her crew would be spared. Naale clasped her hands behind her back. Stall for time, her brain whispered.

When Trael finished, she shifted as if nervous. In reality, however, she was trying to make herself look weaker. "Ah, a Drast you may be-and forgive me for doubting your honesty-but I do not know if you can truly guarantee the safety of my crew or myself. Do you have any ability to," she waved an arm vaguely toward her crew stations, although to Trael it look that she was waving off into the distance, "Ensure our survival?" As she spoke, she made a small hand signal behind her back. The three TIE Hunters moved slightly forward and in front of the retreating corvette, which was still falling back toward the Channel at full speed. A simple screening formation, certainly nothing to indicate that Naale was anything more than a cowardly, run-of-the-mill commander. The heavy turbolasers remained trained on the Apparition's bridge.

Spoiler: TL;DR

Naale stalls for time on the comm while the Hyperion retreats toward the Channel at full speed. A crate full of high explosives is prepared to be dumped as a delaying device. TIEs move in front of the Hyperion in a screening formation.

@Darasuum @Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael watched the officers fan fare. His eyes and expression never changing, he had learned to never underestimate anyone in his tenure of being a Sith. "I can ensure your survival of this battle." He said flatly, "If you need proof." He said turning his head, his arm waved and every ship in the Hutt Fleet, excluding the frigate closest to the Hyperion, stopped targeting her ship. His gaze returned to her. "Now, if you don't want your escape halted." He said plainly, letting her know he hadn't failed to notice her ships trajectory, "Simply swear your fealty to me. I'll let you leave and continue fighting for the Empire. You just have to back me when I make move for the throne." He looked down seeming to hand something off.

Within a few seconds a comlink sequence would be sent to her ship, "You can use this to contact me. While you fight simply report the aftermath of any battles you take part in. That's all the contact we'll have with each other." He informed her. He knew even if she accepted this would be the true test of if she would be loyal or not. How detailed of information she'd give him would determine this.

While they are discussing things Trael's fleet wasn't idle. The twin frigates and carrier were moving towards the Hyperion to keep it within range. All remaining fighters were flying just outside of the standard reach of anti-starfighter weapons. It would seem like the Hyperion was slowly being encircled but not yet fully. It was also clear at a single order every weapon in the Hutt arsenal would open fire on it.

Spoiler: tldr

• Trael continues talking with Naale. Ordering his fleet to stop targeting the Hyperion excluding one of the frigates.
• A comlink sequence is sent over in the case she accepts his offer she'd have a way to relay battle information to him.
• Though not targeting the Hyperion the Hutt fleet begins to slowly encircle it. Whether or not they do or don't is on Naale's ability to talk her way to freedom

@Darasuum @Interdictor

 

[Rhonwen]

Now was a good a time as any to prove her new loyalties. Reports on the bridge told Lieutenant Rhonwen that the Apparition's turbo-lasers were operational once again. "Target the Hyperion but hold your fire until my order." The crew of the corvette obeyed without protest. Soon, no less than six of the corvette's nine light turbo-lasers were fixed to accurately target the former friendly Hyperion. If the Syndicate forces opened fire, so would she.

She watched as the Hyperion attempted to flee. A corvette was a fast capital ship but it still had to course correct and make up the distance it had already taken to close towards the carrier. The forward momentum would fight against the reverse thrust it had attempted to use to go back towards the Channel and also meant it was moving slower for a time before it could ramp up to full acceleration. Now they were out in the open with nowhere to hide. It was submission, or death. Plain and simple. Whatever they were saying it had better be honest or they must be a miraculous liar.


@Javier esschoolbus @Interdictor

Spoiler: TL;DR

The Apparition's turbo lasers have come back online and are targeting the Hyperion. They will shoot if/when the Hutt fleet opens fire with 6 of their 9 light turbo-lasers. I figure not all of the 9 turbolasers are facing the Hyperion with some being on the starboard (right side) and facing away. The Apparition is otherwise continuing on their course perpendicular to the Hyperion's trajectory.

Not sure if the Hyperion is trying to turn around or slow to a stop and then reverse. Either way, they have a lot of distance to make up and it makes them relatively easy to target.

 

[Ina'al'ena]

Naale listened to the words of the enemy commander, a slight frown manifesting as she thought it over. The offer made sense, at least to a certain degree. The challenge now was to word her answer so that the Hutt fleet would allow the Hyperion to escape unscathed while avoiding a mutiny on board the corvette.

"I," she began cautiously, watchingTrael's reaction, "Will always be loyal to the Empire first. However, the Empire is weakening, and as a loyal soldier of the Empire it is my duty to secure and protect the whole, not one politician or council. You seem to have both military and political strength, and your efforts should bring about a more secure Empire. Thus, the answer to your question is…both yes and no. Although I am not about to blindly follow any order you give, I will provide support when it is required." Another behind-the-back hand signal, and the Hyperion's turbolaser turrets began to traverse back to their forward position. The TIE Hunters continued to hold formation with the Hyperion like stoic, immortal guardians, prepared to leap forward in a last, desprate defense if need be.
@Darasuum @Javier esschoolbus