Open Invasion Retaking of Kessel

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

With a defiant 'plunk', the Hutt fleet plopped out of hyperspace at the entrance to the famed Kessel run. A domineering collection of vessels, they immediately spread out to form an effective blockade over the only way into or out of, the Kessel system.

The Despoiler, a Cal Class Battleship served as their command vessel, upon whose bridge the infamous 'Supreme Mogul' of the Clans was positioned. Around it three Ajuur Class Battleship, the Rancor, Aklay and Nexu powered up their weapons and shields. Swarms of Batil Pattern Fighters headed into the darkness of space around the fleet, ready to intercept whatever would do their master's harm.

The Bountious Reaping, a Strike Class Cruisier, carried itself off to the flagship's starboard, with two Praetorian Class Frigates, The Subjugator and the Glory of Carkoon on the flagships port. Position in a diamond formation beneath the flagship, four Interceptor Class Bulk Cruisers, Jiliac, Jabba, Doruuga and Garatha could be found. Finally, eight Z-27 Syndicate Class Corvettes held back behind the main line, ready to deploy as screening vessels, or landing ships for a ground attack, if needed.

On the command deck, Nor'baal opened a broadcast channel to the entire Kessel system, and spoke in basic.

"Citizens of Kessel, rejoice and surrender. Your system is now property of the Hutt Clans once more, and all of you are once again my subjects. You have five minutes to comply, or this blockade shall continue, until you starve.

 

[Preef Callo]

The cartel had started planning this the moment they got the notification that the Independent Systems Consortium had left Kessel. The Supreme Mogul had send word to Tatooine, to the Belching Frog Saloon in Mos Eisley, that he requested -he meant demanded- the presence of the infamous Preef Callo and his gang of gunslingers. The rodian had made the Hutt a promise, which, in hindsight, wasn't the best promise he could've made but he had done so regardless.

Coming to fight the Hutt's battles whenever he called was part of that promise.

So, naturally, Preef Callo was on a dropship wearing his old signature armor and a bunch of his gunslingers while his hired Mandalorian enforcers were flying besides it using their jetpacks to get around. While Nor'baal himself would blockade the planet, he had -ofcourse- send the rodian to ground to physically take control of the asset.

That was fine with Preef, for he never much cared about spaceships anyway. "It's easy," he told the nearest gunslinger, a mean-looking weequay, "Just shoot faster that the guys defending the place."

@Nor'baal

 

[Aden Archer]

Aden was already on planetside on Kessel when the Hutt Cartel started pouring through lightspeed. He was at the main starport planetside refueling his ship of choice the Peregrine so he could leave. They turned in the mission, a minior one but successful. His craft was also restocked with high explosive missiles. He was joined with fellow pilots Helen Holcomb (@AutoFox) and Zhaan Duran (@Mr. Teatime). Then he heard the the Supreme Mongol speak on the comms channels, the planet is being blockaded. That means no one leaves or comes in, and if the Hutts brought a fleet to enforce the blockade. Panic ensued around the starport as Aden would look towards the sky.

Aden wonders if his interceptor could get past the blockade... But it wouldn't be too long before he gets a communication on his datapad. His squadmates would as well The Governor of Kessel is offering a whole bunch of credits to those that contribute in repelling the Cartel from the Kessel system. The spacer would smile, it's a bad idea. But his adrenaline was racing, before he ultimately concluded this will be fun. "Lets go get'em" Bravebird said. His fellow pilots liked danger and credits too, he didn't imagine there would be any objections

With that Aden would hop into the pilots seat and boot up his craft. In short order, the Peregrine would take off at full speed, with his astromech in it's slot. The Peregrine is one of the fastest starfighters in the galaxy. Once firmly in flight, he would switch on his shields as his craft is pointed in the direction of the Cartel fleet.

Looking through his viewport on the port or starboard sides, he could see what appears to be the planetary defense force scrambling and getting themselves in the air as well. Aden wasn't aware they were actually Blue Stars and Eclipse mercenaries from Omega. The spacer wasn't aware that Kessel's governor was with the Crimson Dawn. Aden doesn't think they have any capital ships, this will be rough for the defenders.

Before too long, his ship sensors would see one ship (@Eccles) ahead.

Spoiler: tags

@Darasuum
@Olwin
@Phoenix
@Nor'baal
@Eccles

 

[Hauron Solus]

Spoiler: Theme

-One Hour before arrival-​

The blue tunnel of hyperspace rotated and flew past the numerous viewports of Rancor Squadron. The Mandalorian mercenary flotilla consisted of a modified Berex class carrier named Dralaalar, escorted by a trio of wedge shaped Raider class corvettes. At the front of the formation taking point in front of the carrier was the Kyramud. Flanking the Dralaalar was the other two swift capital ships that made up the three-booters, Ramikad and Ramorir.

Small squads of fang fighters that would normally be housed in the various ships’ hangars were flying alongside since they could afford to with their hyperdrives. Each of their hulls were painted in the iconography of Mandalorian with only a few showing the first marks from personal or early victories in the Contruum sector or defending Kashyyyk.

Inside the carrier, Hauron stood in front of a mobile holoprojector array stationed in the extensive hangar of the berex that spanned almost its entire length. The Rally Master had just finished showing a replay of the message sent out by the elected official of Kessel. Around him stood scores of Mandalorian pilots and warriors. Most of them had paint schemes denoting clan Solus but many had differing colors and proudly showed their diversity.

Beyond the assembled soldiers of fortune and fortitude sat a plethora of small craft. A few were kom’rk multi-role transports but others were modified civilian vessels. Most of them were kept on board the Dralaalar for now since they would be used as troop transports in the event they made it to low orbit.

The group was certainly a motley crew of Mandalorians but they were a force to be reckoned with and Hauron could not be prouder. The vessels that made up Rancor Squadron were connected in the encrypted ship to ship briefing.

<“We don’t know the exact positions of the Desilijic Armada but they will likely have blockaded the only way to Kessel through the Maelstrom. They’ll be between us and the door into the club.”> It was going to be one hell of a bouncer to take on, he thought to himself and knew everyone was thinking the same. <“They might outnumber us, they might outgun us, but we can out maneuver them, outsmart them and most importantly, win. Remember. we are Mandalorians, the best fighters in the galaxy. Keep your formations tight and don’t get cocky. Let's remind these slugs who we are and why we're still here.”> He wanted as many of them coming home today as possible. No needless losses. As a Mikkian he valued discipline and this was another test of his own ability and those that accepted him as their leader.

<“Here’s my plan…”>

-Present Time-​

Members of clan Solus had a reputation long before Kotii, Nox, or even Raz. They were badgers and they faced down larger enemies all the time. Larger foes flinched when a Solus showed their colors and he aimed to have Rancor Squadron evoke the same. It would be unwise to ignore a rancor, regardless of its age or size. The Hutts knew this or would be reminded of it one way or another.

The flotilla of Mandalorian vessels would slip back into normal space at the edge of the Kessel system. The four capital ships appeared as small shapes in the distance with a faint cloud of glittering objects that were the starfighters moving in precise formation but never straying far from their primary positioning as guardians. The armada would be forced to move from their position at twice the maximum distance of their weapons if they wished to engage the Mandalorians, leaving their charge. They certainly had enough to break off and send by the looks of it.

Hauron had since moved from the hangar and was standing on the bridge of the Dralaalar. All void fighters were at their stations and in their ships ready for combat. <”Begin scanning the system. Project the report on the port display.> He ordered calmly to the bridge crew so he could see it in real time with his own eyes. They knew this was what he was going to ask and had already begun the scan with the ship’s long range scanning suite. In a few moments they would get an idea of all ship vectors and basic information. It would take longer to get more accurate readings but for now they were in no rush to blitz the blockade.

Every one of the capital ships had long range scanning and together their overlapping fields would begin to paint a picture of the system for the Mandalorian warband. Hauron’s fingers rapped against his forearm as he stood in his flight suit. The beskar’gam had once belonged to his buir but the Mikkian had taken it as his own since his father's imprisonment and subsequent jailbreak. Today it would serve to protect him while in space but its safety measures would hopefully not come into play. Perhaps there were still syndicate members that remembered the visage of the armor but it hardly mattered. What's more there was footage being recorded from the crew of each capital ship on the events taking place. If this worked out, the victory would be recorded for other to see.

<”Open up a communication to Kessel. Let’s see if we can try and punch through any jamming they’ve set up. I want to talk to Mrs Lanris if she’s reachable..."> He paused as he took a deep breath, keeping is calm as his mind continued to race with the possibilities. Hauron did not want to over think things. That would be his undoing, no, their undoing. <"tell me the moment any new ships arrive in the system.”> Along with long range scanners, the ships had long range communications as well. The Hutt armada likely had more fire power but it could be argued they did not have the means, or perhaps the foresight, to jam communications effectively. He spoke clearly in galactic standard basic when trying to reach Terra. ”Governess Lanris, do you read me? Rancor Squadron has arrived.” His helmet turned to look towards the bridge crew but their emotionless helmets did not give any hint as to whether it was successful. The Solus Rally Master took a deep breath and would keep trying. ”Governess Lanris, are you there?” Did slugs sweat? Because Hauron was already starting to.

Spoiler: TL;DR

Hauron briefs Rancor Squadron on his plan. They arrive at the edge of the Kessel system and begin scanning to get an idea of where everything and everyone is (that they can see) as well as try to reach out to @Terra Lanris and begin coordinating with other forces against the Hutts.

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Five minutes passed, and all Nor'baal had to show for it was a broadcast from the planet at the end of the maelstrom. It appeared someone was trying to call for help.

"Block that and all further transmissions from Kessel." he issued the command, which was followed to the letter. Some transmission recipients would naturally get the whole thing; others scrambled portions, and some - nothing. It would all depend on their distance from Kessel, and many other factors Nor'baal didn't really care about.

Finally, he broadcast a local transmission of his own, to all the 'defenders of Kessel', it's contents simple.

Double whatever the Kessel authorities and others where paying not to fight for the Hutts - no.

To do nothing.

To power their ships down, to lower their weapons.

Double the payment offered to, quite simply, sit there and not risk your life.

A simple enough deal, and one no doubt tantalising to those who received it.

OOC - Not furthering posts into combat until the next round as per admin recommendation.

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra had made her broadcast to the galaxy, but the truth was that the Governor wasn't actually on Kessel at the moment or else she may well have hopped into a fighter herself and gone out to fight.

But truthfully, that wasn't her greatest strength. She was a good pilot, but her last decade had been spent on business and building relationships.

Not on the surface, Terra didn't receive the message from Hauron directly, but the mercenaries on the surface would begin to respond to coordinate with him.

For her part, she did what she had to do next.

Get me President Thorne, she said (@Sreeya). Barring him, she would use Carrick's personal line if she had to. She could only hope the ISC President would pick up the line, and if he didn't, then she'd leave a message or badger someone until she was in communication with someone of importance.

After what felt like an eternity, the comlink finally clicked on the other end.

Thank you for taking my call, Mr. President, she said. She knew that he would already be aware of what was going on on world.

I'm sure you're aware of what's occurring on Kessel. I could make excuses for the decision of my people for leaving the ISC, but I won't waste your time, she said. They had been afraid, they wanted to be free of war, and war found them anyway.

I would like to discuss terms for Kessel reentering the ISC, she said. It hadn't been her decision to leave in the first place, and she had no doubt that any deal cut there would be to her disadvantage, but Emryc would also no doubt be aware that Kessel's output had significantly increased under her watch and the ISC had already been given an excellent deal. She had no doubt that this was quickly going to turn into an even better deal for the ISC at best, but her pride wasn't going to keep her from doing what she had to to protect the planet.

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc was in the gym when his attendant said there was an urgent call. All these years and Aila still blushed profusely when the President wandered around her all sweaty and in a tank top. The President took the call, listening to the frantic discussion of terms to re-enter the ISC. He was silent on the call to where she would wonder if he simply hung up, “Very well. I will call you in a few moments.”

It didn’t matter whether Terra Lanris wanted Kessel to leave or not, it ultimately did leave the ISC. Emryc left her stewing in her panic while he took a shower and freshened up. After that, he did make a call.

The ISC President’s holo would pop up before Nor’baal. Emryc nodded at his old friend, “I’m in a position to reclaim Kessel and assume near complete control of the mines as per its governor,” Terra Lanris was sorely mistaken if she thought he would come to her aid for anything less. He was not a charity, especially not to people that turned their back on the ISC, “What can you give me?”

@Nor'baal @Phoenix

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Business.

His favourite thing to talk about.

Nor'baal replied to the President with gusto. "Bloodshed is bad for business. You help with the reclamation of Kessel by the Cartel, and I can offer you something nobody else in the Galaxy can." he began "A protectorate, encompassing all of Hutt Space, plus Kessel, under the Governance of the Clan - in which we pay twenty per cent of our monthly profits to you, govern all our internal affairs, and the ISC guarantees the sovereignty and protection of our borders. Any further expansion by the Hutts will be approved by you, personally, first."

He smiled.

The amount of money he had just offered the President, nobody in the galaxy could compete with.

OOC - On a train so post is a tad short.

 

[Helen Holcomb]

Helen Holcomb, ace pilot, secured the straps of her leather flight helmet under her chin as she ran, adjusting her goggles as well. Around her, droids and technicians milled about, rolling gantries and test equipment from a craft that sat in the middle of an open landing pit. One of them tossed the running Lepi a pair of old goggles, which Helen snatched out of the air and pulled down, even as she climbed the boarding ladder and settled herself in the pilot seat. As she performed her pre-flight check, she keyed into the pit's public address system.

"Attention all technical personnel! Clear the launch area, repeat, clear the launch area! Secure vital equipment and records, then proceed to shelters! Security personnel, bar the doors, report to starport blockhouses!"

Below her, the four X-Wing sourced turbines which powered the YP2Z-85 Novaspark prototype spun up to an ominous howl. With a nudge of the stick, the craft was rising on repulsirlift power, and then Helen was pushed back in her seat as she engaged the throttle. Despite the circumstances, she let out a whoop of joy, circling once around the Holcomb Garages test facility before turning to join Aden, who had lifted off not far away. Falling in beside the other craft, Helen adjusted her sensors, scanning the sky ahead.

"Bravebird! Ears reporting in. If you get shot down, try not to fall on my hangar, alright?"

Helen joked, but it was less funny than it could have been. Helen had put a lot of work into her new company, Holcomb Garages Limited; they were still small, but Helen had big plans, and no intention of letting the Hutts squash them. Or the millions of people on Kessel who had so recently escaped Hutt servitude.

 

[Alfie Shepherd]

The Endeavor wasn't worth getting dinged up on Kessel, so Alfie opted to join Preef Callo on the ground. Geared with his blaster rifle, pistol, combat fusioncutter, and several explosives, Alfie was determined to stay alive and make it back to Kuat. To avoid his face being recognized, he wore a simple gas mask that covered his head. The visor was open broad enough that it didn't hinder the hybrid's sight too much, but he was a tad jealous of the Mandalorians Preef seemed to be leading.

"Then why all the armor?" Alfie stated blankly after Preef gave a Weequay some fairly vague advice. Alfred himself wore a blast vest, but he wasn't a gunslinger like Preef. Today, the soldier in Alfred would be able to shine instead of the business man. Maybe the Empire had something to show for today- for Alfie at least. Speaking of both the Empire and armor, the Scoundrel really wanted to feel the comfort in knowing his whole body was protected. Perhaps he'd invest into trooper armor if he survived this ordeal.

"What's the plan when we reach the surface? Besides not getting shot?" There were a few ideas pertaining to using the explosives Alfie brought, but he was no longer a commanding officer. Preef Callo and Nor'baal Desilijic were in charge now. Being a grunt again didn't feel good, but everyone had to start somewhere. Even if I'm fucking cannon fodder...

@Eccles

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc’s brows rose at the suggestion. The proposal was the funneling of potentially trillions of credits, most of which, of course, would line his own pockets. He paused for a moment, considering his options, “We formalize this into a suzerainty. My terms are that an ISC member joins the governing Clan to serve as liaison with the ISC to enforce the terms. We will write in a margin for me alone off the record, with a fraction being coded as tax. And second, we get ahead of this with the media and present it as an ISC peace negotiation effort to curb the cartel expansion.”

His connections to Nor’baal went far deeper than with this Terra Lanris. To him, she was just another governor that owned nothing beyond the spice mines of Kessel. The deal with the Hutt sounded like a win/win for Emryc and he always preferred the option where he won in the end.

He next called up his other friend Newton, “Newton,” Emryc said with a grin. It paid to build up connections because he could call in favors decades later, “Can we pull up the terms of agreement of my purchase of the droids shipped to Kessel?” There was a pause, “Yes, I’d like you to relay deactivation codes to the frequency I just sent,” Another pause, “Excellent, always good to hear from you.”

Emryc finally called up Terra, “Apologies, Ms. Lanris,” He began, “The process to have Kessel return to the ISC while it’s under hostile attack only compounds tension with the Hutts. As we have only just settled the war with the Sith Empire and have lost quite a bit of territory - yours included - we are not inclined to enter another scenario that risks a Hutt war,” Emryc said.

Terra Lanris could defend Kessel however she wished. But she wouldn’t be using ISC droids to do so. Of course she wouldn't know anything about this until she heard from the planet again.

@The Good Doctor @Nor'baal @Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra waited, having lost contact with Kessel, and now had to turn her attention to other things. Losing the planet would be a massive blow to Crimson Dawn, but she knew they would bounce back. Hope for the best, plan for the worst.

She'd done a poor job of planning not foreseeing this, and she would curse and berate herself for it once it was over. For the moment, her teeth grit together as she received the call back, picking it up almost immediately.

The words from the other end brought her no joy, and her gut sank. There were lessons to be learned here, and while there was still a chance that the planet could defend itself, Terra knew that was probably a lie.

Understood. Thank you for your time, Mr. President, she said and hung up the call.

Her mind churned and scrambled, knowing not only was the planet likely lost, but it would have profound influence on the rest of the organization. She would have a busy next week months ahead of her, that was for certain.

A few months and right now a glass of bourbon for the now-pounding headache. Perhaps that would calm her down.

She moved over and opened up a channel to those in orbit first, the soldiers and mercenaries who were fighting for the planet. All forces stand down, she said. She was almost spiteful enough to sacrifice all of their lives to take down part of the Hutt fleet, but that wasn't the businesswoman talking, that was the Corellian street rat talking.

She opened up a comlink directed to the ship upon which Nor'baal sat. If Kessel stands down, will those hired to defend it be allowed to leave? If so, then I will order the immediate surrender of the planet, she said. And she would be true to her word no matter how badly it turned her stomach.

She was furious at herself, but she had to respect the fact that the Hutt had maneuvered his greater experience well. Well played.

@Sreeya

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

The deal was done, and Kessel was once again returned to the Clans.

Nor'baal has struck a bargain that would secure the long term security of the Cartel as well. All in all, a good day.

"Of course. We will ensure hired hands, will be allowed to leave. And, naturally, you to will be escorted out of the system - unharmed." he confirmed.

Nor'baal was many things - but he wasn't a barbarian.

OOC - Invasion is a success, I believe, on the Hutt side. Everyone can post to show them leaving if they'd like. No casualties - so a thread well done!