On April 12, 1996 at 06:30 Imperial Standard Time (IST), the SSSD Sovereign and her tender Platforms, The Triad (see NL #30), exited hyperspace above Aurora Prime. Over the course of 48 hours, Emperor's Hammer personnel and equipment were transferred to the behemoth Flagship. The site above Aurora was spectacular... In one of the largest military logistical operations ever engaged in by the Hammer, hundreds of thousands of EH Imperial Naval crewmen, pilots, command staff, technicians, etc. were ferried over from Sovereign Base on Aurora Prime and the SSD Avenger to the SSSD Sovereign being fueled at the Triad in high orbit. Even as Sovereign Base in Europa was being dismantled, thousands of shuttles, transports, and personnel carriers were exiting in and out of orbit between the Sovereign and Europa. Following completion of the EH transfer, the EH Operations and Logistics Officers estimate the Sovereign will be combat ready within the week.

The former Flagship of the Emperor's Hammer Strike Fleet, SSD Avenger, will be ferried over to Eos where the Dark Brotherhood will take possession of her as their new Flagship for the largest, most successful SubGroup in their nefarious plans...

In typical unannounced fashion, The Supreme Prophet of the Dark Side, Kadann (see A Guide to the Star Wars Universe, Bill Slavicsek, Del Rey Books, 1994, pp. 249-250), arrived on Aurora Prime and reportedly spent over 6 hours with the Fleet Commander in "private conference". Although one can only guess as to what was discussed, there are rumors in the Emperor's former Inner Circle of Advisors that Kadann may have plans to assume control over the remnants of the Empire. Apparently, he seeks the aid of the Emperor's Hammer Strike Fleet...(?) The following was presented on Kadann in A Guide to the Star Wars Universe:

"Kadann, the Supreme Prophet of the Dark Side, is a human dwarf with a black beard. Those who wished to lead the Empire after the Battle of Endor sought Kadann's dark blessing to make their rule legitimate. He often issues mysterious prophecies made up of nonrhyming, four line verses to Imperial leaders. The Alliance studies these prophecies for insight into what the Empire might be planning. Kadann assumed leadership of the Empire for a brief time after the Battle of Endor."

Kadann's prophecy issued on the SSSD Sovereign (4/12/96)...

The following presents the new Positions, Squadron Names, Squadron Objectives, and Squadron Fighters on board the SSSD Sovereign...

New Positions:

	No.		Position
	1		COM
	7		WCs
	42		CMDRs
	84		FLs
	378		FMs
	512		TOTAL EH Pilots

Squadron  Stats:

	Squadron	Objective		Squadron Make-up

	Wing I (Elite Veterans)
	Alpha		Heavy Assault		MIS-MIS-T/D
	Beta		Elite Strike		T/D-T/D-MIS
	Gamma		LR Support		MIS-MIS-MIS
	Delta		Recon			T/D-T/D-T/D
	Epsilon		Strike			T/D-T/D-MIS
	Lambda		Strike			T/D-T/D-MIS

	Wing II (Elite Veterans)
	Kappa		Escort			MIS-T/D-T/A
	Psi		Interdiction		T/A-T/A-GUN
	Rho		Deep Strike		T/D-MIS-MIS
	Sigma		Close Support		T/A-MIS-GUN
	Omega		FC Escort		T/G-T/G-T/G
	Theta		Assault			GUN-MIS-T/A

	Wing III (Strike Operations)
	Aleph		Strike			T/D-T/D-MIS
	Beth		Strike			T/D-T/D-MIS
	Gimel		Recon			T/D-T/D-T/D
	Daleth		Close Support		T/A-MIS-GUN
	He		Interdiction		T/A-T/A-GUN
	Vav		Deep Strike		T/D-MIS-MIS

	Wing IV (Strike Operations)
	Zayin		Strike			T/D-T/D-MIS
	Cheth		Strike			T/D-T/D-MIS
	Teth		Deep Strike		T/D-MIS-MIS
	Yod		Strike			T/D-T/D-MIS
	Kaph		Close Support		T/A-MIS-GUN
	Lamed		Recon			T/D-T/D-T/D

	Wing V (Assault Operations)
	Mem		Heavy Assault		MIS-MIS-T/D
	Nun		Heavy Assault		MIS-MIS-T/D
	Samekh		Assault			GUN-MIS-T/A
	Ayin		Assault			GUN-MIS-T/A
	Pe		Interdiction		T/A-T/A-GUN
	Sadhe		Escort			MIS-T/D-T/A

	Wing VI (Extended Range Operations)
	Koph		Deep Strike		T/D-MIS-MIS
	Resh		Deep Strike		T/D-MIS-MIS
	Shin		Deep Strike		T/D-MIS-MIS
	Sin		LR Support		MIS-MIS-MIS
	Tav		Escort			MIS-T/D-T/A
	Ra		Recon			T/D-T/D-T/D

	Wing VII (Special Operations)
	Ta		Pacification		T/Ph-Spectre-T/Dr
	Tha		Psych Warfare		T/Ph-T/Ph-T/Ph
	Jim		Spec. Ins./Extr.	T/Ph-T/D-PHA
	Ha		VIP Escort		T/G-T/G-Spectre
	Kha		Kidnapping		T/G-T/G-Spectre
	Dal		Assassination		T/Ph-T/G-Spectre

FIGHTER KEY:

MIS - Missile Boat
T/D - TIE Defender
GUN - Assault Gunboat
T/A - TIE Advanced
T/Ph - TIE Phantom
Spectre - Spectre Advanced Missile Boat
PHA - Phalanx Gunboat
T/G - TIE Guardian

The following Squadron Objectives were taken from the latest version of the EH Training Manual...

	Assault:  	To assault and assist in capture of heavily defended objectives.

	Heavy Assault:  Same as for Assault, above, but if they can NOT perform
 			their primary objectives (i.e. assist in capture) then they are to DESTROY their
	 		target[s].

	Close Support:  Similar to Assault, but to assist strike squadrons in the
 			DESTRUCTION of their targets, by drawing enemy fire and providing precise
	 		counterfire.	
	
	LR Support:  	To provide long range missile fire to other Squadrons, when
 			they attack lightly shielded targets (or those with massed fighter defenses); OR to
	 		provide point-blank bombing support against heavily shielded targets (or those
	 		with minimal fighter defenses).
	
	Strike:  	To attack and destroy all enemy craft (unless otherwise ordered).

	Interdiction:   To eliminate a target's capability to flee, in any manner
 			possible, up to and including destruction of the target.(The only
			good rebel is a dead one!).  It might also be necessary to inspect an
			unknown (but suspect) flight group to determine which, if any,
			targets should be prepped for capture/disablement (ALWAYS
			preferable to destruction).
	
	Recon: 		To locate and inspect any craft in an area and stop (IF necessary)
 			until reinforcements can arrive to assist in capture/destruction, OR
			to probe a known targets defenses (RE:Enemy!) in preparation for further action
	 		by the Wing.
	
	Escort:  	To protect ALL designated Flight Groups from unfriendly fire.

	Training:  	To provide the Emperors' Hammer Strike Force with a steady
 			supply of replacement (+ new) pilots trained in ALL Imperial craft.

	Deep Strike:   	To launch suprise attacks DEEP in enemy held territory,
 			and assault locales where either (A) The Strike Fleet cannot go,
			(B) The Strike Fleet can go but would be in extreme risk of
			destruction/capture; OR (1) Assist other Imperial Forces when the
			Wing is otherwise engaged, (2)  Once particular individuals/ship
			targets have been identified by Wing Command but cannot be
			reached through normal means, LAUNCH AND STRIKE!, and
			(3) Assist Recon by providing reinforcements, if available...
	
	Pacification:  	This squadron's mission is perhaps the hardest one to define,
	 		as it does not always operate within the bounds of known Imperial
			law.  This squadron assists the ISB whenever ordered to do so by
			the ISB Liason Officer.  Whenever a planet has been deemed in
			rebellion, it is assessed for its potential worth to the empire.  This
			is where the Pacification Squadron comes in:  If the planet is NOT
			worthless (Naval vessels will reduce such a planet to dust with
			Orbital Bombardment), nor highly worthwhile (in terms of sheer
			population [slave world] or industry [peripheral damage by
			starfighters is NOT looked upon kindly] but excluding worlds with
			a small population but high concentrations of valuable ores, which
			WOULD be pacified, as planetary bombardment tends to irradiate
			planets....) THEN and only then will the PacSqd be brought in to
			launch terror strikes, reduce a population to the most barren of
			lives, destroy industries key to the inhabitants but worthless to the
			Empire, etc...If they are not successful in their mission, then more drastic
 			measures might be taken (RE: Orbital Bombardment anyway, or
			use of such devices as the Orbital Nightcloak.)  Their secondary objectives are to
	 		assist planetary garrisons in keeping a occupied world pacified,  Army units
	 		engaged in "mop-up" operations, and if not engaged, to serve as the Emperors'
	 		Hammer Strike Fleet's reserve starfighter squadron (similar to the
			Deep Strike Squadron, see above).

	Kidnapping: 	this mission would be similar to interdiction, but would specialize in
 			snatching important figures deep in enemy territory.

	Assassination: 	killing specific targets very quickly deep in enemy territory.  Both
 			Kidnapping and Assassination Squadrons would be able to perform these missions
 			in small flight groups so large amounts of EH assets are not risked.

	Psychological Warfare:  creating even more fear in the hearts of Rebels.  Making
	 		our enemies feel that absolutely NOWHERE is safe from the EH!  This squadron
	 		will give many sleepless nights to many a Rebel!

	Special Insertion/Extraction: specializing in making insertions of agents/spies
	 		deep in enemy territory and getting them and their information back to our
 			intelligence people.

	VIP Escort: 	the Secret Service of the EH.  Defend extremely important people and
	 		material.

Mission 1:

The Relentless' systems are still offline. Protect her while the

M/FRG Ardent repairs it. Also, you encounter a new rebel fighter,

the V-Wing. You fly shielded TIE Bomber Dagger 1.

Mission 2:

Patrol an area, capture a V-Wing for study. You fly Gunboat Sword 1.

Mission 3:

Attack a DREAD and 2 CRCKs. Engage fighters. You will fly V-Wing Prototype.

Mission 4:

Attack a Rebel training platform, surrounded by mines. There are also 18 V-Wings to destroy. You will fly V-Wing Captured 1.

______________________________________________

Install Directions:

Copy the FLIGHT.OVL and STRINGS.DAT files into your TIE directory. Copy the b1m*.tie files into your TIE/MISSION directory. In your CP directory, copy the file TIEINT.INT and rename it to AWING.INT.

That's it!

I hope you enjoy my battle!

These are just some short briefings for before the missions. The missions DO NOT have edited mission briefings, so don't look at them (I didn't). I tested them in the combat chamber.

BG Sarkis, CMDR of Dagger squadron has been on a secret mission for the Dark Brotherhood. He is part of a New Republic Convoy filled with fighter parts. The convoy was slowly moving through the area when Shield squad was on patrol. Sarkis has radioed that he is going to leave the ESC Watchdog soon in a shuttle. WC Caesar has assured us that all verbal codes have been passed, but for security reasons we will not allow just any shuttle to enter our hangar.

What is really happening is CMDR Sarkis has vital info

that must be rewiewed by the WC immediately.

Caesar will then brief the COM.

WC Caesar will meet with Sarkis, then they will both fly the shuttle into the hangar. Your job is to escort them and attack all bombers (Y/W B/W etc.). The convoy is to be completely destroyed. Shield squad was on patrol so they will be first on the scene.

Special instructions: When the WC & Sarkis have entered the hangar and all bombers are eliminated, call for reinforcements. Bombers will lauch and destroy the convoy, work with them to make quick work of the ships.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WC Caesar: Dagger squadron currently flies the Commander's Banner aboard the Relentless, and now you will be told of our overall mission to help make since of it and complete our special assingments. Your overall mission objectives have not changed, your primary duty of escorting our forces is still your's. BG Sarkis has brought to my attention that the New Republic was not particularly pleased with the inclusion of the Relentless to the EH, with good reason considering our long history. They intend on making our service come to an abrupt end. CMDR Sarkis?

Sarkis: All the squadrons aboard the Relentless are among the best in the EH, we just happen to be well suited for our assignments. We could alert the fleet and crush their plans, but we information that will make it possible that we can destroy them ourselves. This is no Calimarian task force, but a small sector fleet in the process of growing.

---Holo-projector shows the fleets contents to more than a few gasps---

Now at the time they only have have 1 CRS, 1 FRG, and their corvette escorts. As you can see, the convoy was on it's way along with the ESC. We can intercept all of their other forces as long as we act now and they can count on Dagger squad to pull triple duty. My flights in, how 'bout yours FL's?

FL Jordan: We're in of course!

FL Rogue: Where Dagger goes, so go we sir!

Sarkis:I knew it I just wanted to hear you say it, more when time permits! FL One we will precede Hammer squadrons fighters to help by engaging fighters. They will follow and start bombing runs shortly after you arrive. OK, launch!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sarkis:We are currently planning our assault on another task force. They have just completed loading the warheads and...

---Scramble alarm wails repeatedly---

Panicked officer: CMDR Sarkis! We are under attack sir, WC Caesar wants Dagger squadron launched! Transports and fighters incoming!

FL Jordan: Sir. flight two requests the job of intercepting the TRNS. We have Advanced torpedoes already loaded.

Sarkis: Granted Flight 2, Flight 3 will back you up while we take the fighters. Let's go.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WC Caesar: I have arranged for the M/INT Harpax II to assist us on detached duty, this is of extreme importance as it is our most powerful tool to help destroy the forces. And will enable us to trap them where they stand, we have heavily encrypted Hyperspace coordinates. They will be decrypted shortly, then we will know their location.

Sarkis:WC Caesar has positioned the Harpax II to pull a corvette group out of Hyperspace using our current knowledge of thier movements. There should be minimal fighter escorts so let's show them what we already know, that resistance is useless!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WC Caesar: We now have the location of their fleet, given to us by the Hammer's foremost intelligence specialists. What I have in mind is to finish them in our next attack with the Relentless. To do that we need to advertise the fact that we know where they are.

Sarkis: And we both agree that the loss of a Calimarian light cruiser will do just that. We intend on capturing its commander first however, WC Caesar will then leak just enough info to suggest our attack plans. He/she will then be allowed to escape. This should be easy just make sure you cover the transport when the ship is disabled.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WC Caesar: Here it is...do or die. We finish them here or die trying.

Sarkis: The bombers will start attacking first. If needed, the GUN's have ordance available.

WC Caesar: We've examined the Data Tapes and know that they plan on springing more forces once we commit on attacking the Cruiser. When they do, the Harpax II will arrive trapping them all.

Cutscene from Tie Fighter by Lucus Arts

Briefing: For week,s we have been receiving distress calls from small Imperial convoys. They have all said that they were under attack by fellow Imperials. A few moments ago we received another call from one of our convoys. They are also under attack by Imperials. They are protected only by a small flight of TIE Fighters. Your mission will be to hyper in and destroy the attacking craft. Make sure you prevent the convoy from being destroyed. Also, inspect any large enemy craft in the area so we might find out who's behind this.

Hammer ships:
	BETA-1 (4)		T/D	Advanced Missiles
	JUROT (3)		E/S
	DOTARD (6)		T/F
Enemy ships:
	MENDACITY (2)		CRKC
	DECEIT (6)		T/I
	SEDISIOUS (4)		T/B	Torpedoes

Briefing: Our intelligence has analized the different attacks on the convoys. We can tell several things from our information. First of all, all of these attacks seem to have been made on large Imperial forces much like the Hammer. We have also found that this isn't just one group of attackers, but several small groups combined. Unfortunately they have attacked again. This time they attacked a group of freighters that are carrying valuable Corporate supplies in their holds. Your mission will be to stop the attackers and see that the freighters get into hyperspace safely. Good luck.

Hammer ships:
	ALPHA-1 (4)		MIS	 Advanced Missiles
	ADUMBRAL (3)		FRT
	SENILITY (6)		T/F
Enemy ships:
	KIJUHY (4)		CRV
	IMBECILE (8 x 2)	T/I
	LYDRA (3 x 2)		T/B	Torpedoes
	DEMUR (1)		INT

Briefing: We've found them! This small group of allied Imperials is operating out of a platform in the Empress Teta system.We are going to attack, but we will not destroy them. We need to know why they have been attacking the larger imperial fleets. If they are part of the Rebel alliance, we will kill them all.... In your mission, you will be flying Beta 1. You will only have 1 wingman due to previous losses. You will hyper in first and take out all defences. The transports will be in about a minute after you. Do everything you can to help disable the platform. Protect the transports as they capture the base.

Hammer ships:
	BETA-1 (2)		T/D	Advanced Missiles
	INVIGORATER (3)		TRN	
	VENERABLE (6)		T/F
Enemy Ships:
	VOLUMINOUS (1)		PLT	
	EQUATE (4)		T/D
	GALLING (8 x 2)		T/I

Breifing: We have interrogated all of the prisoners. We have found that they are indeed Imperials. They just seem to want power, and they are "jealous" of ours. These men could be potentially dangerous and must be eradicated. We know where their allies are located, now the rest is up to you. You will lead a large strike force in to destroy their remaining ships. You will again fly Beta 1. You will have two wingmen. You will also be acompanied by the newly cristened IDS Relentless.

Hammer ships:

	BETA-1 (3)		T/D	Advanced Missiles
	RELENTLESS (1)		IDS	
	OMRICON 2 (4 x 2)	ATR	Heavy Rockets
	GAMMA	(4)		T/D
Enemy Ships:
	DEMACROTUS (1)		VDS
	SEETHE (8 x 2)		T/F
	VENRTICUS (4 x 2)	T/I
	PORTIERE (1)		PLT
	AQARUS (6)		T/B	Torpedoes

Mission 1: The Relentless will be receiving new fighters. It won't be many, and at the moment, we only have around 8-10 fighters in our hangers as is. You will need to defend the freighter and the Relentless from any attack. You will fly a TIE Interceptor with shields added.

Primary Goals:

ISD Relentless must have survived

Freighter Ferry must have docked

Bonus Goals:

Strike Cruiser Arudous must be destroyed

Mission 2: We have received word that this attack had come from the traitors battle group somewhere in this sector. You are to find out how many capital ships there are, and ID them as well. You will fly a TIE Advanced.

Primary Goals:

ISD Beast must be inspected

ISD Arcanix must be inspected

VSD Dynasty must be inspected

Strike Cruiser Nova must be inspected

Carrak Cruiser Darkhawk must be inspected

100% of TIE Fighter group Alpha must be destroyed

Secondary Goals:

100% of TIE Interceptor group Beta must be destroyed

Mission 3: We have been asked to destroy this battle group personally. Even though we are out of many of our fighters, we will still follow the orders given to us. We will lead an attack on the ISD Beast. You will fly a TIE Defender. You will have 4 Missile Boats to help you (1 wave). Remember, these are all the missile boats we have...protect them well!

Primary Goals:

100% of TIE Defender group Alpha must be destroyed

100% of TIE Defender group Beta must be destroyed

100% of TIE Advanced group Delta must be destroyed

100% of TIE Advanced group Eta must be destroyed

ISD Beast must be destroyed

Mission 4: All of our Missile Boats have either been destroyed or disabled. We also have lost most of our TIE Defenders. We only have a few Assault Gunboats and TIE Advanced left! For this mission you will fly an Assault Gunboat. The Harpax II will come out of hyperspace to stop any enemy craft from escaping the battle area. You will have to take out 2 of the traitors capitol ships. Beware of the TIE Defenders, they are numerous and they outgun you!

Primary Goals:

Strike Cruiser Nova must be destroyed

Carrak Cruiser Darkhawk must be destroyed

Bonus Goals:

100% of TIE Advanced group Alpha must be destroyed

100% of TIE Defender group Beta must be destroyed

100% of TIE Defender group Delta must be destroyed

Mission 5: From preventing the Harpax II from getting attacked, we have decided to move the Relentless into the battle area, to provide a bigger target for the traitors. You MUST protect the Relentless at all costs.

Primary Goals:

VSD Dynasty must be destroyed

100% of TIE Advanced group Gamma must be destroyed

100% of TIE Advanced group Iota must be destroyed

Bonus Goals:

100% of TIE Defender group Alpha must be destroyed

100% of TIE Defender group Beta must be destroyed

100% of TIE Defender group Delta must be destroyed

100% of TIE Defender group Eta must be destroyed

Mission 6: This is the final assault. You will fly a TIE Advanced armed with heavy rockets. you need to protect the Relentless, plus finish off the remaining traitor craft. We have heard rumors of another Strike Cruiser in the area, beware of that as well. You will be aided by Assault Gunboats.

Primary Goals:

ISD Arcanix must be destroyed

ISD Relentless must have survived

INT Harpax II must have survived

Secondary Goals:

100% of TIE Defender group Alpha must be destroyed

Strike Cruiser Pulsar must be destroyed