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Just
Another Day…
FM-SEO/CPT Halcyon/Praetorian 3-2/DGN Lichtor V
(jdasilva@pathcom.com)
Captain Halcyon, Captain Plif,
Admiral Keiran Idanian, Lieutenant Commander Skate and Captain Phoenix
Berkana strode through the halls of the Emperor's Hammer's flagship,
the SSSD Sovereign. They were in a hurry since Fleet Admiral Rapier,
the Security Officer of the whole EH, had called them in. Why might
he have called them in? These weren't you run of the mill pilots
and officers. These were the members of Team IV of the Sector Rangers.
They were the eyes and ears of the Security Officer, but never have
they been called in before.
They all walked into the officer together,
but as of now they were all Sector Rangers. Their leader, Sector
Enforcement Officer Halcyon looked around the office. Now one was
around to meet them.
"Helloooooooo. Anybody home!",
yelled out Sector Ranger Skate.
"Quiet! What if he's in an important
meeting", responded Sector Ranger Plif
"Sorry, still this is quite rude".
After SR Skate's little outburst,
Admiral Nightflyer, the Command Attaché to the Security Officer,
came out of one of the adjoining room.
"Good, I'm glad all of you could
make it, especially you Halcyon. Please, would all of you come in
s0 we could get started? This is quite important".
All of Team IV followed AD Nightflyer
into the room. He had singled out SEO Halcyon earlier because he
came from Praetorian Squadron, stationed aboard the Intelligence
Division's flagship, the DGN Lichtor V. All others were currently
stationed aboard the SSSD Sovereign. Inside the room, there was
a briefing table with chairs lined up around the perimeter. Nightflyer
took the head seat while the other members spread themselves up
around the table.
"Once again, thank you all for
coming. I know you are all busy with your current assignment, but
this isn't a house call. Rapier won't be able to make it; he's tied
up right now working out some crucial details. So, onto why you're
here. Effective immediately, you are all on temporary leave for
at least a month".
AD Nightflyer just sat back after
giving everybody this startling news, waiting for the outburst.
He wasn't disappointed.
"Wha?!?! Excuse me sir, but what
do you mean we're on leave? I haven't heard anything about this",
asked Halcyon.
"I don't mind a vacation, but
I have a lot of work that needs to be done right now", spoke
up SR Idanian.
"I don't mind vacations and all,
but I don't need one right now", responded SR Phoenix
"Ok people, calm down. This isn't
some vacation I'm giving you. All of you superior officers have
been talked to and they have agreed to it. As for the Sector Rangers
themselves, I will speak to them later, if you all agree to what
I have to say".
"Ok then Admiral. You have me
interested, that's for sure. We'll here you out", spoke Halcyon
for the rest of his team.
"Ok guys, what I am about to
say can never leave this room. Whether you accept or not, nothing
here will be repeated outside these walls. I don't have to tell
you the consequences. As most of you know, our Grand Admiral Ronin
is supposed to be the last of the Grand Admiral's, which is not
the case". This got some pretty shocked news from the rest
gathered around. "He has been in contact for some time with
another Grand Admiral. This Grand Admiral was out beyond the Outer
Rim, in unknown space marking territory for the Empire but has come
back to takeover the remnants of the Empire. Ronin is allowing this
and this Grand Admiral has asked something of us. He has made the
Imperial Star Destroyer Chimera his flagship. He wants to know how
loyal his interceptor squadrons are to his rule, and this is where
you fit in".
"Ok hold on one minute, I need
time for this", said SR Idanian. Keiran Idanian was the Command
Attaché to GA Ronin, and as such was very surprised to hear
all this since it was never mentioned to him. "There is another
Grand Admiral, and he will be taking over the Empire. Ok, I have
that, though I don't know why Ronin is letting him do so. Now this
Grand Admiral questions the loyalty of his pilots. I have that,
but our part in it is…..?"
"I know all of you must be really
confused right now, but take your time and listen. This Grand Admiral
isn't just any officer, he's alien. That alone should tell you how
good he is, since the Emperor is the one who made him a Grand Admiral.
His name is Thrawn. The Chimera has 5 squadrons of Tie Interceptor's
with shields, and a squadron of bombers. He is most concerned about
the interceptors because what he will ask of them will be difficult
and not in line with normal thinking. He needs their utmost loyalty.
He has asked Ronin to pick officers from the EH who could help determine
the loyalty of these pilots. Ronin came to us and now we come to
you. All of you are pilots, or in your case Keiran, was a pilot.
You are each to be inserted into a squadron each and asked to once
again be our eyes and ears".
"Uh huh. So, you'll just put
us each in a squadron, let us do our thing. We find out if they're
loyal or not, and then in about a month or so, we're extracted.
Do I have the meat of it?", asked Plif.
"That's basically it".
"Ok, is there anyone that we're
going to have to report to?", asked Skate.
"Yes there is…me".
This caused a few more eyes to bulge out a little. "I will
become Grand Admiral Thrawn's personal assistant during this time
and every week you will all report back to me. It's that simple.
Though there is danger involved. Even though your job will be to
basically spy, you will also be called upon to fight on behalf of
the Empire. You are still pilots in that squad and therefore will
have to go into battle whenever you squad does. This is the real
danger. You're not likely to get killed by the rest of the officers,
but when in battle, anything can happen. Now I have to ask you,
do you accept. We have chosen you 5 because of the dedication this
whole team has shown. If you don't, Ronin will probably lean towards
the Intelligence Division, so Halcyon here may not be out of it
either way. I have to go and do something for a few minutes, but
I will be back. Talk it over and give me your decision when I come
back".
Nightflyer walked out of the room,
and the Team IV of the Sector Rangers just looked at each other.
None of them had ever expected to be called into do anything like
this before, especially not when they signed up to be Sector Rangers.
SEO Halcyon looked at each of his
team member, "So, what will it be guys? I can't speak for all
of you. This has to be individual". Plif was the first to speak
up, and Halcyon was glad for this. Plif was the SEO before he was,
and as such everyone listened to and respected him.
"I'm in, no question. How can
you back down from this. We risk our lives everyday for the EH,
that's the same as saying we risk our lives for the Empire. We are
still doing our duty, no matter where we are. This Grand Admiral
sounds like he could help bring back glory to the Empire, and I
want a part of it".
"I'm in too", replied Keiran.
"Ronin thinks that this is important, and I haven't seen him
wrong in his decisions before".
"There's no way I'm going to
stay here. This sound like fun, and quite interesting", was
Skate's reply.
"Well, Yod can keep itself together
without me for awhile anyways. I'm in", was Phoenix's answer.
Now, all eyes were on Halcyon. He
still seemed to be pondering his answer. The rest of the team couldn't
quite believe it. Was there leader actually going to keep away from
this?
"What are you guys looking at?
Of course I'm going, just wondering what I should take", replied
halcyon with a big smile.
"Funny", was Plif's dry
remark.
In a matter of moments, Nightflyer
came walking back into the room followed by FA Rapier.
"So, have you all made up you
minds?", asked Rapier.
Halcyon stood up and looked directly
at FA Rapier with a crooked grin, "Where do we sign up?"
"Haha. Great. I'm glad you have
all agreed to this. Nightflyer has told me he already briefed you
on the basics of the mission. Thrawn has already sent a shuttle
to ferry all of you to his ship. We don't know where it is, hence
the secrecy. If anyone asks, you are all new graduates from the
Imperial Academy, despite some of your ages and you all graduated
in the same class. This way you can all still hang out together.
Also, you can all use your real names. No one, other than in the
Eh, know who you are so you don't have to worry about someone finding
you out. The shuttle is waiting and everything you need is aboard.
Good luck to you all, now go!"
Team IV, along with AD Nightflyer
departed the briefing room and headed towards one of the less-used
hangar bays. One only used for special craft. There waiting was
your run of the mill shuttle. All six boarded and the shuttle hatch
closed and departed the SSSD Sovereign, hitting hyperspace in a
hurry. The entire trip was uneventful, though the shuttle did drop
out and re-enter hyperspace many times. Finally, the shuttle came
out right in front of a Star Destroyer. Without any questions from
the big ship, the shuttle came around and flew into the Star Destroyer's
hanger bay. The shuttle landed and the hatch opened, letting out
the Sector Rangers and Nightflyer. Once out, they noticed a man
in blue skin, with a Grand Admiral's uniform waiting for them.
"Welcome to the Chimera. I am
Grand Admiral Thrawn. This here is Captain Palleon", indicating
the older man to his right. "Nightflyer, you will be working
closely with me. We have much to discuss and I would like to begin
immediately. The rest of you will be shown to your quarters and
there you assignments will be waiting. Good luck to you all".
With that, the Grand Admiral left
the hanger bay with Palleon and Nightflyer. The rest of Team IV
were shown to their respective quarters. Unlike on their own ships,
they had to share their quarters with another pilot. In each case,
this would be their wingman. Each ranger was greeted by their wingman
and with that they had entered into their mission.
Over the next week, the rangers were
subjected to numerous tests and drills for their squads. Being all
newbies, the veterans of the Chimera initiated each new pilot into
their ranks. For all of them, flying Tie Interceptors wasn't exactly
their idea of fun either. Each of them were used to top of the line
fighters, not outdated ones. Halcyon even used a fighter not found
anywhere else in the galaxy, but each of them had to relearn how
to fly.
Numerous practice missions were flown
over the week. Skates squadron's primary mission was reconnaissance,
so he had practice in inspecting enemy ships while trying to stay
away from dozens of turbolasers. Keiran's and Plif's squadron were
both escort squadrons. They practiced protecting all manner of craft,
failing on many occasions. Most of them time they escorted and protected
the Tie Bombers on their attack runs. As for Phoenix, his squadron
was a superiority squadron. His was a simple mission, destroy all
enemy fighter. Though used to a Missile Boat, killing the enemy
wasn't too different and he revelled in it. As for Halcyon, his
squad was tasked for solo missions. His squadron was the only one
with hyperdrives, and they practiced hit and run attacks on enemy
outposts. These missions were similar to those used by the Rebels
a few years ago. This was one of Thrawn's many new innovations to
the way the Empire fought.
After a week of intense flying, all
pilots were completely exhausted. On the completion of a Wing-wide
practice mission, all pilots went back to their quarters to sleep,
but on their monitors was a message waiting for them.
To my quarters at 2200. Be careful
that you are not seen coming. Out.
Currently it was 2130. They all had
half an hour to get washed up and get to Nightflyer's quarters.
It was 2155 when Nightflyer's first guest arrived.
"Ah, Plif. Good, even early.
You the first so have a seat while we wait".
"Yeah, yeah", grumbled Plif
under his breath, "can't even get a friggin' nap in this place".
"What was that Plif?"
"Nothing, don't worry about it".
Plif sat down on the couch. Within
the next few minutes, the rest of Team IV arrived. Halcyon was the
last one to arrive. Each member took their seats, all looking worn
out and completely exhausted.
"Thank you guys for coming on
such short notice. I promise not to call meetings without more notice".
"Also, can you try not to schedule
another meeting right after we go through such a huge exercise?"
"Alright Halcyon, but I didn't
have much choice. Thrawn has also been keeping me quite busy. Ok,
onto your reports. The faster we go through this, the faster you
can all get some rest".
Skate went first, "Nothing to
report. My squad are a great bunch of guys. I would fly with these
guys any day. I'm actually having fun here. Its not bad".
Next was Keiran, "Nothing to
report here either. Everything is great. I haven't flown like this
in awhile and am having fun at it. All the guys are great. They
all seem to believe in this Thrawn. They have all heard rumours
of his accomplishments, and this seems enough to get them by. No
complaints here".
All other reports were on the same
wavelength, except for Halcyon's, "Nothing major to report
here either, but most of the members in my squad to seem to be over
xenophobic. They respect and acknowledge Thrawn's leadership, but
it doesn't stop them from giving him numerous nicknames. It doesn't
affect their performance, but it is a little disconcerting".
"Ok then, thank you all for your
reports. Halcyon, just keep an eye on things and report in with
any problems. You can all go now. Get some rest".
They al got up, and left Nightflyer's
quarters, each going to their quarters for some much needed rest.
For the next two weeks, they all went through the same routine as
the first week. No real battles, just endless training, though some
of the later training missions were a little odd. Finally, after
all this training, one of those squadrons now had the chance to
show their stuff. The lucky on was Halcyon, since this mission required
a solo squadron.
"Ok wimps, I have a real mission
for you. It seems Thrawn has taken notice of how well we're kicking
the crap out of all the other squadrons so he has given us a mission.
There is a small pirate presence around the planet called Myrkyr.
Thrawn doesn't want to show what he's capable yet so he only needs
on squad for this mission. We are to hyperspace in, take out the
pirates and get out. At most, there should only be a squadron of
old fighters and maybe one or two corvettes. That is the worst-case
scenario. We leave at 0800 hours. Dismissed".
The pilots of Alpha squadron all departed
from the briefing room, glad to finally have something to do. The
time came up quickly and all Tie Interceptors were primed and ready.
The green light was given and all 12 fighter shoot out of the hanger
bay, hitting hyperspace. A few hours later, the fighter dropped
out of hyperspace, and into hell.
"We have a squad of T's, Z's
and Y's coming in. A dreadnaught and 2 corvettes are on the fringe
but turning to join. We have a serious screw-up here!"
"That stupid alien was wrong.
Ok Alpha, break up and attack. We may be screwed, but we're taking
them down with us".
Alpha squadron broke off and engaged
the enemy. Although being outnumbered 3-1, these weren't the greatest
pilots they were facing. All Alpha pilots were holding there own,
but just as half the pirate fighters were gone, the cap ships decided
to join in. Even so, Alpha flight kept on fighting. Halcyon was
used to these throw-everything-they-have-at-you missions, but even
so, his fighter was getting roughed up.
"Leader, I have a problem. I
can't shake him….ahhhhhhh…." Two more pilots were
lost until the retreat was given. The remaining 9 interceptors jumped
back into hyperspace, making a beeline for the Chimera. The pirate
fleet went back to lick their wounds. Only 6 T-Wings remained, while
on of the Corvettes had lost all main power and half its backups.
The beat-up Interceptors limped into
the hanger bay. Alpha's commander and most of the pilots jumped
out of their cockpits in disgust and headed straight for the cantina.
Halcyon managed to get out of his and followed the rest of his squad.
He arrived at the cantina to find most of the squad already there,
sitting at the back and arguing between themselves. Halcyon overheard
"stupid alien", and "get what's his", but as
he got closer, the conversation stopped.
Halcyon sat down and decided to say
something, "What are we going to do now? We're down 3 pilots
and the Chimera should be going into battle soon".
"There are other pilots around
Halcyon, we'll be up and running soon. We should all get some rest.
All of you get out of here and sleep".
All of Alpha squad walked out of the
cantina and went to their quarters. At the debriefing, Thrawn personally
apologized for the error, "I am sorry for your loss. My intelligence
was wrong and they have been punished. You all performed above and
beyond the call of duty and shall be rewarded. Dismissed".
Even with this apology, it didn't
seem to please most of the members, and this stayed until the next
mission briefing, this time by Nightflyer.
"All of you listen up. The Chimera
will be rendezvousing with the SSSD Sovereign of the Emperor's Hammer.
Grand Admiral Thrawn will be taking a shuttle and board the Sovereign.
Our entire wing, and one wing from the Sovereign will be escorts
for this meeting. Get to your fighters; we will be coming out of
hyperspace very soon. Dismissed.
As all the pilots got up to leave,
Halcyon called over the embers of Team IV. "We don't have much
time and don't question me, but I'm worried about my squad. Change
all of your transponders to show my squad, except for me, as enemies.
I may be paranoid, but just in case. Now lets go before we're late".
Though this confused the others, they
all went and boarded their fighter. A few minutes later, the Chimera
came out of hyperspace in front of the Sovereign. "Fighters,
you are clear to go. Alpha squad, the Grand Admiral has asked you
to be his personal escorts. Good luck, this is all routine".
Chimera's fighters poured out of the
hanger bay with the Grand Admiral's shuttle right behind. Alpha
flight formed up around the shuttle providing a honour guard for
the GA. On the other side, a wing from the Sovereign also came out
of the hanger bay to join the other fighters. Halcyon looked through
his transponder to see which wing this was. To his surprise, this
was his old wing, Wing IV. Nothing better than having some old friends
involved.
Just as the shuttle veered to head
towards the Sovereign, the shit hit the proverbial fan.
"Alpha squad, break off and attack".
Halcyon's flight turned and made a dive towards him while all the
other fighters turned to fire on the shuttle.
"Damn, damn, damn! Team IV, you
know what to do. Take out those fighters taking on the shuttle.
I'll take care of myself". Four Interceptors broke off and
headed straight for Alpha squad. The shuttle had lost most of its
shield, and was bleeding from its side before the fighters showed
up.
"Ricardo, this is Halcyon. 3
fighters are chasing me here and the shuttle is being attacked.
Can I get some help here?" With that, wing IV joined in on
the action. The rest of the Chimera's fighters were still in shock
and confusion. They didn't know which way to turn, but with the
help of Wing IV, the shuttle was saved…but barely. Some of
Alpha squad was disable, but most were blown out of the sky. Halcyon's
fighter was on its last breath before it all ended.
Team IV, came Grand Admiral Ronin's
voice over the intercom, welcome home. You've done your job now
come home.
The 5 fighters formed up and followed
Wing IV to the Sovereign while the rest of the Chimera was still
in complete shock. Just another day…
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