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(3.1) New Horizons
New Horizons
CSA Dreadnought Lippous
System: Fedeeraan, CSA Anchorage
Chairman Jacen Quee smiled as he looked over the latest reports. Two years ago, everyone said that this mess on Baklid 6 wouldn't yield the profit that he was suggesting. They all laughed at his plan and suggested that he was mad for even thinking it could work. However now he was the one laughing. Not only did he make the profit margins he suggested, he has made record profits over the past year. Once the Republic got directly involved, everyone swore that his profits would be over. Yet he was able to find just the right group of corrupt republic army officers that would ensure that his profits would continue and even grown. Now there are over a dozen proposals via the CSA to enter in to profit sharing mergers directly linked to Baklid 6.
He got up from his bed slowly as he read over all of the different proposals. He was looking for just the right one to sign. His plain had run its course and now it was time to sell out before the crash came. The reports back from the Republic had indicated that a large fleet of Republic warships were speeding their way for Baklid 6. He had paid a very high price for this intelligence and it was worth every credit. He found out that the fleet was most likely a Republic Marine Fleet. He was able to recall all of his ships operating in the area back to his anchorage, here above Fedeeraan. A very brave businessman he was, but he knew better then to cross battle lines with a Marine fleet. So now that they are involved, he was going to sell his shares in the operation and let someone else deal with them.
He walked over to his desk as he found just the proposal he wanted. He hit the comlink on his desk, “Please get me Chairman Glie Jab” he said in to the comlink then walked over to his bar. He picked up a large bottle of ale and opened it. He started to pour the liquid out but was forced to stop when the lights went out. His ship rocked violently as sirens started to sound. He was tossed to the deck as the ship rocked again. Still holding the bottle, he climbed back to his feet and rushed out his room in to the corridor. There along a large beautiful window that gave a breath taking view of the top side of his massive Dreadnought, he saw two much larger ships on each side of his ship moving up the length of his own ship. He dropped the bottle as it crashed to the deck.
The markings on the ships were not Republic! His mouth hung open as he saw the large black dragons on the dorsal wings of each of the ships. He could see the other markings that clearly indicated that they were Azgardian. Through the space he saw more ships leaping out of hyperspace right on top of his own fleet. The two ships flanking his own ship were firing at near point blank ranges in to his ship. He watched as large explosions filled the space around his ship. He knew his own fleet was getting annihilated. His own ship rocked violently as the midsection of his ships irrupted in to flames. He knew it could only be the landing bays that had been caught with their thick blast doors open. He was in disbelief over what he was seeing.
There was a loud cracking noise behind him. He spun in time to see the lift doors glowing in a large wed shape. Within moments the doors exploded outward towards him. The force lifted him off his feet and blow him back. He was surprised that the blast window didn't stop him. Till he realized it was blown out as well. He floated away from his ship as he watched his skin turn to a dark brown while it froze in milliseconds. His blood boiled at the lack of pressure but then rapid freezing ended its boiling state. His frozen eyes focused on the ship that had made him so much credit over the past two years. His life had ended before he ever understanding how, or why these events had happened.
What Chairman Quee never knew, was that back on Azgard, a contest had been waged with deadly outcomes and the ripples would now cost him, his own life. Once the Azgardian 3rd Fleet completed its Honor Guard duties in returning their dead home from the Core Worlds. Every Warrior House on Azgard competed in battles that most of the times ended in someone's death for the Blood Rite to hunt down the traitors of Coruscant. In the end of the two days of combat, the victors were named by the Temple Priests. It had to be the Azgardian 3rd Fleet controlled by the powerful Heartman House that would be named winners. It was their family who had been dishonored and had suffered the most losses in the attacks. For them, this was a matter of pride and personal Blood Oaths. Now those ripples are being felt in the fringes of CSA Space.
Once the 3rd Fleet left Azgard, their flagship along with a small group of support ships slowed their speeds to give the advanced fleets time to get ahead of the main fleet. As the three fleets separated, the smaller main fleet started to send messages back home. Each warrior was tasked with sending two messages a day. Everyone knew that the messages could not be decrypted, but the volume of the messages would show that the fleet was still together. The larger advanced fleets changed course and made best speed for the CSA space. There they would cross swords with the CSA.
The CSA fleet over Fedeeraan was not a easy ripe target. The ships of the 3rd Fleet were out numbered nearly five to one. Also CSA ships held the advantage with cutting edge technology in weapons and shields. Their crews were well trained and had high moral. However, they were not trained warriors like the Azgardians were. They didn't live for war nor did they desire a death in war. This was not a career for the Azgardians, they were raised and breed to be warriors. Nor did the CSA have blood lust for the their enemies like the Azgardians did. So while they were out numbered and out matched, a CSA victory was no where nearly assured.
With their shield at full power and their battle stations manned, the Azgardian Fleet dropped out of hyperspace right on top of the unsuspecting CSA ships. Almost all of the CSA ships never got a chance to energize their shields before being blasted in to burning hulks. The Azgardian gunners were able to land five times more critical hits over their CSA counter parts. Even as some ships were able to return fire, their gun crews were blasted with pin point counter fire. Generally, most of the CSA larger ships were ripped to shreds under the massive combined direct fire as the Azgard ships concentrated fire for maximum affect.
Even before a call for help was able to be issues from the ships in space the battle was over. While the smaller, faster Azgardian ships mopped up what CSA ships were trying to limp away from the slaughter, the larger ships turned their powerful guns on the planet below and opened fire on key military positions and ships on the ground. It was a picture prefect operation for the Azgardians, and if anyone knew anything of their culture and history. They would have known that this was not a new tactic for them. However, most only believe what they wanted to believe. So when word spread throughout the planet as to who was attacking, fear spread as fast as the blaster fire rained down.
Planetary leaders issued a surrender in hopes of warding off a massacre. The battle was over even before the Azgardians started to land their small number of troops on the planet. But this was not the only battle taking place in CSA space. The reason why the ships from the 3rd fleet were so badly out numbered was because, the second part of the advanced fleet had broken off. They headed for the CSA Anchorage above Zocayn IV. The scene there was much the same. The CSA ships there were also caught completely by surprise and were blasted from the space above. Zocayn IV surrendered just as Fedeeraan had.
These two worlds were the only two worlds that could directly support any CSA operation in the region of Baklid 6. This meant that now Baklid 6 was cut off from direct support and reinforcements. With both worlds in the hands of the Azgardians, there was also a massive hole in the CSA lines that now left them open to full scale invasion. The life blood of the CSA was the Hydian Way trade route and it too was now in threat of being cut. These two attacks had forced the CSA to make a hard choice, Baklid 6 or their own core worlds.
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Nearly twenty four hours later
System: Baklid 6
The planet of Baklid 6 is a beautiful world from space. Its thick lush green northern and southern regions gives its thick brownish desert belt balance. A pair of large oceans and inland seas gives it more color and more diverse appeal. Its rich bluish yellow sky gives the white clouds a rainbow of colors as it reflects the light from the sun. From orbit, Baklid 6 hides the horrors of a planet in the mists of a civil war. Death and combat had become a daily norm for the people of this world and many have resigned to accepting it. However a new shadow has started to spread over the world.
With much of the same design as the Republic's Assault Class Carriers, yet almost double in size and mass. A pair of massive warships exited hyperspace with a few smaller escorts in close proximity. The lead ship, known as 'Thor's Chariot', and her sister ship are the pride and joy of the Azgard fleets. It is unusual that they would travel without their large escort fleet. However as history and the reporters will tell in a matter of hours, they were needed somewhere else. Now their shadows are cast long across the planet like two great fingers gripping the world. The markings of large black dragons on each side of the ships told all who saw them, that this was the Azgard 3rd Battle Fleet. Also known as the Black Dragons, and on board were the elite Dragoon Forces.
A pair of Republic shuttles broke orbit and made their approaches to Thor's Chariot. The two shuttles cleared the smaller picket ships along side of the massive ships, the true size of these two warships was still unbelievable. These two ships leave Azgard space only for two reasons. To escort the body of a late Chancellor to its finally resting place or in time of Galactic War. Sadly, last week they were called for service for both tasks. The pair of shuttles slowed their approaches as they were taken under tractor beam and directed to separate landing bays.
Deep within one of the landing bays of Thor's Chariot a group of Republic Army Officers have been gathered. General Raith Arranda has never been accustom to waiting to be seen in such a manner. Once their shuttle landed he had expected that the Commander of the Azgardian fleet would have greeted him at once as a show of respect. The seasoned general looked around at the massive bay filled with empty fighter racks. He made a mental note to ask the Commander where his fighters were. He turned and looked to his son, Colonel Fynn Arranda, who was talking on his holo comlink. He smiled as he watched his son. Placing him in charge of counter intelligence was a wise move. He had so many contacts on the world already and was doing a very good job at locating smugglers. Then his gazed turned to the fifty or so guards that did greet them in the bay.
Not one of them talked to them other than to say, “The Warlord will be here shortly.” Each of them looked fearsome in their black dragon like armor and hidden faces. Not one of them moved even a bit while they had been waiting for nearly an hour. 'This is getting ridiculous' he thought as he turned to the closest guard and stormed up to him/her/it. “NOW LISTEN HERE!” he raised his voice, “I do not have time to wait around for your Com......”
“General Arranda I take it” Warlord Raynar said cutting the General off in mid sentence while walking in to the bay. Warlord Raynar was a large man standing well over two meters tall and very well built. His face had been horrible burned and he wore those wounds with pride as he walked. He was a man that carried a great sense of presence in the way he moved and talked. His voice echoed as it boomed across the bay. He was dressed in the traditional red and black colors of the Azgardian Warlords. His red cape flew out behind him as he walked forward and exposed the medium spiked body armor he wore under it. In his left hand he carried a large double sided warhammer.
Only a few in the room would have guessed that the Warlord was General Arrands senior by nearly fifteen years. But no would have thought it by his built and appearance. Behind the Warlord followed two younger warriors dressed in similar black armor as the guards but their helmets were removed. Each of them carried swords over their backs and rifles in their hands. A young woman with white hair dressed in red robes with no visible weapons on her followed behind them. It was clear to those that knew the Azgardian culture, that she was clearly a Priestess.
The General smiled as he nodded, “Yes I am” he said as he turned to greet the Warlord. “I take it you are Warlord Raynar” he questioned. 'Its damn well about time, you arrogant bastard' the General thought as he walked over to take the Warlord's out stretched hand, “You have a mighty proud ship, Sir.”
Just as the General thought they were going to shake hands, the Warlord drove his fist deep in to the gut of the General causing him to double over. He fell to his knees holding his gut trying to reclaim the breath that had been taken from him. As the General was falling, the Warlord tossed up the warhammer and caught it with his right hand. With his now freed left hand, he let loss a powerful punch as he too fell to a knee next to the general. The blow landed on the right side of the General's face sending him sprawling to the deck as blood splattered about.
Everyone was caught by surprise from the unprovoked attacks, but all of the General's men failed to act. Each of them moved to help their besieged leader. However the two warriors that followed the Warlord drew up their rifles and ended any hope of rendering aide to the General. Not one of them were prepared to enter in to a blaster exchange with two warriors. Each of the Army Officers raised their hands showing their willingness to back off. They did form a circle around the Warlord, the General and those three about them. Behind the Army Officers the Azgardian guards formed their circle locking them to this one location. The Warlord smiled as he noted what had taken place then turned back to the General who was picking up a tooth.
“The same General Arranda who wrote, 'She is like an animal that is more fitting of a leash then a Republic uniform.'” the Warlord quoted the General's words from a report written months ago. “That was what you said about one of our finest warriors General and my GOD DAUGHTER!” he added slowly standing up while still looking down at the General who didn't even bother to look back at him. Both men knew what the report was from and knew that what was being said was true. The Warlord drew back his foot and drove it in to the General's side. “Your words was a slap in the face to my family and a spit at our traditions.”
The Warlord turned from the General as he coughed up more blood. “Let make one thing clear, being here, cleaning this mess up is not an honor for my warriors” The Warlord yelled out at the rest of them. “We are here only because of a man who holds more respect with us then any of you do asked us to be here” he declared as he started to walk around the center of the group. He stopped at one of the officers and looked at him, “Each of you have failed your men and your mission. Not one of you are worthy of any respect, but one of you IS deserving of death!” he pointed out then started to walk back to the center while his two companions in the center moved the General from where he was laying. The Warlord looked at the young woman and nodded.
She smiled and nodded back at him. Then with a single motion of her hand and arm she leveled it at the General's son. “Its him, Fynn Arranda” she proclaimed.
Fynn almost laughed, “What is this” he questioned then added, “You call us up here to bully us then pick one of us to execute. What kind of game is this!”
The Warlord still held his gaze at the woman, “Are you sure” he asked.
She nodded, “I am.”
The Warlord turned to face Fynn, “Let introduce you to another member of my family, This is Shalla Heartman” he said moving to the side so Fynnn could get a sound look at her. “Yesterday, our forces seized the worlds of Fedeeraan and Zocayn IV. We were able to capture a number of civilian ship captains that were able to inform us as to how they were able to sneak past your blockades.”
Fynn looked shocked, “Thats impossible, those worlds belong to the CSA. The Republic wouldn't dare wage war with the CSA!” Fynn declared but then thought about it and then added, “Even if that is true, what is the word of a few captured mercenary captains. They would say anything to save their own necks” he said with a renewed confidence.
The Warlord hated games like this with other races. They knew they were guilty but still hoped that they would get off with some ray doubt. “This is true, that is why we always remove doubt” he said turning to the young woman and nodded.
The brought her right hand up to her left shoulder and pressed a small device from under her robe. Her body shimmered and then changed in to another species. “Fynn” she said in a different voice, “Do you remember me now” She asked. She could see in his eyes that he knew he was caught. On that she backed away from the Warlord as she turned off the device. She had done her part that was asked of her.
Fynn turned to flee back to their shuttle. He had not planned for this but he figured that he could escape the ship and work out the rest from there. He tried to force his way past the guard who grabbed him each by an arm and spun him about and tossed him back in to the center of the circle. Just as he was vaulted towards the center, the Warlord was already moving towards him at a run. The two met midway as the Warlord drove his large warhammer deep in to Fynns ribs. Unlike the General, Fynn's guilt had already been decided long before they left Coruscant by a secret hearing. Fynn's mouth exploded with blood under the impact.
Fynn's knees crumbled under the attack as the Warlord spun around him. The Warlord's cap fluttered as he spun behind Fynn lining up the next attack. He brought that large warhammer up with both hands and drove it down on Fynn's back. It landed right at the base of his next snapping his neck while crushing every bone in his spine. The shock waves of the blow rippled through his body ensuring death before the body landed on the deck. Warlord Raynar looked down at Fynn's body in disgusts. He slowly brought himself upright from the short combat as he faced the other now horrified officers. “We have a list of over a thousand names. IF they come forward now, they can return to the Republic and stand trail for what they have done. However, IF we have to go looking for them, they can expect no less then what has happened here.” He declared then looked to one of his Warriors, “Space this garbage” he commanded. Two warriors moved forward to carry out the order.
The General tried to move to his son's body but was held back, “My son...” he could barely get out.
Raynar walked over to the General and knelled next to him, “My God Daughter was not a traitor to her people. I wonder what words you would write about that garbage over there” he said motioning with his warhammer. “Go back to your commands” he said standing back up and faced the other officers. “Tell them all what you saw here. I have a order from the Republic Senate and the Chancellor himself to bring peace to this world at all costs! Go tell them that in twenty four hours, we will start our take over of your operations. The 9th Army will be returning to the Core Worlds in disgrace. A few units will be asked to remain with us to complete our mission here. But the rest of you will carry your disgrace back with you” he said to them. “NOW GET OFF MY SHIP” he yelled.
Raynar watched a pair of the Army Officers gather up their General and followed the rest of them back to their shuttle. Within moments the shuttle lifted off the deck and hovered out of the large bay. He didn't trust any of them. Had they not so horrible failed their missions he and his own men would not be here today. Had they not turned a blind eye to the traitor Fynn, then the bombs used over Coruscant would have never found their way on board the Defiance. Each one of them held their own responsibility for the reason why the Republic was at war right now. Now his own men were going to die to clean up this mess. He shock his head, “Cowards and traitors, the whole lot of them are” he said with disgust in his native language as the last view of the shuttle passed. He turned to one of his men and gave a nod saying, “bring them in.”
Raynar walked over to a wash station and washed the blood from his hands. He didn't need to look at the group of soldiers walking in. He knew all to well who they were and had sent for them personally. He turned to see a pair of humans, a twi'lek, a Kerestian, a Feeorin, and a Wookiee being led in to the bay. Each of them wore the uniform of the Republic Army. He nodded and smiled, for he knew that for them to even be here at this moment that their loyalties were assured. He had spent the past fifteen hours going over reports and profiles and came down with these six names. He knew he had the ones he needed. The only question remained was would they be willing to cross the line he would ask of them.
“Brothers and sister” he said making sure to look at the twi'lek then continued. “Each of you had bleed for an Azgardian Warrior during the past year. Each of you had served as a honored warrior to some of our greatest heroes” he said as he walked up to them while passing his warhammer to one of his men. The tone of this meeting had changed greatly than the one that had just been held. These men and woman were noble warriors and their blood had been proven months ago. “Captain Bron Pryde” he said walking by the Feeorin who looked down in sorrow. “Captain Gara Heartman” he said walking past the humans who also showed a sense of connection to the loss on their faces. “Lieutenant....Captain Foilla Heartman” he said correcting himself as he stopped at the Wookiee. The Wookiee made a sorrow filled sound Raynar nodded, “I understand my friend” he said to the Wookiee then turned to the rest of them, “These, other great Azgardian warriors and a larger number of civilians were murdered by the worst kind of murderers. They were cut down by a band of traitors.”
He paused then moved back so he could speak to all of them, “Jedi Murderer Daz Murl and his traitorous ally, Angelique Heartman” he paused as he looked around, “Yes that is correct, MY OWN BLOOD” he raised his voice in anger, “played a part in these murders” he said then stopped. He took in a deep breath to clear his anger over the fact that one of his own godchildren had been involved and responsible for the murders. “The Jedi Order has gathered support in the Senate during the past few hours and motioned that these murderers be brought to a Jedi justice” a sense of sadness could be seen over his face as he continued, “I have been forced by supporters to give my word that no Azgardian Warrior will pursue these vile murderers or their allies while these issues are figured out.”
Taking a moment for the words to sink in, he walked up and down the line, “That is where I, no we, All Azgard needs you. Our hands have been tied within honor and duty. But you my friends are free from my word.” he said waving his hand to show the impact of their help and how everyone was looking to them. “Our heroes came to this world and bled for each of you. Some had come in your darkest hours of need and brought you back from the brink. Together all of you had bled with our warriors and have been found to be trusted” he commented on how the 501st has arrived to help the 9th Army during a time of great need.
“I am now asking each of you to leave behind your duties to the Army and join our cause” he explained while motioning to a table that was being laid out with weapons and armor. “I can only ask this of each of you will not...” he started to say but it was the Wookiee who acted first by removing his uniform and walked over to the table and stood. Next was the Feeorin and Kerestian to remove their uniforms and head of the table. The Freeorin picked up a nasty looking Gatling type blaster repeater. The humans and twi'lek were last to walk over to the table.
Raynar smiled and nodded, “Right, this is my god daughter, Shalla Heartman” he said motioning over to her, “She will be going with you on your noble crusade” he paused as he noticed each of them looked surprised.
It was the Wookiee who spoke up and the twi'lek translated, “You said no Azgard Warrior could take up this hunt.”
Raynar nor Shalla needed the translation but Raynar spoke up, “You are right, not one Warrior will go with you. Shalla, is a Temple Priestess.”
“I am not govern by the words of the Warrior Caste. So I am free to do as I wish.” Shalla said softly then stepped forward, “I choose to help each of you find the right path that will bring each of you honor.”
No one seemed bothered with Shalla joining them on the mission, but it was the Freeorin who raised the next question, “What are we to do when we do find them. Kill them?”
“No” Shalla interjected sharply, “The people of Azgard demand that a trial be held and that only the guilty be tossed in to the pyres. Killing the two would not bring this mission honor. They must be brought back alive to answer for what they have done.”
One of the humans spoke up next, “I have no problems hunting them down. I met this Daz before. He always seemed a bit off to me. Where do you want us to look for them?”
Raynar smiled as he was able to give them the last surprise. He waved and two large warriors walked. On four long chains were four half dog half something beasts. Their eyes were silver and their coats looked like a mix between fur and some sort of small plating. Two walked on their hind legs well the other two walked on all fours. As they all moved forward they would change between walking on all fours and only their hind legs. They growled loudly as they moved towards the group. The sounds and sight of them even caused the Freeorin reason to pause with concern.
“What the hell is that” half questioned and half exclaimed one of the humans.
Shalla walked up the the creatures and smiled at them, “These are pets” she said rubbing one and kissing another on the head. The one she kisses made a sound that everyone could have sworn sounded like spoken words.
“They are intelligent” questioned the Twi'lek.
Shalla looked back, “No, just simi-intelligent. More like sightly above normal animals. But they are completely immune to force powers and coded with the best senses in the galaxy” she explained then added, “If they are on the planet we will find them. All we need do is get to the world they are hiding on.”
Raynar added, “One of my picket ships picked up a smuggler a few hours ago. In exchange for his life, he told us that he dropped Daz, Angelique Heartman and four others off on Baklid 6.” Raynar passed out datapads with more information on it. “Which is where your hunt will begin. So let me allow you now to get started. Find them and bring them to us alive” he commanded then gave them all a salute.
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