Prelude to War (Book 6)

[Akirapryde]

(6.10) Transitions

Training Day
Reich Panzergruppe III
Asteroid Belt,
Core World system of Collun
December 21, 1936

The system of Collun is note worthy because of two major factors. One is its bustling economy with ship building and mining. Second is because it sits at the cross roads of the Military Civilian Route 3 and Military Civilian Route 7. From either of these routes, Panzergruppe III could easily reach either the Free Worlds Council or the Poni boarders within thirty six hours. It was by no accident that the fleet has been staged here. Collun was not the headquarters for the group, however Field Marshal Kessler has made it so for the time being. During their stay here, he has had his group training across the system. Deep within the outer belt of the system, one of the fighter wings belonging to the group were conducting their own training operations. Just about every major power has their own version of the Skull Squadran. The Reich's 101st Combat Fighter Wing, is the Reich's version of the Republic's Elite Skull Squadran. For these fliers, training only comes at its best when pushed to their very limits. And for them, nothing tests the nerves and skill like combat training deep in an asteroid belt.

Asteroid belts offered a number of dangers and challenges on so many different levels. Many units across the galaxy uses them for their elites units to train in. It is still so dangerous that even the most experienced officer cringes at the thought of this kind of training. General Mushly of the Free Worlds Council said, “one must truly be mad to train in such a fashion. This explains why they are so good at it.” He was speaking of the Elite 1st Air Group of the Free Worlds Council. This asteroid belt is no different nor less dangerous than any other one. With slowly drifting and turning asteroids moving in so many different directions. It is a massive maze for one to work through. It was once said that, to navigate a asteroid belt was a million to one shot. It was only correct in concept, not in actual odds. Elite pilots have been flying asteroid belts since before the fall of the Republic. And today is no different as a lone fighter makes its way between two medium sized asteroids. Unlike other belts, this one did offer something a bit extra. Hidden within it are ten drone fighters, and twenty three of the best fighter pilots the Reich has to offer. The drones are the bait, while the fighters are on the hunt for this one lone fighter.

That fighter was being piloted by the newest member to the 101st, Lieutenant Natalie Paqurn. She came to the unit straight from the Academy, a advancement that many attributed to her family's influence rather than her skill as a pilot. Only the very best are invited to try out for the elite unit. It was her skill within the Academy that had drawn the attention of the unit commander. When her assignment to the Panzergruppe III was posted, he made it clear to Field Marshal Kessler, that she would serve with the 101st. That is, if she could pass the tests to remain with the unit. Lt Paqurn pulled back on the throttle to allow her fighter to drift behind a larger asteroid. The mission was simple, kill five of the ten drones hidden within the belt while avoiding being killed by her fellow wing comrades. “This is madness.” she spoke in to her radio as she nearly avoided a smaller asteroid that flew past her fighter. “There are too many asteroids for this training. Why would anyone want to fight let alone train here.” The tone of her voice reflected her frustration. While she had been slightly successful, over all it had been three hours of nothing short of frustrating for her. Each time she felt that she was close to a drone, she realized that she was wrong or that she had to call off her attack due to the asteroids.

Back at the academy, she was the top of her class. Now out here she was having to prove herself all over again. Though that was not so bad and she expected it. In fact she welcomed it. She had heard the rumors and wanted to put them to rest once and for all. What she didn't expect was how hard they trained or in such a different way. She had only managed to find two of the drones and killed them. One had gotten itself blown up leaving her with a hunt for seven. The rest of her wing had vanished on her which bothered her even more. She knew they would try to stop her at all costs but this tactic was confusing. They were out there somewhere stalking her. Waiting for her to make a mistake. Then there were those damn asteroids. She almost crashed twice already and that was even before she get deep in to them. Now they were literally everywhere and coming from all directions.

“When we fly in to combat, we do not choose when or where.” Explained her Flight Commander, Commander Bessly. “We train in the harshest of environments to ensure that we keep our edge over the other units. Here you are focused on tracking everything around you. In a normal fighter on fighter battle, the same rules will apply.”

“Plus out here, you academy record and family influence means nothing. Prove yourself or fail out of the wing like all the rest have” stated Lt Scurgburg. He had shown his dislike for her family's noble background the day she arrived to the Fighter Wing. His family was of humble backgrounds and made the claim that under other circumstances, that he would have served her. Now they were equals rather she liked it or not. Yes, it was clear that he didn't like her and she didn't have a problem proving to him, her right to be here. “Don't worry little kitten, we will make sure you get plenty of milk once I smoke you out here.”

The use of her nickname was meant to drag an emotional response from her. Lt. Paqurn really had no opinion on the nickname that the wing had selected for her. They called her Kitten, because of her young age and that she, as they put it, came fresh from the box. So to earn their respect she had to prove her self to them. So far, she had proven her skills in ever test the Wing Commander thrown at her. This one, was just the next in a long line of test to prove she had to stuff to be called a Skull Pilot. She pulled back more on the thruster controls and let her fighter drift while she searched the area for her targets. It is a common misunderstanding about powered space flight. She didn't have to waste her fuel on steady burns to remain in motion. The lack of drag and gravity meant that her fighter would not slow in its momentum. She slowly drifted her fighter around the asteroid and her next drone came in to view. Most would have a emotional reaction to the situation, she didn't. she knew that her fellow wingmen were out there stalking her pray. She could feel them out there as she reached out with the Force. They were waiting to ambush her. She pulled back on the controls and drifted back behind an out cropping of the asteroid. As her craft got closer to the surface, she realized that it was covered in a thick layer of dust. A plan formed in her mind as she plotted out her next move. She would have her kill and if the Force was with her, she would have some of her wing mates.

She knew that ever member of her wing had a deep connected to the Force. It was actually a requirement to join the ranks of this Air Unit within the Navy Air Command. The unit was called M&M Squared. The name meant, Man and Machine Paired. The 101st was just one wing of the larger air group unit. The program melded the best the Reich Science Corps had to offer with pure skill of the pilots. From everything the Reich Intelligence reported back, not one unit, even on the smallest of scales existed outside of the Reich. This was attributed to the strong influence the Church has outside of the Reich. Beyond just having that strong connection to the Force, each pilot had to under go surgery to be fitted with their Direct Neural Implants. The DNI allows the pilot to better control the craft through brainwaves. Being part of the M&M Squared unit was one of the most intensive training experiences that any officer can endure. One the surface, the challenge is what drove Lt Paqurn to join this elite group of pilots. However, a warning was put out and she was given the task of gaining all the information that should could regarding the unit. For her secret mission to be successful, she had to prove her worth on the stick. Her whole life had been molded to this point, the Force led her here, and now she was going to complete her mission. For the moment, she did have one disadvantage to her wing mates. they had actual real world experience and many hundreds more training hours then she did. In her, they saw as a fresh cadet straight from the academy waiting to make mistakes. She had to turn this to her advantage if she was going to score another kill on the drones.

They would expect her to use her fighter's speed to rush in, make the kill and then rely on her piloting to get her out of it. It was a sound expectation of her possible plans. She figured that it was just as sound to give them just what they expecting. She turned the craft to the side as she lowered it towards the asteroid as she pushed up the speed. Unlike other fighter's across the galaxy, who's cockpits have over a hundred different controls, knobs, switches and read outs. Her cockpit only has thirty four items that she had to interact with. Many of them were contained in her heads up display. Learning to fly the Dayton's Grinder Fighter was a journey in to learning ones own limits. The Grinder was the fighter designed for the M&M Squared program. The Fighter boasts the most advanced technology that the Reich has to offer. They even have been fitted to receive the energy cell power plant once it is ready. They were fast, and well equipped for their space superiority mission. The technology that went in to the Grinder gave the pilots of the M&M Squared program an edge over their other rivals. While other pilots were forced to monitor different read outs and press different buttons, she could feel the feedback from the craft through her DNI connection. As she increased speed, she twitched her left foot and could feel the craft responding to the command. Her mind commanded the wings to extend outward from their stored position. In space the wings offered no assistance in controlling the flight of the craft. However the retro jets that were along the front and rear of the wings would be useful in her plan.

Once the wings were fully extended she activated the rear retro jets. Combined with the main engines of the fighter the retro jets kicked up a sizable trail behind her. The dust trail grew larger as she followed the contour of the asteroid while she picked up speed. Once more her mind controlled the jets while she rolled the fighter over its left wing tip and on to its back. A hairy maneuver but nothing any second year cadet couldn't do. She knew that she would only get one pass at this, so she had to get everything right. Taking in a deep breath, she cleared her mind and focused on the task. She reached out with the Force and felt the asteroid just a few meters above her head and the drone rapidly approaching. Through the Force she could also sense the trap as well. Her mind cleared as she thought, “Bewaffnen Direkt Rakete, Drei” the human phrase for Arm Live Missile, Three. The craft responded to her thoughts and confirmed that her number three missile was armed and ready to fire. She was only given ten live missiles for today's training. It was a third of what the fighter would normally carry in to battle. Beyond that, normally in combat all of her missiles would have been armed and ready for the fire command. Today's training was set up to force her to think on the fly and pilot at the same time. A task normally not so bad till you toss in the large number of asteroids around the training.

Her plan relied on her hunters being as fast as possible. She needed them to be fast. The end of the section of astroid she was flying over was coming to an end. It was time to set her plan in to action. She gunned the afterburners causing the fighter to lunge forward as she pushed the nose of the fighter down away from the asteroid. The fighter shot upward and the Drone came in to view. “Rakete, Sperren, Entlassen” crossed her mind as her eyes locked on to the drone. The computer locked the live missile on to the drone and fired it. The missile ripped from the fighter as she already started her exit menouver. She continued to pull the fighter up along its Y axis as she tried to flip the fighter back over its own tail. The gravitational force was so intense on her body. Thankfully as her flight suit and dampeners attempted to off set the high powered move by the fighter. 'The Grinder will do what ever you ask of it. The only problem is, it WILL do what ever you ask of it.' The warning of her Flight Instructor back when she first joined the Naval Flight Academy crossed her mind now.

She heard the warning in her helmet that the trap had been sprung and enemy fighters were closing in on her. As she got the feed back that the drone had been killed, she knew that she had given them just what they were expecting. Now it was up to them to give her what she was expecting from them. She let out a half scream, half cry of pain as she rolled the fighter end over end within two full lengths of its self. Her mind focused on maintaining control of both the fighter and the high risk move that she was carrying out. She could feel her blood flow taking a beating from the spin of the fighter. But success depended on her completing the turn as she pushed past the pain of the G's she was suffering through. She let out another scream filled with pain as her mind filled with darkness from the lack of blood. Just when she thought she couldn't take the turn anymore, she saw the asteroid again. She pushed the throttle again and aimed the fighter for the dust that she kicked up. With a quick glance she saw the four fighters moving on her. Two were way out ahead and running side by side. “Bewaffnen Nachgeahmt Rakete” she thought and the on board computer activated the simulated missiles. Even if she had wanted to fire the real missiles, the safeties for this training operation would have prevented it. She watched her heads up as the two fighters close on her position. They were everything that she had expected. She ripped back the throttle so hard she thought she was going to pull it out of its socket. The fighter's forward thrusters fired as she thought, “Halten!” The fighter's speed fell off like a rock in to the water as she was pulled forward by the momentum. The two closest fighters shot past her as she pushed the stick forward forcing the tail of the fighter in to the air. Her fighter rose right up out of the dust and right behind the two fighters. “Gespalten” she thought and her cross hairs split and tracked all active targets in her heads up display.

Tone rang in her ear as she thought, “Gleich, Entlassen!” Two simulated missiles shot from her fighter at each enemy fighter. At the same time, she pulled the fighter over its wing tips and pulled back once more. She didn't follow either target as she knew both were both already dead. She had two other fighters to worry about. They were going to try and make her pay for her daring move. Her heads up reflected the two kills as she looked for her next targets. The warning in her helmet told her that they found her first. She pulled the fighter over once more to avoid the incoming simulated fire. At the same time, she retracked the wings to make the fighter a smaller target. Her cockpit lit up with simulated fire ripping past her fighter. She could see them behind her fighter as she thought about the tail gun. She tried to focus on defensive piloting while not hitting any asteroids. At the same time, controling the rear firing laser. Her aim was not even close to hitting the two fighters behind her. Another check showed the two were flying in a losser formation almost daring her to attempt her last menouver again. They had learned about under estimating her. She dove for another larger asteroid and hopes of cover. 'its going to be a long day' she thought as she continued to dodge incoming fire while zipping around a part of the asteroid.

Meditations
Departing, Hu'uf
Inner Rim, Inward Bound
Generation Ship, Narshana

It was a soft place in one of the many gardens aboard the Narshana. There was a small spring which was powered by a pump, but the illusion was what Master Visst wanted. He choose this place very carefully with many of its peaceful qualities in mind. He knew that Zer'ra needed his help more than anyone else aboard. The conflict she faced within was capable of leading to her complete destruction. Within her, he felt the horrors and evils of the woman she had become. These ran as deep as he had ever seen in any living creature. Maybe even as deep as possible. There was no doubt in his mind that she had gone over to the dark side. However, the conflict within her was growing by the day. Still no matter how dark she was, there were moments within her history that she did incredible acts of kindness for no selfish reasons at all. Searching through her past he could see the conflict just below the surface of who she was. Then at one time, she became a loving mother. It was those two lives which ignited the conflict in to a full blown war within her. Her love for her children grew as did her ability to see the pain and suffering that was being caused by her hands.

The funny thing about the Force is that had the Jedi Fortress on Flo'luwer been acted by the forces of the Dark One, Zer'ra would have been killed by one of her own minions. A fact that was not lost to Master Visst. The Force brought her here to him for a reason. Her guilt and sadness over what she had done while serving the Dark Side was clear and truthful. Atoning for her dark actions were sometimes nearly impossible for her complete at times. However her attempts were from the heart. The single largest stumbling block for her to atone is her guilt. Her guilt over what she had done, and the fact that she holds her self responsible for the deaths of her children. She informed Master Visst in one such meditation session, that she did not feel that she deserves to be atoned for what she had done. The pain in her heart was so much that at times, it forced the one time most feared woman in the galaxy, to break down and sob like a child. Master Visst learned that Zer'ra was a woman of remarkable strength who had been raised as a slave meant to be murdered. She turned the situation around to save her own life. Looking deep in to her past, he saw what she had to do survive. Unlike her late husband, he saw genuine remorse over what she had done.

Beyond Zer'ra, spending this time with her also gave him a much better understanding of what happened to the Jedi and how it ended up shattered in to three factions. He already knew about the Temple of the Inner Light and how they came in to being. It was through the guidance of Jedi Master Plo Murl, Daz's younger half sister. And more surprisingly, the return of Jedi Master Damaya Weirn. A very promising Jedi Padawan turned Sith, then reformed and returned back to the light. She finished her training and later earned the rank of Jedi Master. Master Plo and Master Weirn became the savors of the remnants of the Jedi after their Temple on Naboo was attacked through the actions of the Betrayer. Master Plo and Master Weirn led Jedi in to becoming the Temple of the Inner Light. Learning about the Sabbat was much more difficult for Master Visst. They were a splinter faction of the Jedi even before the Republic Civil War. It was the creature known as the Teacher had formed the splinter group and tasked a reformed Prince Saar to lead. Because of their separation from the Jedi, they survived the attack on Naboo. However they were driven so far underground by the relentless persecution from the Galactic Church. However thanks to the conversations with Dunfee, a wounded Sabbat who took shelter aboard the Narshana, Visst was able to learn much about them. It was no surprise to find that Biggs Saar was the protector and leader of the Sabbat during the time of the fracture. He and the Azgardian Priestess Shalla Heartman took over the faction which the Teacher had been mentoring for some time. Prince Saar had been hand picked by the Teacher to succeed him. Through Dunfee, Master Visst had built up a sound understanding of the views of the Sabbat and their goals. This was only two pieces of the factions. Even though he knew much of the public record, he still wanted to know more about the criminal group that calls themselves, Jedi.

Zer'ra had been told all the private stories of the Jedi which painted the picture of their past. He learned about the de-evolution of the Jedi Order from what he remembered them to be, to the object of horror they had become. This gave him deeper insight that the scholar in him couldn't resist learning about. The down fall of the Order came to being through acts of betrayal by two very powerful Jedi. Jedi Master Sakis, a member of the Council and beloved husband of Jedi Master Plo Murl. Master Sakis had been a loyal member of the Order during the both the Jedi Civil War and the Republic Civil War. He stood as a strong opponent against the Republic Rangers. During the Jedi Civil War many Kel Dor were leaving the Order or opting to stay on the side lines. Then, the young Padawan Sakis choose remain loyal to the Order against urgings from his family. He fought side by side with the Republic's 71st Army during many campaigns. He was a man of bravery and courage, and because of that, he was awarded a number of the Republic's highest awards. During the war, his family had been murdered by Rebel forces. The deaths impacted him deeply, and fueled his anger at the Rebel Jedi leaders for allowing the Civil War to occur in the first place.

With the end of the Jedi Civil War, the task of unifying the Jedi fell on to the shoulders of Master Visst. Sikis was demoted back down to Padawan status after failing to pass the tests. This was a clear slap in the face for him but he refocused his efforts to regain the rank of Jedi Knight. Sikis was very vocal regarding the seating of Rebel Jedi Masters on the Council. He tried to speak out against this to Master Visst, however he never had a chance to have that meeting. Like many Jedi, he openly refused the Supreme Chancellor's call for recruits to his new Republic Rangers. He claimed that the Rangers were nothing more than a unwashed version of the Jedi. He was also vocal against the demilitarization of the Jedi. He claimed that this made the Order weak against its enemies. During the lull, he trained harder and with more focus to achieve Knight once more. He spoke often of his fears regarding the gathering of enemies around the Order. It was because of these fears and his unwillingness to listen to the wisdom regarding unifying the Order that his Master continued to deny Sikis Knight status. Sikis' fears became all to real after the Battle of Hothe and the explosion of the Republic Civil War.

Despite everything, once more Sakis answered the call of the Jedi to action. His Master killed during the first attacks on the Temple, Sikis reached out to his former unit with great success and turned them against the Rangers and the Chancellor's own forces. Thanks to Sikis' actions, many younglings and Padawans were saved from the Temple. Sikis claimed the rank of Knight once more and took direct control of the 71st Republic Army, who were one of few Republic forces to aid the Jedi. Just like the Jedi Civil War before, he lead his forces with loyalty and courage that was unmatched. Victory after victory filled his ego and drove his goals. As the years of steady warfare ran on, moral on both sides started to slip. Even though the Jedi/Azgardians were winning battle after battle, the conflicts became more brutal. By the time, near the end of the war, Master Preena Tabanne was selected to lead what remained of the Jedi. It was under her orders, that the Jedi engaged one of their most brutal and costly battles in Jedi History. The battle took place on a deep Core world that didn't even show up on any star charts. The Rangers with the aid of the newly formed Galactic Church had planned a slaughter. Despite losses, Master Tabanne pushed the battle forward and finally with the help of a group of force users under Prince Saar, won the battle. It was later learned that the battle was to rescue family members and workers of the secret organization called the Crusade. The Crusade had played a key role in driving the Brush Fire Wars and the Jedi Civil War. They were bent of wiping out all Force Users. However, now they had become close allies with the Jedi.

As the Republic Civil War started to burn its self out, Sikis found it harder and harder to deal with the losses of some many personal friends. This brought back painful memories of losses suffered during the Jedi Civil War thanks to the actions of the Crusade. He felt betrayed by Master Tabanne over her choice to protect the very enemies of the Jedi who had made it their personal mission to kill as many Jedi and Force Users as possible. Not able to face front line service due to his emotional state, Master Tabanne requested that he relieve himself of command. Upon returning to the new home of the Jedi, Naboo, Sikis was given the task of over seeing the construction of their new Temple Complex. During this time, he took his own son, Rish Murl, as a Padawan Learn. Against her better judgment and at the request of Master Plo Murl, Master Tabanne allowed Rish to be trained by his father. The move seemed to help Sikis settle his emotions and refocus on his tasks. Training young Rish became a point of pride for Sikis. With the fall of Coruscant and the end of the Republic Civil War, Master Sikis was asked to join the Jedi Council. The Kel Dor who took his seat at the Council was a far cry from the one who had been so passionate before the war. Finally, Sikis had seemed to find the understanding that he was seeking. Nothing further could have been from the truth. Sikis had uncovered a group of documents called the Yagami Files. He had become obsessed with them and used them to build a secret gathering of what he called Loyalist Jedi. He brought Rish in to the group even before the child had turned fourteen. He pointed to some of the Council members as proof that the Jedi were facing its darkest hours.

He noted that Master Damaya Weirn, had murdered her entire Jedi Hunter team before turning to become a Sith. He told of how loyalest had given their lives to rescue the very people who were now plotting to destroy the Jedi from within. Explaining how Master Tabanne had given them full access to the entire Temple was unacceptable. Now she was attempting to make more allies among historical enemies. He cited his long time idol, the great Daz Murl, “We have to protect the Order. Even from threats within.” Using this as their motto, he charged his followers with watching those non-loyalist. During this time, Master Tabanne had come up with a plan to invite worlds to Naboo and talk about rebuilding the Republic. Sikis knew that this was only a cover. He had his own loyalist follow these missions and ensure that what ever their agenda was, that it would fail. The killings worried Master Tabanne, Master Murl, and Master Weirn. They attempted to get to the bottom of them, but had limited success. During this time, Rish had grown in to a strong Jedi with excellent talents. He also had a keel distrust of Master Tabanne, thanks to his own father. However, Rish was having problems passing the tests to become a Jedi Knight. It was the choice of his own Mother in direct opposition of her husband Sikis, that Rish be held back and retrained by another Master. The blow came as a powerful one to both Rish and Sikis. Not a week later, Rish's sister, Cas Murl, performed much higher than her youngling status. She received complements from the Council for her hard work and achievement.

As Master Visst already knew through visions in the Force, Master Plo gave her daughter as much love and attention as she gave to her son. The only problem was, Cas Murl had been selected to become the Padawan of Master Weirn. This was almost a year before he had been selected. It was a double blow to the young adult Rish. Along with the suggestion from the Council, came indications that Rish might be on the wrong path for a Padawan. A signal that both son and father didn't take lightly. Rish saw the actions of the former Sith taking his own sister as a Padawan as a direct threat to his mother, sister and his personal goals to protect the Jedi. It was Sikis who convinced Rish to remain silent and bide their time. During a meeting of the Council, a critical subject was being settled. The accepting of the former Crusade members in to the Order and to help rebuild the Order. Master Tabanne put forth the position of forgetting the past and turning to a bright unified future. Master Sikis however had other plans, as he poured out a box filled of military name tags. He told her that each of them had fought and died for the Order against the very threat she was suggesting they welcome with open arms. Her skillful reply had stolen the wind from his sails and allowed her to win the support of the Council. “They died so that peace can flourish in the Galaxy again. Peace can not occur unless we look past our combined histories and join together to build a future for us all.”

Smarting from his defeat, a new crisis showed up and offered him a chance to regain his support. A few months later an enclave of Rebel Jedi were discovered in the far reaches of the Outer Rim. Their colony had become isolated right before the end of the Jedi Civil War. The lonely world forgotten and cut off from any aid or supplies. The former rebel colony faced death unless something was done to prevent it. The debate within the Council was more passionate than ever before. Master Sikis demanded that the Jedi do nothing. That if the Force wills it, the colony will be saved. If not, they would parish. Master Tabanne urged the Council to take action to save lives. However Master Sikis had more than enough support in the Council to halt any official action. Despite not having the support of the Council, Master Tabanne, Murl and Weirn rushed to the aid of the Colony with the aide of a small group of Jedi and loyal followers. Cas Murl also played a critical role in the mission. When news finally reached its way back on Naboo of the rescue, Master Sikis pushed his plans to ensure anything Master Tabanne attempted would end in failure. It was clear that she no longer respected the Code of the Jedi or the Order its self. She had to be stopped.

When the Council learned that the Dorins had planned to use deception and trickery to reform a Republic with them at the center of power. Master Tabanne choose to send Rish sister Ces on the very dangerous and one of the most important missions of the Order under Master Tabanne. Ces' mission ended in complete success and she returned home to a well earned heroes welcome. Master Sikis and Rish found a new ally in the Dorins due to Tabanne's actions. The illusions and excuses were tossed to the side as the two decided that Master Tabanne had to be stopped and removed if the Order was to be saved. A plan to overthrow the Council was created and more allies from the Jedi were recruited. The time was finally at hand and Master Sikis had become as close as he could to bringing an end to Master Tabanna and her further sabotage of the Jedi. A date was set and troops from the Dorins were brought in to help with the take over. A new page turned to yet another dark passage in the fall of the Jedi.

Rish and Master Sikis along with other disenfranchised members of the Order launched their assault within the new Jedi Temple on Naboo. The battle was fierce and with the aide of Dorin troops, Master Sikis plan started to gain ground on Master Tabanna and her supporters winning. Master Tabanne and Master Sikis finally had their show down in the Jedi Council chamber. The pair were strong contenders, but Master Tabanne was not touched by the Dark Side as Master Sikis was. She soon gained the upper hand in the conflict and shortly there after defeated Master Sikis. Instead of killing the man who meant to assassinate her, Master Tabanne paused. In that moment, Jedi Knight Rish Murl completed his transition to the dark side. He struck Master Tabanne from the rear and landed a mortal blow. But before he could finish her off, Master Plo showed up unexpectedly. She quickly made short work of the man she loved and who had corrupted her son. But the thought of killing her own son proved too much for even her. She allowed Rish escape, a choice that would hunt her nightmares till the day she died. Rish fled the room and learned that the assault was failing. More troops were on the way, but the grand tide they were expecting from other Jedi to joining their ranks against Master Tabanne never came. In fact the opposite was occurring. Their own forces were surrendering to Master Tabanne's forces

His mother had turned on him and murdered his father, the man Rish admired. Rish was beside himself in anger over her betrayal. He ran for the energy control center and overloaded the core reactors. As the temple suffered collapse he watched from a save distance. With darkness in his heart, he watched as innocent people died from the explosions across the massive temple complex. When word of his sister's death came to him, he didn't even blink at is. “A fitting death for a traitor to the Order” he said coldly. To his surprise a lone Jedi cruiser managed to escaped the temple complex.

He ordered his own Dorin ships to give chase to the fleeing Jedi while others remained behind to finish off the survivors. “If they won't join us, they must parish” he commanded his best friend Jedi Shakka. “We will rebuild the Order the right way”

He personally led the chase of the Jedi survivors across the Galaxy and in to the Core. The chase ended when the fleeing Jedi were shot down over Mearisa. He ordered the crash sight bombarded to ensure few survivors. When he landed to survey the site, he knew that they had once more escape his wrath. He found a community that had given refuge to the crash survivors and exterminated them. When this failed to bring the survivors out of their hiding place, he took to the highest summit and screamed out for his mother. Demanding that she show herself and be judged. She never showed herself nor did Daz Jr ever find the remaining survivors. He searched Mearisa completely and found little trace of them. It was if the world had sallowed them up.

As Zer'ra told the story of the fall of the Jedi and the raise of Master Rish's Jedi, Visst took keen interest in something she talked about. It was a book that she only saw once, but it made such an impression on her that she would never forget it. When asked what it looked like, she explained it like this, “with pages, covers and spin made of the flesh of mortal beings, it was written in the blood of innocents and bound to power by their suffering.” Master Visst knew right away the book in question. Though as she described the book deeper, it removed all doubt. “I was shown the book once, Nu..my husband had to leave the fortress to retrieve the book from its hiding place. He brought it back to the fortress the day of our twins' 1st birthday. I watched as he did some ritual from the book on the twins. He said it would make them grow to become even stronger in the Force. I asked to see the book and he showed me. I read prefect Sith, and speak it like a second language. I could easily understand some of the passages and rituals. Though there were equal number of passages that I couldn't read. They were of a language, that was.....older....much older...”

Before she could continue, Master Visst waved her to silence as a massager walked up. He handed Master Visst a rolled up massage.

Master Visst,

I have reconnected with my friends. They have been watching you carefully. To further our combined goals, I have been chosen to be your liaison between my Order and you. We have information that you might want. We have located Field Marshal Kessler's unit. They are currently located in the Core World system of Collun. According to our agents with the unit, they are currently increasing their size by double. Plus we have noticed new class of warships replacing their current ones. We will keep you up to date on what we know.

Dunfee

[Akirapryde]

(6.11) Crosswinds
On Departure, Twenty Hours Out
Inner Rim System of Hu'uf
Generation Ship, Narshana
2056 Standard Time
January 6th, 1937

Entering the garden, Daz took note of the talented Force-user hard at work. The garden reminded him those aboard Ka-riss-ah. Having been raised a Jedi, the duty she performed was a familiar one, but had he grown up in countless other cultures, he knew he would have associated it with agricultural droids. He wasn't sure why she was unarmed, though he suspected it had to do with the Force-crystal in his pouch. “Knight Murl, may I speak with you?” he asked softly.

Her work was as important as the lesson Master Scorylance gave her yesterday. If she failed at this task, members of their community would go hungry. That and she only had a short period of time before she was to move on to her next task. A diligent days work is all that was ever asked of any member of the Inner Light. The interruption was a distraction she really didn't have time for. However, it would have been disrespectful to not hear Citizen Murl out. She paused her work and turned to him while remaining on her knees. She nodded respectfully, “Yes you may” she said plainly.

He nodded, kneeling beside her. “The last time we spoke, you asked me whether I was in favor of justice or social punishment. I find myself at a crossroads in a matter involving both and seek your guidance. I have always sought justice, and I have always felt uncomfortable with social punishment. I have received both for my actions in the past, and as a result of my views and experience, I believe in justice without social punishment.”

'Seeking my guidance' she questioned herself. She had only recently reached Knight status and here was a former Jedi Master seeking her guidance. She had to think carefully, for only last night she was involved in a conversation with Master Scorylance about this very topic. “How can there be justice without social punishment? If I wrong you, and I apologize to you. It is said and done considering you accept that apology. However, for a society to survive, the act of forgiveness has to be more than how we treat each other on an individual bases. Laws exist to protect the society. Punishments exist to protect the laws and assure they are followed. If there is no punishment than would the laws hold as much meaning?” The laws of the Inner Light were pretty cut and dry. She had always been a strong supporter of order and for order to exist there had to be a structure to ensure that the guidelines are followed. Hence her lesson from Master Scorylance yesterday. She felt that maybe she could learn something from someone so versed in the galaxy. She decided to listen and question even her own views to see what he could offer her.

“I asked myself similar questions. Master Visst offers a third path: Redemption. I, myself, have been a beneficiary of his method. He kept me from ruin, though he was willing to see me pushed to the brink of it, with the promise of redemption.” he replied.

It was not the impression she had from her talks with Master Visst, however she figured that she had misunderstood something during the conversations. “Redemption is a wise path. It works well among groups like the Inner Light. But fails in larger terms. You killed so many above during your dark years. Rather you meant it or not, you were responsible. That blood is still on your hands. You have since redeemed yourself. Do you think the families of your victims have accepted your redemption? We, the Inner Light have been debating this very issue. I personally feel that within smaller communities, Justice and Redemption can work. But when you are speaking of larger scales, the laws have to be enforced by something more solid. There has to be a form of social punishment.”

“Would social punishment absolve me of responsibility for those deaths? And would families of the murderers Master Visst now shelters feel any differently than the families of those who died through my recklessness?”

His comment took her back as he spoke. 'This is a mistake' she thought as she realized the sensitive nature of the conversation. She took in a deep breath and lowered her voice hoping that Daz would meet her lowered tone, “Citizen Murl, you are under the wrong impression. Social Punishment is not for the guilty. It is, in my opinion, for the healing of the society. To see that their laws have been upheld and that their sense of morals have been proven. This is why redemption fails on larger scales. Look at Master Weirn, she had been cleansed of her darkness. She was a better person for it and became a wise leader of our Order. The Sith known as Vos Canto, had also enjoyed the same redemption ten years before. Cleared of his guilt he returned to the very people he wrong with hopes of making things right. Their distrust of him and unwillingness to forgive him drove him to return to the ways of darkness. Both enjoyed Redemption. One made a better life, the other murdered again.”

Daz considered her words, deciding to ask another question as he weighed the implications, “Do I no longer have the respect of your Council?”

If he could have seen her face, he would have seen the shocked look as a reaction to the off the wall question. It took her completely by surprise, “your question is driven by the acceptance of others. Do they respect me, Do they like me, these things are foreign concepts to us. For us, it is the endless journey in which Master Weirn has taught us that is notable. Regardless of who we are or what we do, we must stay true to our journey. We are Inner Light. Nothing more nothing less. Regardless of what one does, are they seeing their journey to its conclusion. Are you seeing your journey to its conclusion?” She knew that such a question should only be addressed by those on the Council. It was not her place to speak for any of them. After all, she was just a humble Knight.

After taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she found another way to better answer his question. “I can not see how our acceptance of you would matter. We shall not be here much longer.”

“You must mean that members of your community will merge with other Force-using traditions.”

Once more he surprised her with another off the wall statement, “I have heard no such plans. Though I am not aware of all in which the Council discusses. I am speaking of leaving this ship. We were never meant to be like this. Traveling the stars in a metal world where the air is so...fake. we are seeking a place to call home once more.” This was another important issue to the community. They were a private group and this place was anything but private. Yes, it was a place of wonder and fascinating things, it was also a place of fake lights and stall air. She personally missed their home. It raised questions of attachments and of comfort. The debate was a good one that she equally enjoyed speaking in as well as listening to.

She finished up her task as she already realized that she had lost track of the time. “Our wishes has gone to the Council and then we all shall decide as a community. See Daz, we act as one for the good of all. I hope I have been helpful in your quest. However I must go. It is my time to observe Alaya.”

“What is your opinion of her?”

She turned to look at him. She had thought he of all people would have known better. “I am not permitted to speak on such matters.”

“Is that to anyone, Master Murl, Citizen Murl, or just Daz?” he whispered, his tone conveying that his question was genuine, devoid of sarcasm.

She tilted her head to the side at the strange question, “It is the privacy of the one in question. Would you prefer that I spoke so freely and open about you and our conversations to others? Regardless, Master Osis has asked for a round the clock observation of her. I really must be going” she said as she gathered up her tool and walked them to a small pipe where she drew water to wash them. It was important to ensure that the tools were back in their place for the next person who needs them.

“There is one last thing, Knight Murl. I wish to reunite the Force crystal you gave me with my sister's hilt. I am in need of one.” he said. “May I have it?” he asked.

She finished cleaning up and dusted herself off. She always admired how he spoke. It was truly an art form to say one thing in such a way to have many meanings. There where times like now, where his meaning was concealed by his beautifully placed words. His desire to reunite the two on one hand and a statement of need on the other. A desire is not a need and a need is not a desire. “When we find that there are things we are in need of, they are put before us in a time we need them. You needed a crystal, I had one to give you. It was right for the moment and clearly was the Will of the Force. You say now that you are in need of a hilt. I do not have the hilt any more. Clearly the Will of the Force. The two were meant to be parted. Our wishes should never second guess the Will of the Force. Is there anything else?” A hard lesson that she herself was taught at a young age. 'Maybe he is testing me' she considered as she started to gather up her things.

“Yes. What has become of it?”

She was confident that if this was a test she would please him with her willingness to be detached from the item. She looked at him as he asked the question, “why does it matter? It is only a thing. Nothing more nothing less.” She never understood the drive for attachments and she doubt that she ever would.

“Some things are more important than others. These things are all I have left of my sister. Isn't that enough?” he asked, clearly worried about the relic's fate. “If it was not important, the Inner Light would never have have preserved it.” he added to his appeal.

She offered no expression in her tone or in her body motion as she turned to face him. This was dangerous and was getting worse by the statement. “Your sister was a great leader and teacher. Look around at us, we are her as much as you are her family. This action in which you desire must be what Master Visst warned me of. To become focused on a thing is to become attached. Attachments lead to the dark side. No thing has greater or lesser value than what we put on it. It is only your attachment to it that gives it its value.”

Her mind tried to remain calm as she was faced with the very thing which destroyed the Jedi and led to so many deaths and suffering. She searched her memory and found a place of calm and refocused her thoughts. 'Is this the steps of the dark side she questioned' She nodded, “it had a purpose in which was fulfilled. It no longer serves the purpose so it was no longer needed.”

Daz rose to his feet. “What purpose was that” he asked.

She checked the time once more and knew she was running late. She double checked the tools as she closed the box which held them “Clearly it was meant to hold the crystal till you came asking for it. I do not question the Force. In the moment what you sought, I had to offer, it was the right thing. So I followed its guidance. As you should. You are allowing your attachments to get in the way of your journey.”

“It is unwise to journey through hostile territory unarmed,” Daz countered.

She turned to look at him as his comment made its mark. She knew what he meant and finally realized what this conversation was really about. “If the Force summons me, regardless of rather I am armed or not, I will be summoned. This conversation is pointless. I do not have what you seek. You lack the ability to retrieve it. I have accepted these points, yet you still wish to argue them. Nothing will change from this conversation. I shall not feed your attachment needs.” She turned to walk away, “when you told me you were in need of a crystal, I listened to the Force and gave what I had. You should learn to do the same. Things are just that.....things...nothing more.” she continued to leave the area.

“An attachment to the idea of minimalism is still an attachment.” Daz said. “Is it leading you down a dark path?”

He was goading her for some reason and she felt it. She was not properly prepared to address the issues which are clouding his vision. She made a point to inform the Council of this dangerous conversation so that other members of the community will not be unaware of the risk. She didn't look back as she continued to walk away. She knew that it would not change anything to continued to the conversation with him. Like so many here in this place, they do not wish to learn. They do not wish to change. They only enjoy talking a good talk. There was simply nothing else to say. She left the gardens and headed off to her duties. It was one of the largest reasons why she personally wanted to leave this place. It was a place of fake things.

“Throughout the ages the Jedi Order emphasize the importance of being one with one's lightsaber, and still in its infancy the Inner Light condemns that tradition as an attachment while it grows ever closer to murderers and thieves swimming in palpable darkness, unaware of their own hypocrisy.” Daz thought, leaving the gardens to forge a new lightsaber.

She paused out of sight of Daz and lowered her head. He had been someone of pride and honor. The story's of him always seemed to fill her with a sense of ah. She dreamed of the day of living up to what it meant to be him. She knew it was wrong but she still looked up to him. And now, she had met her life long hero only a few months ago. He turned out to be only a mortal with flaws and weaknesses. She couldn't bring herself to blame him, but the pain of the disappointment was too real for her. She needed to speak with Master Scorylance after her duties. She lifted her head up and continued to walk down the corridors heading to where Alaya was staying.

Narrator's Note: The above scene played out over text with the Player. Yesterday, the player informed me that he wished to add more details for Daz thoughts. However he didn't get those edits to me in time for this post. I encourage the player to draft up a AAR as a after reflection of this scene. I also encourage the rest of the players to look for that coming AAR so that Daz's statements might get some more insight behind them.

---

0637 Standard Time
January 7th, 1937

Walking up behind, the elder Inner Light Master Osis spoke softly, “Master Visst, a moment of your time please.” Master Osis appeared to have both Twi'lek and Bothen DNA in his historical make. He was known for his ability to render aid with even the most difficult cases. He is a teacher and healer by heart and has respectfully refused to take a seat on the council. He was asked to help counsel the deeply troubled Alaya on her way from the dark side and back in to the light. For Master Visst, it had been a long night of cat and mouse with Daz. He knew that Daz had a busy schedule however, at times he felt as if both Daz and Swip were avoiding him. It didn't matter, as Master Visst knew that Daz enjoyed the forward gardens and meditated there each morning. He was on his way to the forward gardens and was going to wait for Daz there. If he was lucky, he would catch both Swip and Daz at the same time. Visst could feel the cold hand of the dark side moving about. Master Visst always felt like there was time to listen, this was never more true now.

After pausing to receive a nod from Master Visst, Master Osis calmly continued, “I saw that you were speaking with the young Alaya before our session yesterday. I sense troubles ahead for her and I know that you are as deeply concerned as I am. It would be helpful if you knew why she is where she is today. I have learned so much about her from our talks together. The single largest change in her came from the resent assault on their home, a place called the Fortress. During the assault on the Fortress, Alaya led a group of other Jedi on the tasked of securing the training areas and protect the young. Alaya said she faced off with a monster called, 'Makarov' and his minions. The battle was short lived and they nearly drove the invaders back till the invaders gained the upper hand. Alaya said that it was Makarov who decided to turn the tables during the battle. From her account, she said it was the most terrifying thing she ever experienced. In her own words 'it was like something reached inside me and forced me to my knees.' At first, I had thought I knew which power this Makarov used on her and the others. But she claimed that her heart pounded in her chest and she experienced great pain in her head. These factors have led me to think it might be something that I have no experience with. She and her defenders were all forced to their hands and knees and watch as the children were slaughtered. Alaya was forced to watch while Makarov personally murdered Zer'ra's own children. A failure that Alaya seems to hold to her self personally and will not let go of. This is where the story turns interesting.

The non-Force using defenders were also slaughter, Makarov said that there was little room or use for them in Lord Murl's Order. The Force users along with Alaya were offered a choice, join Lord Murl's Order or die. Even as her own former allies were decided to save their own lives, Alaya's sense of loyalty refused to allow her to betray Zer'ra. I asked her if she knew at the time if Zer'ra had fallen in battle or not. Alaya told me that it didn't matter. Loyalty as she explained it to me, didn't just stop at death. Loyalty was something that transcended death. She would not betray even the memory of Zer'ra. Alaya fought with all of her might against this power which held her in placed. Finally through a sher force of will did she over come the hold and made a break for it. It was something that she said seemed to surprise Makarov and the others among his minions. She found her self fighting her own former allies during her escape. She even killed her own roommate who had decided to join Lord Murl's Order. For Alaya, they were the enemy now and she would stop at nothing to protect her Order and Zer'ra.”

“I believe that the memory of that feeling of helplessness during her encounter with Makarov is fueling her fear and driving her self destructive behavior which I see in her now. This is in sharp contrast from when we started talking. When we first met and started to speak during our sessions, she showed a strong drive to seek redemption. When she came to us, she was nearly completely consumed by the darkside. Her anger, fear and hate were so out of balance and strong that it was all I could do in the beginning to calm her down. Bringing her back from that cliff was not an ease task. Together, though we made strong progress against the darkness. She has shown a great sense of honest effort to cast off the grip of the darkside. As instructed I watched for any signs that she was faking her attempts, or somehow deceiving me. I did not notice any of these falsehoods. She was doing so very well in her efforts. However, I have observed that just a few days ago she stopped trying all together. When I asked her to explain the change, she only asked me if I truly thought it was worth it anymore. That if anyone would really see any change in her. I explained to her that it is the change within her that is more important than what others see. I tried to explain this to her, but she seemed to become distant and seemed to tune me out. I finally did get her to speak again when I brought up Ms. Sheridan. Prior to this meeting, Ms. Sheridan had been a point of pride and promise for her. However, she finally revealed to me that she was banned for seeing Ms. Sheridan any more. A fact that I was unaware of and does help me better understand why she is feeling apathetic right now.”

“Regardless of how much of a blow that was, this was not the issue which was causing her to shut down. Alaya told me that she had met someone in her local hang out, a place called Otto's. This person seemed to have a very negative reaction with Alaya. She outwardly refused to name the person and I know she knows who it is. Alaya said that this person was no worse than she is and contented everyone else only saw Alaya as a criminal with a bounty over her head. The comment seemed to make Alaya outwardly upset, and I sensed a great deal of fear in Alaya. Something this person said to Alaya had gotten to her. Alaya was focused on the fact that somehow she was the one to be distrusted. I told Alaya that I did trust her, and based on what I saw in her to this point I stand by this. Sadly, I don't think she believed me. It took allot of effort from me to get what the conversation was about. When she did finally speak about it, she regretted speaking of it at all. To me, and before, to you. She laughed at this 'whole effort to saver her life' in which she said in sarcasm. She continued by claiming that the only reason why she was being kept around was to do our dirty work. I tried to push her to tell me what this person asked of her, but she refused. And finally said, that it didn't matter any more. That she should have just kept her mouth shut. I think that she feels that there are forces moving against her which she can not possible over come. Again, here is that fear of being helpless and it is driving her fear and actions now. However, fear from what, I do not know. When I asked again who this person was, she said it didn't matter that she was already guilty because this person said it was so. Alaya said it was only a matter of time now. That there was nothing anyone could do to protect her from this person or what was coming. She took a strange tone with me as she looked in to my eyes. I sense darkness boiling up in her as she said, 'the only way to stop them was through the old ways'.

“I am worried about her. We continued to talk and I managed to calm her down some. Something or more so, someone has her scared of something deeper than her self. I sense her fear is growing. Though I am sure that this fear is not for herself. It is her fear of what will happen to others. Maybe Zer'ra, but I am not sure as Alaya has started to block and shield her mind. She has shown so much promise but her guilt and fear because of that helplessness is governing her actions. I do not think that she will turn her back on the advances she has already made. I can sense her heart is consumed by a great conflict. Her trust in me is strong, and her loyalty to Zer'ra is unquestionable. However, something seems to be pushing her in to a corner. And in doing so, taking away that sense of control she needs to feel comfortable, to feel safe. I sense that she is being primed for a challenged that she is not yet ready to face. Her heart is still struggling over what she had to witness, what she had done as a criminal and the struggles of turning back from that life. Alaya is locked on this path that we have put before her solely because of her loyalty to Zer'ra. But the ways of the darkside might prove too tempting for her to ignore in this developing situation. Nor does she believe that she can overcome this situation without falling back on a lifetime of dark powers. For the time being, I believe that she will not do anything rash. I asked her to go meditate on the recent events and have asked her permission if someone 'watches her back' while she does so. This will continued to give her that sense of control that she needs. While at the same time, give us fair warning if she slips more. Currently, I am told by Knight Murl that she is sleeping off a rather heavy night of drinking in her favorite hang out, Otto's. I do not understand why she feels safer there than in her own quarters.”

He concluded his statement and calmly waited as Visst absorbed all that was said. Master Visst had listened carefully to Master Osis, There was so much going on that Master Visst had almost forgotten about the struggles that the refugees were facing. He didn't like the idea of calling them Jedi, as to its name they were not Jedi. He did feel their pains and understood this struggle but something was nagging him about the whole situation. Something he was missing, but it would have to wait. For he too felt the crisis facing Alaya and knew that she was not ready for it. “Tell me Master Osis, when you two talked about Ms. Sheridan did Alaya mention why she was so important to her family history” he asked hoping to gain deeper insight in to the young darksider. Plus he wanted to know what Alaya knew of Ms. Sheridan.

Master Osis nodded, “the day after Ms. Sheridan was brought aboard, Alaya saw her and recognized the family resemblance between Ms. Sharadon and a dark Sith Lord her family had sworn to serve a long time ago. Alaya does not feel this loyalty towards Ms. Sheridan however she does see this as a sign. Or at least she did. Alaya had said that she demanded a duel with the woman to test Ms. Sheridan. Alaya unleashed everything she could to force Ms. Sheridan to call upon the dark side to win the duel. However, because Ms. Sheridan remained true to her, Path of Light, as Alaya put it, it seemed to reassure Alaya that she too could achieve this path also. Before it seemed so hard for Alaya to let go her hatred and fear. This filled her with a sense of hope. I warned her that this kind of hope was fleeting and at one point would vanish. It is the hope that we offer ourselves which is the lasting hope that we need. The few sessions after that duel, she seemed more determined to succeed along this path. As far as loyalties go, Ayala holds some kind of deeper loyalty to Zer'ra. I think that this loyalty is what binds the two together after what they have been through. More so now due to what happened at the Fortress.”

Once more Master Visst took note of what was being said and dug deeper. Each piece of information would help him navigate this potential crisis. “Can you tell me about the loyalty that Alaya holds towards Zer'ra?”

“Unlike Zer'ra, who was born a slave and rose within the ranks of the Jedi by force of will, hard training and superior skill. Alaya was born in to the Order as a Jedi from birth. Her family had been loyal to the Order and its insane leadership since the days the Sith attempted to gain control of the former Republic. When that failed and the Sith armies retreated back to the Outer Rim, her family remained and served the Jedi solely. Alaya was trained from birth to be what she is today, a cold blooded criminal, killer and slaver. When Alaya was twelve, she took part in her first raid which was led by her father. By the time she was seventeen, she was placed in charge of her own raiding party. During this time of Alaya's life, she raided colonies and worlds belonging primarily to the Free Worlds Council. As you know Master Visst, she is wanted on several dozen worlds for numerous crimes. Sometime after she started to command her own slaver group, Alaya's mother was captured by the Free Worlds Council and found guilty of slavery, and other crimes. Alaya's mother was sentenced to life in prison without the chance for parole. Shortly there after her father vanished from Alaya's story. It is strange, something that Alaya refuses to talk about. It is just in one section he is there, and the next he is gone. This time within her life is extremely painful for her. I think his departure from her life is the source of this pain and there is much more to this that she is hiding. It is a great source of suffering within her heart. Something close to her happened and I feel that he was the cause of it. Still, Alaya refuses to speak about this. On a lighter side, it is at this point in Alaya's life that Zer'ra takes notice of the young Jedi now just over twenty. Zer'ra takes Alaya under her wing and strangely Alaya said that Zer'ra protected her from their leader. I am not sure what Alaya did that deserved protecting or why such a low ranking member would attract this kind of attention from both Zer'ra or the Grand Master of their Order. Zer'ra took Alaya under her wing and continued her education in the way of be coming a dark jedi and later a Sith.” Master Osis explained. The story of Alaya was one of keen interest to him as he saw it as a cautionary tail for future youglings. He continued to answer Master Visst's question.

“Have you noticed the bag Alaya carries with her? She never let's it out of her sight. During one of our first sessions I reached for the bag so to hand it to her. I could see in her eyes the level of conflict that she went through. I believe that she would have struck out at me had this be under any other situation. Alaya is extremely attached to what ever is within the bag. The importances is clearly seen in how she guards the bag at all costs. I have already advised both the security details and the rest of the Inner Light to resist reaching for Alaya's bag. I do not want to see all that Alaya worked so hard for washed away by a foolish misunderstanding. I sense nothing dangerous from the bag or anything that is linked to her criminal background. What I sense within it, is something very personal to her. Alaya has only trusted Zer'ra enough to possess the bag. We have not be able to reach deeper in to this part of Alaya's story but it was during a time when Alaya had no choice and allowed Zer'ra to have the bag till she could reclaim it at a later time. I believe that whatever is inside the bag, it is a link between Alaya and her past. It is, after all, the memories and the emotions attached to them that can be the hardest attachment for us to break. Also, there was something else I noticed among Alaya's possessions. Her lightsabers hand belonged to her mother and she had to actually steal them back from the Free Worlds Council after her mother was imprisoned. They are finally crafted with the family's crest on each of them. She takes great pride in them and cares for them with equal respect. It is a focus of who she is and what her family stands for. It is a symbol of that loyalty which binds her to Zer'ra. While they are dear to her, she allowed me to hold them. And to put it in to prospective, I am still not allowed to even reach for her bag. Did you also notice that there are no cables attached to her lightsabers?”

[Akirapryde]

(6.12) Early Morning Briefings
On Departure, Twenty Hours Out
Inner Rim System of Hu'uf
Generation Ship, Narshana
Ambassador Zall's Personal Office
January 6th, 1937

“Good morning Ladies, and Gentlemen” the young Bothan analyst said softly as he shifted through his papers, “My name is Markus Day. Please forgive my awkwardness, but they normally don't allow us out of the pit. Um, anyway, My department within the pit specializes on the Reich solely. And my job for the past six years has been to study the Reich Military primarily their leaders and the units which these men and women command. Within our department, we each have our leaders that we become specialized with. Which is the reason why they brought me all the way out here for this briefing. A few days ago, my department was asked which, if any Reich Heer, um, that's Army in the Human language. Heer of any other name is still a here, right?” he said trying to lighten up the mood a bit. He actually read the instruction for him to laugh. He looked up in horror as he realized his mistake, “um....oh...yeah....anyway, which Field Marshal or General of the Reich would be most likely work along side the Dorins during a joint invasion of one of their neighbors.”

“First we ruled out Field Marshal Halder. While his skills would work very well in this role, however Field Marshal Halder's only son was murdered by a Nu Dor Jedi five years ago. It is highly unlikely that he could ever get over the murder in such a way to work with the Dorins on any venture. We turned to Halder's favorite student, Field Marshal Kessler. A wise choice, however the Panzergruppe III is too large of a unit for us to miss, even in parts. These were the top two picks on a very long list of very able Field Marshals. There was quite the debate over who's Field Marshal would have been sent by the Emperor to serve with the Dorins. See we each had our own favorites for this mission. There were a number of qualifying factors and disqualifying factors. As we eliminated Field Marshals and Generals, one name kept popping up. Field Marshal Walther Model, as you will see, my guy is clearly the only choice the Emperor had to send. And while my colleagues do not completely back my suggestion, none of them can offer any other candidate that is as qualified or so easly able to be over looked.”

“Walther Model, more commonly known as the Fireman is a tall strapping commander born in 1891 on Vandor II. He attended the Kriegsschule, a Military Academy only for those of exceptional leadership and tactical minds. However during his school years, he was an 'unexceptional student.' If not for his father's and grandfather's influence, he would have been washed out of the program. Walther graduated as a below average student. Well below the standards which is expected from students of Kriegsschule. After being rejected from other commanders, his father recruited Walther in to his own unit, the Tenth HopLight Division. A elite light division with a history all of its own. While during his years of service Walther served with pride and honor however he still didn't live up to his families expectations. However he did start to make a name for himself as an outspoken commander who put his men first.”

“During a few minor engagements, Walther Model started to make a name for himself as a hard-driving and aggressive commander who demanded the very best from his men and the commanders above him. His tactics, while successful, were so completely out of step with Heer Command that he was reprimanded for unnecessary risks during battle. Though in retrospective, these risks appeared to be well thought out and executed flawlessly. In 1915 he returned to school to continue his education, with a minor in Free Worlds Council Military History. It was there over coffee and cakes that he met Sheerder, the Emperor's niece. The two became secret lovers till they both graduated in 1919. Then the pair were married in a private ceremony. Sheerder, by this time was already pregnant with their first of three children.”

“Walther returned to his unit to serve through the Vixton Conflict of 1920. He finally started to live up to his family's reputation and his own unique style of tactics started to become more developed. However no one saw how much he would surpass those expectations nor did anyone realize how important his style would become to the Reich Navy. He repeatedly forced his enemies to fight on his terms and engaged them when he was ready. In 1923 he was awarded the Iron Cross of Vandor for capturing an entire enemy battalion. In 1924, He was promoted and reassigned to the Emperor's personal Bodyguard unit. He served again with honor during his time when the Bodyguard unit. However it was clear he didn't enjoy the assignment. He hated talking politics and never discussed his work when he was off duty. He did his best to avoid official functions when not required to attend. Of all the Reich Field Marshals, Model had all the opportunity to advance his career through his wife but didn't. In 1927, his father retired from service leaving the Tenth in need of a commander. By special orders of the Emperor, Model was resigned from his position within the Emperor's Bodyguard and ordered to take over Command of the Tenth HopLight Division.”

“During the 1930, what has become known as the Silent War between the son and daughter of the Emperor after his death. Many Heer commanders wanted to take up arms and to choose sides. It was a passionate speech by Walther Model that kept the military from intervening during the war. Shortly after the Emperor' son was crowned Emperor of the Second Reich of Humanity, the Heer changed the official uniforms. The change gave them the black/gray uniforms that we see today. However the Tenth Hoplight still wears the traditional blue/red uniforms. This is likely because of his close relationship with the royal family and due to Model's strong traditional beliefs. They have been seen in many military photos in their traditional uniforms. These traditional colors do show up on their equipment as well. The Tenth still wear these colors today.”

“In 1932, the Heer, decided to disband the HopLight units citing the high costs to train and maintain these elite units. Now, a full Field Marshal, Model fought to keep these light, fast hitting units within the Heer. He lost the war against the Heer, but the Emperor made the Tenth exempt from the disbanding. It was a painful blow to Model to see the units that his family help create become disbanded. However, Model never questioned his Emperor,and silently accepted the fate. During a number of short engagements, the Tenth proved over and over again that they could compete with any Ghost Division of the Heer. However, the technology gap between the Ghost Divisions and the Hoplights continue to grow. In late, 1932 The Reich Naval adopted the Tenth in a force exchange and opened up a new type of unit called Naval Infantry.”

“These units were modeled from the HopLight divisions which Model's family had commanded. Field Marshal Model helped build these units and train them up. One of the Heer's concerns regarding the Hoplight units was their lack of heavy fire power to deal with a modern unit. Most modern units fielded heavy armor and highly mobile walkers. Model worked closely with the navy and tech designers to create a armor/weapon system for his unit that fit their fighting style. It is because of this close working relationship that allowed the designers to produce the Hoplight Armor Mk1 in record time. The Tenth was the first unit to receive the Hoplight Armor and become field tested with it. It ws just in time also, because the Tenth was going to war again.”

“1934 saw two major events. The Tenth under personal permission from the Emperor was allowed to create a alien company assigned to the Tenth Hoplight. This company is called the Loyalist Company. Their role with the Tenth was as a flank defense unit. However Model had larger plans for this unit. Later during this same year, the Tenth spearheaded the Reich Navy's ground operations against the Polash defenders. The Polash army fielded a fully modern army with heavy armor and walkers. The Hoplight Armor Mk1 was finally put to the test under fire. Model demanded that the designers and builders of the armor join the unit during the engagement. The Hoplight Armor proved to be devastating to enemy armor units. The main gun of the Mk1's was a powerful eighty eight millimeter rifled cannon. The range and power out matched the Polash armor and walkers nearly every time. However during the engagements, the designers and Model saw improvements that needed to be made. Before the campaign was over, the ideas for the Mk2 were already well underway. The Mk2 added more armor, and dropped the heavy eighty eight with a lighter twenty millimeter that could carry more ammo. The Mk2 were seen throughout the Fra civil war and no Mk1's have been noted in service with the Heer, though the Mk2 are.”

“Model is a strong military leader who holds honor at the same high level as Loyalty. He is a traditionalist to the core, and views the human superiority as clear evidence that humans should rule the Galaxy. Though he still finds value in alien races and has a whole company of loyal Aliens within his own ranks. His unit is the only mixed unit within the Reich Military and this has caused him some problems with Higher commands. Because of this, the Navy allows him to operate nearly independently. He trains his unit hard and demands results from both his soldiers and their commanders. His hot temper has landed him in trouble with superiors before when his men are put in harms way. He has never left a soldier or body behind during his few combat campaigns.”

“This is the reason why he is called the Fireman. During the last ten engagements that the Navy has been involved with, he pushed his unit to lead the charge within that engagement. He has a chip on his shoulder for what the Heer did to his beloved Hoplights. He means to show the Heer their mistake. When the Tenth is ordered in to combat, you will find him leading his troop from the front. In fact, the Hoplights are such a prized unit that the Navy built a small strike fleet around them to further take advantage of their tactics and abilities. The Hoplight armor give the unit on the ground the speed and maneuverability they need as well as the hard hitting power of their eighty eights and the lighter twenty millimeters. The strike fleet gives them the range that they need to hit targets normally out of reach of larger units. Hit far, hit fast and hit hard. It is the motto of the Hoplights.”

“See since the Hoplights took to the battlefield over a hundred years, they were a force to be reckoned with. The original reason for the creation of the Hoplights was to off set our rapid reaction forces of the time. With the development of walker technology, our rapid reaction forces were replaced and the Hoplights had no counter of the battlefield. That didn't stop them from making a massive impression during our last conflict together. The Hoplights' most notable operations during our last war with the Reich. As our forces were pushing the Reich from our space, the Fifth Hoplight Division was called in to provide a diversion raid so that trapped Reich forces could make a break out. The Fifth Hoplight division carried out a twenty seven kilometer forced road march and flanking action during the cover of darkness. By the morning of the next day, the unit had arrived at the rear of our front units. They launched a clever raid against normally protected unit. The attack was so hard that many of our units along the lines fell to chaos. As the day continued and the chaos of the Fifths attack grew, the Reich forces that were trapped managed to withdraw from the battlefield with little opposition. By time darkness fell once more, the Fifth vanished in to the darkness before our forces could organize a counter offensive. This was not the only time the Hoplights played a critical role in flanking operations. But it was the first of many hard lessons our commanders were taught about under estimating these very versatile units.”

“See the Hoplight is only one example of this is the kind of warrior culture Model and commanders like him come from. The saying that the Reich has never lost a war is a misunderstanding of the Reich Military mind set. The Reich has lost a number of conflicts with a number of powers. What the Reich does that very few do, they take the time to learn from their mistakes and correct them. A lesson that our own High Commander has failed to learn. After our last war with the Reich and our victory, we celebrated the hard won victory. Stores were closed and parties were thrown. This opened up a whole new level of enterprise. New cooperations were born and the wealth of the Council grew greatly. Former soldiers returned to their lives and our military shrank back to its prewar ranks. That shrinkage came at a cost of some of our most experienced units as they were disbanded. Our victory came because of two critical events. General Stresser and his brilliant staff. It was because of his ability to read the Reich and their intentions which allowed us to better battle them. Second was the invention of the Walker. Walker technology paved the way for new tactics and firepower which devastated the Reich Forces along all fronts. Our production levels were so high that for every one ship, fighter, tank or walker the Reich destroyed, we were producing two more to replace it.”

“After the war, General Stresser fought hard to retain the size of the military and increase funding for training future leaders. General Stresser knew the Reich better than anyone else did. After all, he had been a member of their military for nearly all of his life before he defected to our side. He pushed for the creation of my very department and our mission. He started the Grover Military Academy, which attempts to mirror the same level of training the Reich Military Leadership receives. He pushed for more focus on expanding the technology gap between the Council and the Reich. He knew that the gap would not last, that the Reich would lick their wounds and learn their lessons. He had help from other Army commanders, however he had opposition from the Navy who stood by the claims that they actually won the war rather then the actions of the Council Army. This caused a political show down between General Stresser and the Army on one side and the Navy and their supporters in the Parliament. This battle between General Stresser and the Parliament became so heated that within ten years of his historical defeat of the Reich, the Parliament asked for his resignation. He left the Army in disgrace and vanished from public live. On his death bad, he warned his closest aides who then commanded the army, that if the Council did not learn to wage war like the Reich, the Council would loss the next war with them.”

“Now lets look at what the Reich did after their defeat at the hands of the Council. Even before the ink was drying on the Peace Accords, the top military leadership were reviewing battlefield data and interviewing commanders and soldiers. These investigations didn't lead to a blame game as many in the Parliament had assumed. The Reich military leadership started to go through massive fundamental changes. Against our suggestions, this was seen by many Council politicians as a complete meltdown of the Reich military. Within ten years after the war, the Reich started a youth program called Siegen Strategie, based off of a game, the name means 'Winning Strategy'. You all have heard of the game? Its a game where the name is the game and the nature of the game is the name. Catchy right? No? Okay, so the Reich opens this youth program up for all children of all age groups and cultural background. Each and every day, these kids play and learn the concepts of strategy. The very best are selected from the program to move on to the next phase of the program. But wait, that was fifty years ago, how can this effect us today? Right, see, the Reich has been planning this war before the inch dried on the Peace Accords. They didn't want the best minds of the time. They needed the best teachers of the time to train the best strategist of our time now. They knew that they had to over come our higher level strategy. General Stresser was our best, but he pulled together a group of Generals that flowed together. He weeded out Generals who's egos would create problems with other commanders and limit their over all effectiveness on the battlefield. The Reich learned from our success and turned it on us.”

“As the Siegen Strategie Program started to build momentum, it became a measure of pride among families, worlds and systems to have their very best receive a SS Rating. This is the place number that an officer could be awarded for his level of understanding and employing strategy. The top ten percent of the SS ratings were kept to teach at the military academies. Each year, the games were held and each officer was pushed to raise their SS Rating. While our former military leaders were starting up their own businesses their experienced officers were training the next batch of leaders. Each year they were pushed to challenge harder and push the limits of strategy. The very best then went on to teach what they know! Halder, Sacher, Model, Sachsenheimer, Kesseler, Salamon are only a few of many who took part in this program. But it is not just the Heer, but the Reich Air Force and Navy also trained through the same program. But this was just one part of the answers they uncovered. It was clear that the technology gap would not last forever. However in the guise of cutting costs and lowering taxes, we shifted funds away from military research. Yes we still have an edge in many fields over the Reich. But the gap as we all know now has closed and in some cases, the Reich has surpassed us.”

“That is just one part of their warrior culture that will be hard for us to over come. The other is their traditions. Model during his military career showed a strong love for the nature of defensive combat. He studied it on so many levels. He wrote a book about the battle of Port Engsh during our war with the Reich. As our forces were retaking the world, we cornered the Tenth Hoplight Division on a ridge line that over looked our intended landing sites. The unit had to be removed before we could start our landings and retake the world. For six days, the division held out against over whelming odds and despite being cut off from supplies and reinforcements. During this time our surprise attack had been stopped dead in its tracks as the Tenth called in artillery on to the landing sites. The battle nearly cost us the entire campaign for the world. Nothing our forces could do, could force the Tenth off the ridge line.”

“The former Emperor, then just the Crown Prince heard of the heroic stand off, he ordered his army to assault our flanks in support of the embattled Tenth. The assault allowed what remained of the Tenth to withdraw and allowed the Reich Forces to continue their retreat off world. The Reich leaders were able to shift the battle and fight a defensive war that denied us the crushing victory that was planned. Why? Because the Reich officers have a way of seeing the situation and changing it to suit their needs and pulled remarkable results from their men. The soldiers of the Tenth did not call for help, they stood their grounds ready to die and to take as many of us with them as they could. This was because saving the larger forces to fight another day meant more than living through this one battle. It is a trait that is common among all Reich soldiers, the ability to see and understand the larger picture of a battle. This single battle earned the Tenth its nickname, the Iron Brigade. Because of their iron will to stand and fight regardless of the outcome or the situation. So you have this highly experienced unit and many others like it, what does the Reich do? They took all of the surviving soldiers from that unit to train the next ones coming behind them. Of our hero units, over two thirds of their personal left service and entered the civilian sector. Can you see a difference in leadership from the top down?”

“This is how Model and the Reich officers trains and leads their troops, from the top down. Reich officers train, eat and sleep with their soldiers. For Model, he visits each member of his unit and knows them by name. This is what his father taught him about leadership. Leading his troops with them, not commanding them from afar. During the war with the Polash, his unit faced off with the first Polash Division. A heavy mechanized division with heavy walkers and heavy armor. Model's unit had only their Hoplight Mk1s and Mk2. No heavy armor or walkers, you know how this battle should have went when speaking solely from a technological stand point. In traditional thinking, the Polash should have swept Model and his unit aside and hammered the landing zones they were covering.”

“So what does Model do? He shifted his lines and forced the Polash to attack in split formations. This divide their armor and walkers and limited their ability to support each other. He hit the now exposed flanks of the slower armor columns while the Walkers were powerless to stop them. As the Polash were turned to face this threat, Model again shifted his forces to reveal his original target. He hit the walkers at a point where they should have been the strongest. However because of their shifting positions and change in tactics, he was able to turn their strength against them and crushed the enemy division. Walkers were the kings of the battlefield over sixty years ago. The Reich spent sixty years perfected the strategy to stop them. This is what the Reich warrior culture has taught him to do. Be fluid on the battlefield and understand how he can change the battlefield to his advantage. And where did the Reich learn this lesson from? The defeat that we handed them thanks to General Stresser. They learned from us how to defeat our own tactics. What have we learned from them in the past sixty years?”

“While he is not their most brightest star, he is their most loyal. When we were asked which unit the Wehrmacht, Reich Military High Command, which consist of the Heer, Kriegsmarine their navy and the Luftwaffe their air/space force, would send to aide the Dorins, Model is the only commander and the Tenth Hoplight Division is the only unit that fits all qualifying factors while avoiding the most disqualifying factors. He is a sound strategist that can hit whenever and wherever he pleases across a battlefield and a theater. He is a very loyal and honorable leader. He is experienced in naval tactics as well as ground warfare. While he still holds true to Reich Ideology, his views on aliens makes him a logical candidate to work with other alien races. He is one of the finest officers and brilliant strategist I have ever studied while in the pit. Field Marshal Walther Model is your commander and the Tenth Hoplight is your unit to aid the Dorin Invasion of the Y'Ish.” He paused for a moment and nodded, “Thank you for your time.”

[Akirapryde]

The Fall of the Y’Ish Republic
Mid Rim World of Chilo’ish
The Presidential Palace
January 13th, 1937

The lights of the entire city had been turned off as the Dorin forces pushed harder against the combined Y’Ish and Yarl lines. Even though the front line was still tens of kilometers away, nothing was left to chance. The two main power plants that fed the city were ordered to shut down. All of the law enforcement and extra troops were called in to help civilians trying to leave the city. Just over the horizon, the amber glow of the front line and the sounds of combat filling the night air caused even more to want to left the city. This added to more chaos in the city and increased the demand of the local authorities. And this was just what Field Marshal Model was hoping for when he asked the Dorins to launch their futile attack. He knew that the attack would fail against the better equipped Varl and Y’Ish forces, and he didn’t bother to tell the Dorins that either. He didn’t a sound diversion and it was time that they became useful. The goal of this mission had nothing to do with the Dorin’s or the hundreds of thousands of Varl and Y’Ish defenders. What was at stake was the fate of this entire war. Intelligence had alerted them that the Varl were sending another five million troops to the Y’Ish lines. The war had to be over before those troops could arrive.

Like the rest of the city, the Presidential Palace was also blacked out. A lone figure slid down a rope in to the center of a hallway. Along the sides of the hallway were a group of five soldiers. The group was a mix of humans and Bothans, each were dressed in the armor that was common among the Reich Navy Special Forces. All were fully out fitted with assault rifles, pistols and gear all needed for their special mission. This was a Reich Special Forces team that were honing in on their target. Captain Vizgoth moved carefully down the cord next to the darkened floor below. The roof top landing was a daring one in broad daylight due to the nature of the roof its self. To do so at night while the entire site was on alert was just plan crazy. And that is how many would label Ohgu Vizgoth. Captain Vizgoth was part mad, part genius and all brave. He and his Special Forces team were just the team Field Marshal Model needed to open up the front door. Anywhere else within the Reich, he was just a Bothan waiting to serve a drink or fix something. However here within the Iron Brigade, he was a Reich Officer, a professional soldier. His Commander had called on him and Captain Vizgoth was going to deliver on that request.

Captain Vizgoth searched the darken hallway of the Presidential Palace. He slowly reached to the midsection of his weapon and flipped forward a small screen. The device turned on and it started to make a slight beeping sound in his helmet. The newly released AR-40 assault rifle was one of the finest weapons he had ever seen. It was modular so that they could swap accessories as the mission demanded. It was lightweight and short for close quarter combat. And most important though not needed for this mission, the upper receiver and barrel of the weapon could be changed out for a longer barrel. This could turn the AR-40 in to a highly effective sniper rifle as well. For this mission, each rifle was fitted with a silencer, and most had some type of scope or advanced sight. His however along with one other rifle were fitted with silencer and a heartbeat sensor. He moved forward to an intersection and scanned both ways. The halls were clear, as what was expected. This section of the building had started renovations shortly before the war. This section was expected to have limited patrols. It had been cut off from the rest of the building and the few corridors that connected to this side were heavily guarded. Captain Vizgoth had a plan. They had watched the guards and how they patrolled for two days. The five soldiers that patrolled the roof of this section were relieved every forty-five minutes. Three long-range snipers laid them down before they ever heard the gunshot that killed them. This opened up the roof for the landings, and now Captain Vizgoth had just over thirty minutes to reach his goal.

Now it was a matter of timing for their success. They had to reach the control room that was located in the main section of the Palace with minimal contact. Securing the control room was a must before the relief soldiers return in thirty minutes. If Captain Vizgoth failed to reach his goal in the time allowed, than the alarm would be sounded and the objective would be evacuated from the Palace. If they were to end this war tonight, then the objective must not be allowed to flee the Palace. Captain Vizgoth smiled as he watched the last of his ten-man team strike team slid down the rope. He pulled the second rope, which freed the rope, and it fell to the floor. The man collected the rope and passed the signal to their Captain. Captain Vizgoth checked his watch and smiled as he thought, 'it is a walk in the park' while he motioned his two fingers over his shoulder and then split them as he pointed forward. The motion told his team to break in to two lines and hug the walls then follow me. He started to move forward with his team.

They moved silently down the corridor in to the darkness. Each soldier of the strike team moved with their weapons up and facing the direction they were looking. The two soldiers in the rear were latterly walking backwards with their weapons up and facing behind them. They moved carefully and steadily, like the highly trained soldiers that they are. Even though they are armored and fully equipped, and they were still very silent as they moved. With heartbeat sensors in front and in the rear, this made the team highly protected as they moved. The sounds of the conflict were getting further away meaning that the front and the offensive were being pushed away from the city. Their plan was working just as it was laid out. The team approached their first waypoint and slowed down. Captain Vizgoth lowered himself to the floor as the rest of the team took up points to cover the group. He slid himself along the floor carefully. His heartbeat sensor was already reporting to him that there were contacts near by. He slowly slid up to the intersection stopping just short of the corner. He moved the muzzle of his weapon forward till it cleared the corner.

He saw three soldiers on station at a checkpoint. They were on guard but not searching the area like they should have been. ‘Why should they, the fighting is moving away from the city. There is no report of enemy troops near by. And the control center was watching each approach to the building.’ All he needed to do was pull the trigger three times and each of them would be dead. However that trigger the alarm and the objective would be evacuated. He watched them carefully for a few moments and then motioned to his troops. He waited for a second as he continued to watch to three soldiers. He waved the first group forward and they silently moved forward and crossed the intersection. They took up guard on the other side of the intersection while Captain Vizgoth watched the three soldiers. Once more he waved the next group across the intersection. Once more the next group moved forward paused then moved across the intersection unseen. Captain Vizgoth repeated this until his entire team had crossed the hazard and were moving once more. With the hazard cleared, Captain Vizgoth checked his watch and noted that they were two minutes ahead of schedule. The team moved on to their next waypoint. He made sure that they kept pace with his timing. He needed to continue to shave of time as they moved.

As they reached their next waypoint, his heartbeat sensor alerted him to the life forms ahead. Once more, he brought his team to a stop and moved forward silently to check the hazard. The elevator lobby came in to view and so did the two soldiers standing in the middle of the room. This area was supposed to be cleared of any enemy troops. This was a problem because they needed access to the elevators to reach the lower levels. Each soldier carried a combat rifle at the ready. They were out fitted with the standard Varl assault rifle. It was a sturdy and well-built weapon that rifled a round that would make short work of any foot soldier. Captain Vzgoth’s team is better protected against this weapon. Taking damage is not the concern with this hazard. Killing the soldiers was going to be a must but shooting them took a risk of their rifles going off. It was a risk that he couldn’t take. He slid back and brought up the map of the Palace that their spies had provided. He came up with a plan and knew what had to happen for it to succeed. He called up two of his men with hand motions.

They could easily use their combat radios like on other missions. However they didn’t want to take a chance of their signal being picked up and intercepted. While nether the Varl or the Y’Ish could not decode the signal in time to do anything about the daring raid. However, if the signal in intercepted, than the alarm could be sounded. Again it was a risk that Captain Vizgoth was not willing to take. He gave the two men their directions and explained to the others what was going on. Like all other units in the Reich, learning low-tech forms of communication became almost like second nature. With the situation explained and the two soldiers moving back to a near by intersection, Captain pointed at one of his men. On that motion, he and the man that he pointed at started to remove their heavier gear. Silent and fast movement was going to be needed to take the two soldiers down. The two men moved back towards the elevator lobby silently and waited. They didn’t have to wait long. They four men couldn’t see each other so timing was going to be important. Captain Vizgoth watched his watch. At the right moment, he gave the signal to his partner in this little take down operation.

Both men got ready to rush in to the lobby once the signal was given. They waited in a state of being primed. Each man knew tat they had only one chance to do this right. Failure meant a gunshot or a shout and the alarm being sounded. Taking a man down was easy. Taking a down without him being able to yell out a warning was also easy. Taking a man down who had a weapon at the ready and his finger on the trigger without making a sound was much harder. Here is where their skills came in to play. This is what they have trained; to take down high value targets, silently. Then it happened, a slight noise. Both soldiers turned and raised their weapons in the direction of the noise. In that moment, both Captain Vizgoth and his fellow trooper rushed up behind them as silently as possible. Nether soldier heard the approach of the two men as time slowed. In this moment, the life and death of these two soldiers and the war would be decided. If the alarm is sounded, than the objective will flee and the war will continue. Coming up behind the two soldiers, Captain Vizgoth and his trooper each lowered an arm as they rushed forward.

The two men were just getting their weapons up to their faces to look down the sights as the two Reich Special Forces troopers moved in behind them. Nether of them saw the arm shooting between their legs and then upward. Both men were caught by surprise as they were lifted in to the air slightly. They were just high enough for the two troopers to pull their legs out from under them. With their free arm the two troopers forced the heads of the two soldiers forward and downward. Both soldiers saw the ground coming up fast towards them as they let go of their weapons to brace for the incoming impact. Both soldiers brought their hands forward to protect their heads from the coming ground. It was a learned reaction from very early childhood that could not be unlearned. Both Captain Vizgoth and his partner forced their soldier downward with one arm while pulling their combat knife with the hand that they just pulled back from between the legs. The two soldiers hit the floor hard as the force of the troopers added to the hard landing. The two knifes were drove in to the base of the soldiers skulls.

Death was not immediate. The second knife attack across the exposed throat ensured a quick death. The two soldiers were dead and Captain Vizgoth gave the all-clear signal. One of his men rushed forward and started to open the elevator doors. The two decoys returned to the team as they cleared up the mess of the two soldiers. None of them liked the idea of stuffing the bodies in to a janitorial closest but they had no choice. It was Captain Vizgoth who said a kind word over the two men who just died for their government. “Today, you gave all that you had for your cause. No one can deny this. It was enough. Rest in peace, Bothers.” He said in a whisper while a few of his team paid their respects as well. Nether body was looted, it was not their way nor was it the way of the Tenth to rob the dead. The bodies were treated with respect and as far as Captain Vizgoth cared, it was time well spent. With the doors finally opened, the team used their rope and slid down the rope silently in to the darkness. The last man down closed the doors from the inside. This ensured that their movements would be less likely to be stopped.

Moving through the lower levels of the Palace was much harder as they had to ensure that the cameras as well as the guards did not spot them. But once more their training paid off as well as their ability to plan ahead. The lower levels of the Palace had more camera's and more guards to contend with. The former was more trickier to deal with than the latter. A few days as this mission was in its final planning stages, a very sophisticated virus was uploaded in to the mainframe of the Presidential Palace's computer networks. It was not something that the team wanted to relay on completely so they saved activating the virus till last. The virus allowed the team to move about the lower levels invisible to the cameras. Because the Palace had some of the best programmers within the Y'Ish space, or at least that is how Captain Vizgoth had expected, they only planned that the virus would be useful for only ten maybe fifteen minutes. Once they hit the lowest floor in the elevator shaft, they double checked their maps and activated the Virus. The warm up time allowed them to drop in to the elevator and force the doors. During this time, the virus was creating a string that would mask the Reich SF team. Once the warm up was over, the team moved forward still trying to remain away from the cameras, just in case.

Still they crossed living guards. Unlike upstairs, these guards had to be taken down. The virus masked even the killing of the guards as they were silently killed one by one. Captain Vizgoth knew this map like the back of his hand. He knew how many steps it was to the next door and what the doors were made of. Studying for a mission was key to becoming a leader of troops in the field. Ten targets down, and the main door was just coming in to view. Twelve targets down and they were at the door. The door was made of heavy metal and could easily be breeched by a charge. But Captain Vizgoth had a better idea. A breeching charge could leave one or more targets inside with the ability to sound the alarm. He was going to use a key. So far luck had been on his side, and he needed just a little bit more to finish this mission. He waved for one of his men to move forward while giving a new signal to the rest of them. Six of his ten trooper team fanned out in groups of two. They were going to finish off the rest of the guards on this level. The remaining three and himself were going to secure the control room. He had five minutes before the ten minute limit on the virus expired and seven minutes before the guards on the roof were to be relieved. It was only a matter of timing now. He took up his weapon and waved the barrel of the weapon towards the room. The heartbeat sensor told them that there were three maybe four targets inside. He didn’t like the reading because it was too unclear. He didn’t have the time to waste but at the same time he couldn’t risk this one.

He directed the trooper next to him to get a better look in to the room. The trooper pulled a small flexible rob from his pack and connected it to the Captain's armor. He then slid a flat flexible rod under the door and an image came up on the Captain’s heads up. The Captain nodded, as he was grateful for being cautious. There were a total of six total targets in the room. Two soldiers were standing in the center talking over a desk and some paperwork. Another soldier was sitting at his post behind them watching his screens. Two soldiers were to the left watching their screens and talking about something. The last soldiers was by a refrigerator looking for something to either eat or drink. Each of the soldiers were armed with pistols and a rack which could hold ten rifles was to the far left. There were only six rifles currently in the rack. This told the Captain allot about the situation and how it will end. He turned to his men and gave them their orders as the rod was removed. The Captain was detailed in explaining everything that he saw through his sign language. This was not going to be an easy task, but it had to be done quickly and with all the skill that they had.

The trooper with the rob got a nod from the Captain. On that the rod went back to its place and a new device came out. The Captain put his rifle on his bad and drew his pistol. At the same time he removed the strap to his large combat knife as he put his pistol in his off hand. He motioned, weapons free as the tech trooper ran a card through the electronic key slide. The box connected to the card started to do its magic. The troopers lined up behind the Captain as the tech trooper would be the last man in. The prime targets were the ones at their stations. The secondary targets were standing in the center. The lowest priority was the man at the refrigerator. The device clicked off the digits as it was unlocking the code to open the door. Each trooper knew their duty and knew their part in this mission. He was proud of each of his men for what they had done to reach this point. In a few minutes, the war was about to be over. Captain Vizgoth nodded at each of his men as each returned the nod and acknowledged their understanding. This was it, this was the end game for them. Two more numbers to go and the door opens up for them. Once this part of the mission was over, the other teams would move and take care of the prime objectives. However, none can move until this mission was completed. Captain Vizgoth placed his hand on the door and double-checked his silenced weapon. 'Last digit' he thought as he watched the numbers click by. “GO!”

The door blew open as everyone turned in shock to sound of the door opening. As they watched almost like a deer caught in headlights, a large armored man pushed through the door and pulling a large bladed weapon out. The armored man rose his left hand and fired the pistol he was holding in it. The rapid fire shots sprayed the two men in the center, nicking one more than once. The two man dove for cover as the armored man leaped hard to the right and hurled his knife through the air. The shots were meant to separate and move the two men. The Captain wasn't aiming at them for the moment. Captain Vizgoth dove to the right as to clear the way for the next trooper. The knife flew past the two soldiers who were seeking cover from the incoming fire. The knife flew through the air and nailed the soldier at his station. His hand only a few centimeters from the alarm when the large knife split his head open like a hot knife through butter. It sank to the hilt in to his skull as his body flopped out of the chair. He landed dead on the floor just under his station. His eyes locked at the alarm he never reached. The trooper right behind Captain Vizgoth leaped in after him and turned to the left. His weapon was already up in his shoulder as he cleared the door and his target came in to view. He didn’t care about the two men in the center of the room or anyone else. He had only one task at hand and that was his entire world. He took aim and fired at the two men at their stations. A short six round burst riddled both soldiers with wounds. The second trooper kept moving forward to clear the door as the next man behind him moved in a fired as well. And again, a short six round burst at the same two soldiers. The two soldiers were dead before they hit the floor. The two troopers continued to move to the left firing again was the dead soldiers just to make sure. They cleared the door way for the last guy to entire in to the room.

One of the men in the center leaped up and rushed to a station to activate the alarm. The third trooper lit him up with a full burst of auto fire. The soldier didn’t make two feet before he was cut down by the high rate of fire from the compact assault rifle. Seizing the moment, the last trooper pivoted on his heels and fired through the desk in which the second soldiers from the center had dove behind for cover. The desk offered very little protection from the armor piercing rounds of the assault rifle. The rounds passed through the fake wooden desk and killed the soldier hiding behind it. The last soldier at the refrigerator drew his pistol and opened fire at Captain Vizgoth. One shot hit his leg and a second hit his shoulder. The shots hit the Captain knocking him to the floor. It was the second guy who turned around and shot and killed the last soldier with another short six round burst. The Reich soldiers scanned the room once more making sure each soldier was dead. The shots had a chance to warn others, so despite the two wounds, Captain Vizgoth got back up quickly and checked the monitors. He needed to make sure that the rest of his team was doing their part. He deactivated the virus and watched as his troopers were finishing off the last soldier on this level. The Control Center and the level it was on now belonged to them. He activated his radio and ordered the rest of his troopers to secure the level and wait for further orders. He then switched to the unit channel, “Field Marshal, the front door is open. Come on in.”

Captain Vizgoth watched the monitors as the rest of the unit attacked soldiers along the perimeter. From here he could watch the entire take down of the Presidential Palace. Even though they were silent kills and no one else knew better. The Captain watch through the monitors of the control center each move that their unit was now making. He watched another monitor as soldiers on the roof started to drop from being shot. It was the unit’s snipers clearing the way for the troops moving in to the Palace. He smiled at the skill of his unit and doubted if any other Reich unit could have thought up such a plan. His eyes moved from the monitors showing death after death. They stopped when a red mushroom shaped button came in to view. It was the alarm that would have ended this mission long before it started. He stepped away from the monitors and took a seat in a chair. “Medic please!” he said removing his helmet. The shot was painful enough but he wanted to finish his mission first.

The low caliber pistol round that hit Captain Vizgoth's leg armor had deflected harmlessly away. The shot that hit his shoulder however, hit a weak point in the armor between two plates. The medic came over and started to remove parts of the armor. The blood made the wound look worse than it really was. The medic nodded as he started to treat the wound. “It is a in and out wound Sir. Little loss of blood but you will be fine” he explained as he bandaged the wound. “Well, it looks like you get another Heroes Cross for being wounded in combat Sir” joked the Medic. The Captain smiled at the comment as he turned his attention to the monitors. Troopers of the Tenth were already entering the Palace without anyone knowing better. He could see sentries being cut down before they even realized what was going on. This was going to be a picture prefect operation, one that would cause other powers to step up and pay attention. One more reason why the Reich military is a force to be respected. One more reason why the Reich is the rightful force to rebuild the Republic.

This gave the Captain another thought about the lack of skill or honor from the Dorin military. “One more reason why we don’t need those damn Dorins” The Captain mumbled as he watched his unit dismantled the Palace Defenders one level at a time. He didn't trust them. Not after what happened to their POW's. Those soldiers had surrendered to the Reich, not the Dorins. The Dorins had no right killing them.

[Akirapryde]

The Fall of the Y’Ish Republic
Mid Rim World of Chilo’ish
The Presidential Palace
January 13th, 1937

The ground shook with the massive explosions off within the distant front. The activity within the Situation Room reflected the dire nature of the conflict miles from the city limits. Several tables were manned by loyal members of the President's staff while officers explained situations. Some were talking over the phones while others were relaying information. A few were updating maps and charts so that the President had the latest information from the front. Even though everyone was trying to remain silent as possible to keep the room calm, the mood of the room was all but calm. The stress and tension could be felt by everyone within the room. Even the President's own family, who had become trapped within the Palace when the front lines moved closer, showed the signs of the stress. While it was planned to move them earlier in the day, it had quickly became too dangerous to move as the day drew on and the fighting grew closer. Their presence within the Palace was something that was resting heavily on the President's mind.

“Papa I’m scared,” cried Nena.

President Lu'osh sighed deeply, he too was scared. He turned to the little girl nestled in her mother's arms. Next to them set his youngest son and on the other side of him set his oldest daughter. In a large leather chair next to the lather sofa set his oldest son. Normally, the sight of his family brought him strength and happiness. However, tonight there was no happiness as night fell over the city and brought renewed fighting over this world and a massive thrust from the Dorins. The drive pushed closer to the city than they have been during the whole invasion. The battle seemed near pointless as his own forces backed by the Varl have managed to hold the Dorins at bay for now. Still they were pushing hard. He took in a deep breath and walked from the large holotable towards his family. They should have been evacuated this morning, if not for those cursed Reich fighters swarming like killer bees in the skies above. “I know baby, I am scared too. We are all scared. But in times like this, we have to show a strong face to each other. You seen General Frasrn, he and his men are doing the very best to throw the enemy back. I am told that we are driving them further from the city. Soon it will be safe enough for everyone to leave.” He explained to his youngest daughter while taking her hand. He feared for his family's safety. He feared for the safety of his people. He feared that their allies, the Varl would not have enough troops to throw back the invaders. There was so much that he feared right now. But he knew that he had to lead his people through this.

“Sir, we have reports from the front. The Dorins are in full retreat once more. They are requiring more troops to keep driving them back.” The communication officer reported.

The President turned to his top generals, “opinions?” he already knew his own thoughts on the matter. The city was in near panic and the troops within the city were helping keep people calm.

Each of his generals offered their desires to drive the Dorins from the doorsteps of the capital. However there was that nagging part of him that wanted to keep the troops near by to help with the evacuations. Their arguments were sound and each offered tactical reasons to send the troops to the front, but this was not only a tactical situation. There were real people out there, they were just as scared as he was. He shook his head, “no” he said softly looking at his family once more. His thoughts were on those families beyond the walls and guard post of this compound. “No, keep the troops in the city. We may loss the city with their next assault but protecting the civilians and getting them out of the city has to be our goal right now” he explained. He knew that the Dorins were going to return group with even more forces. The extra troops might help, but it just might be as likely as they wont. Keeping them here, they can make a difference. “Redeploy the tenth armor and fifth corps to the eastern front” he ordered. It was a risky move that exposed their southern flank. But it would have to do.

The Generals didn't like the order but like good Officers the listened and followed his orders. The city's guardians would remain and help with the evacuations. He turned to his son, who was wearing the same uniform of his cadet unit when the order was given to recall his son. He was so proud of his son, and of his entire family. They had had a chance a few days ago to flee but all choose to remain during this crisis. He sighed once more as he knew they were trapped just like him. He turned back and looked at the holomap once more. The city was save for the time but the Dorins were flaking far to the south. If they turned north, then sometime tomorrow this fight would happen all over again. If they continued to push westward past the city, the city could be cut off and the residents would be trapped in a pocket. His orders only bought limited time to get more people out. He already knew that the city was going to be taken. The Reich fighters over head proved that.

The situation for his Republic was grim but not hopeless. The Varl promised another five million troops. They would not arrive till next month. This could help defend the remaining twenty worlds that the Dorins would be pushing for. And even reclaim the ten that the Dorins had already captured. It was a hope that he and his people could hang on to. Hope made all the difference during crisis' like what they were facing now. All they had to do was to hold on for just one more month. His eyes checked the maps again as he saw reports of Dorins making landings on another world. That made seven total worlds the Dorins were currently invading and ten that they had capture outright. 'If it weren't for those damn fighters' he thought. They had a state of the art defense system which was designed to stop the Dorin warships right in their tracks. That was till those fighters made their show on the Dorin side.

His intelligence already figured out that they were Reich designs as well as the ships which came with them. What they didn't know was if they were piloted by Reich pilots or Dorins. Not that that mattered much. During the opening hours of the war, the fighters turned hundreds of trillions worth of defense spending in to worthless slag in shocking time. The Y'Ish's own fighter defenses seemed nearly powerless to stop the attacks. 'how could we have been so ill prepared for this invasion' he thought as he turned to his Intelligence adviser and shook his head. 'How could we not know what was coming' It was a series of horrible luck, bad timing and lack of training that made the Y'Ish fighters useless during the opening hours of the invasion. 'If only hind sight was twenty-twenty' the President thought 'So much we could have done differently'

Hours before the first Dorin ship crossed the boarder, the attack came in the form of advance computer viruses. An attack that he and his best intelligence minds never saw coming. These attacks crippled their sensor arrays and tracking stations. Remote sentry fortifications remained silent as Dorin ships slipped by unhindered. Port and ground defense systems turned on their own ships and laid waste to them at near point blank range. It was a mess to clear and the only way they could stop the chaos was to take the whole defense system off line. Which blinded the Military Headquarters of the Dorin's movements. The attacks even struck at key communication hubs and relay stations. The entire network had been crippled or tragically slowed down. Getting orders out to units during the first hours seemed almost impossible. Next came the Reich fighter attacks. They were in the form of a series of multiple quick raids which destroyed command and control centers across the entire frontier. Because of the virus attacks, no one knew about the Reich fighter attacks till the Dorins were making landings on ten worlds. Those worlds were screaming for support and help but the cries came too late to help them. What started out as seen as a simple malfunctioning computers in the early morning ended the next morning in complete terror and chaos across the Republic.

The President remembered that moment, and most likely will remember it till the day he dies. He was woken up by his trusted adviser informing him of the raids and the Dorin invasion. What shocked him even more was the fact that they were learning of the attacks from the Galactic News Media and not their military channels. It was than that they learned that the virus had crippled their entire network. Hours after the first attack and while he was getting dressed the next set of raids were being reported. The situation was developing so fast that by the time he had taken the elevator down to the situation room, the next raids were being reported. Rear depots and staging areas were being attacked again by those cruised fighters. Each attack had been only hours apart and only lasted long enough to cripple the target. They had conflicting reports that the fighters and ships that were part of the raids were different. Those first hours were filled with so much chaos that that allowed the Dorin fleet follow up on the raids and finish the job. It was a day of nightmares and he just wished it was all a horrible dream. But it wasn't a dream, the Y'Ish Republic was at war with the Dorins. He walked back over to the holotable and took his seat. He fingered through the reports across the Y'Ish Republic, they were all grim.

Within the first days of the invasion, three worlds had surrendered and hundreds of thousands of troops were either cut off behind enemy lines, routed from their defense bases and in full retreat, captured or completely wiped out. The President nor any of his military advisers had ever seen anything like this invasion. The speed of the attacks crippled their ability to even defend themselves. He recalled one of his military advisers commenting about how it seemed like the carriers and their fighters were pulling the Dorin forces behind them as the lines advanced. Each time the Y'Ish forces regrouped and tried to form a new line, they were hammered again by those damn fighters and then the Dorins. If it had continued this way, the entire thirty world Republic would have been in the Dorin hands by the end of the third week. But then something change the whole invasion. The President didn't know what or why it happened, but he was grateful. The Dorins and more importantly the fighter wings stopped working together on the front lines. For some reason, the fighters and their carriers were pulled from the front lines and simply disappeared. It was if God himself had smiled on the Y'Ish and allowed them some breathing room to regroup and defend themselves.

While their defenses were smashed, the Y'Ish still had allot of fight left in them. The withdrawal of the carriers gave the defenders much needed breathing room which they took complete advantage of. The Dorins returned to their normal swarm and slaughter tactics. The President was actually relieved when he heard about the change in tactics. This was a tactic they had trained to defend against and still could fight against. They managed to fight the Dorins to a stand still while the Varl reinforced their own lines. It was a huge up lift in moral but the President knew it was fleeting. For a week, they held the Dorins at bay and even started to push them back. Supplies started to pour in as more Varl ships and troops continued to arrive. The more the Dorins pushed, the more the Y'Ish were able to drive them back. During the second week of the invasion, it actually started to look like the Y'Ish were going to reclaim some fallen worlds. That all changed with the return of the carriers and the Reich fighters. The first raid put a stop the Y'Ish's counter-offensive and their hopes of driving the Dorins out of their space.

Again, the strikes and raids hit hard and deep in to Y'Ish controlled space. Even though the Y'Ish were a bit better prepared the raids were still very successful. They destroyed critical supply lines and staging areas, most of which those set up by the Varl. An entire Varl army group was blasted out of existence when their convoy was ambushed by the carrier group. The Varl support ships were easy pray once the older escorting warships were brushed aside. The Varl had never seen fighters used in such a fashion. Their great warships which had been the pride of their fleets for over a hundred years seemed almost helpless while their support and transport ships were being blasted from space. Not even the Varl could stop the raiders or those cursed fighters. In less than a week, the Dorin's had gained every bit of ground they lost and even pushed deeper in to Y'Ish space. The Dorins seemed almost unstoppable, but all they needed to do was to hold out for just one more month. The President looked over the reports and saw the number of civilian losses. “How can we hold out when every minute more innocent blood is spilled” the President said with grief in his voice. There were reports of mass killings at the hands of the Dorins. But he had no way of confirming these reports.

In a desperate attempt to stop the Dorin's advance the President authorized a daring plan. The risks of the plan were clear, if they lost than they would loss the ability to stop the Dorin navy. If they won, than they would give a chance to the Varl to face off with the Dorin navy on even grounds. The Y'Ish gathered every last fighter they had, some six hundred fighters. This numbered included sixty of their prized Hammerheads. They were not short on fighters due to some stockpiling four years ago. They were short on trained pilots due to the raids which hit training bases and barracks. A call was put out for any and all pilots to step forward. Almost half of the pilots who answered the call for this mission had more than enough courage. And hopefully with two months worth of training some skills worth while to survive the mission. The plan was to lure the carriers in to a trap by staging all of their naval assets in one system. Once the carriers arrived, they would focus on destroying the carriers leaving the fighters to die in system with no worlds to land on. He didn't like that part of the plan but part of him did find it a fitting death for raiders. Still the plan had its risks but the rewards were worth it. That was, if they won the battle.

It was a long shot but they didn't have much of a choice. Either they stopped the carrier forces or they continued to face mounting loses. There was much debate over the mission and in the end, he grudgingly authorized the mission. From secure locations the military leaders and the President and civilian government watched as the remainder of the Y'Ish navy waited for the carriers to arrive. It seemed like forever and the wait was far worse the any way the battle could have gone. So much was riding on this one battle. A few sensor hits from minor scout ships said that the carriers were on their way. The carriers arrived right where the planners had hoped they would. There were cheers of joy once the two carriers were identified. The trap was sprung and the Y'Ish fighters broke cover and raced at the two prized targets. The President watched in disbelief that they could be so lucky. He was sad to see his feelings about the situation were right. Those cheers came to a sudden stop when the carriers unleashed their fighters in less then five minutes and suddenly vanished back in to hyperspace. Along with the fighters were some kind of electronic warfare shuttle or something. Within seconds of taking flight, wide band jamming all but prevented any measure of steady communications. The President recalled turning to his intelligence adviser as she only shook her head in reply.

The signals were difficult to understand but from what they could tell, the fighters had engaged each other and it seemed like the Y'Ish were holding their own and driving the Reich fighters back. Back further from the ships that they were to be protecting. This didn't seem important till a few minutes in to the combat when a second sighting of two more carriers were made. This time much closer to the bait ships and too far away for the Y'Ish fighters to do anything about them. Like the first time, they unleashed their wings of fighters and vanished again in to hyperspace. These craft made a straight run for the bait ships. Once the ships were engaged, the Reich fighters turned on the Y'Ish fighters and beat them even further back from their support ships. Their lines had been divided and neither bait ships nor their own fighters could support the other. After thirty minutes of combat, all five carriers returned at the fringes of the battle and deployed more fighters. This time, fighters from the battle were able to break and return to the carriers. Many of the Y'Ish fighters had the same desire to return to their base ships. They were running low of fuel and ammo. The only problem was that the newly arrived Reich fighters harassed the Y'Ish fighters all the way back to their base ships. The Reich were able to turn around fighters around twenty to thirty minutes. What Y'Ish fighters that were able to return for fuel, were turned around in a painful thirty five to forty five minutes.

Later review would cite the design of the hanger bays of the converted Y'Ish carriers did not afford enough room for recovery, refuel/resupply, and launching all at the same time. Plus many ground crews were simply not trained enough to turn around fighters in such a combat situation. This added to the confusion and chaos within the hanger bays. The El'wards, a Y'Ish Heavy Cruisers converted to carrier brought another design flaw to light. While the El'wards had large small craft bays that spanned multiple levels, There were only two lifts to bring fighters down to the flight deck from the hanger bays above. As the landing craft started to stack up and fighters attempting to return to the fight, a traffic jam quickly ensued. A Reich fighter bomber slipped passed the screens and under the defensive lines to drop a pair of bombs in to the El'wards landing bay. The explosions ripped the ship's keel in two and ended any hope of supporting the fighters. The El'wards took sixteen more bombs hit across the haul before being forced to abandon ship. She was consumed by fires a some twenty minutes later. The El'wards fate was much the same as all of the bait ships. Each suffered heavily and were left burning hulks of slag once the Reich was done with them. Of the bait ships, there were nearly fifty large laser and rail gun mounts. Not one had been fired during the engagement. The bait ships never got close enough to attack the carriers directly. What fighters did manage to close in on the carriers were driven back by supporting defending fighters and a web of close in small defense weapons. The carriers remained unharmed during the engagement.

Of the survivors, witnesses became a valuable source of information. The Varl ensured that who could be saved were. Though the Reich did take some POW's. Many life pods after the battle were found to be empty. Their hatches opened and the survivors taken about the Reich ships. Or at least that is what the President was hoping for. The idea that his men were spaced added to the guilt that he already was suffering for the failed mission. Though the battle was a complete loss, his intelligence adviser said that there were valuable bits of information to be learned. It was the first battle between carriers and fighters. The philosophy of the Big Ships/Big Guns died with the El'wards. Her nine massive state of the art sixty centimeter turbolasers were never fired. The Reich carriers remained out of range and the fighters were simply too fast to hit. Also, the were able to learn that these were not just Reich designs, these were Reich trained officers piloting those fighters. It was a strong lesson in how the Reich fights. Like the recovery of fighters during combat. The Reich ships had these pontoons on each side of the carriers that were nearly as long as the ships. These were the fighter bays and they were heavily defended. During combat, they were able to recover fighters from forward and rear landing bays and launch fighters from the mid-sections of the pontoons. While these did nothing to save his Republic from falling to the Dorin invasion, they did offer keen insight in to how the Reich fought and how to design ships to beat them. He only hoped that the occupation would not last long, if they couldn't hold out for one more month.

He set the papers down as he looked around at the filled room. Some twenty military and civilian personal were all working to defend this city, this world, this Republic. He could hear the transmissions from the front and heard the cries of the wounded. “How can we hold out when all we have left to waste in our very lives” he said softly. The President slowly stood once more and walked back over to his family. His beloved wife gave him a reassuring smile as he approached her. Her eyes had always found some trait that even he had over looked in himself. The explosion nearly knocked him off his feet. He didn't know what happened just these large explosions around the room. He tossed himself over his family in an attempt to protect them from what was happening. He heard screaming and silenced weapons' fire from all around. Men were dying as he remained steady over his family. Just as the explosion hit, his wife had pulled his children to the floor between the sofa and the table. He leaped the last bit of distance to cover them. Within seconds it was silent once more. He slowly lifted his head to see the carnage. Of the twenty people, nearly half were dead as well as the ten guards. The President identified the dead as being those in uniform and or carrying weapons. There were six armored men panning the room while the survivors stood with their hands raised. More armored men in the hallways. 'where are the guards' he asked himself.

“I am President Loral Lu'osh” he said in a harsh tone but than looked at his family. He slowly got up as his wife and daughters were crying for him to remain down. “Please, Sir....” he said softening his tone, “I ask, not in front of my family. Sir...” He continued to step away from his family realizing that this was the end. All he hoped for in this second was that his family would be spared the horror of watching their father die.

One of the six men removed his helmet, “Mr. President, allow me to introduce myself. I am Field Marshal Walther Model” he said in a soft respectful tone which set the President back a bit. “This is not an assassination. You and your family are safe. However, how long that safety will continue will depend greatly on you.”

'Oh so this is what they will do. Threaten my family to force a surrender.' he thought as he looked back at them. His heart was torn, “Do as you wish, I can not solely order a surrender of our forces. We are worthless to you in this regard.”

The Reich troops moved in and collected the rest of his staff and lined them up along the wall. The President was fearful that they would be short by the intruders. “I am fully aware of this fact. This is the reason why we are conducting the same raid as this one on He'ar and Argoss.”

The President knew those two worlds. The leaders of the parliament as well as the prime minister were on He'ar. The relocated military headquarters was located on Argoss. This was madding, 'how could they possibly think they could pull of such a raid' he thought to himself.

“The reason why, Mr. President, we thought we could pull of these raids is because you never considered it possible. You invited us to attempted it” said a fair skinned women dressed in a black and gray Reich uniform.

One of the Field Marshal's men called out, “This one smells of Council meat!” The soldiers was surprising a Bothan.

The President thought it was odd that the Reich fought along side with other aliens. It was not what he had been told of the Reich. 'How much more of that knowledge was wrong' once more he thought. “Um...she is our nanny.” It was a lie but he had little choice. If they knew that she was indeed his intelligence adviser on special loan from the Free Worlds Council, they would surely kill her.

The fair skilled woman started to walk that way but the leader waved her off. “Nanny?” he asked as he walked up to her lowering his weapon to a point of rest.

“She is Council. I promise you this.” said the Reich Bothan soldier guarding her.

“The rest of you. You are civilians caught up in a military operation. Within the hour, my fighters will be bombing the hell out of your lines. The Dorins will be launching their full assault. Within I would say two hours, this city will be over run with Dorin soldiers. I would suggest that you get your families and flee for the safety of the Northern hills. Go!” he said while placing a hand on the adviser's shoulder, “Not you, nanny.”

Kalee had never been more lucky than to have lost her firearm two days before. Her first response was to defend the President, but because she was unarmed she acted differently. Had she acted as she was trained, she would have been laying dead on the floor like the other defenders. She instead dove for cover and came up with her arms raised like the rest of the civilians. She looked in to the man's eyes who know controlled her future. She knew that he didn't believe the nanny line. The Bothan had sniffed her out and the psychic would have too much fun ripping her mind apart. Kalee just looked down at the floor. She knew that she was not going to be leaving this room alive. Her only hope was that the information that she sent back would be helpful to stopping the Reich invasion of their space when it came. She knew that the Reich was getting ready to expand. She knew that this was just a testing ground for their new military and tactics. And based on what she saw, she didn't have much faith in the Council surviving.

The civilians were guided out by the other Reich soldiers as the Field Marshal looked around. He turned back to her, “Tell me, Mr. President, have you ever considered what being a POW would do to your family?” he said softly looking deep in to her eyes. It was if he was reading her very soul.

“I have not not, Field Marshal” the President replied. He never thought this moment would ever occur. Looking back at his family once more. Their cries had stopped but the pain in their eyes was clear. “Field Marshal, might I inquire as to what you mean to do now?”

“You are no more a Nanny, than I am a butler” he whispered to her and continued, “The Dorins would enjoy your company. Trust me, I know. I have seen what they do to the likes of you.” He had seen first hand the means of extracting information from their subjects. He didn't approve of it. “Take what you have learned. Consider it a gift. And leave this building.”

“Um Sir! You...” the fair skilled Reich Officer said.

He only shot a glare at her. This was all that was needed to silence her. “Go.....” he whispered once more to the spy.

Kalee looked to the President with surprise on her face. He nodded to her to flee also. She didn't like it but she turned and walked for the door. She was escorted out by the soldiers to ensure that she didn't cause any problems.

“Field Marshal, Sir, your intentions please?” said the President once more.

Model turned to him, “My intentions are to leave this burning building. I will either hand you over to the Dorins” he stopped to allow the President to consider that option.

“OR?” the President said nervously.

“Or, honor your request for political asylum.” Model said as he watched the young attractive spy leave the room.

'Asylum?' The President was floored. It would mean the end of his administration. “Why would I do that.”

Model smiled, “Because Mr. President, I have killed every member of your guard force. There are no functioning vehicles for you to escape with. Within two hours, the Dorins will have you, your family in their custody. They will be come POWs of the Dorins. The choice is simple, a life as guests of the Reich or POWs of the Dorins” he explained. It appeared that he was going to say more but something over his communication ear piece cut him off. “Our ride is here. Your time is up Mr. President. What will it be?”

He reviewed his options. If what the Field Marshal said was true, than the Dorins could and would be in the city within a couple of hours. Sure he could hide, but till when? If the Dorins find them, his family will be used against him to force him to sign some treaty. He knew the Dorins and how they treated their POWs. He had been wrong about everything he knew regarding the Reich. He had little choice. This was something he was unwilling to risk. “Field Marshal Model, would the Reich accept my request for political asylum for my family and myself?”

The Field Marshal smiled, “I thought you would never ask, Mr President.” he nodded and motioned for his troops to move out. Each helped one member of the President's family to their feet and along the corridors up to the roof. “See, as I told you, kindness and compassion. That is how you get people to work with you.” he said to the Physic as they brought up their rear of the group.

It was a raid for the historical record books. Three raids on very high value targets in three different systems. And all three raids had achieved their objectives and secured their targets. News of the raids went largely unreported but a few eyewitnesses did speak to those who would listen. The Presidential Palace was heavily bombed by the Reich fighters. The Dorins never recovered the bodies though they were presumed dead. The Y'Ish under the leadership of the Prime Minister, signed a surrender with the Dorins two days later. The last major fighting occurred three days after the signing. A puppet Government was set up and flatly rejected further Varl assistance. The President and his family were never seen from again.

The Council spy did get away and was able to report ALL facts from this intermission to her government and the party as a whole. She was able to inform the party through her report about what she knew of the raid from this intermission and that it was conducted by a highly trained special forces unit of the Reich which had about a hundred plus members. She believes that the only way it was possible for a force that size to achieve the raid, that there had to be someone on the inside helping the Reich. She last saw the President and his family boarding a Reich troop transport and being air lifted from the palace to parts unknown. Each member of the party is invited to read over this intermission again and see what facts you can find that will help protect the Council from the coming Reich invasion.

[Akirapryde]

(6.15) Coming of the Fire (Fall of the Ponji)
On Arrival, Fifteen Hours Out
Outer Rim System of Tatooine
Generation Ship, Narshana
March 26th, 1937

Despite the amazing abilities of Citizen Murl and his allies to reform the Republic, darkness has once more showed its face to curb the peaceful future of the galaxy. The past few months, aboard the Generation ship Narshana, Citizen Murl has worked very hard to reform the remains of the Republic. Only last month did the majority of the galaxy accept his board gifted vision of the galaxy. In return for this remarkable leadership and at times with great personal cost to himself, the galaxy has named Citizen Murl, Supreme Chancellor. Chancellor Murl has shown through dedication, personal moral campus and hard work, that this Republic is once more possible. His largest most single significant act came to everyones' surprise. A treaty worked out with the Varl leadership and the Republic to end slavery within the Varl space within twelve months. Chancellor Murl made a historical trip to the Varl homewold to deliver a heartfelt speech which is said to have moved the masses. In that speech, Chancellor Murl spoke of personal freedoms, destinies, and loyalties to the Republic. During his visit to Varl space, he was able to tour a slave market. It was one of first that were closing. Chancellor Murl stood side by side with the Varl leadership as they gave the order to destroy the center.

Chancellor gave the Varl and the galaxy a sense of direction during his number of speeches across Varl space. “Freedom is the intrinsic right of all sentient lifeforms. Today, as friends of liberty, we have banded together to breathe life into this noble truth, fully committed to ending the evil institution of slavery now and forever.” was a quote from just one of the uplifting speeches of Chancellor Murl. However, upon returning to the current seat of government for the Republic, the Narshana, Chancellor Murl was met with his first major crisis. During the coming years, and possible even centuries, historians will debate the events of our days. Within that debate, one date will take the forefront, February 9th 1937. This deeply renowned date is celebrated within the Reich as All Heroes Day. A day in which the Reich launched its last major offensive against the Varl and drove them from the Core Worlds. It is the day celebrated by all citizens of the Reich as the day they earned their independence from the Varl. It is a day of great symbolism for both the Reich and the Varl. A day which empowers strong emotions and now it has become a rallying call for the Reich to war!

While there were warning signs floating around the galaxy of this coming war, some were simply not heeded. However, some visionaries like Chancellor Murl had seen these signs and has paid close attention. However even he was caught by the events of February 9th as they unfolded. A group of six ships slipped in to Reich Space via pirate lanes and approached the world. These ships were painted up with Ponji markings and matched ships designs of their navy. It would later be learned from the wreckage that what bodies were uncovered were dressed in Free Council uniforms. During the battle, some sources have claimed that the ships fought with what appeared to be Varl tactics. Reich investigators identified the ships as Ponji, and while they were similar to Ponji ships used in their navy. They did hold some designs that were solely used in the Free Worlds Council. The true identity behind the attacks would become over shadowed by the raid its self and the war that it caused.

These ships entered the Kess System where the Reich Emperor was delivering a speech celebrating the heroes of the Reich. Among those on world at the time was the Crown Princess, Field Marshal Kessler, and a large number of other high ranking officers and their families. It seemed like the prefect raid as the ships closed on their target. However their movements were being watched very carefully by the Reich Military. News footage shows a message being delivered to the Emperor and Field Marshal Kessler. It was clear that it was something that they were not previously unaware of. Within the footage we can see the Emperor turning to one of his most trusted Field Marshals and watch as the Kessler gives the order. And what happened with that nod from the Emperor would set off a war that mirrors the fall of the Old Republic its self. And this time, no one shall be left on the side lines!

As the raiding ships closed on their target, the Reich sprang in to action. Within moments, hundreds of fighters and small patrol ships were jetting on an intercept course. These raiders were determined to deliver death on to the world of Kess. Most ships were leaving behind a trail of fire as they continued to try to push to launch distance. The Reich had every intention of crippling the ships and identifying who was behind the attack. However the raiders had other plans, a Reich boarding party forced their way on to a disabled ship only to have it blown up around them. With just over half of the raiding ships either destroyed or disabled, they finally reached their launch points. Multiple large missiles of mass destruction were fired at the world. A Reich corvette rammed one missile at the cost of the entire ship. Others were shot down by Reich fighters. Like angry bees defending their hive, the Reich fighters fought in vain to stop the missiles. However, there were simply too many of them to stop. Two managed to slip past the lines of defense and find targets on the world. The loss of life was horrific. The scare left on Kess by the twin blast could easily be seen from space. The Reich is placing the death totals in the millions and the cries for war has all but drowned out anything else.

As the Reich licked it wounds from the raid and were still counting the dead, the Emperor took the cries of the people to the Reich Estates General. His speech was moving and filled with terror of what is to come. Here are some highlights of the Emperor's speech.

“For four months I have calmly watched developments across our boarders, although I never ceased to give warnings. In the last few days I have increased these warnings. I informed the Ponji Ambassador last week that if Ponji do not accept full responsibility for these unprovoked and shamefully attacks, COWARDLY ATTACKS then the Reich could not remain inactive. An attempt was made to justify their claims of innocents they cite falsifications of ship identifications. The continue to lie in our faces and claim that these acts, these horrors, these murders were not their acts of provocation.

“I asked them for a direct council from their government, so that we could avoid what the Ponji actions has forced upon both our governments. For two whole days I sat with my advisors and waited to see whether it was convenient for the Ponji Government to send a plenipotentiary or not. Last night they did not send us a plenipotentiary but instead informed us through their Ambassador that they were still considering whether and to what extent they were in a position to go into the Free Worlds' Council proposals for a third party conference.

“We have tried to meet with these third party conferences. I have sent my dearest and most trusted Ambassador, Lord Hitosh to the Republic days prior to these horrific attacks. The Council themselves have moved to isolate us from the rest of the galaxy. Why? So that Council can clear the way for their financial allies, the Ponji, to launch this horrific attack on us.

“Deputies, if the Reich Government and its leader patiently endured such treatment, The Reich would deserve only to disappear from the political stage. But I am wrongly judged and if my love of peace and my patience are mistaken for weakness or even cowardice. I therefore decided last night, and informed the Council's Government that in these circumstances I can no longer find any willingness on the part of the Ponji Government to conduct serious negotiations with us.

“These proposals for mediation have failed because in the meanwhile there first of all came as an answer the sudden Ponji general mobilization. I have, therefore, resolved to speak to the Ponji in the same language that Ponji has used towards us.

“Since that fateful day the Ponji navy has fired upon our innocent civilians, now I am asking that we fire back in defense of those civilians. And, from now on, bombs will be met with bombs. Whoever fights with ships will be fought back with ships. Whoever fights with soldiers will be fought back with soldiers. There is a high road that the Ponji has failed to take. One that we must take. We must honor the rules of humane warfare. We must hold back our nightmare weapons in the face of darkness. We must not become the monsters we seek to protect our race from, to protect the galaxy from. But do not think that I will hold back on defending our great realm! I will continue this struggle, no matter against whom, until the safety of the Reich and its rights are secured.

“And I would like to close with the declaration that I once made when I began the struggle for power in the Reich. I then said: “If our will is so strong that no hardship and suffering can subdue it, then our will and our Human might shall prevail.”

The Reich Estates General passed the declaration of war with the Ponji, with acclamation. On passage, as per intergalactic law, copies the Declaration of War were sent to the Ponji and all signatories of the Devaron Treaty of 1890. Within the message accompanying the declaration, was the Reich's intention to follow the rules outlined within the Treaty in regards to war and sees this conflict as a war between the Ponji and the Reich solely. The Reich has also added that they would be willing to halt all hostilities once the Ponji accepted responsibility for the raid on Kess. In accordance with the Devaron Treaty of 1890, the Reich allowed twenty four hours to pass prior to the break out of hostilities. During this time, last minute negotiations hosted by the Shanaduna failed as the Ponji continued to refuse to accept responsibility for the raid. And on February 22th, the Reich unleashed its might against the Ponji Assembly.

As the finally hour drew to a close, three massive task forces crossed Ponji boarders and war was unleashed upon this normally neutral realm. But most surprisingly is the amount of time in which the war lasted. From start to finish, the Ponji fell in just under thirty days. Their heart cut out within a week of the first battle and their military swept aside by the Reich forces unleashed upon them. This rapid fall of a powerful realm brought every other realm to the table and caused them to pay attention. It was clear that the Reich was a power within the Core. Its military had always been seen as strong. But never before had a Realm fallen in such a short time. Never before had such a rapid military force been used to cripple and wipe out its' foe. The death of the Ponji sounded the alarm for all of the other Realms. Reports of a possible Varl counter invasion during the open weeks of conflict never occurred. One source close to the Varl leadership claimed that they were going to move to support the Ponji but those plans were called off in the wake of the Reich advance. To better understand the change in military tactics and technology, once more, here is Brother Parrie Hrirry

Thank Brother Setith. A few months ago, we watched the Reich's military do a near prefect and nearly conflict free occupation of the Kel Vahr. We got a chance to see some new military hardware of the Reich. It was truly a sight to behold. What we saw on Kel Vahr and Fra a few months before gave many of my fellow Brothers and Sisters great sense of excitement of what is to come. These new designs demanded a new style of fighting. And we were not let down by the Reich's war with the Ponji. Like them, hate them, you have to respect them. The way this invasion was carried out was nothing short of a master piece. Just a month or so, we started to notice new ships being deployed to the front line units within the Reich. We will speak about these new classes shortly. When they first started to make their appearance, Admirals of other navies were hardly taking notice. But there were some watching. Some leaders started to push designs to match what they were seeing out of the Reich. This must have been a bitter pill for the Council to take. For nearly two centuries, they have been the masters of trend when it came to new military designs. Now, they were the ones playing catch up to Reich surprises. And the Reich was not out of surprises just yet. In fact, the Reich started to show off four separate carrier designs along with a number of support ships. What does this mean for the fleets of the galaxy? I will tell you what it means, hurt, lots of hurt. And the Reich has shown that it has the ability to bring that hurt.

Leadership of the entire invasion was given to Field Marshal Erich Von Kessler and Admiral Karl Dönitz, reportedly by the Emperor himself. While both leaders were well seasoned, this would be the first time they would lead an entire invasion on their own. From reports, we know that Field Marshal Kessler was placed over all in charge of the invasion with Admiral Dönitz running as second. If anyone saw this lack of experience in leading major operations as a weakness, they only need to look at the results. What these two commanders planned shook the commanders of the galaxy to the core. Kessler unleashed a Reich standard assault consisting of three prongs aimed at the Ponji lines. The fleets crossed the lines and used their superior speed to out pace and draw the defenders in to running skirmishes. Normally this would have spelled doom for any normal navy. The good thing for the Ponji, their core navy was built around smaller faster classed ships. The bulk of their navy were built around frigates, destroyers and light cruisers. Now, this gave the Ponji navy remarkable speed and maneuvering in combat. Considering that the Ponji normally has to deal with pirates and slave raiders, these was a massive advantage. However when faced off with the warships of the Reich, that was an other story.

The Ponji navy did have lighter, faster ships than other major navies, but they were also light on fire power and armor over all. We did see that the Reich's newer ships were built around a similar class make up. We saw none of the massive Peacekeepers or SpaceKing class battleships that normally make up the core of Reich battle fleets. What we did notice was that the Reich redesigned their ships to focus on speed without losing that much needed fire power or protection. During the opening hours of the battle we saw this change in fleet make up used with the more traditional ships we have seen along the Reich frontier for decades. It was clear that these ships were improved upon through upgrades but they retained much of their normal designs. I think that this was part of the plan to through the Ponji in a mind set that lead directly to their rapid fall. These first battles were fought very traditionally as the Ponji and Reich ships squared off. It was then that the Ponji fleet commanders had to know that they were out matched across the board. As the running skirmishes were drawing the Ponji further off station, a second wave of Reich ships jumped in to each of the target systems. The terror of being outflanked must have caused the Ponji to double think their situations. However it quickly left as those same ships simply jumped back out system.

This is where Kessler's plan shows its brilliances. With the arrival of the second wave, many thought that he would strength his lines and continue to drive deeper. No one had any idea want to expect till the second waved arrived deep behind enemy lines. They had made long jumps that boggled the military planners within the Ponji. Kessler's second wave start to hit supply points and command and control centers. These attacks were carried out by the Reich's new class of carriers called Strike Carriers and their support ships. These are the new class ships we were talking about before. These new Carriers are faster than any other ship in their weight class. The ships that accompany these new carriers, were designed to support carriers directly. Gone are the massive gun emplacements and a massive increase in medium and small weapons. It is clear that these ships were designed to defend against small craft and fighters. This is the wave of the future for space warfare and the Reich has already mastered it. The Ponji were about to get schooled in carrier tactics and lighting warfare.

With the Reinforcements that were meant to be deployed to the front turning around to return to support the rear supply stations, these second wave groups hit hard. They launched attack after attack on ship yards, communication nodes, supply stations and bases. It was clear that these attacks were planned to cripple the Ponji's ability to fight a prolonged war. Once they these key targets were in flames, the group moved on before the Ponji forces could return to engage them. This forced the Ponji to pull their forces further back to their infrastructure rather than engaging the Reich forces along the frontier. As communications became more disrupted, lines of supplies were cut and strangled, the Ponji found themselves trapped between defending the frontier and protecting its rear infrastructure. This left huge gaps in the defensive lines of the Ponji and made regrouping nearly impossible for their over tasked navy. When we thought that Kessler's plan had taken its course, he brought forth another surprise.

His third wave was already in motion moving towards their targets. While the Ponji navy was playing cat and mouse with the Carrier groups or being tied up at the front, Kessler's third waves moved largely unopposed through Ponji space till they were over their targets. Not even a full day in to the invasion, four battle groups arrived over their targets. One of them was the heart of the Ponji Government while the others were critical command and control centers that had to be captured. Kessler's own Panzergroupee III was given the honor of invading the homeworld of the Ponji. With Kess as their battle cry, the soldiers of Panzergroupee III landed on the Ponji homeworld and fought for possession of the capital. By the end of the first day, just about half of the Ponji supply stations had been either captured, badly damaged or destroyed completely. With broken lines of conflict raging throughout their space, the Ponji were simply unable to regroup and fortify any single defensive point. As the heart of the support lines started to fail, the front lines also started to collapse under the pressure of the first waves of the assault. There was little the Ponji government could do other than watch their rapidly depleting navy, vanish before their eyes.

Within thirty six hours of the war, the Ponji navy had been pretty much divided in to six pockets that were no where near strategic targets. This allowed the Reich navy to move on targets at their will. But Kessler's plan showed a new secret. One question that alluded answering was where was the massive Ponji naval reserves? The Ponji naval reserves had long thought been the corner stone of any solid defense that the Ponji could muster. These reserves numbered in hundreds of ships. We did a bit of research and found what we believe to be the best kept Reich secret. This secret is the Wolf class attack ships. These corvette size ships carry a powerful punch but what makes them killers is this ability to remain undetected even during attacks. We are still uncertain how they manage this undetectable feat. We do know from many eye witnesses that they are undetectable during their attacks. We do not know if these ships were hiding behind enemy lines prior to the start of war or rushed to their targets after the start of war. What we did find out is that as the Ponji naval reserve was preparing to head to the front they were attacked. These attacks, reportedly, occurred right within their own stations or anchorages. The number of Wolf class attack ships are still unknown. What is known is that they are being credited with destroying nearly two hundred Ponji ships before they ever made it to the combat zones. One attack saw twenty Ponji ships attacked even before their crews could fully power their ships up and offer any hope of defense to the Wolf's attacks. The Wolf class ships were clearly a key in the rapid demise of the Ponji navy.

Now lets talk about cunning. It is a week in to the invasion and you are running low on supplies. What do you do? Call for resupplies? Not if you are Field Marshal Kessler. Kessler ordered his supply conveys to move ahead of the fleets deep in to enemy controlled space. Their orders were to set up advanced supply bases prior to the fleets needing them. Kessler counted heavily on his plan working and the Ponji limiting naval activities because of the Carrier raids on their own supply bases. It was daring and some say foolish, but the true test came to this. When the Reich needed those supplies, the bases were ready and waiting for them. These supply points allowed for the Reich fleets to move faster across Ponji space and continue to the pressure on the failing Ponji navy. Remember the SpaceKing and Peacekeeper class battleships? This is how broad the Reich philosophy has changed. At one time, the SpaceKing and then later the Peacekeepers were the pride and joy of the Reich navy. Trillions of credits to build, latest in weapon technologies, They represented the heart and pride of the Reich Navy, and was a clear sign of the Reich's military might. Now massive battleships were degraded to convoy protection duties. Their powerful guns which sent fear through systems that they entered in anger were all but silent as they protected supply convoys from Ponji raiders. During the entire war between the Reich and the Ponji only two of these massive battleships saw any action. The rest saw no action at all while their younger cousins the carriers and their support ships resupplied and returned to the conflict zones.

Aside from these new support ships classes, and the new use for their massive battleships, there is one more ship class worthy of talking about before we look deeper in to these carriers. Our eyes in Ponji space has noticed a new class of ship that fits the weight class of the Frigate. Frigates are normally used as system patrol flagships or convey protection ships. We have noticed that there are a number of new Frigate designs but one seems to stand out. Its nature seems unknown at this time, but these ships have large antennas and a powerful energy signature. Most notable about these ships is that only one seems to be assigned to any one fleet or convoy. This leads us to believe that this is some kind of communications ships. If this is the case, than that gives the Reich a massive advantage when it comes to waging war. No longer would they have to worry about sending messages through the Lord's Church or by couriers. This could also have contributed to the rapid changes in the Reich military deployments during the war. We also saw a cross between a heavy cruiser and a battleship. These class ships have been named pocket battleships or battle-cruisers. The roles of these ships seem to be a bridge between the old style of combat and the Reich's new version of war. These ships have been deployed solely for carrier defense and have not been seen in fleets of their own. However, there is note of one battle-cruiser, an ace killer, moving independently striking at lone Ponji ships or striking their convoys.

Now let's take a closer look at these carrier classes. So far we were able to identify four separate carrier classes. Each seemingly having their own role in the battle or within the larger theater. The smallest is what we would like to call a Scout class carrier. These ships have been seen operating nearly independent or with a small task force of five to ten ships. Throughout the Ponji campaign, the Scouts moved deep in to Ponji space and set up safe zones for incoming supply conveys. They also have been noted setting up navigation beacons for the supply conveys that they were supporting. These ships appear to have been refits of older ship designs with new technologies. Though this is not been proven fact yet. It has been reported that these ships can field between twenty to forty fighters. They have limited weapons and armor but make up for it in speed. Their true power like all other carriers come from their fighters. We were able to record and identify twenty one of these ships within the Ponji campaign.

The next carrier is another small one. We have noticed this carrier within supply convoys and have named them escort carriers because of that. These carriers have been seen to be faster than the convoys that they escort as well as their much larger supporting warships. The escort carriers jump in to a system and secure the area to allow for the convoy to pass through without being exposed to dangers. While their larger older brothers had little to do on convoy duty, these fast ships saw many engagements during the Ponji campaign. They were the eyes and ears of the convoy and critical to Kessler's plans in keeping the convoys safe from enemy raids. The Escort Carriers proved themselves to be fast and capable ships. They carrier between thirty and sixty fighters and have been seen in groups of two to four. They have moderate weapons and armor. The reaction times of their fighters have been proven to be their best assets during a Ponji ambush. Some seventy three of these carriers were recorded during the Ponji campaign.

The next largest range carrier class is what we have doubted the Strike Carrier Class. These carriers made their first appearances on the battlefield just a few weeks ago during the Dorin invasion of the Y'Ish. During that campaign these mysterious ship crippled the Y'Ish defenses. At the time it was unclear where these ships came from. However there is no question to it now, those ships were Reich Strike carriers. The Strike carriers make up the backbone of the Reich carrier fleets. If you are looking at getting in to an engagement with these ships, better come ready for the job. These ships have long legs and can maintain these speeds for the duration of the fight. They are well equip with medium and close ranged weapons. They do have some larger weapon mounts but these seem to have been set up to build to their philosophy of small craft and fighter defense rather than ship to ship combat. But if you think for a moment that these ships are easy pray for more traditional warships. These carriers within the Ponji campaign have been noted to field between one hundred to one hundred fifty fighters. Though during the Y'Ish campaign, those five Strike carriers were noted to field during combat around two hundred each! This gives the Strike carriers another level of versatility which only adds to their value on the battlefield. They operate in groups of no less than three regardless of what roles they seem to be on. This gives the Strike carriers the ability to swarm enemy ships, bases and targets. This tactic proved to be externally successful against both the Y'Ish and later the Ponji. It spelled defeat to the defenders in both campaigns and carried the invaders on to victory. We have been able to log some twenty one Strike carriers within the Ponji theater and five within the Y'Ish theater.

Even before the last great war the Reich had with the Free Worlds Council, the Reich had the deep routed experience in building massive warships to face off with the Council's own monsters. This trait did not appear to be lost in the Reich's last class of carriers. These ships named Fleet Carrier could have only been built in the shipyards of Vandor where the Peacekeepers and SpaceKings were built and meant to replace them as fleet flagships. There is not much known about these massive ships other than they seem to have the same speed and maneuvering as their smaller carrier cousins and they can field somewhere in the range of a thousands fighters and small craft. These ships are over a kilometer long and seem to be equip with the same style of defense as other carriers. We have seen no evidence that suggests anything different in terms of weapons. We saw one acting as the flagship of Field Marshal Kessler and we know that Field Marshal Halder has one as his own flagship. If this trend is common, than there would be anywhere between ten to twenty of these massive warships out there. That would mean that the shipyards in Vandor started building them sometime during the last five to seven years ago. We reported about nine years ago, that the Peacekeeper program was ordered to be terminated about eight years ago. Given the amount of time to retool the shipyards and construction times, this would support our estimations of the number of Fleet Carriers within the Reich navy.

The ability of the Reich military to move fast, strike deep and keep moving has shifted the galactic view of strategy on to its head. The Y'Ish were a well supplied and well trained military with direct Varl assistance. The Ponji were also equally well supplied and trained but what made this such a surprising event is that until recently, the past few decades, the Ponji have been trained and equipped by the Reich themselves. For the Y'Ish to hold out for a month and a half against the Dorin invasion, it was a sure bet that the Ponji would be able to hold out for much longer than that. From first shot fired to the signing of the official surrender by General Pobue, the Ponji didn't even survive a full month against the massive Reich invasion. If the militaries of the galaxy don't sit up and pay attention to these recent event, than they have no one to blame but themselves. The Reich has effectively changed modern warfare on a scale and in ways never dreamed of.

[Akirapryde]

The Climb
Former St. Luke Monastery
Mountain Jaradat
Deep Core World of Khomm
The Second Reich of Humanity
April 26, 1937

The night sky was filled with the light of the full moon, which had taken place the night before. It was a risk to make the climb tonight but Master Visst trusted in the Force. The climb would not be hindered. Master Angel Heartman and Captain Ogon Koo’Lak stood at the base of the fifteen hundred meter mountain. None of them had actually considered this is where they would be. But the Force had led them here by design. Just over four short weeks ago, the group had set to give the Free Worlds Council a fighting chance against the Reich’s all impressive Grinder space fighter. They got much more than what they were looking for.

The group uncovered the Grinder plans, plus found out that the Reich scientist had started to unlock the secrets of the Azgardian Assault Shuttle. The Reich had moved forward with building a prototype of their own assault shuttle. The level of the prototype’s completion was not discovered. But through the smart planning of Captain Koo’Lak, the party up loaded a flaw to the designs within the Reich database. The flaw had the potential to set back, what the Reich calls Project Pegasus, between eight to twelve months. The computer-based sabotage has the potential to cause even longer delays. The party also discovered that the Reich had visited the Hothe system and had some plans of the trans-galactic ship Ka-riss-ah! But that was not the real bombshell that the party had uncovered. It would be this information that led the three to where they stood now.

While they had infiltrated the Reich factory on Vandor III, they discovered that Kayla was still being forced to help the Reich. Kayla was well known to the group from their activities at the Ganthery Military Proving Grounds, Reich world of Acatmen. She had been abducted from the Free Worlds Council a few years ago because of her mind. Kayla had a remarkable mind. Her intellect placed her within the top half percent of scholars within the Galaxy. She took a heavy beating from her Reich captors while attempting to protect a near helpless Captain Koo’Lak. During the Acatmen mission, the bitter command decision as made to let her remain in Reich hands to set the stage for something in the future. Since that mission, it had been a personal goal of Captain Koo’Lak to return to the young woman to her family. Today, Captain Koo’Lak had a chance to fulfill that goal.

The three looked up at the high cliff face wall. They had only ten and a half hours to make a fifteen hundred meter climb before the morning sun breaks the horizon. For most normal soldiers this would be a near impossible task. But Master Visst, Master Heartman and Captain Koo’Lak are no normal soldiers. Each stood before the mountain with their climbing gear at the ready. For Angel, she saw more than just a mountain. She saw her life before her. This was going to be the most dangerous challenge of her life.
‘It was going to be a long night’ Angel thought to herself as she double-checked her gear to make sure everything was in place and secured. Once more she took a deep breath as she took in the scope of this climb. To her right, Visst and Ogon were setting up some kind of harness for Visst. The risks were very real and the chance of failure was higher than the chance of success. She was scared. Man was she scared. She never before had she done anything like this. She knew that emotions were normal. It was the effect that she allowed that fear to hold over her which was what she had to be careful of. She gazed up in to the darkness and saw lights high above her. ‘Its time to get this over with’ she thought with a nod. A chill ran down her back as the night air blew. She took a deep breath and reached out for the side of the cliff face. 'One and after another' she thought as she moved up the near vertical cliff face. She watched as Ogon and Master Visst rocketed upward. 'This is about me. All about me' she assured herself as she reached for the next handhold. She knew that allowing her focus to become centered on others, she would loss sight of what she was doing. It was time for her to face this fear and over come it.

As she continued her nighttime accent, she reflected back on her life. She never once looked back and truly gave it deep consideration. If this was to be her last moments, it was fitting to learn more about who she was. It was time to look backwards as she was climbing upwards. Angelique Heartman was born a genetic fluke of her people. Generally true Azgardian warriors are birthed in laboratories through the most advanced genetic advances available. It was what allowed the Scientist to ensure that the next lines of warriors were genetically superior to the last. These warriors that are created in the laboratories were called True Born warriors. Unlike other warriors, Angel had a mother and father. This made her uncommon within her race. Most warriors did not prefer to have children due to the perception that the act of giving birth degraded the gene pool. Still there were some that felt the calling by nature to become true parents to their own children. Those warriors who were birthed naturally were dubbed Free Birth warriors. What made Angel truly rare within her race was that she was tested genetically identical to a True Born warrior who was born within an hour of Angel's natural birth.

Fiolla Heartman was the trueborn child that tested genetically identical to Angel. Tests were done and not one member of the science caste could explain the fluke. Respecting the act of the Gods, the Priests demanded that Fiolla be dubbed Angel’s twin sister. That both girls would be raised as blood sisters. As the two grew it became clear that not only did they share the same genes, they shared the same looks. It only furthered mystery of Angel and Fiolla’s strange birth. They may have shared the same face, but it also became quick to realize that the two also have much different ways of handling situations. Fiolla tended to handle things directly and with her pure might and skill. Angel had much more softer and developed ways of handing the same situations. It became clear that the force had touched Angel at a very young age. She would not share the same training as her twin sister. Angel’s destiny would be held within the Jedi. Angel was sent to Coruscant to study with the very best the Jedi had to offer. Fiolla would continue training as a trueborn warrior.

This allowed Angel to grow up without having to share the same light as her twin sister. So while Fiolla was training to become an Azgardian Warrior, Angel was training to become a Jedi. The two still spent many summers playing and enjoying childhood on their estate on Alderaan. While they were not on vacation, each trained and studied hard to become the very best they could be. Then came that fateful afternoon when Angel was only fourteen years old. She and Daz had just returned from a month long vacation on Alderaan and had realized they had returned to Coruscant early. The pair were enjoying drinks and pesters at a local cafe' on Coruscant that Angel loved as they wasted time. It was Angel's suggestion to do some last minute shopping and relaxing before returning to the Temple. A suggestion that would set Angel on the climb that she faced during this night.

As they were enjoying a second round of pastries and laughing about their resent vacation, an explosion filled the air. An air speeder crashed and people panicked. Both Angel and Daz leaped in to action. They found that the explosion was an assassination attempt carried out by dark Jedi who was pretending to be another Jedi Padawan. The pair thwarted the assassination attempt and launched their careers as Jedi Hunters. Her career was one that many young Jedi had envied. She had near direct access to the Jedi Council and one of the most legendarily Masters choose to be her personal mentor. Missions meant for much more experienced Jedi, were given to her and her friends. Under Daz's leadership, everyone within their group soared like great birds of pray. She had everything a young eager Padawan could ever want to succeed. Yet still she failed!

She reached up and grabbed a small bush hoping to us it for some support on her accent. The bush ripped out of the cliff face and caused her to loss her grip and balance. She let out a scream as she fought once more for grip. During that moment of chaos in her life, she saw her first step along the dark path. She and Zya were alone in the room posing as sex hungry nobles. Their mission was to murder a Jedi spy who was betraying the Republic. He was unaware of their mission to murder him and Angel played her part perfectly. While Daz and the rest of her team were fighting against the odds to recover the spy, Zya and Angel were working against their goals. He was completely unaware of the plot against his life as Angel tossed the weapon Za’s waiting hand. The weapon rang out and in that moment the spy for the Jedi was gone. His body completely vaporized. The mission issued by the Republic Army was so successful, that the Jedi never suspected that the spy had been murdered.

She dangled by one hand as the last images passed her mind. She looked below her and in to the blackness of the night and death. She could no longer see the ground nor those events so long ago. ‘Funny how distance and time clouds both the mind and vision’ she thought as she looked down in to the darkness. The distance didn’t change the fact that the ground was down there nor did time change what she had done. What she did was wrong, and she knew it then and now. She accepted her mistakes and forgave herself for them. Once more she struggled for a grip on the rocks that made up the cliff face. It wasn't easy for her now nor was it then. She covered for Zya as she tortured a man to death. Angel knew what Zya was doing but never even thought to stop her. The cries of that man still echoed from the dark places of Angel's mind today. Her hand did find its grip once more as her mind cleared some. She found that support tonight as she found a new source of support on Yavin IV.

During what should have been routine search capture mission of a misguided Jedi, turned in to near chaos when their shuttle was hit by an unknown craft. The crash had caused Damaya, who was supposed to lead the mission, to become incapacitated. This allowed Angel to take command. However from the beginning Daz had maneuvered the situation to share leadership. It was supposed to be Damaya’s and her mission. But for Daz it was something deeper. At the time she resented the trick to steal a valuable learning opportunity from her. ‘Tricked her from bettering herself’ was how she had seen it for so long. Angel continued to climb upward as she pushed herself. That was so long ago, and Visst had shown her another way. What Daz had done was his actions, not hers. From everything that had happened to her, she could now look back at all of it and was grateful. Each experience had helped shape her in to the master that she was now. She found a renewed strength as she continued to move upward. Each word that Visst said had made so much sense as she reflected back on it. While his views on attachments were harsher than those of her Master. But even in this, his teachings have helped her find where her path really laid.

As the Brush Fire Wars raged around the group, Angel was able to explore a part of her life that she never considered. She found that she loved to fly and she was very good at it. As she continued to climb upward, she realized that flying was as much part of who she was as was the Force. Visst had shown Angel that loyalty was her most dangerous attachment. ‘If I had only listened sooner’ she thought as she continue to move upward. She had loved Daz like a brother. Trusted him, was his most loyal friend, and followed him right in the darkness. She reached up to take hold of an edge of the cliff face, in that moment some kind of snake attempted to lash out at her. It missed her as the surprise caused her to loss her grip once more. She fell back again and once more the ropes caught her. As she dangled from the ropes she looked up and watched the snake watch her. She couldn’t help but realize how her loyalty to Daz had nearly killed her like this snake had. Not in the sense of the death of the body, but in the terms of who she was. She had traded a man’s life for her beloved fighter. She looked back once more at the darkness of her life and saw how greedy she was back then. Her loyalty, her greed, her attachments had brought her once to the very edge of destruction.

She looked up at where the snake was and saw that it had moved away. The way was clear for her to move upward again. ‘Trust in the Force and allow it to guide and teach us’ Angel recalled the teachings of her former Master. Angel kicked her feet and grabbed the cliff face once more. No longer will she be trapped by her attachments. No longer will her loyalties cloud her view. She pushed hard and could see the lights of the Monastery just a few hundred meters above her. She saw the silhouette of Visst and Ogon looking down at her. She didn’t care how they reached the top, nor did she care what was above her. For her, this was all about the climb. She had traveled so far, done so much, and become so much more than she could have ever imagined. Now, her life was renewed. As the last moments of the climb passed, Angel dug deep for that last bit of strength. Her body screamed as every muscle demanded a break from this climb. Angel refused to quick or to cheat herself of this opportunity to become better.

With bloody hands and torn clothes, Angel pulled her self over the small wall where Visst and Ogon were waiting. She flopped ungracefully on to the ground and looked up to the setting moon. Her heart pounded in her chest as her breath ran away from her. Ogon lent her a hand, which she took. She smiled at both of them. “I did it….I did it” she said softly as she slowly stood. She turned to Master Visst a bowed her head, “I didn’t think I could, but I did it” she said. “Thank you for crashing in to us” she added. Her mind raced as she thought hard of what she had over come to be standing here this night. There were so many missteps. So many wrong turns. But she had finally reached a point where she could accept it to herself. She could look at her own reflection and call herself, ‘Jedi Master’ the words echoed in her mind as she smiled. Ogon nodded and motioned to continue with the mission. Angel nodded back as the sounds of footsteps cut off any other conversations. Those conversations would have to wait; they had a girl to rescue. Ogon led the way as Angel followed.

[Akirapryde]

(6.17) Aftermath
Former St. Luke Monastery
Mountain Jaradat
Deep Core World of Khomm
The Second Reich of Humanity
May 10th, 1937

The sun beating down on the remains of the monastery was harsh. As the sun rose higher and higher in to the midday sky the temperature was rising. The long shadows of fighters flying over watch slowly crossed the area. Hovering lower than the fighters, the sounds of rotors of the close-support craft. They were buzzing about while they searched the surrounding area. The original guard force had been sent to a near by base for further questioning and debriefing. What happened was not just any raid on just any base. It was a strike at the very heart of the beast. Even before word of the raid had reached the normal chains of command, those of real power within the Reich had already heard of what had happened. This raid caused a great deal of chaos behind the scenes and could have lasting effects on the Reich power base and those who crave it. This was not just any base, this was a secret base controlled by an elite unit. And now, the commander of this unit has come all the way from Vandor III to seek the reason why this raid was able to take place.

The Reich is made up of many different military units, and a balance of power between them is how the Emperor keeps control over them all. Unlike its name, the Reich Army Research Division or RAR Division is not part of the Reich Army or the Ministry of War. They are a paramilitary unit created long before the current Emperor took the throne. The RAR has been the Emperors go to unit when it comes to unconventional warfare or, things that were too risky to leave to the Ministry of War or the Reich Intelligence Office. During the early days, the RAR ensured that any voice against the Emperor was silenced. But spying, spreading terror and enforcing the Emperor’s power was only a few of the RAR’s abilities. Their vast resources and the Emperor’s favor allowed them to create a large research section of their operations. It was due to this research is why they were targeted by an outside force.

The commander of the RAR Division had many unanswered questions. He hoped by coming here, that he would find those answers. There were facts that helped better understand how this raid was able to happen. But none of the facts that were known currently answered all the questions he had. Two weeks had passed since this very daring raid in to the heart RAR power base had taken place. The raid cost the RAR forty-two elite soldiers and psychic officers. Unlike other units, the RAR had the ability to see this defeat as a learning experience that would make way for many other victories. Still this was the second daring raid aimed directly at the RAR. Before just a few months ago, this kind of thing was seen as an impossibility. There were attacks on the RAR, but those attacks cost the attackers dearly and the RAR was able to carry out its revenge on the attackers. The last attack cost the RAR its new facility and a number of elite psychic officers.

This latest attack has not only cost the RAR more officers, it has cast a shadow f doubt over its whole operations. It is not common knowledge that the true power behind the Emperor is his precious RAR. And they owe their existence to the whim of the Emperor. Now their skill and power is being questioned in circles where such whispers were before never allowed. These whispers have reached far beyond the shadowy corridors of Vandor III and in to the Reich military. Already the scent of blood can be detected in the waters of the Reich Leadership base. It was unclear if the organizers of this latest raid had this in mind when they carried out this latest raid. However, the damage is done. Now the RAR is finding itself in a biter political struggle for survival among powers that it had ruthlessly purged in favor of their benefactor. This is why all levels within the Reich are watching these events and what happens next very closely.

This is the very reason why the shadowy leader of the RAR has come personally. Colonel Blake’s black highly shined boots stepped through the rubble as he looked around. Unlike the demolished site, his uniform was perfectly put together and looked very professional. The site had been the symbol of the Church’s influence in the deep core during the height of the Church within the region centuries ago. Here acolytes were trained to become full-fledged liars for their twisted order. When the Reich expanded in to this region, they discovered the monastery. The Reich murdered the occupants of the site and allowed the site to remain untouched for several decades. When the RAR was borne, they rediscovered the site. They saw it as a prefect base of operations and built a highly advance research center there.

The location was a closely guarded secret within the RAR till just a few days ago. When word from the raid broke, everyone knew about the base and the extent of the RAR influence. No one had any idea that the RAR resources had grown to include such an advanced center. Now this site was laid to waste and Colonel Blake was here to find out the hows and whys. He reached down and picked up a burned piece of computer hardware. He could no longer tell what it was neither used for nor even if it was a piece of larger equipment or just a piece of its own. The site had taken all of Colonel Blake’s influence to put together. Some of the largest advances the Reich had taken, came from this site. The RAR has ensured that the Reich has maintained it technological edge over its enemies. Now, the site had been completely laid to waste, “What a loss” he said in disgust.

He looked up to see four men walking towards him. Blake checked his watch and noted that they were twenty minutes late from the time he expected them. Colonel Blake expected the remaining commanders to delay arriving to greet him. Blake’s specialty was that he could profile anyone. He knew that Major Lelvor was a strong leader but lacked the confidence of field commander. The Major was forced to take charge when the site commander, Colonel Vupvar, was taken hostage. The responsibility of the destruction of this site rested completely on Lelvor’s shoulders. It was a fact that Colonel Blake could see in the major’s eyes. The other two majors were the base commanders of the two supporting airbases. By the way they allowed Lelvor to walk ahead of them, showed that each of them were ready to allow Lelvor to take full responsibility for the situation. However Blake knew about the situation than they gave him credit for. Each of the two had their own responsibilities for the raid.

The Captain behind the first three men was Captain Rivar, Her patrol ships had allowed the raiders to slip through and conduct their raid on the Monastery. She had been saved from a failed career when her rash actions cost lives. Other naval commanders saw danger in her rash behavior. Blake saw initiative in her actions. Her actions were paid in losses, but she did win on the battlefield. It was results that he saw in her career. But he never thought that she would cause him such a problem now. She was to ensure that no ships approached the world. She failed at that mission. In fact, all four of them had failed horrible and because of it, this valuable site is gone. Now each of them must answer for their mistakes.

The four walked up to Colonel Blake, but it was Major Lelvor who spoke first, “Sir, the package has been delivered to your flagship. Sir, had I known you were coming here, I would have met you here.” The first priority was to ensure that the Bothan scientist was secure. He had given them instructions to ensure that the package was delivered to his ship upon arrival.

“Major Lelvor, I have read the reports of the event. I have spent many hours going over them. I wanted to view the site personally before I spoke with anyone. I find that seeing things first hand, allows me much closer insight in to the events. I have a question. Two months ago, I dispatched three anti-air units to protect this site from air borne attacks. I do not see them here. Why are they not here?”

The Major didn’t blink, “Sir, when the units arrived, they landed at Shilo Airbase. Major Travis felt it more important to defend the two airbases. Of the units, we, to Colonel Vupvar disapproval, we received the man carried anti-air unit. The two fixed units were sent to protect the air bases.” In response to the first attack on a RAR operation the anti-air units seemed important to this sites defense.

Colonel Blake turned to Major Travis, “Is this true?”

Major Travis nodded, “Yes Sir, but Field Marshal Osus had agreed with me and supported my position.”

Colonel Blake nodded his understanding of the chain of events, which led to the reason for his visit. Field Marshal Osus had committed suicide after word of Colonel Blake’s arrival leaked out. “So you felt it was more important to protect your air bases rather than protect this site?”

Major Travis nodded, “Sir, with all due respect, it was our fighters which had driven off the attackers. It was our forces that had secured the package and kept it safe till your arrival. So the decision was proven to be a wise one.”

Colonel Blake looked at the burned piece in his hand. “Major, do you know how much it costs to build and fully equipped a Fleet Carrier?”

“Um? Sir?” the Major said slightly confused at the question.

“The cost of a completely fully equipped Fleet Carrier. Do you know what that cost is?” The Colonel restated the question. His tone was clearly heard through his voice.

“Sir, I couldn’t possibly know that answer,” Major Travis stated.

“Because the wisdom of your action has cost the Reich the equivalent of three Fleet Carriers and their air groups!” Colonel Blake stated as he tossed the burned computer component down in to the rubble. “This site held more secrets in technology than anywhere else in our realm.”

“But sir, we saved the girl. I was there, we saved the girl.” The Major tried to explain. He added, “What more could we have done in the situation.”

The Colonel moved before anyone else realized what was going on. Spinning on his heel, he drew his side arm. With out a blink of his eye he aimed it right between the eyes of Major Travis and pulled the trigger. The gunshot rang out as the sound of a body felling in to the rubble was heard afterwards. “Next time, don’t challenge my orders. Or at least have the dignity to follow your commander in the wake of your failure.” The Colonel holstered his weapon and turned to Major Lelvor. It was his fast thinking in which got the girl out of the risk filled situation. “Major, I sent you a list of items I expected to be researched upon my arrival. I trust that this task was done?”

The Major nodded, “Yes Sir.” He said pulling a datapad from his shoulder bag. “We have identified two of the three raiders. They are not Free Worlds Council, as we had first feared. We have identified, the being known only as Master Visst, leader of the occult known as the Inner Light. He is considered a danger to the Church. He is a close and personal friend to the Chancellor, Daz Murl. Though our spies has uncovered that the two have had some what of a fall out. Master Visst is normally accompanied with a bodyguard, which we do not believe was part of the raid directly. However he is also the personal friend with our second suspect.” Major Lelvor paused as he changed the image from that of Visst to a new image of a woman.

“We have identified the female suspect as the personal bodyguard of Senator Zall. Normally she along with the Senator are serving aboard the Republic Headquarters Narshana. Her name is Angelique Heartman.” He explained bring up a number of pictures of her from security cameras throughout the site and those taken by spies aboard the Narshana. The two had made no attempt to conceal their identity and this made identifying them very easy. “It is very possible that she is a Guardian. She appeared to have a deep-rooted relationship with a known Guardian named, Birgr. This Birgr is the aforementioned bodyguard of Master Visst.”

He changed the image once more to show spy photos of Birgr back on the Narshana. “We believe that the Guardians had a hand in this raid as well.” He said changing the images to that of the ship and armored man during the raid. “Sir, the ship that they used was cleverly painted not to reflect its Guardian background. However it matched the ship used by raiders against the Ganthery Military Proving Grounds on the World of Acatmen back in November of last year.” He changed the image of gun sight images taken from the world of Acatmen. “If you look at the wing design, the engine placement, you will see it’s the same ship. If this is not enough of a link, look at this.”

He changed the image to show a female yielding a laser sword. “During that raid, a unknown human female suspect was seen rallying the slaves as a distraction. We could not positively identify the human female from our security footage there till a few days ago. What are the chances of a woman coming close to her description and the ship that matches perfectly? The two raids have to be linked. And look at the armor; there are similar markings on it as we have seen on armor that we have seen in historical documents. Here, is a prefect example, we have images of when the Guardian leader Raynar was assassinate. Here we see an image of an armor looking just like it among the Guardians. The markings are a near prefect match. The design is nearly prefect match as well. The image is some what distorted but you can make out the armor and how it matches the one used here.” The Major finished his briefing.

“Thank you Major, so the Republic has decided to strike first. It was much of what I had considered before my arrival. Do we know how they found this site?” The Colonel asked.

The Major nodded, “I believe we do. We were able to trace the leak back to Vandor III and a security breach at a local factory there. At the time, we had not considered the two situations were linked until we learned of a sighting of a ship on Vandor III, which matched the description of our shuttle. Just about two weeks before the raid here, a civilian reported seeing a ship land in a meadow near the township of Tredar. A scouting party was sent out but no ship or landing sight was discovered. The report along with the description was filed and no further action was taken on the report. While searching for more sightings of our mysterious ship, I found this report. When I inquired about the report, I found the sighting matched our ship. On a hunch, I sent an image of our female to the local security force on Vandor III. It turned out that she had been assigned to a local factory but had gone missing shortly after the security breach.” He changed the image to an official Ministry of Labor ID with Angel’s photo on it.

“It was learned that our Ms. Heartman had nothing to do with the security breach. However, she had to be there for something. I searched our records and found that this is the same factory where we are working on the Pegasus project. I demanded that the local security force investigate these facts. They found that the communication network had been breached and hacked. More surprisingly was that the plans of the Grinder B had been hacked and downloaded. They couldn’t find anything else that had been tampered with. However, we are leaving nothing to chance this time around.”

The news was troubling to say the least. “Indeed, place a full halt on all projects. Vandor was our central hub for multiple projects. IF they were able to copy the plans they were able to sabotage the plans as well. Have our people go over everything. Every little detail must be checked.” He said and pulled a comlink from his pocket and activated it. The voice of a female came online, “You can not image how happy that you are still alive. Did you get the message I left in your cabin?”

“Y…Yes Sir….” Kaylee said. She was the focus of these troubling raids. She was the Bothan scientist that the Republic seemed to be determined to rescue. “I….did, Sir”

“Good, so you know now, that I have your family in my sights. They are still unaware of your current situation. I promise you this; they are safe for the time being. However, their well being now rests in your ability to further assist us. The longer you serve us, the longer they will continue to be safe from me. I have heard about your attempts to slow down our projects and the games you have been playing with numbers. These will come to an end now.” He said coldly, “If you displease me, one time. I will deliver your younger brother’s head to your lap. Then the next time will be your father’s, and your mother’s. I will keep killing those close to you till you have nothing left to live for. Look through the file and see the photos. I have spent allot of time and resources to put your past life in my sights. I have traced down all of them. Even your former boyfriend, still keeps your image in a locket. Look, he has a wife and child now. Think of all those lives now resting on your actions. Keep playing games with me child and people start dying. Is this understood?”

“Y…..yes……sir….” there was pain in her voice. It was the first time she heard the voice of the man that had targeted her from the beginning.

“You will be given access to certain files. You WILL find what has been done to these projects no matter how small it was.” He ordered then closed the link before she could say anything else. Reports of her attempts to sabotage the RAR projects had crossed his desk more than once. Before November they were only delaying tactics, but now the have grown bolder and have costs techs their lives. His plan to curb her attempts was as savage and terror filled as was expected from the leader of the RAR. He had placed spies back on her homeworld and did some digging. He knew that one or two members of her family were not enough. They dug in to her past and found more friends as well as more family members. The net was cast wide and made protecting them impossible for the Free Worlds Council. It was clear that the Free Worlds Council knew she was alive now. So he ensured that his spies were in place to target those who were close to her. Her desire to protect those that she loved would be great enough to ensure her loyalty for months to come. To ensure that she understood that he meant what he said, he killed a former classmate and gave her the man’s ears. The images of the murder and removal of the ears would do the trick. He knew that he had her cornered now.

The Colonel looked around, “what I don’t know, is how they are traveling through our space without being detected. We know that the Pegasus was an advanced infiltrator shuttle with some minor stealth abilities that we are overcoming. However there is a missing link here.”

“A link, Sir, that I can help with that Sir” Captain Fisher said walking up. Captain Fisher headed up the RAR’s powerful intelligence group. The group was a direct competitor of the Reich Intelligence Ministry. The two hardly shared information and never worked together. The RAR answered directly to the Emperor while the RIM answered to the Estates General. This caused the two to become in conflict at times. “Our spies have uncovered something that you have to see, Sir.” He gave a nod that indicated that others should not see this.

The Colonel waved the others to leave the area. “I will contact each of you should I need anything more. Till then, tend to your tasks.” He said and watched the others leave. He turned to Fisher who was standing and waiting. “Speak”

“Sir, at first we thought that this was only in the design phase based on what our spies were telling us. However our techs has discovered that this might be the means that the Republic is using to penetrate our space undetected.” He explained while activating a datapad. The image of the Crusade Cloak ship appeared on the pad as a detailed over lay. “Our spies recovered the plans from a Varl shipyard near Saki. At the time, we were led to believe that this ship had not been laid yet. The plans were carried there in secret by personal courier and only a few of their most trusted designers were allowed to see them. The level of completion within the plans was remarkable for Varl designers. These plans were smuggled to my desk with the greatest of urgency. As my people dug through the plans, we found that this ship is equipped with some kind of cloaking device. It far exceeds the abilities of the Pegasus ship. From what we can tell, the ship is able to actually become invisible to all forms of detection.”

“We cannot explain how it works or even how to detect it. Truth be told Sir, had someone suggested this to me a few weeks ago, I would have laughed in their face. Now, I am a believer. We know now that some how the Varl has experienced a large leap in technology and development. More importantly, nothing like this ship appears in any of their shipyards to this date. I have had our spies’ double check, and most have reported back already. It is not being built at any known yard. So they must be building this ship in a new shipyard, somewhere we don’t know of.”

This was most troubling. Not only did the Varl have a new class of ship, they had a yard that was otherwise unknown to the RAR. Colonel Blake didn’t know which bit of news troubled him more. “Find that yard and get these plans to the Phoenix Team. There are to stop all other projects and uncover the secrets behind this cloaking technology.” The frustration was clear to hear in his voice, “November, we are lucky enough to get the Pegasus plans, and now this. I do not discount our luck. But what I want to know is how did we miss these two ships? The RIM must be holding back on us. I will have to talk to the Emperor about this.” He paused again as he considered his priorities. “Tell the Phoenix Team, that detection is of the highest priority.” He added and Captain Fisher turned to leave but Blake stopped him.

“I am not done with you. I will have the Emperor authorize this mission personally. If the Republic wants to play games with kidnapping, then we will meet them in kind. The relationship between this Master Visst and Chancellor Murl is based on a common distrust of each other. Our reports from Lord Hitosh were detailed over this. The Chancellor does not trust Master Visst and the likewise. However the Chancellor is a very prideful man. Let us turn this to our favor. A distraction if you would. I shall seek to have Lord Hitosh host a peace conference. We will invite our lady Heartman but not he boyfriend. We shall invite Senator Zall a known opponent of the Chancellor but we will exclude Chancellor Murl by name. We will also invite the media to our conference and place Zall before the lights. Let us also invite the Guardian Ambassador as well. This shall cause the Chancellor make a mistake in actions and allow your team Captain to go after the real target.”

“Real target Sir?” Captain Fisher asked as he listened carefully.

He pulled his own datapad and activated it. “Yes Captain, you team will go after this woman.” A ghostly image of Carissa came to life. “She is their leading researcher. Our spies have shown that she is working deeply on some type of super weapon for the Republic. The surprising thing about this is how they hide her. She is hidden away in plan site within the medical bay of the Narshana. Only guarded by limited guard patrols within the area. Kidnapping the woman should be fairly easily. Regardless of success, this will be a message to the Republic. Regardless of success or failure, I want them to understand that such acts will not be tolerated. If the woman cannot be kidnapped, kill her. I want them to see that they are not as safe as they think they are. Make this messy but not traced back to us. If we can somehow frame the Chancellor’s office of allowing this to happen, so much the better.”

The Colonel paused as to gather his thoughts. Then he nodded his end and Captain Fisher nodded, “Anything else Sir?” The Colonel shook his head and the Captained turned to leave. As he did so, he activated his comlink, “Helm, plot us a course for the Narshana. We are going hunting for a researcher. And let our newbs know, its time for them to earn their keep.”

[Akirapryde]

(6.18) The Point of no Return
Chancellor’s private quarters
Republic Heavy Cruiser Dor'shan
Mid-Rim World of Enarc
In route to the Narshana, ETA 12 Hours
May 10th, 1937

The trip to Azgardian space was not as fruitful as he had hoped. Daz spoke with Talon regarding the current state of neutrality that the Azgardians have taken. For weeks he debated, tried to convince her, and even pleaded with her to join the Republic. Her anger towards him and distrust of him was clearly seen by Daz. She must have known that she had him between a rock and a very hard place. The Reich’s military was hard enough to stop. But added with the might of the Dorins, they were unstoppable. He even asked what he could do to change her mind. He reached out with every part of his office. She had the arrogance to simply say her hands were tied and that there was nothing she could do to change the situation. He questioned her motives and saw this as another attempt to cause him to fail at his post.

It was something that he simply couldn’t understand in her and Master Visst’s actions. They were trying so hard to cause him to fail. Master Visst had gone so far as to even back a political rival. Now Talon was willing to let billions of innocent lives suffer for her arrogance and dislike of him. He couldn’t understand how much both of them had changed since this all begin. Still his mission to Azgard space was not completely a loss. He had secured permission from Talon to tour the space and speak to the masses. He gave twelve speeches regarding the hopes and promise of the Republic. To ensure that Daz didn’t cause any unrest, as if she had to worry about that, Talon sent Senni with him during his tours. It was one more slight against him by Talon. Talon was at least open with her distrust of him. Though Daz could not understand why. He had done everything she had ever asked of him. Supported her and this was how she repaid him. His mission was not a complete failure. He had mapped more of Azgardian space than anyone else had. It might serve to be useful in the future.

Now, Daz was on his return trip to the Narshana. The tour had taken so much from him. But Swip taught him a method of recharging his energy through the Force. A more advanced method of meditation than even Master Visst knew of. The method had given Daz the energy to take on Talon and his mission to Azgardian space with more efficiency than he had thought. Now he was able to take the first full nights sleep in a long time. He had left orders not to be disturbed no matter what. He wanted to enjoy a full nights sleep for a change. He knew ruling the Galaxy would be difficult but he never imagined that it would be so exhausting. He had little choice but to spend an hour in deep meditation recharging his energy before being able to calm his mind so that he could finally get some rest. The feeling before he went to bed, made him feel young again. It was incredible that he could feel so alive and so young again. More importantly was the physical effects it had him. He noticed that a long time wound he had received on Baklid VI had healed once he started using this new method of meditation. Surely Master Visst would find someway of disapproving of this. As he always does with anything Daz does.

The night passed on in to the very early morning but the needed rest Daz wanted would not come to him. While his room was basked in darkness and stillness, there was something moving in the darkness. The room was simple and offered no signs of ego, like Daz wanted others to see. Beyond what Daz wanted others to see, was the darkness that hung in the room. Lurking around was kind of darkness that has not been seen in the galaxy for hundreds of years. Its ghostly shadow hovered the bed of the Chancellor of the Republic. Its hand hovered of Daz and with each new movement of the hand. Had Daz known of this vile darkness, he would have stopped at nothing to destroy it. Had Daz known of its influence, he would had ensured that that would have stopped. If Daz only bothered to look around him, he would have seen the darkness that accompanies him. For Daz, saving the Galaxy was so great, and watching Swip was so important that he lost sight of all other things. Daz never could realize that he was the focus of this darkness.

Daz’s body reacted to the movements of the darkness while he slept. Daz groaned and tossed as he uttered, “Zolan” as the dark hand over his body continued to move as Daz continued to toss.

“Yes Daz” a dark voice spoke in a near twisted whisper. Its voice was so cold that it cast a vapor in the air as it spoke. Its tone so dark that what light was still left in the room fled from it. This was pure evil on a level that has not been seen since the dark ages after the fall of the Republic. This was the right hand of death. This was the master of illusion and manipulation. Lurking within Daz’s world was Lord Murl’s most trusted lieutenant. Above Daz’s bed was the trickster Makarov. “Zolan, What will happen?” the vile voice asked coldly as he channeled his powers through the Force and effected what Daz saw.

In Daz’s mind, he could see the vision through the Force. He saw the room filled with Sabbat as they were planning their strike on him. He could see the map of the Narshana laid out on a table. Their instruments of death scattered across the map. He could feel their thoughts as he watched them plot out his death. It was a power that Swip had taught him a few weeks before. The ability to reach in to someone’s mind and listen to their deepest desires and motives. He had even used this power on Talon to have her grant him access to her space to speak to her people regarding the Republic. And to map Azgardian space without them knowing of his actions. He ripped their plan right from their thoughts. It was a clever one that used Master Visst’s trust to sneak aboard the Narshana and attempt to assassinate him. “Another assassination attempt” Daz spoke in half dazed, half unconscious state.

The shadowy figure moved its hand over Daz’s head and lowered its hand closer to Daz’s head, “Assassinate whom, Daz? Who will be the assassins?”

Once more, Daz tossed in his bed as he groaned again. There was no light present in this room. This place was currently filled with darkness and it could be felt throughout the room and even in the room next door. Daz spoke once more, “The Sabbat.” Daz tossed again, “The Sabbat are going to try to kill me. But they will kill Swip!” he could see the vision and hear the plot as it was being developed. There was no question in Daz’s mind that the Force was warning him once more of another Sabbat assassination attempt on his life. However this time, they are planning to go too far. He could sense their hatred for Swip and that they felt that she had to die.

“What will you do Daz” the shadowy figure said as it continue to hover over Daz’s head.

Daz tossed once more, “I must stop them” he said as his subconscious mind probed the vision deeper. Daz had to find them before they could strike again. The Sabbat had started a war against Daz on Nar Kreeta. They had attempted to set a bomb and kill Daz during a speech he was planning to give. The Church’s Knight Roses and Swip stopped the plot before it was able to take place. It wasn’t until after the plot was stopped that the truth behind the attack came to light. It was a Sabbat plot and the evidence was without question. They had started this covert war and Daz was not about to allow the Sabbat win. He searched the dark side fueled vision for any clue that would help him find the Sabbat members first. He was not about to let the Sabbat strike first. He could see the room that they were planning their mission of murder to the Narshana. He could see the river just beyond the balcony of the room. He also could see the moons and understood where on the world of Zolan they were hiding. There was a field on the other side of the river. He saw fruit in the trees and a flag atop a small building. “I must stop them,” Daz said again as he shot up from his bed.

He reached over and turned on the lamp next to his bed. His body was still worn out from the restless night. He turned over and set on the edge of his bed. “Why would the Sabbat wish to wage war on me?” he said in a moment of confusion. He dropped his head in to his waiting hands. The moment that his eyes were covered, the images of what he saw filled his mind once more. He saw the death aboard the Narshana. He saw Swip’s death as a result of the Sabbat mission. He was unsure of rather he had survived the assassination attempt or not. However he was sure that Swip would be killed as a result. He saw Swip as critical to everything that he was doing and has been able to do. If it was not for her help, he would not have been able to battle slavery and more importantly beating it. She had every right to claim this winning war against slavery as her own victory as he did.

He calmed his mind as he refocused his thoughts. He knew the taste of tainted visions and understood how they could be used to throw off an investigator. The Sith Orchid had attempted to fool him before. He knew how convincing these tainted visions could be. He was one of few that had a clear understanding of how to see through these tainted visions. It was something that he didn’t share with Swip or talked about much. It was a gift that he alone developed. As he entered in to a state of meditation he focused on the details of the vision. He had to look deeper in to the vision to see what was being hidden from him. He didn’t know what was being hidden or by who. He could tell that something was off on the vision. Unlike a few visions where he could see right through and view the truth, this one didn’t offer that clarity. It had to have been a powerful force user who was tainting the vision. Regardless, the answers that he wanted were on Zolan. “I will have these answers” he said.

He slowly stood up and walked over to his very simple desk. He set down in his chair and cleared his mind of the distractions. The very thought that the Sabbat viewed him as an enemy crossed him coldly. He was actually insulted by the recent moves of the order that he had helped. He helped them, not only once, but twice and with great sacrifice as well. His loyalty and desire to protect them cost him his beloved pet. He didn’t blame them for the murder of Kell, but he was not about to let them take Swip away from him. He knew that the cell had to be stopped before innocent people died. Before Swip was hurt. He reached over and activated his comlink and leaned back in his chair. He reached over and picked up a pendent that was given to him by Swip. It was made of brass in to a disk. There were some markings on it of some lost language along the edges of the disk. There was a large upside down triangle in the center of the disk with the center of the triangle cut out in the shape of its own triangle. He looked at it as he held it up by its chain. He felt a sense of piece as he looked in to the pendent. He almost forgot about the comlink till someone answered.

A few moments later the voice picked up, “Yes?”

Daz looked at the comlink as if he was speaking directly to the man’s face, “Father Nero, I am sorry for calling so late. But I must speak with you regarding an urgent matter.”

“Chancellor Murl, yes of course. Shall I meet with you once you return to the Narshana?” the voice said. It was clear that the man was still waking up.

“No Father that will not be required. I have information for you about a terrorist cell on Zolan. I saw five members but I got the impression that there might be more.” Daz starting to type something on his data pad, “I am sending you the best information I have regarding the location of the cell. It is imperative that they are found.”

“Yes, Chancellor, I am receiving the information. I am familiar with this place. It is the estate of a renowned Clawdite. Making a move on this man will serve to be difficult for my team,” The voice said over the communicator.

Daz turned his chair so that the door leading to Swip’s room was in view. The pendent was still in his hand as he thought. He had to protect her, like she had done so for him so many times. He remembered the events during his tour of Varl space. Daz remembered how she put her life on the line to stop a Sabbat assassination attempt against him there. Now it was his time to do the same. “Father, I can not tell you how important that this cell is neutralized as quickly and quietly as possible.”

“Chancellor, do you mind if I ask why is this so important to you?”

Daz thought for a moment and decided to speak the truth, “They are planning to get aboard the Narshana and attempt to assassinate me. This is not a matter of my protection. Their attempt will cost innocent people their lives. I can not allow this to happen.” He voice was as leveled as always. His emotions however were not as level as they should be. He felt his desire to protect Swip out weighing anything else. He was not sure what he felt towards her, but he knew that she was his responsibility. “I have seen this through the Force. There is no question of these event if we do not move to stop them now.”

The voice gave a sigh of disappointment, “Yes, Chancellor my knights and I will hunt them down and ensure that they will be neutralized. Will Lady Swip be joining us on this hunt?”

Daz knew that the last hunt that she was on, caused her a great number of wounds. Most of which has healed by now. However, he hated the way she looked as she walked in from that hunt. Her body was bruised and she had a broken arm. The blood of the Sabbat in which she had killed ruined her outfit. He remembered seeing the blood on her hands. He hated the way it looked on her hands. He shook his head to free himself from the emotions, “Father, we both will be joining you on this hunt. There is something amiss with this whole situation. I want to be there for this to ensure that we get to the bottom of these assassinations.” This was the second assassination attempt to be carried out by the Sabbat. He knew to get to the bottom of this might take him further down this path. He had to find out why the Sabbat wanted to wage war against him.

“Yes Chancellor” the voice paused, “When and where shall we meet you?”

Daz typed a message that was being sent directly to the bridge. He finished up his message and pressed the send button. “I will be having my ship change course and meet your team on Zolan. Father these people are so versatile that catching them will be very difficult. We have to act fast before they slip away. I am estimating that we have about two to three hours. If you have a team on Zolan that you trust, you might want to activate them. In two and a half hours, our targets will be gone.” In the amount of time it took to give his directions, he got his answer from the bridge. “Father, I am being told that our ETA is one hour. I am counting on your team to meet us there.”

“Yes Chancellor. We will be there on time and ready, Sir” the voice said then the line went dead. Daz leaned back in his chair and looked up in to the shadow filled ceiling.

---

Three Hours Later
Mid-Rim World of Zolan

Daz's ship had arrived on Zolan right on schedule just as he wanted to. However, to Daz's dismay, Father Nero and his team were running late. The timing of this strike was critical and Daz couldn't allow the Sabbat to escape before he could question them. He knew the vision had been tainted and understood that there were questions within it that had to be answered. He had to get those answers and this was the only way available to him. In the moment he made the choice to confront the Sabbat cell on his own. It was a choice that Swip opposed at first, but later remained silent when Daz showed his nature. Even Daz's own Captain of the Guard insisted that they either accompanied him or that Daz waited for Father Nero to arrive. Daz dismissed his Captain of the Guard’s suggestions and insisted on confronting the Sabbat before they slipped away. Even before Daz had landed on Zolan he had his plans laid out carefully. Every detail was accounted for. So with Daz’s plans changed, he and Swip set out alone to confront the Sabbat.

The large room very decorated room was still with the mournful sounds of someone half crying half singing. Without warning, the thick double doors were blasted open as a group of Knights rushed through the opening. With their weapons pulled up to their shoulders and aimed down the sights, the Knights were ready shot anyone that opposed them. There was yelling between the Knights as they searched the room for targets. Within seconds the chaos was replaced by silence as Father Nero lowered his weapon as he slowly walked up to Daz. Slowly lowering himself next to Daz, Daz didn’t turn his eyes from Swip’s eyes. Her goggles were removed so that Daz could look in to her eyes as they stared in to the endless void. There was blood dripping from her breath mask. It told of the massive injuries she suffered just before her death. “It was her favorite song” Daz said softly as he ran his hand over her scalp.

Father Nero looked around at the carnage scatted throughout the room. Before him, he saw two male humans dead. Their wounds, just like most of them, were clearly done by lightsaber. Neither man, like all the rest were armed. Weapons were never used by the Sabbat, it was simply not their method. Along the other side of the room were a male and two females. Through an archway Father Nero could see two males lying dead. The younger of the two seemed to have a stabbing wound through the head. There was a total of six dead Sabbat that were scattered between the two rooms. Father Nero’s Knights seemed as equally confused to the situation. Never before had so many Sabbat been taken down in one raid. Father Nero knew that the cost of such a success was steep. “Chancellor? Sir, what happened here?” Father Nero said as he carefully choose his words.

Father Nero’s voice was soft and unthreatening. He spoke carefully as his training in dealing with victims of shock kicked in. Daz responded softly as he rocked Swip, “They killed her, Father.” Daz brushed Swip’s shirt to make her look as clean and orderly as possible. The pain in his voice was no longer hidden as he spoke. “We came to speak to them and they murdered her,” Daz added. His heart was in so much pain that Daz didn’t know what to do with the rampaging emotions.

Father Nero stood up and pointed to four of his Knights, “go, secure the building. Any witnesses to this, silence them!”

“I am finished” Daz said softly as the Knights didn’t hesitate as they turned and took off running. Daz turned his eyes back to Swip’s eyes and added “how can't go on now.”

Father Nero once more kneeled next to Daz, “Sir. Listen, Lady Swip would have never allowed you to give up on your dream. She believed so much in you. Everything you did with her, helped give her life meaning. Because of you, her life had meaning.” Father Nero placed his hand on Daz's shoulder “Sir, now it is up to you to give her memory as much meaning. Allow this moment to become a new foundation in which you can build the future both of you so deeply believed in. Turn this moment in to something that Lady Swip would be proud of. Lady Swip is with our Lord. She will be watching you. She will be with you in your heart.” His passionate speech seemed to have a bit of an effect on Daz.

Not looking up from Swip's face, “How can I recover from this?” Daz questioned.

With a nodded, “Chancellor we have experience in dealing with situations just like this. We will clear your involvement of this and ensure there are no loss ends. Trust me, Sir. There is nothing that will threaten you from this event. I give you my word.”

Daz nodded and slowly tried to stand up. His legs and body were all in pain and the burden of his load made the action much harder. A Knight stepped forward to help Daz with Swip's body only to have Daz jerk her body from his reach. “Don't touch her!” Daz spit with deep routed emotions running through his voice. Daz was completely protective of Swip’s body.

Father Nero waved off the Knight and turned to the rest of them, “The rest of you help secure the building and locate witnesses.” Nero commanded his people, and then pointed to one of the Knights, “Call in a clean up crew. Lets make sure there are no loss ends to be found here.” He placed a friendly embrace around Daz taking care not to touch Swip's body. He helped Daz finish getting up to his feet. Father Nero pulled out his comlink, “I need a pick up right now.” He turned his head to Daz as he helped support Daz and Swip’s weight. It was clear that Daz was at an emotional cliff, “come Chancellor. Let's get you home”

“How could I have not seen this coming?” Daz said as he pulled Swip close to him. The pain in his heart was clear to hear in his voice.

“Its what they do, Sir. They are masters of deception and murder.” Father Nero explained. “There is no reasoning with them. They are cold blooded murders, Sir.”

Daz allowed himself to be led out of the room, “We have to stop them.” Daz kept his eyes on Swip’s eyes. “We have to stop them all” Daz said allowing his grief fuel his anger for the Sabbat. “We must never allow this to happen again” The Sabbat had started this war. Now he was going to finish it.

“Yes Chancellor, we have been trying for over two thousand years.” Father Nero said as he guided Daz from the room. “Bringing them to face their crimes has always been hard for us.”

“They all will be brought to justice” Daz paused, “I swear this, Father.” He looked down at Swips face and showed the most pure form of emotions that he had ever shown in the past. Sadness, sadness over the loss of the one thing in his life that ever showed Daz unconditional support and love. The emotion ran heavy in his voice and was tainted with anger. “Along with those who would stand in our way on this divine mission” Daz added finally.

[Akirapryde]

(6.19) The Lords Voice
Galactic News Agency
Transmitted from the Holly Sea, Baklid VI
August 15th, 1937

Galaxy At War!

We have a special report for you tonight, regarding the war

In the later days of June, the Reich made one of its most expected moves to date. As we have reported up to this date, the Reich invasion of the Free World Council was based on a number of key factors. First came the wide spread crack down of Reich spies within the Shana’duna space. This all but paralyzed the Reich’s intelligence operations within Shana’duna space and crippled the Reich’s operations. The next move came with the massive build up of Republic force throughout Shana’duna space. With the added forces the defenders of Shana’duna out numbered the defenders of Council space nearly three to one. There are unconfirmed sources that place the timing of the Reich invasion was to match a key naval commanders’ meeting on Alderaan. These factors weighed heavily in timing and choice of the Reich’s next invasion. Of the possible points of invasion, the Free Worlds Council was the most expected. There is evidence indicating that the Shana’duna could have been the original target. And what followed became some of the greatest battles in history.

The two largest powers within and round the core faced off in a war that had been building for over seven decades. When these two super powers finally faced off in the first days of June, the entire galaxy was rocked. To recap the events that led to the war that spanned the entire galaxy, here is Brother Parrie Hrirry. Brother Hrirry is our special military consultant.

Thank you for allowing me to share the Lord’s gift with all of your viewers. Allow me to start by saying that times like this are when I feel the heavy burden of our Lord's gift. There are times when the future is clouded to us. There are times when the Lord speaks to us and reveals the future right before our eyes. The Lord spoke to us and showed us what is to come. With all the clues leading up to this invasion, the Free Council Navy had been warned over and over again of the coming threat. Instead of learning from the mistakes of others they simply dug their heels in and held fast to policies of nearly a century ago. Even within their own Government the alarms were sounding and the Council’s Grand Admiralty shut down and stopped listening. The Po'lash, Kel Varh, Y'Ish, Ponji were all warnings of the kind of war that was coming. What did the Free Worlds' Navy do to prepare for it? Nothing! They hid behind their all-impressive wall and counted down the hours till what everyone knew was coming.

When the attack came, it was just as we all had expected. The invasion plan was clearly developed by Field Marshal Kessler. He has become a strategic rising star within the Reich. To see this, all you need to do is look at the tell tale signs within the Reich's actions. The lack of involvement of Kessler and Halder are just two more clues that Kessler created this plan. With the man known as the Galactic Fox at the helm of this invasion, all bets were closed and this race to annihilation had begun. This was a war for the ages, over seven decade in the making. Its causes were as deeply woven in to the culture of each powerful state as it were in recent actions. Neither side let us down when it came to the big show. The Reich clearly didn’t bring their ‘A’ game to this invasion, as it became clear that the invasion was not their first plan. However they did come to win and this was seen throughout the battles that ranged. The Council’s military, regardless of mindsets, had been planning for the defense of this war for years. With their back up against the wall, they refused to pass in to the night like states before them. The heroism was a well that was plentiful for the Council defenders. As two titans of the stars clashed my words would ring true, the Galaxy rocked!

Due to security changes, the Council’s computerized sensors were protected from out side hacking. Lesson’s learned from the fall of the Y’Ish upped the level of network security within the Council Communication Networks. The Council hadn’t expected the level of attacks the Reich was bringing. There was no defense for what the Reich was bringing. The opening hours of the invasion saw the entire defensive line light up with hundreds of thousands of Reich ships lunching their attacks across the Council boarder. There was no explaining the level of sensor signals that were being recorded by the Council security networks. Hundreds of thousands of ghost ships were being record crossing the Council border. There was only one explanation for the ghost ships their systems hacked. The Council reacted by sending ships to each sector to confirm what was going on in each zone. This didn’t have the same level of chaos that the Y’Ish suffered but it did tie up needed ships when the invasion did come.

Kessler’s next move was to sideslip around the Council's all impressive defensive line known as the Demarcation Point. While the sensors and communication's grid was under full attack by Reich hackers, Kessler’s elite Panzer Haar III made their assault on Renegg. Renegg offered Kessler two important factors for his invasion plans. It was a critical anchor for further operations deeper in to Council space. Secondly, it closed the most used space line between Council space and Shana’duna space. From Renegg, the entire southern regions of Council space were at threat and would force the Council and her allies to consider this threat before reacting to the invasion. From Renegg, Kessler could make a North East run and cut all of the Council space off from Shana’duna support. Renegg was a critical loss for the Council and Kessler made no attempt to conceal his invasion of the world. Task Force commanders were begging for deployment orders to support Renegg. However, the Council's Admiralty saw through the diversion and was not biting. The Grand Admiralty held back from deploying their ships too soon, which could have been disastrous for the Council navy. Kessler's gamble had all but failed.

With the might of the Council Navy still holding their positions, the diversion failed. Kessler secured Kenegg with little effort and moved to the second part of his plan. It was time for the student to unleash the Teacher against the Council; Field Marshal Halder was given his orders. By the end of the first day, it was clear that the Council wasn’t going to take the bait. Field Marshal Halder’s Haar moved on the Council’s southern defense headquarters located on Alderaan. Kessler turned his Haar north ahead of a steady flow of Reich forces across the line. Changing his plans in midstream, it was clear that he had intended to cut the Council from support from Shana’duna. However, now he was moving to give direct support to Halders invasion of Alderaan. At the time, it seemed like a strategic mistake. In hindsight, it was the only option opened to Kessler due to the Council not moving on the diversion.

The entire time, Wolf class assault ships punched holes in the DP line to allow more forces to cross in to Council space. By midday, day two, the entire southern boarder of Council space was in full conflict and Republic troops flooding in to the eastern regions of Council space. They fought a dogged resistance against Field Marshal Kessler with Chancellor Murl leading the defense from his flagship. The fact that the Council still exists today is due in part to Chancellor Murl’s leadership during this critical time. It was clear that Kessler was moving to cut the Dragon Tail space lane and cripple the Council defenders. The battle of Zelerus Prime saw the first time that Republic forces faced off with the elite Panzer Haar III. The battle was short lived due to Kessler’s units untimely withdraw from the battle. Kessler hit the Republic hard in a daring raid and crippled a number of ships and destroying transports. Chancellor Murl turned his forces south off their western course and pursued Panzer Haar III. Kessler gave the 1st Republic fleet a run for their money as the two forces played a hit and run battle for more than eight days. Chancellor Murl fleet lost the Panzer Haar III near the world of Bistage, along the Shana’duna boarder. According to Republic reports, the Panzer Haar III was heavily mulled and forced to retreat for Reich space. The 1st Republic Fleet turned and headed for Hok in victory. However, the invasion was far from over and the losses were building on both sides.

There were reports from locals of wide scale bombing of civilian targets. There were also reports of wide scale use of weapons of mass destruction. Our reporters on the ground were unable to prove either of these claims. We did uncover areas of where civilian populations were effected and where many civilians had died as a direct result from attacks on military bases and limited use of weapons of mass destruction. We were unable to prove that the Reich forces had directly targeted civilians as many reports claim. Within days of the opening shots, both key world of Alderaan and Kenegg had became secured by the Reich. The jewel of the Reich invasion was the parade of Admiral and Generals who were captured on Alderaan just a few days after the invasion started. The loss of the Admirals had been intended to be a killing blow to the Council military. This had the opposite affect; the military didn’t crumble as suspected. Within days of the invasion starting, the Council Army regrouped under junior Brigadier General Q'Anilia, which is pronounced kani:lja. The remnants of the Council Navy shortly there after followed suite as well.

The battles across the southern boarder of the Council raged and the spectacular invasions of Alderaan and Kenegg were headliners unto themselves. However, Field Marshal Erich Von Kessler was about to show off his master plan. Long before the ten Reich Haars, or Armies as it is spoken in basic, crossed the Council boarders, Field Marshal Kessler assigned a very important mission to one of his most closest and dearest friends, Field Marshal Walther Model. Wishing to avoid a prolonged war with the Council, the plan was to snap the neck of the Council while at the same time removing the military leadership. This would hopeful cause the Council to crumble and surrender. Days before the invasion started, Field Marshal Model led part of his unit on one of the most dangerous missions to date. Slowly they crept their way through Council space without being detected. Model’s mission was two fold. Capture the Council civilian leadership on Jagga-Two, second destroy the Free Polash Navy which was protecting the world.

For weeks, the Free Polash Navy had been in orbit of Jagga-Two re-supplying and rearming. They made for a fat easy target for Model’s five strike carriers. Above Jagga-Two was also the last major fleet still battle ready under the command of Admiral Boushi. Model laid out his plan as the hour of the attack closed. All things rested on Model’s forces not being detected during the five-day roundabout journey to Jagga-Two. Model arrived in Jagga-Two with complete surprise and was unto himself was surprised when his fleet arrived in Jagga-Two space. The Free Polash Navy had vanished less than an hour before the Reich had arrived. Nonetheless, Admiral Boushi’s fleet had been caught flatfooted by Model and his reinforced Hop Light Group when they hyperspaced in. Model quickly rolled with the changes to the battlefield and engaged Boushi’s ships before they even realized they were in combat. Admiral Boushi was a sound strategist, but not the senior Officer of the fleet. Hours before the battle, across Council space, a hundred assassinations took place. These assassinations were aimed at taking out as many of the Council military commanders. Most were successful, but some failed. Admiral Boushi was a junior flag officer and did not have direct command over the fleet. Admiral Boushi was faced with a nightmare situation.

Two other junior Admirals who were part of the Fleet’s Command group claimed superior rank as they attempted to take over the Fleet. Many orders were issued and countered by other flag officers. This confusion gave Field Marshal Model the upper hand almost right from the first shot. Even with the chaos and the confusion, Admiral Boushi was able to rally his ships and put up a sound defense against Model’s fighters. The plan was working till Boushi’s flagship took a number of heavy hits. It was unclear rather Admiral Boushi died in the hits or when the ship finally broke apart. However, the command channels fell silent and the fleet fall victim to the Reich fighters. Many analysts believe that the withdrawal of the Maelstrom cost the Council their capital. I personally disagree with this. Had the Maelstrom and her fleet been over Jagga-Two, they would have been destroyed with Boushi’s fleet. Could they have slowed down the invasion? They could have slowed down the invasion of Jagga-Two without a doubt. But at what cost? The Maelstrom is one of the only pure carriers within the Republic’s fleets. Her loss would have opened up a number of other losses in the future. The finally outcome of Jagga-Two would have been the same. The Maelstrom would have made no difference if she had been there. Even with the last of Boushi’s ship burning and braking apart, the battle for Jagga-Two was far from over. The Republic had one more card to play.

With the space around Jagga-Two secured, Field Marshal Model gave the order to start landings. The delay of his order till after the space was secured was uncharacteristic for Field Marshal Model. During the space battle, Model held back dropping his forces on the planet. This gave the planetary defenders valuable time to prepare for the coming invasion. It was not till well after the invasion did the reason for this uncharacteristic move become clear. Once the battle for the world started, it was clear that this single battle was going to be a down and dirty brawl. The defenders under the command of Colonel Emerison, refused to give up ground. The planetary defenders fought with such heroics that Model was quoted saying, "its a shame they have to die. Although its an honor that we can share this battlefield with them today." The defenders needed a miracle and fast. Despite all the heroic efforts by the defenders of Jagga-Two, the world was lost cause. Though the hand of God was about to be waved over Jagga-Two. Out of nowhere, ships slipped from hyperspace and turned the tide of battle. These were not just any ships. They were the ships of Black Dragons, the elite bodyguards of the Azgardian Warlord, Fiolla Heartman.

The arrival of the Black Dragons shifted the tide of battle and forced Field Marshal Model’s ships from the planet’s orbit. The battle was fierce between the two combatants above the world and within the capital the Free Worlds Council. If Field Marshal Walther Model ever found a match in his class, it was in the leadership of the Azgardian General, Birgr Heartman. The two men pitted their forces in a match of strategy that spanned the entire system. Model’s goal was to secure the world for the Reich invasion. General Heartman had other mission goals. At first General Heartman deployed his forces as if his mission was to defend the system. It forced Model to react in kind. What happened next became a focal point of many critics.

General Heartman at the height of his maneuvers and with enough advantage to possible force Model to withdraw from the system, General Heartman started his own withdraw from Jagga-Two. With him, he took the majority of the governing body of the Free Worlds Council. The Reich had been denied the capture of the Free Worlds Council leaders. Just as the Azgardians were falling back to defend shuttles filled with politicians and their families, the rest of Model’s forces arrived. The tide had turned back in favor of Field Marshal Model but too late to capture the Free Worlds Council leadership. However, Model was not going to allow the Azgardians to leave without a fight.

Model was able to use his higher number of both fighters and ships to drive the Dragon ships back away from the planet. As the battle shifted from a holding action to a running retreat, Field Marshal Model pushed harder to drive the Dragons ships and break their lines. The losses surged on both sides as the Azgardians fought to hold their lines while the Reich ships were starting to over come the Azgardian lines. General Heartman gave the order to withdraw from the system. The order was given but not of the Azgardian ships were able to withdraw right away. A group of Azgardian ships found themselves cut off by a larger group of Reich ships. I lone Dragon heavy cruiser fired its engines and heroically charged the Reich lines. The ship took heavy fire but was able to destroy two Reich warships before the Dragon ship rammed a strike carrier. The act cut an opening in the Reich lines allowing the rest of the Azgardians to withdraw from the system.

As the days turned to weeks, the situation grew even harder for the Free Worlds Council’s defenders as the Dorins joined the invasion as well. The Free Worlds Council military was in near chaos as the heads of major forces were assassinated and the weight of the invasion placed its pressure on junior officers. It was Brigadier General Q'Anilia’s quick thinking and solid leadership skills that rallied the other officers around her. Her actions denied the Reich and Dorins a large final battle. General Q’Anilia had her forces conduct a fighting retreat eastward as they consolidated. She forced her units to withdraw faster than the Reich’s invasion lines and ahead of the higher numbered Dorins. With additional support from the Republic and the Shana’duna, General Q’Anilia was able to create a defensive line along the Hydian Way. Sadly the Reich had secured the FWC worlds along the Core/Colonies Border and west of the Hydian Way. Though the invasion could have been so much worse than it was. A quarter of the FWC worlds remained free; the majority FWC leadership remained free at a secured location.

The FWC military remained still functional under the leadership of General Q’Anilia, despite her refusal to follow Chancellor Murl’s orders to push back on to the offensive. For the time being, General Q’Anilia is currently regrouping her military and fighting a high-speed war against the Dorins near the Northeastern region of former Council space. The strategy seems to be paying of in a number of minor victories. The Reich has stopped all advances as the Dorins are attempting to pick up the slack. This has allowed General Q’Anilia much needed time to rebuild her forces. Though the rift between the General and the Chancellor’s office could spell disastrous for the remains of the Council military. What General Q’Anilia has in her favor is the loyalty of her troops and a proven strategy that is starting to show results. Currently only Chancellor Murl is only military leader to defeat the Galactic Fox, a fact that he has used in a number of speeches and in private communications with General Q’Anilia. For the time being, the borders have pretty much formed where they are now. One question everyone is asking is, why has the Reich stopped its eastward movements to finish off the Council.

Throughout the invasion, it was the wolf packs that really made the difference. They conducted critical advanced intelligence gathering long before the invasion. Right before the invasion, the Wolf packs blasted holes in the DP and harassed defense units. They also hit critical rally points and targeted flagships in an effort to spread chaos among the FWC military. After the invasion, the Wolf packs hit the military conveys the hardest. This continued to fuel the demise of what remained of many Council units. However something remarkable has developed between the wolf packs and the civilian merchants. The wolf pack commanders have honored an unspoken unwritten truce with the civilian merchants. The civilian merchants would paint the large letters of ‘CM’ across their hauls. Currently there are no recorded civilian merchant ships that had been attacked with these markings on them. This unspoken truce has allowed much needed humanitarian supplies and food to reach worlds that have become cut off as a result of the invasion. Due to the truce, the same civilian merchants have refused to carry troops, war supplies or running supplies to embattled FWC units. This became another point contention for the Chancellor’s office, which is desperate to supply units that have been cut off.

But wait! What about the massive Orion program?

You known the Orion Program, the not so secret Orion class super ships the Council's navy vested so much in to building. This was supposed to be the ship class that would save the Free Worlds Council from attacks by either the Dorins or the Reich. The Free Worlds Council navy vested nearly half of its annual budget for ten years. The program brought some of the most advanced technology together to build ten super ships. The program was designed to offset the Dorin Doombringer class dreadnought and the Reich Peacemaker class dreadnought. The while the Dorins pushed their Doombringers, the Reich all but abandoned their Peacemaker program after a few class ships were built. Like the Dorins, the Free Worlds Council’s navy had chosen to push the Orion program forward. The Orion Program was not just one class of ships, but also a whole new line of warships that would fight side by side. The navy banked on their Orion Program so much that they didn’t heed warnings of the changing philosophies within the Reich. A total of twelve Orion hauls were laid, but only ten would see construction through. The remaining two hauls were sent to Chazwa’s ship graveyard for long-term storage. However the remaining ten would never achieved full operational status. Most were forced from the yards to join fleets in defense of the Council with work still being done on them.

During the invasion, two were lost over Alderaan during Halder’s first assault on the world. It was clear that they were targeted by Halder’s Wolf packs. A third took so much damaged that the crew was forced abandon the ship with fires raging out of control. It is presumed that the remains of the ship had fallen in to enemy hands. Another two were blown from their own shipyards as they were being prepped to join the battle by Wolf pack attacks over the worlds of Kiribi and Quil’ac. The attacks were so thorough that the yards were also destroyed as well as their defenders. The construction crews scuttled three more when the Reich’s advance placed the ships in threat of being captured. The Mammoth was badly damaged defending against the Dorin invasion. Surprisingly, the Mammoth was one of two that were the closest nearing completion. Even though not completely mission ready, the Mammoth took down three Dorin Doombringers during the battle of Bilbringi. While the overall battle was a loss for the Free Worlds Council, Bilbringi played the part of a much-needed speed bump for the Dorin invasion. This gave other Council units’ valuable time to withdraw and regroup before being swarmed by the Dorins. The Mammoth and her battle group played a critical role in this battle before being forced to withdraw from the battlefield. The Mammoth and her battered battle fleet joined up with General Q’Anilia’s forces in July.

Above Jagga Two, the Goliath, another Orion class ship was nearing completion. Her construction was over ninety percent complete. All that was missing was her main reactor. The reactor was never shipped to Jagga Two due to a malfunction discovered during quality control. Her crew ready and trained, her massive weapons fully stocked and dangerous. This ship might have helped during the defense of Jagga Two, if she had a reactor. Without her reactor, the ship was completely helpless. It didn’t even have enough power to move its large guns or raise her shields. The ship was doomed like her sister ships were. Her captain gave the order to blow her up before the yard could fall in to enemy hands. This was the very reason why Model slowed his landings on Jagga Two. What the Council Captain didn’t know was that a Reich team had already boarded the Goliath. Reich Lance Corporal Wilmer Berg is credited with saving the Goliath of its scuttling. Reich combat teams secured both the bridge and engineering before the detonation could occur. The captain was shot and killed by Corporal Berg with a single shot between the eyes. The Captain was dead before he hit the ground and with the detonator still in his hand. The Goliath was the only Orion class ship to be confirmed captured largely intact.

I have saved the best report for the last! For years, we have heard about the Free Polash navy and their fight against the Reich. Shortly after the brutal fall of Polash at the hands of the Reich a number of ships managed to escape the carnage. These ships that had managed to escape the system formed what is called the Free Polash navy. At first the fleet started out with just two ships and the well-known Maelstrom. What made the Maelstrom special was the fact that she was one of very few ships built to be carrier. The Maelstrom and her two support ships were on a military training mission in Kel Vahr space when the invasion of Polash occurred. Once the invasion was over, the Maelstrom put the call out to any surviving Polash ships. Slowly as the days ticked by, ships starting to arrive and the fleet grew. What started out as a fleet of three ships grew in to a fleet of nearly twenty capital ships and a number of support ships. The fleet was centered on guerrilla hit and run tactics against the Reich. They made a name for themselves hitting the Reich where they were the weakest or where they were not expecting the attack. This brought fame to the fleet and earned the hatred of the Reich.

The Free Polash navy was a prize that no Reich commander would pass up. Not even the very mission orientated Field Marshal Model. Model had calculated the Maelstrom’s involvement in the battle for Jagga-Two. Model planned for the heavy fighter engagement that common for battles involving the Maelstrom. However Model would be denied this prize because less than an hour before Model’s fleet arrived the Polash navy slipped in to hyperspace and escaped the battle over Jagga-Two. To this day, the reasons why the fleet fled is still obscured and will most likely be debated years to come. The fleet arrived at the last known location of Task Force 92, a reinforcement unit for Jagga-Two that had gone missing. The unit had been attacked by a number of Wolf Class assault ships a few hours before as they were rushing to Jagga-Two. I have talked before about stages for galactic moments. This was not one of those moments but no less as important. This was just what the Council needed. When the Council was facing its darkest hours against an enemy that seemed undefeatable, the Lord gave the Council hope.

The Free Polash navy arrived and started to conduct recovery operations. The entire task force had been left burning by the unseen attacking Reich ships. It had appeared that the battle was long over. However the Task Force was just the bait for the lurking Reich ships. In the middle of the recovery operations the Reich sprung their trap on the Maelstrom and the Free Polash navy. The first shot from the lurking Wolf class ships hit the Polash Wicher, a light Cruiser built some forty years ago. The weapon hit on the Wicher was so devastating that it nearly ripped the large ship in two. As the Wicher was braking up and its crew was fighting for their very lives, the nature of the situation became clear. The fleet was trapped; a large number of survivors from Task Force 92 still needed to be rescued. The Admiral of the fleet, who’s name still remains a mystery, gave the order to continue with the rescue despite the risk to his ships. The choice was heroic, but fear still ran high among the fleet. They were risking their lives for soldiers and a government that didn’t lift a finger while Polash fell to the Reich.

This was a fact that surely ran through Ambassador Zall’s mind during the cowardly attack. Ambassador Zall stepped forward and helped claim the crewmembers of the Free Polash fleet. Ambassador Zall was able to help focus the crews on their task as the trap continued to close around them. This night belonged to someone of destiny. That man would be Lieutenant Kaidan ‘Ronin’ Vosk, commander of the elite 9th Polash Interceptor Squadron. The squadron is more commonly known as ‘Fallen Angels’ because of their diverse background. The Squadron was formed from a number of fighter units that survived the invasion of their homeworld. Lieutenant Vosk formed the unit and taught them how to be survivors against the Reich. His skills were about to be put to the test. Failure would mean the lost of the Free Polash fleet. That was an end result that Lieutenant Vosk refused to accept.

The Reich ships were still hidden from sight and the attack was just getting underway against the Free Polash navy. Another shot fired from the cowardly Reich ships hit the Bonetta, a Council heavy cruiser. The impact hit the Bonetta with such destruction, that the entire front of the ship was ripped from the rest of the ship. Vosk knew that the next shot would be aimed at the Maelstrom. He had to stop it, no matter what he had to stop the next attack. Lieutenant Vosk turned his fighter as he followed his heart. His unit attempted to follow him on this moment in history. However it was only the newest member of the Fallen Angels that could keep up with him as he ripped through the battlefield and debris of wrecked ships. The pair of fighters made a mad dash as they flew through burning wreckage of a Council Dreadnought. Punching through the wreckage like a pair of flaming phoenixes, their trails were lit up from their afterburners. From eyewitness reports, it was as if time had stopped to allow Lieutenant Vosk to complete his attack run.

The pair shot past the Maelstrom on their attack run as they pushed for the location of the attacking ship. The space started to light up with an eerie glow of red. Lieutenant Vosk led his wingman in to the eye of the dragon without any fear in his heart. Lieutenant Vosk faced certain destruction, but the love that he felt for his crewmates drove him forward. With only one shot that could be made, Lieutenant Vosk closed his eyes and pulled the trigger. His twin lasers fired at the red eye of the dragon in unison. The two beams ripped in to the heart of the red glow hitting the weapon that had been fired at the Maelstrom. The explosion ripped the Wolf class assault ship in to pieces. The shock wave was felt throughout the battlefield. The remaining ships fled the area in light of what had happened. Lieutenant Vosk landed back aboard the Maelstrom to a hero’s welcome. As news spread of Lieutenant Vosk’s actions, the Council’s defenders got a much-needed bust in moral.