Bank Balance: Zero [TJE Takeover of Aargau] - The Battlegrounds - Forums

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Fyor Viglianco

1 3:38am 09/06/03

"Sir, the task force is prepared to move to the hyperspace jump point."

Fyor Viglianco turned to ackowledge the gray clad officer who had spoken to his back. What, are they afraid of me? Already. Fyor sighed softly. Having a new commander often made fleet personale so uptight and jumpy, and Fyor disliked the heavy tension that filled a ship when its crew was nervous. Even in battle situations Fyor would rather his crew be loose, or at least disciplined enough not to show their fear. He could deal with any other condition, but he deplored a fearful, uptight crew. Of course, respect was a must, and finding the thin line between the two was the key.

"You can feel free to address my face..."

Fyor eye's searched up and down the officers figure, trying to place him with a name and picture from the ships officer core databank. After a moment it clicked.

"....Ensign Taloran"

The officer's face showed a breif moment of surprise then went back to a marble stare.

"Of course sir, if you perfer it that way."

Fyor allowed a small smile to come across his face.

"Yes, I do. Please tell the helmsmen to jump to lightspeed as soon as the rest of the force is in position."

Ensign Taloran saluted, and then walked away toward the lower portion of the ISD's bridge. Fyor turned back toward the ships viewport. Fixed in it was the blueish-green sphere of Jutraal, painted against a backround of stars. In set against the capital world of the Jutraalian Empire were various orbital facilities and an assortment of defensive warships, many sporting damage from the recent conflict with the Holy Demothosian Empire, some looking better than ever as there new repairs had brought them back to perfect fighting conditions.

Fyor looked off to the left and saw several ships breaking off from the main planetary fleet formations, and forming up at his designated rally point. His own vessel, the ISD recently rechristened Imperator was manuevering toward the same point, which was already occupied by 2 Carrack Light Cruisers. As the Imperator approached the jump point, Fyor saw the rest of his task force forming up: 2 Defender Class Star Destroyers, 2 Loronar Strike Cruisers, and 1 Interdictor Class Cruiser, which formed up with the 2 Carracks and the Imperator.

The fleet was ready, and the orders already issued. Fyor hoped his crew had enough iniative to jump to hyperspace now as he had commanded. If they didn't, Fyor knew he would have quite a problem on his first mission with them. However, when he saw the streams of light begin to form outside the viewport, and saw a Carrack jump, his smile returned. Maybe there's some hope after all.

The task force jumped to hyperspace.

Fyor Viglianco

2 4:25am 09/06/03

Every planet in the galaxy, important or insignificant has a defining feature. For many, like Mon Calimari, its a physical feature like oceans, or forests or cityscape. For some, like Corellia its reputation: Hot-headed but amazing pilots. However for Aargau, it was neither. No, for Aargau, it was money.

Much like the Imperial world, Muunilinst, sometimes known as "Moneyland" Aargau is the financial capital of its region of the galaxy, a world who's financial policies can make or break not only corporations and companies but even planetary governments, or multi-planet alliances. On Aargau, the credit was king, and the bank was its palace, from which its power could be projected.

It was this power that the 9 ship task force had been deployed from Jutraal. This power which had forced the mighty Jutraalian Empire to send it's newest Lord Admiral on his first combat mission. The money managers on Aargau had thought that they could defy the will of Emperor Fearsons, and it was there that they had made a critical error. In a recent declaration, the Emperor had decleared LFX Industrial a terrorist state, and asked all major finiancal groups involved in bussiness dealings with LFX to immediatly cancel an deals they were currently included in with LFX. To the Emperor's fury, the major banks of Aargau had refused to cut off their dealings with LFX, and also refused to freeze LFX assests in their banks.

Conventional negotation had failed, and thus the Emperor had decided that a more, forceful approached should be used in dealing with the stubborn money changers on the deep core financial capital. To allow the battle weary officers who had fought in the recent conflict across the galaxy rest, the newly appointed Fyor Viglianco had been given the task of "convincing" Aaragau to change it policies- no matter what the price.

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

"Sir, reversion to real space in 2 minutes."

Fyor Viglianco recognized the voice of Ensign Taloran and turned to find the office rstanding behind him.

"I thought we had made it clear that you don't have to address my back, ensign."

Taloran's face remained blank.

"I didn't want to disturb you sir."

Fyor nodded, understanding.

"Of course. Bring all the men to battle stations. I don't expect the Aargau Defensive forces to be lined up in parade formation to escort us into the atmosphere."

Taloran said nothing.

Fyor raised his eyebrows.

"Ahh- I see. Humor doesn't work well here. Ok. Dismissed Ensign."

Taloran saluted and walked off just as the singnature streaks of light appeared, anouncing the task forces arrival over Aargua.

Fyor Viglianco

3 1:52am 10/06/03

With the usual suddenness the Jutraalian Task force emerged from lightspeed, revealing the the familar dark, speceled backround of the universe. The task force, The Jutraalian Empire's First Assualt Fleet, while not the largest in this sector of the galaxy was certianly a force to be reckoned with. Capable of competing with forces from entire empires and large multi-planet alliances, compared to a single planetary defense force, the First Assualt fleet was a juggernaught. Still, Fyor Viglianco was taking no chances.

"What sort of force are the Aaraguians fielding. Ship classes and probable offensive and defensive capacity."

A voice was heard from the Imperator's bridge pit.

"Sir, sensors picking up 14 enemy vessels, small, nothing larger than 400 meters. Several appeare to be under 200 meters. Working on classes sir."

Fyor didn't allow his happiness show on his face. Aargau was supposed to have been a tougher nut to crack. Although there was still a chance that the planetary defenses were formidable, the small defense force would prove no match for the Jutraalian Fleet which was no moving closer and closer toward the banking world.

"Launch all TIE Interceptors- get a squadron to make a recon run and see what type of forces we are facing here. Also, bring sheilds to full and start preparing weapons telemetries for the closest ships."

"Yes sir." Came a small chorus of voices. Then one broke from the pack.

"Sir- transmission from the defense force, shall I patch it through."

Fyor nodded. "Of course."

A voice was heard on the communication system.

"Approaching fleet, this is Colonel Gurden of the AADF. Please discontinue your appraoch and state your intentions."

What kind of ragtag operation appoints the head of their defense force the title Colonel?

"Open me a hailing frequency. Thanks. Ehh hmm. Colonel Gurden, this is Lord Admiral Viglianco of the Jutraalian Empire. I am her on a personal mission from Emperor Fearsons himself, it seems that the financial policies of our two employees don't see eye to eye with each other. I'd love to go into the details with you but unfortunatly I am not authorized to speak to anyone lower than a member of a major banks board of trustees. Now, back to bussiness we are more aquainted to- please have your ships stand down, and alert your superiors on the ground that a team of neg....."

The Aargauian Colonel broke in.

"No I will not stand down- you are infringing upon a soverign planet's defensive sphere and that is not to be tolerated. The government of Aargau..."

Fyor allowed himself a smile- he wasn;t speaking on an image to image screen so it was safe.

"So now you speak for the government of Aargau; should I report back to Emperor Fearsons that the Aargua defense forces are not superior in importance to the banking intrests on your planet."

Fyor paused and let the silence communicate volumes to his verbal opponent.

"Colonel, resistance is futile, stand aside or prepare to become an expenditure rather than an assest."

Defiance rang in the responce.

"I will not let you just barge into my homeplanet's airspace..."

But then he cut off. Fyor had motioned with a gesture across his neck, ending the two way link between the two fleets. He still allowed for the one way communication back, and with great calm said,

"I'm sorry Colonel- wrong answer."

And cut the link entirely. Fyor straightened up, looking very intimadting.

"All force prepare to engage the enemy!!!"

Fyor Viglianco

4 4:01am 10/06/03

TIE craft had always been known for their distinctive solar panels, high speed, good firepower but complete lack of life support and defensives systems. This unique combination made most TIE's excellent recon units, hit and run fighters or good in large scale combat operations if used en masse. The old Empire had used these strengths and made the TIE name something that was often feared by powers who could not afford superior fighters and couldn't match the TIE's numbers with any other craft.

Fyor prefered the power of capitals in his space combat, he liked to have his firepower concentarted in large ship rather then highly dispearced with large numbers of smaller fighter craft. He however knew that fighters served their purpose, and without them his capitals could be slowly pecked to death by even inferior fighters. Plus, fighters could be extensions of his own ships sensors, acting as the recon teams that TIEs were so well suited for.

"Sir, Vanguard Squad telemtry coming in now- enemy force structure anylazed."

Fyor's intrest peaked- he knew the enemy's force was made up of smaller ships, but many smaller ships were still dangerous and could cuase problems if handled efficently. Not like their's much chance of that, considering who they have as a commander. Still the chance exsisted.

"Let hear it."

"Yes sir- 3 Class 1000 Cruisers, 8 Seiner Fleet Systems Light Patrol Ships 2 Maurader Class Corvettes, and 1 Bayonet class light cruiser."

Fyor moved away from the Imperator's main view port down into the heart of the bridge. A 3-d tactical holoimage came out of a projector in the center of the wedge shaped command deck, and Fyor began eying it, sizing up the situation. Those 2 Class 1000's are the most dangerous, well they pack the most punch anyway. Other than that we have little to worry about. A thought came into his head.

"Sensors? any report of enemy fighter craft."

"None so far sir."

"Excellent- launh all remaining fighters, order the recon units to begin opening fire on the enemy, they'll soon learn to respect the Jutraalian Empire!"

Fyor Viglianco

5 6:15pm 10/06/03

The TIE Interceptors raced over the bow of the Aargauian Bayonet Class cruiser unleashing a hail of laser fire on the 200 meter vessel. As the first 3 squadrons rounded out their attack run they were alwready in a large banking turn that would bring them back across the cruiser for a run in the oppsosite direction. Their formation was without holes- not a single fighter had been lost- for the moment anyway.

Meanwhile on the bridge of the Imperator Fyor Viglianco was in the process of directing a battle he hoped could be won with minimal causulties.

"Sir, 3 squadrons of TIE Interceptors engage the enemy Bayonet class cruiser- first attack run already completed. Manuevering for a second strike."

Fyor stared ahead at the tactical display but responded,

"Damage assessment?"

"Bayonet shields dropping in the area of 80%. No losses on our part."

"Excellent. Have the Centurion engage one of the Class 1000 cruisers, and the Punsiher engage the other. Have our Carracks and strike cruisers deal with the Light Patrol Ships, we'll tkae care of the Maurders."

"Of course sir- transmitting orders now."

Fyor watched on the tactical screen as the ships began moving against their assigned targets, knowing now that the battle was no in the hands of the individual gunners and crewman of the opposing forces. Fyor was confident he knew who would be better off in the upcoming skrimish...

Fyor Viglianco

6 1:54am 12/06/03

With a fiery explosion one of the Seiner Fleet Systems Light Patrol Ships burst into a million shards, sending bits of molten metal outward in every direction. Simultaneously another of the Light Patrol Ships was hit be a heavy barrage from the Strike Cruiser Warwasp , and lost all power. It began drifting below the plane of the battle, dead in the water and complety disabled. The Aargauian Bayonet light cruiser was fighting for its life, but it was having supreme difficulty orienting its weapons on the agile superority fighters. Although individually weak, the Interceptors we're hurting the Bayonet badly, and by their 5th pass had nearly broke through the picket ships shielding. Frusturated, the light cruisers command decided that random barrages would be the only way to save his ships, and so the ship began spurting out fire at completly random intervals with no attempt to aim their fire- and for the first time they started hitting something.

Meanwhile on the bridge of the Imperator Fyor Viglianco was scanning the 3-d tactical display as the Imperator was dueling with both enemy Class 1000 cruisers.

"Sir, fighter squadrons reporting 7 fighters have been damage and knocked out by the enemy bayonet cruiser. 1 Fighter has been destroyed."

Fyor supressed a grimace- he had hoped for a causilty free campaign, but evidently the Aarugauians were better prepared then he had originally thought.

"Order the Scmitar bomber to take out that cruiser!"

The Scmitar Assult bomber firerpower would be sufficent to knock out that annoying cruiser and hopefully prevent the Aargauians from using the same random flak technqiue again against his most vunerable untis, his fighters.

With a sudden surpise, the Imperator's bridge shook and sirens began blaring.

"What the hell was that!"

A distressed voice responded over the wail of the sirens.

"Sir one of their 1000's has destroyed the left bridge shield! It appears that some of their turbolaser fire broke through."

Fyor reacted quickly.

"Lock in reserve power into the right bridge generator and extend it range over to cover the whole bridge."

"Sir that could...."

"I know what the technical problems may arise however if we don't get sheilds soon then we'll be in serious trouble. Now, get that done and hit back hard. Revert engine power to the heavy turbolasers- direct fire at the 1000's bridge- make them pay.

"Yes sir."

Fyor Viglianco loved a challange- but he played to win and he would make the Aargauins pay for forcing him to play hard ball.

Seth Vinda

7 11:09am 12/06/03

Admin - New Republican - VC Magnate - Reasonable Redcoat

Bonadan

Days earlier - VC-HQ

"...he said what??..."

Vinda's cigarra almost slipped out of his mouth, as he studied the man flickering in front of him via the secure holo-feed...

"..the nerve of the man!..."

Laughing slightly, out of disbelief, rather than from finding the situation funny, Vinda shook his head incredulously, as the Governor of Aargau , Cortez continued ....

"...he claimed that we were handling LFX industrial accounts, and therefore aiding , what the Jutraalians have suddenly declared to be a terrorist cell, demanding an immediate halt...LFXI does not even bank with us!... They don't even have a presence in this sector !

We don't have anything to with them, and even if we did, its certainly not up to some tin-pot dictator light years away from this part of the galaxy to decide how we conduct our business...the Jutraalians have no duristiction here!..."

The Governor clearly angered, paused to take a moment to draw his breath. Chewing on his Cigarra ,Vinda reclined into his chair,

"...I take it the negotiations did not go well then?..."

Cortez rolled his eyes...

"...if you call issuing us a tirade of completely, random, groundless , unworkable demands , negotiation then...."

The Governor sighed, and drifted off, wiping his brow, before glancing up to face Vinda, the stress of the whole affair had obviously taken its toll on the man...

"...fact remains, Mr Vinda, if he decides to take hostile action, which he has threatened to do , there really is nothing we can do to stop him, we can't defend against the kind of resources the Jutraalians have at their disposal.... the only military viable power in this sector , is ....yourselves...
Without your help we can't possibly hope to go up against them.... that is assuming of course they decide to take further action....his threats may well be empty, a bluster of an angry leader perhaps, but ....what if they're not?....

...I don't have to tell you how many people reside on Aargau...I can't afford to sit here and do nothing while some crack-pot leader threatens us and our millions of citizens....."

Vinda's demeanour had visibly changed , and even over the holo-feed, the Governor could see this...

After learning of the Jutraalian's demands, and the thin veil of lies surrounding it. It was clear that there was another agenda at work, and this did not bode well for virtually anyone in this part of the galaxy...

Fearsons unhealthy interest in the running of Aargau seemed to suggest something a lot more...sinister.

Aargau was the most vital central banking institution of the entire sector, to have that fall into Jutraalian hands...was at best...alarming...and for these more than dubious motives??...

Still, it was Vinda's nature to find the silver lining in every cloud, the Aargaunians had come to Vinda-Corp for help, and that was an opportunity that could not be missed.

Taking a moment to take a long drag of his cigarra, Vinda contemplated the situation, his eyes narrowing as the smoke wistfully crept over the hills and valleys of his face.

"...there are conditions ....

....the Corporate Commonwealth would prosper greatly if Aargau was to become its financial heart...."

As he spoke, Vinda's eyes seemed to glide towards Cortez...

"..in return for our protection , we would like to see Aargau come under our wing...Commonwealth ships , protect Commonwealth planets Governor...."

There was a long pause of silence as the Aargaunian leader considered the proposition, and as he looked up to speak, he shifted slightly under Vinda's gaze...

"...very well, Mr Vinda, you have our pledge..."

"....then you have our protection, Governor...."

And as Cortez took his leave and signed off, Vinda took another audible drag on his cigarra, with a deep furrow across his brow....

...would Fearsons really attempt to attack Aargau?....

Surely he wouldn't be that....

...or would he?....

Sitting up straight, Vinda flicked the switch of his comms unit on...

"...Yes Mr Vinda..."

"...good day Zara, alert Captain Omar, tell him to ready the fleet, I want every ship on standby, cancel all leave for naval staff..... I need VNN too, try to get in contact with a Mr Victor Barell .....find me Achinta, Miles Johnson and Mr Katta please....I want a meeting in the boardroom , highest priority ....
...oh and get me the Caprician Ambassador Scipio Arien...asap..."

Sensing something important , the secretary's voice inclined to enquire...

"...Mr Vinda?...is everything alright?.."

"...I don't know Zara...we'll see..."

Present moment

Aargau System

Hyperspace reversion- onboard The Reliant

Vinda watched in grim anticipation as his defence fleet started to exit hyperspace ..the long white streaks visibly returning to stars, as they should be....

The last time he had been personally leading a fleet was during the Caprician Crisis...he had hadn't enjoyed it much then.

A sudden alert caught his attention, and as he glanced up to his view-port he could see the invaders in the midst of their attack, as well as the other combined Commonwealth defence groups emerging , all at different points, relative to where the Jutraalian's main invasion force were fighting...

Adjacent to Vinda's Omega attack, emerged C4's Delta group on the Jutraalian's right flank, and roughly just central and above the invaders ships, Alpha group came into view , bearing down from a higher plane.

The effect. to completely encompass the invader's ships in a wide arc, though all were not quite close enough to engage in ship-to ship fighting quite yet...

Thanks to the fact that the Jutraalian ships were not even attempting to jam any of Aargau's comms transmissions, Colonel Gurden had been able to relay up-to the minute detailed battle-reports .
Invaluable front-line intelligence like that, was god-sent in a situation like this.
The Combined Commonwealth defence forces knew exactly where the invader's fleet was positioned and had taken advantage of this fact, and from the very first moment the Jutraalian invasion fleet had been detected, the Commonwealth forces had mobilised.

Vinda leant forward against the handrail running along the breadth of the bridge's upper deck, as the comms officer spoke...

"Defence group Alpha has just started to jam their communications..."

Vinda nodded, and responded promptly

"...are they jamming the Aargaunian's comms transmissions yet?..."

"negative sir..."

Vinda gave a rather confused look to the officer raising an eyebrow...

Strange...

The confused look on Vinda's face melted away as the realisation of knowing that your opponent would not be able to call for back-up became reassuring.

Biting down on his Cigarra , Vinda barked his order's through gritted teeth....

"..Intercept vector, vanguard formation...I want those gunships flanking us either side.... be prepared to engage , but not until I give the word....

...open me a secure line to their flagship...I want to speak to their Commander...and I want it recorded..."

No sooner than it was said, it was done....and Vinda found himself face to face with the fleet's leader .... the comms officer gave a small sharp nod to indicate that the relay between the two mean was indeed being recorded...

"...Jutraalian commander... this is Seth Vinda onboard The Reliant of The Vinda-Corporation.

Aargau, is under our protection.

Cease all hostilities , and disengage your fleet immediately, or we will enforce the defence of this planet with extreme prejudice.

...you have one minute to stand down and to begin visible withdrawal from this planets defence forces....then after, ultimately this entire sector.

If you comply , you have my word , we will not attack, nor will we follow,...I must also advise you this conversation is being recorded....

....think very carefully about your next decision , Commander.... "

Vinda's eyes met those of the Captain and locked as he awaited a response.

OOC:

Manifest:

Attack group Omega : Main Assault Group Commanded by ; Vinda and Captain Omar.

(left flank of Jutraalian Forces)

* = Full Fighter Compliments (MM Starvipers).

Aegis Mk II Star-Cruiser* - Reliant
Aegis Mk II Star-Cruiser* - Venture

Aegis Star Carrier* - Tempest

Loronar Strike Cruiser* - Vallant
Loronar Strike Cruiser* - Tirade
Loronar Strike Cruiser* - Siricuse

Nebulon-C Fast-Frigate* - Persuer II
Nebulon-C Fast-Frigate* - Hikaru II
Nebulon-C Fast-Frigate* - Brigand II
Nebulon-C Fast-Frigate* - Tuscan II
Nebulon-C Fast-Frigate* - Evader II

KDY Star Galleon - Remus
KDY Star Galleon - Odessa
KDY Star Galleon - Star-Streaker
KDY Star Galleon - Armatige

REC Warrior-class Gunship - unnamed
REC Warrior-class Gunship - unnamed
REC Warrior-class Gunship - unnamed
REC Warrior-class Gunship - unnamed

Support units:
236 MM Starviper Fighters.
12 TIE Boarding Craft.
6 Gamma Class Assault shuttles
6 AT-STs
3 AT-AT walkers

Attack group Alpha; Commanded by Achinta Vega (accompanied by Scipio Arien)

(Central and above main bulk of Jutraalian forces)

Imperial Class Star Destroyer - Mark II - Tribune
Imperial Class Star Destroyer - Mark II - Judicator
Imperial Class Star Destroyer - Mark II - Ascoria
Imperial Class Star Destroyer - Mark II - Scion

Hapes Nova Cruiser* - Free Wind II
Hapes Nova Cruiser - Harrier II
Hapes Nova Cruiser - Nighthawk II

REC Warrior-class Gunship - unnamed
REC Warrior-class Gunship - unnamed
REC Warrior-class Gunship - unnamed

Support units:
16 MM Starviper Fighters

Attack group Delta - Commanded by C4.

(Right flank of Jutraalian forces )

Aegis Star Carrier* - Torrid

Acclamator-class trans-galactic ship - Descending Fate

Loronar Strike Cruiser* - Lo-pan
Loronar Strike Cruiser* - Typhoon

Sienar Marauder Corvette - Tiberius II
Sienar Marauder Corvette - Azure II
Sienar Marauder Corvette - Merlin II

Vibre Class Assault Cruiser - Poison sting 1
Vibre Class Assault Cruiser - Poison sting 2
Vibre Class Assault Cruiser - Poison sting 3
Vibre Class Assault Cruiser - Poison sting 4
Vibre Class Assault Cruiser - Poison sting 5

Support units:
120 MM Starviper Fighters
8 TIE Boarding Craft.
4 Telgorn Corp. Gamma Class Assault shuttles
4 Phase three dark troopers
4 zed model droids
16,000 Clone Troopers
100 Speeder Bikes
40 Infantry and Carrier Gunships
24 All Terrain Tactical Enforcers
12 Self Propelled Heavy Artillery-Turbolasers
4 AT-STs
2 AT-AT walkers

EDIT: (manifest error)
EDIT2: (a manifest error which has been bugging me, lol)

Kas

8 5:42pm 12/06/03

Internaut

Colonel Gurden swore profusely as a green dot on the tactile display turned dark grey… destroyed. Another green dot shifted color, and the stream of profanity ceased almost instantly. The jaw muscles on Gurden’s face bulged, as he gritted his teeth. How could have he been so … amateurish? So incompetent, so defenseless.

Glowering, cursing himself, Gurden began to bark orders in short, static syllables. Each order seeming non-connected with the others, yet they all wove a tight web.

The Vessels defending Aargau began to back of, pulling together. The formation they began to move into was a common one, one that was beaten into your brain during military school. Put the big, powerful ships in the middle, and surround them with the smaller ships at even, spaced intervals. Overlapping fire from all ships, a tight ball of destruction that was always most unpleasant to try break.

“HOLD! HOLD!” Shouted Gurden, as the ships came together with cumbersome grace. “Get that LPS’ in tighter” he yelled while pointing at the tactical display.

“Watch the port bow on the …”

The communications officer turned his head quizzically to see why his commander had ceased to speak, and his eyes fell upon the tactile display as well. Once a holo-image of the planet and a few, small groups of ships, the display was now illuminated by … blue dots. Ships of unknown affiliation. Gurden’s eyes popped, and his heart raced. Please, please let them be friendly

“Sir, they are jamming long distance communications … wait … message coming in …

"...Jutraalian commander... this is Seth Vinda onboard The Reliant of The Vinda-Corporation.

Aargau, is under our protection.

Cease all hostilities , and disengage your fleet immediately, or we will enforce the defense of this planet with extreme prejudice.

...you have one minute to stand down and to begin visible withdrawal from this planets defense forces....then after, ultimately this entire sector.

If you comply , you have my word , we will not attack, nor will we follow,...I must also advise you this conversation is being recorded....

....think very carefully about your next decision , Commander.... "

The voice ceased, and the static fuz of an open com channel played background music to the stunned bridge crew. Vinda! thought Gurden. CEO of Vinda-Corp… here? Naturally, of course. Aargau was central to banking in the corporate sector … The only way his fleet could have mobilized with such speed was a forewarning … A snippet of his “conversation” with the Jutraalian commander re-surfaced

“…it seems that the financial policies of our two employees don't see eye to eye with each other…”

It all came together for Gurden then. Why the bankers and planetary governor never bothered to inform the military that an attack was even possible was beyond him. The fools.

*

Bonadan, days prior

“Mr. Barrel, I have an exclusive for you…”

*

Aargau, present moment

The Investigator reverted to real space directly above the planet of Aargau, and the opposing forces. Well out of firing range, all two thousand twenty seven hundred point three cameras located on her underbelly focused in on the battle and began to roll. Every type of video interface recorder known to the galaxy was located in some way, shape or form on the bottom of this ship.

“You getting the glowing shards of that … that … ship there Prior?”

“Yes Sir, I’m getting the flaming shards of burning, glowing, twisted flash wielded scraps from the Seinar Fleet Systems Light Patrol Cruiser… oh look, a collision with another LPC. Bet my family will enjoy seeing that twenty two hundred times in the next month… Look, I think I just saw someone explode from the vacuum!”

“Cut the cynicism and just film, will you Prior?”

“Yes. Sir! Oooo, look, the DITW LPC is drifting toward the planet. Yes, I have a camera tracking it.”

“How’s our uplink Marc?”

“We’re strong Sir, this new uplink system is the best, strong, steady even with the faint jamming from this distance.”

“And Mr. Barrel?”

“Watching it live, preparing the story” Came a voice over the comms system. “Get a good zoom on the Jutraalian logo on that ISD there Prior, will you?”

“Sure Mr. Barrel”

“Say, Prior” said Barrel’s fuzzy voice… “How does “Vinda Corporation protects helpless planet from Alien Invaders!” sound to you?”

“That’s a winner Mr. Barrel.” Replied the busy cameraman. “Emphasis on the “Alien Invaders” part, kids love that.”

“Great, we’ll use it.”

VNN, that galaxies ultimate news organization was here in force.

gromit51

9 1:32am 13/06/03

Internaut

Sahrah Grummet dropped to the deck of the hangar covered in oil and grease from fixing her A-wing. Tubes and cables hung limply from the belly of her fighter like alien entrails. She grabbed a nearby towel and wiped her hands and face off. Grabbing the tentacle-like mass next to her, she shoved it back into the A-wing and slammed a very heavy panel shut over it. She hadn't serviced her ship in a while, preferring to do it herself so she knew exactly what was being done to her fighter. Vinda Corporation hadn't needed her assistance as a fighter pilot in so long that maintenance seemed a waste of time anymore.

Klaxons went off suddenly and pilots and maintenance staff scurried like someone had just turned lights onto some cockroaches. Carts and vehicles raced to fighters on deck. An unfamiliar commander ran towards her. "Suit up and get to briefing. We're on high alert status. Conflict is imminent," he took off to tell other pilots.

#*!& YEAH!, Sahrah thought to herself as she sprinted to the locker room. She hadn't been in a dogfight in a long while and her trigger-finger itched for a good battle. She zipped up her black flight suit and strapped on her survival gear. With her helmet under her armpit, she yanked on her gloves as she raced to the briefing room.

An officer stood in the sterile gray room, a glowing image of the battlefield fizzling into view from the holoprojector in the floor...

This is going to be an interesting day..., Sahrah cocked an eyebrow as the officer began to explain the situation...

Fyor Viglianco

10 11:02pm 13/06/03

Internaut

The ISD Imperator's heavy turbolaser batteries fired and caught the enemy Class 1000 Cruiser just below the bridge, rupturing the shields, and setting off numerous explosions at there area of impact.

That ought to teach them . Fyor watched as his ships heavy weapons continued to rain down their fire on the crippled Aarguarian ship. It had turned and was now running at full speed, desperate to escape the range of the Imperator's heavy weapons- Class 1000 cruiser had been meant for system patrol and light defense, not heavy combat with Star Destroyers. A triumphent tone was heard in the sensor officer's voice as he reported in.

"Sir Aargauian forces are in full retreat- reforming at extreme ranges of Aaraguain atmosphere, standard defensive posture."

Fyor looked at his crew- his victorious crew. Things were looking good for the First Jutraalian Assualt Fleet, even if victory had been assured from the outset, there had been a close call and they had responded and dealt with the threat and seemed to have the feeling of imperviousness, though they knew that even inferior ships could be dangerous on occassion, if handled right. A worthy lesson to learn- this battle has been just what I hoped for.

"Status of the bridge shields?"

He flicked a few buttons on his tactical display and a diagram of the Imperator displayed itself in midair, slowly rotating. The entire surface of the ship was green, save for the left generator, which was a shade of yellow.

"Sir, earlier anylzsis has proven to be incorrect. The left sheild generator was only severly damaged and unable to provided sheilding power. It still is inoperable, but we have matinence droids working on repairing it as we speak."

Fyor was happy someone was starting to show initiative.

"Well for now continue the current sheilding scheme but reroute the weapon power to its normal routes, I think our main guns proved their point."

He paused for a moment, changed the tactical display back to the battlefield and said,

"Bring our interceptors back into a defensive sphere around the Imperator - we need to finish repairing the sheilding, plus we could suffer uneccessary causutlies. Bring the bombers back, rearm with heavy proton bombs."

He studied the display for another minute, formulating his attack plan. He never got a chance to share what he thought.

"Sir? I'm reading a large energy influx." Came the surprised voice of the sensor officer.

Fyor looked up, confused.

"What sort of reading?"

With that the Vinda Corp fleet emerged from hyperspace, filling the sensor profile with their large force.

"Sir!! Incoming forces, large contact, registering 10 large ships, and somewhere around 20 smaller ships. Also in upwards of 300 fighter craft."

"What the hell!!!?!"

Then the communciation came in, the transmission from the new force,

"...Jutraalian commander... this is Seth Vinda onboard The Reliant of The Vinda-Corporation.

Aargau, is under our protection.

Cease all hostilities , and disengage your fleet immediately, or we will enforce the defence of this planet with extreme prejudice.

...you have one minute to stand down and to begin visible withdrawal from this planets defence forces....then after, ultimately this entire sector.

If you comply , you have my word , we will not attack, nor will we follow,...I must also advise you this conversation is being recorded....

....think very carefully about your next decision , Commander.... "

Fyor's face contorted.

"Damnit!"

His crew watching he tried to regain his compsure.

"Taloran!"

The young officer stood up.

"Yes Sir?"

"Is there any jamming detected?"

Fyor awaited the answer, but knew what is was going to be.

"Yes, sir, their is."

Fyor knew it would be the case. He had been arogant and stupid enough not to jam the Aarguaians- who was going to come to their aide. Evidently Vinda Corp was. He needed more time!!! He issued an order.

"Pull all our ships back into a this formation- Imperator at the "center". Have the Defender's above us on either side. Put the lancer on in between the Defenders. Put the interdictor below us. Carracks on either side of us. Strike Cruisers above and below the lancer."

Fyor was setting up overlapping fields of fire plus trying to negate the enemies distinct advantage in the fighter area.

"Patch me through to the enemy and use comm program sigma."

Fyor began talking

"Unidentified ships, this is Lord *static*. Please bear with us.. *static* ..dish is down bec... *static* combat. Your first transmission *static* ..ar. Unable to *static* ...entity. Crews *static*.... should be up soon. Jamning might *static* ...ith attempts. Pleas *static* ...n. Wish you no *static*. Repeat pl... *static*"

Fyor finished and allowed himself a smile. He had been waiting to use that technique for some time now. Comm program sigma was a special design to slow down opponnents through talking. The static had been self implied, put on when he had made a fist by his communications officer- a well designed ploy. To ensure that the rouse was nto discovered immediatly comm plan sigma also ordered the matinence team working on the sheild generators had installed fake battle damage all around the main communciation dish- which they were duoing immediatly, while making it look like they were attemtping to repair the same dish.

Still the plan was only temporary, Fyor need to think what to do and quickly. No matter what, all he could be assured of was that Emperor Fearsons would not be happy.....

OOC- Fleet Manifest:

First Jutraalian Assult Fleet

1 ISD- Imperator
2 DSDs- Punisher and Centurion
2 Carracks- Legionare and Dominant
2 Loronor Strike Cruiser- Warwasp and Warspite
1 Interdictor Cruiser- Inhibitor
1 Lancer Frigate- Monstrous One

150 TIE Interceptors
24 Scmitar Squadron Assult Bombers

EDIT- Manifest mistake

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