Open Back in business

[Sigtryggr Thorite]

Sigtryggr found his mark once more, lasers streaking across the CT-O's shield and knocking them offline. Although his missile missed, he pressed on to destroy it once and for all with precise gunnery skills. Continuing his forward momentum, the Owl found itself alone, but for a short while as the hunter became the hunted.

Focused on his own prey, Siggy had fallen victim to the G1-A starfighters sneaky manoeuvre under the belly of the beast. Alarms blared in his ear as the laser fire swept around the Owl with two shots connecting. As the shield had previously been damaged, it immediately overheated and switched off, the second shot impacting in the fuselage with a heavy thud, although not piercing through to the inside where he was, it seemed.

Given the severity of the damage, Sigtryggr was ready to hit the eject button with hand hovering over his seat belt ready to sprint to the escape pod before a sudden alert popped up on screen from one of his adversaries. For a few fleeting moments he considered ignoring it and ditching, but alas curiosity got the better of him and the Deucalian set about complying with its directives.

"Sigtryggr down, good luck." he solemnly spoke over the comm to his allies while awaiting to see what would happen next.

@Nor'baal @Altaris @Zay @Nefieslab

Spoiler

The Owl attempts to destroy the last CT-0 in front of it with lasers before getting hit by Theo's laser fire and being on its last legs. The Owl complies with Saren's demands.

 

[Rav Haskeen]

Rav grimaced as one of his crewmembers collapsed into a small foetal ball next to him. He frowned a little as the two-timing trash Deucilian signalled his intention to withdraw from the field. Rolling his eyes, Rav lamented the significant drop in pirate standards, saying, "Honestly. You just cannot get the staff these days. You know?"

His opponent stood there and said nothing.

Considering this to be an invitation to make his introduction before (presumably) a fight of epic proportions and levels, Rav, blade in hand, eyed up his opponent. A lithe-looking man, lightsaber in one hand, and sword and grenades at his waist, Captain Haskeen was confident he could take him with ease.

With ease!

Of course, he had the benefit of being able to wield the foul magics of the force - but Rav was confident this would not be an issue. "You dare stand in the way of the great Captain Haskeen?" he asked, not expecting an answer (which would only serve to throw him off his introduction). The corridor was narrow, footwork and fast swordplay the name of the game at such close quarters.

Haskeen was acutely aware that he was outclassed on the surface of a planet in the open field. But here, in the narrow confines of a spacecraft, spiralling through space? This was pirate turf! He raised his weapon in his right hand in front of him, and his left hand dropped to his hip. Then, moving his right foot forward, he gently bent his left leg - positioning it behind his right into a balance stane.

"En guard" he shouted, but not before darting forward, his blade jabbing forwards like a duelist's sabre. He raised his left hand up from his hip, holding it halfway into the air with an enviable degree of flair for balance. Indeed, his weapon of choice, a simple vibro weapon, cut in the form of a cutlass, or 'sabre', was light, ideal for rapid attacks. It was a simple manoeuvre; the blade stabbed forwards, is reach extended as Haskeen stepped forward in a small lunge motion, hastening the speed of his attack and beginning the duel.

OOC - Welcome to PvP with Norbs, who doesn't know how to PvP, but does now how to do fencing. So that's what you're getting, fencing moves.

Spoiler: TLDR

Rav complains about poor staffing standards.
Rav lunges forward in an expertly performed duellists attack, jabbing forward to opponents torso, whilst shouting 'En Guard!'.

 

[Aeron]

Everything about this engagement had gone to shit. Aeron knew better than to stick around for a job that was going belly up and even now he couldn’t fathom why he’d stayed— hell, he wasn’t sure why he’d taken the job in the first place. He wasn’t honorable. He held no real code, but when Rav had called, he’d come, and now he was struggling to hold his bile back as The Problem Child spun end over end into the void of space.

Aeron swore as he finally managed to release his harness. Weightlessly, his body was slung from his captain's chair. He bounced off one wall and then another before finally managing to balance himself in the center of his rotating cockpit. The nausea he’d barely been keeping at bay hit him like a hammer. Aeron wretched. Vomit propelled him backwards into the wall at the same time his ship's backup systems kicked on and he was dropped like a puke-covered stone to the ground.

The air was driven out of him as he landed. He’d totally missed the ship that had come up behind him. He’d been so focused on his single target that the CT had been able to slip up behind and shut him down.

Pathetic.

As if goaded by the fates his prosthetic crackled with electricity before falling limp. Aeron sighed, rolled over, and made for his refresher. His fate was already woven into the morai’s thread. On his way out he turned back and glanced out the viewport. Rav would have to handle this on his own.

Spoiler: TLDR

Aeron's ship was sent spinning ole Vader style by the CT. His ship is out aside from the systems required to keep the life support up and going. He's cleaning himself, and resigning to turn himself over whenever he's detained.

@Nor'baal @Altaris @Xorism @Nefieslab @Ginger

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus watched as the Twi’lek collapsed into a bloodied heap, and the Axxilan didn’t so much as slow his gait. He moved like a wraith - long, graceful footsteps that slowly closed the distance and finally brought Rav within his reach. The emotions played out vividly on Jaikus’ face and were hidden by his haunted mask - fury and smug satisfaction battling for dominance on his expression. He had waited for this moment for years - dreamed and carefully planned to finally exact his vengeance on Emryc’s kidnappers - and it was finally time to make good on those wishes.

If Rav wanted to rush into a fate worse than death? Jaikus was happy to oblige him.

A low growl rolled up Jaikus’ throat as the Feeorin lunged at him - maintaining a duelist stance and attempting to thrust into his chest. Maintaining his own squares stance, Jaikus merely rotated his saber counterclockwise - batting Rav’s rapier to his own right and to pin it there. Jaikus simply wasn’t interested in a prolonged fight. He simply wanted Rav unconscious at his feet.

Just as his lightsaber parried, Jaikus’ freehand rose from his hip. The Force gathered and billowed forth with malicious intent - manifesting as streams of electricity that crackled between his fingers. Within a split second, the torrent of Lightning ripped forth - aimed to slam directly into the Feeorin’s chest while his blade was pinned away. It deliberately wasn’t enough to be lethal - but enough to knock the captain unconscious if it struck.

—-​

Outside of the docking tube, things were beginning to sway significantly. With Aeron and Sigtryggr disabled or surrendering, the Pirates had lost almost all of their ability to fight back against the joint onslaught.

Sigtryggr, to his credit, had been successful in destroying the CT-O he had been engaged with - reducing the droid-brained ship to a loose cluster of slag drifting through space. Even as the hired fighter surrendered to Ranger custody, he would go to sleep knowing he had at least put up a valiant effort.

While Aeron drifted through space, the two remaining Starfighters moved to surround the pirate. He had nowhere to go, and it was clear that Jaikus intended to take the man captive alongside his captain once the fighting had finally concluded. For what purpose, that simply remained to be seen.

Spoiler: TLDR

1. Jaikus parries Rav’s rapier to the right - attempting to open the Feeorin’s guard for a follow-up lightning blast to the face.

2. Sig is able to destroy the CT-O before going down. Woot.

3. The remaining CT-O Starfighters movd into surround Aeron, making clear their intention to take him hostage once the fighting is over.

@Xorism @Zay @Nor'baal

 

[Theo Magna]

Oh this... this actually didn't happen too often.

He stared at the console in front of him for a few minutes before glancing back over his shoulder at Saren. His partner just shrugged a little bit and started chatting over the comms.

"Disabled and surrendering ships - you are now under arrest and are directed to prepare for boarding via ISC officials. ISC ships will be arriving shortly!"

Theo himself quickly piloted the ship to start circling the enemy ships as he put out the signal. As he was circling, ISC command commed back and confirmed their ETA. As they were doing so, Saren commed through to the Bounty.

"Bounty. ISC reinforcements are inbound... surrender and you will be given leniency."

As this was being done, Theo spoke to the captives.

"If you give us information on the activities of the Bounty... your sentences may be commuted."

Spoiler: TLDR

Theo is surprised someone surrendered
Begins calling in ISC support to come collect them
ISC reinforcements arriving nebulously soon
Asks aeron and Sig to give up information on the bounty

 

[Sigtryggr Thorite]

The Owl was dead in the water, so to speak. There was a little downtime before the consequences of his actions caught up with him, and he planned to use every last second of his freedom. The Deucalian quickly gathered his most prized possessions and some other objects, opening a well hidden compartment in the cockpit that revealed a tough as bricks safe, promptly beginning placing them one at a time into it.

Taking out a small bag and opening it to reveal what little spice he had on board, Siggy poured the contents upon the table beside him and prepared it for consumption. In one swift sniff, the spice was huffed and fuelling his upcoming excitement.

The emergency comms on board the Owl began broadcasting the ISC vessel's message about the bounty, causing an intrigued look to plaster itself across his face. Walking over and pressing a button to reply, he simply stated the truth as he saw it, "Berjist við mig fyrst, svo kannski."

The proud warrior removed his armour, placing it carefully away in a locker along with his blaster rifle and pistol and other tools, leaving his torso bare and exposed.

Standing some ten meters from where the ranger would board, he watched and waited, comb in hand gently brushing his blond locks, curious to see the measure of warrior they would send against him.

@Nor'baal @Altaris @Zay @Nefieslab

Spoiler

Siggy decided to brawl anyone boarding

 

[Aeron]

Aeron was dabbing the last bit of vomit from his face when his coms went off. He grabbed the soothing ointment from his sink and twisted off the lid as he walked back to the cockpit. He was being hailed by the ship he’d been initially running down. He pursed his lips weighing his options. It was obvious they’d be looking for people to betray the pirates. Aeron had a pretty good feeling most of Rav’s crew would jump at the chance to abandon ship if it meant saving their own skins. The Bounty Hunter sighed… He wasn’t sure he was any better.

The weight of betrayal stank. Getting rid of it took years, but when it was your life or against another’s it was easy to ignore even the most rancid smells. Aeron decided on caution. If it was obvious spilling some innocuous information on Rav could benefit him, then he’d do it. If not he’d keep his trap shut and go into the pin known for being loyal, and that would make it easier to get ahead. Gotta be realistic about these things.

Aeron flicked on the com and the voice of an ISC ranger came over the line

"—Give us information on the activities of The Bounty... your sentences may be commuted."

The tight line of Aeron’s mouth soured into a frown. The ISC was playing some sick games. Why in seven hells would the victor of a dog fight give the enemy the chance at escape? They wouldn’t. They were being greedy in their victory. The Bounty Hunter kissed his teeth in frustration and plopped down into his captain’s chair. He cut on his coms.

“This is Aeron Mathis, Captain of The Problem Child. I’m a freelancer working for Rav Haskeen’s I can’t tell you much, but I’ll tell you what I know… For a price of course.”

@Nor'baal @Altaris @Xorism @Nefieslab @Ginger

 

[Rav Haskeen]

It was becoming clear to Captain Haskeen that his assailant was not on the best of terms with him. Jaikus attempted a parry, rotating his sabre counterclockwise. It was a predictable move that Rav had seen many times before; he reacted, taking two quick, short steps to his right and sweeping his own blade down and into his assailant's left leg, seeking to catch him off balance.

His expertly timed side-step, combined with his riposte, enabled him to avoid the incoming barrage of lightning and mount his own offence. However, with Jaikus having over-stretched in his eagerness to take Rav out quickly, he needed to deflect a downward sweep toward his legs and protect his now outstretched arm.

As such, whilst he brought his blade down to strike at Jaikus leg, he struck again the moment the lightning subsided, grabbing hold of his attacker's free arm and slamming it into the wall to their side.

Spoiler: TLDR

Steps to the side to attack, with a riposte sweep down into Jaikus legs.
Avoids lightening due to side-step.
Grabs Jaikus' outstretched arm once lightening subsides and slams it into the wall.

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Though combat had never been his forte, Jaikus had the benefit of formal Sith training against Rav. The Feeorin had made things personal the moment he laid a hand on the Axxilan’s fiancé, and there was no hesitation or remorse in the way he struck out. The Captain would leave in Jaikus’ possession, whether it was unconscious or dead.

As Rav attempted to move onto his flank, Jaikus merely drew his right foot behind him - shifting into a side-face stance and stepping backwards in one, fluid movement. He aimed to keep the Feeorin off his flank, as the torrent of lightning faded from his fingertips. At the very same time, Jaikus merely rotated his saber downward to meet the Feeorin’s own blade - blocking the weapon with the lower two thirds of the saber to lock it in place. He made no follow up strike, instead prolonging the bladelock in hopes of keeping the Feeorin’s center exposed.

Once more, the Force billowed from Jaikus’ left hand and through his fingertips - manifesting as a strong, concussive blast. He attempted to sent Rav hurtling into the narrow hallway walls just behind him, with enough force to knock him unconscious or injury him heavily upon impact.

@Nor'baal

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

Then God said "Let there be Light" and there was Light.​

Theme music for your doom.​

New Republic ships would exit out of hyperspace in different angles around the battle, as if to entrap the area. Multiple Starhawk-III class battleships, raider-class corvettes, and interdictor-class destroyers loomed over the pirate vessel and gunship.

"This is Fleet Admiral Odrosses. We have you all surrounded. We will be taking Rav Haskeen... dead or alive."​

Numerous CF9 Crossfire starfighters would be deployed, but held their fire unless fired upon. All ships were ordered to fire upon any ship deemed hostile. Unfortunately for Ceris, she couldn't fire upon the ISC ship unless it was confirmed Rav had taken it over. She'd have to send her own squadron to board the small gunship for now. Two SR-3 Patrol skiffs filled with a combined unit of 8 soldiers, would begin their approach to the gunship.

"Any attempts to interfere with our works within New Republic space will be taken as a hostile act."​

The comment was mainly made to the ranger and to small ISC fighter squadron. It was obvious they wanted to bag that pirate scumbag Rav, and they had every right to desire to. However, they were on HER turf now.

Tags: @Nor'baal @Altaris @Zay @Xorism @Nefieslab

 

[Rav Haskeen]

"Uunk!" Rav said despondently as he was yoted into the wall, sliding down it into a sad heap, before blacking out.

 

[Theo Magna]

Theo shared a look with Saren - neither of them spoke the language of the man who had sent a message over to their ship. He raised an eyebrow and Saren just made finger-gun motions as if to ask if they couldn't just blast him and be done with it. After all, they didn't have many other options - being a starfighter they didn't even have a docking ring they could attach to discuss the situation in person like reasonable adults.

Of course when Aeron spoke, they were able to actually understand exactly what he had to say.

"The ISC is willing to negotiate on a suitable price." he readily agreed, "Anything that contributes significantly will earn greater rewards I can assure you."

If nothing else it would help them build the case against Haskeen - which was already pretty sizeable but still.

This was, of course, when the sitatuin descended out of their control as what was surely half the New Republic navy seemed to descend upon them. Staring at the numerous Starhawks and other capital ships, Theo blinked a few times before replying with his true feelings.

"Bollocks."

Saren snorted in amusement.

"Tell us all how you really feel, Theo."

It was meant as a joke but Theo was annoyed and he was going to be vocal about it. He opened a com-line and he deliberately left it open.

"This is ISC Ranger Theo Magna to New Republic Fleet Admiral Odrosses... your assistance in my arresting of these individuals is not required. Please feel free to resume doing whatever it is you typically do as a waste of your taxpayers' credits and leave me to my job."

@Nor'baal @Altaris @Altaria @Zay @Xorism

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus watched with smug satisfaction as Rav crumbled to the ground. He had waited years for this moment, and the Axxilan wasn’t going to let the opportunity slip through his fingers - not when revenge was finally within his clutches.

The moment Rav hit the ground, the Axxilan reached out with the Force once more - pulling the Feeorin off the ground and proceeding to launch him further down the hallway of his ship. His droids would haul the pirate captain off to a holding cell, while Jaikus’ own attention was promptly drawn to the arrival of.. An entire Republic fleet. Of all the ways things could have gone wrong, this was certainly high upon the list. The Axxilan had donned his Sith attire and persona for the capture, and any chance of his identity being revealed simply couldn’t come to pass.

Returning his lightsaber to his belt, Jaikus lifted his vambrace to speak into the commlink. “We’re secured our quarry. Jump to Hyperspace - now. Let the Ranger deal with the Republic.” The pair of droids nestled within the cockpit had already been ordered to keep the engines hot and Hyperdrives prepped for jump, the moment Rav was captured. Ceris’ arrival was a hiccup he wasn’t expecting, but the Republic Admiral had made the mistake of not immediately intercepting.

Within only a few moments, the hyperdrive and engines of the Rogue Phantom hummed to life. Having not been disabled earlier in the fight, it only took a few moments to break from the docking tube that connected the gunship to Rav’s pirate ship.

The moment it did - as Republic Starfighters began to close in around him - the Rogue Phantom abruptly jumped into hyperspace, vanishing from the scene of the battle with a blip. “Plot a course for Llanic.” He spoke into his commlink, beginning to make his way back towards the cockpit. While Ceris could attempt to follow him, the Republic Admiral risked her career and peace by bringing Republic vessels into ISC territory.

Moreover, the unmarked nature of his vessel meant that for all she knew, Jaikus was nothing more than a simple Bounty Hunter fleeing back into the Outer Rim, with nothing to confirm if Rav was on his ship or not.

Regardless of what happened to Theo and the rest of Rav’s crew, Jaikus didn’t really care.

@Nefieslab @Altaria @Zay @Xorism @Nor'baal

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

"Did he really just say that.. to ME?" Ceris thought to herself after the Ranger's response. "This is New Republic space, and as far as you're concerned you Rangers don't hold authority here. Do not test my patience right now."

Before Ceris could get another word out, one of her men called out to her. "Admiral!" he exclaimed "we're detecting hyperspace activity coming from that gunship, it's about to make a jump!" "Where to?" Ceris asked. There was a moment of silence as the soldier read off of his screen "to Llanic!" Ceris loathed; she despised when people made things more difficult than they needed to be. Llanic was a scummy world within ISC space, but it wasn't whether or not Rav was on that ship. It seemed like a perfect escape route for him.

"Follow it! We're taking us and two corvettes. The rest of the fleet will remain here." Ceris paced around the bridge issuing orders out. The procurator-class battleship she stood on and two raider-class corvettes proceeded to follow the unmarked gunship to ISC space. "Someone get me a line to Secretary Carrick. We need to inform him that Rav Haskeen may be on that ship. For now, we'll maintain pursuit." The rest of her fleet would attempt to detain the remaining pirate ships that stayed behind. Ceris hoped she would be able to bag the criminal herself, but things were tricky if he enters ISC space. She could only help the ISC Navy won't screw this up for her.

/exit thread
Tags: @Nefieslab @Altaris @Nor'baal @Zay @Xorism

 

[Sigtryggr Thorite]

Siggy was here to gain riches and fight and it seemed that he'd get neither after all. The strange ranger never knocked and the Deucalian was left to wander the bay of his ship in wait. That was until another alarm blared to alert him to the grand entrance of the NR fleet to the field.

A marvelous opportunity presented itself and one that he would seek to take advantage of, as his ship was still somewhat intact. Leaping back into the cockpit, he would open a broadcasting comlink, shouting in a feigned panic.

"Help! I'm being oppressed!"

Simultaneously he would power up the owl and jet towards his former ally (@Zay) while spooling up his hyperdrive. If he was fortunate, he'd soon be away from this mess and practically free. There was a risk of being blasted from behind by the ranger but perhaps not.

The ranger would potentially risk hitting the disabled prize he'd taken out earlier in the problem child, butore importantly Siggy made the risky bet he also wouldn't start shooting with the NR vessels so close by.

@Nor'baal @Altaris @Zay @Nefieslab

/exit attempt