Open [Llanic] In Hot Pursuit

[Jaikus Thorne]

Follow-up to Back in Business​

The capture had gone off better than Jaikus could have hoped. With Rav in his custody, the Axxilan had secured his long-awaited target with little casualties - slipping through Hyperspace the moment the New Republic had arrived within the system. While it wasn’t outside the realm of possibility that they would pursue him, he knew that plotting a course for Llanic - a relatively seedy, albeit solidly Consortium world - would make his escape all the more likely. The unannounced arrival of New Republic ships would draw all the attention he needed to cover himself.

As his journey through Hyperspace came to an end, the alarms began to blare through the cockpit of the Rogue Phantom. Within only a few moments, the Gunship lurched back into real space - the blur of stars replaced by the surface of Llanic on the horizon.

The Outer Rim planet was notorious for its criminal activity, and Jaikus knew that one more Bounty Hunter wouldn’t draw much attention.

With his quarry in hand, Jaikus began to make his descent towards the surface of Llanic. If nothing else, the Axxilan would lay low on the planet for a few hours before departing once more and making another jump to Hyperspace.

 

[Carrick]

Of all the things to have interrupted his caf, Carrick had not anticipated this being one of them.

He had expected another call to a budget committee or another pointless (in his mind) senate session. Hell, he had even entertained the idea that it might have been his lover calling him to ask when he might be able to get away from the office. Anything, within almost all practical reason, was more likely than what his chief aide had just brought to him.

The young woman looked mildly panicked.

Carrick didn't blame her.

Instead he forced himself to take one last sip of his caf before setting the cup down, to be returned to when it was far beyond cold.

"Please repeat that."

She nodded quickly.

"We have Fleet Admiral Ceris Odrosess of the New Republic Navy advising us that she is in pursuit of Rav Haskeen, from New Republic space into ISC space."

In pursuit.

Meaning she was already on her way.

"And the second report?"

His aide checked her notes.

"Ranger Magna reports the same - adding that she is giving chase aboard a Starhawk with escort."

Carrick was already moving.

**

Picking up the com-line that had been on hold since Ceris called his offices, Carrick took a deep breath before responding.

"Admiral Odrosess, the ISC thanks you for information regarding the whereabouts of a dangerous criminal. We shall take care of this as an internal security matter once the ship arrives within ISC space."

He paused for a second.

"You and your warships, however, are not given leave to continue your pursuit. Please exit hyperspace outside of our borders and allow us to continue this arrest. The presence of New Republic warships within ISC space will be treated as a sign of hostility."

He ended the call and immediately turned back to his aide as they marched back to the bridge of the ship he was standing on. His inspection of one of the three-fold fleets would have to wait until this debacle was over.

"Set course for Llanic."

@Altaria @Altaris

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

Ceris found it rather amusing that the Secretary attempted to threaten her, as if there wasn't an ISC ranger within New Republic space taking a part of an active battle. She'll keep it in mind to treat it as a sign of hostility when they want to stuff their noses into Republic business. "Admiral, should we exit now and make our way back? Secretary Garrick sounds displeased."

"Fuck him."​

Besides, the Republic would need to take in Haskeen to conduct their investigation on the heist and battle. There would most likely be an opening when they exit hyperspace to snag the criminal quick, and make a jump back to Republic space, before the ISC fleet arrives. "Prepare the tractor beams upon exit, we're gonna scoop and run this guy."

The large battlecruiser exited hyperspace alongside two corvettes. The same unmarked gunship from before was in their sights. "Activate the tractor beams." The systems would begin to be energized but suddenly come to a halt followed by a violent shake within the cruiser. Ceris wobbled backwards a few feet while trying to maintain her balance. The shaking eventually came to an end; Ceris watched as the gunship travelled further and further away. She trudged towards her seat and irritatingly plopped down. A junior officer nervously approached "I have a status report ma'am." Sweat would bead down their face as Ceris glared at them. "Weapon systems malfunction, hyperdrive systems down, and power supply malfunctions in a few spaces on the 5th and 7th deck."

A deep long painful sigh would exit the Admiral's mouth. She would begin to mumble psychotically under her breath.

"It's ok Ceris. No need to shoot him Ceris. It's not his fault Ceris. Sometimes you get unlucky Ceris. Be a girl boss Ceris. Live Laugh and Love Ceris."​

With a profound inhale and exhale she proceeded to address the issue "Set general quarters, get everything back up and running. If our communications still work, patch me back through with the Secretary before we run into another problem." An alarm would ring throughout the ship signaling all hands to get to their assigned stations and begin repairing the ship. In the meantime, Ceris got up to pick up the com-line to the secretary. "It's Odrosses. Don't be alarmed when you get here, our hyperdrive is down... Republic funding."

Another officer approached Ceris, whispering into her ear. Apparently the fleet is investigating some of the scrap left behind in the battle from destroyed fighters. They've been identified as CT-O Auto-Pursuit fighters, and attempts are being made to trace it back to the purchaser. "Besides," the Admiral continued "We had to keep Haskeen in sight until you arrived. He's descended to Llanic right now. I'm sure you have some questions, and I have a lot more, so let's keep things civil. I can't even leave even if I wanted to."

Tags: @Nefieslab @Altaris

 

[Carrick]

Carrick really wished he could visibly smoke on the bridge.

"Sir, reports coming in from the portion of the Christophsis Core Defence Fleet stationed on Llanic."

He gestured for his aide to continue even as he took a drink from a caf that had been liberally filled with brandy. This day was getting worse by the minute and he wasn't sure if he was reaching the bottom of the hole Admiral Odrosess seemed to be digging for herself.

"The New Republic ships have arrived in the sector and are reportedly having system issues - after a failed attempt to continue the pursuit in sublight."

The Secretary of Defence took another drink before setting the cup down. It looked like he wasn't even going to be able to begin to try and mitigate the headache he was getting. He turned back to the com-line, which was open with Ceris currently trying to justify her actions.

"Admiral Odrosess, we have secure coms. We know you received and listened to my message before your arrival - I know that you chose to ignore it." he leaned forward slightly as he let out a deep breath, "A quarter of the Christophsis Core Defence Fleet is currently in the system and will be approaching you. Power down shields, weapons and engines - submit to boarding and detention until the diplomats can resolve this issue."

He scowled.

"I am en-route from Christophsis with the Three Fold Fleet that is often stationed there. When I arrive, I hope we will be in a position to continue talks."

Cutting the com-line, he eyed his aide and the Captain of the flagship he was currently aboard as they travelled through hyperspace. They both seemed to be waiting for something - and the bridge crew were leaning closer as if to hear the news as it was breaking right in front of them. He let out a slow breath, making sure the com device was off before giving the command.

"I want us overly prepared; all crew to battle stations."

**

Within the Llanic system, Ceris would be informed that the defence fleet in the area (a full quarter of the Christophsis Core Defence Fleet) was approaching and sending out hails for her vessels to stand down and prepare for boarding.

Spoiler: ISC Navy Notes

Core Defence and Three Fold Fleets compositions found within

@Altaria @Altaris

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

"I can point fingers with you all day if you want. Maybe I should start off about an ISC ranger, who didn't even attempt to ask for permission, taking a part of an actual battle near MY Capital." Ceris thought that it was just Governor Sibyl who was the insufferable one, but at least her sass was funny. "Wait a second," Ceris took a moment to make sure what she heard was correct "you said a quarter of your defense fleet was already in the system? aaaaannnndddd...... they didn't attempt to stop Haskeen... for what reason?" The Admiral now understood why President Thorne is still in office, for there would be complete chaos if he wasn't in charge anymore. Well, she had some faith that Vice President Galek could do the job.

Ceris let out a sigh, crossed her arms, and tapped her foot. "We'll power down, but my men are gonna continue trying to fix our hyperdrive so we can leave once we're done with discussions." She couldn't help but frown, wishing the Secretary didn't make this harder than it needed to be. She'll keep this in mind the next time someone from the ISC attempts to enter her space; Ceris loves to hold her grudges. "Securing the line now. See you soon."

Turning off the comm device, Ceris looked around the bridge. All eyes were on her, anxiously awaiting the next command. "Power down all systems, but maintain general quarters in order to repair the damages. Send the order to the Corvettes." She knew it was a scary position for her men and women to be in, but Ceris had full confidence that the Secretary wouldn't pull anything slimy.

"Any updates on the investigation?" Ceris asked towards the officer that informed her of the droid fighters. "The starfighters were manufactured by Cybot-Galactica, the droid manufacturing company. Their headquartered by in Etti IV, and they are a subsidiary of Blackwell Tech. There's no way for us to retrieve any purchase history unless the company is willing to provide it to us." "Blackwell" Ceris mumbled. The company was known for working with the ISC, but they still provide services around the galaxy. So it was still unclear who the unmarked fighters belonged to, but nevertheless Ceris had her suspicions. It was highly unlikely for her to obtain any information from Blackwell, but she at least had an idea of where to start. In fact, she hoped Carrick could help her with it, but that seemed just as unlikely. "Good work, make a mention of the findings in the investigative report."

Tags: @Nefieslab @Altaris

 

[Carrick]

Carrick just stared at the com unit.

"You brought thousands of soldiers and billions of credits worth of military warship into a foreign nation's space despite explicitly being told not to... because a single Ranger chased a criminal, and known bounty target, into your space." He let out a breath, "One is an issue to bring before the Senate. The other is one half-step away from a declaration of war - you cannot be this wilfully blind!"

He slammed a fist down on the console.

"A defence fleet which is positioned to defend against foreign powers projecting their military might into our territory. Right now you have weapons of destruction above the homes and lives of our people!" he growled, "I don't give a damn about either you or the Ranger thinking you have Haskeen. As far as that fleet, as far as I am concerned, YOU are a clear and present danger to my people and my nation. And your obstinate behaviour is doing nothing to dissuade me of this belief."

He eyed their ETA to the system.

"Perhaps I was too subtle before - you are not leaving. You will not be leaving until some of the New Republic's finest lawyers and diplomats can get here and un-fuck the situation you have made for yourself. This is not a polite suggestion, you are in ISC space and you will comply or I will force compliance."

He waited for a second.

"Am I coming through clear enough, Admiral?"

@Altaria @Altaris

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

Ceris made her way to the center of her ship after hanging up the line to take her place within the internal control center of the ship. Her focus was on repairing the ship. After Carrick came and complained however much he wanted, she'll bring her men home and let the Secretary handle the situation however poorly he wants to. "Put full focus on our hyperdrive, don't worry about the weapon systems," she said to the engineering divisional officer. "I don't wanna risk one of our weapons going off and pissing this kriffing brain potato anymore than we need to."

Activating the comm system in the new space, Ceris picked up the line to speak, but she was interrupted by the Secretary:

"am I coming through clear enough, Admiral?"​

"Yeah I can hear you loud and clear." responded Ceris, thinking that Carrick was just testing his voice transmitter. "While I wait on your slow arrival, I have a quick question. Know anything about some droid fighters? Specifically the CT-O Auto-Pursuit star fighter. They were assisting the ISC ranger, Theo Magna, but they were unmarked." Before she could continue, Ceris was receiving a comm-link request from the Grand Admiral "Hold that thought, lemme get back to you." She switched the frequency to the new line

"Where are you? What happened?"​

Brum's voice was more hoarse than the last time Ceris heard from him. He seemed a bit concerned; it warmed her heart a little bit. "Near Llanic, the Procurator's hyperdrive is down. Secretary Carrick is coming by to talk."

"Is it for good reason?" "No clue, never met him before. Hard to tell if he's naturally grumpy like a certain someone I know" it was a quick jab directed to Brum. "I'll have someone send you an investigative report about some suspicious fighters that were in our space. Take a look, I think you'll understand what I'm thinking. I'll call you back when I get the chance, Carrick is waiting for me on another line." Ceris waited for a second in case the Grand Admiral had anything else to say, but he did not. She was bit saddened, but at his age he needed every last breath he took.

Switching back to the original frequency, Ceris continued where she left off. "Sorry about that, Grand Admiral making sure we're ok. Don't get in a frenzy though, he's not coming. Back to where we left off, does anything about those star fighters ring a bell?"

Tags: @Nefieslab @Altaris

 

[Carrick]

"Secretary Carrick - she hung up. She appears to not have heard anything but the last comment."

What.

What the actual fuck?

Carrick just stared at the communications officer for a second before shaking his head. From the tone he had managed to gather from the Admiral? This didn't surprise him. This probably shouldn't have surprised him but it did - the idea that someone could make it to the rank of Admiral while being so incredibly ignorant. Instead he just pulled out a personal com-link and dialled one of the only numbers in it.

"President Thorne. I trust you've received the preliminary reports." he began, referencing the records his com-officer had been giving updates to Emryc on via encrypted messages, "New Republic forces arrived against permission, yet remain in system and are selectively ignoring our communication methods in our attempts to deescalate. Sir, with respect, this is exactly the kind of Core-centric bullying politics you sought to separate us from... with your permission, I will make moves to remand this wayward Admiral into ISC custody. Her release to be negotiated by the New Republic senate."

As he was speaking, the Three Fold Fleet of Christophsis emerged from hyperspace, bursting into real-space between Llanic and the trio of New Republic ships.

"Just give the word, Mr President."

He could see that the Admiral was attempting to reach out and he took a breath before taking the call - and immediately hanging up on her. He was in the middle of a more important conversation and his arrival would speak for itself. If she agreed to be boarded then she would be expecting the next part.

@Sreeya @Altaria

 

[Emryc Thorne]

“Granted,” Emryc responded curtly.

He was nowhere near the system and he wouldn’t engage with the Admiral. If he was dragged in, things were serious. His aide patched him through to his next call. All the data sent to him by Carrick was then forwarded.

“Chancellor Xerxes,” Emryc said icily, “Please review the reports of a New Republic Admiral within Consortium space. I assume you have as little desire for hostilities between our governments as I do, so I trust you will take appropriate measures.”

Click.

@Braden @Nefieslab

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

Could a month not go by without some kind of historically foolish action be carried out by a member of the extended New Republic Government. No wonder the Supreme Chancellor was going grey and thin.

Alexander rubbed the bridge of his nose, the headache was there again, like a million voices screaming into his brain. It was only exacerbated by the actions of Admiral Odrosess, why in the great black beyond had she chased a criminal into ISC Space, did she not understand what a border was. She also had decided to bring the most defective and idiotic crew to the front line as well, a Hyperdrive breaking down seriously. “Supreme Chancellor, we have a line to the Admiral.” Called one of his aides, he gave the man thanks before picking up the line which went direct to the bridge of her starship.

“Admiral Odrosess, I have received a distressing message from President Thorne that you are currently within ISC space with a number of our armed warships. This is an outrage and an overstep of your responsibilities and powers within the New Republic Navy. As your Commanding Officer I Order You to stand down. You will comply with all requirements made of you by the ISC Secretary of Defence. Do I make myself clear?

Once we have satisfied the Consortium that this was a mistake by an overzealous Republican and deesclate this colossal mess you have created you and your officers will be subject to a full enquiry.

I hope you enjoy your cabin tonight Admiral, I am sure it will be the last time you sleep there.” With that Alexander slammed the call down, fury was burning through his battered body. “President Thorne, Supreme Chancellor.” With a sigh he picked up the call. “President Thorne, Admiral Odrosess has been ordered to stand down and comply with all ISC Military Requests. I can only apologise on behalf of the New Republic Senate, Military and People for this afront and I can assure you that Admiral Odrosess will have a full enquiry into her actions today.” He would cut the call off shortly after not wishing to let slip any of the fury Alexander had burning through him at that moment.

“Admiral Toren.” He said to one of the Admirals within his office. “If Admiral Odrosess refuses the command, have her Captain take her into custody. I will not have our peace shattered because some Idiot can’t read a map.”

@Altaria @Nefieslab @Sreeya @Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Of all the possibilities that Jaikus had considered upon capturing Rav, he could never have predicted the actions of the New Republic admiral. He was utterly baffled by the trio of warships that attempted to steal the bounty, let alone enter ISC territory to do it.

Regardless, none of that would deter the Axxilan from his course. While the fleets engaged each other in orbit, Jaikus continued his descent towards the surface of Llanic - Rav safely secured within the holding cell of the gunship. If nothing else, it provided all the distraction that he needed to either hold Rav or turn the bounty over to ISC authorities.

It didn’t take long for Jaikus to reach the surface, his ship touching down on the capital landing ground. By that point, he’d changed into more formal attire - sporting a suit vest and dress pants, dark hair combed perfectly into place.

With no one to oppose him, the Axxilan patiently waited for things to pan out. If necessary, he would open a line directly to Llanic authorities, to alert them of the situation and turn Rav in.

 

[Carrick]

He had permission.

He had the fleet.

Part of him wanted to act on the sheer indignation he felt at the New Republic admiral seemingly throwing all caution to the wind and acting like her authority was supreme. In the end, however, he took a deep breath and nodded to the captain of the vessel he was currently stationed on. The TL-1 Dreadnought he was aboard dwarfed the Starhawk that the Admiral was aboard and he was confident that the woman wasn't going to be doing anything rash at this point.

"It will be done, Mr President."

With the pledge made, he gave the order and the Dreadnought, The Enlightenment, began to make its way forward to begin docking with the Starhawk. A duo of TL-2 Battlecruisers acted as escort while the remaining fleet elements began to form up defensive positions around the planet. As the trio of capital ships approached the New Republic forces, Carrick walked down to the main docking tube that would be connecting to the Starhawk. Ensuring that his lightsaber was prominently clipped to his belt, as it often was, Carrick nodded to the team of ISC marines who would serve as his protection detail.

They were equipped with restraints as the docking began and Carrick spoke over the com-line to the Starhawk's bridge. If the Admiral was there then she would doubtlessly hear it.

"Secretary Carrick and defensive detail to board to main hanger-side docking tube port. Admiral Odrosess please attend - I do not wish to have to search your ship for you."

@Altaris @Altaria
@Braden @Sreeya

 

[The Storyteller]

Captain Kala, was stern when she received the direct line from Admiral Toren. She knew what was needed of her, as much as she thought highly of Admiral Odrosess, her loyalty was to the Republic not to her commander and she understood that Ceris had overstepped her boundary. Perhaps it would have worked if the Secretary of Defence hadn’t shown, but she should have cut her losses as soon as he did.

Odrosess was given ample time to respond to both the Supreme Chancellor and the ISC Secretary and she did neither. The brash boldness of her initial foray disappeared at the combined pressure of the President and Chancellor. Kala took a deep breath before she nodded towards the security detail on the bridge of her ship, stepping forward she spoke loud and clear for all across the deck to hear. “Admiral Odrosess, in response to you disobeying a direct order from our Commander-in-Chief, you are under arrest. In correspondence with article 41 of the Republic Naval Charter.”

The two guards stepped up towards the admiral, one had his hand on his blaster as the other offered her hand to take Ceris’ weapons. Once the woman was disarmed she was placed in cuffs. “You will be escorted to the docking bay, where you will be passed into Consortium custody.” With that Kala along with the two guards would escort the foolhardy admiral down towards the area where they would all meet the boarding Secretary of Defence.

“Secretary of Defence Carrick, as you can see Admiral Odrosess has been placed into custody by the New Republic as she has breached our laws as well as your own. I have word from Supreme Chancellor Xerxes that we are to place the Admiral in your safe hands, until a diplomatic solution is resolved for her return to face our own justice. I hope this is agreeable.”

@Nefieslab @Altaria @Altaris @Sreeya