Operation: Broken Wing

[jpchewy01]

Reed Cabilla looked out at the Republic. His ship was heavily damaged at the embarrassing defense of Bothawui. If you could even call it a defense. He was sitting at his temporary office in the dry-dock personnel barracks while his ship was repaired. Many men were lost at Bothawui. Lots of bad choices were made and lots of good men died.

Reed had been listening to military chatter and was beginning to plan his next move. He would most likely help out in the Balmorra system, but the fighting sounded pretty intense over at Rhommamool. As he was thinking, his first officer, Ron Tanith entered. "Ron, just the man I wanted to see, so I was thinking about Balmorra and..." "Sir. Umm. We've received orders. And umm..." "Well spit it out! We're friends." "Well, I think this may be a little personal." The Commander put the data slate on the table. Reed quickly read through it and slowly put it down. He looked Ron, "They've found them..."

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"Sir! Repairs are going on schedule and we should be ready to get back into action in a few days!" The ensign was trying to keep up with Captain Cabilla and Commander Tanith as they toured the ship. Cabilla got on the nearest comm-set, "I want preliminary systems checks to begin in less than 24 hours. Do you copy engineering? Prelims must be started in less than 24 hours. I'm sorry ensign, what were you saying?" The ensign continued, but Cabilla wasn't listening. He had much more important things to think about.

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"So I can hand pick the team?" Cabilla asked. Ron took some time to look over the data slate, "No, the orders say that Private Aaron Baako and Jay Whest, an officer candidate, will be joining us in a few days." "Get me Karn."

Rand Karn was soon in Reed's office. "Karn, your the best pilot I have. I want you to get me my brother." "Sir, where is he?" "Bothawui."

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"So, getting you in is the hard part," said Lieutenant Tan Maxwell, "But I think these old identity codes should work. We'll send you in on the Captain's personal ship. That way, it will be harder for them to realize who is infiltrating the system." "Fine, what is the success chance of this mission?" asked Rand. "I think you should be fine," Maxwell responded with a smile.

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The voice on the speaker was clear, "Private ship identify yourself." Rand replied, "Sending identity codes now." "Hmmm. Looks fine. May I ask why you are in the Bothawui system?" "Business."

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Fighting had been rough after Bothawui had fallen. Jaren Cabilla fought and hid every day just to survive. Most of the men he had been with were dead. The attempt at a resistance had failed miserably. Jaren could only wait until he was eventually found and killed like the rest of them. Just then, his old comm-set went off. "Cabilla, do you copy?" Jaren cautiously picked up the comm-set and replied, "Who is this?" "Flash," said a voice near him. "Thunder," He replied. Rand Karn was standing behind him.

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"Its nice to be off that hell hole," said Jaren. "Well your brother needed you," replied Karn. Reed Cabilla's personal ship glided through hyperspace. "We're nearing the rendezvous point. Your brother's ship should be done with repairs now." "Yeah, heard it got pretty beat up in the fight." "Yep, but get your uniform on. The briefing begins as soon as you walk in the door."

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Jaren Cabilla walked in the door and hugged his brother, "Why did you come to get me?" "We've found them." "You mean?" "Yes. Sit down and all of your questions will be answered." Jaren sat in the briefing room alongside two men he did not know and a small detachment of marines. Reed began,"Gentlemen, I think you all know why you are here. Recently, a known pirate vessel known as the Skyfire was located and crippled in an asteroid field in the Mid Rim. We have received the coordinates and are on our way as we speak to engage it. This vessel has been plaguing the Mid Rim for several months now and we believe that this ship belongs to the same pirate organization that my brother used to belong to. We are to neutralize the vessel and use my brother's expertise to locate the captain and first officer and take them into custody. More information can be found in the briefing packets that you all received on entry. Any questions?"

 

[Ninjedi]

Aaron sat in the briefing room, awaiting his briefing. Two men later walked in, serious looks on there faces. The whole room was serious, not a word was spoken in there absence. They began the briefing. A pirate ship had been spotted and we where going to be sent to take it out, they asked for questions, Aaron just nodded his head stating that he didn't have a question.

Thoughts raced through his head, though he was silent he had questions that he would answer on his own when he got there, he finally spoke, "A pirate vessel? Aren't those pretty big? I think it would take more than 3 men to seize it."​

 

[jpchewy01]

Reed looked at the private, "Look around, son. You've got a detachment of marines to help you out." Jaren stifled a laugh.

 

[Brand]

(( Mmm, looks like my post got deleted or lost somehow; I'll see about getting another one up as soon as possible ))

 

[Brand]

(( Test post ))

 

[Brand]

((( Test post )))

 

[Brand]

(( Testing ))

 

[Gio]

One Marine, a certain Sergeant Donovan, made a quick head count. and raised his arm casually.

"Uhh, sir? We're down one enlisted man. Actually, Private Jay Whest. Any idea..."

Before he could finish, the arched doorway to the breifing room opened with an electronic buzz. Seval Tarik, decked in full micro-tendon armor walked though the door. The marines stared in question. Who was he? Why was he wearing such unique armor? The room grew silent and stares were aimed at the tan skinned, green eyed, black haired human who casually walked into the meeting room rather late.

Seval drew closer to Captain Cabilla and the questioning marine.

Saluting Seval said, "Captain Cabilla sir, Sergeant Seval Tarik of the 22nd Recon division. Private Whest was recently reassigned. The Comms didn't update until early this morning, so you might not have known. If it's any concern to you or any of you men, I've brought my Combaat Record for review per request by command and I've already read up on the breifing packet..."

Marines chatted with each other slightly as Sergeant Donovan stood up to grab a cup of coffee that was readily available on one of the nearby tables. He offered Seval his seat, to which Seval happily obliged.

Seval placed his manilla combat record in front of Cabilla, while simultaneously introducing himself to his associate in the mission. He offered a handshake to Aaron.

"Private Aaron Bakko correct? Sergeant Seval Tarik. Nice to know we have such capable men on this mission."

(OOC: can you tell i'm happy about this?:bitchez

 

[jpchewy01]

Reed looked at the sergeant. He read his profile. It was impressive, very impressive. He looked back at the sergeant and said, "You look like a good enough candidate for this mission. Welcome aboard."

 

[Ninjedi]

Aaron looked around, the men in his squad looked capable enough. He raised his head, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I have no more questions besides this, when do we start?"

 

[jpchewy01]

Reed looked at the eager private, "We'll start tomorrow. Everyone get a good rest before then. We will make the jump at 0600." Reed saluted, "Dismissed."

 

[jpchewy01]

((OOC: BUMP))

0600 had arrived. Ron Tanith was already on the bridge when Reed arrived. "Officer on deck!" yelled Tan. The crew on the bridge stood at attention. "At ease," groaned Reed. It had not been a good night. "Are we prepared for the jump Mr. Maxwell?" The Lieutenant ran some calculations through the computer, "We should be fine as long as the coordinates are accurate, Sir." "Good. Prepare to jump. On my mark...Now!" The ship appeared at the edge of an asteroid field. "Looks good," remarked Reed, "Begin long range scanner sweeps of the field. I want to find those pirates before lunch."

 

[The Lionheart]

The Lancer corvette of the pirate hosts was idling silently behind one of the larger rocks, her own scanners combing the surrounding system for any signs of intruders. They had come a long way in a short time, and now that the ship's engines were undergoing repairs, they could not afford to be caught unaware. They were always being chased, anymore - such was the life of pirates without protection.

The other clans had become too spoiled, and too greedy, with their political backing as of late. Harker Mo'beel's crew and the entirety of the vaunted Rock back in Duluur paid for their hubris with blood. There was no longer an 'order' among the pirates in Duluur and the surrounding areas - and as Captain Hokke saw it, that was the way it should have been. Pirates didn't need councils, and they sure as hell didn't need bazaars on rock-stations in the middle of asteroid fields.

Pirates needed only three things: a ship, a crew, and a target. He'd enjoyed all three for the past several months, and he had no intention of surrendering it all to a big-nosed Republic inspector or navy officer-to-be.

He spun around in the captain's chair and surveyed his crew manifesto (posted on the wall behind it). He had twenty three pirates on that ship. Twenty three men and women ready to do whatever he would require. Two of the more colorful women took that to mean more than just the bare necessities of pirate command. Power was bliss, as they said.

Hokke had little clue that he was about to lose it all.


"Cap'n! Da boys in da back said da engine should be done in about terty minutes. Well, done enough ta get out-a'-system again, anyways."

"Then whattaya talkin' at me for!? Get back there n' help the runts get r' done!"

"Uhhh yes, sir, cap'n!"

 

[jpchewy01]

"Sir, we've picked up something on our long range scanners," reported Tan Maxwell. "Good," replied Reed, "Get a positive ID and begin to close to range. I want the soldiers prepped for assault in 15 minutes."

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Jaren Cabilla looked out at the briefing room. They had already gone over the Cabilla's history with the pirates and covered the plan of attack. The men were prepared. They simply had to fight through the decompressed chambers of the pirate vessel. The fighting would probably be fierce, but they would make it. "Alright men! It's time to suit up! The Captain wants us prepped for assault before he fires a shot!"

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Lieutenant Maxwell began to hail the crippled vessel that was now in front of them. Reed looked at the viewscreen and spoke, "Captain Hokke! Fancy meeting you again!"

 

[jpchewy01]

((OOC: Bump. Come on lets finish this!))

 

[The Lionheart]

"Errh, Boss! We gotz a problem!"

"What're yeh talkin' 'bout, now?"

"We just got called by a Reppy boat by da ast'roid field!"



Hokke heard the message crackle over the comm., defying the myriad interferences caused by heavy rock formations. The Lancer was still in no condition to flee - he would have to try to buy some time. He doubted it would work, however: Cabilla was no fool; and the men under his command were dangerous. They were dangerous enough, even, to give him a hint of fright when he heard the voice.

"Well, well; if it ain't ol' Cap'n Ca-BILL-a 'imself! What? You didn't git da hint last time!? I dun think you n' yer boyz wanna come in-ta dis as-troid field; dem rockz can git purty violent, now."

He switched off the comm. and looked back at his second.

"GIT DAT ENGINE UP N' RUNNIN', NOW!!!"

 

[jpchewy01]

The message was clear, and the Pirate gave himself away. Reed knew that Hokke was scared. And that made him more dangerous. He looked at Ron Tanith, "The Captain does have a point. We won't be able to get through the asteroid field intact. Get me the CAG."

Rand Karn was soon on the bridge. "Rand, what are the chances of getting through this asteroid field with minimal damage?" asked Reed. Rand took a minute to think, "Not good sir. But we do have one good thing on our side, they can't calculate a jump in there. They will have to exit the field to get into hyperspace." Reed paused, "Hmmm. That does sound like a good idea, but Hokke is no fool. I suppose we could smoke him out. Get your best pilots and meet me in the briefing room."

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The briefing room was packed with the best pilots on the ship. Rand Karn was sitting in the front row. Reed was at the podium, "All right men. This is a very dangerous mission. I need you to fly into the asteroid field and attack the pirate ship. Do not damage it critically. We need it to exit the asteroid field. Does everyone understand?" The men nodded. "Good."

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The fighters were launched. "Everyone on me," said Rand Karn. "Its going to get messy out here." Swooping in, out and around the asteroids, the pirate ship soon came into view. "On my mark...FIRE!"

 

[The Lionheart]

"Uhh, Boss!? We got more problems!"

"WHAT'S IT NOW!?"

"Dem Reppy boys is bringin' em fightahs our way!"

Hokke jerked around in his seat and snarled at his deck hand. In the next second he was out of his chair and pounding his fist against the intercomm. panel. The order was simple, and clear: even for the under-educated captain and his guard. It was their only option; their only 'hope'.

"MAN THE CANNONS!!! LIGHT A FIRE IN THEIR BUTT-CRACKS, BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Soon, the concealed guns across either side of the ship's spine slung forward to regard the incoming fighters. One after the other roared out heavy METAL slugs through the asteroids, blasting rocks and careening through toward the incoming ships.

 

[jpchewy01]

The pirate ship brought its guns to bear. "CRAP!" cried Rand, "Take evasive action! Get out of the way of the fire! BREAK!!!!" The fighters pulled up, down, and sideways. But some were still hit. Others crashed into asteroids and were sent careening into other ships. Rand tried to get his men together. They needed to pull the ship into the open. Rand had an idea, "Everyone group on me!" The ships gathered around the CAG. He took them down, far under the ship. Then he pulled up and began to make for the pirate ship. "Close to range...FIRE!" The fighter's let out everything. The underbelly of the pirate ship was already damaged from previous encounters. It would be a turkey shoot. The missiles and laser blasts raced towards the ship as the fighters broke off. That was enough fire power to chase the ship out of the field. Evasive maneuvers would be impossible for a ship that size.

 

[The Lionheart]

Rand's gambit paid out in spades. The firepower from the fighter squadron peppered and pulverized its way through the underbelly of the corvette, tearing into the crew's quarters and inner halls and forcing the ship's airlock mechanisms to come into play. Soon, the pirates were isolated in their various intact sections - the rest of their kind were left to the cosmos and ashes.

Captain Hokke and his bridgemates were still very much alive, despite the damage to their ship and its systems. Alarms blared all-around him, and the husky alien slammed his fists down on either arm of his chair. Through the smoggy smoke he coughed and cried:

"ENGINES!!!! ENGINES!!!"

"THE JET'S ON BOSS!!! GET US OUTTA 'ERE!!!!"

The captain himself threw every lard pound of flesh on his body over the seat to latch onto the throttle lever and force it forward. The engine cluster boomed to life and burned out, atomizing the debris and rock immediately behind it - and the Lancer-class corvette lurched up and forward toward a clearing in the field.

Hokke managed a slobbery grin as he tugged himself off of the floor. Soon, it was howling laughter.

"No way they can catch us, now! No way in Hell!"





Then Hokke looked over toward the port window, and saw the space rock that was careening toward his limping starship.



He yelled for them to 'GET DOWN', but he didn't even finish before the asteroid slammed through the middle of the ship's hull, tearing it in half and inspiring a blast that knocked both pieces away. The front section - holding the bridge deck and the remaining gunnery chambers (with two guns behind airlocks on either side) - soared forward and crash-landed on a larger rock. The aft half, however, sputtered out. In a few seconds, the engines overloaded, and the entire frame erupted as it collided with the rock behind it.