Sign on the Dotted Line

[Greybok]

The Mon Cala Merchant Fleet was truly something to behold. Greybok was glad to be seeing it from space and not down on that water-covered world he hated so much. This, he decided, was truly going to be his last venture to Mon Cala. But, this time, he was with Commander Ion and not Leah Reach. It was rare that the two of them embarked on missions together, but the Wookiee general was glad for the opportunity. The Duros was a good being — a good leader with a fair mind and a kind heart — and it was a pleasure to stand at his side. But that didn't keep him from complaining.

Greybok blurted something in Shyriiwook. Unlike past ventures to Mon Cala, Twobee was with him and ready to translate. "My word, Greybok," the droid chirped. "You cannot just make demands of Commander Ion! He's the leader of the Alliance! He's your superior!" Greybok barked some more in his native tongue, but Twobee simply shook her head. Instead, she pretended to translate for him while asking a question of her own in reality. "We have the right place, don't we sir? The shipwrights we've been meeting with said to meet here aboard the merchant fleet's flagship to see the first of our new design? You must be quite excited, sir."

In truth, it was Greybok who was truly excited. Mon Cala cruisers were famous for their durability and their ferocious fire power when converted into warships. They were also well-known for being mobile bases, which is what Commander Ion had wanted when he sent Greybok and Leah to commission it. Such a warship would make finding and rooting out the rebellion extremely hard to accomplish, as it would always have both a sea and space-worthy vessel capable of jumping star system to star system. @Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

Until now Hugo Ion have not the opportunity to come to Mon Cala. He had heard much about the world from some of its inhabitants who traveled the stars. So needless to say the Commander was very excited especially at the new ship they’re getting today. While the Durosian had appreciated how well Al’doleem functioned as a base until it’s recent compromise, but honestly he preferred to live on ships. I’m a sailor at heart after all.

He stood beside Greybok, viewing the formation of Mon Calamari ships with a subtle grin. Hugo turned to look at the Wookiee and nodded, knowing him and Leah and everyone else who made this possible. The commander was very aware of how deeply indebted to them he was for all their efforts. When the fur covered giant complained Ion chuckled. Greybok was not boring company to say the least. Once Twobee finished saying her own piece Hugo replied.

“Indeed that is correct. Their ship, their rules. It’s only fair we oblige them since the first of their new vessels will be given to the Alliance.”

Then his grin grew more mischievous, and the Duros added. “I know you would like to swim some more on Mon Cala General but duty demands us to have the meeting out here.”

Word of Greybok’s dislike for the ocean covered world had even reached Hugo’s attention. Hence his little attempt at humor. Gossip can run wild in the rebel ranks.

@Malon

 

[Greybok]

Greybok made a comment in reply that Twobee dared not repeat aloud. Instead, she went back to chastising him. "You'll watch your language while we're aboard this vessel, Greybok," the droid snapped. "There are dignitaries about, and, besides, the Commander hardly wants to hear your filth." To the Commander she said, "I apologize for him, sir. Wookiees can be such brutes."

Mercifully, the arrival of one of the Mon Cala admirals appeared to cut the tension between the Wookiee and his droid and refocus the meeting. Greybok straightened up and Twobee stood alert, ready to translate if needed. The Mon Cala admiral said, "Thank you for coming promptly, Commander Ion. The first of your vessels is launching as we speak. She should be in orbit shortly. We have attempted to meet the specifications laid out by the general, here, and Jedi Master Reach as nearest we could. I think you will be quite pleased with her."

Greybok could sense the tension in the admiral. The Mon Cala were still uncertain about this alliance and how it would play out. There was something to that effect on the tip of the admiral's gills, but the alien was struggling to bring it out. Then, finally, he added, "I won't lie to you, Commander. The Mon Cala people are grateful for your assistance in our liberation and return to self-governance, but we're anxious about the safety of our homeworld and its people now that we are moving towards militarization again."

Greybok could tell that the Mon Cala wanted to say more, but he stopped there. The Wookiee understood his concerns. Kashyyyk, too, was always in danger of Imperial retaliation. But Mon Cala was a planet in the heart of Imperial territory. They were more at risk. Far more could go wrong. @Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

The commander only smiled at Greybok, suppressing another round of laughter. He wasn’t at all offended by it, contrary to Twobee’s objections. Personally he rather preferred the Wookiee’s company over any elitists from the galactic core. “Trust me I heard worse from the damn Imps.” He remarked to the droid and the hairy general.

It wasn’t long before a Mon Calamari admiral entered forestalling further banter between the rebels. Hugo stood at attention and quickly gave a navel salute to the aquatic officer, acknowledging his rank. As someone who spent much of his existence in a military lifestyle displaying respect can go a long way. Once told the new ship was about to launch the Duros nodded politely and replied.

“Thank you Admiral and please inform your engineers my personal gratitude is extended to them for all their hard earned efforts. We will make the most of it.”

When the Mon Cala paused holding back something Hugo immediately realized the man had reservations and expressed some of them. The Alliance Commander was silent, taking it all in. These were well founded concerns he won’t deny it. All the same there was a whole galaxy at stake, and the rebellion needed these ships to fight the Empire on a better footing than before.

Yet we need people to stand by us. We can’t win the war without them either.

Thinking so Hugo looked at the admiral in the eyes and said. “You have a right to be concerned for your people sir. I won’t deny that. The Sith took everything from me.” All present would note the emotion threatening to come out at the latter words. The Durosian rebel closed his eyes briefly, haunted by visions of the past he rather forget.

Hugo subsequently pointed to Greybok next to him. “General Greybok and many others risked their lives to liberate Mon Cala from Sith oppression as you have already mentioned. A few years ago such a feat was considered impossible yet here we are now. The course has been set.” Letting those words sink he added.

”I can’t promise there won’t be risks with being in an alliance with us. However, we will make every available effort to support the people of Mon Cala.”

@Malon

 

[Greybok]

"I suppose that's the best we can ask for," the Mon Cala admiral said. Greybok thought that he didn't look too sure, but that was to be expected, he supposed. "Come what may, we're with you to the end, Commander. The Sith Empire cannot be allowed to continue its reign of terror over the galaxy." As the Mon Cala said that, Greybok noticed a large ship emerge from the planet's atmosphere below and pass in front of the command ship's viewport. "Ah, here she is now. Behold, Commander. We call it an MC27 star cruiser—the first Mon Cala cruiser to be designed and manufactured in five centuries."

Greybok was in awe. He had only seen ships of such size in the Imperial fleet. Even the Mandalorians didn't have one this massive, but the Galactic Alliance did now. A weapon to fight the Sith Empire with... The MC72 was bulbous around the top, but then knifed downward for what must have been hundreds of meters. It was an odd-looking ship, but it also looked durable and powerful. The Wookiee couldn't wait to see the Imperials' stunned reactions when one of these dropped out of hyperspace on them.

"She's exactly to your specifications," the Mon Cala admiral went on. "Class four-point-oh hyperdrive, with a class ten backup; long-range sensors and communications arrays; aquatic seals and engines; some sixty-two weapon emplacements; and she's modeled after traditional Mon Cala city ships. She can sustain her crew for eight standard months, allowing you to hunker down and hide or keep on the move as needs be."

Greybok honked in Shyriiwook. Twobee said, "I quite agree. She is a marvelous specimen. Truly, a work of art! How many can we expect?"

"These ships aren't cheep to build," the admiral replied. "And they take a lot of resources and time. Fortunately for you, your liberation of Mon Cala meant that we could dedicate the shipyards to this sole task and retool Imperial ships we had been working on for this purpose. I'd say that you will have about three to start. Given the size of your operation, and the amount of Mon Cala crew we can spare at the moment, it's a good start. Once your movement grows larger we can begin to launch more." He then turned to Commander Ion. "What do you think, Commander? Thought of a name for her yet?" @Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

Hugo nodded, accepting the admiral’s reply. In the back of his mind Ion consider the possibilities on how they can help the Mon Cala. He will have to discuss it with Greybok and the rest of the council later. Subsequently the commander noticed something got the Wookiee’s attention. Turning around Hugo paused, surprised at the sight before him through the screen.

It was one thing to view designs of a future ship but to see in full form was a glorious sight behold. There it was the MC27 cruiser in all of its glory. Without warning Hugo whistled, letting all present know he was deeply impressed. Walking closer to the window to get a better examination the Durosian touched the glass with one hand. He wanted to make sure it was real while the Mon Cala officer listed out the specifications that there requested earlier.

When I was a kid back in the slums, me and my friends would make every effort to watch the ships land or fly off at the nearby spaceport. One of the few pleasures we had.

Suppressing a chuckle at the memory, Hugo continued staring at the bulbous and downward knife shaped vessel. Once informed about the future production of this class he was pleased. They will more soon. Asked for his opinion and to name the ship Ion looked to the others with a wide smile.

“She is a beauty. As for a name I been giving it some thought. To the honor sacrifices made to free Mon Cala and for other worlds in future this cruiser shall be called...the Liberator.”

@Malon

 

[Greybok]

"A fine name, to be sure, Commander," the Mon Cala admiral replied. "May she live up to that name, if the Force allows it. Her crew will return to your base with you, as will the crew of the other two."

Greybok saw an opportunity now that he could not refuse. The Commander had, for weeks, been planning to make a move on Mimban and the worlds leading up to it. Greybok had been looking for the next logical step in the campaign against the Empire and had located it. Just above Mimban was a world called "Mannan." The rebellion had long sought to add it to the worlds supporting the insurrection against the Empire, but now might be the best time to do just that.

Mannan was an ocean world that would support such a vessel as this. And it was also the only world that produced kolto. If the rebellion captured Mannan, then the Empire's medical supplies would fast dwindle and the war might be won faster. «I know just the world to test it on, Commander,» the Wookiee general interjected. «If I am successful on Mimban, I would like you to give Star Squadron one of the three. I will take it to Mannan and convince the Selkath to join our cause. It is time for them to abandon their neutrality and join the fray.»

Greybok was surprised when the Mon Cala admiral not only understood him, but scratched his chin with his fin and replied, "The general has a point, Commander. These ships can be used as mobile aquatic bases and securing Mannan's kolto would be a devastating blow to the Sith Empire's war effort. Bringing a fellow aquatic species with you might also help sway the Selkath from their long-held neutrality." @Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

Rubbing his jaw with one hand Commander Ion considered Greybok’s proposal. It was a vital objective, one that can tip the scales in their favor. Granted there were risks to such a move but by this point the Duros believed it was worth taking. Once the admiral finished airing his opinion about the Manaan operation Hugo nodded. ”You have my full authorization General.”

Of course in the back of his mind, the blue humanoid couldn’t help but imagine Greybok getting pissed with dealing with another water world. The Seklath better let him win. One of the most terrifying things in the universe is a pissed off Wookiee. I almost pity them.

Then the rebel strolled toward the Mon Cala admiral and offered his left hand. Once the gesture was accepted, Ion shook the webbed hand firmly. “There are no words to describe the amount of gratitude I feel now to all of Mon Cala.” With another glance toward the Liberator he murmured.

“May the force be with us.”

@Malon