Open The Concert of War

[Caduceus Ramage]

The Night Veil had been tasked with picking up the pieces after the battle, after her hard work she was tasked with hauling a sizeable part of the ground forces back with her. One hundred and fifty men added onto the three hundred and fifty crewmembers made the ship a rather packed boat. These new soldiers were tired, cranky, and still rowdy from their previous engagement, and already being coked-up in this ship for several days didn't help any. There were several occasions where crewmen were nearly thrown about by those men, and they did not enjoy them one bit.

Ramage stood on an area secured for the occasion. The risers were extended fully as the twenty crewmembers were piled into them. They had several instruments between them, with no more than two having the same kind. Ahead of the stand was a music table holding sheet music high so the conductor could read. He was dressed in a formal naval uniform, as the rest of the band was. His shoes clacked on the ground as he stepped forward. Clack, clack, clack, as his heavy frame moved forward. His multiple sets of eyes gazed around the mess hall they converted into a temporary music hall. The soldiers and naval personnel who decided to attend were quiet... for now.

The band members were tuning their instruments, the noise not quite painful but still somewhag chaotic. Beside the band was a smaller riser, filled with four men and four women standing on different tiers. This was quite unorthodox to have in a ship, but it's atleast entertainment. Then the music began, Caduceus using all of his limbs to conduct the orchestra and choir eith a precision next to none. The show had to be good to keep the crowd in check. Maybe this way they can earn their respect enough to stop a fight from breaking out in the next few days.
@Srota

 

[Marab Sindal]

Marab's Tie Standard fighter zoomed out across the sky with finesse and quickness borne out of nearly a hundred repetitions, today was not a normal day though, he was here for the escort of a Lieutenant of Fleet Command. Lieutenant Ramage was known for being exceptionally brutal and reminded him of a story of another Harch serving as a Fleet Admiral in a more ancient era. "This is TIE Standard pilot Lieutenant Sindal, here for escort, please stand by."

He flew up from behind the side of the Pugio-class Frigate, and his squad followed suit. Soon they were fully surrounding the larger vessel. Then, they settled in a bit more as they were in position and could relax a slight bit. "We are in a position, thank you for your cooperation." The Lieutenant was comfortable in his flight suit, and unlike most, actually appreciated the design of the Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems' TIE Standard.

All was well in his world, and as he had recently read the Tabloid on the New Republic Tyranny, a smile crossed his lips, being glad at the pain this would cause for the New Republic. After all, they were an enemy of the Empire.

@Olwin

 

[Darrand Cresta]

"Whaddya mean, sabbac?!?!" The cries rang out across the hold, lilting over the soft music of the orchestra. "Karking hell, man, already?!?" The complaint was accompanied by the slamming of cards down against the table where a group of tough looking men and women were gathered. Tougher even than the rest of the troops crammed into the tub. They looked as though they didn't belong here, not among the infantry, anyway. After all, many looked on them with awe, and not a small amount of fear. Who wouldn't? After all these were men and women who willingly dove out of perfectly good landing ships, just to get an edge. These were men and women who would as soon cut their mothers' throats if they were ordered.

"Yeaaaaaaah, but L.T., not all of us are as slow as you, old man!" This brought a riot of laughter from the 7 people surrounding the table, including the large, ebony-skinned man referred to as L.T.

It had been a long campaign, a dirty one, even, and had seen quite a few of their number shipped home early, either incomplete, or beneath an Imperial flag, never to stand beside their friends again. It was why Darrand tried to make moments like these matter, the downtime between the battles was growing shorter and shorter, and the men knew it. They were needed all over, but there was not enough with their skill to go around.

"Yeah, I may be old..." (He wasn't, but he seemed to act like it), "... But I sure am the prettiest karking one here, so shut that ugly mug of yours and deal!" He snapped back teasingly. He knew it would get a rose out of Jesta, but he didn't care, the table was flown to one side, sending chips and cards flying as the others around them held the two soldiers back from coming to blows.

"Karking droppers! Keep it down back there, you coloring stick eaters!"

The shout caused all of them to turn their heads, looking for the source of the commotion, all previous enmity was gone from the table, and directed outwards now. The sounds of the orchestra were forgotten, after all, a bunch of crazy muscle heads still fresh from the combat zone were perhaps not the best targets for a symphonic recital.

"Yeaaaaah well at least we go out and fight unlike you pampered gun bunnies! Why don't you walk on over here and come say it to my face! Or do you need a ride instead?"

He squared up, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt, revealing tattooed and muscular arms, well hidden by the slightly-too-large uniform. He still hadn't been issued a new one, not since their destroyer had gone down while they were hoofing it on some planet to help bring down planetary shields. The military just couldn't keep up at this scale sometimes, and units like his that did not officially exist were perhaps even more passed over.

But it was not to be, instead, the roar of laughter came from the other side of the room, sweeping over the artillery crew on the other side of the room like a wave. He could not help but smile as well. The sense of relief flooded into him as he relaxed.

"Hey could be worse, we could just sit inside all day like the flyboys!"

This sent all of the men in the hold laughing this time. Darrand made his way towards the middle of the room, approaching the other soldier, and extended a hand, which the other man clasped wholeheartedly.

"Darrand Cresta, 22nd Marines." He said by way of introduction to the other man. "Jack Styles, 83rd Artillery."

@Olwin @Stormtrooper

 

[Caduceus Ramage]

By the time the table had flipped, Aurelian had taken control of the orchestra as they kept their music without interruption. Before the droid went to conduct the music, he had sent a message to Marab personally.

"GREETINGS. I AM THE M-3P0 UNIT DESIGNATED "AURELIAN". WE GREET YOU IN KIND LIEUTENANT SINDAL, AND THE REST OF YOUR SQUADRON." His voice of course was cold and mechanical and precise as his actions, just as he took control fron Ramage it was almost like the insectoid never left. The Harch conducting them had decided to move towards the potential brawl to see if he could stop it before it escalated. That was before the peace was layed back over the room, and he clicked his fangs as they did so. Good, he thought, it's now time for proper introductions.

"You all seem to have never ending reserves of energy and volume, which is always great for the front lines. The poor table though was a non-combatant, caught in your overpowering crossfire. While it may be replaced, may I request we suffer no further casualties for these tables? They are already on backorder from many other ships and it will take a long while before we get more." Ramage moved two of his arms out for those ahead of him to shake, both on the right side. His voice was seemingly flat and neutral, yet it was full of intellect and pride. His sets of icey blue eyes moved back and forth between the two men, as what they could only assume to be a smile grew on his face."I am your host, Lieutenant Caduceus Ramage. I always attempt to meet my guests before we set off in our maiden voyage, but a hot zone like that is not good for a warm cup of tea now is it? Maybe a good old turbolaser bombardment, but that is not very good for a welcome."
@Stormtrooper @Srota

 

[Marab Sindal]

Lieutenant Sindal was a bit surprised even to receive that greeting, as the squadron was used to coming in, then being primarily ignored until fighting came. He returned a message with a sterile voice "Thanks for the greeting." One of his newest squadmates, a Petty Officer, was starting to veer off course, closer to the Frigate. "Watch it, I don't need my squadmates crashing into the ship we're supposed to be escorting"

The Petty Officer moved his ship back into the correct position. From within his cockpit, the Lieutenant saw the incredible vastness of the space around him, distant planets, far-off stars, and the limitless void surrounding it. It was awe-inspiring,

He was eating his Ration Cube while he was flying, as he only ate those most of the time since they had all the necessary nutrients for him. He sat straight and formal in his seat, his blaster pistol weighed little at his side in his holster, and he felt as if he was born in this very cockpit.

 

[Marab Sindal]

@Olwin @Srota

 

[Darrand Cresta]

Cresta let go of the other soldier's hand as the Harch approached, looking over to him, he offered the captain of the vessel a crisp military salute, as did the others around him. After all, despite giving the flyboys guff just like they would have done with anyone else in the service, they still did help take the operators from A to B and right now B was just about the furthest thing from an active warzone. As such, due deference should be shown to their captain for the time being.

"My apologies, Lieutenant. We will make sure that nobody gets too rowdy and damages the tables. Supplies are rather tight these days. As for a greeting, me and the boys have had far worse ones that is for sure. Isn't that right operators?!"

"You mean like that time Jecy got sick from..." One of the soldiers started to speak before another swiftly elbowed him in the gut, sending him doubling over in both laughter and pain. Darrand turned to shoot a harsh look at them, but he could not help himself seeing the sight of the sniper doubled over and chortled, before turning back to face the harch and shaking the offered hand. Jack did the same before excusing himself to return to the rest of his crew who had begun to shout and argue over the intricacies of the rules of sabacc.

"As you can see, my operators are a bunch of wild and crazy kids, but I do try to keep them in line where I can. Doubly so on board your ship. Now, about that drink..."

Darrand motioned for the Harch to join him in making their way back towards the makeshift bar in the hold. "So, Lieutenant Ramage, how long have you been at the helm of this here beauty? I take it that it has been a while if you have your own chamber orchestra..."

@Olwin @Stormtrooper

 

[Caduceus Ramage]

"No no, let the soldier tell the story." He raised one of his free hands and shook it slowly, showing a gut check wasn't necessary for the soldier. His head also slowly shook as all of his eyes blinked at once which just showed further distain for the move. "See Lieutenant Cresta, a soldier telling a story is as pure of art as one can get. I always love hearing them." His large head then turned to the soldier, the glacier like eyes settling on his face. His mandibles clicked softly before he spoke again, now directed to the one he was looking at. "So, what made Jecy get illl?"

Ramage listened carefully to whatever that soldier would say, absorbing details like a sponge. He laughed ever so softly at the end of the story, a hand slowly moving to his stomach to accent the slightly horrid laugh as it was accompanied by the soft clicks his mandibles made in the gesture. His upper arms crossed somewhat as one hand tapped a wrist mounted communicator, punched in a series of commands, then the pair lowered themselves. His head then returned to the other Lieutenant before he spoke again.

"My official command of the Night Veil has been only for four months. But the previous captain was infact grooming me to be his successor for quite a while, perhaps it was well over a year and a half ago or maybe more. The orchestra itself was a pet project that accidentally happened. It seemed just about half of us wanted one so it just sort of happened. We came together one recreation break and ever since we had...this. Let them finish this last set and Aurelian shall be on his way with tea." His odd explanation flowed from his mandible covered mouth as one would say a shopping list. But to anyone else but Ramage this would be probably one of the oddest things said all day.

@Srota @Stormtrooper

 

[Marab Sindal]

The Tie Pilot Lieutenant was calm, and relaxed, and showed no emotion other than the blandness on his face. The day was a bit boring to him, as there was no action. He heard snippets of chatting from some of the Petty Officers in his crew over the comms, but usually, he ignored such things. He had no reason to tell them to stop talking, there wasn't anything going on right now, but he also wasn't in the mood to join in their talking. He was completely focused on piloting and making sure his pilots didn't accidentally crash into the Frigate for whatever reason.

Marab Sindal was a tad bit confused as to why a Lieutenant of Fleet Command was in charge of a Frigate, typically Captains would be in charge of such a vessel. Normally Lieutenants controlled Corvettes, but he supposed he was an exception or something. Either way, it seemed that this Ramage character was just another Harch on his way to becoming a famous Admiral, as so many Harches have before. He noticed in the backdrop of space something strange as he was thinking to himself, and that's when it hit him...

There were ships out there, a few fighters it seemed, possibly a single bomber, and a low-end Corvette. They looked like pirates, and since they were coming closer to the Frigate, he knew he didn't have time to ponder on whether they were or not, because they certainly weren't Sith Imperials of any sort, and if that wasn't enough evidence, they began picking up speed, heading towards the Imperial ships faster and faster, proving that they were attempting to assault quickly.

Immediately Marab Sindal barked into the communicator "Lieutenant Caduceus Ramage, this is Lieutenant Marab Sindal, pirates are beginning an attack run, you have only a short amount of time to get ready. We will hold off the fighters and bombers, you should focus your firepower on the Corvette!" His squadron of twelve fighters, along with himself, broke off from their positions and began racing towards the enemy fighters, who they now realized outnumbered them nearly two to one, but who had highly outdated fighters compared to theirs, still, these pirates were not going to be easy targets to take down.

@Olwin @Srota

 

[Darrand Cresta]

The group laughed as the harch insisted that the story continue, but Darrand cut in before any of them could respond. "Oh trust me, you don't want to hear about Jecy and his predilection for Antakarian Fire Dancers and copious amounts of crispy tuber waffles..." He said, lying to the harch to keep his men's dignity intact. The true story was far worse, involving copious amounts of alcohol, but also a Kowakian monkey-lizard, a Gran, and a 3,000 credit suit. He listened carefully as the Harch told the story of how the orchestra came to be and he smiled, enjoying the story. It was nice to see a bastion of civilization on a military ship, though he had to admit he found it a bit surprising. He was about to speak when the alarms set off, the klaxons whirring to life at the sudden arrival of the pirates to disrupt what should have been a quiet convoy run away from the warzone.

He rose to his feet and extended a hand to the Harch. "I imagine you will be needed on the bridge to deal with this, Lieutenant. As such, I will deal with the men, and head to the armory in case of borders. Please feel free to let me know if you have need of any further assistance." He said, the pretense of civility and humor burning away with the cold logic of a soldier who had lived through his fair share of space battles.

@Olwin @Stormtrooper

 

[Caduceus Ramage]

The Harch laughed as he heard that pirates were about to try and raid them, maybe if he was on another vessel he would care but on this one he and his crew knew what she could do. The alarms were set off moments later as the crew began to scramble.

Aurelian had already correctly predicted his owner's next decision as the ship aligned itself. Five of the turrets turned to the broadside and began to light up the void, green bolts blazing across the sky into the corvette. The experienced gunners were used to their tools, which allowed speed and accuracy to be balanced perfectly to splash sqmagw along its hull. The laser cannons also moved to fire into the craft they could, the dual light laser cannons aiming towards fighters and began to rain their fire. They were conscious of the TIEs, more as acting cover fire before any of the bogies got close. Even three proton torpedos were launched, which sped right by any fighter and splashed down on those pesky pirates' corvette.

"Borders? Ha! You make me laugh. This ship has not seen a successful border in three years. Please, I wish to extend my offer to you two Lieutenants joining me on the bridge for tea. It's only pirates, and a corvette at that. Tell your men to be armed but watch the windows, the show should be fun. Now, if you would follow me, I shall making my way up tothe bridge." That was when the arachnoid form of Ramage slowly turned away from his conversation. The band had disassembled as Aurelian opened com channels and sent messages all throughout the ship for orders. Ramage programmed this droid well enough that he would be fine until he got to the bridge. They preformed rather basic manuvers... so far. Soon it was going to be shown which frigate they were messing with.

@Stormtrooper @Srota

 

[Marab Sindal]

Lieutenant Marab Sindal, and his squad members as well, continued to race through the black void. The enemy Fighters were ferocious, but they were also reckless, their volleys at times nearly hit their own craft. The bomber was caught racing towards the Frigate, and immediately one of his Petty Officers turned around, quickly blasting the outdated Y-Wing until it was nothing but parts and a sheet of flames. "Form up on me!" He barked into his communicator. The Fighters formed up and began the true fight.

Blasts were flying everywhere, and the Tie Standard's systems and lights were flashing and blinking, each one a warning or an alert. When one of the Fighters was coming at him he swerved, then looped up and over the TIE/LN. He quickly turned around, locked on, and blew the Pirate to hell.

His squadmates had been in pursuit of other Fighters, downing several, but this was only the first wave. Thirteen more Fighters popped out from behind the corvette, and Marab Sindal immediately fired all four of his concussion missiles into the crowd of enemies, some spanned out of control, and some were just blinded, and in the end, six enemies slammed into each other.

Marab's squad was horribly outnumbered, and they finally felt that in the form of a scream from one of the Petty Officers over the comms. "Scramble and regroup!" He shouted, as another one of his fighters went down. They were down to eleven Fighters.

Marab Sindal split up the Fighters, one would take out the original party of Fighters, and the other would take out what remained of those other thirteen Fighters. They moved back into the battle, firing concussion missiles and blasting away, destroying many more Fighters. Soon, the enemy Fighters were attempting a retreat. Not. Happening. He thought to himself.

The Fighters formed up and blasted the rest of the enemy to hell. "Make the attack run on that Corvette, go go go!!!" They then sped off toward the enemy Corvette, firing volleys of blasts toward its hull already.

 

[Marab Sindal]

@Olwin @Srota