Sullust

[Tarrian Skywalker]

Sullust

 

Astrographical Information

Region: Outer Rim

Sector: Brema Sector

System: Sullust System

Orbital Position: 4

Moons: 2 (Solon, Umnub)

Grid Coordinates: M-3

 

Physical Information

Class: Terrestrial

Atmosphere: Type 2 Semi-Breathable/Trace Gases (Type 1 underground)

Primary Terrain: volcanoes, caves, deserts

Points of Interest: underground cities, Keff Base, SoroSuub facilities

 

Societal Information

Indigenous Species: Sullustan

Immigrated Species: humans, Bith

Primary Language(s): Galactic Basic, Sullustese

Faction Affiliation: neutral

 

Defense Rating: 3

 

JediRP Canon History: ...to come...

 

Old description in spoiler:

Sullust is the primary planet in the Sullust system, known for its mineral mines and technologies. It is a volcanically-active world with a hot, noxious atmosphere wracked by violent storms. Thus, the native Sullustans prefer to live underground, in the cool, humid caves that riddle the planet's mantle.

 

There are also a number of underground lakes and caverns that support a surprising amount of life forms. The huge, diversified SoroSuub Corporation grew out of the caves, and when the Sullustan Council faltered, SoroSuub announced that it was aligned the planet with the Empire.

 

Many of the working class Sullustans could not believe this, and a wave of Rebellion swept through the planet's inhabitants just before the Battle of Endor. It was then allowed to be the stop-over site for the massing Rebel fleet prior to the destruction of the second Death Star.

 

Native Sullustansare a race of small, mouse-like humanoids, distinguished by their huge black eyes, loose jowls, and pointed ears. They salivate quite often, and live underground to avoid Sullust's inhospitable atmosphere.

 

Their ingenuity and adaptability has allowed them to create huge underground cities, and their technology has grown at an incredibly fast rate. They have an intense sense of direction, having lived in caves all their lives, and have the uncanny ability to remember a path or map exactly, even after the first time they see it.

 

Thus, many of the Sullustans have become pilots and navigators. Many Sullustans, after the age of 30 standard years, begin to experience corneal defects, and must be fitted with special visors

 

 

((Summary compiled by Amidala Skywalker. Thank you!))

[Suvam Tann]

In the depths of the subterranean capital of Sullust, a SorroSuub 3000 luxury yacht came to life. Her systems repared, her engines restored, and her hull revamped, the distinctly unluxurious vessel bearing the legend The Drifter, powered up, ready to take her owner off of and away from the only home he had ever truly known. Though wise he was in the ways of the galaxy, and well-traveled as well, he had never before left on his own, to make his fortune. With a sum of ten thousand credits, an advance share of his inheritance, the Ryn known as Suva M. Tann left his clanmates and his family.

 

The celebration that accompanied his leaving lasted late into the previous night. Tanny had wept openly after his father and mother had presented their good wishes; though they supported his decision to leave, they had hoped he would stay to take over their prospering business. It was, however, Tanny's choice to prove himself worthy to the galaxy first. Worthy for what, he didn't quite know, but he knew where he wanted to start. On the world of Althyr 5, there was an upstart organization, seeking to deal in justice.

 

Though it remained to be seen just who's version of justice the Death Strikers subscribed to, something in his heart told him that he should at least give it a try. His mechanical skills, and his adeptness with constructing droids of all types would prove handy to anyone who might hire him, that much he knew for sure. Though not a fighter by trade, he knew enough to get himself out of a scrape if he needed to.

 

Other then his credits and his ship, the only other thing he left with was his instrument. Roughly similar to a piccolo, the device had an eerie power when played right -- when played normally, it made for mellow, relaxing music -- but if played like only a Ryn was able to, it could put most any being to sleep. Tanny had designed it himself, and it was his most prized possession.

 

Finally ready to leave his home, Tanny retracted the boarding ramp and closed The Drifter's main door. Once he had settled into the cockpit, he kicked the repulsorlifts in; slowly, but surely, he guided the ship expertly through and out of the Sullustan cave, and into the acrid atmosphere. Finally, as he said his last, silent goodbyes, he angled the craft into space, leaving the volcanic world behind him.

[Darth Immolatus]

The planet of Sullust have been peaceful for a long time. Ever since the Jedi had been invaded by the Sith on this planet, peace had reigned. But it was all about to change.

 

In space above Sullust, the Cerberus appears with its gun aimed toward the planet. The fighters and shuttles engines begin to whine and disengage from their docking mechanisms. They begin rotating in the hangar toward the exit. The TIE Defenders exit first escorting the shuttles down to the planet. The Defenders begin blasting insertion holes in the caves below the surface of Sullust.

 

Shuttles begin deploying the troops inside. Stormtroopers designed with nightvision begin securing the small home caves while waiting for the Special Ops units to secure the main armory, hangar and weapons caves.

 

SorooSuub Corporation began deploying its small time ground weapons to protect the citizens of Sullust. Its begin deploying the starships to free its main eployees on special projects.

 

Evan turns to Interceptor Squadron.

 

"Capture all the vessels trying to escape the planet. If any escape, it will be your heads that roll. Go."

 

The pilots head to their Defenders which had been modified to capture escaping vessels. They begin speeding after the escaping ships and capturing them. Some head back to the surface and try to hide in the caves.

 

Corporal Kerry turns to the leaders of his Special Ops teams.

 

"Shimenski, I am droping you and your men into SorooSuub Corporations main cave. I want you to secure the factory and all the key personel. Board the Doom."

 

"Dreli, I am dropping you and Shadow Division into the armory to secure the weapons and make sure no Sullustians get any heavy weapons. Go board the Wraith."

 

"Grotse, I am dropping you and the Darktroopers into the hangar. It is one of tallest caves. USe your rocket packs and secure the fascility. Noone dies. Board the Grtesque."

 

Kerry watches as the three leaders head off to spearheas their operations.

[David Shimenski]

Shimenski saluted Kerry and left with Venom Division following behind him. They loaded up into their transports and left the docks. The shuttle roared through Sullust's atmosphere and approached the mission area. It came into a hover and Venom jumped off and entered the caves. No sooner than Shimenski entered the cave they became under fire from gaurds and droids with little pistols. Shimenski, not even being phased by the enemy fire aimed his gun and began to pick off the resistance one at a time while the rest of Venom Division prepared for their operations. After they got set they were in groups of two, one led by Shimenski and the other by Dreli. They split and went on their way. Shimenski's main target was the factory section of the corp. and Dreli's was the employee's rooms and offices.

 

Shimenski made an explosive entrance into the factory however all gun sights were on him. He jumped and rolled behind some crates while him and his men remain pinned down by gun fire. Shimenski grabbed a grenade and tossed it over the crates and right into the middle of a group of gaurds that were focusing on him. The grenade blew and he came from behind the box and started to suppress fire on the other gaurds the allow the rest of Venom Division to enter. Once all of the Venom Soldiers entered the factory the tides of the fire fight began to change.

 

Dreli planted an explosive on the main office of the Sorrosuub corp. and blew it. Him and the the Venom Soldiers under his command rushed in and quickly settled and gaurds in the building and began to tie up high ranking employees for their own use. They left the office with two Venom Soldiers to gaurd the subdued employees. Dreli began to lead the Venom through the employee rooms and arrested them all and killed those who fire upon them.

[Darth Immolatus]

Evan watches as everything goes aoccrding to plan. The dark troopers had already taken their objective, and Shadow division was taking their objective. But Venom had the hardest mission of all.

 

Meanwhile, R & D were developing a new division based on some particular armor found onboard the Cerberus. But noone knew about it, other than Kerry.

[Traest Kre'fey]

*Flying his unmarked and modified Lambda-class shuttle, an unassuming Bothan hovers close above the bleak surface of Sullust, using the planet's atmospheric gasses to hide himself from the Imperial fleet circling above. Noting the suspicious activity of the Empire, the Bothan prepares a comm bouy, with all the information he is able to gather with his limited equipment.*

 

--highly encrypted comm bouy--

 

"Attention:

 

Imperials have invaded Sullust; appear to be after SorroSuub shipyards, etc. Force makeup appears to be one Super-class star destroyer, plus numerous shuttles and starfighters. Troop concentration and makeup is unknown at present -- will advise at earliest conveniance..."

 

--end comm bouy--

 

*The Bothan makes his way slowly to the far side of Sullust from the bulk of the Imperial fleet, popping out of the atmosphere for just enough time to launch the hyperspace bouy. Within a minute, he is back among the volcanic fumes, impossible to detect or track. The bouy, however, continues on past Sullust's gravity well, and jumps into hyperspace...*

[David Shimenski]

An explosion rocked the interior part of the factory.

 

"Cheap bastards! Somebody take out that rocket launcher! I can't get a shot on him!"

 

No later than a second after Shimenski spoke one of the Venom Soldiers fired a blaster bolt that hissed right into the head of the gaurd with the rocket launcher that was hiding up in the cat walks.

 

"Rush 'em!"

 

Venom came from behind their cover and started to rain blaster fire all of the place. The gaurds in the factory were then neutralized and the factory secured.

 

"Shimenski here, factory secured."

 

----------------------------------------------------------

 

Dreli and the Venom Soldiers following him continued in clearing and capturing the employees, it didn't take them very long to finish and then they received a comm from Shimenski.

 

Dreli: Roger that, employee room and secure and employees are tied up.

 

Dreli then continued to the armory, where he linked up with Shadow Division that were in the process of securing the armory. The Venom Soldiers that were with Dreli kept the captives detained.

[Darth Immolatus]

Evan continues watching as Venom finishes its task and Shimenski radios in. He was about tyo declare martial law when a technician walks up to him.

 

"Sir, we saw a small blip on our radar, It was only for a second. We are assuming it was a meteor or asteroid."

 

"Send out Duke Squadron. Tell them to give us a live feed of what they see, as well as a sensor scan and report once they return."

 

the technician nods and sends an order down tothe hangar. Soon 12 Defenders speed out of the hangar and head in the direction of the small radar blip.

 

 

 

Meanwhile on planet. Commander Giles, walks through the tunnels and declares martial law on Sullust. He sends a com back to the Cerberus, telling them that everything will be built according to plan.

 

Kerry nods upon hearing the transmission and he faces his officers in charge of destination.

 

"Head us to Trulalis. We might have some new recruits, or possibly a resistance, we want to quench both."

 

The engines of the Imperial SD blare as they head into space and toward Trulalis.

[Traest Kre'fey]

The Bothan knew his mission was a dangerous one with the Imperials now in control on Sullust. But he had long accepted the risks of his career, and was perfectly willing to die in the service of his species and his company. The buoy he had sent out must surely draw the attention of the Imperials in orbit, but he took comfort in the fact that it was damned near impossible for anyone to find him in the soup his ship hovered in.

 

But there was another problem -- though the volcanic surface gasses of his world made for a gread hiding place, they were slowly wreaking havoc with the Lambda-class shuttle's shields and hull plating. Either someone would come to drive the Imperials away, or he would sit here until being consumed by his surroundings...

[Forn Dodonna]

OOC: This isn't alias stacking (I hope)

 

IC:

The twelve Skipray Blastboats of Skipjack Squadron Number Three streaked out of hyperspace far above the world of Sullust, followed immediately by a Snoop, a specially refitted X-wing, devoid of weapons and crammed to the gills with sensor equipment, both in the ship and in a special towed-array pod. As the squadron formed into a protective formation, the Snoop began its work, and almost immediately, trouble was detected.

 

"Major Thomas," the Snoop pilot began, "I'm getting no reading on Imperial capital ships, but they've got swarms of TIE Defenders down there. It looks like they're looking for something, or someone..."

 

"Keep getting readings," the Major replied. "We have to find out what they're doing down there. We'll cover you if the Imperials get ideas, but you get out immediately if you think the situation's too hot here..."

 

"That's a roger," the lieutenant replied.

 

Switching his scanning frequencies, the Snoop pilot aimed his sensors at known population centers below the surface. The interferance was considerable, but he was able to gleem some information...

[Leonardo Stovachi]

sorry wrong alias

[Darth Immolatus]

A face appeared on the screen of the lead Skipjacks monitor. the face of the captain of the squadrons on Sullust.

 

"This is Captain Kloper of the Imperial outpost on Sullust. We request that you land the modified X-Wing on landing platform 59-RT. If you comply with this request then you will be allowed to leave peaceful. We would also be pleased if you would send any information you have donwloaded from this base. If you do not comply with these conditions, we will send our own fighter after you."

 

Three Defender Squadrons speed toward Skipjack 3 and armtnehri weapons. Meanwhile, another squadron of undefined starfighters speed toward Skipjack 3.

_________________

[Forn Dodonna]

OOC: Nice try, but we're not here for a fight...

 

IC:

Major Thomas watched the Imperial transmission with a look of extreme disgust. He wanted to show these clods what real Rebel pilots could do, but his orders were clear; he was here for information, and a fight would only cost lives needlessly.

 

"Captain, reel in your stuff!" he barked over the comm. "Squadron, fire all weapons at full spread, and bug out NOW!"

 

As the Imperial craft continued to approach the formation of Blastboats, the Major's orders were obeyed smartly. The Snoop had its pod reeled in within seconds, and the squadron let loose everything it had in an alpha strike against the nearest TIE Defenders. With the advancing Imperials weaving about to avoid the massed volley of laser bolts, ion blasts, and cuncussion missiles, the whole Rebel formation jumped into hyperspace, setting a random and untraceable course back to their home base.

 

But the mission had been accomplished -- they had managed to gather enough data to pin down where the Imperials were, their precise strength, and where they were vulnerable.

[Darth Immolatus]

Captain Klomer watches as Evans face disappears and he knew this planet was his project and knew he better do good or death would be the penalty. He tuns to three techs that he had ordered.

 

"Tech Officer Trulor, have your men begin construction of the Planetary Ion Cannons. Tech Officer Gruo, have your men construct the the Shield Generators. Tech Officer Mhalta, have youre men begin the PLanetary Turbo Laser. Some welcome presents in the atmosphere would be helpful as well. Proximity mines would be a great addition to our defenses. Now gho."

 

As the techs hurry off to do their jobs, Klomer turns some Sullustans who where loyal to the Empire.

 

"Show my men through all these caves. I want turrets built at most corners. Remote blaster cannons set up in the cielings. I want booby traps that can be activated from this control cenbter. Now go."

 

The sullustans grabbed 10 Technical Officers and 50 Stormtroopers. The aliens would show these men how to best defend the tunels and caves from a Rebel invasion.

[Traest Kre'fey]

The Bothan agent knew by now that help would not come in time for him. He was dead, and he knew it, and he didn't need the Lambda Shuttle's screaming klaxons to tell him that. But he was determined to do his bit against the Imperials that had trapped him here.

 

Taking the last of the shuttle's available power, he flew out of the volitile atmosphere to let loose his last hyperspace probe. On it, he had gathered what he had thus far learned of the Imperial defenseive grid being established; ion cannons, planetary turbolasers, and some of the other things that the occupiers were counting on to save them from a Rebel invasion that would likely never come. The probe made the jump, and this man's task was now finished.

 

After the probe was launched, the Bothan ducked back into the atmosphere, but not before setting a crash course towards one of the completed planetary ion cannons. The ride down was bumpy, but by this time, the agent was sufficiantly numbed by Corellian whisky to not notice. Just as the shuttle began to rattle itself apart at the seams, it ploughed straight into the base of the gun emplacement, shattering its outer armor and detonating its hyperspatial core within the walls, destroying the cannon utterly, as well as scattering debris over a wide area. All told, the Imperials lost about fifty dead, and one hundred twenty in various states of wounding.

[Darth Immolatus]

All wounded men had been healed and put back on activate duty. Payment and medals had been sent to the families of the lost ones. But the Empire kept its engines roaring.

 

All planetary defenses were completed. Katana Drone Fighters and TIE Defenders roared around the planet and kept a good perimeter. A fleet of Katana fighter engines burst forth fire and speared into hyperspace. they were headed to Trulalis.

[Forn Dodonna]

A medium-sized, non-descript freighter exits hyperspace above Sullust. Unfortunately, the ship's sublight engines have failed, developing a radiation leak that, while dangerous to the engines and their functionality, are not an immediate threat to the crew. The captain of the vessel, a human male in all appearances, hails anyone in particular that may be listening.

 

"Anyone out there, this is the Scion of Borleias, requesting immediate assistance. We've lost our hyperspatial motivator, and our sublight engines have failed. Our supply of spice will expire if we do not recieve assistance soon, and we will gladly reward any help that can be provided..."

[Capt. Phillep]

A small vanguard of paranoid Imperial TIE Defenders surge out, spearheading the assault is Cmdr. Rommel and his ruthless Pyrex Squadron.

 

The eight ships screech out of the atmosphere and instinctively open fire on the Scion of Borleais; the intent of destroying the ship, regardless of pilot, mission, or cargo.

 

The base had already blocked Communications after receiving the distress call. The Imperials were operating under increased Paranoia... Betrayal was unsettling and the mental strain traversed down the Command Chain from the Grand Admiral himself to the lowliest Private cleaning 'Fresher units on any of the Star Destroyers.

 

*The small Laser cannons tearing through the battered ship...*

[Forn Dodonna]

As laserfire from the Imperial fighter squadrons and other defenses began to batter the used freighter, the droid brain operating it revealed its true nature. Preprogrammed to send out a comm bouy at any kind of Imperial reaction, the ship did so -- but to the agitated starfighter pilots flitting about it, the device appeared to be merely wreckage blasted free from the ship. It entered hyperspace before anyone could do anything about it.

 

With droid prescision, the freighter turned and began to careen towards the surface of Sullust, heading for the main part of the Imperial base. Using data gathered by an earlier Snoop scouting mission, it is able to find exactly what spot to hit that will cause the most damage. With a roar enough to wake the dead, the vessel slams into the Imperial command-and-control center, time-delay detonating enough explosives to destroy an Imperial II-class star destroyer. Massive military casualties are inflicted, and the base and its defenses are very temporarily knocked out of action.

[Capt. Phillep]

Rommel saw the freighter careen and noted what seemed space garbage exit the vessel, either way, he cursed loudly enough. As the vessel slammed into the surface of the planet, it would have done a great deal of damage. If the actual base were on the surface and not several kilometers underground.

 

Either way, damage was rather significant, but not in the horrible and unimaginable scopes desired by the Rebel agents.

 

The hangar bays and what not suffered massive damage and the other surface buildings were close to utterly destroyed. Hundreds of lives were extinguished with each successive explosion, but the deaths of those on the Sullustan outpost where nothing compared to those being bred and those being raised on other Imperial bases.

 

The alarm klaxons echoed across the Underground facility, and a number of Technicians scattered to the surface to begin repairs in earnest...

[Forn Dodonna]

The Imperial technicians would get no respite in the aftermath of the bombship's attack. Standing at her place on the Galactica's command bridge, Rebel Alliance Vice-Admiral Forn Dodonna smiled to herself as she brought the fleet into realspace above Sullust. Immediately, she barked her orders to the various ships, which were carried out with a determined efficency. The fleet consisted thusly:

 

One Mediator-class battlecruiser, the Galactica.

Five Imperial II-class Star Destroyers.

Three MC90a-class star cruisers, the Freedom, the Mon Mothma, and the Stirling Bridge.

Starfighters according to rated ship compliments.

Three Skipray Blastboat squadrons, Skipjack 1, 2, and 3.

 

"Attack pattern Omega!" Forn barked. "Get the starfighters out, and begin orbital bombardment!"

 

Immediately, hundreds of starfighters discharged from the assembled Alliance ships, heading out with all speed to take on the scattered Imperial craft as the capital ships formed into a circular pattern above the main Imperial base. The five Imperial II star destroyers, gathered in the center of the circle, began to unleash a wicked orbital bombardment of the crater that had resulted from the bombship's impact, along with any other surface instillations that had not yet been hit. With each successive barrage of turbolaser fire that hit, the headquarters rocked, sending technicians and troopers alike to the floor. Those outside had no chance.

 

In space, the starfighters, lead by the three squadrons of Blastboats under Major Thomas, began to sweep the stars of Imperial snubfighters.

[JaggedFelII]

Jag decided that putting off the mobilization order had gone on long enough. Rising from the table, Jag picked up his helmet and started to walk out of the lounge. Stopping at the door, he turned to Kieran.

 

"I don't know if my plan appeals to you, but I shall be warming up my ship. Comm me if you need to tell me any ratifications to my plan or just want to offer me your plans."

 

Jag exited the lounge and jogged off towards the hangar. As he reached it, he latched his helmet on his head, and vaulted into his cockpit. He slowly powered up his ship, not wanting to overload his new circuits and couplings. As he activated one set of replosorlifts, he activated his comm. to Forn Dodonna.

 

"Vice-Admiral. This is Jag. I apoligize for not mobilizing earlier, but I was discussing my starfighter plan with Kieran. He should be comming me soon, so don't be worried if you see a few squadrons performing some new manuevers. I am now launching to help clean up the Imperial mess out there."

 

Shutting off his comm., he powered up his main engines, braced himself, and launched out of the Galactica. As he shot out of the hangar, his experienced eyes scanned for any snubfighters or heavy cruisers. Seeing that most of them were already engaged, he spotted eight TIE-Defenders all of whom were from the attack on the battered cruiser.

 

"Let's see how they handle a true threat." he told himself, seeing a squadron of E-wings already heading for the TIE's.

 

Turning The Death's Hand on its axis, he throttled towards them. Upon reaching firing range, he unloaded a barrage of laserfire, catching one of them off guard, and cleanly ripping through both shield and hull. As the ship exploded in a grand fireball, he saw a piece of wreckage fly out and neatly lodge itself through one of the other TIE's wings, rendering it useless.

 

Smiling, Jag thought to himself, Two with one barrage. Although that evens it up somewhat, I've done better.

 

Jag then lined another in his crosshairs and started pulverizing its shields, aware that at any time, they will turn their might on him, and that was when the fun began.

[Capt. Phillep]

Commander Rommel heard the screech of explosions across the closed circuit comm between Pyrex squadron. Yet, while Pyrex 7 and Pyrex 8 were left to meet the all-encompassing force, the middle-aged Flight Leader roared his little Defender from the battered fighter cloud as the flights of Rebel snubfighters darted from the Galactica's hold.

 

A particular vessel came under his scopes as it began to pound on Pyrex 4, the shields reaching critical status and before long the comm signature going dead. However, great pilots often leave themselves exposed in arrogant strides... Rommel exploited that opening to the best of his ability, taking aim... laserfire stuttering into the rear shields of The Death's Hand. While barely scratching through them, the rest of Pyrex Squadron, Pyrex 2, 3, 5, and 6 darted into the fray against the better armored and better shielded Rebel fighters.

 

Pyrex 6 left the fighter cloud to aid Rommel's Pyrex 1 and together, a small hole in The Death's Hand's rear shields was punched through. Not before the skilled mercenary pilot became aware of the pesky Imperial flies behind him.

 

From beneath the underground bunker, a number of arms took to their controls and thirty of the Katana Droid Fighters darted from their moorings on Sullust. The ships, with limited firepower and limited weapons, designed for the most primitive of Naval battle strategies... the ram.

 

Ten of which immediately hurled themselves in hyperspace... the tactic had been used on the Defeat at Caridia, yet, it still proved useful... The resources deployed in Sullust were far limited in scope, compared to those being prepared elsewhere.

 

Explosions wrecking the Mon Mothma, the Freedom and an Imperial II... the Command Tower of the Imperial II was severed upon impact as the droid fighters did the impossible, that which many experienced pilots considered dangerous and totally insane. Entering hyperspace so near a singularity, but the insanity and desperation of the assault was the main intent. The MC90a's were severed near the thin middle section... Hundreds of lives were immediately lost and three of the nine ships of Dodonna's fleet were decimated.

 

Meanwhile, the controllers began feeding the other Katanas with the particular coordinates to target the other capital ships, the majority of their fighter complements still within. A few were aimed at striking through the engine chambers...

 

Those five Droid Fighters limped into hyperspace past the main battle fleet and appeared near the rear, blinking back into real space only to perform tiny calculations and jump back in for a second round... Striking into the very engines of the Stirling Bridge and two more Imperial IIs.

 

Fifteen Imperial durasteel knives still lingered in the air... eager to dig their profiles into more of the Rebel durasteel daggers hovering above Sullust as sirens of the Empire's impending doom over the world of Sullust.

 

As the alarm klaxons on the surface continued to resound, more of the Katana Droid Fighters began releasing from their underground moorings, jettisoning into low orbit from the opposite hemisphere of the planet eager to decimate more and more...

 

A few Defender Squadrons also entered the air, bringing a massive swarm of Fighters in addition to the already vile and disgusting Kamikaze tactics of the low and crazed Imperials...

[Forn Dodonna]

"Admiral, the Imperials are employing drone fighters! They've wrecked the--"

 

"I know!" the Vice-Admiral barked, keeping her cool as the rest of the command crew frantically tracked the drone ramships. "Order all surviving ships to break off the orbital bombardment! Send all available power to the defensive armament! Target the signatures of the drones as they leave hyperspace!"

 

This must have been what decimated the first Rebel fleet sent to Cardia, Forn surmised. Though the losses to capital ships were grevious, the many Rebel starfighters were doing well at sweeping the skies. The Blastboats of Skipjack 1, seeing the plight of Jagged Fel II, were quick to come to his aide, wiping out the remains of Commander Rommel's Pyrex Squadron in a barrage of concussion missiles. The other Skipjacks, meanwhile, caught up to ten of the Katanas as they made their calculations, knocking out the preoccupied droid ships before they could take evasive action, and moving on to roll back many of the simple and outdated TIE Fighter squadrons.

 

However, five of the damned things remained.

 

The remaining Imperial IIs of the Black Sun's forces, along with the Galactica, braced for the onslaught. When a ship exits hyperspace, there is a split-second of time during which it cannot do anything -- even a droidship, with its supposedly faster reaction time -- and that was where the Katanas were vulnerable. With each reversion they make, the gunners of the surviving capital ships are able to track them and blow them to smithereens before they can attack. Five go down in rapid succession in this fashion, and the results are reported to Admiral Dodonna.

 

She sends a comm to the Skipjacks, and Jagged Fel in particular.

 

"Jag, I need you to seek out and destroy any of those droid fighters that you can find! Circle the planet if you have to, but they must all be shot down before they can further damage the fleet!"

 

Meanwhile, Forn ordered Attack Pattern Epsilon for the remaining capital ships, which moved into a higher orbit over Sullust, and away from the immediate eyes of the Imperial base. Due to the massive orbital bombardment they had inflicted earlier, the remaining ships were now effectively off of the Imperial sensor scopes, so they wouldn't be able to properly control the Katanas anyway.

 

The starfighters, meanwhile, were proving their rigorous training to both their commanders and the Imperials buzzing about. Though many of their motherships were no longer functional, that made little difference to the snubfighter pilots. With a vengance akin to that of a man losing his father at the hands of a dishonorable opponent, they latch into the Imperials, decimating the Sullustan squadrons. Like wolves on jackrabbits, they ganged up on the swifter TIEs, and pounded the stronger ones into submission, until there was little resistance left.

 

With little opposition remaining in space, the Alliance starfighters begin to scour the surface of Sullust, looking for anything that could be Imperial in origin. Sensor scopes, ventilation shafts, hanger bays, surface moorings, communications towers, food and fuel bunkers, power plants; they are all blasted into smithereens by the vengeful Rebel and Black Sun pilots. The Imperials are rendered totally blind, and totally mute, unable to control their ships or to call for help.

 

Vice Admiral Forn Dodonna, meanwhile, cursed to herself, before sending a comm to the main fleet via hyperspace bouy.

 

((OOC After today, I may not be on again until Monday.))

[Capt. Phillep]

The Droid Fighters, having lost communication with their Controllers were immediately decimated; but for a worthless group of Fighters, they did their jobs well. Destroying half the offending fleet with a move titled none other than the Hyperspace Slash.

 

The blind and deaf Controllers of the Imperial 'stronghold' underneath the surface began eliminating data and preparing for the possible occupation force that would assault them soon enough.

 

It mattered not... Computer programs and information files on any Imperial matters of sensitivity were wiped clean and backed up to rather unorthodox media. Nanites carrying the vital information in Imperial Officers, any possible hard copy vanished...

[Forn Dodonna]

With nothing left of the Imperial defenses on Sullust, Forn Dodonna spends her time waiting for orders overseeing the liberation of the planet. Instead of assaulting the blasted Imperial compounds, though, she makes contact with the legitimate Sullustan government, asking for them to support the Alliance in exchange for providing arms, training for a local defense force, and providing commerce for SorroSuub Corporation.

 

Since the attack had done little to the civilian population, the government agrees readily. Transports are sent from the Galactica, loaded with Rebel Marines and plenty of extra armaments, and once they make contact with the authorities in Sullust's largest city, the Alliance troops begin the process of de-Imperializing the planet. No soldiers are wasted on a full-scale assault of the remaining Imperial complex, however; working with the local population, the Rebels seal the Imperials in their own walls, so that they are completely isolated and unable to summon help of any kind. The only way that an Imperial can survive is to officially surrender, whereupon he/she will be escorted offworld, debriefed, and then let go to do whatever they wish, provided they don't immediately go back to Imperial space.

 

Of course, it is expected that some will try, and so means are prepared to ensure that if they do, it will not be to the benefit of the Empire.

 

Meanwhile, in the capital city, the Marines under Colonel Harriman, who had trained the Self-Defence Force on Byss, begin to outfit and equip the Sullustans. Fully fifteen thousand of the natives have turned out for volunteer service, and among them is a group of some five hundred veterans of various conflicts. In addition to a ready supply of experienced troops to facilitate their training, the factories at SorruSuub are able to crank out arms and armor for the Sullust SDF. It would take some time, but soon, this world would become a valued partner in the Rebel Alliance, able to provide troops, weapons, and starships.

 

--encrypted comm to Jagged Fel--

 

"Well done, Mr. Fel. Unfortunately, the Imperial bastards managed to hit us very hard before we won the day, but win we did. You should probably get your ship fixed; you may dock on the Galactica, where you should inform Piccolo of our losses."

 

--end comm--

[JaggedFelII]

After he recieved the comm. from Forn Dodonna, Jag rocketted back towards the Galactica. On the way, he passed space wreckage, lots of wreckage. He shook his head. Even though the Imps were extremely outmatched, they still fought to the death with all that they had. He also looked at his systems readouts, noticing that the rear shields were completely drained, and that there was minor damage to his engine compartment. At least his engines themselves were perfectly fine. As he flew back he rerouted power to his rear shields, just in case some wreckage got through to hit. As he entered the docking bay, he noticed many damaged starfighters along the innards of the hangar.

 

The Imps were better than I thought. Their drones were very effective. Wonder how Black Sun could get their hands on some of them. As he unstrapped himself, he made sure that his tools were one of the things he took out with him.

 

He climbed out slowly, slowing his pulse and breathing. It feels good to be back in a starship. This ship handled perfectly. Even better than a regular clawcraft.

 

As he got out, he pulled out his comm.

 

--encrypted comm to Piccolo--

 

"Piccolo, this is Jag. The Imperials were a little better than I expected. We took some pretty heavy losses to both starfighter squadrons and also to capitol ships. When this is over, we will need to rebuild some ships for our fleet, but nothing too extensive. As of now, the planet Sullust is ours. I await further instructions from either you or Vice-Admiral Forn Dodonna."

 

--end comm.--

 

 

OOC: Piccolo is on the Galactica, right? If he isn't, I won't be able to post a reply until about Tuesday or so. Thanks.

[Capt. Phillep]

The Imperials were trapped within their own walls. The capture of the planet of Sullust was a morale blow, but far from the tactical loss of Caridia. But as all pragmatists do tend to realize, before you can win, you must lose and before you can lose, you must win. It is the cycle of War, especially of perpetual war.

 

The Droid Fighters, a temporary fix to a massive calamity had outlived their usefulness, but as all Imperial weaponry, would likely remain as part of their military repertoire... However, replaced by something better when time and resources would prove viable.

 

The walled in Imperial agents took note of their available supplies and would last a few standard months on what remained of rations... The true question was would pride let them abandon their posts and surrender? That was yet to be decided...

 

But, those who had little desire to remain trapped like rats exited the compound, primarily low-level, poorly-informed officers... The Intel of the Empire was not quite up to date, considering the limited expectations of the Empire to survive the solidified Galactic upheaval, the feeder worlds would sprout and be attacked and die off and in time, sprout again. Political dissent was a great deal stronger and agents of Propaganda were spread out within the cities of these worlds...

 

Exterminating the Imperial base would lead to a political cease-fire, Loyalists would rise up in time and begin to make movements for the Empire. How fast the Rebels could respond to this would be a vital piece of their longevity. And, Insurrection Specialists, often times labeled Terrorists were still another problem. Was the future of Sullust to be truly peaceful?

 

Imperial soldiers left the compound, surrendering to Rebel patrols, while Imperial hiearchy remained in preparations... knowing full well, the capacity of sleeper agents and old order espionage. Not even Jedi would break some of these, but the Commanders knew, in time, it would not matter...

[Vladimir Faust]

As the Galactica hovers in orbit with its forces deployed below, the peace if suddenly broken when a large explosion shakes the whole ship. All across the ship from bow to stern, the lights drop as flames tear through the engineering section.

 

Dead.

 

All dead.

 

The ships engines, its maintenance crew, and the other engineers who serived the power core, and back up generators were all dead. Guns, lights, sensors, shields, and communications were all down, only giving enough for emergency lights and distress beacon.

 

As rebels soldiers scramble to investigate the cause, the find a badly burned man, chest sliced open with a sharp object.

 

"M..man... white... c.c.coat...." are his last words.

 

Across from him, in the dimly lit corridor's wall, flooded with the pale lights from the contingency guide lights is 4 letters, drawn out with human blood as a final warning from the message's writer, slumped over on the ground below with severe wounds and his head meters from his shoulders.

 

F A U S

 

At the end of the S, a low trail of crimson smeared fingerprints lead down to the floor in a large, glistening pool.

 

Faust had struck, crippling the power supply of the Galactica with his precious supply of thermals and crippled the guards. Now, in the darkened, catacomb interior of the ship, he could be anywhere.

 

Once more, the hunter was on the prowl, making good on his word.

[Capt. Phillep]

Blinking out of hyperspace a surprise assault on the Rebels appeared from behind. The Apollo Interdictor Heavy-class Cruiser, a pair of Imperial IIs (the Hera and the Hephaestus) and the Super-class Star Destroyer, Zeus. The small Battle Fleet appeared as if on cue, and perhaps she was... Funny how fate works.

 

For as the soldiers scrambled for their very lives, a few of the more desperate ones had broken the Admiral's demands of Communications silence. The message had been urgent, Sullust has fallen, send Aid.

 

Well, the Empire had been sitting and cooling her heels for far too long and now it was time for action. Funny how fate works.

 

The Fleet began to prepare for battle, releasing hundreds of TIE Defenders into the fray to contend with the better Rebel Fighters, but enough numbers and a knocked out Command Center and no matter the skill... isolated Squadrons can only handle so much.

 

Disruptor Cannons from the Zeus began hurling volley after volley onto the Galactica's armor plating, shattering what remains of the broken vessel's protection.

 

It was aboard the Zeus' bridge that a familiar presence stood overlooking the great carnage. "Do tell our various allies how much we appreciate their deception." Placing his hand on his clean-shaven chin, Phillep lit a cigarette and took a long drag and ordered his Brandy. Smashing the bottle on a veranda, "I consider her Christened."

 

Turbolaser batteries activate across the Zeus, the Apollo, the Hera, and the Hephaestus and began blasting away at what remained of the Galactica.

 

"Almost like target practice..."

 

Meanwhile, the insurgents on the surface began to grab their stashed E-11s and began running guerilla tactics against Rebel soldiers reclaiming the land, attacking in civilian clothing. Discarding their rifles and running into the caves and establishments... acting like a phantom menace of ground troops.

Edited November 22, 2004 by Guest