[Completed Fiction] Deceiver

[weemadando]

Deceiver . . .


Looking back on it, it was the longest day in his life. Without any doubt whatsoever it was beyond comparison. Not even the most intense training had prepared him for the events of the past day. The recovery vessel floated next to the crippled Victory class vessel. From where he lay on the bridge he could see the scattered fighters exchanging fire as they flitted past the massive windows. All over the bridge bodies were scattered, dead from a variety of causes, some covered in blaster scorches, others as pristine as the day they were born. The shock was setting in now. Not long left.

The day before . . .

The VSD Deceiver was stationed in the arse end of the universe. Patrolling deep within the Empire all they ever got were a few random smugglers and some poor rebels on ill-planned scout missions. The Deceiver had a long and proud heritage dating back to the opening days of the Clone Wars. One of the first to enter service it had fought long and hard for the glorious Empire. Now it was just another beat cop, nearing retirement, but still up for a scrap.

Onboard the bridge Captain Lotor surveyed his crew, dedicated, loyal and brave. Just like the Empire had trained them. Each one would give his life in service of the Empire with little thought. "A good crew." The officer stands next to the captain.
"As good as this vessels seen in its time in space. What's the hourly report?"

"Threat level for the area is still Green. Some pirate activity reported but several other vessels have been dispatched to cover that. We have had a few people violating the hyperspace lanes, so an interdictor might be passing through at some point to try and catch them, but that's dependant on availability, by the sounds of things, most of the local interdiction vessels are still tied up trying to lock down the smugglers in CK9460."

"Anything else?"

"Heard a bit of scuttlebutt from the intel boys about a Rebel fleet near Sullust."

"Really? Sullust. That's a bit out of the way. Anyhow, its this sector that we are
concerned with until told otherwise."

"Definitely sir." The Lieutenant returns to his station, the captain returns to his thoughts. A recent refit, the latest updates to targetting software and weapon systems. Shields tweaked. Fighters fully serviced and refitted too. With a well trained crew, this baby could probably match up to an ISD in battle. And he had a well trained crew. But he knew that many of them would not live through the day.


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


"Captain! Holonet flash traffic for you!" The captain spins to face the comms officer. Holonet traffic by itself always meant something important. But a flash message . . .

"I'll take it in the briefing room. XO, you have the bridge." Stepping down from the walkway above the bridge from which he liked to command Lotor marched himself into the briefing room. Carefully he seals the doors and initiates the anti-surveillance devices. The holonet signal verifies and then begins to play. A Moff's face appears on screen, "Captain Lotor, you have been assigned to act as escort for the ISD Indefatigable while it passes through your sector. Its origin and destination are not your concern. But I will make it clear to you that it carries an exceptionally important cargo. At the edge of your sector you will transfer escort duties to the dreadnoughts Spartan and Yunta. You will be handed escort control by the VSD Demeter. You will need to be at hyperbuoy BZCS29218 in two hours precisely. We show you currently easily within that range. Do you have any questions?"

"Do you expect any attacks?"

"One should always expect rebel attack, or have you and your crew grown lazy and fat in the core?"

"By no means. We will be in position for escort as requested."

"Excellent." The transmission cuts out, and Captain Lotor is left staring at the air infront of him. He activates the shipwide PA, "Ships executive, please report to the briefing room." He moves to the front of the chamber, taking a seat behind the control desk. Slowly the officers trickle in, flight officer, comms, engineering, XO and many many others. A large crew and ship led to a large contingent. "We have just received a priority tasking from command. We are to escort an ISD across our sector. Not expecting any Rebel attacks or similar but I want us on Condition 2 Intsec until we have completed this tasking. You know what that means, no external comms, off-duty crew confined to quarters and the rest of the crew at general quarters. Any questions?"

"Why are we escorting an ISD so close to the core?"

"I wasn't informed. Anything else?"

"What's the route?"

"I've been given an RV point and I'm assuming that they will give us a destination."

"Any word on special circumstances?"

"None. Is that all?"

"Umm, just one more question. It relates to shipboard security too. The latest refit gave us a complement of a pair of assault gunboats. Which as we all know are hyperdrive capable. Under Intsec these should be kept onboard, but under Condition 2 running, we need to keep them on patrol. What should we do?"

"Send them on patrol but disable the hyperdrives. Lock the drives into bridge so that they'll need authorisation to jump."


"OK, we'll set that up."

"That's everything? Good. Return to stations. I'll send the call out to the crew in five minutes." The crew get up and march out of the room, leaving the captain alone. After a time he reemerges onto the bridge, marching to his usual position he grips the rail and leans forward and calls to the nav officer in the pit, "Set your course for hyperbuoy BZCS29218. Run hyperjump checklist."


-=-=-


The Deceiver's engines flare as it increases power to realign itself, then with a flash of light it rushes into hyperspace for the voyage to the rendevous. Leaving behind a single innocuous piece of electronic debris as part of the garbage dumped before the jump. The tiny canister suddenly explodes outwards becoming a large antenna, it broadcasts its message once, then detonates itself, becoming just another piece of scrap.


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


Captain Lotor lay in his quarters, desperately seeking the sleep that would not come. Even a quick cat-nap would have been perfect before having to start this escort. The stormtroopers outside his door were on strict orders not to allow anyone in, unless they carried flash traffic for the captain. Ever so slowly, he could feel his eyelids becoming heavier as the dull grey of the cabin slowly melted away to be replaced with the darkness of the closed eye. The faintest noise jolts his eyes open. His heart-rate doubles and a cold sweat breaks out along his spine. It couldn't be, he had only just transmitted. They must have been very close to have heard it and replied so rapidly. The tiny hum begins again. Ever so carefully Lotor stands up and walks over to his drawers. Pulling the middle drawer out fully he reaches towards the back of it, opening a tiny hidden compartment. From within it he removes an object just three centimetres across and barely 5 millimetres thick. He presses his thumb onto it as it begins humming for a third time. Abruptly the humming stops and Lotor places it on top of the drawers. A voice comes from the tiny device, "Captain Lotor, we have received your transmission and have a task for you…"


-=-=-


On the bridge at a console an ensign looks up from his screen to the XO, "Sir, are we expecting any holonet traffic?"

"Negative, what's the problem?"

"Just had a spike in the background. We must have just hit a transmission path, that would probably explain it."

"Don't disregard it. Transfer it to my pad, I'll take it to the captain. Let him decide." The ensign returns to examining his display as the XO leaves the bridge.


-=-=-


Lotor is just replacing the drawer when the knock comes. "Enter!" Seeing the XO as the door flits open Lotor pulls out a chair, "Please, sit down Noslen."

"Thank you sir." Noslen takes a seat on the high backed metal chair, he looks over at the captain, whose lined face is beaded with sweat. "Nightmares again?"

"Err, yes. I keep thinking back to that mission. It won't let me sleep, and when I do, well-"

"I don't think anyone outside of the stormtrooper's doesn't have nightmares about that mission. It was a shit call and we got dumped with it. We should have had more support, but we didn't and we had to watch it all happen. There wasn't anything we could have done."

"I know!" Lotor's eyes bulge slightly as he yells at Noslen.

"Have you been to the infirmary, they've been helping a lot of the other crew."

"I'm the captain! I can't just walk into the infirmary and ask the med-droids for some tranquilisers! Word gets around!"

"I don't think the med-droids would talk-"

"Not from them! Have you ever seen an empty infirmary? There's always someone in there!"

"Well . . ."

"Look, I'll get over it. Now, just what is so important that you came down from the bridge?"

"Spike in the holonet signal. Techs think it was just some random background noise, but I came down to tell you that you need to be more careful in future."


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


The VSD emerges from hyperspace at the buoy, drifting slowly to a halt and awaiting the arrival of the Indefatigable. "Flight officer, launch TIEs and secure the perimeter. I don't want anything within a thousand kilometres. I don't care what it is."

"Launching Alert pair. Next pair will be away in 2 minutes."

"Excellent. TacOps, you have intercept control. I want the gunboats shunted up to Alert 2 status. Maintain hyperdrive control."

"Shuffling launch order now."

"Gunnery, what's our status?"

"All weapon systems are coming up green. Gunnery crews are on standby for repairs and manual firing should we lose systems."

"Excellent. Engineering, any problems?"

"Some minor vibration reported on decks 12-14 in M area. Dispatched a team to check that. Likely a faulty grav generator twitching while the hyperdrive was running."

"Shields?"

"Their good, we copped a small asteroid on the forward quadrant as we can out of hyperspace, but the deflectors held, no damage to the hull."

"OK. Security, any problems?"

"None, Intsec is still in effect. No breaches."

"Intel?"

"Nothing new for this sector."

"Everything looks good. Now, I hate to do this, but as we are now in the spotlight, full formalities are expected. Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir. You all understand?"

"Yessir." Comes the chorus response from the bridge pit.

"Excellent. -PA-." He waits for the activation, "All crew, this is Captain Lotor. We are maintaining Con2 Intsec. Be prepared and be vigilant."

"Jump signature! Hyperspace vessel approaching." Lotor looks at his datapad and brings up the sensor map. Sure enough a massive object was approaching through hyperspace. "Its decellerating. Estimated point of arrival is ten klicks on from the buoy."

"Our TIEs clear?"

"Well clear Sir."

"Good." Noslen leans over to the captain.

"Here they come." The huge steel dagger snaps to a halt, immediately a voice comes over the comm systems.

"This is the ISD Indefatigable, VSD Demeter will be here momentarily."

"Second craft incoming. Its smaller, VSD class. It'll be coming out between us and the ISD."

"This is Captain Lotor of the VSD Deceiver. We are your assigned escort for this sector. We require a destination so that we can plot a course."

"Of course Captain. Our initial destination is hyperbuoy DMNT89139. Once there you will be given the next coordinates." Another voice comes over the comm relay.

"This is Captain Curin of the VSD Demeter. VSD Deceiver, you now have escort. Good luck."

"Thankyou Captain." Lotor turns to the helmsman, "Bring us alongside the Indefatigable, maintain standard escort formation. TacOps, keep the fighters cycling. I want a screen up at all times." Briefly glancing at his datapad and noting the time Lotor walks along the catwalk, "XO, you have the bridge. Comply to all requests of the Indefatigable. Call my quarters if you have a problem."

"Yes Sir." As Lotor leaves the bridge he hears the order for the first jump come over the comm systems. As he wanders through the corridors he looks at his beloved ship. Every blast door guarded by a pair of stormtroopers, only opening it to those with clearance. IntSec was definitely in full effect. With a slight lurch the vessel jumps to hyperspace just as Lotor opens the door to his quarters.


-=-=-


Retrieving the hidden commlink Lotor makes sure that the door is securely shut. Picking up the commlink he activates it and begins speaking. "We will make the play at DMNT89139. Confirm according to operational plan. Expect support at RV. End." Replacing the device he moves to his bed, he lays back, almost hoping that the message that he is expecting doesn't come.


-=-=-


"Sir, we're getting another spike in the holonet signal."

"Again?"

"Yes sir, same band and all."

"Could we be hitting another transmission path?"

"Unlikely."

"Log the event. Inform the captain when he returns to bridge."

"Should we run a full ship scan for transmissions?"

"We're running under Condition 2 IntSec. That means that all appropriate EmCon measures are already in place." The XO looks down at the young ensign. Still just a kid, his face so innocent and pale.

"Of course Sir. Sorry Sir."

"Don't apologise. You made a good suggestion. Just in the wrong context."


-=-=-


With a flash another one of the transports detonated. The TIE complement had been swept from the area, victims of intense AA fire from the pirates. It was unlike anything he'd ever seen. The shields flared briefly again as an MTL hit near the bow. So many pirates, it was unbelievable that the Empire had allowed them to grow to these numbers. And their fighters, like flowers, that unfolded to release death to the unwary.

"Engineering! What's our status!" The bridge was dark, illuminated only by the flare of turbolaser fire and the dim red glow of the emergency lights.

"That mag-pulse did bad things to our conduit grid. Damage control teams are trying to replace damaged sections and reroute where they can. But until then we're on emergency power."

"TacOps?"

"Shields are holding well on the backup reactor. Only have point defense weapons active though. We're feeding everything else into life support."

"XO. Is there any area of the ship that at this time is undercrewed?"

"Yes sir."

"Engineering-" Lotor's eyes snap open, his body tense and his heart beating hard. The blood making a subtle thumping noise as it pulses past his ears in a frenzied state. The buzzer on the door sounds again. Lotor sits up. He'd been asleep. Remarkable, he hadn't been able to sleep for days.

"Open." The door disappears upwards, an ensign stands in its frame.

"Captain Lotor, we are receiving holonet flash traffic."


-=-=-


Rushing back to the bridge Lotor pauses on the catwalk only long enough to shout at the bridge pit, "Ships Executive, report to briefing room!" As he turns to move the briefing room he is distracted by the mesmerising pattern of the hyperspace 'tunnel'. It was always beautiful, no matter how many times he saw it. Moving back into the briefing room he waits as the officers take their seats. Activating the projector he stands in the centre of the briefing rooms 'stage'. The Moff's head appears, "Captain Lotor. We have just received word that the ISD Indefatigable intends to defect at the next waypoint." The entire room suddenly stops, every single person staring at the image of the Moff floating above the floor. "Your mission has changed. You are to attack and disable the Indefatigable at the first possible opportunity."

"But, but- We're just a VSD. You can't possibly expect us to take down an ISD."

"You just need to disable it. You're the only friendly vessel within two hours of it. You also have the element of surprise. They don't know that you are aware of their treachery. Make them pay for their crimes against the Emperor. That is all." The hologram disappears. Lotor's jaw sags, "OK, all crew, return to stations. XO stay here, TacOps, take the bridge." The room empties again, leaving just the XO and the Captain.

"They did a good job Captain."

"I couldn't tell the difference. The crew believed it as well."

"They have no reason to doubt it."

"Do you think we can do it?"

"I have no doubts about the act. It's the aftermath that concerns me."

"Me too Noslen, me too."


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


"All stations, stand to." Lotor's eyes carried the heavy look of one consigned to fate. "This is the captain speaking. We have just received orders to attack a defecting vessel. The vessel is an ISD. The same ISD that we have been assigned to escort. We are the only friendly vessel in the area and as such will need to incapacitate her before she can destroy us, or worse - escape." Throughout the vessel the crew was aghast, taking on an ISD was suicide, there was no way that they could possibly succeed. "All hands to battle stations, we will be engaging upon exiting hyperspace. Good luck men and long live the Emperor."


-=-=-


The crew was well trained, within seconds of hearing the battle stations order they were scuttling through the tight passageways of the vessel to get to their posts. Gunnery crews took their places, missile and torpedo crews began loading war shots. In the hangar pilots were climbing into their flightsuits while the ground crew ran through checklists. The alert pair of TIEs began their launch checklists, their pilots already in position, weapons charged and engines primed. The launch arms moving them forward to launch position, within seconds of them exiting hyperspace they would drop down through the hangar shields and into space. Droids of all models moved to their pre-programmed locations and engaged their emergency routines. Power droids stationed themselves near major systems and began building up reserve power to sustain the vessel should the main reactor, back up reactor and emergency battery supplies all fail. Med-droids moved to where there were the most people - to where there might be the most casualties. Mousebots zipped along floors checking wiring in the tiny access bays that only they could possibly fit into. Astromech units began backing up the computer's drives and AI protocols, should the main computer be lost, any one of the astromechs could run the vessel until repairs could be made. Imperial battle plans left few holes and had so many levels of redundancy that outsiders often found them ridiculous. To the crews facing battle in hard vacuum however, there was nothing too safe or secure.

"Cover my station for a moment can you?"

"Sure thing - where you going?"

"Bathroom, can't go in a battle and I for one don't want to die with a full bladder."

"Ha. Go ahead, you should be right." The ensign gets up awkwardly, several hours stuck in a seat tended to do bad things to circulation, and moves towards the toilets. Inside, he takes a seat in one of the small cubicles, he retrieves a transmitter from his pocket and enters the encryption code, then begins transmitting.


-=-=-


"120 seconds to hyperspace exit."

"Exit checklist running."

"How are we looking nav?" Lotor's officers cap was damp with sweat, the black uniform clinging to his body, the cool conditions of the bridge doing nothing to help.

"Good, probably less than 100m off the plotted course. Had a grav anomaly enroute, nothing major and certainly within the non-report parameters, but it may have thrown us by a minimal amount."

"Gunnery - are all stations ready?"

"All stations are reporting green. Full charge to all turbolaser and all launchers are loaded, holding for your command."

"TacOps?"

"Two TIEs ready for launch, two more 2 minutes after that. The gunboats 4 minutes after the initial pair."

"OK, the gunboats loadout?"

"Heavy rockets on one, magpulse torpedoes on the other."

"60 seconds to hyperspace exit." The ensign reentered the bridge and took his seat at the comms console.

"Engineering."

"No problems here, shields are at 150% overcharge as per your orders." The seconds tick past. Each seeming to take longer than the last.

"5 . . . 4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1." The ship stutters as it transits back to realspace. The ISD would arrive just moments from now.

"TIEs away, second pair moving to launch positions."

"Shields good, no problems with conventional drives. Reactors stable and batteries at full capacity."

"Intsec still under effect. No breaches."

"Indefatigable exiting hyperspace at 100km."

"Move us into position. All weapons remain in rest position - we do not want to tip our hand."


-=-=-


The VSD and ISD looked like whale and calf as they moved side by side in the void, the VSD, tucked in close to the ISD, just beneath her and to one side. "How long till the gunboats are away?"

"Just a few seconds. Then give them a minute to get into position."

"Deceiver, this is Indefatigable, we are experiencing minor drive system computer problems. We will require a few minutes to correct the problem." Across the bridge eye-brows are raised, was this part of their ruse - or a genuine problem?

"Copy that Indefatigable, we will hold position here. Contact us if you require assistance." Lotor disengaged the commlink as the ISD slowed to a standstill. "Can't ask for a better chance than this can we? Standby - all stations - prepare to track and fire on my mark."


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


"Secondary batteries - target their ventral turbolasers. Main batteries - try to hit their reactor. Gunboats - you're up first, the mag-pulse torpedoes should open up their shields." The air in the ship was heavy with the stench of sweat and fear. Lotor hesitates on the verge of ordering, his face betraying his emotions, his fear of immediate immolation in the inescapable retaliation. "All stations, follow the plan. Initiate now."


-=-=-


The pair of gunboats sweep in from the depths of space, skimming the surface of the VSD before turning sharply upwards towards the ISD. Their torpedoes aiming to cause maximum havoc aboard the large vessel. "Deceiver! What are you doing - you're gunboats have locked onto us!"

"Don't respond." Lotor looks up through the cavernous windows at the massive ship above them. The gunboats released their torpedoes, the purple streaks moving towards to reactor and hangar areas of the ISD.

"Deceiver! What the hell -" The communication cuts off as the magpulses detonate, sending waves of electricity through the vessel, overloading its systems. Quickly they begin to recycle, backups come online and droids move to repair what the auto-response has not taken care of. The main guns of the Deceiver now came to bear, each of them loosing a volley of green turbolaser fire towards the ISD every second. Each shot was made to count, Lotor watches carefully as the ISDs defenses are crippled by the surprise attack. The point defense guns and launchers destroyed, then the guns turn to the reactor, pumelling it with all their might, its thick armour protecting it from damage.

"Indefatigable's systems are back up to 40%, they'll have weapons online soon."

"She's turning to present her main guns…" Lotor had seen the heavy turbo-lasers in action before, rending ships in a single shot or destroying worlds as part of a bombardment. He had no intention of becoming another victim.

"Get us out of here! Maximum speed till a jump is calculated, just keep us out of the HTL arc!"

"Where are we jumping to?"

"ERV3. Jump ASAP!" The bridge flares green as a turbolaser blast from the ISD slams into the ray shields.

"Bridge ray shields are down!"

"Emergency jump checklist running!"

"C'mon, c'mon…" Lotor mutters as the ISD continues its rotation, attempting to bring fresh shields and its heavy turbolasers into the fight.

"Checklist complete. Jumping now!" The ship streaks forward and disappears from the battle, the bridge crew breathing a sigh of relief.


-=-=-


"This is a restricted area, no passage to -" with a flash of movement the two stormtroopers guarding the door are on the ground, one with a badly broken arm, the other with a broken neck. A boot flies down and crushes the windpipe of the crippled trooper. The ensign steps lightly over the bodies and into the small maintenance room, picking up the pieces he requires he returns to the corridor, dragging the bodies back into the room before sealing it again.


-=-=-


"Sir, the oxygen lines on deck 22 forward are showing significantly reduced pressure."

"Battle damage?" The chief engineer looks at the diagnostic chart of the ship, sure enough, the problem was displayed for all to see.

"Possibly, but it only just started."

"Send a team to fix it up. Minimal detail, we have too much else to fix at the moment."

"Yes sir."


-=-=-


"There's the leak. Hairline crack." In reality it was only a few micro-metres across, but it ran nearly a meter along the pipe. What made it visible was the thermal goggles worn by the repair crew, the cool oxygen spilling from it showing up clearly. "Control, you'll need to cut flow to this pipe for about 5 minutes while we fix it…"

"Hey, you see this?"

"See what?" The second tech points out the small lump on top of the pipe.

"This thing, looks a little like -"


-=-=-


"Station 82 hasn't reported in. All other IntSec measures are holding solid." Lotor looks down at the report. The chief security officer is sitting at his console, going over the reports from his groups. "Station 82, report. Response team. Station 82 is not reporting, move to secure Station 82 immediately."

"Everything under control?"

"Probably a bad commlink Sir."

"On both of them? And if it was, why did neither use a hardline to communicate?"

"The team is en route sir, they'll be there in a matter of minutes."


-=-=-


A dozen stormtroopers sprint down the corridors, E-11s held up, ready to be fired the moment a target crosses their sights. Cornering with the precision of the elite group that they are. "Next left and we're there."

"Lead element, go. Rear element, cover the junction." The group splits up and take their positions. "No sign of sentries. Door unresponsive. Breach it."


-=-=-


"Explosion detected! Level 20 forward. Fire! Spreading rapidly!" The chief engineer runs back over to the diagnostic chart. The ships computer systems could be seen rapidly sealing doors to stop the spread of the fire which was racing along the corridors.

"Pure O2. Noone in that area had a chance." Lotor arrives having sprinted into the pit from the bridge catwalk.

"Whats the situation?"

"Explosion and fire in Level 20 forward. Computers have sealed it all off. We lost the secondary mainframe in the explosion. No ship threatening damage."

"Sir!" The shout came from the other side of the bridge pit. "Response team is checking in. The two guards at Station 82 are dead. Have been for about 20 minutes."

"Why didn't their life-sign monitors inform us?"

"They were inhibited. We're still trying to figure out how."

"IntSec level 3 as of right now. Lock down this ship tight lieutenant."

"Yes Sir." The bridge door opens and a young officer walks in, behind him lie the four stormtroopers who had been guarding it. One of the two stormtroopers inside the door raises his blaster. But the mans hands whip around and push it to one side just slightly, while the other slams into his forearm. With a slight grinding noise the troopers wrist dislocates and the blaster clatters to the ground. A quick motion with his leg and the troopers knee buckles inwards, collapsed from the force of the kick. The second stormtrooper goes to fire but is cut down by a vibroblade slashed across his throat. The bridge crew looks on in stunned silence. "Response team to the bridge - Now!"


-=-=-


"Sadly pointless." Says the young ensign. "They are still investigating the deaths of the two guards at Station 82, which, if I recall correctly, is just forward of the hangar bay. And of course, all other personel are busy controlling the fire and rescuing casualties. And a good imperial subject would never leave their post for a call not relating to them." A blaster bolt lances towards him, but he spins to cover behind a computer before it reaches him. "Tell Midshipman Bortish to put away his weapon Captain Lotor. You know why I'm here." The blaster is lowered and the the ensign re-emerges.
"You're a rebel infiltrator. You will never take this ship!"

"Oh really Captain. Its interesting that you would make such allegations." The ensign jumps down from the catwalk, landing with amazing lightness on the hard steel decking. He goes over to his console and calls up the communications log. The holonet spikes show up clearly. "Someone onboard this ship has been a busy boy. Now who has it been?"


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


"Incoming starfighter wing. Unknown designation, same as before!"

"Flak bursts, all batteries - fire!"

"Continuing to receive distress beacon from the convoy."

"Pirate vessels are continuing their attack on the convoy."

"Sir, new transmission from the convoy -"

"This is refugee convoy MXS-291, we are under attack and have no means of defense, please, somebody help us! We can't hold out much longer."

"Launch alert pair. I want fighters out there as rapidly as we can get them. Priority targets are the enemy fighters. Cease flak-bursts once friendlies are in the area and shift fire to the nearest pirate vessel."

"Alert pair away, next TIEs will launch in 2 minutes."

"Shift fire - we have to take out those frigates." Lotor's mind was in over-drive, pirates - with frigates, not just one or two system patrol vessels, or a converted Correllian freighter, or even a gunboat, but multiple frigates! It was unthinkable.


"Two of the frigates are breaking off to engage us."

"Excellent, they'll be good targets. All batteries, engage at will."


-=-=-


"Someone onboard this ship has been a busy boy. Now who has it been?"

"You can try these mind games Rebel, but you won't succeed."

"How very noble of you lieutenant, we can be sure that you are a loyal subject of the Emperor can't we."

"Divide and conquer, that's what this is isn't it? You want us to turn on each other. Turn someone in so that we can escape suspicion ourselves. But that just breeds paranoia, doesn't it?"

"Very observant Noslen, you seen well versed in such matters, and I'm sure that they didn't teach such things in the Academy." Motion on the bridge was stifled, each man shifting slightly, as the young ensign walked around infront of them all, as he approached the people parted, fearful of his talents. "But then again, rumours about your past have abounded, haven't they?" Noslen looks uneasy as the ensign comes towards him. "After all, there was that incident on your first posting as an officer, wasn't there?"

"I was cleared in the inquiry. As were all my fellow officers, we acted in the best interests of our vessel -"

"YOUR VESSEL?" The ensign asks with surprising vigour. "A good little subject of the Empire should not hold such attachments to their possessions. Do you not rotate your TIE pilots fighters, not allow them individuality?"

"No..."

"I'm sorry, can you speak up, I wouldn't want those on the other side of the bridge to miss this."

"No."

"No, you don't. And why not?"

"Because conformity and routine are the foundations of a good ship."

"Yes. That's right. They definitely taught you that one in the academy. Then, we must move on to the problems that your extended family has faced. For you to be holding such a high ranking aboard an Imperial vessel with such family is truly remarkable. Praise be to the Emperor and all that."

"Only a Rebel could know such things..."

"Indeed. And why is that a Rebel would know of such things? Not because your family has been in repeated contact with the Rebels? No, it couldn't be that, could it Noslen?" Noslen's head sags forward, his shoulders slump and the ensign grins slightly, known he that he is a broken man. "But Noslen is not the only one on this bridge with secrets is he?"

"You seem to have a quite a few yourself ensign Oker..."

"Ah, our good captain sees fit to step in and save his underlings. I feel it is too late for our friend Noslen here, he's a good man, a loyal Imperial subject it would appear, but I think I might have pushed him a little too far. But I can be sure it was not Noslen who was responsible for these lovely spikes, for he was on the bridge, in plain sight when they occured. These spikes, which I decided to so nicely overlook for whoever it was that has been toying with the lives of every man aboard this ship."

"How about our noble Tactical Officer? He might have delusions of grandeur and feel that Noslen and Lotor are both unfit for duty." The ensign leans in and hisses, "So, was mutiny your goal?"

"Mutiny? Never! Why would I even think such a thing?"

"Many have thought it before, that they could do better than their captain, others just wish to do something so hideously subversive as become a pirate, or, shock-horror, become a Rebel traitor!"

"But why? I have no reason to. Everything I know is aboard a vessel in the Empire, and that is all I need."

"Such a wonderful response, this man is wasted on a ship of the line. He should be on Coruscant, writing for Holonet News! Such wit is wasted on a man who merely issues reports the captain." The ensign begins a dramatic flourish with his arms, "He should be reporting - to the whole galaxy! Such a man could not possibly be the traitor, could he?" The ensign glances at the TacOps display, "I see I am running a little short of time here, our stormtrooper friends are better runners than I had anticipated. So, who is the busy little bee?"

"This is pointless Rebel. Who is it who made these reports to start with? You did. Who is it who is now questioning us all? You."

"Your point Captain?"

"Why should anyone believe that there were signals to start with? This has been a ploy of yours from the start, hasn't it!"

"Very perceptive Captain, but what is my motivation?"

"To destabilise this vessel. We've already had a strange and disturbing day, perhaps you chose now to strike, to cause maximum disruption and distrust?"

"Perhaps Captain, or perhaps what has happened today until now is not my work at all? What if all my accusations are founded? What if someone aboard really has betrayed the Empire?"

"The only traitor aboard is you. And you will pay. You will pay very dearly."

"There is no retribution that you can exact that you will not feel yourself in time, Lotor. Nothing at all."


-=-=-


With the final word the ensign runs to the nearest console and leaps onto it, springing off it, clutching at the catwalk above. He then swings his weight and flips onto the catwalk as the first of the stormtroopers comes through the door. The ensign jumps with a slight twist and kicks hard at the stormtrooper, moving faster than the trooper, not giving him a chance to fire. The kick lands on the side of the troopers head, launching him off the catwalk, as the ensign lands he drops low and continues his spin, sweeping the legs out from under the second stormtrooper as his shot goes wild. The next two stormtroopers rush the door simultaneously as the ensign finishes his spin and rises. He reaches across his body and grabs at his sleeve then slashes his hand back, arcing a vibroblade towards the nearest trooper. The vibroblade sneaks through the tiny gap between helmet and chestplate and pierces the body glove, slicing deep into the mans throat. With his foot the ensign flicks a blaster at the second trooper, distracting him just momentarily while he rushes forward grabbing the troopers weapon hand and twisting himself inside his firing arc. A quick flick with the hand grasping and the stormtrooper tumbles over backwards, his balance thrown by the quicksilver actions of the ensign. A single bolt strikes the ensign as he begins moving again. Smashing into his temple the bolt tumbles him from the catwalk, his body contorting as it falls, smashing into the consoles before, arched obscenely over the computer terminal, the head scorched and the back shattered. "Bridge is clear, all units remain on station."


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


The silence on the bridge formed a funeral shroud for the fallen . . . So many fallen, those who were dead and those who were broken . . . "Engineering, Security - what's . . . what's our status?" Lotor's voice cracks as he speaks, his throat burning dry despite the saliva that threatens to choke him. Sweat pours from his forehead as he stumbles forward and grabs at the console next to him to support himself.

"The fire has been brought under control, all systems are restored to nominal function."

"No further security breaches reported. All stations are checking in on schedule."

"Good, good. I want everyone on the bridge to report to the infirmary within the next half hour - the med-droids will assess you all for shock or other problems." The stormtroopers slowly drag the bodies of the fallen off the bridge, a few scattered drops of blood are cleaned up by the scurrying 'mousebots'. "How long until hyperspace exit?"

"Fifteen minutes sir. We are still on course. No deviations or anomalies."

"Excellent. Make sure you get yourselves checked. I will not have anyone incapable of performing their duties on my bridge. And that includes myself." Lotor moves towards the door, his legs still unsteady beneath him, he grasps at its frame to support himself as he leaves.


-=-=-


"Incoming holonet traffic. Scheduled intel update. Wow - the Indefatigable is listed as MIA presumed DIA. I didn't think we did that much to it."

"Transfer a copy to my pad, I'll take it to the captain." One of the replacement officers on the bridge takes off out the door to find the captain. The stormtroopers on each door open the door as he flashes his priority pass, this was quite obviously a man on a mission. He arrives at the captains door and presses the intercom. A moment, then -

"Enter." The officer steps in, Lotor lies on his bed, his head resting on a pillow. "What is it Lieutenant?"

"Latest intel update reports the Indefatigable as MIA presumed DIA."

"Really?" Lotor raised an eyebrow, he hadn't been expecting that. "Anything else?"

"I'll leave the pad here with you sir."

"Excellent, dismissed." The Lieutenant disappears out the door with a parade ground flourish. Lotor flops back down onto the bed with a sigh. He pulls up the rest of the report on the datapad. It all seemed fairly standard, though one other report stood out.

'Rebel taskforce encountered in low orbit over Katerimesh VII. Taskforce hypered out following engagement by ISD Malevolent. Taskforce is estimated as being 2 Nebulon-B frigates, 1 MonCal Cruiser and fighter escorts. Mission Unknown.'

"Katerimesh," Lotor ponders, "That's less than a parsec from here. Rebel taskforce's in the core? What's going on?" His head returns to the pillow and he slips into blissful, yet tortured sleep.


-=-=-


"Exiting hyperspace now."

"All shields are holding at 100% capacity. Sublight engines are at full function. Hyperdrive in reset - two minutes to jump capable."

"No contacts, we're dead on plotted course. Making best possible speed for the waypoint."

"Incoming hyperspace-transition contacts!"

"Give me more info!"

"A pair of Modified Nebulon-B Frigates, Imperial designation and codes. Its the Notorious and the Bane."

"Receiving communications request."

"Inform the captain. I'll take the comm."

"Very well Sir, engaging link now." The crewman quickly and efficiently transfers the request to the Officer of the Watches position.

"This is Lieutenant Morales of the VSD Deceiver. To who am I speaking?"

"This is Captain Irin of the Bane. Your ship is a designated Imperial fugitive vessel and we are requesting that you heave-to and prepare for boarding.

"I believe that you are mistaken Captain. On what grounds have we been designated as fugitive?"

"That is not of concern to myself or to you. Heave-to or we will be forced to fire upon you."

"Captain Irin, we are under classified orders from Moff Saibot, confirm your orders - we have ours."

"Lieutenant Morales. I request that I speak to Captain Lotor before I will take any action. Please comply to this request within sixty seconds." The Lieutenant pushes an ensign towards the door.

"Get the captain - NOW! TacOps, can we take them if they attack?"

"Not without our fighter complement, we lost the gunboats in the attack on the Indefatigable and our TIEs would be butchered by theirs before they got into range. If we played an extreme range game we might be able to get them, but its still long odds against us."

"Captain on the bridge!"

"As you were." Lotor reactivates the commlink, "Captain Irin, its been a while, hasn't it."

"This is no time for pleasntries Lotor, order your ship to heave-to or we will fire."

"We cannot heave-to Captain Irin, we are under classified orders. Any further delays will compromise our mission."

"Then I'm afraid that under the General Directive for the Recovery of Fugitive Vessels I am going to be forced to destroy your vessel. This is your final chance to surrender Captain." Lotor depresses the kill-switch.

"Are our weapons online?"

"Yessir, all are fully ready, but still in cradle-rest."

"Sound general quarters. Prepare to bring weapons to bear on the Bane on my order."

"Sir?"

"You heard me - our mission takes precedence here. And a VSD is worth more than two Mod. Neb-B's. Are you all ready?" A series of hesitant nods throughout the bridge. Lotor releases the kill-switch. "Captain Irin. As captain of the VSD Indefatigable I am officially refusing your order to heave-to and prepare to be boarded. Any attempt by you to fire upon us will be met with the full force of this vessel and the full force of an administrative action upon yourself and your crew should any of you survive."

"Damnit Lotor! Don't make me do this - and don't EVER threaten me or my men again."

"Prepare to engage." The turrets of the Deceiver begin traversing to bring the Bane into their crosshairs. "Captain Irin - this is your LAST chance. If you do not cease your actions towards this vessel we WILL fire upon you!"

"Captain Lotor, you know that I cannot stand down under this circumstance. You are outgunned, what can you possibly hope to achieve?"

"Irin; this vessel carries enough firepower to destroy your ship in two salvoes. Our shields can easily hold long enough for us to do this."

"You're playing with the lives of your men Captain. You know as well as anybody that you cannot win this fight."

"But do you want to risk me being right?"

"We all know that you aren't right Captain. Bluffing was never your strongpoint."

"I still beat you at Sabacc though. Please Irin, don't make it come down to this."

"For the last time Captain Lotor, deactivate your weapons and heave-to!"

"Captain Irin, your orders are obviously flawed - we cannot and will not heave-to!"

"Very well Captain. All batteries. Prepare to fire." The frigates weapons start to slew on their mounts.

"Fire." Lotor's voice is the epitome of dejected acceptance of fact. He had no other option. With that single word he had just condemned many more men to death. Green turbolaser fire arcs out across the void.

"Confirmed hits, Bane's shield capacity is down to 40%, they're redirecting power to forward arcs. Notorious and Bane are firing." The ship shudders as the frontal shields hold the assault of the two frigates. "Frontal shields down to 36%. Generators are holding steady. Shield status improving."

"Fighters incoming - multiple TIE fighters. No bombers - yet." The TIE's make their first run over the ship, strafing with their low-yield weapons, the sight, though impressive and to some, terrifying, is not one to inspire dread or concern amongst the experienced crew. Another salvo stretches towards the Bane. "Hits - Bane's shields are down, some hull damage, no essential systems appear to be damaged." From the bridge pit comes another shout.

"Multiple hyperspace-transitional contacts incoming! I'm counting eight fighter-type vessels." Snapping into reality come the new vessels, "Rebels . . ." Four X-Wings split their S-foils and sweep about to engage the TIEs, while a diamond formation of Y-Wings push towards the Frigates.

"What the hell are Rebels doing here?" Asks Lieutenant Morales.

"Not my current concern Lieutenant, because they are fighting on our side . . . Continue firing on the Frigates! We can deal with the Rebel fighters easily!"

"Captain, the Y-Wings are launching torpedoes, targetting both the Notorious and the Bane." In the space above the Deceiver a vicious melee was underway as X-Wings fought TIEs. Twisting, rolling, swerving, diving, rising, their cockpits illuminated by laser fire. One by one the TIEs are erased from space, their fragile forms blasted into glistening splinters that explode outwards from their debris.

"Bane is going down sir!" Out the bridge windows the proud vessels spine could be seen cracking from a torpedo strike, its engine compartment was ablaze, its fuel burning out into space forming a pillar of fire. "No escape pods yet… Notorious is shields down. Its lost propulsion and weapons. Its attempting to hail."

"Put it through." The raspy voice could barely be heard above the screaming, the crackling of flames was close by and it was clear that the crew had little time.

"Please, help us, please, please, please. Help us - oh kriff - NOOOOO!" Screaming came louder now as whoever it was that had tried to call for help was engulfed.

"Kill it." Lotor looks down at the faces in the bridge pit. How much more could his crew take? How much more could he take?

"Rebel vessels are forming up - weapons not charged . . . they're attempting to open comms."

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

"Frigates are coming in fast. Kriff! What are they doing?" The spindly necks of the frigates threatened to snap as they hurtled towards the Deceiver.

"Main power grid stabilising! Mag-pulse effects are wearing off!"

"All batteries target portside frigate!"

"What's going on? Why are they charging us?" Noslen looks up from his datapad, concerned at the situation.

"They're attempting to flank us, get at least one of their vessels out of the arc of our main weapons."

"But the risk-"

"Would appear to be negligible to them."

"Batteries are engaging Captain. Portside frigate is 33% shields after first salvo."

"Status of our fighters?"

"They're getting torn to shreds. Whatever that new fighter is, its like nothing we've encountered before."

"Get a sit-rep off to ImpConCore - tell them that we are engaging superior pirate forces and need immediate assistance. Civilian vessels are sustaining heavy casualties. Assistance required immediately. Flash traffic it."

"New message from the convoy, playing it now."

"This is convoy MXS-291, we have lost eight of our ten ship convoy. Casualties are approaching 50% on remaining vessels. We need help now! Please - please he -"

"Transmissions cut off. Can't tell why."

"Another one of the refugee vessels just got hit."

"Second salvo away - portside frigate disabled! Switching targets."

"Main grid fully stabilised, re-fire rate is now optimal."

"Second frigate has just crossed out of our arc."

"Slew to starboard 40 degrees! Roll starboard 20 degrees. Get our main batteries on that kriffer and show the other frigates some fresh shields!"

"Ventral batteries - try and give those other frigates something to think about! Don't let them take out that last transport!"

"Sit-rep away. Monitoring incoming holonet traffic."

"Second frigate is firing!" From less than a kilometre away, the second frigate engaged its turbolasers slashing fire into the weakening shields of the Deceiver. From his perch in the bridge Lotor could see puffs of fire rising from some of the strikes, small, seemingly insignificant bodies being sucked out into the void from the tears in his proud ship's skin.

"Report!" Lotor shouts at his crew.

"Main hull integrity is uncompromised, damage is extraneous. No real concern."

"Fighters are about to be overrun. We'll be in completely hostile space in thirty seconds."

"Salvoing second frigate! Hit - kill!" The explosion of the medium turbolaser bolts one the frigate was impressive, shields flaring and dying, as the reinvigorated Deceiver laid blow upon blow onto the frigates crippled hide. Slowly the frigate began to disintegrate, seeming to torment its assailant with the slowness of its demise, as if knowing that each moment was as valuable as a lifetime to the Deceiver's crew.

"Get us back on course! Maximum speed to get us between the last transport and the remaining frigates!" The Deceiver's bridge viewports slowly scan around the pinpoints of stars as the ship moves towards the correct attitude for its interdiction of the massacre.


-=-=-


The briefing room of the Deceiver was as silent as a tomb, the ashen faces of its senior officers. "The crew is worried." States an aging lieutenant.

"The explanation was sufficient."

"For all the secrecy, they suspect something! Especially after the events of today."

"Their suspicions are not supported by evidence - we must forge onwards. This is the path we all chose." Heads slowly nod. "Open the channel."

"VSD Deceiver, this is Yellow 1." The senior officers look at the projected tactical display in the briefing room.

"Yellow 1, thank you for your assistance. We are standing by to defect as planned."


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


"Wait one VSD Deceiver." The briefing room felt like a tomb, though the air was constantly circulating each man swore that he couldn't breath, that the air was rank with sweat and staleness. "VSD Deceiver, we are prepared to accept your request for defection, but command is stating that they were unaware of your intentions."

"Yellow 1, please repeat. Are you stating that you were unaware of our defection plans?"

"That is correct Deceiver. We are receiving reports of heavy Imperial Activity in this area, recommend that we attempt to relocate immediately."

"Confirmed Yellow 1, wait one." Lotor turns to his officers. "We must do it - or risk out own destruction. And if we do it, we must do it quickly." The officers nod in consensus and begin to move out of the briefing room, then as they reach the door to the bridge, as one they leap into action. Noslen rockets ahead, sprinting and shouting.

"Nav - plot mini-jump, we need to get out of here, now! Anywhere is better than here! TacOps, full shields between us and the rebels, but do not engage!" Lotor quickly joins Noslen on the catwalk.

"How are we going? Are we going to get out of here before the Rebel cruisers arrive?"

"I hope so sir."

"Sir! Reading several incoming hyperspace contacts. They're big Sir. Probable large capital ships. Rebel starfighters are scattering!"

"Jump now! Come on!" Lotor looks at Noslen nervously, "Give me Con1 Intsec! We just confirmed second Rebel saboteur onboard!"

"Initiating emergency jump checklist."

"Sir, we need to give the reactor a break. After this jump we will need to take some of the loading off it, otherwise we might be in a whole lot more trouble."

"Duly noted, how long to jump?"

"Five seconds Sir!"

"Contacts still incoming, looking like transition contacts, they'll be here inside ten seconds!"

"Emergency jump checklist completed. Jumping!" With a stretch and a flash the VSD disappeared.


-=-=-


"There's nothing more we can do here Sir. We need to cut our losses."

"Those are innocent Imperial citizens there, it is our duty to protect them. And protect them we will. Re-direct all turbo-laser fire at the aggressors. Keep those refugees alive."

"Final refugee vessel is critical. They're going to go!"

"Incoming torpedoes! Fighters have launched on us! Fifteen seconds to impact."

"We have to go. We have to go now!"

"Very well. Record last coordinates and begin hyperjump checklist. Destination is hyperbuoy IMPN2821."

"Very well Sir. Destination is IMPN2821. Checklist at midpoint. All green."

"Status on torpedoes?"

"Still incoming, seven seconds."

"All shields to impact locations. Lets try and make this soft. All hands brace for impact!" The ship is taut with anticipation, the crews feelings seemingly transferred to the unyielding alloys of their vessel. The torpedoes impact, one after the other.

"Shields are at 45%, still receiving impacts! Shields at 10%." The ship rocked violently as a torpedo finally found its mark.

"Jump aborted! Critical failure in hyper-drive unit. Reactor is becoming unstable!"

"Shut down the reactor! Now!" Lotor leans heavily on the rail infront of him. Under his breath he mutters, "Its over." The ships lights fade away, being replaced by the eerie red glow of emergency lamps. The air stops its circulation and begins to settle, its stillness rapidly becomes a stifling heat. The crew are all lost in their thoughts. "Any sign of further attack?"

"No Sir, all visual spotting stations are reporting that fighters have disengaged." Through the bridge view ports the blinking lights of hyperspace transitions can be seen.

"Are those . . ."

"ISDs? Yes." Noslen's face betrays his confusion. "And freighters, lots of freighters."

"They aren't attacking the pirates, they're joining them. Escorting them."

"Why?"


-=-=-


Deceiver dropped back into real space moments later. "Give me 80% forward acceleration. I want 0.7c to be maintained until we can get to the shelter of the reverse side of that planet."

"Shields are down. Hyperdrive is offline. We're reducing gravplates to 0.6g. Reactor is coming back under control. If we can maintain this for a few minutes we'll be alright."

"Thankyou Engineering. TacOps - any sign of pursuit?"

"None Sir, still reading the multiple capital class contacts, they're in realspace now. Nothing else." Lotor knew it was but a matter of time before the sensors or their operators realised that they were Imperial ships, not the Rebels as his ploy stated. Sweat was forming on his forehead. His eyes darting rapidly about. "TacOps - shut down all but navigation sensors. Make us look like a civilian!"

"Sensors going down Sir."

"Good thinking Sir." Noslen leans over, "Quite a disaster averted."


-=-=-


The cantina was small, out of the way and inconspicuous. All the things that Lotor and Noslen wanted. It had taken them a long time to get to this point, stolen moments on shore leave, surreptitious communications, illegal dealings and secrecy. Their contact sat at a table, identifiable by the ruby bliels he had in front of him. "Can I get either of you a drink?"

"No thank you." Noslen looks around nervously.

"Be calm my friends," The man gestures with four of his arms, "I would not meet here if it was not safe."

"Do you have it?"

"Please, good captain relax, I have much for you. Including something that I believe you may find more than just interesting. Have you ever heard of a man called Xizor?"

"No, we haven't."

"Then perhaps you wouldn't have heard of an organisation know as the Black Sun?"

"No . . ."

"They have been for a long time, a powerful force in the galactic underworld. However, since the events at Yavin, they have increasingly become affiliated with some of the darker dealings of the Empire."

"The Empire has been dealing with criminals?"

"What do you think you're doing right now?"

"But this is different."

"Is it? Can you imagine a better source of intelligence for the Empire than one of the leading cartels in the galaxy? If nothing else, by having them on side it cuts out a potentially major supply source for the Rebellion."

"I believe I see where you're going with this. But why stand by when they murder and destroy?"

"So, are you sure you don't feel like a drink?"

"We're still fine."

"Look, after Yavin, the Empire had been dealt a pretty severe blow. Hoth was recorded as a victory, but inside the Imperial structure, cracks were beginning to show. Its clear that some elements within it were beginning to doubt the Empire's capacity. Even a few of its highest ranking officers were losing favour, losing faith or both."

"I had heard such things, but merely mentioning them can get you killed."

"Xizor saw a gap after the destruction of the first Death Star and started working his way towards it. Hoth just gave him more leverage and he won and important contract."

"What contract?"

"To provide supplies for the second Death Star's construction." Both Lotor and Noslen pale.

"A second Death Star?"

"With the supply routes for its construction being operated by a criminal cartel in an effort to deceive the Rebels. If it is successful, it will be a great coup for Xizor and his Black Sun cartel."

"So the Empire stands by and watches its civilians murdered, tolerates a crime lord and turns a blind eye to his operations, just so they can create a new weapon?"

"It would appear to be the case." The contact stands up and begins to leave. "In about three minutes a waiter will offer you something. Please, accept it on my behalf." Noslen and Lotor stare at each other, stunned.

"The Empire is guilty of so much more than we had thought."

"What can we do about it though Captain?"

"I'm not sure. This corruption could only come from the top."

"Are you saying that the Emperor himself has sanctioned these measures?"

"It seems impossible that they otherwise could have come to be." A waiter comes over as their debate continues.

"Excuse me, but would either of you like to see the menu?"

"Sure, why not?" Lotor accepts the menu, as he opens it a data card slides out and into his lap. "I'll have the Mon Cal Collection thanks."

"I'll just have a Soup of the Day."

"What is it?" Noslen enquires as the waiter walks away. Lotor looks down at the card in his lap.

"I'm not quite sure."


-=-=-

"We are approaching optimal location in the planet's sensor shadow Sir."

"Excellent, hold our position there. Continue with repairs. And have we found that saboteur yet?"

"No Sir. No one but engineering teams are being allowed in the corridors, stormtroopers have been checking compartments and we have droids and internal sensors checking for signs of sabotage. Still nothing."

"Keep looking, its vital that we find them before they reveal us."


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

*final chapter viewable at the end of the thread*

Damn post length restrictions.

[Knife]

More, need more.

[Rob Wilson]

Deceiver . . .

Another nice piece of straight Fiction, but can you please sort out the tenses as again it reads as a set of Script Directions. I'm amazed that Phong hasn't posted regarding this, as it's one of his biggest bugbears in Fic's.

Other than that, Noslen as an officer on a Victory *Groan*.

I'm intrigued as to where you're going with this. Aren't you worried the bridge crew will spot the numerical error in the 'Moffs' transmission?

[weemadando]

TENSES!

The problem with tenses is not only that most fics aren't proofread before being posted, its that they aren't all written at once.

I might be distracted between, even mid sentence while writing...

I'll get mine proofread by a thirdparty and clean up tenses etc.

Oh and Noslen isn't who you think it is.

I was wanting a character name for an officer on a ship and went with Nelson spelt backwards.

[weemadando]

Oh and what numerical error?

[Rob Wilson]

Oh and what numerical error?

They are the only allied ship in the area.... what about Demeter? With Hyperdrive she is surely within 2 hours.

[Rob Wilson]

I was wanting a character name for an officer on a ship and went with Nelson spelt backwards.

I know, that's why I groaned at the pun, Nelson on a Victory.

[weemadando]

*see first post*

[Rob Wilson]

"Ha. Go ahead, you should be right." The ensign gets up awkwardly, several hours stuck in a seat tended to do bad things to circulation, and moves towards the toilets. Inside, he takes a seat in one of the small cubicles, he retrieves a transmitter from his pocket and enters the encryption code, then begins transmitting.


"120 seconds to hyperspace exit."

"Exit checklist running."

"How are we looking nav?" Lotor's officers cap was damp with sweat, the black uniform clinging to his body, the cool conditions of the bridge doing nothing to help.

Could you put a delimiter of some sort when you switch scenes as the 1 extra line space isn't quite enough.

Nice story, now for the battle.

[pellaeons_scion]

Im impressed Weemad, you certainly have put a bit of thought into the actual commanding processes of a warship, and the duties of all personell and droids

cant wait for the battle

[weemadando]

*see first post*

[pellaeons_scion]

Now its getting good, betrayal..always an interesting plotline. Loved the battle, even though it was short. Nicely executed though. Keep it up!

[Rob Wilson]

Oh this is good. I take it we have an HRD playing the role of a GRU analogue on the Imperial vessel. Nice precaution that does make sense in the circumstances. Now give us moooooore.

Just a note on the tenses again, you can deal with them by changing the "s"s to "ed"s on the verbs in the description passages. Oh and this :

"Pure O2. Noone in that area had a chance." Yotor arrives having sprinted into the pit from the bridge catwalk.

Reads as if Yotor said it, you can fix it by moving it to the beginning of the next line

And you can fix that tense to 'Yotor arrived, having sprinted into the pit from the bridge catwalk.' while you do it

Now enough pedantry from me, more Fanfic *Cracks whip* now! *Cracks whip*

[weemadando]

*bump* *bump bump* *bump bump bump*

-check the top post.

Oh, and Rob, stop whipping me damnit!

[Rob Wilson]

Oh, and Rob, stop whipping me damnit!

Never! Never I say, for see how a quick application of the whip brought forward some new fic. It works I tells ya all, whip a Fic author and se how quickly new Fic arrives. "Spare the whip, spoil the Author." *Cracks whip again*

[pellaeons_scion]

I agree with Rob, More Whip, more Fic...*flexes a rawhide whip* Get ta work!!!

[weemadando]

And a big whacking bump for y'all.

Enjoy the new stuff!

[weemadando]

Oh come on people! I write a nice new chapter for you and get NADA?

Well - no fic for you!

[Rob Wilson]

And a big whacking bump for y'all.

Enjoy the new stuff!

Good job those Nebs were encountering a wounded VSD, at full strength it would eat them up and spit them out. Indefagitable is listed as MIA/DIA? Wow, either that's a mis-information tactic or someone onboard helped out with sabotage as she was more than ready to hurt Deceiver just before the jump.
How is Lotor going to explain the Rebel assistance to his men?

More please.

[Rob Wilson]

Oh come on people! I write a nice new chapter for you and get NADA?

Well - no fic for you!

Oy, some of us are away from the board a lot, give us a chance to return and catch up, will ya.

[weemadando]

Another chapter for you and a clean-up. Now just two chapters left until the saga is at an end.

Editing notes:

-=-=- is a paragraph break

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- is a chapter break

and things in italics are flashback sequences.

[Alyrium Denryle]

not bad at all...

[Alyrium Denryle]

double post

[The Yosemite Bear]

Note from wages of wrath....


Fed Starship Names, "City State" patrol/defense crusiers
(you''ll see)
Florance
Ithica (Note Ithica was the ship that Admiral Deerborn commands, and Vastrklan was original on)
Athens
Sparta
Alexandria
Constantinople
All city states are Miranda varients

Orion Freetrade/Privateer Vessels
USS Hefner (Excellsior class, converted into Gambling/Hospitality ship.)
Coutl <Ka'tell>: Klingon Bird of Prey, with a "Feathered Serpent" motif.


just so no one claims I got the Spartan for you, don't worry "Sparta" has a very honerable demise in that fic...

[weemadando]

Ah, the second last chapter.

I hope to have the last one out in time for the close of GSDA nominations.

And remember, the beginning is the middle is the end.

And another good one to remember: When preparing for revenge, always dig two graves.