Dawn of War (Imps/Rebs)

((OOC: Seeing as we can't get a hold of Dal, I'm pushing ahead with the NR's push for Coruscant.))

Denon Staging Area; First Fleet Flagship, Home One.

It never got any easier. The tightness in his chest never lessened when he stood on the cusp of battle. They lived or died on the words that he spoke, the orders he gave. The men and women of the infant New Republic depended upon him, trusted him as they had always done since they first took up arms against the tyrannical Empire. After all this time, he still had his doubts about whether that trust was misplaced.

Gial Ackbar, Admiral and Supreme Commander of the New Republic, was afriad. This wasn't the same as hitting supply convoys or darting into a battle with an unprepared enemy and then pulling out again. Those were the tactics he had employed as Admiral of the Rebellion, keep them off balance, make them unsure where to tread...but this? They were entrenched, they were ready and they were waiting for him to make his move, to lunge for the jugular like a nashtah- to bring the fight to Coruscant.

So much planning and months of preparation and still he felt unsure but they oculd never know that, he'd lead them with the same boldness as he had always done and do his job just as his men would.

The warships moved outside the viewport in his quarters, arranging themselves into task forces and formations in preparation for the eventual jump into the fray. It was almost peaceful, like watching the fish of his homeworld dance and dart through the oceans that were only held at bay by a few centimeters of plexiglass.

The com on his desk buzzed and brought him back into the room and a semi-finned red scaled hand reached out and connected the call. "Yes?"

"All ships are in formation and at battle stations Admiral, they await your orders."

And so it began..

"It's the waiting that gets you," Lt. Keya began, "I mean, you're at peace and it's just guard duty -- whopee. You're in battle and you're caught in the moment. Targets, friendlies, or objectives are just that. You tend to turn everything into an object." he looked to his squad mates, all gathered on and around a few supply crates on the MonCal ship, and saw they all more or less knew what he meant.

"This waiting, though... it gets in your head if you're not careful and will just erode at your will and your determination." he spoke with such foreshadowing that a few of the others seemed nearly afraid of the notion, then the good Lieutenant spoke up with "So I'd better not see any of you moping around hoping we don't explode! If you have to shine your armour until the Stormies can see their reflections in your helmet, do so!" he grinned at them all and they shared a laugh. Then a voice crackled over the intercomm system.

"Prepare for launch. ETA on Thyferra is approximately fifteen minutes."


The hyperspace lanes all looked the same. It was a little wonder that always either fascinated or bored Commander Jas Zarren depending on his mood. After far too many discussions with every leader of every captain, flight commander, or ground troop that existed on this assault, they had devised a reasonable plan of action.

The naval force was to, of course, slam against the Imperial defense like a bull rancor in rutting season. Starfighters would try to catch the Star Destroyers unawares and take out as many gun emplacements as possible and bail out of that attack as soon as either TIEs rallied or the ISDs began to fight back. From there, the battle would commence in such a way that attention was drawn to the space battle and divert attention from the bacta facilities on the world.

Though the majority of the plan was kept hush-hush among the SpecOps soldiers, Zarren understood that the distraction would allow a cleaning of house on the planet surface, eliminating the Imperial control of the bacta facilities with as minimal destruction of equipment as possible.

Once the Imperial force was reduced to around thirty percent of its power, the signal would be sent out to Yag'Dhul for the captured Star Destroyers to engage the assault. They would use their superior firepower to quickly dispatch of the remainder of the Imperial ships and if any reinforcements were called for from nearby Fondor, they would not be as great of a threat as if the RSDs were called in from the beginning. All in all it seemed like a sound plan, but Zarren liked to keep his options open. Always have a contingency and never be afraid to improvise. Things could take an odd turn and next thing you know Commander Jas is standing up and trying to gesticulate to where he wants people to go instead of talking. He got into it like that.

Imperial Palace

The reorganisation of the Empire's coreward territories with the unexpected deaths of most of the warlords at a meeting on Imperial Center (OOC Note: Will be written out in full later.) was not yet completed when reports began to filter through the Commodore's office from informants in the covert merchant marines. Technically businessmen and freight transporters, they were noted as neutral by the Empire and flew no Imperial colours. Nonetheless, they were forthcoming in information if they saw anything in their travels to their fellow colleagues, who would inform the companies, who would in turn inform Intelligence for a tax refund.

It was, ironically, espionage on the cheap.

The words on the grapevine today was the military buildup on Yag'dhul and Denon. Mon Calamari cruisers, frigates and modernised dreadnaughts, corvettes and plenty of starfighters. How did they know? Apparently the space available to pick up and drop off freight had been reduced in preparation for their arrivals. Some had even arrived. Rumours of captured Star Destroyers were also on the news but that remained unconfirmed.

"It is clear from the reports, that the Rebels are amassing for a major operation."

Several of the compliant former warlords had been accepted into the inner circle that formed the High Command. The others had been returned to their bases of power to reorganize their command into a coherent defensive strategy based on commands from said High Command. In the end, however, it was the Commodore who issued the orders of policy.

"The question is if they will strike at two targets, one or many."

The galactic map of the core worlds, the colonies and the inner rim appeared with several hyperspace routes known highlighted for their stability, capacity and brevity. Several key planets were marked as potential targets. A single route was maked as the most direct path to Imperial Centre.

"It is about time. Inform the garissons on Thyferra, Bestine, Kelada, Chasin and Exodeen to prepare a withdrawal. Alert our forces on Fondor, Corellia and Kuat, inform them to prepare for an invasion and to expect our forces who withdraw from the front lines to be incorporated into their defences. Have a rapid response task force ready to drive out the rebel forces here at Imperial Center. We will be able to strike after they leave for their second and third objectives. Cut off their supply lines and retreat."

The new admiralty nodded in acceptance to the overall policy of the reaction to this new stage in the war. Retreat with minimal losses to key strongholds, retake the conquered worlds before the Rebels would have a chance to entrench themselves, cutting off their supply lines and lines of retreat.

Now, the question was...where they would strike first.

The bridge air was palpable, tensions and anticipations were high. They all knew the net few days would put them on the front lines of the toughest battles they had ever faced. Ackbar took his seat in the middle of the circular, brightly lit bridge and surveyed his fellow Mon Calamari and then let his bulbous eyes flit over the gathered war ships on either side of the Mon Calamari 80 Star Cruiser. They had brought with them all that they could spare on this push, the final push, for Coruscant. Two MC80A Star Cruisers flanked Home One left and right and ahead two more MC80B Cruisers. Covering the rear of the fleet were the smaller more nimble Assault Frigate MK II, numbering five in total. In amongst the space behemoths were a dozen corvettes of Corellian design, some were tasked with fighter screening while others were of the gunship variety.

"All ships prepare to jump!" His voice boomed throughout the fleet. "Synchronize on me!" He turned to his helmsman and gave a nod and they were flung headlong past light speed, the stars becoming trails that stretched to infinity and all too soon they had arrived at their destination; Chasin.

"Sensors!" Ackbar commanded.

"Clear waters, Admiral." The Dac native responded.

"Comms, get me the Chasin government." It was too easy and if he had learned one thing from the Empire it was that easy usually meant a trap.

"Prime Minister Rennol, sir." With that the blue form of a stick thin grey haired man in impeccable dress materialized in a blue hue.

"Admiral, you have no idea how glad we are to see you. When the Imperials began to pull out we weren't sure if something terrible was occurring."

"When did they begin to withdraw Prime Minister?" Ackbars bulbous eyes did not look at the hologram but through him, his mind working out the details trying to envision the Imperial plan.

"Less than an hour ago, Admiral."

"Thank you Prime Minister, a fleet will be along shortly to maintain this sector. If you require help on the ground they will he happy to assist you." The hologram faded and Gial took a moment to consider the information. If he were to hazard a guess, they would be reinforcing key worlds; Kuat, Fondor and Corellia as well as the richer more influential ones. That would only make their fight harder from here on out.

"They're falling out, sir. The Imperial defense appears to have made an emergency evac and the last of their ships are already peeling out for Fondor." one of the other officers informed Zarren as the fleet dumped out from hyperspace. Jas stared at the small herd of corvettes being rear guarded by one or two Star Destroyers.

"There's no use chasing them right now. We'd exhaust fuel and ammunition long before any of the Imps took damage," the Commander stared hard-faced at the Imperial ships before the last ISD disappeared into hyperspace, "Inform Trition Fleet of our current situation, and send in two of our SpecOps divisions to secure the bacta facilities. I don't like how easy this was, and none of you should be so quick to celebrate." Jas then stood and turned around to look at the tactical map they had laid out. He stared at it for quite awhile then turned to look back at the planet from the bridge of his MonCal ship.

"I wonder if... no, that's crazy..." he muttered. The thought had crossed his mind that the Imperial fleet might be trying to flank them and catch them unawares, but that shouldn't happen. They would be too busy trying to defend their shipyard... right?

He turned to the officer who informed him of the Imperial retreat.

"Send out a squadron of A-Wings to scout the area behind us. If they pick up a baby mynock on their scanners, I want to know about it. Understood?" the mix of panic and suspicion in his voice would be worrisome if it wasn't such a common occurrence with the Ever-Eccentric Commander Jas Zarren. Since it was Commander Zarren, though, the officer nodded and went to relay the Commander's orders.

Something deep in Jas' gut told him this was not going to be as easy as everyone first thought, even with three MC80-Bs, two MC80-As, about five frigates, and around a dozen corvettes (not including Trition Fleet and Tachikaze) on their side.

Anaxes

It was almost as if they had won the war. Four Executor class Star Dreadnoughts dominated the orbital docks in parade formation. Dozens of Star Destroyers amassed around the mighty warship. Hundreds of lesser vessels swarmed the behemoths like symbiotic parasites and thousands of starfighters in turn seemingly buzzed around the armada.

The enhanced Azure Hammer Command, the shield and the sword of Oversector Zero. The citizens of Anaxes and throughout Imperial space was shown the might and dedication of their newest Warlord of the Empire, represented at Anaxes by a squad of Masked, helmeted armed men in black trench coats, armed with assault weapons and bearing a black breast plate as their only visible protections. They flanked a grand holographic projector.

The Commodore himself appeared before the people in holographic call from the Imperial Palace. Standing besides an empty throne of the Emperor. Dressed in a black officer's tunic with no rank indicators. His short black hair and clean shaven features gave him a youthful look. It appeared he and his men were dressed for a funeral. Eternally in mourning.

"Citizens of the Empire. I am your Empire's Warlord, as appointed by the great majority of Moffs and Regional commanders of the Galactuc Empire. The time for senseless bickering and selfish power mongering has passed. We have a duty to our people and to our Empire to fulfil. We have an obligation to the grand vision of the future that our late Emperor Palpatine left us with. We shall see his vision through. We shall fulfil what he alone could not. His death is a sin upon all of us citizens of the Galaxy. This day, we commence our counter attack. This day, we begin our repentance for our sin. This day, we shall commence with the destruction of separatists and anarchists who seek to undo the sacrifice of millions who helped make the Galaxy a peaceful place. Those warmongers who seek, for their personal gain and power, to embroil our Galaxy in flames.

In the name of the Emperor. In the name of the Empire!"

Anaxes Orbit

"Fleet Admiral Zurzak, the final reports are in."

A tall man with beautiful golden hair and pristine crystal blue orbs for eyes returned the salute of his first officer aboard the Imperial mark II class Star Destroyer, Disintegrator. Their forces were breaking away from the primary parade to head towards Corellia while a separate force composed of the damaged Executor class Star Dreadnought Guardian and the Executor class Star Dreadnought Auctoritas peeling off towards Kuat, where a third Executor class Star Dreadnought, the Razor's Kiss was under construction. About two dozen Imperial mark II class Star Destroyers would follow the wounded leviathan and her charge to the defences of Kuat. Anaxes would remain defended by the majority of Azure Hammer command, over four dozen Star Destroyers including the Executor class Star Dreadnought Whelm.

Zurzak on the other hand, would lead a much smaller force. Not to reinforce Corellia, which had its own fair share of Star Destroyers already for her defences. But instead would lead the charge against Chasin and then later on to Thyferra. To re-establish the supply lines with Fondor.

Before him was a holographic image of Moff Xarm of Fondor, Fleet Admiral Kohvun of Corellia, "The Commodore" the Empire's Warlord, Admiral Kiez of the Whelm and Fleet Admiral Abrielle of the Auctoritas.

"Your primary objective, Admiral Zurzak, will be to relieve the planets of Chasin and Thyferra of their Rebel upstarts. In case the Rebels strike for Fondor and Corellia before your arrival, you are to make all speed to reinforce the Fondor lines and return with their armada. The Fondor Shipyards are to be decomissioned. Moff Xarm, you will be transported to Sector Zero for the duration of your temporary exile and your fleet will merge under Admiral Zurzak's command to strike at Yag'dhul and Denon.

Admiral Kiez, Admiral Abrielle, you are to hold the line at Anaxes and Kuat respectively. Admiral Kohvun, the same goes for your fleet at Corellia. I am sending a further twenty four Imperial Star Destroyers to reinforce Corellia. If you believe you cannot hold the line, you are to retreat to Anaxes and regroup with Admiral Kiez. If the Rebels do not show, you are to nonetheless abandon your posts and allow the Rebels to take the decomissioned Corellian shipyards. Admiral Zurzak, once you reach Thyferra, you are to destroy their bacta supplies and plantations. If you deem it necessary, I authorise the Order of Base Delta Zero."

The officers coughed in surprise to the command. True, it would be better than letting the Rebels have the resource...but Thyferra was one of the few sources of Bacta. The loss would hit the Imperial armed forces faster.

"If you deem it necessary. Admiral Zurzak. I leave it to your discretion. The responsibility will be mine."

Zurzak nodded as he himself reported to the war council.

"Our TIE Scouts have identified over Chasin and Thyferra aproximately a half dozen Mon Calamari cruisers, similar number of heavy cruisers and a dozen or so picket ships per planet. To this end, I intend to bring with me a full dozen Star Destroyers, an equal number of Vindicator Heavy Cruisers, and two dozen Lancer Frigates. I will take command of half of this force while my second in command, Vice Admiral Opernstein shall command the remaining half to defend Chasin. Nonetheless, we must pass through Chasin if we are to head to Thyferra. It will be overkill but we will force our way through the Rebel flotilla there."

The other officers and the Moff nodded in approval. The plan thus far was sound. They saluted Zurzak and wished him a good voyage. The armada of a dozen ISDIIs, a dozen Vindicator Heavy Cruisers, and two dozen Lancer Frigates entered hyperspace, headed for Chasin, via Corellia.

Flabbergasted, that was perhaps the only word to describe the feeling on Home One as they watched the live stream from Anaxes. Ackbar wasn't paying attention to the words but the ships in the background, the close ups of the mighty Star Dreadnoughts and Imperial II Star Destroyers. Too many to handle and they had effectively placed themselves in the path of that war machine.

"Com's officer," Ackbar said, coming to life. "Inform the 2nd Fleet to make ready for our arrival, Task Force Shield is to make its way to us at Thyferra." He glanced over the world spinning lazily before them. Liberated for less than an hour and already lost, such was war.

"I want Commander Antilles on the line," He ordered and after a few minutes wait, with the new orders directed toward the fleet in the mean time, Wedge Antilles commander of the New Republic 3rd Fleet materialized.

"Admiral," He began, not quite at attention. "We are prepared for our strike at Commenor, as planned."

"Excellent and the Wraiths?" The Mon Calamari inquired.

"Already launched sir, they should have already arrived in the Kuat system."

"It seems our Imperial friends are making a show of this offensive, they will hit hard Commander and I find myself in the unfortunate position of being where the hammer stroke will fall hardest."

"I assume you have a plan?" Wedge asked with a quizzical brow raise and if Mon Calamari were equipped to give a coy smile Ackbar would have.

"There's a reason you have our Bulwark Mark III's, Antilles." Was all Ackbar said and Wedge flashed that smile that seemed so synonymous with his home world. "Don't be late and good hunting."

"Likewise." And the hologram faded.

"Update?"

"The fleet reports hyperspace coordinates locked in and ready to jump."

"This is not a defeat," Ackbar reminded them. "We will return, if I have to wade through the broken husks of a thousand Star Destroyers I will see liberty restored to the Galaxy!" It was a rousing sentiment but whether Gial believed it or not was inconsequential, he needed them to believe it if they were ever going to succeed.

The fleet shot into hyperspace, their destination Thyferra where defeat would spell the end for the New Republic and victory would finally wash away the lingering fear that Palpatines regime had left in the hearts of the people.

"Sir, we've just received a transmission from Home One Fleet," piped up one of the communications officers, "they're on their way here in reaction to an exceptionally large retaliatory Imperial force." the entire bridge seemed to gain an eerie silence as those words floated about like lingering cigarra smoke. Commander Zarren stared out at the setting sun over this side of Thyferra. The sprawling lights with the eclipse of the planet over the system's star, overlapped by the long-coated figure that was Zarren's usual garb would have made quite the dramatic scene, and did, considering this news.

"Signal Tachikaze to come in and scan the area for any sort of spy or scout. Also tell Squadron Epsilon-Delta to spread out their patrol to cover the most ground. I can't shake the feeling that there's a spy around here somewhere..." Jas murmured the last sentence mostly to himself as he continued to watch space drift before him. To his right, the shining I-Class Star Destroyer slid out of hyperspace like a massive dagger and began a patrol route, searching for anything the Imperials could use to track their movements. An occasional bolt of green energy would be shot out of the SD's laser batteries at a suspicious satellite or at a stray TIE Fighter that couldn't make it to the evacuation party in time. The A-Wings surged as tiny flecks in comparison to the drifting wedge, looking more like stray debris than starfighters until you saw their engines blazing in their wake.

"This whole situation has a gravity to it that exists without description," Jas said aloud to nobody in particular, "It's a feeling... like if we fail here, there will be no hope left for the Republic..." he continued watching the Republic Star Destroyer (which had been painted with the signature red markings of the Rebellion and Republic), with that tingling sensation all over that he always got whenever he laid eyes upon these machinations of pure destruction. His heart sank when he thought of the Super Star Destroyers that the Empire possessed, possibly twenty times larger than any Star Destroyer and he didn't even want to know how much more powerful they were. Jas nearly wondered why they needed to invest in the Death Star with that kind of firepower.

His musings were pushed aside when Home One Fleet appeared out of hyperspace. Despite the galaxy-changing crossroads everyone was in, Commander Zarren couldn't help but smile and hail the Home One.

"Good to see you again, Ackbar. It's a shame we can't ever meet on good circumstances." the man said, which was actually true. Any time Ackbar and Zarren met it was when fighting the Empire. They never met up just to say "Hey".

Behind him, one of the Spec-Ops representatives ran up calling out "Sir, Commander Zarren!" and the Commander turned to face him. Before Jas could even acknowledge the soldier, he began rattling off the report.

"We found several Golan III platforms and sent divisions to investigate. They were abandoned when the Empire evacuated and I was sent to request permission to take engineers and operators to man the Golans in defense of Thyferra." the soldier took a breath, finally, after this long statement. Jas' eyes gleamed dangerously at the thought of having Golan IIIs on their side, and nodded permission to the soldier, who gave a courteous nod of thanks and ran off to collect the necessary crew for about four or five Golan IIIs drifting through Thyferran space.

Kuat Drive Yards

The common workers and foremen on the docks of the Kuat Drive Yards were slightly confused. They had sent the Executor class Star Dreadnought under construction to Anaxes and had been told to expect two to come back for much needed repairs under an escort of a third Star Dreadnought. None had arrived as far as anyone could tell...but the KDY brass were sending massive ammounts of resources away from the primary docks to isolated drydocks near the primary moon.

Presumably, no one had noticed three massive warships exiting hyperspace in system and they had already moved into the secluded docks. But rumours abound of the dissappearance of the skeleton crew that had gone with the Razor's Kiss, how they had not returned to their posts and even more of the men in the Razor's Kiss project receiving extended paid leave. Rumours spread, theories were offered. Some said that the Empire had abandoned Kuat to the Rebel advances. Others claimed that the Star Dreadnoughts were being completed elsewhere closeby, waiting for the Rebels to strike at Kuat to trap them behind three operational Executors. Another such theory indicated a simple take on the situation and claimed the dry docks were keeping the security of the two wounded space behemoths at a premium.

The uncertainty was killing the lower ranks of Kuati society. It was even worse for those who knew what was going on. They knew the Empire had abandoned them their defences in terms of the Razor's Kiss. But in return, they had been comissioned a further dozen Star Destroyers to make it look like the construction and the repairs were underway in ernest. These Star Destroyers had been comissioned for Kuati defence. It would be too late for them if the Rebels attacked now, calling the Imperial bluff. Even if they had adequate defences comparable to Fondor and Corellia...even comparable to half of Anaxes...if the Rebels really wanted the Shipyards...they would find in the dry docks...not a pair of Executors...but a dozen unfinished Star Destroyers.

If word got out...Rebel saboteurs would be crawling inside the Kuati yards like ants to a picknik.

Corellia

"Admiral Kohvun, have you lost your mind?! Decomission the Corellian Engineering Corps? Relocate or destroy our shipyards?"

The Admiral's grey moustache bristled at the insubordination from a civilian no less, before he calmed himself and waited for the CEO to have his say. Five minutes in, hearing about the prestige and the history of the CEC and the reasons why he should not blow them to smithereens, had the Fleet Admiral wishing he had not indulged his patience. Raising his hand, palm towards the CEO in a manner demanding silence, the civilian shut up finally and the rest of his board members prepared for the inevitable.

"The CEC has for years supplied us and the civilian population of the Galaxy with finely made vessels. Imperial Intelligence is aware of your Rebel leanings as well. The Commodore is concerned that...should we go on to liberate the Rebel held territories in the Galactic South, you will use our attention being elsewhere to manufacture and distribute military grade warships to the Rebellion or civilian vessels with military upgrades to the Rebellion to keep the civil war going."

"Your Commodore is ordering an Admiral around? Ridiculous. More importantly, he is a paranoid imbecile who cannot tell friend from foe!"

A single shake of Kohvun's head shut the CEO and the now quite vocal board members.

"The Commodore is a code name given to him due to his extensive infiltration of Naval ranks in his duties to the Empire. It is not a rank denoting his accomplishments. The Commodore's current rank is Warlord of the Empire, issued to him by decree of the interim Moff Council. His authority is justified. You may cooperate and we can relocate you elsewhere, away from the frontlines, or you may resist and be arrested for treason against the Empire."

The CEO looked bitter as he looked around his room. The holographic image did not hide the fact that he was being pushed into a corner, fast. With a sigh, he looked up and stared at the Fleet Admiral's image with murder in his eyes.

"The Corellian Engineering Corps hereby delcare their intention to fight the Empire for the preservation of our good enterprise."

Fleet Admiral Kohvun sighed as he looked to the twenty odd warships headed his way. The CEC had expected this and had made preparations. Normally the twenty odd vessels would have outmatched his six Star Destroyer task force. Unfortunately for both parties, however, the Commodore had sent over twenty four more...arriving just about...

The sudden news that an armada of twenty four new Star Destroyers exiting hyperspace around the Fleet Admiral's task force made the CEC CEO pale even in the holo transmission. Before the signal jammers came into effect, Admiral Kohvun signalled the Moff and the Diktat, to declare martial law on the planet Corellia.

In this small window, the CEC CEO also sent out a static filled transmission on the open channel. An emergency distress signal to all who would listen. Corellia was in open revolt, the Empire was coming to crush them.

Chasin

"Prime minister. So nice of you to join me."

Fleet Admiral Zurzak towered over the political animal that looked as scared as a Nerf before a Rancor. The reconquest of Chasin itself was not much of an issue. They had bypassed Corellia, in favour of making all speed to the recently lost planet. Most of the evacuated Imperial forces were returning in force. Naturally the easy surrender of Chasin was not the Prime Minister's fault, it was an Imperial decision based on galactic strategic values. Zurzak almost felt sorry for the creature.

Almost.

"Tell me, Prime Minister, did you not go into hiding and prepare for resistance against the Rebel forces?"

"Ye..um...no...ah...well...you see..."

Zurzak would have been lying if he said he did not enjoy this scene. Here. A coward. Show before the rest of the planet, and by extension, the rest of the Galaxy through the Imperial fleet's relay...stood a man who had been abandoned by the Empire and had surrendered without afterthought.

"Surely a man of your abilities had made proper preparations for your defence minister to organise a planetary resistance to separatist invaders, if not to actively oppose the Rebels, at least wait for the day when Imperial relief forces would arrive...just as we did here?"

Zurzak was grilling the Prime Minister in public. Everyone knew that there had been no resistance and the Chasin had done nothing to prepare for when the Imperials left them. They had been caught unprepared. Zurzak walked around to the back of the Prime Minister, drew his pistol and in front of the podium that was meant to welcome the Imperials back to Chasin, shot the poor man with a clean shot at the back of his head.

"Let this be a lesson to all planets. Rebel collaborators and traitors. Separatists and Terrorists. This is the fate that befalls you all. Chasin could have resisted. But they did not. The Prime Ministers has paid the price for his cowardice and his people now suffer for his treason. Chasin is under Martial Law until such time that their government understands the importance of being Imperial. Every planet that has joined the Rebellion. You may yet redeem yourself. Resist the Rebel occupation. Return to our fold. You will be rewarded and your neighbours who willingly cooperate with these secessionist rebels will be punished. Chasin did not. Would not.

By decree of the Warlord of the Empire, I hereby declare Vice Admiral Opernstein, my second in command, as Acting Moff of Chasin and its nearby systems. Chasin will henceforth no longer have an independent government to rule their affairs. They have proven themselves to be incapable of self-rule!"

The transmission ended. Chasin was reconquered. As punishment for treason, the population of Chasin was to be decimated. One in ten citizens were to be carted off for penal labour in unknown destinations. A further decimation was promised if insurrection would arise from the harsh sentence. Within the hour, Admiral Zurzak's fleet of six Imperial mark II class Star Destroyers, six Vindicator cruisers and twelve Lancer Frigates signalled Fondor to prepare for the counter attack, and jumped into hyperspace towards Thyferra.

It was far from the most auspicious start to their campaign but as in life, war is anything but predictable. It was the right call, Ackbar reminded himself as he gazed out at the star trails of lightspeed, Chasin would have to stand alone for just a little longer although what repercussions would befall its civilian government for embracing the fleeting liberation so readily wasn't something he wished to consider.

"Reverting to sublight." The helmsman announced and then they beheld the Second Fleet, in defensive positions around Thyferra. It was perhaps the most strategically significant planet in the Colonies, Shipyards aside, with its vast bacta facilities it would be a boon to any force that held it. Could they hold it, that was the question and just how far would their enemy go to ensure that The Republic would not make use of its crucial bacta?

"Incoming hail from the Freedoms Lance." His coms-officer reported as the fleet began to move further toward the planet, its fighter craft spilling from the bellies of the Capital ships to join the Second Fleets in patrolling the system.

"Very well." Gial acknowledged and the voice of Commander Zarren rung clearly across the bridge.

"Thyferra appears to be on stable ground, so to speak. Two teams have been dispatched to secure the Bacta production facilities, and four Golan-III platforms have been secured in the area. The Star Destroyer Tachikaze has been sent into a defensive patrol route to eliminate any residual Imperial presence." he paused in his report, then moved to a different topic of it.

"Upon arrival, the Imperial force was in the middle of retreat. I'm sure there is an ulterior motive at play here." with that his brief report was finished, and he awaited a response while looking over the strategic map.

Ackbar took a deep, almost strained to human ears, breath and shifted his weight so he was leaning upon the right armrest of his chair. He studied the vessels arranged before him, the pieces in this grand game of dejarik. The Golan III's would serve as the final line of defense if they failed to hold the Imperials. The question still remained about how they could hold, if the footage he saw was any indication they had a galaxy of hurt coming their way at light speed.

"Commander, we need those Golans operational. Use as many men as you need, it is of the highest priority."

"Understood Admiral, I'll dispatch  another team for each platform." Ackbar nodded in response and looked over the planetary layout on a monitor set beside his chair. The bacta facilities of the planet were vast but concentrated. If the Empire broke through their lines, there would be nothing to stop them from obliterating the vital bacta.

They would need to arrange the forces they had in defensive formations, with the aid of the Golan platforms they could at the very least station fewer ships near them, while the bulk of their forces could be arranged near the likely entry points that the Imperials might take.

It was the best strategy they could hope for, with the fleet and the golans it would be left to the planetary shield to hold off what remained of the Imperial armada.

"Contact the Thyferra government, make them aware of the situation and advise them to raise the planetary shields once our ground forces arrive. If they have any population near or in the bacta facilities then inform them to evacuate immediately. The brunt of the attack will be focused there." Ackbar ordered and his coms officer dutifully relayed the message.

They ships moved under his direction, the two fleets breaking off into task forces. There would be three in all with small groups of rigates and corvettes along with two wings of fighters to support the Golans. Now all they could do was wait.

New Republic Third Fleet; On route to Commenor

The fleet had been in transit from Zeltros for half an hour, the Bulwark Mk III battlecruiser Justice served as Commander Antilles flagship. The rest of the fleet followed behind consisting of another Bulwark, four Mon Calamari Cruisers, six Liberator Cruisers and a slew of smaller frigates and corvettes. It was the strong arm of the Republic assault on the Colonies and it was his job to take on the more well defended worlds such as Kuat, Rendili and Commenor. It wasn't a task he relished although the odds of survival were slightly higher than if he were out in the thick of it with a fighter squadron.

Still, orders were orders.

"Reversion to real space in ten seconds."  

The corridor of hyperspace collapsed around them and Commenor awaited.

Vice Admiral Opernstein slammed his fists aginst the conference table in the hotel he had commandeered to be his Command Headquarters on Chasin. Before him was the unchanging features of the Commodore and Moff Xarm of Fondor.

"Damn it all Moff Xarm! These are Imperial lives at stake resting on you to act in accordance to the Commodore's wishes! Fleet Admiral Zurzak is heading to Thyferra where we have reason to believe the Rebel forces retreated to. Two rebel planetary invasion fleets are converged over that strategic gold mine and we only have one such force headed now instead of four that we had originally planned."

Moff Xarm waved a hand of dismissal and before he cut off his lines, he simply looked to the pair and spoke damning words of treason.

"I am sure the Commodore can do without my fleet, since he was so sincere about cutting off the entire planet for lost."

Opernstein couldn't believe it as he looked back up stifling a curse to face his Warlord.

"There is no way to warn the Admiral, Commodore. he is in hyperspace. He is walking into an ambush outnumbered three to one, two to one in terms of actual combat capabilities."

Smaller images on datapads flickered between various TIE scout footages from Thyferra. The Rebels had downed a fair few such vessels and driven off a score more but the images that they transmitted back were as damning as hell. Some of the vague shapes even resembled Star Destroyers and CC-7700s. The former evened the odds too much in the Rebels' favour and the latter would bind Zurzak's fleet until destroyed.

"We will just have to trust Zurzak's instincts, Vice Admiral. Though I would recommend you consider your options. Do not consider yourself above or below the option of retreat if the tactical situation demands. But this time, make sure you take everything from the Chasin before you leave."

Opernstein was well aware of the Commodore's fury at the previous commander here on Chasin. That man had made the mistake to believe a retreat in the Commodore's eyes meant a tactical retreat for all military personnel. The poor man's summary execution by the Commodore's own men, had been followed by the order than when a retreat was to be made into effect, every planet habitable was to be stripped of its food, supplies, commodities and anything of value that could be uprooted in the time given. What couldn't be taken, with the exception to living sentient beings was to be burned.

Scorched Earth. If the Rebels indeed had any notion of being a good government, they would be forced to share their war supplies to the planets they conquer. The Empire was not built on justice to individuals, but justice to the greater whole. They could survive any propaganda the Rebels could throw at them concerning the poor starving masses deprived of their livelihood. The Rebels could not.

"Understood my Warlord. The Chasin will be starved within a week."

Commenor

Commander Geherin Zenos of the Commenorian defence fleet had taken up his post aboard the flagship, a Carrack class cruiser named the Hero of Troiken for his shift, when several warning signals declared the reversion into real space of a Rebel fleet. The young Duke cursed under his breath as his long in the making plans to rid his world of the Empire was met now with invasion from Rebels. His efforts on the ground, in politics and here in space these past months, the forgotten war for Commenor that had been waged more in the shadows of the Imperial Palace and the canyons of Commenor's mountains for the first time in decades brought peace of mind to his people and in due fashion, like carrions, the Rebels limped in after the fight had been settled to take their choice of prize.

"Always the same with power hungry politicians. Never wants to bloody their noses or dirty their hands, but always knows when to come in expecting to be paid in riches and girls for their protection fee. Criminals and outlaws. All of them!"

The young Duke Geherin had not bled with his people in the streets of Commenor's cities. Had not toiled with his men in the orbital docks of the planet's spaceports. Had not given up his lordly titles and refused his peoples' wish to declare him their Grant Duke and Lord of Commenor, only for a bunch of opportunistic and patronising do-gooders to come in and expect to be hailed as liberators. Commenor for the Commenorians! That was their motto, and while Geherin hardly expected everyone of his fellow people to believe as whole heartedly as he believed in this mantra, the men and women who fought with him in this silent war definitely did and their views had to be heard.

"Open a channel, Mr. Phillip. Lets see if these barbaric brigands can talk like we civilized folks."

Standing from his command chair, Geherin straightened his Commander's uniform, combed back his silvery grey hair with his fingers and walked confidently over to the holo pad where the camera could show his image to whatever Pirate Lord lead these cut throats into Commenorian space.

"This is Commander Geherin Zenos of the Commenorian Defence Forces aboard the Carrack class Cruiser Hero of Troiken hailing unidentified Rebel vessels. In the name of Commenor, delcare your intentions. But mind what you say, it took us twenty years to get rid of the Imperials. The men and women of Commenor will gladly take another twenty years to be rid of your yoke as well if you plan to rule us like the central government had done these past twenty thousand years."

"Commander, we have a small fleet in defensive positions around Commenor. They aren't squawking Imperial FoF signatures." The sensor officer informed.

"Holo-Transmission incoming from Commander Geherin Zenos of the Commenorian Defense Force." The Comms station added.

Wedge knew from the beginning that he would have to use words instead of ships to secure victory in this campaign but that still didn't quiet the squirming worms in his gut. It was a job for the diplomatic corps, unfortunately they were stretched just as thin on that front as they were military.

"Put it through." Antilles commanded as he took up his position on the corresponding holo-pad set just before his chair.

The projector cast a blue light into the receiving pad and the life size image of Commander Zenos appeared. The man waved all cordiality and proceeded with an impassioned speech that Wedge had no choice but to listen to. When he had quieted the Corellian cleared his throat.

"Commander Wedge Antilles, Republic 3rd Fleet. My intentions are simple; Drive the Imperials from the Colonies and the Core. We didn't come here as conquerors Commander, if you have no Imperial presence here and require no assistance maintaining your anonymity then we will not force ourselves upon you. Democracy by force is no democracy at all, wouldn't you agree?" Wedge responded and it occurred to him that they were both military men, that perhaps having seen the things they had seen-that no diplomat ever could-he could potentially broker an agreement, even a temporary one without any bloodshed.

"The issue, as you are no doubt already aware, is that Commenor is a gateway to the Colonies and the Core. You may have ousted the Empire but other worlds haven't or can't. We need to keep this avenue open, if you would at least allow us passage through your space that would be sufficient." The next observation could come across as an insult to an obviously proud man but it had to be done.

"And I'm afraid that with things as they are now your Fleet won't hold against the forces the Empire has set against us. I understand that you do not wish to trade one master for another and I give you my word that when this is finished you are under no obligation to join the New Republic but consider the military aspects; The Empire will come for Commenor. We can't wage our campaign if our supply routes from the rest of the Galaxy are cut off. I have warships capable of helping you defend against a possible retaliatory attack. The long and short of it Commander is that we both stand to gain from a temporary agreement." He'd said all he could in the only way he'd known how, those were the facts on the ground and now it fell to Zenos to decide the next move.

(OOC: Placeholder post for when Sal gets around to editing his post to include Thyferra section.)