Writer's notes: This will end Book One. I'm going to start Book Two off on Tatooine.
I wanted to show a bit of what Bastila could do with her Battle Meditation. This chapter is mostly action, but I'll get back to character development later. Again...a little BSG meets KOTOR.
The Queen's Gambit – Part II
Perimeter of the Sith Fleet – Day Two - 0205Z
In the cockpit of his starfighter, Captain Onasi's heart skipped a beat. Carth's Sensor Warning Receiver went off again and he rolled his starfighter inverted, trying to defeat the new threat. Dumping chaff, he pulled back hard on his stick.
"Ghhhhhaaa…." he grunted as his vision grayed. A missile shot passed his wing and exploded in a shower of metal.
Carth shook his head to clear it, but he could not locate the enemy. "Lancer One, bogey dope." He knew that not knowing where you opponent was could be fatal and the pit in his stomach churned.
"Screwtop, threat Five O'clock!" came the call from the controller. The enemy was near and just about on his tail.
Carth looked about behind him to locate the Sith. "No joy," he called, indicating that he did not see the enemy. Then, there was an explosion that rattled his teeth.
"Two, tally ho bandit. Guns…guns…kill bandit on your tail, Carth," Aerin called after having shot the threat. Pieces of flaming debris bounced off of his starfighter.
The Captain jinked his starfighter left and right and saw the wreckage behind him. Lancers 2, 3, and 4 flew past him, rocking their wings. Carth was about to thank her, but a voice filled the comm link.
"Lancers, you are merged with the threat," warned SWACS urgently; they were now in a knife fight with a more maneuvrable enemy.
Carth jammed his throttle forward as he looked about for Sith. At 3 O'Clock, he spotted a Sith rolling in behind Lancer 13. "Three, break left!" he called as the Sith fired an IR missile. Lancer 13 popped flares, but the missile flew into the Republic craft's engine. Flames hungrily engulfed the starfighter, consuming it entirely.
There was no time to morn. Using his helmet mounted sight, Carth looked at the Sith and a red diamond appeared over the bandit. As the seeker head of his IR missile slewed to 3 O'Clock, a distinctive tone sounded.
Raaawrrr.
"Fox Two…." he called, firing an off boresight shot, 90 degrees off of his nose. The missile skidded to the right like wild pod racer and then rocketed into the Sith's engine. Turbine blades blew apart, shredding the enemy fighter in a ball of orange flame.
Then, the call he had been waiting for came.
"Shaka Flight, beginning our attack run now. Multiple targets." The attack squadrons had penetrated the Sith fighter defense.
Carth inhaled slowly; he had protected the attack craft as ordered. He had done his duty like always. The rest was up to Commander Tikal.
Before the Captain could pat himself on the back, the radio crackled. A desperate voice sounded.
"Lancer Two, Fox Two kill. I'm totally defensive, One V Five…."Carth snap turned toward Aerin, pushing his fighter to the limit. The craft whirled about, blurring his vision. As his eyes cleared, he focused in on his instruments. On his sensor display, he could see her spinning wildly, trying to evade five Sith fighters. Lancer 14 had been hit and severely damaged; he was out of the fight.
Aerin performed a wild barrel roll as laser bolts streaked by like falling rain. On instinct, she deployed her speed breaks and forward thrusters, dropping her speed to nearly zero velocity. Two Sith interceptors shot past her and she swung her target designator over one enemy. The seeker head of the missile emitted a low growl.
"Fox Two!" she yelled as an IR missile leapt forward. The Sith rolled and dropped flares, but he was too slow. The missile detonated just aft of the enemy, hurling fragments into its engines.
As the damaged Sith spun wildly, spewing plasma, Aerin pitched the nose of her starfighter upward. She thumbed the weapons selector and a green circle with a snakelike line appeared over the receding Sith.
"Guns…guns…." she cried as flashes of laser fire rippled over the enemy craft. Pieces of the fuselage tore away before the Sith fighter imploded.
Aerin quickly checked her HUD and her blood ran cold.
I'm alone and out of airspeed….Suddenly, thumping noises reverberated throughout the cockpit and her Master Caution light flashed angrily.
The cockpit voice howled, "Warning! Engine fire, right…. Fuel system leak…."
She instinctively shut down the right engine and initiated the fire suppression system. Desperately, she then rolled her crippled fighter and rammed the left throttle forward. Again, laser fire laced over her craft. Sparks flew through the cockpit and a sliver of metal sliced through her left arm, spraying blood. The injury did not even register as she looked around to try and find her attackers.
"Lancer One, Fox Two, guns…guns…." Carth's voice called out as three explosions erupted behind Aerin, lighting up the blackness of space.
Carth rolled away as debris flew from the shattered Sith fighters. He looked over to Aerin's limping bird. "It looks pretty bad. You're leaking plasma."
"My right engine is out, but I've doused the fire…fuel pressure is dropping steadily," she answered, trying to keep her voice calm.
Carth looked down at his fuel indicator and, on cue, the computer spoke, "Bingo fuel…bingo fuel…." They were going home.
Attack Squadron 6 – Tiger Flight – Day Two - 0211ZThe Zabrak Commander Tikal jinked his attack craft as turbolaser bolts streaked by, creating a wave of turbulence. The enemy ships were throwing up a fountain of fire, but Tikal was known for his nerve and he merely grit his teeth. Good job keeping those fighters off my back, Carth. He accelerated toward a carrier he identified as the Sword Of Naga Sadow. The Weapons Officer flipped several switches.
"The rocket is armed!"
Tik's HUD showed a red bar slowly growing smaller as the range decreased. The bar reached a hash mark and he knew they were at maximum launch range.
A turbolaser bolt sizzled by and the attack craft's shields flashed, bouncing them about. "Damn, that was close…. Tigers, keep pressing. I want maximum hits."
Tik continued to accelerate into the enemy ship, which was trying to put up a wall of laser fire to keep the Republic at bay. The bar kept growing smaller until they were within the heart of the launch envelope.
"Rocket away!"
A massive oblong cylinder fell away from the craft and shot toward the carrier. The rest of the Tigers followed suit, launching their weapons at other ships. Tik's rocket, which bore the title, 'Special delivery for Uncle Karath', slammed into the Sword Of Naga Sadow, burying itself deep in the hull.
In a millisecond, it detonated, tearing the guts out of the hapless Sith ship. Docked Sith interceptors tumbled into space amid bright orange flames.
"Yeeee hah!" shouted Tikal as he fought to pitch the nose of the craft up and away from the burning hulk. As he shot past the dying ship, a Sith gunner locked onto him. Tik's defensive systems screamed a warning, but it was too late.
Turbolaser fire seared the fuselage of the craft. "We're hit, we're hit…eject in three, t-"
Republic Warship Intrepid – Day Two - 0225ZAerin nursed her wounded fighter into the landing pattern and was given priority clearance. She struggled with the flight stick that felt heavy in her hands as plasma leaked from ruptures in the ship's skin. This is not good…this is not good, she thought over and over again as her gut churned with worry. Her Master Caution Panel was nearly all red and ion fuel was spewing into space.
Carth had escorted her the entire way, despite his own low fuel state. She gently turned the starfighter left, using thrusters and throttle management. "Lancer One Two, turning final."
She could see the open recovery bay and felt the tractor beam guiding her. However, her autopilot was out and she would have to land manually.
"Lancer One-Two, call the ball…." instructed the Landing Systems Officer.Aerin responded as her damaged instrument landing systems flickered. On her HUD, a ball with spikes flashed; she was too high and too fast. Then, the gauges for her left engine faded out, leaving a cold, dark instrument.
"Warning, fuel empty…. Warning, engine out, left…."Oh, boy…I'm a freaking spear now.
With sweat glistening on her face, she deployed forward thrusters and pitched the nose down. The mouth of the hangar came up quickly and Aerin's fighter slammed into the deck, skidding and shooting sparks across the bay. Out of control, the starfighter spun like a top and crunched into the far bulkhead, crumpling the ship like paper.
Steam and smoke encircled the starfighter amid the wail of sirens and klaxons. As fire and rescue units rushed up, Aerin popped the canopy. "I think I'm going to puke…."
A brave fireman charged up through the steam and sprayed the starfighter with foam. He then went up to the cockpit, where Aerin handed him her helmet. As she walked away, the fireman took the helmet, but something sloshed inside.
The poor fellow looked in. "Ugh…nasty!"
Carth was soon on the deck as well and back in the briefing room. He stood facing a monitor with the image of Admiral Dodonna on it. A look of grim satisfaction covered his face, his eyes clear and his jaw firmly set.
"That's excellent news, Admiral. We really stuck it to Malak and his minions."
The Admiral nodded. "Yes, it is, but don't get too excited yet. A number of Sith ships are still unaccounted for. Carth… also, Commander Tikal and your Mandalorian comrade have not returned."
Carth took a step back and sighed. He knew there would be losses, but he always hoped that it wouldn't be people that he knew. More lost souls…more faces to remember. Damn those Sith…damn them all to oblivion.
Admiral Dodonna then switched to the image of the burning Sith Fleet. Several carriers and numerous smaller vessels foundered as flames and plasma gushed forth. A smug grin appeared on Carth's face. Feeling warm, Saul? I hope so….
The image of the Admiral came back on the screen. Her blue eyes looked worried and he knew that the battle was not over. "Carth, I was just advised that elements of the Sith Fleet may be arriving shortly. How soon can you get your squadron back out?"
"I'm on my way."
Carth sprinted back toward his starfighter, which was being rearmed and refueled. Aerin and Ensign Hack Torus sat on a bench, swathed in steam. Aerin's arm was wrapped in bandages. "Pilots to your craft!" Carth yelled, waving his arms.
Aerin was given an empty cockpit and she grabbed a new helmet as she ran for her starfighter. Carth quickly climbed the ladder up the fuselage and jumped in. A crewman helped him to secure the safety harnesses and hook up the oxygen system. Hoses fell away from the starfighter as a klaxon sounded.
"Red alert…red alert…Sith attack imminent."
The canopy came down and sealed Carth in the starfighter with a hiss. He waved his hand around to clear the ground crew. Chief Becktor gave him a thumbs up and Carth called for launch clearance.
"Clear for launch!" the controller declared and Captain Onasi and his loyal band were hurled into space once more.As they cleared the launch tube, they switched frequencies to find the SWACS channel.
"Incoming Sith ships. Multiple targets on sensors. The carriers are launching bombers."
Carth keyed his mike. "Lancer Flight of fifteen checking in. Give me a vector to the enemy."
"Lancers, vector Two-Six-Five. Multiple targets at thirty kilometers."
Carth grit his teeth. He knew that Saul was probably out there. He clenched his fists for a moment and a dark smile crept over his face. Now his revenge could be complete and his eyes burned with thinly veiled rage. He flicked the Master Arm Switch and his weapons came alive.
On his sensor display, Carth could see several Sith capitalships accelerating toward the Republic Fleet. He looked up and noted that he could even see the ships, which were at 27 kilometers, shrouded by a cloud of fighters and bombers. Despite the odds, he didn't give a Snivvian's ass.
From one of the lead Sith vessels, a massive turbolaser bolt flashed forth, striking a Republic cruiser. The cruiser's shields flashed and sparkled and it belched forth laser fire of its own: The battle was joined.
The Lancers screamed forward and the range clocked down past 20 kilometers. A flight of Sith bombers had formed and was going to make a run for the Intrepid.
"Lancers, this is Screwtop, target group at Two-Eight-Zero for fifteen. Expedite!"Carth pushed ahead and could now see the enemy squadron lining up for an attack run.
"Lancers, prepare for gun pass," commanded Carth. "Don't use sensor locks or you'll alert them."
They caught the Sith as the enemy formation was flying straight and level, trying to line up torpedo shots. Carth and Aerin slashed through the Sith flight, lasers twinkling. Great holes were torn in the enemy formation as the enemy winked from existence.
"Guns kills…. Lancers, regroup for another pass."
As Carth pitched upward to reverse direction, he saw two Sith fire torpedoes, leaving long rocket trails. Three torpedoes struck the Intrepid amidships and gouts of flame blew out of giant, ragged holes. Secondary explosions blew parts of the hull away as the crippled ship began to tumble.
"Damn, let's move, Lancers! They're making a run on the Majestic."
Republic Flagship Majestic – Day Two – 0335ZOn the Bridge of the Majestic, Admiral Dodonna studied the tactical display to try and grasp the unfolding situation. Where is the Leviathan? Malak, are you here?
Despite her doubts, she felt confident and alert. A Sith torpedo squadron was making a run on her ship, but her gunners were highly accurate today and their efforts were beginning to tell.
"Sensors, I want you to scan the Sith ships for communications and datalinks. Find the ship that is radiating the most and that will be the Sith Command Ship."
The Sensor Officer quickly scanned the Sith frequency bands. "Admiral, it is the ship in the center. Sensors identify it as the carrier, Glory Of Korriban."
Admiral Dodonna pointed at the Sith ship. Bastila's Battle Meditation was doing its job and she felt full of confidence with a clarity of purpose. "All ahead full. We're going to get that bastard."
The big Republic vessel began to pick up speed, brushing past the swirling dogfights nearby. The ship shook from several minor hits, but continued to press on to the decisive encounter.
As the Majestic surged past them, Carth and Aerin finished off two torpedo bombers. As he took a breath, a Sith interceptor tore through the Lancers, lasers flashing. Two Wildcats vanished in a cloud of flame. Carth tried to track the Sith, but the interceptor was too quick. As it disappeared from view, Carth saw that it had the markings of a Squadron Commander.
Captain Onasi took offafter the bandit, pushing maximum throttle. A long ion flame shot out the back of his starfighter as he accelerated rapidly. Aerin fell in behind him, scanning for bandits.
Instinctively, Carth changed his sensor to an auto acquisition mode. The sensor would now scan on its own, looking for any non-friendly craft. A sensor return appeared on the HUD and Carth designated it as a target.
The computer called, "Shoot…shoot…."He pushed a button on his stick and a missile shot forth, leaving a glowing rocket trail in the dark. "Fox One," he said calmly, keeping his nose pointed at the enemy.
The Bandit jinked left, then right, dropping chaff. It rolled to the right and accelerated downward, dumping more bundles of foil to confuse the sensor. Carth's missile slammed into one of the bundles, throwing flames and fragments through space.
"Damn, I'm going to get you, Sith bastard," he whispered through gritted teeth.
As Carth attempted to line up another shot, the Sith interceptor pitched its nose up high and deployed forward thrusters, throwing it into a cartwheel. Carth's eyes got big as he shot past the interceptor. From behind, Aerin fired lasers as she swooped down upon the enemy fighter, but it slipped out of the way in a while twisting move.
"Damn, I've lost him. No joy." Carth called as his head swivelled around, searching for the bandit. He was getting that cold prickly back and his hair stood on end.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a faint glow. He immediately recognized them as infrared missiles. With a grunt, he yanked the stick back hard, pitching the nose of his starfighter up sharply. Flares flew from the bottom of his craft, lighting up the darkness. The missiles streaked by Carth's engines and detonated just off his starboard wing, throwing fire and fragments around. The Captain saw the Sith interceptor roll in behind him, trying to line up a shot, but Aerin moved in and forced the Sith to disengage.
Carth had no time to thank her as the Sith continued to manoeuvre for a shot. The Captain barrel rolled as laser bolts streaked past, but one bolt clipped his Number Two engine and his Master Caution Light flashed.
"Engine fire, right…."
Carth activated the fire suppression system, but kept the engine running. From behind the Sith, Aerin fired a burst and several laser bolts sizzled along the Sith's port wing. It immediately deployed forward thrusters, slowing the interceptor to a stop and forcing Aerin to fly by. She joined up with Carth, and together they looked about, trying to find the bandit. He was nowhere to be seen.
Republic Flagship RNS Majestic
The Majestic ploughedahead, devouring a Sith cruiser standing in its way. Laser batteries erupted along hull of the Republic ship, making the ship twinkle like a field of stars. On the bridge, the Tactical Officer locked all batteries onto the Glory Of Korriban. Target designators appeared over critical systems on the tactical display.
"All batteries ready," stated the Tactical Officer matter of factly.
Curling her lips back, Admiral Dodonna made a fist. "Fire at will."
A barrage of deadly light sprayed over the Sith ship, which responded in kind. The Majestic rocked from enemy fire and sparks flew about the Bridge in a colorful shower of damage.
"Come thirty degrees to starboard! Prepare to fire again," the Admiral ordered calmly; Bastila's energy was keeping everyone focused.
The Majestic unleashed another broadside and great chunks of metal flew from the hull of the Sith ship. Plasma leaked into space as the great beast lumbered along. In response, the Sith batteries flashed with deadly energy. Streaks of light raked across the Republic ship, tearing great holes into its body.
The Majestic lurched to starboard, throwing many of its crew to the deck. "We've lost the lateral stabilizers and main power!" cried one bridge officer from under a shower of sparks.
Admiral Dodonna pulled herself up off of the deck, her calm veneer beginning to crack. A shadow of doubt crept into her mind. "Slow to one half speed. Bring our port batteries to bear."
The Tactical Officer shook his head. "It's going to take a minute to recharge the batteries. The Sith are ready to fire another volley."
"Prepare damage control crews! Bring us hard to port," declared the Admiral urgently. Could we lose? Could all I've worked for be lost?
At that, the Sith fired again, this time shearing one of the Majestic's engines clean off. Red lights blinked on the bridge as the ship began to tumble. Several crewmen flew through the air, smashing into the bulkheads. One officer still standing grabbed Admiral Dodonna.
"Admiral, you must transfer your flag. The Monitor is standing by to receive you."
Admiral Dodonna grabbed the man by the collar and shook him. She had to steel her nerves. She had to prevail. "We are not leaving this fight! Not when we have Malak by the balls."
Fighter Squadron 6 – Day Two – 0435Z
"The Flagship's been hit!" Carth called over the radio. "We need to get over there."
He banked his starfighter and came about, aiming for the Sith carrier. Aerin fell in behind him with seven other Lancers. Carth thumbed a switch on his throttle, changing his targeting computer to a ship attack mode. The squadron formed up just outside of turbolaser range and rolled inverted.
"Begin your attack run, Lancers. Don't bunch up and keep an eye out for enemy fighters," called the Captain.
As the Glory Of Korriban was fully engaged with the Majestic, the Lancers' attack run went mostly unmolested. Carth dove to within weapon range and unleashed a torrent of laser fire. He and Aerin sliced past the Sith ship's bridge, guns twinkling.
Eruptions of flame and metal parts rocked the Sith ship. Wild laser fire flew up in response, but only damaged one Lancer.
Captain Onasi pulled up and shot away from the Korriban. As the damaged Lancer departed, Carth came about. "Come around for a second pass. Target the shield generators and bridge."
The eight starfighters swung around and began another attack run. Diving in from directly above the enemy ship, they began spraying the bulbous generators. As they drew ever nearer, one starfighter to Carth's left disintegrated, hit by a massive bolt. Then, another Lancer's wing was shorn off and it spun about wildly.
His face set in mad, almost suicidal determination, Carth held the trigger, raking the generators. Two of the bulbous structures tore apart in a flash of light and Carth yawed his nose toward the bridge.
"Their shields are down! Target the bridge."
Sith Warship Glory Of Korriban – Day Two – 0448Z
Aboard the Sith warship, fear was beginning to creep into the faces of the hardened crew. Admiral Karath walked about, trying to restore morale to the embattled Sith, but Bastila's powers were sapping their will, draining their energy. It was like a leech sucking their dark blood. Through the transparisteel window, a bright explosion lit up the bridge.
"Admiral, the shields are collapsing! The Ion Drive is severely damaged," yelled the Ops officer. He was covered in soot and his uniform was burned in many places. The bridge flashed a deep red as sparks illuminated parts of the room.
Saul Karath's face was white; the ship would be destroyed soon if he did not act. He searched his mind for a way to turn the tide…for a way to avoid this humiliation. He had met his former friends in battle and he was left wanting. "We…we must get out of here! Engage the hyperdrive…do it now!" he hollered, shaking his fist at the Majestic and the swarming Republic starfighters.
Forn, we will meet again and then you will feel my boot on your neck. As for you Onasi… I don't have words to describe what awaits you.
Leaving behind its escorts and sister ships, the Glory Of Korriban leapt into subspace and fled from the battle.
The Republic forces had held the line.