+++
The heavy transport 'Deep Darkness' reverted to hyperspace near the transition point to the Rebel Fleet. When the returning X-wing units exited the cargo bay however they saw that the Rebel fleet had emerged from the Nebula. Shuttles and repair vehicles flew from ship to ship, moving supplies and preparing to head out. Though only around twenty of the ships in the fleet had originally been built for combat, half of those were light cruisers or small Destroyers.
Corran keyed his com unit. "Horn to Defiance, where do you want my squadrons landing?"
There was a moment of com silence and then Kre'fey came on the line. "Horn, we've cleared room on the Defiance for you. I want you aboard ASAP. After that split up your X-wing pilots into three groups. Try to create a balance of experience between the groups. I'll be hosting a major briefing in two hours, I expect you to be there."
"Acknowledged," replied Corran, then he changed frequencies. "Ok Red group, head in to the Defiance and land. Fastblast crew thanks for the help. If you hang around I'm getting the feeling you might be able to secure another few operations."
"Thanks Horn. We'll wait around and see what's happening. We only lost a couple of fighters on that raid."
+++
Kre'fey look around the room at the assembled ship captains and veteran squadron leaders.
"We find ourselves here yet again. Throwing ourselves against the Empire in a bid for survival. The last time we tried this we lost most of our fleet. Five Vic's... an Impstar... and nearly thirty Katana Dreadnaughts, not counting our corvette losses."
Many of those gathered nodded grimly.
"This time we have to hope the skill of the survivors will be enough. We have surprise on our side, with the majority of hypercom communications through the rim damaged we stand a chance. If we can strike hard and fast enough the local populations previously held under the Empire's boot will be enough to keep us afloat. We have allies looking into getting us more ships, but troops and facilities we'll find in Bothan space.
"We'll be splitting the fleet up into three groups which will make their way to Bothan space. Group Three will form up around the MC-90 Defiance, Group Two around the Galactic Voyager, and Group One around the Ralroost. Each will be accompanied by one of our three remaining Victory Destroyers and a mix of support craft. All will be joined by additional regional Rebel cells while on route."
As the Bothan Admiral talked each of the planets mentioned started to light up in turn.
"The fleets will start from near Rylolth, Kowak and Gamorr. If you think you can take out Imperial forces on your way to Bothan Space without serious casualties, attempt to do so. Remember though, we need enough forces left at the end of our journey to deal with the Imperial occupation force.
"We hope that the Smugglers Alliance will be able to send additional support perhaps even their Carrier but we don't know for sure. Iblis is moving and will be crushed by Imperial Response fleets if we don't begin now. We can only hope that our fight will give our allies time."
Someone in the back waved a hand in the air. "What about the Hutts?"
"We don't know precisely what the Hutts are doing at the moment but some of our suppliers have been able to acquire weapons through them recently. Both of our MC-90's have a full combat load of Torpedoes now, along with enough for some of our fighter squadrons. Either way the Hutts won't have any major impact on events in our area for some time."
Corran raised a hand. "Starfighter availability? We're bound to take losses forcing out the occupation force."
"We've planned accordingly. We have supplies of starfighter grade shield generators suitable for Tie Starfighters. We should have enough time to refit captured vehicles before any major counter attack arrives."
Horn nodded but still seemed slightly uncertain.
"Also, our techs have informed me that they can now convert any standard SFS production line to produce the new XJ X-wing starfighter. Obviously we won't be able to build them as fast as Ties but it's something."
Kre'fey noticed Kyp standing near the back of the room. "Jedi Durron, will you be accompanying the fleet?"
Kyp folded his arms. "You're going to need all the help you can get. Put me in one of these new X-wings like you promised and we have a deal."
"Done. I'd like yourself, Octa Ramis and Colonel Horn to all station yourselves aboard the Ralroost. Everyone, we jump in five hours. Finish what preparations you need to and get to your ships."
055
