Chapter 2: Supply Raid on Felucia

"Lt. Commander, the Montross cell is in desperate need of supplies," the gruff, grizzled voice of the Mon Calamari Admiral rang through the Trident's long-range comm link. "I know there are many other opportunities you could take, but right now, an assault on Felucia is the best option we have. Otherwise, we'd be taking you too far out of the sector far too soon." Tash couldn't argue with Ackbar's logic. Since the successful Yavin raid, they'd been able to successfully boost the shield power of both Nebulon Bs in the fleet and the squadrons had been successfully repaired and replenished from their run in with that nasty Aggressor starfighter. All things considered, Task Force Trident was looking good. However, he hadn't in the least expected this transmission from Alliance command, much less the accompanying fact that there was yet another fleet striking at the Empire, a few sectors away. While Tash had had other plans for this second strike, he wouldn't deny that an influx of general supplies from a prominent Imperial stockpile had the potential to not just improve his fleet, but the Alliance's war effort as a whole.

"You can count on us, Admiral," he finally replied, giving a salute. "Felucia is just a jump away. We can be there in just a matter of hours."

Returning the salute, Ackbar gave a resolute nod. "Very good, Lt. Commander. I will warn you, however: it is very likely that the warfleet you countered before may have run to that sector for resupply. Given the time that has passed, I'm almost certain they will have replenished their own forces and won't be keen on letting you just take those supplies."

Giving a confident smirk, Tash shook his head. "Our ships performed well against them once, Admiral. Now that we know what we're up against, it's all a matter of just repeating what we did last time."

"Yes, I read your report from the last encounter. While Victory-Class Destroyers have their weaknesses, take heed," Ackbar warned, his disposition becoming more serious. "This captain you faced, Grego Manx, he is an experienced officer, most especially with those ships. Underestimate him at your own peril."

"I… understand, sir. You're right," Tash said, the smirk quickly draining from his face as the sting of the admonishment read loud and clear. "We will leave within the hour."

"May the force be with you, Tash Walden," with that, the Mon-Cal's visage disappeared from sight, leaving Tash alone with his thoughts.

"Approaching Felucia now sir!" the nav officer reported as the Trident reverted to realspace, the engines' hum dropping back to the low roar of the sublight drives. Stepping closer to the front viewport, Tash noted the fact that indeed, the Victories were waiting for them.

"Bring the engines up to full," he commanded, turning to the helm. "Instruct the Ramora to do the same while the Morning Star hangs back, just behind." This was going to be tricky. Felucia's orbital processing station was situated within a dense debris field. The task-force had entered the system on one side of the field, while the VSDs were waiting on the other. The only hope for a successful supply grab would be to coax the bigger ships away from their defensive posture and then raid the station once they were safely behind the enemy's forward firing arcs. Just as before, the scanning officer detected two squadron complements: one TIE squad, and that same Aggressor. "Tell the U-Wings to hold their position in the docking bays. Let the X-wings know, their mercenary friend is back." Affirmations answered back as Tash settled into his command chair. "Let's get this done then…"

Commander Cora Sunrider settled into an escort formation next to Trident, the rest of Cobalt Squadron holding position behind her. Her eyes studied the hud in her helmet's visor with grim focus. Just like last time, that Aggressor was but a single red dot on her display, disguised as a singular opponent against the formidable might of her squadron. That was why she wouldn't let this time end like last time. "Cobalt Leader," the voice of the Trident's flight controller rang out over the comm. "Lt. Commander Walden wants you and Cardinal Leader to form a protective screen in front of Gold Squadron, but not to stray any further than a few meters off the Trident's starboard. That way, we'll be able to keep you covered."

"Roger that," she answered, feeling a slight pressure leave her chest. After what happened last time, it was reassuring to see that the leader of the Task Force wanted to proactively ensure the Squadrons' safety this time around. Of course, once the fighting started in earnest, there were no guarantees one way or another. At the very least, having the Trident's point defense guns watching their backs was one less thing to worry about. "Cobalt Squadron, lock your S-Foils in the attack position. Time for some payback!"

Tash viewed the tactical display carefully. The three Alliance ships had come at the two Victories from their starboard side. In response, both of the mid-sized destroyers had turned hard to keep their imposing front arcs aimed at the Trident and her fleet. "Nearly in range sir. What are your orders?" the gunnery sergeant reported. Just off the bow of the Trident, the enemy fighters had engaged Cobalt and Cardinal Squadrons. As had happened before, the mercenary was already scoring hits on the X-Wings. Cardinal had tried their best to take some early shots against the TIEs, but the Imp fighters' superior maneuverability had provided a more than worrying amount of return fire. Even so, the first VSD loomed ever-closer. If he didn't start firing on it now, there wouldn't be an opportunity to do so later. He then noticed how the TIEs had sped up to remain just ahead of the destroyer, putting them just in striking range of Gold.

"Flight controller," Tash said, the officer turning to face him. "Tell Gold Squadron to aim a volley of ion cannon fire at those remaining TIEs!" With the imperial squadron tied down by Cardinal, they wouldn't be expecting the Y-Wings to take a shot. At least, that was the hope. When the command went out, Tash watched as the bombers angled into a wedge formation, creating a firing line aimed right at the furball. The telltale whoosh of starfighter-borne ion guns rang out as the remaining TIE fighters were caught in the assault. Studying the display, Tash breathed a sigh of relief as the last little red blip fizzled from radar. "Call Cardinal Squadron and tell them to retreat. They've done all they can do for this fight." Moments later, the battered X-Wing squadron jumped out of the system. That left Cobalt, Gold, and the Aggressor fighter. "Gunners, take aim at that mercenary. Let's give Cobalt some relief." Moments later, the scream of turbolaser fire erupted from the starboard guns. While the small fighter had to break off an attack on one of the X-Wings, it managed to circle back around and return to attack position. Fortunately much of the flak had successfully splashed against the smaller ship's shields. It wasn't much, but hopefully it gave Cobalt a chance for counter attack. "Alright helm, let's get around that front arc. Full speed!"

Cora grunted as the warning sirens blared in her ears. "Another lock, huttspit!" she murmured, yanking the control yoke hard to avoid a wash of laserfire that had almost connected. The Aggressor was on her tail again, and this time it wasn't giving up the chase. "Come on you nasty little mynock," she growled to herself before jinking the X-Wing in the opposite direction to keep them guessing. Flicking on the comms, she spoke with purpose, trying to keep the urgency from her voice. "Cobalt three, can you get a bead on him?" she called out, hoping desperately that her wingman had a shot.

"Trying, Lead," the voice of the young Mon Calamari male replied. "I've almost got him…"

Hearing the lock-warning once more, Cora pulled the ship into a sharp climb and made a judgement call. "Now or never Zan, take the shot!" The quadruple zap of the other X-Wing's linked laser cannons filled the space behind her. She desperately awaited the sound of impact against the enemy fighter… but nothing. Instead she heard a cacophony as the Mon Cal swore.

"How'd he…?! Lead, he just pulled a maneuver I've never seen an organic…" immediately after, the comm went dead.

"Zan…? ZAN!" Cora yelled into her headset, but as she came about, she saw the wreckage of the younger pilot's X-Wing. Just beyond it, the dreaded Aggressor was coming back around, its throttle at full. Gritting her teeth, she angled her nose right at it and pushed her own throttle into the red. The rest of Cobalt squadron was limping toward the debris field, most of them too damaged to back her up. Zan was the only one left. Now it was just her… and whatever monster piloted the Aggressor. Only a few moments before they were in range again. Cora took a breath and focused on her targeting display. She couldn't afford to miss, not now. Just a little further.

"Cobalt Leader," the voice of the Trident's flight controller barked in her ear. "Can you get clear of the Aggressor? We have a shot but we won't risk it until you're out of the way." Cora checked her radar. The Trident was on the other side of the enemy's VSD, they couldn't possibly have a clear shot… could they? There wasn't any time, she had to make another call… another life or death decision. If she didn't take this guy down here and now, he'd be on her moments later.

Closing her eyes for just a moment, she breathed out and punched in the controls to unlock the s-foils. "Punching up to full-throttle, I'll tell you when I'm clear!" she reported, the lock-warning already whining in her ear. Firing a reckless volley from her closed wings, she broke to the side, a blast glancing just above her cockpit's deflectors, the R3 unit behind her screaming in alarm. The Aggressor shot by her just a second later. "Clear! Let him have it!" The sound of distant turbolaser fire reported from her aft. Moments later, she heard the sound of connecting impacts just as the lock warning returned. Instead of more shots coming after her, the lock warning almost immediately cut out and the red blip on her radar shot into the distance before disappearing. She gave a sigh of relief. "He's gone… good shooting, Trident."

"We owed you one," the flight controller responded. "Now, get to the debris field and await pickup, we're almost done h…" Another explosion sang out from behind Cora, causing her to glance back. Turning her craft about, she saw the far VSD's turbolasers finishing a fresh volley… and the starboard hull of the Ramora belching flame.

"Oh no..." she muttered as the ship desperately jumped to hyperspace seconds later.

"U-Wings have finished loading up, sir. They're on their way back to the docking bay," the flight controller commented. "Cobalt Squadron has also settled into the open docking clamps on the Trident and the Morning Star. Gold Squadron reports a remarkable lack of damage. Still no contact with Cardinal, but we did track their last known trajectory." Tash sighed and slumped back into his command chair. As he looked off in the distance, he could see the twin Victory Star Destroyers making moves to turn back toward the station.

"Comms, inform the Morning Star, we're making the jump to lightspeed. With the Ramora and Crimson in the wind, we can't risk any more damage to either ship," he instructed. A few minutes later, just before the VSDs re-entered range, both ships cleared the debris field and escaped into hyperspace. Rising from his command chair he turned to navigation. "I'll be in my quarters. Let me know when we return to realspace." After hearing affirmations, he made his way to the bridge turbolift and made his way up to the front section of the dorsal structure.

Upon reaching the solitude of his quarters, he settled into his desk and picked up his datapad. This would be a difficult one to tell the Admiral. They'd barely been able to acquire any more than a handful of supplies and he was more than certain that the system would be under much heavier lockdown after this incident. Before he even began to write, the room's comm beeped. Hitting a button on the desk, he cleared his throat. "Walden, go ahead."

"Sir, you've got a transmission coming in from Mon Cala," the comm officer reported.

Tash physically recoiled, the thought of having to face the Admiral this soon after the battle was a bit too much to bear right now. "Please inform the Admiral that I'm busy with search and recovery logistics at the moment and will call him back later."

There was a pause before the comm officer spoke again. "Actually, it's not the Admiral. It's Fleet Commander Walden." That made Tash pause. His brother might be even worse to face right about now… but honestly, the rebuke of family felt like it would sting less than that of a member of Alliance high-command.

Swallowing hard, Tash nodded to himself. "Patch him through, please." A moment or two later, the miniature holo projector near the back of the desk sparked to life. The bald-headed, stubble-beard, cane-holding visage of his elder brother stared back at him, just as imposing at mere centimeters as he was at full height. "Fleet Commander." Tash said, saluting.

Instantly, his brother waved off the salute and shook his head. "Tash, there's a time and a place. That place isn't in private and the time isn't after a hard-fought battle."

"Huh, wouldn't have expected you to know we were out of combat so soon," the younger Walden remarked with a half-hearted chuckle. "Should I be worried about spies on-board?"

"Always," Canth said with a grin. "But I don't bug my own ships. I just caught wind of the Ramora's distress beacon and was on the bridge when the Firaxan's comms established contact with them. Pretty lucky patrol, yeah?"

Tash felt his smile drain from his face. "I… screwed up, bro. The mission was important and I let myself become overconfident since I'd fought these enemy ships before. My judgement was what got the Ramora so badly damaged."

Crossing his arms, the elder Walden at least didn't seem to look any more judgmental than he usually did. "I'll transfer the coordinates that the Ramora sent us over to your nav team," he said, his voice the even, controlled timbre of command. "But Tash, just like you can't let yourself get overconfident after victory, both you and your people can't afford to lose hope after defeat. I'll be honest with you, this war isn't going to end anytime soon. The Empire's going to be a beast of a rancor to wrestle to the ground and it's going to take all of us working together to nail it. Sometimes you're going to be the one yanking it by the tail, others you'll be trying to pin the sharp claws, frag-it, now and again you'll have to be the poor sap trying to hold its mouth closed. If you end up beaten and bruised after it swatted you down, but you're still breathing, then you just gotta bandage yourself up, learn from the pain, and jump right back onto its back. And you particularly have to, because there's other people just as bloodied or even worse who are watching to see if you still have the strength to tackle this beast. If you don't, they likely won't either. You understand, little brother?"

Tash was speechless for a good moment, however he certainly got the meaning. "I do Canth," he said, straightening. "I'll head back to the bridge and spearhead the Remora's recovery myself. Thank you for the guidance."

"Anytime Tash. Trust me, I've been in your shoes plenty of times before. It doesn't get easier, but you'll get tougher. Command doesn't make jedi out of everyone, but it does teach us how to take a hit and keep fighting," Canth replied. "Once your crews are safely back together as a full task force, come back to Mon Cala and we'll sort through what you did manage to pick up. Walden out."

When the hologram cut out, Tash stood and made his way back toward the lift. Just as he got there, however, he found he wasn't the only one on his way there. "Commander Sunrider," he said, his gaze connecting with hers. "On your way to the bridge?"

The squad leader sighed, smiled and gave a nod. "I wanted to thank the bridge crew personally. If it weren't for them and their efforts, I might not be alive right now… perhaps the rest of my entire squadron too."

Tash recalled back to the moment in the heat of battle, when the VSD was interfering with the point-defense targeting systems… when the the other Neb B's captain had made a call that might have cost her her ship. "You should thank the Ramora's crew. They sent us the targeting information and with it we were able to make a turbolaser shot of a lifetime against that Aggressor." Sunrider's eyes widened slightly… but she nodded her understanding. "That's how we win this fight Commander. We're all trying to fight a much bigger foe, and so we need to work together. You keep the fighters off of us, we provide cover for you. It's not simple, and we won't likely come out the other side unscathed, but we keep fighting… because eventually, we'll tire this beast of an imperial war-machine out."

"My… fighter is still in good working order, sir," the squad leader said, her expression hardened to one of duty. "I know Cardinal also had to run mid-battle. I'd like to volunteer myself and any of my squad who's still flightworthy to go find them." Tash remembered hearing her voice on the comm. What she and Cobalt had been through today… it wasn't something anyone could just brush off. All the same, with the Ramora's position already found, that meant the Morning Star would need to rush to the rescue of Cardinal Squadron with Gold Squadron being their only escort.

"I'll inform the maintenance crews to begin refueling your squadron's ships immediately. You have my thanks, Commander," he said, giving a nod and a salute.

Returning the salute, Cobalt leader smiled and shook her head. "Just doing my part, sir. Please pass along my message to the bridge crew." With that, she turned on her heels and made her way back down the long dorsal hallway toward the docking section of the ship. Tash couldn't help but smirk to himself. As usual, his brother's advice hadn't steered him wrong yet.