Chapter 3: Smuggling Run on Mygeeto
When the Trident's long-range scanner picked up the incoming Imperial fleet, Tash was just getting finished loading the last canister of tibanna-gas onto the U-Wing. After putting away his comm, he turned to the captain of the scoundrels he'd met with and gave a nod. "That's our cue to head for hyperspace. Sure we can't convince you to help out?"
The smuggler captain chuckled and gave a shake of his head. "Sorry, Lt. Commander, but my boys aren't fans of charity. You want our guns, you gotta pay for 'em," he said before stepping forward again and offering a hand. "However, since the Empire's already on our aft-ends, I'm more than happy to leave you our contact info. The Alliance has proven to be a worthy business partner and who knows? Maybe you all might actually be able to win this crazy war of yours and then we'll be on the New Republic's good side too."
Accepting the handshake, Tash gave a nod. "I'll certainly keep you gents in-mind when we need those guns. Best of luck running the blockade."
"Oh trust us, that kind of thing is our spec-i-al-it-y. But hey, best of luck to you all too," he said before turning and giving a wave, returning to his corellian freighter.
Giving a humorless chuckle and shaking his head, Tash made his way to the U-Wing and settled in behind the pilot. "Punch it, and let the Trident know we're on our way," he said, pulling out his datapad. Thirty big drums of tibanna and each was well-worth the price in credits. Supplies like that could hold up the Alliance's war effort for a nice stretch of time… but first Task Force Trident had to get them past the Imperial fleet. Now was the time to prove the faith that Rebel High-Command had put in them was well-placed.
Days Earlier, at Mon Cala…
Tash stood up straight as he awaited the Alliance Leaders in the big command center aboard the Home One, Admiral Ackbar's Flagship. He wasn't alone, as all of Task Force Trident's Captains and Squadrons Commanders were present as well. Also present were the leaders of Task Force Majestic, the fleet which Tash had heard about who were responsible for the latest unrest in Sector V. Their commander, General Pul-lar was surprisingly jovial in the time before the meeting despite the failure that Task Force Trident had suffered, leaving Majestic in dire-straights after suffering a similar defeat at Dagoba. In fact, the Mon-Cal Officer was nothing short of optimistic about the war effort. It was honestly a major morale boost just talking with him and certainly helped Tash look on the coming meeting as less of a potential tongue-lashing and more of an opportunity to step forward in the campaign once more.
Moments later, Admiral Ackbar, Senator Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, and the rest of Command made their way to the center of the room. As the various officers settled around the central display, the Mon-Cal Admiral Stepped forward and the ambient lighting dimmed. "Thank you all for coming," he said, his gruff voice projecting naturally throughout the room with relative ease. "Doubtless it was more than a small burden to meet here, given the ferocity that the Imperial fleet has met us with. This is not something to dread, however; no, the Empire sees us as a credible threat and the more pressure they add, the more people who will join their voices to ours. Of course, with this increase in Imperial ferocity, so too must the tactics we employ adapt." On-cue, the holo display lit up and the whole of the outer rim appeared in the air above it. Highlighted in red were all the systems that made up the sector, including Mon-Cala. "The Imperial Senate, despite the efforts of Senators Mothma and Organa, has sanctioned Sector II as a non-aggression area for this cycle. Doubtless this is due to the efforts of Task Force Trident and Lieutenant Commander Walden who has been putting significant pressure on the local navy garrison." Tash felt a weight on his chest lighten as the Admiral turned and nodded to him, causing a short round of applause to rise from the room. "In order to keep the tentative support we've gained within the sector, we turn our attention to the Sector I instead. Fortunately, with the reports brought to us from General Pul-lar of Task Force Majestic, we've learned that there are indeed many worthwhile systems that could be used for furthering our cause. During their retreat from Sector V, the captains of some of their support squadrons reached out to contacts and found some worthwhile groups who may bastion our cause."
The holo display then zoomed in and focused on a barren planet, the system's name appearing below it. "First, we have Mandalore. There are various factions on the planet which most-certainly are no friends to the Empire. With their rich history of warfare, having allies among their clans will be a fantastic asset. As such, Task Force Majestic will go and meet with Mandalorian leadership above the planet and prove to them that the Alliance is the faction to back in this fight." Next, the display panned quickly to the side, coming to rest on a crystalline planet with frozen oceans. "Then, we have a smuggling group who has agreed to supply us with an influx of tibanna-gas. They will be meeting with Task Force Trident on Mygeeto and, while the captain denies it, I expect that the Empire is watching these smugglers. Thus, the ships of Task Force Trident will be fitted with some reactive shield-generators from our cruisers here in drydock to ensure that no harm comes to the tibanna. Even the slightest unaccounted for heat could potentially set the entire shipment ablaze with explosive fury so it is imperative that none of the ships takes on too much damage." That certainly made Tash swallow hard, but after the prior failure to acquire supplies from Felucia, he wasn't about to object to such a mission. Besides, between their shield tech droids from the Yavin facility and those powerful Moncalamari shields, there was thankfully plenty of buffer-zone between the gas and any incoming turbolaser fire. "Each of these operations will be carried out within the next cycle, so both Task Forces are dismissed to ready their ships. The rest of the Alliance fleet will bolster the worlds in Sector II who have already given their support, just in case the Empire attempts anything while they are away." Giving a salute to Tash and Pul-lar, Ackbar nodded to them. "Good luck, and may the Force be with you all." Returning the salute, Tash and the rest of his officers headed out.
As they reached the main hangar bay, and Tash was about to board his U-Wing, he heard a familiar voice call out to him. "Lt. Commander, just a moment please," it was General Pul-lar, making his way over quickly from his own landing craft.
"Sure General. What's up?" Tash asked, turning to face the Mon-cal as the pilot cycled the engines through the pre-flight checks.
"I was thinking, we could likely stand to learn from each other's battles," he said gesturing with one of his scaly hands. "I read the reports on your last two combat encounters and I'd rather have the knowledge of how to face twin Victory Star Destroyers from your account than go into battle against them blindly. I'd be more than willing to share my own experience as well!"
The other commander's natural enthusiasm was infectious and Tash couldn't help but smile as he agreed, inviting Pul-lar aboard his U-Wing.
Present day, above Mygeeto…
The turbolift opened to the bridge just as the enemy fleet entered visual range. "Sir, we have two Gladiator-class Star Destroyers approaching from our fore," the sensor officer reported. "They've launched fighters… sensors showing one squadron of unusual TIEs - Defenders I believe, based on the tri wing design - one Lamda-class shuttle, a Decimator-class Gunship, and what looks like another mercenary ship, Firespray-class." Tash studied the tactical display, confirming the officer's report. It was just as Pul-lar had said, the Fast Carrier Task Force headed by Commander Golrin Korr utilized a small amount of unusual fighter craft, boasting quality over quantity.
"Engineering, make sure our flanking shields are boosted," he ordered, the engineering captain replying with an affirmative. "flight controller, transmit the rally coordinates to Cardinal, Cobalt, and Gold squadrons. I want to hope that they'll be fine… but those kinds of enemy squadrons aren't known for pulling their punches." After the talk with the other task force's general, and given how often the Trident's squads ended up making emergency jumps during these skirmishes, Tash and the nav officer had set rendezvous coordinates for anyone with in Trident Group to escape to where the other ships could easily follow after the battle and provide quicker support and damage relief.
The comms officer turned and addressed Tash. "You have the floor, Lieutenant Commander. The fleet's listening, sir."
Clearing his throat, Tash stood. "Alright people, it's time to see exactly how strong these reactive shields the Admiral supplied us are. We're facing Gladiator Star Destroyers, two of them, as well as some fast-attack fighters. Unlike the VSDs we have been facing, these ships are most effective at close range and their aft-arc is the only lightly armed section. As such, the plan is to use our superior range against them, to wait for them to get close, and then to rush past and make a break for the escape vector. This isn't seek and destroy, we're here to run a blockade. Take targets of opportunity, but above all keep your ships alive. May the Force be with us all!"
As the comms switched off, Tash eyed the approaching Imperial warships before turning and giving a nod to the flight controller. "Same as always, tell the Squads to stick close. We'll cover them."
Cora Sunrider held Cobalt Squadron in a defensive formation right along the Trident's starboard-side. TIE defenders, of course, she thought to herself with no lack of annoyance. Between the Aggressor that flew with the Victories and the pair of downright murderous squadrons that made up this opposing fleet, she was beginning to think the universe had something against her and Cardinal Leader. All the same, she knew that Lt. Commander Walden was committed to protecting the squadrons, so with any luck even those heavy-duty squadron hunters would find less purchase against them, especially since the fleet was presently hunkered behind a natural barrier of asteroids and debris.
"Cobalt two here," a feminine voice came over the comm, prompting Cora out of her thoughts. "Lead, the Lambda and the Defenders seem to be spearheading the assault. What are your orders?" Taking a quick look at the hud, she grimaced as the heavy interceptors approached at their breakneck pace. Tipping the yaw controls gently, she maneuvered her X-wing closer to the Trident.
"Stay on my aft, we're sticking with the Tri right up until engagement. Let them come to us and let her linked turbolasers have a good shot at them," Obediently, Cobalt squad fell in step behind her. Glancing closer at tactical, she noted that Cardinal wasn't changing course. "Cardinal Lead, this is Cobalt Lead, you're exposed. Maneuver a bit closer to the Trident before those TIEs get on top of you."
The comm crackled a bit before Cardinal Leader's voice rang through. "Negative, Cobalt. The Morning Star needs escort. If we get too far from them, those defenders will pick them for target. Besides, with our fighters still damaged, we can't afford to show them our flank. We'll be the first defense. Our astromechs have the rally point coordinates set, you just make sure to keep the Trident safe. Don't worry about us." Cora was about to protest, but before she had the chance the defenders were on Cardinal and the red-nosed fighters had broken formation to commit to the dogfight. Cursing under her breath, she briefly thought to lead Cobalt into the fray to support, but before she had the chance, the comm crackled once again.
"Cobalt Leader, this is the Trident," the flight controller's voice resonated through her helmet's headpiece "Form your squad up and get moving toward the Ramora. Gold needs support and without you, they won't stand a chance." She prepared to ask about Cardinal, but before she could, the loud reports of simultaneous turbolaser fire shrieked from above. As she traced their trajectory, she was treated to the sight of a couple defenders spiraling out of control from the impact. "Don't worry about Cardinal, we have those defenders well within range."
Turning her attention back to the task at hand Cora nodded to herself. "Copy, Trident. Moving to back up Gold," she said before banking the snubfighter to swoop under the Neb's dorsal structure and toward the Remora and her escort. Instantly, the HUD updated with new targeting info, showing the two other attack craft. "Cobalt team, set your sights on that Firespray-class. Between the two, she's going to have the most damage potential against our ships." A chorus of affirmations answered, the other fighters settling into a wedge-formation behind her. Just before they entered firing range, however, space around her seemed to take in a suddenly silent breath; even the roar of the X-wing's engines went briefly silent… before a massive sonic-boom split through space. "Evasive action!" she yelled, only just getting off a pair of shots before jinking to the side as the wave of sonic energy barely swiped behind her craft. As she circled back around, she noted with relief that all of cobalt's fighters were fine and the wave had been out of range of the Ramora and Gold. So that was for us, huh? She thought to herself. Clever little trick. Unfortunately, the hutt-slug had used the opportunity to slip past; however, that's exactly when she saw the Firespray shudder under a volley of ion-cannon fire. "Good shots, Gold Leader," Cora praised, smiling to herself.
"Not like we're dead weight, Cobalt," the elder commander tossed back with a chuckle. "This guy would have to pull some pretty fancy flying to slip past both of us."
"Attention squadrons," a different male voice rang out from the comms next. "This is the Ramora's gunnery officer. Break off from the Firespray and focus on the Decimator." Knowing what that meant, Cora swung her X-wing back around, bringing her trajectory in line with Gold's. Seconds later, a hail of turbolaser fire rained forth from the Ramora. After that, there was one less red-blip on the scans.
"Hold, hold… fire at will!" As the fore turbolasers let loose their latest volley, Tash held his breath. At the last moment, however, the bolts went largely wide; only a handful of them glancing against the small destroyer. "Hutt-spit… helm, all auxiliary power to engines!" That shot marked the Trident's last real chance to attack the encroaching vessels with her main guns. With the gladiator's pronged bow only just pointing wide of the long-hulled vessel, Tash knew they were dead in the destroyer's powerful side arc. Add in the fact that the other gladiator was angling in from the Trident's starboard as well, the luxury of lining up another shot simply didn't exist. Now was the time to run, and run fast! Glancing at the scanning map, Tash was relieved to see both the Morning Star and the Ramora had slipped through, both at either gladiator's aft and pushing for the edge of the system. Now all that was left was the flag herself, but the trap was certainly well-constructed. In order to avoid ramming the tougher imperial vessel and the other Nebulon-B, Tash saw only one usable route… and it wasn't reassuring.
The enemy flagship had smartly nestled itself into the space between two groups of asteroids, turning the Trident's covered firing position into a claustrophobic kill-box. There was a small section of daylight on the other side, but Tash wasn't certain whether or not they could make it with this one burst of speed. Even as the gladiator angled to intercept, the Lieutenant Commander steeled himself before turning back to the helm. "Aim for the space just beyond the enemy flagship, rotate her 45 degrees, punch it!" The view from the bridge couldn't have been more nail-biting; Tash could even swear that he saw the opposing bridge crew ducking for cover as the single-bladed pickaxe shaped fuselage swung just wide of the GSD's command tower. Seconds later, Tash yelped as he both heard and felt the sensation of the ship hitting something. "Report!"
"Impact on the starboard dorsal fin," the engineering captain called back, the damage coming up quickly on the main display.
"Did we hit the gladiator?" Tash felt his heart sink. Two ships ramming each other at speed was often how a slender vessel like the Trident lost an engine block or other vital systems. Adding that to now being in the more hardy GSD's port-side missile strike-zone and they might have had it.
"Negative, sir! We glanced an asteroid, but we're free of the enemy's main killbox. Only their flag has the range to fire on us…" Tash felt his body loosen in relief and he made to slump back down into his captain's chair when the claxons shrieked anew.
"Sir, we have enemy fighters making an attack run," the sensor officer reported. "It's the defenders!"
"Transfer the auxiliary power from the engines to the starboard shields!" Tash called out, watching as a group of angry blips closed in on them fast. "Brace, brace hard!" A moment later, the ship shook from the impact and the defenders flew past, their engines screaming back at the bridge crew. As the tension from the attack faded and the various stations recovered from their daze, Tash too allowed himself a moment's breath. "What's the damage?"
"... no damage sir," the engineering officer reported, the twi'lek male's face looking just as relieved as he sounded. "The reactive shields did their job. We're holding a 50%." This time, Tash did crumple into his command chair, not caring if a third siren went off or not.
"Put us in formation with the Ramora, let's get out of here," he breathed.
"Sir. We have a problem," the flight controller reported, her face shooting him a worried look. "The defenders aren't stopping… they're on an intercept course with Cobalt and Gold."
Cora felt her muscles tense anew as she listened to the voice of the Trident's flight commander. "I repeat, calculate for rendezvous immediately. Run!" Sure enough, a still healthy number of enemy fighters was making record time on their approach to the X and Y-wing squadrons. After the two squads had finished off the decimator along with assistance from the Ramora, Cora had thought their part in the battle was largely over. But apparently the imperials were in a petty enough mood to sic the defender squad on them for one last bitter strike.
"Gold-squad, you all head for the Ramorma. Once you're in their range, you should be safe," she ordered, spinning her X-wing to face the incoming tri-winged terrors. "Cobalt will hold them off."
"Commander Sunrider, we can't leave you like that," the other squad lead protested. "Cardinal already barely escaped to hyperspace when they fought those things. We'll back you up!"
"With all due respect, Captain Vaunder," she said, her voice calm and determined. "We don't want your help… not when the rest of the fleet's still here. You have to cover them as they leave the combat space."
There came a stifled curse over the other end of the comms before Gold leader spoke once more. "Copy that, Cobalt leader. We'll come find you afterward. You have my oath: we won't leave you hanging in the wind." Cora smiled bitterly to herself before switching the frequency back to Cobalt team; hopefully there would be enough left of them to find afterwards.
"This is it everyone. You know your jobs, we gotta keep them busy while the rest of the fleet slips away. Pick your targets, but don't let yourself get pulled into a dogfight. The second you see an opening, jump to hyperspace," even as she said the words she felt them run dry and ashen on her tongue. "We don't need to win this fight… just last for a couple minutes."
Tash felt his hands still shaking against the chair's arm-rests as the comm officer answered the long-range hail. "The Morning Star is checking in sir," the human woman turned, giving him a reassuring smile. "They've found Cardinal and Cobalt sir. Right where they were supposed to be. Sounds like the casualties were minimal this time, even if most of the X-wings suffered pretty heavy damage. Between the corvette and Gold Squadron, there won't be any issues getting them all home in one trip."
Immediately, what felt like 500 kilos of weight unlifted themselves from his chest and he could breathe again. The Neb-Bs had gone on ahead after the Morning Star and Gold both volunteered to stay behind and recover the lost squadrons. With the distinct value of the tibanna-gas, they knew they couldn't risk sending the larger ships for fear that the Gladiators would attempt to follow and restart the skirmish all over, the rebels starting in considerably worse shape. "Fantastic news," he said, his voice only barely growing loud enough to be heard over the hum of the hyperdrive. "Each and every one of them deserves a medal for their valor in that fight." He turned and started making his way toward the turbolift. "I'll be writing my report in my quarters. If anything comes up, do keep me posted."
"Sir, I have another incoming transmission, it's Mon Cala,"
Tash froze, but breathed out and turned himself back around. "Go ahead and patch them through," he said, putting on his best un-frazzled face.
A couple seconds and the unmistakable visage of Admiral Ackbar appeared on the main display. "Lieutenant Commander Walden," he said, his voice as gruff and commanding as ever. "How fares your mission?"
Giving a tired smile, Tash brought a hand up into a respectful salute. "Fifteen large drums of tibanna-gas picked up from the smugglers," he reported. "All present, accounted for, and on their way back to Mon Cala as we speak… though the Morning Star will arrive slightly later than the rest. I'm proud to announce that we escaped with minimal casualties."
The Mon-cal returned the salute and his face acquired a pleased grin. "Exceptional news, Lt. Commander! We've just received word from Task Force Majestic as well that their mission was also a success. One that was hard-won, but successful nonetheless. You all have done the cause a fantastic service this day and I couldn't be prouder of what you've accomplished…" Slowly, however, the Admiral's visage soured and he seemed to deflate into what could only be melancholy. "I can only hope those victories will grant us enough resources to weather the coming storm."
Tash's own mood began to falter as he stared back at Ackbar's holographic image. "Sir? What do you mean? What happened?"
It too the Mon-Cal a moment, but as he once more composed himself into resolute stoicism, Tash could already feel the incoming weight of what the man had to say. "The Empire has declared all-out war on us. A transmission went across the holonet just an hour after your battles were complete. We're unsure where they plan to strike, but the Grand Moff himself gave the battle cry." A moment later, the Admiral's image disappeared and was replaced by the comparatively gaunt and severe features of Grand Moff Tarkin who's voice filled the bridge with palpable verbal fire.
"The time has come to make an example of the dissidents who have been spreading anarchy and dissent among the outer rim. Your Empire will no longer tolerate these attacks from outlaws and terrorist. All those who would give aid to such criminals are beyond even our great Emperor's forgiveness and compassion; soon, all states harboring members of this 'Rebel Alliance' will feel what it means to draw his ire. As of now, I am organizing the forces of both Senior Captain Grego Manx and Commander Golrin Korr into one fleet to finally bring order back to this lawless sector of space. Let the coming fire and fury be an example to all of what happens to those who threaten the peace and civility of the Galactic Empire!"
Seconds later, Ackbar returned and Tash felt speechless. "We have no indications yet on where they will strike and with both of your fleets in such a state, we don't have a moment to lose. You all are need back on Mon Cala as soon as possible!"
Tash wanted to take a moment, to process all that he'd just heard; however, clearly there wouldn't be many moments to rest from here on. If big-names like Tarkin were now directly pulling the strings, it meant their little campaign had struck a nerve all the way toward the top of this great beast they were fighting. Forget pulling the rancor by the tail, if that transmission were to be believed, the Alliance had just jammed a vibroknife in its eye and it was going full-on berzerk. Taking in a deep breath, Tash Walden straightened once more and gave a resolute nod. "We'll be home soon admiral. You have my word, before the cycle is over, I'll have my fleet ready to ship out wherever we're needed!" He only hoped that reality would allow him to back up such an oath.