Darkness Returns
Ch27 A Swift Deception
Cornerian Orbital Gateway 19.9 ABY 3.5 days later.
For past few days now the officers of the Cornerian Military spent long and rigorous hours in the classrooms, learning everything they can about their new enemy. Many of them were starting to show a great deal of progress in their knowledge, but most importantly a increase of confidence and hope. However all of them know that they still have a lot to learn, and the time is ticking. While during his off time, Tim studies Cornerian tactics and hardware, to familiarize himself with the forces and resources he'll be working with. He and the other instructors know that they have to strike now, before its too late.
Gateway Command Center 16:00
The lights were dim, as all of the top officers attentively stand around the star chart, planning their first and possibly their most important move.
"Admiral I understand that you want to change the course of the Macbeth campaign, but the truth is that I just don't have enough troops to really make much of a difference down there." Tim says.
"Then what good is your presence here then Captain?" Admiral Geshing of the Cornerian Navy protests.
"My ground forces are mostly Air/Light CAV units. I only have a handful of Hvy tanks and less than two dozen CAV assault vehicles. The infantry I have are Air Assault troops. My greatest assets are my fighters and gunships. Plus if I did send them they would be stranded down there, so it wouldn't do much good. But we can still do some major damage with what I have. We just have to think strategically. It ain't over yet." Tim replies. "I agree. So what do you have in mind then?" Fox asks.
"Well with Admiral Geshing's fleet being chased around the system by the Imperial fleet, this could open up a door for us. But I need to know the exact whereabouts the Imperial Fleet for this to work." Tim replies.
"Our scout have reported that nearly a third of their fleet is stationed around Kew and Papetoon. Their using Kew as their main base of operations. The rest of their fleet is scattered through out the system chasing our fleets." Peppy replies.
"Ok that's good. Now Katt what about the blockade over Macbeth?" Tim asks.
Then Katt brings up a hologram of Macbeth.
"This information was just uploaded to us this morning. Be advised that we only have three operational com outposts left down there, so there will be some areas that are blacked out, but as you can see there are approximately thirty Imperial cruisers strategically positioned in various locations over the planet. We calculate the each ship has between a 16-36 hour patrol before they change up the guard. On the plus side they usually are alone when they patrol. Sometimes they do orbit in pairs but not often, and are usually over Imperial controlled regions. We can use this to our advantage." Katt says.
"Perfect, their fleet is their primary asset. They can't advance or retreat with out it. That's why we need to disrupt it. The more damage we do to it will only make things easier for the relief force when they get here." Tim says.
"And when may I ask will that be, next year?" Geshing sarcastically says, Tim just rolls his eyes.
"I spoke with Gen Rieekan this morning. He said it will be between 6-9 days max, and it will be a rather large fleet consisting of several battleships, including our own Star destroyers, Mon Calamari cruisers, Dreadnaughts, several frigates and corvettes. He even said we might be getting a Bulwark class Battle cruiser and a Lucrehulk class Battleship. We'll have a kick ass amount of firepower when they get here. But I suggest that you recall most of your fleet back to Corneria before they get here, so we can combine our fleets during the final assault. All we have to do is keep them busy until then." Tim says.
"Ok then Captain I can do that, now how are you going to execute the assault on Macbeth? Even if your troops aren't the proper choice for a ground assault, we still need to get more of our troops down there and soon." Geshing asks.
"Well Admiral that's why we brought up the chart. If you guys are able to pull some of your reserves from Katina or Fichina, we can cause a diversion and break up some of their patrols to buy them some time to get down to the surface. But I will need a little bit of support. The Katana and The GreatFox will not be able to take on multiple Star destroyers if they call for reinforcements, and I'm going to take a wild guess that they will." Tim says.
"That's possible. I can pull up to four Valkyrie class assault frigates, and a Arrowhead and Rapier squadron from the CDF for you. The Valkyries long range forward turbolasers can provide you with excellent suppressive fire, not to mention that their also very fast for a ship of their class." Peppy says.
"Plus I can use the GreatFox as a carrier for the extra support fighters. With this arrangement, we shouldn't have a problem. Whats our time window before the Imperials realize whats going on?" Fox replies.
"After first contact that saying they report our position right away, I would say thirty minutes at most. So you'll have make haste and get those troops down to the surface. Otherwise they'll be sitting ducks." Tim says.
"Ok then captain, I'll rally up some ground forces immediately. Admiral Geshing begin regrouping any available ships you have. Fox, Tim, take charge and give me a report when you get back" Peppy orders.
"Yes sir." They reply, just seconds after a Wolf appears on the telecom.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but the Imperial advance is strengthening. They've taken over half the city now, and have bombed our last supply train. Were not going to last much longer down here. I'm requesting reinforcements." Wolf says.
"Don't worry major. You'll have reinforcements within three hours. Hold them off until then. Good luck major." Peppy replies.
"Roger that O'Donnel out." he says and the image disappears.
"Alright lets move out. All mission personnel report to the hanger ASAP." Tim says.
Gateway hanger bay one hour later.
After an hour of mission prep, all the pilots and key mission crew gather around for a quick pre mission brief.
"Ok listen up people. Its time we do what we came here to do. Were heading to Macbeth to dissrupt the blockade orbiting the planet. Our mission is simple. We damage and destroy as many Imperial ships as we can, to allow Cornerian Army reinforcements to get down to the surface before we get spotted. Keep in mind we'll be on a short time schedule, so make every shot and second count. Fox." Tim says.
"In addition with your forces we'll have elements of CDF fleet with us to provide extra support. I'll be taking point since I'm more familiar with the system than most of you. You have anything else Tim?" Fox asks.
"No that's all I got. Lets rock." Tim says.
"Ok everyone to your stations lets move." Fox says. With that said all the mission personnel swiftly proceeded to their stations and prepared for departure.
The Katana moments later.
Inside the Katana hanger, the Republic fighter pilots quickly rush to their aircraft. As Tim reaches his fighter, he pulls up his wrist comm and hails Nevel and climbs into the cockpit.
"Mike, all crew is accounted for. Were free to detach. Scamble all fighters when we are clear of the station." Tim orders.
"Copy that sir." He replies and looks over to the pilot."Take us out ensign." Mike orders.
"Aye sir." the pilots replies and the begins moving the large cruiser out of the station. In the meantime The GreatFox does the same. The two warships take the next few minutes to form up with the CDF support ships.
"Captain we're in position. All fighter are clear for take off sir." Nevel reports.
"I copy lieutenant, Scramble." Tim orders.
Mike then presses the button on the PA."Attention all pilots prepare for takeoff, Scramble."
With said all of the Katana's compliment of starfighters screech out of the hanger bay and into space. Each squadron quickly forms up on their squadron commanders and awaits orders. Tim then looks towards the GreatFox and watches as four Arwings sore out of the front of the ship and form up on the Raptors.
"Raptor one whats our stasis over?" Fox asks.
"We have just finished launching our fighters stand bye until I get a head count over" Tim replies.
"Roger that Tim." Fox says.
"Squadron leaders give me a heads up. Raptor squadron standing by." Tim orders.
"Viper one here, all pilots accounted for." Mark says.
"Cobra one here, accounted and awaiting orders." Ellen replies.
"Anaconda one here, all ships on stand bye sir." Alex reports.
"Lancer one here, prepped and ready for combat sir." Justin reports.
"Copy that, Fox all Serpent elements are ready and on stand bye." Tim says.
"Roger that Raptor one. All CDF elements are ready as well. Gateway command, open the gate, destination Macbeth, over." Fox replies.
"Destination Macbeth confirmed, Stand bye for gateway preparation." Gateway control orders.
The massive gateway then lights up with its bright green glow, and the small task force then swiftly move towards it and hold position just in front of it.
"Warp systems online. Your are cleared to procceed. Good hunting everyone, give those bastards hell." Gateway contol reports.
"Will do. Alright lets move out people." Fox orders.
"Right behind you man, Lets kick some imp ass." Tim replies very eager to bring the rain.
Now was the time, the task force then fly into light and vanish to their destination, in hopes to strike a small but critical blow to the ruthless invaders.
Authors notes: I decided to keep this abit short mostly cause of the big briefing and leave the next chapter open for the battle. It just seemed right to end it as they make the warp jump. I think it adds some suspence to it. Next up the raid on Macbeth. Thanks for reading and reviewing.