Zaelos is not sure how these controls worked and the fact his race lacked sight did not help manners at all. He takes a few extra seconds to adjust his sight before laying a withering barrage of laser fire at the TIE Interceptors.
Karval looks across to the blind pilot Me'eona saying; "Let's jink left, I don't fancy trying to out maneuver that many TIE's or outgun a Star Destroyer." His tone laden with harsh recrimination for his ability in the mission.
Me'eona smiles, "Don't want to face a Destroyer? Where's your sense of adventure?" The ship turns slightly right before jerking left, "Just kidding......I enjoy life as well."
With a look of distain at the joke, Karval carries on pulling hard at the controls - his muscles straining to get the ship to turn. "Let's get this lump of metal out of here." However Me'eona can hear the subtle nuances in his voice that shows he appreciates the levity.
You fly near the atmosphere trying to avoid the fighters. Me'eona performs extraordinary feats as his piloting skills keep the ship from getting pulled off course by the gravity.
Now the fighters cannot come to close and can only focus on one side of the gunship allowing Karval to strengthen the shields in one place. The fighters cause little harm but the bombers are closing in. They will be in range next turn.
I need piloting checks from Karval and Me'eona to keep the course steady.
I need firing checks from Nichos and Zaleos. There are a lot of fighters but the bombers are the real threat.
Zaelos allows his senses to permeate the blaster controls, seeking to become one with them. As his senses stretch out beyond the confines of the gunship and into the vastness of space, he becomes aware of the apporaching bombers.
He voice calls out low, but with an authoritative tone. "Nichos, concentrate your fire on those bombers. Do not let one get through."
Karval looks at the screens, the bombers seem to be closing fast - although the numbers of the other TIE's are worrying.
"I'll take care of the shields, you try to get us out of here." he says to Me'eona as he concentrates on the shields focussing them towards the greatest grouping of enemies.
Nichos focuses his fire on the fighters, still muttering to himself under his breath.
"Yes the shields. What I really need is for you to do something about the gravity well. No? Fine, just focus on the shields."
"I cannot shoot it, Well..." Karval says innocuously; "Let me just recalibrate this sensor to allow fr the discrepancies." He taps the key-pads quickly. "There that might work."
Karval and Me'eona have mad piloting skills as they try and keep ahead of the fighters.
The Auto defense turrets pick off a few of the fighters but don't seem to target the bombers.
Zaleos and Nichos are doing their best to shoot the targets. Nichos lands a solid hit on one of the bombers destroying it.
The two remaining bombers move in and fighter their torpedos. One of them lands one the ships hull. Damage was severe.
Two of the defense turrets are destroyed. In the cockpit the nav computer bursts into flames as well as a few other nonvital systems.
Hull integrity is weakening. Looks bad. The shields are absorbing the damage from the others fighters but with the extensive damage, those shots will start hurting soon.
The good news is you are moving past the TIEs they are attempting pursuit.
It need pilot checks from Karval and Me'eona. Successful checks means better defense against incoming fire.
"Well, let's see if we can't get out of this."
"I'll try to restore some of our shields while i'm at it."
Karval looks grimly as the ship is rocked heavily by the torpedoes. "Sorry, guys. The bombers got one through - the nav computers out." Karval looks around briefly; then taps on the computer opening a different tab looking to find if there are any droids on board.
he hopefully queries. 'See if we can put them to work.' His seat shakes as the pushes the engines to see if tey can evade the ordinance and still reach the moon.
"I don't suppose anyone has bothered to contact the ship we are going to, have they? I don't really relish the idea of fleeing from guns only to run into more of them." Nichos continues to try to take out the remaining fighters.
With a wince Karval replies; "Damn... I'll do it in a second; just got to get... done." he distractedly talks as he tries to fix the ship. "I'll put us through, any moment."
Zaelos grimaces in pain as the torpedo makes it through the defenses he and Nichos provided, slamming his body against the wall. He yells out "Yes, Karval! Raising our pickup would be a good plan, don't you think?" There is an undercurrent of desperation in his voice which the Mandalorian has not heard before.
He grits his teeth and focuses on keeping the last bomber from finishing the job of reducing the gunship to its component atoms.
You guys are having.....issues to say the least.
The pilots manage to restore some shield power but their piloting doesn't help much as some of the fighters manage to do some damage but as luck would have it, the bombers miss completely.
Class: Combat Gunboat
Size:Small (40 m long)
Hyperdrive:x1 (Backup X 4)
Passengers: 4 staff
Cargo Capacity: 100 tons
Consumables: 1 month
Speed: 9 square/action in space 24 square/action in atmosphere
Crew: 2 pitlots, up to 4 gunners. (Skilled + 4)
Initiative: +5
Maneuver: +5
Defense: 20
Sheild Points: 40 (DR 15)
Hull Points: 120 (DR 20)
Shields are at 21 and Hull integrity is 54 after torpedo. 46 after fighters this round.
The ship takes a total of 8 points of hull damage from the fires and the shields are once again gone. Some of the ships stabilizers are damaged. All piloting checks take a -2 penalty till the stabalizers are fixed.
The auto turrets that are remaining continue to lay fire on the incoming fighters taking out at least one.
The Bombers are moving in for another attack. You are getting close to passing the blockade but for some reason you are unable to raise Merianna's fleet.
There are 4 intercepters left, 6 TIEs and 2 Bombers. All of which are in hot pursuit and right on your tail. You still have at least 5 rounds before you reach the allied fleet.
Starting to get more than a little desperate, Nichos digs deep into his psyche as he aims at one of the remaining bombers, hoping that somehow, somewhere in him is a suppressed warrior that simply hasn't shown itself yet.
Typing buttons frenetically Karval tries to open lines of communications to the flagship and the fleet. 'Is it being jammed? Damn rebels.'
He then broadcasts none the less, whilst keeping an eye on the proximity screen. "To Emperess Palpatines fleet. The Imperial gunship approaching is under special instructions from Commander Richard Tavoes. This is de Longinous speaking, aide to Sir Buerlon. We are taking heavy fire and request assistance and covering fire; this is an urgent message, repeat, this is an urgent message." Karvals voice is calm, concise and practised sounding like an urbane teacher, he then puts the message on an all-frequency broadcast loop. Repeating it over and over so he can concentrate on getting them out of there.
Zaelos feels a mental...no more of a spiritual tug, something he had not felt in many months...or was it years?. He allows his senses to expand, and realizes with a start it was emanating across from him, from his fellow gunner!
Was he sensitive to the ways of the Force?
He decides to draw on the same mystical energies the Chiss is accessing to help focus his erratic aim...
"Finally getting the hand of this piloting thing Karval?"
After letting the controls slip, "Well, I guess i've forgotten how. Maybe we could get some shields."
His grim face cracks into a granite smile at the exuberant joke. "Aye, I just might have. Hopefully we can get this bucket of rust to the fleet."
You are flying top speed to keep ahead of the fighters. The auto turrets are making the effort a bit easier. The ship manages to stay ahead.
However, the surviving bombers have launched one more volley of torpedos. It will take 3 rounds for them to reach you. The bomber break off persuit but the rest of the fighters continue to harass you.
It is up to Zaleos and Nichos to destroy the torpedos. Shields are holding at 10 against the attackers.
Sweating profusely and looking like he's about to pass out, Nichos focuses in a desparate attempt to save his skin, knowing that he needs to take the torpedoes out, but also trying to time the shot to create as much collateral damage amongst the enemy as possible, trying to use the destructive force of his foes' weapons against them.
Calmly Karval makes sure that the message to the fleet is still on repeat. "Do we have chaff? Or Sand casters to cause premature torpedo detonation?" He asks whilst trying to check on the systems.
With a wench of his muscles the Mandolorean pulls the ship in a turn away from the fighters and giving the gunners a better field of fire. "Need any help Me'eona with the shields?"
Zaelos silently marvels at Nichos' marksmanship, even as he tries to match the Chiss' accuracy.
One of the torpedos were shot down by Nichos. An Excellent job my lad.
Zaleos just missed the second torpedo and it is still incoming. ETA = 2 Rounds. Its do or die guys.
Karval is trying to Hail the imperial fleet but seems to be getting no response.
I need a knowledge Engineering check from Karval = to 15 or if you are untrained, Comp use DC 20
Some of the wiring in the communications panel must be disconnected or damaged. A simple repair check of 10 (Taking 10 will work) would repair the system and allow staticy communication at best.
If Karval failed the check then you can only assume some kind of radio jamming or something.
Beads of sweat form on Zaelos' brow as he tries to focus his attention on the final incoming torpedo....
Steady...steady....aand...
"Yep, this is getting old. Where is our pickup?"
Karval looks to the screen, sees the torpedoes. "Incoming guys, I know you're trying but...
'I don't want to die to some faceless adversary in space without a weapon in my hand.' he thinks grimly.
Looking at the screens he lets out a low curse; "I don't know why this thing is not working? Jamming? Bloody hell work down you." he gives the console a kick, creating a small bend in the steel sides.
Karval braces for the impact of the incoming torpedoes, all the time his fingers nimbly dance across the keyboard.
Zaleos scores a direct hit on the torpedo destroying it.
The bombers have broken off pursuit but the other fighters continue to follow blasting away at the hull. The lights flicker off then back on again.
You guys race towards the fleet unable to hail them about your approach. Praying you will make it. Soon several fighters fly out to intercept you.
These new fighters fly past you shooting your pursuers out of the sky in balls of fire.
The fighters then circle around to escort you to the flagship. With the comm system out you are going on trust at this point.
You bring the gunboat into the hanger of the star destroyer and dock. Every gun in the hanger is trained on your ship. There is no choice but to step out peacefully with your hands up.
You go out and the stormtroopers move up weapons at the ready. "Turn over your weapons and you wont be harmed." The captain anounces. Relinquishing your weaponry the stormtroopers stand at ease. Then the commanding officer steps forth. You are relieved to see it is Commander Rick Tavoes himself and accompanying him at his side is the mysterious empress Mirianna Palpetine. A young blonde woman with a stunning physique compliments by a skin tight black jumpsuit with high end embroidery on it.
Tavoes approaches clearing his throat. "You there, we tried to contact you on your flight inbound. Considering the condition of your ship we assumed you comm systems may have been damaged. So we took a chance letting you abord. Now is the time for answers. First. I need to know, are you members of our underground resistance or refugees? Either way you should know that I am impressed with your skill as you are the only ship to make it off world and survive. So, which is it?" He stands awating your response.
"We are the strike force that shut down the ship hangars before things turned south, forcing us to evacuate in a hurry. How we survived, I'm not entirely sure, though I suspect a bit of luck was involved. Loath as I am to have acknowledge what is often an unreliable resource, in this case, it seems to have been a critical one." Nichos is looking extremely pale and tired at this point, sitting at one wound point, but manages to hold himself together for a bit longer, his desire to not embarrass himself in front of the empress stronger than his bodily weakness.
Commander Tavoes sighs. "There were 30 groups like yours at least 20 of them reported success. Then Darth Taintus showed up and everything went to hell fast. So far you are the only team out of 30 to report in. there is 15 minutes left before we disengage. Now our rival is going to benefit from our hard work. You all seem pretty worse for wear. I will have to taken to the medical bay and your health will be restored. We will talk more once your better."
Rick gestures for and escort to cart you all off to the medical bay. You are each given treatment and 8 hours of rest before you all all relaxing at full health in the patient's lounge.
Soon enough Rick returns. "I thought I should inform you we have left the Kuat system and are heading back to our base at Bakura. In the meantime I would like to chat a bit. Your four are the only survivors from that ordeal which means you are carved from a different cloth than the typical agent. That said I was wondering if you all would be willing to sign on as a special task group for the lady. There will be great benefits. Plus she seems to have taken a shine you you all."
Zaelos stiffens to attention as his sightless eyes note the presence of his commanding officer and the Empress as well. An expression of shock appears briefly then is wiped away by many years of long practice.
He gives the Empress a bow, "Empress...Commander, it is good to be here again. As Nichos as said we were one of the teams sent to infiltrate the station and sabotage the hanger preventing access for the other faction vessels. Unfortunately, the arrival of one of the aforementioned factions...I believe working for Darth Taintus ...derailed the plan of attack. We absconded the scene with one of their vessels and were barely able to make it here in one piece."
After the group is treated for their wounds and Commander Taevos has presented his offer for joining the task force, he turns to his teammates and asks "This seems a good route to strike a blow for our Empress, I would be willing to travel that path with you all."
Karval watches as the fighters from the fleet overtake then and blast the fighters out of the darkness with an incandescent explosion. A single bead of sweat rolls down his forehead, which he quickly brushes away before Me'eona notices.
Flying into the flight bay, he brushes down his jacket with his off hand and as he is asked to surrender he looks seriously to the officer and surrenders his sword in an ancient gesture of noble submission. The blade flat along his arm and upon on knee he offers it to Empress or Commander Tavoes. He lets Nicos speak, knowing the mans eloquence and deductive reasoning will get them out of the situation.
Karval stays on one knee watching the beautiful Empress. He low voices adds; "He seemed to be commanding an elite storm-troopers." Then gets up as the Commander escorts them away to the medical bay.
After his time in the medical bay, Nichos looks considerably more refreshed, and seems to be back in his normal humor. As they reassemble he makes the comment drily, "If we plan on making a habit out of jaunts like that, let me know so that I can reserve a bacta tank in advance. If I must take a bath like that, I want to be sure one is ready, so that I don't have to wait in line next time." After hearing what Commander Tavoes has to say, "I would be willing to sign on. Despite the ultimate result, it could have been worse. They will come to find in due time that knocking someone down is not the same as knocking them out. Any word on if anybody survived from the original faction?"
By the time Karval gets to the medical bay he looks physically fresh, however his clothes reflect his state of mind: worn and dusty. He waits brooding in the medical bay, glad to be alive but reflecting upon the mission. "Failure doesn't sit well with me; especially for our Empress Palpatine. I will wipe away this besmirchment to my honour. I will sign up to any mission where by I can serve."
Listening to Nichos he replies; "True, it could have been worse we achieved at least some level of the objectives. A pity it was for the enemy. Darth Taintus will pay for under estimating us, I believe."
He looks to Zaleos; clearly impressed with the way that the noble can talk so easily to Karvals superiors and the Empress.
Me'eona smiles as Karval wipes away the sweat from his brow. I see through the Force and the Force sees all.
Me'eona limps from the ship after they land and "looks" around. Listening intently to Zalleos's comments, he smiles to himself. After they begin limping their way to medical, he approaches Zaleos "You have a quick tongue and a way of understating things that would make any government inspector proud."
After resting for a bit, Me'eona considers the offer and listens to his new companions statements. Maybe there is a will to the Force. Guess I'll ride this one out. "You know I had a standing offer to do water sking on Hoth but it is the cold season right now. I guess I'll stick around for a while."
Me'eona limps from the ship after they land and "looks" around. Listening intently to Zalleos's comments, he smiles to himself. After they begin limping their way to medical, he approaches Zaleos "You have a quick tongue and a way of understating things that would make any government inspector proud."
Zaelos watches his fellow Mirilukan approach and his face is impassive. In his mind though he feels an echo...the old familiar echo he has tried to ignore most of his life. Now the presence of a man who he has run into before cannot be a coincidence.
How long can I deny my heritage...
Putting aside his doubts, his face breaks out in a grin as he shakes the scoundrel's hand. "Aye, perhaps a tad bit understated, but I feel the Empress has little appreciation for long oratory speeches. Plus, every bone in my body feels like it has been pressed in a trash compactor, so I did not feel like sticking around for a long debrief."
Tavoes nods. "Okay then come with me. We are going to meet with Lady Palpatine. She will be briefing you personally from this point on." You are led by Tavoes through the interior of Mirianna's flagship Valkyrie. As you move through Tavoes speaks. "Honestly I am surprised Lady Palpatine seems so interested in you. I admit it was impressive that you were the only survivors of that mission but the way she talks about you all, makes it sound like she knows more than is visible. Maybe it has something to do with this force stuff that gives her the powers she has. Scary stuff that."
Karval lowers his eyes slightly, cautious when he is off the battle-field. He knows that he is not the most personable and that his reputation for brutality in the ring earned him the position of Zaleos bodyguard. 'She seems intriguing, a force user like her father.'
He looks up as he follows the commander; "Thank you for your candor, sir." his vice gruff. "We will do our upmost." He looks to the others, "Maybe we can all go skiing on Hoth once this is over and she is Empress of te Galaxy."
Zaelos nods in acknowledgement of the upcoming meeting between the Empress and his team for their next briefing. Karval, however, picks up on the fact Zaelos is not as calm about this meeting as he lets on.
I feel as if I am chained to a runaway speeder, with barely any control of its heading...the fact Mirianna is well versed in the ways of the Force, there is no doubt in my heart. I fear she may take control of my destiny and leave me a mere puppet...but the POWER she has...if I could learn from her...think of what I could do with it!
"Perhaps a relaxing trip to Hoth is in order, however I much prefer warmer climes, but we can discuss our vacation plans later."
"Of course." Karval says mono-syllabically. 'That's if we survive it and are not like Galvert. May the universe, save him.'
He looks to his noble employer, dare he think - friend, he puts a callused hand gently upon his shoulder. "Focus, friend? This should be interesting and if we are united in purpose, we can overcome." he says reassuringly, before adding quietly. "Did you see her in the hanger bay, so Imperious, powerful and beautiful. Listen to like a smitten schoolboy, at least you are keeping your head." 'Unless she removes it and mine too.'
Zaelos flinches, then relaxes at the touch of his bodyguard. "Yes, friend an interesting meeting without question...and yes I was also struck by her beauty...her power. Be careful, friend. Her beauty comes from more than her physical form...it runs much deeper than such fleeting images." He breaks out in a grin, "Plus, I would hate to have to duel you for her attention!"
Karval laughs heartily. "No, I learnt long ago, you don't fight over women. Especially not with a comrade or friend."
"I know little of that power or the force. I guess we might learn more of it if we meet Taintus' battalion again." he says as they walk down the corridor.
Listening to Zaleos and Karval, Me'eona shakes his head and smiles at them. "If you two keep up your witty banter, the war will be over before we get to the Empress." Quickly moving ahead as if they would strike him, Me'eona catches up to Tavoes and throws a disarming smile back at his companions.
Leaning over to Zaleos; "I wouldn't have a battle of wits with him;" Karval nods at Me'eona. "I don't fight unarmed men." he gives a uncustomary wink.