Space E-war Reloaded

[The Kingpin]

Khuurava watched the ships silently from the cockpit of the Marauder, considering their movements thoughtfully. Without any developments, he had no choice but to wait. It was an annoying situation for him. If his hunch was correct and the larger ships were a pirate fleet, it meant that trying to jump would be risky. Ships that large could easily have smaller pursuit ships on board, meaning he could easily end up caught up in a chase. Though he could, if need be, lead them towards the other ship. Still, he had no idea who that one belonged to, and with the stealth tech that the now non-existent blip on his radar had implied, it could easily be a military scout ship. He didn't want to be put on a list of targets to be hunted down should a salvage crew find the wreckage, or, alternately, the ship returned to it's port of origin and issued a bounty on him; it wasn't good for business. As such, he was left with his hands tied. He would have to wait for them to make their moves, before he could take any further action...

[C S]

While Khuurava deliberated, Ecliptor returned to the Marauder, his objective complete. Once inside the hold, he sent the data where the transmission couldn't be intercepted by the other ships in the system. The signal would be far too weak to appear on their arrays.

"The eight ships are traveling in formation. They are pirates. The unidentified is a cruiser class vessel, military grade. Because of stealth load out there isn't any more this one can report. Orders, Khuurava-Commander?"

[Giratina93]

Still unaware of the two vessels in the system, the 8 pirate vessels were still moving on. On the bridge, Rutivre seemed impatent, almost irritated, tapping his scytheed hand against the floor... there was something odd with this situation. Scanners weren't picking up anything, but he felt as if there was something here he was missing, something odd, something was he-

"Sir! We have picked up the signatures of probes in the vacinity, probes that weren't here a few moments ago!" One of the pirates at the controls shouted back up at Rutivre. "Also, we're picking up an additional tiny craft on the radar. Orders, captain?"

Rutivre smiled. Tiny craft... that would mean there wouldn't be much loot to get, if any. However, he was bored and wanted some action... even if it would be one-sided in his favor. "Good. " He hissed, before barking out. "All ships, send out our probes to investigate. Perhaps there's more here than we think."

The order went out to all 8 ship's crews, and from the main destroyer and two of the Carriers, 6 probes flew out, all of them toward the Marauder...

[Anaclagon]

"Your orders sir.." The pilot questioned as he stared dead forward as they watched the advancing pirate vessels approach them.
"How did they.." Fordo was caught off immediately.
"Forget it. Deactivate the cloaking device and divert power to the shields. Send a transmission to Piett to prepare to jump to hyperspace on this location. As for the incoming vessels... patch me through" Revan commanded.
"Sir.. with all due respect.." Fordo was caught off again.
"We're outnumbered and outgunned. We run, they'll catch us. No point in trying to hide. Time to let these fools know who they are messing with" Revan stated .

The Imperial Tartan Cruiser's cloaking deactivated revealing its small stature. It was a patrol cruiser by all definition but in this current situation it was outnumbered and outgunned. The Imperial orders were sent through Imperial code and even if they were picked up, trying to decipher them would take time. The Imperial cruiser kept its paused movement as a transmission was sent to all the pirate vessels that approached. The bold move of purposely revealing itself could have been considered suicidal but the Tartan would at least hold till reinforcements arrive. In any case, it was easy to tell the cruiser was of military grade and even pirates would likely re-consider attacks if they know what they could possibly be dealing with.

"Unidentified vessels halt you're movement immediately. Any attempts to engage this vessel will result in your demise. This is your final and only warning."


"Like they'll listen to this Tartan" one of the Sith Commandos stated as Fordo turned his head and nearly chuckled. "If they refuse.. they'll have to deal with standard Imperial military doctrine. Whoever they are... they won't like the Empire" Fordo simply responded, ever relaxed and confident.

[The Kingpin]

"I see. I suppose it was too much to expect I wouldn't hear from them again for a few months" said Khuurava thoughtfully as he turned to the control panel of the ship. "Targets approaching designated security field. Designation: Probe. Model: GP-II. Number: 6. Please advise" came a relatively deep synthesized voice over the cockpit's speakers. Khuurava thought it over for a moment. Engaging would give away his location. Retreating would do the same, except that it would simply lead them wherever he went, even if they were a ridiculously long distance behind him. He'd have to go to the other side of the galaxy to lose their trail completely, and he had no intention of wasting that much time over a bunch of ugly, inept aliens looking for loot. They wanted loot....he'd give it to them one shell at a time. "Activate defence systems and weapons. power up the IRC and await my signal" he ordered, the Marauder's systems lighting up, the energy signature becoming noticeably more prominent, though still small, due to the fact the stealth systems were still engaged. "Ecliptor, Can your ship act as a flare? Generate a large energy spike? If so, get back out there, and navigate behind the cruiser. Give the pirates something to point their guns at. Afterwards, feel free to operate as necessary" he commanded...

[C S]

"Acknowledged." was the Seeker's response. Disengaging once again and firing a short burst, the small ship soared across the space between it and the cruiser, once again reading as floating debris drifting weightlessly through the void. It was when the scout ship was skimming over the Imperial vessel did Ecliptor start charging the hyperdrive, the energy output spike like that of a cannon being prepped for fire. As far as the pirates would know, it was a gun getting ready to tear right through their ships...

[Giratina93]

The message sent by the imperial vessel, along with it's decloaking and the charging energy spike , caught Rutivre off-guard, but only slightly. So there was a second vessel here in the area... this was looking more exciting already... and it was preparing to fire? Two ships, against his 8? Even if it wasn't as one-sided, it was still definitely in his grasp. " As you can see, Lord Helies, loot has come directly to us." The captain hisses at the screen showing the lord of the Space Pirates.

Helies sighs. "I would advise against engaging. We don't know what kind fo enemy we're dealing with, and they may have reinforcements... bu tif your so certain that you'll suceed, then go ahead." He grunts, slumping in his throne-chair back on the Euripedes.

Rutivre grinned. This was just what he wanted. "Thank you, Lord Helies." The pirate captain bows, before turning around and responding to the message sent by the Imperials. "And who do you think you are tellnig the most fearsome pirates in the galaxy to back down? You've just signed your death warrent." He snapped before he cut the message off. "ALL SHIPS, BATTLE POSITIONS AND OPEN FIRE!!!"

At that moment, a hailstorm of plasma missles fired from the 8 ships and streaked across the sky toward the Imperial ship, while the crusiers began to fan out...

[C S]

"Objective accomplished" Ecliptor mused. He diverted the pent up energy from the hyperdrive to the main engine, gradually bleeding it out with a incremental burn that sent the scout ship peeling away from the Imperial targets. Before they knew what happened, the Seeker would be out of firing range...

[Anaclagon]

Just as the pirate vessels opened Fordo shook his head. "Sir.. you are bold..this could be one of the bravest or stupidest things you ever done"
"Pilot take evasive maneuvers and tell Piett to hurry up!" Revan commanded.
"Yes sir!" The pilot responded and soon the engines of the Tartan cruiser sprung to life. Despite being considered a small vessel in the Empire it was also fast on its own, nimble enough to hold it's own against star fighters. The cruiser turned away from the incoming missiles and now it was up to the ability of the pilot to use the speed and shielding capabilities of the Tartan to last as long as possible before reinforcements arrived.

Meanwhile in hyperspace..

A massive presence was rapidly approaching. It was technically impossible to hide it's presence considering its unbelievable size. Within moments it was becoming clear that the arriving vessel would easily outsize and outgun all ships in the area combined..

[The Kingpin]

Almost immediately, the Marauder's weapons came online, panels rising from the ship's hull as several plasma autocannons unfolded from the ship's hull, only exposed long enough to obliterate all 6 of the probes at once, molten debris being the only remains, the weapons being pulled back into the insulated hull as the engines flared, changing the ship's direction before extinguishing once more, throwing off the Marauder's location as Khuurava got his ship out of the line of fire, smirking as he watched the scanners light up with the energy signatures of the ships' weapons. With the probes gone, his location was once again lost. The movement meant that by the time they sent replacements or tried to retaliate, the Marauder would be long gone. And with the flaring of the weapons in the region, there was no hope of them ever finding him again. It was time for him to sit back and enjoy the proverbial fireworks...

[C S]

Ecliptor matched velocities with the Marauder's own then ascended into the hold, docking with the clamps on the ceiling. Thereafter, he climbed out out of a hatch with his rifle stowed on his back, the weapon placed in the ship after the Seeker's last excursion. With the newest confrontation, he believed it would be best to have it with him until further notice.

[Giratina93]

As the missles flew pas tthe Imperial ship, some of them began to swerve around in long arcs, to nail the ship from behind. Also, more missles were fired from the cruisers, these flying toward the ship from diffrent angles, some from below, some from the sides, some from the front...

"Captain, we're picking up something big coming in from hyperspace." One of the pirates shouted back to the captain. "Also, our probes are gone, and the other ship has vanished."

Rutivre gritted his teeth. "So one weasel has snuck away, and left us with another? Fine by me. Prepare the Mass Accelerater Cannon. The moment whatever's coming enters into real space, gut it from front to back!" He barked.

On the top of the Destroyer, the back of it opened up and out unfolded a large cannon-like structure. Energy began to gather into it, waiting for the right moment to fire...

[dinoman666]

Another large energy signature, that of multiple Slipspace signatures, could be detected at the edge of the system where the standoff between the Imperials and the Pirates was taking place. Three sleek, purple-gray ships, one larger than the other two, emerged into the darkness of space, but they were not making a beeline for the battle. They were moving around the location of the energy flares marking the fighting, as if examining what was going on. It was obvious they hadn't expected company...

[Anaclagon]

One of the missiles slammed perfect into the side of the Tartan cruiser, had it not been for the shields the damage would have been extensive. Just as the other missiles were raining the cruisers laser cannons turned to life as all twenty went live and fired towards the missiles hoping to destroy them before they made more contact. The numerous and rapid firing cannons while effective could only last so long against a swarm.
"Sir.. we're not going to make it" Fordo stated as explosions rocketed all around the Imperial cruiser.
"It's about time.." Revan suddenly stated and suddenly appearing from hyperspace, a gigantic warship emerged.

Massive would have been an understatement as the warship powered by thirteen blood red engines propelled the vessel forward. It was many miles long, a prime example of Imperial military doctrine. The ship of the size was just as impressive then its armaments as a seemingly endless amounts of turbo laser batteries and missile launchers prepared themselves to fire. The ship itself had been named the Invincible , a modified and upgraded Executor Class Star Dreadnought to make it the most impressive warship in the Empire's arsenal. The vessel soared over the Tartan trying to survive despite the damage it had taken. The Tartan's first move would have been to make it straight towards one the main hanger. Revan smirked behind his mask, long has this vessel served with him and fitted his personality. Large enough to end conflicts before shots had to be fired and powerful enough to deal with practically anything it came across

The Invincible surveyed the entire scene, locking on to targets. Towards the back of the vessel were two Victory Class Star Destroyers. While not as powerful and massive as your standard Imperial Class, they were support vessels. The current situation did not call for Revan's usually Armada.
"Admiral this ship is taking a beating, cover us until we make it back on board. Then finish of these scum" Revan ordered to his flagship.
"Understood my Lord. We are preparing to engage"

[The Kingpin]

Khuurava, meanwhile, was gasping. The sudden appearance of the massive energy signature on the sensors confirmed his guess; the military ship had reinforcements within reach. Suffice to say, amused would be an understatement. Khuurava was laughing at the sudden change in the situation. Grabbing a drink he had had brought to him by a service droid on the ship, he downed the drink, sitting back as he enjoyed the sight. Things just got a lot more interesting. In the brief moment the Marauder had it's shields, engines and guns powered up, he had managed to map out the ships and scales of them thoroughly. He had identified the unknown ship as an Imperial Tartan-class. Judging by the signature on the large one that just appeared, he guessed it was an Executor....a very big one...10 miles, at least, if his memory served...

[C S]

Once more Ecliptor appeared from the cockpit chute, rolling out of the transport apparatus with it closing behind him shortly after. "This one notes the beginning of a trend, Khuurava-Commander." said Ecliptor as the Seeker approached the forward screen. "Pirate vessels experience great bouts of misfortune when they come into the proximity of you."

[Giratina93]

"Captain, we are detecting 6 additional ships entering the area. It appears that the small vessel has called on reinforcements." One of the pirates at the controls shouted back up at Rutivre, concern and worry in the pirate's voice.

Rutivre balled his fist up tight and slammed it into the side of the seat he was on. The numbers had shifted... now it was 7 to 8, if the ship that had slipped away were to be discounted. Almost even odds... and one of those ships was twice as large as his own... the smart thing to do would be to retreat, to give in... but no, what kind of a picture would that paint for the Space Pirates? That of snivveling bullies who only enjoyed numerical advantage and fled when things started getting rough? No... What he wanted was an image of Space Pirates as true hot-blooded warriors who wouldn't back down from a fight. The odds were still in his favor. He still had one more ship than they did. Even if it were 16 ships to one, he would still rather fight them down here than lead them back to the pirate stronghold. "ALL SHIPS, ATTACK EVERYTHING! MAKE SURE NONE OF THESE PRIMATIVES ESCAPES ALIVE!" Rutivre roared.

This time, the shielding along the Destroyer lowered to allow the massive plasma turrets to fire off along with the cruisers constantly firing plasma missles, both at the Imperial ships, and the other three vessels as well. The giant MAC gun on the top of the Destroyer fired, sending a projectile of great mass and speed zooming straight toward the Invincible. Unlike the missles, the MAc round wasn't a heat seeking projectile, but what it lacked in homing it made up for in sheer power, for if it were to land a hit, most ships would be gutted front to back, and most shields would be blasted through as well... but reloading it took precious time, over 5 minutes to be exact, which meant if i tmissed, the Destroyer would be forced to rely on its plasma turrets against these foes...

[Anaclagon]

"Admiral enemy projectile incoming. Coming in hard and fast" A crew men onboard the Imperial flagship reported.
"Divert power to the forward shields and batteries. Our vessel is too large to make movements. Our targets are perfectly within our sights. Have the two Victory class destroyers go along the sides and force them into the kill zone.. we shall take their shot so we can deliver our own" Piett commanded. The Grand Admiral then sent a transmission back to the Imperial Tartan.
"Sir you best head back on board, sensors are detecting another trio of ships. Things are getting hot" Piett reported.
"Already on our way" Revan replied as the damaged Tartan cruiser cruised towards the massive main hanger of the Imperial flagship. As the Tartan cruised in Revan made one final request. "Admiral we'll be landing in moments. Have some TIE Phantoms prepare for some stealth runs on the vessels before us. Once we get these scum in the kill zone, it'll be easy work from here on out"
"Yes sir" Piett reported.

The Invincible was set out to be a vessel that would be feared by the Empire enemies. It was obvious that the flagship was Revan's, that the vessel carried Revan's personal legions and elite squadrons. The brightest and Imperial's best served along this vessel. The vessel was primed to be a symbol of Imperial power and that it's size and reputation alone was enough to make enemies submit. The name itself was chosen because of the power and reputation it would bring.

The Imperial flagship withdrew power from the engines and re directed to the forward batteries and shields. The incoming attack would likely prove damaging but the shields would hold at least for this shot. While the enemy launched their attacks the Imperial Flagship began to open fire as well as its countless forward batteries attacked the entire pirate fleet. The Imperial turbo laser batteries were perfectly designed for dealing with enemies vessels especially military grade. Most vessels were usually eradicated in moments by an Executor Class as heavy fighting with multiple enemies was its primary role, but it did not help that Invincible was also much larger and more heavily armed then its sister ships to ensure that Revan as the Emperor's enforcer went perfectly clear through all the Empire.

Meanwhile the two Victory Class destroyers on the flanks of the Imperial flagship moved to sides providing support with their own anti capital vessel weaponry, trying to force the pirates to take drastic measures.

[dinoman666]

The Sangheili Ship Master on the bridge of the Assault Carrier watched the battle from a safe distance, mandibles clicking together silently as he stared intently at the main holographic screen. His task force was only there for a simple artifact retrieval, but they had not expected others to get here first. On one side: pirates. Unknown origin, but clearly brave enough to stand up against their foes, who the Ship Master recognized immediately.

The Empire.

The Sangheili gritted his teeth together, then barked orders at one of his subordinates on the bridge. "Contact 'Mdama! Tell him we require reinforcements!" He turned to look back at the main viewscreen. "We will not allow these Imperial scum to escape..."

[The Kingpin]

"I don't think it's so much because of proximity as it is because I dislike them and would rather see them blown to smithereens" said Khuurava as he sipped on his drink. "Plus, I enjoy seeing their roles reversed. Hence, the entire tactic being applied here" he added...