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Aran Jinn "You mean Rafine Wran? My family's shipping company used to have a regular run to Sarn and we traded with her all the time. I'd be surprised if she wasn't still around. I can't imagine anything less than the destruction of the station would dislodge her." After the briefing breaks up, Aran spends some time with Jow'thar working on the H-6. With some careful juggling they'd managed to free up some additional magzine-space aboard, and finally get the kink in the bomb launcher worked out. Next time they went into battle, they'd be loaded for bear. The following day, the Pallas jumps to the rendevous with the Nebula. Commander Able met with the transport's captain to work out the details of the upcoming mission. At the same time a team from the Nebula set to work. If the Pallas was to be a show of force for the Rebels, it ought to bear their colors. Working in zero-g, the Nebula's workers soon had the Pallas looking like the rebel capital ship she was. 
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Nov 8, 2018 06:41
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| # ? May 19, 2024 01:15 |
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Geante Crevette "Yeah, that was her name. Rafine Wran is good people. I'm not surprised she's bringing Sarn station more fully into the Rebellion. I remember hearing complaints about Imperial Tariffs the whole time I was there. Should be lots of support for us. We'll have to take extra care not to fly into or through the station and ruin their goodwill while we're there. Actually, we should think of something nice to give her. Kind of a welcome to the rebellion gift. I overheard one of the marines saying she was saving a bottle of green champaign for a special occasion. Maybe you can help me think of something to trade her for it and we can give that to Wran."
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Nov 9, 2018 02:33
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Vraska As soon as the Pallas rendezvous with the Nebula, Vraska was making some excuse to go have a look-see at all the old junk the transport was hauling, complaining a bit too loudly that it stank of wet animal on the Pallas and that he needed some fresh air. All that talk of old relics like ARC-170's got him reminiscing of the old days, back when his old partner Daav and he would do salvage and scrap jobs for in backwater systems. And so who should he find on the Nebula working on the innards of one of the more well-used ARCs but Daav the Junker himself.  "<Daav! You loving fossil. So that's where they dug this poo poo up. The Rebels are probably the only people who'd buy these things.>" "<Imps finally let you out of prison, I see. Thought they'd forget about you.>" "<I am very hard to forget.>" "<You're telling me. I was just about to take a break, want a drink?>" "<So long as it's free; they don't pay me.>"
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Nov 10, 2018 09:09
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A few hours pass, and the Pallas and the Nebula align for their jump into hyperspace. The stars extend into lines and soon the ships are away. Moments after the pair returns to normal space, the general quarters alarm stars to blare across both ships. On the Pallas Commander Abel's voice soon replaces the siren,  "Attention all hands, we've detected a large number of Imperial Fighters on scopes on attack vectors towards Sarn Station. All personnel report to battle-stations and all available fighters are to scramble ASAP. We have to cover the Nebula's delivery of the shield." A similar message was heard aboard the Nebula from its own captain.
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Nov 10, 2018 20:17
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Vraska Vraska and Daav were in the mess hall, drinking blue milk and reminiscing on the old days of smuggling and slave running as free traders. Daav took a long drink. "<So I hear tell that Captain Fisk is here, the pompous shitbag.>" Vraska sucked in a breath through his teeth. "<Yeah, I heard. I also heard he got a promotion. Major Fisk now, as I'm sure he'll be happy to remind everyone. Lickspittle little ladder-climber.>" Daav mmm'd. "<Yeah. I had heard he nicked you for smuggling a while back. Condolences.>" Vraska waved it off. "<The game is the game.>" The conversation stopped when the announcement came. Daav scowled. Vraska finished off his blue milk in a single go. "<Hey Daav, any of those relics in any condition to fly right now?>" Daav raised what passed for an eyebrow among Tandoshans. "<Yeah... what're you thinking?>" "<C'mon. We'll pick up our third on the way.>"
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Nov 14, 2018 01:07
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As you reach the docking bay, you manage to wrangle one of the mechanics to act as a tailgunner. While Daav has one of the astromechs intended to be given to Sarn Station along with the ships installed, your Zebrak ally manages to scrounge up some flight-suits. It doesn't exactly fit well, but if worse comes to worse and you need to bail out it should keep you breathing. Daav makes his way up to the co-pilot position, and your tail-gunner, a mechanic by the name of Darex Pieweto familiarizes himself with the ARC's rear gun. Daav has to argue with the captain of the Nebula for about a minute after you're all aboard. The transport isn't really a carrier, so in order to launch the ship will have to open one of the cargo bays to space and you'll have to maneuver yourselves out manually. However, between Daav and the serious imperial force on scopes, the captain relents and gives you the go-ahead. Launching the ARC is a delicate operation, especially since its nothing as nimble as the A-Wing Vraska was used to. Still, with Daav's assistance, you manage to get into open space as the Nebula closes the hold behind you. You're greeted by Aran over the comms. "Two, what the hell were you doing off the ship! Never mind, we'll discuss this later, all ships accelerate to attack speed. We need to keep those squints and dupes off their targets. Three, Four, you handle the dupes and their escort. Two, you're with me, we're going after those TIEs." --- In the aftermath of the battle, the Pallas takes up a defensive positions by the station and the squadron returns to their mothership. The jubilant atmosphere is marred by Aran angrily confronting Vraska as the other dismounted from his ship. "Dammit Vraska, what the hell were doing off the ship when we jumped! You're drat lucky those fighters were flight-worthy, or we would've been down a man against a full Imperial attack."
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Nov 14, 2018 06:29
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The impending conflict is forestalled by the entrance of Commander Abel. "Good work out there, pilots. The Nebula managed to complete its task without suffering any real damage, and Sarn's station's losses were minimal especially for the size of the enemy force. It would appear the Empire's attack has backfired. The commander of Sarn Station has informed me that they will begin providing the Alliance with more active support. Additionally, she has asked me to pass along her compliments to both you and the crews of the Pallas and the Nebula. She's offered the facilities aboard Sarn for some R&R and I've accepted. You've all got 48 hours of shore leave."
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Nov 15, 2018 19:52
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Geante Crevette "Wooo!" With blatant disregard for military protocol Crevette high fives Commander Abel. "Shoreleave! Only thing that feels as good as killing Imps and even I got my fill that last mission. Time to welcome Rafine Wran to the Rebellion!" Crevette pounds down the corridor as fast as his flat fishy feet will carry him, ducking just in time to avoid smashing his head every time he passes through a pressure door.
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Nov 15, 2018 23:21
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Commander Abel The Twi'lek doesn't seem to know how to respond to the Mon Calamari's behavior, so she simply brushes past it. "Anyhow, we'll be docking with the station shortly. Enjoy your leave, I expect you to be ready for action when you all return."
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Nov 16, 2018 22:41
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Soon the Pallas is docked at the station. For those who go aboard, you find the station is alive with activity. Traders and merchants from two dozen worlds mingle and work. Shops of all types litter the station offering goods of all sorts from starship parts to exotic foodstuffs. At the heart of the station is a bazaar where visiting merchants can make some credits on the side setting up stalls. Just as much business is conducted in the half-dozen bars and taverns of various aesthetics. The atmosphere on the station is mixed. It's clear that despite recent events not everyone is fully onboard with the idea of openly opposing the Empire, though there are enough that wear their anti-Imperial sympathies openly that discussion against the decision is something restricted to whispers and glances. Word of your identities spreads quickly, and though you get a few disapproving glares for the most part the welcome is sincere. You can bet that in pretty much any bar in town you won't have to pay for drinks tonight. You could also probably swing a decent discount at some of the shops, if you don't mind the fact that your patronage will almost certainly be used to lure in other customers. Feel free to do what you like on the station. I'll try and do updates over the weekend for station adventures. Though as an FYI, don't advance time past the next morning.
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Nov 17, 2018 04:11
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Aran Jinn Aran spent some time on the station meeting with a few old acquaintances from his trading days, and just generally enjoying a chance to relax. However, after a particular meeting he could be seen rushing back to the Pallas. The next morning the squadron gets calls on their comm-links with orders to return to the ship ASAP. When they arrive they're sent to the briefing room where Aran is waiting for them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGXqf7DS2XY
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Nov 18, 2018 20:16
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Geante Crevette "Another Decimator? We just blew one to pieces. This sounds too easy."
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Nov 18, 2018 21:08
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Aran Jinn "This is the handpicked escorts and pilot for a high rank Imp officer. They'll be the cream of the crop of the Imperial pilot corps, so don't get too comfortable," Aran responds with a grin.
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Nov 19, 2018 03:46
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Geante Crevette "Oh, I'm not complaining. I wouldn't mind an easy mission this time. I still have a hangover from partying on Sarn. Rafine didn't remember me, but plenty of other people were happy to buy drinks for the brave Mon Calamari fighter pilot who personally shot down both bombers that were attacking the station. One of the store owners even tried to buy R6-9R a drink!"
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Nov 19, 2018 04:03
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Vraska Vraska dismissed Aran's admonishments with the wave of a hand. "Why would I have stayed aboard? Seems to me a certain bothan told us this would be a milk run. Comes down to bad intelligence, really. But it all worked out though, so I'm not seeing the problem." From there, with shoreleave announced, Vraska went out with Daav for drinks and a bit of side-bets on underground, illegal fight clubs. Blood sports were best when there was actually some blood, after all, as much as that was frowned on. ----- The news the next morning, though, cured Vraska of his hangover better than any old wives' remedy. "I've got a score to settle with Major Fisk. If anyone's getting the kill-shot on that bastard, it's me. He owes me two years worth of Jaggonath points." Rhjamiz fucked around with this message at 04:28 on Nov 19, 2018 |
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Nov 19, 2018 04:25
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B5-LY As the squad lands and begins getting ready to head to Sarn Station, B5 opts to stay on the ship and keep a low profile. Sarn station was a regular stop with his old crew, and the chances of him running into them hiding there from the additional Imperial presence was too high for comfort. Besides, he can't drink and with a semi empty ship, there's a lot of places to hide away with that sexy thicc gonk droid he'd been flirting with...  ------ As B5 arrives and settles in for the briefing, you can almost hear what sounds like rattling from a few loose bolts on his joints. He says nothing and makes no photoreceptor contact, eager to get back in the cockpit.
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Nov 19, 2018 23:28
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Geante Crevette "Good flight team! What a milk run! They hardly even put up a fight. It's like there wasn't even anyone in those ships."
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Nov 20, 2018 02:05
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You return to the Pallas and Sarn Station to find not quite the jubilant mood you expected. You quickly learn why, as an Imperial transmission blankets all channels in the system, and you will later learn the sector. "Loyal citizens, I bring you exciting news. Despite the attempts of terrorist elements to prevent the Empire's glorious future, including a failed attempt to assassinate me, we advance forward. In a mere matter of weeks, we will have brought our first fully automated factory complex into operation. With this shining beacon of progress we will be able to produce ships and ground attack vehicles in sufficient numbers of crush the so called Rebels once and for all. Let any who would oppose the Empire know that their days are numbered. All hail the Emperor!" The news that Fisk is alive combined with his ominous announcement lingers in the air. Aran curses loudly, than storms off towards the station.
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Nov 21, 2018 04:51
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Geante Crevette "Easy come, easy go. That's what my mother always said. Nice of him to let us know where to attack next. Ker-splash, one proton torpedo in the right place and scratch off the ol' automated factory."
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Nov 21, 2018 05:02
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Aran Jinn Aran stormed through the station and after a long discussion with someone returned to the ship. He was tense, his expression unreadable as he immediately went to the captain and demanded to speak with her privately. A few hours later the squadron was called into the briefing room. Once everyone was assembled, Aran spoke, his voice grave, "Well now I know what happened. The information on Fisk came from a contact of mine. An old friend of my family who has some connections in the Imperial hierarchy. Apparently Fisk was pulled off the shuttle moments before it left. Somehow the Empire learned we knew his schedule and were preparing an Ambush. The number of people who has that information is limited to a handful of people on board this ship. There can be only one conclusion. There's a traitor among us, someone selling us out to the Empire. I've talked with the Captain, and she's passed it along to HQ. Until further notice, the Pallas and Cobalt Squadron are suspended from all operations."
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Nov 23, 2018 05:45
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Geante Crevette "What!? You can't do this! The Pallas and Cobalt Squadron have an unblemished success record. Everywhere we show up the Imperial cap ships turn tail and run. Sitting here idle is just what they want us to do. We can't let them win. I know I didn't pass on the information, and I'm willing to assume B5 didn't either. Who else knew about our plans? We have to root out the traitor immediately; so I can kill more Imps. I mean, for the good of the Rebellion!"
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Nov 23, 2018 23:59
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Aran Jinn "Its not my decision to make, but I understand it. Any info Command gives us will filter back to the Imps, and we're dammed lucky we haven't jumped into any traps. Until the spy is found, we're not going anywhere."
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Nov 24, 2018 00:18
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Geante Crevette "drat it man, give me the names of the suspects! Or are you the traitor? Everyone knows Bothan's are spies. It always seemed odd that you were with the rest of us fighter jocks. Now, tell me the truth! Who do I have to kill to get this bucket of bolts out of dock and back to hunting Imps?"
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Nov 24, 2018 00:33
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Aran Jinn Aran barely manages to contain an annoyed sigh, but doesn't manage to avoid responding, his voice dripping in sarcasm, "Yes, I'm definitely the traitor. I mean the Empire is known to be particularly fond of Bothans, and it's not like they took everything I ever had and killed my family to boot. Use your head." He takes a moment to collect himself, clearly this whole thing has left him rather less controlled than usual. "As for suspects, its anyone on board who was informed about the Fisk mission. That means senior staff, us, our maintenance crews, or anyone who might have overheard it. So far the only people who have been ruled out are my contact, myself, and Commander Abel. As if it had been any of us, the Imps wouldn't have needed to pull Fisk off at the last minute, and could have had more waiting for us there than a Deci and a pair of squints." "Other than that, your guesses are as good as mine. If you have any information to report you are to do it to myself or the captain personally. We're taking steps to try and flush out the spy, but until they're revealed and dealt with we're all grounded."
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Nov 25, 2018 04:01
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Aran Jinn "If there's nothing else, everyone is dismissed. Your free to use the time as you like."
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Nov 27, 2018 14:43
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Geante Crevette "You haven't ruled me out yet?! Outrageous! I demand to be interrogated immediately. That way I can be cleared and you'll believe me when I use my Mon Calamari Jedi Mind Powers to find the spy!"
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Nov 28, 2018 19:13
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Aran Jinn "The official investigation will go where it leads. If you want to conduct your own investigation at the same time, be my guest. Just report anything you find to me or the Commander." If people want to investigate stuff just post it and I'll generate responses as the GM.
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Nov 29, 2018 15:55
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The next few days are fairly slow and boring for the crew. With all operations on hold, there's not much in the way of daily duties. Still, there is a tension simmering under the surface. The idea that one of their number might be a traitor has not been great for morale. Rumors go wild, with tales ranging from a secret imperial stowaway to the idea that the traitor is a sleeper agent who doesn't even know what they've been doing. Aran does what he can to keep the squadron sharp, arranging simulated training time and the like. The captain seems to spend most of her time holed up in her office. The mechanics work on the fighters, making sure that once all this is over, things will be ready to go. All in all, the tension is suffocating, and the lack of information from the senior officers cause the crew's nerves to become increasingly frayed. A few brawls break out that need to be broken up by Sergeant Crane's marines. The situation is unsustainable, but no one quite knows how things will break. Will the traitor be revealed, or will the situation boil over before that can happen.
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Dec 2, 2018 06:37
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Vraska Vraska spent most of is time with Daav and the Zabrak gunner he shanghai'd into service, drinking and rumor-mongering and making disparaging comments about the trustworthyness of Wookies and the unreliability of Bothan intelligence. And, naturally, they were more than happy to take part in one or two of those brawls, particularly when someone voiced suspicions in his direction.
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Dec 2, 2018 16:57
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The tension was finally broken by the sound of alarms suddenly blaring throughout the ship. Commander Abel's voice comes over your comlink. "Immediate scramble. The traitor was Ferrengo, drat it. He's dropped a virus into the Pallas's systems, we're dead in space. He's making a run for it with one of the fighters, you can't let him escape!" As you rush into the hanger, you see one of the X-Wing's blast out into space, and find the body of Chief Mechanic Thorn, the blaster wound still smoking.
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Dec 2, 2018 17:05
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Geante Crevette "Scratch one traitor. I was so sure it was  *beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep* "Oh, yeah, you're right. It is time to check on those flux capacitors we ordered. They should be fully charged by now. It sure is convenient being docked at this station. All kinds of things you can find on board. The Pallas seemed like it was struggling for energy last fight. With these latest mods added to the work we did before hopefully that won't be a problem this time."
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Dec 4, 2018 04:41
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Aran Jinn Aran jokingly raises an eyebrow, "Last time I checked, I've got more Imp kills than you do, including that officer's shuttle when we captured that transport a few weeks ago."
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Dec 4, 2018 05:13
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B5-LY B5 turns to look at Aran and declares mono-tonally: SNARKY OBSERVATION: You are also responsible for more destroyed and damaged X-Wing starfighters than any Imperial forces we've encountered , SQUAD LEADER ARAN
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Dec 4, 2018 18:12
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Aran Jinn "True, but I can say I've never shot one down..." The friendly jabbing is interrupted by the arrival of Commander Abel and Sergeant Crane. A detachment of Crane's marines had already taken Ferringo into custody upon your landing. Commander Able The Commander steps forward, "I just wanted to thank you for your quick action. If Ferrengo had been able to get away it would've been disastrous. The Marines found a data-ship with a veritable treasure trove of Alliance information. Apparently, when he realized the noose was tightening he decided to aim for one last score before he left. It's only too bad we didn't manage to capture him before Mr. Thorne..." She goes quiet for a moment, and looks to the spot where the chief mechanic's remains had been. "Anyhow, I imagine intel will have their hands full for quite some time figuring out just how Ferrengo was compromised. I had served with him for years, the idea that he might have been a plant from the start is... difficult." Her voice trails again on that last part. It was clear she was replaying her memories of the man she had thought was a friend, looking for any hints of what he really was. She takes a moment to collect herself, and then pushes forward. "With the mole found out, HQ has put us back on active status effective immediately. Apparently, while we were out of the loop things have gone to poo poo. It's clear Ferrengo wasn't the only spy, we've had multiple operations hit with Imperial attacks putting command on the back foot. and if the factory station Fisk talked about in his little broadcast is allowed to get fully operational Alliance operations in the Cluster as a whole will be in grave danger. Unfortunately, the Empire knows this, and they're pushing hard on Alliance forces all over the Cluster to make sure we can't mount an attack before its too late." A small smile forms on Abel's lips, her voice taking on a more triumphant note. "However, Fisk made a miscalculation. Apparently, Ferrengo was supposed to take the Pallas out of action. He failed, and that means there's a piece on the board that Fisk didn't count on, us." She looks you over, "It's our job to make sure Fisk's mistake is a fatal one. Fisk has deployed all the capital ships in the region to attacking other Rebel cells, that gives us an opportunity." Commander Abel's smile has become a predatory grin, "We're going after the station, gentlemen. It won't be an easy fight, but it's the only option we have. This is an all or nothing gamble, with the fate of the rebellion in the Cluster on the line. It'll be up to you to make sure we win it. If you have any questions be quick about them, we've all got a lot of work to do to be ready for this and not a lot of time."
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Dec 5, 2018 03:01
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The new few days are a hectic rush, as both Cobalt Squadron and the crew of the Pallas generally prepare for the decisive confrontation. When he's not working on his H6, Aran is locked up with Commander Abel preparing the op. Finally, as zero hour approaches, he meets the squadron in the briefing room and fires up the holo projector. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODGFIb_Jn7Y
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Dec 9, 2018 02:40
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Geante Crevette "Hey, R6, looks like we're a little low on fuel. See if you can get us topped off while I finish this preflight check list." *boop* *beep* The song Fuel starts playing at maximum volume from every speaker in the hanger. "That's not what I meant!"
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Dec 9, 2018 08:23
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Vraska Vraska snorts and leans over to whisper to Daav, "<I thought for sure it was going to be the bothan's wookie,>" before both he and Daav passed the Zabrak a handful of credits each. Apparently, they had been betting amongst themselves who the traitor might turn out to be.
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Dec 9, 2018 20:58
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You make it back aboard just as the Pallas jumps to lightspeed, leaving the expanding cloud of debris that was once Argus One behind. A cheer goes up from the mechanics, but other than that it's relatively quiet in the hangar, most of the rest of the crew are probably still at battle-stations. No doubt the night will be full of celebrations, you did just deal a major blow to the Empire after all. However, for now there's mostly quiet, the tension born of battle slowly unwinding.
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Dec 10, 2018 02:16
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That night saw a massive celebration across the Pallas. They had gone into the Jaw's of disaster and not only come out untouched but had done so with style. There was no doubt commendations would be handed out all around when they got back to base. However, that was for the future, for tonight they partied. Season 2 has arrived! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i344nWw4d9U
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Dec 12, 2018 02:55
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| # ? May 19, 2024 01:15 |
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Geante Crevette Despite the celebrations going on all around him, Crevette is melancholic. He tries to drown his sorrows in glass after glass of blue ale but he can't help wondering. The station produced drone fighters. Did they manage to kill even one Imp or just machines? The Empire had an endless supply of machines and he could not hate them for doing their job so destroying them gave him no pleasure.
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Dec 12, 2018 13:04
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