INTRUDER WING

New Ground

The last two fighters were in a dogfight, both were Tie Advanced fighters and were evenly matched. The first one went into a corkscrew to shake the second off his tail but with no luck as he continued to fire. The first pilot who was Master came up to the still burning hull of the enemies Carrack Cruiser, the other fighter who was still right behind him kept firing and Master knew to get out of this alive he would need to take some chances so Master hit the throttle and flew between the two burning parts of the Carrack hoping that he would not be followed but still the other pilot kept up the chase but Master wasn’t done yet he quickly hit the decelerate button, turned his craft so he was facing the oncoming T/A and hit the accelerate button again. Both craft fired at each other and looked like they would take each other out. Sparks flew in Masters cockpit he didn’t care as long as the other craft went down. At the last second before they hit each other, the other craft launched a missile that would of hit Master’s cockpit destroying his craft, Master rolled the craft to get away from the missile which narrowly missed him and keep going till it detonated. Master looked first at his shields the front one was at 50% and the rear one was at 75%, enough to shot down one more Master thought as he looked at his radar to find the other craft. Master looked up and on the radar he saw the other craft was behind him but Master had no time to react before some lasers blew out his back shields and one pieced the Solar Panel brace breaking it off so Master span out of control. Master hit the kill switch cutting the engines Master still could move his craft but had no way to move or even fire his lasers. Master noticed the other Tie Advanced slowly fly in front of his cockpit and come to a stop. Master saw the Advanced Missile streak towards his craft until it hit the area just below the cockpit blowing his craft into a million bits. Everything went white and You have been Destroyed were displayed over Masters head.

Master pulled off the Helmet and threw it back into the simulator "Dammit Narm, that was too good" Narm took off his own helmet and smiled then said "If you cant handle the heat get away from the fire, and when I get going everyone gets burned", The other pilots laughed Master just smiled. "Don’t worry, next time ill get ya, we all know that Dream Squad is better than Diamond", Dream Squadron cheered. Diamond just laughed and FA Eucilid said "Well since its 2 games all the next one will be the decider but there is a briefing in 15 minutes, so it will have to wait till later". "Anytime Euc, Anytime" Mac answered.

Once all the pilots were assembled SA Kevin started the briefing "Pilots of the Intruder as you all know we are low on supplies and so are Platform Victory so we are being sent to some of the surrounding planets to make some Diplomatic ties so we may be able to gain some resources, we will split the pilots up into groups of two craft and they will visit one planet find out as much as possible about the Government, Ruling Body, Resources etc, Any Questions so far"? Narm stood "Just one sir, are we anywhere near New Republic Planets"? he asked. Master spoke "What’s wrong Narm not enough action for you in the sim" A few of the pilots laughed. "We are on the borders of NR Space so its possible that we might encounter some NR craft but it is unlikely because they are too busy trying to control the planets under there control so you may see some action Narm, only time will tell" Kevin said and again some pilots laughed. Kevin continued with the briefing.

Master lay on his bunk thinking. I've still got two weeks worth of leave left anywhere is better than here, maybe ill go home for a while because I haven’t been there for some time now. Narm burst in through the door and said "Master don’t go to sleep, we got a job to do", "I’m on leave, leave me alone". Narm walked in, "Not anymore, Kevin has paired us up to go to a nice little planet called uh…." Narm looked down at his datapad "Enourq, which is close to the NR border so maybe we will see a little action" he said excitedly. "Looks like I have to go talk to Kevin", Master said as he got up.

"Sir ive still got two weeks of leave left, the least you could let me do is LEAVE" Master said slightly pissed off. Kevin sat behind his desk "I know how you feel, trust me, and I know you still have two weeks off, BUT I need all the pilots I can get, most of them have already gone on their missions including AD Mac and Maj. Hippie", Master remained silent, "Tell you what, you do this mission and ill give you three weeks off and you can go where ever you want, ok" Kevin finished. Master thought for a moment "Ok, Kevin, ill do it but it isn’t just for Intruder Wing, its been to long since I went home", Kevin nodded "Ok, I will see what I can do once you come back", Master saluted and Kevin saluted back and Master walked out the door.

"This is Commander Narm Greyrunner, requesting clearance to take off from Hanger 3" Narm said over the comm. "This is Captain Master requesting clearance to take off from Hanger 3" Master said over the comm.

Control answered "You are both cleared for launch, Good Luck Sir’s", "Thank you control, lets go Master" Narm said. "Right behind ya Narm", Master said back as their Lightning Interceptors launched from the hanger.

"So tell me Master, why didn’t you use the force to beat me in the Sim, you could have and I was expecting you to try something" Narm said while they were in Hyperspace heading towards Enourq. Master laughed "I wanted to Narm, I really did but I wanted to see how I went on even ground with you, plus I thought after all those time of me whipping you I would let you win for a change" Narm laughed and said "Yea right, there is no way you can beat me" "Well will see next time Narm, we will see".

After gaining clearance from the spaceport control Narm and Master landed in separate bays and meet up inside the complex, both of them were wearing blank flightsuits that had no identifying symbols or logos. They got some way down the street when Master turned and asked "Ok Narm how much weaponry do you have hidden on you"? Narm laughed and said "Only a Blaster", Master didn’t seem convinced "Look I’m your friend, would I lie to you?…….wait a minute don’t answer that" Narm said, "So what do you really have on you"? Master asked. Narm sighed and said "Ok I got my usual DH-17 Blaster as well as my Blastec DLT-20A Blaster Rifle hidden, a vibroblade in my boot and my wrist rockets as well as a hold out blaster", Master nodded then said "I’m impressed you can hide all that, but then again it is you", Narm asked "What you got then", Master smiled "How many times have I told you, a Jedi does not need weapons", "That didn’t answer my question" Narm pointed out. Master smiled at his deduction "A DL-44 Heavy Blaster, E-11 Storm Trooper Rifle and my Lightsaber" Narm laughed "Whatever happened to a Jedi not needing any weapons"? Master shrugged and said "Got bored with that………oh and ive also got a Vibroshiv in my pocket if all else fails, think ive been hanging around you for too long" Narm laughed "Yea some of my greatness was bound to help someone like you", Master couldn’t help but laugh even though it was insulting "One things for sure you still are full of it".

"Ok" Master said as he passed the Electrobinoculars to Narm "Appears they have lots of guards and there is a Human male sitting on a throne in the open room up there, but that still doesn’t tell us much about him and the ruler and if he would be interested in an Alliance with Intruder Wing", Master explained. Narm nodded and looked through the Binoculars to where Master was pointing. "I think we can get in and ask him most of the stuff that we need to know" Narm said. Master looked at him like he had lost his mind "And how do you suppose we do that", Master questioned.

Master and Narm dressed up formally and somehow got into the King’s banquet which was on that night. After introducing themselves as Carlos Darkbringer (Narm) from Corellia and Mark Soeler (Master) from Courscant to the King (who’s name was Dacromis) as Bankers from Ralltiir, they pushed him for information which wouldn’t seem to obvious to what they were doing. "My lord, may I congratulate you on your wonderful city, and I’m sure the planet is as beautiful as what we have seen so far" Master told the King "Thank you, my father and my grand father worked very hard to get this city and planet where it is today and I have helped as much as I can and I think the people are happy, they don’t need to do a lot of work because we are so rich from all the work our ancestors did". The music stops and trumpets blare as The kings daughter enters bows in front of her father and walks down the aisle between the guests. She stops in front of Master "What is your name" she asks him. "Mark Soeler my lady", Master replies as he bows "Would you like to dance Mark Soeler"? she asks "Certainly my lady" Master says as they walk to the dance floor where the music starts up and everyone goes back to dancing.

While Master is dancing with the Princess, Narm is asking the King some more questions "My lord, I was wondering on what your stance was in the Galactic Civil War"? The King thought for a moment then answered "Because we are so far out in the galaxy we were left alone most of the time, Some NR diplomats came after the Emperor fell but I sent them away because they didn’t ah……like the way I ran my planet", Narm thought to choose his next words carefully "So your highness if the New Republic didn’t like the way you ran your planet then why didn’t you join up with a Imperial faction, say the Emperor’s Hammer or Intruder Wing"? The King looked at him strangely the said "I was never approached by any Imperial factions but would consider it depending on what they offered me, now if you will excuse me I believe I have to dance with my daughter for one dance, duty calls", Narm bowed low and said "Its been my pleasure talking to you your highness". The King walked over bowed to the princess, Master bowed and let him take his spot and he walked back over to Narm.

The next day Narm and Master hired a Cloud Car to look over the planet but they didn’t notice they were being followed. They were told when they hired the car that they could go anywhere besides the air space surrounding the palace and one part of the planet which was off limits to off worlders, Master and Narm agreed to the conditions. They came across the Restricted area, it seemed to be enclosed in a mountain range, they had seen much, Large Fields with farms, many cities beautiful areas but this area interested them. "Why would they keep something secret from only off worlders Narm asked Master, he replied "I don’t know but I can feel a large life force somewhere in the mountain range, so I think we should have a look, it might be important to the IW. So they flew part of the way into the range and went the rest of the way on foot. They approached the end of the range and looked down to see a huge open area with many people in chains and tattered clothes. "Slaves", Master and Narm said in unison "Narm, I cant abide slavery, its one thing I cant stand" Master said as he clenched his fist "I hate it to, but why do you hate it so much"? After a moment Master pulled back his sleeve and on the underside of his arm there was a barcode tattooed into his arm "I was a slave on Mytus VII (Better known as Star’s End) for a while, until I escaped", Master stopped and didn’t continue so Narm pushed for so more. "We need to get back to the Intruder to tell Kevin, Stan and Dogger what’s going on here" Narm said, Master nodded apparently still in thought. They made their way back to the Cloud Car where 10 armed guards pulled blasters on them.

"You will come with us gentlemen" The lead guard said to Narm and Master "We will not be doing that" Master said as he drew his Lightsaber and Narm drew his Blaster. "That was not a request", the lead guard said as he stunned Narm and Master before they could fight back.

Master and Narm are brought in front of the King in Stuncuffs Narm was struggling with them so he stunned himself into a stupor, Master remained calm glaring at the king "Did you enjoy the planet gentlemen" The King said with a sneer, "When I get out of these cuff’s I’m going to rip your fu*ken throat out" Master said. The King looked at the guard behind Master and nodded, the guard hit Master on the back of the head with the butt of his rifle. Master fell forward but not over, then sat up and glared at the King once more who said "Now you will tell me where you are from", "As we said, we are Bankers from Ralltiir" Master said with anger in his voice. "I would believe you but not many Bankers carry one of these" The King said as he held up Master’s Lightsaber. Master and Narm remained silent. "Don’t want to talk, Fine, you will be executed tomorrow morning at dawn, now throw them in the dungeon until then" The King said. The Guard picked them up and dragged them by the neck towards the dungeon, as they were being taken away Master noticed the Princess watching them with sadness in her eyes.

Narm and Master were thrown in the dungeon, to make it worst it stank, there was bones littering the place, it was pretty dark and the guard hadn’t taken off their stun cuffs. "Damn I hate these cuffs", Narm said after a moment. Master smiled and said "I noticed, you stunned yourself enough times to knock out a wookie", Narm just laughed then said "How’s your head, that shot looked like it hurt"? Master moved his head to either side then said "It did, it took all I could not to cry out in pain, Lesson One Never show pain in front of your captor, it shows weakness", "Yea well I would have shouted out, so how the hell do we get out of here"? Narm asked, "Not sure yet, first thing is to get rid of these cuffs" Master said "And how do you suppose we do that"? Narm asked, "Watch" Master replied. He closed his eyes concentrating then Narm heard a click and the Stun Cuffs came undone and fell to the floor. After Narm was free he asked "Why didn’t you do that before"?, "We wouldn’t have gotten out of the room without being gunned down, and did you notice the Princess watching us" Master said, Narm thought then said "Yea but only for a moment, she left my field of view", "I felt her presence the whole time, then saw her as we were being dragged out, it seemed like she pitied us somehow, but anyway we need to get out of here and warn the fleet of what’s going on this planet" Master said, "No objections from me" Narm replied. After surveying the room they found there was no way out besides the door, they tried the door but of course it was locked and bolted from the outside, there wasn’t even a window to look through the door. So they had to wait until someone came to give them food or take them to be executed. After a few hours Master heard the door being unbolted, so they took up positions on either side of the door ready to jump the person entering. As soon as the door opened Narm grabbed the person around the neck and put a hand over their mouth. It was the Princess.

"Why are you helping us Princess"? Narm asked her once they had closed the door. "I saw what my father said to you and I could see hatred in your eyes towards slavery" she said as she looked at Master, Master replied "He is your father if he finds out what you did he will punish you", she thought for a moment then said "My mother was a slave, he made love to her and nine months later when I was born he had my mother killed and he raised me to be his daughter in a lie that my mother had been killed in an accident, I hate him for that and I want to help you to stop it happening again" Master and Narm both nodded then Narm said "We will do what we can but we need off this planet first", "I can get you outside the palace but no further, and you should have enough time to take off, please come back and help us" she said, "We will, don’t worry and we will help the slaves" Narm said. "You go ahead with the Princess Narm, I have to get my Lightsaber and ill grab your weapons if I can" Master said as they were running up the hall. Narm looked like he was about to disagree but changed his mind "Wait for me at the Starport" Master said before running off, "Good luck and may the force be with you Master" Narm said as they ran off as well.

Master was quickly but as quietly as possible making his way down the hall, he was yet to see any guards but he knew he would when he reached the King’s museum. He came to the last corner before the doors to enter the museum, Master looked around the corner to see 3 guards near the door, all three seemed to be engrossed in some sort of gambling. Because he didn’t have a weapon Master snuck up behind them until one of the guards turned to see a fist go strait into his face, the blow knocked the first guard backward where he landed with a crash onto the gambling table snapping it in half, the other two guards turned one was slow and was meet with a kick to the knee in which his knee gave way then he got kicked in the head putting him down, the other guard turned after the first crash and brought a blaster to bear, he got two shots off, one of which hit Master in the thigh and the other missing completely, Master stopped him before he could get another shot off, with a snap kick to the head. Master thought Haven’t had that much fun for a while as he entered the museum to look for his Lightsaber.

Narm with the Princess didn’t find much resistance on their way out, Narm left one guard laying but that was all, once they reached the gate to the palace the Princess wished him luck and got the guards attention while Narm slipped away into the dark city heading for the spaceport. He made it through the streets which were very quiet for such a busy city that it was during the day. Narm hugged the side streets incase of any patrols or people around. He made it to the Starport with no trouble but noticed a few guards walking around so as quietly as possible when they weren’t looking Narm slipped by them into the building where his escape lay in wait.

Master had just come out of the Museum with his Lightsaber and all his and Narm's weapons in a pack on his shoulders, he made his way down the hall and came up to the exit of the palace, the gates could be seen not to far away but there were guards walking around. No way of getting pass them Master let the force flow through him and made them believe he wasn’t really there. So Master simply walked out the gate heading for the spaceport.

Narm was starting to get worried he was near his T/I waiting for Master to show, he didn’t have any weapons and if any of the guards saw him he would stand much of a chance. Narm heard a scuffle outside so he went to go check it out he saw Master standing over a fallen guard with 5 more pointing blasters at him, before Narm could act all five of them fired two shots each into Master. Instead of falling over dead with Narm had thought he would Master remained standing and he just continued the stare at them. The guards looked at each other then fired a few more shots at Master but it had the same effect. All five ran at Master wielding the ends of their rifles but when they came close they hit an invisible wall and were knocked back several feet, none got up. Narm ran up to Master who looked like he was about to fall and steadied him "You alright"? Narm asked "Yea, I absorbed the blasters power but ive still got too much power in me, help me inside the Starport.

After getting into the Starport Master stood in the Middle of the Landing pad and concentrated He touched with the mind of everyone on the planet. (or as many as he could) They all saw something frightening, A hooded man who said "The time of slavery is at an end, no longer will innocent people suffer for your benefit, mark my words Slavery will no longer exist on Enourq, Justice has come, and A Jedi is bringing it." (Had to steal it from I Jedi, such a sweet part)

Master’s legs gave way and he fell onto his hands on the landing pad, Narm helped him up then asked "Think you got enough to get it into orbit"? "Yea, ill rest in Hyperspace"

Three Days Later:

Narm and Master’s Lightning Interceptors were given clearance to land and after getting out of their flight suits they headed up to AD Kevin’s office. They knocked on the door and when there was no answer they opened it to find no one around they went looking around for him. After a while they bumped into Mac who had just got back from a similar mission with Hippie. "Hey guys" Mac said as he did a informal salute "Hey Mac, would stop but too busy, you seen Kevin"? Master said after a quick salute, Mac thought for a minute "Yea he was going into the briefing room with Stan and Dogger, he should still be there, care to tell me why you two are in such a rush", "Thanks Mac, and later we will, ok" Narm said, "Yea sure, carry on" Mac said as Master and Narm continued to the briefing room.

"Most of the pilots have already come back from their assigned missions and we have recon on a few potential planets that we could become ally’s with and we need supplies at the moment so ally’s would be a good start" Kevin finished, he let Dogger and Stan think for a moment before he would say something else, just before he said anything else Narm and Master burst in through the door. "Guys, five minutes" Kevin said to them, "No Sir" Master said back "No Sir"? Kevin said as he looked at his rank on his uniform "Sector Admiral, Captain, No Sir?" Kevin replied. "Let them speak" Stan said voicing his option, as did Dogger. "Ok make it quick" Kevin said sitting down. Master explained their whole time on Enourq, Stan, Kevin and Dogger had their mouths open in amazement. "So what do you want us to do"? Dogger asked already knowing the answer. Narm blurted out in amazement "We want you to help free them, if we take the Intruder there and a few escorts they will cave in and release them", Dogger spoke to Kevin and Stan "I don’t think we have the resources at the moment to launch a large scale assault", Stan nodded in agreement and Kevin nodded after thinking for a moment. Master cut in, he had his eyes closed trying to hold his anger in check (It wasn’t working) "I will not stand by while people are being keep prisoner for benefit of others, I am going with or without your help", Stan stood then said "We will think about it, come back in an hour and hear our decision. Narm saluted as Master walked out, Narm ran to catch up to him. While we wait Master fancy a hand at Sabacc or go down to the bar "? "Cant be stuffed losing to you in Sabacc again Narm, but lets go down to the bar, I need a stiff drink" Master added.

One hour later, Master and Narm walked back to the Briefing room they had too much to drink but once you start drinking Corellian Whiskey you cant stop. They managed to half walk, half stumble into the briefing room, Dogger turned and said "Just in time guys, sit down", They did so. "Forgive me if this sounds un-human but you know that we are short of supplies and that’s why we sent you to Enourq in the first place, the thing is would the planet do a deal with us if we helped them, I think not. You said that the population depended on the slaves so they wouldn’t", Narm and Master couldn’t believe what they were hearing, Narm stood up "With all due respect, Sir that’s not the issue, the issue is slavery and how it is wrong", Master stood "I said before I go with or without your help, so will you help me save maybe a thousand people"? Dogger paused then said "There will be no need to go alone, we will send two Corvettes as well as some fighters, but no more, and the pilots must volunteer to go". "Yes Sir, Thank-you Sir" Master and Narm said at the same time and saluted Dogger, who saluted back. "Now get out of here, and find yourself some pilots".

Kevin was supprised how many pilots Master had rounded up to go on this mission, Some of the newer pilots such as Lt. Ewok Man, Ens Kim, and Ens Amon Nezumi, as well as some of the "old hands" Gn Fardreamer, VA Vykk Olyronn and FA Eucilid. Many pilots had declined but some were needed to protect the Intruder incase it came under attack. Kevin started the briefing "Pilots of Intruder Wing, I would thank you for undertaking this mission but I do not need to, Master and Narm are the ones who need to thank you because it was their efforts to get this mission underway" Kevin stopped and hit a button on the holo projector which brought up a holo of the planet Enourq. "This is Enourq, it is a M class planet similar to that of Corellia, most of the planet is unpopulated because most live in a few large cities, this is the capital city, here lives the current ruler King Dacromis the third, his people believe him to be a good king because he lets them have slaves", The holo moves to the mountain range where the slave mines are, "Here are the King’s slave mines where the wealth of the kingdom comes from, all the slaves in these mines, work 20hrs a day, with very little food and water and are beaten all the time, your primary goal is to hyper into an orbit around the planet and demand that the slaves be released, we are unsure what the King will say but he should launch some starfighters to try to drive you off. While you are dogfighting a small force, five transport ships will land in the slave mines and rescue the slaves, Major Geist has vollenterd to lead this group, he will be in a Modified Lambda class shuttle that has an extended cargo bay, which will be filled with commandos, with him will go Master’s YT-2000 the Vornskr and 3 Gallofree Transports that will have medical supplies, medics etc. Your primary mission is to destroy any starfighters, the transports will try to sneak in behind the planets moon, if any starfighters attack the transports you are to destroy them ASAP, Understand"? There were no objections, "Then man your ships and may the force be with you".

Master ran down the hall after grabbing a few essentials, Lightsaber, Blaster, Spare Blaster, Body armor (which he borrowed from Narm a while back) he ran past Narm’s quarters and stuck his head in "Narm you flying or coming with me on the Vornskr"? "Yea I’m coming with you, more personal combat that way" Narm turned to face Master he had his DLT-20A over his shoulder, a heavy blaster in a holster on his belt, Narm then puts on his wrist rockets on his left hand, plugging them directly to his cybernetic arm. He then straps on a blast vest and a black Stormtrooper breastplate, also putting on the grieves. For effect he dramatically ties a green bandanna around his head. Master couldn’t help but laugh "Didn’t anyone ever tell you the meaning of overkill", Master said, "Nope, in my dictionary there is no such word, lets go" Narm replied. "Best idea you have had all day" Master said as they ran to the flight deck.

Sic-Sixx, Lt. Wiley and Capt. Kholm. GN Fardreamer will be the squad commander, Nightmare squadron you are to enter the hanger of the CRV Ranger and Scorpion Squadron you will enter the hanger of the CRV Enforcer, The Transport ships will fly along side the Corvette’s until we exit Hyperspace then they will veer off and hide in the moons sensor shadow, The Commodore on the Ranger will be FA^Eucilid with the XO being AD Macintosh, Kevin says you are to follow their orders as if they were his" Master added. "What if you don’t follow Kevin’s order’s" A pilot shouted out from the back, most of the pilots laughed "Lets go then shall we" Master said ignoring the comment as the pilots ran off to their ships. "Hey Hippie wanna come along in a real ship or you wanna fly in your fighter"? Master shouted to Hippie, this made him smile "Well if I wanted to be in a real ship id go in my fighter but since you offered lets see what this bucket of bolts can do", Narm laughed when Hippie said this but the glare from Master quieted him.

Five days later, they had just exited Hyperspace.

"All craft this is FA^Eucilid, transports you know what to do, All fighters launch and stay in formation".

The fighters launched from the Corvettes as the transports did a small Hyperspace jump behind Enourq’s moon. There they waited until the fleet (if you can call it one) were in position.

One hour later, The Vornskr got the word that the fleet were in position from Major Geist and were told to wait for his signal before they undertook there part of the mission, while they were waiting Narm and Hippie were having a debate "Ok Narm, don’t make me order you to take the turret gun" Hippie told Narm, "That’s one order I wont follow Hippie, I want to be the co-pilot" Narm argued, "That’s it"! Master said, he had had enough, after hearing these two go at it for the last hour, he didn’t care anymore who was the co-pilot as long as they shut up, "You two get in the lounge and play a Deathmatch game of Holochess whoever wins can pick what they want to do" Master said as he pushed them into the lounge "Now Narm, don’t cheat" Master said joking as he walked back to the cockpit to check on a few more systems.

Major Geist sat in the shuttle Manta’s command chair, he was happy to be doing something like this but that didn’t help the fear in his stomach, he had a feeling that this mission wasn’t going to be as easy as they had been told, he believed in the commando’s could do their job quickly and easily mainly because he had helped to train a few of them, but that still didn’t take away this feeling "Pilot, Fleet status"? Geist asked, "They are sending a radio message to the planet as we speak sir" The officer replied "Ok put it on the speaker then" Geist said "Already done sir". Geist just hoped the King would do as they wanted.

Hippie and Narm came back into the cockpit, Hippie had a smug look and Narm looked only the way he can after he has been beaten fairly "Done already? Just in time the fleet are sending the message to the planet now" master said as he turned up the comm. "The Intruder Wing requests that you release all slaves from your planet, if our conditions are not met we will retaliate with force, you have 30 minutes to consider our request" Euc cut the transmission. "Well looks like we wait guys" Master said to Narm and Hippie "Yea" Hippie said.

About 10 minutes later the radio reply came back from Enourq, "This is King Dracomis, if you attack our planet then we will retaliate with our forces and as far as your request is concerned you can crawl back to the slimy holes you came from because it is not going to happen" The King cut the connection before they could respond. The next instant a message came through on the radio once again "Transport group you have a go on your mission, good luck" Euc said to them "Thank you sir" Geist replied.

Nightmare Squadron and Scorpion Squadron launched from there capital ships into the blackness of space, as soon as they hit space they turned to face several different types of fighters including, R-41’s, X-Wing’s, Z-95’s, Tie Fighters, Tie Bomber’s, Y-Wing’s, A-9’s, Cloakshape’s, Hornet’s, A-Wing’s and various other freighters and fighters, but behind them laid the real threat A Victory Star Destroyer and two Lancer Frigates as well as a Interdictor Cruiser preventing them from running. "Dammit, this is not going to be pretty" Euc said outloud on the bridge of the Ranger. "Scorpion Squadron is to attack the fighters while Nightmare protects us until the VSD comes in close where they will attack it as well as us" he said to the Comm officer who relayed his orders to the fighters, "May god have mercy on us all" Euc said in a low voice.

The Shuttle Manta, YT-2000 Vornskr and three transports flew in low heading towards the slave mines, "Master, I want the Vornskr to stay in the air as a threat to any guards that the commandos don’t take down" Geist said over the Comm to the Vornskr "Got ya boss" Master replied as he gave a quick grin towards Hippie, "Why don’t I like that grin Master"? "Don’t know, maybe cause I’m gunna do this" Master said as he flipped the ship upside down and keep it that way, considering they were only a few meters above a treeline this was a good trick "How does it feel Narm to get in the top gunwell and fire from the bottom" Master asked Narm, "Not that this isn’t cool but turn us back around" Narm said through the internal comm. Master flipped the craft back around, Hippie doubted his insanity.

Current Fighter Squadron positions.

2-1) LC Tyco Celchu/ XO.

2-2) Lt. Deej.

2-3) Ens Amon Nezumi.

1-1) GN Fardreamer/ Squadron Commander.

1-2) Ens Kim.

1-3) Capt. Tregga.

1-4) Lt. Sic-Sixx.

2-1) Maj. James/ XO.

2-2) Lt. Wiley.

2-3) Capt. Kholm.

2-4) Lt. Fu-Fighter.

"Ok gang lets light them up" Gen. Fardreamer said over the Comm to Scorpion Squad, one pilot yelled "YEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAA", Far wanted to tell him to be quiet but it was how he felt, "Ok target the A-Wing’s first since they are the closest, but watch your fire we don’t want to hit each other", even though there is little chance with millions of fighters around. "Ok lets get us some" Far said as they entered the fray.

"Ok gang, we should reach target in 5…..4……..3……..2 And there it is, you all know what to do" Geist said over the Comm, the Manta landed quickly and unloaded the troops while the Transports stayed hovering in the air and the Vornskr came close to the ground and covered it all. "Looks like there isn’t a lot of guards" Hippie said to Master "Yea seems that way, but its not over yet". As Master said that An AT-AT pulled into view as well as several AT-ST’s and more troopers "Godammit, I hate it when I’m right, Narm get down here, Hippie take the controls and take out those Walkers, I’m going down to help take out the troopers" Hippie nodded as Master checked to make sure his blaster and saber were still at his belt as he ran to the hatch and used the force to lower himself to the ground.

It was utter chaos in the battle, fighters everywhere, the pilots unsure who to shoot and to top it off the VSD was bringing its guns to bare on the Corvettes "Nightmare Squadron attack the VSD, we need to blow it up" Mac yelled over the radio, "Gunner fire all turbolasers at the VSD’s Shield Generators hopefully we can take it down" Euc said trying to remain calm. Fardreamer wasn’t happy with the way the battle was going, they hadn’t lost many fighters, they had lost Lt Wiley but that was a small price for the amount of fighters they had blown up. (Hope that doesn’t make me sound cold hearted) "I’m in a bit of trouble here" Capt. Tregga said over the radio "I cant shake this X-Wing off my tail", "I’m on my way Tregga, hold on" Far replied, he flew over and noticed that despite all the evasive maneuvers she was doing the X-Wing wouldn’t let go. Far lined the X-Wing up in his sights, when the targeting bracket turned green he hit the firing button letting four laser blast lance out of his Tie Advanced, the first two shots shattered the X-wings shield so it tried to pull away, but Far let out another four shots which hit the cockpit of the snub fighter killing the pilot and destroying the craft "You ok Tregga" Far said over the radio, she answered "Yea he cooked my rear shields but I’m……" The Comm was cut off as he noticed her T/A blow up into a million pieces and a A-Wing fly where she used to be. "Dammit, your mine" Far said slamming his hand against the wall as he chased after the A-Wing. The A-Wing’s pilot was very good indeed and was dodging the fire from Far’s T/A. He scored a lucky shot on his rear shields which caused them to crash opening a gap in which he could hit the engines, after a bit more weaving Far hit a shot on the A-Wing’s engines which killed them, Far slowed down and moved to where the pilot could see him, then blasted the A-Wing to scrap. Far flew back into the dogfight feeling better cause he had revenge on the pilot who took Tregga’s life.

Master had his blaster in his hand picking off any troopers that were harassing the commando’s, after a few shots Master put the blaster away and ignited his Lightsaber which put a red glow on the area, he ran at several troopers who seemed confused when they saw him running towards all five of them, but soon they opened fire, a few shots were deflected by Master’s Lightsaber, few missed all together but one hit Master in the calf knocking him back a few feet, but still Master continued, he made short work of the troopers with his Lightsaber, taking off three heads at once and chopping the rest in half, Master then moved on to find more targets.

The Corvette Enforcer blew up in a tremendous explosion which took out several enemy fighters, Euc was worried, they had lost a corvette and they hadn’t taken the Star Destroyer’s shields down yet, the fighters were trying there best but some battles you cant win. "Recall the fighters we will try to make a run for it out of the gravity well" Euc said with a heavy heart, Mac didn’t disagree, then the Comm officer shouted "We have the Neb-B Frigate Reaper, Neb-B Panther, CRV Wild, and the Strike Cruiser Maximus. Dogger’s face came through on the Veiwscreen, "Howdy boys, looks like you could use some help, what can we do". "Dogger!, never thought id be so happy to see your ugly face, your strike cruiser and Frigates can take on the capital ships while we help the fighters" Euc said to Dogger "No prob, doing that now" Dogger said as he closed the connection. Things just got a whole lot better.

"Ok lets have one more pass on that Star Destroyer, all fighters follow me" Vykk said to Nightmare Squad, so far they hadn’t done to badly they had lost SLt Biteme to the A-Wings and Lt. Deej thought he was good enough to attack the SD head on, they proved him wrong, but besides from that they weren’t doing to bad, they were going to take one more pass then concentrate on the fighters and leave the re-enforcement’s to hit the capital ships. "Ok tighten it up, here we go" Vykk said as they accelerated towards the SD. It wasn’t long before it noticed them and started spraying out turbolaser bolts in there direction "AHHHHHHHHH" A scream came from Capt. Fuzzum’s craft, his name on the HUD was in red saying he was dead, but Vykk tried to force that from his mind and back to the task at hand, getting out of here alive.

All the enemy forces had been taken care of on the planet with no casualties on the IW side. (Many on the other mind you) Hippie landed the Vornskr a bit harder than Master would have liked but he ignored it for the time being. When the slaves found out they were free many of them hugged the commandos and IW staff (much to their discomfort) and they were taken onboard the Transports headed back to where the Intruder was located. "You ready to go Master"? Hippie called from the ramp of the Vornskr "No, still got unfinished business at the capital" Master said as he ran up the ramp and headed for the cockpit.

The Battle was winding down The VSD had just been destroyed as well as one Lancer Frigate, the other had been disabled and the Interdictor had been driven off. Only a few fighters were left which were quickly mopped up by the remaining IW fighters and when they were all destroyed they entered the Strike Cruisers hanger. The Slave transports had entered Hyperspace already on there way back and the shuttle Manta had entered the Maximus’s hanger. Master had sent word that he had unfinished business on the planet and he would catch up, so the fleet entered Hyperspace going home.

Master landed the Vornskr infront of the palace, the guards scattered and wanted no part when they saw it land so Master, Hippie and Narm walked into the palace with no resistance. They walked up to the doors to the throne room without seeing anyone, three big guards were guarding the door. "Move while you still can" Master said in a clam voice, the guards just laughed "Big Mistake" Narm said to Hippie softly who just smiled. The Doors flew open and the guards flew halfway into the throne room, where the King sat. "Guards" the King shouted and the guards in the room pulled there blasters on Master. He waved his hand and all the blasters that the guards were holding flew out of there grasp. "I warned you and your people that the time of slavery is at an end, and that Justice has come, and A Jedi is bringing it, you didn’t listen so now you pay the consequences", the King just laughed "Um Hippie, I don’t see what’s funny, do you" Narm said to Hippie who answered "No I don’t". Doors opened on the left and right of the room and guards with blaster rifles came spewing out of them, Narm and Hippie ducked down to avoid any laser fire from the blaster rifles but none came. Now it was Master’s turn to laugh "You really think a handful of troops can stop me in the mood I’m in now, I think not", "Oh no boy, they are for your friends to play with" The King said as he pointed to Hippie and Narm "Ive got something much more fun for you" The King said and smiled. Another panel opened near the throne and out walked a hooded man with a gold colored Lightsaber, Master could feel the darkness oozing out of him "Dark Jedi" Master said softly which he didn’t think anyone would hear "That’s right, and your death has finally come" The Dark Jedi spoke. "I don’t think so" Master said confidently as he drew his Red Lightsaber preparing for battle.

The Jedi came charging at Master with his saber raised, Hippie and Narm ran to the corner of the room, took shelter behind a stone post and started firing their blasters at the guards, who returned fire.

"Why fight it, you and your friends will soon be dead why not make it quick and painless" The Jedi taunted, "I am not the one who will die here today, whatever happens it will be my destiny" Master replied. There sabers meet, Master spun his saber for a shot at the Jedi’s waist but it was blocked and he received a kick in the stomach for the shot. "Offfff" Master said as he went backwards a few feet but he didn’t have anytime to recover as the Jedi pressed on with a slash to the knee, which Master just managed to block. Master spun with a powerful slash to the head which he went to block but Master changed his move at the last second and went downwards towards the chest area, the slash missed by a inch or so but left a gash in the Jedi’s robe. The Dark Jedi looked at the gash and pressed on with the attack with his saber but used the force to quicken his attacks, because of there speed Master could not block them all, most were blocked but few slashed his stomach and shoulder leaving black burns. The Dark Jedi laughed as he continued the attack, "You are not the only one who can use the force" Master said as he used the force to throw the Dark Jedi back towards a stone pillar, but with no effect as the Dark Jedi used the force to stop him self just before hitting it. "Impressive but you will need to do better than that" the Jedi said as he continued the attack.

Hippie and Narm were firing their blasters at the incoming guards hitting one guard per blaster shot, but they never seemed to stop coming, Narm quickly stole a glance to see where Master was and said "Hold on to your hat this is gunna be big" he said as he grabbed a grenade from his belt and threw it into the advancing platoon of guards. Hippie and Narm ducked behind the pillar as an explosion ripped through several of the incoming guards. They looked again after the explosion to see only a few guards left, so Narm holstered his blaster and pulled out his Virbo Sword and ran at the surviving guards screaming like a madman. Hippie shrugged then followed him firing his blaster at as many as he could see.

Master was tired, and knew he couldn’t keep it up for much longer but the Dark Jedi seemed not to be tired in the slightest. Master went for a slash at the pelvis area on the Jedi but it was blocked and a shot came in at Master’s exposed back, he didn’t have time to block it and the saber cut through his flightsuit and through the skin fairly deep. Master clapsted on the ground and his saber out of reach, he had no way to defend himself. The Dark Jedi walked closer and closer. Master looked in Narm and Hippie’s direction to see the surviving guards surround them and were about to fire. Before the Jedi came within reach Master launched himself at his saber and keep going in Hippie and Narm's direction straight into the guards knocking them flying. Master didn’t stop till he hit the ground with a thud and a groan, this time his saber was on the other side of the room. Blood trickled down the back of his flight suit onto the floor, Hippie and Narm got up and went running toward the approaching Dark Jedi but stopped halfway in mid air, they flew to the wall with a thud and stayed pinned a few feet above the floor, Narm struggled for a few seconds but gave up, Hippie didn’t bother after seeing Narm try and not succeed. "You were a challenge young one but still not good enough for one empowered with the Dark Side, so long" The Dark Jedi stopped about two meters away from Master who was trying to get up, he was but very slowly. Hippie noticed Master was on his feet and couldn’t believe it, he could see the gash across his back and blood was pouring out of it, he winced at the sight of it. The Dark Jedi raised his arms and Hippie could feel power coming from him, a red ball of energy flew towards Master, Hippie remember Master using it on him back on the Intruder when he was infected with the Hive Virus, he remembered what it had felt like and recalled Master calling it Force Destruction. The strangest thing happened, a ghost like image of some one or something seemed to envelop Master and go inside him, Master reached out with his hand to apparently block the ball, the Force Destruction hit Master’s hand and seemed to enter him, Master’s eyes glowed with the power inside him and he returned the shot back at the Dark Jedi who took it straight in the chest and he crashed to the ground releasing Hippie and Narm.

Master slowly walked over and picked up his Lightsaber then walked back to the fallen body of the Dark Jedi, "Not possible, no one has that much power" He said with blood coming out the side of his mouth "Ive never seen someone with that much ability in the force", "And you never will again, enjoy the madness beyond death" Master said as he brought the blade of his saber through the chest of the Dark Jedi killing him. Master slumped to the ground landing on his knees, the King who had been watching the whole fight on his throne got up and grabbed a fallen guards blaster, "You may have defeated my guards and Dark Jedi but I will still get the victory" The King said, the Kings daughter ran out towards the trio the King saw her and yelled "Traitorous Whelp" as he pulled the trigger, "NO" Master said as he dived in front of the bolt which would have hit the princess in the chest killing her, but Master stopped the bolt and it hit him square in the stomach, as Master hit the ground his Lightsaber flew into the air ignited straight towards the King, who didn’t notice until it was to late.

Master spoke to the princess who was kneeling over him "Rule your Kingdom with honor, wisdom and stay true to the Lightside", with that Master slumped into uncounsisness. Hippie checked his pulse and found one "Think we better get him home ASAP", Narm agreed, they said their Good-byes to the Princess and headed back to the Intruder on the Vornskr, Master was on the medical area on the Vornskr the whole 3 days trip uncounusis.

When they arrived back at the Intruder they were granted immediate landing and Master was taken to the infirmary and the bacta tanks.

One Week later.

Master wakes up in the infirmary feeling groggy, the medical droids tell him to rest but he hates orders so doesn’t follow them and checks himself out of the infirmary heading to look for the others. He passes SA Kevin in the corridor, they salute "How are you Master, you looked like you took quite a beating back there"? Master replied "Yea I’m ok, bit stiff and sore, nothing a bit of drinking wont fix", Kevin laughed "Good to see you back on your feet, and by the way starting now you have three weeks off to go where you want as long as you tell me where", Master thought for a minute "Only one place I’m going, Home, ill leave tomorrow or the next day if that’s alright with you sir", "Yea sure, go whenever you like just tell me, well better go important stuff to do like relocate those slaves you rescued, good work on that by the way" Kevin saluted and Master returned it and Kevin headed towards his office, Master continued looking for the others couldn’t find them anywhere so he went down to the bar to wait. He was on his fourth glass of Kowakian Black-Moon Vodka which he ah…..borrowed from Euc while reading the mission report for the Battle of Enourq which showed:

Mission: Victory.

IW Forces:

Strike Cruiser Maximus.

CRV Ranger. (Damaged, sent to Platform Victory for Repair’s)

CRV Enforcer. (Destroyed, all hands lost)

Neb B Frigate Panther. (Damaged, sent to Platform Victory for Repairs)

Neb B Frigate Reaper.

CRV Wild.

Nightmare Squad Casualties.

SLt Biteme (KIA)

Capt. Fuzzum (KIA)

Lt. Deej (KIA)

Ens Vicky (KIA)

Scorpion Squadron Casualties

Capt. Tregga (KIA)

Lt. Sic-Sixx (KIA)

Capt. Kholm (KIA)

Lt. Wiley (KIA)

Memorial Service will be held at 0400 tomorrow, all personnel able to attend should do so in formal attire.

Enourq Force:

VSD Dragon (Destroyed by Maximus, Panther and Reaper)

Lancer Frigate Swift (Disabled and Captured by IW Commandos)

Lancer Frigate Stinger (Destroyed by Panther and Reaper)

Interdictor Cruiser Harpago (Driven off)

20 A-Wing’s

10 Z-95’s

5 R-41 Starchaser’s

35 X-Wing’s

17 Hornet Interceptors

5 B-Wing’s

21 Tie Fighters

5 Tie Interceptors

7 Tie Bombers

31 Y-Wing’s

19 A-9 Fighters

40 Cloakshape Fighters

Various Freighter’s.

Total: 215 Fighter craft.

Congratulations on all pilots, this is a tremendous force to take out, all pilots are congratulated especially FA^Eucilid, AD Macintosh, Major Geist, VA Vykk, GN Fardreamer, Capt. Master, Major Hippie, Cmdr Narm and the 2^nd Commando Unit.

Master smiled at his name being there.

Hippie Narm and Mac came in and sat next to Master.

"Thought we might find you in here, the infirmary said he had checked yourself out" Mac said "Yea, went looking for you guys but decided to wait here and drink some of Euc’s Vodka, eases the pain" Master replied after having another glass. They cracked up "Pass the bottle" Narm asked. "So I hear you got three weeks off Master, what you going to do"? Mac asked "Well even though it does sound fun sitting around here with you guys, think ill go home for a while, its been to long" Master replied after a moment. "Well then I say we toast to the future" Hippie said raising his glass of Kowakian Black-Moon Vodka, they all did the same "To the future" they all said in unison.

© Copyright Mark Howman (Capt. Master/3-2/Dream Squadron/MC-80 Intruder/IW/NI {MoP} {MSM}) 2000