“Gentlemen, I’d first like to make a salute,” ushered the silhouette, raising his glass to eye level. The copper contents swirled with majesty, the attention of the room’s occupants drew to the figure. “To this glorious installation, our sanctity, our prosperity,” pausing for a bit of dramatic effect, the figure grin took on shady smile, “and more importantly, to our sanity.” The crowd’s chivalrous laughter brought a warm united “Salute” to the room, as senior Corporate Executive Officer Tenloss took a chair from under him.

Placing his glass against the ivory oval shaped meeting desk, he favored a casual glance about the occupants, catching the stare of a long befriended pro-Imperial loyalist Adalric Cronus. The officer exchanged a nod with Tenloss, raising his glass in appraisal, before conversing with a surly looking lieutenant beside him. Seated to the adjacent chair from Mr. Cronus was the notoriously famed Davin Halcyon, chief of security for Cryonics Industries. The gruff older looking fellow had a calm, collective physique about his features, his eyes narrowing down on the ivory. Across from Mr. Halcyon sat the revering impatient Adrian Artreides. Tenloss mused to himself as he noticed the quirky officer’s eyes darting every which way across the room in paranoia.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Poor Adrian, I think it’s time for a holiday.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

“Now, down to business. Mr. Artreides, would you administer your accounts for us?” Adrian nodded in compliance, pulling a satchel of manila folders from under his seat, and after a bit of rustling his notes across the ivory, he began with much anticipated reports.

“Sirs, from CI’s corporate district, an analysis of all expenditures, profit increases and decreases over the past quarter, advertisement programs, scheduled completions and delays for the past quarter projects, a thorough analysis on programs we can implement to facilitate our already growing income, a review of exports and imports, quantities, qualities, costs... and last but not least, an examination of CI goods and products that are currently on the GSE and all commercial markets.”

An extensive summary lasted for several hours through the night, regarding many economic issues in the Cryonics Industries structure. Finally, Mr. Halcyon drew out the last of the report with the concluding issue of Cryonics Industries’ Bacta cartel.

“Regarding the status of all concerns regarding the Bacta cartel,” Adrian said, fatigues gradually become more prevalent in his voice. “, all projects regarding Bacta production, refinement, and shipping are running at overall peak efficiency. And...” he motioned to Tenloss, catching his blatant stare. “, regarding the issues reflected by the senate’s latest political propaganda, there have been a certain number of changes in trend with the rally in our shipment lists.” And with that said, there was a gesture to Adalric Cronus, who nodded in acceptance, and stood in dignity from his seat.

As Adrian took a seat once again, Cronus redirected his thoughts, reading from sheet of paper spread out in one hand. “As corporate liaison to the senate, I have dreaded news to bear to you all. As of 0800 this morning, we have received and confirmed an official declaration from the New Order’s and New Republic’s minister of state that war has official resumed between the top three super powers of the galactic political infrastructure. These parties are as follows, the New Order, the New Republic, and the Rouge Empire.” The words ushered death of tone to all noise in the room, an ominous and eerie silence drawing attention to Mr. Cronus. “The New Order wishes to confer to Cryonics Industries its gratitude regarding mobilization of all our armed forces in efforts to aid their cause in the war. The senate has approved of this maneuver in all the best interests of our government and social, economic, and political stability in our cluster.”

Adalric raised his eyes from the paper, focusing on a camera lens recording the meeting to the general public, a solid, determined look of grim expectancy clearly read in his eyes, his voice running with contempt and agitations passion. “Therefore, the senate has also voted to deny the opposing authority of the Rouge Empire, and all other militaristic based governments, institutions, regimes, sovereignties, factions, empires, or foundations the rights accorded to the rest of the civilized galaxy. This includes all privileges regarding corporate service to the general public. The senate has made it known that Cryonics Industries shall oppose such groups with severe prejudice, starting with the doctoral arbitration in restriction of Bacta, and all products under the CI/IA corporate logo to such groups.”

Dropping the paper, it’s creases resting against his polished boots, his eyes burned in the camera lens with vehemence that none of his comrades had ever witnessed. His voice lashed out in impatient rage, “And let it personally be known to all those who oppose civility, to all those degrading morality, and to all who dare stand against justice, order, and honor... let it be known to like ones simply this... we shall not relent, under any and all circumstances. Our decision is resolute and without negotiation. Upon reception of any Rouge Imperial holdings, if you do not submit to our authority and jurisdiction, you shall be fired upon.”

Stepping away from view, Mr. Cronus took a seat, belated of energy and exhausted of reprisal. His burning eyes took a nod of admiration from his comrades, as chief of security Davin Halcyon reconvened to his location, hands behind his back in a gesture of confidence, his eyes complacent with hint of malignance. “As of 0900 this morning, all armed forces of Cryonics Industries are being placed under thretcon H. We’ve pulled our four fleets to borderline protection for the moment, until we receive further word from our tactical analysis team for assignment. All defense protocols regarding planetary invasion are being tested, and prepped, and rehearsed should such a scenario befall us.”

Davin raised his hand’s non threateningly, “Now, the senate doesn’t want to arouse panic within the public structure, so the only assurances we can give you as of this moment is that all precautions are being taken so that we don’t have to face a single civilian casualty throughout this war. And though this is out of conduct, I can give you my personal assurance as acting supervisor of CI armed forces that we are very prepared to assist in this war, and that we’ve taken all procedure to heart in considering the welfare of our general public.”

Raising a single finger in defiance, he continued, “But our greatest aspiration in this campaign will be a single logistic target, the system of Bespin.” At an unnoticed cue, a hidden subterranean projector displayed rust looking world covered by a blanket of gaseous cloud formations. “Bespin holds one of the most sought after products in the galaxy, Tibanna Gas. This vapor is used to conduct enhancement of heat conducting energy coils, which in turn allow for the enhancement in vitality of weapon systems and drive systems. In consideration of the profitable values of Tibanna Gas, and its considerable impact on the outcome of this war, the senate has motioned in favor of claiming Bespin under the Cryonics Industries charter. Production and Distribution has considered dealing with Tibanna Gas regarding political and economic issues in the same manner as dealt with Bacta.”

Taking a sigh, Davin foreclosed his report with a further finality, “This motion has been given the jurisdiction of approval by the OAB, and our armed forces are currently engaging in pre combat tactical procedures in preparation for the movement. In allocating forces to govern positions where our fleets are stationed, we have been given legally binding assurances from certain political authorities their support in keeping our defensive forces fully mobilized and at strength.”

His eyes turning away from the camera in perpetual disgust, Davin silently took a chair, folding his arms across his chest, breathing deeply in frustration. Last but not least to deliver a brief summary of comfort, Mr. Tenloss took a stand in front of the camera pod, seeming calm and complacent in nature. “Ladies and gentlemen who live with me under the banner Cryonics Industries. May peace be with you all. May you know and take to heart that all decisions regarded by the OAB and the senate are utilized to further our great corporate power, and benefit your standard of living. This is Corporate Executive Officer Tenloss of Cryonics Industries, signing off.”

Tenloss made a slashing motion with his hand across his throat, ending the session. Camera crews quickly removed the equipment from the room, leaving the occupants in silence and privacy. Davin was the first to break the silence, “So, what’s our estimated time before the attack?” Tenloss leaned on his fist against the ivory replying, “Well, we have some last minute issues to deal with, but we’re roughly looking at a month from now.” Adrian brought on another motion on consideration, “We’ll have fourth fleet constructed by then. And Dace Archon should be back from his assignment to commandeer third fleet very soon.” The crowd nodded in approval, each taking his ratings in silence. Cronus looked the passive and content of them all, eyes transfixed on a destiny sealed behind a veil of blood. “One month,” he whispered. “, one month before the galaxy goes to hell.”

In a deep untrafficked region of the Outer Rim Territories, the Cryonics Industries Bespin Expeditionary Force silently cruised under the star filled horizon, the sleek hulls of the stoic warships flaring brilliantly, as the collected task force came through a sudden patch of sunlight.

The bridge deck of the [/i]Blaze of Glory[/i] gleamed slightly, averting the eyes of the vessel’s stalwart crew. The gathering forces were gaining immense strength as more and more of Cryonics Industries vessels came surging into formation from hyperspace.



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Davin blew a sign, the task coming to hand. With establishing secure communications links with the armada commanders, he prepared the legions for their hyperspace entry vector to Bespin. With 1st fleet positioned at the spearhead of the armada,

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Heroism is endurance for one moment more.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

Space streaked into star lines, and they leapt, a dim flicker of light, in the portent of coming darkness.

“Hyperspace reversion imminent. All crew, brace for exit.” Khurgee paced the catwalks of the bridge anxiously, as the final order commenced.

“Navigation, you have clearance to exit vector,” came the petition from a sundry Davin Halcyon. The star lines reeled back to the norm of small specks of light against the black, inviting a hail of warships into the Bespin system.

“All craft full alert, status, defcon grade H. Gunnery, raise particle and energy dampening systems, full modulation to systems. Navigation, pull 1st fleet to the fore, sublight speed at six point eight. Relay, track vectors, scan for prioritized targets. We’re expecting a lot of resistance gentlemen, so show give me target vectors. When you acquire vectors, transmit coordinates to Gunnery and plod firing solutions. All available units, activate gravitational distortion generators.”

The crew was in a flurry of action, efficiently carrying out the assigned tasks.

Punching a communications switch to the SCHCG, Davin linked with the three group High Commodores.

“Adrian, move 2nd fleet to Holding Sector I and secure our exit vector; cover our aft flank in case of a hostile hyperspace drop.”

A resounding click initiated as he linked with Adalric and Dace.

“Gentlemen, proceed to secure sectors II and III along Bespin’s axis. Dace, be prepared to split your group in half to hold both sectors II and III, we’ll most likely be needed Adalric’s firepower to knock out the hostile forces.”

A double click from both commanders signaled their acknowledgment, and the Cryonics Industries Armada bristled with deadly stature.





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EDIT: spelling & grammar

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Suddenly the comm chatter from all groups was cut out as a high priorirty diplomatic communique erupted from Rogue Imperial space. Where holocomms were available, the form of Fleet Admiral Dakkon Blackblade sprung up, fatigue evident on his features. Elsewhere, all they heard was his voice and as such he had to identify himself.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"This is Fleet Admiral Blackblade. As per my request earlier mourning the loss of the Emperor, i request a full cessation of hostilities.

Note that this is <!--EZCODE BOLD START--> not<!--EZCODE BOLD END--> an unconditional surrender. TRE is granting small territorial concessions to ensure the peace is maintained. Also, Jileeak will cease to function as soon as all troops leave. New Republic forces will be allowed to remain on board to ensure we donot attempt to use the station as they are neutral. As for GDI...

GDI can get the hell off my station.

Besbin has long been used to monopolize Tibanna gases, and i believe no such situation should exist again. As such, Besbin, if it is required to be surrendered in territorial concession making, will be ceded to Vinda Corporation, to ensure that none shall monopolise control of the Gas again. VC has long been regarded as the foremost among neutrals, and to ensure all factions in the galaxy recieve an uninterupted flow of Tibanna, they are best suited to having it.

As Jileeak is the cause of these problems, it will most likely be scrapped. And as such we expect no external interference if and when Rogue Imperial High command do decide to do this.

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> TNO will NOT gain any access whatsoever to the station, due to the fact they intend to take it for themselves, and such a course of action i could not permit myself, as would no other sentient, to take.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

While negotiations take place, i request that all fighters return to their hangars, as shall ours, and move well out of range. As should all ships. There will be a demarciation line between our forces to ensure no further conflict erupts while negotiations are happening."

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Without further ado the comminique cut off, having completed its request.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"All craft hold here. We want to be well out of their range for the planetary batteries." Halcyon said, viewing the latest intelligence report from Relay.



<!--EZCODE HTML START--> <font size="1">Bespin

Planetary Defenses


Mines: 1000
Shields: 0
Batteries:
Cloud City- 50 Anti-Infantry Batteries, 10 SAMs, 50 Missile Pads
Other- 100 anti-infantry batteries, 20 SAMs, 20 Missile Pads
Space Stations:
Ground Bases: 10
Garrison: 10,000 soldiers
Fighters: 20 TIE Fighters, 100 TIE Interceptors



Defense Platforms


None Listed



----------------------------------------------------------
Capital Ships:

Victory-Class Mark II Star Destoryer Silent Lamb
Corellian-Class Corvette Stray Lamb
Corellian-Class Corvette Burning Rage
Corellian-Class Corvette Defiling Vong
Corellian-Class Corvette Contempt of the Misjudged
Corellian-Class Corvette Monstrosity

1 VSD, 5 CRVs

Total Caps-6

Bespin Reserve Fleet
---------------------------------------------------
Capital Ships

Disruptor-Class Super Star Destroyer Intrepid
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Markover
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Destination
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Praxeum

1 DSSD, 3 ISD IIs

Total: 4</font><!--EZCODE HTML END-->



“Davin, Relay reports an incoming transmission from Bespin.” Davin shifted his eyes in suspicion replying, “Video or audio only?”

“It’s a holographic transmission, sir, shall I have CORE patch it through your console?” The High Admiral nodded in response. A small representation of dreary, battle worn figure emboldened against the mini tactical holographic projector built into the Tactical Command Console.

“This is Fleet Admiral Blackblade. As per my request earlier mourning the loss of the Emperor, I request a full cessation of hostilities.

Note that this is not an unconditional surrender. The Rouge Empire is granting small territorial concessions to ensure the peace is maintained. Also, Jileeak will cease to function as soon as all troops leave. New Republic forces will be allowed to remain on board to ensure we do not attempt to use the station as they are neutral. As for GDI...

GDI can get the hell off my station.

Bespin has long been used to monopolize Tibanna gases, and I believe no such situation should exist again. As such, Bespin, if it is required to be surrendered in territorial concession making, will be ceded to Vinda Corporation, to ensure that none shall monopolize control of the Gas again. VC has long been regarded as the foremost among neutrals, and to ensure all factions in the galaxy receive an uninterrupted flow of Tibanna, they are best suited to having it.

As Jileeak is the cause of these problems, it will most likely be scrapped. And as such we expect no external interference if and when Rogue Imperial High command do decide to do this.

The New Order will not gain any access whatsoever to the station, due to the fact they intend to take it for themselves, and such a course of action i could not permit myself, as would no other sentient, to take.

While negotiations take place, I request that all fighters return to their hangars, as shall ours, and move well out of range. As should all ships. There will be a demarcation line between our forces to ensure no further conflict erupts while negotiations are happening."

Davin sat bewildered at his console, unsure as to what response to favor the transmission. The silhouette faded into a void, the projector retracting into the Tactical Command Console’s frame. With a twinge of hesistation, he flicked on a transponder sequence, recording a responding transmission. He spoke with an ominous sense of determination and cunning.

"Greetings, Mr. Blackblade, I'm High Admiral Davin Halcyon, representing the Cryonics Industries Bespin Expiditionary Force. In regards to your premonition of handing over Bespin to Vinda Corporation, you can take that idea with you to hell. Surrender Bespin under CI jurisdiction, or be destroyed." Signaling the transponder beacon to transmit the message, he awaited to react to the Rouge's reply.

“They’re not responding Davin.” So Khurgee reported, and indeed, the Rouge Empire emissary seemed forthwith in their attempts to stall the righteous aggressors of Cryonics Industries. Davin nodded, “Right, then they’ll have it the hard way. Relay, has II through IV pulled to the assigned locations?” An affirmative rang from station, indicating the three presiding High Commodores had dropped their task forces to the coordinates selected. “Navigation, slow taskforce sublight speed to four point four.”

He paneled the SCHCG system, hooking a direct link to Adalric Cronus, acting officer of 4th Fleet. “Adalric, I want you to pull three Battalion Legions and give priority to neutralizing that Disruptor-class destroyer. Understood?”

Adalric responded briskly, “Affirmative High Admiral. Adalric Out.”

Davin ran his hand over his mouth musing to himself. “Khurgee, order Battalion Legions I through IV to engage that trio of Imperial-class destroyers orbiting Bespin. Tell them to maintain posture, but wait for Command to signal them clearance to fire.” Khurgee acknowledged the order, pointing out the bridge portholes at the six remaining Rouge Empire ships, “That leaves the Corvettes and that Vic to deal with.” Davin grinned, “I’ll leave that for our Gunnery to handle, after all, we’re all here to have a little fun, aren’t we?”

Khurgee returned to station, linking the orders to individual command forces as Davin approached Gunner dept. “Gunnery, establish individual locking patterns on the five Corvette vessels and the remaining Victory-class destroyer. Acknowledge when patterns have been locked.”

A go rose in alarm, and Davin initiated a final order. “All ships have firing clearance. Raise hell!”

The <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Blaze<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> opened a brilliant spectacle of light across the bridge, lancing out volley’s of ion and turbolaser fire against the six targets, striking precisely homed barrages against their hulls. At the same moment, the four destroyer groups, Battalion Legions I through IV opened a hail of ionic fire from their Imperial-class destroyers and Maw Cluster dreadnaughts, followed by a barrage of concussion missiles and proton torpedoes. The ion cannons sufficiently kicked back the modulation of the energy shields, overloading multiple systems on the trio of vessels. The rain of ballistics scoring direct hits against the particle dampening systems of the warships, some causing explosions against the hull plating, breaching bulkheads and letting lose of atmosphere into the vacuum of space, damaging the great behemoths.

Meanwhile, onboard the Reign-class destroyer, <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Drayson<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->... Overlooking Bespin’s axis at Holding Sector II, Adalric shunned the savages of the Rouge Empire, his task force of technologically advanced warships holding the cumbersome might of Cryonics Industries in their grips.

“Relay deploy forces XIII through XV in a wide spread pattern, cover the aft, bow, and port side flanks of that Disruptor-class destroyer. All groups hold back vessels of Gunship class to sector II. Order all available White Star cruisers to hold swarm techniques against that damned ship. I want it neutralized immediately.”

The mammoth and fierce looking Berserker-class destroyers cruised into positions parallel to the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Intrepid’s<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> aft, bow, and port sides, charging their super weapons. Again, in an instant the White Stars were streaking at high velocity against the enemy ship, lancing out with particle cannons, the sleek yellow beams seething scars against the ships hull. Their accompanying assignments of Starfuries began running wide arcs against the ships bridge column, pouring energy fire against the weakening shields.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Almost...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> “Relay, hold the Berserkers back, repeat, do not fire super weapons until I give word.”


OOC: Note for reference. CI R&D project, Nova-class cruiser, rechristenned to White Star. CI Phaser Bank, rechristenned to Phalanx Particle Cannon.

Three of the enemy gunships had suffered severe damage from the constant unwavering volley of fire from the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Blaze<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->. The gun stations from under the Star Destroyer’s hull targeted precise weak points along the axis of the vessels, severing links from their bridges communiqué systems to the rest of the vessel. This was an effective tactic in disabling the craft. Also targeting the banks of sublight drives of their aft, the gunnery officers made quick destruction of the engines, beginning to list from port to starboard in an odd, clumsy dance.

“Davin, Gunnery reports that two of the gunships have begun to list in an awkward fashion.” Smirking, the High Admiral asked inquisitively, “Have any bulkheads been breached… any rupturing along the hulls?” Khurgee shook his head, a steady gaze shot towards the remaining battle worthy ships. “No sir, I predict their hull integrity remains at the least fifth-teen percent … we were targeting primary control systems through the ship, but not life support.” Taking the moment to instill a dramatic pause, he continued, “Shall we continue firing?”

Davin seemed to ironically take his time from the question, pausing to arise from the Tactical Command Console and stroll down the bridge catwalks, noting the various departments as he passed, then commencing an about face, hands gripping each other at the small of his back, chin held high, and proceeded to return to his station. “Core?” He asked, unshaken in faith. “Analyze the two ships, specify updated hull integrity?” A feminine voice resounded from the station’s audio system. “Updated hull integrity marked at five percent.” Nodding, he drew in a deep breath, catching a glance at the vessels from the bridge view ports.

“Cease fire, reroute targeting sequences to the remaining two gunships and their Vic counterpart.”

Khurgee departed quite agitated.

“Relay, track our Battalion Legions, report status.” Moments later, a acknowledging report resounded from station, “All Battalion Legions are reporting no casualties, the enemy has continue to withhold response on our advance. We’ve reported a confirmed enemy casualty as well, one enemy Imp, destroyed after sustaining severe damage from several volley’s of ballistic particles.”

Nodding solemnity, he returned a short, brisk reply, “Very good, keep me updated on our status.”

OOC: enemy JE losses: 3 Correlian Gunships disabled, 1 Imperial Star Destroyer destroyed.

“Battalion Legions XIII, XIV, and XV, begin sequential countdown to firing. T-minus fifth-teen seconds and counting.”, Adalric said.

Already, the benevolent <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Intrepid<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> was suffering greatly from the onslaught of White Stars as they delivered massive precise strikes against the destroyer’s bridge column, the phalanx particle cannons dealing heavy unaccounted damage to the destroyer. Nevertheless, the enemy was holding it is own to against the swarm of ships, until the Berserker-class destroyers intervened.

In a low, bellow that deafened all of nearby space, the three magnanimous ships released the awesome potential of their super weapons, three iridescent white beams striking the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Intrepid’s<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> bridge. The ship’s column exploded in a brilliance of light, and the great Disruptor-class destroyer began to list on its port.

The goal had been accomplished, the assigned target had been pacified.

OOC: enemy JE losses: 1 Disruptor Star Destroyer destroyed.