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To Claim a Bounty
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| Blackfire_Contacts | Date: Thursday, 19 Apr 2012, 8:14 AM | Message # 1 |
 Lieutenant colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 110
Status: Offline
| Still under the guise of Captain Zorn Alexian, a group of ships dropped out of hyperspace at the edge of Cyborrea's boundaries, instantly active-scanning the system for any vessels and utilizing magnified visual scans as well. They would proceed in-system at three-quarters throttle only when they were sure the immediate area was cleared of enemies or, for that matter, extra craft. The group was painted all black, and none broadcasted IFF signals. Consisting of a pair of CR90 corvettes (Strike-1 and 2) that were side by side, with some ten kilometers in between and Strike-2 being slightly above Strike-1, they were backed by a pair of modified Barloz-class freighters (Lure-1 and 2), and these freighters followed above and slightly behind each corvette, so that if seen from the side, the freighters would appear to be above the engine housings, but some three kilometers above. Flying somewhat under by a kilometer and a half of Strike-1 was a 'V' formation of twelve MorningStar-A snubfighters, equaled in distance and respective flight pattern by eleven MorningStar-B snubfighters under Strike-2. This, for the moment, comprised the ships that had emerged at Cyborrea.
The image of the scarred and prosthetic-covered man who was 'Zorn Alexian,' broadcast over open communications, providing they were not jammed, to Cyborrea and any ships in the vicinity: "We have come for the legal and lawful bounty placed upon the head of one Xalden Verano Ralas Hlaalu Jesan, also known as 'Xalden the Black' as called for by the Desilijic Clan. Any being who stands in our way risks the wrath of the Hutt Cartel and its affiliates."
The Citadel's Contractors
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| Xalden | Date: Sunday, 22 Apr 2012, 2:58 AM | Message # 2 |
 Lieutenant
Group: Users
Messages: 48
Status: Offline
| The moment the vessels dropped from hyperspace they were already tagged and marked by Cyborrea, it's sensor array powerful enough to pick the vessels up and relay their coordinates and movements to the vessels in orbit around Cyborrea. However, the vessels that had arrived wouldn't even get a chance to scan for anything that might be in the system before their scanners went dark, being jammed along side their communications, a defense and hindrance for the base on Cyborrea as it also could no longer scan the system without making itself visible to the enemy. The vessels in orbit also could no longer communicate with each other because of the powerful jamming system, though each captain took their own initiative as they moved their IPVs away from the planet, the Minstrel Yacht and its escort of two Modified GR75s also moved away from Cyborrea, using their line of sight to move the vessels into position away from the planet to allow the enemy to come closer in. Their shields and weapons raised as they waited for them to pass closer to Cyborrea and move further into the system.
Xalden the Black
Lord of Cyborrea
Message edited by Xalden - Sunday, 22 Apr 2012, 11:29 PM |
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| Blackfire_Contacts | Date: Saturday, 28 Apr 2012, 7:09 AM | Message # 3 |
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Lieutenant colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 110
Status: Offline
| Of course, therein lay the problem. While the base's jammer could and did indeed jam scanning functions, and likely even hypercomm communications, and, depending on frequency, radio communications, it would be practically impossible to jam laser-based communications, which were specifically aimed and, while lacking the extreme range of other systems, were perfect for the tight group to remain in contact with one another. Thus, though a hindrance, the jamming itself was not terribly damaging to operations. Utilizing purely visual scanners with maximum magnification, the quartet of IPV-1s were difficult, but not impossible to identify. After all, a quartet of one-hundred fifty meter vessels of a certain profile tended to stand out. The yacht, being one-hundred sixty meters with a unique profile, was also identifiable, but the GR-75 transports were all but overlooked so far.
With the jamming system in place, it was deemed necessary to call in the reinforcement squadron, so to speak. From hyperspace dropped the FarStar-class modified corvette designated Support-1, but its small internal compliment was kept in check. With it, thought, came six SS-54 assault ships, designated Flank Squadron, which still kept a handful of vessels in reserve. Taking their place behind and below Strike-2, the ships cruised slowly towards the planet, still several hundred kilometers out and keeping active visuals on the ships they'd tagged thus far.Added (28 Apr 2012, 7:09 AM)
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Seeing as how Xalden's defense force had made no real move to defend, or attack for that matter, it seemed as if it fell to 'Alexian' and his pirates to make the first play. The IPV-1s were arguably the most dangerous of the craft and, as such, were going to be those which were targeted first. The group clustered around Strike-1 presently turned and made for the quartet of IPV-1's, warming their cannon and being backed by Lure-1, as well as Support-1, which, being a carrier, prepared to launch its internal compliment of ten R-41 Starchasers and solitary Aegis-class shuttle. The second group, clustered around Strike-2 and backed by Lure-2 and Flank Squadron, accelerated towards the yacht and, as they came closer, were obviously able to visually identify the GR-75 transports it had clustered around it. So far, it appeared as if they would be able to cruise right in to cannon range and begin unloading on the enemy craft.
"This is your last warning!" 'Alexian' roared into the comm system. "Power down your weapons and shields and prepare to let us have at the coward Xalden!"
The Citadel's Contractors
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| Xalden | Date: Wednesday, 02 May 2012, 2:16 AM | Message # 4 |
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Lieutenant
Group: Users
Messages: 48
Status: Offline
| Alexian could roar into the comm system all he wanted, what was clear though was that his message would not be heard by Cyborrea or the forces that protected it, the jamming system blanketing the system and keeping communications from being heard as the vessels remained in their position, stopping as their shields and weapons had already raised, though it was clear that a response was coming soon. The jamming signal dropped from the system, chatter raising between Cyborrea and its vessels. A message though was quickly sent off towards the Hutt Cartel, making sure that even the forces in the system would hear it.
"This is Cyborrea, the Bounty on Jamie the Hutt was withdrawn, as at the time it was not known that he was pregnant, and Xalden is already forming a formal apology. We have vessels from outside of Hutt space making hostile actions towards a Hutt world, one that has faithfully been paying its dues to the Hutt Cartel. We are requesting reinforcements as these vessels are possibly members of those that have already insulted the Hutts."
The vessels in orbit above Cyborrea began to move together, their formation bringing up as the Minstrel was flanked by the two GR-75s, with two IPV-1s on each side of the GR-75s, flanking their positions as they began to target the vessels coming in, the IPV-1s taking aim with their warhead launchers on the lead CR-90 Corvette, firing off a salvo of four warheads streaming across space towards the enemy fleet.
Xalden the Black
Lord of Cyborrea
Message edited by Xalden - Wednesday, 02 May 2012, 7:30 PM |
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| Blackfire_Contacts | Date: Thursday, 03 May 2012, 8:36 AM | Message # 5 |
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Lieutenant colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 110
Status: Offline
| It was actually quite perfect that Xalden had withdrawn the bounty. Regardless, the simple matter was that Cyborrea had no instant backup. Things such as checking the receipt of Jamulon Tiure's bounty to see it was removed, checking the validity of Xalden's words and above all, the time to actually send reinforcements, even close ones, was indeed a process that was time consuming. 'Alexian' had at least some time before any response would be sent to Xalden, which, indeed, as long as Xalden's forces kept up the jamming, wouldn't even know was coming as they themselves would be unable to 'hear' any response. Of course, they hadn't actually resumed jamming after their transmission.
The positioning of the enemy vessels was actually quite perfect, as they'd formed a line with the Minstrel at their center. The position of the first attack group, therefore, allowed them to basically form a wall of laser fire stretching across the area in front of their formation. Assuming, of course, that Xalden's IPV-1s were utilizing the MG7-A proton torpedo meant that they would need to engage Alexian's vessels at a maximum range of six kilometers. Although this was not within optimal starfighter cannon range, it served to be within turbolaser range in many cases and in this case, still allowed for a quick response. As the trajectory was dead ahead from the launch site, the wall of defensive fire was unmatched, especially for such a small torpedo barrage. Strike-1 opened fire with it's pair of H9 dual turbolasers and quartet of H9 single turbolasers, while above it, Lure-1 utilized a trio of quad laser cannons. Support-1 had not actually entered the fight, hanging back a but behind Strike-1 to ensure the carrier's safety, but the ten R-41s and twelve MorningStar-A starfighters went cyclic with a combined total of fifty-six laser cannons, more than enough to shred a quartet of proton torpedoes fired directly from the front at a target dead ahead (Strike-1 in this case) and make the aforementioned wall of death which would indeed likely destroy the incoming attack. In their current lineup configuration, Xalden's forces were at a tactical disadvantage and firing disadvantage simply because of their angle of attack.
This issue was not so for the second attack group, which had originally split off to assault the space yacht and its GR-75 transport escorts. With the group of enemies forming up. this group, led by Strike-2, broken to the right flank (Xalden's forces' left side) and 'risen' relative to the elements of the battle before angling to place them in a position to dive 'downwards on the attacking ships, albeit at half speed for better targeting. Strike-2 focused it's pair of dual turbolasers and quartet of single turbolasers solely on the rightmost (Xalden's left) IPV-1, while Lure-2, being within range for cannons now, a little under three kilometers, began to jink left to move it further away from the CR90 it was near and open fire with its trio of quad laser cannons. The six SS-54 gunships of Flank Squadron were living up to their namesake, attempting to overfly with all speed the line of Xalden's ships and sweep around from the rear, keeping an evasive pattern while the eleven MorningStar-B starfighters, having entered cannon range as well, opened full fire with thirty-three heavy laser cannons and an equal number of ion cannons on the same hapless IPV-1 that was sure to be taking some serious hits now from the massed fire.
With the communication jamming down, Alexian was finally able to broadcast. "You've fired first, enemy forces! Power down and let us board and you'll not be harmed!"
The Citadel's Contractors
Message edited by Blackfire_Contacts - Monday, 07 May 2012, 0:08 AM |
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| Xalden | Date: Sunday, 06 May 2012, 11:37 PM | Message # 6 |
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Lieutenant
Group: Users
Messages: 48
Status: Offline
| The IPVs had in fact not moved away from Cyborrea, as the warheads they fired had no set detonation time, which just allowed them to stream out through space until they struck something, be it vessel or debris, or shot down. The entire group of vessels that protected Cyborrea in fact never left it's orbit, rather stayed close to the planet, and therefore stayed out of the firing range of the enemy vessels, meaning that the enemy would be forced to come in closer to the planet if they wanted to fire, as it was now, their laser burst where just flying out into space as they fired at nothing. The IPVs moved off to the right and the left, matching up into a two team group which would cover each other, targeting the vessels that came closer as they remained at the edge of the enemies effective firing range, while they began to edge this range, lobbing warheads into the area as they skirted the left and right, moving around the enemy vessels to break up their formation as they fired in on them.
The GR-75s and the Minstrel formed up together as they aimed straight ahead, the Minstrel and the GR-75s aimed straight ahead as they began to fire into the enemy formation, moving towards the edge of their enemies effect range as they began to bring the ships apart to be forced to focus on multiple areas.
Xalden the Black
Lord of Cyborrea
Message edited by Xalden - Monday, 07 May 2012, 6:23 PM |
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| Blackfire_Contacts | Date: Monday, 07 May 2012, 7:40 PM | Message # 7 |
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Lieutenant colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 110
Status: Offline
| (( A quick note, Xalden, in your response to the first post, you state Quote each captain took their own initiative as they moved their IPVs away from the planet, the Minstrel Yacht and its escort of two Modified GR75s also moved away from Cyborrea, using their line of sight to move the vessels into position away from the planet to allow the enemy to come closer in.
If indeed the formation of Xalden's vessels did not come out to play, even though it seemed as if they had, Alexian's vessels would have remained in their same formation. As such, when the IPV-1 teams began 'lobbing warheads,' they would be forced to contend with the fact that Alexian had already split his own formation into three parts, more or less. This made it much easier to shoot down incoming warheads (please specify how many warheads are being shot and how many proton torpedoes an IPV-1 has). While they were throwing out taunting blows, something different was occurring. The group focused around the CR-90 designated Strike-1 split apart to be slightly larger. Now the IPV-1 had a maximum speed of 76 MGLT, making it an extremely effective pursuit and interdiction vessel. Nonetheless, to be within proton torpedo range (six kilometers) also placed them at risk from lucky shots from Strike-1, which was indeed taking the occasional potshot at the system patrol craft pair that had broken left, presumably to engage Strike-1's group. Any such long-range proton torpedo shots would easily be intercepted by Lure-1's trio of quad laser cannons. The modified Barloz-class freighter was even now holding position roughly half a kilometer above Strike-1, allowing for a perfect field of interception fire. At this time, Support-1, the carrier, accelerated to a position a kilometer beneath Strike-1, allowing its quartet of laser cannons to act in assistance towards shooting down any proton torpedoes, as well as aiding its pair of turbolaser cannons to targeting the same pair of IPV-1 patrol craft that Strike-1 was firing against.
While this was going on, the ten R-41 Starchasers and the full squadron of MorningStar-A fighters, both of which were considerably faster than an IPV-1, had swung wide of the leftmost pair, assuming a flanking attack. Both formations were in a 'V' and staked high and low to allow the widest spread for cannon and missile fire. Locking on to the leftmost pair of IPV-1s still, each of the Starchasers fired four concussion missiles each at the furthest left IPV-1 of the pair that had broken left. This was a total of forty concussion missiles aimed at a single IPV-1. The MorningStar-A squadron, similarly armed, fired two missiles each at the second IPV-1, for a total of twenty-four missiles. All in all, it was a veritable barrage of death. The pair of IPV-1s that had broken to the right (as mentioned, 'The IPVs moved off to the right and the left, matching up into a two team group which would cover each other") were left alone for the moment.
The Minstrel-class yacht and its GR-75 escorts would find themselves in a spot of trouble if they came head-on. The GR-75s had obviously been modified, as they held a trio of light turbolaser cannons and a quartet of twin fire-linked laser cannons. Technically, this would have made them slightly better missile interception vehicles, but they were not in a position to aid the IPV-1s and they were notoriously slow for combat purposes at a top speed of only 20 MGLT; a speed which the yacht was undoubtedly forced into holding as it could likely outdistance them. The yacht, it seemed, was Xalden's most heavily armed vehicle, and as such, would be a primary target for the second group. Unfortunately, Xalden's scheme to 'force the ships apart' would not succeed so well. Strike-2, it would seem, would bear the most weight of the indiscriminate fire from Xalden's vessels and as such, accelerated, beginning a dive 'down' relative to the attack vector. As Xalden's ships had not focused fire on it though, it only took minor hits. However, its four single turbolasers and dorsal dual turbolaser were aimed and targeted directly at the yacht, where all its fire would go towards.
As mentioned previously, the six SS-54 assault ships of flank squadron had been maneuvering to get behind this second group of Xalden's. As they had done so apparently uninhibited, they opened fire directly at the engine and stern of the yacht with a combined total of twenty-four laser cannons; blows that would begin to tell on the shields of the one-hundred and sixty meter vessel that was already taking turbolaser fire from a corvette. The only other ship to be available from the 'front' in the manner in which they were attacking was Lure-2, the second modified Barloz-class freighter which immediately went to full speed, moving 'up' relative to the attacking vessels' vector and executing evasive maneuvers. Being only forty-one meters, the ship couldn't take too much serious punishment. However, the freighters did posses four aft concussion missile launchers with three missiles per tube. It was an odd targeting, but they could indeed lock on and fire without their aft portion being aimed at the target, which is what Lure-2 executed, firing all twelve concussion missiles at the leftmost GR-75 transport. To make matters worse, this same transport would come under fire from the diving attack of eleven MorningStar-B starfighters that were split apart to make hits harder, weaving and dodging as they utilized their three laser cannons and three heavy ion cannons to strafe Xalden's modified transport. With any luck, Xalden's forces would realize they were outmatched and attempt to flee, for to remain would surely see them destroyed long before their attackers.
The Citadel's Contractors
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