A Three Hour Tour - Star Wars RP: A Galaxy At War Forum

A Three Hour Tour

Alyn_Stark

Date: Friday, 14 Sep 2012, 5:27 PM | Message # 1

Generalissimo

Group: Users

Messages: 1359

Awards: 2

Reputation: 1

Status: Offline

Stark relaxed on board his quarters on the Viridian Sky. The massive refit C-3 liner was in high orbit around Lorrd, and while he waited, Stark sipped a glass of water. There was champagne out in the meeting room where he expected to speak to Kuat, but under such conditions, Stark wished to remain sober. The Projects Manager for Druckenwell Shipyards was scheduled to arrive in-system at any moment. When he did arrive, he'd be given clearance to dock with the oversize yacht and be brought on board, being met by a quartet of Castle Stark guardsmen who would bring the man to the meeting room.

Shortly thereafter, the Viridian Sky, along with appropriate Shadowguard escort, would head out-system for Attahox, a rather large dump of a planet that was known to be frequented by pirates.

Alyn Stark
Lord of Kinyov
Senior Captain, Retired, Republic Navy
Head of House Malos (former)
Licensed bounty hunter
Majority shareholder, Lorrd Engineering
Owner, Stark Defense Conglomerate
Civilian Medal of Honor recipient
Representative, Lorrd (10 BBY-9 BBY)

Hieronymus_Kuat

Date: Saturday, 15 Sep 2012, 6:58 PM | Message # 2

Private

Group: Users

Messages: 19

Awards: 0

Reputation: 0

Status: Offline

Hieronymus Kuat had arrived over Lorrd, predictably, in a Kuat-made Starwind-class "pleasure yacht." Its unusual designation was, in fact, apt; while not the most aesthetically pleasing of ships, it was one of the most well-apportioned yacht models in the galaxy, complete with a zero-G "relaxation chamber" and even a 39-seat holotheater. At 50 meters, it was a bit much for Stark's C-3 liner to handle but, though difficult, it wasn't impossible. Kuat had gotten some sleep on the way to Lorrd, with specific instructions not to be disturbed until they'd arrived. Only then did he ready himself, changed into an Imperial-grey Vjun tunic and, as it happened, kept Stark's retinue of guardsmen waiting.

When he eventually boarded Stark's ship, Kuat wasn't alone. With him was a slender, but fit woman wearing a form-fitting jumpsuit beneath a fashionable Kuati robe and hood that mostly covered her face—the face of an attractive, young, seemingly-Human woman in her late 20's or early 30's with flowing auburn hair. Kuat stopped and raised an eyebrow at the comical appearance of Stark's guardsmen, a mordant smile on his face. To Sena, who remained close to Kuat at all times, there was nothing amusing about them—these were professionals, she knew, who could probably incapacitate a Herglic even without their Verpine shatter guns, their vibroblades that Sena could see and those she couldn't. Naturally, it took a professional to know one, and Sena was wary. It was her job to be.

Kuat nodded to the eccentrically-clad guardsmen and followed them to the meeting room, where he exchanged greetings with Stark. Sena was introduced as Kuat's "travel companion." Stark wouldn't be fooled, of course, but he needn't be—Kuat wasn't fooled about Stark, either.

"Attahox," Kuat mused when he was told of their destination, "Splendid." He was curious, however, if Stark intended to demonstrate Lorrd Engineering's ion engines on this very ship. That type of engine wasn't standard to a C-3 liner, Kuat pointed out to him, and inquired whether he'd modified the liner. "And what other modifications have you made, I wonder?" he said, helping himself to the champagne in an academic manner.

Hieronymus Kuat
Projects Manager, Druckenwell Shipyards
Former Deputy-Director of Research and Design, Kuat Drive Yards

Alyn_Stark

Date: Saturday, 15 Sep 2012, 7:19 PM | Message # 3

Generalissimo

Group: Users

Messages: 1359

Awards: 2

Reputation: 1

Status: Offline

Kuat's yacht would be able to dock at one of the docking points on the Viridian Sky. On the way in, he might well have viewed a number of other smaller craft docked and connected at other access points; a Tri-Mark VII interceptor, a YV-929, a Pursuer-class enforcement ship, a Citadel-class civilian cruiser and perhaps strangely enough, an AIAT, as well as a YV-666. Kuat might well have questions, or perhaps not, but the ships were there for certain passengers on board.

The Castle Stark guardsmen, eccentric-looking indeed, but capable in their own strange way, departed once Kuat and his escort reached the meeting room. Within, Stark was surrounded by his personal and even odder assortment of security: a tall, pale Arkanian stood next to a squat Noghri, both of which were talking quietly to one another. Nearby, a red-haired woman who could have come from any number of human species stood by herself, amusing herself tinkering with a probe droid of some kind. The last two, a tall beautiful Echani and an equally tall, hulking Mandalorian stood on either side of Stark where he sat, relaxed at the head of the table.

Stark rose easily as Kuat entered and moved around the table to greet him and shake his hand. "Mr. Kuat, a pleasure to have you on board the Viridian Sky. I'm sorry I can't offer better docking bays, but this ship was not quite designed for such." When Kuat pointed out what was standard and what was not, Stark merely smiled. "A touch of modifications here and there to my largest yacht. The engines are indeed Lorrdian Engineering product, with a much higher output for no lack in the power draw. This ship will soon be outfitted with one of Vigilance Technologies' experimental powerplants, but that's a matter for another day.

"You asked for a demonstration, Mr. Kuat, and I felt no better way than to take us to Attahox, where we may come across some hapless pirates. The ship has enough modifications to her to be able to outrun anything we can't outfight... or out number." As the Viridian Sky slid smoothly into hyperspace, Stark would offer to take them to the bridge, though he left his guards behind with instructions to prepare their vessels. "I hope you find the accommodations comfortable."

Hieronymus_Kuat

Date: Saturday, 15 Sep 2012, 7:45 PM | Message # 4

Private

Group: Users

Messages: 19

Awards: 0

Reputation: 0

Status: Offline

"I'm sure we will," Kuat said, smiling to Sena as the pair stood and she took his arm. As they turned to follow behind Stark, the young woman whispered near enough to Kuat's ear that no one else would hear her. As he listened, Kuat's eyes drifted fleetingly over each member of the rogue's gallery that was Stark's assortment of bodyguards with a subtle, almost imperceptible nod of the head as he did so. A quick and attentive observer would deduce that Kuat's supposed 'traveling companion' was running down for him who was who. Whatever else Sena D'uval was, she was certainly well-informed. "Come, dear," Kuat said as they followed Stark to the bridge.

On the way, Sena would be deposited in their quarters, as Kuat continued on with Stark with a datapad in hand. He was eager to acquaint himself with the ship's diagnostics menu in advance of what was sure to be a cool reception over Attihox. Or rather, a very hot one. "You must be a well-traveled man, Mr. Stark," Kuat remarked as they strode down one of the C-3's antiseptic corridors, "to have assembled such a diverse security team. The Noghri, for instance, are a little-known species outside of the Noghri homeworld, so I'm told."

Hieronymus Kuat
Projects Manager, Druckenwell Shipyards
Former Deputy-Director of Research and Design, Kuat Drive Yards

Alyn_Stark

Date: Saturday, 15 Sep 2012, 7:56 PM | Message # 5

Generalissimo

Group: Users

Messages: 1359

Awards: 2

Reputation: 1

Status: Offline

Noting the disappearance of Kuat's companion, Stark simply continued on, letting the matter at hand lie. Certain bits and pieces of information might well be found about the Shadowguard, their names, certainly, but the skillset each one had been chosen for would remain a mystery. None had criminal records among the Imperial databanks and by and large, they were what they were: enigmas in plain sight.

When they arrived on the well-run bridge, crewed by some thirty members, Kuat would be able to see that the ship was run efficiently and by the numbers. One could well assume that being a designer, he was familiar with the layout of such vessels, so the addition of extra stations, namely several weapons consoles and a rather large specialized console looking like a battle projector for an Imperial warship might be glanced at for a tad longer.

"I took some time to explore the galaxy, one might say," Stark commented at last. "After a particularly nasty and thankfully failed assassination attempt, I took it upon myself to find guards with numerous talents. While the services of Noghri are often hard to acquire, if one looks in the right place and offers... well, something of worthy value, one can find allies of many kinds."

Hieronymus_Kuat

Date: Wednesday, 26 Sep 2012, 12:09 PM | Message # 6

Private

Group: Users

Messages: 19

Awards: 0

Reputation: 0

Status: Offline

No criminal records, sure, and anonymous as far as the law was concerned. But there was another "Shadow Guard" with famously comprehensive records on the criminal underworld—the Mistryl Shadow Guard. Rumor had it that as far as criminals went, the Shadow Guard knew more than Imperial Intelligence did. Sena, needless to say, was an asset to Kuat in more ways than one. But while he preferred to know as much as possible about a man before entering into business with him, Stark's entourage didn't interest Kuat all that much. Certainly not now.

"Me too," Kuat said softly, when Stark mentioned having traveled widely. But he merely nodded at the rest of Stark's explanation, more interested in the modifications Stark had made to the bridge. The addition of new weapons consoles meant new weapons too, and a holographic 'battle projector' meant a sophisticated sensor suite and targeting computer. Kuat looked forward to seeing this ship in action. "The diagnostics console, if I may?" Kuat asked, glancing about the bridge and tapping a finger on his datapad.

Hieronymus Kuat
Projects Manager, Druckenwell Shipyards
Former Deputy-Director of Research and Design, Kuat Drive Yards

Alyn_Stark

Date: Wednesday, 26 Sep 2012, 12:31 PM | Message # 7

Generalissimo

Group: Users

Messages: 1359

Awards: 2

Reputation: 1

Status: Offline

"Directly that way," Stark said as he pointed to a specific console amongst a bank of other consoles. The man seated there stood and graciously moved aside to make room for Kuat to sit. "With any luck, Attahox will indeed be boasting a few pirates, as their reputation has thrown out, so we'll be doing a dual service to day. One on my part to you as a demonstration, and one on all our parts to the Empire to rid yet another menace, no matter how small."

Moving over to the battle projector, Stark glanced towards the yacht's captain. "Captain Ellwood, sound general quarters and prepare the ship for combat. I want it ready for contact as soon as we drop out of hyperspace. Prepare the drone bay for launching and slave all drone commands to my console."

As Ellwood moved to follow the orders, Stark took a relaxed stance, falling back subconsciously into the mannerisms he held when he commanded a ship in the Republic Navy. "Prepare for reversion to realspace in three... two... one... mark."

The Viridian Sky dropped out of hyperspace in the Attahox System. the sensor operators began sweeping immediately as the recessed weapons turrets emerged, already warmed and ready to fire.

"This is what you asked for, Mr. Kuat. Sit back and enjoy the show, courtesy of Stark Defense Conglomerate."

Bimbam_Ross

Date: Wednesday, 03 Oct 2012, 10:30 PM | Message # 8

Private

Group: Users

Messages: 2

Awards: 0

Reputation: 0

Status: Offline

Actually, Hieronymus Kuat would likely be upset to know that his connections to the Mistryl Shadow Guard were entirely unnecessary; for Stark's own Shadow Guard was nearly an open book thanks to their arrest and processing by Imperial authorities. Outside of the Viridian Sky's range sat the CSA-type Invincilble-class Dreadnaught Cruiser Bloodletter. The Flaming Dagger Pirates Group had been hounding commercial and military vessels in the are for months now. He had only recently taken up leadership of the group, the Bloodletter and its crew being his own before-hand, and had committed to making them infamous. When a luxery liner like the Viridian Sky dropped in, the first instinct of the group would be likely to jump at the chance. His instincts, however, ceased this. A luxery liner would not willingly whore itself out like this. It would be like landing the Lady of Mindor of Chuzalla.

No, something was off, and he proceeded to run the ID tags of the ship in question. As he did so, the Marauder-class Corvette Hidden Blade moved out from underneath the ship, position-wise, and began a long arcing circle around the liner. In the mean time, also out of range, a YG-4210 Light Freighter, called Warhawk, leading two squadrons of fighters, one of TYE-Wings designated Battle Axe group, one of Y-TIEs designated Warhammer group, moved in a long arcing circle, opposing the Marauder, from the rear of the Viridian Sky.

A message intruded their ears, and one could say, raped their minds. "Wesa demanden yousa surrenda nowsen. Powah downin yousas engines and preparen to be boarden. Yousas has tenska secos to doen." While he could still not shake his Gungan basic, he was not a man to be trifled with.

Captain "Bloody" Bimbam Ross
Flaming Daggers Pirates Gang

Rorigung Rake, Mercenary, Bounty Hunter and Pirate

Alyn_Stark

Date: Saturday, 20 Oct 2012, 9:19 AM | Message # 9

Generalissimo

Group: Users

Messages: 1359

Awards: 2

Reputation: 1

Status: Offline

"Two large contacts, bearing zero-one-zero degrees. Range, eight thousand kilometers. One medium contact with sixteen... no, make that twenty-four, twenty-four small contacts bearing one-zero-nine degrees. Readouts indicate types as... one Invincible-class cruiser, one Marauder-class corvette, one YG-4210 freighter. I can't get a specific readout on the small craft."

The sensor operator's voice was the first and loudest to emerge over the sudden bustle of the bridge crew. Stark wasted no time even as he considered his options. Launching the drones from their recessed hangar, he set them in a pre-programmed defensive pattern for the moment. "That's a bit more than I was expecting," he commented as a moment later, the Gungan accent, rather easily recognized for nobody spoke Basic quite like a Gungan did, came over the comm systems. Wincing slightly, Stark waved a hand at the comms officer, implying that a return channel should be opened.

"Unknown raider vessels, power down your engines and weapons and stand down hostilities and you will not be destroyed. You have five seconds to comply." Letting the Gungan on the other end contemplate that response, Stark continued, albeit with the comm off. "Helmsman, bring us about ninety degrees and prepare to launch all defensive craft. Half engines for the turn and then full speed. I want us out at an angle from that dreadnaught. We can't go blow for blow with them."

In the background, the comm system was alive with the launching of the Shadowguard. "Shadow One away." "Shadow Two cleared." There was a growl that was unmistakably inhuman, but obviously signified the same as the first two messages. "Shadows Four and Five are clear." The last was a deep tone Stark recognized as belonging to Mako.

"Shadow Flight, run rear interference for us and keep the backbiters off our tail. We can outrun that dreadnaught any day of the week, but we ought to have a bit of sport here." Turning to Kuat, Stark shrugged slightly. "Well, are you having fun yet?"

One could note as well that not all of the Shadowguard had been apprehended during the Droid Uprising, and even still, only certain things existed on public record, even to the Imperial database.

Added (20 Oct 2012, 9:19 AM)
---------------------------------------------
[ If nothing further here, I will post tonight likely. ]

Message edited by Alyn_Stark - Friday, 05 Oct 2012, 7:40 AM

Bimbam_Ross

Date: Sunday, 21 Oct 2012, 10:37 PM | Message # 10

Private

Group: Users

Messages: 2

Awards: 0

Reputation: 0

Status: Offline

As the liner began its turn and launched fighters, the Dreadnaught made its move. As soon as the fighters were launched, it began to express its will in moving forward at full speed. Major components (shield generators, weapons, external vital systems) were targeted by the far superior weaponry of the Bloodletter. While they could achieve the same top speed, the liner was able to accelerate far quicker with its modern engines. It became a matter of maneuvering. Ahead of them, however, raced the much faster Marauder Corvette they had, and the fighters, led by the YG-4210, banked hard to move in on the drones and Shadowguard.

The fighters were merely a distraction, however, as the incredibly long-ranged reach of the Marauder was felt, as two diamond-boron missiles suddenly lurched forth towards the drones and Shadow Guard. Traveling far faster than a warhead the average gunner could even compensate for, and that a skilled veteran would still have difficulty with, the death sentence of the screening craft for Stark was screaming forward without hindrance. It was impossible for any hindrance to in fact occur, as all weapons of the Viridian Sky were still conceals and unable to fire, let alone gather a targeting solution. The ship also faced another dilemma, in that if it turned to shield its fighter screen, it would mean for certain that the Bloodletter would come into range of them. If they dd not, their fighter screen would almost certainly be devastated if not utterly lost.

Captain "Bloody" Bimbam Ross
Flaming Daggers Pirates Gang

Rorigung Rake, Mercenary, Bounty Hunter and Pirate

Alyn_Stark

Date: Monday, 05 Nov 2012, 5:08 PM | Message # 11

Generalissimo

Group: Users

Messages: 1359

Awards: 2

Reputation: 1

Status: Offline

(( Kuat, I'm not sure if you wanted to post in here or if you don't mind me throwing one up. I know you said you were going to make an observatory post somewhere, so I hope you don't mind me posting. ))

As noted here, all weapon systems on board the Viridian Sky were indeed open, ready and up for action. It wasn't simply that the Viridian Sky had more modernized or powerful engines than the dreadnaught, which it did, but also that it had far less mass to try and accelerate as quickly which was in the smaller ship's favor. Nonetheless, its aim was true, carrying it towards the Marauder.

"Two warheads dead ahead! Range seven thousand kilometers and closing!" The sensor operator's call broke over the other voices. However, even as his call was made, the six Striker-series drones were making their move. Having moved from along the side of the liner to its fore, they were spread out. Their weapon systems were far more capable of tracking and destroying incoming warheads than the Human gunners on board the Viridian Sky, and the S-005 series performed admirably. Two of the drones fired two proton torpedoes each at the diamond boron missiles. Interception of such would likely occur around two to three thousand kilometers distant from the Viridian Sky and the resulting detonation would be harmless in space as the warheads collided. Even if this were not enough, the S-005 drones would engage the warheads, being able to track them easily, with either their pair of dual turbolaser cannon, which were capable of defeating the armored shells, or better yet, their nose-mounted ion cannon to fry any circuitry on board the warheads and render tracking systems, detonation systems and even continued propulsion systems harmless, allowing the weapons to be ballistic projectiles incapable of detonation in that form. The choice of weaponry would largely depend on the distance of engagement so the S-005 drones would not be under threat.

The good news for Stark's forces with this attack meant that the corvette was marked as a missile cruiser variant, and therefore lacked the turbolasers of a standard Marauder which, in the long run, would have been far deadlier.

In the rear, the T-009 series Thunderbolt interceptor drones outraced the Shadowguard vessels. At maximum speed of 115 MGLT and armed for Stark's purposes with concussion missiles, they made the perfect fighter-killers. Two drones locked their full complement of four concussion missiles each upon the YG-4210, firing for a combination of eight concussion missiles at the transport. Simultaneously, the remaining ten craft each locked a warhead onto ten of the opposing Y-TIEs and fired a single warhead, which would be followed a moment later by a second warhead. This left the Shadowguard, flying just to the rear of the Viridian Sky, still shielded by the bulk of the liner, which was now on a head-on course for the Marauder and preceded by the Striker drones.

The Strikers, spread out in a wide line, accelerated to 75 MGLT, preparing to lock a full mass of warheads on the corvette to blow it out of space. Meanwhile, the gunners on board the Viridian Sky opened fire with the quartet of dual dorsal aft turbolaser turrets, firing forwards over the strikers at the trajectory of the corvette. Their fire was still too far away to even hit the smaller ship, but it would help to intercept any further incoming warheads.

Added (03 Nov 2012, 12:42 PM)
---------------------------------------------
(( If nobody is posting on this, I'll post here tonight. ))

Added (05 Nov 2012, 5:08 PM)
---------------------------------------------

Striker Flight

Warhead met warhead and for a brief moment, space was alight with a dazzling display of colors and explosions as the proton torpedoes met diamond boron warheads and exploded brilliantly in a detonation that wracked space but caught nothing in its blast. Closing in rapidly now, the drones, spread out in a line with a good six hundred meters between them, broke formation. The first group (Alpha flight) of three drones headed wide and to the front of the Marauder, and each drone fired three proton torpedoes at the front of the craft. Their programming at the moment, with the corvette's profile being a missile carrier, designated them to engage at longer range for the time being. The second group (Bravo flight) broke towards the rear of the vessel and fired three torpedoes of their own at the corvette's rear, targeting the engine area primarily. The primary intent was to disable to the ship and render it combat ineffective. The secondary intent was, if necessary, destruction of the enemy vessel.

Thunderbolt Flight

One by one, the targeted Y-TIEs went up in balls of light and expanding gas as the pairs of concussion missiles found their targets. Perhaps one or two of the targeted Y-TIEs might be lucky enough to escape the blasts, or perhaps they might be lucky enough to have chaff dispensers or perhaps even some of their shields might have been stronger, or only struck by one warhead instead of both, but by and large, the odds of the Y-TIE squadron being cut down from a full squadron to two or four were quite within the odds of the drones' favor. Then of course, they were within cannon range, and the T-009 drones opened fire with both cannon, aiming to strafe the surviving Y-TIEs mercilessly while shooting through the remnants of their formation to hammer their cannons at the much less defensible TYE-wing formation, which was quite unshielded and not as maneuverable. The YG-4210, hardier than the Uglies, might be able to take the eight concussion missiles or it might not. If it didn't, it was bound to be an expanding gas cloud much like the unfortunate Y-TIEs.

Shadowguard Flight and the Viridian Sky

"Warheads destroyed," the sensor operator called out as Stark studied the layout of the battle before him. "Enemy corvette now dead ahead." Stark nodded to the weapons officer who rattled off a series of instructions that Kuat would be able to hear as well. "All weapon systems, engage the corvette as primary target. Launched warheads take priority but once we're in cannon range, open full fire." To Kuat and Stark's rear, the engine officer was passing his own instructions as well. "Engines to full, prepare for full combat speed."

Stark's liner seemed to surge as the full force of the Lorrdian engines brought it to peak power, carrying it at the corvette, but slightly off-center as the helmsman deftly steered the ship. Behind them, the Invincible would be forced to catch up and hope that it would somehow be able to pin the modified liner between itself and the corvette. However, flying just to the aft and above and below the engine banks of the liner were the members of the Shadowguard who were present with Stark, and while the drones dealt with the enemy fighters, the Shadowguard kept a vigilant overwatch upon the liner and its cargo.

Hieronymus_Kuat

Date: Thursday, 29 Nov 2012, 4:38 PM | Message # 12

Private

Group: Users

Messages: 19

Awards: 0

Reputation: 0

Status: Offline

Kuat seemed oblivious to the explosion of warheads and exchange of lasers outside the viewport as he concentrated with furrowed brow on the diagnostics display. He'd interfaced his datapad with the console and was recording the data stream for later reference, but the datapad sat idle on his lap—his photographic memory sufficed just as well. He did glance around the bridge at an earlier point in this engagement, as if in boredom; the Viridian Sky had let its drones do its fighting for it thus far. Necessary, of course, but not what Kuat had come to see.

It was when the Veridian Sky accelerated to engage that Kuat resumed his interest in the monitor. He nodded to himself as the engines hovered at peak power. "Faster, please," he said loudly, his eyes intent on the power readings. "Oh, and Stark, are your engines equipped with blast shields for reverse thrust?" he asked, referring to a breaking mechanism common to many warships including, for instance, the Providence-class destroyer.

Hieronymus Kuat
Projects Manager, Druckenwell Shipyards
Former Deputy-Director of Research and Design, Kuat Drive Yards

Alyn_Stark

Date: Thursday, 29 Nov 2012, 5:03 PM | Message # 13

Generalissimo

Group: Users

Messages: 1359

Awards: 2

Reputation: 1

Status: Offline

Stark shot Kuat a brief glance; perhaps the man was more perceptive than he'd thought. The Viridian Sky was a passenger liner, first and foremost, but after its modifications, it did indeed match as being a small-scale military vessel for safe transport of a wealthy being. "They are equipped with such, but there are no emergency booster engines." It wasn't too economical to include all packages, after all. With a brief nod to the Chief Engineer, Stark motioned that the ship should increase its speed. Fine tuning some of the controls, the officer punched in a few commands and the ship surged forwards, it's speed increasing.

"At this rate, we're either going to destroy the corvette... or we're going to squeak past it with a minimum of room."