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The Empire Strikes Back: Haruun Kal
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| Jorund_Jastrinas | Date: Sunday, 13 Jan 2013, 2:35 PM | Message # 1 |
 Sergeant
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| The fleet that had surrounded the system had done its job to the letter, which was all that Jorund could ask for. Thanks to the briefing he was informed of the vessels that had arrived before hand at the planet. A trio of class 720 freighters, a JumpMaster 5000 and a squadron of MorningStar-B and MorningStar-C fighters had been picked up entering the system. The fleet had also picked up the DP-20 in orbit around the planet along with the squadron of Z-95 headhunters, a small ramshackle fleet of used ships and vessels that were cobbled together with what one could barely call a pilot at their controls no doubt. Imperial Intelligence had brought for the reports which had tracked down the Libs bases, and now the one on Haruun Kal was to be the first to be hit by the Empire.
Dropping out of Hyperspace at the edge of the system was the Revenant class Star Destroyer Incinerator, the flagship of the Fifth Bombard Fleet. Escorting it was the Imperial Star Destroyer Immolation, carrying along with it the 371st Stormtrooper Legion, the Senior Commander of which was standing at the side of Vice-Admiral Jastrinas on the bridge of the Incinerator. Both vessels moved closer to the planet, their long range sensors already picking up the fleet the closer they moved in. Jorund brought up his arm as he looked at the chrono strapped to his wrist, setting his watch before he looked to the Senior Commander.
"I take it you're not a betting man Commander." Jorund said with his usual stoic voice as he looked over at two of the officers in the bridge pit that were taking bets on how quickly they could wipe the other vessels out. He turned his view back towards the emptiness of space as their target sat far in the distance. "Bring up all shields and all weapons." The order was given as the Incinerator and Immolation brought their shields to full and their weapons online, ready and waiting.
Vice-Admiral Jastrinas
Imperial Fifth Bombard Fleet
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| CC-2519 | Date: Sunday, 13 Jan 2013, 2:40 PM | Message # 2 |
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Private
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| After his orders came in, the Immolation had joined with the Fifth Fleet at their berth in the Nara System, it was then that the Senior Commander had joined the Vice-Admiral on his command vessel for the coming mission. Standing quietly he looked over as the Admiral had questioned if he was a betting man or not. "Sir, I dont bet, though I'm sure you'd be safer taking the over rather than the under." His own view returned to the bleakness of the space before him. He was merely there in case it came down to a ground invasion. Though his memories of Haruun Kal during the Clone Wars was of a planet that wasn't the best to fight on. Too many things that could eat the metal and cut through the wires on the vehicles.
None the less he would do his job if it came down to it. For now, all he had to do was wait and standby when the order to land came.
((ooc: This post is just to establish that CC-2519 is present.))
CC-2519
Senior Commander
371st Stormtrooper Legion
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| Darius_Vaughn | Date: Sunday, 13 Jan 2013, 4:19 PM | Message # 3 |
 Lieutenant colonel
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| (( Just a note. Based off the post here, it was stated that Vaughn's arrival was 'several hours' before any Imperial arrival, so I'm putting that at the fair amount of two hours, giving myself and Tremaine some time to wrap up greetings and niceties and all. Just so you know, there may or may not be container transports at Haruun Kal and when Tremaine and I begin posting here, he has agreed to let me take a few liberties in regards to ships being loaded, etc. to reflect the amount of time that has passed. However, I'll leave the first actual post here to him, unless he wants me to post before him. )) Added (13 Jan 2013, 3:52 PM)
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(( After speaking with Tremaine, who had to go rather quick, I'm relatively sure he gave me the go-ahead to post here first. If not, Tremaine, then by all means correct me and I will either edit or remove my post as you see fit. I could have been mistaken. In the meantime, I will assume that Tremaine and I will be continuing our 'Mission of Mercy' thread that shows the actual meeting. So without further ado, I shall post. )) Added (13 Jan 2013, 4:19 PM)
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It had been a damn close run for Vaughn to get his message out to the Libs; at the most, they would have an hour and a half's warning at their outposts across the galaxy. It wasn't much time at all; a far cry from such, but time enough to pack up a few necessities, one assumed, at the smaller outposts and save a few lives, or at least get some people evacuated.
By the time Jastrinas arrived, he'd be greeted by a surprising sight. On the far side of the planet opposite his hyperspace exit vector, a container transport was just beginning the jump to hyperspace. On board each of its Class-A cargo containers, six in all, were twenty people apiece, stuffed rather uncomfortably into the oxygen-pressurized areas. Without a set atmosphere recycling system, twenty people had been the maximum safe amount to be 'stored' in such a manner with the ability keep breathing for twelve hours or so. In orbit over the planet, half-loaded with three cargo containers full, was a second container transport with a Class 720 freighter that was just finished docking with it, dropping off a load of Libs personnel from the surface. That had been their strategy for transport; the Barloz-class freighters and Class 720 freighters had been ferrying people and minor equipment off the planet in terms of importance set forth by the commanding member of the Libs.
A third, unloaded container transport stood by with its engines warm, though with the arrival of the pair of Star Destroyers, its captain immediately engaged engines and began maneuvering for an out-bound jump one the ship cleared the gravity well. Two of the Barloz-class freighters and one of the Class 720 freighters were currently grounded, taking on passengers. The other pair of Barloz-class freighters and the remaining pair of Class 720 freighters were currently between space and atmosphere in their shuttling trip.
The Escapade and its two accompanying squadrons of snubfighters were out and away from the planet, likely lined up with the Libs' defense forces at the world. Upon arrival of the pair of Imperial ships, Vaughn opened a channel to the Libs' vessels. "Looks like we're outgunned here. We need to buy the transports some time to get a few more people off. We're going to have to leave some behind. If they scatter, odds are the Empire won't Base Delta Zero the world for them."
Darius Vaughn
Prince of Tantra
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| Tremaine_Fowlkes | Date: Sunday, 13 Jan 2013, 5:25 PM | Message # 4 |
 Colonel general
Group: Users
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| While Darius had been helping transporting people off the planet, General Mann had his DP20 battle ready. The Z-95s were running an emergency drill, circling around to protect the transports. Once the Imperial warships had shown up, Mann would let out a heavy sigh. The Libs were seriously outnumbered. It would be nice to have Captain Amir's Alpha Squadron or Lieutenant Colonel Benjiar's men present, but both were on a mission elsewhere at the moment. The Black Knight were definitely right, they were seriously outgunned.
He would order the Z-95s to escort the Escapade and other transports. Then the DP20 would slowly move toward both star destroyers. It was a suicide, but it was something Mann felt was the right thing to do. "Black Knight, get our people to safety. I'll stay and hold them off as long as I can." That's the only way they can buy some more time. The gunship continued to move toward the Imperials until the ship was in the range before beginning to spray laser bolts. "We're gonna die tonight so our people can have a shot at freedom." He told the crew.
Tremaine Fowlkes
Senator of Telos IV
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| Jorund_Jastrinas | Date: Sunday, 13 Jan 2013, 6:28 PM | Message # 5 |
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Sergeant
Group: Users
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| The added cargo vessels and freighters were nothing more than an added bonus of vessels to destroy. The container transport that was beginning its jump to hyperspace would already be marked by the fleet surrounding the system. For the moment it would have a small chance of getting out of the system and living for another day, however it would be known to he Empire where it was heading. The second transport was immediately marked by the Incinerator, the information sent to the waiting fleet surrounding the system in the event that the vessel managed to flee as well, just as the third container transport that begun to move away from the planet was marked. The transports information being sent out to other Imperial vessels in the Sector as high priority targets to be destroyed on sight.
The sensors on the Incinerator picked up the pair of Barloz freighters and class 720 freighters that were making their way up from the planet below. Jorund stiffled a laugh as he saw the Escapade and its accompaning fighter squadrons forming up with the DP20 and its compliment of Z-95s. Jorund looked to a captain on the bridge, a channel opened with the Immolation as he cleared his throat. "Launch all TIE squadrons, however, all TIE squadrons are to fall behind the Incinerator and Immolation."
In mere moments the bays of the two vessels opened, squadrons of TIE fighters pouring out from the vessels as if they were a swarm. From the Incinerator were deployed Nine TIE fighter squadrons, One hundred and eight fighters in all. From the Immolation were deployed Four TIE fighter squadrons, Fourty-Eight in all. Just as order, all of the squadrons pulled back and dropped behind the Incinerator and Immolation. Jorund stood by as he watched the DP20 and its compliment of Z-95s begin to head straight for the two vessels as he stood quietly, checking his chrono again as he brought his wrist up.
"Forward, drop the nose to bring all weapons to bear." Both the Incinerator and the Immolation dropped their noses, bringing their full weapons against the DP20 and its fighters. "Gunners, bring up half of the Incinerators Heavy Turbolasers, aim directly in front of the flight path of the fighters and DP20, Immolation Gunners, bring up half of your Heavy Turbolasers and aim directly in front of the flight path just as the Incinerator will. Do not fire until I give the mark" With the order given he took another look at his Chrono before he looked back up. Watching the DP20 and its Z-95 compliment moving closer before he brought his hand up. "And Mark."
The moment he spoke the Incinerator and Immolation let loose with a fury of Heavy Turbolaser cannon fire directly into the flight path of the fighters and DP20. Their own vessels still moving forward before Jorund spoke up again. "Now open up with Ion Cannons, half and half, keep the Heavy Ions on standby." The closer the two vessels moved in they opened up with their Ion Cannons, thirty from each vessel as they rained a storm of fire down in front of the advancing Libs vessels.
In the mean time, the TIE Fighter squadrons that had dropped back had pulled from their position. With six squadrons pulling to the right flank, and another seven pulling to the left, the squadrons waited at the flanks of the DP20 and the Z-95s keeping well outside of the hail storm of fire to pick off any vessels that made a brake from the center.
Vice-Admiral Jastrinas
Imperial Fifth Bombard Fleet
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| Darius_Vaughn | Date: Sunday, 13 Jan 2013, 9:52 PM | Message # 6 |
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Lieutenant colonel
Group: Users
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| A vessel without a homing beacon upon it could only be marked insofar as its hyperspace jump path took it. The ability to drop out of one vector and change hyperspace routes was what made tracking such ships hard. As it was, though, the first container transport jumped to hyperspace, fleeing to fight another day, or perhaps transport things another day. The second container transport, half loaded, was beginning to engage thrusters, moving away from the planet as well. If the Libs' DP20 and fighter squadrons were able to buy it enough time with their sacrifice, it too might escape. Nonetheless, the Star Destroyers both had greater sublight speed, so it largely hinged on the Libs' efforts. The third container transport, unloaded as it were, was already heading to a jump point. Odds were greater in its favor that it might well escape, especially if the Imperial vessels held back.
The Class 720 that had just finished docking and letting off its load of passengers made for the escape point as well; the time it would take to return to the ground and load up another group of Libs would put it far too close for comfort, and the pilot was not a suicidal man. The second Class 720, currently just out of the atmosphere and carrying only ten passengers would be close behind. The freighters, after all, were the weaker point with their slower hyperdrives; likewise, the pair of Barloz-class freighters in space, carrying fifteen people each in their now-cramped cargo holds would be making a run.
On the ground, the remaining three freighters would likely be frantically loading the last of their passengers, preparing to lift off in hopes of escape. This left the Escapade, as well as its pair of accompanying squadrons to fend off a massive assault. To Vaughn though, the words of General Mann were that of crazy talk. If the Libs wanted to die for their cause, then that was their affair. Vaughn had plenty to live for as the notional trade magnate of Tantra, and he intended to survive long enough to enjoy his money. "Fight well, General," he sent back over the comm before issuing orders between his two squadrons to come about and hightail it full speed for the departure point.
Darius Vaughn
Prince of Tantra
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| Jorund_Jastrinas | Date: Thursday, 17 Jan 2013, 7:59 PM | Message # 7 |
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Sergeant
Group: Users
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| ((It's been four days without a post from Tremaine.))
Jorund just shook his head and sighed, the DP20 and its squadron of Z-95s didnt have a chance rushing head in into the field of fire that was levied against them. While it would be feasible to say that the Z-95s due to their small size could have made it through the fire, it would be incorrect to say so. Even if the pilot was skilled enough to dodge a few of the turbolaser bolts fired, there were so many, coupled with the barrage from Ion Cannons, that it would be highly likely that they would dodge one bolt only to trade it for another. A brilliant flash followed by a harrowing explosion told the ending of the DP20, the vessel tearing itself asunder as the Incinerator and Immolation pushed on towards the planet. Watching carefully Jorund looked over as a report from one of his officers came in. "Sir, one vessel and two squadrons of fighters have broken off and are retreating towards the planet." He looked back before looking to his communications officer and issuing the order to the TIE Fighter squadrons.
"The 90th and 81st Incinerator Squadrons will run them down, the 6th and 20th Immolation Squadrons will support. Remember gentlemen no prisoners." A simple answer of 'roger' would return as four squadrons broke off from the swarm of thirteen squadrons that had returned to taking up anti-fighter positions around the Incinerator and Immolation. The TIE fighters had the morningstar class fighters outmatched, not in the terms of firepower, but in the terms of speed. They would quickly catchup to the fleeing fighters, the four squadrons breaking into flights of four fighters per squadron. Taking up a diamond shape to give a larger area of fire, the TIE squadrons locked onto the morningstar fighters, while two of the flights locked on to the Jumpmaster 5000 that was at the lead. As they came up behind the signature scream of the TIE fighters kicked in as they pushed their throttle forward. The pilots pressing down the triggers as they cut lose with a hail of laser cannon fire from the rear. All four squadrons unleashing upon the fighters and Jumpmaster 5000.
Jorund stood silently on the bridge of the Incinerator as the vessel moved closer to Haruun Kal, the Immolation moving in tandem as they began their long range scans of the planet. "Sir, vessels are in the atmosphere heading towards space, at least three or more." He nodded as the two Star Destroyers pushed on towards the planet, their weapons ready to be unleashed once more.
Vice-Admiral Jastrinas
Imperial Fifth Bombard Fleet
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| Darius_Vaughn | Date: Thursday, 17 Jan 2013, 9:28 PM | Message # 8 |
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Lieutenant colonel
Group: Users
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| Darius Vaughn and his fighter squadrons had indeed made for the departure point, but they had not headed for the planet itself. Haruun Kal was neither departure point nor safe zone. Skirting the gravitational well so as not to impede hyperspace travel, it was completely possible for the snubfighters of slower speed to execute a microjump in-system blind along their vector, which was clear after all, and escape the pursuing TIE fighters. Even as the Imperial craft closed for the kill, the Escapade and its escorts jumped away, even as the first laser bolts began to fall, zooming harmlessly through space. The two squadrons and the smaller transport ship would, of course, reappear on the fringes of the system and immediately prepare their hyperdrives and navcomps for a planned jump.
The momentary distraction of the fighters and the preoccupation of the Star Destroyers had allowed the second and third container transports to clear the gravity well, if just barely, and make the jump to hyperspace. The Class 720 already in space, as well as the pair of Barloz-class freighters with it, jumped to hyperspace as well, carrying more Libs members to help the movement to survive. The second Class 720 was clearing the atmosphere on the far side of the planet and beginning its maneuver out of the atmosphere and to clear the gravity well. The remaining Class 720 and pair of Barloz-class freighters were on the ground, just beginning to take off still.
From far out on the edges of the system, Vaughn prepared a coded transmission which he sent off to the pair of Star Destroyers. The code itself was little more than a brief identification, marking the ship in current Imperial Intelligence code. With no Libs left to truly catch it, it was unlikely that anyone save for the comms officers on board the Star Destroyers would pick up on it.
Darius Vaughn
Prince of Tantra
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| Jorund_Jastrinas | Date: Thursday, 17 Jan 2013, 9:50 PM | Message # 9 |
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Sergeant
Group: Users
Messages: 23
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| ((With as much flak as I've caught in the past over 'blind' hyperspace jumps and not spending a round powering up the hyperdrive, I'm going to be nice and just let it go.))
The pilots of the TIE fighters pushed their vessels as they closed in, their first burst of laser fire, even with a field large enough, would logically hit something before the slower vessels managed to jump to hyperspace. None the less, the TIE fighters screamed pass the position as the fighters and Jumpmaster 5000 jumped to the edge of the system. With their targets cleared, the squadrons regrouped and returned to the Immolation and Incinerator, reporting that the vessels had jumped to hyperspace before they were able to intercept them. Jorund remained silent as the Incinerator and Immolation approached the planet, watching as the vessels began to jump to hyperspace like rats jumping the sinking ship. Jorund shook his head as his officer reported on the long range scans. "Sir at least three to five vessels are still on the planet sir. Their location could be the possible base of operations. The vessels however are already lifting off."
Jorund nodded as he turned his attention back to the large windows before him, Haruun Kal clear in their view. "Establish an orbit, bring all weapons up and aim at the location of the vessels that are lifting off of the planet." Both the Incinerator and Immolation moved into orbit, their weapons positioned to aim at the location of the vessels that had just begun to take off. "Sir, weapons are ready for your command." Jorund nodded before he checked his Chrono again. "All guns fire." Both the Incinerator opened up with its Dual Heavy Turbolaser Cannons and Heavy Turbolaser Cannons, the Immolation raining fire down from its Heavy Turbolaser Cannons. Precession targeting wasn't the name of the game, at that moment all that matter was the destruction of the base and any personnel and equipment left behind. The turbolaser bolts rained down from orbit in a wide spread area over where the freighters had just taken off from.
With such a heavy bombardment the vessels still planet side wouldn't stand a chance. The vegetation around the area would begin to burn and crack under the heat of the explosions. The ground burning and scorching as anything within the bombardment area would be wiped out without any chance of survival. As Jorund watched the large patch of orange flaring from the explosions his communications officer called him over. "Sir, Imperial code was intercepted. It is possible that the rebels had help from an Imperial turned traitor." Jorund looked at the code before shaking his head. "I'll be in my office reporting what happened here to Naval command." He walked towards CC-2519 before he nodded to the Senior Commander. "Looks like you wont have to make a planetary invasion after all." He lightly patted the Stormtroopers pauldron before leaving the bridge.
Vice-Admiral Jastrinas
Imperial Fifth Bombard Fleet
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| Darius_Vaughn | Date: Thursday, 17 Jan 2013, 9:53 PM | Message # 10 |
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Lieutenant colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 101
Status: Offline
| (( Mighty kind of you. Are we doing to wait for Tremaine to post, or shall I post again? ))
Darius Vaughn
Prince of Tantra
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| Jorund_Jastrinas | Date: Thursday, 17 Jan 2013, 9:55 PM | Message # 11 |
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Sergeant
Group: Users
Messages: 23
Status: Offline
| ((considering he threw his forces away and his DP20 and Z-95s are destroyed I believe it is your post once more, after that I believe I can do a final wrap up post.))
Vice-Admiral Jastrinas
Imperial Fifth Bombard Fleet
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| Darius_Vaughn | Date: Thursday, 17 Jan 2013, 9:55 PM | Message # 12 |
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Lieutenant colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 101
Status: Offline
| (( If you prefer, I can go back and edit my post if you'd like more of a fight. I have no objections to that. Or I can go with what is, so far. ))
Darius Vaughn
Prince of Tantra
Message edited by Darius_Vaughn - Thursday, 17 Jan 2013, 9:56 PM |
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| Jorund_Jastrinas | Date: Thursday, 17 Jan 2013, 9:56 PM | Message # 13 |
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Sergeant
Group: Users
Messages: 23
Status: Offline
| (( no need to drag this thing out any longer ))
Vice-Admiral Jastrinas
Imperial Fifth Bombard Fleet
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| Darius_Vaughn | Date: Thursday, 17 Jan 2013, 10:01 PM | Message # 14 |
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Lieutenant colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 101
Status: Offline
| From their positioning at the edge of the system, the two squadrons and the Escapade initiated their final jump outbound. Vaughn expected to lose vessels during this venture, and they in turn would be easily replaced. The Tantra Sector, after all, was a sector he had a major hand in as a trade magnate.
The Class 720 on the far side of the planet managed to escape the bombardment and continued to clear the gravity well. If unmolested for a few moments longer, it too would make the jump to safety. However, the final Class 720 and the pair of Barloz-class freighters on the ground did not stand a chance at all. All three were destroyed under the onslaught of the turbolasers and assorted cannons. It was, in effect, a major defeat for the Libs, though the group would live to fight another day, thanks largely to the efforts of the Black Knight.
Darius Vaughn
Prince of Tantra
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| Jorund_Jastrinas | Date: Thursday, 17 Jan 2013, 10:12 PM | Message # 15 |
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Sergeant
Group: Users
Messages: 23
Status: Offline
| It wasn't too long after that when all vessels had been cleared from space was a final order given. Scans showed that the vessels that had been taking off at the last moment were obliterated, left laying in the scorched earth of the world below. The Immolation would remain in orbit over the planet Haruun Kal to scan and track for any other vessels that could be possible hostile left on the planet below. The Incinerator however broke away from the planet, returning to the position of the DP20. For the most part the Z-95s had been completely obliterated by the turbolaser cannons, the DP20 however wasn't as lucky to be completely vaporized. The remnants of the hull lingered in space, with a few good sized pieces of debris left floating in space. As the Incinerator closed on the debris it locked onto the desiccated remains of the DP20 with it's array of tractor beams, pulling the pieces of the hull that remained into the hanger bay of the Incinerator.
With the largest pieces recovered, the Incinerator broke from the position and returned to Haruun Kal, making one last sweep of the area to ensure that all remains of the DP20 debris had been accounted for before it rejoined the Immolation in orbit around the planet. Jorund waited quietly in his office before the internal com beeped on his desk as he touched the small grey button. "Sir, the debris of the DP20 have been secured and brought on board. They are currently stored in the aft storage of the hanger bay." Jorund nodded as he pressed the button again. "Thank you lieutenant, that will be all." He leaned back in his seat for a moment before he sat up and pressed a button on his desk. "Message to be sent to Imperial Naval Command."
[Thread End]
Vice-Admiral Jastrinas
Imperial Fifth Bombard Fleet
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