"Gentlemen, our mission is as follows. 5 minutes ago Supply Convoy Gamma 2J6 sent a distress call stating that they had been hit by a Small republic task force consisting of 3 Nebulon B frigates and 2 Strike Cruisers. The Strike Cruisers it appears have been converted to Troop transports/Disabling Platforms. This means we won't have to much to worry with them." Lt. Commander Hazledine paused for a second.
"We are the closest reaction force, only 5 light years away. As soon as we received this distress call we launched a squadron of gunboats to help defend the convoy. The Convoys escorts are doing an admirable job of holding back the attackers but the Carrack cruiser Dolcet and the 2 Lancers Coro 1 and 2 are easily out matched and out gunned."
"I want Zerek crew to take over from Yorn. Commander Jamie, Nemesis Actual for the time being, told me specifically he wants his best crews on station when we arrive."
The Nemesis' engines whined briefly signaling our run up and jump to hyperspace.
"1 minute till reemergence." Ensign Dustrider stated calmly.
I settle in to the familiar fire control station seat. I nod my head and get my headset on. I feel a presence behind me and see Lt. Commander Hazledine standing behind me. I sit up at attention.
"Ensign I want one of those ships in an undamaged state as possible do you understand?"
I nod my head in reply "Yes Sir I do."
"Good." Hazledine says. "I also do not want any casualties in those freighters. Use the Heavies sparingly."
Again I nod and reply "Yes Sir understood"
Hazledine nods and walks on towards the next Station Sensor Control where Ensign Jaguin is sitting looking somewhat apprehensive.
I see Hazledine reach out and pat him on the shoulder reassuring the nervous Ensign.
I turn back to my Station.
"5 seconds till exit" Dustrider's voice carries a hint of excitement for the coming battle.
I turn and study the data I'm getting back from the advance screen of gunboats we had sent out.
A slight bump and we are back in normal space. I check the now live feed around me. One of the Lancers is out of the fight a gaping hole where the bridge and part of the starboard side should be. One of the Nebs was trading fire with the Carrack while the other 2 were attempting to herd the convoy towards the waiting Strike Cruisers. With the 2 strike cruisers just sitting dead in space I decided to launch two of our very small supply of anti-ship torpedoes.
"ASM Battery 1 and 2 Fire one torpedo each at the 2 strike cruisers, grid location delta 23.45 x-ray 5.89. " I commed down to the gunnery crew manning those turrets.
"Missels Away!" I get the reply.
I make a note of it and move on to the next target of priority. The Nebulon that was harassing the Carrack.
"Port side mediums Prepare to fire on my mark at the designated target! Break it's back! I select the Frigate it's IFF telling me it was called "Oasis of Hope"
I get acknowledgments from those crews. I take look again at my threat board. I look again as I realize only one of the strike cruisers is still sitting in it's entrapment position. I see a field of debris floating nearby the other one. Dammit I think to myself both torpedoes hit the same ship... Shaking my head I move on looking for and finding the 2 other frigates. I select the one farthest from the fleeing convoy and select it.
"Heavy turret 1 and 3 this is your Target. I want Flak bursts all around it. The Lt. Commander wants one of those Frigates captured and you are going to do it for me.
"Section 1-1 Ion Control after the shields are down target the engines then the bridge module."
"Fire Control this is Nemesis Actual. I want Heavy Batteries 1 and 2 to fire on the remaining Frigate batteries 3 and 5 can make your shots."
"Nemesis Actual, orders acknowledged! I reply making the necessary adjustments.
I check my board again. Dolcet was limping around in a wide turn attempting to dodge the pitiful remaining fire from the Broken Nebulon B. "Excellent Work Mediums."
"INCOMING WARSHIPS! 2 MORE NEBULON B's COMING OUT OF HYPERSPACE RIGHT ON TOP OF US!" Jaguin shouts in a near panicked voice.
"Frak" I say to myself. "Ensign Jaguin is going to have to learn to Control himself a bit more, ."
"All LTL Batteries This is Fire Control. Commence Free Fire on the 2 new arrivals."
"Nemesis Actual here. Port side guns belay that order. Starboard you may commence Firing. Ensign I have 2 squadrons of bombers waiting for their chance at some combat."
"Of course Sir" I reply " Guns you heard Nemesis Actual. Starboard Ion Control see if you can't get me 2 frigates for the Lt. Commander!"
I look at my board again and note the time. Only 2 minutes had passed since we had dropped out of hyperspace to rescue the convoy. I checked on the status of the two distant Frigates. The one I had ordered Ion control to disable was floundering in space most of it's systems overloaded from the withering fire section 1-1s Ion cannons were dealing it. I looked at the other frigate just in time to see one final HTL bolt impact against it causing it to evaporate in a flash of orange and red.
"Good Job t3 and t5! Re-orient on that last cruiser and give her a salvo!"
"Shots away!" I hear the turret chiefs say nearly simultaneously.
Another bright flash as the 4 salvos from the HTL hit and cause the cruiser to explode in another ball of flame and twisted metal.
"Sir! The 2 remaining frogates are breaking off and maneuvering for a jump to Hyperspace!" Ensign Jaguin exclaimed.
"All Batteries OPEN FIRE!" I nearly shout. "Don't let them get away!"
But it was to late. Both frigates flash forward impossible fast then disappear as they made the jump past light speed. A few late shots flew onward into the darkness.
"Nemesis Actual to all commands. Good job on routing these Republic raiders. Launch 2 Assault transports to board that disabled frigate. Have the fighters preform a sweep of the debris. Get some Shuttles out to collect any escape pods from that Lancer."
Acting Captain Jamie walked up to my station and slapped my back.
"Great work in Fire Control there Ensign. There were some doubts about you at first but it seems we needn't have feared. You and the rest of Zerek are relieved and may hit the bunks. I'll expect your after action reports to be sent to me before your shifts tomorrow. Again though Great job at your stations Ensign."
I snapped a salute at Acting Captain Jamie. Left the bridge and headed for my room. _________________ LT Fenix / Cresh Leader / ISD Chimaera / Imperial Navy
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