Chapter 4: Research Rescue

[Fel]

Flight Officer Gann sat in the pilots' lounge with Arkada, Irinek and Wistalin. It was an unusually early hour of the evening, but he had already seen action earlier that morning, against the pirates, and he was just killing time before the briefing. "I like the new name. Obsidian squadron," he said. "It's all dark and foreboding sounding."

Arkada smiled. "Yeah, it's great. Unfortunately I doubt we're the only Obsidian Squadron in the whole Rebel... New Republic... but we're the only one in this fleet."

"A shame I won't get to fly under that banner now. I've been told to report to the ground troops briefing tonight." Irinek didn't look happy. "And you can bet Viru is going to be there." He said the name Viru with some malice.

Wistalin gave a disapproving look. "You two really need to get past those things."

Irinek remained calm. "I know you are an outsider, so I will forgive your ignorance. But nothing matters more than the clan. Our clans quarreled many years ago, and the insults are not easily forgotten."

Wistalin blushed a little. "I'm sorry, Eerie..."

Irinek smiled, though this gesture was somewhat unnatural, given his species. "Think nothing of it."

Gann interrupted, trying to steer the conversation to more pleasant topics. "I'm looking forward to seeing some real action. Not just these training exercises and chasing after some cowardly pirates."

"True honour in combat comes from looking your opponent in the eye," Irinek said. "I look forward to seeing you on the field of combat. Through combat, we shall gain glory."

"Hopefully this time a mechanical failure won't keep the Pike out of the action." Gann grinned.

"Are you so certain it was mechanical failure?" Wistalin was suspicious.

"Well, that's what we heard, and even though it could be sabotage, I really doubt it," said Arkada. "I've been looking at some stuff and in some places, it looks like the ship is held together with spit and plastape."

"You'd think they might take better care in the engine room," Gann interrupted, "It's kind of important."

Irinek's predatory smile still looked disconcerting. "Better for us if they stay out of the fight - more glory for us...!"

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Later that day, all pilots were assembled and sitting in the briefing room. At the same time, the commando briefing was taking place in another briefing room.

"As most of you have noticed, we've joined up with our normal task unit after a couple of detours. No matter - we are still on track with our assignment for this cycle."

"Our main project is moving forward, but we have a bit of a problem. Three key scientists with expertise in the area are currently prisoners of Warlord Harrsk. And we need to rescue them from their captivity."

Fel felt some internal relief that the target was Harrsk's and not Daemon's. Harrsk was no friend to the other Imperials in the galaxy, having styled himself a warlord and attempted to usurp the rightful Imperial chain of command...

Ilven pulled up a particular planet on the holographic map. "We believe they are being held here, on the planet we're calling Sandbox. They are being held there following what we can only imagine to be a show trial. We'd like to pick them up and take them to safety."

"Sounds pretty easy, yes? Here's what's been given to us by our flag officer for the plan of this attack..."

Ilven adjusted the map. "We will have three groups. The first group has been assigned to draw Harrsk's attention away, by attacking a nearby system. They will not be trying to cause serious damage - only draw the defenders out of the Sandbox system."

One droup of signals disappeared off the map. "Groups two and three are headed in to the system. We are a part of group two, the group who is required to draw their fighters away from the shuttle and our landing party, by attacking an installation. During this tine, our third group will head in and land on the planet. We need to make this look good, like it's our primary target, so we really have to go all out on the attack. Otherwise they will realize the planet is our real target.

"Colonel Valov has been briefing the commandos at present, and they should be ready to go. We launch in two hours."

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Mission Assignments:
TIE: ERS198-TIE
XvT: ERS199-XvT
XWA: ERS200-XWA
EaW: ERS201-EaW
GB: ERS202-GB

[Fel]

Officers:

The following transmission comes from Rear Admiral Junon:

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Officers,

My sources tell me that your operations have been successful. I am pleased with your performance and adaptability in these difficult circumstances. I also understand that we have incurred a loss as well. I am obviously upset by this, but this we were aware of this possibility when we initiated this operation. This will take a toll on all of you as well, but I urge you to stay focused on the task at hand. As this operation has continued, its strategic importance has only grown. Everything our organization has worked for may hinge on your work. Yes, some of you will have to make sacrifices for it, but that is merely an unfortunate reality that we cannot change. I cannot stress enough the importance of this operation and your successful execution of it. You must not fail.

Dark Knight
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