Star Wars: Collapse

[Christopher Pyne MP]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_03/57a8c86172621_images(1).png.f66455570c4148626845fc12bf7635c6.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="111393" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_03/57a8c86172621_images(1).png.f66455570c4148626845fc12bf7635c6.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>

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The Galactic Empire is crippled, having suffered the destruction of their SECOND DEATH STAR and the deaths of its leadership. Across the Galaxy, citizens free themselves from the shackles of Imperial Tyranny.


The Rebel Alliance, having made new inroads in the Imperial core planets, has captured four star systems in the month since Palpatines death. Imperial commanders galaxy wide meanwhile, attempt to recuperate after the death of their leader.


Over the planet of Sullust, the remainder of the Empires 7th Battlegroup awaits reinforcements to fend off a rebel offensive....



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<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_03/tumblr_n63mlzizKL1rsrbdko1_500.gif.e70bd014dd76e8d74b3b0b5d4c32e689.gif" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="111394" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_03/tumblr_n63mlzizKL1rsrbdko1_500.gif.e70bd014dd76e8d74b3b0b5d4c32e689.gif" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Captain Arytom Fowler gazed out of the viewport of the Stalker's bridge across Sullust. The flash of the large turbolasers made the space around the star destroyer glow light green. This was it, the final stand of the 7th Battlegroup. From a grand total of ten imperial-ii star destroyer, with thirty support frigates and corvettes, the fleet was now made of of the Stalker, and three acclamator class star destroyers.




The fleet had been deployed by Grand Moff Kane in order to defend imperial industrial interests on the planet. The problem was, that the fleet hadn't anticipated the resilliance of the rebel attackers, who had taken four of Sullust's five moons in the past week of hectic fighting. The Stalker had been in the midst of the fighting, sustaining heavy damage, rendering most of the ion cannon batteries inoperable. However, Arytom endured and watched as thousands of lives were lost. He'd contacted Imperial High Command two days ago, and they promised a rescue fleet.





But it was too late now. Fowler watched as the rebel fleet slowly pushed off from the closest moon, Argard, and began to approach the small flotilla. "Order sir?" A radar operator called from the crew pits.


"Move the fleet into defensive position, prepare all batteries, ensure the gunners target the fighters." Arytom said, watching the massive hulk of a Mon Calamari cruiser draw closer, "Get the TIE's out there and ready on my mark."



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@NecroKnight

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[NecroKnight]

As their fighting drew closer and closer to a defeat - the communcation officer, would soon inform Captain Fowler, that a massive armada would soon jump out of a hyperspace.


No sooner was that spoken, than an array of ships jumped out from hyperspace - onto the left flank of the Rebel' fleet. In such a case, one would consider this overkill - but under current circumstances, such a reaction might have been warranted, as what the Rebel Alliance had done. A wide-wave burst transmission as sent to all ships within the vicinity - the voice of a female Chiss, soon blaring off the comms of many ships, both Rebel and Imperial.


"This is Admiral Jun Tharax, of the Imperial Remnants. All Rebels forces are ordered to stand down within the next ten seconds - otherwise, total saturation over Argard will commence," spoke the Chiss woman. It was a clear-and-cut message, surrender now or be blown into space-dust - even as that was said, the Imperial Fleet charged-up their cannons and TIE-fighters and bombers were already flying out. It was a surrender now-or-die moment for the Rebels, since it would seem, they wouldn't be given any opportunity to flee.

 

[Christopher Pyne MP]

"By the Force...." Fowler whispered, watching as his viewport became cluttered with the hulks of imperial star destroyers and rapidly deployed TIE fighters. He listened intently as the cold voice talked over communcator, Imperial Remnant, what was this? How could the Imperial Remnant be an organisation while the Galactic Empire still stood firm.


Arytom watched the rebel fleet turn and quickly pull into hyperspace. "Captain!" a crew member called from the crew pit, "What are our orders?" she asked.


"Hold position, we need to ascertain who these people are, and what they want." Arytom said in a cold, hard voice. He turned and walked to the bridges communication suite, "Get this on all frequencies." he called to the technician, who immediately began making preperations.


"Ready for communication sir." the officer reported.


"Good." Arytom swallowed, and began "This is Captain Arytom Fowler of the 10th Battlefleet, we appreciate your intervention admiral, but ask on what authority you currently sit." he then paused, wincing and hoping he hadn't insulted his superior, "With all due respect, we have our allegiances with the Galactic Empire, not this remnant you speak of. We ask for you to, to..." he paused for the right word, "Explain the situation and your purpose over Sullust."

 

[NecroKnight]

The vid-com, soon activated - displaying the form of a sligtly young Chiss female. Likely this was Admiral Jun Tharax - her fleet mopping-up any Rebels that couldn't manage to reach hyperspace in time, while also moving in to destroy any Rebels forces in the system.

"My apologies, Captain. But with all due respect, too - the Galactic Empire from yesterday doesn't exist anymore," said Admiral Jun, sounding respectful as she could be with such a news.


"The Second Death Star has been destroyed, Emperor Palpatine, Lord Vader - several of the Grand Admirals and Generals have been killed as well, Grand Moff Kaine among them," she said, if she knew that kind of information then likely was, this wasn't a simple rag-tag bunch of Imperal ships under somebody.


"The Rebel Alliance, have been pushing forward into many Imperial Sectors - some of them the Core Regions. The Imperial Remnants have been formed, in against to stopping the Rebels from capturing Coruscant and overturning the Imperial Senate - who were re-formed to keep the Empire together," explained Jun. "We're in the process of reuniting the regions and the scattered Imperial Navy. Unfortunately some of them have been lost, some splintered, others rebelled, others destroyed."


"You were the one to ask aid from Imperial Command, yes?"

 

[Christopher Pyne MP]

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"G-Grand Moff Kane is dead?" he seemingly asked, he went a little pale, Sullust must not have been an isolated target. Shock and realization went through his body, this was it, this was the end of all he'd fought for, all he'd sacrificed for was in ruin. He swallowed, and looked through the hologram to the technician, who was wide eyed at the news.


"Admiral Jux," he paused, "You must understand, for me and my men, this, this is hard to comprehend...." he said in a slow, voice, he then looked at her again, "I suppose then, you are our new commander. Apologies, if this is a little too forward admiral, but I request my ship be repaired. Do we still have access to shipyards, or have we lost them all?"

 

[NecroKnight]

"Its Jun, and yes - most of the Core Regions have been resestablished under our control," spoke Jun. "My orders, have been to secure this sector. And fold any ships that remain under the Imperial banner, into the Imperial Fleet - that being the one I command."


"I can leave, a flotilla of ships to secure this sector - while escorting you to the nearest shipyard, for repairs. After such, I can re-connect you with Imperial Command," spoke the Admiral - understanding, the idea that having lost the entire leadership and goal, you had fought for. Being that she had been, a simple Commodore then - before being folded and given command of a larger flotilla of ships that remaind around Coruscant and to reconnect with other remaining Imperial ships, before the Rebels could regroup.


"Most of the Imperial military structure has survived - only the people, ontop have changed. We still are, bound by Imperial Law - that was sat down by Emperor Palpatine. And we are still at war against this Rebel Alliance," said Jun, hoping to get the Captain into some sense of purpose to fight again.

 

[Christopher Pyne MP]

The people at the top had changed? Had there been a coups that had seen the provisional imperial government destroyed? He nodded at the admiral's suggestion. "Of course admiral Jun, we greatly appreciate the help you've given us here." he said "And hope to continue such cooperation into the future." he paused to think about what he wanted to say, "We'll await your further orders." he said, before concluding the conference. Arytom ran a hand through his hair and walked back onto the main deck. Things went tense as he returned. All the officers and crew members turned their attention to him.


"Captain, is there something wrong?" one of the console operators asked. Arytom paused, and had to think about what to unveil, what had conspired.


"Things have developed on a wider scale." he said in a curt and even tone, "Nonetheless, the facts haven't changed, and we will continue doing what we do best, giving the rebels hell."

 

[NecroKnight]

After the short discussion, several flotillas from Jun' Fleet soon took over, the duties of Captain Fowler' flotilla. While the rest of his fleet, got an escort back to the Imperial Core Regions, close-by to Coruscant.


True to her word, the shipyards around the Core Regions remained intact - albeit, small tell-tale signs showed, that there had been a minor civil skirmish between various factions of the Empire. It didn't damage any critical points, but it nonetheless proved - that the coming-to-power for the Imperial Remnants wasn't unbloody.


Captain Fowler, was soon informed himself - that Admiral Jun, wished to meet him onboard her flagship Vengeance. Delegating, that she wished to discuss, and allow him to contact Imperial Command - seeing as it had to reform, and move onto new frequency codes, in an effort to prevent a sudden collapse or infiltration from Rebel symphatizers.

 

[Christopher Pyne MP]

Arytom stepped off the lambada shuttle's boarding ramp into the Vengances hangar bay. It was good to be back near heavily fortified imperial territory. Arytom approached a hangar bay worker, "Where can I find Admiral Jun ensign?"


"Bridge sir, you must be Fowler." he said, saluting.


"At ease soldier." he said, walking through the hangar to the express elevator to the bridge. When he arrived, he walked out of the elevator to the bridge. "Excuse me," he asked a technician, "Admiral Jun here?" he asked, "She requested my presence."

 

[NecroKnight]

"Indeed I did," spoke Jun, turning around facing the Captain. Ironically enough, she looke slightly younger than him - despite her ranking as an Admiral, if the bars on her uniform were any suggestion.


"Guess its welcome to the Imperial Remnants - or whatever, the politicians thought, would be a good idea to call this ramshack of a political system," spoke Jun, sounding more relaxed and less formal, then when she was on the communicator. "Your in luck, Captain. Imperial Command, is on the comm."


She tapped a few commands, and the holo-projector soon revealed the forms of three individuals. None of them were, what Fowler would remember as being the Imperial High Command - albeit, one of them was a General, that Fowler would recall as being an ardent Imperial and having engaged in a few campaigns with him.


That would be a source of good news - that the High General was a familiar face, albeit the High Admiral and Chief-of-Staff were people that hadn't been on the Imperial High Command before. The High General in question was the first to speak, an older human male at that.

"Good to see, you back with us Captain Fowler. We apologize, for the delay - since Imperial Command had been leaderless for a week then. We caught your distress message, and deployed Admiral Tharax as soon as we could."

 

[Christopher Pyne MP]

"I found your timing quite fortuitous, as the Admiral arrived, the rebels came to finish us." he said, "I appreciate you getting reinforcements to us on time." Arytom said, looking over the new faces, "If I may ask General, what happened while we were on Sullust?" he asked, "One week, the Grand Vizier and Moff's are in charge, and when Admiral Tharax arrived, we'd changed from an Empire to a Remnant." he said.


"The question is, if I may ask General, what happened? Whose in charge now? And can we beat back the tide of rebel ships?"

 

[NecroKnight]

"To answer your questions, Captain - it is, as it sounds. We aren't sure why - but the Emperor, Lord Vader and most of the higher-command staff, were delegated to oversee, the construction of an Imperial superweapon, which would have helped in crushing the Rebel Alliance."


"We aren't sure, what happened. But the fact is, the base itself was destroyed - alongside, most of the political hierarchy of the Empire. The Ex-Senator turned terrorist Leia Organa, published a holovid of its destruction and declaration of the death of the Emperor. The capital and most of the army structure had been in disarray. Nobody was sure, who was in charge."


"At the moment - when, the Rebel Alliance wanted to capitalize on their terrorist actions and declared themselves the successor to the Republic - several prominent figures acted. Several of the Emperor' supporters, Imperial supporters, and Corporate interested supported and aided in the restoration of the Imperial Senate. Whom you could say, is in charge at the moment, during this transistion-period of the Imperial Remnants."


"And thirdly, yes. We've been recovering, scattered flotillas and squadrons - some of them have re-joined us. A few, have...resisted. At the current point, we have the advantage of bodies and ships again over the Rebels. But, with Imperial Senate has tasked-us of restoring order first, before engaging these Rebels again."


"As it had been, the Rebels had succeeded, because we got careless - and lost several prominent figures due to that. The Senate is keeping us on stand-by and fortifying our borders - we won't walk into a trap for the third time. We will - fortify, train, rearm and regroup for the time being."

 

[Christopher Pyne MP]

"How are we to restore order when we have foundaries and other assets under attack?" Fowler asked, "The Senate led to our downfall before the New Order, whose to say history won't repeat itself?" he then paused, "With all respect sir, it has. The Clone Wars was another war with a divided senate, and it saw the Old Republic collapse. Whats to say that this doesn't end up the same way?"


Arytom then swallowed, realizing he'd insulted a senior officer, "A-apologies sir, this has been a rude awakening for me." he said, looking down at his boots.

 

[NecroKnight]

"None taken Captain. We are a little short on commanders, so it won't be much - for today atleast. The sad fact is, we don't have the centralized leadership, that we once had. Before the Imperial Senate re-took control - the Navy was about ready to blow eachother to up, over the fact who had authority."


"The problem with Old Senate, was that they lacked a clear target and goal. We have it simple - re-establish order, communication and trade routes. And crush these Rebel scum. As bad as it could get, Captain - it could be worse. The Senate acts as a rallying point, behind which several our ships have returned and rallied to. Its a clear picture, a murky one with a bad history and shady future nonetheless - but atleast, we have something."


"Assets are being recaptured, restored and brought back online. Its a bad situation, yes - but nonetheless the price of war. And one price, we won't intend to make again. Good luck, with you Captain. Admiral Tharax will debrief you, on anything else you might need. Dismissed."





With that final word, the three figures from Imperial Command, disappeared. Admiral Jun in question, sighing in relief. "Don't get cocky Captain. We had to blow up an Imperial squadron - because their command officer refused to return under our control."


"Nobody likes this - but its the only political organization, the majority of the army is willing to support."

 

[Christopher Pyne MP]

"Understood commander." Arytom said "We'll bring the rest of the Empire into line." he watched the hologram flicker off, and then turned to Jun, frowning a little when she mentioned his cockiness. "I will not have my loyalty questioned Admiral." he scowled, "We held out a whole week against rebel fighters, under overwhelming odds. I saw ship after ship destroyed, escape pods shattered by wreckage and cannon fire." he said, his voice having grown deep and angry. "I'm no careerist."


He then leaned against the console and looked at Jun, gazing into her deep red eyes. "Now, care to debrief me?" he asked in a cynical tone.

 

[NecroKnight]

"So have half of the people in my current Fleet," replied Jun to that. "I had held out for several weeks on end - then had communication, and supplies caught off, on the week that reinforcements were requested to be brought."


"I was a simply Commodore then. Only three flotillas under my watch - before the High Admiral in question, on the holovid. Came to reinforce our position - promoting me to Admiral, and then commanding to gather the scattered Imperial Navy," she said. "Atleast, you didn't have to give the order - of shooting down our own ships, or destroy an entire fleet; cause they threatened the stablization of the Empire."


"And by debrief - you have to be more specific in that regard. The Imperial Command, meant that I answer any questions you might have or need. As in the current situation - you might be knocked a few bars up; since we need commanders to replace, our shattered military hierarchy."

 

[Christopher Pyne MP]

"Oh, I see then." Arytom said, "I want to know, how many systems in the past while have fallen to the rebellion?" he asked, before thinkking again, brow furrowing in thought. "How many ships will be attatched to my group?" He then added "And how large is our military capacity? How strong is the fleet in military terms?"


He then stopped, "Is there any chance I could get a drink while here?" he asked, "I'm rather thirsty now."

 

[NecroKnight]

"Inner-Rim is pro-rebel as alwas now. Out-Rim has seceeded but not a friend of the rebels. Core Regions is ours and fortified - the rest, I don't know," she replied. "Not sure. Not sure. And that is classified even to me."


"In terms of refreshments, there is a small bar in the officer' mess hall - I could show you," spoke Jun, leading the Captain. "Truth being our hold is fragile - and most of the fleet commanders, are promoted Captains, Commodores and a few Rear Admirals. The Senate doesn't want us charging in again, like before. We lost too many men, materials and money to that. At this moment, we are recovering."

 

[Christopher Pyne MP]

"Well then," Arytom said, "Looks like consolidation is our only form of survival." He said with a sigh, "But how do you propose we do that when we're under constant attack?" he asked, "If there's one thing I've learnt, it's that the rebels are a relentless group."


Arytom followed her at a close distance behind, smiling as they arrived at the officer's mess. From there, Arytom walked to the counter, taking a glass and filling it with ice cold water. "Do we have any key systems we're keeping defended?" he asked, "Anywhere we're going to concentrate our forces?"

 

[NecroKnight]

"The rebels, made our effort to chase them down and ambush us. We are simply staying put for now - they lack the forces to attack a fortified position," replied Jun.


"And as I mentioned before, I don't know. I was trained as a Commodore. Leading small flotillas - I'm not trained or screened to have an Admiral' clearance yet," she explained. "I might command our forces - but I will get any orders from the Imperial Command. They are playing it close for now - since they wouldn't want any rebel scum, on ambushing our battered fleets as it is."

 

[Christopher Pyne MP]

"Well then." Arytom said, "Well then, I move to my next question." the captain said, "What exactly do they plan to promote me to?" he asked, "Commodore, admiral, what is it?"


"And when will my first assignment come through?" the commander asked, "I'd like to get back out there enforcing imperial rule and sticking it to the rebels as soon as possible."

 

[NecroKnight]

"Do I look like a High Admiral?" asked Jun, sighing at that.


"As it is now, we are playing it close to the chest," she replied. "So that means, no important news gets informed several weeks ahead. When you get it you get it. Until then, you are in the dark like the rest of us, simply following the orders that come through."


"I didn't get the memo of becoming an Admiral, until three days - before I got handed my title."

 

[Christopher Pyne MP]

"Well you're at least three ranks ahead of me, you seem to be running this place." Arytom said, "Plus, that fleet you assembled back there was the largest I've seen since Death Squadron."


"Excuse me," he said, "I've got to get myself another drink." he relieved himself, returning with another glass of water, "So, how long will we be in crisis mode for?" he asked, "I don't mean to sound like a defeatist, but this may result in the start of two inter planetary governments." he said, taking a small sip.

 

[NecroKnight]

"I plainly, jumped from system to system - commanding anybody to follow me or get blown up," replied Jun. "The ranking, was simply 'Commodore your an Admiral' now - good luck. It simply a formality, I am still by capability only a Commodore."


"Well - if the Rebels want to set up their own government, then it would be a sweeter target later to attack," she added. "As it is currently - the Inner Rim, didn't like the Republic or the Empire from the start. The Outer-Rim hates the Rebels, for killing the Emperor - no Emperor, means no more pay for the Merchants and Trade Federations, means no more trade there. As it is, they hate the Rebels - but tolerate us. A little time, and we can easily get the Outer Rim back under our control."


"As for us - we're currently stationed inside the Core Regions. We'll defend, regroup - allow the Rebels to set up something, while shimmering hostility towards the Rebels," spoke Jun. "Not a lot of people, liked the Rebels for the sole reason, that they threatened their modus of power. Many merchants dislike them for distrupting trade routes - and many of the higher-class Coruscant individuals, also dislike them now, for taking away their good life."

 

[Christopher Pyne MP]

"I thought we had a whole series of of outposts in the Outer Rim." Arytom said, "I remember having shore leave on Lothal, Geonosis and Nar Shardda." he said, "Does this mean we lost all grip on the Outer Rim territories?" he asked.


"My problem with that strategy, is that if we do that, our forces are continually weakened. We have no way to accsess Kessels mines, or the Tibanna gas farms. How do you propose we continue to defend ourselves when our resources are only so much. Undoubtedly, the rebellion is already trying encircle our forces. We shouldn't sit here and wait."