Battle for Erilnar image - Star Wars - Reborn Roleplay Hub

Immediately upon entering the Erilnar star system, the fleet engaged in electronic warfare by jamming all communication outside the system and enabling the onboard gravity well generators. The force moved in formation at high speed towards the planet, deploying its strikecraft.

The formation was a flying double wedge, at the centre was the Absolution with a pair of Pellaeon star destroyers at its flanks forming the first wedge while the remaining corvettes formed the secondary wedge behind the first along with the strikecraft. Any and all civilian craft seeking to escape were targeted and destroyed.

Tiruel sent a message to the world, as local communications were still available.

"Surrender, I won't hesitate to unleash my fleet and devastate every city on the planet."

Unbeknownst to the admiral, one of his star destroyers had been sabotaged. The Pellaeon-class he previously extorted from Talus had hidden explosives and a saboteur droid onboard, ready for command. Moreover, the sovereign protector had managed to persuade the Hutts to let him leave and now made haste to return in defense of his capital.

*Kain was relieved, sitting back into his chair on the bridge of the Endurance. While he did not trust the Hutts to not carry out further designs on the Centrality, he had escaped with his fleet in tact. But he was angry. He had been deceived. Though in truth he meant to betray the man himself, he still was angry he allowed himself to be put into the situation.

Commander Gilan Hisall, his XO, made his way over. "My Lord, I don't suspect that will be the last encounter with the Hutts. In fact they may very well may good on the attack Tiruel told us about. Who knows whats what here." Gilan pointed out.

"I know, lets send a transmission to the Centrality. I want the sector on high alert. If anyone sees something, they are to say something." Kain replied, exhausted. He did not realize how tired he was until now. "At once, My Lord." Gilan replied.

He walked over to the comms officer and relayed the message. After a few minutes, the comms officer first looked at Gilan and then to Kain. His face was puzzled. "My Lord, I am unable to reach Erilnar Station." The comms officer explained. "It's as if its simply not there." he added.

Kain thought quickly and came to the only logical conclusion he could think of. Tiruel had launched an attack of his own. Damn that man. "Well, not much can be done now. Send the word among the fleet, prep pilots and boarding parties. Thankfully we still carry the extra ships. Their firepower will come in hand." Kain explained. "Send word of this to Captain Isarch so he can prepare the alliance flotilla, and hopefully catch Tiruel completely by surprise." Kain finished. "At once, my lord." the officer replied...*

Erilnar, Imperial Centrality.

*Commander Daven Raxar, in charge of the space station and the defense of the system of Erilnar, sat going over reports at his post in the command section of the station. Supposed attempts at infiltration here and there, but most seemed to be nothing more than ghost stories. Still, they had to be investigated. He was about to move on to another useless report when alarms started sounding aboard the station. They meant only one thing, enemy forces present.

"Sir! Large formation of ships entering the system! Good God!" a naval officer exclaimed. "Sir! Its an Executor! They have a Super Star Destroyer!" His voice was full of fear, rightfully so. There had been rumors of an existing SSD still operating in these areas of the galaxy, but to see one in formation heading straight towards Erilnar itself was very unnerving.

Commander Raxar was shocked, he was told that Tiruel's forces were engaging the Hutts over Honoghr, yet here they are. "Sir they calling for our surrender, including the planet itself. They are threating to devastate it if we dont." a communication officer announced.

The commander's face went pale, he was charged with defending the system. But he had only squadrons of fighters and bombers, nothing to take on the armada that was present here. And the fate of the entire system was in his hands...

"Open up communications..." The Commander exclaimed.*

The fleet continues its approach at high speed, still tearing apart all civilian vessels that attempted to vacate the system. The ships were poised to take positions over the planet, careful not to ignore the defensive space station and giving it a wide berth.

Tiruel had sent his message demanding surrender, his channels were open and he was listening for a response.

Erilnar, Imperial Centrality.

*Commander Raxar discussed things briefly with the staff on the bridge, but he had already made his decision.

"Admiral Tiruel, we accept surrender on the condition that further civilian loss of life is stopped and the planet is to be left alone. Do you find these terms agreeable?" Raxar sent over the communicator.*

Somewhere in the wilds of hyperspace

*Kain Talus was tense but ready. He was eager to get back at the sniveling weasel that is Tiruel. He turned to his communications officer. "Send a message to Captain Isarch, I want him to make sure Republic fleet is on its way to Erilnar. If we can't reach the station there's a good chance we won't be able to get a message out." Kain explained.

"At once, my lord." The officer replied. The message was relayed to Captain Isarch.*

"An excellent decision." Tiruel replied, he dispatched boarding parties to takeover key military installations and space stations immediately and moved his forces in orbit over the planet. The Absolution floating menacingly over the capital city of Erilnar.

The fleet began to deploy an invasion force to seize the senate, along with its civilian leadership, and occupy the city below.

*Captain Isarch immediately dispatches the communications to the 2nd Flotilla.*

*The Centrality fleet finally arrived back at the Erilnar system, being jolted out of hyperspace due to the presence of gravity well generators. The sight before them was unsettling to say the least. Kain noticed the Executor immediately, noticed that it was deployed directly over the Planet itself. There was no doubt in Kain's mind that the good admiral would use it as a bargaining chip.

"Battle formation Delta." Kain ordered to his helmsman who relayed the order throughout the fleet.

The fleet deployed like it had at Honoghr; The Endurance took up the center of the arrow head formation, flanked on each side by the ISD 1 and the Pellaeon. The 4 ardent class cruisers were interspaced between each ship. The pair of Nebulon-b class cruisers positioned themselves on the flanks of the formation. The 6 action VI transports were loaded with marines and boarding parties and took up positions on the flanks of the Endurance. The 7 corvettes he had under his command took up positions around the main line of ships in the formation. Fighters and bombers were prepped but not launched, again Kain waiting for the opportune time to deploy them. Situated at the back of the formation protecting the rear of the Endurance, Kain positioned the Austerity, the alliance corona class.

Knowing Tiruel would likely reach out to Kain, he simply had the fleet wait. No sense in any action that would risk retaliation against Erilnar.*

Tiruel was seething, what was Tallus doing here? He was supposed to be dead or at the very least fighting the Hutts. The thought of bluffing his way was discarded, too much wreckage of civilian vessels still scattered through the system.

He needed to buy time. The grand admiral gave his troops their instructions to proceed with the original plan, then he sent the former sovereign protector a message.

"One moment..."

Nothing more, nothing less.

Immediately after sending the message, making sure it arrived at its destination, the fleet engaged all electronic warfare measures and countermeasures. Full sensor jamming, full communications jamming. This included his fleet, everything was going analogue.

Meanwhile his troops were rounding up the planetary garrison and assuming control over defensive installations; the space station, the ground-to-space weapon system and most fortifications. They held the senate hostage, they held the garrison which had surrendered hostage, they damn near held the planet hostage and were quickly readying defenses if Tallus intended to fight.

OOC: If you actually wait a moment, he'll reenable communications but if you engage immediately they'll stay up. He hasn't fully occupied everything yet, just some key points that his troops are trying to get operational. I estimate by my next turn, unless interrupted somehow, that they'd activate stuff against you.

*Captain Isarch stays in position as indicated, and for now the Austerity follows the lead of the Centrality forces.*

Surface of Erilnar..

*Colonel Praxar Landhelm sat in his office, he was bored. It was almost end of the watch. Being watch commander for the large ground to space weapon was a very boring position, but it paid well so he sucked it up. His second in command burst into his office, a breach of several protocols.

"Lieutenant, better be a good reason for this." Praxar exclaimed. "Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir. Orders." The man replied before handing a data pad over. Praxar quickly read the orders and his eyebrows raised in surprise. "Dear god." He exclaimed quietly. "Yes, sir. It isnt a good situation." the lieutenant replied.

Praxar thought for a few minutes before finally speaking, still in total shock. "We are to stand down effective immediately and allow Authority forces to take up our positions. That is absolutely crazy." He was certainly not going to allow such a powerful weapon to be handed over so easily, orders or not.

"Lieutenant, you need to listen to me very carefully. I want the sentries on full alert, they are to hold off Authority forces for as long as possible. When they can't they are fall back to the command post." Praxar began, a pained look coming over the Lieutenant's face. Clearly uncertain about disobeying orders. Seeing the man's look, Praxar quickly continued.

"Bring me the engineer teams on site immediately. And any explosives we have. I want them planted all along the weapon and controls. No way am I allowing such a weapon to so easily fall into their hands." He continued. "And Lieutenant, I understand you have doubts. Concerns. But something clearly has gone wrong. It is our duty to the Centrality to not allow such a powerful weapon to fall into their hands. And if anyone says otherwise or has doubts have them placed under armed Guard. We must not allow anything to interfere in this." Praxar added.

The Lieutenant thought for a long time, his loyalties torn. On one hand, the colonel an excellent point. On another hand, they were certainly risking death. The Authority would do anything it could to keep the weapon in tact. Finally he relented. "At once, Sir."

Praxar was relieved, he couldn't do this if the Lieutenant didn't agree to things. "Good. Let's get to it." He finished...*

Edge of the system..

*Kain observed the situation from the bridge of the Endurance. The Authority fleet was not in any fashion to properly engage his forces. And though they held the system hostage, Kain could not allow Tiruel to gain full control of the system.

"Engage all electronic warfare, I want our comms open. I'm not concerned with their fleet, just do your best to negate the effect they have on the fleet." Kain began, his electronic warfare officer nodded.

Once everything was in place and in effect he turned to his helmsman. "You may begin your advance, Captain. When weapons are in range they begin firing. Have fighters screen the advance, bombers form up around the Endurance." Kain began, drawing sharp intake breaths from the officers in the room. "And if that station opens up, blow it away." Kain said so matter of factly that even his helmsman was taken aback. "But our men, sir." He replied.

Kain thought for a moment, knowing his response would have an effect on morale.

"The only way to free the system and our men is to destroy the fleet. And if that includes the station, it is regrettable but necessary." He finally spoke up.

This seemed to satisfy them, and they began issuing orders.

The Centrality fleet lurched into motion, fighters and bombers deploying taking up their respective spots. As enemy ships came into range, the Endurance's long range weapons began opening up followed by the weapons of the destroyers and so on. Point defense weapons came online as well with fighters performing sweeps making sure no threats made their way to the fleet.*

At the first sign of trouble when confronted with an unwilling garrison over at the ground to space weapon, the mission commander confirms his order. If the Authority cannot use it, then neither can the Centrality. Rather than waste troops, time and resources trying to capture a possibly sabotaged piece of ordnance, the Stormtroopers outside brought out their missile launchers and bombarded the weapon emplacement until it was so battered that there was no chance of it opening up on the orbiting fleet without being destroyed in the process.

What's worse, when it became evident that the Centrality fleet would not wait nor be dissuaded by the Authority's grip on Erilnar and the presence of the Absolution, preparations were beginning to be met for directive 27.

In orbit, the Authority fleet reformed their initial formation but this time in a straight line rather than the wedge. In addition, they prepared for directive 27-B.

Despite the numerical advantage, the Centrality forces were hardpressed to combat Tiruel's fleet given the presence of a super star destroyer and the fact Erilnar itself was essentially held hostage.

The civilian forces that Kain had conscripted were quickly being reduced to wreckage.

The Alliance 2nd Flotilla exit hyperspace at the edge of the gravity well generated by the Authority fleet. Their exit point is determined the be to the far left of the Centrality forces. It would have been preferable to engage the enemy directly to the left and leave less time to prepare for the enemy, but alas, the situation is what it is.

Rear Admiral Kitwarro wasted no time to set up a proper formation. His flagship, a Starhawk-class Battlecruiser takes up the front, flanked by four Scythes, six Coronas and four CR90 Corvettes. Close behind them are the Endurance-class carriers, already unloading their many wings of starfighters and bombers, the starfighters intermix with the fleet as a screening formation for now, while bombers are held back.

The Alliance fleet is laying in their attack vector towards the flank of the enemy.

OOC: I.gyazo.com

I set up a thing in roll20 that might help illustrate what's going on. It's not much to look at, originally I wanted to use actual ships but that was a bit much ultimately. Anyway, if you folks want, we can use this as a tool to help visualize the battle. I can send you folks an invite and you can then move those ship tokens around.

IC:

As the Alliance approaches the left flank, a pair of star destroyers, corvettes along with a pair of bomber and fighter squadrons go to confront them. The other half of the fleet rushes ahead towards to meet the Centrality's navy head-on, meanwhile the Absolution moves to slip behind the space station.

On the ground, directive 27 is executed. The battle will not be won but at the very least, the Centrality would be made to pay. Ground units proceed to devastate the capital city, killing civilians and surrendered garrison soldiers alike and demolishing the city's infrastructure, facilities and buildings. This includes, as a priority, the senators and the senate itself.

Surface of Erilnar...
*Reports start circulating around the planet of the attacks on civilians and POWs. The populace of the planet is outraged and for good reason. They begin to arm themselves and fight back anyway they can. Ambushing patrols, lone vehicles, and attack supply points before they can be fully fortified. Any remaining Centrality forces disperse and begin guerilla warfare, employing hit and run tactics using their local knowledge to their advantage.*

Space..

*The guns of the Authority fleet began to tear apart the Centrality ships, especially the civilian vessels. The flanks were decimated, being mostly the ships Kain had rallied to the fleet. But the 4 interceptor freighters were still in protected positions around the capitol ships, waiting to be sent into action.

Kain Talus observed the unfolding situation with serious concerns. Even with the alliance flotilla the battle would be close. He needed to even the odds just a bit more..

"Captain, order all weapons in range to target the Authority support vessels. Have bombers and fighters prepped and formed up behind the protection of the capitol ships." Kain explained. "At once, my lord." His XO replied.

As soon as the orders were given the large guns of the fleet began focus firing the corvettes that supported the (3?) Star destroyers. Their shields and armor couldn't stand up to the concentrated blasts of the larger destroyers. Once the corvettes were dealt with, fighters were ordered forward to engage and occupy the enemy fighter forces.*

As the Alliance Flotilla comes into range, most ships focus fire on the two nearest enemy Star Destroyers and Corvettes, putting pressure on the right flank of the centrality. Admiral Kitwarro didn't want a distanced slugging match however and had the fleet continue to move forward.

"Time for a brawl!" the protocol droid on the bridge translated to the crew.

____________

On the Alliance right flank, two Corvettes and a Frigate peel off at full speed to rendezvous with the Austerity under Captain Isarch.

Corvin's second in command looked up from a communications station and double checked something at the nearest sensor station. "Captain" he says to Corvin, whom reluctantly looks away from the window.

"What what I can gather, it seems the good Admiral have decided to send some help . A few Corvettes and another Frigate. I assume this is for our.. secondary objective?"

Corvin pauses for a moment and looks back out the bridge window. "You assume correctly. However it from seem that our target might just be running away... When our reinforcements get here, prepare a course that takes us around the right flank of the Centrality fleet." The Captain orders.

"Yes sir." his second affirms and begins preparations.

OOC: I.gyazo.com

IC:

Civilians armed with weapons are hardly a match for military forces and little garrison forces were likely to remain after the initial surrender, though guerilla warfare was sure to cost the Authority's military much, the purpose of directive 27 wasn't to fight and conquer the locals but to annihilate them. Engaging civilians and garrison forces was one thing but the Authority was also targeting the city itself. This was genocide.

In space, the battle continues to escalate as the Authority's navy continues to engage in a two-fronted battle. The initial advantage they had over the Centrality was quickly being diminished by the reinforcements from the Alliance. The Absolution along with the majority of the fleet focus on inflicting as much damage to the Centrality, sending the smaller half of their forces to fight the Alliance.

Erilnar surface..

*Resistance while futile, continues. Though losses begin to increase to massive numbers, forcing many to abandon resisting and melt away into the wilderness...*

Space.

*A large explosion shatters the right flank as a Nebulon-B cruiser suffers a direct hit. It breaks apart, debris flying everywhere. Shields and armor began taking heavier poundings as the Absolution joins the fray. Two civilian corvettes quickly followed the loss of the Nebulon-b. Being ripped apart by the larger guns of the destroyers and dreadnought.

With the corvettes now dealt with, fighters engage enemy fighter squadrons while Centrality bombers start their bombing runs on the capital ships. They aim for the weak points as they are trained to do, dropping their payloads with deadly accuracy.

Still, the freighters are held in reserve. They have no fallen back behind the main formation of starships, still waiting for the order to engage.

Kain eyes the battle with intensity, he knew things were turning in their favor but the dreadnought still posed an issue.

"Captain, let's attempt to deploy our trap. I want our best electronic warfare systems to attempt to hack into our former destroyer. And if that fails send boarding parties, we must spring the trap with the Absolution joining the fray." Kain explained.

"At once, my lord." The captain replied, quickly giving out orders and pushing a number of buttons at his station. At once, Centrality systems began to break into the destroyer or at least reach the droid stored secretly onboard. Boarding parties were readied in the case the hacking failed.*

The Alliance Flotilla continues to fire upon the their original targets, but slows down a bit. The starfighters are now allowed to engage targets and move in, so does the bombers. The K-Wings move to target shield generators and other priority targets.

On the left flank, the Corvettes prepare for a potential enemy starfighter assault upon seeing them cluster up in front of them.

___

Captain Isarch on his newly arrived reinforcements forms up and begins to move towards the Centrality right flank and full speed behind the current combat formations.

OOC: I.gyazo.com Marked the Austerity with a green dot.

IC:

On the surface, much of the cityscape is reduced to rubble, its population decimated and civilian leadership all but wiped out. With directive 27 completed, the orders to evacuate are given and the remaining Authority forces begin to embark.

In space, the battle continues and it becomes increasingly evident that the Authority is outmatched.

*Another bombing run by a squadron of Neutralizer bombers begins, the laser cannon batteries of the Pellaeon blasting away in an attempt to stave off the attack. One of the Neutralizers is vaporized in a ball of fire, being hit directly by a laser blast. But the rest of the squadron makes their attack run and all ships in the formation launch their bombs at the bridge. With it's shields on the their last legs, the bombs deliver a crippling blow and a giant explosion shakes every ship in the vicinity. The Pellaeon quickly breaks apart, fighters and bombers on both sides scrambling to clear free of the debris.

The victory is short lived for the Centrality as another explosion rocks the centrality fleet, this time on the left flank. The other Nebulon-b class breaks apart quickly followed by the vigil class corvette that was stationed on its left flank.

"Captain, attack pattern beta. Hammer down." Kain exclaimed after seeing the enemy Pellaeon destroyed.

The order was relayed and the 4 Ardent class frigates surged forward, relying on their heavy shielding armor to get close to the remaining Authority Pellaeon. 2 squadrons of fighters and a squadron of bombers supported the attack. With two Ardent class frigates approaching either side of the Pellaeon, their turbolaser batteries began their assault.

Fighters continued to engage the enemy fighters and bombers, with the remaining corvettes moving forward to offer support.*

OOC: Ship losses.
authority: 2 Pellaeons (1 each attacking centrality and alliance forces, the 3 corvettes facing the centrality formation (I said so in my post above before launching my fighter attack) a number of fighters and bombers.

Alliance: number of fighters and bombers so far?

centrality: Both Nebulon-b cruisers, 1 vigil corvette, 2 Civilian corvettes, a number of fighters and bombers. Shields and armor weakened on the remaining ships in the fleet due to constant bombardment of Authority forces.

all agreed?

A frigate on the left flank of the flotilla suffers a terrible blow to the bridge and begins drifting and a nearby corvette loses power to its shields under the pressure of enemy starfighters and bombers. In response, another wave of starfighters are launched from the carriers and directed to the left flank, meanwhile the fleet continues to hammer down the last few ships of the Authority in front of the Alliance flotilla.

________________

Captain Isarch and his small strike force turns and begin their attack run towards the enemy Super Star Destroyer. Starfighters and a small number of bombers and launched to help.

"Send a message Kain via standard VLC protocols, we need his right flank to follow us in, or at least distract the that Golan!" he barked to his crew.

"And let Sion Desyk know, that he should prepare his men." his CO Verris nods and moves to an internal com station.

OOC: I.gyazo.com Removed some destroyed units.

IC:

When it became evident what Tiruel was doing and where the Absolution was headed, the Authority forces broke formation and as a result began to amass substantial casualties. More so than before. Even so, both the Alliance and the Centrality took their own loses from the initial attacks and manoeuvrers.

Soon, gravity well generators were disabled. The Absolution was already in position for its jump and began to initiate its hyperdrive, the rest of the Authority forces scrambling to give chase and escape. Shuttles from the surface gunning for the safety of hangar bays, on collision course with each other and warship hulls resulting in very few returning to their motherships intact. What's more, the Golan platform's boarders were abandoned; they turned their weapons from the Centrality to the Authority, opening fire upon the near star destroyer.

In some circumstances this could be called a fighting retreat, more accurate would be to call it a rout.

*Alerts rang out across the bridge, staff quickly assessing them. "My lord, gravity well generators have been deactivated and the absolution is readying to jump. It appears they are making a run for it. Whats more, remaining forces are scrambling to retreat and the station is back under Centrality control." Kain's XO explained.

Kain thought quickly and came to a decision, they could not allow the Absolution to escape. "Activate gravity well generators and give chase, lets not let this bastard escape. Order all remaining forces to begin cleaning up the remaining Authority forces, and someone get me a line to Erilnar." Kain replied.

With the orders given, the Centrality Pellaeon's gravity well generators were activated. It immediately put a halt to any attempt at escape.

As for the battle itself; with the power of the Golan platform as well as the 4 flanking Ardent's, it wasn't long before the Pellaeon's shields and armor were crippled and the ship laid low. She quickly broke apart, but not before destroying one of the four ardents, another vigil corvette, and one of the two raider class corvettes.

The remaining Centrality fighters and corvettes quickly made short work of any remaining Authority starcraft. The Centrality bombers returned to their hangars and began to rearm in preparation for the attack on the Absolution.

The Centrality battlegroup then moved forward to give chase to the Absolution as ordered, informing the Alliance Admiral of their intentions to end this now.*

OOC: losses now for the centrality. 1 of 4 ardents, 2 of 2 nebulon-b cruisers, 2 of 3 vigil class corvettes, 1 of 2 raider class corvettes, 2 of 2 correlian corvettes. number of fighters and bombers.

With the majority of the opposition destroyed, the alliance flotilla moves up and begins mobbing up the last few enemy corvettes, expecting to make short work of them, damaged ships are held back for shield regeneration and repairs as the rest moves forward.

________________

"All units, prepare for breaching action!" Captain Isarch orders.

The Austerity and its sister ship, moves in front of the small group, diverting power from most of its weapons systems to their Ion-cannons only and opens fire upon a single area of the ships shields, near its rear-most hanger bays. The Corvettes contribute with regular turbolaser fire, along with proton torpedoes from nearby K-Wings.

"Lets hope we can weaken the shields enough locally to get through and that the ship isn't fully crewed, otherwise we will be torn apart." Verris tells the Captain, referring to an intelligence assumption that the Authority would not have the manpower to fully crew the ship.

"Aye.." the Captain says. "But for now, its bow is pointed away from us, and that buys us a little time. Perhaps enough for the rest of the fleet to get here in case we fail to punch a hole." he optimistically points out.

"If you say so Captain.." Verris says with a note of pessimism.
____________________________________

OOC: In the interest of time, I will post my move even if I admit freely I have qualms about my method here. I'm sure the Centrality fleet will be there next turn anyway.

OOC: In the interest of time, I say you board successfully.

IC:

The remaining Authority forces, barring the Absolution; are destroyed, surrender or, in the case of the space station and at least one star destroyer, continue to try and wreak havoc on the dreadnought.

The Alliance boards the super star destroyer, their initial resistance is minimal consisting of scattered marines and regular crew. As they press further into the ship, they are met with Stormtroopers and mercenary forces. Intelligence was partially correct, the Authority lacked the manpower to fully crew the vessel. Thus, the ship was supplemented with mercenaries.

With the Alliance and Centrality closing fast, the Alliance even boarding the super star destroyer, the Grand Admiral is left with little choice. He sends a transmission to the Alliance's flagship requesting a secession of combat and that they accept his formal surrender. The transmission is sent on a private frequency, directly to the Alliance only.

A message is sent back to the Admiral, stating that a boarding party will be taking him into custody.

As the boarding party moves towards the bridge, they make sure that the surrendering crew is sent away from the corridors. With the Authority surrendering, Captain Isarch decides to accompany Sion Desyk and his soldiers to the bridge of the Absolution.
Upon entering the bridge, they move up to the Admiral.

"Grand Admiral, I am here to accept your surrender. Before returning to our ship, you will order your men, to follow my orders until such a time where they can be properly disarmed and demobilized. Are we in agreement?" Corvin ask, with the neutral, yet assertiveness that is expected of the situation.

meanwhile, the rest of the Alliance Flotilla moves around the SSD.

OOC: i already dealt with the remaining SD, it taking an ardent and two corvettes with its destruction.

*With the last of the Authority forces dealt with, the Centrality flotilla positions itself back a ways behind the Absolution. Though strangely, its weapons have gone silent. "Status report, Captain." Kain's helmsman quickly surveyed the situation before replying. "It appears Alliance forces have boarded the Absolution, that would explain why she has stopped her firing." He replied.

Kain thought for a moment before replying. "Leave it to the Alliance, but keep systems ready. Any update from Erilnar?" Kain asked. The good captain's face went pale. "My lord, I'm sorry to say that we have received no word from the surface." He replied. Puzzled, Kain looked at the man, noticing his pale face.

"What is it, Captain?" Kain asked quizzically. "Nothing for sure, my lord. It would be wise to send men down to investigate." The captain replied. "Very well see it done. Send down the freighters that were held in reserve, as well as any medical staff we can spare. I have a bad feeling about what we will find." Kain ordered.

The orders were relayed and forces were dispatched.*

The Centrality and Alliance mopped up the last remaining forces in the system, most going down fighting, retreating or surrendering. For obvious reasons, most ex-Authority forces tried their best to surrender to the Alliance.

On the surface, the city was in ruins; burning buildings, toppled skyscrappers and a death toll in catastrophic numbers. Most importantly, the civilian leadership was utterly decimated. Rebuilding would take a long time but it wasn't impossible.

Meanwhile on the Absolution, Corvin relayed his message to the former Grand Admiral. Tiruel simply grit his teeth and accepted the results of this colossal failure of an operation. With any luck, he'd simply get sentenced to life in a maximum security prison rather than executed by firing squad. Supposedly the Alliance has amazing penal facilities in sector G52Z with unlimited Holonet access.

"You heard the man, you're to follow his orders now."

When the order came down from above, some of the men became disillusioned while others were dumbfounded by this reversal. Fights broke out as ex-Krayt loyalists whom had participated in genocide did their best to steal away aboard hyperdrive-equipped transports, shuttles and fighters flooded outside of the Absolution's hangers. At the same time, the many mercenaries and groups that had been hired by Tiruel began to ransack the ship, hail the Alliance for a free pass or simply make a run for it. As far as they were considered, they were no longer combatants and should be free to leave.

Of course, the more experienced and wiser mercs simply stayed put until they would be processed through official channels.

Any transports leaving the ship without authorization were warned once, to power down, and then destroyed immediately upon failure to comply.

As the Grand Admiral is escorted out under guard and taken to the Austerity, Captain Isarch begins recording a short Holo communication to Kain.

"Sovereign Protector. We have seized Tiruel and he is being transported to fry frigate right now. As a courtesy, I am allowed to inform you that the Alliance intends to end the threat of the Authority once and for all. If you wish, you can follow us to Saleucami, or merely send an observer to the Absolution.

Upon the conclusion of this conflict, Alliance High Command is willing to recommend that the Senate initiate immediate negotiations with the Centrality regarding future relations. For now though, time is of the essence. The Alliance will begin removing all non essential personnel from the Absolution immediately. Since the Womp rats have already begun scurrying off the ship, it shouldn't take long.

I'm sure you are terrible busy discerning the outcome of the devastation wrought today, but it would ease tensions if we were to continue the cooperation for now."

He ended and the message, he was sure a response would be forthcoming shortly, but he had a lot to do on the Absolutions, and not a lot of time.

*The Images flooding onto the Centrality screens brought many to their knees. Most had families living on Erilnar, and now most were gone. Many men simply began sobbing while others angry. Kain sensed the mood on the bridge of the Endurance and knew he had to act quickly to retain control.

"Captain, dispatch the Pillar (ISD) to the surface. They are to assist and begin recovery operations. I want a CP established and some semblance of accountability taken. And open a comms channel with the flotilla." Kain said very evenly and calmly. The Captain, himself struggling to contain his emotions complied and began relaying orders. He gave a slight nod to Kain to inform him that he was live.

"Men and women of the Centrality. I know you all are watching the images pour in from Erilnar. I know it is heart breaking. But I want to remind you all of your duty to the greater Centrality as a whole. You all protected this fate from happening elsewhere, saving millions of lives." Kain started. "There will be a time to grieve, but that is not now. Recovery operations must begin, rebuilding, and repairs of the Flotilla are needed to ensure we can stave off any who seek to kick the Centrality while it is down. You are all brave and proud men and women of the Centrality. Remember that, and remember the sacrifices made this day. Do not resort to madness and despair, we must come together." Kain finished, his own voice cracking with emotion. Even without a family of his own, the images broke Kain's heart. And he wasn't sure he would ever be the same again..

"Sir, message incoming from the Alliance." A commsman explained. "Put in through." Kain replied quickly. He read the message and gave his answer some thought. Looking from face to face of those on the bridge, back to the screens where the images of death and destruction were replayed. He quickly typed the following reply: "Captain Isarch, to put simply my and my own men's hearts are broken. Our spirits shattered. While we have won a great victory here today, there is so much damage that needs fixed. However, I will not allow the Authority to continue to exist. Not after today. But I am afraid without escorts my forces would be exposed. I am willing to hand over command of the Endurance and two of the Ardent class to your Rear Admiral. He may use it as his flagship, I will come along as an observer. I put faith in my men that they will see the job through as professionals, and the Alliance will lead them with respect and honor. I await your reply. PS I understand you will not hand Tiruel over to the Centrality, you and I both know what would happen to the man. And I know that is not the Alliance way. But I will include the images of the destruction that man has caused, and trust in the justice system of the Alliance that he gets the punishment he deserves. Signed Kain Talus." Kain attached the images sent from the surface and sent the message. He sat back in his chair and waited for a reply.*

OOC: This will allow you to control Centrality forces without needing me as a third person to wait on for a reply. Should be sufficient forces for the task. The remaining forces can start repairs and be used in case of further attack.

Upon receipt of Kains message, the fleet began final preparations. A stream of transports and larger craft was streaming from the Absolution. As the last few transports cleared away. The Flotilla, now including the Absolution and a few Centrality ships, begins calculations for a hyperspace jump. Once the last few preparations are made, the mixed force jumps into hyperspace.