[Forum Game] Discontent Under Deck: Ascendant

[King50000]

Captain Anton Draav
Acting Commander of Orbital Station Guardian​

**Transmission to Cpt. Ank:**

Orders acknowledged. Be advised that in the event Guardian orbital stabilizers cannot be repaired, and Ascendant tractor beam is utilized to temporarily stabilize station's orbit, there may only be a small window to evacuate station personnel, both military and civilian. Recommend that Ascendant transports be on standby to assist in evacuations, in the event that Guardian orbit cannot be sustained.

I serve the Empire.

-- Cpt. Draav
_______________

**Transmission to Col. Valorum:**

Orders acknowledged.

I serve the Empire.

-- Cpt. Draav
______________

Captain Draav places the remaining Stormtroopers in the battalion on high alert; placing the hanger bay, generator room, orbital stabilizer room, and the corridors connecting them on lock down, with no one allowed in or out without his authorization. The wounded shall be moved to the hangar bay for transport to the Ascendant. Engineers shall do what they can to repair the orbital stabilizers in preparation for additional engineers en route from the Ascendant.

 

[jeray2000]

Commander Wilhelm


Transmission to Commander Wilhelm:

Report has been evaluated. Proposal to deploy fighters planet-side denied on account of unknown insurgent anti-air capabilities.

Situation with Guardian requires immediate action. Make due preparations for a team to depart to Guardian ASAP, attempting to repair orbital stabilizers. Furthermore, prepare joint report with Lieutenant Commander Gaim on feasibility of utilizing Ascendant tractor beam in station stabilization.

Transmission to Lieutenant Commander Gaim and Captain Lytigus Ank

Using the tractor beam does sound feasible to me as well, and I believe it should be used. I shall indeed send a team to depart to try to help repair the Guardian.


***

Commander Wilhelm then arranged, authorized, and sent team of twenty engineers on a Lambda class shuttle to help repair the Guardian.

 

[aedan777]

Relieved that his suggested course of action had been approved, Lieutenant Commander Rescal Beivet ordered his TIE wings to launch and prepare for deployment near the Ascendant. Two TIE interceptors would be sent to scout the approaching fleet, with orders to avoid engagement and focus on fact finding, withdrawing immediately if they come under attack.

 

[DragonOfAtlantis]

Lieutenant Commander Gaim would start preparations to power up the Ascendant’s weapon systems and tractor beam although he would send power to the tractor beam first in order to stabilize the Guardian as fast as possible to give the station as much extra time as possible.

 

[AzagalTheGreat]

​

**Transmission to Lt. Colonel Polion**

I have authorised the deployment of reinforcements to assist those of you under fire -- 4,000 troops to the Civic Level. You are to anticipate their arrival. Until arrival I want all forces to pull back as they are able, abandoning the lower levels and retreating upward. The shuttles and barges you have onworld will be used to help accomplish this. Our first and at this time only priority is to ensure the safety and stability of the upper levels and I want every resource used to accomplish this, especially with a view toward reinforcing Majs. Lendis and Tymon. I repeat: all forces are to withdraw from the lower levels. Maj. Keithal on L5 will report to me as this is accomplished. Having reorganised our forces and stabilised the upper levels we will then address retaking the lower levels.

You are to convey these instructions with immediate effect to all commanders in Pau City. Remind them and their soldiers that they fight for their families as well as the Emperor -- they are the last and only hope for order and safety in the galaxy. You will keep me immediately apprised of all developments.

Long live the Empire.

-- Col. Valorum, Ba.

​

**Transmission to Col. Valorum:**

As you wish, sir. I shall report as soon as possible.

For the Empire and Galactic Order,

-- Lt. Colonel Polion

**Transmission to all subordinates under L5**

You are to retreat upwards to L5 with as minimal casualties and speed as possible. Take hostages if needbe, but leave the lower city intact for now. We are to regroup and drive back the insurgency. Use all resources at your disposal, shuttles are on your way to secure your troops and bring them upwards. The lowest levels shall be extracted first. Once you reach L5, you will be assigned a new position while plans are made. Major Keithal, you will report to Colonel Valorum when all troops have been retreated from the lower levels.

The Emperor may have died, but we are still alive. We fight now for what we have fought these many years, order and security across the galaxy. Without our commitment, our dead comrade's sacrifices will have been in vain. We fight against lawlessness and for our families. Do not forget that.

For the Empire and Galactic Order,

-- Lt. Colonel Polion

 

[MastahCheef117]

Month 3, day 6, 4 ABY
In medium orbit of Utapau
07:30 local time
Orders due 24 December (Sunday) 8pm EST​

07:30 -- Major Hibliss reports Rebel uniforms and equipment among insurgent dead.
07:32 -- Captain Ank gives Colonel Valorum a blank cheque to restore order on the planet.
07:33 -- Colonel Valorum orders lower-level assets to withdraw to the upper levels of the city and prepares shuttles for deployment of additional Stormtroopers and vehicles.
07:35 -- Captain Bain wounded while overseeing withdrawal procedures, refuses to give up command.
07:36 -- Lieutenant Colonel Polion reports the loss of another AT-ST on level 20.
07:39 -- Two Sentinel-class landing craft dispatched by Commander Wilhelm to Guardian to begin evacuation of wounded personnel. Major Fothe expires and command officially passes to Captain Draav.
07:43 -- Major Lendis attacks insurgents at rim of city sinkhole. Destroys two anti-air weapon systems, reports casualties.
07:45 -- Lieutenant Commander Beivet launches several TIE craft and holds the rest of the contingent on standby for deployment.
07:49 -- Major Lendis attacks anti-air weapon systems again. Suffers heavier casualties, reports third weapon system destroyed. Unknown number remaining.
07:52 -- Wounded fully evacuated from Guardian. Engineers from Ascendant report repairs on station stabilizers ineffective.
07:53 -- Captain Ank orders use of Ascendant's tractor beam to stabilize the station.
07:55 -- Lieutenant Commander Gaim reports Guardian's orbital decay has slowed. Estimated fall from orbit in one hour and thirty minutes.
07:58 -- Redeployment of surface assets completed. Lieutenant Colonel Polion reports loss of AT-AT on level 4 due to damage sustained to front legs.
07:59 -- Lieutenant Commander Gaim reports that the hyperspace signature of the incoming fleet lines up with several Rebel capital ships and attendant escorts.
08:01 -- Major Lendis launches third attack on anti-air systems with assistance from Major Tymon, reports a fourth system destroyed. Orbital scan concludes at least three systems remain.
08:01 -- Three MC80 Liberty Star Cruisers and various frigates and strike craft exit hyperspace and begin heading for Ascendant. They will enter weapons range in approximately ten minutes.
08:02 -- Cook Assistant Logivia takes full stock of all rations, which can last for six years.

ISSUES:
1. The Battle of Pau City
2. Rebel anti-air systems around Pau City sinkhole.
3. Guardian's slowed fall out of orbit.
4. Rebel fleet in-system.

CREW:

Officers
Captain Lytigus Ank -- @Noco19
Colonel Ghil'ad Valorum -- @Ab Ovo
Lieutenant Colonel Saron Polion -- @DutchGuy
Commander Frederick Wilhelm -- @jeray2000
Lieutenant Commander Rescal Beivet -- @aedan777
Lieutenant Commander Kritt Gaim -- @DragonOfAtlantis

Others
Major Ransolm Lendis -- @Luftwafer
Major Covane Hibliss -- @Arrowfiend
Captain Iluntasuna Gihulma Bain -- @Dadarian
Captain Anton Draav -- @King50000
Aristocra Mitth'ena'rasi -- @Caspoi
Cook Assistant Logivia -- @XVG
​

Ascendant

Crew strength: 100% present for duty
Hull integrity: 100%
Weapon systems: Online, 100%
Reactor: Online, 100%
Shields: Online, 100%
Sensor array: Online
Craft: 34 TIE Fighters (2 deployed), 22 TIE Interceptors (2 deployed), 12 TIE Bombers, 7 Lambda-class shuttles (1 deployed), 11 Delta-class transports (4 deployed), 4 Gamma-class assault shuttles, 2 Theta-class barges (2 deployed), 8 Sentinel-class landing craft (4 deployed)
Complement: 16 AT-AT walkers (3 deployed), 20 AT-ST walkers (10 deployed), 12 74-Z speeder bikes (21 deployed), prefabricated garrison base (deployed)
Stormtroopers: 5,960 (3,484 deployed) of 9,444 total
Misc.: N/A​

Stormtroopers (419th Legion)

Pau City (Utapau)
Lieutenant Colonel Polion (prefabricated garrison base)

1 Lambda-class shuttle
4 Delta-class transports
2 Theta-class barges
4 Sentinel-class landing craft​

Major Lendis (level 1)

288 Stormtroopers
1 AT-ST
1 74-Z speeder bikes​

Major Tymon (level 2)

284 Stormtroopers
1 AT-AT
1 AT-ST
3 74-Z speeder bikes​

Major Keithel (level 3)

336 Stormtroopers
1 AT-ST
2 74-Z speeder bikes​

Major Bendix (level 4)

270 Stormtroopers
1 AT-AT
1 AT-ST
2 74-Z speeder bikes​

Major Terius (level 6)

313 Stormtroopers
1 AT-AT
1 AT-ST
2 74-Z speeder bikes​

Major Notka (level 10)

329 Stormtroopers
1 AT-AT
2 AT-STs
3 74-Z speeder bikes​

Major Hibliss (level 13)

531 Stormtroopers
1 AT-ST
5 74-Z speeder bikes​

Captain Bain (level 14) (WIA)

240 Stormtroopers
1 74-Z speeder bike​

Lieutenant Colson (level 18)

142 Stormtroopers
1 AT-ST​

Lieutenant Rhane (level 19)

192 Stormtroopers​

Lieutenant Ghent (level 20)

165 Stormtroopers
2 74-Z speeder bikes​

Lieutenant Banab (level 21)

197 Stormtroopers
1 AT-ST
​

Orbital station Guardian
Major Fothe (KIA)
Captain Draav

197 Stormtroopers​

 

[aedan777]

Priority Transmission to Captain Lytigus Ank

Sir, with the revelation of the rebel fleet, and its composition of three MC80 Star Cruisers as well as escorts, our position has become precarious. Though an MC80 is inferior to a Star Destroyer like the Ascendent, three MC80s combined pose no small threat to it, and the presence of additional rebel escort vessels only worsens the situation. The heavy shields of the MC80s will also likely prevent efforts to swiftly eliminate the rebel vessels one by one. In face of overwhelming rebel opposition, a complete lack of friendly forces in the vicinity, and a worsening situation planetside, I can only advise temporary withdrawal, to regroup with other surviving Imperial forces in other systems. The TIE squadrons remain at the ready to provide a screen for the Ascendent as important personnel are evacuated from Utapau, but the longer evacuation takes, the more losses that will be suffered. I await your command, sir.

Lieutenant Commander Rescal Beivet​

 

[baboushreturns]

Name: Major Tomax Nokta
Position: Major in the 419th Legion
Bio: Born on Tepasi to a minor noble family, Tomax was the second of three sons. Knowing he would not inherit his family's wealth, he began to search for other avenues towards success from an early age. Driven to make something of himself he enlisted in the Imperial Army at Carida. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Tatooine with the 68th Legion. There he earned a reputation for competence and coolness under fire. However, after Yavin Tomax was reassigned to the 419th Legion and was charged with keeping order in Pau City. He has been there ever since and is now fighting for his life down on Utapau.

 

[MastahCheef117]

Name: Major Tomax Nokta
Position: Major in the 419th Legion
Bio: Born on Tepasi to a minor noble family, Tomax was the second of three sons. Knowing he would not inherit his family's wealth, he began to search for other avenues towards success from an early age. Driven to make something of himself he enlisted in the Imperial Army at Carida. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Tatooine with the 68th Legion. There he earned a reputation for competence and coolness under fire. However, after Yavin Tomax was reassigned to the 419th Legion and was charged with keeping order in Pau City. He has been there ever since and is now fighting for his life down on Utapau.

Accepted.

 

[baboushreturns]

**Transmission to Lt. Colonel Polion**

Sir, while combat continues between my men and the rebels I believe the situation has stabilized on level ten for now. However, the news from orbit is more than disheartening. It is of paramount importance we destroy the enemy AA emplacements in the city so that our VIPs can withdraw unmolested. Therefore I request the use of a neutron strike on the lower levels of the city, to wipe out opposition cells and destroy their air emplacements. I also ask for an order to seize Port Master Medon. Arresting him and other high ranking Utapans might disrupt the rebel chain of command and cause them to cease their assault temporarily.

For the Empire and the Galactic Order,

Major Nokta

 

[King50000]

Captain Anton Draav
Commander of Orbital Station Guardian
​

**Transmission to Cpt. Ank:**

Guardian orbit unsustainable, even with assistance from Ascendant tractor beam. Request permission to evacuate station personnel to Ascendant ASAP. Advise that civilian personnel be evacuated with military personnel to avoid needless deaths and, if deemed necessary by command, to serve as hostages against incoming rebel space forces. Recommend that civilian personnel be put under heavy guard due to nature of the blast that crippled Guardian orbital stabilizers.

I serve the Empire.

-- Cpt. Draav

 

[Ab Ovo]

​

This was very quickly becoming a nightmare. In the punishingly exact space of an hour -- 7:02 to 8:02 -- the peaceful Imperial planet of Utapau and the ship which lazy ensured it remained that way had both been upended. The speed and efficiency of the Rebel uprising onworld and the sudden advent of a Rebel fleet in tandem represented a massive failure of both Naval and Army Intelligence on Utapau and Valorum would have been outraged... had he had the time. Instead he was proud. Proud of the iron resilience of his Stormtroopers and of the heroism and courage exhibited by their commanders, and confident that whatever happened in the air the 419th Legion would stand victorious over the anarchistic scourge of the Rebellion. Colonel Valorum could ill-afford to bask in these warm feelings however and quickly dispelled them. His job was not yet done.

**General transmission to the 419th Legion**

Men of the Empire! My heart swells with pride at word of your prowess and bravery in defeating the forces of terror and chaos which are spreading like a virus through Pau City. You are all a credit to the Imperial name and I fully expect that each one of you shall continue to act with valour in the face of evil. Remember your fallen comrades and join me in pledging that their sacrifice will not be in vain! Their blood was shed for no less than the holy cause of civilisation itself and we shall honour them as men and as soldiers. Fight on! Advance inexorably to the victory which is soon to be ours.

Long live the Empire,

-- Colonel Ghil'ad Valorum
Baron of the Empire; NME, IMS

---​

**Transmission to Cpt. Bain**

Well done, Captain. Consider this your award citation for the Imperial Badge of Meritorious Service.

-- Col. Valorum

---​

**Transmission to Maj. Lendis**

Well done. Hold fast and do not attempt another assault before reinforcements arrive. Convey these orders to Maj. Tymon and Lt. Colonel Polion as well.

-- Col. Valorum

---​

**Transmission to Cpt. Draav**

In recognition of your service and in the interest of ensuring a clear chain of command you are hereby granted a promotion to Major. Make good use of it. All Stormtroopers are to be evacuated to the Ascendant immediately and without regard to civilians. Given the irregular circumstances which lead to the attack on the station, the risk to Imperial lives which would be posed by escorting civilians/potential infiltrators is unacceptable. I do recommend, however, that one or two be taken as hostages in the event that negotiations will need to take place with terrorists. See that this is done as soon as possible.

-- Col. Valorum

---​

**Transmission to Cpt. Ank**

The deployment of Stormtroopers which was previously ordered must be undertaken immediately to minimise the risk of casualties both to the troops en route to Utapau and the troops already onworld. I recognise that with the appearance of the terrorist fleet that Naval assets must be preserved for the impending conflict, but I do hope that appropriate precautions will be taken to ensure that my troops arrive alive.

-- Col. Valorum

 

[Luftwafer]

**Transmission to Major Tymon**

Orders have been received from the Ascendant. You and your men are to halt all assaults upon the Anti-Aircraft Weaponry until future reinforcements have been received. You have also been ordered to secure your position, to ensure that any possible counter attack can be stopped. You have been commended upon your bravery.

-Major Lendis

**Transmission to Lt.Col Polion*"

I have been given orders to stop the Assaults on the Anti-Aircraft Weaponry until I have received reinforcements. I am thus requesting additional support from forces on lower levels.

-Major Lendis

 

[Ab Ovo]

**Transmission to Lt. Col Polion**

I will be accompanying the previously-discussed reinforcements onto Utapau once Cpt. Ank clears their departure, which I expect shortly. Please make the requisite preparations. Once we have arrived all efforts will be made to continue in holding the upper levels and destroying the AA embankments; in the meantime I fully expect that you will make efforts to reinforce your commanders as possible. In the unlikely event that Imperial forces in the air are unable to hold against the terrorists we will coordinate with Cpt Ark to manage a comprehensive evacuation of the planet. I want it to be clear, however, that evacuating Utapau is to be regarded as a last resort; open discussion of evacuation in front of the men is harmful to morale and should be avoided.

-- Colonel Ghil'ad Valorum
Commander of the 419th Legion

 

[Noco19]

​

Captain Lytigus Ank
Commander of the Ascendant​

Captain Ank was not within his element when entreating with the blue-skinned emissary, representing some supposed power in the Unknown Regions. When she had been assigned to the Ascendant, Ank - of course - dared not question his superiors. But now more than ever, he wondered what motives she bore. Removing himself from such thoughts, he addressed her, talking quickly as more and more reports were given to him.

"Representative, we have updated reports confirming this emergent fleet to be of Rebel origin. I've little idea of which traitor they are under, but I suspect we will discover soon enough."

He broke away to bark more orders as the Rebel advance loomed.

__________________________________________

Transmission to Colonel Valorum:

"Request for ground deployment denied, as due to aforementioned anti-aircraft concerns.

Major Rebel fleet inbound within ten minutes; we are potentially outmatched. You are ordered to prep ground forces for evacuation. I will stall Rebel action by every means - move with haste."

Even in times of crisis, Valorum had the time to prepare venom on his every word, thought Ank. It was evident that he would resist these measures - he was already presuming to order the Ascendant himself - but the situation above Utapau was now untenable.
__________________________________________

Transmission to Lieutenant Commander Beivet and Fleet Commanders:

Report of Rebel fleet necessitates our evacuation of the system, but we still have considerable assets planetside. Make due preparations to provide a defensive screen against the encroaching Rebels; what we lack in numbers, we will substitute with our superior positioning.

Beivet, ensure our evacuation shuttles, both via the Guardian and planetside, are secured from Rebel fighters. We must minimize causalities in preparation of our evacuation.

__________________________________________

Transmission to Captain Draav:

I am ordering a full evacuation of the Guardian; utilize civilians at your discretion to ensure a timely, smooth departure. Inform me immediately when the Guardian is evacuated.

__________________________________________

Transmission to Lieutenant Commander Gaim:

Focus full attention on encroaching Rebel fleet. Prepare all armament and have crew on highest alert. Await to fire on my command.

__________________________________________

Transmission to Commander Wilhelm:

Evacuate engineers on the Guardian. Overtake primary supervision of our efforts to stabilize the Guardian via tractor beam. Draft contingency plans in utilizing tractor beam to direct the Guardian's plummet into Pau City, if feasible. Note, if not feasible, limit knowledge of such inabilities - we must ensure the Rebels fear the possibility of a catastrophe.

__________________________________________

Somberly, Ank thenafter requested his comms officer prepare a transmission to both the encroaching Rebel fleet and the broadcasting systems of Pau City. Straightening himself, he gave a cursory glance to the Chiss Representative - "Let us see what sort of spine these Rebels possess."

 

[Noco19]

TRANSMISSION ON BEHALF OF THE GALACTIC EMPIRE

"This is Captain Ank of the Imperial Star Destroyer Ascendant, speaking with the full authority of the Empire - it is time for the radical class of insurrectionists to cease all activity. At my disposal is the pinnacle of technological design, possessing the ability to lay waste to any and all forces of disorder. And manning the engines of our power stand the most professional body ever assembled in Galactic history, servicemen trained in the finest academies, troopers forged in battles on innumerable planets.

And if that were not enough, I have at my command a unique asset - the orbital station Guardian. Due to the machinations of Rebel sabotage, the Guardian is on a direct course with Pau City, endangering untold millions. Its descent is stopped only by the steadfast work of Imperial engineers and the ISD Ascendant.

But now the very hand keeping Pau City from total extinction is swatted by a Rebel force in space, bitten by Rebel scum on the ground. And now, I must wonder whether it is prudent to expend Imperial resources on maintaining a hold on the Guardian. So now I levy the burden unto the insurrectionist forces with an ultimatum.

Suspend all hostile activities or Pau City shall be rendered oblivion."​

END TRANSMISSION​

 

[DragonOfAtlantis]

While Gaim had some reservations regarding dropping the Guardian on Pau City, he would nonetheless begin charging up all weapons systems and would monitor the range of the incoming Rebel fleet as it came closer and closer, waiting for the signal from Captain Ank.

 

[Arrowfiend]

Hibliss continued to lead his troops upwards to the higher levels in preparation for the evacuation.

 

[aedan777]

With the order given by Captain Ank, Beivet had every TIE fighter and interceptor launched, to form a protective screen around the Ascendant and any rebel craft that would be in the vicinity. Once all fighters and interceptors had been launched, the TIE Bombers would follow, they would then take up position near the Ascendant, well within the screen, their purpose being to create another potential threat for the rebels to worry about, and potentially take advantage of any openings that would occur.

Eight interceptors and twelve fighters would deploy separately from the defensive screen, their goal being the protection of shuttles and transport craft moving between the Ascendent and the Guardian and planetside.

 

[Caspoi]

Aristocra Mitth'ena'rasi (shortened as Thenara)
Representative of the Chiss Ascendancy

She countinued watching him for a while, taking note of the orders he gave, as well as his ultimatum. She seemed somewhat amused by it as she replied.

"That we shall, although I doubt that the rebels would give in by the threat of the destruction of a single city. After all if they are as organized as they seem they most likely consider its destruction a necessary sacrifice for whatever cause they are fighting for. After all insurgent groups are unlikely to be simultaneously clever enough to avoid detection and foolish enough not to realise the costs that their goals held. And if they are not as organized as it would appear then no unified command will stop everyone from fighting, making the threat once again meaningless. That is not to say that an ultimatum does not fullfill a purpose of its own, it can after all turn to ire of the populace towards those that fight against you if they would not accept this ultimatum, not that I would know if the natives (Pau'an and Utai are they?) think like that. Nevertheless I would be happy to help the representatives of the Empire in any way I can."