The TIE Defender shook as an explosion rocked the small craft. Another close call, but that is that is the life of a TIE Pilot. The TIE Defender rolled downwards and cut the throttle and pulled back hard. His TIE quickly came about and his targeting brackets lit with an instant lock on his opponent. The pilot squeezed the trigger and four lances of green deadly energy shot out toward the incoming fighter, a Z-95 Headhunter. The headhunter pilot had not expected this prey to turn about so quickly, his mistake. The four bolts of energy lanced through the Z-95 quickly, then a bright fireball took its place in the vastness of space. The TIE Defender shot through the debris of the old fighter craft and back to it’s home, The Sovereign class Supper Star Destroyer -Sovereign.
The large ship loomed ahead of the TIE, almost taking up the whole viewport. The huge ship was a city in space. It’s rumored to be the largest ship in existence, but the pilot didn’t care, it was home. He came into the massive hangar bays of the large ship. To his surprise there were ground crew cheering at him as he cut in his repulsor lifts. He set down gently and shut down the ion engines, as the crowd grew closer. Finally he could smile, a smile that he had each time after a battle, the smile at the completion of another mission and the racking up of even more enemy fighters in the defense of his home, his Sovereign. His hatch opened and he climbed out and found the ladder. He climbed down most of the way and jumped the rest. He immediately came upon the crowd who was cheering him and his squadron as they also landed near him. A wall of smiling faces was all around him as he picked out one he recognized. He quickly came to attention and snapped a perfect Imperial salute to his Wing Commander, GN Brian. GN Brian came to within a few feet and returned the Major’s salute. GN Brian smiled at Major Joe and his 12 pilots of Resh Squadron. “ Good work Resh!”
“Thank you sir” replied Major Joe with a grin.
“If that A-wing patrol reported our position, the whole operation would have been shot. It’s lucky you jumped out of Hyperspace when you did, and where you did.” General Brian explained.
“It was exactly that sir, pure luck. We had just finished our attack on the New Republic Cruiser and after we were done cleaning up all the escaping craft, we jumped back to the Sovereign. The Six A-Wings were only 5 klicks infront of us, so we engaged. The Z-95s came in right behind us.”
“Yeah, and it seems your getting rusty Major, that one Headhunter almost decapitated you!” Colonel Pel exclaimed from beside Joe.
“Yeah you wish” Joe replied with a smile.
“Enough you two, Fleet Admiral Kramer is awaiting all of us in the de-briefing room. He wants to know about your mission” General Brian added.
“Our mission was standard sir, nothing special about blowing up one of the newest New Republic Cruisers.” Major Joe exclaimed with a very big grin.
“Save your chat for later Major, get your squad to the Briefing Room!” General Brian exclaimed as he marched off to meet Fleet Admiral Kramer.
Major Joe turned to Resh Squadron who was again in perfect formation. “ Alright Resh, good work with the mission. FA Kramer wishes to have a word with us. Phoenix, no wise cracks.” He mentioned with a grin. “Who? Me?” Captain Phoenix exclaimed with an innocent smile. The rest of Resh squadron exchanged some chuckles as they proceeded to the Wing Six De-Briefing room. When all twelve members of Resh arrived, they immediately went to their chairs and stood at attention behind them.
“ Take your seats.” Said Fleet Admiral Kramer, Commodore of the SSSD Sovereign. Resh Squadron took their seats and looked at Kramer, waiting.
“First off I would like to thank you on behalf of the Grand Admiral himself, your heroism in battle and the fact that you saved this operation from being found out by the Rebels will not go without notice.” Kramer said with all seriousness. A few smiles spread across some of the pilot’s lips. Major Joe shot Phoenix a glare, as he was about to open his mouth, Phoenix quickly stopped.
“ Major Joe, during your attack on the Rebel Cruiser, did you or any of your pilots notice anything, out of the ordinary?” asked Kramer as he took a chair at the head of the long black table. After going back through the battle in his mind for a few seconds he nodded.
“ Yes sir.” Joe said slowly.
“Explain Major.” Said Kramer.
“ Well sir, as Colonel Pel’s flight was finishing their final bomb run on the Cruiser, many shuttles started to flee the ship with escorts.” Joe said.
“That’s nothing unusual Major.” Said Kramer, still very serious as he always is.
“I know that sir. But what is unusual is the fact that the Captain’s Escort Shuttle was not guarded by any fighters..” Joe said slowly.
“Granted that is not usual, it is nothing that hasn’t been seen before.” Kramer explained.
“At least nothing we could see sir..” Joe finally said. That caught the Admiral’s attention.
“ Go on” Kramer ordered.
“Well sir. During that time, I made the closest sweep to the Captain’s shuttle as I could to confirm that it was his. At that time I was locked onto by a fighter or some gun of some sort, but as I veered away at a high angle, nothing was behind me. I then took the risk of looking at the sensor logs and found a discrepancy in them.” Joe pushed on, “ Well sir, as I was at my closest point to the shuttle, my sensors showed no less than 4 sensor black holes sir.”
“What do you mean, sensor black holes Major?” Brian finally said.
“It seemed like my sensors bended around four objects in time and space, they were being reflected as if nothing was there sir.” Joe explained.
Fleet Admiral Kramer thought for a long moment, then looked at the Major. “ Very interesting Major, is there anything else you can give us?”
Joe nodded, “ Yes sir. I took the liberty of pulling up some files on my hyperspace trip back home, and I seen some rumors of a new Rebel fighter craft. One that matches the TIE Defender in maneuverability and firepower, and that a cloaking device that can be used in combat. I am positive that if this craft exists sir, Resh squadron and I just flew against it. If so, I doubt the Rebels think we know of their technology, and that we can identify it. That could give us a strong advantage in the future.” Joe said with a serious face. Kramer nodded and stood; Resh squadron quickly stood at attention as Kramer left the room.
“As you were,” Brian said. He then looked at Joe.
“ Is what you said accurate Major?”
“ Yes sir. Check my sensor logs.” Replied Joe.
“ Sir?” Said Phoenix and Pel almost at the same time.
Joe nodded to Pel; “ Go ahead Colonel.
“Major I also had a sensor, well 'problem' the same as yours during the battle. My sensor log might prove useful in the future,” Pel said.
“ Same with mine sirs, looked like some Rebel Ghost.” Explained LT Gerona from the end of the table.
“ Alright, Ill have the techs look at all of the sensor logs and analyze them. From now on this information is Top Secret. No one is to talk about it without authorization. Doing so is a serious crime. Understood?” Brian said slowly. Resh nodded in return.
“Good, Dismissed. Major Joe, Colonel Pel, and Captain Phoenix. A word with you all?” Brian asked.
The three officers came close to Brian and looked at the young General.
“ You did good work out there, you made Wing 6 very proud of you. Keep it up! Also, you will probably be called into a meeting in the future about these.. Ghost ships, Understood?” Brian said.
“Yes sir!” said all three pilots.
“Good, now get some rest, that’s an order” Brain said with a smile.
“No problem sir. Say, can I borrow the key to your liquor cabinet sir?” Joe said with a grin.
“Heck no! I keep the strong stuff where I like it! With me! You know some people in the Admiral’s lounge don’t you? Go bribe that bouncer Zoltar, he’s a friend of yours. Now shoo before I get Kramer’s scorpions after you!” Brian said laughing.
“Whoa now! Let’s not get mean here,” said Captain Phoenix as the three officers left the room in a hurry.
As the celebration of victory died down in the cantina and most of the pilots have went back to their quarters to sleep off all that they just consumed, four officers were left at the table. Major Joe look out upon this group of officers that he considers a group of his best friends. Captain Phoenix was still going at it, as usual, he never knew when to quit. He’ll wish he wasn’t still drinking when he wakes up tomorrow. Joe then glanced upon General Brian. Brian was a young General indeed, but that was not counted against him when measuring up the experience and sheer determination of the veteran pilot. Brian was now drinking caf to try and lessen the pain when he wakes up tomorrow. Finally, his gaze fell upon Colonel Pel. Pel was a young man, more so than Joe was, but like General Brian, he possessed the same qualities that Brian had within as well. Pel was staring down into his mug of caf. Joe grinned a little and queried, “What’s wrong Pel?”
The Colonel looked upon the Major slowly and grinned. “ I want my Wing Commander position back!” Pel joking whined. Brian chuckled as did Joe, though Phoenix really didn’t know where or who he was at this point laughed also. Joe smiled and offered his friend a pat on the back. “ Don’t worry, you have a lot of friends in the higher ranked members. You’ll get back there eventually. I just hope I can join you soon’ Joe said with a grin.
Pel smiled , “ You’ll get a command soon enough. But knowing how you usually pop up out of no where, in combat and the Fleet in general. I wouldn’t be surprised if you got a Commodore position instead!” Pel added with a chuckle.
“As an ex of mine used to say, ‘Flattery will get you everywhere.’” Joe said chuckleing, Brian and Pel joined quickly.
Brian slowly started to stand and straighten his uniform. “It’s been fun, really. But I need to get some sleep. Major, Colonel..” Brian nodded to each in turn then looked at the now passed out Phoenix and he sighs. “ Never knows when to quit.”
Joe and Pel started laughing as Brian left with a chuckle. Pel looks at Phoenix and gives Joe that evil grin. “No Pel, not tonight. Bad Pel.” Joe said slowly, grinning.
“What?!? I’m innocent! I wasn’t thinking anything!” Pel exclaimed trying to fool Joe with his best innocent smile.
“Uh huh, sure.” Joe said as he got to his feet. “Come on, help me get him to his quarters.”
Pel stood and took hold of Phoenix under his arms and pulled, hauling him up as Joe took his feet and lifted. Together the men took the passed out Captain to his quarters, where Joe talked Pel out of yet another prank. They left the pilot’s quarters and proceeded to their own.
The flash of light came quickly and bright, almost so that Joe couldn’t see when he rolled out of his bunk, blaster in hand at the ready. “Whoa Major!! Put that down!” a voice ordered. Joe put down the blaster and stood, a groan escaping his lips.
“If this isn’t important I am going to severely beat you into a living pulp Commander.” Said Joe slowly, eyes focusing on his early morning intruder. “General Brian sent me here to get you up! I swear!” Exclaimed the Commander. Joe shook his head quickly to get rid of the sleep tugging at his eyes. He returned to his bed, sitting this time. “ What does he want Ryan?” Commander Ryan ‘Nemesis’ Halcyon stood a little distance from Joe. The young Ra Squadron Commander looked at Joe uneasily. “A Wing Commander’s meeting has been called Sir.”
“So? Those are for Wing Commanders and the higher ups only.” Joe said slowly, rising out of bed.
“ I know that sir. Brian couldn’t tell me anything except that it was about your mission yesterday.” Ryan said. Joe looked at Ryan a minute, then nodded. “Thank you Ryan, Dismissed.” Ryan saluted Joe and left. Joe was dressed shortly after. He double checked his uniform and straightened his medals. He smiled, as he looked at his new medal sparkling brilliantly, the Grand Order of the Emperor. He then exited his quarters and proceeded to the designated meeting area. A grinning General Brian soon greeted him. “Good morning Major.” Brian said. “Morning? So THAT’s what you call it when you wake up before noon!” Joe said sarcastically, which brought a chuckle from Brian. At that moment, Sector Admiral Compton stood at the head of the long meeting table and nodded to the crowd of Wing Commanders and other Flag Officers of the Fleet. Everyone took his or her seats smartly. Compton was the XO of the fleet. He was strong and very athletic with strong ties through out the Empire. When he spoke his voice carried and everyone listened. He was respected highly by everyone. Compton took a deep breath and the meeting began. “What you hear in this room stays in this room. There has been a recent sighting by our own pilots of a new Rebel craft, or lack there of. Major Joe was out with his squadron on an attack mission on the new, now old, New Republic Cruiser Yavin Wind. It was reported by several Officers of Resh Squadron that escorting the Captain’s escaping shuttle, four fighter sized, “Ghost” ships. This fighter craft uses a type of cloaking device that bends our sensor signals around their craft, rendering them invisible. The Emperor’s Hammer Command Staff have known of this new threat before now. The name of the craft is still unknown, as is its capabilities. The only EH fighter pilots who have had contact are Resh Squadron. Their sensors logs are the basis for this meeting, save for one other.” Added Compton. Joe was hard at work replying the mission in his head, wondering who else could have been in the area. Before he could finish Compton continued, “ Before the attack on the Cruiser, we sent a flight of Gunboats from Aylin squadron for Recon. There, they dropped 2 probes unknown to the Rebels. During the battle itself, the probes collected data. In that data, we discovered the Rebel “Ghost” fighters existence and actually frequency of their cloaking harmonics.
After a long meeting with the Grand Admiral Ronin, the Flight Officer-AD Kessler and myself, I am here to announce to all of you, that beginning immediately, we are going to stop all production and hopefully eliminate all fighters and prototypes.” That brought on a lot of smiles and cheers. Compton grinned and nodded to all assembled. “This will be a fleet wide operation. The Sovereign will be the lead ship for this operation of course. Major Joe and Resh Squadron will train all pilots on what to look for. Wing Commanders, you will be trained as well.” Groans came from most of the Wing Commanders present, save for one, General Brian. Joe sized up the operation at this point, all the resources going into this. It’s too much, at best all they would need is maybe 2-3 ISDs and their escorts. But the Sovereign? No way they would need 7 Wings of TIE craft, that is a LOT of TIEs! Something is up, its time to check with my “connections” on this. Hopefully I can get some answers here. Joe returned his attention to Compton as he was telling the members of the meeting of their assignments. Wing Six was the primary operation wing for this assignment. Joe just hoped it wasn’t a fatal error.
Soon after, Major Joe was sitting at the viewport of the officer’s lounge, starring out into vast nothingness. As he gazed he watched all the traffic coming in and out of the TRIAD group of Platforms. All the fighters buzzing around, all the Corvettes were practicing Maneuvers. He noticed one Corvette in particular, the Modified Corvette Harbor. The Harbor was a new ship; it was recently commissioned into the Imperial Fleet. Joe also knew of the totally rookie crew this ship contained. Only the top 10 officers of the ship have had combat experience of any sort. He knew that if they didn’t practice till they dropped from exaushtion, they wouldn’t be ready for the coming battles, and they wouldn’t survive.
A fast moving object caught the Major’s eye, the Imperial Star Destroyers- Relentless and Immortal were going to accompany the Sovereign on her task. A welcome sight indeed. A grin moved slowly across his lips, his hearing was very good as he heard someone behind him. “Nice to see you Colonel.” Joe slowly added.
“Well great. How did you know?” Pel said a little on the mad side. Joe chuckled and sipped his hot cocoa and closed his eyes to savor the taste. “Your one of a kind Pel, can’t tell you, I’d give away my secrets.” Said Joe.
“Blah.” Pel sighed and took a chair next to Joe. Joe gazed at one of his oldest friends, and newest Flight Leader.
“What’s up with you?” Pel asked.
“I can't tell you, or I’d have to kill you.” Joe said slowly, grinning evilly.
“Ha Ha, very funny. But really, what’s wrong with you?” Pel asked yet again. Joe looked down, then out into space.
“I don’t know. I feel kinda empty.” Joe said slowly.
“Oh? Define empty.”
“Well…” Joe shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. What are you up to?”
“Nothing, bored crazy really.” Pel added with a yawn. Joe chuckled. “Did Phoenix ever wake up?” asked Joe. Pel suddenly laughed very hard, Joe immediately groaned. “Oh great, now what?” Joe asked.
“Well, while you were at your meeting, I checked on our Captain, to find him still asleep. So, I…well, I put his hand in warm water and left.” Pel said, finally calming down. Joe put his head in his hands, shaking it. “You're bad, you're just bad.”
Pel grinned and bowed. “Why thank you!”
Joe’s comlink came to life suddenly. “Major Joe, the training is about to start. Gather your pilots and meet me outside the main hangar’s doors. All 9 Wings that have been assigned to this operation are going to be there for you to brief” General Brian said, the grin is almost auditory. Joe groaned as Pel, again, laughed. “9 Wings?? How so many??” Joe asked, surprised.
“Well the Sov’s 7 Wings and the 2 Wings from our two escort ISDs.” General Brian added. “Oh. Alright sir, Resh Squadron will be there in a few minutes,” Joe said, shutting off his comlink and standing. “Get your flight and Phoenix’s Ready, have all of Resh meet me in the Squadron ready room” Joe said.
“Aye Aye Sir!” said Pel as he quickly turned and left. Joe took that moment and gazed out at the stars again. “To love...” Joe said softly and quickly shaking his head. “Not the time for this Major, get your act together and show the EH what you got” Joe quickly turned on his heals, and walked out the door to the ready room. This is going to be fun. Joe thought as a smile crossed his lips. Its time for a long fight with the Rebels that has been long overdue.
A squadron of TIE Defenders rocketed out of the Sov’s hangar bay. The blips on Major Joe’s console brought a smile to his lips. As the last of a total of 5 Wings pulled into formation with his fighter, Joe could feel the power, the sheer awesome power of leading this many Fighters into combat was one of the best highs a pilot can have. All fighters were waiting for his orders and he could feel the eyes of the Empire on his every move, this is the time for perfection, this is the time for victory. This was his moment, he is in his prime, he is leading one of the largest fighter attacks in history, this day will be long remembered and it is his, no one can take this from him now. Its time for his moment, his claim to history itself. For a month they have been planning and training for this mission, working out every possible detail, staying up to the early morning hours to work out every outcome this attack might bring.
He flipped his com signal over to fleet wide and spoke with a clear and power filled voice. “Grand Admiral Ronin, all fighters are in position, awaiting your command to enter hyper space sir.” The Grand Admiral was quick to return. “Our diversion entered the Rebel system 5 minutes ago, As we speak four Modified Frigates dozens of Corvettes and Assault Transports are attacking the space stations where the Rebel fighters are being developed. All ships, prepare for hyperspace on my command…” there was a pause that lasted almost eternity.. Then the GA spoke again. “Long Live the Empire, Mark.” At that moment Major Joe pulled back his Hyperspace lever and was shot into the galaxy ready for battle. Behind him, thousands of men and women were doing the exact same.
As hyperspace zoomed around him, the few minutes they were going to be in hyperspace Joe decided to go through his plan for attack. Wing One will be the closest behind his squadron and next to Wing One would be Wing Five. Both Wings were very strong Wings and would do exceptionally well in this battle. Joe checked his crono, 30 seconds. He flipped his cannons over to quad fire like always for maximum damage. He ran over all systems quickly, and when the time came he pulled back the lever and his ship jumped to realspace. His first thought was of confusion as an Imperial Modified Frigate was finishing its last moments in time and exploded into nothingness. Joe was quick to turn on his com, still aware that this plan was not going very well already. “This is Major Joe, all fighters break by Wings, attack your assigned targets and engage all fighters you can.” Joe then flipped his com over to Resh Squadron frequency. “Okay Resh break by Flights; Phantom, that nearest Cruiser is pounding our Frigates, take it out, Flight 3 go for escort.” Colonel Pel was the first to reply, “ Aye Aye sir, Phantom flight on me, arm proton torpedoes and rockets whoever has them.” Phantom flight responded and broke off on Pel, Captain Phoenix came back after a few seconds. “ Flight 3 Acknowledged, Everyone on me.” Phoenix broke off with his flight; Joe now switched to Flight One frequency. “Alright, listen up, there is more safety in numbers as is more firepower. We will attack as a squad. Understood?” As the flight replied his sensors started to bend around itself, then Joe realized what it was. Fleet Com was switched on “ Ghost fighters sighted! Start the net!” Joe switched to flight one “ Break off! Break off! Tri-Star maneuver and arm quad cannons!” He started the maneuver, but it was too late, Four was gone, taken by the enemy fighters. His Defender looped downward as did the other remaining members of Flight one, as they did the came back sharply cris-crossing at the same exact place. The returned on their attackers and opened fire. Two of the fighters hit their mark, One Ghost ship blew. Two and Three came back with cheers as the formed up on Joe once again. Joe switched to Fleet com. “This is Resh lead, the first Ghost fighter is destroyed.” That brought a lot of cheers through the fleet, and added to the moral. As he switched to Squadron Com, he glanced outward to see the Rebel Cruiser that Phantom Flight was harassing, was dying off, explosions racing through its hull, tearing metal and flesh alike.
By now a small fleet of Transports and Assault Transports were forming a electronic net in witch to tag the “Ghost” ships with an electronic signal which would render them visible to sensors. Thirty of the Ghost fighters were already tagged and being attacked. One Flight blasted through a flight group of Y-Wings making an attack run on the ISD Immortal. All four Y-Wings were soon joining their comrades who have already perished. After The rest of Resh returned to formation after taking out a rebel Frigate, Joe opened the com. “ Assault Craft, commence attack on production and research platforms. Destroy everything!” After each Wing Replied in turn, the assault squadrons were dispatched on their attack runs. Six Squadrons in total, split into two attacking groups, with two squadrons of TIE Defenders or TIE Advanced for escort. Joe switched his com to squadron frequency. “Alright Resh, lets take it in, Who ever still carries rockets or torpedoes in Phantom Flight better lock onto either platform, ETA- Two Minutes and we are at five klicks out. Arm weapons and fire at will” Pel was the first to respond, “Lead this is Five, Phantoms locking onto targets, ready to fire.” Joe took a breath, “Fire.” Pel smiled and let loose his dual torps and continue firing as Six did the same, Seven and Eight let lose their rockets on the 2nd huge platform. Both pair saved four warheads in each tube for the rest of the battle. Joe took a look at his sensors, the attacking six squadrons were taking casualties; they had waited to fire at close range. “Resh, its time to draw some fire off those fighters. Phantoms, engage your SLAMS and fire at targets of opportunity, draw the station’s guns if you can. Three Flight, take some of those fighters of the attackers. One, were going to try and cover Two Flight.” Phoenix came replied, “Three Flight ready, we’ll take the heat off them lead.” With that Three Flight peeled off and begun their strafing runs against the enemy fighters. Phantom Flight engaged their SLAMS and shot out towards the Rebel Platforms, successful in drawing the enemy’s turbolaser fire. A pilot from One Flight came over the com, “Come on Lead, let’s cover their asses!” LT Scarlet Guard said over the com. His TIE Defender shot ahead and quickly engaged an A-wing that was following the Phantoms, letting its pilot join the statistics. Phantom Flight made its run and was pulling away, not being hit once. Three Flight was performing excellently, raking up the kills. Joe took note of a flight group of Gunboats engaging six A-Wings. While the Gunboat was powerful, it didn’t have the speed of the more maneuverable A-Wings. Joe flipped over his com to flight one’s frequency. “One flight on me, time to save some friendlies.” His TIE Defender shot off to help his fellow pilots. “Fire missiles.” He said as he switched over to get a lock and found he immediately got a tone to fire. He squeezed the trigger shooting off two missiles at two A-Wings following the lead Gunboat. He quickly switched to quad cannons and opened fire on both, finishing them off as he watched Two and Three vanquish their opponents. His TIE flew parallel to the lead Gunboat. The Gunboat came on the com, “Thanks Resh Lead, I owe you one.” Joe smiled and returned the gesture. “No problem Ayilin Lead, and you buy the drinks.” Joe listened to a laugh and an agreement as the two starfighters parted their ways.
The battle was going well for the Empire. Both platforms were disabled and boarding teams had been dispatched. Two Mon Calamari Star Cruisers were in the area and attacking the Immortal. The Relentless was moving to engage the Mon Cal’s. Joe switched to Resh Squad Com frequency. “Resh this is Lead, Lets start cleaning up the enemy Fighters. Stick to the craft attacking the Sov or the other ISDs. Three Flight, keep an eye out for Phantom flight.” Phoenix Responded. “Aye Aye sir, Babysitting is fun I guess.” Joe could just picture the snickering coming from Three flight. Colonel Pel came back quickly. “Watch it Captain, or you and I will have a nice talk when we get back.” Pel said with a grin Joe imagined. “Uhh, Understood Colonel.” Said Phoenix. That brought a chuckle from both Pel and Joe. Joe turned to One Flight’s frequency. “One Flight, we are going to try and take care of the Ghost fighters that are close to the Sov. Hopefully nothing will take us by surprise. Be ready to get out of a dogfight on my command. I don’t want to loose another pilot.” Joe said, his thoughts turning to the only pilot he lost…. So far, hopefully there wouldn't be any more. Joe banked his TIE Defender back towards the largest contingent of Ghost fighters and armed advanced missiles. He locked onto a fighter that was firing upon a trio of TIE Bombers making a run at the Rebel Cruisers. He waited till he got a solid lock then he opened fire. Two red darts shot out from his TIE, rushing to catch up to the Rebel Fighters. The fighter turned hard to avoid the missiles. The first one missed, but the second hit its mark. As it did the cloaking field dissipated and Joe got the first real look at the new enemy fighter. It was only slightly smaller than an X-wing. And resembled the Emperor’s Hammer’s own Cloak Shape Fighter. Smooth lines and an awkward tail assembly looked very familiar. This brought a dozen questions to mind but Joe pushed them back. He started at the fighter shooting to its left then right, then above or below to counter its movements until it was within the Sov’s tractor beam emitters, which it now was. He switched to Ion cannons and fired a few volleys, knocking out all systems. He switched his com frequency for the Sov’s Bridge. “This is Major Joe, you have a disabled Ghost fighter in range of tractor beam. Take it in now!” Joe then switched to Flight One com. “This is lead, cover me, I got the Empire a prize and I’m going to deliver it” Lt. Scarlet Guard was the first to respond. “This is Two, Three and I are on our way, you're clear for the moment lead.” Joe nodded to himself. “Don’t let anything get through, we need this capture completed. At that moment the Sov Locked on with its tractor beam and hauled the small fighter into its hangar bay.
The com buzzed to life with a familiar, yet authoritarian voice. It was Fleet Admiral Kramer, “Good work Major, the fighter is in our hands. This a very big prize indeed.” And with that, the voice was gone. Joe smiled and banked in reverse to begin attacking the rest of the fighters. Two reserve squadrons from Wing Three joined the battle, one of which brought a smile to Joe, Beth Squadron. Beth squadron was his first assignment in the TIE Corps. He was in One Flight with Major Firebird. Soon after he joined he was given Flight Leader of Flight Two and he held that position for a little over a year. Think of the past when you have time Joe, not now.
Joe checked his sensors as Grand Admiral Ronin himself came over the fleet-wide com. “This is Ronin, The Rebels are fleeing. Defenders and Advanced chase them into Hyper space.” That brought a lot of cheers from the Fleet, we had won. Joe smiled and switched his Com over to Squadron. “Okay Resh, listen up, Flight One and Three will escort Two to unload the last of their heavy warheads on those cruisers, who knows what else we can pull out of this. Tighten it up on me, Lets give Two Flight enough room to play.” Resh Squadron tightened around Two Flight. Joe looked for the nearest inbound enemy, none was attacking his squadron. Joe took Resh on the low approach, coming in under the bellies of the big Rebel Cruisers. As they approached 5 klicks out he came on the com again. “Alright Colonel, you’re clear to fire, make them count. Aim for anything critical.” Pel responded, “Sure thing Lead, Two Flight acquiring targets.” The Mon Calamari they were targeting was crippled and trying to limp back to the jump point. They were now 3 klicks out. Joe switched over to quad cannons and was ready to open up when a squadron of Ghost Fighters came out of the starboard side hangar bay and headed straight for Resh just as Two Flight let loose their volleys of warheads, rockets and advanced torpedoes shot forward towards the Cruiser. “Okay look alive Resh we got company inbound, Target and fire at will.” Joe targeted the nearest enemy fighter and readied himself to fire. Just then, all the fighters launched missiles at their targets. “Switch to single fire and target the missiles! Break off! Break off!” Joe was already firing at his missile, which blew immediately then he switched to quad and dove below his attacker. He then pulled back up and behind the enemy fighter when his warning siren came on, he quickly banked left then rolled to the lower right. He risked a glance at his sensors, Oh great. Four enemy fighters were gunning for him alone. His cannons were still on quad fire as he found a Rebel fighter and let loose two blasts with each, which took down the enemy’s shields. Joe then quickly shot off another burst, which sent the fighter on a downward, fiery spiral, to meet his fate. Joe quickly turned about and came towards his attackers to break them up. The gamble worked as two paired off and another went it alone, Joe quickly switched to missiles and went after the duo that banked to his starboard. Joe quickly locked onto him and fired a missile, which found its mark quickly. The explosion rocked the TIE Defender but did no real damage as he quickly switched to quad cannons and opened fire on the now former wingman of his latest kill. The lone rebel fighter who broke to port was soon on his tail, firing when he can. Joe concentrated on the fighter in front of him and unloaded two volleys of quad fire into his shields. Joe side-slipped a little to the left as his attacker fired past him, and into the rear of his squadron-mate’s fighter, exploding the engine and sending the now dead fighter into space to explode. Joe brought his fighter around and quickly banked to the right, he didn’t realize how close to the Mon Cal he had become. His rear shields shook with near misses and a hit with the ship’s ion cannons. His shields were now down to 40%. Not good, NOT good! Joe quickly came about and tried to throw the gunners off their target. Joe’s eyes widdened, six fighters came out of the bay, directly at him. He started to bank to port as a missile rocked his fighter. His shields were now gone as he seen the fighters incoming. It’s a good day to die, Long live the Empire. Thought Joe as he awaited his fate, but to his surprise he was rocked with Ion cannons again, disabling his fighter. Argh! They plan to take my TIE! Over my dead body!. Joe quickly set the self-destruct and opened his personal long-range com. “This is Major Joe, I’m hit and disabled. Rebels are trying to take my TIE Defender. I have started self-destruct sequence and I am ejecting. I’m sending my position, Help would be appreciated.” He dared not wait for a response. Joe quickly popped his hatch and ejected to the vast cold space he loved so greatly. As his body flew away from his TIE he stared at it. Goodbye old friend. He thought as he seen the initial explosion of his fighter. That’s one fighter the Rebellion can’t use against the Empire.
A while passed and his oxygen was running out. It was cold, very cold. Joe couldn’t feel his fingers anymore. Hell of a way to die, but it was worth it; this was all worth it. Joe closed his eyes, maybe if he slept he wouldn’t be afraid of Death’s even colder embrace. At that moment, it all came together. The battle, the Empire, the Rebellion, the Galaxy, everything. Everything was calm, everything had a purpose. He was now at peace with all of it, he was ready.
The light was getting brighter, almost too bright to see. Joe raised his hands to cover his eyes, which were squinting to find what was the source of the light. After a brief scan, he found the source of the bright light, A medical droid. The Droid took the light from Joe’s eyes and backed away. Joe leaned back on the Med Bay bed and relaxed. I’m alive, I was rescued. He felt a presence through his force capabilities enter the Med Bay. He didn’t know this person, though he didn’t know many medical personnel on the Sovereign, far too many to know them all. The figure was still a blur to him as they stood by the bed. Joe made a guess, “Doctor?” Joe said questionably. “Far from” the voice replied the tone low and serious. “Name and Rank.” Added the voice. His mind started to twirl, what is going on? Joe tried to sit up to find himself restrained to the bed, everything except his arms. “What is this? What is going on??” Joe said, trying to stay calm. “You are onboard the New Republic cruiser you tried to destroy a week ago. Now again, Name and Rank.” The voice came back. Joe’s mind finally understood what was going on. He had been rescued all right, but by the wrong side. The Rebels now had him. Well this is just great. I must escape somehow. He gathered himself together and looked into the person’s eyes. “Major Joe Knight.” Is all Joe replied. “Why did you attack our production yards?” the voice questioned. “Well I needed some more kill markings on my TIE.” Joe replied sarcastically, which brought a quick punch to the gut. Joe started to groan, but kept it within. “That wasn’t far from the truth you know. You were in the area, you were to be wiped out.” Said Joe bravely. The voice shook his head. “You will tell us everything we want to know, and in the end, you will join us.” “Over my dead body.” Joe shot back. “That’s the idea Major.” The voice said coldly. “Since you are a higher ranking officer, you have been given quarters onboard. You will be under heavy guard at all times. Try and escape and you will be shot on sight. Understand?” The voice questioned. Joe simply nodded. At that moment four guards came and took off all restraints on him and hauled him to his feet. As he was dragged from the Med Bay, he noticed that he was still wearing his flight suit, though everything in his pockets had been taken out, it was better than the odd orange Rebel jumpsuit.
As the guards stopped in front of a door and opened it, Joe caught something out of the corner of his eye. He tried to turn his head to look but instead was thrown Into the room where a rather grotesque creature, in Joe’s eye’s, greeted him. The Rodian pointed at Joe and spoke rather surprisingly good basic. “This will be your quarters, you are not to leave here unless called upon. At which point your shadows will.. “Escort” you.” Joe nodded and slowly went over to his bed, looking at every detail of the room on his way there. The Rodian began to leave then looked back. “Escape is futile, there is no way out of here. Besides where would you go?” Said the Rodian, as it laughed and exited the room. Joe was now by himself again. It was time to think up a plan.
The ensuing weeks was anything but a vacation for the Imperial Pilot. He had been tortured several times and sat in a chair as he was asked questions for what it seemed like days. He was making progress on his escape plane. One of the nurses that repeatedly checked up on him was a rather shy human female. Joe put on his most dashing smile every time she entered and always treated her like a queen. He needed her help if he was to escape. He just needed to push it a bit further, maybe by next week he would be in his own quarters if things went well.
The next time the nurse entered he greeted her as usual, except he very slowly and cautiously gave her a kiss on the cheek. She immediately blushed and grinned at Joe. “Not now Major, you need your medication.” Said the woman with a soft voice. Joe raises one of his eye brows and grinned. “So does that mean later then?” Joe said just as soft. The dark red haired woman blushed softly as she administered the medicine. Then she looked into Joe’s eyes. “ You know. You have been the nicest person on this ship to me. How could they think you’re all that bad?” She said as she turned to exit, then she stopped and turned around. Joe smiled brightly at her. She walked quickly to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek and quickly exited. He grinned at that and waved. He felt confident that his plan would work now. She was falling into his web. Hmm, I just hope I’m not falling into a web of my own doings. Be careful Joe; do not mix business with pleasure. Joe shook his head at the thought of turning this young woman’s feelings into nothing more than an escape plan, what has he come to? Then he reminded himself why he needed to return as soon as possible. The rebels were already about to release a new fighter according to the so-called “secure” holonet messages from New Republic Command. They were also going on the offensive in three days, so he had to act quick if he was to get the message back to the fleet. Time was running out, and that’s one thing he didn’t have.
The nurse, Jessie, walked down the corridor near the med bay slowly. A soft smile was on her lips. The prisoner was a gentleman, not the cold-blooded killer that all Imperials are made out to be. He was different from the rest, his heart was pure. As she entered the med bay she turned to her station and replaced the small kit she carried with her for emergencies. She then sat in her chair and closed her eyes; She would indulge in her dreams for a few minutes before returning to work. But that chance she didn’t get, a sudden and loud voice disrupted her. “Lieutenant..” Announced the Chief Security. Jessie almost fell off her chair as she stood quickly and snapped to attention. “Yes sir?” She asked a little shaken. The Chief, a rather tall man, with jet-black hair and very well built form looked at her, very serious. “I have been informed that you have been in contact with our prisoner on a regular basis, and that he talks to you. Is this correct?” He finally asked. Jessie looked at him a moment then nodded. “Yes sir. I have been instructed to give him medicine twice a day until next week.” The Chief nodded and continued, “We need your help.” She looked at him rather oddly. “Help sir?” she asked. “Yes, help. We haven’t been able to break him and we need you to get information from him.” He said with a solid face. “Sir you can not possible ask me to do such a thing! Its wrong!” Jessie exclaimed. “Oh? Maybe your acquiring feelings for this Imperial scum?” he asked rather harshly. She straightened, “No! I could never love an Imperial!” she paused then quickly added, “Sir.” The tall man looked at her then he eyed her. “I didn’t say a word about love Lieutenant, you did.” Jessie could now feel his eyes staring lasers into her. His gaze was harsh and almost evil itself. “You know what I meant sir.” She said. He grinned, “Yes, I did Lieutenant. That’s why you’re going to help us get information. To prove that you do not have feelings for this Imperial.” He finally said with a small grin finally. Jessie knew there was no way out of it, she had to do it now. She nodded slowly. “Yes sir, I'll help you.” She said softly. “Good, his next dose is in 5 hours. When you enter his room you will be wearing listening device. You will give him his medicine. If he asks you to stay do so, sit with him and talk.” She looked at him. “What you don’t have bugs in the room already?” she said sarcastically. The man just grinned. “Ofcourse, but apparently he has found a way around them. But we don’t want to tip him off, so we are sending you in.” He said in a pure evil tone. Jessie groaned. This will not be fun job she thought to herslef. “Report to Security in 2 hours. There you will be briefed on what you are supposed to pry for.” He said. She nodded and the man left.
After he was gone, she slumped down in her chair and put her face in her hands. Great, just great. What did you get yourself into now? You don’t love him! He is Imperial, the Empire took your fianc?e away from you! Why should you love one of them? Hmm? This cant be happening. She turned to her workstation to try and occupy her mind, but to no avail. It still throbbed with possibilities, ideas. She did not like her job here. It was far too boring. This past engagement was the first time she had been in combat. She wanted a life of action. The New Republic was now doing things only the Empire would do. Secret surveillance, and entrapment. Doing twisted things to get what they want. For all the thinking she could do, she could not find a huge difference between the New Republic and the Empire. They had almost become the same. Jessie sighed and set to work on a plan, a plan for a new way of life.
Joe turned on his side. The bed wasn’t the most comfortable in the world but it was a bed. He sat up, unable to sleep as the door chimed and opened. And there she was as beautiful as ever. Jessie moved inside the door and close to him. She was different this time, almost upset. She smiled at him and opened her kit. “Hello” She said softly. Something wasn’t right, this situation is different. Why is she so nervous? Maybe security is on to her, and I. I’m going to have to act quicker now. Joe thought as the medicine was administered. Jessie stood closing her kit and smiled again. “Would you care to sit for a minute? I know you’re busy though.” Joe asks. “Yeah, I would.” Replied Jessie as she took a seat beside him on the bed. Voice recording? Holocams? What is going on here? Thought Joe. “May I ask you a question Jessie?” Joe asked. “Of course” She replied. Joe moved closer to her. “Do you like what you do? And where you’re at?” Joe said softly. Jessie was staring into space as she replied, “I, well, Yes I do. Everyone is really nice to me.” She said carefully, remembering the device planted on her. Joe studied her reactions carefully for any hint of outside involvement. He found it. Jessie tried to turn herself at a particular uncomfortable angle, allowing the collar of her uniform to be the closest part of her body to him. A bug, they bugged her. “I see. Me too.” Joe added. They were listening to him, so that means that they were on to him or they wanted to see if he had plans on escaping. Either way, they won’t get what they came for. “I mean right now, granted I’m not flying, the New Republic is growing on me." Joe said, with a knowing grin on his face.
Joe sat on his bed going over this final plans on escape. One more day till the NR attacks.. Now is the time for action. Joe stood and went to the freasher to wash his face. He had set into motion a set of events which would aid his escape. There was an Imperial Intel agent on board that he has had contact with. The agent's name here was Commander Ruling. Commander Ruling was in charge of communications onboard which is perfect for him. The Commander got word to the Emperor's Hammer about Joe's capture but thats as much as he could risk at the time.
Joe looked at his crono, almost time for his medicine. The day before, Joe had slipped a writen note inside Jessie's pocket. In the note Joe stated that he wanted to escape, but didnt want to leave here without her. I just hope NR Intel hasnt gotten to her fully. Joe waited for her to come, waited for his escape.
After an hour she came with the medicine, she brought a willing face upon her. Joe knew it was time to act. She slipped a datapad into his pocket and then she left. Things were falling into place now. Joe pulled out the datapad and read it. Inside was a detailed plan of escape. The next time she would come, she would be bringing a preasent along with her, a blaster. She also included ships they could steel in the bay that is out of the way of the main ships. A fast little two man A-wing looked rather nice, that would be his target.
The hours seemed to go slower this time, as Joe tried to run over his plan of attack. He would have to be quick if he was to make it out alive. First the guards, then the rest of the plan would fall into place.. hopefully. As the hour approached he was ready, ready to go home.
The door opened and Jessie came in and nodded to him. He stood with a smile and welcomed her and asked her how she was. She said she was fine as they huged, exchanging the blaster at the same time. She administered the medicine as usual and proceeded to leave. As she exited his quarters she turned and smiled at the two guards posted there. One of them mock bowed to her, his mistake. Joe was out the door in a heart beat and had the blaster burried under the man's chin. He fired. Joe then quickly took the man's viroblade and slit the other guard's throat before he had a chance to call for help. Jessie stood back alittle, still not used to bloodshed. Joe quickly changed into the guard's uniform and took Jessie's arm and proceeded down the corridor. They made it most of the way before the alarms went off. "Crap, they're on to us." Joe said with a low growl. "Come on.. got to hurry." They both ran as fast as they could to the bay, takeing out two guards when they approached.
Joe quickly scanned and found the A-Wing. Taking Jessie's hand he pulled her to the Awing and helped her inside. A shot came streaking through the air hitting the bulkhead beside Joe. Joe fired off a few shots keeping the attacker's heads down. The then hopped in the Awing and started her up as he closed the hatch. He lifted off and turned the A-wing to the other fighters that were in the bay and fired off several shots, disableing alot of them. Joe swung the nose around and shot out of the bay. "Its now or never." said Joe, working as fast as he could on a HS vector. That is when Joe relized where he was at, In the middle of the NR attacking force. "Well this ought to be fun, Jessie, hold on tight." said Joe as Jessie did like he said. Two X-Wings came at them quickly, Joe darted through the middle of them and headed for the edge of the armada. I will not die like this, and I wont let her die either. He banked hard to avoid a few shots from an X-Wing in pursuit.
Thirty Seconds till he could jump. Joe was dodgeing and weaving as much as he can. Suddenly a missle tone came on his speakers, he quickly manuvered to port and shot around and fired at his attack which quickly broke away. Joe continued on course, the time was now running down, "5 seconds , 4, 3, 2, 1, mark!" Joe said as he quickly pulled back the HS lever. The swirrls of HS quickly surrounded him, a sigh of relief engulfed him. Im free. Joe thought to himself. He thought about Jessie and smiled, "You okay back there?"he said. "Yeah, just a bit, well nervous." Jessie said uneasily. Joe smiled, "So was 1 about a few minutes ago.", That brought a chuckle form her. "Its not a long jump, I just hope they wont shoot us down when we get there." Joe said slowly. "Oh that's just great.." she said. "The sooner I tell them who I am, better our chances." Joe said with a smile.
As the small A-wing shot through hyperspace toward Aurora Prime, it's pilot looked out the side of the canopy at the motted lines of such space travel. The thought of finally returning back to his squadron and his home.. the SSSD Sovreign, brought a smile to his lips. He had been absent for close to a month, in the hands of the Rebels. But to his munipulative skills, he was able to recruit help and escape what was to be a rather long stent in Rebel hands. His thoughts now turned back to young woman who lays asleep in the back seat of the two seat cockpit of the small craft. Jessie, as coensidently as it may be, was a young and naive Lieutenant from the Rebellion. She has been the medical aide who had helped him survive his time out in hard vacume after ejecting from his fighter in the last battle he was in. She was a rather beautiful woman, not quite six feet tall, shoulder length flowing red hair and a pair of deep blue eyes. Her time in the New Republic was not exciting, and being young, she longed for the excitement which occured all too frequently on and near the boarder seperating the Rebel space from Emperor's Hammer space. It is that longing for excitement, and the way he showed her his dashing side, that led her to help in his escape from the Rebel Cruiser which took him prisoner. And now, she is about to enter a new world, a new life. What lies ahead for her, he doesnt know. But now he feels resonsible for her, for her safety. It wont be easy for him to keep EH Intel off her, but maybe, just maybe, she can help the EH in some way. Since when did I become compashionate? Joe sighed mentally, Im getting soft in my old age.
Joe looked to watch the reversion time count down to three minutes, then he striaghtened up. "Jessie?" he said.
"Hmm?" She said in a sleepy tone.
"We have alittle under three minutes till revision, I thought you might want to be awake." he said. "Oh, thank you." She said, trying to wake up the rest of the way.
Joe redied himself, incase something went wrong. And it always does. As the remaining seconds clicked away, he brought the tiny fighter out of Hyperspace about 10 clicks away from a Imperial Modified Frigate. He quickly turned to the Imperial Com frequency. " This is Major Joe of Wing Six, Requesting assistance." Two long heartbeats after, they replied. "This is the M/FRG Retaliator, send your Identification code immediatly." The com came across somewhat surprised. Joe smiled as he entered in his personal ID code and sent it to the ship.
The M/FRG sent thier acknowledgement and came back over the comm. "Welcome back to the Fleet Major, Four Tie Interceptors are on thier way to escort you back to the Sovreign."
"Thank you." Joe replied, then clicked off the comm. He smiled a bit.. " Well that was easy." He said aloud.
"Yeah, it was." Jessie replied.
Joe almost replied as the TIE Interceptors pulled into escort positon, then stopped short. Well shit, my big mouth. No sooner did the TIEs pull into escort position did a squadron of X-Wings slide out of Hyper Space no more than 2 clicks behind him, already arming warheads. He quickly switched his engines to full, knowing very well he was faster than the X-Wings.
He then switched to the TIE frequency. " Interceptors, X-Wings are on our tails, break by pairs and engage, dont worry about my ass worry about yours." he said in a serious tone.
Pointing the nose of the fighter towards the M/FRG he opened up his thrust to full. He spared a look at his Sensors and seen four of the Rebel fighters trying for a lock on him. Not in this lifetime buddy. Joe brought the A-Wing under the Retaliator on an arc that would bring it back around over the top to point back down at the X-Wings, and they knew it. His attackers started to lead him a bit waiting from him to come over the top of the cap ship. But that didnt happen, midway through the arc, and out of thier view, he doubled back and came back under the frigate, dual warheads locking on to a fighter and opening fire. Red lances shot out from his fighter and ripped into an X-Wing's exposed aft, his sheilds at double front. Joe quickly switched to lasers and brought his targeting box to bear on the exploding fighter's wingman. He opened fired as the trio of fighters broke off in seperate vectors. He kept with his current target, taking down his shields with each shot.
The frigate was now fireing at the enemy fighters with one kill already, it's compliment of TIE Interceptors were already engaging the fledgeling force. To his surprise, a pair of bolts lanced against his shields. Suddenly Two TIE Defenders flashed past him both now with one kill more than they had seconds ago. The exceptionaly manuverable fighters came alongside his A-Wing once he finished off his opponent.
"Bout time you joined the party Captains." Joe said with a grin.
"Hey, you were the one on vacation, I wouldnt be talking" the reply came with a small chuckle from Captain Phoenix's fighter.
"Yeah AND you brought someone back with you. Damn your good." added Captain Nemesis. " And dont you forget it!" Joe smiled. He brought his A-Wing around to point towards the large ship hovering over Aurora Prime, the SSSD Soverign. As the two Defenders took his wing, he smiled. Then he remembered about Jessie in the back. He turned on the internal comm. " Hey you okay back there??" Joe said.
"I think... not sure about my stomach though." Jessie said, sickly. Joe chuckled. " Im sorry about that."
"Deffinatly not your fault, they tried to kill us both." she added slowly. Joe nodded a bit. " We will be arriving on the Soverign in five minutes." He added.
The following few months since his return, has been odd to say the least. Colonel Pel, his 2nd Flight Leader, was now a Commadore onboard the ISD Intrepid, And now a Rear Admiral. Quite a bit of a jump. General Brian too a volentary demotion to the rank of Colonel and was placed as a Flight Member in the Elite Omega Squadron. In his place was the newly promoted Major Timbal. Timbal was a good Officer and a former CMDR in Wing Six, and did his best to fill the large shoes of his predecessor.
During the first battle, 1/3 of Resh Squadron was taken out and many were injured. The battle as a whole went very well, all of the Facilties were wiped out as well as a large portion of the Rebel Fleet in that Sector. The EH on the other hand, Sustained a few losses, 3 Frigates and half a dozen corvettes were destroyed, Fighter losses mounted in the mid 50's, Close to an entire Wing of fighters.
Joe shook his head and looked out the viewport in his Wing's briefing room. He sipped his caf and took a look down. What surprised him more than all of that, was his recent promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. His new rank badge sat proudly on his chest. He took a breath then smirked a bit. "What do you need Captain?" Joe said mid tone.
"Damn it." Captain Nemesis chuckled. "One of thease days i will sneak up on you."
"Not likely." Joe smiled and turned to face him. " What can i do for you?"
"Well Sir, I was wondering out the 2nd Flight Leader position." Nemesis asked awkwardly "Dont worry, your the Flight Leader Captain. I need my best in the best positions I have." Joe said. Nemesis nodded smartly. " Thank you Sir, your confidence is well placed." The young captain said. " I know it is Captain, Dismissed." Nemesis saluted and exited. Joe streached and looked down at the Wing roster, and frowned at how many pilots it needs to rebuild to full strength.
He looked at his crono and yawned. Feeling someone come close yet again. " I hate early mornings Major." Joe said slowly.
"As do I." Timbal said. "I see you recived my message. FA Kramer wants a word with you, again." Joe nodded and handed a datapad to Timbal.
" This is my personnel request for Resh." Joe said. " Ill see to it personaly LC." Timbal said with a nod.
"Thanks." Joe smiled. He walked out of the Wing briefing room and makes his way to Kramer's Office for one more meeting. He took a breath and knocked twice, then waited for 'Enter' and proceeded inside. Once inside he saluted smartly. "Reporting as ordered Sir." Joe said in a serious tone.
"Take a seat LC." Kramer said, still busy with paperwork. Kramer was finishing proofreading his daily reports, then slowly set the datapad down on the desk. Kramer looked at Joe for a moment. "EH Intel wants to keep your friend Lieutenant Jessie in custody for an undisclosed period of time. They, ofcourse in thier all knowing ways, think she is a Rebel spy sent here to learn of our operations and use you as a way of securing communications with them" Kramer said slowly.