TFTC-TC 2: Anti-Rogue Squadron: The Bacta War

General Information

Title: Anti-Rogue Squadron: The Bacta War

Number of Missions: 9

Original Upload Date: 2024-06-10

Author: Jagged Fell III

Thyferran Campaign Medal

Readme Background

The Expanded Universe has held a special place in many of our hearts and minds, me especially. One of my favorite book series was the X-Wing Series by Michael A Stackpole and Aaron Allston. It was these stories that motivated me to pick up X-Wing Alliance back in the early 2000's. I previously released versions of this battle as two separate XWA battles XWA-TC 72 and XWA-TC 73. Here I am setting out to make an upgraded version of this campaign using the assets of the TFTC/XWAU mod. The baseline missions are the same between this battle and the previous two but this battle makes use of the better visuals of TFTC/XWAU and the ability to have larger fleet battles and adds a mission.

This battle is based upon the story laid out in the books X-Wing: The Krytos Trap and X-Wing: The Bacta War by Michael A Stackpole. The events of the books have necessarily changed due to the Emperor's Hammer's involvement during the first two books, see my previous Battle.

From our first Battle with them, Rogue Squadron's attempt to take Borleias to be a staging point for their attack on Coruscant failed due to the TIE Corps timely intervention. And things were looking like they would continue with the Emperor's Hammer's, and by extension the Empire's, continued dominance over the New Republic.

But the New Republic deceived the Empire's Intelligence Division and our forces were drawn into two feint attacks, allowing the bulk of the New Republic's forces to attack and capture Coruscant. We have rightly been humbled by this turn of events and are now searching for a way to support Isard's Empire in its effort to topple the New Republic and retake Coruscant.

Script

Mission 1: The Battle of Yag'Dhul

Commander's Briefing

We here in the Emperor's Hammer are still ashamed of how we were led into the Rebels' trap. How their feint attacks at both Kessel and Chandrila allowed them to occupy our forces, while they moved on Imperial Center, is a stain on Battlegroup III and the Emperor's Hammer as a whole. A stain we will work tirelessly to blot out.

High Command is confused at how utterly duped the Imperial Security Bureau of Ysanne Isard's Empire was by the rebels' misdirection. And our decision of following Isard's lead turned this Battlegroup into little more than another Imperial Navy sub-command, along with the ineffectualness against the criminals of the Rebel Alliance that her Empire has become known for. This will not happen again. We will continue to support Isard, but never again will we suborn our tactical autonomy to her command again.

Reports from Coruscant's fall are very troubling to us in the Emperor's Hammer. By all accounts, Isard withdrew most of the defensive fleet from orbit around the planet in the days and weeks leading up to the Rebels' assault. At first this made no sense to us in the TIE Corps. But the reports of widespread plague within the non-human populations on the former Imperial world begin to inform Isard's plan. It seems that she, along with General Derricote, have engineered a virus that exclusively afflicts non-humans with a highly contagious, and deadly, disease that they have named Krytos. This illness is fully treatable in the early stages of infection with Bacta therapy, but the sheer size of the population Isard and Derricote have infected has the real possibility of financially ruining the rebels' New Republic, and the infighting over Bacta supplies is threatening to tear their fledgling government apart.

We in the Emperor's Hammer are horrified at the tactics that Isard has engaged in and would never authorize or condone this wanton attack on the civilian populace of the galaxy. Our mission is to wrest the control of this galaxy back into proper Imperial hands, not to kill all who are non-human. In fact, many of our finest officers in the TIE Corps and the Emperor's Hammer at large, are members of some of the affected species of this virus. As such, we will be endeavoring to secure a larger Bacta supply for our forces to allow for rapid treatment of any infected personnel.

While we would not have participated in the creation or distribution of this virus, we are willing to use its effects to bring down the murderers of our beloved Emperor. As such, many of our targets will be chosen to deny them to the New Republic and therefore increase the pressures on their government in the hope that the public will realize the superiority of Imperial order over this near lawless anarchy under their control. Our first target for securing a Bacta reserve will be a station in the Yag'Dhul system that we, and the New Republic, have heard rumors of having a sizable supply.

To further the pressures on the New Republic, it would be ideal if any outside observers believed that New Republic forces had seized this Bacta. This would lead the public to assume that more of the precious medicine should be freely available to them and that would then put pressure on the New Republic to release more of their military reserves in an effort to hide their lack of a stockpile. Therefore, we will be sending fighters from Infiltrator Wing aboard the MC90 Mon Calamari Cruiser Renegade to convince the station masters at Yag'Dhul to release the Bacta to our rebel-make transport craft.

As Wing XXII does not have a Wing Commander currently assigned, Lieutenant Colonel Denys Elara, of Wing X aboard the Class II Imperial Star Destroyer Challenge, will perform the detailed briefing for today's mission.

Tactical Briefing Text

We are wanting to hide our involvement in this raid and sow confusion in the New Republic on the amount of Bacta available. As such, we will be sending you, Lieutenant Commander Auten and the rest of Firebird Squadron Flight 3.

You will travel to the Yag'Dhul system and convince the station there to release their Bacta stores to our transport. They may attempt to resist, but they likely will not be able to muster a serious force to oppose you.

Once the local forces have been pacified, radio for our transport to enter the system and collect the Bacta. You must protect them in their mission.

After they have collected the Bacta, escort them back to the Sanjin System where our Battlegroup is currently operating.

If any unforeseen complications arise, deal with them using your own discretion.

Radio Messages

<AD Stryker> Firebird, go get us some Bacta

<LCM Auten> Roger sir. We will

<LCM Auten> Yag'Dhul Station, this is Green Squadron. We are here to secure your Bacta supplies to help with the Krytos relief efforts. Transmit the boarding codes for our freighter

<Yag'Dhul> You can't just come in here and take our Bacta, we won't let you!

<LT Russ> Their fighters just powered up their weapons

<LCM Auten> Let's show them we mean business

<LCM Auten> Yag'Dhul Station still waiting for those boarding codes

<Yag'Dhul> Alright, you can have the stupid Bacta. Sending the codes

<LT Russ> Here is our freighter now. Maybe we can wrap this up in time for us to get a game of sabacc in before dinner tonight

<LCM Auten> Keep a look out for any funny business, this mission isn't over yet

<LT Russ> Well, you said it. This mission isn't over yet

<LT Russ> That is all their fighters. Looks like the Gozanti is running away

<LCM Auten> Everyone, train your sensors on that Gozanti, full power. I want to know where they are going

<LCM Auten> Get the freighter back to the Fleet, I am going to follow that Gozanti and see if I can find out who they were

<LT Russ> Roger that. Good luck and don't get killed

<LCM Auten> Thanks, I'll try not to

<LCM Auten> I am going to inspect the wreckage to see if I can find anything to tell us where they came from

<LCM Auten> I got their navi computer records. I am going to follow their course back to where they came from to see if I can find out who they were. Get the freighter back to the Fleet

<LT Russ> Roger that. Good luck and don't get killed

<LCM Auten> Thanks, I'll try not to

<LCM Auten> The Gozanti ran. Let's finish these fighters and see if we got enough data from our sensor records to figure out where they went

<LT Russ> That is all their fighters

<LCM Auten> Ok, I got their course from our sensor records. Get the freighter back to the Fleet, I am going to follow that Gozanti and see if I can find out who they were

<LT Russ> Roger that. Good luck and don't get killed

<LCM Auten> Thanks, I'll try not to

<LCM Auten> Well, that's it for the Gozanti. Let's finish these fighters

<LCM Auten> I am going to inspect the wreckage to see if I can find anything to tell us where they came from

<LCM Auten> I got their navi computer records. I am going to follow their course back to where they came from to see if I can find out who they were. Get the freighter back to the Fleet

<LT Russ> Roger that. Good luck and don't get killed

<LCM Auten> Thanks, I'll try not to

This is too many enemies to take on alone. I should gather intel on the nearby forces and then report back to the Renegade

Alright, that is all the nearby forces inspected, I should leave as soon as possible to make sure this information makes it back to the Fleet

<LCM Auten> Renegade, I have intelligence on the forces that attacked us in the Yag'Dhul system and am coming in for debriefing

Victory Briefing

The attack on our forces in the Yag'Dhul system by the Warlord Zsinj is troubling, but possibly not a source for undue concern. Our pilots were masquerading as New Republic personnel at the time of the assault, and therefore it is likely that Zsinj had no idea of our true identity and was only striking out at the criminal government of the New Republic. We will continue to covertly observe his operations that you have uncovered but plan no further reprisal at this time.

Good work defending our transport as it secured the Bacta from the Yag'Dhul station, it has already seen some limited use as a few members of our Battlegroup have experienced symptoms of the Krytos Virus already. The supply you captured, along with our existing stores, have been more than enough to eradicate this disease in our personnel, but High Command has directed us to acquire an even larger supply next time.

Mission 2: A Trip Home

Commander's Briefing

We have recently received reports of increased rates of Krytos Virus infections within Emperor’s Hammer territory. While Aurora's supplies of bacta should be plenty to aid our non-human populations, it has been decided to transport some of the bacta we recently acquired at Yag'Dhul back to our home system. At the same time we will also be sending the latest research results we have from our studies of this virus.

You, Lieutenant Commander Fell and Major Prost Varsis, will transport the precious cargo back to Aurora and then courier anything High Command has for us back. It is vital that you are not followed back to Emperor’s Hammer territory or give our current location away.

Lieutenant Colonel Elara will now give the detailed briefing.

Tactical Briefing Text

We have changed the transponder of General Master’s Vornskr to Storm Wind for this mission. Let us hope its distinctive coloring does not draw undo attention.

You will pick up the cargo container of bacta and transport it to the Sullust customs facility.

You must stop there to pay the bribe so that they do not log your hyperspace traffic through their system on your way to the Alpha Sector.

Once the bribe has been accepted, bring the bacta to the Torpedo Sphere Empress Teta, above Eos, and deliver it to the area they direct you to.

Once that is completed you may go aboard one of the orbital stations there and go on a 72 hour liberty.

You are not to show any hostilities in the Sullust system, but if you are followed, leave no witnesses.

Radio Messages

<MAJ Varsis> I see the container, let’s go grab it

<LCM Fell> Bacta tank secured for transport

<AD Stryker> Safe travels Storm Winds, see you in a few days

<LCM Fell> Ok, Prost, give me the course to Sullust and we can get this show on the road

<SCA> This is Sullust Customs Authority to freighter transiting the system, state your name, cargo, and destination

<MAJ Varsis> This is freighter Storm Wind carrying food stuffs to Bith

<SCA> Place your cargo next to the beacon 3 for our customs inspection. Once completed you will be allowed to proceed on your way

<MAJ Varsis> Do you have any plans for your leave back home in Aurora?

<LCM Fell> I got a hot date planned with that transport pilot I met a while back. We are going to a cantina next to a waterfall in Kalona and then for an overnight trip to a beach resort in New Laconica. You got any plans?

<MAJ Varsis> Not too many. Just going to check on my apartment and then pickup some stuff for the rest of the squad

<LCM Fell> Really, like what?

<MAJ Varsis> Mostly booze. The Commander wants some Whyren’s Reserve and Locke just asked for more chalquila

<LCM Fell> What? Master didn’t ask for booze too?

<MAJ Varsis> Oh, no he asked for everything they are getting three times over. But he also asked for this weird datapad on wood for some reason

<LCM Fell> Hey, you have been with the EH for longer than I have, do you think this “inspection” is taking longer than it should?

<MAJ Varsis> Sullust Customs Authority, why is this inspection taking so long?

<SCA> We’ll be done when we say we’re done

<LCM Fell> Looks like they took the bribe

<SCA> Inspection complete, you may now be on your way

<LCM Fell> Ok, let’s get to Aurora

<LCM Fell> Why did we drop out of hyperspace early?!

<MAJ Varsis> Checking...the sensors say we ran into an unexpected gravity well...Looks like we have pirates trying to steal the bacta

<Pirates> We are here for that bacta. Drop it and power down your systems if you know what is good for you

<MAJ Varsis> Release the cargo so that we can maneuver

<LCM Fell> Get on those turret controls and let’s show these scum that they picked the wrong freighter to try to rob!

<MAJ Varsis> That heavy lifter is going for the bacta!

<MAJ Varsis> That did it, the gravity well is gone. We just got to eliminate these pirates and we can be on our way

<MAJ Varsis> That is it for those pirates, circle back to the bacta and let’s finally get to Aurora

<MAJ Varsis> That is it for those pirates, I think the gravity well generator is in that container. Destroy it and let’s finally get to Aurora

<Aurora> Storm Wind, you are a bit later than we expected

<LCM Fell> We had to deal with a few lurkers along the way

<Aurora> I look forward to your debriefing then. Release the bacta at the station

<LCM Fell> I always forget how big the Empress Teta is

<MAJ Varsis> It certainly is impressive, I see the station over there. Let’s drop off this cargo and get you to that hot date of yours

<Aurora> Good work Storm Wind, land at the orbital station for your debriefing

Victory Briefing

Good work transporting this bacta to Aurora, and taking care of those pirates who were foolish enough to try to rob you. We have identified the customs official at Sullust who sold your information to the pirates and Emperor’s Hammer agents will soon be paying them a visit.

You are now on a 72 hour liberty and are free to spend that time here or catch a shuttle to anywhere within the system. Ensure that you are back here once your liberty is up as we will have important cargo for you to carry back to the Challenge.

Mission 3: A Captured Convoy

Commander's Briefing

In the weeks since our raid on Yag'Dhul more members of vulnerable populations within the Battlegroup have contracted this Krytos Virus, even with the strict decontamination and quarantine requirements we have put in place for all our personnel. This has highlighted that we need a large supply of Bacta to meet all possible future needs of the Battlegroup. Fortunately, we know of just such a supply ripe for the taking. A convoy of over 20 transports, filled with the precious medicine, is being moved from Thyferra to Coruscant, and we are going to capture that convoy.

The convoy is supposed to meet up with New Republic X-Wings in the Exodeen System and transit through Alderaan on its way to Coruscant. Imperial Intelligence agents will delay the planned New Republic fighters while X-Wings from Eagle Squadron will pose as their replacements. The goal of this operation is to convince the convoy to alter its planned hyperspace course to traverse the Grandine System where the Interdictor Cruiser Fairchild and the Renegade will be waiting to capture the transports and their cargo.

The last-minute change in guardian forces will likely put the freighter pilots on alert and make them suspicious of any alterations to the original plan suggested by our fighters. So, we will stage a false assault on the convoy to cause a distraction and help Eagle Squadron earn the trust of the freighter captains. Typhoon Squadron flying in TIE Advanced fighters will attack the convoy as it passes through the Alderaan System. Eagle Squadron is to attack Typhoon and drive them off. Remember, no TIE Corps fighters are to be destroyed in this feint, on either side.

Once the false attack has been foiled, convince the convoy captains that due to the forces lying in wait on this route, they should alter course to follow you to the Grandine System for a safer route. Once in Grandine, we will capture the convoy, one way or another.

Remember that your fellow Emperor's Hammer soldiers are counting on this Bacta and you are to ensure that most, if not all, of the convoy alter course and make it to Grandine.

Once again Lieutenant Colonel Elara of Wing X will give the final operational briefing for today's mission.

Tactical Briefing Text

The rebel convoy is expecting New Republic X-Wings to meet them in the Exodeen System and escort them in their last few jumps to Coruscant. As such, you Colonel Prower, and half of Eagle Squadron will pose as New Republic fighters for this operation.

Once you join the convoy, travel with them to the Alderaan System where our feint attack will take place.

Typhoon Squadron has volunteered to fly as the opposition force today in TIE Advanced fighters.

You are to engage them in mock combat. To make the attack look real to the freighter pilots both Eagle and Typhoon Squadron will be using full power laser fire.

However, no TIE Corps personnel are to be harmed in this feint. Each side should stop attacking before they cause hull damage. Typhoon is to withdraw once they come under fire.

Once Typhoon has all withdrawn, use the attack to convince the convoy to alter course to travel through the Grandine System where the MC90 Renegade and the Interdictor Cruiser Fairchild will be waiting to capture them.

You must protect the convoy until it reaches our trap and ensure most, if not all of the convoy makes it to Grandine. Your fellow officers in the Emperor's Hammer are relying on you securing this Bacta shipment.

Radio Messages

<AD Stryker> Remember Colonel Prower, you must get the convoy to follow you to the Grandine System. And don't destroy any member of Typhoon Squadron during the false attack. And you are ordered to alter your voice to hide your identity for this mission

<COL Prower> <vocoder clicking> Understood sir. I will get that convoy to Grandine, one way or another and we won't ruffle the feathers of any in Typhoon either

<COL Prower> Leader of Convoy Relief, we are a heavy flight element of Liberator Squadron here to escort you

<Convoy> Liberator, we were told that Rogue Squadron themselves would be escorting us today

<COL Prower> With the suspicion cast on the squadron by their continued defense of their treasonous former Squadron Executive Officer, high command has decided to ground them temporarily and assign them to assist in Krytos relief efforts

<Convoy> We had been led to believe that New Republic Intelligence had cleared the rest of the squadron from suspicion

<COL Prower> I wouldn't believe everything you hear. What are the chances that Celchu was acting alone?

<Convoy> You have a good point

<COL Prower> Follow us to Alderaan, the people on Coruscant need that Bacta badly

Isn't that the smuggler ship Pulsar Skate Typhoon Squadron chased around a few months ago? We are going to have to play this a little more carefully if a close friend of Rogue Squadron is here

<COL Prower> Convoy Leader, I think someone is missing. I only count 20 ships on my display

<Convoy> It seems the Pulsar Skate didn't arrive with us. What do you think happened to her?

<COL Prower> That smuggler must have stolen the cargo!

<Convoy> I think you might be right, Liberator. I will report this to the authorities as soon as we land on Coruscant!

<COL Prower> Convoy Leader, I am showing 12 enemy TIEs just entered the system. Hold here while we take care of them

<Convoy> Do you think you can take on those odds?

<COL Prower> Don't worry, we can handle them

<GN Master> Really Miles, you can handle me?

<COL Prower> Shut up Master and let's make this look good for the peanut gallery

<COL Prower> Most of the convoy is away, time to go!

<COL Prower> Convoy Leader, we have dealt with those enemies, but I think this means our route has been compromised. I bet either there is another spy in Rogue Squadron or the Smuggler Terrik betrayed you

<Convoy> What are we to do then Liberator? We have to get this Bacta to Coruscant

<COL Prower> I know a route through the Grandine System nearby that would allow us to bypass any more traps the traitor may have set up for you

<Convoy> Okay, we would need some time to calculate the new hyperspace route

<COL Prower> No need, I am sending the route over now

<Convoy> Save us Liberator!

<COL Prower> Get to the marked hyperspace jump point!

I wish there was some way we could disable their weapons

They just keep coming!

<LC Elara> Bacta convoy, you have no hope of winning this. Surrender your ships and cargo

<Convoy> Alright, we know when we are beaten. You can have the bacta. I hope you can live with yourselves knowing all those who will die

<LC Elara> We will make sure it does not go to waste

Victory Briefing

The Bacta supply that you secured for us today will meet any need that we can foresee for our Battlegroup, and the TIE Corps as a whole, for a long time into the future. The cost of the missing Bacta very well may break the financial back of the New Republic. But they have shown themselves to be resilient to these types of attacks in the past, so we in Command do not hold out much hope that this one raid will bring about their downfall. However, if we can continue this interdiction of their supply convoys, we don't see this government lasting for long.

Warlord Zsinj's attack once again on our operation is troubling, but again we were posing as New Republic fighters so it may have been just a mistake caused by the fog-of-war. But we in leadership positions in the TIE Corps do recognize that we are increasingly coming into conflict with forces that should be allied with us. We are in discussion of how we could possibly coordinate our efforts in the region with other Imperial, and formerly Imperial, forces to prevent these unnecessary combat encounters. We do not however, want to compromise our Operational Security so how to go about this task must be carefully considered.

Mission 4: An Unexpected Encounter

Commander's Briefing

Today it is your turn at flying Combat Area Patrol. Since our confrontations with Warlord Zsinj in past weeks, we have placed an increased emphasis on the importance of our Operational Security and the need to inspect all craft transiting the area around our ships. We currently do not have any squadrons deployed on operations so there should only be freighter traffic out there today.

Your tasks for today will be to inspect all freighter traffic entering the local area before they reach the Sanjin Cargo Facility and in general make your presence known to the local traffic today.

Now for Lieutenant Colonel Elara to go over the detailed briefing for today's CAP operations.

Tactical Briefing Text

Major Delste, you and the rest of Flight 1 of Tempest Squadron are assigned to Combat Area Patrol today.

You will inspect all freighter traffic entering the local area before it docks with the Sanjin Cargo Facility.

In addition, you will keep a lookout for any hostile forces that might enter the area and deal with them as needed.

If your orders are to change, Admiral Stryker will contact you via the radio while you are in flight.

Radio Messages

<MAJ Delste> Alright, let's focus on getting the current freighter traffic inspected before they make it to the cargo facility

<COL Mordred> This is boring Colo. Why has Wing XXII gotten all the fun action as of late?

<MAJ Delste> We are keeping a low profile while we see how this Krytos virus shakes out on Coruscant. You know this Mordred

<COL Mordred> I know. Just wishing for some action

<MAJ Delste> Freighter halt where you are and wait for boarding

<COL Mordred> They are not stopping

<MAJ Delste> Let's disable them and call for the ATR

<AD Stryker> Tempest Flight, we have multiple hostile ships that have entered the area. Deal with them swiftly

<MAJ Delste> You just had to hope for some action

<COL Mordred> This is not my fault

<AD Stryker> To all Battlegroup III personnel, we were just attacked by Warlord Zsinj's forces. We have traced their hyperspace route back to the Columus System scouted a few weeks ago by Firebird Squadron. We will leave the Renegade and Wing XXII here to protect this system from further attack while the Challenge and Wing X will immediately travel to the Columus System to strike back at the staging area there

<MAJ Delste> Well, will this be enough action for you Mordred?

<COL Mordred> I will say again, this is not my fault

<AD Stryker> Major Delste, the rest of Tempest Squadron is deploying now. Head to the Columus System and destroy the forces in the area of your exit

<COL Mordred> Kriff! There is a kriffing SSD here!

<MAJ Delste> I see it. Focus on our mission to destroy the local forces. Do not head towards that Super StarDestroyer!

<AD Stryker> EH fighters, we will not be tangling with the Super Star Destroyer Iron Fist today. From its position, it looks like we will have a few minutes until they are within combat range. Destroy any capital ships and facilities near us and be ready to withdraw

<GN Master> Whoa whoa whoa, I told you to not bring me into the same sector as that Space Drop Bear! Now it is heading straight towards us! We have got to get out of here!

<COL Setzer> That's the plan Master. We do some destruction and out before that ship makes it into firing range

<GN Master> And you all think I am the crazy one in the Battlegroup

<AD Stryker> Hurry up Wing X, we don't have all day. The Iron Fist is almost on top of us

<AD Stryker> Hurry up Tempest Squadron, we don't have all day. The Iron Fist is almost on top of us

<AD Stryker> That is all we are going to do today. Get back to the Sanjin System, that is an order

<AD Stryker> Good work today. Report to the briefing room for debriefing

<AD Stryker> Major Delste, I ordered you to withdraw. Leave that system at once or you will be brought up on charges

<AD Stryker> Major Delste you are hereby relieved of command and will be brought up on charges for failure to comply with orders

Victory Briefing

Today Warlord Zsinj removed any question about his complicity in his forces' attempts to disrupt our operations as of late. We had once thought the conflicts between our forces had just been cases of mistaken identities as all the conflicts had been with the Infiltrator Wing during covert or semi-covert operations. But today he assaulted our obviously Imperial forces here in the Sanjin System. We struck back at the raiding forces he sent but do not have the capital ships available to us in Battlegroup III to directly confront the Super Star Destroyer Ironfist under Zsinj's command.

The Emperor's Hammer has declared that Warlord Zsinj is now an enemy and will be dealt with when we choose the time to be right. We are currently formulating plans to destroy his forces, but those operations will take time to mature and be implemented and will by necessity require more forces than we have here in just Battlegroup III.

We will soon be moving our forces out of the Sanjin System as our position here has come under assault.

Mission 5: Breakout

Commander's Briefing

We are making our final preparations to move our staging system after the recent attack here by Warlord Zsinj. However, we are hearing of strange developments on Coruscant from our Intelligence agents embedded there. And just now we received a communique from Director Ysanne Isard for all allied forces to travel to Imperial Center to aid her.

We have heard very little from Director Isard since her disastrous plan to infect the New Republic with the Krytos Virus was revealed. We do not approve of her methods, but we will answer this call for aid as she is the leader of an allied Imperial faction. However, we will not put off our plans for moving this command or commit all of our forces to this request.

As such, Flight 1 of Typhoon Squadron will be sent to gather intelligence and report back to me on the situation in orbit of the planet.

Lieutenant Colonel Elara will give you the final details on today's mission.

Tactical Briefing Text

General Boliv, you will lead Flight 1 of Typhoon Squadron to investigate the strange reports out of Coruscant today.

Report back any abnormal activity in orbit above Coruscant using your hyperspace radio.

If the situation warrants it, you may call for the rest of Typhoon Squadron to deploy to support you.

We are sending you as our senior squadron commander to use your experience to properly assess the situation.

In extreme cases, we may bring the Challenge to a system other than Coruscant if you so suggest.

Radio Messages

<AD Stryker> Go to Coruscant and report back on what you find General

<GN Boliv> Will do Admiral

<GN La'an> Holy Sith! Is that a Super Star Destroyer?

<GN Boliv> Kriff, per its IFF transponder it is the Lusankya...

<GN La'an> So Isard has been hiding on Coruscant all this time?

<GN Boliv> Looks like she has decided to leave now. Let's help get her out of here

<GN Boliv> Admiral Stryker, the reports of strange activity on Coruscant have been confirmed. If seems Director Isard had been hiding in a Super Star Destroyer called the Lusankya on the planet's surface but is now making a break for it

<AD Stryker> Do what you can to aid her General and follow her wherever she goes. Once you get to her destination, radio where you are and we will bring the Challenge to you

<GN Boliv> Understood

<GN Master> Sithspit, I told you to keep me away from any Space Drop Bears!

<GN Boliv> Calm yourself Master. At least this Drop Bear is on...

<GN Master> Small comfort, it could turn on us at any time you know?

<GN La'an> He does know that it isn't alive right? That it is just a ship?

<COL Setzer> I am not too sure about that

<GN La'an> Look at that thing go. Does she even need our help to get out of this?

<GN Boliv> Probably not, but we are going to keep helping anyway

<GN Boliv> Follow that ship

<GN La'an> Looks like they got an interdictor cruiser holding us in this system

<GN Boliv> Admiral Stryker, we have followed the Lusankya to the Lolnar System where the New Republic has an interdictor holding all of us in the system while more capital ships keep coming into the system

<AD Stryker> Hold tight, we are on our way

<AD Stryker> Director Isard, this is Admiral Stryker of the Emperor's Hammer. May we be of assistance?

<Isard> Your assistance is not necessary but is appreciated all the same. Destroy these criminals attacking my ship and you may join me at my destination

<Isard> Thank you for your service to me Admiral Stryker, it will not be forgotten. We are sending you our destination now

<AD Stryker> We will join you in the Polith System

<GN La'an> General, I managed to tap into the rebels' comms

<GN Boliv> Ok, great. Put it through for all of us to hear

<Wedge> Break off, Rogues. The rest are just running…

<Wedge> Four, this is Rogue Leader, break off pursuit

<Erisi> Just a couple seconds more, I’ve almost got him, Lead

<Wedge> You’re too close, Four. Break off immediately!...Report, Four

<Erisi> I got him, Lead

<Wedge> And got crisped. Get back here

<Erisi> Rudder’s gone, stick’s sluggish

<Wedge> Erisi, you’re too close to the Lusankya. Get out of there...Erisi, roll and dive. Gravity is your friend

<Erisi> As ordered. No, wait...They have a tractor beam on me. I’m at full thrust, but I can’t break loose. Help me, help me!

<Wedge> On me, Rogues. We’re going home

<Gavin> But, Lead, we can’t just leave her—

<Wedge> Enough, Gavin. That’s a Super Star Destroyer. It’s impossible to stop if it doesn’t want to be stopped

<Gavin> But impossible is—

<Wedge> I know, Rogues, I know. Impossible is what Rogue Squadron does but right now that would cost us too much for too little gain. Just because we can do the impossible doesn’t mean we always win

Victory Briefing

The second prong of Director Isard's plan is now clear. She engineered this plague that can only be cured through a massive dose of Bacta, and price of the miracle medicine has now reached astronomical levels. Now she has installed herself as the ruler and controller of the desperate galaxy's only hope to survive. The high cost of Bacta has gone up even more in the mere hours since Isard's reign over the Bacta cartels began.

We have changed our plans on what system to move our operations to join Isard's forces in the Polith System above the jungle world of Thyferra. We may not like her tactics and her leadership is not up to the high standards of the Emperor's Hammer, but she is the Emperor's successor and in control of the one resource that might truly break the criminal New Republic regime once and for all.

We have not forgotten the blatant attacks of Warlord Zsinj and his day will soon come. But we are currently focused on supporting Director Isard and her goal of destroying the criminals who took the Emperor away from us first.

Mission 6: Convoy Escort

Commander's Briefing

In the weeks since Director Ysanne Isard's escape from Coruscant, we have settled into a new status quo here in the Polith System, above the bacta producing world of Thyferra. Director Isard has for all intents and purposes become the ruler of this world and the miracle medicine that it produces. Former Imperial Moff Fliry Vorru has become the Minister of Trade under Isard and controls the sale and distribution of the bacta to a desperate galaxy. Isard's spy within Rogue Squadron was revealed upon her flight from Coruscant to be Erisi Dlarit. Erisi is the daughter of one of the new leaders of the Bacta Cartel in control of the manufacture of Thyferra's main export. Isard has placed Erisi in command of the Thyferra Defense Corps fighter wing and she has taken to the role with an understandable zeal. She commands the training of the local pilots that defend the bacta convoys moving throughout the galaxy.

And her forces are greatly needed. It is surprising, but perhaps not so, that so few of the vast array of ships that once served the Empire have answered Isard's call for aid. Of the countless ships once under her command as the leader of what was left of Emperor Palpatine's Empire only four have submitted themselves to her authority. The Victory Class II Star Destroyer Corrupter under the command of Captain Ait Convarion, the Imperial Class II Star Destroyers Avarice and Virulence under the commands of Captains Sair Yonka and Lakwii Varrscha, and of course the Executor-Class Super Star Destroyer Lusankya under the command of Captain Joak Drysso, Isard's flagship. This is a mighty force, but not nearly large enough to protect this world and the convoys that travel from it. That is where we in the TIE Corps of the Emperor's Hammer have lent our aid.

We learnt our lesson months ago when we ceded our command authority to Isard prior to the fall of Coruscant, never again. We allowed Isard's Empire's desire for shows of force to cloud our better judgment and that allowed the New Republic to trick us into attacking their false invasion forces, thereby permitting the conquest of Imperial Center. We in the Emperor's Hammer are Isard's allies, not her subjects. We will aid her, but never again will we submit to her command. As such, our current involvement in Isard's operations is assisting in protecting the bacta convoys as they travel from Thyferra to their destinations.

And protection is something urgently needed for the convoys. The non-human populations of the galaxy, especially on the former Imperial Center, are being ravaged by the Krytos virus and the cracks are beginning to show for the New Republic. Recently we have learned of the mass resignations of all of Rogue Squadron, the New Republic's "premier" fighter squadron. We have destroyed some, if not most, of their fighters on nearly a half dozen occasions over these past months. But their going rogue as it were has allowed them to prey upon the convoys as no more than mere pirates these last few weeks. The Thyferran Defense Corps pilots are not up to the task of combating Rogue Squadron's pilots. Only the pilots of Battlegroup III of the Emperor's Hammer have shown themselves able to defeat these criminals.

Today, Lieutenant Commander Fell, you will lead Flight III of Typhoon Squadron in the escorting of Bacta Convoy Delta Two-Niner through the Chorax System to their destination of the still Imperial world of Rachuk.

Wing Commander Elara will now give a detailed briefing for today's mission.

Tactical Briefing Text

Lieutenant Commander Fell, you will lead Flight III of Typhoon Squadron in the escorting of bacta convoy Delta Two-Niner to the Rachuk System.

As you travel pirates may attempt to intercept the convoy. If fighters do attack, eliminate them quickly.

If they manage to take down the shields of a transport, it will follow them rather than be willing to be destroyed.

If a transport follows the pirates, you will have to go after them once all the other attacking fighters are destroyed.

You will have a limited amount of time in chasing the transports before they get too far away.

Eliminate the remaining fighters and then take the shields down of the transports to convince them to return to their course to Rachuk.

Radio Messages

<AD Stryker> Good luck Typhoon Flight 3 in defending the Bacta convoy Delta two-niner

<LCM Fell> Thank you sir. We will do our best

<LCM Fell> Bacta convoy Delta two-niner, this is Typhoon Flight 3 here to escort you to the Rachuk System

<Delta 2-9> Roger that Typhoon Flight, we are proceeding to our exit point now

<LCM Fell> Eyes up Typhoon, we have rebels coming in

<LCM Fell> More rebels coming in and they are targeting the transports. If they attack the transports too much, the transport will follow them. Got to destroy them quickly

<LCM Fell> They captured one of the transports. Will have to go after it once all the fighters are destroyed

<LCM Fell> Now they captured two of the transports

<LCM Fell> Now they captured three of the transports

<LCM Fell> Now they captured four of the transports

<LCM Fell> Now they captured all of the transports

<LCM Fell> All the fighters are destroyed. Let's move on to Rachuk

<LCM Fell> All the fighters are destroyed. I will go after the captured transport. Everyone else head to Rachuk and wait for me and the other transport.

<LCM Fell> All the fighters are destroyed. I will go after the captured transports. Everyone else head to Rachuk and wait for me and the other transports

The transport is less than 3 mins from its exit point

The farthest transport is less than 3 mins from its exit point

The transport is less than 2 mins from its exit point

The farthest transport is less than 2 mins from its exit point

The transport is less than 1 min from its exit point

The farthest transport is less than 1 min from its exit point

Recaptured the transport, time to get to Rachuk

Recaptured both transports, time to get to Rachuk

Recaptured all the transports, time to get to Rachuk

<LCM Fell> Bacta convoy Delta two-niner, time to deliver your cargo

<AD Devlia> Thank you for guiding the convoy here, we will watch over them now. You may go back to Thyferra

<AD Stryker> Good work Typhoon Flight 3 in defending the Bacta convoy Delta two-niner. Come aboard for your debriefing

<LCM Fell> All the fighters are destroyed. I will go after the...

<LT Scotty> Hey Three, I have been meaning to ask, do you know what is up with this whole prank war between the Wing Commander and the commander against Master?

<LCM Fell> Well, I think it is a few things. Master has been around the TIE Corps a long time and he likes to march to the beat of his own drum

<LT Scotty> Yeah, I picked up on him having a long history by him being a General when I joined and the Commander being only a Colonel back then

<LCM Fell> Actually, Master used to be an admiral on the Command Staff of Emperor's Hammer but decided he liked blowing up rebels more and stepped down

<LT Scotty> Interesting, thanks for the backstory and all, but that doesn’t answer my question of why Master and the Wing commander fight like cats and dogs

<LCM Fell> Well, Master complains that Elara is too wooden and needs to lighten up. He says she sometimes doesn’t even feel alive to him. Like she is an NPC in some game. She on the other hand wants order in her Wing and with Master around, that isn’t likely going to happen

<LT Scotty> Oh, well I guess I get it a bit better now. At least it lends itself to some fun laughs in the pilot’s lounge

Victory Briefing

Good work out there today. You once again showed that the pilots of Typhoon Squadron, and the Emperor's Hammer as a whole, are more than a match for the best the rebels have to offer.

Your success in defending the convoy is laudable as several similar attacks in the past weeks have not ended as well. The Thyferran Defense Corps pilots trained by Miss Dlarit were not up to the task of fending off Rogue Squadron and several bacta transports were stolen.

Moff, excuse me, Minister Vorru has been working tirelessly to locate where these transports took their cargos as Director Isard has vowed to extract retribution and full payment from any world that has accepted these stolen goods. While we in the Emperor's Hammer agree that these convoys must be protected and that their cargos have been stolen by these criminals, we will not participate in the attacks upon civilian populations that have accepted the needed medicine.

We are searching for any information on the base and activities of Rogue Squadron as we believe the stop of these attacks should be our priority, not the punishment of those who accept their misappropriated goods. If we find their base, or get information on their planned location we will immediately deploy forces to stop them and hopefully destroy them once and for all. Until then you are all dismissed.

Mission 7: Graveyard Ambush

Commander's Briefing

In the weeks since the Delta Two-Niner convoy attack, the situation with Rogue Squadron has continued to deteriorate. The criminals have continued their attempted interdiction of bacta trade, often succeeding when the convoys have only been protected by Thyferran Defense Corps pilots or those of Isard's Empire. Additionally, Ashern rebels have struck out at the Dlarit patriarch, raiding his estate and releasing compromising propaganda generated during the raid. It would have been better for the Dlarit family if the rebels had just assassinated the man, their fall from grace has been extreme in the last few weeks.

In retribution for the continued raids on her convoys, Isard attacked the Halanit colony using TIE fighters from the Corrupter and the Thyferran Defense Corps. Erisi Dlarit attempted to save face and the reputation of her family by leading the attack which saw the struggling colony essentially reduced to rubble and rendered non-habitable. In response Rogue Squadron has increased the pace of their harassing raids and word has reached us that they are buying a large shipment of weapons from Talon Karrde.

Fortunately, smugglers are not known for their loyalty and one of Karrde's lieutenants has sold them out and we now know where the exchange between Karrde's freighters and Rogue Squadron is to take place. We are sending the Interdictor Cruiser Fairchild and Typhoon Squadron to aid Isard's Corrupter in disrupting the arms exchange and hopefully, destroying Rogue Squadron once and for all, but they seem to have a remarkable tendency to survive having to eject from their stricken X-Wings.

Lieutenant Colonel Denys Elara will accompany Typhoon Squadron on the Fairchild during today's mission and will now give the detailed briefing.

Tactical Briefing Text

General Boliv and Flight I of Typhoon Squadron will deploy from the Challenge and travel to the Alderaan System to see if the spy is telling the truth of their meeting location.

If they are there, radio back to the Challenge and the Interdictor Cruiser Fairchild will enter the system and trap our prey. I will be aboard the Fairchild to provide Command and Control support.

Traveling with us will be the VSDII Corrupter and her TIE Fighter complement to assist in the destruction of all who are in the system.

After the trap is sprung you may request the rest of Typhoon Squadron to deploy from the Fairchild at any time.

You must ensure the protection of both the Corrupter and the Fairchild. Good hunting.

Radio Messages

<AD Stryker> Good luck Typhoon Flight 1 in ambushing those criminal Rogues and the smuggler Talon Karrde

<GN Boliv> Let's hope this spy in Karrde's organization is being truthful and we aren't flying into a trap of theirs

<GN Boliv> Admiral Stryker, this is Typhoon 1-1. The spy was right on the money. I count a half dozen smugglers and two squadrons of fighters defending them. Send the Fairchild and Corrupter in and spring our trap

<LC Elara> We have arrived, General. We will hold them here while you destroy them all

<GN Boliv> Well that is <pop, now in a child's voice> one of those criminal Rogues destroyed

<GN La'an> B, are you alright? You don't sound like yourself

<GN Boliv> <Still in a child's voice> What do you mean? What do I sound like?

<LC Elara> General, someone has <pop, now in a child's voice> tampered with your fighter's radio. You sound like a young child

<GN Boliv> <Still in a child's voice> So do you Elara. Do you think it was Master?

<LC Elara> <Still in a child's voice> Do you need to ask? We will need to do something about this once the mission is done

<GN Master> Who me? I would never mess with someone's radio during a mission. But I can think of some who have in the past. Maybe ask one of them if they did it

<GN Boliv> <Still in a child's voice> We will talk about this later M

<LC Elara> <Still in a child's voice> For now continue with the mission and we will all try to ignore it

<GN La'an> <Chuckling> Yes, we will all just ignore it, but don't you two stay up past your bedtimes, you hear?

<GN Boliv> <Still in a child's voice> You won this round Master

<LC Elara> <Still in a child's voice> The fighters attacking the Fairchild have been destroyed. Now work on those smugglers and their escorts

<LC Elara> <Still in a child's voice> That is all the fighters destroyed. Now work on those smugglers and we will be done here

<LC Elara> <Still in a child's voice> Good work Typhoon Squadron. Return to the Fairchild for debriefing, especially on radio maintenance and decorum

<LC Elara> <Still in a child's voice> The fighters protecting the smugglers have been destroyed. Now get rid of these fighters attacking the Fairchild and the smugglers attacking the Corrupter

<LC Elara> <Still in a child's voice> The smuggler ships attacking the Corrupter have been destroyed. Now for the fighters

<LC Elara> <Still in a child's voice> All those attacking the Fairchild and Corrupter have been destroyed. Now finish off those fighters

<LC Elara> <Still in a child's voice> The smugglers and their escorts have been destroyed. Now destroy these fighters attacking the Fairchild

Victory Briefing

Great job today Typhoon Squadron and good work leading them General. It is too bad there were so many places for the rebel criminals to hide out there in the asteroid field. It would have been the ultimate victory to be able to capture Antilles or Horn and parade them out for trial for the whole galaxy to see.

We managed to prevent the arms trade from happening and cost Rogue Squadron and Talon Karrde significantly in the loss of ships and crews. Where Rogue Squadron found that old Alderaanian cruiser we don't know, or how they managed to sneak it into the system without our observers seeing is a great mystery. No matter, it is only a question of time before Rogue Squadron is foolish enough to bring our spy within Karrde's ranks to their hidden base. Our spy's name is Melina Carniss, a former dancer for the gangster Jabba the Hutt. She is hungry for a richer lifestyle than a smuggler can afford and that is the hook that Minister Vorru used to snag her. Once she relays to us the location of Rogue Squadron's base, Isard has agreed to allow the Emperor's Hammer to take the lead in the attack on their base, as we are the only ones who have shown that we are up to the task of defeating them in combat.

We have heard unsubstantiated rumors out of Coruscant that the Bothan councilor Borsk Fey'lya, a member of the New Republic's Provisional Council, is using the turmoil of the mass deaths from the Krytos plague to stir up resentment against the humans within the New Republic in a naked bid for power. This is ironic as Bothans, like humans, are unaffected by the Krytos virus. This is exactly what Isard was hoping for in the creation of Krytos, to drive a wedge between the different members of that felonious alliance of different rebel groups that now call themselves a government. We still do not condone the mass deaths of so many civilians by Isard's hand, but cannot argue that it may bring about the total destruction of their movement. Though we doubt that even with the fall of the New Republic that the galaxy will willingly submit to rightful Imperial rule once again after this horror visited upon them by the Empire's ostensible leader.

Mission 8: Second Battle of Yag'Dhul

Commander's Briefing

In the couple of weeks since our successful interdiction of the arms trade in the Alderaan Graveyard, the New Republic has been shaken to its core and will likely not survive long. The early reports out of Coruscant were correct that Borsk Fey'lya led a political coup against his rivals in the Provisional Council. He drove out of power Chief of State Mon Mothma, Councilors Leia Organa and Doman Beruss, and Supreme Commander Admiral Gial Ackbar and has manipulated the rest of the council to make him the new Chief of State for the New Republic. With the removal of so many founding members of their government, it is unlikely that the New Republic will be able to withstand anymore hardship and will crumble any day now.

It is strange to us in the Emperor's Hammer that Fey'lya would destroy the New Republic in his bid for power, but he may believe he can hold the fragile government together by sheer conniving, as is his way. His delusion was immediately made apparent in that rather than stay loyal to the New Republic, the vast majority of its military forces abandoned the New Republic and joined Senator Organa and Admiral Ackbar. We expect our near future will have us involved with picking up the pieces of a broken galaxy and reforming it into a united whole under new Imperial leadership once again.

But for today, we have just had a communique from the spy within Talon Karrde's ranks as to the location of Rogue Squadron's base of operations. It is a place that this command has already been to recently. It seems that after we took their bacta supplies and destroyed their fighters, Rogue Squadron took over the station in the Yag'Dhul system for their use in the prosecution of this "Bacta War."

Flight II of Typhoon Squadron will lead the assault on the Yag'Dhul station and all enemies that you find there. Lieutenant Colonel Elara will now give you all a quick briefing on today's mission.

Tactical Briefing Text

Colonel Setzer will lead Flight II of Typhoon Squadron today in their normally assigned Missile Boats.

You will travel to the Yag'Dhul System just ahead of the ISDII Challenge and the ISDII Virulence.

Once there, the Virulence will launch fighters to support you in your attack runs on the station and any larger craft in the area.

We do not expect the fighter resistance to be too much for you to handle, but you may request the rest of Typhoon Squadron to deploy at any time in the Yag'Dhul System to aid against any fighters in the area.

Once the station and all ships larger than snub-fighters are destroyed in the area reboard the Challenge and we will follow the fighters to wherever they have run off to as we expect them to scatter like rats before our forces.

Radio Messages

<AD Stryker> Let's go destroy these criminals from Rogue Squadron. Hopefully, for the last time. Colonel Setzer, radio once you reach Yag'Dhul and verify that the rebels' base is there and we will come to assist in the destruction of the base

<COL Setzer> Will do, Admiral. See you on the other side

<COL Setzer> That is a rebel base, alright. I can see Rogue Squadron scrambling to get out of the system. Bring in the Challenge and let's get this done

<GN Master> Come on Locke, why are we calling in the Challenge?

<COL Setzer> Don't say it Master, I am begging you

<GN Master> But this is going to be easy. They don't even have anyone who can stop us

<COL Setzer> You just had to say something...

<GN Master> It's not my fault

<Virulence> Emperor's Hammer forces we are taking damage. Protect us!

<Virulence> Our shields are almost gone! Protect us! Please!

<Virulence> Our shields are gone! We are about to be destroyed!

<AD Stryker> Typhoon Squadron, the Challenge has come under attack. Do what you can about these bombers and those cruisers

<AD Stryker> Typhoon Squadron, our shields are nearly depleted. We need your assistance quickly

<AD Stryker> Typhoon Squadron, our shields are gone. Stop our attackers at all costs

<GN Master> There goes one of those darn Space Emus. Good riddance. I hope after this experience today you will all take me seriously about the danger these Emus pose

<COL Setzer> Master, no one ever disagreed with you saying capital ships are dangerous. We just want to know why you call them Space Emus

<GN Master> Because those aren't normal ships and you would be a fool to think otherwise

<COL Setzer> I give up

<GN Master> Finally, all the Space Emus are gone. Now for that Space Roo

<GN Master> Ok, that's it for the Space Roo. Now to finish off those darn Space Emus

<GN Master> Alright, all the Space Emus and Roos are gone

<AD Stryker> Alright Typhoon Squadron. We have finished our trace on the hyperspace vector Rogue Squadron left on and it seems they are headed to Thyferra. You can dock with the Challenge and we will go after them, or you can finish off these New Republic fighters

<AD Stryker> Good work Typhoon Squadron. Head back to the Challenge and we will go after those Rogue Squadron pilots now

<AD Stryker> Alright Typhoon Squadron. We have finished our trace on the hyperspace vector Rogue Squadron left on and it seems they are headed to Thyferra. Head back to the Challenge and we will go after those Rogue Squadron pilots

<COL Setzer> That's it for the fighter screen. We should do something about those bombers now

<COL Setzer> That's all the bombers targeting the Virulence

<COL Setzer> That's all the bombers targeting the Challenge

<COL Setzer> All the New Republic fighters and bombers are now destroyed

Victory Briefing

It seems that with the breaking up of the New Republic, their former military has chosen to align themselves with the former members of Rogue Squadron and enter into this war with Isard that Rogue Squadron has been fighting all these months. Their intervention in Yag'Dhul came to no advantage to them, as you successfully destroyed the station and their cruisers along with it. But in chasing after Rogue Squadron we have found that they have begun assaulting Thyferra, and Isard directly. We count a half dozen formerly New Republic cruisers attacking Isard's forces upon our entry into the system, with more jumping in as we speak.

We are hearing reports that the Ashern Rebels are assaulting the Thyferran forces on the ground and may even have successfully infiltrated agents into the defense forces themselves.

Go get cleaned up while we formulate a battle plan and report back here immediately for redeployment.

Mission 9: Battle of Thyferra

Commander's Briefing

We will keep this short as the attack is underway.

The MC90 Renegade, and Wing XXII with her, had been recalled to Aurora to assist in the planning for our reprisal against Warlord Zsinj two days ago. As such we here on the Challenge and in Wing X will have to do what we can today to stop this attack.

Tempest Squadron is still coming up to speed and their fighters will not be ready for several more minutes so Typhoon Squadron will have to take the lead today once again.

Wing Commander Elara, please give your pre-mission briefing now.

Tactical Briefing Text

General Boliv, you and the rest of Typhoon Squadron will immediately deploy and assist in repelling this attack.

Your priorities are that the Challenge must survive today's attack. Stop the bombers attacking us.

Then turn your attention to helping Isard's fleet.

Admiral Stryker will contact you via the radio once Tempest Squadron is ready to deploy to aid you in rebuffing this assault.

Radio Messages

<AD Stryker> Typhoon Squadron, our sensors show 24 bombers incoming towards the Challenge. It also looks like they are being protected by Rogue Squadron. Destroy those bombers, do what you like about the X-Wings

<GN Master> I know none of you will listen to me, but we should just get out of here. There are too many Space Emus for us to take out and I got a bad feeling about that Space Drop Bear...

<GN Boliv> For once Master, I agree completely. But we have been given the job of protecting the Challenge and that is what we are going to do

<GN Master> Understood. Just promise me that as soon as Stryker calls the retreat we high tail it out of here

<Typhoon Squadron> <multiple voices> Agreed

<AD Stryker> You are making good progress on those bombers. Tempest Squadron is almost ready to launch. Keep destroying those bombers

<AD Stryker> All the initial bombers attacking the Challenge are destroyed. Tempest Squadron is now ready to launch if you feel you need additional support

<AD Stryker> Some of their attacks are getting through your defense and we are taking damage

<AD Stryker> Typhoon Squadron, our shields are almost depleted. You must destroy these bombers attacking the Challenge

<AD Stryker> Our shields are gone, protect us at all costs!

<AD Stryker> The rebels have managed to destroy the Corrupter

<AD Stryker> It seems the Ashern Rebels have managed to sabotage the Corrupter and triggered its self-destruct

<AD Stryker> The rebels have destroyed the Avarice

<AD Stryker> It seems the Ashern Rebels have managed to sabotage sabotage the Avarice and triggered its self-destruct

<AD Stryker> It seems the Ashern Rebels have managed to also sabotage the Avarice too

<AD Stryker> The rebels have destroyed the Virulence

<AD Stryker> It seems the Ashern Rebels have managed to sabotage the Virulence and triggered its self-destruct

<AD Stryker> It seems the Ashern Rebels have managed to also sabotage the Virulence too

<AD Stryker> It seems the Ashern Rebels have managed to sabotage sabotage all of Isard's Star Destroyers, now the Virulence has been destroyed

<AD Stryker> It seems the Ashern Rebels have managed to sneak aboard the Lusankya herself and have captured it for the New Republic, we must retreat now. Get back to the Challenge, this is a direct order

<AD Stryker> It seems the Ashern Rebels also managed to sneak aboard the Lusankya herself and have captured it for the New Republic, we must retreat now. Get back to the Challenge, this is a direct order

<AD Stryker> Good work destroying one of the New Republic's cruisers

<AD Stryker> Excellent work destroying two of the New Republic's cruisers

<AD Stryker> General, get back to the Challenge at once, that is an order. We cannot win here and must retreat

<AD Stryker> General, we are picking up new fighters headed your way. Get back to the Challenge right now

<AD Stryker> Typhoon Squadron, more bombers have entered the system. They are on an attack vector for the Challenge. Take them out

<AD Stryker> Typhoon Squadron, even more bombers have entered the system and they are on an attack vector for the Challenge. Protect us

Victory Briefing

Our operation here in the core worlds has come to an end. We had many successes and several failures along the way. Of our initial objectives we have failed in preventing the criminal New Republic from capturing Coruscant and establishing themselves as the legitimate government in this part of the galaxy. And we failed to protect Director Ysanne Isard from being overthrown as the rightful leader of what is left of Emperor Palpatine's Empire.

But our ultimate goal of the long-term destruction of the criminals who took the Emperor’s life and the dissolution of the New Republic has likely been significantly advanced if not outright achieved. It is likely that with the political and military turmoil of Fey'lya's coup and the military's mass resignations will cause the collapse of this inefficient government in only a matter of weeks or months. Not even the recent discovery of Rylca as a cure to the Krytos virus is likely to save them.

But we are done here and will be traveling back to Aurora to aid in the planning and execution of our reprisal against the Warlord Zsinj. You, and all the pilots of Battlegroup III have acquitted yourselves well these last few months in our operations here and will likely be in-line for awards for your achievements once we are back in Emperor's Hammer space.

Epilogue

Those of you who have read the "official" histories of how these events played out may ask how the TIE Corps's involvement changed things. Coruscant still has fallen, the Krytos virus was cured, and Ysanne Isard was still driven into hiding. But the timing of these events and our battle prowess have made several important and far-reaching changes to the timeline of events.

First, from a military losses’ perspective, we managed to shoot down Rogue Squadron, Defender Squadron, and others multiple times. While some pilots survived their ejections from their damaged fighters, others surely did not. And even those who survived, many likely have sustained injuries, some debilitating. We also have been the direct cause of many capital ships' destruction, depriving the New Republic of either their use or the cost of their replacement.

Second, from a political perspective, our intervention in the assault on Borleais and the interdiction of bacta supplies greatly increased the severity of the Krytos virus. In the original timeline, the Krytos virus did not have enough time to spread and begin a second round of infections prior to Rogue Squadron and the New Republic taking Coruscant. This time our efforts slowed their attack by several weeks, allowing the virus to take a much firmer and wider hold on the non-human populations of Coruscant before the New Republic moved in. This drained significantly more resources and caused a much greater amount of political strife than would have otherwise occurred. This strife led directly to Borsk Fey'lya's rise to power nearly 16 years earlier than originally happened.

Now instead of the steady, non-self-serving leadership of Mon Mothma, with the aid of Leia Organa-Solo and Admiral Ackbar, during the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn in just a year's time from these events, the galaxy will be led by Fey'lya whose priority is his advancement and preservation. It is incredibly unlikely that the New Republic will survive Thrawn's attacks under his leadership, especially with much of the military leadership in self-inflicted exile rather than support the power hungry Bothan.

Special Thanks

Thank you to all on the XWAU and TFTC teams. You have made this 25-year-old game look amazing and it is so cool to make missions that can look this good with all these different types of craft.

Thank you to Ilios who did the Alpha testing for the TFTC-R versions of these battles and who made the custom backdrops for mission 2 of this battle. He helped me figure out several of the nuances of the hooks in TFTC as well.

I want to thank those who helped Beta test these missions. Pickled Yoda, Master, Locke Setzer, and Vanguard88.