TFTC-TC 10: Ronin's Deception

General Information

Title: Ronin's Deception

Number of Missions: 5

Original Upload Date: 2025-07-11

Author: Jagged Fell III & RogueWing

Medal of Loyalty

Readme Background

Some of my favorite stories in the XWA database were written and made by RogueWing. He graciously has given me permission to remaster his battles into TFTC and I have chosen to remaster XWA-FCHG 3: Ronin's Deception.

Grand Admiral Ronin has unexpectantly shown up on the Immortal. He has an amazing story to tell, which leads the Immortal on a mission to destroy one of her sister ships...

Script

Mission 1: Opening Moves

Commander's Briefing

The Imperial Star Destroyer Immortal has been deployed on a long range recon mission that has taken it out of communication with the wider Emperor’s Hammer for the last seven weeks. She is now at an Emperor’s Hammer supply depot taking on new provisions. Captain RogueWing [You] and his wingmen are to patrol the area and make sure nothing happens during the provisioning operation.

Tactical Briefing Text

The [ISD Immortal] is taking on supplies from the supply depot.

Ghost Squadron [You] is to fly a Combat Aerospace Patrol around the area.

Make sure nothing happens to those supplies.

Good luck.

Radio Messages

<Ghost 2> God! I hate these boring patrol missions!

<Ghost 1> That's enough Ghost 2. At least we're flying fighters

<Ghost 1> We could be piloting those Tugs, you know

<E/S> Immortal, help! We are under attack by rebel fighters!

<Immortal> Ghost, head out there and check it out

<Immortal> Escort Shuttle, what is your business here?

<E/S> I can't tell you on an open channel

<Immortal> Very well. You have permission to land

<Immortal> But power down your weapons when you arrive

<E/S> Understood, Immortal

<Immortal> They're going after the Tugs now. Cover them!

<Ghost 1> <Hmm, that's weird. He's jamming us>

<Ghost 1> There are more X-Wings arriving!

<Demon> Need some help guys?

<Ghost 2> Sure, we'll leave you some scraps to play with

Victory Briefing

Rear Admiral Toran Dan, the Immortal's Commodore, walked into the hangar. Major Darksaber, the Immortal's Wing Commander, turned to him.

"Sir, the shuttle just landed and security has set up a perimeter."

Toran nodded, "Very well, signal the shuttle they may disembark now."

At that, the hatch underneath the shuttle slid back and a ramp extended down to the deck. A sole figure dressed in a simple flight suit, walked down the hatch and viewed his surroundings. As if someone had hit them with a stun baton, everyone in the room suddenly stood at attention. Grand Admiral Ronin, the Fleet Commander of the Emperor's Hammer, smiled.

"Rear Admiral Toran, no need for formality. You may stand at rest."

Toran stammered, "Sir, had I known it was you on the shuttle..."

Ronin waved his explanation away with a hand, "Nonsense, you have done exactly as you should have done. Any less and I would have been disappointed. But now, I need you to show me to your ready room. We have much to discuss. Your ship is the only one I can turn to now. You see, there are treasonous elements in the Fleet, and we are on the verge of a civil war..."

Mission 2: Clearing the Way

Commander's Briefing

So far Grand Admiral Ronin has chosen to not elaborate on the possible civil war brewing in the Emperor's Hammer. He has ordered us to attack a pirate base near here however. Although it doesn't make sense why, we will follow his orders.

Falcon Squadron will accompany the Strike Cruiser Argonaut on this mission to destroy the targets while Ghost Squadron will be flying cover.

Tactical Briefing Text

Grand Admiral Ronin has ordered the destruction of a nearby pirate base.

[Falcon Squadron] will accompany the [Strike Cruiser Argonaut] to destroy it.

[Ghost Squadron] will go along to take out their fighter force.

Good luck.

Radio Messages

<Argonaut> Stand-by for hyperspace jump

<Falcon 1> OK, target the asteroid hangar and the platform

<Ghost 1> Leave the fighters to us!

Aaaiiiiiii!!!

<Falcon 2>

<Argonaut> Good work, people!

Victory Briefing

Rear Admiral Toran Dan and Major Darksaber stood at ease facing the giant holograph. Standing in the middle of it, Grand Admiral Ronin slowly surveyed the images. Finally, he turned to them, "You are wondering why we destroyed that pirate base?"

Toran said, "We wondered, but we will follow your orders no matter what."

Grand Admiral Ronin smiled, "Good, because my orders are about to get very strange. For your information, we destroyed the pirate base because I didn't want to leave an enemy at our backs while we make our deep penetration strike."

Darksaber, looking at the holographic map, replied, "Sir, the only way that base would have been behind us is if we were going deeper into Emperor's Hammer territory."

Grand Admiral Ronin gave a tight smile, "Indeed. And that is exactly what we are going to do. You see, we must put an end to these rebellious forces in the Fleet. And to do that we will need to be able to move covertly into position…"

Mission 3: Capturing Sensor Array

Commander's Briefing

Rear Admiral Toran Dan's and Major Darksaber's confusion must have been evident on their faces.

“We must capture the sensor station in this sector if we are to avert this civil war,” Grand Admiral Ronin told the perplexed men.

“But sir, won't it be manned by fellow Emperor's Hammer soldiers?” asked Darksaber.

“Yes, but I have every faith that the detachment of Hammer's Fist Stormtroopers aboard the Athena will be up to the task of subduing the station's crew without lasting injury to any of them. But if it comes down to it, they must complete their mission, no matter the cost.”

“And the fighter and ship defenses, Grand Admiral?” questioned Toran.

“Fortunately, this station was deemed to not be in a high risk sector, so it has only been outfitted with droid fighters and capital ships for their defense. Our pilots should have no fear in executing their mission with maximum speed and force.”

Tactical Briefing Text

In order to keep our movements a secret, Grand Admiral Ronin has ordered us to deal with one of the Emperor's Hammer sensor stations.

[Ghost Squadron] will accompany the [Dreadnaught Athena] to the station. Once there, protect the [Athena] while it docks with the sensor station.

A company of troopers from the Hammer's Fist will then board and [capture] the station.

Good luck.

Radio Messages

<Immortal> Good luck

<Nomad> Fighters, this is an Emperor's Hammer station

<Nomad> Drop your shields and prepare to be boarded

<Ghost 1> Sorry, Nomad. We have been ordered to capture the sensor station. Surrender or fight

<Athena> Our shields are out! Cover us

<Athena> Their defense ships are destroyed

<Athena> Moving to board the sensor station now

<Athena> The sensor station is under our control now

<Athena> Good work, people!

Victory Briefing

“I suppose it is time to tell you exactly what has transpired while you have been away,” Grand Admiral Ronin began. "Until recently, I have been imprisoned in one of our secure garrisons until I was able to effect an escape."

Rear Admiral Toran Dan, confused, said, "Sir, who gave the orders to imprison you?"

"My clone did."

Toran and Major Darksaber looked in shock at each other as Grand Admiral Ronin continued, "You see, the rest of the Emperor's Hammer assumes they are serving the real Grand Admiral Ronin, but they aren't. I was replaced, somehow, a few weeks ago. I knew that you were not under his influence yet because your last mission had you under comm blackout."

"That's why we must destroy the ISD Colossus. He is doing an inspection tour of the ISD Hunter, a new Imperial Star Destroyer under construction in the Setii system. The Colossus is there protecting the shipyard. They will fight desperately to save him, so we will need to strike fast and hard. I know this will be difficult for you and your pilots, but I need your support if we are to avoid widening this civil war."

After a long look at each other, Toran and Darksaber snapped to attention.

"Yes, sir."

"Absolutely, sir."

Mission 4: Recon Deception

Commander's Briefing

Rear Admiral Toran Dan stood in the Grand Admiral's ready room with Major Darksaber and Captain RogueWing, Ghost Squadron's Commanding Officer.

"We have an opportunity to attack the Colossus now. My clone is doing an inspection tour of the ISD Hunter and is vulnerable."

“Sir, your clone arrived aboard the Super Star Destroyer Avenger. With it in system, there is no way we could possibly hope to take out the Colossus before we are destroyed."

Grand Admiral Ronin nodded, "Yes, and that is where your squadron will come in handy, Captain.”

“I am going to send you to the Kyberti system. The Dark Brotherhood has a training base there. Ghost Squadron will go in and begin inspecting their defenses. It will give the impression that the training base has been targeted for an attack.”

“They will call for reinforcements and the nearest help is the Avenger. They will leave the Colossus and head toward the Kyberti system leaving us an opportunity to strike."

Darksaber asked, "How do we know that the clone will remain with the Colossus and not go with the Avenger?"

Speaking with a small smile, Grand Admiral Ronin replied, "Because that is what I would do. And like it or not, he is just like me."

After a few uncomfortable moments, he continued, "Captain RogueWing, are you prepared?"

Standing tall, RogueWing said, "Of course, sir. You can count on us."

Grand Admiral Ronin turned to Rear Admiral Toran Dan, "Call the rest of your squadron commanders together. I have some last minute instructions for them."

Tactical Briefing Text

We have to draw the [Super Star Destroyer Avenger] away from the [ISD Colossus].

[Ghost Squadron] will perform a recon run on a Dark Brotherhood training base near here.

They will believe that they are targeted for attack and call for the [Avenger] to reinforce them.

After you are done inspecting everything, rendezvous with the [Immortal] for our next step.

Good luck.

Radio Messages

<Ghost 1> Let's head out

<Ghost 2> Roger that

<High Chariot> Ghost Flight, what is your purpose here?

<Ghost 1> We are in pursuit of a group of pirates

<Ghost 1> We believe they may have arrived near here

<High Chariot> What ship are you reporting from, Ghost?

<Ghost 1> The best ship in the fleet, the ISD Immortal

<High Chariot> Ghost, you have been reported as traitors

<High Chariot> You are to surrender to us ASAP!

<Ghost 1> Sorry, no can do

<Ghost 2> Time to go

Victory Briefing

The rest of the squadron commanders, along with their Wing Commander and Commodore, stood before Grand Admiral Ronin as he finished his briefing.

"As soon as we arrive, Falcon and Demon Squadrons are to assault the ISD Colossus. Ghost will help cover them from defending fighter attacks. Ranger will protect the Victory Star Destroyer Crusader while the Immortal covers the Interdictor Compellor.”

“As soon as the Colossus has been destroyed, I will call for all ships to break off attacks and then we can start to sort out this mess. Any questions?"

He looked around at the officers in front of him. Something in the face of one of them caught his attention. Walking over to stand directly in front of Ghost Squadron's Commander, he asked, "Captain RogueWing, you have a problem with this attack plan?"

Giving testament as to why his squadron was referred to as "The Trouble Makers", he boldly spoke up, "Sir, I have a problem firing on our comrades. We've had to attack or avoid the attacks of some of the Emperor's Hammer's pilots in our last couple of missions, but the Colossus is one of our sister ships. We have a lot of friends over there, and I don't like the idea of destroying them."

Rear Admiral Toran Dan's eyes went wide with astonishment, certain that he was about to have to find a replacement commander for Ghost when Grand Admiral Ronin smiled.

"Captain RogueWing, I like your honesty. But remember, if we don't destroy the Colossus now, the Emperor's Hammer will certainly be split by a civil war, and many, many more good pilots will lose their lives. We must stop it now, while we have an opportunity."

RogueWing nodded, "Yes, sir. I don't like it, but I will abide by it."

Grand Admiral Ronin responded, "Good, because you and your men will be the first out of our hangar bay. The first kills will fall to your squadron."

He went on to speak to some of the other officers assembled, but Captain RogueWing was not listening. His mind was on the Colossus and all the friend's they had there. In just 3 hours, it was going to be nothing but an expanding ball of exploding gas...and he was going to help kill some of his fellow pilots and friends...

Mission 5: Destroy the Colossus!

Commander's Briefing

Now that the Colossus is under defended, we are to launch a strike against it. Ignore all other craft and attack the Colossus.

Tactical Briefing Text

Now that the [Super Star Destroyer Avenger] has left the Setii system, the [ISD Colossus] is relatively under defended.

When the [Immortal's] task force arrives, [Falcon] and [Demon Squadrons] will attack the [Colossus.]

[Ghost] is to cover them while [Ranger] protects the [Victory Star Destroyer Crusader.]

The [Immortal] will hang back and protect the [Interdictor Cruiser Compeller] to keep the [Colossus] from escaping.

When the [Colossus] has been destroyed, Grand Admiral Ronin will call a halt to the fighting.

Good luck, and fly well.

Radio Messages

<Colossus> Immortal, what is the meaning of this?!

<Immortal> I'm sorry, Colossus, but we have our orders

<Colossus> Orders?! From who?

<Immortal> Grand Admiral Ronin himself

<Colossus> No, that is his clone.I'm sorry, but we must do this

<Immortal> Those Missile Boats are heading toward the Compellor

<Crusader> We are under attack!

<Immortal> They have reinforcements! Press the attack!

<Relentless> The Immortal has been disabled. All craft disengage

<Ghost 1> Immortal, what are your orders?

<Immortal> The Grand Admiral insists that you finish off the Colossus. But your orders are to return to the Immortal

<Immortal> There's been enough killing today...

<Immortal> Ghost 1, the Grand Admiral is escaping in a shuttle!

<Immortal> Stop him at all costs! Destroy him if you need to

<Immortal> But, DO NOT let him escape!

<Ghost 1> Don't make me destroy you, sir

YOU IDIOT!! WHY DID YOU DESTROY AN EMPEROR’S HAMMER STAR DESTROYER???!!!

<Ghost 1> I have a bad feeling about this. Why would Grand Admiral Ronin order us to attack our friends like this?

<Ghost 1> Ghost Squadron, on me. We have a new target

Victory Briefing

"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU?" screamed Fleet Admiral Kawolski. He was standing in front of Rear Admiral Toran Dan and Major Darksaber, and to say he was mad was an understatement of gigantic proportions.

"In the past few days, you've destroyed a Droid Rigged Carrack Cruiser and Strike Cruiser. And during this stunt today more pilots were lost than I care to think about and the Colossus was heavily damaged..."

His voice beginning to rise again, he said, "And that infernal squadron of yours, Ghost…Let me tell you what is going to happen to ALL of you. We are going to..."

"Do nothing at all to them."

Those words surprised Kawolski so much, he nearly swallowed his dentures. Grand Admiral Ronin stepped in the door behind them and walked to where he could see them.

"I admit that I am upset at what happened. But, in all fairness, they had no way to know that the real clone was not me. And this presents us with a unique opportunity."

"A few months ago, there was a break-in at one of our medical stations. The perpetrators made off with genetic samples of many of our high ranking officers. We were unsure what they were going to use them for, but now we know.”

“They must be trying to undermine the Fleet by putting clones in our places. We don't know who else is a clone, but now I know who isn't."

At the confused looks on their faces, he continued, "If any of the Immortal's officers were clones, they wouldn't have waited on my clone to begin their attack. So it stands to reason that the officers on the Immortal are completely loyal to me. Isn't that so?"

Both Toran Dan and Darksaber said, "Yes, sir." (Yes, sir)

Grand Admiral Ronin nodded, "Good, because as soon as the Immortal is repaired, you and your taskforce are to head out to where we lost their track and hunt them down. We need to know who they are, where they come from, and what their defensive capabilities are. I will have my techs supply you with what little we have on them. Are my instructions clear?"

Rear Admiral Toran Dan replied, "Sir, your instructions are crystal clear. You can count on us to find these enemies and report back to you."

"Good. Remember, except for myself, Fleet Admiral Kawolski, and the officers on the Immortal, we don't know who we can trust. You will be on your own. I expect results soon."

His voice dropping to a low growl that made the hairs on the back of their necks stand up, he said, "Someone made a serious mistake messing with the Emperor's Hammer. Now, they are going to pay for it..."