Tour 8 - Operation: Stupefy
Written by: Adam Fene, Rebel Squadron's Retribution Fleet

-- Introduction to Tour 8, Mission 00

The rendezvous was going smoothly, and the Sentinel Task Force would be along any minute. The VSD MkII "Peril" was close by with her escorts. Fleet Admiral Dave was onboard the "Peril", and I had just finished talking to him. Mostly wishes of luck and congratulations, maybe other irrelevent memories.

I sat on the bridge of the RS Star Destroyer Mark-II, "Prometheus". The Nebulan-B Frigate "Freedom" was slowly keeping pace along side me, and once again I felt the awesome power I once did long ago, when I had commanded the Fleet. It was almost overwhelming, this power. I kept it locked inside, knewing the dangers of letting it out like I once had.

I was bold when I was younger. I thought myself invincible, untouchable. Even when my ship and crew were reduced to half, I denied it when struggled on, not allowing the deception of loss to break me. I knew better now. I knew broken ships could break spirits or worse, bones. I promised to be more careful in my own mind, and kept it locked.

The helmsman turned to face me. His name was Toran Kask, he'd remained on the "Prometheus" since my first command. "Yes, Lieutenant?"

"Sir, flight group designated 'Retribution' is now on patrol." The L-T matched his normal mono-toned voice. Of course he didn't always talk like that, but that was procedure on the flagship. Everyone knew why, and never questioned it. It was normal for any ship, but it was especially important to make an example. Not to mention it added a more calm feeling, with everything that was done. 

I smiled, and nodded. "Thank you, Lieutenant. Take us 5 degrees to starboard, keep it steady. I love the view out here."

Lieutenant Kask smiled. "Yes Sir. Welcome back." He then sat down, and in moments the ship began to turn gracefully to starboard, where I saw a better view of the VSD Mark-II "Peril" from the bridge. It was 8 or so kilometers out, but I could still see it clearly enough. 

Captain Vedik stood beside me, and leaned over to my ear. "Sir, we're getting an incoming. Medium in size, getting -very- close. It isn't the Liberator, Sir."

I nodded. "Helm, alert our patrols we have an incoming, as well as the 'Peril'." Aye Sir was his response. It looked like things were getting off to a fast start. I almost thought to mysef that somebody in the Empire knew I was back in command. That was a crude assumption though, they didn't even know if I would go after them. Perhaps someone was looking for a little vengeance..

Or it was just a random bumping of two forces. Either one, I wasn't sure. However, one thought remained clear, and that was to find out who was commanding that ship, the ship that would be attacking us for unexplained reasons. They were in for a few surprises once the RSSD Liberator came into the system.