Day 5 of WoW 23

1700 Hours.

What a turn of events... we could have been dead a few hours ago! All of us! It was lucky that Meister could support so many people for such a time... This Jedi stuff really is amazing. I don't remember much about the whole thing - that's probably good. I'm going to report to the bridge to check what's going on.

2000 Hours.

Just when things were starting to look up again... We got a transmission from the Donnn 3 colony; it’s under attack by an unknown force... It’s an un-armoured zone, & its getting attacked, brilliant, just brilliant. Rookie's ordered me to get Duke & take a shuttle down there to see what's going on. I really wish I didn't have to, I don't think I'm totally recovered yet, but someone's got to do it!

2030 Hours.

We're on the shuttle now. Duke has taken over the controls, I'll let him get some practice in! But to be honest I don't trust myself. I'd probably take the wrong flight course or something stupid like that... stupid mistakes seem to be my speciality lately. He's not bad, this Duke guy. Haven't talked to him much; he's concentrating hard on the job. So far we haven't seen any trace of an attack force. We're approaching the outer edges of the sector, & there seems to be no action. Maybe the ships have gone. Maybe it was a mistake. I mean, who would attack such a planet?! There is nothing there to take, no riches, no resources, no army, not even a place where information could be taken. Of course, its an Imperial colony, but its not meant to be attacked, there are treaties even the Alliance would not break to protect an un-armoured zone such as this. All I can think is that someone is trying to start a war, and I really hope this isn't so. The Diablo is almost alone in the Ladron sector, and after the trouble on board, I don't think we would be capable of surviving if the force attacking Donnn turns on us.

We have to make a really quiet entrance on Donnn. I don't know how much of the planet is under attack, but we can't let them see us. That would give the game away for sure. Anyway, I'm going to get a little sleep before we really have to start working.

2130 Hours.

We're approaching Donnn 3 now. I can't see any activity. Nothing comes up on the scanners. Either its on the other side of the planet or the place is already destroyed. Of course, if the attack is on the other side of the planet, then we don't want to go round there and be seen by the attackers. Duke is doing a great job. I can tell he will be good. If he can get us close enough to the planet, then maybe we can run a transmission scan, to see if there's any activity that way.

The long range transmission scanners are running. So far they are only picking up white noise, but every now and then the sound of a voice comes through. We need to get closer, but its risky.

Still, only a faint voice now and then. We can’t tell who the voice is, or where it comes from. If I just adjust the frequency... maybe it will make the transmission clearer... Ah, that's better, that’s much clearer... Oh my... I can't believe this. I just heard voices, familiar voices. I'm sure I heard Apo & Tobi... but they were talking about attacking the colony... this can't be true. So who is this force? If Apo and Tobi have joined them... who can they be?

2200 Hours.

Things just don't get better. Our transmitter is now broken, so we have to way to get word to the Diablo about the attack force. We've landed on the dark side of Donnn 3, I just hope that the rotations of this planet are slow enough that Duke can fix the transmitter before it gets light and we are spotted.

Its a strange planet, I went walking about to try and find something to eat, or at least something to make a fire with. Its damn freezing. I can't believe we are stuck on a colony under attack from a mystery force, with no food, and no way to contact the Diablo. I can't stop thinking about those voices, I could swear it was Apo and Tobi. If only we could contact the Diablo! At least then someone could bring reinforcements, or even a rations pack. I'm not leaving here until I know what Apo and Tobi - if it is them - are doing in a force attacking Donnn 3. I need to know. I just hope Duke & myself don't have to find out alone.

Back at the El Pollo Diablo, it was still very cold in the frigate. The Phoenix crew wore the ice planet uniforms so it was a bit warmer for them. Commodore Rookie wanted to stay unnoticed with his frigate, the Phoenix crew shouldn’t be the reason for a war. He asked Akkon for a fake ID before doing something else. Months ago in Tralus that plan already worked so why not in Ladron too. The Senior Pilot agreed with that plan and started to work at a new one. The old fake ID was unfortunately lost by the reboot of the computer systems. The main computer still caused trouble it played the whole time Oh Danny Boy and especially the Wookie Desmo was shortly before getting berserk. The damages on the ship weren’t that bad as Rookie first thought, mainly it was the computer. Sarcastically they caused this problem by their own. Anyway the Commodore was deadly tired now, totally exhausted but Akkon was down too and somebody had to help with the new ID. So Rookie forced himself to stay awake. Desmo wasn’t a problem there, wookies doesn’t need so much sleep. In fact Desmo watched over the few repairs especially at the hyperdrive engines. Even when the coldness slowed down the crew it couldn’t stop them. Rookie already got one reason more to be proud of his squadron.

In the meantime it was night on Matjua Two too and DuKaal was already awake. He looked over to Fjap, the imperial was very tired before and so DuKaal decided to search alone until Fjap woke up. The rebel stood up and walked back into the bomb crater. It would be a heavy task to find something in the desert sand but he was firm not to give up only because it was a bit more difficult. Again he took the scanner out and watched around. In a distance of 25 metres there were something, it looked like something metallic. DuKaal took out the spade and started to dig. It was nearly impossible to get some success because the sand always went back into the hole. The rebel continued for hours until he found the metallic thing.

At the same time the attack on Donnn Three was over. Mavaric was proud the whole settlement was destroyed. Even if there were survivors then it only can be a handful of them. He said: " Good work Red Wolves and Stingers. This should teach the nasty imperials not to settle that close to our frontiers. Well done, you all will be rewarded. " Apo was totally depressed about killing loyal imperials; he didn’t expect it and it was too much for him. He decided to end this infiltration action as fast as possible. Even Tobi felt very bad but he accepted that it could happen when they go to infiltration actions. He was a bit scared about Apo’s reaction, he could only hope to hold him in a line. As long as they returned to Abalone Apo didn’t say a word also as they arrived there.

Tobi broke the silence: " Listen Apo, I know it hurts but we had to do it. In each other case Mav had to shoot us. "

Apo turned around to Tobi, tears in his eyes: " There were only civilians on Donnn Three, mainly women and children. What’s that for a war the rebels fight? "

Tobi sighed: " Well, I didn’t expect that either. I thought both parties would fight at a equal level. That was a mistake but well we can’t change it. I had the intern ship camera online so we have proof that the rebels attacked Donnn Three. That ‘s a bit we can show. "

Apo jumped on his feet: " I want to return to the Diablo, I can’t stay here for long. These rebels are murderers but no soldiers! Let’s find Savage and then let’s return to our ship. "

Tobi nodded in agreement: " Ok, let’s look for Savage maybe we find him faster as we thought. "

" I hope so. " was Apos answer.

Two hours later at Donnn Three, Amber and The Duke were still there. The pilot wasn’t able to repair the transmitter and Amber didn’t found anything to eat but at least she got some wood and so both Phoenixians had at least a fire to keep themselves warm. The sky showed a red flaming horizon even when it was night.

Duke: " Well, I guess the settlement is already lost. Looks like it from this amount of fires. Maybe the attack force is away now then we can risk a closer look Amber. " The Duke was a young promising cadet from the academy who normally didn’t say much. In fact these were the longest speech Amber heard from him.

She answered: " Maybe. I think we should wait a little bit longer to be sure there is nobody left. You know how dangerous the situation already is. This is an unarmed sector and when they find two imperials here, who knows what happens next? "

Duke had to agree: " It’s only like... I don’t like sitting around. I’m here to help our loyal imperial population. Easy as that. "

Amber smiled: " Yes, this is the reason why we all are here. "

The Duke looked at Amber very seriously: " What can change a human that he or she became like Steeler now? You know she was my recruiter and I looked forward to fly with her. Finally I made it in and she isn’t there. I really don’t understand this. "

Amber sighed: " When we would know what changed her we could fight against it but we simply don’t know it. Already we fight against an enemy who knows us better then we know ourselves and this is a big problem. That’s why it’s important to get her back and we will get her back. "

Duke: " I will do my best also. I can only hope I serve the Phoenix Squadron well. "

" Oh you do, Duke. " and Amber smiled again.

Back at the El Pollo Diablo, now Akkon was done with the new fake ID. He created one who let them look like a medium transport from the rebel alliance but Rookie already informed the imperial side that this medium transport would be the Diablo in reality. Commodore Jodokast ordered to return to imperial space as fast as possible, he also didn’t wanted to risk a war. Rookie stayed on the bridge even when he nearly asleep. Akkon got permission to go for some hours. As Akkon was in one of the corridors next to the quarters, he heard the strange sound of a hoverbike. He turned around and suddenly there was one. Akkon, tired like hell, brought himself in secure with a jump to the left. Before he could notice who drove this bike, it was away. Akkon had his nose full of this jockey who risked his own life and the ones from the crew. Instead of walking into his bunk he went to Meister’s to ask the Jedi for help. He knew that P did hoverbike races in his youth and deep in his soul he believed that the Jedi would drive this bike. But Meister was in his quarter and seemed to sleep. Akkon didn’t know if he should wake up the Jedi or not. He decided that it’s better not to disturb P and wanted to left the bunk again.

" Akkon, my friend. What do you want from me? " Akkon heard P’s voice.

Surprised he turned around: " Well, I didn’t wanted to disturb you Meister. I’m sorry if I did. "

The Jedi stood up: " You didn’t disturbed I only meditated a bit. To keep 1000 people alive was a hard task. So tell me what do you want? "

Akkon answered: " There is somebody driving a hoverbike in this ship and I thought... "

" You thought it would be me. Well, I own two hoverbikes by now, one got stolen but the problems we recently had have distracted me from catching the thief. " smiled the Jedi.

Akkon: " When Junior finds it out I could imagine he wants that you remove your hoverbike too. You know for Junior there is the secure of the crew the first thing and then personal hobbies. Besides this he’s right with it, hoverbike driving in the close corridors is very dangerous. "

Meister nodded: " I take care of the thief as fast as possible before Junior will find it out. "

Akkon smiled back: " I hope it, I hope it for you. "

At the same time at Matjua Two Fjap finally woke up. He looked around but he didn’t saw the rebel so he started to search. DuKaal sat on the top of the dune and looked calmly at Fjap.

Fjap asked: " Why you didn’t woke me up? Together we would be faster. Now let’s start to look for a sign for Steels strange behaviour. I want the old Steel back, the friend I lost. "

DuKaal sounded calm: " You must not search I already found what we are looking for. " With these words the rebel threw something for Fjap’s feet.

The Chief Pilot looked at the metallic thing: " That’s a part of a Tie Bomber. What makes a part of a TB here? "

" Look at the squad insignias, Fjap. "

The imperial took out a flashlight: " But... but this is impossible! Phoenix was never here. I swear it. "

DuKaal stood up: " Don’t lie to me Fjap. Now I want to know what you did here. You already should know what happened here. What to hell did you attacked here in the middle of nowhere? "

Fjap was shocked: " I told you we were never here before and I spent the last 3 months with my ex squad. Why you don’t believe me? "

The rebel looked serious at Fjap: " Why somebody should use a Phoenixian fighter to attack something in the desert or did you lose some ships in the past to pirates? "

Fjap shook his head: " Nope, we don’t lose any ships when I don’t fly. A Phoenixian will die with his ship or return with his ship. I saw some guys evade in the last moment and some inexperienced guys who waited too long and then... game over you know. That’s mysterious. "

DuKaal: " When Phoenix didn’t attack here who else should do it? Who makes such a hell of a work to copy the Phoenix sign at a TB? I know the ships come from the factory already with the insignia of the squad they are built for. To copy that is a hell of a work! Are you sure Phoenix was never here? Do you really were every minute together with them? "

Fjap nodded: " Every minute and definitive we weren’t here. I would remember me at this stone full of sand with an important target. Nope we weren’t here. "

DuKaal looked at Fjap: " Then somebody tries to destroy the good name of the squad. I can’t say that I like this even when I’m a rebel. "

And Fjap could only agree: " Do we search on? "

" I already found more traces that the Phoenixians worked here but I believe you Fjap. I think it has something to do with Steeler’s changing. We will continue looking around in this sector and find out what exact happened here, agreed? "

The imperial: " Yes, fully agreed. I also don’t like somebody mess around with the Phoenix name. Lets return to our TI. "

In the morning at Abalone, Tobi spent a whole night with the search of Savage but he didn’t got any information. As he left his quarter he faced Mavaric who already waited for him: " Good work at Donnn Three Cadet. When you continue your great work like yesterday then you maybe get a spot in the Stingers soon. "

Stingers - these words let ring a bell in Tobi’s mind: " The great Stingers? Aren’t they the elite squadron of Captain Savage, one of the greatest leaders of the rebel alliance? "

Mav nodded: " He is the greatest leader of the rebel alliance, believe me Cadet. "

Tobi asked innocent: " But aren’t the Stingers always with him normally? "

Again Mav nodded: " Of course we are. "

" So he’s here already? Wow, I always wanted to know him by personal. "

Mavaric who thought he found a new loyal rebel smiled proud: " Soon you will know him. Only make sure that you continue with your good work Cadet and soon you are a Stinger. "

A plan already formed in Tobi’s mind: " Of course I will but what is with my friend? "

Mav sighed: " He does too much thinking if it’s right or wrong what we do. Sorry but that’s not the way for a Stinger. " With these words Mav returned to his elite squadron and Tobi in his quarter to think over his plan one more time.

A few minutes later Tobi walked over to Apo’s quarter: " Listen Apo, I just found out Savage is here. I already checked the plans of this base and voila I found him. In the next night we capture him and then we are away from here. Is this a deal? "

Apo nodded: " I guess you already have a plan to come in, right? Could you explain it to me please? "

Tobi smiled: " Amazingly Savage isn’t heavy guarded, only one in front of his door. But we will not go through the door. We will climb over the balcony, stun Savage and his guard from behind and escape then with our shuttle. I hope the Phoenix internal and secret com system is still in a work. Then we can locate the Diablo easy. "

Apo nodded: " It will not be an easy task but we can manage it. I’m sure of it and it maybe will rescue our squadron too. "

In the meantime at the Diablo, Meister walked around to look who had stolen his hoverbike but until now he hadn’t success. So he decided to go for a look to the bridge. As he went inside he saw the Wookie commanding the ship but where was the Commodore himself. Meister didn’t want him to run around a lot in the frigate when there was still the second hoverbike jockey. He looked around and then he saw Rookie sleeping at a console. The Jedi had to smile, that was the Rookie they all know staying on the bridge at nearly the whole time even when he was total exhaust. But this was really not the best place to sleep. At this moment Raider came on the bridge. " Hey Raider can you give me a hand and help me with Junior here? "

Raider came over and smiled: " Yeah, he never know exactly when it’s time to go sleeping. Sometime he will fall in his soup in the cantina. "

Meister smiled back: " This we must avoid. So lets take care for him. I’m sure Des can handle the bridge alone. " As both brought the Commodore to his quarter they heard a strange sound. " Fast to the left before the bike is here. " Ordered P. And really it was the hoverbike again. Meister regretted that he couldn’t use the force shield right now. " Well this time you were lucky but next one I get you. Be sure of that. "

At Donnn Three again, Amber and the Duke started their shuttle again and headed in the direction the colony was before. The view they got was a big shock. All was destroyed, each house, each business centre, each office really all. Duke landed the shuttle in between all these ruins. " Is there a sign from the aggressors? " asked Amber.

" No sign, they are away. But they worked great. Here is no stone at the same place he was before. " Replied Duke.

" Life signs? "

Duke nodded: " Some in the near wood. I guess this are the survivors. "

" Let’s go and look for them. Maybe they can tell us who attacked here. " Ordered Amber. Duke followed his flight leader into the wood to search the survivors. He already knew only experts could make such an attack and he hoped that these attackers would not find the Diablo.

Back at Abalone a lot of hours later it became night. Apo and Tobi prepared themselves for the capture of Savage. Apo was a bit nervous: " I hope your plan works, if not we are dead. Ah well, I would prefer a death in a fighter if I must die not in some kind of rebel prison. "

Tobi: " Only thing, stay calm. It will work I’m sure of it. "

" If you say so. " A few seconds later both Phoenixians climbed over roofs to the balcony of Savage’s bunk.

Tobi: " There we are, now we must use these rope to come to the balcony. Do you have the stunner? "

" Of course I have. Heck I was never good in climbing, that’s why i didn’t joined the army. "

Tobi answered: " For me counts the same, but we must have success. Let’s go. " After some minutes they reached the balcony, to get inside the bunk and stunning Savage was an easy task against the climbing up. Also the guard weren’t a problem. As they reached the shuttle all seemed to be ok.

Tobi: " Now you have to continue alone Apo. I’m staying here. "

Apo was most shocked now: " But why?! Will you become a rebel Tobi? "

" But Apo not a bit. I want to find out what happened to Mav. "

Apo: " But this is dangerous. When I’m away and Savage too then they will be think you are a traitor too. "

Tobi nodded: " It will become close but well I like the risk and so I will do it. "

Apo hugged Tobi: " I will return in time so they will not find out what happened. I promise it. "

" But you don’t like it here? I can continue alone Apo. "

" Nope you can’t. I will help you, I’m back as soon as possible. Good luck Tobi."

Apocalypse left Abalone then and as he jumped out of the system he was sure he wouldn’t allow a rebel to harm his squadron mate Tobi. Again he looked for Savage who was still stunned. Apo shot him again 3 times: " This is for the people in Tralus! And this is for the families you tried to destroy! And this is for Junior! " Then he searched for the channel of the secret Phoenix com sequence. " This is Master Chief Pilot Apocalypse. Can you hear me Phoenix? " There was nothing and Apo tried again: " This is Apocalypse, Phoenixians please respond when you hear me. " There was static but then there was

Desmo’s voice: " Apo? Is that really you? " Apo took a deep breath: " Desmo, great to hear you. Yep, it’s me. Listen I have a special guest for the Phoenixians. Where are you? "

" Ladron. Hell, I’m happy you are ok. "

Apo smiled: " Well Desmo the same counts for me. As we saw you jumping back into the hyperspace we thought the worst. "

" That’s a long story Apo. Hurry and I will tell it to you. "

An hour later Apo arrived at the El Pollo Diablo. In the hangar Desmo was already waiting: " Good to see you Apo and then in one piece. "

Apo smiled: " I haven’t much time. I have to return to Tobi as fast as possible. Our present is in the main shuttle cargo room. "

Desmo: " You have to go again? Why? Where is Tobi? "

Apo shook his head: " One thing the rebels try to initiate a war with the empire. We have proof but I haven’t it with me because we need more of it. You will get the summary then. Tobi and myself we infiltrated the rebel alliance that’s why I have to go, sorry. " In this moment two storm troopers brought Savage out of the shuttle.

Desmo: " Who is that man? "

Apo answered: " That’s Savage. Junior will be pleased now we are in the stronger position. "

The Wookie couldn’t believe it, the biggest enemy of the Phoenixians was a prisoner now. " Apo, that’s a great new. "

Apo smiled: " Now I have to return. Good luck. As soon as our work is done we will return. " He walked back to the shuttle but shortly before he reached the door Apo turned around: " Ah... Des... We found Mav. He’s a rebel now. That’s a bad new I know but we can’t change it. Well at least he didn’t betray us maybe we still have a chance there. "

After Apo’s departure Desmo went into Rookies bunk. He hated it to wake up his friend but this new was too important. The Commodore had trouble to wake up until Desmo said: " Savage is here. "

These three words made Rookie fully awake: " Savage? Did you say Savage? "

Desmo answered: " Your ears are fully ok. Yes, Savage. Apo and Tobi infiltrated the rebels and captured him. He’s ready for a hearing by you. He woke up just a few minutes ago. I think Apo fully stunned him. "

Rookie jumped out of his bed: " This is indeed a great new. Savage here, I don’t think he will like that. " Then the Commodore went into the cell of Savage.

The rebel captain smiled: " My dear Commodore so we meet again. Nice ship you have but soon it will be mine. " Rookie smiled back: " Yes, so we meet again. You still have a big mouth, my ship will never be yours. "

Savage stood up: " Oh it will my dear Commodore. The Sith will come and then finito with Phoenix I think. When you want revenge you should do it now before they are here. "

Rookie still smiling: " Do you really think a Sith cares for you. They will not come. "

The rebel came closer to Rookie: " They will come and I wish for you it will not be the Sith you call Steeler. Oh yes, your old XO. See how fast friendship can turn into hate. "

Rookie asked: " Whatever you have done with her she will return to Phoenix! She was, is and will always be one of us! "

Savage smiled cruel: " Nope, you are toys for her now not more not less. This is why you are still alive. "

Rookie turned around: " We will see. I have to lead a ship now we will speak later. Maybe I find a nice drug for you. " But Savage only laugh, his evil laugh followed Rookie until the door was closed. Meister stood in front of him.

Rookie asked him: " Do you think Steel will come and rescue him. " The Jedi only nodded. Then Rookie walked to the next window and looked out into the space: " Then we are better prepared. "

"ENTRY STARTED - WOW XXIII day six

We have a guest aboard the Diablo, our old friend Savage decided to visit us. He has been invited by Apoc and Tobi who have been on some kind of freelance mission, on which they got proof that the rebels have been behind the attack on the imperial colony.

And we met the thief again, he has been lucky that I was carrying Rookie, don’t ask why....

Ok no more to say yet, I just hope Savage would lure Steeler here.

END OF ENTRY"

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5

Authors: NCp Steeler, LtC Amber, SCP Meister_P, SCP Fjap

Editor: LtC < href="mailto:tfa.amber@btinternet.com" OnMouseOver="window.status='E-Mail LtC Amber';return true" OnMouseOut="window.status='';return true">Amber

The Authors and Editor have done their best to ensure the accuracy and currency of all information in this story. All information is current to 24/06/2000 and we can accept no responsibility for any loss or inconvenience sustained by any reader as a result of its information or advice.