STGOD: The Pheonix Wars (Chapter III)

[Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman]

On the orbit of the A'millian colony

Stardestroyers soon break off the attacking the planet and turn on the defenders. The local ships were getting beaten hard by the Imperial cruisers when about a dozen Ancient bioships arrive and start backing up the militia. The Imperials were now outnumbered and outguned, but continued their relentless assualt.

The Imperial Star Destroyer Persuader shudders under the heavy concentration of Guardian's biolaser, while several A'millian fast frigates are joining the fray. The Star Destroyer's shield starts to buckle. Moments later, it explodes violently.

"Sir, the Persuader has been destroyed!"

"Tell the Star Destroyers to disengage A'millian ships and re-group the formation."

A Guardian bioship is about equal with two Star Destoyers. A dozen of bioships outnumber the destoyers greatly, but the Eclipse is more than sufficient to even the odds. However, the destroyers were initially dispersed; engaging A'millian ships.

Now they are returning to formation; combining firepower with the mighty Eclipse. A bioship is destroyed under a full barrage of turbolasers, while another is being torn alive by tractor beams. Horrible telephatic screams echo through space.

But now the formation has some problem; they have to fend off Guardian attacks while destroying the invisible nexus on the planet. It is anticipated, though, but the A'millian fierce defense is another thing. "Launch TIE Fighters," Captain Stern orders.

The Eclipse continue carving the planet's surface with its superlaser while its turbolasers are barraging the incoming bioships; combining firepower with her Star Destroyer escorts. Meanwhile, TIE Fighters and Interceptos swarm out to engage the A'millian fighters....

[Agent KA... er, Smith]

"*Ra complies, grumbling to himself. They enter the limo, and it rockets off into the dense Coruscant traffic. Meanwhile, the three agents arrive. Smith sees a utility belt lying around, and clenches it.*

"Damn it!"

*Then, the Cigarette-Smoking Man walks up behind them.*

"Don't worry, Smith. We'll get them before it's over with. Even so, we now know who he's working for."

"Yes, a Goa'uld."

After some pointless conversation about mother-in-law, the Cigarette-Smoking Man inquiries, "can you sense where they are now?"

"Yes, Sir." Agent Smith nods.

"Good. Now they think they're already safe, you can go after them."





Meanwhile, Galadriel's limo is speeding up through Coruscant busy traffic. "We have escaped the police chase!" Irene remarks.

"The limo is fast indeed", Ra agrees.

Galadriel frowns, though, "It's too easy...."

The limo then makes a sharp turns around a corner, entering an old warehouse, then brakes abruptly. Inside the warehouse, Destructionator XIII is waiting near a van speeder.

"What are we doing?"

"Changing car. The limo is already recognized."

Just when they are getting out of the limo, a figure wearing sunglasses Jedi-sommersaults from a dark corner.

"Surprised to see me?"

Agent Smith assumes fighting stance.

[Destructionator XV]

On the orbit of the A'millian colony

Imperial starships and fighters are really eating into the defenders, and have blasted the once inhabited planet into waste.

Then, out of warp, the A'millian 9th Defense Fleet arrives. 250 starships strong, the Imperials would now regret invading our territory.

The bioships and the local militia continue fighting the Imperials, but the 9th fleet does not yet engage. Over the communications line a female voice is heard:

"This is Admiral Leila Kirk of the A'millian 9th Defense Fleet. Imperial vessels, you are commanded to power down your weapons and prepare to be boarded. You have 30 seconds to comply."

[Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman]

"This is Admiral Leila Kirk of the A'millian 9th Defense Fleet. Imperial vessels, you are commanded to power down your weapons and prepare to be boarded. You have 30 seconds to comply."

The Empire is falling back now. Fighters and bombers are retreating back into hangars. However, their mission here is complete.

Captain Stern has been secretly briefed about the nexus; brute force simly does not work to close them down. Sometimes all they need to do is a simple planetary destruction, but most other times it is like defusing a bomb; brute force would just make the gate widened.

The Eclipse now put her hull between the 9th defense fleet and the Star Destroyers, taking the brunt of the attack with her massive size. Its volume alone equals thousands of destroyers. Captain Stern orders, "tell the fleet to retreat."

[Ra]

*Smith walks slowly out of the shadows, smiling mockingly at Galadriel.*

"Lady Galadriel! It's been... a long time."

*A chill goes down Galadriel's spine. The man looks shockingly familiar.*

"Elrond?"

*To that, Smith simply laughs.*

"You didn't honestly think you could escape, could you? Now, you will all die!"

*Smith pulls out a black tube, and flicks a switch, activating a red lightsabre.*

"What is he, a Sith?"

*Galadriel doesn't worry about that. Smith starts to circle closer to her. Then, she takes a fighting stance. A golden tube flies into her hand.*

*The lightsabre ignites, radiant like the light of Eärendil's star. The white blade is held over the Elf's head as she stands ready for Smith's attack.*

*Smith slowly marches forward, as several soldiers with capes and what appear to be skirts attached to their stormtrooper armor encircle the area.*

"Imperial Commandoes!"

"Take them."

*Two of the elite troopers run for Galadriel, and are quickly cut down by the shimmering blade. A gunbattle erupts in the warehouse, with an ungodly amount of firepower being thrown out by the IC guns. Ra and Patterson do their best to hold off the elite troopers, while Galadriel is forced to do the same, deflecting bolts with her lightsabre.*

*Smith advances for his prey.*

*Galadriel foresees him coming, and blocks his swipe. The two combatants look sternly at each other, and break. Smith then thusts, and is blocked. He then backs away, and performs several swipes at incredible speed, all three blocked by Galadriel. She halts his blade with the last move.*

"What do you wish to accomplish here?"

"You and your snake friend have been digging around in the Empire's darkest secrets... you're too curious. Now you must die.

*In the depths of the warehouse, the crimson and white blades continue to crackle and hum as a brutal fight ensues.*

[Dartzap]

Flotsam was in his element now, outnumbered, and for all apart from him, unarmed.

an ARC trooper charged at him, a vibroblade in one hand, a pistol in the other.

Are these peopleinsane? They're sending skirt wearing girly men after me! talk about adding insult to injury...

He sidesteps to one side, the trooper running past and tripping up over his extended foot.

Flotsam lifts his leg and crushe's the troopers head beneath his foot.

he picks up the sword and pistol, which are both very small in his hands, looking like some obselete surgery tools..


He stands there, smoking a cigar, waiting for the rest of the troops assinged taking him down

Come and get some, Nancy Boys!

[Destructionator XV]

On A'millian Prime...

"Sir, we have just received word from the 9th fleet. The Imperials ran away, but not before doing serious damage to the planet. Admirial Kirk did not persue, opting instead to use her resources to assist survivors on the planet."

"How bad is it?"

"Millions dead..."

"I'm sorry my bretheren couldn't do more..."

"You did what you could."

"More importantly, why were they attacking that planet? There was nothing of strategic value there."

"Possibly it was a strike of fear. This Empire often harasses the civilian populations of their enemys to gain a terror advantage."

"Agreed. That would certainly fit in with what we know about them."

"That is foolish. Surely they know that doing that would make the people demand war."

"Which is precisly what they want. They know you can't wage full scale war aginst them - your ships are busy with other matters. Hence, the people demand war, you don't deliver.."

"And we are torn apart from the inside, making us easy kills."

"Funny how they strike to tear us apart right while a new religion arises based around you", she looks at Kharden, "and your ships just happen to be the closest, thus garnering even more support."

"What are you insinuating, m'lady?"

"I insinuate nothing, Mr. Khardem. I am outright accusing you of treachery and conspiracy that led to the destruction of a civilian world."

The room went silent. Lord Adam smiled in the background. There was a reason he kept her so close to him. She would make a most deadly enemy.

"Luckily for you I can not yet prove this, but I suggest you pray that supporting evidence does not come up."

Khardem remained silent, but Lord Adam did speak.

"Let us not be too quick to accuse here. His ships did help us fight, and their presence could be a mere coincidence."

The Lady nods in agreement.

[Ra]

*Ra snaps the neck of a commando, and then grabs his pistol. He immediately puts it to good use.*

"Great. Where is our ticket out of this mess?"

"Destructionator XIII should have been here ten minutes ago!"

*Meanwhile, Destructionator XIII is stuck in a snarl of aerial traffic, flying around right in the midst of the Coruscantian rush hour. However, he doesn't see a black speeder tailing him several hundred meters back. The cab is filled with smoke.*

"Lead us right to them, mechanical man."

*Even harder to find are several Coruscant Security speeders hiding between buildings, and cruising on the lowest levels of traffic, waiting for Cancer Man or Smith's signal to move in...*

*In the depths of the warehouse, the Lady Galadriel moves in the dark, her white lightsabre blade humming with power. She can sense every move Smith makes...*

*And he can sense every move she makes.*

"I am impressed, Lady Galadriel. You're quite skilled with the lightsabre. How is that possible? And don't tell me it's because of that trinket on your finger."

"You realize this is hopeless. I can see what you plan to do before you even try it."

"And meanwhile, Galadriel, your friends are being occupied by my commandoes. Are you going to play the heroine, and try to save your friends?"

*He then paces closer. However, he underestimates her abilities. A huge object flies at Smith, and knocks him to the ground. A canister then approaches, which he slices in half.*

"I will enjoy watching you die, my lady!"

*The two combatants charge, flying in mid air. They exchange blows, and lock blades in mid-flight. After that, they fly apart. Galadriel lands on a ledge, standing with her lightsabre at the ready.*

"Your spies are apparently lacking, Smith. They do not even understand my own abilities?"

"We understood enough."

*Smith lets loose a Force-surge, which Galadriel deflects with one of her own. The two struggle, and then fly apart not unlike repelling magnets. The Lady regains her footing, and feels a surge of power course through her body. Her outreached hand unleashes a powerful jolt of lightning, taking Smith by surprise. He deflects most with his lightsabre, but some of it electicutes him.*

*Then, Galadriel's intention works; Smith flies off a ledge, falling into a lower level of the warehouse. With quick speed, Galadriel runs back to aid her friends...*

*Down below, Smith is smoking from the attack. He is actually surprised by the power Galadriel had demostrated. Something had improved her powers in recent months.*

*But that was a concern for another time. Smith snaps to his feet, and picks his sabre back up.*

"You're not out yet!"

*Smith runs off after his quarry.*

[Agent Smith]

As Agent Smith is charging, two more Smiths appears behind him, followed by three more. Now the six Smiths are circling Galadriel and the party, each holding a Lightsaber.

From a corner, the Cigarette Smoking Man is watching. That is the secret behind the kidnapped children some years ago; combining Guardian's technology of physical manifestation and "synthesized" Force. The super-soldiers. The experiment that makes the Organization confident they can face Guardian invasion.

But the CSM knows better; he has prepared a secret hideout near Maw to anticipate the Millenium.

He lits another cigarette.

[Ra]

*The ARC Troopers fall back as the six Smiths circle the group. Flotsam grimaces in dissappointment.*

"What madness is this?"

"It would be wise for you to run."

"I don't retreat."

"This is no time for you to play games. Do as I say! Your blasters are useless here."

*Smith laughs.*

"RUN? You have nowhere to run."

*The Smiths then look at each other, and smile evilly. They then charge, lightsabres swinging menacingly. Galadriel blocks both of the initial attackers, and Force-repells them. Another's blade is halted. She duels with him, and jumps up, avoiding another Smith's blade. Landing atop the airlimo, Galadriel then sends two Smiths flying with a Force surge.*

*The Smiths then regrouped, and attacked at once. With unnatural speed, Galadriel blocked each strike. She moved so fast that her movements appeared to blur. She then flew back, avoiding the simultaneous stabbing of six crimson blades. In the meantime, Ra, Flotsam, and Patterson wisely ran to her side.*

"Impressive, Lady Galadriel. But we're just getting started!"

*Galadriel swiped her blade, bringing it into a ready position.*

"Then finish it."

*Meanwhile, Destructionator XIII's aircar swoops in toward the warehouse. A Security vehicle observes from nearly a thousand meters below.*

"Sir, I've spotted a vehicle approaching the warehouse," the female officer reports. She has blonde hair, and a certain evil smile on her face."

"Block them in. I don't want them to escape."

"By your command."

*The Smiths continue their assault. Despite her skills, Galadriel is having trouble holding off six lightsabre-wielding clones at once. Once she gets an opening, she extends her hand, frying the group with Force lightning. However, most of it is stopped by the Smiths' lightsabres.*

*Smith then brushes his suit off, and notices that his glasses are broken.*

"That was my favorite pair..."

*He then tosses them aside, and flies at Galadriel. His attack is blocked, and then he is kicked away. Another Smith attacks, but he is hit in the face, and stumbles. His blade falls, and deactivates.*

*Galadriel then draws his lightsabre to her, and uses it to deflect the blows of two more Smiths, and then the other two. She then spins the blades around, and blocks the original Smith's blow with her crossed blades.*

*Suddenly, an aircar barrels into the warehouse, knocking a commando off into the abyss <insert token Wilhelm scream>. Destructionator XIII opens the hatch.*

"Come on!"

*Ra, Patterson, and Flotsam board the car. However, Galadriel is still being forced to fight the six Smiths. She slowly retreats, but not before the ARC's start to surround the car.*

"Galadriel! Get in here!"

"Start without me," She says without looking.

"I won't leave you."

"Stop doubting me! GO!"

*Destructionator XIII then reluctantly starts backing out, with Ra and Patterson firing their blasters at the commandoes. Galadriel then flies onto a ledge, going ahead of the car, and continues fighting the original Smith.*

*Another Smith then comes from behind, and presses the attack. Despite perching precariously on the ledge, Galadriel continues to hold her own. Then, a third Smith climbs up, and tries to grab at her leg. The trio then confidently smile.*

"You are beaten!"

"Perhaps. But the Wise know when to make haste."

*Seemingly committing suicide, Galadriel drops off the ledge. However, she falls right into the moonroof of the car, plopping into the seat between Ra and Patterson.*

"Step on it!"

"You're not escaping that easily! All units, move to intercept."

*A Security airspeeder moves in to block Ra's car. However, Destructionator XIII guides the craft mere centimeters away from the craft, leaving Number Six fuming. She then wheels the vehicle around, and joins a dozen Security vehicles in pursuing Ra's car.*

"Are you alright?"

"I will recover. I only require rest."

"Who the hell was that?"

"Twisted clones of Lord Elrond. How they accomplished this is beyond my sight."

"At least we got away from them."

"We are not out of this yet. We are trapped on this planet, and escape will not be easy."

"There may be a way."

*Galadriel raises an eyebrow.*

[Agent Smith]

One of the Smith are riding a speederbike, keeping up with Ra's van speeder. He then sommersaults into its rooftop and readies his lightsaber as the van continues speeding through Coruscant highway...

[Ra]

*As that happens, Ra's aircar zooms through several lanes of traffic. A Security vehicle pulls alongside. Two officers glare at the vehicle. As a freighter is passed, the vehicle's occupants have been replaced by two Smiths.*

"We've reacquired the target."

"The Elf is the primary objective."

*On the other side, another vehicle flits in and out of the traffic flow, and comes up behind, tailgating dangerously close. Inside, Number Six wears a sadistic grin.*

*Meanwhile, atop Ra's airspeeder, Smith cuts into the roof of the car, and then rips it off. It flies right into Six's windscreen.*

"Damn it!"

*Her vehicle then careens into a civilian speeder. It skids off the cab, crushing an unfortunate businessman. The vicitim's vehicle then careens out of control, causing a chain reaction of collisions. A tanker is one of the victims, and explodes violently. At that, Six only looks back, and smiles some more.*

*The huge crowd of Security speeders, on the heels of Ra's car, present an insane site in the skies. Several more vehicles move in to intercept, and are easily evaded.*

*Smith, meanwhile, is fighting an impromtu lightsabre duel with an already-weary Galadriel. However, that doesn't stop her. She strikes against his blade, drawing it down. Ra wraps Smith's hand with the restraints, and he loses the lightsabre. The fight then goes down to hand to hand, with Smith attempting to strike at Galadriel. She blocks his punches, and swipes at him with her white lightsabre.*

*Smith then adjusts his glasses, and grabs his lightsabre back, Force-snatching it out of Ra's grip.*

"Where are you running to, Mister Ra? You have... nowhere to run. Your vehicle will eventually run out of fuel."

"Uh, I'm working on that."

*Elsewhere, another Smith replaces a tanker pilot. He smirks, and hits the gas. Ra's speeder is just ahead. Smith's new tanker plows through two Security speeders, and comes dangerously close to Ras car. Destructionator XIII skillfully guides the car around the tanker, which careens into a taxi, obliterating it. As the lumbering tanker swerves, it takes out another car, which then tumbles toward the ground. It then tragically falls into another car on a lower level of traffic. Both explode violently.*



*Orbit. The Ascendancy has arrived over Coruscant. Captain Tarret watches the HoloNet in disbelief as Ra's vehicle runs through the city, chased by a dozen Security vehicles, and a fuel tanker! The group is leaving a path of destruction behind it, and other Security units are trying desperately to divert traffic ahead.*

"Ra, Ra, Ra... You couldn't conduct a covert operation if your life depended on it. Literally, in this case. Can we lock on?"

"No, Captain. The planetary shield is up to prevent them from reaching orbit."

"Shit. We couldn't penetrate that shield with a week's bombardment. I just hope he has a plan..."

[Khardem]

Meanwhile, on A'millian Prime...

Khardem contemplates; the Goa'uld System Lord and his elven magician would pose a threat for the Ancient Guardians; they should be eliminated.

He already submitted his proposal to Lord Adam for an attack against the Goa'ulds. The A'millian armada is powerful with the Biolaser, still they are no match for the Empire. Khardem has convinced the A'millian King A'millians to concentrate their war efforts on the Goa'ulds instead, since their System Lord and his magician is resourceful and may pose future threat for the A'millians....

Now, he is still waiting for Lord Adam's decision.

[Ra]

*Galadriel and Smith continue to flight it out atop Ra's now ragged-out car. Meanwhile, Ra and Patterson are trying to avoid both combatants' lightsabre blades.*

"What was that plan you mentioned?"

"One of Captain McKenzie's old buddies. He runs one of the shield projectors in this district. The control room is on Szaan Avenue. All we need to do is contact him."

"Oh, a brilliant plan! He doens't even know who we are!"

"We played a game of sabacc last year, he owes me two thousand credits."

"Two THOUSAND?"

"Inflation's a bitch."

*Galadriel ignores Ra and Pattersons' drivel. She has only one thing in mind; to knock Smith off of the car. Smith swipes at her, only for the blow to be blocked. She then makes a false move, and rapidly stabs with her blade. Smith evades, but tetters on the car's tail.*

*Smith then begins rapidly chopping at her, hammering against her lightsabre. Galadriel is worn down, and is forced to her knees. She then inhales, and strikes up. Another exchange of blows. Galadriel then blocks and swipes his blade aside, letting out a jolt of lightning. The shocked Smith flies off the car, right through Six's windscreen. He then takes a seat, and adjusts his glasses.*

"This is not going well."

"They still can't escape. Take the controls, I will finish this."

*The Cylon and Elf exchange menacing looks. She then begins to rise from her seat...*

[Baal]

*Meanwhile, over Chu'lak. Apophis' old stomping grounds is now a major fleet base for Baal, Ra's Goa'uld nemesis. However, the Guardians don't know that. To them, a Goa'uld is a Goa'uld. Several Ha'taks are being completed on the surface as Baal's First Prime watches.*

*Out of nowhere, three bioships phase in. They then ambush several Ha'taks, and slaughter them before their shields can be raised. Then, it happens...*

*Under the laws of the Goa'uld, every system lord, including Ra, had to share technology. Thus, Baal's ships had the new neutralizer device installed aboard one of his ships. However, the psychotronic fields engage, silencing nine of Baal's Ha'taks. All are quickly eliminated.*

*Worse, a flotilla of A'millian starships warp in, and join in on the slaughter. Baal's fleet now goes to action, and retaliate. The neutralizer, while still damaging Goa'uld physiology, at least save the Jaffa crews from instant death from biolaser attack.*

*While packing an immense punch, the A'millian ships still have standard shields, and are more easily destroyed by the Goa'uld defenders. Despite this, the attackers have Baal's force outgunned. The First Prime can only watch as the now evened battle continues, with ships on both sides dying quick deaths. With Baal's forces spread fighting the Free Jaffa, he muses calling for outside aid...*

*Baal, meanwhile, recieves word of the attack.*

"M'lord, our Chu'lak base is under heavy attack by the aliens."

"Good to know that Ra's problem is now the problem of all Goa'uld. Send reinforcements at once!"

"M'lord, our nearest fleet is seven hours away at best speed. By then, it will be too late."

Baal sighs. "Send them nonetheless. Even if we lose Chu'lak, the Guardians will regret the day they crossed me."

*The Jaffa bows, and walks away.*

[Dartzap]

Flotsam was bored, there was lots of flying and a lightsaber duel on the top of the van, but he couldnt do anything in either.

He hits the roof with a fist in his annoyed rage, making the entire van shudder, his hand goes right through the roof by accident right under one of Smith's feet, smith looses his grip and slides to the end of the van, holding on for dear life on a rail.

Flotsam looks through the hole he just made,


Oops,

He notices the elf women breathing heavily on the other side, clearly she was exsausted.

Flotsam grins



My turn now, I hope you have somthing better than that Glowstick, Smith

He raises himself to the roof, a manic little gleam in his eyes.

[Agent Smith]

With astonishing speed, Agent Smith sudenly leaps back onto the car's roof. In a matrix-esque movement, he lands several salto kicks on Commander Flotsam's belly.

[Ra]

*Galadriel then does an astonishing move. She causes the van to volently barrel-roll, sending Smith twirling, hanging only by his foot. Destructionator XIII doesn't know what is going on, and tries to regain control.*

*She then slices away the shard of roof that Smith is hanging from, sending him flying into the air. Again, he lands on Six's Security vehicle, which begins moving closer. Galadriel deactivates her sabre, and drops down to her seat.*

*Suddenly, something happens that no one expected. The tanker chasing Ra's group moves up at tremendous speed. In addition, something is making the traffic swerve ahead. Another tanker is charging straight at the group.*

"You better do something, android!"

*Just at the last moment, Destructionator XIII dives the car straight down, avoiding the huge explosion as the two tankers collide. However, the Security vehicles also dive. Destructionator XIII then guides the car through a tunnel, swooping past several vehicles.*

"We are now on Szaan Avenue."

"You better know this man's number, Irene!"

Patterson works the car's holodisplay. "Don't sweat. I've got him... right here."

"This is the Imperial Army Szaan Compound... Major Irene? What do you what?!"

"Just for you to repay an old debt, sir. Remember that 2,000 credits you owe me?"

The officer grimaces. "Yes. I don't have the money right now, Major!"

"That's why I called, sir. Do me one small favor, and I'll forget about the whole thing."

"Name it!"

"Shut off your shield projector for five seconds."

"Are you mad?"

"No, the other projectors will compensate almost immediately. Just trip the diagnostic system. You know what I'm talking about."

"I could end your career over such a request, Patterson. But we're not in danger of attack, not in that short amount of time, so..."

*The transmission ends abruptly. It isn't clear if he hung up, or was jammed.*

"This better work, Irene."

*At the same time, the Ascendancy is making a low-orbit pass over Coruscant, on her way to leave the system. If the shield doesn't go down in the next several minutes, they will be forced to leave.*

[Ra]

*As the officer considers accepting Irene's offer, another technician bends over in pain, yelling. Strange things happen to his body, as he is replaced by a Smith.*

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

*Moments later, a hologram of Smith appears before Patterson.*

"A valiant effort, Major. But a useless one. You and your friends cannot escape this planet. Perhaps you should surrender."

*Patterson grates her teeth. As Smith mockingly smiles, she responds by flipping Smith off, and closes the transmission.*

"Shit! What are we gonna do now?"

"It would appear we have failed. Our fate is in the hands of the Valar now..."

*Ra said nothing. He just buried his head in his hands, and accepted it. He'd been defeated before, and he knew how it felt.*

"We will run out of fuel in two hundred kilometers."

"Oh, thanks for reminding us. Find a place to park this bucket."

"What do you propose?"

"Fighting to the last person standing?"

"Sounds like a plan!"

*The car then veered off, heading into the Industrial district. Smith could only smile.*

[Dartzap]

*Curescant Orbit*

Captain Morrain of the Trollish Intelligence Services had been on board this captured ship for ages, and with only a squad of Slayers to keep him company, he wasn't getting much of a social life on here.

He had been orderd here by Lord Detritus, on the grounds that no plan, ever was completly incapable of failing, He did have faith in Flotsam, but there were to many variables to leave it to them alone.

So he, had orderd the TIS to find a small transport of a Imperial design, steal it, and take it here, waiting for trouble while under cloak.

And what a surprise, here was the trouble, He had intercepted the messeges between the sheild control and the group, It had not gone as planned.

Flotsam better appreciate this..

He turned to the slayer controlling the ship.

"Take us down under cloak, if they land , or forced to land, we will need to be there quickly, do not hesitate to use the turbolasers on persuers

"Yes Sir"


*Down below*

"How long until crash down?, 'cause that's how long I've got to prepare for a horde of Smith's!

[KANnold Schwarzenegger]

*The car then veered off, heading into the Industrial district. Smith could only smile.*

The van-speeder eventually parks in an abandoned factory complex. "Now what," Ra exclaims.

Destructionator XIII replies, "We are running out of gas, Sir."

"Well, this was factory or some sort, right? Maybe we can loot some fuel..."

While the party still considers their options, a roaring engine of a chopper bike is heard from the distance, louder and louder. The bike approaches them, then the rider speaks;

"You are a threat to the Organization. You will be terminated."

[Ra]

*Ra's forcefield crackles to life.*

"Just when you thought it couldn't get any wierder."

*And it did. A blonde woman walked up behind Ahnuld, wearing a mocking smile. And then, out of the shadows, came Smith.*

"You didn't seriously think you were going to escape us, did you, Mister Ra?"

"Play time is over."

"Hasta la vista. Baby."

*Just as Ahnuld says that, an entire wall smashes in. Then, the bow of a ship decloaks. Slayers storm out of a hatch, and do their thing.*

*Galadriel offers a condident smile.*

"You were correct about one thing. Play time is over."

*Bringing her lightsabre to bear, Galadriel deflects a hail of blaster fire coming from Ahnuld. Ra and Patterson then run aboard, followed by Destructionator XIII.*

"This is what we were born for, Lady! Go on, we'll be right behind you."

*Six is infuriated.*

"DESTROY THAT SHIP! NOW!"

*Despite their efforts, the vessel lifts off. Even though several TIE's move in to intercept, the ship cloaks, and climbs ever higher.*

"We still cannot get past the shield."

"Oh? Remember we're allies now, Galadriel."

"I offered the Trolls and our Borg allies access to one of the phasing-cloak devices the Romulans developed. We should be able to penetrate their shield."

"Hur, hur, penetrate..."

"Shaddap! Anyway, the problem is, the phase-cloak damages our own cloaking circuits. It nearly fused then on the way here."

"We'll only need it once, Mister Flotsam."

"Shield perimeter in ten seconds."

*The ship reaches the shield. It then phases, passing through the shield and its untold exatons of energy. Then, the device switches off, rephasing the ship.*

*The Ascendancy. Tarret had been watching the escape when it occured, and knew what ship to look for once it rematerialized.*

"I don't know how they did it, Captain, but they're outside the shield!"

"It doesn't matter. Beam them up, now!"

*The slayers, as well as Ra's group, appear on the bridge. Seconds afterward, hundred, perhaps thousands of guns on a nearby Golan Arms Battlestation reduce the former Slayer ship to space dust.*

"I am happy to report that our mission was... a success, despite our alerting the entire Empire to our intentions. We should set course for Naboo."

"As you wish, m'lady."

*She nodds to an officer, which gives the navigation commands.*

"How do you think this will effect our mission?"

"We may have to face Imperial retribution. And when it comes, it will be swift."

"We may have accomplished something, though. For all they know, we're all dead."

Galadriel was quiet a moment as she meditated. She then looked over. "Perhaps you are correct. However, I feel that we may not have escaped all of our foes..."

*The Ascendancy makes it to the outer reaches of the system several hours later, and jumps to hyperspace.*

*Meanwhile, Ra's crew doesn't realize it, but a certain man is already well on his way to Naboo, aboard a luxury liner. He then lights another cigarette...*

[Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman]

Aboard Star Destroyer Avenger II....

Captain Ronald McKenzie feels uneasy at the whole situation. At first, he was sure that his old friend has turned into a psychopathic despot. Base Delta Zeroes, planetary destructions; those are unavoidable parts of war with clear purpose to achieve. Wanton planetary bombardment -sometimes Imperial planets- is, however, another thing. That's why he involved himself with this covert renegade movement on the first place.

But since the destruction of Ibizan, he is not sure anymore.

Probably Darth Kreshna has been right all the time? Probably this 'Ancient Guardians' is more serious threat than they thought?

And he has watched the news for sure; all the shenanigans Ra and his friends have done on Coruscant. While the Goa'uld Head of the State himself remains unidentified, Coruscant Police Department has positively identified a pointy-eared suspect as Lady Galadriel; Chief Advisor to the Goa'uldian government. Imperial Secretary of Foreign Affairs has expressed a formal protest, yet the Goa'ulds has not responded a bit. Even left-wing Imperial media start questioning the alliance with the Goa'ulds, while the right-wing..... Captain McKenzie winced at what he read on the morning paper.

It's gonna' be a diplomatic scandal at the very least.

McKenzie has been depending on his instinct all the time; the same instinct that keeps telling him that Ra is right, However, when the Goa'uld Head of the State is back, he better make some damn good explanations.

Because, Captain McKenzie is going to make some really serious decisions.

[Ra]

*As the Ascendancy zipped across hyperspace, Ra and his group recouped, and regretted what had happened. They knew the mission was a success, but it was also a total failure in one important area: stealth. Despite taking so much care in the mission, Ra's group had ended up in a highly-publicized rampage across the Imperial City and Industrial District of Coruscant.*

*Galadriel was in her quarters, meditating. She found it hard to do so, with so much having happened. Holifield walked in, and knocked on the bulkhead.*

"Irene. It is late."

"I know... but... What are we supposed to do?"

"This quest of ours stands on the edge of a knife. One false move now, and we will fail. Our allies question our motives now. By trying to gain more information and seek a way to end this war, we have prolonged it."

"How can they abandon us now?"

"Our allies are not as strong as we would have liked, Irene Patterson. But that is to be expected. We must now be ready for the inevitable; not just Imperial retribution, but betrayal at the hands of our friends. Even on this ship, we are not safe."

Patterson blinked. "M'lady, isn't that slightly overreacting?"

"I would wish it was. But a trial is coming for Ra, one I do not see him passing. He is a fighter, not an ambassador. However, I cannot help him in this matter."

"You're referring to our rendezvous with the Avenger II?"

Galadriel turned away, and faced the window. "I am. If he is to fail, then I fear that all will be lost."

[Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman]

"It was supposed to be a FUCKING COVERT OPERATION!!"

Captain Ronald McKenzie slams his fist on the table in the Avenger II meeting room. Irene Patterson stares at her feet, while Commander Flotsam whistles innocently. Ra, despite the fact he's offended by the Captain's behaviour, realizes the emergency of the situation. Only Galadriel remains calm.

"Let me explain," McKenzie tries to control himself, "our project to find the Guardian's weakness won't work anymore to cover our regenage movement. So far our official result is the 'song nullifier', which use is limited because of its side effects and hugemongous power requirement. Morevoer, Imperial fleet is already protected by Kreshna's magic aura or whatever it is. So the folks up there ain't satisfied by our result, and it is likely the project will be disbanded."

"But the worst of it," the Captain continues, "your.... action on Coruscant is getting exposed. That bootlicker Governor Anderson," Ronald spats the name with disgust, "is taking advantage of the situation, flaming the public for a war against the Goa'ulds. The fucking bastard aims for Presidency for sure, and the right-wing media are with him."

"However, the immediate problem lies HERE. As soon as the Empire declares war against you folks, we can no longer keep our movement secret. I have to make choice, then: openly side with you, then constitute a Rebellion, or go back to my government's service and pretend all of this never happened."

Ra is about to reply when McKenzie waves his hand, "hold on, I'm not finished yet. The reason why I involved myself in this renegade movement is because I believed in your cause. Our cause. But since the destruction of Ibizan, I'm not sure what to believe anymore. Probably Kreshna has been right all the time? Probably the Guardian is more serious threat than we thought? Probably what we need is to exterminate them all with brute force, instead of investigating ancient history?"

"So tell me what you've got now. Bring me some good news. I'm sorry, Ra, but I need to weight my options. I'm still an Imperial, and moreover, a soldier. My primary duty is to protect Imperial citizens, so I need some damn good reason if I choose to rebel to my own goverment."

Ra realizes he needs to push his skills in statesmanship and diplomacy to the hilt now. Galadriel's 'wizard speech' won't work here. If anything, the Empire is a modern society, much like the 20th century Earth. People don't listen to the Oracle's Magic Words anymore; they need something can appeal to their rational minds and conscience.

On the other hand, they have found nothing effective to stop the war. Sure they have uncovered some facts that may explain why the Guardians are here, but it's still long way to find the panacea. They need more time to investigate further, but it is not like the Ronald is going to give them more. It is not his fault, though; the Imperial Captain has been giving them much slacks, but he still has his own priorities and responsibilities.

Should the worst happens, Ra estimates the Empire will be too busy with their war against the Guardians and the A'millians to give sufficient 'attention' to the Goa'ulds and the Trolls. However, the Goa'ulds themselves are still at war against the ever-stronger A'millians. The only hope for the New Alliance would be the Borg... if they did not mysteriously disappeared on the first place. Even though they're still no match with the Empire, only the Borg have some serious muscle to held the A'millians at bay.

Nevertheless, it's gonna' be a multi-sided war.

Ra starts to speak, considering his words, "Captain McKenzie...."


OOC: let's play a game of diplomacy, people! Ra plays as Ra, Dartzap as Flotsam, while myself represent the Empire. Try to convince Captain McKenzie as best as you can! :)