https://swsfonline.com/index.php?topic=787.msg19330#msg19330
Post from December 17, 2020:
"As the VCX auxiliary fighter slipped out of hyperspace, Artemis was shocked to see not only that the gravity well net location had been moved. it was accompanied by what amounted to a fleet. Republic vessels. And almost twice as many imperial ships, including an interdictor cruiser.
"They let the imperials bring one of those into Republic territory?"
"Half the fleet is made up of imperial ships now. And it's been increasing ever since you were detained. Quietly, of course, sir, but needless to say, with you out of the way in the senate, others were taking full advantage."
Their comm suddenly lit up, and they could see a mix of X-wings and TIE fighters approaching from the fleet's location.
...
There were too many fighters, enemy ships. The distraction was appreciated but ... so many would die just for him?
"They know what they are doing sir. We need you, alive, free, and on Corellia. Corellia needs you to prepare for what's coming"
A moment later, Artemis was watching as one of the 'calvary' exploded, just before their vessel again dipped into hyperspace.
CorelliaSurface: Coronet City
“If there is anything we can do here to support you, we are at your service."Mara shook her head
"Just try not to get into too much trouble, at least until I get back"The wry grin on her face said all the words she'd left out, all the feelings, all the worry, all the excitement. She'd only be gone for a little while, really.
What could possibly happen?
=============================================
2 days later ...BORDER DEEP SPACE BETWEEN REPUBLIC and CORRELIAN SECTORThe ships of the Republic and Imperial combined fleet had grown since Artemis made his escape from here, however many months/years had passed since then. The Corellian scout ships had made the prudent decision to slow-walk to the border region, not only to avoid getting trapped into those gravity-well nets, but to avoid being detected altogether.That was crucial for the mission to succeed.The distraction had to be meaningful - Enough Corellian ships to hold their own; not enough to trigger all out war.
And for the Corellians to make it meaningful, they had to play their trump card. It was something that was sure to cascade into even more chaos and enmity. Mara had asked Artemis if it was worth it.
Artemis still wasn't sure. This encounter might be enough to push the Republic over the edge it was already so close to. And in return, Corellia would get some protection ...
But it was finally decided, they would go forward.
The scout ships hovered at the outskirts of the territory, taking in passive scans of the ships. The imperial interdictor was the most formidable looking vessel present, but there were also a handful of Republic cruisers and Victory Star Destroyers in the mix (the ships looked remarkably similar to each other).
"No large Mon-Cal vessels"
That the Mon-Calimari senator had been arrested was enough for their shipyards to pull any support they had for Speaker Leeds and his military efforts. The only Mon-Calimari cruisers present were smaller, and much older. Pre-purchased.
"Partially to be expected. Final scans coming in."
A black screen with green-highlights began marking off the locations of the republic and imperial ships, swarms of them, as well as the location of each of the gravity well nets in the area, a string of them, like polka-dots across the expanse of space.
"Locking in target locations and transmitting to the fleet"
A red light began to flash.
"We've been detected"
As if to confirm the suspicion, they could see an imperial frigate rotate and begin moving toward their location, flanked by a half dozen TIE-fighters that were starting to pick up speed.
The comm chimed, and soon they heard the voice over the speaker.
"This is Border Patrol. Identify yourself."
The Corellian scout turned to his colleague before pressing the button.
"Meesa so sowwy! Meesa no understand"
The frigate was moving closer.
"I repeat, identify yourself"
The pilot grinned, placing headphones over his ears.
"THis is Corellian Scout Vessel Feedback"
"Feedback, prepare to power down and -"
The rest of the captain's words were drowned out as the Corellian pilot pressed a button, a loud screeching noise over the intercomm.
"Get it? Feedback?"
The captain on the other end was cursing, but now, they got the attention of a few more ships that were starting to move into position - including the interdictor.
"Alright, that did it. Send coordinates to the fleet, and power up the engines"
The Corellian scout ship's engines roared to life, and the vessel began circling around, preparing to make an exit. Green laser fire flew overhead as TIE fighters got closer.
"Confirmation. The fleet received the intel."
"Good, so calvary is coming in, in ... 10 ... 9 ... 8..."
A loud book as laser cannon fire struck the back of the scout ship.
"Deflectors down to 60%"
"Transfer auxiliary power to the engines"
"3 ... 2 ... 1..."
Blasting out of hyperspace, nearly 50 Corellian ships of varying sizes appeared, including at least one Executive-class ship, over 1500 meters long.
The broadcast message that came from the ship was sent out on all frequencies, just to make sure nobody missed it.
"This is High Commander Artemis Soldys of the Corellian Sector Defense Force. We are hereby enforcing our sovereignty, under both the Republic charter and the intergalactic laws of governance. We demand all non-Corellian vessels leave the system at once"Artemis tapped the comm off, turning to the commander on his right with a grim smile.
"This is where the fun begins."