Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn
Unable to stand to attention, Mark straightened in his chair and offered a salute before returning his attention to the team.
"I'd like to start off by saying thank you for coming after us. Your actions help save nearly one hundred souls from a fate worth than death. While so many would have given up, taken the spoils and ran, you risked yourselves to save us. Given so many of you were not even members of the Black Talons when I left, it speaks volumes. My heartfelt thanks."
"Now as you heard your operation was just one part of a much larger campaign. One in which other of our colleagues and our equipment saw action. I think you'll be happy to know that Ms Masters survived the battle unscathed. Mr Allen was forced to eject but he has survived and is already making a new CO's life hell. I believe my recommendation he be transferred to a test pilot unit in R&D may suit both the young Duros and many a battlefield commander.
Ms Lambar did not fare so well. She was serving on board Nightshrike when it suffered critical damage. She survived but I understand there were. . .complications."
"Ship-wise our R-41 Starchaser and one Z-95 headhunter were destroyed. The last Z-95 survived with minor damage. The Nightshrike survived but was so critically damaged she'll need to be scrapped. The Moonshadow took severe damage but the repair yard boys are working on her as we speak. They predict she'll be operable again by the end of the week."
"So as a result of this battle, the Black Talons are down to one Z-95 headhunter and one Ghtroc 720 transport and next to no funds. We have lost our ability to operate as an independent unit. However, ever since Zyra and I travelled to the summit where we were captured, I had no longer planned for us to operate alone."
"Since only Mr Kismet has been with us since the beginning I should clarify the original purpose of the Black Talons was to serve as a specialised fighting force within the Permellian Hydian Alliance. Part starfighter squadron, part commando. Go anywhere, do anything. When the PHA disbanded us, I took the operation independant. We continued to fight the Empire in our own way. Now with the formation of the Alliance and General Kota's blessing, I plan to return to my original plan."
"Kota has given me a small taskforce of two Marauder Corvettes. Each can carry a single squadron of fighters. At the moment one carries, Y-wings, the other Z-95,s both understrength. While I have personnel for those two fighter squadrons, it is my intention to raise a third which I will tentatively call 'Black Squadron'. It's personnel will have various roles on the ship, not all will be pilots. They will be whatever I need them to be. While Kota will undoubtedly pass down missions for my force, we will also be tasked with undertaking missions of opportunity. I tend to use that authority to hurt the Empire everywhere I can. Black Squadron will be whatever I need them to be - pilots, commandos, saboteurs, infiltrators."
"Those of you who have served the Talons already, your transfers to my new command will be approved on your say so. Just let Colonel Zax or myself know. Mr Endeel and Blaque, Ms Daochi. Mr Kismet has vouched for you all and I extend the offer to you as well."
"Please note, while I would expect Black Squadron to continue working as a team of equals, independant experts, there will obviously need to be a formal rank hierarchy involved. Obviously given my new rank and responsibilities and my current lack of flight certification, I can not lead the squadron. You will need to elect your squadron leader and his or her deputies. Recommendations to the Colonel."
"I'll take questions before the Colonel, who will serve as my adjutant and head of logistics and intelligence discusses other matters. Speak freely, none of you are under my command at this point."
OOC: Obviously this is a change of direction for the Talons. There will be a bit more military oversight and a basic command structure but Talons will still have a fair degree of latitude. If you feel your character might be inappropriate, feel free to discuss changes/replacements with me.
Each character will have an Alliance rank due to the military structure though the expectation is when the Talons are working away from the Rebels, they work as equals as they always have.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:30, Mon 27 Nov 2017.