"Thermobaric weapon?  Never heard of it.  You say it's low tech?  Would it be low tech enough that it wouldn't appear on a standard scan?  Remember system craft routinely scan incoming freighters for dangerous items like explosives or illicit goods.  A proton bomb would be detected long before they got near the planet.  Is this a case of our pirates being poor, or sneaky?"

"It seems we're dealing with well led pirates here.  Not only have they evaded the Imperials for this long, but they deliberately bait a trap to draw the defense fleet away while they bomb a civilian space port."

"I suppose the questions are who are they, how do we find them and what value do they get out of bombing a space port.  It had no military value.  It mainly housed cargo vessels and passenger transports."

Flash spoke up, one of the few times he did so in such situations.  "Maybe they weren't after the Imperials?"  He fell silent once again after voicing his opinion, but he was ready as always to defend his view if confronted.  He leaned back out of sight, leaving the remainder of the discussion to the others.

"It really depends on the materials used.  Obviously, this bomb was not detected.  It looks fairly simple on the vid.  It could have been low-tech enough, or they could have had someone on the inside to let them through.  In either case, you may be right.  If they used this weapon to bypass the scans, they know what they're doing."

Devon was sat on his bunk, elbows on knees, frowning.
'So why vape a space port??  I mean, all that does is garantee that the Imps will be on higher alert from now on.  And how they did it is the sort of trick that dosent work twice... so why bother?  what did they gain from this?  Think like criminals here, guys.' he grinned.  'I'm good at that'

Devon stretched out on his bunk, wiggled into a comfortable position and stared at the ceiling.
'Your a group of pirates that are raiding the local Imperials convoys.  Then you toast a spaceport.  Lots of people dead... but thats not why you did it - a blood thirsty pirate is usually a dumb pirate - and dumb pirates get caught fast.  So your smart pirates... which means you did the space port because it gives you some form of advantage.  An advantage that you keep even though the Imperial garrison will make sure you can't pull the same trick twice...'

He fell silent for a few moments, thinking; then looked up.
'What if thats why you did it?  The Imps have got limited manpower, or they wouldnt be calling in mercenaries.  So you force the Imps to use their manpower where YOU want them to: around targets your not really interested in.  Next time you hit a convoy and it calls for backup, the Imps will hesitate before responding - is this convoy attack just another decoy?  If we send the garrison to defend the convoy, will the pirates hit the space port - or somewhere similar - again?'

Devon sat up again.
'I think they're setting things up so that the next time they hit a convoy... we wont have Imperial backup to call on.'

"Maybe" Xil said looking over towards Devon. "We can probably agree that we are dealing with smart pirates. You have to remember that Zyra has told us that we were bait in a supposed Imperial trap for these guys. The pirates knew it was a trap and didn't turn up to play with anything except two T16's."

He turns back to the rest of the group "T 16's that weren't really there to loot any of the cargo. So the question is why? Were they meant to bug out as soon as the the Imps turned up or were they expendable like us. If they were expendable, losing two T16's is not all that inexpensive. Therefore what is their end goal that allows them to throw things away like that."

Looking around again "If you think about it, they obviously didn't send good pilots, so my guess is they were probably expendable." he paused for a moment "I don't think this is about making it easier for them to get to convoys. I wouldn't think they have any problems with looting convoys, as the Imperial response time is probably long enough for them to get what they want and get away. After all the Imps were ready to to come to the aid of our convoy and it still took about 5 minutes for the first of them to arrive."

"So, how did they know it was a trap? We could really do with a slicer about now. Most importantly what is their main objective?"

"You may be right, Devon.  The spaceport wasn't valuable enough by itself; the pirates are probably building towards something else.  Perhaps that something would require a larger window of opportunity.  It may be that they had a good reason for the spaceport, or they may just be trying to cause a disruption."
Jamie stroked his chin pensively.
"In any case, these actions are inexcusable.  I must admit I had been having thoughts of persuading these people to join our cause.  I revoke anything I may have said on the matter.  These people are pirates, rogues, and murderers."
Jamie stared at a spider in a corner as it sucked the blood from an insect.  That gave him another idea.
"Perhaps we've been looking at this backwards?  Maybe the pirates are trying to buy time for another target before the garrison will come to the rescue...but perhaps, if they keep this up, the Imps will respond to the first threat and send out all sorts of other patrols for the inevitable second attack.  But what if the second attack is going to be here, at the relatively unguarded base?  I mean, an Imperial garrison is a hefty target, even with half its forces dispatched, but it would be a worthwhile prize should they succeed."
"We may not have a professional slicer, Xil, but we have the next best thing."  Jamie pointed across the barracks.  "We have Flash.  I believe he's shown some talent in that field."

Flash straightened his back, as he got pointed out.  He didn't much like being brought into the spotlight, but he felt a certain pride at being praised like this, even subtly.  The to feelings conflicted, but in the end, the deciding factor was that of duty.  If he was called on to do something, he would, for the team.  He hadn't known them long, but they had been through more together than anyone else he'd met, and he felt a responsibility, to do his part for the team.  That's what they were, not just a collection of people with a name, but a team, working together.  If one backs down, the whole team suffers, and he couldn't do that to them, so he just stood there, waiting to see what orders he would be given.

Zenna nodded.  "It's clear we need to start thinking like pirates.  As you said, this raid to date has cost them two T-16's and bombing a spaceport has signed their death warrants all across Imperial Space.  Whatever they are doing, it is worth all this exposure and cost."

"Of course, as was mentioned, the pirates may just be in someone's employment.  That doesn't change the fact that there is a prize at stake.  Something big.  If we can find the credit trail, we may have our people."

"The question is, what's worth this kind of trouble?"

"A sound question indeed.  We have many possibilities.  We agree that whatever they are after is bigger than just a convoy.  Potentially something that requires more time without interference.  I will put some feelers out and see what I can learn.  Perhaps there is some big shipment coming in soon, something valuable.  I will also ask around regarding the spaceport.  Maybe the spaceport was the target and not just a diversion.  At the least its two avenues to pursue.

Zenna, I may call on you somewhat for this.  I know you've had a little intelligence training.  Whilst I'd normally do the investigations myself, but being on an Imperial world, there are some places a human can go that I can't."

Mark returned to the workshop shortly after.

"Well it looks like we've got our next mission.  The Imperials have a number of possible pirate supply dumps.  We're going to be serving as recon for one of them.  The Imperials have commando teams hitting the other sites.  We've been given a small manufacturing plant on a moon of the fifth planet of this system, codenamed 'Site six'."

"Mr Webb, you'll be happy to know that the Imperials will be supplying you with a supply of the latest explosives for you to play with.  If we confirm that this site is a supply dump, we are under orders to destroy it."

"Now we are uncertain the numbers on-site, but intelligence suggests if this is a definite site, then the pirates will likely defend the site aggressively.  We can call in air and ground support if the situation warrants it but I'm hoping to not have to rely on them."

"More information should be being transmitted shortly.  Once we get it, we'll likely be shipping out quickly.  So have your gear stowed and lets do what we can to be prepared because you can be sure the Imperials wont do a thorough job."

Xil sat quietly for a moment after Mark had finished to let the theories and new mission details sink in. Damn Imps ...... there is just so much we don't know yet he thought to himself.

"Well, let's get our gear sorted asap" Xil suggested to the rest of the group. "Flash I can help with yours, as I want you to see what you can find out about this moon and that manufacturing plant. We know that the Imps intel is not the best so anything extra we know will be of benefit."

As if on cue, Mark's datapad beeped to indcate he'd received a download.  Checking it he murmured to himself.  Finally he looked up.

"Hmmm.  Well we have the aerial scans of the manufacturing plant.  I'm uploading it to the view screen.  I've also collected some 'interesting' data which I need to pursue.  Exilim, Jamie.  Gather the Talons and formulate a plan.  I need to 'borrow' Zyra and work on an idea I have forming."

Less than a few seconds after Mark issues the upload, the plans appear on the viewscreen.  The manufacturing plant is of modest size, covering well over 10 hectares.  It is four levels in height and looks like it one was use to fabricate plasteel.  The plant seems to have fallen into disrepute somewhat, but the scans show a significant presence still there.  Thermal images show at least a dozen people still on site.  Too many to simply be security.

The building was surrounded by a ten metre chainlink fence topped with barbed wire.  The surrounding area was largely surrounded by farming land.  The noise from the plant made it viable for little else, save more industry.

In short, it looked like little more than a rundown industrial plant.  There was little to suggest it was being used for anything else, yet it would be an ideal location for illicit manufacturing or a supply dump.

"Well," said Jamie.  "That didn't take long!  This could be easy.  Those could be janitorial staff.  That's extremely unlikely."
He leaned back on his bunk and kicked his legs up.
"We need to confirm that this target is hostile before we destroy anything; running in with blasters blazing is out of the question.  Considering the level of noise, we could probably physically sneak in; that worked pretty well last time, but they may have a sensor array prepared just because of the noise.  We could try to simply walk in...that worked for us once, too."
Jamie pointed at the Duro.  "I think yours will be the first task, Flash.  Get into cyberspace and see if you can find any reliable facts about this place.  Most of all, see if you can find out what sort of security systems they have.  Make sure they don't find you snooping."

About 5 minutes later Mark returns. "Well I hope you have all started formulating a plan because its just about to get trickier.  One of Zyra's on-world contact had provided us with some valuable information that I intend to exploit."


He programs something into his datapad and a new image appears on the screen.  "This is a petrochem depot located approximately four hundred kilometres from our strike zone.  It supplies over twenty percent of the fuel for military operations in this sector.  The loss of which will be a significant blow to the Imperials."

"Now, since we're in the area anyway, we're going to kill two mynocks with one bowcaster and take out both targets simultaneously.  Not only do we hurt the Imperials, but we have a great alibi in that we were working for the imperials at the time.  To sweeten the deal, the Imperials have been kind enough to provide us with some high-quality explosives.  Now we get to return the favour by making things go boom."

"Now Zyra is arranging for her contact to meet us near our insertion point with transport.  This contact has agreed to help us in exchange for helping her get off-planet.  Team one will then recon the pirate's base while Team two destroys the petrochem plant."

"Jamie, Xil, I need you to adjust your plans to accomodate this.  Team Two will need to be a small group, skilled in stealth and explosives.  They need to be in and out quickly.  We can't afford to make the Imperials suspicious.  One slip up and this could come crashing down.  Apparently this contact of Zyra's is a skilled slicer and pilot.  Add him to Team one as I haven't heard anything about explosive or intrusion skills."

"Lets get this done people.  We have only a few hours.  Everyone needs to have the gear stowed in an hour.  Jamie, Xil, I want a plan put together in two.  Then we'll fine tune it as a team.  Move out."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Tue 07 Oct 2008.

"SHE!"  Zyra says as she comes in.  "SHE will meet us at the insertion point with transport.  Typical male."  She feigns indignation towards Mark.

Xil stopped what he was doing as Mark told them about the petrochem depot. He let out a little sigh as he looked at the new images on the screen. Life can never be easy can it? he thought to himself.

He began running through the skills of the Talons in his mind as he worked quickly on getting his gear sorted. Turning to Flash he said "I don't suppose you brought your X-45 with you?"

Looking at Mark and Zyra "This contact give any idea about security and all that stuff at the depot?"

Something resembling a smile drifted onto the Duros' face.  "I did."

"My contact is not actually on the moon at this time, though I'm assured she is planning to get there as soon as possible."

"As for the security I'd have to assume its not that heavily guarded.  The bombing of the spaceport might change thier thinking but short of aerial bombardment, the only way to make a real dent in the facility would be from within.  I don't think the Imperials credit any pirate force to be a threat in that way."

"I did, but it's currently in pieces.  I'm modifying it, and haven't had time to complete the modifications."  He seemed irritated that he wouldn't get to use it.

"If the fuel refinery is heavily guarded then that team will simply abort.  We're not here to get people killed on a secondary objective.  Its just we wont have a better alibi then we will now.  Not only that, the Imperials are picking up the transport costs and even supplying the explosives."

"LIke Zyra, I'm guessing security wont be that heavy.  Probably some gate guards, some patrols perhaps and some cameras.  I'd be very surprised if the guards were anything more than civilian security or perhaps imperial army."

"Still; Jamie, Xil, this group is meant to be about stealth.  We want them in, explosives planted and out without so much as a shot fired if possible.  I certainly wont be going.  You want me to blow something up then stick me in a starfighter."

Xil turned and looked at Jamie "Well, we have a number of people in the group who fit the criteria of being able to get in and out by stealth." he glances over at Zenna and Daron in particular. "Two or three should be a big enough group to take out the depot. Maybe send a little muscle along with them to cover a hasty retreat if needed."

Having taken a moment to consider his options Xil made up his mind.
"Listen up everyone" he calls out making sure that he has the attenion of all the Talons before continuing "Zenna, Daron and Bishop will be group Two, they will head to the petrochem depot and see if they can blow it up. Zenna will lead the group. The rest of us are group One, we will focus on the on destroying the supply dump. I want everyone looking at what intel we have and coming up with options."

With that Xil will start going over the information at hand.

Zenna nods.  "Shouldn't be a problem.  However, I know very little about explosives.  I wouldn't feel confident to set up the charges.  I'm sure I could work out where to place them but someone else will need to prepare them."

Jamie nodded his approval of Xil's choice.
"I'll go over that with you before we split up," he offered to Zenna.  "I'd love to come along and blow up a petrochem facility, but the other target is our main priority."
Jamie will then begin studying visual info on the building, as well as blueprints and layouts if Flash can produce them, analyzing the target for weak points, structural supports, and possible damage amplifiers.