[h2][i][b][color=a187be]Nareia Norre[/color][/b][/i] [color=bc8dbf][i][b]//[/b][/i][/color] [i][b][color=a187be]Emerging from Hyperspace…[/color][/b][/i][/h2]


[center][i][b]~-~-~-~-~-~[/b][/i][/center]

At the edge of the Grizmallt system appeared three X-wings in a V formation followed by a dozen Y-wings close behind them. The squadrons closed in on the 67th Defense Force at cruising speed, with each X-wing pilot taking a close look at what resources they would have to work with. Rogue Squadron being divided into four groups was not ideal, but Wedge insisted on it. The campaign to take Coruscant would push their limits in a way not felt since Endor. What remained of the Empire was on the back foot, and it was their job to keep it that way. Slowly but surely all trace of their reign was coming to an end. 

[color=f26522][b]“Not much of a fleet,”[/b][/color] muttered Rogue Four—Kyrin Onasi—as they entered better visual range. [color=f26522][b]“More escorts than heavy hitters. How’s a fleet like this challenging anything near the Core?”[/b][/color] 

[color=a187be][b]“With a good strategy,”[/b][/color] Rogue Two—Nareia Norre—replied plainly. The support ships were a great comfort to her. Vice Admiral Vothoni’s reputation for success against poor odds even more so. [color=a187be][b]“The Vice Admiral typically retains and protects the territory we’ve captured, but the push for Coruscant is going to take all the manpower we can spare. That includes putting a defensive fleet on the offensive.”[/b][/color]


[color=fff79a][b]“Which you’d know if you showed up to briefings on time,”[/b][/color] added Rogue Three—Rayce Dallows—with a joking tone. His smile was practically audible. [color=fff79a][b]“If you weren’t so good at what you do, Wedge would cut you loose.”[/b][/color] 

[color=f26522][b]“Doesn’t that go for all of us?”[/b][/color] 

[color=fff79a][b]“The rest of us show up to briefings on time.”[/b][/color] 

[color=f26522][b]“And I love you guys for it, I really do.”[/b][/color]

The banter between wingmen would have carried on for quite some time if the time for action weren’t so near. The fighters and bombers were now on approach for the Reckless Endeavor’s starboard side, carefully maneuvering past a couple CR90 corvettes on their way. Glancing through her portside window, Nareia swore she could see the waving hands of the crewmen. Morale appeared to be high, and if this operation went as smoothly as she expected it to, they would all be celebrating on a liberated Coruscant in no time.

A ping flickered across her ship’s dashboard with an incoming call coming from the Reckless Endeavor. She opened the channel and broadcast the audio to her wingmen. [color=a187be][b]“This is Rogue Two, go ahead,”[/b][/color] she said loud and clear, eyeing the Venator’s impressive cannons with a growing grin. 

[color=6ecff6][b]“Hey there. Glad to have a few of the Rogues and Gold Squadron join our humble fleet,”[/b][/color] answered a high-spirited masculine voice, who then let out a sharp whistle. [color=6ecff6][b]“High Command really came through for us. Oh, ah, Deck Chief Naalwex at your service. I was told you’d be arriving shortly. You’ll be clear to dock in our starboard hangar—more than enough room, don’t you worry!”[/b][/color]

[color=a187be][b]“Much appreciated, Naalwex. We’re coming in now.”[/b][/color] Dialing back her ship’s throttle, the rest of the Rogues and Gold Squadron followed suit. 

[color=6ecff6][b]“I’m on my way to meet you, and I’ll be escorting you to the Vice Admiral personally. The layout of this ship is a little complicated at first—you can thank me later!”[/b][/color] The comm channel was closed after one final acknowledgment was received.

The Rogues flew inside the hangar, one after the other, and followed the directions provided by a marshal below. Setting down on their designated spaces, Nareia and the others powered down their ships and descended their ladders to gather in front of them. They watched as Marvo and the other eleven Y-wings eased themselves inside before hearing the brisk steps of a new face approach. 

They turned and before them stood a [url=https://static3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100105230426/starwars/images/c/c3/Rebel_Colonel.jpg]sharply dressed Mon Calamari[/url]. A handful of medals dangled from his right breast; upon a closer look, they appeared freshly polished and glinted in the artificial light of the hangar bay. As another Y-wing settled down not far from them, a familiar whistle was uttered between his puckered lips. 

[color=6ecff6][b]“I never get tired of seeing fresh ships and manpower coming in,”[/b][/color] Naalwex said excitedly, hardly containing his smile. [color=6ecff6][b]“We’re close now, I can feel it. Coruscant will be back in the New Republic’s hands soon enough.”[/b][/color]

[color=a187be][b]“That’s the idea.”[/b][/color] Nareia nodded and offered a warm smile. From the opposite side of the hangar she could see Gold Leader—Marvo Rikks—hustling over to them after providing direction to the men that landed. A handful of his wingmen hustled behind him, just as the last Y-wing powered down. [color=a187be][b]“Enjoy your nap, Marvo?”[/b][/color]

[color=fff200][b]“As always,”[/b][/color] Marvo replied with a smooth hum in his throat, and then acknowledged Naalwex with a respectful nod. It was immediately returned. [color=fff200][b]“Naalwex, you said your name was?”[/b][/color]

[color=6ecff6][b]“Correct. Deck Chief Doil Naalwex to be exact, and more than happy to guide you all!”[/b][/color] Naalwex exaggerated his joy with widespread arms. As the last Y-wing pilot hustled over to join the gathering, he proceeded to back away and nod towards the opened doors leading towards the rest of the ship. [color=6ecff6][b]“If you’ll just follow me, I’ll guide you all to the bridge. The Vice Admiral has been eager to discuss the specifics of the upcoming assault!” [/b][/color]

The trio of Rogues followed, with Marvo and Gold Squadron joining them. [color=fff79a][b]“Wedge mentioned a special strategy we’re to be a part of?”[/b][/color] Rayce asked, hoping for more. Not even the leader of Rogue Squadron got the full story, but he knew that if anyone could pull it off, it would be a few of his own. [color=fff79a][b]“What’s he got planned?”[/b][/color]

[color=f26522][b]“And why couldn’t he meet us himself?”[/b][/color] Kyrin dared to ask.

Naalwex was unshaken by the boldness of Kyrin’s question. Serving with Trask Vothoni had been one of the greatest honors of his military career. His faith in the man was indomitable. Still, he couldn’t blame one of the newcomers for being a little disappointed. Rogue Squadron was famed for their acts of daring and high mission success rate. They were the closest thing to celebrities some of the men might ever see during their time in service, and that afforded them some privilege. The only thing that might top them would be hosting the Jedi someday, another honor the Mon Calamari hoped to have.

[color=a187be][b]“Forgive him. He’s got quite the mouth,”[/b][/color] Nareia apologized, shooting Kyrin a look—he shrugged, thinking his remark harmless. Figures.

[color=6ecff6][b]“It’s quite alright,”[/b][/color] Naalwex replied with a dismissive wave of the hand. [color=6ecff6][b]“The specifics of the mission are currently being relayed to our fleet as a whole. With part of Rogue Squadron and the full strength of Gold Squadron now in our corner, I believe Ultrost is a guaranteed victory.”[/b][/color]

[color=fff200][b]“If Intelligence does their job, you might be right about that,”[/b][/color] Marvo said, looking between the back of Naalwex and Nareia’s sideways glance. [color=fff200][b]“Dividing our forces to this extent is risky. We’re counting on a few capable teams to divert reinforcements entirely or prevent them from showing up. But should that fail…”[/b][/color] 

[color=6ecff6][b]“We’ll adapt,”[/b][/color] Naalwex said confidently. [color=6ecff6][b]“Have you ever worked alongside the Vice Admiral before, Commander Rikks?”[/b][/color]

[color=fff200][b]“I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure just yet,”[/b][/color] he replied.

Naalwex chuckled under his breath. [color=6ecff6][b]“You’re in for quite the treat. Have faith, all of you. You’re in good hands.”[/b][/color] 

Their curiosity piqued, everyone’s interest in meeting this Vice Admiral surged. Naalwex regarded him with deep respect and infectious confidence. The way he spoke of Vothoni made all of them anxious to see what a defensive fleet commander could do when the time came to take the fight back to the Remnant. 

They shuffled as a complete unit and passed by many personnel, both human and alien alike. Some chose to salute as they passed by, but whether it was for Naalwex or the group of pilots close behind him was unknown. They winded around these unfamiliar halls for a time; only Marvo was confident in where they were going, with the rest of the pilots unused to the layout of the Venator.

Once they found the spacious elevator and took it to the bridge, the doors opened to show the Vice Admiral’s back turned to them. Multiple holograms of people decorated in New Republic attire surrounded him. 

Naalwex quietly ushered the pilots out of the elevator and hurried to the front of the queue, standing tall and proud. He waited for the Vice Admiral to conclude his briefing, or pause it, before daring to mention that the last of his forces were ready to hear of his grand strategy, too.