"Man, that was a lot of fun Wookiee. Next time we play Pazaak, we should have a tournament!" says Ranger. The tall furry wookiee looks down at Ranger.

“You know that sounds like a good idea, we could wager some of our credits too, make it more interesting you know?” Wookiee winks at Ranger and bursts out in laughter.

The group enjoys their time laughing and talking about the game. Suddenly, an announcement is made on the intercom.

“Attention pilots! Please report to your Squadron ready room immediately. Attention pilots! Please report to your Squadron ready room immediately!”

“Uh oh, somethings happening. Wookiee, Gytheran, Solohan. Time to go” says Ranger

The group of pilots head down the corridors of the Imperial Star Destroyer and head to their Lambda squadron ready room. Wolve, Genie, Merlin, and the remaining lambda squadron members are sitting in the large room.

“Genie, what’s going on? There was an announcement telling us to come here, we were having some fun with Pazaak.” says Gytheran.

“Guys, I don't know how to say this, but we’ve encountered a rebel cell that's threatening our fleet. The full details have not been made available to me just yet. Phoenix has advised all commanders to gather their pilots and meet in the Hammer Briefing room. It looks like everyone is here, so let’s head out. Follow me” instructs Genie.

Lambda squadron begins to file out of the room before being abruptly stopped by Genie.

“One last thing. I know all of you are the best of the best. I want to thank each and everyone one of you for your service. We do not know what may happen out there, please listen to Phoenix’s instructions during the briefing. His information will prove invaluable and may save your life.”

Genie leads Lambda squadron single file down the corridors. A large sign hangs over the entryway reading “Briefing Room”. Lambda squadron files into their designated seating as the Hammer Squadron pilots enter the room.

“Look, there's Neurotictim, KeblaOmega, and Wildfire from Beta Squadron.” says Ranger, bemused by the impressive pilots entering the room.

“Yeah and there’s the pilots from Delta and Gamma squadron. But where's Alpha squadron?” asks Wookiee.

“They’ll be here. They tend to lag to these sort of things, but they’ll show.” confides Gytheran.

All of Hammer sits in their assigned seating. Admiral Phoenix enters the room and walks to the large metal podium situated at the center of the room. He turns on an old looking machine located on the floor. A bluish light illuminates the room and images of a base are displayed for all to see.

“Welcome pilots. Thank you for promptly attending this meeting, now before we get started, I want all of you to- wait a minute, where is Alpha?” barks Phoenix.

The sounds of Phoenix’s voice echos through the hallways. Conveniently, Alpha squadron, led by Alejandro, rushes through the door.

“Sir! Apologies for the delay! Alpha squadron reporting in!” salutes Alejandro

“Enough of the pleasantries commander, consider this your final warning. I expect all squadrons to show up promptly, we are cutting into the briefing time.” says Phoenix, his eyebrows ruffled and scrunched.

“Sir, yes sir!” replies Alejandro.

“Alright Hammer, now let's begin. As you know we have been at peace for some time now, the Empire has done a great deal of work ensuring there is no conflict throughout our Galaxy. However, reports have indicated a resurgence of rebel groups banding together. Our latest intel reports on a possible attack to our fleets.”

Phoenix clicks a button on a handheld remote, zooming in on a rebel base.

“As you can see, these rebels have amassed quite a fleet. Thanks to the joint effort of our Infiltrator wing, Firebird, Theta, and Eagle Squadron, our intelligence office has reported on multiple flights of T-65 X-Wings, over twenty BTL-A4 Y-Wings, and over 50 RZ-1 A-Wings. In addition to these decrepit starfighters, they seem to have continued their alliance with the Mon Cala. Since the Battle of Endor, they have retained multiple Nebulon-B medical frigates, MC-80s, and MC-75s.”

Phoenix presses on the remote control to change the visuals displayed on the projection. All five Hammer squadrons are displayed along with their assignments.

Alpha and Lambda squadron - Special Forces

Delta Squadron - Assassination

Beta Squadron - Heavy Assault

Gamma - Long Range Support

“Assisted by our sister ships, the Challenge and Warrior, we will engage with the rebel fleet before they can have an opportunity to strike our fleet. You will be working alongside the other squadrons based on your squadrons assignments. Assassination squadrons, this means you Delta, will be working alongside Thunder squadron to take out high profile targets. If the rebels attempt to escape via shuttles, I want you to disable their craft. The escort squadrons, Kappa, will be tasked with retrieving any high profile rebel commanders if the opportunity arises.

All heavy assault teams will attack and destroy the capital ships. Beta, this is where you come in. You will be assisted by Gamma squadron, their long range support will assist you in your bombing runs, assuring their enemy shields will be destroyed in order for your flights to deal heavy damage and disable their craft.

Lastly, this brings us to Alpha and Lambda squadron’s objective. You will be tasked with supporting all other squadrons to eliminate smaller fighters, clearing the way for the main objective bombers and support. You are the backbone of this mission, you must not allow our bombers to be destroyed. Under no circumstances can we allow the rebels to gain the upper hand on us. Now, what questions do you have?” asks Phoenix.

Phoenix looks over the room full of well trained pilots. He looks to each commander as they shake their heads, confirming the mission is understood.

“Aright, dismissed! All pilots, prepare for battle.” orders Phoenix.

All squadron pilots follow their respective commanders out of the briefing room as they head to their squadron ready room. Led by Genie, Lambda enters their room.

“Alright pilots, you have your assignment. Everyone, gear up and meet in the Lambda designated Hangar, you will be given the green light to launch once I receive the signal.” says Genie.

Genie exits the Lambda room and heads to the Hangar. The Lambda pilots begin gearing up.

“Hey Wook, toss me those gloves” says Ranger.

“Sure thing, here you go”. Acknowledges Wookie as he throws a pair of black gloves.

All the Lambda pilots gear up, they put on their black flight suits, gloves, and boots. Each member wearing their Signature yellow Imperial TIE pilot helmet. Ranger looks down at his helmet before donning the menacing mask. The word Stitches is displayed along the forehead of the helmet.

“Everything alright Stitches? You look concerned, it’ll be fine man. We’ve done this countless times. What's a few rebels?” asks Gytheran.

“It's nothing” says Ranger

Ranger slides the helmet over his head, looking through the eyes of the helmet.

“Let's go. For the Empire!”

“For the Empire!!” replies Lambda squadron in unison.

Lambda squadron exits their room and heads down the cold gray corridors to the Hangar.