HoloNet News (HNN) Exclusive:

Relief Bombers Finally Break Through

GRAVLEX MED SYSTEM - Imperial persistence pays off for the enslaved and beleaguered Anx on Gravlex Med in the Riaoballo sector, as TIE/sa craft carrying humanitarian relief packages break through the rebel fighter blockade surrounding the planet.

"This is a great victory for the Empire," Maj. Purvis, the Commander of the fighter wing aboard the Imperial Star Destroyer Inflexible reported. "We were starting to run out of..."

"...hope for the population on the planet," Maj. Purvis' ISB adjudant added to his superior's statement.

"Yes... er... hope," the Wing Commander affirmed.

Reports from the planet meanwhile attest that the relief packages are a "hit", some even having a "blast".

"The TIE/sa is a magnificent platform," the wing commander told HNN. "It is highly versatile, modular, robust, and capable of carrying a tremendous payload of..."

"...medicines and foodstuffs," his adjudant interjected.

In this way, the Empire is putting to rest misinformation of its intentions towards non-humans. In the past week, many TIE pilots risked and even lost their lives attempting to bring aid to the Anx. Unlike the insurgent rebellion, the Empire demonstrates the humanity in humanitarian, showing the whole galaxy that humans have the necessary wisdom and compassion to take on the human's burden of caring for the sundry non-alien species of the galaxy; helping them to overcome their native separatist spirits, which would otherwise split the galaxy apart.

=====

SECTOR: Riaoballo
WINNER: Empire
DATE: 2014-06-23

EMPIRE: Mikael (me)

Captain Jonus + Squad Leader + Stealth Device

2x Gamma Squadron + Concussion Missiles + Flechette Torpedoes

2x Academy Pilot x2

REBELS: David

Airen Cracken + ???

2x Dagger Squadron Pilot + Heavy Laser Cannon + Fire Control System + Shield Upgrade

Thanks for the reports!

Here's one from me from last weekend:

HoloNet News (HNN) Exclusive:

More Relief Supplies Pound Gravlex Med

GRAVLEX MED SYSTEM - TIE/sa craft from the Star Destroyer Inflexible continue to bring food and medical supplies to Gravlex Med, where beleaguered Anx inhabitants praise the Empire's humanitarian intervention, while rebels haplessly attempt to intervene.

After a rough start, the TIE/sa and TIE/ln pilots and crews aboard the Inflexible have mastered the craft of defeating the rebels' attempts to thwart their passage towards the planet. These pilots are a far cry from the inexperienced academy students they were when the Inflexible began its mission in the Quelii sector, and now it the Riaoballo sector.

When asked the secret to their success, Maj. Purvis, the wing commander aboard the Inflexible , first smiled: "Well, if I give that away, then the enemy will know what we're up to won't they?"

When pressed a little further, he acknowledged. "Really it's no secret. We have simply adopted standard imperial navy doctrine."

"When the Inflexible first began its tour of duty for the stamping out of the rebellion, we were forced to put these neophyte pilots into service before they had finished all their standard training. It was about last week, when we found manuals on escort flying, and we had our pilots read those. That seems to have done the trick."

And so, with the Imperial NAvy implementing more rigidly its own tactical doctrines are the insurgent rebels once again defeated. The battles over Gravlex Med demonstrate that all the Empire must do in order to crush the rebellion is to become still more Imperial.

=====

SECTOR: Riaoballo
WINNER: Rebels EMPIRE
DATE: 2014-06-26

EMPIRE: Mikael (me)

Captain Jonus + Squad Leader + Shield Upgrade

Gamma Squadron + Concussion Missiles + Munitions Failsafe
Gamma Squadron + Concussion Missiles + Flechette Torpedoes + Munitions Failsafe

2x Academy Pilot

REBELS: Jeffrey

Airen Cracken + Hull Upgrade + Assault Missiles

"Dutch" Vander + R5-K6 + Proton Torpedoes + Munitions Failsafe + Ion Cannon Turret

Etahn A'baht + Stealth Device + ???

Thanks for the report!

Thanks for the report!

Oh... oops. Everything in the previous report was accurate, except for one thing. (As you can read in the news,) the Empire actually won that one. Not the rebels. That should teach me to copy and paste.

This one is actually accurate:

HoloNet News (HNN) Exclusive:

Imperial Forces Break Through on Gravlex Med

GRAVLEX MED SYSTEM - After a long fought campaign of humanitarian aid despite rebel attempts to destroy the TIA/sa craft carrying the medical and nutritional supplies, Imperial Forces finally break through to liberate the planet from insurgent control.

However, what they found on the planet's surface was beyond all they could have feared. In the wake of their defeat, the rebellion laid waste to the once inhabitable planet in what can only be described as a scorched-earth campaign.

"It defies all imagination," Wing Commander Purvis said, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Yeah, it's as if someone bombed the place," one of his squadron leaders added, with a slight cough.

It was clear, however, that the TIE/sa squadron was not through with his mission, as the squadron leader, name and call sign undisclosed was immediately called up for hazardous combat duty.

"Who would do such a thing?" Purvis said with extra emphasis as his subordinate departed.

Who indeed? It is clear that the rebellion does not know civilized boundaries, and that their increasingly desperate tactics of terrorism are a sign that they are ever closer to final defeat.

=====

SECTOR: Riaoballo

WINNER: Empire

DATE: 2014-06-28

EMPIRE: Mikael (me)

Captain Jonus + Squad Leader + Shield Upgrade

Gamma Squadron + Concussion Missiles + Munitions Failsafe

Gamma Squadron + Ion Pulse Missiles + Flechette Torpedoes + Munitions Failsafe

2x Academy Pilot

REBELS: Kelley

Ten Numb + Marksmanship + Autoblaster + Flechette Torpedoes + Fire Control System

Jan Ors + Marksmanship + Blaster Turret + Recon Specialist

Lieutenant Blount + Ion Pulse Missiles + Determination

SECTOR: Riaoballo

WINNER: Empire

DATE: 2014-06-28

EMPIRE: Mikael (me)

Captain Jonus + Squad Leader + Shield Upgrade

Gamma Squadron + Concussion Missiles + Munitions Failsafe

Gamma Squadron + Ion Pulse Missiles + Flechette Torpedoes + Munitions Failsafe

2x Academy Pilot

REBELS: Kelley

Ten Numb + Marksmanship + Ion Cannon

Blue Squadron Pilot + Fire Control System

Biggs Darklighter + Shield Upgrade + R2-D2 + Proton Torpedoes

Got it, thanks!

First time I've seen this and wow! This is the coolest idea I've seen. I love reading the battle reports!

I wish I had a larger play group so I could participate. Hopefully I can find some vassal players.

All you need is two players... but I know that it's not always that easy to find a group that large.

HoloNet News (HNN) Exclusive:

Imperial Forces Meet Unexpected Resistance in Braxant Sector

SARTINAYNIAN - After victory in the Riaoballo sector, Imperial forces divert their attention to the neighboring Braxant sector. However, resistance appears much stiffer in this new area of the Imperial campaign to rid the galaxy of crime and insurgency.

In a series of initial skirmishes, the empire looked to have the upper hand, despite the mysterious disappearance of an escorted flight of TIE/sa bombers in the Anorelga System, where there are reports of recent pirate activity. In those skirmishes, the Empire destroyed a freighter being escorted by rebel X-Wing fighters, which proved mo match for Imperial bombers operating from the Star Destroyer Inflexible .

Regrettably, these advances were mitigated by the destruction of an escorted shuttle craft carrying a rebel operative captured during the campaign for Gravlex Med. It was intercepted in the Sartinaynian system on its way to a debriefing and counseling session at the Imperial government headquarters there. Rather than allowing this operative to be convinced of the error of his ways by sympathetic ISB officers and the administrations of their medical droids, Rebel X-Wing fighters destroyed the shuttle summarily without any attempt to rescue their former confederate.

"It's hard to fathom the humanity of these rebels," Maj. Purvis, wing commander aboard the Inflexible told HNN reporters. "It must be that their extended exposure to alien influence has made them no longer care about the lives of their fellow species members, even when those fellows were their comrades in arms not so much as a week ago."

"Aside from the inhumanity, we suspect that they simply could not allow this prisoner to stand trial in an open courtroom where their atrocities on Gravlex Med would get a full hearing."

After the destruction of the shuttle craft, another bomber flight was lost in the Bnar system. While TIE/sa craft operating from the hangar bay of the Inflexible have dealt out major blows to the rebellion, Maj. Purvis is wondering if a change in tactics is not up for consideration.

"No one can doubt the capability and heroism of our bomber pilots. Just look at what they accomplished at the battle of Gravlex med in bringing ordnance... I mean medical supplies... to a planet besieged by rebel slavers. But, it seems the enemy is growing wise to their abilities and we need to surprise them with something new."

When asked about new craft coming off the line at Sienar Fleet Systems, Maj. Purvis shook his head. "No, our pilots do not yet have the stature for those advanced weapons. The Emperor and fleet command know best where to deploy these new units. Out here in the Outer Rim, we're merely dealing with a police action. These malcontents out here don't deserve such attention."

Maj. Purvis would not comment on what he meant by 'something new', saying that such decision lay with his superiors.

=====

BATTLE #1

SECTOR: Braxant
WINNER: Black Sun
DATE: 2014-06-29

EMPIRE: Mikael (me)

Captain Jonus + Squad Leader + Shield Upgrade

Gamma Squadron + Concussion Missiles + Munitions Failsafe
Gamma Squadron + Ion Pulse Missiles + Flechette Torpedoes + Munitions Failsafe

2x Academy Pilot

BLACK SUN: Andy

Whisper + Rebel Captive + Veteran Instincts + Advanced Cloaking Device

Boba Fett + Veteran Instincts + Proton Bombs + Engine Upgrade + Navigator

BATTLE #2

SECTOR: Braxant
WINNER: Empire
DATE: 2014-06-29

EMPIRE: Mikael (me)

Captain Jonus + Squad Leader + Shield Upgrade

Gamma Squadron + Concussion Missiles + Munitions Failsafe
Gamma Squadron + Ion Pulse Missiles + Flechette Torpedoes + Munitions Failsafe

2x Academy Pilot

REBELS: Duncan

Chewbacca + Veteran Instincts + Gunner + Engine Upgrade + Tactician

2x Rookie Pilot + R5 Astromech

BATTLE #3

SECTOR: Braxant
WINNER: Empire
DATE: 2014-06-29

EMPIRE: Mikael (me)

Captain Jonus + Squad Leader + Shield Upgrade

Gamma Squadron + Concussion Missiles + Munitions Failsafe
Gamma Squadron + Ion Pulse Missiles + Flechette Torpedoes + Munitions Failsafe

2x Academy Pilot

REBELS: Ben

Tycho Celchu + Push the Limit + Shield Upgrade

2x Dagger Squadron Pilot + Heavy Laser Cannon + Fire Control System

BATTLE #4

SECTOR: Braxant
WINNER: Rebels
DATE: 2014-06-30

EMPIRE: Mikael (me)

Darth Vader + Engine Upgrade

Soontir Fel + Push the Limit

Captain Kagi + Rebel Captive + Navigator + Engine Upgrade

REBELS: Jason

Wes Janson + R3-A2 + Adrenaline Rush

Luke Skywalker + R2-D2 + Shield Upgrade + Adrenaline Rush

Kyle Katarn + Ion Cannon Turret + Moldy Crow Title + Veteran Instincts

BATTLE #5

SECTOR: Braxant
WINNER: Rebels
DATE: 2014-06-30

EMPIRE: Mikael (me)

Captain Jonus + Squad Leader + Shield Upgrade

Gamma Squadron + Concussion Missiles + Flechette Torpedoes
Gamma Squadron + Concussion Missiles + Flechette Torpedoes

2x Academy Pilot

REBELS: Dan

Corran Horn + Fire Control System + Push The Limit + R2-D2 + Shield Upgrade

Airen Cracken + Wingman

Biggs Darklighter + Hull Upgrade + R2-F2

Thanks for your report!

HoloNet News (HNN) Exclusive:

Black Sun Attempts to Silence Witness in the Braxant Sector

SARTINAYNIAN - Another attempt to kill one of their own by criminal elements, as was successfully accomplished yesterday was thwarted. By quick thinking on the part of the pilot flying the Lambda shuttle charged with the witness transfer, the shuttle carrying the witness escaped to hyperspace before the witness could be silenced by the Braxant Sector's criminal-insurgent elements.

We must, however, mourn the capable and courageous Interceptor pilots who gave their lives so that law and justice could be restored to the galaxy. While the shuttle made the calculations for the jump to hyperspace, the interceptor pilots kept the criminal ships at bay, destroying at least one of them - one seemingly aided by cloaking technology.

How Braxant-sector criminals have managed to get their hands on advanced cloaking technology is one of the major questions debriefers at the Imperial governance facility on Sartinaynian will have for the witness. The witness - whose name and identity are being held confidential in order to protect the witness' family from righteous anger by the good citizenry of the Empire - will collaborate with the authorities and begin to make up for his previous role in the criminal insurgency.

In the meantime, the Star Destroyer Inflexible is hard pressed to quell the rise of crime and instability in this spinward-most corner of the Outer Rim.

"It's a wild galaxy out here on the Rim," Major Purvis, Wing Commander aboard the Inflexible told reporters.

"It's a wild galaxy, and all that stands between human civilization and alien chaos is the Imperial Navy, her ships, crews and TIE pilots, and by the Emperor, I feel proud to be part of that navy."

=====

SECTOR: Braxant
WINNER: Black Sun

(Yes, Black Sun won.... because the Lambda flew off the side of the mat, or at least, had 1/2mm hanging off the side. **** space cow. Yay for HNN's creativity with spin, however!)
DATE: 2014-07-1

EMPIRE: Mikael (me)

Darth Vader + Engine Upgrade + Wingman

Soontir Fel + Push the Limit + Stealth Device

Omicron Group Pilot + Advanced Sensors + Anti Pursuit Laser + Navigator + Rebel Captive

BLACK SUN: Peter

Echo + Fire control System + Advanced Cloaking Device + Veteran Instincts

Coloner Vessery + Engine Upgrade

Academy Pilot

Eager to test their latest fighter against the Empire's latest, the Rebels deployed forces to the recently occupied Riobialto Sector. Recorder buoys deployed to capture the action for post battle review. From the scant information released, it appears that all the Rebel forces involved in the combat were destroyed, including the new FreiTek E-wing. Despite the loss, the new Rebel fighter performed well, as did the other Rebel fighters, including the venerable Z-95 Headhunter. As to their opposition, even less info has been released except that several new designs were involved in the fight.

SECTOR: Riobialto

WINNER: Empire

DATE: 214-07-03

EMPIRE: Polish Paul

"Echo" (TIE Phantom) w/ Recon Specialist + Veteran Instincts + Advanced Cloaking Device

Obsidian Squadron Pilot (TIE Fighter)

Academy Pilot (TIE Fighter)

Delta Squadron Pilot (TIE Defender) w/ Engine Upgrade

REBEL: Chris (me)

Corran Horn (E-wing) w/ R2 Astromech + Fire-Control System + Push The Limit + Flechette Torpedoes

Lieutenant Blount (Z-95) w/ Ion Pulse Missiles + Deadeye + Munitions Failsafe

Tala Squadron Pilot (Z-95) w/ Assault Missiles + Munitions Failsafe

Prototype Pilot (A-wing) w/ Chardaan Refit

Notes:

The fight was tough and the two TIE Fighters were quickly eliminated. Despite the advantage, the Rebs could not finish off the the new Imperial fighters due to poor dice rolling. The Phantom claimed a Headhunter but succumbed to fire from Horn and the A-wing. The particular combination of upgrades plus Horn's unique ability made him a force to be reckoned with. Eventually it was down to just the TIE Defender and the A-wing. Despite what I have read elsewhere, I'd say the Defender is one of the best "Jousters" out there, the ability to perform K-turn after K-turn, plus Focus, determined the fight. Victory: Galactic Empire.

Chris

Eager to test their latest fighter against the Empire's latest, the Rebels deployed forces to the recently occupied Riobialto Sector.

[...]

Notes:

... due to poor dice rolling.

Serves you right, trying to take back my Riaoballo from the Emperor!

The Dark Side is strong in those dice.

Thanks for the reports! New phase starts tomorrow.

UNOFFICIAL X-WING GALACTIC CAMPAIGN

PHASE 10 BEGINS

Join the campaign! Anyone can play!

Click here for a larger version of the map:

http://outworld-studio.com/xwing/jpg/uxgc-map.jpg

Read the Phase 9 battle reports here:

http://outworld-studio.com/uxgc-s01p09.html

Campaign home page and rules:

http://outworld-studio.com/uxgc.html

ANOTHER CUSTOMER SERVICED

"This week Imperial Customs Patrols netted "untold millions" in Spice, which authorities say were destined to be used to fund insurgents in this and neighboring sectors. The action was relatively small and fairly typical of the type of actions the Imperial Customs Service finds itself increasingly involved in. This week's success is expected to put a dent in the criminal and insurgent activities in the sector."

SECTOR: Perlemian Sector

WINNER: Empire

Date: 2014-07-04

EMPIRE: Polish Paul

Bulwark (Rampart-class Customs Cutter) w/ Fire Control System + Rebel Captive + Ion Pulse Missile (x2)

Maarek Stele (TIE Advanced) w/ Swarm Tactics + Cluster Missile

"Obsidian Three-Six" (TIE Fighter)

"Obsidian Three-Seven" (TIE Fighter)

REBELS: Chris (me)

Fortuna (Corellian Patrol Cutter) w/ Gunner + Fire Control System + R5-D8 + Wingman

"Rookie" (X-wing) w/ R2 Astromech

C-Jammer ( Voidrunner -class Light Transport)

Notes: The forces were generated using Dagobah Dave's Random Squad Conditions (most excellent ) while the basic scenario (Rebels rushing to the rescue of an imperiled transport, while the Forces of the Dark Empire attempt to intercept it and prevent its escape) was my idea. For set-up, we used the "Furball" scenario I found on one of the XWM forums, which basically has each side reinforcing from opposite corners. For the Rebels to win, the transport had to escape off the opposite corner; Imperial forces could claim a victory by preventing this. In the actual fight, the Empire closed in on the transport and slowed it with several hits from Ion Pulse and Cluster Missiles. The Rebel Cutter was death on fighters (which is exactly the way I designed it), while the Imperial cutter was also quite effective, with its missiles and guns. In the end, all the TIEs were destroyed, while the Empire Ion-ed the Transport off the board, thus capturing it and claiming a victory!

*If anyone is interested in the stats I used for the "unofficial" ships, just email me at [email protected]

HoloNet News (HNN) Exclusive:

Inflexible Pilots Turn the Tide With Civilian Assistance

SARTINAYNIAN - After some hard-fought battles, Imperial forces in the Braxant sector begin to reverse recent ill fortunes to their favor. Rebel scouts in the Rimcee sector were doubtlessly exploring alleged (but non-existent) weaknesses of the Imperial facilities on Rimcee station. An Imperial squad, interacting in a public-private partnership with a patriotic civilian actor in the area, destroyed all rebel spacecraft in the area.

"It's clear the rebels have lost the hearts and minds of the local populace," Maj. Purvis, wing commander aboard the Star Destroyer Inflexible commented to HNN reporters. "Why else would local civilians volunteer to take up arms against the rebel menace?"

"Volunteer?" the patriotic citizen, who asked not to be named, said. "Uh, yeah... of course I volunteered! No credits changed hands, I swear! I'm a patriotic citizen!"

When asked why he chose not to be named, an ISB officer explained that in the Outer Rim, patriotic citizens were frequently the target of rebel reprisals.

"It's a cowardly thing that they do," the ISB officer said, shaking his head. "If you openly assist the Empire, they will go for the women and children. They're a vile menace and the sooner their ilk is stamped out of the galaxy, the sooner civilization can come back to the Outer Rim. Well, at least to the degree that civilization ever existed out here."

"Family? Oh, right, yes!" the citizen chimed in. "I've got fifteen children that I take care of. The rebels would shoot them dead if they knew my name."

Maj. Purvis and the ISB officer nodded their heads in agreement, and then shook their heads in indignant disbelief at the rebels' cowardice.

=====

BATTLE #1

SECTOR: Braxant
WINNER: Empire

DATE: 2014-07-06

EMPIRE: Mikael (me)

Omicron Group Pilot + Anti-Pursuit Laser + Intelligence Agent

Bounty Hunter + Anti-Pursuit Laser + Proton Bombs

3x Academy Pilot

Rebels: Kelley

Ten Numb + Marksmanship + Flechette Torpedoes + Fire Control System

Jan Ors + Blaster Turret

Blackmoon Squadron Pilot + R7 Astromech

BATTLE #2

SECTOR: Braxant
WINNER: Empire

DATE: 2014-07-06

EMPIRE: Mikael (me)

Omicron Group Pilot + Anti-Pursuit Laser + Intelligence Agent

Bounty Hunter + Anti-Pursuit Laser + Proton Bombs

3x Academy Pilot

Rebels: Kelley

Ten Numb + Marksmanship + Autoblaster + Fire Control System

Jan Ors + Blaster Turret + Title: Moldy Crow + Marksmanship

Grey Squadron Pilot + R2-D2

Thanks for the reports!

Thanks for the reports!

Actually, I posted too soon. I'll make it a double (see the edited version above).

HoloNet News (HNN) Exclusive:

Traitor to the Empire Shows His True Colors;

Invites Criminal Element into Perlemian Systems

LANTILLIES - Fmr. Major Hasselstein, formerly Wing Commander aboard the Imperial Star Destroyer Inflexible has resurfaced as a rebel traitor, bringing chaos and lawlessness into the Mid Rim. Leading a band of rebel fighters aboard a dilapidated freighter, he took Imperial units by surprise. However, his fellow insurgents were unable to hold the area along the Perlemian Trade Route, which was attacked and seized by the criminal element.

"

I always thought he might have harbored subversive ideas," Maj. Purvis, his former subordinate aboard the Inflexible told reporters. "However, as a good soldier, while I kept my eye out in case I saw something worthy of reporting to our friends of the ISB, I saw nothing worthy of note, and I felt I should remain loyal to my superior officer."

"But he just never felt right, you know?"

Several weeks ago, Maj. Hasselstein ordered newly-trained pilots from the Imperial Naval Academy on Prefsbelt to fire on other Imperial units. This attempt was thwarted by quick action of Imperial forces, but nevertheless led to the deaths of those under Maj. Hasselstein's command.

"Those pilots served under him; trusted their lives and honor to him." Purvis added. "I mean, their lives ... well, those can be lost here and there, but to have their efforts turned against the Emperor! All that training gone to naught!"

=====

BATTLE #1

SECTOR: Perlemian Systems
WINNER: Rebels
DATE: 2014-07-09

EMPIRE: Peter

Bounty Hunter + Rebel Captive

Shadow Squadron Pilot + Fire Control System + Intelligence Agent + Stygium Particle Accelerator

"Dark Curse"

"Backstabber"

REBELS: Mikael (me)

Han Solo

Biggs Darklighter + R2-F2

2x Tala Squadron Pilot

BATTLE #2

SECTOR: Perlemian Systems
WINNER: Rebels
DATE: 2014-07-09

REBELS: Peter

Wedge Antilles + Hull Upgrade + Predator

Airen Cracken + Hull Upgrade + Veteran Instincts

Corran Horn + Fire Control System + R2-D2 + Veteran Instincts

BLACK SUN: Mikael (me)

Green Squadron Pilot + Push The Limit

2x Bandit Squadron Pilot + Ion Pulse Missile

2x Gold Squadron Pilot + R2 Astromech + Ion Cannon Turret

Thanks for the reports! Surprised to see you playing Rebel ships, Mikael. Did it feel like wearing a straight-jacket?

Oh, and in case you don't know, if you win you can declare the victory for any faction you like, even if it doesn't match the ships you're flying. I know you normally score your wins for the Empire and could cancel out Peter's wins in this case if you wanted. I understand it might be tough to write it up in a way that makes sense, though.

Thanks for the reports! Surprised to see you playing Rebel ships, Mikael. Did it feel like wearing a straight-jacket?

Oh, and in case you don't know, if you win you can declare the victory for any faction you like, even if it doesn't match the ships you're flying. I know you normally score your wins for the Empire and could cancel out Peter's wins in this case if you wanted. I understand it might be tough to write it up in a way that makes sense, though.

I'll probably be (justly) executed for treason, but after the in-character me was caught shooting at Vader, my fugitive status was already assured.

Actually, I've been wanting to play Rebels for a while, just to try the other side. It really is a very different game on the insurgent side. I was hesitant, because Peter is a tough customer. He was my Imdaar Alpha nemesis. If it weren't for him, I would have been the proud owner of a Z-95!

... Um... I would have been the proud owner of $14.95, because I wound up buying the Z-95s anyway. But, that's beside the point.

Anyway, yes, Peter has been a tough customer, and since Imdaar Alpha, I had only beaten him once before in the half-dozen (or so) games we've played. So, I was wary of going with the unfamiliar rebels. But I did, and did well! And then,... not so well. (Funny thing, in that second match, my maneuvers were good and my dice were on fire. Nevertheless, his initiative allowed him to kill my horde of ships before they could lay too many red dice on him.)

I know that I can spin the story after the fact - and frequently I do. I figured that Peter would beat me, so I thought this would be a win for the Empire. When it wasn't... well, I figured the dice must know best, and so logged it as a rebel win. Mostly, however, I just like the spin to be in-character.