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| {{Military Unit | | {{Military Unit |
| |unit_name=Ascendant Fleet | | |unit_name=Ascendant Fleet |
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| |dates= | | |dates= |
| |country= | | |country= |
| |allegiance=[[Plagueis (House)|House Plagueis]] | | |allegiance=[[Plagueis|Clan Plagueis]] |
| |branch= | | |branch= |
| |type=Assault Fleet | | |type=Assault Fleet |
| |role=*Hit-and-run assault | | |role= |
| *Raiding
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| *Piracy
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| *Slavery
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| |size= | | |size= |
| |command_structure= | | |command_structure= |
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| |decorations= | | |decorations= |
| |battle_honors= | | |battle_honors= |
| |commanders=[[Plagueis Summit]] | | |commanders=*{{PlaCON}} |
| | *[[Cyvaria Ranin]] |
| |notable_commanders= | | |notable_commanders= |
| }} | | }}The '''Ascendant Fleet''' is one of the two military branches of [[Clan]] [[Plagueis]]. Comprised of naval, starfighter, and marine forces, the Ascendant Fleet is the primary force projection tool of Plagueis. |
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| == History == | | == History == |
| | The original Ascendant Fleet served in the Jusadih System from [[30 ABY to 39 ABY|30 ABY]] to 36 ABY, conquering the system during the War of Ascension. Together with their Legion, a collection of Throne-loyal soldiers and conscripts, they order in a system that became more and more fragmented, disloyal, and difficult to police with each year. It saw its end at the hands of [[Archibald Zoraan]] during the fall of Jusadih, as both the [[Horizons|Horizon Plague]] and Zoraan's forces crushed and destroyed the system and almost all of fleet. Only [[NSD Ascendancy|''Ascendancy'']] escaped. |
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| The original Ascendant Fleet served in the Jusadih System from [[30 ABY to 39 ABY|30 ABY]] to 36 ABY, conquering the system in the War of Ascension and becoming the new main fleet for House Plagueis. Together with their Legion, a collection of Throne-loyal soldiers and conscripts, they kept in line a system that became more and more fragmented, disloyal, and difficult to police with each year. It would see its end in the fall of Jusadih, as both the [[Horizons|Horizon Plague]] and [[Zoraan|Zoraan's]] forces would crush and destroy the system and almost all of the ships therein. Only [[NSD Ascendancy|''Ascendancy'']] escaped.
| | Following Jusadih's destruction, the Plagueis found itself stranded, but not without hope - their blind hyperjump away from destruction lead them to a long abandoned station within the [[starwars:Stygian Caldera|Stygian Caldera]] itself. Several members of Plagueis rendevoused with the [[Saraask'ar]] slaving guild, a group that had sold their services to Plagueis before, and the Trandoshans tried to take what was left of Plagueis for themselves. Having taken on more than they bargained for, the Saraask'ar were subjugated by Plagueis when their attack failed. This would be a boon to Plagueis, who used the resources of the Saraask'ar to start repairs on their ships. |
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| Following Jusadih's destruction, the Plagueians found themselves stranded, but not without hope - their Trandoshan allies of [[Saraask'ar]] had called in the rest of their guild, and they had managed to come out of hyperspace at the coordinates of the derelict Vaiken Spacedock. This would be a boon to Plagueis, who used the station to start repairs on their ships. The work was slow, until freighters began to drift in, called to the [[M/TRNS Bloodsport|''Bloodsport's'']] emergency beacon. | |
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| With help from Plagueis, and with the hard-won consent of Quaestor [[Tra'an Reith|Reith]], the reptiles of the guild captured the crews of these ships to be slaves while stealing their precious cargo. By [[Aedile]] [[Kal di Plagia Vorrac|Vorrac's]] orders, the slaves were subjected to [[Emar Xu]] and his twisted surgical augmentations to become a new army and crew for the ''Ascendancy''.
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| == Command Structure ==
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| Unlike traditional fleets and ground forces, the Ascendant Fleet has no typical military chain of command - the ships are all crewed by slaves, droids, or Plagueians when they choose. Thus, their command typically falls to either the strongest Dark Jedi aboard, the best-supported, or those decided upon by the Quaestor. Only when the Dark Jedi at the helm of any particular ship is busy will he surrender the helm, and then typically to another Dark Jedi. That said, on occasion, particularly loyal Subjugate crewmen are given the helm - though never without supervision.
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| In typical engagements, the Hellfire and Corsair raid fleets operate as separate entities; they carry out the petty week-to-week raids throughout various sectors in whatever area Plagueis is operating in at the time, while the Ascendant Assault Fleet only appears every couple of months and always in a different area. This strategy allows most of their strikes to resemble common piracy, even when slaves are taken; in a galaxy of trillions and even quadrillions of beings, a few thousand are never particularly noticed, especially in areas where pirate assaults happen frequently. The sudden appearance and the smash-and-grab tactics used by the Assault Fleet allow it to seem like a ghost story to most spacers and officials, as few believe the rumours of a phantom fleet of Star Destroyers emerging from nowhere to strike the unwary.
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| During larger engagements, the fleet comes together, with the commanding Sith of Hellfire and Corsair unifying beneath the leadership of the Quaestor of Plagueis. Then, as always, the Quaestor will fight like a pirate, ordering strikes on weak areas, strategic feints, and unfair tactics to cripple parts of a fleet and then run. Being nomadic in nature already, this makes the technical duration of a Plagueian space battle days or even weeks longer than that of a typical House or battlegroup.
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| == The Ascendant Fleet - Capital Ship Class ==
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| === NSD Ascendancy ===
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| ''Main Article: [[NSD Ascendancy]]''
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| [[File:nebulaclass.jpg|thumb|175px|left|The Nebula-Class Star Destroyer Ascendancy]] The [[starwars:Nebula-class Star Destroyer|''Nebula''-class]] [[starwars:Star Destroyer|Star Destroyer]] '''''Ascendancy''''' is the flagship of the Ascendant Fleet of [[House]] [[Plagueis]]. Originally found as a ruined hull by Plagueis following the [[Eighth Great Jedi War|Vong Incursion]], the ship was refitted at [[Antei]] and granted to the House.
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| It has served the Ascendant House through many conflicts and was almost destroyed during the destruction of the [[Jusadih System]], only to carry Plagueis to safety. After their capture of elements of the [[starwars:Galactic Alliance|Galactic Alliance]] [[starwars:Galactic Alliance Fourth Fleet|Fourth Fleet's]] [[starwars:Task Force Apex|Task Force Apex]], the vessel returned to Plagueis space to receive proper repairs - as well as extensive upgrades, purchased with the spoils of plunder and the Dark Lord's favor.
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| Commissioned one year prior to the [[starwars:Yuuzhan Vong War|Vong invasion]], the ''Nebula''-class Star Destroyer ''Delusion'' originally served in a defensive capacity. After minimal service, the ship was pushed onto the front lines of the Outer Rim, where it found itself brutally outmatched by the extragalactic invaders. Essentially gutted, the Destroyer was abandoned by the Vong invaders and left to drift.
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| It was during a commercial flight to the planet [[starwars:Bespin|Bespin]] that a trading vessel from Jusadih came across the hull. The government overseer on board - a Plagueian in disguise - reported the vessel's location to [[Consul]] [[Alaris Jinn di Plagia|Jinn]] before executing everyone on board. Jinn sent out repair crews sufficient to get the vessel back to Jusadih, where repairs were completed and a few quick adjustments listed the vessel as an official part of the system's navy. Presenting the vessel to the [[Dark Council]] on the heels of his recent Insurrection and the [[Ninth Great Jedi War|Retaking of Antei]], he received the blessing of the [[Iron Throne]]. The ship became known as the ''Ascendancy'', and became the flagship of the Plagueian fleet.
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| The vessel would go on to serve the House well, maintaining peace in Jusadih through the [[Spoils of War|Salas V Debacle]], the [[Disorder]], and the [[Tenth Great Jedi War|Invasion of New Tython]]. It would feature prominently in the [[Summer Invasion (HSP)|Orian Incursion]], and was one of the last bastions of Plagueian survival during [[Zoraan|Archibald Zoraan’s]] strike involving the [[Horizons|Plague of Lysu Thren]]. It was during this conflict, and the ensuing fight against Zoraan’s remaining weaponry and the attack of the [[starwars:Starweird|Starweird]] unleashed by Zoraan’s followers, that the ‘’Ascendancy’’ would serve as Plagueis’ last hope of escape from the destruction of Jusadih.
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| Having ordered a jump to coordinates discovered on a previous mission, [[Quaestor]] [[Tra'an Reith|Reith]] found that the badly wounded ship had arrived at a derelict station of the old Sith Empire. A few weeks of raiding, repairs, and the capture of the new [[Ascendant Fleet]] became the prelude to the return of Plagueis from the brink. The ''Ascendancy'', along with the rest of the Plagueian fleet, would make itself known one again to the rest of the Brotherhood during the opening minutes of the invasion of [[Nfolgai]].
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| === NSD Predominant ===
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| ''Main Article: [[NSD Predominant]]''
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| [[File:nebulaclass.jpg|thumb|175px|right|The Nebula-Class Star Destroyer Predominant]] The '''''Predominant''''' is a [[starwars:Nebula-class Star Destroyer|''Nebula''-Class Star Destroyer]] in the Ascendant Fleet of [[House]] [[Plagueis]]. Originally built as the ''Civility'' at the fleet yards orbiting [[starwars:Kuat|Kuat]] during the [[starwars:Yuuzhan Vong War|Vong War]], it was assigned to protect the [[starwars:Core Worlds|Core Worlds]] and as a result avoided seeing major combat. It would eventually be assigned as the flagship of the [[starwars:Galactic Alliance|Galactic Alliance]] [[starwars:Galactic Alliance Fourth Fleet|Fourth Fleet's]] [[starwars:Task Force Apex|Task Force Apex]].
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| Task Force Apex was later assigned to [[starwars:Ord Padron|Ord Padron]] during the [[starwars:Swarm War|Swarm War]] to guard against possible aggression by the [[starwars:Geonosian|Geonosians]]. The ''Civility'' was ambushed along with the rest of the understaffed ships of the task force by the [[NSD Ascendancy|''Ascendancy'']] and the forces of Plagueis. While most of the task force was sabotaged to prevent pursuit, the ''Civility'' and several support ships were overrun by Plagueian forces, the ship's crew holding out impressively before finally surrendering. Those among the surviving crew who were suited were enslaved as [[Subjugates]] while others were killed. Renammed ''Predominant'', it now serves as a powerful part of the Ascendant Fleet.
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| === BAC Harrower ===
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| ''Main Article: [[BAC Harrower]]''
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| [[File:BAC_Harrower.jpg|thumb|175px|left|The Bothan Assault Cruiser Harrower]]The Harrower is one of two [[starwars:Bothan Assault Cruiser|Bothan Assault Cruisers]] within the Ascendant Fleet. It was commissioned in [[20 ABY to 29 ABY|27 ABY]] by [[Starwars:Bothawui Shipyards|Bothawui Shipyards]] originally under the name ''Harvest''. The ship was assigned to the [[Starwars:Fifth Fleet|Fifth Fleet]] during the duration of the [[Starwars:Yuuzhan Vong War|Yuuzhan Vong War]]. It was assigned there as a replacement ship to a ''Victory''-class Star Destroyer which had been destroyed during the attempted hyperspace jump to [[Starwars:Fondor|Fondor]] to assist the First Fleet.
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| It remained with the Fifth Fleet for the next seven years, but was reassigned to Task Force Apex, Galactic Alliance 4th Fleet, and was deployed to [[Starwars:Ord Pardron|Ord Pardron]] in case the [[starwars:Geonosian|Geonosians]] sympathized with the Killiks in what would eventually come to be called the [[Starwars:Swarm War|Swarm War]].
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| In 36 ABY the ''Harvest'' was among the ships captured by House Plagueis in their raid on Ord Pardon. It's surviving crew transformed into [[subjugates]] after it's capture, the ''Harvest'' was renamed ''Harrower'' and began its service in the [[Ascendant_Fleet|Ascendant Fleet]]. It was assigned as the flagship and base of operations of [[Karness_Muur|Battleteam Karness Muur]] under the command of [[Arden Karn]]. In 37 ABY, command was transferred to [[Celevon Edraven]] upon Arden's promotion to Rollmaster. Shortly thereafter, command was transferred to [[Arturis Schulen]] after Celevon's promotion to the same position when Arden took over as the Dread Lord's Wrath, the Aedile of Plagueis.
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| === BAC Terminus ===
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| ''Main Article: [[BAC Terminus]]''
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| [[File:BAC_Terminus.jpg|thumb|175px|right|The Bothan Assault Cruiser Terminus]] The Terminus is the second of the two Bothan Assault Cruisers within the Ascendant Fleet. The ship was constructed in [[20 ABY to 29 ABY|26 ABY]] by Bothawui Shipyards and immediately commissioned as the BAC ''Renaissance''. It was sent to serve alongside the ''[[Starwars:Ralroost|Ralroost]]''. After the [[Starwars:Battle of Ithor|Battle of Ithor]], she was dispatched [[Starwars:Coruscant|Coruscant]] and served as a part of Fleet Group Two during the [[Starwars:First Battle of Coruscant (Yuuzhan Vong War)|First Battle of Coruscant]]. The ship escaped with superficial damage, but was still relegated to rear defense for the rest of the war. Even during the [[Starwars:Second Battle of Coruscant (Yuuzhan Vong War)|Second Battle of Coruscant]], the ship saw little combat.
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| Following the war, the ''Renaissance'' remained at Coruscant and served in the defense of the planet, though she was mostly relegated to patrol and occasional escort duty. She was fully repaired and in 35 ABY was dispatched as part of a cautionary defense fleet to [[Starwars:Ord Pardron|Ord Pardron]], in case the Geonosians took to the defense of the Killiks during the [[Starwars:Swarm War|Swarm War]].
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| == The Ascendant Fleet - Frigate & Corvette Class ==
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| === ACC Ravager ===
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| ''Main Article: [[ACC Ravager]]''
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| [[File:ACC_Ravager.jpg|thumb|175px|left|The Acclamator-I Class Assault Frigate Ravager]] The ''Acclamator I''-class assault ship '''Ravager''' is an integral part of the Ascendant Fleet of [[Plagueis (House)|House Plagueis]]. Captured as part of the 108th Expeditionary Scout Fleet of the Galactic Alliance, the ship was originally commissioned during the early years of the [[starwars:Galactic Empire|Empire]]. Serving as a troop transport, the ship was largely used to surpress rebellion and bolster the Imperial presence in the Mid Rim.
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| Many years after its commission, the well-maintained but dated ''Acclamator'' found itself in a position for reassignment to the 108th. Understaffed and full of ground vehicles that last saw true combat during the [[starwars:Clone Wars|Clone Wars]], the ship nevertheless served as a deterrent to large engagements.
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| All of that changed with the attack of Plagueis and the [[NSD Ascendancy|''Ascendancy'']], where the ship was captured by [[Ravagers]] and [[Subjugates]]. Its forces bolstered and its vehicle complement supplemented and repaired, the ship became and remains the workhorse of Plagueian raiding efforts and surface engagements.
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| === GSP Anguish ===
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| ''Main Article: [[GSP Anguish]]''
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| [[File:Gspanguish.jpg|thumb|175px|right|The Gunship Anguish]] One of six Corellian gunships captured by House Plagueis during the taking of the new Ascendant Fleet, the Anguish has become part of the forces of [[Karness Muur|Battleteam Karness Muur]]. During fleet engagements, the Anguish serves as a screening vessel, along side the Curse, for the Battleteam's flagship, the BAC Harrower. When outside of large engagements, it roves through both stellar and planetary battlefields, crushing fighter resistance and crippling freighters and defensive positions.
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| The ''Angst'' was commissioned in [[10 ABY to 19 ABY|17 ABY]] by [[starwars:Corellian Engineering Corporation|CEC]] to protect freighters and shuttles in and around the [[starwars:Corellian system|Corellian system]] from pirates and raiders. Corellia, with its independent mindset, favored the use of the ship alongside three others of its likeness - the [[GSP Despair|''Wisecrack'']], the ''Sharpshooter'', and the ''Ace''. All four ships formed an essential contingent of Corellia's defense of trade before being reassigned by the [[starwars:Galactic Alliance|Galactic Alliance's]] fleet admirals to the 108th Expeditionary Scout Fleet. There, the four ships helped to maintain civility and stood on watch against future threats.
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| All of that changed in [[30 ABY to 39 ABY|36 ABY]] when the [[NSD Ascendancy|''Ascendancy'']] and her crew of Dark Jedi and slaves assaulted the fleet out of nowhere. While the ''Angst'' stood at half crew and put up a better fight than some, she and her peer ''Wisecrack'' were soon overwhelmed from within by [[Ravagers]] and their [[Subjugates|Subjugate]] peers. Turning on the other two ships, ''Ace'' and ''Sharpshooter'', these craft tore apart their fully-manned brethren by virtue of surprise attack. Afterward, the two opposing ships were fit only to be used as spare parts, their carcasses towed aboard ''Ascendancy'' by tractor beams.
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| ''Angst'' found herself renamed as ''Anguish'', while ''Wisecrack'' became known as ''Despair''. The craft would go on to serve the newly-minted [[Ascendant Fleet]] in bloody conquest.
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| === GSP Curse ===
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| ''Main Article: [[GSP Curse]]''
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| [[File:Gspcurse.jpg|thumb|175px|left|The Gunship Curse]] The second of six [[starwars:DP20 frigate|Corellian gunships]] captured by [[Plagueis (House)|House Plagueis]] during the taking of the new Ascendant Fleet, the '''''Curse''''' has become part of the forces of [[Karness Muur|Battleteam Karness Muur]]. During fleet engagements, the '''''Curse''''' serves as a screening vessel, along side the [[GSP Anguish|Anguish]], for the Battleteam's flagship, the [[BAC Harrower]] When outside of large engagements, it roves through both stellar and planetary battlefields, crushing fighter resistance and crippling freighters and defensive positions.
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| Unlike others of the reliable DP20 make in the Galactic Alliance 4th Fleet, the frigate ''Cleric'' and her sister ship [[GSP Wrath|''Hope'']] were built expressly to reinforce Task Force Apex. Commissioned in [[30 ABY to 39 ABY|33 ABY]], the ships were fitted with newly-made parts and presented to the admirals of the [[starwars:Galactic Alliance|Galactic Alliance]] before being added to their roster. Helping to reinforce discipline and order, they became a part of Apex's safety net against fighters and bomber craft, an essential part of any fleet.
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| The ''Cleric'' had a full crew when the [[NSD Ascendancy|''Ascendancy'']] and her Plagueian masters struck, but was no match for the larger ship's ion cannons and was soon boarded by Trandoshan warriors from [[Saraask'ar]]. Captained by these, instead of by Subjugates, the ''Cleric'' tore a line down the middle of Apex's defenses and helped to cripple several other ships for boarding. Though disabled, it was towed by tractor beam to ''Ascendancy'' and repaired at Vaiken Spacedock with parts scavenged from the lost hulls of ''Ace'' and ''Sharpshooter'', two other DP20 ships.
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| Once back in service, it was renamed ''Curse'', and became a key component of Plagueian raid efforts.
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| === GSP Despair ===
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| ''Main Article: [[GSP Despair]]''
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| [[File:Gspdespair.jpg|thumb|175px|right|The Gunship Despair]] The third of six [[starwars:DP20 frigate|Corellian gunships]] captured by [[Plagueis (House)|House Plagueis]] during the taking of the new Ascendant Fleet, the '''''Despair''''' has become an attack ship of the Corsair raid fleet. When outside of large engagements, it roves through both stellar and planetary battlefields, crushing fighter resistance and crippling freighters and defensive positions.
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| Commissioned in [[10 ABY to 19 ABY|17 ABY]] alongside its peers [[GSP Anguish|''Angst'']], ''Ace'', and ''Sharpshooter'', the DP20 frigate ''Wisecrack'' was created for the defense of the [[starwars:Corellian system|Corellian system's]] commercial interests. Together with her sister ships, she fought back or destroyed many pirates and raiders who would have made claim against their prey, the ''Wisecrack'' often used in flanking maneuvers against large squadrons or corvettes. The ship became known as a beacon of Corellian safety, until the [[starwars:Galactic Alliance|Galactic Alliance]] reassigned her and her sisters to the 108th Expeditionary Assault Fleet. This act would be just one more grievance in a pile of issues fomenting between the Alliance and the Corellians.
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| Serving admirably, the ''Wisecrack'' was nonetheless undermanned when the [[NSD Ascendancy|''Ascendancy'']] and her crew, the Dark Jedi of Plagueis, struck from nowhere. Overwhelmed alongside ''Angst'', she soon found herself crewed by [[Subjugates]] and firing upon her peers. In a display of fate's ironic edges, she was used to flank the ''Ace'' and ''Sharpshooter'', taking out their engines before they could escape an assault from both sides.
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| Renamed ''Despair'', the ship became a raiding vessel for House Plagueis.
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| === GSP Headsman ===
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| ''Main Article: [[GSP Headsman]]''
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| [[File:Gspheadsman.jpg|thumb|175px|left|The Gunship Headsman]] The fourth of six [[starwars:DP20 frigate|Corellian gunships]] captured by [[Plagueis (House)|House Plagueis]] during the taking of the new Ascendant Fleet, the '''''Headsman''''' has become an attack ship of the Corsair raid fleet. When outside of large engagements, it roves through both stellar and planetary battlefields, crushing fighter resistance and crippling freighters and defensive positions.
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| Built by the [[starwars:Galactic Empire|Empire]] at the end of the [[starwars:Clone Wars|Clone Wars]], the ''Duty'' was actually captured by brigands long before the New Order's stability was fully enforced in the [[starwars:Outer Rim Territories|Outer Rim]]. Taken over by pirates working under a [[starwars:Duros|Duro]] by the name of Xarg, it was renamed as ''Headsman''. The ship became a terror of smaller settlements and lesser trade routes.
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| The ship was the first captured by Plagueis following the destruction of Jusadih, full of plunder and captives taken by Xarg himself. Overwhelmed by Trandoshan warriors from [[Saraask'ar]] and Dark Jedi of Plagueis, the crew soon surrendered. Xarg and his lieutenants were put to the saber by the [[Quaestor]] himself, while the rest of the crew and their captives were either sold as slaves or taken to [[Emar Xu]] for Subjugation. The ship's plunder was but the first capture by the Plagueians, and its distress beacon lured in several other small vessels. While these hulls became little more than impromptu boarding craft, the ''Headsman'' not only remained functional but managed to survive the capture of the new [[Ascendant Fleet]].
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| Joining other ships of its likeness, it was soon raiding across the stars under Sith command.
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| === GSP Nightmare ===
| | With help from Plagueis, and with the hard-won consent of Quaestor [[Tra'an Reith|Reith]], the reptiles of the guild captured the crews of several ships to be slaves while stealing their cargoes to finance plans to rebuild Plagueis. This eventually would lead to a Plagueian assault on the Galactic Alliance base at Ord Padron where several ships were seized by Plagueis to form the core of a new Ascendant Fleet. These vessels served the House well during the Dark Crusade against the One Sith, and the spoils of war allowed Plagueis to further expand it's star navy. |
| ''Main Article: [[GSP Nightmare]]''
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| [[File:Gspnightmare.jpg|thumb|175px|right|The Gunship Nightmare]] The fifth of six [[starwars:DP20 frigate|Corellian gunships]] captured by [[Plagueis (House)|House Plagueis]] during the taking of the new Ascendant Fleet, the '''''Nightmare''''' has become an attack ship of the Hellfire raid fleet. When outside of large engagements, it roves through both stellar and planetary battlefields, crushing fighter resistance and crippling freighters and defensive positions.
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| Originally built in [[25 BBY to 1 BBY|18 BBY]] for the Galactic Republic, the DP20 frigate ''Nightmare'' was meant to bolster the [[starwars:Galactic Empire|Galactic Empire's]] fleets - a job which it performed admirably. It was used in several smaller engagements with insurgents and as-yet-unconquered worlds, and showed the hardiness and reliability of Corellian designs throughout its service years. Even after the rise of the [[starwars:Alliance to Restore the Republic|Rebel Alliance]], it remained in Imperial hands, and was therein until the end of the [[starwars:Vong War|Vong War]]. As several ships of its model, refurbished and newly-made alike, were added to the 108th Expeditionary Scout Fleet, it too was roped into the group - an Imperial donation to the safety of a newly-unified galaxy.
| | == Chain of Command == |
| | The command structure of the Ascendant Fleet exists as a natural outgrowth of the magocratic nature of the Plagueian feudal system. While vessel or unit command is vested in experienced officers drawn from the ranks of The Willing, overall command always rests in the hands of the Clan's Dark Jedi. The supreme commander of the fleet, like the Ascendant Legion, is the Dread Lord. The Consul, however, often chooses only to directly oversee the most important military operations, with the Dread Lord's Wrath serving in direct command in the latter's capacity of Military Executor. Additionally, the Quaestors command their own assigned fleet assets as Vassals of the Dread Lord. The authority of the Quaestors is still subordinate to that of the Wrath and the Dread Lord, however. |
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| Serving with the 108th, the ''Nightmare'' was largely relegated to warding off the fighters of pirates and other scum, and enjoyed a moderately busy schedule until [[30 ABY to 39 ABY|36 ABY]]. While the crews of the 108th, and most of the crew of ''Nightmare'' herself, were on leave at [[starwars:Ord Pardron|Ord Pardron]], it was nearly deserted when the [[NSD Ascendancy|''Ascendancy'']] and the Plagueians aboard struck.
| | Direct day to day command authority is vested the non-Force using officers that make up much of the Fleet. The most senior officer of the Ascendant Fleet is Admiral [[Cyvaria Ranin]], the ranking survivor of the Fall of Jusadih. Admiral Ranin commands the fleet from the ''Transcendence'' which serves as the fleet flagship. Each independent force attached to the two Houses are commanded by Commodores stationed aboard the twin [[starwars:Nebula-class Star Destroyer|''Nebula''-class]] destroyers attached to the House forces. All vessels of cruiser size or better are commanded by an officer holding the rank of captain, with ships of frigate size or less commanded by officers holding the rank of at least lieutenant commander. Any of these officers is still subordinate to the Dark Jedi of the Clan, but a lower ranked Jedi cannot countermand orders given by their superiors to the officers of the fleet. |
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| With only three crewmen aboard, the ''Nightmare'' became the first DP20 captured by Plagueian hands.
| | Unlike the Galactic Alliance and New Republic before it, the starfighter forces of Clan Plagueis are not a separate service branch from the Ascendant Fleet. Due to their operational configuration as an almost entirely carrier based organization that is tasked to operate directly with the fleet, their command structure is integrated into that of the fleet itself. The senior starfighter officer aboard a ship that embarks several starfighter squadrons is given the position of Wing Commander and will hold a minimum rank of commander. Individual squadron commanders are at least lieutenants. |
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| | == Organization == |
| | During normal operations the Ascendant Fleet is divided into three task forces, each centered around one of the Clan's three Star Destroyers. The main command group is centered around the Clan flagship ''Transendence'', while groups under the direct authority of the Vassals of Ajunta Pall and Karness Muur are centered around the ''Ascendancy'' and ''Preeminence'' respectively. |
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| | === Command Force Aurek === |
| | The main portion of the Ascendant Fleet is built around the [[Khyron-class Star Destroyer|''Khyron''-class]] [[KSD Transcendence|''Transcendence'']], with day to day operations overseen directly by fleet commander Cyvaria Ranin. The ''Transcendence'' forms a battle line with both of the Clan's Bothan Assault Cruisers, the [[BAC Harrower|''Harrower'']] and [[BAC Terminus|''Terminus'']]. Additionally, the Corellian gunships [[GSP Headsman|''Headsman'']] and [[GSP Despair|''Despair'']] are assigned to the task force to serve as a screen. In addition, during assault operations, the [[starwars:Acclamator I-class assault ship|''Acclamator''-class]] [[ACC Ravager|''Ravager'']] operates under the command of this task force. |
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| === GSP Wrath === | | === Task Force Besh === |
| ''Main Article: [[GSP Wrath]]''
| | The operational headquarters of [[House]] [[Ajunta Pall]] is aboard the ''Nebula''-class ''Ascendancy''. This task force is made up of the ''Ascendancy'' and her escorts, the gunships [[GSP Nightmare|''Nightmare'']] and [[GSP Wrath|''Wrath'']]. |
| [[File:Gspwrath.jpg|thumb|175px|left|The Gunship Wrath]] This is the last of the [[starwars:DP20 frigate|Corellian gunships]] captured by [[Plagueis (House)|House Plagueis]] during the taking of the new Ascendant Fleet, the '''''Wrath''''' has become an attack ship of the Hellfire raid fleet. When outside of large engagements, it roves through both stellar and planetary battlefields, crushing fighter resistance and crippling freighters and defensive positions. | |
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| Built alongside the [[GSP Curse|''Cleric'']] for use in the 108th Expeditionary Scout Fleet, the ''Hope'' was commissioned in [[30 ABY to 39 ABY|33 ABY]] and served as a component of the 108th's fighter defenses. Alongside its sister ship, it took down pirate fighters and the odd radical separatist or insurgent craft and helped maintain stability in the galaxy. In 36 ABY, it was among the ships of the 108th during their shore leave over [[starwars:Ord Pardron|Ord Pardron]].
| | === Task Force Cresh === |
| | Centered around the ''Nebula''-class [[NSD Preeminence|''Preeminence'']], Task Force Cresh serves House [[Karness Muur]]. In combat, the ''Preeminence'' is escorted by the gunships [[GSP Anguish|''Anguish'']] and [[GSP Curse|''Curse'']]. |
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| It was during this leave that the [[NSD Ascendancy|''Ascendancy'']] and her crew struck, seizing the ship as it was undermanned and crewing it with [[Subjugates]]. Hopping around the battlefield, the ship helped to deliver the House's [[BX-Series Commando Droid - Plagueis|Commando droids]] to where they were needed, the droids disembarking and boarding by virtue of floating in vacuum - metal combatants seldom need to breathe.
| | === Fleet Marines === |
| | For Clan Plagueis, protecting their naval assets is the single most important goal in combat. Unlike other Clans and Houses that have military control over a system or domain, Plagueis depends on its ships. As such, a significant number of the Clan's [[B2 super battle droid - Plagueis|B2 super battle droids]] have been specifically programed to act as a marine force aboard the capital ships of Plagueis. Using droids for this role provides several benefits, especially the ability to carry large numbers of troops. Droids, in their shut down state, do not require the space or support facilities that humanoid troopers would, which allows even the smallest corvettes or gunships to support a larger fighting force than would otherwise be possible. Additionally, the main computer cores of all Plagueis starships have been outfitted to provide a command signal for the embarked droids, allowing them to fight with great efficiency. These droids are still capable of independent operation, but their combat efficiency and coordination is vastly improved with the signal. In an improvement over the use of these droids by the [[starwars:Confederacy of Independent Systems|Confederacy of Independent Systems]], the command signal also provides the droids full access to the ship's internal and external sensor systems. This gives the droids a full tactical view of any engagement, either aboard ship or aboard an enemy vessel they are in the process of capturing. |
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| When the battle was done and the new Ascendant Fleet was away, the ship became a key component of Plagueian raid efforts.
| | == Rank Structure == |
| | While the fleet operated by Clan Plagueis is overseen by free officers, the non-commissioned portions of the fleet ranks are entirely made up of slave soldiers. As such, a formalized rank structure does not exist for those below officer rank within the fleet. The officer's rank insignia are worn on each side of the collar. |
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| | {|class="fancy" width="70%" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" |
| | |- |
| | |td colspan="8" class="head" style="background-color:#53855c; font-weight:bolder;"| Ascendant Fleet Rank Table |
| | |- |
| | |td colspan="8" class="sub-head" style="background-color:#334236; color: #cccccc;"| '''Officer Rank''' |
| | |- |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#1a1a1a; color:#cccccc;"|'''O-8''' |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#1a1a1a; color:#cccccc;"|'''O-7''' |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#1a1a1a; color:#cccccc;"|'''O-6''' |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#1a1a1a; color:#cccccc;"|'''O-5''' |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#1a1a1a; color:#cccccc;"|'''O-4''' |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#1a1a1a; color:#cccccc;"|'''O-3''' |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#1a1a1a; color:#cccccc;"|'''O-2''' |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#1a1a1a; color:#cccccc;"|'''O-1''' |
| | |- |
| | | class="sub-head" width="10%" style="background-color:#111111; color:#cccccc;"|''Admiral'' |
| | ADM<br><br> |
| | [[File:Pla-Rank-O8.png|Pla-Rank-O8.png]] |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#111111; color:#cccccc;"|''Commodore'' |
| | COM<br><br> |
| | [[File:Pla-Rank-O7.png|Pla-Rank-O7.png]] |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#111111; color:#cccccc;"|''Captain'' |
| | CPT<br><br> |
| | [[File:Pla-Rank-O6.png|Pla-Rank-O6.png]] |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#111111; color:#cccccc;"|''Commander'' |
| | CDR<br><br> |
| | [[File:Pla-Rank-O5.png|Pla-Rank-O5.png]] |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#111111; color:#cccccc;"|''Lt. Commander'' |
| | LCDR<br><br> |
| | [[File:Pla-Rank-O4.png|Pla-Rank-O4.png]] |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#111111; color:#cccccc;"|''Lieutenant'' |
| | LT<br><br> |
| | [[File:Pla-Rank-O3.png|Pla-Rank-O3.png]] |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#111111; color:#cccccc;"|''Sublieutenant'' |
| | SLT<br><br> |
| | [[File:Pla-Rank-O2.png|Pla-Rank-O2.png]] |
| | | class="sub-head" width="12%" style="background-color:#111111; color:#cccccc;"|''Ensign'' |
| | ENS<br><br> |
| | [[File:Pla-Rank-O1.png|Pla-Rank-O1.png]] |
| | |} |
| [[Category:Plagueis Military]] | | [[Category:Plagueis Military]] |
The Ascendant Fleet is one of the two military branches of Clan Plagueis. Comprised of naval, starfighter, and marine forces, the Ascendant Fleet is the primary force projection tool of Plagueis.
History
The original Ascendant Fleet served in the Jusadih System from 30 ABY to 36 ABY, conquering the system during the War of Ascension. Together with their Legion, a collection of Throne-loyal soldiers and conscripts, they order in a system that became more and more fragmented, disloyal, and difficult to police with each year. It saw its end at the hands of Archibald Zoraan during the fall of Jusadih, as both the Horizon Plague and Zoraan's forces crushed and destroyed the system and almost all of fleet. Only Ascendancy escaped.
Following Jusadih's destruction, the Plagueis found itself stranded, but not without hope - their blind hyperjump away from destruction lead them to a long abandoned station within the Stygian Caldera itself. Several members of Plagueis rendevoused with the Saraask'ar slaving guild, a group that had sold their services to Plagueis before, and the Trandoshans tried to take what was left of Plagueis for themselves. Having taken on more than they bargained for, the Saraask'ar were subjugated by Plagueis when their attack failed. This would be a boon to Plagueis, who used the resources of the Saraask'ar to start repairs on their ships.
With help from Plagueis, and with the hard-won consent of Quaestor Reith, the reptiles of the guild captured the crews of several ships to be slaves while stealing their cargoes to finance plans to rebuild Plagueis. This eventually would lead to a Plagueian assault on the Galactic Alliance base at Ord Padron where several ships were seized by Plagueis to form the core of a new Ascendant Fleet. These vessels served the House well during the Dark Crusade against the One Sith, and the spoils of war allowed Plagueis to further expand it's star navy.
Chain of Command
The command structure of the Ascendant Fleet exists as a natural outgrowth of the magocratic nature of the Plagueian feudal system. While vessel or unit command is vested in experienced officers drawn from the ranks of The Willing, overall command always rests in the hands of the Clan's Dark Jedi. The supreme commander of the fleet, like the Ascendant Legion, is the Dread Lord. The Consul, however, often chooses only to directly oversee the most important military operations, with the Dread Lord's Wrath serving in direct command in the latter's capacity of Military Executor. Additionally, the Quaestors command their own assigned fleet assets as Vassals of the Dread Lord. The authority of the Quaestors is still subordinate to that of the Wrath and the Dread Lord, however.
Direct day to day command authority is vested the non-Force using officers that make up much of the Fleet. The most senior officer of the Ascendant Fleet is Admiral Cyvaria Ranin, the ranking survivor of the Fall of Jusadih. Admiral Ranin commands the fleet from the Transcendence which serves as the fleet flagship. Each independent force attached to the two Houses are commanded by Commodores stationed aboard the twin Nebula-class destroyers attached to the House forces. All vessels of cruiser size or better are commanded by an officer holding the rank of captain, with ships of frigate size or less commanded by officers holding the rank of at least lieutenant commander. Any of these officers is still subordinate to the Dark Jedi of the Clan, but a lower ranked Jedi cannot countermand orders given by their superiors to the officers of the fleet.
Unlike the Galactic Alliance and New Republic before it, the starfighter forces of Clan Plagueis are not a separate service branch from the Ascendant Fleet. Due to their operational configuration as an almost entirely carrier based organization that is tasked to operate directly with the fleet, their command structure is integrated into that of the fleet itself. The senior starfighter officer aboard a ship that embarks several starfighter squadrons is given the position of Wing Commander and will hold a minimum rank of commander. Individual squadron commanders are at least lieutenants.
Organization
During normal operations the Ascendant Fleet is divided into three task forces, each centered around one of the Clan's three Star Destroyers. The main command group is centered around the Clan flagship Transendence, while groups under the direct authority of the Vassals of Ajunta Pall and Karness Muur are centered around the Ascendancy and Preeminence respectively.
Command Force Aurek
The main portion of the Ascendant Fleet is built around the Khyron-class Transcendence, with day to day operations overseen directly by fleet commander Cyvaria Ranin. The Transcendence forms a battle line with both of the Clan's Bothan Assault Cruisers, the Harrower and Terminus. Additionally, the Corellian gunships Headsman and Despair are assigned to the task force to serve as a screen. In addition, during assault operations, the Acclamator-class Ravager operates under the command of this task force.
Task Force Besh
The operational headquarters of House Ajunta Pall is aboard the Nebula-class Ascendancy. This task force is made up of the Ascendancy and her escorts, the gunships Nightmare and Wrath.
Task Force Cresh
Centered around the Nebula-class Preeminence, Task Force Cresh serves House Karness Muur. In combat, the Preeminence is escorted by the gunships Anguish and Curse.
Fleet Marines
For Clan Plagueis, protecting their naval assets is the single most important goal in combat. Unlike other Clans and Houses that have military control over a system or domain, Plagueis depends on its ships. As such, a significant number of the Clan's B2 super battle droids have been specifically programed to act as a marine force aboard the capital ships of Plagueis. Using droids for this role provides several benefits, especially the ability to carry large numbers of troops. Droids, in their shut down state, do not require the space or support facilities that humanoid troopers would, which allows even the smallest corvettes or gunships to support a larger fighting force than would otherwise be possible. Additionally, the main computer cores of all Plagueis starships have been outfitted to provide a command signal for the embarked droids, allowing them to fight with great efficiency. These droids are still capable of independent operation, but their combat efficiency and coordination is vastly improved with the signal. In an improvement over the use of these droids by the Confederacy of Independent Systems, the command signal also provides the droids full access to the ship's internal and external sensor systems. This gives the droids a full tactical view of any engagement, either aboard ship or aboard an enemy vessel they are in the process of capturing.
Rank Structure
While the fleet operated by Clan Plagueis is overseen by free officers, the non-commissioned portions of the fleet ranks are entirely made up of slave soldiers. As such, a formalized rank structure does not exist for those below officer rank within the fleet. The officer's rank insignia are worn on each side of the collar.
| Ascendant Fleet Rank Table
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| Officer Rank
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| O-8
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O-7
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O-6
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O-5
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O-4
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O-3
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O-2
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O-1
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| Admiral
ADM
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Commodore
COM
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Captain
CPT
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Commander
CDR
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Lt. Commander
LCDR
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Lieutenant
LT
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Sublieutenant
SLT
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Ensign
ENS
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