A Racket You'd Expect | Collective Dominion of Anobis Hex

[Gauntlet]

Anobis​

​

The war-torn agriworld of Anobis is not the likely suspect for a Collective base, but hidden beneath its modesty is a bear trap. Past civil wars saw the valleys, forests, highlands, and mountains riddled in traps, explosives, and defenses. An active smuggling ring infests the planet's economy as weapons are smuggled into the hands of various factions. In exchange, the world trades its precious metals and crystals to any power willing to lend a few credits.

Describing their situation as desperate would be an understatement. And that desperation is exactly where the Collective comes in.

The goal is simple: Infiltrate, takeover, and amass the smuggler clans into a singular force under the Collective's control. A force which can be used to launch surprise raids, run blockades, or even conduct blockades of their own over powerless worlds like Anobis. A sleeper fleet scattered into obscurity, only to be called upon when needed.

Gauntlet was one man you'd describe as right for a job like this. He dragged on a cigar and let the plume of smoke fill the small cockpit.

"This is going to be fun." He chuckled to himself. Another job, another paycheck. But that didn't mean he couldn't enjoy himself whilst doing it.

Objective 1.) Infiltrate and take over the Second Hand smuggler's guild located in the Southern Zabrak Colony.

Objective 2.) Investigate the human New Mission mining colony's Knaar infestation, and drive out or eliminate their presence.

 

[Evoros]

LOCATION: Southern Zabrak Colony
OBJECTIVE: Find the smugglers' guild

Yvonne Evoros was a chameleon. She could be anyone it benefited her to be at any time, and as far as her employment went that entailed being an exceptionally good agent. One with a professional approach, and one with no qualms no matter what she was asked to do.

On occasions such as this one, though, there was no acting involved. An infiltration mission on Anobis to quietly take control of a smuggling war--this was her element. Bridging alliances and negotiating surrenders was all good and well, and she'd do those jobs without complaining. But this- this was going to be fun.

And truthfully, she could use keeping herself occupied with operations like this one. This she could focus on wholly. Force knew she needed to stay busy.

But that was a story for another time. Like Taungsday, or never.

"Alright, Cupcake." Evoros called as the ship reached the surface of Anobis, trying her hardest to keep a straight face. And failing to keep a straight face. "We're landing and we're not too far away from the colony. We'll need to stay beneath the radar and infiltrate as quickly as possible, but for the most part this shouldn't be too bad. You ready?"

| [member="Jaya Tandris"] |​

 

[Jaya Tandris]

Location: Southern Zabrak Colony
Objective: Find the smugglers' guild, possibly punch things

Leading a street crew (It wasn't a gang, Force damnit) back on Tamanen, fixing droids, shockboxing tournaments; Jaya's ways of making credits had been quite varied over the years. Those things had slowly stopped becoming viable ways to get by as time went on however, which had led her and her best friend Zoey to decide to change career paths. The First Order started cracking down on her crew a bit too hard, the same happened to the less-than-legal shockboxing venues she fought it, and fixing droids was plain boring. It had led to them joining forces with the Collective for the brunt of the work they did, with Zoey being the planner and Jaya the one who got out there and got it done. Now that she had a few paychecks under her belt, she concluded that out of all the occupations up until now, this one had by far been the most engaging.

The job Jaya was on this time, however, had one major difference compared to the previous ones; Zoey wasn't involved. She had a different partner this time around, one who would work alongside her in the flesh instead of over comms. It was also a much more subtle operation than she perhaps would've liked, but she would do anything she could to bring it to a success. It was questionable if that was going to be enough to prevent everything from becoming too violent than necessary, but that bridge would be crossed if she got there.

"You sound adorable when you say that, Evoros." The comment had been pre-empted by an amused chuckle, triggered by the other woman's failure to keep her composure. "The plan seems simple enough. I'm as ready I'll ever be. If I'm about to do something, uh..." Jaya failed to find a subtle way of saying it, and simply decided to keep it straightforward. "Stupid. If I'm about to something stupid, stop me. According to people I can be a bit of a loose cannon. If anything, or anyone, needs to be roughed up though, just say the word." It felt off to not have her gauntlets with her, but had to concede that for staying under the radar they were not the best tools to use. At least her own fists could also land mean strikes if necessary. "Let's get to work, shall we?"

​

[member="Evoros"]​

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

LOCATION: ANOBIS
EQUIPMENT: IN BIO
OBJECTIVE: 2 (SHARK V. LIZARDS, PAY-PER-VIEW)

- [member="Gauntlet"] -​

​

Ghorua found Anobis to be rather unremarkable on the surface.

It was an agricultural colony world, something that Ghorua didn't think the Collective would find all that interesting. Of course, he had done his research, and realized the war-torn, lightly populated planet had a thriving criminal element. A glorious smuggler empire, if one had the audacity and gumption to unite the various groups. It would probably devolve into a massive gang war should any try.

Ghorua wasn't doing that, thank the Force. No, he was on exterminator duty.

The Jawsome touched down on the outskirts of the New Mission Mining Colony, lowering it's cargo ramp. A massive figure, plated in heavy armor, stepped onto the fertile soil, making firm impacts in the ground. Ghorua locked his ship, taking his helmet off, revealing his tranquil face. He leaned on the outside of the Jawsome nonchalantly, simply observing the rustic scene.

Ghorua was here on his first job for the Collective, and he'd been told he wouldn't do it alone. Until he was joined by this mysterious agent, the Shark would wait. He may be good, but not good enough to go into a mine swarming with enemies by himself.

Let's see what the Collective has in store for me today, eh?

 

[Mara Kellarov]

LOCATION: Southern Zabrak Colony
OBJECTIVE: Find the smugglers' guild

Cupcake

Mara didn't hide the small laugh she let out. In part because of the name, but mostly because it came from Evoros' lips. It certainly wasn't something Mara thought she'd ever hear from the woman. Hell, the idea of Evoros using any form of 'cutesy names' almost made her double over laughing - compounded further by Jaya's comment.

And it also gave her a such a devious idea.

"Sounds like a plan, honeybun."

She had propped her rifle up, leaning an elbow down against it as she looked straight at Evoros. There was no mistaking who she was speaking to, and the cheeky smile on her face made her intentions all the more apparent.

"What's our point of entry going to be?" And just like that, they were diving right back into the business of the mission. Mara had brought her rifle and pistol along for this mission. Both were outfitted for a silent op, on the chance things got hairy and simply ghosting through enemy territory wasn't possible anymore.

[member="Evoros"] | [member="Jaya Tandris"]​

 

[Gauntlet]

Objective 2

In his youth, Gauntlet's services came at a premium.

He fought in battles that spacers still tell of even now. Served the highest nobles and most infamous crime lords alike. He had built for himself a reputation that got him employed; paid extremely well on a good day and well enough on the worst of them.

That all changed on one unfortunate day, when the seasoned mercenary found himself shot in the karkin' head. He should've died by all accounts. The blast went straight through his eye, and did a number on the brain behind it. Yet he survived. However, the blast that fried him had changed him. He became more violent and reckless. He was no longer suitable for jobs of discretion, and as a result took to marauding to make up for lost credits.

Now some may call him a washed up has been, but what Gauntlet lacked in reputation he made up for in sheer ability. This is the man that would be Ghorua's partner, and neither of them knew truly what they were getting into. Gauntlet stepped off the freighter and dusted the cigar ash off his armour.

"Do you use bones as toothpicks?" He quipped, stepping into view.

[member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Evoros]

LOCATION: Southern Zabrak Colony
OBJECTIVE: Don't say anything stupid
STATUS: About to fail miserably

Evoros blinked.

She'd like to think she was a smooth talker when it came down to it (clearly modesty was not something she thought of herself as possessing) but it came down to her ability to predict. Reacting swiftly to the unexpected was a matter of expecting it, and, well--sometimes even she was caught by surprise.

Yeah, she didn't like surprises much.

"Got a ring to it," she tossed back lightly, and if it hadn't been for the lengthy pause her delivery would've been masterful.
Well done, Evoros. Absolutely nailed it.

"We're tailing the target we were briefed on." Grateful for the change in subject, the agent spoke drily and without pause. "We know there's a gathering but we don't know where or why, and we need to gather intel as well as survey the area before we make a move. There will be some improvisation here, which is why we need to be careful."

It would've been the perfect distraction, exactly what she needed to keep her mind from going down a very risky path. She supposed she'd have to improvise in that respect too.

"Any other questions?"

| [member="Jaya Tandris"] | [member="Mara Kellarov"] |​

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

LOCATION: ANOBIS
OBJ: 2

"All going well, not yours."

Ghorua turned his head to look at the new arrival, immediately smelling the acrid residue of cigar smoke. Ghorua didn't mind. He'd worked with plenty of what the galaxy's boot-scrape had to offer. Cigarras-users, deathstick druggies, drunkards, he'd worked with people that were all three, on numerous occasions.

This one's face looked familiar, though. Maybe Ghorua had seen it in a holotape, or on a wanted sign? He wasn't sure. But sizing up the mercenary before him, Ghorua could see veteran for what he was.

Dangerous.

Pushing off the hull of the Jawsome, the Shark rose to his full height. imposing as they came. He stuck out his hand to shake the other's, his hand far too large for Gauntlet to shake effectively. "Ghorua the Shark. A pleasure."

FIshing through his bandolier, the colossus threw a holopad on the ground, projecting the image of a strange, lizard-like beast. The Shark had done his homework.

"Look's like we'll be tackling this together, then." Ghorua rubbed his chin, remembering his research. "The New Mission Mining Company sent a complaint about an infestation of Knaar about two months ago. A considerable reward for the entire cave to be sterilized. From what I can tell, plenty of would-be mercenaries went in, never came out." The Shark grinned coyly, displaying his rows of serrated teeth. He wasn't surprised. Knaar congregated in the hundreds, and while one may not seem to scary, he'd rather not face down a multitude of them.

But, inevitably, he was.

"It's a good thing the Collective came along when we did, eh?"

- [member="Gauntlet"] -

 

[Gauntlet]

Gauntlet shook the shark's hand, albeit awkwardly at the utter size of the grip.

"Gauntlet." He responded bluntly. Not very pleasant, but at least he hadn't lost all his manners in the accident.

The merc studied the holo-image with careful consideration. But he wasn't a biologist, so beyond the obvious 'that looks soft' he wasn't exactly sure how to tackle them. Other than hard. Gauntlet raised the disruptor rifle off his back and slapped the powerpack in place. "Ever had fried lizard before?" He grinned back. Though he had much smaller, less sharp teeth to display.

"Well, let's not keep the good miners waiting, eh?"

He began to waltz in the direction of the mine, through the abandoned street. Most of the people were pushed towards the outskirts. Unwilling to work or live anywhere near the infestation. Five skittish guards--armed miners to be exact--ducked in cover behind some metal crates. They would certainly keep teeth and claws at bay, but he didn't think the lizards dumb enough that they couldn't simply walk or climb around the obstacles.

[member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Jaya Tandris]

Location: Southern Zabrak Colony
Objective: Find the smugglers' guild, possibly punch things

When Mara joined in the subtle laughter, Jaya couldn't help but pair her chuckle with a chit-eating grin. It was that moment that she decided that she was most definitely going to enjoy working together with the two, a conclusion the woman was all too happy to draw. If moments like these were even only somewhat common she would have loved to work with these two more often. The viability of it was something she never stopped to think about, that was up to Zoey to figure out. They were fine people, she was sure of it already. "I like you," she simply said as she turned to Mara. "And Honeybun is an amazing nickname. I'm jealous already." A playful jab was landed on Evoros' shoulder before pulling everything in her being together to return to a more serious posture. She was able to keep it up for a mere three seconds before a smile broke through again, the burst of laughter that started cropping up resisted and reduced to another slight chuckle.

Luckily, that was all that was necessary to get Jaya's head back in the game. She wasn't much of the strategizing kind and simply listened to Evoros laying out the plan. It wasn't the kind of mission she had much experience with, and that was being generous, but once had to be the first time. Besides, she wasn't alone. It would all be fine, she couldn't think of a single thing that had the potential to go wrong. Attributing that to the fact she barely even knew what she was truly getting herself into may have been the reason for that, but if you had told her that Jaya would have had no idea what you were talking about.

At the notion there was going to be improvisation, Cupcake's ears metaphorically perked up in anticipation. She wasn't very good with carefully laid-out plans, something she would confess on the spot, so the fact there was going to be wiggle room meant there was an increased chance of getting the opportunity to do what she did best; engage in some proper violence. Surely Mara and Evoros would stop her from going too far, there was no doubt in her mind. "No questions here. I'm ready to bring in the paycheck."

[member="Evoros"] | [member="Mara Kellarov"]​

 

[Mariya Fleischer]

Location: Somehwere near New Mission mining colony
Objective: Drive out or eliminate Knaar

"You boys are sure impatient to start without me."

A feminine voice rang through the encrypted channel used by both [member="Gauntlet"] and [member="Ghorua the Shark"], whom was also affectionately known as Jaws to the voice's owner. Not that he had approved of the nickname, but she was insistent to call him that ever since she saw him, teeth and all. The mine entrance was currently guarded by five miners and the two Collective agents, but the voice was nowhere to be found.

"Two o'clock on your right. Inside the blue building."

She stuck her head out through a broken window and winked into existence, decloaking herself for the benefit of her colleagues. Mariya had been hiding in the abandoned building to the right of the mine, offering a good view of what was ahead. A case of universal power packs capable of recharging most blaster weapons and some energy bars laid down beside her. The bars were prototypes made by her food company, so she considered this to be a field test to see how much others would like the taste, if the rest decided to take a bite later on.

"I brought some extra juices for our weapons and bodies. Going to hide these stuff here in this dark unfriendly place, which we can retreat to if necessary for a refill. The secure code to open the case is 1138."

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

LOCATION: ANOBIS, NEW MISSION MINING COLONY
OBJ: 2 (KAIJU BATTLE)

- [member="Mariya Fleischer"] - [member="Gauntlet"] -

Nodding to Gauntlet, Ghorua stepped forward, powerful steps propelling the heavy being towards his target. They walked through the mining colony, and the Shark could see that it was suffering from the loss of business. Perhaps they had other mines in other places, but with their main vein out of commission, they were losing credits. Ghorua could only hope they had arrived in time to make a difference, and the New Mission wasn't doomed to the yawning abyss that was equipment debt. This was the first time in a while he'd be working for a faction. He could only hope it worked out better than his last one.

Then again, being abandoned on a floating city surrounded by very angry Knights of Ren wasn't difficult to top.

Ghorua was about to say something snarky about mines before a voice came out of his commlink. Glancing up with a raised eyebrow, he followed the disembodied voice's instructions to a nearby building. He squinted as a being materialized. A somewhat familiar face.

"Ah... Hello, Ms. Fleischer," he said, smirking. Now her, he did know. Ghorua made sure to keep tabs on anyone that met with [member="Lady Kay"]. "Good to know. Join us down here?" He peered into the gaping hole of the mine, absentmindedly gripping his slugthrowers. "The water's fine."

The stale air smelled slightly like mold and mildew outside the mining installation, but Ghorua could also scent the subtle flavors of reptilian.

"So? Who wants to go first?"

 

[Gauntlet]

Objective 2

"You know this one too?" He looked over to where the woman revealed herself.

Though Gauntlet had yet to truly introduce himself, he recalled her from their previous mission together. A not-so-fun fortress busting operation to eliminate a rogue agent. "Well, you're not going to do much good from there." He said, now moving towards the mine entrance.

Gauntlet removed a a single-use flare launcher from his hip. The device, when fired, launched a projectile that continuously released flares on either side of it for a matter of ten odd seconds or so. He pointed and released the projectile into the mine entrance, watching the dark cavern ahead glow a soft red until it dissipated. Abandoned lift vehicles and mining equipment, mostly. Then on the far side were a pair of two closed blast doors.

"I imagine they're beyond those doors." He noted to his partners before venturing forth. The flashlight from his rifle illuminated a cone of space in front of him, and wherever he pointed the damn thing.

Then came the noise. Scurrying in the ventilation shafts followed by an echoing screech.

"Well... We're not alone."

[member="Ghorua the Shark"] | [member="Mariya Fleischer"]

 

[Mara Kellarov]

LOCATION: Southern Zabrak Colony
OBJECTIVE: Find the smugglers' guild

Evoros reaction was everything Mara had hoped it would be. Easily missable if you weren't looking for it, especially given the woman was skilled in keeping her emotions; and reactions in check. But there was a crack in that wall, one Mara had wormed her way into months ago at this point.

It was fun to tease Evoros, especially right before a mission.

Mara was confident the other Agent wouldn't let it affect her, and it provided a bit of lightheartedness before things got serious.

Where the plan would most likely get thrown out of the window. Hopefully not, but it was always something to be prepared for.

"I've got no more questions," Mara stated clearly as she folded up her rifle and attached it to her back. She did a quick check of her pistol before she gave a nod to both women.

"Let's get this underway, shall we?"

​

[member="Evoros"] | [member="Jaya Tandris"]​

 

[Evoros]

LOCATION: Southern Zabrak Colony
OBJECTIVE: Be cool

"Absolutely."

Evoros hit a key on the control deck, and with a mechanical groan the ship's landing ramp began to drop.

"As long as we don't run into any trouble that slows us down, we're in good time. Let's go."

With that, Agent Evoros was back and she could've never slipped up for how quickly she was back on her feet. Her smile was gone but there was clear enjoyment beneath the veneer of seriousness. Exactly how she always was.

The team moved out of the ship, weaving through streets and crowds calmly. It was only some distance to the heart of the colony--they'd parked on the outskirts, where newcomers would draw the least questions--but it gave them plenty of time to prepare. For the most part, prepare meant observe - they were all strangers to the colony, after all. There was a lot of sightseeing to do on the way.

_______________​

​

"Two o'clock. That's our target."

Evoros spoke quickly and quietly, little room in her voice for discussion.

"Split up, we'll follow from different spots. Kellarov, move first, then Cupcake, then me. Do not give yourselves away."

She trusted them both (well. In a relative sense of the word) but it bore reinforcing.

 

[Mariya Fleischer]

Location: Somehwere near New Mission mining colony
Objective: Drive out or eliminate Knaar

"Hello Jaws. And Gauntlet right? Of course I'm joining you guys below."

She disappeared from the window, her cloaking device activated again as she left the building. Her secured case remained behind in a corner. It was a short distance between the building and the two dudes standing at the mine entrance. By the time she reached them, [member="Gauntlet"] had tossed a flare into the entrance, lighting up the immediate area temporarily. Two blast doors guarded the main entrance into the mine. Still invisible, Mariya switched her DC-17m to assault rifle mode as she tagged behind, wondering whether it was a good idea to use the flare instead of night vision goggles. Perhaps Gauntlet did not have a pair or just preferred a direct assault.

No matter, since there were now noises in the ventilation shafts above them. Tossing a grenade into the shaft was a bad idea, since it might just collapse the whole place.

"We better prep ourselves. Behind some cover..."

She took a few steps and hurdled behind the nearest vehicle when one of the shaft lids was being pushed by something. She aimed her rifle towards the moving lid, ready to fire if a Knaar decided to stick its head out. There was always the possibility of it being a diversion, but [member="Ghorua the Shark"] and Gauntlet should both be on the ready as well to fire at any other movement.

 

[Skye Achlys]

LOCATION: Near the Southern Zabrak Colony
OBJECTIVE: Find the smuggler's guild, to where ex-lieutenant Kane from the First Order has retreated a long time ago

"So this is the place? Looks fun", Skye dryly commented from behind her mask. She sat aboard some kind of smuggler spaceship, along with the two men to who the vehicle belonged. They just arrived near the planet and came from a supposed to be secret weapon deal. The moment Skye heard the slightest thing about this deal and with that the possibility of finding Kane, she made herself right at home in the smuggler's ship. Of course, when she was discovered by it's owners, she had to convince them that she could stay, but that had proven to be easy.

The man currently steering only replied with an annoyed grunt. The other searched something inside a locker. "It's bad enough you're here with us. You don't have to comment on everything so just be silent, please. For your sake."

Skye scoffed in respone and gave the man a cold stare from behind her mask, but decided to stay silent nonetheless.

When the smuggler had maneuvered his ship near the ground, Skye noticed he let the ship hover at an odd distance from the ground. You could jump to the ground from here, but it would definitely be more comfortable if he brought the ship a bit closer to the ground. "A bit lower would be perfect, thanks", Skye told the men while she walked over to the side of the ship and opened up the panels- the planet looked even more chaotic up close.

"Nah, we're fine just where we are", the man grinned while he turned around from the locker, carrying a gun he must've hidden in there. "Because you aren't going down there. We've already have reports of unscheduled ships landing, so we don't need you making trouble down there"

"And more importantly," his friend in the chair added, "we know of the bounty on your head, so I think we might keep you here, Mask"

Skye shook her head. "Should've thought about that earlier then", she replied while she looked behind her, all the way to the ground, estimating whether she'd survive the fall.
She would, probably, and then again, everything's better than being handed over to the FO by some smugglers.

She took a deep breath before she looked straight at the grinning smugglers.
"Well, see you on the ground", she happily yelled while she let herself drop down, all the way to the solid surface of Anobis

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

LOCATION: NEW MINING COLONY, ANOBIS
OBJECTIVE: 2 (SHARK TEAM 6)

- [member="Gauntlet"] - [member="Mariya Fleischer"] -

"Yeah. Mariya Fleischer. She's quick. Good at the things she does. Sadly, making up nicknames is not one of those things."

Ghorua made sure to have his comms on when he quipped that, offering a sly smile to the woman before covering it up with his helmet. The various displays and sensors on his HUD lit up, painting a picture for the Shark. A picture he wasn't entirely happy to see.

The Shark stepped into the mine behind Gauntlet, his helmet adjusting to the bright fluctuations of the flare. It was difficult to get a read on anything down in the mine. Whatever minerals were down here was messing with his thermal scanners. It seemed as if there was heat everyhere.

It had to be a malfunction.

Then the noises. All around them. Scuttling, shifting, grating, snapping, the sound of countless dark things hiding out of sight. It was unnerving, and reminded Ghorua of an all-to-familiar scene, in the bowels of Bespin.

Ghorua shook his head, feeling his paranoia rise to the surface. As they walked, the Herglic's steps reverberated off of the stone, like the heartbeat of a mountain. He felt his own heart, syncopated from his steps, beginning to race. He rolled his shoulders, pistols raised threateningly.

"Ready?" Ghorua's voice was deep and metallic through his voice disguiser as he spoke to his companions. "Then let's get it over with."

Plodding up to the blast door's controls, the Shark looked back, enjoying the last tense moments of inaction. Then, he elbowed the controls, disengaging the lock, and sent the doors flying open.

One simple action, and the floodgates opened.

 

[Gauntlet]

From the shafts wasn't the Knaar they were sent the kill. The grate fell to the ground below and out came four kids who were crawling around in the ventilation.

Each hopping down after the other, but that was until Ghorua opened the blast doors. Inside the shark would see hundreds of pairs of yellow eyes. The whole horde of them began to charge the exit, seeing the light outside behind the crew sent to exterminate them.

Meanwhile, Gauntlet had been pushing several crates together to form a makeshift barricade, but it looked like he wasn't going to have time to finish. Instead he took cover, planting his disruptor rifle down on the boxes like a machine gun nest. He fired one beam into the horde, making sure to aim a safe distance away from his large companion up front. The beam vaporized a whole row of them but it did little to dent their numbers.

They had to keep the damn Knaars from escaping into the colony. At least inside the mine they were able to contain the threat, but out there they would have free reign.

"Fethin' hell... We've got company!" The old merc shouted into the comms.

They weren't just coming from the blast doors. They began to pop out of the air vents, too. It seems the kids gave them a new avenue.

Speaking of, unless stopped, the four were long gone.

[member="Ghorua the Shark"] | [member="Mariya Fleischer"]

 

[Mariya Fleischer]

Mariya almost wanted to do the facepalm.

Almost.

When the Herglic opened the doors open, her first thought was that everyone in her team fancied a big fight to happen. There was no stealth or reconnaissance beforehand. All they had done so far was to head into the mine and opened the doors blindly. If she were the one taking point, she would have used a tiny camera to look underneath the doors. She preferred to know what they would be up against before charging into the fray.

Anyway it was all too late to change anything. The doors were open and the damn kids had left a new opening for enemies to appear. Mariya opened fire immediately as the first wave of lizard like creatures popped out of the ventilation. [member="Ghorua the Shark"] and [member="Gauntlet"] would have to deal with the swarm at the doors while she tried to stop the Knaars from a two prong attack. Her assault rifle ranted off angrily at the ever growing swarm, since she did not really need to aim at such a short distance. Each shot was sufficient to take out more than one Knaar who were all bunched up together, but even then she wondered how long they could keep this up.

It did not take long for her to empty her first clip. Instead of refilling, her mind urged her to grab a stun grenade from her belt and toss it into the ventilation to buy them some time. Shouts rang out as the knaars were forced to stop their advance temporarily. She followed up with another grenade, this time sending a fiery ball of fire down the whole shaft. The incendiary bomb was deadly in such a tight corner and the bodies would prevent others from advancing.

There was still the main door though. She hoped that her partners were able to do something while she was occupied.