[Campaign] Liberation of 80060050076

[Vladimir Kirov]

As the drop ship entered the atmosphere getting quickly closer to the surface the enemy AA fire started to try to bring them down the LAAT rocked back and forth to avoid the enemy fire. Vladimir’s stomach turned as the entry into the atmosphere became more and more violent, he didn’t let anyone around him notice his distress though and his armor shielded him from someone seeing how pale he was. As shells exploded around them the LAAT’s pilot tried to press the angle of descent a little further, the closer they were to the ground the less likely it was the enemy would be able to bring as many guns to bear on them. Other ships around them exploded, with all the action the Hapan man’s adrenaline finally replaced his queasiness.

As they came in for a landing at the LZ the doors opened, the LAAT slowed down just enough to let them out safely. Vladimir and his squad jumped the short distance to the surface before the drop ship started ascending again. They were right in the middle of a hot zone, the entire squad responded the same as the rest of the company finding cover wherever they could. The Hapan sergeant checked his HUD, quickly assessing their formation in relation to the rest of the company. “Move up, we need to form a solid line for the enemy to crash against, these buckets of bolts will keep advancing until we bring them all down.”

The squad crawled forward and dug in along a solid line with the rest of the company and opened fire, what little Vladimir did know included the fact that the enemy would be droids so he had ordered two members of his squad to requisition EMP Launchers, they were strapped to their backs ready for use when the Sergeant figured it necessary. They also all carried three EMP grenades each, no doubt they would prove useful but for now they would just use their A1 Harvester blaster carbines or AB-1 Marshal blaster pistols. The advancing droids were certainly far enough away that the carbines were the only truly effective weapons for now.

As his entire squad started trading fire with the advancing droids Vladimir started picking targets and burning them down, each shot hit a target and each target hit was at least disabled in some fashion. He didn’t hold back as he may have with a sentient enemy, they were just droids after all and given their programming they knew nothing but destruction. The droids kept coming but didn’t seem to gain an inch as the line they were advancing on seemed to hold them all back, destroying or disabling any droid that advanced the enemy line at all.

Vladimir knew they couldn’t stay here forever however, droids had the advantage of never tiring and as long as the supply of droids to march into their line continued the Sixth Battalion would eventually have to advance. It was unlikely the droids could be fought to a stalemate but it wasn’t the Hapan man’s place to order any further action, this was General [member="Hasjo Hallu"]’s mission not his, for now they would hold the line until ordered otherwise.

 

[Mother Askani]

She wasn't out for long, when she awoke she heard others searching the wreckage. Her skin had become warm to the touch, and her robes were dusty, and damaged. She was helped out of the wreckage, and suffered a good number of bruises and cuts, a dislocated shoulder, and a broken rib. A large grunt came out if her as she was lifted from the wreckage, but she wouldn't allow herself to be helped for long. In times like this she was glad to have studied healing. Her troops sat her down, and she proceeded with the healing of her rib, and not too long she had to put her shoulder back in place. A most gruesome experience, but she had suffered worse.

"What are our loses captain?" she asked slowly standing to her feet.

"We got hit pretty hard General, I think only Hallu's forces made it to the landing zone. We've been tying to contact their forces but it seems like their being jammed."

"Very well, In the meantime I will help tend to the wounded, begin to make preparations for advancing to the landing zone, we have to get there as soon as possible.."

She aided the medics in healing those injured, though this brief moment would end when droids began to advance in them. Sochi assumed they had just a little more time before scouts would be sent out. Hmm, she had to take up arms, rushing to the front of the pack she ignited her cerulean lightsaber and proceeded with blocking the blaster bolts, she would merely be delaying the inevitable, their location would only see that these droids surrounded them, and that was their purpose to overwhelm.

She rushed a small group, and her blade left a plasma trail over the cheap metal used to create these metallic creatures, cutting off the arms of these things at a precise angle where the edges would become sharp enough to piece other things. It was then she manipulated these newly created objects through the force and used them as projectiles. As they started to get pushed back, there was a arrival of Republic Troopers? And at the right time. The battle swiftly turned in their favor as the droids were flanked from the right and the left.

The multiple explosions saw the battlefield become dark due to the sand and dust being thrown into the air. The only thing visibly clear was the blue and red blaster bolts bouncing back and forth from one side to another. Droids were only meant to overwhelm not to strategize, and the force was on their side. The droids would be pushed back in time, and it seemed the AA gun that was nearest their location had been disabled, atleast now they wouldn't be breached from above as they made their way to the Landing Zone. The conclusion of the small conflict saw them able to see another day, she clipped her lightsaber back onto her belt. They needed to move immediately.

"Captain, load the engines on those tanks, We'll make for that ridge. Try and reach General Hallu. It seems we've garnered the support of the Republic in this conflict. Try and contact their Commander as well. With any luck we'll be able to coordinate with the rest of his forces."

Spoiler

[member="Aika Kawakami"] [member="CI-0001 Alpha"] [member="Hasjo Hallu"] [member="Nico Minuro Ike"] [member="Jeela Tillian "][member="Vladimir Kirov"]

 

[Jeela Tillian]

[member="Aika Kawakami"]

Jeela shook her head slowly in response to the question. "No, Master Kawakami. I only speak when I have words that are important enough to be spoken. So far...." She gave a soft shrug. "I have not had words important enough to disturb the quiet."

Perhaps then there was something on her mind then. Or nerves really. This was quite a bit different than her one person humanitarian missions. This was real. Change occurred on missions like these. Hopefully so anyways. Otherwise a great many lives would have been wasted, though there was nothing new there. It happened often now, and had been for quite some time. All in these wars between the Jedi and Sith. Or Republic and Sith. In these wars, she didn't think there was much difference.

She sunk into the Force, letting it flow through her, carrying her in its swirls and eddies, waiting for its promptings to point her in the right direction, wherever it might be. For now though, it was here, in this shuttle. That she knew.

 

[Aika Kawakami]

"Counselor, we've cleared the field of fire. Not far out from the LZ."

"Remain on course, Captain." Her eyes remained on the girl, studying her even as she spoke to the trooper. In a way, she reminded Aika of herself at that stage. Unsure of herself, never intervening in something she didn't believe concerned her. Yet, it took no effort to hear the rumblings within her mind. It was a direct path of thought. No jumbled rumbling, or mumblings. Still, there were things on her heart that seemed to be held back, as if purposely buried. However, she would bring out the girl's true self in due time, even if she had to resort to options that didn't exactly coexist with the Jedi path of thought.

"Mind your feelings, apprentice. You say one thing, but your thoughts remain upon the surface. Others would see this as you hiding something. You have an opinion on something, a voice. Never be afraid to use it. If you resist, others will always step before you. Do not hesitate, ever. I advise you take this lesson to heart."

"Not to interrupt you two, but we're approaching drop point three, our LZ."
"Don't bring us in too close. They may think we're here to attack. This is a peace assignment. The last thing we need is an incident occurring."
"Yes, ma'am. I'm bringing this bird in."
"Jeela. Are you ready? We have an assignment. And your voice will be needed."

@Jeela Tillian

 

[Jeela Tillian]

Jeela looked up, studying the woman. She was more insightful than many she had interacted with. That was to be expected perhaps, since she was a Jedi master specializing in diplomacy. That would lead to,greater insight than others focused on warfare. She gave a small bow.

"I am ready, Master Kawakami. Never have I refused the directions of the Force and I have no intention of starting now." She did have things on her mind that she was not inclined to say at first. She had learned that the hard way after her...exile. Strange to,think of it that way. Departure then.

"As for what is on my mind, it is not relevant to the mission at this time and could,be a distraction." She already had one of those. The last time she was on a war-torn planet was Togoria, and she still occasionally had nightmarish flashbacks from what she saw there. "But will we stay and help rebuild here after this over?" Her voice trailed off and hardened slightly, "Or get up and leave it in shambles the way the Army of Light did at Togoria. I saw the mess they left behind...though I did what I could,in helping them to rebuild."

She trailed off again, wondering if perhaps she had spoken too much. The woman had told her to use her voice though.

 

[RC 212]

[member="Sochi Ru"]

Alpha wheeled the AA gun on the field below, and aimed her just short of the LZ. He could see the massive waves of droids approaching the down ships position.

"Hey we got some one on comms!"

"Hold em in the chute for one sec."

Alpha squeezed the trigger. From the barrels large streams of plasma fire erupted, lobbing down towards the droids and the ground he it was marked. The explosion of earth and droid sent fire and smoke spiraling in all directions. The droids paused, their command nodes unable to process why their own position was firing on them.

"Well I'll be damned, we gave the tinheads a short circuit."

"Yea we did now give me that trooper." Alpha retorted as he lept from the turret and snatched the radio set from his RTO.

"Alpha here, Republic expeditionary forces. I have control of three AA emplacements and this ridge. Call the shots commander, we'll put rain on the target."

 

[Aika Kawakami]

The shuttle came in for a landing in a small clearing not too far from the camp. The trooper immediately rose from his seat, grabbing his blaster as he headed past the two towards the ramp. Meanwhile, Aika's gaze remained on the girl, her expression unchanging. She was full of care and concern for these people. A true Jedi to her beating core. Still, it seemed as if there was something more to her, something still being suppressed. But there was no need to press the issue, at least not yet. At some point, it would come out. It always does.

"We need to get moving. The longer we take, the greater the chance these people do something crazy."

With no words, Aika followed behind the trooper as the ramp descended to the ground. As her feet came in contact with the ground, a small sigh escaped her lips. "The rebels are just up ahead." She nodded as they moved forward, her eyes forward, but her voice directed at Jeela.

"You want to know if we'll stay? Think about it. What would our presence here accomplish? Would it bring their world back from the near ashes it now lays? No. They would be inclined to become reliant on us, which would cause more harm than good. Not to mention, the attention it would surely bring. Jedi here? Nothing good will come of it. If everything goes according to plan, we'll have no need to remain any longer than needed."

@Jeela Tillian

 

[Jeela Tillian]

Jeela followed behind the soldier and Master Kawakami, already stretching out with the Force into the area around them, seeking threats or those in danger, but listening as well. She bit her tongue at the implied lecture. Didn't anyone see the flaws in those arguments? They were not unlike the ones the Jensaarai council had given her before kicking her out.

"With respect, Master Kawakami, I disagree with those assertions. We can build a foundation for them to rebuild on. We have heavy machinery. We have medicine. We have food. They will need all of these. We have organization, which they will also need as they reorganize themselves. As for attracting too much attention, it is unlikely we can attract more than is already here. This is a military expedition, and those are not easy to hide. As for being reliant, the Republic is already reliant on the Jedi.. Rebuilding will not make another planet dependent, and the positive influence might be sorely needed in these days. People already suspect Jedi of being warmongers and not caring for those they protect. How does landing a military force, fighting a battle, and the leaving shape the galaxy's perception and it's impact on the ability to accomplish the Order's goals?"

 

[Aika Kawakami]

If one listened close enough, it would almost sounds as if a small growl escaped her lips as her head snapped back, gaze falling upon the girl. It was odd. As the days went by, Aika seemed to be more and more on edge, a similar situation to the days that lead up to her departure from the Republic, and subsequently, the Jedi Order. Was it something she realized herself? Or maybe it was years of frustration finally bearing its fangs to the galaxy. Either way, Jeela was receiving a front row seat to something that had remained hidden from the others..

"I'm glad you oppose.." Her lips curled into a wolfy grin. "You are not a droid. Never are you forced to believe or follow something another says. It is good that this realization has finally manifested itself within you. However, think that same idea through. What would they gain if we left them with everything? Nothing. This experience wouldn't leave them any better than we found them. The point of this is for them to be better of. If we do everything for them, then how is that goal accomplished? They become reliant on us for supplies. Suddenly, we're on track to become what we so detested. As I said, if this is done right, we will not have to return here. They will be able to stand on their own. As for your other other little quip.. "The grin quickly fell from her fact. "Under no circumstances are you to ever compare us to them. The Jedi, and Republic, are fools who sit atop a chamber high in the air, thinking themselves better than the rest. They bend to politics of one another. Something neither I, nor you, will ever do again.."

"Uh...Counselor Kawakami.. We've been spotted.."

Aika's head turned, her gaze falling upon a crowd of beings, all armed and poised to fire on them. A small sigh escaped her lips. It wasn't that she didn't know they were there. More so, it was that she didn't count on them coming armed. She moved her arms to her sides, palms facing outward to show she was unarmed. With a few careful steps, she moved up next to Captain Nova, eyes bouncing between each and every being on the ridge ahead. "Relax. There is no need for hostilities. We are only here to help."

The trooper glanced back at Jeela, making sure to keep his weapon pointed at the ground just before him. "Hey... You might want to lend her a hand.. I get the feeling they heard every word she said.."

@Jeela Tillian

 

[Nico Ike Qarmast]

Nico looked at master Aika and Sochi, then at Jeela as she rolled her shoulders. Focused and ready for whatever needed to come next with a small smile. The aegis blades activating and with a duel snap hiss the rainbow blades came at the ready. She focused and was ready to defend as needed but quick and prepared for a figh might help defend these guys. Matsu had respected her willingness to jump into the conflicts as needed and Master Iella had taught her how to switch between attack and defensive techniques with her blades.

 

[Jeela Tillian]

Jeela nodded at the soldier's words. She had a sinking feeling they had as well. She had already caused her first mission to hit a major speed-bump. Or potential bump. She swallowed nervously, and stepped forward, hands held palm out. She wasn't entirely sure why though. Droids were the enemy here. Not organics. But still, in times like these, suspicion was rampant. She stifled a groan as Nico activated her blades though. That would not help very much at all. So much for a good start to this mission. Should she step in now and try to smooth over any potential ruffles? Or wait and see what happened? Anxiety twisted in her stomach. Blast it. This was why she had always worked alone.

[member="Nico Minuro Ike"] [member="Aika Kawakami"]

 

[Vladimir Kirov]

The enemy droids were starting to thin presenting an opportunity to press forward, the General had not ordered a march forward but it was the duty of every soldier of the sixth to be able to recognize and press an advantage when it presented itself. Vladimir and his squad started to press the advantage, driving forward, inch by inch, foot by foot, it forced the rest of the company to adjust with them. Certainly they would soon see what the Sergeant had seen, they started hurling a couple EMP grenades into the droids lines watching the droids collapse in droves.

Glancing over his soldier seeing the rest of the company had followed suit, pressing the line forward, droids were still pressing forward but their lines were not advancing as far forward as they had before, the landing zone was undoubtedly secure now.

“We have pushed the enemy back far enough that the LZ is secure, unless they move to flank us, we need to close that gap before they get that opportunity, they may be droids but even a computer will adjust to this tactic soon enough. We should attempt to rendezvous with General [member="Sochi Ru"] and her forces before the droids can regroup.” Vladimir ordered, more for the benefit of the rest of the company than his own squad.

Chatter on the comm indicated the enemy had been relieved of the AA turrets on the ridge up ahead, and the HUD on his helmet indicated the rest of the Silver Jedi forces were advancing on the ridge, no doubt to reinforce whoever had been bold enough to take the ridge in the first place. The AA emplacements were streaming fire down on the droid lines, thinning their numbers no doubt that had been the primary reason the droids had been insufficient to keep them at bay. Unfortunately there was no unified command of the forces as there was a fair amount of jamming coming from somewhere nearby and nothing but local communications were punching through it making it difficult to coordinate any sort of advance.

“New mission Alpha, advance around the enemy lines, locate whatever is jamming our communications and blow it so our people have a better shot at controlling the field.” Vladimir ordered as he nodded to his comm expert the other man was most certainly already using their comm gear to locate the enemy jamming equipment.

“I have found it, it is a few klicks to the east, if the rest of the company keeps the enemy occupied here we ought to be able to sneak in and blow it.” The marine was nothing if not efficient.

“Ok, you heard the man, move it marines, that jamming equipment needs to be shut down yesterday.”

Alpha squad broke ranks from the line, other squads filling in the gaps as they raced along the dune they had taken to hold the enemy back. In the relative safety Vladimir and his started east at a brisk pace towards the enemy jamming equipment.

 

[Aika Kawakami]

"Nico. Sheath your weapons. They will not be needed here." Jeela had gotten the message loud and clear, the same could not be said of her Master's former apprentice. Her instinct had been to shoot the girl a look would render a mother gundark silent and frozen, yet she couldn't. Other tasks needed her attention, and there would always be time to deal with the girl down the line.

Aika stepped forward once more, positioning herself in front of the others as her gaze bounced between each being on the ridge before them. "I am Counselor Aika Kawakami. These two girls are with me, Apprentice Jeela Tillian and Nico Ike." Her hand gestured behind her slightly. "And this is my Captain, and personal security, Captain Nova. We represent the Silver Jedi, and have come to assist." The position of each and every Rebel as being taken into her mind. While she herself had avoided engaging in previous militaristic efforts, it didn't mean she hadn't learned from those close to her about them. Her attention drifted as a voice came from a small cavern at the base of the ridge, a rather lean male emerging. At this moment, it became obvious who was leading this band of misfits..

"Jedi? That's the last thing we need. Your type claims piece, yet you don't think twice about ravaging a planet with your wars. You leave it shambles, and only try to make up for it by establishing one of your outpost, effectively forcing people into your wars. Republic. Silver. Doesn't matter. There's no difference.." The male drew his blaster, arm raising as barrel pointed towards the group. "There's only one way to avoid the tyranny of you Jedi. You need to die."

He's an extremist... Yet a calculated one. Cold, methodical even. He's thought this through.. Aika spoke to both Jeela and Nico, her mind to their own. She could stop the man. She could stop his entire group, and not so much as blink. But this was something they needed to experience. For one, she needed to learn that her voice was a powerful weapon, and had to be used whenever possible. For the other, there was a need to not be so quick on the draw of her blade. Regardless of what happened, Aika would be there to back them up.. I leave him in your capable hands. By your actions, we will either perish by his hand, on continue our mission. I highly suggest the two of you speak quickly, less we find ourselves in a worse predicament...

@Jeela Tillian [member="Nico Minuro Ike"]

 

[Jeela Tillian]

Jeela pursed her lips as the leader strode up and said in a much harsher way what she had been saying, but then started as she heard [member="Aika Kawakami"]'s voice in her head. Of course. Telepathy. So many unusual skills here in the Silver Jedi that she had been mostly unfamiliar with before. She looked over to the other apprentice. Nico, her name was. This would be up to them then, and the loves of the ones around them hung in the balance.

The world slowed down, and her heartbeat thundered in her ears. The pressure was on again, and she would rise to whatever presented itself. She dove into the river of the Force again, and found the center within the current. They would need to change his view of the Jedi, both to ensure the mission's success, and to stay alive. She began speaking in a quick whisper.

"Fighting here would be counter-productive to the mission, and hinder it. We need to convince and show him that we are different and are here to help unconditionally." She resisted the temptation to send a sharp look to the other Jedi. "Actually help and make a difference. Not make a graveyard and then leave."

[member="Nico Minuro Ike"]

 

[Mother Askani]

"[member="CI-0001 Alpha"] , General Ru wants to coordinate, we have to make it to the landing zone, the forces already there won't be able to hold out forever. We could use the Air cover, let it rain. That static would almost take over the conversation being had between them. Hopefully all would go well.

Sochi was at the front of the pack as they maneuvered through the ridge. There wee stone pillars of the most jagged shapes coating through the sandy, and rocky path. She had to utilize her lightsabers I cut them down so that their last two tanks could make their way through with their massive shape. From the crash, and the surprise attack of the droids the numbers in her unit were dwindling, she valued the lives of her men, and didn't want them to lose them on her watch, though such was the case of war. It happened. The next area would see them taken into a darker area. Light only shined through certain areas, but majority was pitch black with the exit of the tunnel at the end which appeared to almost resemble the mouth of an animal. The pillars that made the exit up were just a sharp as any canines teeth.

Her senses were telling her something was up, and she held up her hand, palm flat. She signaled for her unit to stop advancing. Her eyes squinted as she peered in the darkness, with the light of her blue lightsaber just above her; even that couldn't cut through it all. She just peered and everything went silent. No one could ever realize how much silence was loud. Red blaster fire flew through the cool air, and it signaled an attack of the enemy. She immediately blocked the fire bolt, and multiple from both sides came to as the enemy units slowly faded into existence.

She blocked another bolt before running forward with her blade in front of her, flailing about almost only in a manner of defense. She used the force to lift the metallic adversaries. Her eyes squinted into a focus, and they slowly rose in a given time into the air. They hovered in place before she swung her hand to the side, slamming her object which would be the droids, into more droids. She reverted back into a defensive posture blocking bolts after bolt and returning them to their origin. She incorporated some Ataru into her defense, instead using the acrobatic maneuvers as a way to dodge and maneuver around enemy fire.

"They gain strength in numbers! We have to get them to scatter so we can break their defense!" she yelled as the troopers under her command launched grenades into the mix.

[member="Hasjo Hallu"]
[member="Vladimir Kirov"]