Hammer and Anvil - SJO Dominion of Kintan Hex

[Handy Man]

Planet Of Kintan​

For four months there had been hard fighting on Kintan. The Hutt’s influence faded and the Cult of M’dweshuu grew in the vacuum of power their absence left, while a budding Rebellious Militia group began in opposition to both sides. The events leading up to this started well over two years ago, but only now did things come to a head after an attack from the Cult, which spurred a surprising majority of the populace into action, igniting a full three way civil war. The Militia had done a surprisingly good job of pushing back the Cult and taking the initiative, but that only lasted for so long before things began to grind to a halt. The Hutt cartels and syndicates made for a foe that they could not so simply defeat in an open war, they were a force of corruption that had long spread through the cities. Dirty bombings, short firefights, hit and runs on supply depots. With the Militia's forces split between suppressing the effects of the Hutt’s and holding the line against the Cult, they found themselves locked in and unable to win against either side. That was when they called the Silver Jedi for help, a plea for those who had to live in such conditions.

There were two separate battles raging on the war torn world of Kintan that the SIlver Jedi would be aiding with. One was on the proper battlefront itself, where the Silver Jedi’s Rangers were assaulting in force through the heavily entrenched and defended Khel’rath forest. The Silver Jedi had scouts out for weeks before the main force got boots on the ground, already having a planned invasion course as they landed and began to move. With how quickly the Rangers had been called to war, they were forced to deal with extreme supply issues. The logistics of the situation and how short the preparation time was did not allow it, meaning they could not be stalled. They had to push through and break the Cult’s main force with a decisive blow. They had been, until [member="Valkren Calderon"] and his Radmada Raiders and the accompanying 7-18’th Cav Squadron got cut off. They were the center of the spearhead pushing through enemy lines, but as the day turned to night their communication equipment experienced malfunctions while they pushed onwards with almost no resistance, managing to push deep into enemy territory. Unknown to them, their left and right flanks had run into heavy enemy resistance behind them and before they knew it, they were cut off miles behind enemy territory. Before they could pull back, they found their own heavy resistance as enemies began swarming the now surrounded spear head, forcing them to take up defensive positions on a rocky hill, digging in with low supplies, malfunctioning communications equipment and little air support.

The second front was the City of Karpesh. The Jedi Shadows had been planet side before even the scouts send ahead by Colonel Valkren and Dusaro Dresari. They had pinned the city as the main point of crime operations of the Hutt’s, as well as where the planets boss was. They were making headway with finding out just where the Boss was, with their end goal being to report accurately to the Kintarian Militia where they were, where they would try to run and hide and then bring them out into the light and rip the infestation from the planet for good. As of now they had two compounds they suspected as the location where the Hutt Cartel had the majority of their information, personel and potentially their boss. One was a large office building, one that had been owned for years by a rather well off merchant company, buying and selling all kinds of goods that came to and off planet. The underground side of the office building had originally been their storage facility, but had officially been ‘closed off’ when it was no longer practical for the movement of goods, being to far from the spaceport. The second was a out of the way shipping yard that the Shadow’s had found had what appeared to be a large, unmapped underground section. The location of the entrance was not specified besides being somewhere inside the warehouse.

Objective One - The Khel’rath Forest

The arrival of the SJO troops started off well enough. They properly landed in friendly territory, met up without any accidents and moved to the sectors where enemy forces were most prevalent and began moving through their designated attack zones. The first day of the maneuver battle went well, the Rangers punched through with Mechanized units while their Infantry filled in the gap and began putting pressure on the enemies lines with the goal of surrounding the main enemy force. It was not until the second day that things went awry. A division of Infantry along with one of the augmented Mechanized squadrons found a weak spot and exploited it, managing to slip right past the enemy lines and deep behind their main force. Unfortunately, communication systems ran into complications and word from their allies did not reach them in time that their opposition had managed to close the gap behind them as the other troops who were supposed to be on their flanks got stalled, trapping them alone and surrounded behind enemy lines.

The Goal of this Augmented Battalion size unit is to hold out, stall the enemy and if an opportunity presents itself, reconnect with friendly forces. Jedi, Warriors, Soldiers, now is the time to hold your ground and fight back the enemy. Fight on relentless even while running low on ammunition and supplies against greater enemy forces and live to get off this rock! Or alternatively be apart of the forces who are attempting to break the encirclement and save your trapped allies. Healers, save all those you can, ease the pain of those you can’t and steel yourselves to be able to know the difference.

Objective Two - Karpesh City​

The Silver Shadows had touched ground planetside before Dusaro even knew he was going to be tasked with creating the Corps that was going to aid in the battle. Their mission and any one they brought along for it, was simple in premise but difficult in execution. Find the Hutt Crime Syndicates, get a solid read on their crime network, infiltrate it and then rip it up from the roots for the Nikto troopers to flood in and remove the Hutt Cartels from the roots up before they could find new holes to dig in. It was a tricky job, but certainly not one that was beyond the Shadows capabilities. Sneak, spy, sabotage, undermine, blend in and ultimately uproot the Cartel threat to end the Hutt hold on this planet for good. There were two main points that were suspect, a recently built warehouse near the dockyards that the Shadows learned had a large but not officially recorded underground section. Similarly, there was an old but still used business building that had a similar underground complex. Both were suspected to have high value targets, making either a valid choice to investigate.

Spoiler: Ranger Forces

Ranger Infantry (Includes Normal Infantry, Heavy Weapons, Medics, Scouts, Ect) 2,688 Troopers

KV-1 Bengal Main Battle Tank (8 Squadrons, 32 Units)

Radmada Mortar Carrier (2 Squadrons, 24 Units)

Tango APC (8 Squadrons, 112 Units)

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Objective Three - BYOO​

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Do your own thing to support the Silver Forces and the local populace. Make supply runs, aid civilians in shelters, what ever you like.

 

[Valkren Calderon]

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Objective: One - Survive, wait for Silver contact.​

Location: Kintan - Khel'rath Forest - Furtherst region.​

Assets: 3rd Infantry, 1st Special Tactics Group​

7-18th Cav group​

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The Colonel blinked from behind the visor of his Katarn helmet, his eyes and heads-up-display still adjusting to the change in lighting inside the forest-terrain of Kintan. [SIZE=11pt]Valkren[/SIZE] moved alongside several other rangers; Two-hundred and eighty, to be exact. It was a mix of rangers from the Third infantry, plus a complement of sixty special forces operatives from his own unit. They moved rather fluidly among the rocky and wooded terrain, partly in thanks to their armored attachment: fourteen Tango APCs and four lovely Bengal battle tanks.

The familiar rumble of the Bengals in their battle group gave Calderon comfort, it reminded him of Ord Radama’s battlefield, where his unit got their nickname. Having seen the tanks in action, he had faith in their ability to maneuver through the terrain and disembed any opposition dug in.

So far, this war they joined into had been going fairly smoothly for them. The cult of M’dweshuu’s members were certainly snakes, dug into every position they could be in the forests of Kintan, but they still met measly resistance during their push. Maybe the rebels couldn’t break the stalemate because of their lack of armor, and [SIZE=11pt]now here the Silver Jedi and the Rangers were. Valkren’s[/SIZE] battle group had encountered few positions and were left with even fewer wounded as they advanced deeper towards their objective.

“Good day for [SIZE=11pt]a war[/SIZE], yeah boss?”

Valkren was shaken from his daze, glancing up to the find his XO Lieutenant Konrad Harris hanging from the side of one of the Tango APC’s, Rotary cannon hanging from by one hand and a strap.

“Doesn’t get any better than this, old man.” [SIZE=11pt]Valkren[/SIZE] let his LPD blaster rifle hit his chest plate, the weapon hanging from his chest rig by a sling, as he clambered onto the side of the APC next to his teammate.

Up ahead, a large boom was to follow as one of the Bengel’s unloaded a HE round toward an emplacement. Soon after, blaster fire echoed from the infantry squad based around the tank. [SIZE=11pt]Valkren[/SIZE] caught a glimpse of them in action, as his convoy rolled past the single tank, most of the rangers jogging up ahead of it into the woods to clear out the enemy position.

“Actually seems pretty easy if you ask me.” [SIZE=11pt]Valkren huffed, gripping the webbing on the side of the APC to take a glance behind him. The APCs stretched a good few behind, and within each consisted of the rangers from his own unit and the third infantry. Few were outside like Valkren’s[/SIZE] own squad, as he wanted the main force to stay safe until they really ran into hell. For now, the few squads around each Bengal and around every two APC’s made for quick work in cleaning up the forest.

“Did he just says this seems easy? My hearing must be shot from these tanks, right?” Specialist Lowder finally chirped in. The specialist was positioned up one APC from the lieutenant and colonel, laying flat on top with his scanner to help feed target information to some of the tank commanders.

Valkren shook his head, a momentary grin forming on his face at his teammate's remark. He reached up and slammed a fist into the top hatch of the APC three times, forcing one of the rangers to open it.

“Corporal Bowers, give me a clear line to actual!” [SIZE=11pt]Valkren[/SIZE] said this, before moving to access his communications

“Copy sir, patching you in now. Fair warning, we’ve been getting a lot of signal interference every since the convoy entered the woods. Not sure if we’ll be able to hear them, but you should be able to get the message out!” [SIZE=11pt]Valkren couldn’t see the corporal hard at work on their communication within the APC, but he knew he was doing his best. With large scale operations like this, it was difficult to keep everything in order. Especially logistical and communications..However, as long as Dusuro would do his side of the job, Valkren[/SIZE] and his people would get their side done.

Looking ahead, [SIZE=11pt]Valkren[/SIZE] attempted to send out a transmission.

“Hammer One to Hammer Actual: making progress towards front line[SIZE=11pt]..[/SIZE]Although it’s a bit hard to tell exactly what the front line is here. We’ll continue transmissions as normal and let ya’ll boys know when we hit the hornet's nest- how copy?”

He’d wait several moments as their convoy rolled on, rangers firing off several rounds in different directions from their APC’s as they continued to roll over the Cultist forces. With no answer, he attempted to reach out to the ranger units pushing [SIZE=11pt]a long[/SIZE] side them.

“Hammer One to Hammer Two, Hammer Three: [SIZE=11pt]ya’ll[/SIZE] out there? Keep an eye out for each other, communications seems pretty spotty here so we don’t want any blue-on-blue contact. Copy?”

Static

“Feth. Looks like we’re alone. Everyone load up! We're pushing ahead.” The lack of real attention to their spearheading unit gave the colonel the expression that they were in the perfect weak spot for the cultist forces.

They had to push ahead.

After an easy push thanks to two of their four Bengals leading the convoy through, at least twenty minutes had passed before one of the Bengals stopped in place.

"Sir! Still no contact, I'm not hearing any allied fire either!" Bowers yelled out, just as Valkren jumped off the side of the APC to inspect the forward vehicles.

"Patch me back in like five minutes, I'll try again the- Hey! What's the karkin' deal up here?! Why aren't we moving." Valkren's voice was urgent, as the group still remained sitting ducks. They'd had pushed far enough into the forest to where the hills were starting to push the armor into valley-like passes. It was a death wish for armored units.

"I don't know, I think we're beached on a damn stump or something! Let me check." One of the tank operatives yelled out as he clambered out the hatch, throwing his legs over the side of the main weapon so he could jump down. As soon as the tank operator's boots hit the dirt and branches below him, a bright red beam of light appeared directly between Calderon and him. The beam got more intense and suddenly the Bengal that was stuck illuminated in a fiery white explosion.

Laser cannon emplacements? Or was it a vehicle? Valkren didn't have time to guess. He was left with no time to prepare after the quickness of the laser, and the force of the explosion from the tank tossed him back a good few feet. The familiar sound of Gunfire erupted all around them, forcing the rangers that occupied all the vehicles to exit right away and return fire.

Valkren groaned as he pulled himself to his feet, moving to the nearest vehicle to use for cover.

"Hammer Actual, this is Hammer One! I don't know if you all are reading this but we are in a little bit of a situation here!"

His transmission was cut short as he spotted a set of cultists scrambling down from behind a set of rocks, forcing the colonel to unclip his blaster from its sling and fire several bolts in their direction. He was still in a daze from the shockwave, so his shots would most likely be wide, but his helmet's system did most of the work for him. It at least ushered the cultists into cover.

Valkren's battle group was seemingly surrounding suddenly, but the Rangers were ready for a fight.

(Sorry about the Giant Font. Font will be set straight once again in the next post )

 

[Willa Isard]

Objective: Punch a Hole

[member="3X744"]

The sounds barely coming over the comlinks were all she realy needed. Willa standing there with the bridge crew of the RAC. THey were used to this, the stealth systems of the ship were engaged as they set about bringing what ranger's they could. She was looking at the screens on display and thankfully the different units were coming in one of the derry carriers. THe sight of it while it was preparing to drop the pods with guardian units. THeir armor gleaming as the red visors illuminated and the stealth coating of the armor from micro crystals activated. Ranger biots, units of tank bred soldiers equipped with class ten power armor. THeir assault rifles decked for maximum round with the drum fed shatter shots.

"We are prepared?" She asked it without turning her head in the jericho class armor and her sniper rifle was gleaming across her back. THe smg's and her saber on her hip. SHe closed the helmet and activated the sub-dermal comlinks that had been standard for ranger units several years back. She had made sure the original main and scout divisions had them still. "Mount up, we are dropping you in to punch a hole while the scouts will be looking for ways to use the drop pods and get behind the lines and aid who is there." She said it laying out the plan while bringing up what they had and the looks from the screen to see the armor support for the soldiers coming down.

"We have siege platform enroute and with it a siege knocker. We'll make a hole." The voice coming out was one she knew well enough and trusted. Her eyes flicking back and forth while she was moving to the airlock of the RAC with a small team that would be there for advanced assault and infiltration. The aerial equipment would let them drop in while the stealth ship moved to the extraction point as needed. "We have entrenched enemies on the ground, they are dug in hard commander." Isard looked prepared but she spoke. "Alright send down with each unit that we can with flamer units to make those holes they dug problematic." This is one fo the reasons why they had worked to get them and have heavy weapons divisions for vehicles.

THen she could see it, the garrison deployment pods for the divisions and she moved her head when the doors opened. The rush of air escaping the small airlock as they were still moving and the chance to run as the aerial frame activated the ion boosters to move away from the ship itself. The RAC could barely be seen and she had her stealth field up to make seeing her harder against the sky and she was listening to the force itself. Her instincts to get in there and carve a path through were one of the few things she held back on... releasing the power of a vahla didn't do well in situations like this.

 

[Masaru Varga]

Masaru was with [member="Valkren Calderon"] and the other Rangers that were moving through the forest. The mercenary zoned out the chatter between some of the Rangers, focusing his mind on the surrounding area. They were out in the open and the Mercenary was in the habit of watching for any enemies.

When one of the tanks had been, Masaru brought his focus to the operative that was getting out of the vehicle. Soon after he had gotten out, a laser had appeared between Valkren and the soldier. Masaru's instincts hit him, the Mercenary taking cover behind one of the vehicles along with Valkren. His attention was brought to the cultists that the commander was shooting at. Masaru followed suit, bringing his rifle up to fire at them as well.

Seeing that they were surrounded, the Mercenary cursed under his breath.

"I don't suppose this was part of the plan?"

He said this to the commander but wasn't expecting an answer. They were out in the open, surrounded by multiple enemies. fortunately, Masaru was fighting with people he knew wouldn't go down without a fight.

 

[Varindar Asyt]

Objective: Shadow Streets
Allies: Jedi [member="Drystan Marakos"]
Enemies: Hutts

"I have one question: which cover would be better suited for me, a dancer or a weapons smuggler?" Varindar asked Drystan, knowing that she would need to proceed differently depending on her choice of a cover.

The day has come for her to take part in a sting operation that was a little different from the last ones. Chalacta was the closest in scope from this one: she could always pass off as a dancer if the need arose. Or a weapons smuggler. But here it's out of the question that she would be fumigating the place. For what she knew about Kintan's underworld, they may not be facing pest problems of the same magnitude as the ones running the spaceport as a loan-powered moneylaundering operation. But then she still had several outfits for sting operations, with the dancer one being much more revealing than the weapons vendor one. Yet she knew Hutts were often heavy on the entertainment portion. And maybe, just this once, she could overhear something useful as an entertainer. Hopefully I won't be, to these Kintan guys, associated with either swimming, hospitality or the Ta'jars: these three items will compromise my role in this, and I'll keep quiet about that stuff, Varindar thought, while mentally readying herself to assume either cover as appropriate for this operation.

 

[Dusaro Dresari]

Objective - One, break the enemies surround on Enemy Forces

Location - Kintan, Khel'rath Forest, Command Vehicle



Several hours Earlier

It had been going, rather well so far in Dusaro's mind. As expected by their scouting, the Cult had been so thoroughly entrenched that when the Ranger's Armored divisions began busting through their lines they could not react fast enough to it. They had gotten to comfortable in their foxholes and trenches. Their first push had met strong resistance, what few ant-vehicle weapons they did have were focused just them. One of the Bengal's had it's repulsor system get knocked out of commission but it's crew survived while the rest on the spearhead took moderate to mild damage. One Tango APC had been completely destroyed by a direct hit from artillery, with two more taking damage from the same blast. As they pushed deeper into the forest the Cult had far fewer anti-material weapons, but they did have plenty of nooks and crannies to hide in. The Scouts [member="Valkren Calderon"] had sent out earlier before their operation began had scouted out a few places they would need to be wary of, but they were not quite prepared for how well the Cult had mapped out and prepared their territory. The first day was mostly just small, hit and run attacks from unorganized groups. At the dawn of the second day, this changed. What had been unorganized, small raids rapidly turned into organized ambushes. Mines started cropping up, a mix of proper military ordnance made to kill vehicles and homemade antipersonnel plasma mines. Similarly, the enemy had begun to shift and dedicate much more forces into doing what ever they could to slow down their group.

Current Time

Their armored push had met a wall in the form of defense in depth, layers upon layer's of enemy forces, every single layer buying time for the group behind them to dig in, prepare and become reinforced. It was infuriating but there was not much Dusaro could do about it besides keep pushing. The one saving grace was that the enemy had not properly prepared to defend against a maneuver battle such as this, as shown by most of their larger guns being for anti infantry jobs. So far the largest artillery they had run into was infantry mortar barrages. Deadly to infantry for sure and even to their Bengal's or APC's on a direct hit, but scoring a direct hit on a tank or APC in a forest with a mortar was more likely to be a freak accident rather than a well aimed shot.

Currently, Dusaro was unable to act. Not because of indecision or fear, but Hammer One had not radioed in for some time now. Not to unusual in the heat of battle, but Dusaro himself could not get in contact with them and Hammer Two and Three who were on their left and right flanks had lost sight of them in the forest. Once again, not unusual in the heat of battle, especially in a forest. But just because something was expected and 'normal', didn't mean he liked it. It gave him a bad feeling, one that soon turned out to be completely justified. Hammer Two and Three had met back in the middle, establishing contact with each other where Hammer One was supposed to be, but was not. They only found enemy opposition. "Where the kark did Valkren go?" He hissed under his breath while staring at a map of the area. It was then that the most likely situation hit him and a broken communication got through. It was broken up and filled with static, but Dusaro could make out for sure that Hammer one had gotten pinned down and was out of position, but where? "Jennings, boost the signal as much as you can and see about triangulating it, we need to know where Hammer One is now!" The Communications specialist gave a quick nod and began working on it, attempting to boost the signal strength and get a solid, strong line to Valkren and his unit. "Hammer One this is Hammer Actual, where the hell are you!? Hammer Two and Three are where you were last located and we have a solid line of cultists in front of us!"


[member="Valkren Calderon"] [member="Masaru Varga"] [member="Willa Isard"]

 

[Drystan Marakos]

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Objective 2​

Location: Aboard the "Halcyon", a Pantera-Class Stealth Frigate above the planet Kintan​

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~​

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"From the information we've gathered from assets on the ground, we don't believe either location indicated is being used as an entertainment venue." Drystan replied to [member="Varindar Asyt"]'s question. "In fact, it's more likely the locations are either administrative or warehousing... We've been unable to get close enough to verify what, exactly, goes in & out of those doors, but local Sec-forces pay very little attention; so little that I suspect they've been paid to avoid the area entirely. I hesitate to send you into harm's way... In the event of complications, it's unlikely we'd be able to extract an imbedded asset quickly - and certainly not quietly. That's why you'll be going in with me."​

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Carefully, the senior Operative surveyed the briefing room - carefully meeting each individual's gaze, and raising her voice to drive the point home: "Make no mistake, people. This is not our trigger to pull - our objective is to gain entry, identify whether the locations are, in-fact, havens for Cartel Activity, and soften the area; a team of Nikto Warriors will be on stand-by, prepared to assault once we provide concrete data." ​

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"Both locations are separated by about 20 minutes transit time, which is why I'd like to engage both at once. If something goes wrong, the closest enemy reinforcements are likely to be from the alternate site... therefore, we shouldn't be going loud unless there's no other choice. If our Intel is correct, knocking out one of these locations will damage Cartel Operations, while disrupting both will effectively put the surrounding Industrial areas into a stranglehold. All we have to do is make them stumble... and their competition will take care of the rest." ​

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"Any other questions?" ​

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The layout of the two buildings in question were available on the briefing screen, indicating a considerable level of security and a significant number of personnel (though their roles, unknown). The Operation ahead of them was textbook for the Jedi Shadows - perhaps not so common a job for some, as such work demanded particular levels of cunning & finesse. Provided the small team kept their weapons holstered and their senses open, Drystan was certain they'd be successful...​

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Then again, no plan ever survived first contact.​

 

[Ravenfire]

Objective 1 : Slip through the lines with support and firepower.
Location: With [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] on the ground
Peeps: The Owls and Cats, The Cat - on the ground, The Owl - in orbit
Armament: The Greeter, Noverskaan Wolves, The Taff Vengeance, Mykes' Defender, Luxurious Cloak, G-11 Shield Gauntlet, T-7 Vibro Brace, Taff Necklaces.

Tom looked down his sights for a second as another four people were hit by one of his railgun bullets. There was still a lot of them which would make life hard getting into the centre and he was still getting used to his other eye not working anymore and having to use force sight in it. Mainly he did it with all his gear on to get used to the force surrounding it so he wouldn't confuse it with an enemy but it was hard given he could see but also not quite see.

He looked over to where the cat stood. She smiled at him. "Good sniping Tom?" Tom shrugged "Mostly, we are just waiting on asa then we move in till then I don't mind supporting who ever is down there." She then asked "Hows the scar?" Tom sighed "No better than yesterday. It's hard to see through normal and force sight at the same time. It's like being on spice or death sticks. You see one thing outta one eye and something else out of the other. It's Karking confusing." She nodded "I get it tom. What does Mykes think?"

Tom got up looking her in the eye. "He doesn't know. He thinks I'm still fine and I don't wanna tell him otherwise. We have had enough trouble but if my premonition is correct then I will be in or causing more trouble. Till then let's just do the best we can." He would sigh firing again taking another 5 out of the battle.

 

[Tanaski Yumi]

Objective: 2
Equipment: Duel Vibro Wakizashi, Sasori Masquer Armor, Sabre, GGT-33
Allies: [member="Drystan Marakos"] [member="Varindar Asyt"]
Post:1

The darkness was a shinobi's best friend, it was also the prowling grounds for his species but most importantly it was were Tana conducted most of his work in the former life before joining the Silver Jedi Order. Today he and his fellow Shadow Jedi would be putting this unique skill set to work, to do the deeds that others would find unsettling, to be quite as a small spider but be toxic and deadly with it's strikes. For the time being him and the two women that made up the core of the shadows deliberated over their assignment and how to get in without any major problems.

he listened to Dyrstans brief on the task at hands, the women's experience in the matter being plain to see, she was in her element, doing what she excelled at. "So, we are to not make contact with anyone nor engage them in combat area, this is soley a sneaking mission right"? He asked, the young mans more serious persona on show for this assignment, knowing full well there could be no screw ups if the other teams were to be successful. "Besides that I do not have any other questions besides who goes with who, though I would suspect that you'd pair me up with Varindar due to us both being knights and you a master".

After all if anyone was able to handle themselves without back up it was Drystan.

 

[Varindar Asyt]

Objective: Shadow Streets
Allies: [member="Drystan Marakos"] [member="Tanaski Yumi"]
Enemies: Hutts

Varindar might have had her share of successes as far as sneaking was concerned, and the choice of a cover was, in fact, crucial for later success, but this time was different: here it was not even about doing something else after the insertion took place. It was simply to determine whether a suspicious location was, in fact, worth the suspicions. If it was either administrative or warehousing, then she would need to pose as something else entirely, something that may be fitting both functions. Like... ergonomic assessments. Then again, Varindar's knowledge of ergonomics was limited to bedroom design, so it may be limited in scope. Why was I even thinking of ergonomic assessments in the first place? Hutts would probably prefer exotic weapons to ergonomic assessments, and I knew a few products thet could be interested in, so I should stick to smuggling, or perhaps I would be looking to buy something from them if the price or hardware was right, Varindar thought, while pondering the remaining options, now that she knew the entertainer route was proving much riskier than originally anticipated.

"Maybe, for a cover, I'd smuggle in some electrothermal weapons, EM plasma, energy torpedo launchers, man-portable or not, radiation rounds or even mortars... but they will need to pay a security deposit and pay the rest on delivery" she told Tana.

 

[Asaraa Vaashe]

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Objective: 1
Location: On the ground, behind enemy lines
Nearby: [member="Tom Taff"]

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Deep breath in, deep breath out, the rifle in the girl's hands twitched and steadied, her breath burning in her chest as her finger just brushed against her trigger. It was the lightest of touches, barely moving the metal but the rifle kicked in her hands, trying to buck itself out of her grip as she let her breath flow out of her lungs as she settled it into place, her eyes tracking her shot out through the air. Shot through the air for just a second, the crack of the shot carrying through the air around them as another of the soldiers down the hill from them twitched and fell to the ground, like a marionette whose strings had been cut as they flopped down to the ground. Letting the weapon rest she pulled back glancing over at the special ops group she'd settled in with, "You don't think he doesn't know already? These kinda things always seem to build up and get out one way or the other. At least if you tell him you can both be on the same page?" She didn't know quite what they were talking about, but secrets never had a way of working out for anyone involved in her experience.

Turning away she lifted her rifle to her eyes, swinging it wide around the area, blue orb staring through the sight at the frees and hills that surrounded them before resting it against her hip, raising one finger to her ear. "Cotton Candy to command," she hated that call sign but it seemed to be sticking now. "We're still in position B-2 holding them off for now but they're still pushing up on us in small packs. They're getting closer each wave. We need some reinforcements out here, or in half an hour they're gonna swamp us." The very last thing she wanted was to risk a close-range brawl, no matter how skilled you were, that's when things would tend to go wrong.

 

[Caelag Vass]

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Objective: One - Spring the trap​

Location: Kintan - Khel'rath Forest - Furtherst region.​

Assets: 113th Airborne​

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The Major hated the standard Katarn armor, the way it felt and rested on her. Fitted or not, it felt, wrong to wear, to give so much valuable tech to someone who couldn't even utilize most of it... the main features of the armor's helmet for instance were wasted on her, since she could not see to make use of them. That said, it at least gave her some sort of.. visible connection to the younger, new members of her unit... that unit specifically being the 113th Airborne, lovingly self identified as "Ferrum Sanguis", Iron Blood. Iron Empire veterans alongside newer recruits from the Silvers, sharing little more than a desire to serve, and naturally the bond of having made it through training with the harsh taskmaster that was Caelag. This was one of the first real missions they would be dropping in on, the first real opportunity to test that bond.

And naturally, it had to be a forest.

The literal worst case scenario.

Well, trial by fire as it was. Suited her just fine, and gave her the opportunity to test her troops' combat effectiveness where they weren't at their most advantageous. Thus why she had obtained the permission to use one EDR-4100 ship for the trip down, and why she was currently standing by the loading ramp with the single platoon of troops. In complete silence, they watched her, and she looked long and hard through the Force at each. Though only perhaps a dozen held the familiarity of past battles, they each felt strong, resonating conviction. Good men and women, each and every last one of them.

She would perhaps feel something when they died.

She didn't need to explain the objective to them, she'd made sure they were all aware of their objective before stepping on board. The cultists were fighting hard, laying traps all for the ground forces to step in, be made easier to slaughter. They were here to jump in ahead, and spring the trap. If all went well, the "trap" would be made useless, and Hammers 1, 2, and 3 would find the way cleared well in time. It was Caelag's decision to use the veterans she had thus, she had confidence they wouldn't fall prey to the traps, considering they were going out seeking them.

After a short volley of anti air ordinance, too light to take the transport down, and on final approach, she finally addressed the troops. "Those doors will be opening shortly. We'll be dropping quite a distance, try not to use your packs until we've broken the canopy level. Regroup once we've made landfall and be prepared for cultists to close in. Remember your training and you'll survive." Probably, at least.

The doors opened, and the thirty some odd troopers moved past Caelag, and made their way down towards the planet itself. They weren't making an obscenely high jump, in fact they were only a short ways above the canopy layer itself, but it would still be fatal if they failed to ignite the jetpacks properly, or landed in an unfortunate manner. All a very real possibility, even for Caelag as she finally stepped free of the landing herself. The air rushing past, the threat of AA ordinance striking her, or the oddly timed mortar strike. She wouldn't admit how terrified and thrilled it made her...



On the planet itself, she managed to land without issue, using her own pack thoroughly to ensure she wouldn't break something on the landing. The platoon would rally on her position, mostly. Fourty, herself included, had dropped in. Somehow they were missing five. "Lieutenant, status report."

One of the former IE troopers stepped forward and spoke. "Ma'am. One of the recruits struck a limb on the way down, broke his neck instantly, corporal Dennis's pack malfunctioned on the way down and is unable to continue the mission. The three others are MIA, somewhere outside the expected landing point. If they aren't here already they're either dead or incapable of it, the armored units will most likely pick them up, assuming they survive." Cold and harsh, but there was nothing they could do. The mission was always first.

Caelag sighed and nodded, looking away from her LT. She tuned her communications systems in, but had to quickly shut them off when all she heard was loud, ear piercing static. "We able to contact Hammer Actual?"

The LT shook his head. "No Ma'am, we've only been getting static. Your orders?"

"Proceed with the mission, of course. Find the biggest trap we can, spring it, make Hammer Actual's stress level ease. Maybe get some takeout when we're done. Atrisian sounds nice." A small chuckle from a few of the others made that worth the breathe it took to joke.

She gathered the remaining troops, and together they began to stalk through the forest. Though, it didn't take long for something, odd. Caelag sensed it before she heard it, violence. What in the name of the Force was that?

She had her rifle in hand, a modified X-52 blaster sniper, and slowly raised it upwards. Slowly, she began to focus her thoughts in the direction of the violence, the sounds of blaster fire, and sought what exactly was going on. They were well and far ahead of the front line, why was there blaster fire. Internal strife?

No, she recognized one presence. That, was unmistakable. Somehow the line was broken, inwards. Well, that didn't do at all... She relayed what she could to the others non-verbally, and the group began to slowly drift away from her, towards the stranded blues, or silvers rather.

There wasn't much she could do from where she was to contact them, however. No way to tell them some small assistance was coming. Not much, except breathe in, and take the shot.


From the perspective of [member="Valkren Calderon"] and [member="Masaru Varga"], they would hear a loud, distinct discharge from the X-52, and see one cultist fly from cover, clearly caught blindsided by a shot that, had it been a physical weapon, would have torn him apart. With any luck they'd get the general gist. Maybe anyone else in the forest too, for that matter. The X-52 was, after all, a discontinued weapon, and not exactly the most common equipment for the Rangers, save one of course.

[member="Dusaro Dresari"]:|:[member="Willa Isard"] :|: [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] :|: [member="Tom Taff"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Objective: BYOO - Aid the Civilians

Yuroic had requested that he be part of the team aiding the civilians. It was good to take a seat back from the frontline and assist those in need. He grabbed his first aid kit, several bottles of water and a few other supplies. He was prepared to do his duty as a medic, his healing powers weren't the best but the amount of injuries that he had gotten over the years meant that he was very adept at healing wounds with the Force and without it. Walking into the room, Yuroic passed water around to those that wanted a drink or just wanted to clean dirty, blood or grime from their faces or wherever.

The healers were walking around, tending to the injured. Yuroic saw a man with a gravely injured arm, he was being tended by several healers as they continued to do their best. He walked closer and gestured the healers to give him space. Examining the arm, Yuroic realised the extent of the injuries. Looking over at the other healers, his eyes gave them showed how dire it was to save the arm. Turning to the man, clearly in a lot of pain, "I have to remove the arm, I'm sorry but if I don't, you'll die." He was deeply sorry for the man.

"No! Please! No, no, you can heal it! You're a Jedi! Please, don't remove it!" The man cried loudly.

"I have to. It's damaged beyond repair. I know this seems scary but you can get a prosthetic and if there was another way, I would." Yuroic paused and allowed that to sink in before he got technical. "Your arm is suffering a crush injury, if I don't remove the arm, you'll die. Please, let me do this."

The man looked at Yuroic pleadingly but nodded his head. "Get ready, this will hurt but it will be quick." Yuroic stated as he pulled out his Lightsaber.

 

[Celeste Rigel]

Objective: One/Byoo
Location: Outskirts of Khel’rath Forest
OOC Note: NPCing Ilana Marsh, a member of the Silver Circle

The sound of explosions and fire in the distance made Ilana's shoulders tense. She didn't like this place. This was Ilana's first taste of war, and it had not been kind to the young healer. Most of the other members of the Silver Circle were tending to the most critical cases, she'd been left to care for those currently housed within a white medical tent.

Turning, she looked out across the sea of injured.

Cries, groans, muttered pleas – all of it full of pain. Wincing, Ilana glanced down to find that an injured man was tugging at her tunic. “Miss, please...” He said, voice weak. “It... hurts.”

Kneeling down, Ilana gave the man a quick look over. He'd had an obvious head injury, the wound already wrapped with bandages. Not only that, but the right side of his body had also suffered some trauma. The healer was feeling overwhelmed, but she turned her attention to the patient at her side.

“I will try,” She said, trying to sound reassuring.

She placed a gentle had on the man's shoulder, and guided his head back down to the small pillow. Closing her eyes, she focused as best she could. Letting the force gather around her, she let it flow through her – a current of soft, warm, comforting energy. Hand still on his shoulder, she felt the soldier ease, the tension melting away. His eyes were closed now, settled into sleep.

Ilana rose, she'd brought the patient a little while of comfort. But for how long?

 

[Valkren Calderon]

​

Objective: One - Survive, wait for Silver contact.​

Location: Kintan - Khel'rath Forest - Furthest region.​

Assets: 3rd Infantry, 1st Special Tactics Group​

7-18th Cav group​

Valkren slammed a fresh power cell into his rifle, letting the spent cell fall to the dirt between his feet. He'd lift the weapon up again, firing off several bolts towards a cultist that poked his head out of cover.

The colonel heard [member="Masaru Varga"] behind him, he'd huff out a sort of chuckle, before cutting it short and firing off another bolt in the direction of his target. This time the blue bolt hit its intended mark, catching the cultist that had been playing peekaboo' with Valkren and his cover in the top of his head.

"No, not really!" A detonation on the other side of the Tango APC the pair used for cover rocked the vehicle violently, sending dirt and sparks everywhere. The colonel went to find a new position of cover.

"Keep moving!" He yelled this to the mercenary before using one hand to lift up a fallen Ranger to his feet, doing his best to avoid casualties as he kept the soldier moving into cover.

The cultist forces were not trained military, that was for sure. Their tactics included taking pot-shots at the convoy, and coming out of cover to fire off one or two inaccurate bolts or slugs before retreating to the exact same place. They seemed to know that getting close at the moment meant certain death, their position on the ridgelines to their side gave them perfect sight down at the convoy and Rangers, plus the concealment the trees provided gave them enough cover to minimize their own casualties.

Valkren's biggest worry was the laser cannon that he and one of the Bengal tanks had encountered just moments before the firefight erupted. He still wasn't sure just where it had come from, and hadn't heard or seen it rear its ugly face in combat yet. So as far as the colonel knew, they were still zeroed in on Hammer One.


He moved further down the line of APCs, passing by one of the three remaining Bengals just as it turned it's main weapon up towards the ridgeline. Even if the cult members were not trained professionals, they were still using weapons, so Valkren kept his wits about him and moved carefully down the line. All the rangers were mobilized at this point, either tending to wounded, following their team leader's orders, or returning fire towards their enemy in an attempt to keep the cultists from getting any closer. Eventually, he ran into his own command squad. Specialist Lowder was busy attempting to apply a tourniquet to one of the operators of their APC, he had sustained a nasty gash to his leg due to shrapnel, and John was doing his very best to stop the bleeding and calm the panicked soldier at the same time.

"Don't look at your leg, look at me. I said don't look at your kark- Up here, keep your eyes open man!"

On the other side, Lieutenant Harris's rotary cannon was steaming already, it seemed as if the barrels would fuse together if he was to shoot any faster. The lieutenant produced an audible groan as he had to cease shooting once more to let the barrels cool, pulling himself and his weapon behind cover just as a slug bounced off his shoulder plate. Valkren looked across at the lieutenant, eyeing the skid mark from the slug from behind his visor.

Harris took notice of the Colonel's visor glancing towards him, shrugging it off. "They're fetthin' awful shots. So what's our plan, we can't stay here in this ditch!"

Valkren was going to give out his answer, before a distinct sound made most of the squad pop up. It wasn't often you heard Galactic Republic age weaponry.

"Cult got their hands on some kinda' long gun?" Lowder spoke, stepping over the injured apc operator carefully, moving to pick up his rifle and check over their cover.

"Don't think so, who ever is shooting that thing is giving the cultists another enemy to worry about." Harris answered his ally, having seen the enemy body practically flung from cover from the impact of the blaster.

"Then we must have friendlies close by..Where's everyone else at?" At least they weren't entirely alone out here.

"Bowers is still trying to get a hold of Actual, I think Clark is with him! Eskridge took a round as soon as the sith-spit hit the fan, he's inside one of the transports." Lowder said all of this while looking through the sights of his rifle, letting a bolt or two fly afterwards before retreating into cover.

Valkren looked between the group of rangers in his immediate area, before looking down the line of transports both ways. The two-hundred-something rangers wouldn't make it out of this alive if they remained in this kill zone. But Valkren was beginning to formulate a plan of action. He took another look above his own cover, watching as the cult forces kept popping out of their cover, muzzle flashes and blaster bolts all appearing from the woodworks over the Ridgeline.

"If we get a team up there to that ridge, just a few shooters..I think we'll be able to take most of the attention away from the battle group. It'll give the medics time to move wounded, and give our drivers the space they need to find an exit. But we have to get moving and draw fire, if the cult moves any more forces towards Hammer One, the vehicles will get swamped by the hordes and all these rangers here die..Today."

His squad took a moment to glance from cover, looking to the direction where Valkren was speaking about. There was little to no cover from their vehicles to the Ridgeline, and the hill became more of a climb with the amounts of jagged rocks and destroyed trees from friendly shelling. Even Valkren had to admit, it didn't sound like his best idea.

"Kark, why do we always get the suicide missions?" Lowder chimed in with a sort of sarcastic complaint, rolling back into cover and giving his visor a good once-over wipe with his gloved hand.

"Because we're Rangers, kid." Lieutenant Harris huffed in response.

"....Got me there, what's our plan?"

Before Valkren could deliver his next set of orders to help with their movement, the beam appeared again. This time, the laser impacted one of the APCs in the back of their formation, causing many of the rangers to glance over at the vehicle as it burst into a fiery cage of steel and debris. Medics rushed to secure the wounded and any casualties, while other rangers and vehicle operators did their best to throw everything they had at the ridge.

Just minutes before the second vehicle was destroyed, Corporal Bowers picked up a boosted signal from Hammer Actual whilst hard at work trying to boost his team's own signal. He could hear the chaos unfold outside of their transport, beads of sweat rolled down his face as he attempted to do everything he could with the long-range comms system. It didn't help that he was sitting in one of the biggest targets around, hearing every round slam into the side of his transport didn't help the nerves at all. Still, he eventually heard a voice on the other side.

"We need immediate support! Hammer One is engaged heavily with enemy forces! They have anti-tank! I repeat: They have anti-tank! Hammer One is engaged with Cult forces. Location currently unknown! I'll try to get it narrowed down where we are, but we're taking casualties and we can't keep up like this without some support! How Copy?"

He backed away from microphone for only a moment, looking to see if the transmission went out.

That was when the laser cut through the vehicle directly behind his own.

[member="Dusaro Dresari"] | [member="Caelag Vass"] | [member="Masaru Varga"] | [member="Willa Isard"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Objective 2​

Location: Aboard the "Halcyon", a Pantera-Class Stealth Frigate above the planet Kintan​

Allies: [member="Drystan Marakos"] - [member="Tanaski Yumi"] - [member="Varindar Asyt"]​

​

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~​

​

"Boo."

The sound was emitted right into the ear of the leader of this operation, Master Drystan Marakos. Truthfully, Josh had been assigned to this mission earlier, the Shadow had even asked for his presence here in particular, but he hadn't gotten to the ship while she was taking head count and so Marakos had assumed he'd been assigned elsewhere. Instead of reporting it to her quickly though, Josh decided to use the time on the ship since to practice an ability that he knew could come in handy... The White Current. He could not be seen nor sensed throughout the trip, and he wanted to practice holding the ability for long periods of time. Thus far, he had stayed on the ship completely undetected, until this very moment. It was the moment he had been waiting for, to turn this little practice session into a fine prank on his close friend, Master Marakos.

Wiping a bit of sweat from his brow after all the concentration it'd taken to hold the form this long, he was content that he wasn't at all out of practice and could use the ability efficiently if they needed it here. Of course, he had Force Phase primed and ready for the possibility she might try and hit him...

Once that was over, he would explain.

"Couldn't help but keep in practice when the opportunity showed itself, Master Marakos. Proceed" Josh spoke then, as he would return to the seat he'd been in this entire time, though this time deciding to remain visible. Both of the Knights with them had given good questions, and as Marakos was heading this operation, he did not interrupt further.

He had chosen this time in particular to make his presence known, as the Master was in the process of forming a plan. It wouldn't do to disrupt it by keeping his presence a secret any further.

 

[Drystan Marakos]

[member="Tanaski Yumi"]​

​

In response to Tana's question of whether theirs was strictly a sneaking mission, Drystan nodded an affirmative. "Yes, that's correct. The Salak'ier Cartel is dangerous... and we'll likely be heavily outnumbered. If we are fired upon, we may defend ourselves... but maintaining our cover is paramount."​

​

Tana's implication that the two Knights be paired together with herself on her own was tempting... but the Jedi Master wasn't too keen on leaving the two to their own devices - while they might have had some minor experience, she considered the job of a Shadow to be the "Big Leagues"; no higher risk, and no higher reward.​

​

[member="Varindar Asyt"]​

​

"I have a cover you're welcome to, if you choose to go the Arms route... but, let's keep anything we bring on a smaller scale. Limit two cases; we'll use some of EODD's stock as a bargaining chip. I'll have a small selection of longarms outfitted with tracking chips and disabled, in the event that we're separated from said cases, we'll be able to track where the weapons end up." ​

​

The Cover Identity Drystan mentioned was one from her past - little-used, and easily altered to match Varindar's beautiful features. It would be simple enough, allowing the Hotelier an opportunity to play "Boss"... with her fellow Jedi acting as employees and comrades. A plan had already begun forming in Drystan's mind as she considered the play-by-play.​

​

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]​

​

Suddenly, a whispered utterance brought Drystan's racing mind to a screeching halt - it took the Jedi a significant force of will to not scream or strike out at the reason for the surprise. The Master of the Order made his presence known to her, and she visibly jumped at the sound, pivoting to glare at the tall, blonde-haired Warrior. She scowled (slowly relaxing into a wry smirk), and glowered at him. "Well...! Looks like someone actually managed to make it...!" She huffed, inwardly chuckling at her own reaction.​

​

His own skill in remaining hidden was obvious. It was one of the reasons she'd requested his presence... though not the only one. If their mission took a turn for the worst, Drystan wanted as many cards in their deck as possible. With him alongside the group, they'd be as prepared for violence as they could be.​

​

Drystan shrugged off the sudden prickling on the back of her nape and bit her lip, clearing her throat.​

​

"Now that there's four of us," She said, eyeing her companions, "we'll stick together unless absolutely necessary. I think we'll have a better chance of clearing our objectives & staying safe that way." ​

​

"If there's nothing else...?" She asked, waiting for the trio to raise any more points. If there were none, she would power off the vid-screen. "Everybody get dressed and arm up... lightsabers should be kept well-hidden, if you're bringing them at all. Meet at the hanger in one hour." ​

​

And that was that.​

​

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~​

​

The trip to the planet's surface was an easy one. The small group would land on the planet's surface using a drop shuttle with no identifying marks; nothing to tie them or it to any group. The planet of Kintan could be a dangerous one, indeed, and the presence of criminal elements would have been easily recognizable to one with an eye for such things.​

​

They would use local transportation to travel the rest of the way, making their final preparations in a small warehouse building a front company for the Silver Shadows had leased, specifically for the mission at hand. The run-down, decrepit buildings, vagrants, graffiti, the smell of chemicals, and the sight of trash in every gutter didn't seem to phase the woman Drystan Marakos had become.​

 

[Varindar Asyt]

The same tracking devices [member="Drystan Marakos"] alluded to would have been in place even if she wanted to smuggle the larger stuff, like mortars, MANPADs. If you tried firing a Chalacta or a Furutaka, then the stuff we have in these crates has much, much worse recoil, especially the EKR-30 and the Madclaw, she thought, while leaving her lightsaber on the ship and dressing up like the slavers when the Crown Nebula was still Ta'jar property. And, of course, that meant holstering a SMG, since she never was much of a lightsaber jockey. Now, [member="Tanaski Yumi"] and [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] may probably be going around this differently from her own approach, but they will be staying together for this operation. But she will need to keep a close watch on the crates upon landing, each of which was filled with a different type of unloaded weapon. Not only the SMG was to be holstered, it also needed to be concealed, too. Now that she was, after some preparation time, at the hangar, waiting for the other three, equipped with explosives, among other things...

"For this operation, you're just henchmen, selling electrothermal weapons"

 

[Tanaski Yumi]

​

Objective: 2
Equipment: Duel Vibro Wakizashi, Sasori Masquer Armor, Sabre, GGT-33
Allies: [member="Drystan Marakos"] [member="Varindar Asyt"] [member="Josh DragonsFlame"]
Post: 2

Tana nodded in agreement with Varindar's choice of cover and to Drystans conformation on the stealth aspect of the operation. "If need be I can use my old 'blade for hire' alias for this ooperation". "It was never compromised as my last job under it low and behold had me trying to kill a Silver Jedi and my mother of all people". That didn't end so well, was actually the reason he wound up in the silver Jedi in the first place, but from what he knew his past alias was never broken as most considered him dead or missing.

As the group continued to talk the whole undercover weapons trade seemed like the most logical route to go down, Drystan over all plan seeming to be quite logical. "I've had plenty of works as a smuggler guard in the past won't be much of a problem to fit into that role again", he replied but before being allowed to continue was force to more or less react to the sudden and very immature presence of another master. Leaping from the shadows with long flowing blonde hair was non other then [member="Josh DragonsFlame"], the master having hidden his presence quite well from those gathered.

All except for his smell, that was one aspect no one seemed to do much, something an energy vampire like him could pick up quite easily. As such Tana had not reacted in the slightest to the man presence, only a small cocked eyebrow was used to acknowledge and question his sudden presence into the briefing room. "That was probably one of the most silliest things you have other done Dragonsflame-san, and that is also tkaing into account all the other silly things you have done... but it was kind of funny to see Drystan reaction", he replied smiling for a second as his more cheerful persona came to light, before being quickly replaced.

"So, is there anything else we need to discuss? or is this all the info we need to know and have gathered"?

 

[Masaru Varga]

The mercenary did as he was instructed, moving between the vehicles so that he wasn't stuck in one area. While moving up, he saw an injured Ranger who wasn't moving too much for Masaru's liking. The mercenary quickly ran to his side and checked to see what kind of state he was in.

"Can you move?"

They were in a bad spot, so Masaru wasn't going to stay here and give the cultists free shots. The Ranger nodded in response, leading him to put one of the Rangers arms around him and helping the soldier up. They would move quickly towards the group, doing his best to avoid shots and prevent any from hitting the Ranger he was helping.

When they made it behind cover with another group, Masaru carefully put the Ranger down and motioned for someone to tend to his injuries as quickly as they could. As this was going on, Masaru heard a loud discharge and saw a cultist thrown from his cover. He smiled as he saw the cultist fling across the area, glad to see that they had someone on their side had some heavy duty weaponry to take care of these cultists. The Mercenary then moved towards the commander and his forces, arriving in time to hear the plan that he had came up with. He decided to chime in when the transmission went out.

"I can be one of the shooters that go up to the ridge and take the attention away from everyone else. From my experience, suicide missions are what i'm best at."

There was a small amount of humor in his words, masking the feeling of danger that the mercenary was in. If he wasn't wearing a helmet, his comrades would have seen a slight smile on his face. In reality, Masaru saw the danger of trying to make it to the ridge, but doing things like this wasn't new to him. The only question was would he survive this time around?

[member="Valkren Calderon"] [member="Caelag Vass"] [member="Dusaro Dresari"] [member="Willa Isard"]