ARC TROOPER
// Outer Rim Territories - Stygian Caldera // Esstran Sector - Sith Worlds // Krayiss System //
// Templestone - Outskirts. //
Allies: The Galactic Alliance.
Enemies: The Sith Empire.
Objective: Guerilla Warfare.
NPC Complement: Various Templestone Citizens.
// Templestone - Outskirts. //
Allies: The Galactic Alliance.
Enemies: The Sith Empire.
Objective: Guerilla Warfare.
NPC Complement: Various Templestone Citizens.
= T H E N =
“To review today’s lesson,” Gideon began, with a small audible sigh chasing his words. “When engaged, Sith troopers won’t be standing still. Their flash training gives them the most basic combat maneuvers, especially in urban settings.” To further reinforce the point he was trying to make, the ARC Trooper threw himself against the face of a ruined wall. The overgrown thicket of vine’s jostled in silent rage as the heavy warplate clattered against the surface. “They’ll be constantly moving throughout the terrain, relentlessly advancing towards the enemy with their weapons raised. They’re programmed to know no fear in the face of adversity, and won’t hesitate to gun you down if you’re caught out of cover.”
Shouldering his service weapon, Gideon showcased a few movements and maneuvers that he encountered during his lengthy career against the Sith and their Empire; alongside their countless predecessors. His movements were slower than he was used too, as the man did his best to mimic his Sith-Imperial counterparts, rather than operate with the alacrity befitting a combat veteran. “So,” the ARC Trooper began again. “Your best advantage is to plan ahead, to strategize the encounter while their attention is fixated elsewhere. Watch how they move through the streets, and how they operate as a Unit.”
“Gene-printed Clones are often superior when it comes to pack tactics, as they’ve spent their entire lives with their squad-mates. But, as Guerilla Fighters - you’ll have the advantage of knowing the terrain.”
As Gideon’s ebony-hewn warplate dragged across the ruined wall, the man rapped an armoured knuckle against the vine-choked surface; signalling the would-be Soldier on the other side. When his armour-shrouded person stepped clear of the more intact portion of the wall, the once-hidden Guerilla Fighter made their move. Soot-stained hands reached out from cover and grabbed at the ARC Trooper’s armoured collar. Once a clumsy purchase was attained, the Fighter struck out with a whittled wooden dagger. Like the Alliance Soldier had taught them, just days before, the Guerilla Fighter went for the exposed ribbing situated below the helmet - as it was the most accessible weak point for the man to exploit.
“In knowing the terrain, it’ll make the coming battle all the easier. You’ll know where the best places are to hide, and strike, before the Sith troopers know what’s coming. As Jarron here beautifully demonstrated for us, he used the advantage of his surroundings before making his move. While his grip on my collar was clumsy, the sudden plunge that followed after was sufficient enough to make the kill before a Sith trooper could react.”
“But,” One of the Guerilla Fighters interrupted. “The Sith claim that their soldiers are all-seeing and all-knowing. How can we fight against that?”
Gideon chuckled. “That’s nothing more than propaganda. They’re not all-seeing, nor all-knowing. When fully armoured, their vision’s restricted to what’s displayed on their helmet’s HUD, or whatever information their sensors managed to pick up. Auditory amplifiers and Sonar are useless in urban settings, as there’s too much ambient interference for them to make a clear picture. There will be rubble crunching under their own feet, just as it shifts under yours. There’s likely to be armoured formations moving through the streets, alongside several variations of repulsorcraft operating nearby.”
“The same goes for their EM, or Electromagnetic sensors. The wargear I’ve given and stolen for you won’t register on their threat index, making you seem as hostile as a hab-block’s radiator on their scopes.” Some of the Guerilla Fighters laughed at the thought. It was a blessed reprieve from the serious demeanour that Gideon often displayed, and served to help break some of the overhanging tension. These people had suffered in the Sith’s wanton purge of their populace, and many flocked to his proverbial banner in the hopes of avenging their fallen kin. Such a burden weighed heavily upon their modestly-trained shoulders.
Thus, if a moment of levity could give them back a shred of their humanity? Then Gideon would do his best to ensure they not only emerged victorious, but also with their humanity intact.
“Sadly, the same can’t be said if you’re caught out in the open. Their scanners will see you, and you’ll be dead faster than you can tuck-tail and run. So, don’t get caught out in the open. Always move from one piece of cover to the next. Even if you are spotted, for whatever reason, you’ll have the advantage of whatever terrain you managed to duck behind - if engaged.”
“Keep yourself level-headed. Don’t give into your feelings of revenge. That’s how they win. They seek to destroy whatever shreds of hope you can muster with overwhelming odds, and keep you as willing slaves to fuel their crumbling Empire.” Gideon knew that he was asking the impossible with those words, but it was a nugget of advice that would undoubtedly keep them alive in a firefight. If they panicked or became enraged - the Sith would gun them down with ease. All of their training and passion would’ve been wasted.
“Now,” Gideon breathed, breaking the silence that began to blanket his surroundings. The Guerilla Fighters that were situated around him tore their gaze away from the dataslates that filled their gloved hands, and refocused on the ARC Trooper in their midst. “I think it’s time that we graduated from stationary targets and whittled daggers. When we take our fight to the Sith, they won’t be standing still or be harmed by wooden sticks. You need practice with the real deal before taking everything you’ve learned to the battlefield.”
It was then that the ARC Trooper tilted his helmet, directing his attention towards another of his kind. “Whisper!” Gideon called out. “Bring over a few of the prisoners we took yesterday. It’s time these Grunts got their knives dirty.”
Shouldering his service weapon, Gideon showcased a few movements and maneuvers that he encountered during his lengthy career against the Sith and their Empire; alongside their countless predecessors. His movements were slower than he was used too, as the man did his best to mimic his Sith-Imperial counterparts, rather than operate with the alacrity befitting a combat veteran. “So,” the ARC Trooper began again. “Your best advantage is to plan ahead, to strategize the encounter while their attention is fixated elsewhere. Watch how they move through the streets, and how they operate as a Unit.”
“Gene-printed Clones are often superior when it comes to pack tactics, as they’ve spent their entire lives with their squad-mates. But, as Guerilla Fighters - you’ll have the advantage of knowing the terrain.”
As Gideon’s ebony-hewn warplate dragged across the ruined wall, the man rapped an armoured knuckle against the vine-choked surface; signalling the would-be Soldier on the other side. When his armour-shrouded person stepped clear of the more intact portion of the wall, the once-hidden Guerilla Fighter made their move. Soot-stained hands reached out from cover and grabbed at the ARC Trooper’s armoured collar. Once a clumsy purchase was attained, the Fighter struck out with a whittled wooden dagger. Like the Alliance Soldier had taught them, just days before, the Guerilla Fighter went for the exposed ribbing situated below the helmet - as it was the most accessible weak point for the man to exploit.
“In knowing the terrain, it’ll make the coming battle all the easier. You’ll know where the best places are to hide, and strike, before the Sith troopers know what’s coming. As Jarron here beautifully demonstrated for us, he used the advantage of his surroundings before making his move. While his grip on my collar was clumsy, the sudden plunge that followed after was sufficient enough to make the kill before a Sith trooper could react.”
“But,” One of the Guerilla Fighters interrupted. “The Sith claim that their soldiers are all-seeing and all-knowing. How can we fight against that?”
Gideon chuckled. “That’s nothing more than propaganda. They’re not all-seeing, nor all-knowing. When fully armoured, their vision’s restricted to what’s displayed on their helmet’s HUD, or whatever information their sensors managed to pick up. Auditory amplifiers and Sonar are useless in urban settings, as there’s too much ambient interference for them to make a clear picture. There will be rubble crunching under their own feet, just as it shifts under yours. There’s likely to be armoured formations moving through the streets, alongside several variations of repulsorcraft operating nearby.”
“The same goes for their EM, or Electromagnetic sensors. The wargear I’ve given and stolen for you won’t register on their threat index, making you seem as hostile as a hab-block’s radiator on their scopes.” Some of the Guerilla Fighters laughed at the thought. It was a blessed reprieve from the serious demeanour that Gideon often displayed, and served to help break some of the overhanging tension. These people had suffered in the Sith’s wanton purge of their populace, and many flocked to his proverbial banner in the hopes of avenging their fallen kin. Such a burden weighed heavily upon their modestly-trained shoulders.
Thus, if a moment of levity could give them back a shred of their humanity? Then Gideon would do his best to ensure they not only emerged victorious, but also with their humanity intact.
“Sadly, the same can’t be said if you’re caught out in the open. Their scanners will see you, and you’ll be dead faster than you can tuck-tail and run. So, don’t get caught out in the open. Always move from one piece of cover to the next. Even if you are spotted, for whatever reason, you’ll have the advantage of whatever terrain you managed to duck behind - if engaged.”
“Keep yourself level-headed. Don’t give into your feelings of revenge. That’s how they win. They seek to destroy whatever shreds of hope you can muster with overwhelming odds, and keep you as willing slaves to fuel their crumbling Empire.” Gideon knew that he was asking the impossible with those words, but it was a nugget of advice that would undoubtedly keep them alive in a firefight. If they panicked or became enraged - the Sith would gun them down with ease. All of their training and passion would’ve been wasted.
“Now,” Gideon breathed, breaking the silence that began to blanket his surroundings. The Guerilla Fighters that were situated around him tore their gaze away from the dataslates that filled their gloved hands, and refocused on the ARC Trooper in their midst. “I think it’s time that we graduated from stationary targets and whittled daggers. When we take our fight to the Sith, they won’t be standing still or be harmed by wooden sticks. You need practice with the real deal before taking everything you’ve learned to the battlefield.”
It was then that the ARC Trooper tilted his helmet, directing his attention towards another of his kind. “Whisper!” Gideon called out. “Bring over a few of the prisoners we took yesterday. It’s time these Grunts got their knives dirty.”
= N O W =
“I see a platoon of troopers near the Generator,” Gideon said, as his eyes were suddenly bathed in the false-firelight of his helmet’s visor. When the rangefinder snapped down, his genetically-enhanced vision swam with countless details. Not only could his armour’s systems accurately determine the distance between himself and his targets, but they also offered an ever-shifting threat markers too. “There’s also two repulsorcraft nearby, alongside a handful of battle droids patrolling the perimeter.”
“I don’t like our odds,” Jarron whispered. “We’ve only got a few rifles on hand, with maybe a thermal detonator or two. We don’t have enough firepower to take out those Speeders, let alone the platoon of Sith and their battle droids.”
Jarron was right. They didn’t have the required firepower. But, what they did have was the terrain advantage. As they were situated in a nearby structure, the small fireteam of would-be Rebels commanded an impressive field of view. Not only that, but the structure was composed almost entirely of duracrete - which provided them ample cover against the lethality of the Sith-Imperial guns. With both advantage’s in hand, there was a possibility that Gideon and his team could turn the odds in their favour.
“I agree,” Gideon conceded. “We don’t have the firepower to go toe-to-toe. However, what did I spend these past weeks doing?”
Jarron smiled, wryly. “Teaching us how to fight, unconventionally.”
“Exactly. Now, numbers aside - tell me how you’ve even the odds.”
For several moments, Jarron was silent. His eyes darted from one portion of the coming battlefront to the next, drinking in the details and seeing what weaknesses there were for him - and his comrades to exploit. After a few minutes, Jarron lowered his Quadnoc’s and began fleshing out his burgeoning plan.
“As the battle droid’s are patrolling the perimeter, there are several sections left unguarded along their route. They’re focused on what’s in front of them, rather than what’s behind them. We can use that to our advantage and sneak into their repetitive cordon.”
Gideon nodded. “That’s good. Now, what about the Troopers and the Speeders?”
“The Speeders are unmanned,” Jarron continued. “If we’re quick enough, we can commandeer them before the Troopers can react. Their guns could easily tear through the patrolling battle droids as they move to intercept.”
“Good,” Gideon repeated. “But, with your focus on commandeering the speeders and dealing with the battle droids, what’s happening with the Sith troopers? I doubt they’d allow you to steal their vehicles.”
“That’s where you and the rest of the team come in. We only need two people to steal and operate the speeders. Their guns look automated and likely respond to the operator’s wishes. If they don’t? Well, we can always run the shiny bastards over.”
Gideon chuckled at that remark. “Agreed. If they remain in such close confines, a single thermal detonator would take them all out. If not, I’m sure the crossfire from a multi-pronged approach would finish the job.”
“So,” the ARC Trooper continued. “Are you ready? We don’t have long before the show begins.”
Jarron nodded.
“We’re as ready as we’ll ever be.”
“I don’t like our odds,” Jarron whispered. “We’ve only got a few rifles on hand, with maybe a thermal detonator or two. We don’t have enough firepower to take out those Speeders, let alone the platoon of Sith and their battle droids.”
Jarron was right. They didn’t have the required firepower. But, what they did have was the terrain advantage. As they were situated in a nearby structure, the small fireteam of would-be Rebels commanded an impressive field of view. Not only that, but the structure was composed almost entirely of duracrete - which provided them ample cover against the lethality of the Sith-Imperial guns. With both advantage’s in hand, there was a possibility that Gideon and his team could turn the odds in their favour.
“I agree,” Gideon conceded. “We don’t have the firepower to go toe-to-toe. However, what did I spend these past weeks doing?”
Jarron smiled, wryly. “Teaching us how to fight, unconventionally.”
“Exactly. Now, numbers aside - tell me how you’ve even the odds.”
For several moments, Jarron was silent. His eyes darted from one portion of the coming battlefront to the next, drinking in the details and seeing what weaknesses there were for him - and his comrades to exploit. After a few minutes, Jarron lowered his Quadnoc’s and began fleshing out his burgeoning plan.
“As the battle droid’s are patrolling the perimeter, there are several sections left unguarded along their route. They’re focused on what’s in front of them, rather than what’s behind them. We can use that to our advantage and sneak into their repetitive cordon.”
Gideon nodded. “That’s good. Now, what about the Troopers and the Speeders?”
“The Speeders are unmanned,” Jarron continued. “If we’re quick enough, we can commandeer them before the Troopers can react. Their guns could easily tear through the patrolling battle droids as they move to intercept.”
“Good,” Gideon repeated. “But, with your focus on commandeering the speeders and dealing with the battle droids, what’s happening with the Sith troopers? I doubt they’d allow you to steal their vehicles.”
“That’s where you and the rest of the team come in. We only need two people to steal and operate the speeders. Their guns look automated and likely respond to the operator’s wishes. If they don’t? Well, we can always run the shiny bastards over.”
Gideon chuckled at that remark. “Agreed. If they remain in such close confines, a single thermal detonator would take them all out. If not, I’m sure the crossfire from a multi-pronged approach would finish the job.”
“So,” the ARC Trooper continued. “Are you ready? We don’t have long before the show begins.”
Jarron nodded.
“We’re as ready as we’ll ever be.”
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