Captain Byar watched the last of his tanks destroyed and grimaced. It had looked like going well until they got behind him. Maybe there really were stormtroopers here after all, quite how they had got here, and why they were helping the rebellious slaves was a question for another day. He turned to his lieutenant, a stocky man wearing desert fatigues, currently taking a swig from a canteen and grimacing. The sun had doubtless made the water warm, or maybe he'd smuggled some liquor out on mission. Byar would find out later, and discipline the man if necessary. Time now to report this loss to the General and recover what he could from the situation. Next time, they would have to use a force more suited against a trained foe. These men had been rookies, fresh assignment from home. Next time it would be a more seasoned group of men. Next time. "Give the orders," Byar said, "We're pulling back to base."

---

The alien creature, Zrbik by name, was trying to explain to Stonefish what they were doing hiding in caves under a plateau. His broken form of Basic did not help much, though the gist was coming across. From the comm chatter from outside the cave, Stonefish understood that the rebel forces had pulled back after their tank unit had been destroyed. Now it would be time to return with new intelligence and formulate a new plan. For Stonefish it was time to decide what to do next. The rebels knew they were here now, and that was a bad thing. Their plan on landing had been to stay hidden until intelligence from the outpost had been gathered and formulate a plan then. Now he had no such luxury. With Jester squad, less Merrick, missing and presumed dead and their fort blasted into very small pieces, they were low on supplies. As far as the alien creatures were concerned, it seemed the group that Storm platoon had met were rebels themselves. The people of this planet, and maybe the whole enemy movement, kept them as slaves for dangerous or menial tasks. On this planet, it was mining. Many valuable ores were buried in the crust, and Zrbik's people had been shipped in to dig them out. He had no idea if they were refined on planet, or merely shipped out as raw ore, only that the humans wanted it out of the ground and taken to a place four hundred kilometers due west. About a week ago, Zrbik and his small group of renegades had slain their supervisors and fled to this cave network, an abandoned mine, and hid themselves in the tunnels they dug. This is what the rebel troops were after, not the VE troops. They had not really known about the landing, it was chance, mere chance that lead them here, and now Stonefish's plan lay in ruins, his unit and his base in tatters and his men (and woman) expected him to pull something out of this. Stonefish called the men into the cave network, and called Argon over. Stormie had gone missing during the fighting, and there had been no sign of Kiption since he left on landing. "Right, here's the plan," he began, "Obviously there are rebels here, and our intelligence was correct. Now, they know we are here, and we are pretty well screwed for anything except a good place to hide. And that's what we're gonna do. We hole up in here, and help our alien friends. They're escaped slaves, and not I only do I hate slavery, but we were going to kill the rebels anyway. Get Kuroishi and Tycho hooking up some kind of sensor network, and work on some booby traps, get Patrick in on this, he's good with explosives. Have Drill root through the remains of the base and see what they can find. I'm going with our host to try and map out this cave network, see what I can find. Contact me if you get any trouble." OOC: Monkeys.
 
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Ramon Stonefish

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[OOC: ::goes through the unneccessary vote procedures needed to find that Kip is an idiot::  ] "Where is Jester Squad going?"asked Myrrdin. "Don't worry about them,"replied Argon,"Fish'll deal with 'em.  And, speaking of Fish..." Argon hurried to catch up to his platoon commander. "Do you even want a report on how things have been going so far?"he asked,"or do you intend to just wing it?" "Huh?"said Fish,"Oh, sure.  Go ahead..." "Well, the DK are down five people,"said Argon,"JKD32, Brakiss, and Scout_7 got shot and killed in a skirmish against a squad of elite Rebels, Tycho got shot and severely wounded in the first battle, but he's halfway back, and PaTrIcK just got shot recently, he's in pretty bad shape.  The only one's we've got left are me, Kuroishi, Myrrdin, and darkhelmet(darkhelmet is in danger of AWOL though...).  Despite all that's happened so far, we are going to need Jester Squad in order to finish this, the DK might be a great squad, but not good enough to cover for our entire platoon." "All right,"said Fish,"I'll talk to Kiption if you'll try to find Stormie.  Cr*p, this started out with the entire platoon." "I'm already on it,"said Argon,"as to the platoon, I'm not sure, all I know is that I'm pretty proud of my squad so far"
 
-----------------------
Argon Viper
IW COL Argon Viper{ret}
"History is on the move, those who cannot keep up will watch from a distance, and those who get in our way will not watch at all" - Grand Admiral Thrawn
"How boring life would be if everyone felt the same way we do..." - Argon Viper
"Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses" - Carl G Jung

OOC: If I didn't know it would get edited out, I would swear. Operation Motivation is failing rapidly. I'm getting those IW feelings. If you want to go back to gooning around, that's fine.   ----------------------- Ramon Stonefish -----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK----- Version: 3.1 GCS/ED d- s:+ a-- C++++ UL P+ L++@ E---- W+@ N+ !o w--- PS PE t+ 5++ X-- R++ tv+ b+++ !DI D++ G e>++ h! r-- z- -----END GEEK CODE BLOCK-----

OOC: Man, I miss the days when, if someone said they would do something, they would do it.  Well, my opinion is simple, even if this boils down to just the DK, we're in this till the end.  I'll lose my entire squad before I'll give up. As to the story, Stormie said that he'll start posting soon, so we can expect to see Drill Squad at that time.  Until then, I know I'll see the DK, and I hope to see something from Jester to keep our egos down a little bit 
 
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Argon Viper
IW COL Argon Viper{ret}
"History is on the move, those who cannot keep up will watch from a distance, and those who get in our way will not watch at all" - Grand Admiral Thrawn
"How boring life would be if everyone felt the same way we do..." - Argon Viper
"Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses" - Carl G Jung

Argon watches Fish's shuttle taking off from the planet. Now the squads were on their own. "Okay,"said Argon,"we all know that Kiption wants to pull out, but from what Stormie has said, he's staying.  Anyone got any ideas on how to do this?"
 
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Argon Viper
IW COL Argon Viper{ret}
"History is on the move, those who cannot keep up will watch from a distance, and those who get in our way will not watch at all" - Grand Admiral Thrawn
"How boring life would be if everyone felt the same way we do..." - Argon Viper
"Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses" - Carl G Jung

Argon was looking over the map that Fish had left when the Dread Knights and Stormie walked in on him. Things had gone from great to pathetic as Kiption had decided, in a fit of psychosis, to withdraw Jester Squad from the attack, and Drill Squad had been reduced to one member during the attack. And, to top it all off, Fish had retired, leaving the operation just as things had seemed to swing their way. Argon's latest message to Fury had not yet turned up results, but he expected that at least Wraith Squad would try to reply. "So,"said Kuroishi,"what's the plan boss?" "Plan?"said Argon,"we're gonna sit here and try not to get killed until the cavalry shows up.  Man, right when we're doing great too." "Heh, I guess Kip's never liked us,"said Tycho,"all the way back to the Fallen Angels he hated our style." "Well,"said PaTrIcK,"I happen to like it, so let's prove to him that it works.  I say we stop even trying to fight like regulars and show them the real meaning of psycho terrorist." "Now that,"said Argon,"is the best idea I've heard all day." [OOC: your orders.  Go out on your own or in teams and commit random acts of intense havoc.  Stormie, you're on your own or you can come with us, your choice, but the DK are in this till the finish  ]
 
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Argon Viper
IW COL Argon Viper{ret}
"History is on the move, those who cannot keep up will watch from a distance, and those who get in our way will not watch at all" - Grand Admiral Thrawn
"How boring life would be if everyone felt the same way we do..." - Argon Viper
"Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses" - Carl G Jung

[OOC:  I'm thinking about changing the name Dread Knights to something that people can actually remember, this is getting pretty sad...  ] Communications had been knocked out, but some help had finally arrived. "Dread Knights,"said Argon, calling them back just as they were about to leave,"the Raiders are on their way.  We're gonna go back to regular military tactics." "Meaning?"prompted Tycho, recently recovered from getting shot repeatedly. "Meaning that I want Kuroishi on watch duty on a high place where he can see the surrounding area easily,"said Argon,"and I want PaTrIcK with a heavy weapons post ready to hold off a determined attack long enough for us to help him.  The rest of us are going to build a base, one that can hold out longer than the last one.  Anyone got any ideas?"
 
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Argon Viper
IW COL Argon Viper{ret}
"History is on the move, those who cannot keep up will watch from a distance, and those who get in our way will not watch at all" - Grand Admiral Thrawn
"How boring life would be if everyone felt the same way we do..." - Argon Viper
"Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses" - Carl G Jung

{OCC: I'm with you to the end Argon. Oh, and the thing about changing our names how about "Dreaded Knights". That way it looks more like we have a reputation.}         Patrick was sitting on a swoop looking at his trenchcoat with its new hole in it.. Jenny would be mad. He put the trench coat back on. "Argon, I am taking Myrrdin with me. " said Patrick. He turned and went to go get Myrrdin without waiting to see what Argon said.               "Myrrdin on the end of this cave is the sky, the stars, and hope. In here there is only darkness, dreary, and soon to be pain and suffering. I can't stay in a place like this for too long Myrrdin. I have to get out and you are going with me." As Patrick finished saying this Myrrdin just looked dumb founded and followed Patrick on another swoop with a heavy artillery, and a heavy cannon.
 
-----------------------
TRP/CPL Patrick/2SQD/2PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE
Member of the Dreaded Knight Squad.

Kuroishi sat atop his pearch.  Over the past few days he had been sadened by Stonefish's decision to retire but he couldn't blame Stonefish.  It really was a crapy thing for Jester to do. This operation was for the whole platoon not just the Dread Knights.  At least the Raiders were on thier way.  This meant they had a fighting chance. "Ah hell even if the Raiders arrive at full strength we'll still have to fight unconventionally.  Problem is suplies."  Kuroishi said to himself. The thoughts of his previous military accomplishments filled his mind and Kuroishi realized just how meaningless they were to many of the people he now served with. It was Kuroishi's sense of levity that got him into this mess but he knew that he could get out of it.  After all it was pretty funny to make an entire heavy armor battalion surrender to just ten people.  Heck Geist managed to get the remnants of an infantry regiment to surrender to him alone. These were the campaigns Kuroishi remembered the most and was ready to commence with once more. Though Argon was in charge now and he for one was willing to follow Argon's orders.
 
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RA(U) Daishi COSOS
"If we had all knowladge then why would we seek what we already know and if we had no knowladge then how could we even ask the question?"  Plato
"Indeceant exposure is fun." Sonatina
"There are at least three sides to any situation." Me

Tycho was playing Pheonix Version 1.0111a on his datapad when he heard a huge explosion, then several more after than. He slapped it down on the table, and rushed for his gear...and blatantly realized he had been VERY close to the highest score of all time. Ah well, there wasn't time to think about that right now. There was some business to discuss with some rather intrusive persons, and he would be talking silently yet with noise.
 
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Sergeant Major Tycho Celchu

  Patrick watched Daishi bring the rebel in... Heard him doing stuff with tape and cackling and all different odd things. Patrick pulled out his newly found pistol and walked into the cave and felt his jaw drop.       "What the Hell are you doing?" asked Patrick in amazement as he seen the rebel with all the space tape on him and grenades and such.  "Nuthin too much.. Just makin a homemade Suicide bomb" said Daishi. Patrick couldn't believe that this squad would actually turn insane, but just a little bit off of sane. Not INSANE! Patrick shook his head and went back outside to his place up with Myrrdin.     Myrrdin asked what was going on in the cave. Patrick just looked on. His once lively eyes now going Pale and harsh. " Just stay up here.. I don't think you should see whats inside the cave." "Allright, " said Myrrdin."I will stay up here." Myrrdin made a note to himself to go in and take a look when Patrick was away or sleeping.
 
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TRP/SGT./PaTrIcK/2SQD/2PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE
Member of the Dread Knight Squad.

OOC: YES!  I got to post first from my squad!  btw, if I made any mistakes, i'll change `em. the3Djedi leaned over in his seat to look out the shuttle's window. "Looks so...peacful.." he began. "Heh," Strider replied, who was suiting up next to him, "just wait till we get down there!" Suddenly, Rizzit walked in. "Ok guys, this could most likely be our biggest challenge yet." Several heads nodded in reply. "We are going down there to support the Jester and drill squad, and it isn't gonna be easy.  This shuttle is loaded with weponry, explosetives, etc, so we shouldn't have any supply problems.  Yes, Shadow?" "Um, do we know exactly what were going up against down there?" "Actually, no." Rizzit answered, All I know is that they need help!"                       <<<< 1 hour later >>>> "Perparing for final aproach, sir." Rizzit 'new' droid beeped from the cockpit." "Good" Rizzit replied. The shuttle slowly folded its  wings, and settled down with the 'Whrrr...Whrrr' so familiar to stormtroopers. Stepping out, the RAIDERS squad looked around cautously. "Hey, where's the welcoming party?" Shadow joked, easing everyboys nerves. 'Ok, lets go find their command center." Rizzit ordered. "I think we should keep guards here, just in case." "I'll stay," Strider started. "I'll just find a good sniping spot!" "Me too," the3Djedi inserted. "Ok, I'll stay with Jed and Strider too," `TJ said, "in case we see any... force-related things." "Sounds good to me," Otto said, "Lets move!"

OOC: Second post for the Raiders! >>>Back at the Raider's drop site<<< Rizzit made the rest of the Raiders follow him, while jumping behind anything they might find, fallen logs, boulders, ect.  The radio blared with some static and then a message. "Come in................anybody?" "This is Rizzit, Raiders on our way." "Oh....Uh....*static*..alright. Where are...you?" "We're in the trenches.", replied Rizzit. Shadow noticed that the voice was sort of..different. They passed into a narrow trench of sorts. Otto looked at his electronic map and checked the directions. They spotted the command center about 30 clicks away. Dee kept his eye over a ridge. There was some movement there, as if somebody was waiting for them, and it wasn't the Dread Knights either.....
 
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TRP/CPL D-13/3SQD/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/Lorn IV/VEA

Tycho jammed a new powerpack into his light carbine and a new magazine into his slugthrower sniper rifle. He slipped into the heaviest armor available to him, and he double-checked all the fastenings...but gave his helmet a few once-overs to make sure everything was okay. He slapped a few extra power packs and magazines into the large pockets that were available to him, and filled the rest with white phosphorus, fragmentation, and incindiary grenades. He tightened his combat boots with the push of a button. Tycho shouldered his pack, which always held enough supplies for a five day excusion. His slicing gear was stashed away in its places. He could find anything in his pack blindfolded and half-asleep. The wind whipped past him in the transport craft. He lowered his goggles and switched them to macrobinocular mode, in the infrared spectrum. Whatever he was about to face, he was not going to be unprepared. A meter thick segment of a brilliant scarlet rope slammed past the transport, and Argon ordered a full stop. The soldiers on board charged out and took their positions. This was going to be fun.
 
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Sergeant Major Tycho Celchu

Kuroishi suddenly got a lot of blips on his motion sensor coming his way.  With what little he had overheard on the comms he guessed it was the rebel company that tried to assault Raiders squad. "Oh frak.  This is not good."  Kuroishi said to himself as his speeder stalled. The first of them became visible just as Kuroishi draged hi speeder under cover.  He however was still quite visible at the moment. Gambling the lead trooper hadn't spotted him yet Daishi laid out a series of trip mines and dove for a good firing position and readied his double barrled blaster rifle. Then more came over the ridge, followed by more. Things were not looking good. The first of them stepped into Kuroishi's perimeter. Trading for his silenced flash suppressed Timbique Edition Zues rifle, Kuroishi dropped the man before he set off any trip mines.  Remaining motionless Kuroishi tried to watch for the reactions of the others. What was left of the company seemed to hold up until they were gathered up. 'They must be intent on flushing me out.'  Kuroishi thought to himself. Surveying who was what rank through his scope Kuroishi quickly compiled a target list. Not letting the company organize Kuroishi started removing targets from his list with a vengance. Poping a fresh drum clip into place Kuroishi decided it was time to create further disorder and terror. Placing several command detonated explosives at his position Kuroishi switched from his rifle to his blaster. Firing a quick burst into the massed enemy Kuroishi abandoned his position and fell back to a rock he designated as a fall back position. Kuroishi switched back to his rifle and watched teams of men try to forge across his mine field and intensly accurate sniper fire.  By the time his last trip mine went off several enemy teams had been decimated. Kuroishi threw a comm as far as he could in the direction of the enemy company. "Hello, I'm over here.  If you want to get out of this alive I suggest you all surrender to the Dread Knights squad."  Kuroishi transmitted over the comm. Kuroishi watched as another enemy scout team charge toward where he tossed the comm.  The team threw several grenades then stormed the position obviously suprised to find no one. "You didn't surrender.  That's naughty.  I'm going to have to punish you."  Kuroishi said as he aimed for the team leader and squezed the trigger. The highest ranking member of the unit left now was a Master Seargant(it's too late at night for me to spell that correctly).  Kuroishi waited until someone picked up the comm. "Now you will all either die or surrender.  It is up to you how you want to go home, mailed as a gift to your families wrapped in your own skin to make it look pretty or alive."  Kuroishi said mostly bluffing. Kuroishi had more drum clips back at base but he was down to six shots left on him.  He knew that there were still more then enough enemy troopers that if he revealed his position he would simply be overrun.  If he called for help his entire bluff would be called as well. Kuroishi sat and waited then watched with humility as the company just started marching toward base none the less. Saving his ammo for another day Kuroishi waited for the enemy company to get out of sight range then grabbed his speeder. He slowly pushed the thing all the way back to base. "You me, tool kit.  You recieve great suffering when I fix you."  Kuroishi said to his speeder as soon as he saw the entrance to base.
 
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The Head Terrorist
Great Death Leader of the Fallen
The Chief Instigator of Pain and Terror
GN Daishi(2LT Kuroishi)
"Victory through terror, terror through infiltration. Redefining pain and suffering since 2000 and damn proud of it."  Fallen Angels motto.