Kami and Angel stood side by side, gazing together out the large window in the waiting room to Rizzit’s office. Squads of white clad stormtroopers were drilling below, their boots kicking up waves of water as they moved through the swamped obstacle course. Above, the grey sky swirled violently, a testament to the stormy weather which had plagued the barracks for the last week.

“Gavyn’s got the boys down there,” Angel mentioned offhandedly, letting his trademark lopsided grin spread across his face.

“You didn’t!” Kami gave her ASL a soft slap on the arm, “Angel they’re exhausted!”

Angel face spread into a feigned look of hurt and incredulity, while altogether failing at looking innocent, “Aw c’mon Kams. Good practice for the two newbie’s and for Gav as well.” Biting her lip to keep herself from smiling, Kami leaned closer to the window as the rain increased in volume, blurring her view of the drilling troopers.

Iron Horse had returned from Mimban less than 24 hours ago, giving the members only a few sparse hours of sleep before they forced back into active duty. Angel had spent the first few in the bacta tank as usual, getting the last of his wounds patched up. A blur of promotions, medal ceremonies and command restructuring followed, Kami being promoted and Angel decorated for their leadership on Mimban.  Immediately after, the two were introduced to three new members of their squad: Sinister, and Garren, both who had worn the bright eyed expression of newly graduated and relatively inexperienced soldiers, and Yillis, the former ASL of Lancer who had been reassigned with the closure of his squad.

Sadly…bare minutes later, Eviscares had informed his two squad leaders that he was needed urgently at home. He would be unable to continue service with the squad until he had dealt with his family, and was granted leave by High Command. Gavyn, who had shown outstanding courage and potential on Mimban, was immediately promoted and given the position of Fire Team Captain.

Now, Angel and Kami were waiting outside Rizzit’s office, both looking a little worse for wear. The original squad they had trained for recon was now down to three, the other positions filled by untested and unproven troops…a situation they had both worked hard to avoid. Shortly after Gavyn’s promotion, they were informed the squad was being dispatched immediately on a new mission, and as usual, were simply waiting for the details.

“Come in!” Rizzit called from behind the door.

Tearing her eyes from the window, Kami turned and followed Angel into the office. The columns of papers that had cluttered the room the last time they had visited were gone, replaced by a series of brand new metallic filing cabinets. Rizzit sat behind his huge desk, blinking wearily over a cup of caf.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” He said, offering a tired smile and waving to the seats before them, “Take a seat.”

Kami and Angel snapped a brief salute, before obeying, folding themselves into the uncomfortably stiff backed chairs.

“So…: Rizzit began, leaning back in his chair, “Did you get any sleep?”

Angel pulled a face at Kami’s side, “A little.”

Rizzit gave them a sympathetic look, “The joys of command.” Leaning forwards, the pushed a datapad before the two senior soldiers, his expression suddenly solemn.

“You’re headed back to Cepany.”

Kami and Angel glanced down at the datapad, each silently absorbing the news, each sensing the others apprehensions.

“I am sick of this…Logan…interfering with VE affairs,” Rizzit almost hissed, anger flashing in his usually calm eyes, “After Mimbam, high command has finally decided that he and the Cepany rebellion constitute enough of a threat to send you back there.”

Angel spoke first. “The Squad we trained is almost gone, Colonel. I don’t think we’re qualified to…”

“I KNOW.” Rizzit snapped. The last of his nerves were on the verge of frying. With his assumption of Company Commander, the one-time commander of Angel in Raider Squad had been overworked, especially during their most recent mission. “I’m sorry…it’s just that we’re short handed as it is, and we can’t afford to waste time training more troops.”

“This situation needs to be dealt with now.”

Kami flashed her ASL a concerned glance, and then met the Lieutenant Colonel’s gaze, “What do you want us to do?”

“Meet up with Saunders,” Rizzit responded, shifting uncomfortably in his chair, “He managed to capture one of Cepany rebels who aided in Captain Logan’s escape during your escort mission, and as a result, has been able to discern and destroy a few of the Rebel’s locations. But…obviously…his actions haven’t been enough to stop or even slow down operations.”

Angel glanced up from where he was scanning the datapad, “You have some Cepany locals mentioned here. Non-military personal…”

Rizzit’s gaze, if possibly, became colder. “Suspected sponsors of the Cepany rebellion movement. Some from the government; others from high profile business positions…and some within the VE itself.”

He leaned forward over the desk, meeting the Horsey’s eyes squarely, “I want them gone, you hear me? No matter what you have to do, or who you may have to…” He paused, his mouth twisting slightly in disgust, “…remove. Target their finance, their recruitment, and their image…anything. I want them destroyed.”

He paused, as though suddenly aware that he had let his anger and frustrations gain the upper hand. Leaning back in his chair, Rizzit took a sip of his caf before continuing,

“So?”

Kami hesitated only briefly before responding,

“I believe we can do that for you sir.”

“Good.”

Rizzit came to his feet, Kami and Angel following suit.

“I want you off planet in the next couple of hours. Take whatever you can carry; Saunders will equip you with anything else once you touch down on Cepany. He’ll also be your direct superior for the extent of this mission, so he’ll be able to give you more detailed information once you get there.”

Kami and Angel both saluted, Angel reaching down to take the datapad off the desk and slip it into one of the pockets of his uniform.

“Before you go,” Rizzit interjected as both of them made to turn towards the door, “I just want to warn you about exactly what you’re walking into. The people of Cepany are fiercely independent; they simply tolerate the presence of the Vast Empire, and more than most dislike us entirely.” He lowered his caf to the desk, his dark eyes solemn, “Watch each other’s backs out there as you will not be a welcome presence.”

Both Kami and Angel nodded their thanks, before turning and walking from the room.

They had a squad to prep, and a flight to catch.

 
-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad
SL/GSG Kami/1SQD/1PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR] [CoR] [IG] [GCA] [BC]
TRN/KAD Kami/Training 1-3/VEDJ/VE
-=Surrender to your darkest dreams, and you'll live as you've never lived before...=-
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +

Storm you better get your ass in gear, cause Wildcard's gonna make it hot in here.

Kami strode quickly to the hanger, the details of the mission flashing over and over in her mind. The task they had been given was extremely difficult, made more so by the fact that they would be working on unfamiliar and unfriendly ground. Additionally, many of the citizen targets which they had been allocated were well known members of Cepany society, the rich, the powerful and the famous. They had to be extremely careful to not reveal themselves as instigators...as to do so was the risk exposing themselves to the full wrath of the Cepany people and their provisional government.

Moving through the large metallic door framing the hanger, Kami spotted the shuttle which would be carrying her and her squad to Cepany. A few of her troopers milled about at the ramp, JR, looking deathly calm as per usual, the newly recruited Sinister and Gavyn...already clad in full storm commando gear. All three snapped into a salute as she approached, dropping duffel bags as their feet.

"Hey boys," Kami clapped a hand lightly on Gavyn's shoulder, "How's the pilot?"

"Ready to go when we are," Gavyn replied.

"Good." Kami dropped the three ton duffel back from her shoulder, absently rubbing it with her spare hand, "Hopefully we'll make it planet side without too much hassle this time."

Sinister shot her a blank look, whilst JR offered a grim smile, raising his overly large rifle, "I'm ready for them this time Gunny."

Flashing the veteran a smile in return, Kami looked despairingly at the bag now at her feet, then sighed as she bent to pick it up once more, "Everyone on the shuttle, we leave as soon as the other's show."


-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad
SL/GSG Kami/1SQD/1PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR] [CoR] [IG] [GCA] [BC]
TRN/KAD Kami/Training 1-3/VEDJ/VE
-=Surrender to your darkest dreams, and you'll live as you've never lived before...=-
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +

The Engines of the shuttle were allready heating up as the Pilot stuck his Head into the passenger compartment.

"Ma'm, the Hangar personell just radioed in, they say that there is one person that wants to accompany you." he said to Kami.

The Squadleader gazed at the pilot, a puzzled look on her face. After a moment of thinking she asked: "And who is this passenger?".

"I don't know, they wouldn't tell me who it is." the pilot replied. As they had spoken, the ramp had already been lowered and now a grinning Eviscares could be seen in the hangar, wearing his armor, the helmet in one hand, and with the other casually carrying a duffel bag.

As he made his way up the ramp, Kami got up from her seat. When they were only one pace apart, Eviscares stopped and saluted.
"Corporal Eviscares of Eviscares reporting back for Duty"

Kami reciprocated the salutation, a smile on her face.
"Good to have you here with us this far, what happened to that issues you had to solve?"

"Let's just say they kind of sorted themselves out. I had just entered the shuttle when I was informed that my presence at home woulden't be needed. When I returned to the barracks I found out that you were already on your way to the next mission. So I grabbed my equipment and made a run to the next speeder. And here am I now." Eviscares replied, still smiling.

"Good to hear that. Sit down, I will fill you in on the recent changes later." Kami gestured at the last free seat that was in the shuttle.

Nodding at those he knew, and carefully examining the two he didn't Eviscares sat down.



 
-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad

Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool or a coward.
Whoever cannot take care of himself without that law is both.
For a wounded man shall say to his assailant, "If I live I will kill you, if I die you are forgiven".
Such is the Rule of Honor.

TRP/CPL Eviscares/1SQD/1PLT/COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR]

The cabin of the shuttles was buzzing with the gentle conversation of the new horsies getting to know the even newer ones. Gavyn sat next to Sinister, who was politely nodding but remaining visibly quiet as Gavyn droned on about Sabaac strategies. Eviscares was in the back catching up with JR, while Jinx had Garren engrossed in battle stories from their recent campaign.

The ease with which the Horsies seemed to come together laid a lot of Angel's inhibitions to rest. If they could socialize and come together before the mission, then trust would be formed...and they would have a greater cance of getting out of this alive.

"Ok boys, listen up." Angel barked, interrupting the converstations. Walking down the aisle, he passed out datapads with copies of Rizzit's briefing to everyone. When he handed out the last one, he nodded to Kami. "All yours Kams."

The dark haired Squad Leader nodded back, then began, "As Angel already told most of you, this mission is to finish what we started a few months ago. Former Captain Logan, who betrayed us at Cepany once, then played a major role in what happened on Mimban, is our priority target. We're currently on our way to Cepany to seek out him and anyone else connected to this rebellion."

Settling back in next to his SL, Angel heard her swallow hard. "Some of our targets are in the civilian sector...and recent intelligence gives us reason to modify our rules of engagement. Civilians are now to be considered as combatants. If you witness a hostile act, or come under fire, you may respond with deadly force." Kami paused, her green eyes darkening with the heavy news. "This is no joke either. These people have no love for us. With recent anti-VE propaganda, the entire planet is on the verge of exploding into rebellion."

"Needless to say, you all know what unrest on the home front will do to our campaign to the core." Angel added. "Kami and I will be meeting with Commander Saunders once we arrive, so we'll have a much more detailed briefing for you then. We just wanted to prepare you for what you are about to face."

"The enemy is not well defined. They are not an organized military. They look just like everyone else." Angel glanced over at Kami, cueing her to speak again.

"We're about a half hour now. Take the time to check your gear and make a list of anything you need. Saunders will provide us with additional supplies. Any questions?"

The dead silence of the room was a tribute to the heavy news just imparted upon the relatively green squad.

"Good, then get to it."
 
-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad
[LoR] [RoM] [BC] [CDS] [WM] [GRoM] [IH] {BoA}
------------------------
CM/DJK Jikkyo "Angel" Nimiichi/Eagle 1-1/Sith/Dark Jedi Order/Vast Empire [VP:1]
------------------------

Angel looked back over his shoulder, sensing Kami's mind being drawn elsewhere. He saw Sinister inquire about her, and Kami flash a distracted smile in return. He flicked his gaze over to where she had been looking...the governer was talking in hushed tones to Gilles, who had given off a decidedly creepy aura when introduced.

As Kami and Sinister caught up to the rest of the squad, Angel started to turn his amber gaze away...when it caught sight of a wave of blonde hair rushing from a nearby aircar. As the hair settled to its rightful place, Angel found himself staring at a decidedly beautiful young woman. Blonde hair, blue eyes, exquisite figure. Her flawlessly tanned skin shone in the midday sun, as the beauty stopped behind Gilles.

"Quite the sight isn't she." A voice said from behind Angel. Commander Saunders appeared at his side, and rested a hand on his shoulder.

"Who is she?" Angel inquired.

"Delinda Gilles...the single most popular soap actress on Cepany...and the most sought after woman." Saunders shook his head and used his hand on Angel's shoulder to turn the Sergeant away. "The local media can't get enough of her...but of course being the heiress to the slimeball tycoon Gilles' fortune doesn't hurt either."

Angel caught a definite flash of hatred and disdain from Saunders as he mentioned the squat man's name.

"What is it about him you hate?" Angel pryed, trying to get a better grasp on what his squad was walking into.

"I'll explain in the briefing." The Commander replied cooly. "The barracks are just up ahead."

Returning the salute from a pair of armed guards standing watch outside a rather plain looking building, Saunder's opened the door between them and waved the Horsies inside.

"Welcome to your new home."
 
-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad
[LoR] [RoM] [BC] [CDS] [WM] [GRoM] [IH] {BoA}
------------------------
CM/DJK Jikkyo "Angel" Nimiichi/Eagle 1-1/Sith/Dark Jedi Order/Vast Empire [VP:1]
------------------------

Kami followed Saunders's down the corridor, her nose wrinkled to prevent the dust lacing the floor from causing her to sneeze.

"Don't get many visitors Commander?" Angel ventured after a violent sneeze.

Saunders's halted three quarters of the way down the hallway, pushed open a creaky door, then offered a vaguely embarrassed smile, "Most of the VE military presence is naval. Local defense forces handle things on the ground."

He stepped aside, allowing Kami to enter the room. Unceremoniously dumping her bag upon the tattered double bed to her left, she caught the Commander's gaze, "You have a briefing room?"

Saunders's nodded, "End of the hall."

Walking forwards, Kami extended her hand towards the Commander, "Thanks for everything. We'll keep you updated on our progress."

The tall officer nodded, clasping her hand briefly, "If you need anything, information, credits or military support, let me know." His mouth thinned, "Be careful. And good luck."

He paused briefly to return Angel's salute, then turned and disappeared.

Angel let out another sneeze, dropping his bags upon his feet as he did so. Cursing softly, he flopped back onto the twin mattress at his back, glancing about the threadbare room.

"This is cosy."

"Don't get too comfortable," Kami cast a datapad at her ASL's chest, which he caught "I was brainstorming mid-flight and came up with some different approaches to tackle this thing."

Angel activated the datapad, read silently for a few moments, then offered Kami an incredulous look, "You're joking right?"

Kami grinned, "No. Go get the boys and meet me in the briefing room."

A few minutes later, IH shuffled into the dark briefing room, taking their places in the rows of steel benches lining one of the walls. Kami waited upon a small upraised podium, a glowing screen at her back, one hand resting impatiently upon her hip. When the last squad member was seated, she cleared her throat, flicked her hair over her shoulder and brought up the first picture of the slideshow she has prepared.

The screen flickered, then flashed to life, portraying a dazzling, blonde haired young woman. Immediately, wolf whistles broke out about the room, Gavyn's the loudest of them all.

"Delinda Gilles," Kami announced over the noise, "Soapie actress and daughter of the charming man we met upon the landing platform, "Samuel Gilles."

Gavyn leaned forward, resting his elbows upon his knees "She's a hottie."

Kami paused to shot her grinning FTC a withering look, "A hottie who's had enough surgery to keep her looking 20 for the next fifty years. And additionally, a hottie who's father is currently one of the biggest financial and social contributors to the rebellion's cause. She also plays an important role."

Sinister let out a bemused chuckle, "What? Is she dating one of the members?"

"Actually...yes." Kami flicked the datapad to display a picture of a well-built, dark skinned man, "Major Vaughn Johnson, influential member of the Cepany defense force. He originally served within the navy, but made the move into the Cepany intelligence division a few years ago."

"Wait," Eviscares arched an eyebrow, "Cepany has an intelligence division? I thought the VE would be against the creation of any such organization?"

"They allow for a small defense force," Angel answered, "But no, not for an intelligence division. Technically, this division doesn't exist, and simply comprises of a few military personal who meet on a regular basis."

"Many of the members are decisively anti imperial," Kami continued, "Vaughn met Delinda's father through his intelligence contacts, and the two have been working together since."

"So we need to target Delinda, and this...Major?" Garren interjected quietly, "Is this an assassination mission?"

"Not just yet," Kami leaned forward on her elbows, "We're kidnapping Ms. Gilles."

Gavyn's smile widened, "Sound's like a great idea to me."

It was Angel's turn to pull a face at the Lance Corporal, "It's going to be difficult task to pull off, but it will give us the necessary leverage to maneuver the Major and Gilles to a position where we can strike at them."

Kami paced to the other side of the platform "Once we have Delinda, we make ourselves a target, which is why it's important that they don't discover who we really are, and why we're here. To do so would be to jeopardize the entire mission. So...we'll be posing as everyday run of the mill kidnappers, after money, after a good time, and after a prime target."

"We'll have to infiltrate the social scene of Cepany in order to get close to Gilles," Angel said, "Tomorrow night; the Governor is holding one hell of a party to celebrate his birthday. Everyone who's worth a damm will be attending that party, including Miss Gilles and her father. Security will be relatively tight, especially about Gilles herself, but it's a party, and a lot goes unnoticed in throngs of people."

The squad went silent for a minute of so, each contemplating the scope of the mission.

"It's a lot of 'ifs' and 'maybes'" Sinister finally said, "A lot can go wrong. We're not exactly sure how Vaughn, Samuel and the local authorities will react."

"No, we're not." Angel ran a hand through his close cropped hair, "But getting information here is virtually impossible. Saunder's is deadlocked from every corner, and we've been shunned from every circle since we've touched down."

Kami nodded, "It's risky, but if we pull it off, we hit the big loot. Besides..." She offered a sly smile, "What's the fun of a mission without a little risk?"

Angel came to his feet, "Your mission for the next 24 hours, make an alias. It must be convincing, and ideally, allow for you to move in pairs or small groups. Feel free to move about Cepany to get what you need. Saunder's will get us the tickets, you just need the costume."


-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad
SL/GSG Kami/1SQD/1PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR] [CoR] [IG] [GCA] [BC]
TRN/KAD Kami/Training 1-3/VEDJ/VE
-=Surrender to your darkest dreams, and you'll live as you've never lived before...=-
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +

A sharp tap on the head woke Gavyn, who quickly unholstered his pistol and looked up. "Oh, it's you Angel," he said sleepily, replacing his blaster and sitting up. "Kami and I are going out," he said tossing Gavyn a data-pad before being yanked out of the room. "Time to go shopping!" Gavyn heard Kami say happily as they walked down the hall.

Gavyn slowly rubbed his eyes and picked up the data-pad. Finally he put the data-pad down and looked around the room. The rest of the troops were sleeping, still tired from the mission on Mimban. Seems like a shame to wake them... thought Gavyn with a grin before standing up.

"Get up maggots! Who said you could sleep! Does this look like a Daycare to you? Move it!" Gavyn yelled, watching with amusement as the newer troopers flopped out of bed, looking around quickly wondering what all the commotion was about. Gavyn gave a chuckle and said "Alright, Angel has given us something to do while him and Kami are out. Each of us has to come up with an alias, complete with background info, family member names, ex-cetera. Now get to work, I want to see some results in an hour."

"If you need any clarification on what to do come ask me," Gavyn said sitting back on his bed and pulling out his data-pad.

Gavyn sat the datapad down after an hour and rubbed his eyes. Looking back down he reread what he had.

Nate Karl. Age 23

Homeworld: Coruscant Occupation: Owner of a small Arms Facility that manufactures and sells weapons of all kinds.
Business Name: Karl Incorporated.

Background: Grew up in a middle class family. Started his own business at 18 that slowly grew over the years and now sells its products in many parts of the Galaxy.

Gavyn continued down the list until he was satisfied with what he had, editing a few mistakes as he went. Looking up he noticed that a few others were done as well. Gavyn waited a few more minutes then stood up and said, "Everyone done?" he paused while they replied, "Alright then, Were heading out to buy clothing for out new aliases, follow me."
 
-----------------------
"A painless lesson, is one without any meaning. One who does not sacrifice anything, cannot achieive anything."

"Do. Or do not, There is no try."

Corporal Gavyn Kanu
Iron Horse Squad
FTC/CPL Gavyn/1SQD/1PLT/COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR] [EW 2nd Class]

Two hours later Angel could only chuckle as he thought of Rizzit's face when their expense report came in. Kami's dress alone had cost about as much as a decent size luxury speeder...then there were the accessories she HAD to get. A pearl necklace from Mon Calamari, matching purse and shoes, and the "crowning" piece...a jewel encrusted tiara.

Then it was his turn. Trusting his fate to the shopping abilities of Kami, Angel just went through the motions, trying on different suits made of different materials in all different colors. Just when he thought there were no more shops left to visit, Kami let out another squeal of delight, almost yanking Angel's arm out of the socket as she abruptly darted towards the window of another store.

"That one." She proudly declared, pointing one slender finger at a suit hanging in the window.

It was a plain black formal suit, complete with jacket tails. Underneath was a black dress shirt with pearl buttons, covered by a shimmering blood red vest and tie.

Two minutes later it was property of the Vast Empire Army.

"Now we just need to do something about your hair." Kami teased, russling Angel's recently shortened blonde locks.

"My hair?" He inquired, cocking an eyebrow at his SL.

"Of course your hair. You met Giles, and Delinda saw you...since you like to NOT wear your helmet. It'll be impossible for us to slip into this role if they recognize you. The scar has to go too."

Cursing softly, Angel rolled his amber eyes and gently slid his fingers in between Kami's. "Fine. Let's get this over with."


*            *            *

"Lookin good there Angel." Kami said with a wink a half hour later. The two had quickly found a beauty salon...one which Angel was emabarassed to be the only male found inside. After a quick temp coloration and some makeup, Angel stared at his reflection in the mirror. His hair was a dark brown, almost black, and the twin scars on his left cheek were completely covered.

"Are we done now?" Angel asked tiredly. They had spent over five hours shopping, walking, and browsing. He was ready to crash.

"Yep." Kami replied, passing the cashier the credit card linked to an Army expense account.

"I'm surprised that thing hasn't melted today." Angel said jokingly, still staring at the new man in the mirror...a distant reflection of what he could have looked like if a few events had gone a different way.

"Hey..." Kami said, poking him gently on the arm. "You awake?"

"Yeah," Angel replied. "Just thinking."

"C'mon you, lets see how the boys did." Kami grabbed him by the hand and lead him out of the shop, making a beeline for the barracks.

-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad
[LoR] [RoM] [BC] [CDS] [WM] [GRoM] [IH] {BoA}
------------------------
Sith Guardian
CM/SG Jikkyo "Angel" Nimiichi/Eagle 1-1/Sith/Dark Jedi Order/Vast Empire [VP:1]
------------------------

An hour of torture later, Kami and Angel emerged from the "officer's quarters," both in full dress. Kami's long dark hair had been neatly curled into flowing waves, making her hair bounce as she walked. The tiara was interwoven in the curls giving the Iron Horse Squad Leader the distinctive look of Kuati aristocracy. The sensually, and rather illicitly, cut dress drew wolf whistles and cat calls from Eviscares and JR, the only two with enough history in the squad to brave such things.

Kami's cheeks flushed slightly red and she dipped her head, using the hand not clasped in Angel's to absently twirl a curl around her finger. Dusk had settled over Cepany, a beautiful orange and purple sunset cascading across the darkening sky. The orangish light gave a soft glow in the room as Kami settled the squad down and prepared to lay out their plans.

"Ok boys, this is going to be mostly flyng by the seat of our pants..."

"Or skirt." Eviscares interrupted with a snicker. A sharp glare from Kami cut his laughter short. "Sorry Ma'am, just never seen you look so girly before."

Angel laughed quietly at Kami's side, drawing a soft punch to the gut, before she too couldn't hold back a chuckle.  "Play time is over now." Kami said sternly, re-focusing herself. "The timing on this has to be perfect. Everyone plays a key roll in this." She nodded to Angel, who activated their small portable holoprojector.

"This is the main ballroom of the mansion where the party will be held. As you can see, there is a staircase leading up to a large balcony. This is where Alpha Team will be positioned, comprising of our three waiters, Jinx, Jakireth, and Zolo, and lead by Gavyn." Freezing the image as it panned across the balcony, Angel had the display switch to wireframe and insert the electrical systems. "On the bottom of your serving tray will be small EMP generators that Saudners provided us. Right here is a main conduit supplying power to the entire compound. When you get the signal, move to this spot and activate the devices."

"Now we have about 30 seconds for the rest. The lights will go out, during which we snatch Delinda and make our escape."

"And just how are we supposed to do that?" Gavyn asked. "once the lights go off that place will be sealed up tighter than a ewok's..."

"THATS, where our Beta team, our musicians, come into play...no pun intended" A new voice answered. Commander Saunders strode into the room in full formal military dress. "We've gotten ahold of the music order for the night and had audio devices rigged into instruments. Then all you have to do is go through the motions.  Inside the cases for these instruments will be a collection of blasters loaded with low energy rounds. When the lights go out, you start shooting into the air."

"Shout something for dramatic emphasis too." Kami said with a wink.

"We'll slip Delinda out during the confusion that follows." Angel finished, looking rather pleased with the plan he, Kami and Saunders had worked out.

Now it was JR's turn to pipe up. "That still doesn't explain how we're going to get close enough grab her."

"Just leave that to Kami and I. JR, you will be our doorman and driver. You're Gavyn's brother, who we'll say is the acting security head for him. Soon as you hear the shots, get the speeder and be ready to floor it."

Angel looked around the room for questions or puzzled looks, but everyone seemed content with what they had heard.

"Very good. We leave in 15 minutes."

-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad
[LoR] [RoM] [BC] [CDS] [WM] [GRoM] [IH] {BoA}
------------------------
Sith Guardian
CM/SG Jikkyo "Angel" Nimiichi/Eagle 1-1/Sith/Dark Jedi Order/Vast Empire [VP:1]
------------------------

The ride to the Gilles's mansion was made in silence, Kami and Angel both quietly contemplating the different risks to which they would be exposed once they entered the house. The rest of Iron Horse were somewhere down the road behind them, moving within their speeders to their respective positions for the night. Each was aware of what they had to do, and how important success was in order to begin the uncover the cancer that was the Cepany Rebellion, and wipe it out permanantly.

"We're here," Their driver annouced, weaving the sleek speeder off the main road and onto a driveway lined with a variety of beautiful and exotic flowers. Leaning slighty over Angel to glance through the tinted windows, Kami felt her eyes widen involuntarily as she took in the sight of the giant mansion sitting upon the crest of the hill, its wall's gleaming with polished crystal.

"It's beautiful," She whispered, her eyes tracing the arching beams, large windows and curved steps leading to a magnificent front door.

"One of the finest on Cepany," The driver responded, "Gilles's mansion is twice as big as the Governor's himself."

He weaved the speeder slowly through the throngs of people dotting the entrance, then came to a smooth halt. Turning in his seat, he offered Angel and Kami a wink, "You two have fun now."

Angel offered a grim smile in response, "Oh we will."

Allowing Angel to get free of the speeder, Kami sat back, waiting until he opened the speeder door for her. Tossing her curls back behind her shoulder, she gently accepted his outstretched hand, moving gracefully from the cab into sight of the questioning gazes of the rich and powerful of Cepany. Recognizing none of the beautiful people about her, Kami slipped her arm through Angel's, straightening under the enquiring stares. Tossing her curls again, she let out a soft sigh of boredom, and arched her eyebrows at Angel, "Ready?"

"Yes your highness," Angel muttered softly, leading her up the first of the steps towards the grandoise doorway. Gilles himself stepped forward to meet them, an elderly woman buried in makeup at his side.

"Welcome welcome!" He boomed, his tone decisivly diferent to that which he had greeted them at the platform," Whom do I have the pleasure of accepting into my wonderful home?"

"Caleb Dramas," Angel said crisply, catching Gilles hand in his, "Heard a lot about you Gilles, and the operations you have running here." He offered a suave smile, "Some of them are most impressive."

"Ah," Gilles smile widened, "A fellow businessman. What is it you do Mr. Dramas?"

"I have a small mining operation on Endoven," Angel answered, offering a modest shrug, "Probably nothing of which you've heard of."

"Lies my good friend," Gilles let out a loud laugh, "I've heard of your operation." His calcutlating brown eyes slid to Kami, "And who is this most...lovely lady?"

"My beautiful wife," Angel realeased Kami's hand only to have Gilles plant a wet kiss on it seconds later. "Amaia."

Stiflying a cringe, Kami flashed the overweight millionaire a brilliant smile instead, "A pleasure."

"Ah, Kuati," Gilles offered a sleazy wink, "I've always said that planet produces the finest women in the galaxy." He turned back to Angel, "Good work my friend, a fine catch."

Rolling her eyes at Angel from behind Gilles back, Kami resisted the urge to tap her heel on the pavement as Angel and Gilles began to discuss mining in immense detail.

"You look lovely dearest," The woman next to Gilles said offhandedly, "Did you get the gown tailored?"

Wondering at the progress of the rest of the squad, Kami forced her face back into a smile at the woman before her, "A local tailor back home."

"Ah," The woman took a sip from her glass, her lips formed into a tight pout, "Quite an...unusual... design."

Noticing the woman's eyes slip to the revealing cut of the gown, Kami shifted slighty to reveal more of her upper thigh, watching the pout tighten as she did so. "Isn't it?"

-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad
SL/GSG Kami/1SQD/1PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR] [CoR] [IG] [GCA] [BC]
TRN/KAD Kami/Training 1-3/VEDJ/VE
-=Surrender to your darkest dreams, and you'll live as you've never lived before...=-
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +

Major Vaughn Johnson scanned the crowd from the balcony, his dark eyes noting every face, and every reaction. A dozen or so faces gazed back at him, some welcoming, so flirtatious...and some calculating.

"Relax Vaughn!" Gilles was suddenly at his shoulder, looking quite jovial with a mug of whisky in one hand, "The night is merry, and my security has things under control. Come sit and have a drink with me."

"I'll relax when this is over," Vaughn answered cooly, now watching Delinda as she weaved her way over to the nearest buffet table, a dozen or so men on her heels, "Did you greet everyone as they came in?"

Gilles arched a large greying eyebrow, "What do you take me for? A fool?"

Clenching his jaw, the Major carefully reworded his next sentence, "Not a fool Gilles, never that. But you know what is at stake."

"Of course I do," Gilles snapped, 'But it's my birthday, and I'm attempting to have a good time." He shoved his half empty mug into Vaughn's hands, "You might have a go no? Take my daughter for a dance perhaps, she's always complaining that you never do."

Spinning, Gilles stormed off towards the bar.

Casting the remains of the whiskey into the nearest potplant, Vaughn made his way down the staircase, nodding and smiling as those about him called out greetings. He halted as he reached Delinda's side, steadily meeting the stares of the now crest fallen looking men about her.

"Lin, can I have a word?"

Beautiful ice blue eyes met his, followed by a heart warming smile, "Of course." Turning, Delinda gave the men at her back a sly wink, "Don't go away boys, I'll be right back."

Vaughn lead her under the cover of one of the lush exotic tree lining the dance floor, then gently clasped her hand to pull her close. "I want you to stay on the dance floor tonight you hear me? No swanning around outside, or down corridors."

Delinda eyes narrowed, "Don't start lecturing me Vaughn. I'm quite capable of taking care of myself."

"I know you are," Vaughn replied, "But that doesn't stop me worrying about you or your father."

Delinda paused, eyes searching his face, then kissed him softly on the lips, "I'll be fine. Though..." She turned, raising an elegant finger to single out a stunning dark haired woman in the middle of the dance floor, "I'd appreciate it if you found out her name."

Vaughn clenched his jaw to prevent a snide comment breaking free of his lips, declining his head instead, "Of course."

Delinda flashed another award winning smile, patted him on the front of his tunic, then made her way back to her adoring crowd. Left alone on the side of the dance floor, Vaughn raised his wrist to his mouth, activiating the small comlink adorning his cuffs, "Get someone watching my fiancee. And get me something non alcholic to drink."

Lowering his arm, Vaughn gave Delinda one last glance, then started towards the woman on the dance floor.

-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad
SL/GSG Kami/1SQD/1PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR] [CoR] [IG] [GCA] [BC]
TRN/KAD Kami/Training 1-3/VEDJ/VE
-=Surrender to your darkest dreams, and you'll live as you've never lived before...=-
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +

Gavyn made his way to the front door, grinning slightly and taking in the scene. There were two guards on either side of the door, concealing blasters underneath their coats. Gavyn made it to the door, but one of the Guards moved in front of him, blocking his way.

"Name?" he asked pulling out a data-pad.
"Karl," Gavyn said calmly, "It should be on there."

The Guard keyed in the name and then looked up. "Ah yes Mr. Karl, right this way," He said motioning through the door. Gavyn entered looking mildly impressed as he looked around the large room. Several heads turned as he made his way around the dance floor. Angel and Kami could be seen dancing on the dance floor, and the three musicians were quickly spotted. Gavyn noticed that at the far side of the room there were stairs leading to a balcony that ran around the whole room. At the center of the room was a huge chandelier, with decorations runnings from it, to the floor.

Gavyn grinned as a plan formed in his head and he began to climb the stairs. Suddenly Jak popped up next to him with a trey of champaign. Gavyn swiped a glass and gave Jak a quick wink before continuing through the crowd. Moving silently around the Balcony, carefully noting all of the squads positions, Gavyn stopped in front of one of the decorations and examined it for a moment.

The colorful thread was fairly thick, and there were five threads to each piece of rope descending to the ground. Gavyn looked at it a moment longer and decided that it would work before taking a look around himself, and sipping his champaign.
 
-----------------------
"A painless lesson, is one without any meaning. One who does not sacrifice anything, cannot achieive anything."

"Do. Or do not, There is no try."

Corporal Gavyn Kanu
Iron Horse Squad
FTC/CPL Gavyn/1SQD/1PLT/COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR] [EW 2nd Class]

JR looked at the other driver's and suggested a game of sabacc.  Most of them agreed and they moved towards a picnic table and sat down.  Excusing himself to get the cards, JR headed back to his speeder.  Reaching under his chair he pulled out his deck of cards, along with a tiny recorder.  Turning the recorder on, he slipped it into his pocket and headed back to where the driver's were waiting.

As the game progressed, the driver's began talking about themselves, their pasts, and how they got into the business.  This is all petty stuff, JR thought to himself staring at each driver, I don't care about you, I care about your employers.

As if on cue, at last one of the driver's piped up, "We've all heard these at least a dozen times.  Anyone gotten any interesting clients recently."

"I have," came a reply.  JR looked towards the talker and saw that it was the one who had first complained about the high society.  "It was just the other day," he continued, "Some guy named Logan Dar'ran.  Wouldn't tell me what his business was, just told me to take him from the port to this very house."

The name sparked JR's interest, It couldn't be the same one JR thought to himself, And if it is, why would he use the same name.  "He sounds familiar somehow," JR semi-lied, "What'd he look like?"

"Hmm, that's the interesting part... It was his face, he looked like someone who had once been quite handsome, but got in some sort of terrible accident, and had burned most of his face off.  But he still had his bright blew eyes, and a dazzling smile."

JR closed his eyes, and let out a slow exhale.  A surge of anger erupted through him as the face that had been described matched so perfectly with that of Logan's. It can't be anyone else, it must be him  It was then that the lights shut out, and a scream erupted from within the house.


 
-----------------------
Senior Seargent JR Iron Horse Squad

SSGT/JR/1SQD/1PLT/COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR]

Angel saw the security coming out of the corner of his eye as his mind whirled around this sudden change of events. Delinda had spotted him shamelessly flirting with one of her "friends," who at the time had been a little tipsy and was going on and on about how much she loathed the soap star. As all beautiful women did, Delinda hated being ignored, (especially by good looking men) so she had immediately set upon Angel, using classic techniques known simply as "wardrobe malfunctions" in polite circles.

The more Angel made it obvious he wasn't interested, the more Delinda persisted.

"Mr. Dramas! I believe I shall allow you the honor of dancing with me." She boasted, to the applause of those around her.

Without waiting for a response, the young debutante, grabbed him by the hand and drug him towards the stage...which is where he found himself now...arm firmly captured by Delinda and security approaching from behind him.

He needed a solution...and fast...

"Ms Gilles..." He said quickly, bowing slightly to her. "Where I come from, the best dances have no..."

And thats when he sensed it.

Fear...followed by panic...and then greif.

oh no.

A muffled *phwmp* was followed by darkness as the lights all shut off. In front of him he sensed Eviscares, Garren and Sinister leap from their seats, drawing the weapons hidden carefully inside their instrument cases.

Then there was chaos.

Scarlet bolts of pure energy filled the air in random patterns, accompanied by the cry of Eviscares "FOR CEPANY!!"

Seizing the opportunity...no matter how unexpected it was, Angel wrapped his other arm around Delinda and began to pull her towards the kitchen and the servants entrance to the residence.

"No!" Delinda shouted, "wait! My father's security will handle..."

"There's no time!" Angel shouted back, continuing to pull her closer to their destination.

Thats when the security started to fire back. Angel sensed their murdurous intent before the first shots fired, turning back in time to watch the slaughter. The first volley of bolts tore into the musicians. two bolts hit Eviscares in the shoulder and leg, dropping him like a sack of bricks. Three hit center mass on Sinister, knocking the poor soul off the stage and into an indoor flower arrangement. Angel felt his life dissipate into the Force, and knew the young soldier was gone.

Forcing down the darkness swelling within him, Angel pressed on, dragging the now semi-submissive Delinda with him. A coldness washed over the Iron Horse ASL. Eviscares had been a friend and Iron Horse veteran...Sinister a greenie fresh out of the Academy... and now they were both dead, along with Garren most likely.

"Mr. Dramas...where are you taking me." Delinda protested, the momentary panic subsididng.

"Someplace safe." Angel replied. They were only 20 feet from the back door. What he would do then he didn't know. In all the confusion he lost Kami in the crowds, and he didnt have the time to try and find the rest of the squad.

10 feet.

"The blaster fire has stopped...I think it's ok now." Delinda said, now starting to struggle against the larger man's embrace.

"Sorry Ms. Giles, but I can't take that chance." Angel was lieing through his teeth as best he could, trying to buy time. His hand reached the handle for the door just as the lights came back on...

A shout of "HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Resounded from the front of the kitchen, and Angel knew he was out of time. Flinging the door open, he drug Delinda, who was now thrashing about in an attempt to break free, out the door and into the back...to find JR standing next to the other drivers...sabaac cards strewn across the table in front of them.

Surprise quickly wore off he seasoned veteran's face, as he immediately realized what happened and sprang into action. Less than five seconds  later the other drivers were incapacitated...and would wake up with killer headaches the next day.

"GET THE CAR!" Angel yelled.

"LET GO OF ME!!!!" Delinda began to scream. "HELLLLLLLLLP!"

Cursing under his breath, Angel slung the kicking and screamig actress over his shoulder and bolted to the car, right on JR's heels....
 
-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad
[LoR] [RoM] [BC] [CDS] [WM] [GRoM] [IH] {BoA}
------------------------
Sith Guardian
CM/SG Jikkyo "Angel" Nimiichi/Eagle 1-1/Sith/Dark Jedi Order/Vast Empire [VP:1]
------------------------

There was now a rain of blaster fire, many of it springing from balconies, some more ricocheting off ceilings. If it wasn't occuring under their current circumstances, the flare of light would have been entertaining. The bolts that didn't rebound from the objects around the massive dance area and stage tore into walls, flowers...and people.

Jakireth saw it all, he had a full view of the room from his position near the balcony...although he wished he hadn't. Witnessing the death of Eviscares...Sinister...Garren...it all happened in an instant...nothing could be done. He closed his eyes, slightly feeling there pain, and watching their bodies fall towards the hardwood floor. Zolo stood behind him, horrified at the events taking place. The last thing you like to see on a mission is the death of squadmates, especially on your first excursion.

"Damnit!" Jakireth cursed, dodging a series of rounds that singed the lining of the expensive material behind him. The guardsmen were firing madly, obviously still seeing a threat.

Zolo attempted to dodge incoming fire, yelling over the exploding bolts of nearby weapons. "We need a way out, now!" He exclaimed, still marked with terror.

The Lance Corporal turned, staying low enough to avoid being caught by the guard's fire. "Follow me, keep alert!" Jakireth stated, motioning for the Private to move off.

"Hurry, to that barrier!" He said over his shoulder, jumping over the banister and landing behind a partition.

Security was still shooting blindly into the upper-balcony, merely destroying the fabric that lay over the windows.

"I see Gavyn..." Zolo mumbled, brushing off the contents of a party snack that was knock on top of him. The Fire Team Captain was currently stuck behind an overturned table, carefully eyeing around the corner.

Jakireth darted over, avoiding the sight of any guards, startling Gavyn in turn:
"Ack," He mumbled, "Where are the others?"

"Ang is gone, we're not sure where he took off to. Gunny is somewhere on the dancefloor, we can't risk restoring power to the lights to get a visual though...The rest are dead..."

Gavyn bowed his head, taking in the words. "Damn... Can we find an exit?" He asked between sighs.

"I got a glimpse of a light near the stage, probably showing in from the outside. Grab Zolo and move out, I'll meet you there." Jakireth said, pointing over the table.

Gavyn responded, knocking the nearby Private in the arm, and taking him with him. They moved across the far side of the room, going to the specified area.

Jakireth took off across the dancing area, keeping at a fast crawl. He moved around at the quickest speed possible, staying far enough from the shuffling feet of party goers who hadn't exited the mansion as the the first shots were fired.

He was looking for anything, anyone who might had escaped death at the hands of the rampant security...but could see nothing in the swirling darkness. It was then that he followed his own advice, sprinting towards the stage, and leaping upward in one motion.

Jakireth had no idea if the three motionless bodies scattered somewhere around the mansion were still flowing with some form of life...and then there was Kami. They had lost track of each other in the chaos, and he couldn't be sure what happened. All he could think of was escape, a retreat. Flooding his eyes with the sunlight ensuing from outdoors, he continued his run out to the waiting evac vehicle.
-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad
Army of the Vast Empire
------------------------
TRP/LCPL Jakireth/1SQD/1PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA[LoR]
Rep/Reporter Jakireth/NewsRep: 2/News Division/VET/VE