The flames flared up, snapping with a crackle pop like a whip as the flames spread and burned whatever was in it's path. Whatever was in there was chemically balanced to keep burning as the troops who were closer tried in vain to put the flames out.

"And we're suppose to keep the city intact?" Urak voiced with a smudge of smugness in his voice.

"Sithspit! Rush that building and take out the one who threw that." Lucky shouted over their heads. Adenn and TK ran off, as a few troopers from Marauder followed suit. If there was one, there was more and they couldn't afford to let them think they will be ignored.

Keeth then walked forward as the troopers spread out to gain a protective perimeter. Everyone was on edge as the sounds of blasters were heard int he near distance.

The female walked with deft purpose. Flanked with what Saphira knew, were guards or staff that she needed with her. Flickering her Lek, she smiled as she noted the way she was looking at her and Lucky. It probably reminded the Major of her days as a grunt in the thick of it all.

"You will have all the support you need Sargent." Keeth spoke as she stopped meters away. "I shall have some remain here to take care of this section." Spoken very bluntly, Saphira knew it was a dismissal to get going and to call back her own troopers from the building.

"Yes Ma'am." Saphira snapped to attention and gave a node before rotating her foot to twist around and walk off. "Lucky?"

"I'm on it." Lucky trotted off to call back Adenn and TX from their hunt.

"Do you even know where exactly we need to go?" Urak spoke as he strode in step with her.

"An idea... Just keep your tongue in check." She snapped and looked behind her to see that Keeth was good on her promise. Saphira was able to tell that orders were being barked out as troopers ran to go where needed. The nearest buildings were being ransacked and no one was left behind. Taking them out in groups as some fought against them.

One had to have a cold heart for this part of the job. It wasn't easy to be able to stay sane as a trooper. Turning back she saw her missing troops run up. Lucky just shortly behind them. No one said a word as they took off at a run. Having to get past the first row of buildings. Not that it was going to be easy.

"It's a little quiet here.." MadMan observed. Everyone raising their weapons up and looking to the windows of the soulless buildings.

"Just keep moving.." Adenn whispered and prodded TK to watch his right.

Something was indeed not right. They could feel the cold tension int he air. Mingling with the sounds of fire and shouts that echoed and bounced through the buildings. Saphira took in a deep breath as they moved north down a set of streets. Being careful to stay in the open.

"Saph, wheres the troops that we're suppose to have?" Lucky asked.

"We're to meet up with them about two clicks North of here. Though, they should have sent a couple scouts..." The Twilek was cut short as the sound of bouncing metal was just ahead of them, and exploded.

"Down! Evasive, defense! It's a Trap!" Lucky barked. Though, it was moot as by hundreds of hours training, it was imprinted on their minds what to do.

"I think we know why Sargent Paka and his men are delayed.." Saphira muttered as they pressed back against buildings and started to shoot back.

"Sithspit! I didn't think the civvies would have TD's on them." Cried Urak who was covered in splattered snow from he explosions.

Madman took care to fall in line with the rest of him, but he didn’t like it. In a way he felt like a moiré highly trained and better armed Tusken Raider, he wondered if they would take the short Arkanians and make them throw together some swoop bikes while they were at it. He shot them down, the stragglers were obviously broken, would have given up but death was rewarded to them, as if punishing the last remaining few for merely living seconds after their friends and neighbors had died. But that business was done for now, Madman personally didn’t see much of a change.

“So we finished moving in, shooting and killing everyone on sight. Now we are going somewhere else and shooting and killing everything in sight?” He’d ask as Urakai nodded “Yep. Pretty much, you’re a clever one.” Urak sneered, partially through a number of situations, but what did he have to care what some LCPL thought? Just some complaining recruit, right? However Urak might not have bothered if he were in less pain, though slowly that was being fixed with the bacta.

“Hey, least I can’t feel my own ribs through a blaster wound…” Madman would snort, Saph would decide to cut their personal banter short there “Come on, let’s go and stay focused.” Saphira would turn back to the rest of the squad, Madman adding “Yes, the desperate can be quite…resourceful. Do not underestimate them.” After which, little more could be said.

They proceeded forward, keeping a close attention to the sounds of blaster fire as well as staying spread to prevent concentrated fire from hitting them all grouped up.

"This is insane! We're being shuffled into a maze and I don't like it." TX grumbled as they once more had to go up and down stairs to scout on the roof tops.

"I don't like it either, but, this is one of the only ways to make it through without running into problems." MadMan replied before the women could. Everyone was getting annoyed at having to sneak around.

"If only we could just blow the buildings up..."Saphira grumbled as they moved back down and ran along the streets.

No one had much to say to that. Bent on concentrating to make it through without being stopped. Surprisingly, they met no resistance for a couple blocks. That was cause for worry. With the planet under attack, one would think they were going to fight harder.

Ting, Ting, click!


The sound of metal bouncing was heard as the squad stopped and looked up to see smoke grenades go off ahead of them. Damn. How the hell they knew... Saphira thought.


"Get ready!" Lucky Shouted. The clicking sound of blasters readying was heard as they spread out. Enough was enough for hiding. They needed to get to Packa's troops now! Inside the smoke, they could hear the rumblings of an engine. The sillioute shape of a tank was soon visible as it moved forward. Along with over a dozen armed men and women. Military and civilian as they opened fire on them...

Through the crackling fire and smoke from the destroyed tank came those of the mob that were left. The anger was even greater then before and, would only get worse. The troopers stood their ground and several rushed forward to take those nearest out. Armed with what looked like household items, it looked like it was going to be easy.

"Maybe you should sing to them Urak. That might work!" Saphira growled as Lucky and the others caught up to them.

"Yea, blow their ears out!" MadMan chuckled.

"Enough. We need to move it now!" Lucky broke the fun.

"Alright! MadMan, TK, Urak. Time for a sweep!" Saphira gave the order for them to rush.


This s getting annoying. Saphira thought as they ran towards the enemy. They needed to get past them and on towards Paka and his men. All the people were accomplishing, was just delaying them. As well as pissing them off. The only positive thing was that most of the people didn't have any major weapons.

"Try not to waste too much Ammo." Saphira shouted as she came into contact with the first person. Stopping short, Saphira pivoted to the right and jacked her right elbow up to impact him int he jaw. The man fell down instantly in pain and she left him. There were too many coming at her and the others. There would be a few that would live, and others that wished they were dead. Using the butt of her blaster she jammed it into the gut of another while grabbing her dagger and thrusting it into the head of another with a sickening crunch.

No more crazies for now.


Saphira rolled her eyes as they moved forward. Lucky was right for the moment. Yet, there would always crazies in the Universe. Even more was the one they had in their squad that was just as insane by Saph's perspective.

"Lucky, you're forgetting that we have Urak." Saphira teased as they ran past the mass of bodies and those still crying out in pain. If it bothered anyone to leave the dead and wounded laying in the cold street's they didn't say anything.

With the rough tapping's of the troopers feet hitting the ground floor, they made it another block. It seemed that if there were residents around, they wisley stayed hidden. Or, were planning another strike.

"Keep moving!" Cried saphira as she stopped to press against a building to point guard the troopers that needed to move ahead.

"What are you doing?" Lucky questioned.

"I'm going to try and contact Pakka. We should be there now. Something is wrong." The Twilek rasped. With so much noise and sounds of battle, it was hard telling exactly where they were at.

"Sargant Pakka.. Requesting coordinates...


Patching through the com she repeated the words for a few minutes. Keeping her eyes open and scanning their area as the last of the men made it past the two. With the seconds ticking by, they knew that Paka was in trouble. Lowering her weapon, the Twilek shook her head. They were going to have to make a guess where they would be at, and, head in that direction. As Saphira was going to say something, there came a clanging sound behind them.

"I'll go check it out." Lucky volunteered before anything could be said. Watching her run off, staying in a low crouched position as Saphira waived over MadMan and Urak.

"Stay here and watch our backs." She ordered and went after Lucky. If anything to help watch her back while the other two watched hers. Keeping a low profile, she caught up with lucky who looked over at her and didnt say a word. The clanging sound became louder and one could pick up that there was now more then one. They gave a hand signal to take cover behind a dumpster and poked their heads out to see what was making the noise. About ten assassin droids were walking towards them!

"I don't think those are ours..." Lucky whispered. Saphira didn't have to say a word to know they weren't theirs. For they would have been informed about them. "I think I know why Paka isn't answering..." She added, right as a droid spotted them and instantly rose its arson to them and shot off rounds of blaster fire!

"Defiantly not ours!. RUN!" Saphira shouted. The two took off as fast as they could. Hooking their weapons over there shoulders to blind fire. "Ya know...I would rather have crazies, then this!"

If Lucky said anything, she didn't catch it as they were given cover fire from MadMan and Urak. "RUN you two! Those aren't going to stop them that easily.!" Lucky ordered. Not that they had to be told that twice as a stray bolt zipped by and scorched both the men in the leg and shoulders. Just when they thought it couldn't get any worse there was a crackle sound over their Com's.


"This is Paka. Where....fired....hurry... east of...."


The message was broken as they zipped past towards the others. Pausing to catch their breaths int he ally where the remainder of their troops waited for orders.

"I.. hate when your right." Saphira stated. "If Paka was forced to move, those robo cops must be the issue."

"Well, we can't stay here." Urak interrupted. "They are coming up fast and know where here..."

"Well, Paka said East.. So he can't be far from here. lets go. double time and watch your backs!" Lucky shouted.

They moved, tossing a TD behind them that would go off in thirty seconds. It wouldn't be enough to stop them, but slow them down was the option.

With a grin on her face, Saphira sprinted forward and sprung off the building. MadMan landed before she did as the knees bend to help cushin the landing. Her feet stung from he drop as she cursed the makers of the boots they had to wear. Urak jumped next but seemed to falter on the jump.

"Hurry!" Saph shouted. Watching as Urak jumped and kicked his legs back and forth as he came down. Only to slip in the edge of the roof and start to fall. TX snapped a hand out and grabbed him. Pulling him to safety as the remainder started to make their leaps.

"Thanks!"Urak muttered as they ran after Lucky who was already two buildings ahead of them.

"What happened?" Lucky asked as the group made another jump.

"Nothing. Just keep going." Saphira replied taking another leap. Up ahead they could see smoke and the sound of blasters. "Looks like we have found them." Pointing ahead as they came to the end of another jump. Crumbling pieces of wall fell as they made the last jump.


Down below, they could see Paka and his mean battling the same droids they had escaped from. Yet, the biggest surprise was to see a few droid dekas in the fight. Blasting away as their shields protected them from the shots fired at it.

"Uh, I thought those weren't around anymore." Urak spoke, with a little confusion in his voice.

"Well, it looks like the military here got ahold of a few a long time ago just in case." Saphira added. It was the only real explanation to why the things were even around, much less still in obvious working order.

"So, what now?" MadMan spoke up as he pointed downward. They had no building to jump lower too, and the fall down would break their legs. They didn't have time to repel down, and a human chain was out of the question. Scanning the area Urak found a way down.

"Look, Therese a ladder to the side of the building." shouting over the noise as they all turned and scrambled over. At a glance it went most of the way down the building; ending with only a few feet above the ground. They could easily drop the rest of the way down.

They quickly moved down the ladder. Dropping to the ground and watched the backs of those who made the way down. When everyone was accounted for they wasted no time to rush over into the fray. It was pure madness as several troopers had to duck heads to avoid some shots from their own!

Again it seemed a perfectly containable situation had been turned into a whole mess of trouble. He had never seen so many people take up arms to repel would-be invaders  If that wasn’t bad enough, Madman found he rather hate parties, especially large ones like this. “Alright, hope we brought enough bolts for everyone!” Madman spoke through his teeth, as he took pot-shots from behind a bit of debris caused by the fighting. Yeah, he had a couple wounds – wounds that hurt like a, well, a term he’d hoped he’d not have to use this day.

He did love it however, he loved taking part in this battle, felt like the old days and with the new guy, higher ranked than him, joining, he was a perfect little speck on the arse of this Iron-Horse. Lovely.

“Keep it up, you guys back there!” He’d turn over to the still fresh soldiers, who were actually quite strong in this situation, as Madman turned back, staring out of the gaping crack in his helmet Hehhn, even damaged it’s better than nothin’ Madman thought as he cackled to himself, like the little wretch he was, though the bitter cold still brushed over his wounded head, licking at the drying blood due to the dry cold that swam through the city.

Suddenly as the wall came crashing down, clamping over a good set of the rebel forces, their dying screams were all silenced by a force far more powerful and relentless than the force – death. Along with them, a couple Droidekas were ground into scrap metal by the thick, heavy wall. Now all they needed to do is drive and scatter the main force – to do that, perhaps they would have to make them fear.

"Well let's hurry up with things. We need to get moving, no need to smell the flowers because you'll be sore to know that snow and metal and people do not nourish seeds well." Madman would muse as he hoisted his gun over his shoulder "Well I'll take point, I seem to be fairly well off, heh, so best I soak the attention of our foes." He seemed to rationalize as he stoon and checked his gun.

"That is...unless anyone cares to...disagree?" Madman would ask, he didn't really care much about these people they were operating with, they weren't on the same squad, so why should he feel responsible about their casualties or plight. He just wanted to get this mission over with.

The others could see that either Madman took a blow to the head too many, or he was usually like this. Saphira would watch as each took a quick break to care for their squad mates "Come on, be careful but try not to waste time." She'd tell them, in a stern, passive voice. No need to bark at them every five minutes.

"Why not keep a medic or two with 'em, and a soldier or two arming an e-webs...leaving them here..." Madman would get cut off, "Is not a choice, so I'd suggest you leave it at that." Lucky would tell the LCP off, as Urak stifled an amused bit of laughter. Though he was discouraged from speaking a derogatory  with a stirn, threatening stare from the Twi'lek.

Adenn, Vor'en, and the rest of the green boys took a bit to break "This is just wonderful..." Adenn cursed, "Almost died back at the last objective, if not for that crazy Madman." Adenn muttered as Vor'en smiled "Well, we're alive, that'ssss all that mattersss." He'd his, he actually enjoyed it, the rush of energy, and all.

"I don't like this." Muttered a random trooper in the back of their small group. They had just made it inside; leaving only Lucky's small group left to make it inside.

"Hush. Not everything is guns blazing." Saphira barked quietly. If that trooper had been in her squad, he would have understood why they were the best when it came to sneaking around. "Set up a spotter while the others make it inside."

Without a word, a few of the troopers ran forward to do as they were told. It didn't take long for Lucky and the others to make it inside. "Well, that was slow and easy." She responded.

"Yea, well, I don't think the rest of it will be a cake walk." Saphira answered as Paka's voice crackled over their com.

"There's three floors up to to the objective. Heavy weapons and armored Arkanian's. Looks like our friend is expecting us." Paka sounded tired and irritated. Not that anyone could blame them. He lost several of his best men in this campaign and there was more to come.

"Alright. Keep their eyes on you as best as you can." Came Keeth's smooth voice. "We'll take all path's to block any chance of escape. If you have to blow down walls, then so be it."

There were a few confirmations before Keeth gave them their own. They were to take the main force and enter from the back end of the building through the turbo lift shaft.

"What! No way. What if they turn the blasted thing on?!" Cried Urak. Saphira only smirked.

"Relax trooper. We'll have those disabled before you can get there." Keeth hissed. "Now, move out!"


Marching forward, Saph and Lucky's group kept to a decent pace. The building was pretty huge , but the bottom floor was at least cleared.

"So, ah. how are we suppose to go up? Do we even know if our target is even at the top?" TX asked as they checked a side room to make sure there wasn't anyone in there. "I would rather take the stairs."

Saph turned on a heel and first looked to urak who was she knew was about to start another song. "Don't even try it..." She snapped before turning to look at the others. "We've already got confirmation that he's here. The man isn't stupid. I am sure he expects us to take the stairs or lifts -"

Just then the power flickered and went out. Saphira continued without missing a beat.

"So, we're going to climb up. A few of the men from the Major's command have the gear we need."

"Looks like the major was as good on her word. The lift's won't be working..." Urak started.

"Much less anything else." MadMan piped up.

"Get your charges ready then. Looks like we'll be taking out some doors now too." Lucky shouted as they walked on. At least they had enough light to see where they were going.

"Well, at least they stopped the lifts." Someone muttered in the back. Brinigng a few laughs as they marched on. They would have to hurry now.

There were a few complaints as they jumped and groaned from he climb. It didn't help that the groaning sound of the cable's made a few think it would snap under their weight.


"Just keep moving. Those cable's aren't going to snap easily." Saphira cried as Lucky reached and grabbed her arm to haul her up from the door. Sweat beaded under her helmet from the draining climb. Taking a few calming breaths, the female looked to see only herself and one other had so far made it out.

"I can go ahead if you want." Lucky started. "Give you some time to catch your breath."

"No! I'm fine. I'll take two with me as soon as - AHHHHHH!" Saphira cried out as a gloved hand shot out from the door and latched on to her boot. Forgetting that she had leaned against the wall, directly next to the pried doors.

Lucky went to help out the trooper before Saph could pull her foot away. Of course, it was Urak who came out next. Quickly followed by Adenn and MadMan.

"Eh.. Sorry Sa-" Urak started.

"Don't. Just shut it and move out." She snapped. Stalking forward as she flipped her E-11 off her shoulder to a ready position.

"Urak, MadMan. Go ahead." Lucky ordered.


Without question, the two trotted up to saphira and kept quiet. Eyes scanning the dark halls as they listened for any hint of approaching footsteps.

"Radio back Lucky and have her bring everyone forward." Saphira whispered. It was difficult to see int he darkened hallways, but what she saw lead that they were close.

"sure thing. What do I say?" Urak questioned.

"Target close." Came the reply as MadMan pointed out to Urak what Saphira already saw. There were grooves in a few corners of the section they were walking in. Barley noticeable, but it was the secret panel for floor turrets. Their heads flickered up to see just down the hall; two ceiling turrets that hung lifeless.

"There's a small halway to the right about forty meters. The main offices have to be there and I bet we'll find more dead traps and a closed blast door." MadMan surmised.

It was a good thing the power was cut. Saphira thought. Looking at all he traps only gave way to what hells could be going on in a simple office. Of course, nothing was ever simple. The fact that they didn't have to fight their way through turrets was a blessing.

"Keep low." Saphira whispered. Raising a hand to silence those that were farther back. With her free hand she gave hand signals to point two to the right as she sucked in a breath of air and turned the corner.

A large blast door stood in their way. The dingy metal seemed to laugh at them, with the spray of scorch marks that sprinkled over it. Obviously, it had been used before and withheld. Blaster's weren't going to make it through. Not this time.

Turning her head, she signaled a few troopers from Maurader and Valiance to come forward. Soft tapping's of their footsteps could be heard bouncing off the floor.

"Can you cut through?" She whispered to one of them.

"We could. But it would take time Sir." The first one - Blake - stated.

"Blasting would be more efficient, but there's a risk." Arson chipped in.

"What kind of risk?" Saphira quarried.

"We would have to use the rest of the explosives we have to even break it. The metal is thick enough that it would still have to pry it open. Leaving whatever defenses they have on the inside..." He stopped. There was no need to say anything else.

"They can't have much. It's the only shot we have. Do it." Saph ordered as the two troopers went to work to set the charges. They would have to fall back and hope the walls wouldn't cave in too badly. "Alright. As soon as the charges go I need two volunteers to go and help move the door and anything else that might be in the way. With luck, the walls should blow out and leave enough room to get in."

A pause as Adenn and MadMan rose hands to take lead for that. "As soon as the doors open, rush them. Take out any guards. Half of you, set your weapons for stun. We don't need the moron to try and get killed. Alive only."

No sooner then everyone drew back and set their weapons for stun; the charges were set and ready. " Anyone have one last flash bang?" Lucky whispered. "If they have anything in there still active we might be able to disrupt it and stun them. If anything it will buy time."

"Great idea!" Urak responded as they switched to a com and played telephone to see if there was one left.

Within moments, hands passed up one last Flash bang. Handing it to the Twi'lek. The word was clear. They would have one shot at this to avoid any casualties.

"Do it." Saph growled.




BOOOOOOOOOM!!!



The sound of thunder crackled. Walls and floors rumbled while the hallway filled with powder grey smoke. Small chunks of wall flew back and smacked against the back wall when Adenn and MadMan rushed forward with the makeshift crowbars.

"MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!" Saphira and Lucky cried together as the dirt coated everyones armor. Indeed the damage was significant. The roof had piled lightly on the ground. Though, most flew out the sides of the building to the streets below.

Both men were hard at work, but it was working. They cursed and grunted as the last bits pushed and gave. With the Flash Bang ready in hand, the moment she had clearance the shiny ball flew through her hand and straight inside.

"DOWN!"

Someone inside had shouted before cries came with the bang. A frying sound of electronics re-affirmed that they had a mount inside to use for a defense. Unfortunately, MadMan and Adenn got flashed banged with them and were laying on their sides as troopers pushed past her to get inside. There were a few exchanges of blaster fire while, the remaining troopers secured the hallway and shouted orders to move debrea away.

"You two alright?" Saphira drew to her knee to check on them.

"Y-Yea. Next time...Warn us when the hell your gonna do that." Adenn rasped as MadMan pulled himself up.

"Guess that is what we get being your minions." MadMan shot.

"Glade to see you have some humor still. You'll both live. take a bacta patch to help the headache." She replied with a grin.

"CLEAR!!" Rang Lucky's voice from the room. The Twi'lek left the two and went inside to see a few troopers pointing weapons two three Arkanian guards. With hands on their heads and on their knees, she turned her attention to see Freida Golga. Alive, but with a few cuts and a bruise under the right eye. Sneering under her helmet she stalked over.

"By order of the VE, you are our prisoner." Her voice dark as she turned to Lucky. "Nice job. Now, let's contact the god's above, and get the hell out of here."

"Right on!" Lucky replied with a smile, and instantly connected to the correct frequencies to send them a mission complete.

OOC:

Objective finished!