Location Info: Whilst New Serat was being constructed immediately after the Devaron rebellion was put down, it was only after the fall of the Galactic Empire when the government comissioned the reconstruction of Montellian Serat. Whilst New Serats construction had been overseen by the Empire, Montellian Serat was rebuilt to purely Devish standards.

The city grew very quickly and soon became the hub of activity for the whole planet. Whilst Devaron is sparsely populated, Montellian quickly grew in size and spread outwards.

The city lacks a major spaceport as Mantira Port was chosen for this duty to try and keep Montellian Serat's skies as clear as possible.

The government is still unsure as to how the cities old name ended up being revived. It had wanted to avoid the old name which brought back memories of the rebellion and the massacre at Montellian Serat. In fact they had comissioned the city under a different name and merely mentioning the Devaronian rebellion was a punishible offence. However people are creatures of habbit and the old name slowly slipped back into use.

The names for Old and New serat commonly cause confusion.

The city is located north of New Serat, and bridges the gap between where two great rivers meet and where they split up to join the ocean.


Status: Imperial controlled, but contested. Rebel forces march on the city, but an agreement between both sides to cause as little collateral damage as possible stops them from using artillery to flush out Imperial loyalists. The majority of the population has now been evacuated by the government. This city must be in Republic hands before they can move against New Serat.

Day 1: Raiders and Jester in Area


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+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +
PL:A/CPT/Raziel/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE/{EW1} (WoS1) 2x(VP:1) {IG} {CDS} {BoA} {PoC} {BC} {GRoM} {SoS} {IH}
Assistant Squad Leader - Raiders
"Computer games don't affect kids; I mean if Pac-Man affected us as kids, we'd all be running around in darkened rooms, munching magic pills and listening to repetitive electronic music." Kristian Wilson, Nintendo, Inc, 1989.

"God does not play dice with the universe" - Albert Einstein
"Who are you to tell God what to do with his dice?" - Bohr
"God does not play dice with the universe. He plays an ineffable game of His own devising, which might be compared, from the perspective of any of the other players [i.e. everybody], to being involved in an obscure and complex variant of poker in a pitch-dark room, with blank cards, for infinite stakes, with a Dealer who won't tell you the rules, and who smiles all the time." - Terry Pratchett
CM/DJK Raziel/lion 1-5/Krath/VEDJ/VE (WoS1) (VP1) (VP2)

I hate trenches, thought Daminga as he trotted double time through the maze of trench lines, They can easily become graves.  He was following Squall's back as they weaved their way toward the fighting, with the rest of the squad in tail. 

After a few more twists and turns Darr-Rann threw his hand in the air.  Everyone stopped but Tallanvor, who was behind Daminga in line.  Tallanvor ran right into Daminga causing both to topple forward. 

"Up, you lazy bastards! This is no time to be sleeping!"  growled Squall, as he hoisted Daminga to his feet and pulled Tallanvor to his. 

Darr-Rann had by this time climbed up onto the step and was glancing over the top of the trench toward the enemy.  The squad could see blaster fire flying over the top of the trench almost every direction it seemed. 

"Alright gentlemen!  This is what they train us for!"  shouted Darr-Rann over the shouts and cries and blasters as he looked down the trench to his squad.  "We'll form a defensive line here until they get really close.  Then we're up and over the trench at hand-to-hand combat.  Make sure you knock down a lot of those republic scum before they hit the trench.  The turrets will help us out a lot with this but we need our marksmanship too.  Grenades first, then rifles.  Alright boys! Up to the line and giv'em hell!"

As the Raiders stepped up onto the step of the trench and peered over the top, each one pulled a grenade from his utility belt. 

"Wait for it!" called Darr-Rann, "Wait till they reach that clump of grass about 50 yards out!"

Daminga could feel the tension in the trench growing with every step the republic troops took.  As they reached the spot designated by Darr-Rann, each squad member arched his arm back and waited.

"Now!" came a single command from Darr-Rann.

All seven grenades were sent sailing toward the enemy.  All seven landing amongst  their feet, freezing them in utter confusion and terror.  The squad didn't even wait for the seven explosions to go off before they each had their rifles unslugen.  By the time the grenades did explode, there were already more causalities on the ground due to rifle fire.


-----------------------
Raiders
TRP/PFC Daminga/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath


And when he gets to Heaven,
To Saint Peter he will tell,
"One more soldier reporting sir,
I've served my time in hell."

  Kairo's right hand rested on his E-11, holstered at his hip, and he shrugged his T-21 into a more comfortable resting position on his back as he looked out the viewport of the LAATi, which was currently flying above the river east of Montellion Serat. "How long until we get there?" he asked the pilots.

  "Only another three minutes. The city should be coming into view in a minute." Kairo was restless. The shuttle had received a transmission five minutes ago from the city saying that it was under attack on its eastern side but troops were still only moving toward the western half. True to the pilot's word, the city came into view ahead and beneath them, along with the lights of crisscrossing laser fire. It seemed the Eastern front was holding off the attack, for now. "Shall I take you down there, sir?"

  "No, our orders are for the western front." Kairo stated, as his eyes scanned the battlefield to see who was really winning.

  "But sir, that side hasn't been engaged yet. Surely it is more important to hold tha. . ."

  "No pilot. It is not more important to keep one side protected from the other. You gave the reason yourself. The western front hasn't been engaged yet. That doesn't mean it won't be." Kairo paused to scan the Eastern front again, now that the LAATi was closer. "You should clearly be able to see that, even though the Republic has sent in a few tanks and I could guess a platoon and a half of men, it isn't strong enough to break through fortifications. It is strong enough though to see where the perimeter is the weakest. The western front is going to be attacked. You can count on that. But, they are waiting for a reason. I assume we now only have a minute until we land on the western front, since we are flying over the middle of the city now?"

  "Yes sir."

  "Good. Take us down as soon as possible then deliver a message to command telling them the two squads have arrived." Kairo ordered then spun around and exited the cockpit. Walking into the holding bay, he skimmed his troops condition. Six troopers and one of them is a greeny. Great. At least the ones who have been with me for awhile now are ready. As ready as any man can be for war. "Listen up men." Every head turned to Kairo. "We will be landing in a moment at the western command station, which is situated at the top of a twelve story building. This building has a clear view of the western front but is a good two hundred meters back from the western wall. Once we have landed, I will quickly be given the situation and shall come up with a plan of attack with the head officers. From there, expect to have no rest for the next few days. We will be doing a lot of moving." Before Kairo could say anymore, the shuttle touched down and the side panels were pulled back, letting the wind whip into the compartment. Quickly exiting the shuttle, Kairo ran across the building's rooftop to meet a man waiting for him.

    "Gunnery Sergeant Kairo, leading Jester squad, reporting for orders."

  "Platoon Sergeant Nelson, I will be overseeing the western front and will also be your go between for command. The eastern front is under attack as we speak, but so far, nothing has been spotted on our side." Nelson replied.

  "How are things over there?" Kairo asked, as his squad began to form around him.

  "As soon as Raiders squad arrived, things began. It hasn't stopped since. The Republic keeps sending more and more men, but nothing strong enough to totally break through. It a large scale, it is a very small force. They have just started to send in one or two tanks at key areas, but that is the heaviest of it. The trench lines are keeping them at bay along with the squads that we have there. Things could change though. As for us, a detachment had been spotted separating from the force by aerial scouts before they were shot down. We don't know where they were headed or where they are now, but we can only assume that they are headed for us. I'm handing the western front line defense over to you, Kairo. Radio in to me if you need anything, and I'll send it back to Raziel at H.Q. I'll also be sending reinforcements to you if you need it. Trenches have already been made and a few E-webs have been set up. Head out now. There are lines attached to the side of the building over there. Hook up to them and they'll take you fifty meters toward the wall and all the way to the surface. It may be a bit dangerous, but it is the quickest way. A moment, Kairo." The two men stepped aside for a few minutes, then Nelson said, "Good luck." Nelson stepped away and saluted. Kairo came to attention and saluted back, followed by the squad.

  After running to the side of the building, Kairo quickly stepped into the harness and clipped himself to the cable. Just don't look down. Looking to make sure the rest of the squad was ready, he launched himself off into the open sky. It took only thirty seconds for them to arrive at the drop off point of the cable. A crew was waiting for them there. Once the feeling of nausea passed, Kairo asked, "Which way to the front line outpost?"

  Ten minutes later, Jester squad had arrived at the wall. Passing through the gate, Kairo saw that trenches crisscrossed the ground thirty meters away from the wall. E-webs had been set up and men could be seen at the very front trenches, keeping a look out for incoming forces. A sergeant climbed out of the first trench to greet them. "Jester squad and Platoon commander Kairo?" Kairo nodded. "Good to have you with us sir. I am Sergeant Plateous. As you can see we have set up a good defense, since no force has attacked us yet. Commander Nelson tells me you are going to be giving us the orders from here on out. What would you have us do?"

  Kairo grinned behind his helmet. "Sorry to say this," Kairo glanced at the man's rank, "Sergeant, but I'm going to have to ask you to tell your men to do some work, quickly. Remove ten of those E-webs from the field and place them behind and at the top of the wall, just incase they need to be used. Make sure they can't be seen from the ground unless they are being used.. Then, rig the other E-webs top fire automatically. It's a simple task of turning into an auto-turret. Then, I want you to remove half your men behind that wall, and tell them to only engage the enemy if they are about to breach the wall. Otherwise, I don't want them to be seen."

  "But what if a large force comes this way sir?" the man seemed shocked by Kairo's orders.

  "Sergeant, leave the planning to Commander Nelson and me. He is fully aware of the plan, since he formulated it with me. It is relatively safe to assume that the force that comes here will be even less than the force that is attacking the east side, and if it is bigger, well then, the men behind the wall should be able to hold them off with the E-webs and mortar support. Now, the other half is going to stay in the trenches and keep the force at bay as long as they can. Hopefully, half will be able to hold them off until they retreat. Jester is going to be in the middle of those trenches. If the force gets that far, we'll keep them at bay. You have your orders." Kairo said gruffly to get the man moving.

    As the man disappeared in the trenches, Phenix asked next to Kairo, "What are you planning sir?"

    Kairo turned to the squad, "Here's the deal. I believe these forces to just be the scouts for the main force. I am wanting them to think this side is weaker, that way they'll send their larger force this way when they do attack. By that time, I'll have called into Nelson to send as many extra forces as he can spare along with supplies and turrets. If all goes well, we will be able to repel this scout force with half the men here. They'll think we are totally weakened. Then, we'll set up base and give them one hell of a surprise when they return."

  The squad nodded and Keef laughed, "It's a trap."

  Kairo nodded. "Just remember this. Since I am depleting the force here by half, the fight is going to be ferocious. Every man may die in those trenches and the Republic force may only be repelled by the walls. But, even if that happens, Nelson should be able to send for reinforcements along with telling the east front to send its men our way. If all goes well though, half the men will be able to hold this scout force off with minimal casualties. I mean, there are still about two platoons of men down there. Now, follow me to the middle trenches and wait for action."

    After twenty minutes of winding through the trenches, Kairo sagged against the dirt wall for a rest. "This is far enough. Pulling out a comlink, Kairo asked, "Sergeant, is everything ready?"

    "Everything is how you asked it to be, sir, but are you sure you want to do it this way?"

    "Yes." After turning off the comlink, Kairo checked his weapons and looked at his men. "You ready?" A solid, "Yes" answered him. "Good." Because this is going to be one hell of a fight with just half the force, no matter what I say. Hopefully this little ruse will trick them and we will only have to mostly defend this front from the main force. Peering over the trench top, they waited.


-----------------------
Gunnery Sergeant Kairo
Platoon Commander

PC/GSG Kairo/2PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [CDS][BoA][CoR][BC][CoV]

Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will be victorious in ten thousand battles.
You may forget the past, but it always haunts your future.
Men can die, but a symbol is eternal.

Mud had now covered the entire bottom half of his armor, more flying against his helmet.  Conditions were getting worse, weatherwise.  Squall laid the carbine against his shoulder, walking down the slope of the trench towards the Squad leader, Darr-Rann.  As he approached, he could tell Darr was tense.  So many greens on the battlefield would make any commander shutter.  Most of them never had a chance.

"Fire Team Captain Squall, good to see you in one piece.  Our numbers have been cut down a tad, but we still have the squad together," said Darr, "Any word from the spotters on the enemy position?"

"I left a Lance Coporal to man my E-web for the moment, so I could come speak to you about that," said Squall, hunching down in the trench for cover, as blaster fire was now being heard from the west.  He would now half to yell to communicate with Darr-Rann.

"Spotters say the enemies are looping around to the North East, attempting to corner us in and flank us.  Jester is now in place, and reinforcements are coming up on the rear," scream Squall as more imperial troops flooded the trenches.  "We've got the trench secured for the time being, but in a few minutes they're going to attack.  All the men are at their places.  We're ready."

"Good job Squall, make sure to keep those men in line.  I'm going to go speak with the lieutenant about our next options, you make sure we hold this trench.  If we loose foothold on this spot....well, you know," said Darr

"Of course Sir, I know," said Squall, with a small salute from his hand, "God Speed" said Darr

Squall ducked low as he climbed the wall of the trench, making his way back to the E-wed.  One of the lance corporals he had stationed there, LCPL Harper, was sitting strait, scanning the horizon for any oncoming forces.  Just then, Squall could hear a loud voice over everything else.

"New Republic forces to the EAST!  Double time soldiers!"

Squall crouched down beside the lance corporal with his rifle aiming just over the trench.  The troopers could now be seen.

"Open fire!" yelled Squall over the trench, and immediatly laser fire was buzzing over head.  The enemies were advancing.

Squall unloaded as much out of the carbine as he could, dropping a few NR soldiers across the view line.  Mud was now being flung across his helmet as the E-web was slipping across the ground.

"Harper, get that E-web in a stable position and continue firing!" yelled Squall

"Sir, it's too heavy!" yelled Harper, putting all of his wait into lifting the E-web out of the mud.  Just as it came loose from the mud, red blaster fire zipped across the trench, pelting his armor numerous times.  He was dead.

"I need men over here to secure the E-web!" called out Squall, while letting off blaster fire at the enemies.  They were now arched, tossing grenades into the trench and unloaded their magazines at anything they saw.  It was hell.

Two PFC's came over to assist, rising the E-web out of the mud and putting it in a dryer spot.  Squall brushed the greens away and took hold of the E-webs controls.

"Supressing fire!" yelled Squall as he unloaded the blaster fire into a small squad of enemies.  It was amazing how 25 enemy soldiers could so much, with all of their specialties and abilities.  Imperial troopers had definently had them outnumbered, but they were dropping like flies.

Boddies were falling to the ground from both sides, the NR now rushing the trench, most of them falling in with bayonets jabbed into their chests; others coming down with full power, knocking imperial soldiers to the ground.  Squall turned the E-web to the attack soldiers, making sure to not direct any friendly fire towards his own imperial squadmates.

This is the worst I've seen green soldiers.  Something is wrong here...it's like they have only been through a week of training, and were sent onto the battlefield for their first battle!

Squall wiped the mud off of his helmet as the NR forces started climbing back up the trench.  Reinforcements had just arrived, and they were pouring into the trench.

Squall reloaded the E-web quickly, and started continually firing in the general direction of the rest of the enemy soldiers.  They were being pelted in the back by the imperial blaster fire as they attempted to scramble away, but why?  They hadn't started retreating up until now, something large, much larger had to be coming.

NR forces were now 500 yards away, Imperial troopers scrambling to get into positions.  The trench was secure again, but not for long.

"Troopers secure the east.  Set those E-webs across the line and prepare for more troopers.  Looks like transports are coming in!" yelled Darr, "Spotters have aquired numerous targets, an entire company of soldiers.  Move it!"
 
-----------------------
Squall Lionheart
Corporal
*-Raider Squad-*
Fire Team Captain
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +
----------------------
FTC/CPL Squall/3SQD/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR] [EWI] [WM]

Daminga heard a savage yell over his shoulder.  Spinning on his toes he spied a Republic soldier charging him with a bayoneted rifle.  As he reached Daminga, Daminga dropped to one knee planting his own bayoneted rifle on the ground causing the Republic soldier to run into it.  With his free hand Daminga pulled one of his Hieb & Stich knives out of his belt and stuck it into the soldier's back above the exit wound of the bayonet. 

As he pulled out the knife and allowed the body to fall to the ground, Daminga glanced up and looked over the front trench.  New Republic soldiers were swarming all over.  A small group was trying to turn the e-webs around to face the Imperial troops falling back to the second trench. 

Damnit!  They'll be able to shoot shit right down the trench!

Marka had been running behind Daminga toward the second trench.  Now as he was about to pass Daminga, Daminga held up a hand and stopped him in his tracks.  Marka looked down questioningly.  Daminga only pointed to the e-web and as Marka glanced back he knew instantly.  As was Daminga pulling his bayonet out of the corpse of the killed soldier, Marka already had a grenade in his hand.  As he launched his, Daminga was pulling the pin on his and arching his arm back.  Even before either explosion erupted, both of the troopers were running on their way back to the second trench.

The rest of the squad was waiting for them along with a few other Imperial troops.  Daminga glanced over everyone.  They all looked tired or worn in one way or another.

But we'll hold.  We're the best of the best, we're Raiders.

As he was thinking this, the Republic soldiers began firing with more intensely.  Daminga could also hear more thumps from the Republic artillery. 

Over the thunder of battle he could hear Darr yell out, "Alright gentlemen, they're sending more smoke which means more troops.  This is where the fun begins."   

 
-----------------------
Raiders
TRP/PFC Daminga/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath


And when he gets to Heaven,
To Saint Peter he will tell,
"One more soldier reporting sir,
I've served my time in hell."

Darr-Rann shook his head as he surveyed the piles of dead which littered the battlefield. "And this is just the from the probe. We haven't even started the big fighting yet&" He thought to himself, taking out his electrobinoculars and taking a look at the coming forces.

"Troops armed with rifles and riot shields, and some soldiers on speeder bike. Looks like they are starting to get serious now." Said a scouttrooper. Darr-Rann nodded, he could see it himself. "No enemy armor has been spotted yet though, it still seems like they are holding back on the assault forces."

Darr-Rann turned off his binoculars, putting them into his pack. "Whats the status on our forces?" The squad leader asked.

"We lost a fair amount of troops and some of our heavy weapons, but we held up fairly well. More of the troops from the camp are moving up to fill the lines." Darr-Rann nodded. There  would be no point of having the troops waiting in the camp if they could defend the trenches.

"Have some of the men move up and refill those forward trenches that got wiped out." Darr-Rann said. Suddenly blaster fire echoed out. The smell of ozone refilled the air as blaster fire once again filled the battlefield.

"Back to the mindless killing&" Darr-Rann muttered to himself, crouching down so that he had cover by the trenches. "Squall! Daminga! Lay down some fire on those bastards!"

The soldiers opened fire as the republic troops came into range, marching forward with their riot shields held in front  of them. Most of the blaster rifle shots didn't pierce their defenses. The e-webs, however,  tore through the republic lines with ease, overwhelming the shields and mowing down lines.

"There's too many of them" Darr-Rann thought as the waves of enemies advanced towards the trenches&

Sorry for the short post, written during school. I'll try to expand it a bit if I can. Keep up the good writing guys!


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Raiders
SL/CPL Darr-Rann/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath [LoR][CoR]
|FL/PO1_Demonic/Kaph 5/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE| (=*A*=)
CORPORAL
SENIOR CREWMAN
one of few - A vast Empire medic
Read Losses of Vandetta by me and Hellra
Flashmaker

  Kairo was grateful that Phenix had taken it upon himself to keep the moral of the troops in good condition. Time was important in this operation, and Kairo was too busy making sure last preparations were ready to do the task himself. He is filling his position as ASL well, even if he has only had for the past week or so. Jester squad had moved to the front most trench after Kairo decided that the most trained unit should be the first defense. Preparations had just been completed when noises were heard from the tree line a couple of kilometers away from the front trenches. The sound of the rhythmic thunder caused by the footsteps of the Republic force could be faintly heard. Everything grew silent except for the faint breaths of the men around Kairo. The animals in the forest had disappeared, sensing the fight to come. The dull roar grew louder and louder, reaching a level that seemed to fill the air until it finally stopped.

  "Where are they?" Someone asked desperately.

  "Stay calm." Kairo said to the men around him. Whispering to a trooper next to him, Kairo ordered, "Send word along the line to wait until Jester fires the first shot to open fire."

  "Understood, sir." The trooper turned to a comlink and began to relay the orders.

  Pulling out his T-21, Kairo set it on the brink of the trench, while keeping most of his body protected by the ground. Settling into position, he waited. So silent. Why are they waiting at the trees? Maybe they don't know we are here. The trenches aren't visible from the tree line. All they should see are the e-webs. Have they decided this will be the area to attack and have just gone back to report? If they've come this far, why are they waiting? Minutes passed, but the silence wasn't broken. The stillness was oppressive. Nerves began to relax after tensing from the sounds in the forest. Energy left. Minds began to break under the pressure. If this keep up, the men who haven't seen war may break. Is that their plan? Wait until someone breaks and gives away our position.

  Before he could continue to analyze the situation though, a mass of milling soldiers rushed from the cover of the trees. Eyes skimming over the ranks, Kairo counted two companies of soldiers, all carrying riot shields. There was need to whisper his next command to the communications technician. "Once they get halfway, they'll also be in range for grenades. I want the whole line to volley one grenade before they open fire." The Republic force was almost to the mark when Kairo finished his order. I hope that last order gets through in time. The line of Republic soldiers drew nearer and nearer, but Kairo still waited. Distinct shapes appeared. The single force began to distill into singular entities.

  "Sir?" Keef asked urgently.

  As an answer, Kairo pulled out one of his grenades and threw it forward. It would have looked like a single rock blowing in the wind before it was joined the thirty other. Before the grenade even landed in the writhing mass of soldiers, Kairo pulled the trigger on his T-21 and took out his first, but not last, enemy for the day. Gouts of fire and dirt erupted in the middle of the enemy force, sending bodies into the sky and laying flat the surrounding units. Row upon row of soldiers fell beneath the rain of laser fire from the trenches. The field slowly began to fill with blood and bodies, but not enough. Using their riot shields, a few squads were able to break through the fire and reach the first trench. So it begins. Kairo thought as he pulled out a vibroknife and threw it into the helmet of a soldier leaping into the trench.

 
-----------------------
Gunnery Sergeant Kairo
Platoon Commander

PC/GSG Kairo/2PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/Tadat/VEA/VE [CDS][BoA][CoR][BC][CoV]

Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will be victorious in ten thousand battles.
You may forget the past, but it always haunts your future.
Men can die, but a symbol is eternal.

    Phenix threw an enemy soldier over his shoulder and plunged his knife into his chest. As the handful of NR troops began to be purged from the Imperial territory, Phenix let out a few breaths of relief.

    As Phenix looked around to make sure there were no more Republic units, a single enemy soldier shocked him with a knock to the stomach with the butt of his rifle. Phenix fell to his back and kicked the soldier's weapon out of his hands, allowing some time to get back onto his feet. As an initial reaction, Phenix curled a fist and drove it straight into the enemy's face. As the soldier stepped back half a pace, Phenix whipped out his DH-17 pistol and pointed it straight at his face.

    "Please, no! I have a family waiting for me back home! I'll give you anything you want," the NR soldier screamed hysterically. As Phenix twitched his arm, the soldier reacted with a startle, and continued to plead. As Phenix was about to take the face right of the soldier's head, he revealed something that made Phenix think twice...which would not happend often. "I know what's going on with the attack. I...I mean...I'm no General or anything, but I am a part of this whole thing." Phenix twisted the trooper's arm around his back until it snapped, and kneeled down, putting his mouth to the soldier's ear.

    "Take no prisoners," Phenix whispered, reacting to the gasp with a shot to the back of the soldier's head. He let the body fall on its stomach and continued along the trench to Kairo's position. Kairo had just finished some business of his own, concerning an enemy soldier and a hand grenade, when Phenix saluted him and squatted next to him.

    "Minimal casualties sir! We've eradicated the rest of the NR soldiers from our trench, and a follow-up sweep is being done by two of our other soldiers. We're clear to begin setting up again to prepare for the next wave," Phenix reported.

    "Then we'll get ready for the next rush. Find a position and keep yourself down. They already know where our position is, but there's no hurt in keeping as far out of sight as we can," Kairo decided. "Inform the rest of the squad that they will need to position themselves a little closer together so we can provide each other some cover fire. Whatever grenades we have left, deploy them into tight assemblages only. Don't waste them on individual soldiers." With that Kairo proceeded to reload each of his weapons, and Phenix activated his helmet comm and began relaying orders to his squad.

    The sky began to show signs of rain and the troops grew tired and restless. Almost twenty minutes had passed before anyone could be seen around the forest. Troops eventually could be seen setting up simple defenses or preparing their squads for the next attack. Before much longer, the NR troops began to cluster around the edge of the forest. Suddenly, a group of a dozen speeders carrying NR soldiers whipped out of the trees, follwed by the soldiers, causing a sudden consternation among the Imperial defense units.

    Phenix whipped his T-21 onto the edge of the trench and let a barrage of laser-blasts fly from the muzzle. Another volley of firepower dashed out to the speeders, but only a couple of the quick-fired shots connected with a target. Phenix counted twelve definite speeders still making their way inside the wall.

    "Find those speeders! Don't let them past the defenses! Phenix bellowed into the comm. He could hear Kairo's voice not only in the comm, but also only feet away from him. Just as Phenix looked to his right, he saw Kairo unloading his weapons into the field, and Phenix caught a glimpse of a whole division of soldiers sprinting to the perimeter trench. Phenix aimed his T-21 among the crowd and let it rip for all it was worth.

    With the Jesters engaged in the forward trench, the other surrounding Imperial troops were forced to open combat behind them, attempting to take out any troops that may have made it past them on the speeders. Several more voices could be heard around Phenix, as blaster fire began to surround him from every direction. A wall of soldiers made their way into the trench, forcing the whole Jester squad to commit to melee as well as ranged combat. Just as the Imperials began to gain the upper hand, the soldiers from the speeder bikes unloaded themselves into the trench, once again tipping the numbers for the Republic.

-----------------------
Lance Corporal Phenix
Jesters Squad
Storm Platoon
Army of the Vast Empire
TRP/LCPL Phenix/1SQD/2PLT/1COM/1BAT/1REG/VEA/VE [LoR]

"Let me help you tie the rope around your neck..."

Aphamos finally opened his eyes after a few minutes and stood up, stretching his arms.  Did I fall asleep?  He made his way towards his squad leader, Darr-Rann, who was at the front of the line.  Aphamos examined his leader.  His arms were on the wall of the trench, his head down, as if in deep concentration.

"Sir, are you al-" blurted Aphamos, to be cut off by Darr-Rann.

"I'm fine, Private.  Just been thinking about something.  Ah, yes." said Darr-Rann.  He released his hands off the trench wall and backed up.  He took the binoculars off of his belt and peered out into the battlefield again.  "They have stopped retreating."

"What, when did they retreated?" asked Aphamos.

"While you were in beddy-bye land dreaming of unicorns."  Aphamos put his head down, sorry for the necessary break he had taken.  "It's fine Private.  I know what you are going through, I went through the same thing on my very first mission.  Don't give it a thought, the feeling will go away soon."

How can I not give it a thought when it's all that I think about.  Aphamos directed his attention to the battle again.  Everything was quiet.  Not a sound could be heard beside the shuffling of the feet of troopers filling in the gaps in the trenches.  He looked at a Greenie.  He's smiling.  How the hell is he smiling.  Lulled into a false sense of security in training, taught that he is superior to all and that he is invincible.  He thinks that he has come here to fight, to partake in the noblest of causes.  He has come here to die.. 

Aphamos reached to his belt and felt for his binoculars.  I had them just a second ago.  He glanced around the trench floor, looking for them.  He spotted them near the place he sat, and went to pick them up.  He put the lenses to his eyes and looked out at what was only minutes ago a barbaric battle.  He looked at the rebel lines.  When his view met them, he dropped his binoculars, and stood, wide eyed staring at the enemy.  That's more than a company.  And they are still probing?  Five squadrons of troops broke away from the formation, heading straight north towards his squads trench. 

"Load then up boys." said a Sargent.  The bastards are coming."  the stormtroopers in the trench all loaded their rifles in uniformity.  "Latch on bayonets."  The troops attached their weapons of torture to the tip of their rifles, and waited for their signal.  Aphamos remained staring, curious to see how they would handle the situation.  "On my mark.  Three."  The rebel squadrons were still out of range, coming forward very swiftly, as if to break through.  "Two."  They were in range now, aiming their rifles as they came towards the trench.  "One.  MARK!" yelled the Sargent.

A humongous flurry of blaster fire was sent out of the Imperial trench, knocking down two of the five squadrons.  The troops then exited the trench, bayonets held in front of their bodies, mindlessly slashing at anything they could see that moved and wasn't on their side.  Aphamos looked around and saw a stormtrooper shooting at a corpse lying on the ground, and constantly stabbing the body with his bayonet, sending blood all over his armor.  Disgusting, cold hearted bastard.  Reminds me of...me.  He noticed a rebel hiding behind a body, using it as a shield for the shots aimed at him.  Pig.  Filthy scum.  He deserves to die.  Aphamos aimed his rifle at the troopers head and fired two shots, knocking the rebel and his human shield down, now both dead. 

There was only one more squadron of rebel left, which was very easily taken down by the stormtroopers who were in combat.  God, I can't just sit and watch.  We have to do something.  Aphamos approached his squad leader again, this time wanting some answers. 

"Sir, what is our next move?" asked Aphamos.  He looked back out a the battle that had quieted down again.  He saw as three of the stormtroopers were picked off by rebel snipers, as if the shots were coming from the sky, no one being spotted as the real shooter.  Things just seem to be going perfectly for them.  Darr-Rann still didn't answer.  He had been doing this very often lately, but Aphamos let it pass, knowing that his squad leader always had an answer.  Always.

"Our next more..." said Darr-Rann, "is to wait and see what they do, when this damn probe is going to stop.  If it ever stops..."

Haven't they already found all of the information they need about the damn area.  There are trenches, and there is a damn good stormtrooper army ready to cut them down one by one when they get close enough.  What else is there to know?.  Aphamos chuckled at the thought and turned around.  Stormtrooper reinforcements were slowly coming, running troopers littering the battlefield, approaching the trench.  Hmm, wonder what going on at the city.  Aphamos put on his binoculars again and looked out at the enemy position.  Three more squads had broken away were approaching their trench.

"This one is for the Raiders.  Daminga, Marka, Squall, Sorica, Tallanvor, Aphamos, load up your rifles and attach your bayonets.  Fire on my mark, and leave on my mark, do you understand?"  The squad members nodded in agreement, reading their guns on the trench wall and aiming them at the heads of the rebels.  Aphamos aimed his gun at the head of a soldier approaching his position, noticing his characteristics.  Another child. 

"MARK!" yelled Darr-Rann, giving the signal to the squad to fire.  Aphamos pulled the trigger on his standard issue E-11 blaster rifle, sending the rebel trooper to hell, where all rebel troopers go.  One thing they made sure to teach him at training.  "MARK!" yelled Darr-Rann for a second time, this time giving the squad exit the trenches for hand to hand combat.  The battlefield was like a maze and a game; touch a corpse or get killed and you loose.  Aphamos climbed out of the trench and chose a target, springing towards his while knocking down enemies who were in the way.  He was in range of his enemy, and out of sheer instinct, threw his weapon, bayonet tip first at the neck of the rebel.  Oh, SHIT.  The blade hit his neck, piercing the troops esophagus, sending him in for a quick and rather painless death.

Aphamos dived to the ground to avoid enemy fire and crawled to his rifle, grabbing it and standing up again.  He scanned the field for more enemies.  A  shot whizzed past the side of his head.  DAMN, SNIPERS.  He immediately started to strafe side to side when he saw Darr-Rann's signal to return back to the trench. 

He returned back to the trench and sat down for a moment, recalling all the people he had slaughtered.  He sighed.  This isn't healthy.  He continued to sit there for a few more minutes, neither of the forces making a move.  He stood up and looked through is binoculars to the rebel side.  Nothing.  No movement whatsoever.  Guess they are taking a break.  He noticeed Darr-Rann relode his rifle, sling it onto his shoulder, and exit the trench, heading towards the south, the rest of the squad following him.

Aphamos exited the trench and ran to the squad leader.  "Sir, we need to advance further, this is our chan-" said Aphamos.  He was again cut off by Darr-Rann.

"We're going back to the city Private."

"What, the city, why?  The battle is up here Sir." said Aphamos.

"I'm afraid that has changed son.  Intelligence has informed he that at least three squadrons of troopers have broken into the cities defenses.  We will rally with Jester Squad and quell the break in."

Damn intelligence.  These men are going to die.  "But Sir, our assistance is needed more in this area.  Jester can take care of the city." argued Aphamos, but Darr-Rann kept running. 

Fine, we go to the city, and we loose this front, they advance, and we loose the battle Aphamos thought to himself, but deep down, he knew that his squad leader new what he was doing. 



-----------------------
War is cruelty. There's no use trying to reform it, the crueler it is the sooner it will be over.
--William Tecumseh Sherman--

"I trust you have no other turncoats in control of important sectors" Raziel whispered in an unnervingly calm tone of voice. He stood only inches away from one of the Devaronian generals who had gathered in the war room to monitor the situation in montellian Serat. The Devaronian female stood to her full height over Raziel and barred her predatory teeth.
"Officer, you are dismessed," President Vandae said from across the room. The Devish female looked into Raziels eyes for a moment longer before her gaze began to crack. Defeated she turned away from Raziel and left the room.
"How goes the overall situation?" Raziel asked.
"Well the Republic forces had been pulling back, we expected them to gather for a night time prode to test our defences in the dark, but now they're surging forwards again at the east and west sides, both of which are now undermanned."
"Right I had planned to save this one for main attack, but i think we have no choice . . ."



Back at the west and east walls:


There was a loud crash behind the city walls. A devaronian soldier in the treches turned just in time to see glass falling from the front of most of the tall buildings along the city border.
"Damn, the bastards have no respect they've started artillery."
"No, look!" his superior shouted.
The soldier had to bring his hand up to shield his eyes suddenly as something bright appeared where the windows had previously been and burned his retina. After a moment he looked back between the fingers of his hands. The evening sun had been reflecting off what appeared to be a highly polished satellite dish.
Without warning a sustained laser cannon beam lashed out from the sky scraper, over the heads of the defenders and carved a path through the advancing Republic forces. Across the whole eastern and western fronts similar weapons began discharging their power supplies, first of all filling in any trenches the Republic had taken, turning them into graves, then going to work on any troops on the open.
A moment later and there were thuds from behind the walls. Flares passed over the trenches and illuminated the grounds north of the walls in preparation of the growing darkness.


(OOC: assume its now getting dark and the sun will set soon. The walls you had to abandon are safe for now)
 
-----------------------
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +
PL:A/CPT/Raziel/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE/{EW1} (WoS1) 2x(VP:1) {IG} {CDS} {BoA} {PoC} {BC} {GRoM} {SoS} {IH}
Assistant Squad Leader - Raiders
"Computer games don't affect kids; I mean if Pac-Man affected us as kids, we'd all be running around in darkened rooms, munching magic pills and listening to repetitive electronic music." Kristian Wilson, Nintendo, Inc, 1989.

"God does not play dice with the universe" - Albert Einstein
"Who are you to tell God what to do with his dice?" - Bohr
"God does not play dice with the universe. He plays an ineffable game of His own devising, which might be compared, from the perspective of any of the other players [i.e. everybody], to being involved in an obscure and complex variant of poker in a pitch-dark room, with blank cards, for infinite stakes, with a Dealer who won't tell you the rules, and who smiles all the time." - Terry Pratchett
CM/DJK Raziel/lion 1-5/Krath/VEDJ/VE (WoS1) (VP1) (VP2)

Aphamos heard Darr-Rann's order and immediately tossed his explosive at the oncoming squadron of troopers.  The corpses flew back and scattered the alleyway, even further dirtying the roads.  The grenades did absolutly nothing to the troops except sending them flying fifteen feet away, for the rebels themselves were already dead because of rifle fire.  More grenades wasted.  We can't keep going on like this.  They have all the equipment and we are running at a minimal supply already.  We need to get this done as swiftly and as quickly.  The way we do it best. 

"Troopers, stay down and continue down the alleyway." said Darr-Rann, searching the area for more snipers.  "If we come across any enemies, Squall, Tallanvor, Sorica, you provide cover fire.  Daminga, Marka, Aphamos, you will go in for hand-to-hand combat.  Expect a challenge this time; their troops obviously have some sort of experience.  Not every soldier can break through the Empire like they did."

The Raiders and Jester Squad made their way down the quiet alleyway.  It seems as if everywhere we go turns into a morgue after a few minutes.  Aphamos gazed around the area.  It was dark; the sun had already set, the scent of death making its way into the atmosphere, about to be accompanied by many other disgusting smells.  They needed to get there fast: the two squads were jumbled together, and a grenade could easily take them both out.

Darr-Rann immediately raised his hand, giving the signal for them to stop.  Squall, Tallanvor, and Sorica raised their guns, scanning their surroundings for any enemies.  Aphamos's entire body was shaking.  He hated the dark; it was harder to kill.  He searched the area with his eyes, glancing to one side, another, then back at the first to see if he could find an enemy.  One.  Let me kill one and I will be okay.  He was panicking, the one thing that would even get close to his downfall.  His one weakness.

Footsteps were coming from all directions.  Behind them, to the right, in front of them, to the left, to the right again.  Aphamos couldn't tell if it was an entire squad, a few troopers, or those damn snipers.  He pulled his night vision goggles off of his belt.  He couldn't hold them still because of his hand.  He could feel them coming closer, creeping towards them like some sort of liquid, fitting through every corner, every nook, until they had their shot.  That one shot that would disrupt everything; break the silence, break the lines, spread the panic, cause the death.  All from one single shot.

Almost instantly, a shot whizzed past Aphamos's head, bringing him back to the real.  He dived to the ground behind a rock, narrowly missing two other shots.

"SNIPERS TO THE LEFT!  TAKE COVER!" yelled Kairo.  The stormtroopers took cover behind whatever they saw that would protect them from the fire.  After a flurry of shots, each missing their targets, it became quiet again, but not the quiet that it was before.  A different type, the waiting; the watching type of silence.  Some stupid snipers they have.  They call these idiots experienced.  This shouldn't take time at all. 

Darr-Rann raised three fingers and started to bring them down one by one.  The squad knew what this meant; their leader was giving them the countdown to fire.  Three, two, one, MARK.  Aphamos spun out of his cover and aimed at the building that was in front of him at this point.  He couldn't see anyone there, no movement whatsoever in the tower.  Aphamos continued to stare in that direction, waiting for something, anything for him to fire at, but nothing would happen.

Oh shit

"GRENADE, MOVE MOVE MOVE!" yelled Aphamos as he dove to the side and put this hand over his head.  The ground shook, having small debris and dust falling from the building above them.  He got up and sprinted to Darr-Rann's cover. 

He looked over at his squad leader.  Aphamos couldn't sense the worry that Darr-Rann had carried with him; he was caught up in the heat of battle.  Aphamos took out his binoculars and looked at the rebel encampments.  Tents.  They brought tents.  He looked around for the turret locations.  They were located at all the corners, two directly facing the position of the squad.  Unmanned.  The way an e-web should be.

Aphamos placed his goggles back onto his belt and looked up again.  Three rebels were appraching their position.  They were armed with pistols, silently whispering to each other as they were walking. 

"Wait until they get in range, then hit them and finish them quickly and quietly." said Darr-Rann.  Aphamos nodded and looked back to the rebels.  He pulled out his Hieb & Stich knife and stared at the blade.  It will be red soon.

He stared back at the rebels.  They were now in range, still talking to each other.  Perfection.  Perfection.  I need perfection.  NOW.  He spun out of his cover and sprinted towards the first rebel. 

"What he hel-" said the rebel, who wasn't able to finish his sentence.  Moments later, Aphamos's knife was in the soldier's heart,  the sound of the enemy gurgling blood breaking the silence.  Aphamos turned to the second rebel, dodging two more shots and planting his knife into the troopers throat.  Before the rebel could hit the ground, Aphamos pulled out a throwing knife and sent it spinning towards the last rebel, planting itself in his heart. 

Aphamos sighed and made his way back to Darr-Rann.  I thought that this one would be mildly amusing.  Guess not.  He crouched under the cover, and pulled his binoculars off his belt again, putting them to his eyes.

"Sir, the camp is very close to our position.  There are two e-webs facing us, unmanned.  The rest of the camp is filled with tents and a few scouts around the area.  It looks like they are asleep."

"Private, this is our one chance." said Darr-Rann.  "We have to make it here and now.  If we wait, we will either run out of supplies or get eaten alive by the snipers.  We have to make the first move and to make it now."

"We can't just run in there Sir.  That's suicide."

"I'm not saying that we run in there like bumbling idiots Private.  I'm saying that we run now and secure a position as close as we possibly can to the encampment, and decide our plan there."

The squad leader raised his hand again, this time for another purpose.  He gave the countdown once more.  Three, two, one, MARK!.  The stormtroopers immediately sprung out of their hiding spots and sprinted as fast as they could to the furthest position up.  The squads arrived there and took cover once more, waiting for orders.  Aphamos ran to Darr-Rann.

Darr-Rann pulled his night vision goggles from his belt and looked out at the rebel "base".  Aphamos followed suite, doing the asme and observing the camp for a second time.  Nothing.  They have absolutly nothing that will help them prevail through the battle.  No awesome weapon or anything along those lines.  This really meant the exact opposite of what it looked like.  They have a plan.  They always do.

"Sir, what do we do from here?"

"I feel like seeing some fireworks Private." said the squad leader. 

Aphamos smiled.  He knew exactly what this meant.


-----------------------
Raiders

War is cruelty. There's no use trying to reform it, the crueler it is the sooner it will be over.
--William Tecumseh Sherman--

The rebel base was taken with speed and efficiency. The squads had split into three fire teams, sneaking in to the midst of the rebels and eliminating the watch before the NR soldiers even knew what was going on. Working from the outside in, they cleared out most of the soldiers before they had been noticed. A short and pointless firefight erupted following this, as the stormtroopers had them flanked from three sides.

Darr-Rann turned to Kairo. "Did you guys find leave any survivors?" He asked, putting a new blaster pack into his A280.

"Nope. I take it you didn't either." Kairo responded, kicking at a rebel who lay at their feet near the center of the camp. "I guess we should move on to taking back the base now."

Once they had prepared their weapons, the two squads set off, running down towards the walls, to the captured base placed in the center. Eventually they reached the encampment.

"Shit& Darr-Rann thought to himself. They had gotten past the automated turrets and, by the looks of it, killed all of the guard  they had stationed there. The squad leader could smell the stench of burning flesh, drawing his attention to a burning corpse laying a short distance from the camp. What he saw filled him with rage.


"A medic& They killed our medics&" He muttered to himself, now quivering with the anger that had filled his body. "Unarmed medical teams, murdered!" He screamed angrily. Luckily for him, he had not activated the vocals of his helmet, so it was muffled out and could not be heard by the NR troops which stood in base, talking among themselves. Suddenly Darr-Rann noticed something. A shadow, against a wall of one of the tents, which appeared to be a man with his hands on the back of his head, crouched low.

"Dammit, Kairo, it looks like there may be prisoners after all." Darr-Rann said. He thought long for a moment, then spoke up again. "I have a plan. You guys get ready to assault the base from either side. When I give the signal, go. I'll be attempting to sneak in a free the prisoners."

Kairo nodded, accepting it. It was a dangerous plan, but not taking action could mean the lives of the people who had been taken prisoner. Kairo explained the plan to the others, splitting the squads into two separate grounds, one lead by himself, the other by Marka. Darr-Rann nodded to them and everyone started to move.

Darr-Rann crept up to the tent, were he heard one of the republic soldiers talking. "Yeah, these guys aren't going anywere. Go see whats going on with the other camp." Darr-Rann nearly laughed. It was a lucky day when one of the guards actually made it easier for him.

Taking out his vibrodagger, he plunged the blade into the tent and pulled it back quickly, leaving a small hole. Drawing his mynock silenced pistol, he sighted over it and put the end of the barrel through the hole. Firing off a shot, he silently killed the republic soldier, who was sitting facing the other direction. Admiring his work, he holstered the weapon. Putting his hands in the hole, he tore the tent until the gap was large enough for him to climb in.

"Alright guys, I'm in. Go, go!" he said, taking out his vibrodagger and slicing the handcuffs which held one of three men who were crouched down and cuffed behind the back. He heard the sound of firing outside.

"Thank you. I thought they were going to kill me there." The first man he freed said gratefully. Before Darr-Rann could silence him, a voice rang out over the sounds of the fight.

"SOMEONE IS FREEING THE PRISONERS!" Someone bellowed, and the sound of rapid footsteps reached the tent. Cursing, Darr-Rann threw himself into a roll, crouching in wait. Suddenly two soldiers stormed in, an officer behind them. Thinking quickly, he grabbed the officer and placed a gun to his head.

"Drop your guns or he's dead." He said, pressing the barrel hard into the man's head to for effect. They complied, and, at his direction, walked outside. Most of the republic soldiers had been killed by the stormtroopers. When the survivors saw their commander with a gun to his head, they dropped their weapons as well.

"Sir." Darr-Rann said to Raziel via comlink. "We've secured the city, awaiting future orders."

Sorry I had to rush it, but today is deadline day.

 
-----------------------
Raiders
SL/CPL Darr-Rann/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath [LoR][CoR]
|FL/PO1_Demonic/Kaph 5/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE| (=*A*=)
CORPORAL
SENIOR CREWMAN
one of few - A vast Empire medic
Read Losses of Vandetta by me and Hellra
Flashmaker

A small group of officers were waiting for the Dragoons as the patrol boat sped into the port. They had encountered very few enemies upon their path and had sustained very little damage.

"Glad to see you made it here safely." One of the men said, shaking Zafo's outstretched hand. "My name is Jabus Krang, head of the Imperial forces assisting you on this mission.

Zafo introduced the man the rest of the squad.

"So, what's this mission all about, we haven't been briefed yet." Zafo inquired as Jabus lead the squad away from the small port.

"There is a enemy encampment about five miles north of here. They're communications have been temporarily disabled, so a surprise attack will cripple and distract them as we move the mobile artillery within firing range of their encampments." Jabus explained, taking the Dragoons into a warehouse of sorts.

The room was dark upon entering and a slight draft indicated that it must have been a relatively large space. When Jabus pulled the light switch, only three lit up while another flickered on and off. Sitting upon the gravel in front of them were eight brand new 74-Z speeder bikes.

"No way..." Zafo let out excitedly.

"Yup," Jabus answered with a smile. "Just got them in a couple days ago. They've never been used."

Zafo walked up to the bike closest to him. He ran his hand along the smooth metal plating yet to be damaged or scratched.

"We'll brake 'em in for you." Zafo said with a childish grin.

"Oh, I'm sure you will." Replied a chuckling Jabus. "Now, you guys better rearm and get out there. There's no time to sit around and rest. Just follow the road to your right; it should bring you straight to the northern gate. I've got matters to attend to. Good luck, soldiers."

With that Jabus left the tattered warehouse to unknown locations. The squad took a couple of minutes to reload their ammunition and supplies. They were able to take a little extra, thanks to the small holding compartments on the 74-Zs. Once the squad was ready for departure, the booted up the fleet of bikes. The harmonious hum grew louder as the Squad slowly made it's way out of the warehouse and began cruising down the street. Zafo hoped the squad was comfortable with using the bikes. Not all soldiers were particularly proficient with vehicles.

Increasing their velocity, the squad sped over to the northern gate that would lead them to the battlefield beyond...

(OCC: Just like Kairo, just passing through.)
 
-----------------------
~ZaFo
*DarkDragoons
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +
SL/SSG ZaFo/2SQD/1PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [BC] [EW2]
~Keep on Rocking in the Free World

    The squad continued to walk on toward the western trench defense points. Lukas was on point and Virius was second in line of their tactical column. Virius started to walk slower and fell back to talk to Slick.
    "I got in touch with the Devaronian taskforce and their commander said that they would be meeting us one click east of the defense point, so we can plan what our course of action will be next," Virius informed his squad leader.
    "Good work, I will inform the rest of the squad, so we don't shoot any of the taskforce members," Slick responded opening the comm. to the Wraith frequency. "Hey guys, we just got word that the Devaronian taskforce that is going to help us will be meeting us one click before we reach the western defenses so confirm your targets before firing, out."
    Slick nodded to Virius before taking a quick check of the area and looking back at Virius who was looking north toward an evacuated urban housing area. "Ah the good ol, days of living life in luxury and not worrying too much about war," Virius said sighing under his helmet.
    "Well the city did just get attacked, remember," Slick said looking off at the area toward which fighting broke out.
    "Yeah, I know, but they do live in almost a totally safe area, with having a government to evacuate its people and not having to worry about their assets because of an agreement to not use artillery in the area, also being surrounded by Imperials and the Devaronian military," Virius said returning his gaze to Slick.
    "Well, we are here to protect that luxury, and get rid of the scum like Sergeant Varshal'Mansh who side with one view and then use their authority and knowledge to turn on their own people," Slick responded.
    "Yeah, that is one of my most important ideals, loyalty, its needed for the universe to survive otherwise there is just chaos and backstabbing," Virius said looking into the sky.
    There was a short silence until Virius realized and said, "Well I am going to get back up next to point, I will inform you when we spot the Devaronian taskforce."
    "Affirmative," Slick said watching as Virius nodded once in confirmation then jogging up to the front of the squad.
    The squad walked on across the contested city, avoiding troop concentrated areas and came across the Devaronians just jumping out of two imperial LAATs. Lukas spotted the LAATs lifting off and signaled for the squad to hold up as Virius and him checked out the activity. After confirming that it was the force that they would be working with, Slick headed up to the taskforce leader.
    The leader of the taskforce was a Devaronian lieutenant by the name of Hak'Ta Don. Slick conversed with the lieutenant and went over the plan with him. Slick and Lt. Don finished creating an effective plan and explained it to the group of Wraith/Loyalist force; Slick sent a briefing to all of the force's HUDs:

    We have split up the areas into six quadrants:



    Quadrant Alpha, which is the most northern part of the defense area, contains the northwestern forward and rear trenches (which are more fortified with plastacreet bunkers and machine gun nests).
    Quadrants Bravo and Charlie are the same as quadrant alpha in the means of trench layout.
    Quadrant Delta is mostly just open field and in the northeastern edge, forested area.
    Quadrant Echo contains the HQ for the defense forces in the area, which is a compound with a connecting underground tunnel to a secondary defense compound in quadrant Foxtrot. The compound contains the command force for the area and also has basic supply needs.
    Quadrant Foxtrot contains the secondary defense compound for the southern end of the defense trenches it has basic supply needs and mess facilities.
    The Devaronians led by Lieutenant Don will converge on quadrants Bravo, Charlie, and Foxtrot, they will search the area covertly for Sergeant Mansh, Wraith will do the same in quadrants Alpha, Delta, and Echo. When the sergeant is captured, call it in and bring him back to the main compound in Echo quadrant. Once there we will move onto our next target.

    "Is everyone clear," Slick asked to the force.
    All the Wraiths and Devaronians nodded in unison. "Okay then lets move out," Lt. Don said motioning his hand into the signal to move out. Everyone stood up and moved toward their objectives.
 
-----------------------
Staff Sergeant
Frank "Virius" Carter
Combat Slicer
-=Wraith Squad=-
FTL/SSG Virius/4SQD/1PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE[LoR] [ES1] [WM]

"Dandra'Fae's next"
Slick was busy checking through his HUD display, and just noticed Virius nodding in the corner, while handcuffing their last victim.

"Its weird you know, i always expected we would be the rebel's job to capture our men, not ours" Said Kanderin, while looking through the security panels at the sergeants desk panels for activity downstairs that might hinder them.
"So did I" muttered the marshal, sparking a slap across the head from Virius.

"All clear guys, but might not be like that for much longer" Kanderin explained over his shoulder. Slick nodded in agreement and signalled the squad to follow him. It was now even more important that they stayed out of sight, being spotted with one of the allied sergeants under arrest might spark even more fighting in this already filled war. Kanderin and Arnaut kept ahead of the pack, playing almost a special forces version of leapfrog, making sure that the path ahead kept clear. Kanderin would peek out from a corner of a building, and then signal to Arnaut, who would do the same at a building a few meters ahead. He would then signal back to Kanderin, and it would carry on for however long they need it to.

"Slick, how far is it to the city centre?" panted Leth, struggling to keep up with the almost-running slick.
"Depends where she is really, if shes in the outskirts near us its about a mile, but if shes the opposite side of the centre, more like three"
Leth goaned and sunk back to his spot next to Lukas at the back of the pack, who laughed and patted Leth on the back.

They did'nt even make it to the city centre before they noticed a huge crowd gathered near a building roughly a hudnred metres south of them. Kanderin was the one that spotted it, and isntinctively turned round to Snipes and whsitled, signalling him over. Snipes finsihed his conversation with Slick and ran silently over to Kanderin, stopping by his side.

"What do you think that is over there?" Kanderin asked, pointing a thumb at the crowd. Snipes reacted with a puzzled expression on his face, and pulled a pair of binoculars out of his trouser leg.
"Looks like a group of media, there filming an interview with someone" Snipes zoomed the binoculars in further" Typical, its Dandra"

Snipes got up from Kanderins side and signalled the rest of the squad to follow him to Slick, where they huddled together and thought about what the plan was.
"We cant just go in pointing our guns at her, especially with all those tv cameras about" mentioned Lukas grimly.
"Exactly, we need to get her away from that group" said Slick
"And were going to do that how?"
"I've got an idea guys" said Arnaut, signalling everyone to come closer." Kanderin, pass me that bag...."

Kanderin knew something was going on that he would not like,  the moment Arnaut threw those clothes at him from the bag. He was now marching down the road towards the tv crews, wearing a typical Devaronian soldier uniform. He quietely cursed at the uniform while slapping his arm, the damn thing was itchy in every possible place. Anyway, there was no time to complain, he was just reaching the edges of the crowd. Dandra was droning away, talking about the state of the war at the moment, but Kanderins voice suddenly engulfed all the rest, calling her name.

"Ms Fae! Rebels have been spotted on the city outskirts, a battle is about to begin. Ive been ordered by the Corporal to take you to safety!"
Dandra stroked her chin for a moment and pondered, before responding -
"What Corporal would that be"
'Damn' thought Kanderin, he had'nt thought about that. He quickly reacted with the first name to came to mind.
"Draken ms! Corporal Draken!"
He crossed his fingers behind his back while waiting for her reply.
"Yes ok, il come right away"
Kanderin gasped a sigh of relief, and waited for Dandra to appear by his side, before beginning the march back to the squad. They walked in silence, making Kanderin nervous. Maybe she was having second thoughts? The place he had to take her was only another ten meters away, it would be over soon. And he'd be able to take off this damn uniform.

Once Kanderin could almost feel the squads breath on his neck, he slowly came to a halt, allowing Dandra to get ahead. He stood for a second watching her, before two hands firmly gripped her and dragged her out of the crowds sight, with one hand over her mouth to stop her screaming. Once she was out of sight, Slick pinned her against the wall and the squad again pointed their guns at her head.
Same as last time
"Ms Fae you are hereby arrested on suspicion of assisting the Devaronian rebels, you are to come with us.
The shock from this meant she was unable to move or speak, and simply blinked in reply to Slick.

"That went better then expected, good job by the way Kanderin. No time to waste though, Kanderin get your armour back on, we'll take these two back to the soldiers outside and then march on towards target number three." Ordered Slick

-----------------------
Private First Class Kanderin Draken
-=Wraith Squad=-
Wraith Squad Motto: When staring in the face of death we see our reflection

Now! This is it! Now is the time to choose! Die and be free of pain, or live and fight your sorrow! Now is the time to shape your stories! Your fate is in your hands! - Auron, FF X