Aphamos' eyes shot open as he shot up, breathing heavily.  He squinted from the lights that illuminated his untidy room, the palm of his right hand naturally reaching up to massage his face.  Where the hell am I?  Turing to his right, he stared at the time, closing his eyes again and cursing to himself.  He looked around, trying to trace his mind for what had happened the night before, what he had done, where he had been.  After a few moments, he stopped digging, deciding to himself that he didn't even want to know what had happened.  He slowly came to his feet, stretching out his arms as a shiver went down his spine.  A thin layer of perspiration coated his body, his slumber being another rough one with more of the usual tossing and turning. 

He walked to the bathroom, hopping into the shower and turning the knob, the cool water emerging from the showerhead.  The cold water stunned him for a moment, each drop numbing his skin further and further.  He finally grew accustom to the water as he rid himself of filth on his entire body.  It felt like much more then dirt, he was getting rid of something else inside of him, something that he couldn't feel or truly realize.  He slowed down his breathing, taking deeper breaths as his heart rate lowered and calmed his entire body down.  Closing his eyes for a third time, he delved deeper this time, trying to solve the enigma of the previous night.  Six-hundred credits say that you were drunk and got in a fight.  Just hope you didn't kill anyone.

Stepping out of the shower, Aphamos dried himself off and looked to the corner of his mirror, seeing his clock there.  He deciphered the time, hurrying himself up so that he could get to his squad leader, Darr-Rann, for the start of the week report.  He picked up the razor, staring at it for a moment, and then putting it down, touching his face with his hand.  Meh, it's good enough.  He stepped out of the bathroom, slipping into his newly laundered uniform, quickly polishing his medals before he stepped out of the door and into the beginnings of another challenge.

--------------

Aphamos came to a stop in front of Darr-Rann's office, pressing the open button on the command pad next to the door.  The entrance slowly hissed open, Darr-Rann's eyes moving up from his datapad to meet his guest.  Aphamos saluted, the squad leader returning his salute and pointing to the seat in front of him.

"Good morning, Sir," said Aphamos.  "So what's the latest news?"

"A new mission," said Darr-Rann, standing up and straightening out his uniform.  He headed towards the door, picking up a few things before he exited.  "Follow me."

The two men headed towards the briefing room, Aphamos surprised by the fact that the squad had already assembled there.  He eyed each of the members, glad to have them all back together again.  Looks like everyone is here in one piece.  Let's get started again.  He looked over to Darr-Rann, his squad leader typing in some commands into his datapad.

"So how's everyone doing?" asked Aphamos.  A murmur of answers spread throughout the room, a series of shrugs and nods coming to an end.  He looked over at the two new members of the squad, Mak'Tur Josu and Al' Zhen, who were in their own side conversation.  Just give them time.

"Alright," said Darr-Rann, hitting the last few buttons as a projection emerged from the center of the table, the lights of the room dimming.  It was an image of a snow environment, the hologram changing views from picture to another.  "You ladies have been on vacation long enough and its time for another mission, which is why I've thought up of this one."  The squad members eyed one another, a singular thought on all of their minds.  Vacation?  Since when?

"This new mission will be on new turf, and will be a simulation," said the squad leader. An air of reassurance spread throughout the room, all of the squad members getting a bit more comfortable in their chairs.  "Oh, don't lie back already, let me finish.  This mission will take place in a frozen climate, one with snow and all.  Lets try to refrain from the snow angels, though, because you will probably die."  Aphamos smiled, Darr-Rann's humor never ceasing to amuse him.

"We will be in snowtrooper armor for this mission, but other then that, you will be armed with your choice of rifle, three fragmentation grenades, and one explosive pack per trooper."  Aphamos smirked at the thought of more explosives, his previous missions giving him plenty of experience with them.  "Now, the mission itself is quite basic.  We will start at an Imperial base in the midst of a battle with a large fleet of rebels who have taken ten Imperial men hostage.  These ten men are crucial in order for the Empire's latest weapon to become finalized and mass produced.  We will have to infiltrate a series of rebel bases, take the hostages, and meet at rendezvous point Alpha with all ten people in order for the mission to be a success."  He paused for a moment, letting all the information sink in, the new troopers both giving him a dazed looks.

"Any questions?" asked Darr-Rann, Al' Zhen raising his hand.  Darr-Rann stared at him for a moment, and then continued.  "No?  Well then, follow me."

The squad entered the simulation chamber, Aphamos entering his specific chamber, closing his eyes as the simulation device lowered down onto his head.  He didn't shiver this time, his countless simulations finally setting in.  Perfection, perfection, perfection.

--------------

Aphamos opened his eyes, an ache triggering behind his eyes from the change in light.  The area around him was all white with snow, troopers running back and forth.  He stood up, looking around for the rest of his squad when he saw a small spec in the distance get larger and larger until it landed next to him.  Great way to start off.  He dove to the left as the ground next to him exploded, pushing him back even further.  He got up, firing his blaster into the air, not paying any attention to the battle that was raging where he stood.  Best get started then&

(OOC:  There you have it folks, a new story.  Enjoy)

-----------------------
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--

(k don't frag me it's my first army post :P and I am winging how simulations work)

He had been debriefed by the quartermaster while receiving his gear that his unit had begun simulation training. He was ordered to proceed to Raider's barracks and change into his new armor, entering the door the smell of sweat, dirty clothes and alcohol assaulted his nose. This one has some work cut out for him Preditor thought placing everything on one of the beds and changing.

The large Barabel felt somewhat awkward in his armor, it had been tailor made to fit his large frame and reptilian head but there was still one thing that they hadn't covered yet. Though the quartermaster promised that something would be issued shortly as his kind were few and far between in the Imperial forces, Preditor's muscular black tail was in contrast to the white. Looking at his datapad he found the simulations room and proceeded there.

Rounding the corner the Barabel almost tripped over a mouse droid, hissing he slapped his tail on the ground showing his anger. But it all seemed forgotten as he turned to his left and the door read Simulation Room. Placing his id card up to the door it hissed open and he stepped in. Upon closure the room went into darkness and shimmered slightly, a voice spoke into his helmet com, "Please choose your armament at the table by the door."

Stepping back Preditor selected an E-11 heavy repeating blaster, three frag grenades and package of explosives. Returning to the center of the room the voice spoke again "Commencing Simulation integration in 3&2&.1" and the room shivered. Cold air splashed against his armor, being cold blooded his tail wasn't effected. Looking at his surroundings Preditor saw he was in a gunship heading for an Imperial base, explosions and blaster bolts laced near the ground as the transport dropped altitude.

Automatically his headset tuned into Raider's frequency, and stepping out into the snow he saw someone waving him towards them. Running closer towards the others he was ducking down and approached the Sergeant. "This one reporting for the hunt" he said standing up to his full height and clutching the E-11 with one hand. "Good God, you're a big one" someone commented and he turned his head towards the speaker and nodded.

"I've been expecting you Preditor, welcome to Raiders, we'll do the introductions later" The Sergeant gave a quick run down of the simulation and their objective.

 
-----------------------
TRP/PFC Preditor/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath
AKA:
EFM/CPO/Cyleaf Aehait/Kaph 2-6/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=*A*=)(=*SA*=)[BWC]

Darr-Rann slung his Blaster Shotgun over his back, then picked up an E-11 from a nearby case, grabbing a ten blaster packs and four extra gas cylinders. He stuck a pair of the packs onto his armour with tape and stowed the rest into his equipment pack. He then picked up a belt of grenades, clipping it onto his armor. Finally hey picked up his omni-node set, which he had put in a pack to keep warm.

"Aphamos, Josu, each of you get a Sniper rifle  Good and heavy, we could see some long range combat here, make sure to take some extra clips." Darr-Rann said, to the still-packing troopers,  "Daminga, Rogue, your muling ammunition, blaster energy packs, grenades, equipment, and a few extra pistols.

"Squall, Preditor, take whatever kit you need for your work, plus some explosives. You never know when we'll need to blast a solid-durasteel door down. Get a move on everyone, I want us ready to take off in three minutes." He finished, watching the troops pack. The squad was working with efficiency. Darr-Rann opened up the door and headed towards the launch area. Multiple LAATi dropships were sitting in the area, four of which were already online and ready to take off. He looked back to the armour to see his troops heading out towards him. Additionally, out of a nearby barracks, seven or so squads of VIASF-Soldiers were heading their way as well.

VIASF stood for Vast Imperial Army Special Forces  Or, as they were known to a few in the Corps, "Sub-Stormtroopers". The VIASF was the highest caliber of soldiers the Vast Imperial Army possessed, lower in stormtroopers in equipment and training, but still a reasonably skilled unit. Many of them were troops who had just missed becoming stormtroopers, or those who wanted to build some experience before becoming members of the corps. Sometimes the troops served as backup to stormtrooper squads, as they would on this mission.

They were equipped with a special forces armor which lacked the stormtrooper armor's unique appearance and technological superiority. They carried E-11 and A280s.

Raiders Squad collected just before the VIASF arrived at their position. Every one of the Special Forces saluted  Stormtroopers, even when at lower ranks, were given a higher position then lower sections. A private in the corps could command a squad of VIASF, if the situation merited it.

"Alright." Darr-Rann said, "We're heading towards the enemy base VIA LAATI to rescue the hostage officers. We dont have a lot of intel on the area, so we're mostly going to be winging it. Each LAAT will hold two squads, four dropships in total. They will land at different points around the facility and we'll sneak in, locate the hostages, and bring them home. If possible, we're to cause as much damage to their defenses as we can." Hey surveyed the teams for a moment.

"Alright, get on board!"

----------------------------------------------------------

Darr-Rann, the Raiders, and one of the VIASF-Soldier squads sat in the LAAT, watching the screen mounted at the end of the passenger area. They were passing over one of the battlefields, and the flight was fairly rough. Suddenly the LAAT began to shake at an intense degree.

"Pilot, status!" Darr-Rann yelled up to the front.

"We're taking some minor hits, I'm going to try and build some altitude." The pilot said, turning back momentarily to look through the open entrance. Suddenly the LAAT's radio cackled to life.

"Oh shit, anti-air tanks below. Squadron, break up and evade!" Another pilot's voice echoed out, and the LAAT suddenly strafed to the fight. The shaking grew more intense, then suddenly flames broke out in the cockpit of the LAAT.

"We're hit bad, I'm going to try and bring her down!" The Pilot yelled, dipping the vehicle. Darr-Rann watched as on screen, one of the LAATs took a powerful burst of energy directly to the hull and exploded into a burning piece of scrap, before it was lost in their cameras angle.

The ground grew closer...
 
-----------------------
Raiders
SL/SGT_Darr-Rann/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath [LoR][CoR]
|EXO/WO2_Demonic/Kaph 2/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE| (=*A*=)(=*SA*=)(=*ee*=)(VC:B)(MC2)(VEB)(DSM)[BWC]{O1}-=TOP PILOT=-
SERGEANT
WARRANT OFFICER, 2ND CLASS
Communications Technician
Part time Webmaster Guy
"DICTATOR DARR"

Preditor watched with a crooked smile on his face, the precision of their hunting skills was good. Though the Barabel was new to the squad he wasn't all too familiar with their group techniques, though he had received general education from the Academy. Lying down in the snow where the rest of the squad he was watching with the trained eye of a predator as events unfolded.

One of the troopers who he hadn't quite caught their name yet was setting up their sniper rifle. The Barabel was unsure of killing the prey from a far away distance where the thrill of the hunt and mortal combat was nonexistent. But as he watched the first now joined by the assistant squad leader reach and and touch someone from this long of a distance granted it was with a bullet, sparked an interest within him. Someday this one must learn to kill from afar to better facilitate the hunt.

After the eight precise shots Darr ordered them to hit the ground, though he was already in prone position Preditor tried to shrink his large frame further into the snow. A small patrol branched away from where the rest were searching and had begun to proceed in their direction. Though most people believe that beings with tails can always control them, it is not the case. Preditor's tale seemed to rise on it's own as if to get a better view, the troopers seeing this took it as some kind of snow covered animal and came closer for inspection.

"Son of a..." Aphamos started to say over their helmet comms as Rougeboy pointed in the direction of the patrol whose attention was on their position. Looking back towards the others he saw Preditor's tail pointing up, "Get your damn tail down!" He yelled at the Barabel. It was as if the feeling was back in the traitorous tail because he could feel it erect and slowly brought it back down.

"Crawl backwards, we need them to get over this ridge" Darr commanded. As they all slowly slid backwards the enemy came over the ridge. Preditor could see their eyes widen at the sight of the Stormtroopers. It was only a brief second before the air was teaming with blaster fire.


 
-----------------------
TRP/PFC Preditor/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath
AKA:
EFM/CPO/Cyleaf Aehait/Kaph 2-6/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=*A*=)(=*SA*=)[BWC]

Darr-Rann felt a surge of shock when he saw the face of the new Raider standing in front of him, letting out a series of vulgar language.

"I hope that wasn't a part of your welcoming speech." she muttered. He could tell then it wasn't who he thought.

She looks so much like Evani...>Evani was a friend of his, one of the members of Lancer when he had been a trooper, who he had lost during the "Weapon: Desert Rage" incident.

Suddenly, though, he was forced to leave his pondering to another time, as a fair-sized explosion boomed out just ten meters away from them.

"Alright, trooper, get in formation! We're moving to assault that base there!" He yelled, pointing to series of structures in the distance. Between them, a pair of MBTs and various soldiers closed on their position,  launching a lethal array of fire in their direction. Darr-Rann activated his helmet comlink, calling back to the allied forced behind their position in the main conflict.

"Field Command, this is Raider leader. I need artillery hitting that armour! He said, quickly, laying in the snow to blend in with the environment and make himself a smaller target. His response came quickly.

"Affirmative. Stay back." A random field officer replied. There was a few moments of continued normality, then a series of distant booming sounds. Darr-Rann took a look up to see a barrage of large energy bursts flying in an arc over them The energy slammed down into the attackers ahead, snow and tank alike melting under the sun-hot wave.

"Visual Confirmation of the hit, thanks field command." Darr-Rann said. "Come on troopers, get a move on! It looks like they know we're on the way, so be ready for a warm welcome!"

-----------------------
Raiders
SL/SGT_Darr-Rann/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath [LoR][CoR]
|EXO/WO2_Demonic/Kaph 2/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE| (=*A*=)(=*SA*=)(=*ee*=)(VC:B)(MC2)(VEB)(DSM)[BWC]{O1}-=TOP PILOT=-
SERGEANT
WARRANT OFFICER, 2ND CLASS
Communications Technician
Part time Webmaster Guy
"DICTATOR DARR"

Squall spotted the new member of the Squad just as they were about to take her out.  He noticed that it was a female from a distance away, but nothing to worry about, all he needed to worry about was keeping his ass warm, and alive.

After the long volley of grenades and the artillery fire, the Raiders had decided to close in around the area of the explosion.  Squall had trained in the snow too many times before, but this time seemed a bit different.  The forces they were facing were fierce, as if someone had played the entire mission scenario into a trap.

"This is Squall, permission to hang back and check the situation out from long range binoculars?" questioned Squall

"Permission granted, let us know when you figure something out," said the squad leader, Darr Rann.

Squall pulled back, reverting to a small crevice in the snow covered land.  He quicly pulled out his binoculars and began scanning the base for any potential threats.  From just a shine, he saw what would be deadly to them the most, snipers.

"Squall to raider leader, we've got snipers about 20 meters up.  I can only see two of them right now," said Squall, hoping that his last transmission didn't give their position away.

The raiders were now moving to the crash site, but all Squall could hear was blaster fire and he hoped that it was for the Raiders better part, rather than them being ambushed by the enemy soldiers.

Squall grabbed his E-11/H carbine and sprinted across the terrain, hoping to meet up with the raiders in the postion where they said that they would hold.  Within a couple of seconds, he met up with them, and the head count was the same.

"Those snipers are going to find us eventually.  We're going to need to hold our ground by this debris until reinforcements arrive," said Darr

"Squall, have you brought explosives?" questioned Darr

Squall grinned, pulled out the pack from his back, he showed Darr the many satchel charges he had with them.

"You want me to wire that front door open, or blow it open?" asked Squall

"There's no need for quietness now, they know we're near, but we're going to have to wait for the back up forces.  I'm sure that we'll be able to take the front part of the base once they arrive," said Darr

Squall nealed down, checking his left leg.  Lately, it had been giving him troubles, even outside of the simulation, but now it was affecting him terribly.  Just a childhood accident, but now it was really starting to get to him.  Tendens were torn and re-healed, but it took a long time, but now it was as if he hyper extended it once more, putting more tension on the tendens.

"Raider leader to Field command, waiting on those reinforcements.  Whats that ETA?" said Darr

"15 mins and counting.  Hold your position and wait for further orders"
 
-----------------------
Squall Lionheart
Sergeant
*-Raider Squad-*
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +
----------------------
TR/SGT Squall/3SQD/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR] [EWI] [WM]

Darr-Rann examined the map of the outpost. They had a potential problem -  the Communications tower. The tower had a communications array mounted at the top, which could be used to contact the main base. The enemy would be on the alert anyways, and  losing contact with the outpost wouldn't help  the situation. But it was better then them receiving an altert of their presence, and possibly information on their force distribution.

How to deal with it? The squad leader thought to himself. He turned his head to look at the VIASF squad leader. "What kind of gear do we have with us?"

"We have long and standard ranged rifles, carbines, explosives and equipment. We also have a couple of light and heavy repeaters, and four PLX-4 Portable Missile launchers

"Rogueboy, Aeos, I want you each to grab a PLX-4 and a magazine of rockets." He said, the two mentioned troopers making their way to the end of the truck to get the equipment." Aphamos, Josu, replace any used clips you have and be ready to snipe." He then turned to Squall, and nodded towards the CE pack which sat on the seat beside the trooper.

"Squall, I need you to fasion an explosive powerful enough to knock down double blast doors, remote-triggered. Think you can handle it?" He asked. Squall nodded and started to withdraw equipment. "The rest of you, grab an A280."

"Sir, we're closing in on the outpost!" The driver yelled back to the Sergeant over the intense sound of the truck's engine.

"Park when we're within attacking range." He replied.

A few moments later, the truck decelerated. Aphamos opened the hatch at the back of the truck, sighting through his rifle's scope to check up on enemy snipers. He took one hand off the rifle to make a gesture for the rest of the attackers to move. First Mak'Tur jumped out, joining Aphamos in watching the towers, then Aeos and Rogueboy followed, missile-launchers loaded and ready.

The outpost was ahead. It was surrounded by a heavy wire gate, trimmed by snow. Towers around the facility shot up into the air, each with a sniper-spotter team sitting within. Buildings could be seen as well, made of a cold steel.

"You got a good aim on the target?" Aphamos asked.

"Yeah." Aeos replied. Rogueboy nodded. Aphamos gave them a nod and they fired, sending a pair of missiles tearing through the sky towards the communications array. Aphamos raised his rifle, Mak'Tur Josu following suite. A few seconds in, a series of shots echoed through the air, snipers and spotters falling from their towers to the land on the shoveled ground below. The missiles reached their target, simultaneously exploding and shattering the main dish, the wash of flames melting the minor arrays mounted around it.

"Good work Raiders." Darr-Rann said, leaning out the entrance of the truck. "Now let's get a move on." The stormtroopers quickly sprinted back into the truck, which immediately afterward took off towards the base, the second truck trailing after it.

I hope we can execute so perfectly in a real mission.

"Hang on tight back there!" Said the truck triver, pushing the vehicle's engine to it's limit. The hovering vehicle slammed into the gates, tearing it from it's hinges. The vehicle turned and halted, dropping it's hatch, and the fight begun.
 
-----------------------
Raiders
SL/SGT_Darr-Rann/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath [LoR][CoR]
|EXO/WO2_Demonic/Kaph 2/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE| (=*A*=)(=*SA*=)(=*ee*=)(VC:B)(MC2)(VEB)(DSM)[BWC]{O1}-=TOP PILOT=-
SERGEANT
WARRANT OFFICER, 2ND CLASS
Communications Technician
Part time Webmaster Guy
"DICTATOR DARR"