Rho 108: Wartime Chronicles

The Battle of Lianna

Lianna was a nice world, a place you would want to raise a family. It was like a mix between Coruscant and Naboo. It was also the planet that had one of the largest Sienar Fleet Systems production facilities in the outer rim. So, the Separatist's decided they wanted it, and I was ordered to defend it.

We launched from the capitol city, the aptly named Lianna City, and prepared for combat. My LAAT/i was loaded down with troopers, none of whom I knew. Flying below were several dozen LAAT/c cargo ships, carrying the mighty AT-TEs, each bearing enough firepower to do serious damage to both armies and morale.

It all seemed so peaceful, like there was no such thing as war. That quickly changed when my ship crested a low hill. Like an ocean of metal, the droids were approaching in battle formation. I smiled when I saw them, and I quickly issued orders.

"Alright men, this is it. Gold Flight is with me, Red and Blue Flights flank left and strike hard. Everyone else, charge and give them an opening."

"Gold Flight, get ready to set down as soon as you hit grid E-1. After the troopers are out, provide cover fire, big targets are Priority One."

A chorus of "ayes" echoed in my headset, and I sent the gunship into a shallow dive. I pulled up about three meters off the ground and checked my heads up display. The grid marker blinked rapidly, and then stayed a solid green. I slowed the ship and landed, then waited until the light flashed red, indicating the troopers had all disembarked. I slammed forward on the throttle and lifted off. My HUD screamed an alert and I jerked left on the control stick as a salvo of missiles passed by less than two meters from the wing.

"Two Zero, get a lock on that Hailfire for me. It might cause trouble for us later."

"Yes, Commandant."

The lock signal screeched over the headset, and I thumbed the missile release. Twin contrails streaked out behind the concussion missiles as they sailed toward the bastard droid, and I grinned in satisfaction when it ignited and exploded, destroying hundreds of nearby droids.

"Commandant, Blue Flight's leader is sending a transmission to us, private channel."

"Patch it through."
"Commandant, this is Rho Six Ten. We've flanked the enemy and routed them. Confirmed heavy enemy losses, at least fifty percent. Also…" I heard him hesitate, and I knew what was coming next. "Reports indicate Blue Two and Reds Three and Five were lost. The Hell's Horses lost good pilots today, sir."

I sighed. Each time I fought, I knew I was going to lose men, but it never made the fact of the matter any easier. I keyed the link and kept the sadness out of my voice.

"Affirmative. Pass along the order to return to base to refuel and rearm. I have a feeling in my gut that they'll be coming back."