The ground shook as another volley of artillery hammered the bunker, Whisper sat against the wall her rifle propped up between her legs and resting against her shoulder. Their mission had gone south, the Intel they received was wrong and now they were making their last stand in a bunker that was moments away from a cave-in. This mission was doomed from the start.
"Hope your ready" a male voice said to her as the bunker shook again.
Whisper opened her eyes, looking up at the burly, dark skinned commando in front f her, his brown eyes afire with determination as he shouldered his rifle and nodded for her to get up and follow him.
"We've got a plan" he said before walking back to the rest of the team.
Whisper opened her hand staring at the last clip of rounds she had. Planting the butt of her rifle she used it to push herself up and slipped the bullets back into her supply pouch as she joined the rest of the squad. She could hear the stone and steel around them straining with each hit, it wouldn't be long now; they had to make this last round count.
"You're being deployed to Balmorra again" Commander West told her as she stood in his office, "The Empire is making a push to reclaim it. We just took control of that system we cannot lose it again. Our forces are getting annihilated out there so we need to put an end to this battle as soon as possible, so I'm deploying you alongside a commando squad to sneak into the enemy's territory and take them out."
"I prefer to work alone" Whisper reminded him.
West nodded, "I know, but we're sending our best on this one and that includes you. I assure you the squad you'll be working with won't slow you down in any way. In fact you might have trouble keeping up with them."
He sat at his desk, "We don't have a lot of time so you need to hurry. You'll meet the commando squad on the ship. Good luck Whisper."
Whisper turned around without a reply walking out of the office and making her way to the spaceport where a shuttle was waiting to take her to the Halcyon, a battle-cruiser filled to the brim with artillery, troops and vehicles all headed for Balmorra. Stepping off the shuttle Whisper looked around the hangar, tanks and walkers and drop ships covered nearly every foot of the hangar. Most of the troopers were waiting in their ships because of the lack of space. From what she heard the Halcyon wasn't the only ship heading out, it was a fleet a dozen cruisers strong, all filled to capacity. West had understated the importance of this battle if this was their response to it.
At the end of the crowded hangar she saw an Imperial shuttle with only a single trooper working on it. The shuttle was covered in scorch marks, and multiple bends and dents all along the hull and the emblem of the Empire eclipsed by the burn of a laser's impact. Despite its damaged appearance it looks serviceable, but why have it on the ship?
"You the sniper?" a male voice asked from her flank.
Looking to her left Whisper laid her eyes a male Cathar in heavy armor. His green eyes moved to the rifle on her back and he nodded to the side telling her to follow him.
"I'm Aric Jorgan" he said, "Lieutenant of Havoc Squad, Commander West said he was sending his best sniper with us. You had better be as good as your reputation would claim."
The Cathar led her to the damaged Imperial shuttle once closer she saw a squad of trooper wearing the same armor and emblem Jorgan was.
"Commander Tavus" the Cathar said standing at attention, "Commander West's sniper has arrived."
"Finally" a human male said stepping off the shuttle and walking over to them.
Tall, fair skinned and a heavy glare in his eyes Whisper knew he was a man of experience. The other members of the squad looked to her as well each of them sizing her up as if they doubted she would be any use to them or their mission. A female Mirialan, a burly, dark skinned human male working on the shuttle, a male Zabrak and another human male with a several cybernetic enhancements on his face, most notably his eye.
"So you're Whisper?" the one named Tavus asked to which Whisper nodded, "Well you don't look like much, but Commander West says you're his best so welcome aboard. I'm Harron Tavus, Commander of Havoc Squad. Let me introduce you to the team."
He started with the Cathar, "You already met Aric Jorgan" he pointed to the female Mirialan, "This is Zora AKA Wraith."
He pointed to the dark skinned man repairing the shuttle, "That's Bex Kolos, AKA Gearbox" he turned to the Zabrak and human, "And that's Vanto Bazren AKA Fuse. And Ryler Dorant AKA Needles. Welcome to Havoc Squad soldier."
Tavus turned back to Whisper, "Did Commander West tell you what our mission is?"
Whisper nodded, "We're infiltrating enemy territory and causing as much damage as possible while the rest of our forces fight them head on."
"It's more than that" Tavus told her, "Intel says one of the Empire's top generals will be there, General Ryker. The man is solely responsible for dozens of Empire victories across the galaxy; Intel suggests he is on Balmorra to personally oversee the deployment of a new type of weapon. We're to find out what it is, obtain any information on it, destroy the weapon and kill or capture Ryker."
Whisper didn't answer; she looked up at the Imperial shuttle.
"This is our infiltration strategy" Tavus told her, "Once the battle starts above Balmorra we're going to use this to slip through the fight pretending to be a damaged craft. Their radars will ping us as friendly when they see us crashing, but we'll actually be landing west of their lines. From their we'll start making our way towards their artillery which lines the nearby ridge, we take that out then we move on to the local command post, taking out everyone in our way and gathering what information we can."
"Alright we're all set" Gearbox said stepping away from the shuttle, "I made it looked as banged up as possible without compromising the flight and control systems."
Tavus looked at his squad, "Alright Havoc make your final preparations now, once we get the green light we're heading out. I want everyone ready."
He looked to Whisper, "You ready soldier?"
Whisper nodded and stepped onto the shuttle while the rest of the team went about their preparations. She already had her equipment squared away, her rifle loaded and strapped to her back with her sling resting over her shoulder. Her sidearm securely holstered against her right leg and her knife sheathed on her left shoulder. Three packs clipped to her belt held extra ammunition for her rifle and side arm while the three packs on the right side held multiple explosives.
She watched Havoc Squad go about their preparations, checking their equipment and supplies. She had heard the name Havoc Squad, one of if not the best commando unit in the Republic's military then again Commander West did tell her they were sending in their best to make sure Balmorra stayed under Republic control. The roles of the squad members were obvious based off their codenames, Needles was the medic, Fuse was demolitions, and Gearbox was their mechanic. Considering that Jorgan was assembling a long range blaster rifle Whisper concluded he was a sniper like her, but Wraith's role was unclear.
Tavus approached her, "Alright let me fill you in on who does what."
Whisper looked to each of the team members except Wraith naming their roles before telling Tavus their codenames gave it away.
"Alright so you're observant and quick on the uptake" Tavus nodded, "Good. That just leaves Wraith; she's out infiltration and assassination expert. Jorgan used to be part of a sniper detachment called the Deadeyes, ever heard of them?"
Whisper nodded, "When the Republic first recruited me they wanted to make me part of the Deadeyes, I refused."
Tavus nodded, "Commander West did say you prefer to work alone, that's fine, but today's mission is a team effort so follow my orders and we'll get through this just fine."
Whisper remained silent as Tavus went back to his squad; once their preparations were finished they all boarded the shuttle with Gearbox taking the pilot's seat. Whisper remained silent while the squad made small talk as they waited for the Halcyon to come out of hyperspace. It was clear this team was tight, the members more than familiar with each other each of them completely trustful and loyal to the others. Whisper was never part of a squad; most of her missions were solo, only a few had a spotter watching her back.
A month ago she had fought alongside Commander West and Harlan to take back a cruise ship they were on. The ship had been hijacked and was on its way to Korriban where some Sith Lord would be waiting for them, but they managed to divert course and drop out of hyperspace in the Ziost system. Ziost was well within the Empire's territories, but they managed to get out undetected. It was rare for Whisper to work with others, but it was effective.
The cruiser's klaxon sounded and the hangar lights turned red alerting the crew to prepare for battle as the Admiral's voice echoed over the sounding alarm. The Halcyon was preparing to drop from hyperspace and enter battle. Havoc and Whisper watched as the troopers in the hangar scrambled to their squads and ships getting ready for the green light into action.
"This is it Havoc" Tavus yelled as the shuttle doors closed, "Its going to get bumpy, for the sake of our cover once we launch our fighters will target us, but they won't shoot to kill. Once we get some distance and look like we're out of control they'll back off as we begin our descent. Once we land we'll need to move quickly in case the Imperials send out a retrieval party, Fuse are your charges ready?"
The Zabrak nodded, "Yes Commander."
Tavus nodded back, "Good, once we land Fuse and I will set some charges while the rest of you spread out and scan the area. When we're clear of the shuttle Fuse will blow it to make it look like it crashed and exploded that way if the enemy sends out a rescue party they'll assume the crew died. Gearbox be sure to put on a good show."
Gearbox yelled back, "Roger Commander."
The ship's alarm sounded again and the hangar lit up in a green light and one by one the ships in the hangar began launching into battle, first the fighters followed by the drop ships and transports until only Havoc's stolen shuttle was left. Seconds felt like minutes as they waited, they had to make sure the battle had a good start before they launched. The shuttle was so silent Whisper could hear the individual member's slow exhales as they steeled themselves for what was coming.
"This is it" Gearbox yelled as the bay door below them opened and their shuttle took off, "It got hot real quick, everyone hold on."
Whisper closed her eyes, she could feel the battle raging outside. It felt chaotic, like two swarms of insects attacking each other it was all noise and static, but she could feel it. An Imperial fighter flew past them trying to provide cover for its damaged ally, the closer the ships were the more clear she could sense them, maybe Satele was right. The Jedi had told her she had the Force in her, despite Whisper's initial denial she was starting to believe it. Though she had no intention of donning a robe and becoming some kind of mystical monk with a laser sword she did acknowledge that the Force would make her a better sniper, the only issue was the Jedi would object to teaching her to use the Force just so she could use it to kill.
"We've entered the upper atmosphere" Gearbox yelled, "Course set for enemy lines, two minutes to impact."
"This is it Havoc" Tavus said, "Just another day at the office."
"Incoming message from the Imperial command post" Gearbox said.
"Shuttle X7K212 what is your status?"
Gearbox cleared his throat and answered, "Engine and wings damaged, can't regain control."
"Can you and your crew eject?"
"Negative" Gearbox yelled, "Doors are malfunctioning we can't get them open. I'm trying to set us down as best I can."
"Roger that pilot" the voice said somberly, "We'll track you and send out a rescue party, good luck."
"Looks like they bought it" Jorgan said.
"Just to be sure, we need to hurry once we land" Wraith said.
"Speaking of which" Gearbox cut in, "You guys might want to brace yourselves."
Gearbox angled the shuttle to avoid a nosedive crash, but to sell their story they had to skid across the ground before coming to a stop. The underside of the shuttle hit first the hull grinding as it slid across the surface before they finally stopped. Tavus pulled the doors open and yelled for the squad to move out with him and Gearbox being the last off.
Whisper held her rifle tight against her shoulder as she scanned the ridge line above them; to her right was Needles and Wraith to her left Jorgan and Gearbox, the four of them covering Fuse and Tavus as they set their charges. They were in a terrible position, they were completely open. If the enemy had any units in this area they would be dead within minutes, low ground and no cover, there had to be a better place to land than this.
"Charges set" Tavus yelled, "Move, move."
Lowering her rifle Whisper ran forward putting as much distance between her and the shuttle as she could.
"Burn it Fuse" Tavus yelled.
The charges went off and the shuttle jumped before the explosion caused a chain reaction that tore through the ship completely destroying it.
"Alright, Havoc on me" Tavus yelled running for the trail leading up to the ridge.
Stopping at a good vantage point Tavus got down on one knee and looked down at the wreckage of their shuttle just before Jorgan pointed out a rescue shuttle inbound.
"Wraith, Jorgan, Whisper set up" Tavus ordered.
The three snipers got down and rested their rifles against the rocks peering through their scopes as the rescue shuttle landed near the wreckage and began investigating.
"Looks good" Jorgan said, "They're assuming the crew died in the explosion, but they're searching the area to be sure."
"Weapons cold" Tavus told them, "If they don't report back the enemy will get suspicious. Come on; let's move stay low and alert. Gearbox take point."
Whisper followed Havoc along the ridgeline they were covered, but it was nearly impossible for them to see anything below them and the pass only got more treacherous as the moved. It was nearly an hour before they crossed and descended the mountain, now they were definitely in dangerous territory. Stopping at the last ledge looking down into the valley Tavus turned to Jorgan and motioned for him to keep an eye on the enemy base while he briefed the squad.
"OK here's the plan" he said getting down on one knee and using his knife to draw in the dirt, "I'll take Gearbox, Needles and Fuse and take the direct route to the bunker. Wraith you take Jorgan and Whisper and take the next trail leading to the high ground, scan the trenches, scan the ridges eliminate any snipers and try to clear a path for us. We need to remain undetected for as long as possible so keep a low profile and stay quiet. Wraith, once your team establishes over watch I'll take my team and come in from the east gate, we'll drop into the trenches and make our way through, we want to clear out everyone before we move on to the bunker. Once we've secured the area the three of you will repel down and regroup with us then we move inside the bunker, find Ryker and this weapon of his eliminate it and get out. Understand?"
The team nodded and once again they were on the move. Reaching the base of the mountain Tavus motioned for Wraith and her team to separate and head up the next trail.
Wraith glanced back at them as they silently moved up the trail, "Once we get set up we'll do a perimeter scan, call out any targets you see and only fire on my command."
"Roger" Jorgan said, Whisper didn't reply.
The three set up at the ridge overlooking the base each of them scanning the area with their binoculars.
"Got a single enemy in each of the two guard towers" Jorgan said, "Neither seem to have access to an alarm. Wait, scratch that, there's a trigger box next to them, most likely wired to the base's alarms."
"No artillery placements in sight" Wraith said.
"I though Intel said there were long range artillery stationed here" Jorgan noted scanning the trenches around the base, "I count five men total in the trenches on the north side."
"It did" Wraith replied, "Wouldn't be the first time SIS has gotten something wrong, "Six more enemies in the east trenches."
"What's the call Wraith?" Jorgan asked.
"First let's get a fix on Tavus' location" Wraith said standing up, but Whisper grabbed her and pulled her down.
"Both of you down" she ordered, "Snipers on the ridge to the west, two of them."
Jorgan swore, "Did they see us?"
Whisper shook her head, "Don't think so."
"We'll have to take them out first" Jorgan said, "Even if they didn't see us, they'll definitely see Tavus and the others."
"Alright" Wraith said, "Stay low and line up your shots, wait for my go."
"I've got this" Whisper said reaching into one of her packs to retrieve her suppressor.
"What kind of rifle is that?" Jorgan asked her.
"It's a projectile rifle" Whisper explained, "Instead of energy cells I use bullets, they're much more fatal."
"Didn't think anyone used projectile weapons anymore" Jorgan said.
"Bullets are better than plasma" Whisper told him, "Better penetration depending on caliber, travel farther and cause more damage. Not to mention cheaper and easier to make."
"And what's that?" Jorgan asked nodding at the suppressor she screwed onto the end of the barrel.
"A suppressor" Whisper told him, "It'll mask the sound and flash of my shot."
"So they won't see where we shoot from, good to know."
Whisper got up to one knee and took aim at the first sniper, "Just keep looking around for any others."
Lining her shot on the first of the two snipers, zeroing her scope Whisper aimed up a notch and to the right. Compensating for the wind and gravity she wrapped her finger around the trigger as she pulled the weapon against her shoulder, she took a breath and held it steadying her rifle and finally pulled the trigger. The rifle kicked back against her shoulder, but she held it steady as she watched the enemy sniper's head snap before he fell onto his back dropping his weapon. Quickly moving her crosshairs to his partner she fired again her second shot burrowing into her target's chest dropping him.
"Both kills confirmed" she said lowering her rifle, "Any others?"
"Ridgeline completely clean" Jorgan said, "Excellent job."
Wraith spotted the other team, "Alright I see Tavus, standby."
"Wraith" Tavus said from her comlink, "We're in position, what about you?"
"We're all set" Wraith reported, "Two enemy snipers down. You've got five men patrolling the trench line you'll be entering and six in the north trenches and one target in each guard tower."
Tavus replied, "Copy. We're moving in thirty seconds be ready to cover us."
"Roger, Wraith out" Wraith looked at them, "Take the two in the towers first I don't want those alarms going off, after that keep an eye on the trenches if you have a shot take it, don't let them flank Tavus' team."
"On it" Jorgan said taking aim at the left tower, "I'll take the left one."
Whisper lined her shot on the right tower and on Wraith's go pulled the trigger watching the unsuspecting soldier fallback, his body almost falling over the edge.
"Both targets down" Wraith said, "Tavus is moving in, be ready."
They watched Tavus and his team move through the trenches, taking down each enemy they came across without firing a single shot. Two minute and five hostiles eliminated leaving only the six in the north trench lines. Adjusting her scope Whisper set her crosshairs on a pair of Imperials who were perfectly lined for a double kill. Her finger twitched on the trigger, she wanted to pull it.
"Dammit" Wraith growled, "We've got one coming out of the bunker, east side, he's going to see them."
"I've got a shot" Jorgan said, "There might be more inside. We should wait until he closes the door."
"Looks like he's on patrol" Wraith said watching the soldier walk away from the bunker, "Doors closed, take him."
"Headshot" Jorgan said, "Kill confirmed."
"Tavus is moving again" Wraith told them, "They're climbing out and moving for the north trenches."
Jorgan looked directly ahead of Tavus' path, "I've got two lined up thirty meters from Tavus' position."
"I can get them both with one shot" Whisper said, "You look for the others."
Pulling the trigger when Wraith gave the word Whisper watched the bullet enter the back of the first one's head before exiting and flying into his friend's neck dropping both of them.
Wraith confirmed both kills, "Double kill, excellent."
The sniper team waited while Tavus and his team cleared the rest of the trench, once all enemies were eliminated Tavus gave them the word and the three began repelling down to regroup with their squad.
"Great job Havoc" Tavus said, "Alright into the bunker, Gearbox get the door."
Dropping her rifle, Whisper drew her sidearm and proceeded inside with the squad, main room was empty.
"Something isn't right" Jorgan said, "Intel said there would be artillery placements and at least two dozen more enemies here."
"What are you thinking Jorgan?" Tavus asked him.
"That this is a trap" Whisper said, "That this is a perfect kill zone."
Tavus looked outside, the bunker was at the base of the mountain and the ridgeline formed a horseshoe around them nearly boxing them in.
Tavus continued to look around at the ridge and the mountain above them. Jorgan and Whisper were right, this was a trap, but what kind? Was it out here in the trenches or was it waiting inside the bunker?
"This place is completely empty" Gearbox said, "No doors or tunnels leading out, just a big room."
An explosion made them jump and a tremor shook the ground causing Whisper to stumble into Jorgan who caught her.
"Artillery inbound" Tavus yelled closing the door, "Get down."
They all dropped to the ground as the next bomb rained down shaking the ground again followed by a third.
"Dammit" Tavus said jumping back to his feet, "I should have seen it. Somehow they knew we were coming and they set up a kill zone."
Another artillery shell hit the ridge to the east and the ground shook again.
"Are they trying to bury us or blow us up?" Gearbox asked.
"Doesn't matter" Needles told him, "Either way we'd be just as dead."
"Attention Republic soldiers" a voice said before a hologram of a man in officer's clothing appeared, "This is General Anson Ryker. My cannons are locked onto the bunker's coordinates and I have a platoon of soldiers ready to surround the structure. I offer you a choice. Lay down your weapons and come out and you will not be harmed, refuse and be buried alive."
The hologram turned off and the bombing stopped for now.
"This place is well fortified" Fuse said, "It could withstand multiple direct hits, but eventually it will give."
"And he knows that" Gearbox said, "If we say no, he'll hit us with a few more to try and make us sweat to see if he can break us then he'll offer us a second chance to surrender."
"We're not surrendering" Tavus said, "We'll think of a way out of here."
"Hopefully we'll do that soon" Fuse said, "Their jamming our comms now, we can't call for help."
Ten minutes passed and General Ryker contacted them again asking them if they had decided to accept his offer.
"We do not surrender" Tavus told him.
Ryker smirked, "I see from your emblem that you're the famous Havoc Squad. You are practically legends, I guess this will just be another accomplishment for me."
Again the hologram switched off and moments later another artillery shell hit the bunker.
"Well" Jorgan said, "Anyone got a plan?"
An hour had passed, the bombings were one at a time every few minutes, but they had become more frequent now they were coming three a minute. Some would hit the bunker directly, others would hit the mountain above them. Whisper and Jorgan had gone out to try and get a count of the number of enemies, but ended up in a firefight before being forced to retreat back inside. Was this really it, were they going to die here?
The ground shook as another volley of artillery hammered the bunker, Whisper sat against the wall her rifle propped up between her legs and resting against her shoulder. Their mission had gone south, the Intel they received was wrong and now they were making their last stand in a bunker that was moments away from a cave-in. This mission was doomed from the start.
"Hope your ready" Gearbox said to her as the bunker shook again.
Whisper opened her eyes, looking up at the burly, dark skinned commando in front f her, his brown eyes afire with determination as he shouldered his rifle and nodded for her to get up and follow him.
"We've got a plan" he said before walking back to the rest of the team.
Whisper opened her hand staring at the last clip of rounds she had. Planting the butt of her rifle she used it to push herself up and slipped the bullets back into her supply pouch as she joined the rest of the squad. She could hear the stone and steel around them straining with each hit, it wouldn't be long now; they had to make this last round count.
