Tatooine. Of all the places Margath wanted to find recruits, it just had to be this dustball. The 8th Regiment, ever growing in number to the point the 'Regiment' part of their unit became misleading. Their numbers didn't rival the Stormtrooper Corps anymore. It was about to surpass it. Thanks to the Army Troopers around the Imperial Military getting phased out by the Stormtroopers, this gave the Regiment more soldiers but even then, it wasn't enough for GENERAL Koleen Margath. She had the Regiment scour every corner of the galaxy for more recruits. Recruiters go from planet to planet, city to city, settlement to settlement, town to town, cantina to cantina, hell, even prison to prison just to find more soldiers for the ever growing Regiment. Margath was slowly growing in power and connections. The General was set to make the 8th Regiment a formidable force for the Empire but Rima knew that Margath wants this force to answer to her and her alone. When the time comes for the Empire to fall, the 8th Regiment will stand strong. And she will not let these Rebels stand in the way of her ambitions. There was also another reason why she was 'recruiting' criminals from the forgotten corners of the galaxy.
Penal Battalions. The cannon fodder of the Regiment. Made up of criminals and soldiers who were deemed disruptive to military discipline but were otherwise "worthy of service". In exchange for a lighter sentence, they would fight for the Empire. Unfortunately for them, their duty involved assaulting difficult objectives, clearing minefields and defending positions against overwhelming forces. Those who survived were given a place within the Regiment's units and given the 'rights' as a true soldier of the Empire.
There's at least a silver lining to their situation. It was suggested that they only be equipped with little to no armor, standard blaster rifles and side arms without access to any other form of weaponry. But General Margath refused and gave them the same equipment used by the Army Troopers. Though it wasn't much considering most of their weapons tend to not fire right or break down completely but Rima blamed whoever was the cheap bastard in charge of developing and distributing weapons to the Empire. Seriously, they had better weapons in basic than the crap they were given on their first deployment. At least the General had the sense to make sure the weapons receive weekly maintenance and allowed for slight modifications. You also don't have to worry about running out of ammo since you probably won't even be alive long enough for your blaster to run out.
Rima was shaken from her thoughts when she felt the Armoured Troop Transport stop and rose out of her seat and faced their new batch of 'recruits'.
"Ladies and gentlemen, get your asses off those seats. We're here." She faced the 'recruit' that was still sleeping and kicked him in the shin, jolting him awake "Get up, get out and get in line."
"Come on, sweet cheeks. I was just having the best dream of my life." He got up close to the Captain and eyed her face "It involved you on your knees and suc- "
Outside, Jayce was eyeing the line of conscripts they got from Mos Eisley when she heard a high-pitched scream from inside the Troop Transport. She turned to the vehicle just in time to see a man fall out of the transport and clutching his balls with one hand while his left arm was bent in an odd angle. Two Army Troopers made their way over as Rima jumped off the transport and motioned her head towards the line. The two Troopers wordlessly dragged the man by the arms, eliciting a scream from him as they dragged him towards the back of the line of conscripts.
Another Troop Transport arrived and Corporal Jim Namba stepped out before a line of recruits followed after him. From what Jayce could see, they were young and only arrived in one transport rather than two. If she had to guess, these guys are the ones going to the Academy to be trained as Army Troopers. The Sergeant was surprised that there were actually people in this dustball that wanted to join the Empire. In their eyes, this was probably a way off this hellhole. At least in her own opinion.
"Jayce."
The Sergeant looked away from retreating backs of the real recruits and turned her head to Rima as the redhead approached. Rather than wear the grey BDU shirt and black pants, the Army Troopers stationed here wore desert yellow pattern BDUs but retained the olive drab armor. But since their suits didn't have a built-in cooling system like the Sandtroopers, a lot of the Army Troopers didn't wear their armor inside the base. Jayce herself didn't wore her body armor and one shoulder plate and BDU shirt. She was clad in only her olive green shirt with the short sleeves rolled up to her shoulders tucked inside her desert patterned pants. She wore a single shoulder plate on her right arm to show her rank, a pair of gloves with hand plates and wrist gauntlets as well as greaves and a pair of black, synth-lined boots. Her brown hair tied up in a short tail while a headset comlink was secured around her head.
Meanwhile, Rima wore her armor and BDUs but had the sleeves of the BDU shirt rolled up to her elbows. For once, she didn't have a lit cigarette in her mouth but she did have one tucked between her right ear underneath her helmet.
"We got a bunch of conscripts today. A lot of them are scum but they'll do for the penal battalions. I heard that the General's got a list of Army, Navy and Corps Officers that are 'candidates' for the penal battalions. She's got a lot of dirt on them that can warrant for their arrest, discharge, maybe even execution, if it goes out. I'm willing to bet our mutual friend in ISB's got something to do with it." Rima shook her head "Anyway. Any word from the Rebels?"
"We're not the only ones recruiting." Jayce sighed "Intelligence reports that the Rebels are arming Militia or sending them troops. We got uprisings from planet to planet. The Alliance is getting stronger. Especially with their leaders. They have enough influence to keep themselves going. No one really expected the war to escalate like this. They were small at first. Now they got half of the galaxy supporting them."
"And we have the other half."
"Yeah." Jayce nodded "Remember the Clone Wars? People are starting to call this the Galactic Civil War."
"And there's nothing civil about it."
The two women turned as Jim arrived to join them. Rima looked to the Medic's face and saw the short stubble that now adorned his face. He was always clean shaven and neat but when someone complimented his stubble once because he forgot to shave, he kept the look.
"We've seen enough killing to last us ten lifetimes, Jim." Rima began "But it never stops. That's just how it is."
"And how many more innocent people will suffer? How many more children do we have to bury? When this war ends, I can guarantee that the victor will stand upon a galaxy of corpses. Empire. Rebels. It doesn't matter which side wins. The innocent don't." The Medic turned away and looked into the Transport Shuttles that were loading up the young recruits "They're barely even out of their teens and we're already pushing them one step closer to their deaths."
"They're not that different from when we first signed up. It's their own choice as much as it was ours." Jayce reasoned.
"I wanted to join the Army because I thought I could help more in the battlefield but how many Troopers died before I could even save them? They joined because they wanted to get off this rock. They wanted to join so they can escape this scum infested planet." The Medic shook his head with a sigh "But at least if they stay here, they can still have a chance to live. Fighting this war is certain death. Rima."
Said redhead looked away from the Transport Shuttles as they prepared to depart and faced the Medic.
"Didn't you always say that we're dead anyway? That all we can do now is wait. Find a good place to die fighting."
"Yeah. Your point?" Rima questioned.
"We didn't used to be like this. Do you really want those kids turn out like us? Broken physically and mentally?"
"And what would you have me do?" The redhead asked through gritted teeth "Walk up to the General and tell her to stop recruiting? Go to the Emperor himself and demand that he stop this war? Face it, Jim. No matter how much we want to end this godforsaken war right now, we can't. We have to fight for it. This is just how it is and we can't do anything change that. The best we can do is just make this war end faster."
"And how are we gonna do that?" Jim asked "Fight? We keep fighting and fighting and fighting. Instead of seeing an end to this shit, it just keeps getting worse! And what's next? Are we going to send cadets off to fight without even graduating?"
"Enough!"
The two stopped and looked to Jayce as as a pair of onyx orbs glared at them before looking at the Medic.
"Jim. You're tired. You haven't slept in two days. Please. Go back to the barracks and sleep. Take a day off. Get some alcohol in you. Just relax for fuck's sakes."
Rima finally got a good look at the Medic and saw the large bags under his eyes and how tired he really was. Jim looked like he was about to protest but Jayce placed a hand on his arm and the Medic relented before looking back at Rima.
"I'm sorry for my outburst. I'm just... so tired. Of this. Of everything."
The redhead nodded and placed a hand on his shoulder before giving him a nod of understanding.
"We all are. Now go back to the barracks and get some sleep. You don't need to apologize."
"Thank you."
The Medic bid them farewell and made his way to the barracks. Rima and Jayce watched him go before the Sergeant turned to the Captain.
"I tried to tell him that he can leave. Get away from this but he said that he wouldn't. He said he can still save lives and he won't stop until his own body stops. The General herself had talked to him but he told her that it wasn't right that he stays at home while everybody else fights. He told her that he knew he can't save everyone but he damn well would try. She let him stay."
"He could still do that even if he's retired." Rima argued "There are a lot of places in the galaxy that needs doctors."
"But he's a Combat Medic. Joining the Army to help in the field was one of his reasons. The other was because he couldn't afford to continue his last year at a Medical University."
"Wait. He's not a real doctor?"
"But that doesn't mean he's not a good medic." Jayce defended as she narrowed her eyes at her friend "Sure he might not have saved some poor bastard's life but he tried his hardest to save them. Hell, he's saved more lives than any other Medic out there. Do you really think any other Medic in the Empire would give the time of day to actually help someone who lost a limb or try to keep a wounded soldier alive long enough to get proper medical attention?"
"Fuck no."
"See? But he does. He won't give up until they're really dead. That's why he doesn't wanna go back. If he did, Margath would be recruiting and conscripting more soldiers to the Regiment than now."
Rima was silent for a moment as she let that sink in. A few moments later, her face grew a mischievous smirk.
"Jeez. I knew you were fucking but I didn't know it went beyond that."
That was a total lie. She saw it from the start. All the way back since basic.
"You so much as say a word about this to anyone, I will shove my foot so far up your ass that it will come out of your mouth. You got that?" Jayce threatened to Rima's amusement.
"You do know I outrank you, right? You do that and I can have you court-martialed."
"Doesn't matter. I'll still do it."
The two women stared each other down before letting out small laughs. Once they stopped, Jayce left to see if Jim made it to the barracks or dropped dead on the way and fell asleep in the middle of the base. Rima watched her go before turning her head to the left to face Private First Class Garm Devan who was standing awkwardly on the side while scratching his cheek with his index finger.
"How long have you been standing there?"
"Uh, I was here the whole time, ma'am." The Combat Engineer answered.
"Huh. Go figure. So you heard all that?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Then you know what will happen if you tell anyone about this?"
"Tell anyone about what?"
Rima smirked and turned away.
"Good answer."
~Line Break~
One Week Later
"Everyone here knows how to throw right? Then this should be easy compared to your performance during target practice."
Jayce picked a Thermal Detonator from a crate next to her and showed it to the two groups of conscripts.
"This is your standard issue Class-A Thermal Detonator. Not as fancy like those N-20 the Stormies use but it's still deadly. Normal blast radius is 20 meters but you can tweak it to make the blast go bigger or smaller. Depends on what you wanna do. To activate it is simple. Just press this trigger then throw it to whatever poor bastards you want gone."
The Sergeant threw it across the field where a trio of dummies were stationed. The explosive device landed by the dummies 'feet', it's red light blinking rapidly before exploding. Jayce then turned back to the conscripts.
"Alright, who wants to go- "
She was cut off as one of the conscripts pushed pass the others and grabbed a detonator before punching Jayce across the face. He ran towards the CC and threw it to where the General's office would likely be.
"I won't die for you Imperial bastards!"
Unfortunately for him, he didn't have a good throwing arm as the thermal detonator bounced off the wall of the Command Center and landed by his feet. He looked down with wide eyes as the detonator's red light blinked rapidly.
"Shit."
Then the device exploded taking the foolish conscript out along with a small part of the Command Center's wall. After recovering from the blow, Jayce watched the stupid idiot try to destroy the CC with one detonator before shaking her head at what followed. Sighing wearily, she turned back to address the two groups of conscripts.
"Don't do that." She deadpanned before taking another detonator and holding it out for the conscripts to see "As I was saying. Who wants to go first?"
Watching it all from the distance, Rima couldn't help but laugh to herself at what just occurred. They're all idiots. But they have their uses. Penal battalions always have their uses.
Clad in a simple grey tank top tucked inside her BDU pants and wearing a black Officer's cap, Rima took a drag from her cigarette before turning her head to the side to see what the Engineers were cooking up. They took away a RX-200 Falchion-class Assault Tank's NNJ-40 "Thunderbolt" Long-range Ion Cannon and replaced it with an AV-7 Anti-vehicle Cannon instead. Despite the AV-7 being capable of moving with it's own repulsorlifts, they needed it to be faster and more mobile. Making some adjustments to the Falchion's engines, the tank was now faster and a bit more maneuverable. Someone even suggested replacing the HAVw A6 Juggernaut's Heavy Laser Cannon with an AV-7 Cannon.
Another project for the Engineers was to retrofit the TX-225 GAVw Occupier Tanks to carry Troopers rather than cargo but this would leave the Troopers vulnerable to blasterfire. Even though they are out in the open, it will at least let the Troopers shoot back. There was also the addition of a pintle mounted DLT-19 Heavy Blaster on the tank's cupola. Now the Tank Commander can spot targets as well as shoot them. Another idea was to place a Mortar Team on the back of the Occupier Tank and provide indirect fire while also capable of defending itself if hostile forces approach.
There were also plans to modify the AT-DTs by replacing the main gun with AG-2G Quad Laser Cannons but with other projects lined up such as replacing the Imperial-class 1-H Repulsortank's Heavy Laser Cannon with a Mass Driver Cannon or making progress with the experimental Atmospheric Assault Lander. An armored troop carrier designed to carry two full squads of Troopers from orbit to planetside or wherever the drop zone was located. It was controlled from inside the transport via console and screen but should the external camera is damaged, the pilot would be flying blind. Something the Engineers had to figure out on a later date. As for defense, the lander relies on two dorsal gunners with mounted E-Web Heavy Blasters, deflector shields and heavy armor for protection. They still had a lot of work to do before it was cleared for battlefield operations.
Suddenly, a voice on the loudspeakers announced that the 8th Regiment is being transferred to Geonosis while the 68th Legion, under the command of Captain Kosh, would be taking over operations in Tatooine.
Upon hearing that they were leaving Tatooine, Rima was elated only to grimace when she heard they were transferring to Geonosis instead.
'Oh great. Move from one hot hellhole to another. Just our fucking luck.'
~Line Break~
Training Room of the ISD-II 'Judicator'
En route to Geonosis
"Alright, ladies and gents. Each of you are given a single durasteel combat knives. Not vibroknives but regular combat knives. It's a last resort weapon or if you wanna get up close and personal. It's better than the crap you make in prison so always have them in your person or your 'prison wallet'. I don't care. Just keep it close. And for fuck's sakes, don't try to stab each other."
"No stabbing!"
Rima couldn't help but chuckle as Jayce threateningly pointed her own knife at the conscripts as she yelled at them. Watching from the sidelines, the Stormies of the 8th Regiment were placing bets on when will the conscripts start stabbing each other. Most were betting it would be within the hour. Among these Stormies was LZ-727. The Stormtrooper looked to her right where a much shorter Trooper stood.
"You heard what's going on in Geonosis?"
"No. What's happening there?" ST-1097 asked the taller of the two.
"Something happened to the 562nd Mechanized Infantry Division down on Geonosis. Imperial Intelligence found out the Rebels have managed to secretly build a base on the planet. If they hadn't caught that Rebel and sic them to ISB, the Empire would have never found out about it. They sent the 562nd to deal with it but it's been going on for six months. Then suddenly, all communications to the division were lost."
"Damn."
"But I heard they got one last transmission out before they went dark. From the sound of it, they really needed help."
"What the hell happened down th- "
"What did I just say!? NO STABBING!"
The two Stormtroopers, as well as the other people in the training room, turned their eyes as Sergeant Jayce and Captain Rima separated two conscripts trying to knife each other. Jayce grabbed one by the shoulders and pulled him off of the other guy only for him to turn around and deck the Sergeant across the face. Jayce blinked before glaring at the conscript and kneeing him in the balls, forcing him to his knees. She grabbed him by the shirt and slammed her forehead against his, knocking him out.
Meanwhile, Rima was busy taking the knife away from the second conscript and succeeded before kicking him back. The man backed up against another conscript who pushed him away and tried to punch him but the second conscript ducked the blow and struck a fourth conscript. What soon followed was chaos as the conscripts fought each other with the Army Troopers joining in to salvage the situation. Rima managed to get away from the sea of bodies and sat on the ground a few feet away before letting out a tired sigh. Jayce soon joined her and the two women watched as the fighting continued.
"This is too much effort just for cannon fodder." The Captain sighed out.
"You're telling me." Jayce replied before finding herself one boot short. Gritting her teeth, the Sergeant let out a battle cry as she dived into the fold once more to find her boot from all the chaos.
Rima could only shake her head before rising to her feet. This was just too much work to train people whose jobs were being a meat shields. She turned her head to the Stormies and whistled to get their attention.
"Set blasters to stun bucketheads and go into town. Just don't shoot my Mud Skulls."
"Understood."
Rima turned away as the Stormtroopers began shooting at the conscripts, stunning them before unceremoniously dragging their bodies away to the corner of the room. Of course there were bound to be friendly fire and some Army Troopers were gently dragged to the other side of the room away from the conscripts. The Captain gave the training room one last look before making her way to the General's quarters. She needed to give her report on the conscripts' 'progress' after all.
~Line Break~
"So you'll be joining us then?"
"Indeed, General."
Koleen hummed as she looked at the hologram of the Regiment's mutual friend in the ISB, Agent Liv Kovak. After the ISB Stormtroopers failed attempt to kill her, the young woman was easily swayed to be their informant and agent within the Bureau. Since those Bureau Stormtroopers were listed as Killed in Action, no one else in the Bureau knows about what happened to Agent Aiber back in Christophsis. With the help from Kovak, the Regiment received a company of Imperial Shock Troopers among their ranks. Koleen already had a use for the Shock Troopers other than being heavy frontline units. She would assign a squad of Shock Troopers on the rear of each of the Penal Battalions on the frontlines. Any conscript who so much as abandon their posts and take one step back would be shot on sight. No exceptions. The conscripts ARE expected to die for the Galactic Empire after all. Whether they die as a coward or a brave soldier lies solely on their decision to follow orders without question. It helps that they fear the Empire's wrath more than the mere thought of joining the likes of Rebel scum. Of course, Internal Affairs are more than willing to 'persuade' them to join the cause otherwise.
"And my gift to you, Agent? Have you received it?"
Liv smiled at that.
"Really? An Acclamator-class Assault Ships and sixteen hundred of the 8th Regiment's Army Troopers along with four hundred Stormtroopers from the Corps. Abusing your the power of your position to spoil me, General? How endearing."
"Anything for you." The General let out a mocking smirk before turning serious "When will you arrive?"
"In an hour or less." Liv replied as she too turned serious "We've been trying to ping them through all channels but we still can't get through the 562nd Mechanized Infantry Division. Something is blocking our comms there."
"What was the 562nd's status before they went dark?"
"They were under attack by Rebels though that is to be expected. But their last transmission was a call for help. If I had to guess, enemy reinforcements might have arrived on the planet and took them by surprise. The 562nd haven't received fresh troops ever since they arrived on the planet. They may have been outnumbered before losing contact."
Koleen narrowed her eyes at that. If Agent Kovak was correct then there was probably a defense fleet waiting for them. A blockade made up of unknown number of ships. Considering the force of the Regiment she had now was two ISD-IIs, the Judicator and the and three Arquitens-class Command Cruiser escorts, perhaps they could take them head on. With Agent Kovak and her Acclamator-class Assault Ship joining them soon, they can end the battle in space a little quicker. The faster they get Troopers on the ground, the better.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a knock from her door. Koleen looked back at the hologram.
"We'll talk later."
The hologram disappeared and Koleen looked towards the door.
"Enter."
The door slid open and Captain Rima Aki entered. The woman held a datapad while a cigarette was tucked on her ear and was walking towards her before stopping and saluting.
"At ease, Captain. Report."
"The conscripts aren't... doing so good. We were training them to use combat knives and they ended trying to stab each other. I had the Stormies stun them and let Jayce handle them. Their accuracy on weapons are... mediocre at best but they got physical down so there's that silver lining. I have a list here." Rima lay the datapad on the General's desk "That has conscripts that could actually be a good Army Trooper, if they survive their first deployment that is."
Koleen grabbed the datapad and scrolled through the list while humming to herself as she did so.
"Most of these individuals are indeed good candidates for drafting but they still have to prove themselves on a real mission. If they survive, and that's a big IF considering their duties, I'll have them run through the Army Training course. You'll be the one to supervise them."
"Understood, General." Rima answered and Koleen could her the reluctance in her voice. The Captain saluted before turning around to leave. Koleen, however, found herself staring at the woman's backside until the door blocked the very pleasant view.
"Kin. Where's my tea?"
KN-210, a GG-class Serving Droid, walked out of the shadows and placed a tray with a cup and a kettle on the desk before pouring the General her cup of tea. Koleen grabbed the cup and took in it's fragrant smell before drinking. She set it down and looked at the service droid.
"Thank you, my dear. If you would kindly lock the door and go on standby, please?"
The service droid bowed before doing what it was told. After locking the door and going on standby mode in it's station, Koleen rose from her chair and made her way over to the bed. It would be a while before they reached Geonosis, until then she'll get some shuteye. The General took off her coat which was quickly followed by her shirt, pants, boots and undershirt. This left her in a pair of underwear that was certainly considered 'not up to regulations'. Despite the risque article of clothing, everyone whoever saw her in such a state of undress were actually not looking at her 'assets' but rather the myriad of scars all over her body.
Fathers were meant to take care of their children to the best of their ability, unfortunately for her, she got the short straw so to speak. Her 'father' was abusive, controlling and perverse. But Koleen was not one to bow her head and succumb. She fought every chance she could get but the bastard loved it when they squirm. Especially if they screan. Just ask her sisters. It wasn't until she was fifteen that their father had an unfortunate 'accident' one night and broke his neck. From then on, whoever crosses her and her sisters always end up in 'accidents'. This carried on even when she joined the Imperial Army. Her late Commanding Officer was an example of that.
Koleen sighed as she lay down on the bed and closed her eyes. Unconsciously, her hand was playing with the pendant on her neck. A pendant given to her by her youngest sister before she met her untimely demise in the Death Star. There will be hell to pay. Order through the galaxy will be restored and she'll be damned if these Rebel scum cause further chaos in it. Chaos in the guise of freedom. Freedom they promise to the people. Nothing more than a farce. How despicable.