I Became War For You

by IwrestledaVongonce

A war against Opponents stronger than anything ever seen before lingers over the Galaxy far, far away and the key to survival of the Galactic Alliance lies in the hands of a young kingdom from a small blue planet, it's Queen and her new Guardian of Guardians. But how long can a Man, destined to become the Personification of War, take before he becomes a Monster himself?

48. Bestine I - Clankers are our Speciality

After Ami, Rei and SunTzu came back from Coruscant in the middle of the night and just hurried to their beds the next day was pretty busy. They all had stuff to take care of, no matter if it was filling reports or training Cadets.

SunTzu did a long fly out with AICA, practicing gun runs, together with Hotaru and his two wingmen.

Then the Pilot rushed home and took much needed care of his household and while doing the laundry at the saloon he noticed that, while Rei had quite the collection of clothes at his place now, he was missing some of his shirts and a hoody.

Perks of being in a relationship.

At night he participated in a CQB Training with the guys from Team 2 and was finished around midnight. He was so happy , that Rei was sleeping at the palace too. Sailor Mars had a long day of taking care of the temple and her main job as diplomat behind her too and he quietly went in the room, took a shower, brushed his teeth and fell into bed.

Only just a few hours later he woke up. An alarm was sounded in the distance.

Rei woke up too, she doesn't seem to be amused.

"What the hell? Are we under attack?"

Soon more and more alarms around the bases and the palace were going off.

SunTzu jumped out of bed.

He grabbed his chrono.

"AICA, what's happening?"

"Good Morning, nice to talk to you too."

"AICA!"

"Okay, okay. Looks like someone is attacking the southern colonies and Inner Rim. Fleet Command is issuing a general alarm."

"I'm on my way, head over to the palace immediatly." He told AICA and then went over to the bed.

"I'll see what's really happening. Stay here."

SunTzu kissed Rei, ran to the wardrobe and took out the first pair of pants and a shirt of him he could find.

Then he left the room.

SunTzu closed the door behind him and turned around. From down the hallway a white cat spurted towards the elevator.

The Lieutant saluted, as weird as it was.

"Good Morning Admiral."

"Lieutenant, I'm a cat right now, at ease for fucks sake."

SunTzu nodded and took down his arm.

"Sir!"

"Let's move out Lieutenant. I have to find out what's really going on."

The Cat and the Pilot now rushed to the elevator side by side.

"AICA said that the southern Colonies and Inner Rim are under attack" SunTzu told as they stopped in front of the elevator and waited for it to arrive.

Artemis thought about it for a moment.

"How did they came so far up unnoticed?"

The elevator arrived and opened it's door and the human and the Mau entered.

A few moments later SunTzu, in sweat pants and a T-Shirt and Artemis, back in his human form and a white Uniform left the elevator.

They ran out the Crystal Tower and parted, with SunTzu heading towards the landing spot and Artemis towards the military HQ.

"Standby for any orders SunTzu."

"Aye Sir."

Around them armed guards rushed to their positions and were hurried by their noncommissioned officers.

Soon the sirens fell silent again but a rumbling came nearer and AICA arrived over the palace as fast as she could accelerate from the Airbase.

She swooped in and landed in front of SunTzu who immediately went to one of her storage compartments and fished out a flight suit.

Up in the tower, Rei tried to get back to sleep again as the sirens stopped to shrill.

Agitated she rolled around in bed till she sighed and finally gave up.

She grabbed her Crystal Change Rod from her night stand and got up.

"Mars Crystal Power, Make up!"

—-

SunTzu changed into the flight suit and got into AICA's cockpit, waiting for orders.

He called up Michiru and Haruka, they were on the way already but had to take a detour after the direct way was closed because of construction works.

The girls told that the other Senshi were off too.

While SunTzu just hung up, a Larty flew overhead and seemed to land directly at the military HQ.

Artemis came in over radio.

"SunTzu, we're immediately embarking on the Far Side. Besides you only the Starstruck is available right now but we're leaving immediately to staging area Besh One. Maybe some units can still catch up to us there."

SunTzu immediately made a system check and was about to close the canopy when someone yelled at him.

"You're not leaving without me this time, TopGun."

He looked up and saw Sailor Mars coming towards AICA.

He jumped out the Cockpit and went to a storage compartment where he pulled out a flight suit and helmet.

"Take this, we're going to space immediately."

Overhead the Larty that landed at the HQ shot passed towards the landing spot of the Far Side.

Fifteen minutes later the Far Side, flanked by AICA and Odegana in her Z-95, was in the air and steamed towards space.

A hour later they were near the Trade Station near earth on the CTE and waited for the Voyager and three other Headhunters to join them. The two other corvettes couldn't make it in time and the ground forces were down to one company of troopers, Team 2 of the Commandos, Sailor Mars and a squad of Guardists. At least the four LAAT/i-Gunships were completely manned up.

They couldn't fight a war but were for limited special operations and raids.

As soon as the four fighter craft joined up with the other ships the fighters all landed on the Far Side and the two capital ships jumped into Hyperspace, heading to Coruscant to get further orders.

SunTzu and Sailor Mars, wearing a pilot suit over her Senshi Fuku, were sitting in AICA, the canopy was opened as SunTzu had his datapad in hand trying to find out more about what was going on.

"I didn't thought that we would be back at Coruscant so fast." The Senshi said, making SunTzu leaning back to her.

"I don't think we'll stay long at Coruscant. Probably they just throw us together with whatever they could mass at Coruscant and sent us down the Corellian Run. Other fleets are already fighting. Looks like mostly CIS-Ships again. And this is why you don't just deactivate fleets but wreck them. Man, if they had those fleets in the Vong War."

Haruka and Michiru came walking up.

"Oi SunTzu, could you please tell me what the bloody hell is goin' on here? They just told us to come to the base ASAP and when we got there we where told to catch up to the Far Side."

"Another round of CIS Ships attacking this time southern Inner Rim and Colonies."

"Clankers again? Where did they come from?"

"Probably shut down after the war and left in the void. And we're back as scrap handlers."

"At least this time with the Far Side with us. Anyway, I'm going to my room and try to find out something with the Mirror. Haruka, please take care that we're all ammo'ed up." Michiru told, gave Haruka a kiss on the cheek and waved at SunTzu and Mars before she left.

Michiru walked away and Haruka looked after her, her face showing annoyance.

"Why is this stuff always on me?" She asked no one in particular.

SunTzu looked back to Rei.

"Wanna go to your room too? You probably could get some rest in."

"I'm good here, the prospect of annoying you the whole night sounds great. Plus I'm awake anyway now. Sheesh, why they have to wake up whole Crystal Tokyo for something that's happening thousands of light years away."

SunTzu smiled, she had a point.

Exactly thirteen minutes later, SunTzu was trying to assess the current situation and which fleet groups were out there fighting already when Rei complained from the backseat.

"This is boring TopGun. Let's have a coffee?"

They still had at least over a hour in space and AICA needed to be fully armed first anyway.

"Only because it's you."

She immediately jumped out of the cockpit.

The small cafeteria near the bridge was closed because the personnel couldn't make it in time and they had to go to the one near the ground forces barracks. Because most of them just got up too, when the alarms sounded off and immediately boarded the Far Side it was pretty packed, so they decided to just get a small snack and some coffee to go to their quarters.

The couple got to his room and settled down on his bed eating. Rei fell asleep before taking one sip of her coffee. SunTzu refreshed himself, kissed her forehead and went back to the hangar, both coffees in hand.

Karlena and most of the ground crew fortunately made it to the Far Side before she left off and they were arming the starfighters at the moment.

Karlena wasn't happy around the nightly trouble and she was ranting and raving.

SunTzu decided to stay out of her way and let people do their work and went over to Haruka who was sitting on the floor, leaned to the hangar wall next to the Voyager. He sat down beside her and handed her the coffee that was meant for Rei before she fell asleep.

"For me? Thanks Mate."

"Rei's not going to drink it anymore." SunTzu smiled and made a sleeping gesture.

"Bet if I call Michiru now she'll be sleeping too. I don't think there will be much action anyway. I called in with Mission Control Center, they said we're grouping at Coruscant and travel further, next stop probably Corellia."

"Let's see when they'll let us go back to bed."

"Bet it's gonna be past six."

SunTzu nodded approvingly, probably even later.

They only stayed one hour at Coruscant before the Far Side and the Starstruck along with some ships of the Fourth Fleet and a modified Star Destroyer of Death Squadron jumped onto the Corellian Run and made way south, next destination Corellia.

Which made for at least four hours of travel time and the snub pilots were excused for a break. It was 06:30 am when SunTzu finally fell into his bed next to his girlfriend.

After three hours of sleep his alarm rang and he woke up.

Rei woke up too and asked how much time he had left. She looked vaguely fit.

"Around twenty minutes."

"That's enough. I'll hurry!" She rolled over on top of him.

Nineteen minutes later SunTzu closed the door behind him and then closed his flight suit's zipper. He didn't have time to find his other clothes after rushing to get ready. He also wouldn't have mind going back to sleep again now, Rei hasn't been prude with him.

Now it meant free balling till at least Corellia.

After looking down on his overall to close it he looked up and directly into Haruka's face, Michiru behind her.

Both smiled at him mischievous.

Haruka leaned in and checked the fit of his flight suits collar.

"Hm, do I smell some Sailor Mars on you?" She started to laugh and started to walk into the direction of the bridge, Michiru followed her.

"C'mon Fritz, we're heading to the bridge and try to find out what's next."

Arriving at the bridge everything seemed quiet so far, especially for a possible deployment into hostile territory further on.

The Second Officer was overseeing the Bridge and they were told that Artemis was in the Command Center so they went straight over to it. In that moment the Far Side entered realspace in the Corellian System.

Artemis was leaned over the big map in the middle, a mobile working station, basically a laptop with a holo projector also installed was next to him, he turned around when the door to the room opened and the trio stepped in.

"Ah, my star pilots. Good morning people."

He seemed to be bitter, at least he sounded so.

"What's the matter Artemis? You seem angry."

"Haruka, you can't imagine this shit show." Artemis laughed sarcastically. "All these ships from the Fourth are going back to Coruscant and Anaxes. Some senators are worried about the safety of the core and want the whole fourth fleet at their disposal. As if the rest of the Death Fleet isn't four hours away from Coruscant right now." He shook his head. "And afraid as these senators are they sent Admiral Bwua'Tu to tell it to Vader. Probably because they're worried that Lord Vader will use the force to kill them for their cowardice. Bwua'Tu told this through a roundabout. The only ship that's still with us is Death Fleet's Stalwart. Oh and I could bet that Corellia and Denon will probably act the same way and not sent any more reinforcements."

The three pilots looked at Artemis completely in disbelief.

"Yeah, I know. Too bad it's too early to start drinking."

The door opened and the Team Leader of Taskforce Sol's second Special Forces Team , Gunnery Sergeant Michael O'Connell, former US MARSOC, entered the room. Artemis and the pilots turned around and looked at the man.

"Ah Gunny, just in time for our morning comedy club."

"Sir?" The Marine asked after he saluted.

"Just come here Gunny. Let's skip the formalities for today."

The Commando walked over to the small group at the central table as an ensign appeared next to Admiral Artemis.

"Sir, the Stalwart asks if our Task Force is flying back also."

Artemis looked at O'Connell.

"Ensign, a small lesson in the history of warfare."

"Gunny, what does a Marine say when told to give up his embedded position without a fight?"

"Sir! Retreat Hell, Sir!"

"Ensign, you heard the Sergeant, tell this to the Stalwart. And then I want you to find out why and where this originated. Without Wikipedia."

"Yes Sir!" The Ensign went over to a communication console were a technician was sat at.

Artemis turned back to his four subordinates.

"Let's see what Captain Dorja will do now."

—

Apparently the Star Destroyer Captain and Daughter of a legendary Imperial Officer was pleased with the answer because she invited the Admiral from Earth for a visit onboard her Star Destroyer.

There were no shuttles on board but Artemis knew exactly how to make a proper entrance.

"Lieutenant SunTzu, I'll need you and your A-Wing. And please fly in a way that my uniform doesn't crumple."

Shortly afterwards SunTzu and Artemis took AICA over to the mile-long Imperial Class II Star Destroyer. A whole kilometer longer than the Far Side and more than ten times longer than the Starstruck.

They landed in the hangar on the underside of the ISD.

A guard of honor consisting of three platoons of storm troopers, as well as detachments of pilots and officers were waiting for them as they touched down in the middle of the hangar.

The Captain of the ship, her First Officer as well as two Death Troopers in black armor flanking them were standing in front of the espalier, waiting to welcome the Admiral.

AICA's canopy opened and Artemis got up, flattened his white uniform and climbed out the cockpit in an agile way.

SunTzu took off his helmet and followed his leading superior.

The Captain saluted and Artemis returned the greeting.

"Welcome on board Admiral. It's my honor."

"Thank you Senior Captain. It's my honor as well and thank you very much for the guard of honor. Please be advised that my rank is solely authorized for commanding personnel of Earth's Crystal Kingdom, although Taskforce Sol Is a subordinate of the Galactic Alliance Fleet. My authorization regarding GA Personnel ranks to those of a Captain."

"Sir, the Supreme Commander sends his regards. We're ordered to full cooperation with Task Force Sol. If you would follow me."

"With pleasure Captain. Lieutenant, fall in behind me. AICA, please wait for us." He ordered his two companions.

"Affirmative Admiral." The A-Wing answered over his speaker, leading to some of the attendees looking to her in surprise.

While they were walking through the ship Captain Dorja gave them a summary over the assets the Stalwart had at it's disposal.

A whole regiment of regular Stormtroopers, a brigade of Army Troopers, an armored regiment with Walkers, Dropships as well as some specialized forces including a company of elite stormtroopers for the land combat part.

For the starfighter part there was a squadron of regular Tie-Bombers, a squadron of Preybird-Class-Starfighters, the second most available starfighter design in the Remnant's forces after the Tie-Line, and last but not least the elite 128th Squadron on board.

The Stalwart itself, a survivor of the Vong War, as ISD2 brought enough firepower along to compete against a small fleet.

The group went to a meeting room with a big holo-projector in the middle of a large table.

They sat down and the light was turned off and the holo projector started up with a section of the galaxy's map ranging from Corellia to Yag'Dhul.

"Right now we have enemies reported in multiple systems and on hyperspace beacons down the Corellian Trade Spin. General Bel Iblis and a fleet group are trying to secure the hyper lane, General Antilles and parts of the Second Fleet are on the way to fall in on the Corellian Trade Spine also.

The fighting in the systems itself is left to RASP Units and whatever else is available right now. Fondor might sent backup from the Reserve Fleet but that will take time.

The most important system and planet under attack right now is Bestine, important for it's planet side ship docks.

Reports indicate that at least two Droid Control Ships are besieging the planet and Battle Droid Units were attacking the planets." Captain Dorja paused and zoomed the map in.

"Our flotilla will jump to Foless and get ready to break the blockade around Bestine while we sent out probe droids to get a picture of what's going on."

The lights were switched back on and the meeting ended and Captain Dorja led Artemis and SunTzu back to the Hangar.

"Admiral, your speed of reaction to threats and courage although other parts of the fleet are falling back is remarkable. Really speaks for you and Taskforce Sol."

"Thank you Captain. I speak for the whole Taskforce when I say it's an honor to work along some of the finest the Galactic Alliance has to offer. The Starstruck and Far Side will be at your side till we have Bestine back."

They stopped in front of AICA and the Admiral and Captain saluted to each other again.

A few moments later AICA was leaving the gigantic ship and took course towards back to the Far Side again.

"Lieutenant, now that we can leave the formalities behind us, would you mind to show me how agile this fighter really is? Don't worry, I'm a Mau, I can take it."

"Affirmative Admiral." SunTzu replied, and threw AICA in a steep dive.

After a few minutes of strong maneuvering and dancing around the Far Side they landed on the Far Side.

Artemis enjoyed the little joyride.

"Thank you Lieutenant. That was entertaining."

They disembarked from AICA and went to the bridge where Artemis gave the new orders to the crew. A few minutes later the three capital ships formed up and jumped to Hyperspace.

SunTzu was still standing behind Artemis when the darkness of space morphed into the blue of hyperspace.

"Get some rest in in the meantime SunTzu. I know that I'll go and get some sleep in. And finally call my wife and daughter and let them know where I'm at."

Artemis left the bridge for his quarters while SunTzu went for a cigarette to the observation deck.

As if it was thought transfer he stumbled into his girlfriend there, she just got there too.

The couple greeted each other with a kiss before they lighted a cigarette each and SunTzu gave her a headsup about what was going on.

A few hours later, after he had lunch and some spare time with Rei, SunTzu was back in AICA, waiting in the hangar for the point where the flotilla would fall out of hyperspace, as were the other Fighter Pilots. The enemy could have made a move up north to Foless too and they wanted to be ready to act immediately if that would have been the cause.

Foless was safely secured though, as crossing between the Corellian Trade Spine and another Hyperlane a lot of traffic went through there and they were greeted by a small fleet of frigates, corvettes and a Victory Star Destroyer.

So at least they were able to conduct the recon mission with the drones in peace and safety.

While the Stalwart launched the probe droids towards Bestine SunTzu and the other fighter pilots were ordered to the Command Center.

A number of other service members was assembled there, including the leading Officers and NCOs of the ground combat elements that made it on board, Sailor Mars and the squadron leader of the gunships.

The trio of SunTzu and the two Outer Senshi sat down next to Sailor Mars.

Artemis and a Captain of the Troopers held the briefing.

"In this moment the Probe Droids are conducting their recon mission. Two of the Droids were shot down but the other three came through."

A map of the planet and it's surrounding space came on on the map table. It showed two ancient Lucrehulk Cruisers hanging over the planet Bestine IV, the main planet of the system and location of the government and shipyards.

The Shipyards on Bestine IV were a speciality of the planet as they were located in or around the large oceans of the mainly aquatic planet. The planet's landmass was made out of islands and archipels so it was rather sparsely inhabited.

"As you can see two old Lucrehulk are blockading the planet, one being a Droid Control Ship, the other a Battle Cruiser Refit. At least no Carrier Variant although Lieutenants Tenou and SunTzu are specialists now when it comes to dealing with droid fighters." Last sentence was told a bit dry.

"We will neutralize both cruisers, Terra Squadron will provide close cover for the ships while the Voyager and AICA will help the starfighters of the Stalwart in offensive maneuvers. Don't be surprised if you'll see some wreckage in system, there were combat actions to free Bestine before we came here already. Those efforts were fruitless unfortunately." Artemis paused for a moment, the operations beforehand were suicide missions ordered by a sector commander that got his position because political relationships and now feared a backlash for him. But he wouldn't openly tell the people in front of him. He needed to kee moral up. The planet on the holo projector zoomed in.

"After both Cruisers are gone, we will start the ground operations, beginning with aerial insertions. The Far Side will enter the atmosphere for this to have extra firepower at hand since the probe droids show that the Droid Forces are already embedded in high numbers around the main archipelagos and docks. Get ready for some island hopping Ladies and Gentleman. Forces will be flown in with the Gunships, additional firepower will come from starfighters and a mixed detachment of our repulsor tanks and transports. We only do have two tanks and two transports plus a commando vehicle available. Troopers will be shared accordingly between ITTs and LAAT/is. One Gunship is reserved for Team 2 and one is kept in reserve for MedEvac. Medic Crew is understaffed too, so please try not to get shot out there." Most of the ground combat elements, SunTzu and Haruka smiled.

"Sir, with all due respect, maybe we shouldn't have left earth so hastily." Ritz, one of the Pilots of Terra Squadron chimed in.

"I get your point Lieutenant but I'm pretty sure we made the right decision. Just give it some time. If that is all, dismissed. Let's free Bestine!"

As the three Senshi and their Guardian were about to leave the room, Artemis approached them.

"You guys follow me to my office please. We need to talk."

Soon after they were sitting in Artemis' office.

"I understand if someone is pissed because we rushed to come here. But I bet this won't be the only wave of enemies trying to get here and any minute we won before the enemy sends reinforcements will save lifes. Unfortunately this leaves us with limited resources and only three Senshi. I do believe that's more than enough if we act quickly though."

"It's not like they could join us here pretty easily, especially Pluto." Haruka stated. "I guess I speak for all of us when I say i completely trust your decisions Artemis. But we all know what happened the last time we fought over an island."

She meant Marvin's death, the former Squadron Leader of Terra Squadron and their old mentor. Artemis needed a moments, Marvin was his good friend.

"Anything on the mirror Michiru?"

"Sorry. The future and the now are just blurry."

"Chaos?" Artemis asked and looked at her with a severe face.

"I wouldn't necessarily say so. I can't put it."

"I couldn't feel anything else also when I was meditating either." Rei said. "I don't know if it's Chaos or something else."

"I see. Let me know if you find out more."

Artemis sighed and looked into the round.

"What I didn't tell in there was the meaningless loss of life the sector commander ordered before we got here. Instead of sending in everything, especially that VSD here he just sent a frigate and some corvettes that completely got obliterated. Not to mention the ground troops, he sent in, a whole brigade, particularly unprotected. The few troops, conscripts and RASP, that got to the planet didn't stand any chance. Captain Dorja is working on a relieve order and warrant for negligent manslaughter on that guy. I think we owe some fallen comrades to get that planet back."

Those were thousands of dead in just a few hours. And that just because someone panicked because his career could be over now.

"Some of these officers are not better than the politicians they serve for." Rei stated with a disgusted look on her face.

"You tell me Sailor Mars." Artemis sighed.

"Rei, I need you with Team 2 for more vigor. And wouldn't it be for air support and air protection I wouldn't mind you two on the ground either." Artemis looked over to the two outer Senshi.

SunTzu's eyes widened and he looked to his girlfriend and then to his superior officer.

"Sir, I have to protest. Sailor Mars is not needed on the battlefield. I think she's more needed as liaison officer."

"I'll go. We need everybody we can get." She looked at SunTzu, not angry or annoyed but rather thankful that he cared for her. "I appreciate your concern but I'm a Sailor Senshi. And you know that Sailor Mars doesn't run from a fight."

Artemis looked back and forth between the couple.

"It's her decision Lieutenant. Although I understand your intention." The Admiral put on a wry smile and looked at Haruka and Michiru. "Reminds me of Mamoru back in the day." The two girls nodded their heads with approvingly.

"Okay, but you'll getting extra protection from the armory Missy. And I'll be joining Team 2 when Space is cleared. AICA can act on her own with the Voyager."

"Okay, but you'll get a copilot then, Buddy."

"Rei."

"No. We're in this together. If you go where I go, I'll do the same."

The two Outer Senshi and Artemis quietly followed the skirmish between the two lovers.

"Reminds me of our early days too." Michiru stated and Haruka nodded.

They left the office room and SunTzu and Rei went to the Armory. Bob had made it to the ship in time as well and SunTzu took a fitting plate carrier and helmet from the available gear. Next stop was Rei's room where SunTzu insisted that Rei would also change her shoes this time. A heated conversation developed why Rei had to wear something else than her red high heels her Senshi Uniform came with after transformation. In the end, she gave way. He had good intentions after all. If they hadn't been under time pressure she would have found a way to shut him up though. And to let out her aggression against him.

You better come home unharmed Mister, I'll get you later.

She also changed into a flight suit and soon they were both seated in AICA, waiting for the flotilla to enter the Bestine System.

AICA was fully armed and even had four of the rare EMP-bombs onboard. Too bad they didn't had much of them. They would shut down the Droid Invasion Force on the planet pretty fast.

Before they closed the canopy SunTzu got up on more time, turned around and leaned over the backseat where Rei was sitting, giving her a kiss, he put all his love for her in the kiss.

"I love you Sailor Mars."

"I love you Lieutant SunTzu."

Pretty much the same scene was repeated in the Voyager next to AICA with Haruka and Michiru.

Before they boarded their starfighters the three Senshi and SunTzu had gotten together in a small circle and leaned in, wishing each other good luck.

After they finished their kiss, SunTzu started to grin, got back into his seat, put on his helmet and closed the canopy.

"SunTzu to Command, AICA ready to kick metal butt."

"Voyager to Command, we standby to go too. We're taking our can opener with us."

"Terra Squadron to Command, better get the recycling bins ready." Odegana stated over the comm.

"Starstruck to Command, what the snubs don't get we take to the scrap yard."

All starfighters of Task Force Sol as well as the Starstruck were ready to roll.

The two star destroyers and the corvette fell out of hyperspace in front of Bestine IV and immediately the fighters left their hangars.

"We're forming up with 128th Squadron." Haruka ordered them as the rushed away from the Far Side that was hanging under the larger Imperial Star Destroyer. A squadron of twelve Tie-Interceptor left the hangar on the Stalwart's belly in front of them.

"Roger that, right behind you."

"128th Actual, this is Callsign Voyager, you got two modified Ace Fighters coming up on your six, ready to finally decommission some antique droids."

"Always nice to have some able company, Voyager. We were told you guys were quite experienced with fighter droids."

"Without self-praise I can copy that." Haruka laughed into her helmet com system.

The thirteen TIEs and the A-Wing formed a Wedge Formation with the Voyager and SunTzu at the last two right points and took course towards the two large CIS-Cruisers that were releasing their fighter compartment.

The Galactic Alliance's three ships steamed towards the CIS Cruisers as well. Terra Squadron and the Preybirds swarmed out in front of the bigger ships while the Tie-Bombers were kept back in the hangar so far.

"It feels pretty insane to fly towards such big enemy ships that release swarms of enemy fighters after you." Rei commented the scene before her.

"Yeah, well. My girlfriend thinks I'm a maniac anyway."

SunTzu could feel a gentle squeeze on his shoulder.

"Hang in tight babe, we're thinning them out from afar and then it will get ugly pretty fast. There is a bag in front of your seat if you need it."

What he felt on his shoulder now was a punch not a gentle squeeze.

"Looks like there are enough fighters out now. AICA if you would be so nice and give us a lock-on? SunTzu switched com channels. "128th be advised, we have a small surprise for our droid friends."

A millisecond later the audible and visual signals for lock-on turned on in the cockpit of the A-Wing and the TIE-Aggressor.

Each fighter shot two multi-lock-missiles and they rocketed towards two squadrons of Vulture Droids that were heading towards them.

The missiles splitted up and two dozen warheads headed into the droids.

A few explosions later eighteen vulture droids were just stardust anymore.

"Nice trick. Guess we'll follow the example. 128th, lock-on targets."

A few seconds later each of the Tie-Interceptors started a concussion missile.

Tie-Interceptors with warhead launchers were always a threat.

The two squadrons of Vultures were completely eradicated before they even could fire one shot. The droid commander on the Command ship ordered the next squadron against of Vulture Droids to attack the fourteen human steered starfighters.

"Got a dozen more Vultures coming in from our eleven." One of the Tie-Pilots reported.

"128th, let's show our new friends from earth what we're made off, split off and get them."

The formation loosened up and the in pairs the Ties went for targets of opportunity and dogfights.

SunTzu and his wingmen did the same and they went for a group of three, or rather two droids after Michiru got one, while the Vultures passed them overhead.

While the fighters were already dogfighting with the enemy fighters the Stalwart finally came into range and started shooting her turbo lasers at both cruisers. Green bolts of light and power were shooting towards the CIS Ships and crashing into their activated shields.

SunTzu was hunting behind a Tri-Fighter somewhere above the Control Cruiser, anti-fighter-fire was shaking AICA with nearby explosions.

"Love, could you do me a favor and keep an eye on the Voyager? So I can take this clanker here out."

"On it, they're behind us. You know in a very twisted way this is actually fun."

"Everything for your pleasure Princess Mars. Finally!" AICA flew through the cloud of fire and debris the Trifighter left behind when SunTzu shot him down. The shields were absorbing any impact.

"Outer Senshi from the right!"

The Voyager appeared beside them and made an inverted barrel roll over AICA.

Michiru was waving down to them and she and Rei blew each other a kiss. Then the fighter dropped down on the left and SunTzu veered also left, following behind his wingmen.

On the bridge of the Far Side Captain Santos appeared next to Artemis.

"Sir, Torpedoes loaded and locked in on the Battlecruiser."

"Excellent. Inform Captain Dorja and accelerate towards the target."

Moments later the Stalwart shifted her fire exclusively onto one of the Lucrehulks and gnawed away the shields of the large ship.

As soon as the shields were gone the smaller Gladiator Star Destroyer came out of the bigger Star Destroyer's shadow and released a volley of proton torpedoes aimed at the Lucrehulk Battlecruiser.

Without shields every torpedo hit the ship and dozens of explosions rocked the core ship and the outlying ring. Few seconds after the core ship exploded and it's debris crashed into the outer part of the Cruiser destroying it completely.

While the ship parts broke more and more and were shaken by secondary explosions both Star Destroyers switched their aim completely to the other Lucrehulk while the rest of the starfighters and the Starstruck came for the remaining enemy droid fighters.

AICA and the Voyager were behind a pair of Tri-Fighters that were harassing one of the Interceptors of the 128th. Good thing those Interceptors not only had warhead launchers but also shields. If the Empire would have had those in significant numbers back in the day the war might would have different.

Haruka blew one of the Tri-Fighters to star dust.

"Thanks for he help guys." The Tie-Pilot came over com.

"Nice shot." Rei told as both fighters dodged the explosion. The second Trifighter broke the hunt and tried to get away.

"Watch this."

She accelerated and spun the Voyager around his own axis and followed the Tri while she locked on to the second Trifighter that tried to dodge her before she launched a missile and veered away. The missile found its way and atomized the Tri-Droid.

"That was pretty cool." Rei stated.

"Show off." SunTzu stated at the same time.

"Hey Rei, you're always invited for a joyride in here. I know some pretty nice nebulas we could watch in here." Haruka invited Rei with a flirtatious voice.

"When you're allowed to take Rei out for a flight, I'm allowed for a night out with SunTzu. Hey SunTzu, I know a pretty nice hotel in Okinawa with it's own private beach and a large jacuzzi. I'll bring Sake also."

A moment of silence followed.

"Let's concentrate on the last enemies guys." Haruka finally muttered out.

The concentrated fire of the two Star Destroyers soon destroyed the other Lucrehulk too and the GA Fighters now we're in majority.

Soon the space battle was over. The experienced warriors from Taskforce Sol and the Death Squadron didn't loose a single soul. A small victory giving how many lives were lost on and over Bestine already.

The Stalwart and the Starstruck turned about and took a defensive position a few hundred thousand kilometers away from the planet.

The Far Side hung over the Southern Hemisphere of the Bestine IV.

While the newest data from the two last remaining Probe Droids was evaluated the Voyager and AICA were hanging in Orbit next to the Far Side.

Rei and SunTzu held a small picnic in AICA with energy bars and some bottles of isotonic beverages.

"Topper, you really know what a woman wants." Rei said as she wolfed down a white macadamia nut and blueberry energy bar.

"At least I seldom have to worry about senile senators drooling over me up here."

He earned a wry smile from the backseat for this comment.

Flight Command came in.

"Listen People, Mission Command wants you to fly a small recon mission over group of islands where quite a bunch of towns are scattered at. Test the waters before we can open a LZ there. Coordinates are coming in."

"Copy Flight Control. We on it."

SunTzu lead the flight towards the planet while the Voyager was closely following him.

A few minutes later they were racing just a few meters above the sea towards a group of islands visible on the horizon. One of the bigger ones obviously featured a volcano on it.

They passed the first island, some houses beneath them and were awaiting incoming enemy fire.

"It's beautiful here." Rei commented as she looked down.

"Tourism is one of the main sources of income here." SunTzu replied.

The second island seemed clear too but as soon as they got near the third island they were greeted by incoming anti-aircraft fire from blasters and a bunch of hover tanks.

"Command we're taking fire at our current position."

So much for hoping that destroying the Control Cruiser might shut down the remaining battle droids.

The two starfighters veered away and formed new a few kilometers away from the island.

"You're clear to engage targets in the open and away from civilian settlements." Command answered them.

"Right on. I'll take the right. AICA lase any ground targets you find and take them out."

"Aye." Was the ship's short answer as it began to use it's radar and other sensors to find and track targets.

Two flyovers later two gun emplacements and four AAT Hover Tanks were destroyed. No more fire was coming in.

"I got a flight of four bandits coming from the north." AICA stated.

The two starfighters of Taskforce Sol accelerated towards the enemy.

Just a few minutes later they were back over the fourth and last island of the archipelago, the one with the volcano.

They took out some emplacements there but hadn't much opposition to deal with.

While they were circling above the archipelago waiting for the first Gunship to come in and drop Team 2, Rei told SunTzu a proposal over the radio.

"I still think it's beautiful here. We should come back here after the war, do some holidays here. Just you, me, the beach and the sea."

"Yeah. Yeah, we definitly should."

That sounded great. Now the two lovers just had to hope that the war was over soon.

The first Larty came soaring in, flanked by two of the Headhunters while AICA and the Voyager hovered low over the designated landing zone, securing it in two separate directions.

The Gunship rushed over the island and headed for a clearing in a tropical forest. It didn't even touch down, hovering one meter over the ground, it just opened it's doors and the Commandos jumped out and laid down for cover. Within a couple of seconds the Gunship was on it's way away from the island again.

The Commandos got up and carefully secured the surroundings, working their way into the forest.

When they radioed in that the coast was clear, three Assault Transports from the Stalwart rushed in and dropped a company of Storm Trooper that immediately swarmed out. The first platoon of Troopers from the Far Side as well as a squadron of Scouttroopers with Speederbikes followed.

The regular forces from the Far Side, armed with heavy weapons including mortars, were securing the Landing Zone the other troops moved on to scout the near surroundings and two nearby localities.

While the troops on the ground moved out Sensors on the Far Side made out two squadrons of Droid Fighters heading towards the own troops from another chain of islands.

"How many of these droids are there?" Rei asked as the Voyager and AICA rushed towards the enemy. The 128th was on the way to support too.

"AICA, why you don't put some music on. We're going to have a little dance over the ocean."

—

The decade old droids had a few disadvantages when it came to newer snub fighters, mostly sensors, speed and warhead launchers. The two squadrons were no match for the fourteen advanced starfighters and soon they were on their way back to the landing zone, officially dubbed LZ Tarawa now.

More troops from the Stalwart were flown in, including a platoon of engineers to prepare another bigger LZ so that vehicles could be brought in too.

Just as the starfighters arrived the Island again, alarms went off systemwide as another wave of CIS Ships arrived and they immediately rushed off to space.

A flotilla of a Lucrehulk Droid Command Ship and some Hardcell-Class Transport ship jumped out of space near where the Starstruck and Stalwart took their defensive positions.

The ships were no match for the Impstar and soon were destroyed though, not even able to release all their fighters. The remaining fighters were easy prey for the Starstruck and the Preybirds.

"Artemis was right with his decision. If we would have waited longer with attacking we would have gone against almost double as many ground troops." Haruka stated over the voice. She changed the radio channel.

"Command, tell the Admiral his decision was right and that the Guardians thank him."

The white haired Mau saved countless lives with his swift embarking.

The Senshi and SunTzu were ordered back to the Far Side, so that the starfighters could get rearmed and refueled.

This also meant a welcomed small break for the foursome. If nothing would come in between they had at least two hours.

After they gave over the ships to the ground crew the four Guardians went to the dining hall. The walk felt great after sitting in the cockpit for so long.

After some real food the four friends went to their rooms for taking a nap. Or other ways to get the adrenaline out.

Rei and SunTzu went for Rei's room and she saw that she got a holo from Minako.

The blonde Senshi asked her how things were going, the remaining people were a bit worried with the informations they recieved.

Good thing that her holo had a secure connection to the palace.

While she opened her hair that had been in a bun because the flight helmet and threw off her boots she told Mina that she just got back from flying a combat mission with SunTzu and that it was both frightening and awesome. So far they were good but it was crazy here and they still had to retake the planet.

"Babe, come here and say Hi to Mina." SunTzu was standing next to her bed, checking mails and the latest news about the ongoing offensive.

Rei took his hand and pulled him in.

He waved at the holo cam and greeted Minako.

"Say Hi from us to everyone. And keep your fingers crossed we'll be home soon hopefully. You excuse me now Bish, I don't know when we have the next break and someone has to take care of the rest of adrenaline in my system. Love you!" Rei threw a kiss at the cam and sent the message away.

Then both lovers fell over each other. They didn't talked about it but just in case something would happen on Bestine they wanted to be as close as possible to the other at least a last time.

Earlier than they wished for Rei and SunTzu were back in AICA and together with Haruka and Michiru in the Voyager were back on their way to Bestine IV's Surface.

A handful of smaller ships from Foless and other surrounding planets and system had arrived and took defensive positions around the planet. The Sector Commander had been detained under direct orders from the Supreme Commander, Darth Vader. Right now Captain Dorja was the acting military authority in the Sector. Another small victory in a battle that was pyrrhic from it's beginning.

AICA and her two passengers were ordered to a medium sized island a few hundred kilometers north of LZ Tarawa. The bigger LZ on those archipelagos had been scrapped instead it was decided to open a new landing zone on a bigger island. At least the four islands at LZ Tarawa were already cleared of any enemy presence by now. It seemed the enemy just got there shortly before the Galactic Alliance arrived in system.

The island they were heading to now was more heavily defended than the islands before.

SunTzu double checked the shields and made sure Rei was safely strapped in and wearing her helmet before he flew in deep, three to five meters above the waves, leaving a trace in the sea behind him.

The plan was to drop the EMP-Bombs AICA had on board an then a company of Stormtroopers, geared up for heavy combat, would follow in closely and assault the place.

A few hundred meters before the island AICA descended in the sky and immediately was welcomed by blaster and anti-air fire.

Shots were hitting the A-Wings-Shield as SunTzu dropped the first bomb at the islands southern beach.

The next followed a few hundred meters further in over a small city.

Before he could drop the third one AICA had to deploy countermeasures against heat seeking Missiles that were fired at her from the ground.

SunTzu had to fly some evasive maneuvers while the A-Wing thrusted out heat producing magnesium flares that lighted up the evening sky.

He flew a turn after the missiles fired after them exploded in some distance. He had to hurry SunTzu knew and put energy from the shields into the engines, rocketing towards target number three, the islands main city. Large amounts of defensive fire came in, gnawing at the starfighter's shields and rocking the snub and it's passengers.

"You didn't shoot that red shit at us!" Rei yelled at a shot hit the shields next to her seat.

As SunTzu reached the target point he dropped the bomb and the bomb fell towards the city center. A few dozen meters above ground she exploded and a blue shock wave deactivated any electronic device that wasn't specifically secured against the EMP-Blast. The incoming fire stopped almost immediately as the electromagnetic blast wave rushed through the streets of the city.

SunTzu, who veered away in steep climb and turn after dropping the bomb, took course to the last drop point, a small space port.

The space port was well defended and SunTzu needed to abort two tries to fly in, having to dodge missiles and heavy blaster and laser fire both times. The third time he came in with full power on the engines and dropped the bomb while the anti-air-fire followed him behind.

The bomb exploded and he could finally let out a deep breahter.

"Thank you AICA!" He told his snub, wouldn't it have been for her velocity they were a burning wreck now.

"Uhm… TopGun! There's something following us!" Rei yelled in panik from the backseat.

SunTzu looked into the back mirror and a missile was closing in from behind.

"Hold on Rei!"

He immediately turned AICA on her head, gave away speed and dived down, while releasing flares and chaff, a countermeasure made of aluminum stripes meant for scrambling radars.

A few meters above the sea he turned AICA around again as the missile came more near before he took a sharp turn to the right.

The missile stayed on course behind them.

Sweat was forming on his face and Rei was so fixed on the missile in the rear mirror that she couldn't bring out a single word anymore.

Okay, one last trick.

As the missile came nearer and nearer, he suddenly pulled AICA's nose up and gave full thrust.

A second later the missile crashed into the wall of water this created. The sudden clash changed the course of the weapon and she veered into the sea exploding shortly after diving into the water.

SunTzu took a deep, deep breather.

"I think I flew enough for today. Can I go back to the ground?" A pale Rei asked from the backseat.

He looked to her in the backseat and forced a smile to lighten up her mood.

"AICA, where did that missile come from?"

"Target already marked. What do you think I was busy with when they shot that thing at us?"

SunTzu turned around and headed back for the island. As soon as he was in range he shot two concussion missiles. One for the missile emplacement and one for it's radar.

Two explosions near the city where seen soon after.

He put his hand behind his seat and Rei took it. They weren't taking enemy fire anymore.

"SunTzu to Command. Packages have been delivered, sent in the grunts."

They were circling above the island and shortly joined by the Voyager and the four headhunters of Terra Squadron as the Assault Transports came in and dropped the Stormtroopers.

While the headhunters stayed behind to cover the the sky and a flight of four Tie-Bombers and two Lambda-Shuttles came in with more reinforcements the two advanced fighter craft flew back to the Far Side.

"It's not any safer up here than down there. I always thought that it's just TopGun, who has a death wish but all of you pilots are crazy." Rei stated over the channel of the two starfighters.

"To me being down there is way worse. No shields, less firepower. Here I can still try to outmaneuver my death." Haruka explained.

They passed the wreck of a destroyed troop transporter of the sector forces.

"And I'm not sitting duck like these poor guys."

Silence followed as they all looked at the mangled ship, numerous corpses floating around it.

They landed at the hangar again as night fell over the Southern Hemisphere. The new LZ on the bigger island was dubbed Guadalcanal. The naming was done by a certain ensign that had been ordered to learn something about the US Marine Corps history by his admiral. Obviously he found interest in it.

Thanks to the EMP-Strike the island was taken fast and without much resistance.

A large plain near the city in the islands middle was chosen as main LZ Guadalcanal.

The already completely frightened inhabitants of a nearby field were scared even more as Stormtroopers led their cattle away from the field and into it's barns. It was surreal.

The first following flights brought in a special civilian correspondence team that was specifically trained to win hearts and minds without terrorizing the locals. The Imperial Remnant differed from the old Order in quite some ways.

Soon Dropships came in and dropped Scout and Transport Walkers but also humanitarian aid for the inhabitants of the island.

The night shift of controlling the skies was with the Preybirds while the 128th was on standby in space.

Terra and the other three fighter pilots and their attached Sailor Senshi were allowed a night of rest if nothing would come in between.

The eight individuals immediately went either for food or to their quarters. It had been a long day.

The next morning Rei and SunTzu were awoken by loud banging on the door.

Rei stormed to the door, her sleep drunken boyfriend could have sworn there was a trail of smoke behind her.

"What the Yomi? Who dares?"

She opened the door.

"Haruka! What is it?"

"Get up guys and go to the observation deck. You have to see this."

That said the short haired blonde left and Rei closed the door and walked slowly back.

"What is it with you pilots that your kind is so annoying."

She took off the shirt she was sleeping in and threw it in SunTzu's face before she went to the bathroom.

A few minutes later they were on their way to the observation deck, still tired and a little bit angry for being woken up early.

When they opened the door to the observation deck their jaws dropped.

The Far Side had entered the atmosphere and was now hanging low above an atoll in the ocean, at the horizon the sun just had risen. The water below them was a beautiful light blue color and clear as crystal. Coral banks and the sandy ground were visible from above. Swarms of fish and other animals were visible.

It was a sight beyond beautiful.

Michiru was sitting on one of the benches, her pilot suit half hanging down to her hips, playing her violin with closed eyes.

Haruka was standing next to her, listening and looking out the observation window.

As she heard the door open she turned around and smiled at her friends.

Quietly to not interrupt the Senshi of Deep Sea's play they walked up to Haruka at the window. Rei almost crushed his hand as she stared out the window.

SunTzu and Haruka looked at each other and nodded. She was right, they really needed to see that.

For a few minutes, it was just them, the beautiful view and the wonderful music of Michiru's violin.

They soaked up any second of it.

SunTzu held Rei in his arms and she leaned onto him, hands intertwined.

Michiru ended the musical piece and opened her eyes again, looking out the window while Haruka walked over to her, giving her a kiss on the forehead.

Rei whispered a Thank You to her fellow Senshi.

The door opened again and Artemis entered, his white admiral uniform changed to the regular navy colored Galactic Alliance Fleet Officer Uniform with the insignias of a Captain, underlining that the command was on Senior Captain Dorja on the Stalwart in Orbit and also that the Taskforce was part of the Galactic Alliance Fleet.

"Captain Santos found a nice place to reside, didn't he? How are my Senshi this morning?"

"We're holding up but I'm not sure if I ever want to fly a combat sortie again." Rei told, her smile betraying what she just said.

"Looks like combat on the ground is picking up. This early morning we had our first fatal casualties, a bunch of Scouts were engaged around the equator of the planet." He put down his uniform hat and brushed through his white hair. The bun was gone, he had cut his long hair. "Rei I need you on the ground now. Even with everything the Stalwart is bringing in, we're still thin spread and need everybody down there."

"I'll go too, AICA is good enough on her own for basic Close Air Support and escort missions, especially if she can follow the Voyager."

"Alright, Team 2 is leaving in sixty, I suppose you get some breakfast. I don't know when you'll get the next chance for a break."

Under them the first flight of today, Odegana and Ritz, left the belly of the Far Side and shot away into the sky.

Their little, bucolic break from war was over again.

—

The couple was getting ready and SunTzu somehow even managed to convince Rei to wear leggings under her skirt also.

While she put them on, he was in the armory and got himself an underslung Grenade Launcher for his larger M4 Block 2 Rifle, that he had stored inside AICA.

He also packed a belt full of different 40MM Grenades for the launcher.

Sporting two radios on his plate carrier and decked out with spare magazines and grenades, some of them in a coyote brown backpack he was taking with him, he went over to the quarters and picked up Rei there.

Then they went over to the hangar where they met with Team 2.

Rei in her white and red Senshi Dress as well as black leggings and boots was a sharp distance to the thirteen others. They were wearing Woodland Camouflage and khaki or coyote brown colored gear. Rei's plate carrier was a low-vis black one, just holding some hydration, Individual First Aid Kit and a radio.

They all wore the same helmet, equipped with headsets and Dual Tube Night Vision Googles as well as other gimmicks, greyish-tan colored FAST Helmets.

"This stuff is heavy. I really have to see if I can fight in this."

SunTzu, who also wore a fully packed backpack, stuffed with hydration and food for Rei too, put his hands on her shoulder.

"It's for your protection, and if we're lucky we'll be using the Gunships most of the time anyway."

They both didn't really believed that but she appreciated the try to cheer her up.

The twelve Commandos and the couple got ready to board a Gunship.

As they were walking toward the LAAT/i they noticed that there was a pinup figure on the right side of the cockpit.

"Wut! Take a picture! I have to sent this to her!" Rei commented.

A painting of Minako in her Senshi Outfit riding a miniature Larty into battle was prominently featured on the cockpit.

SunTzu took out his phone and took a picture.

Before he could react Sailor Mars snatched his phone from his hands and sent the picture to Minako.

Stole the BF's phone. We're riding into battle alongside this morning. Hope to see you soon! XOXO Rei-Chan

They also had to take a selfie in front of the cockpit with the pilot of it doing bullhorns from inside before they entered.

At least his girlfriend was in a better spirit now, SunTzu thought.

The Gunship didn't close it's doors and after he secured her and himself the couple, along some Commandos rode into combat, sitting on the edge of the Larty's passenger cell.

Below them small atolls and endless vasts of water rushed by.

In the night the combined ground forces of the two star destroyers made large territorial gains but the docks, centered around the equator as well as the capital and other bigger cities were still under enemy control.

Two more LZs, Leyte and Luzon had been established, with heavy fighting including the armored detachment of Taskforce Sol going on on Luzon especially.

Near the islands where Luzon was located at, lay a military installation including sensors and radar.

The sensor and radar station was on top of a hill and a small airbase and some other military compounds were scattered throughout the island.

Team 2 and their attachment were to drop in stealthily, scout the area and attack targets of opportunity.

The island's airport already had been attacked by the TIE-Bombers and pretty much leveled. While the Bombers were back in their mothership getting rearmed again, the Voyager and AICA were available for air support.

They came in fast and low again and the Larty spew them out at a river mouth.

SunTzu and Sailor Mars were the last one to get out and she basically jumped from the low hovering gunship into his arms.

SunTzu saluted the pilot and the gunship flew back to where and how it came in.

Half of the commandos advanced while the other six defended their position. SunTzu and Sailor Mars were kneeling in cover too, he was kneeling in front of her covering her with his body while he scanned for any targets.

The Marines were spread out evenly and everyone watched a certain part in a 360 circle.

A few minutes after disembarking the area was marked clear and SunTzu went to work as Joint Tactical Air Controller.

The TIEs had reported that some AA-Fire had been coming in from a settlement in the west and the hill.

He established contact with AICA and cleared her for a fast overfly over the island. The plan was to let AICA rush over the island as bait and let the Voyager do the cleaning.

Three and a half minutes later AICA rushed over the island and SunTzu's and Rei's gaze followed her.

Soon she draw fire from two places and from above the clouds two missiles in short intervals rushed through the clouds and down on the island.

Only one explosion, up the hill where the radar dome was also visible on top, was visible but both could be heard as distant rumbles.

The fire behind AICA stopped and she turned around and shot back up the sky.

"Hello air superiority." Haruka commented over one of SunTzu's radios. "Standing by if you guys need us."

"AICA going on standby behind the Voyager."

"Thank you girls. Especially to you my A-shaped darling." SunTzu told into his radio.

"Don't get your human girlfriend jealous." The A-wing replied and did a barrel roll on her way up the sky.

SunTzu shook his head and looked over to Rei who smiled and winked at him.

The team made it's way over the island and had to stop and take cover in the island's thick vegetation two times to avoid droid patrols.

After half a hour, they detected a droid checkpoint on a street. They needed to cross that street if they wanted to move up to the hill with the radar installation.

A few B1-Battle Droids, including one with a rocket launcher and a DSD-1 Dwarf Spider Droid around some duraplast fortifications. All in all nine battle droids. And they needed to destroy them.

A few meters in front of it lay a smoking and crashed civilian speeder.

Through his weapon's optic SunTzu could see the charred remains of at least two people in the vehicle.

The team spread out in the jungle they were taking cover and SunTzu motioned Sailor Mars to stay down.

Gunny O'Connell mentioned the team to aim for targets and SunTzu chose on target too.

One of the Commandos took a small LAW-Rocket Launcher off his back but Sailor Mars motioned him to stop. She moved over to the Gunny and whispered a few words with him. He nodded and she sprinted to a position where she could see the Spider Droid. SunTzu was behind her as she whispered something and got her Mars Flame Sniper ready, she took aim at the Spider Droid.

"Fire." O'Connells firm voice came over the radio.

Sailor Mars released the burning arrow that hit the Spider Droid exactly between it's eyes and penetrated the droid's armor. While the bigger droid exploded the B1s fell almost simultaneously by single aimed shots from the Commandos and SunTzu.

A shot from SunTzu's rifle decapitated the Droid with the rocket launcher.

Within a few seconds all droids were down and the Commandos rushed over the street with raised weapons, Sailor Mars and SunTzu following in close.

He gave her a praising nod and she answered with a wink.

They quickly moved further, and soon sprinted up a heavily vegetated hill. They spread out and took a moment to scout the nearby areas.

SunTzu took out a bottle of water from one of his additional pouches on the plate carrier and took a big sip.

Rei next to him did the same.

She drank a toast to him and while she took a big gulp he took a moment to admire her. She was sweating as all of them were and she wasn't a commando but she kept up and she didn't complain. When she noticed that he was staring at her she put down her bottle, brushed a strain of hair behind her ear and smiled at him. Even in combat, behind enemy lines in a goddamn jungle she made his heart jump.

God, i love this woman so much.

He smiled back and took another sip from his bottle. Suddenly O'Connell came over the team's radio channel and requested him at his position. He moved up the hill and throw himself down next to the teamleader. The commando handed him a macro binoculars.

A village was visible in the distance. SunTzu took the binoculars and had a look through them, zooming in on the village.

Battle Droids of different classes were obviously blockading it and had the village encircled.

On a road nearby CIS Vehicles and more droids were visible. Some tanks had their guns aimed at the village.

"I check in with Castle, so we can get a nine liner for CAS going." SunTzu said as he put down the binoculars, meaning that he and the Team's regular Joint Tactical Air Controller, the guy in charge of air support and transport, would get the data ready for an air attack.

A single blaster shot came out of one of the village's houses and was answered with a shot from one of the tanks and two wrist rockets from super battle droids. The house collapsed partly after the fire.

"They're still too many for us if we don't want to level that village too. Lieutenant, let Command know what's happening down here, maybe they can send some reinforcements. But we need to get those thanks over there."

"Affirmative Gunny."

SunTzu got up, ran over to Castle and told him the plan, the Commando went to work with his phone as micro computer and checked in over the radio with flight control, trying to get as much firepower in, as he could get.

Then SunTzu got back to where Sailor Mars was still sitting. He changed the channel on his second radio while he told Rei what was happening in the village nearby.

He called in Command and explained what the team was observing and sent a request for a reinforcements.

It took a few minutes but the reinforcements were allotted and they were told that they should arrive in around twenty minutes.

Meanwhile Castle checked in with the Tie-Bombers, Terra Squadron and the Voyager, getting them ready for an attack.

The team's sniper and it's machine gunner had their guns trained in on the droids near the village now too.

The village was around 800 meters away, which unfortunately was the maximal effective range of their rifles.

SunTzu told O'Connell the news over radio and was about to shoulder his back pack again when Mars got up and helped him to put on the pack again.

"We have to save that village. And I have an idea how."

They went up the hill again and kneeled down next to the O'Connell.

"Sergeant, I have an idea. Me and SunTzu will fly over to the village while the bombing starts and attack from within the village while you attack them from here as well."

"Think you can pull this? That's quite a lot of droids around the village."

Rei and SunTzu looked at each other and then back to the Sergeant and nodded.

"Okay, I suggest you guys get back to that roadblock to get picked up. Let's us know, when you're ready."

They walked back down the hill while SunTzu radioed in AICA and told her the plan. They were to rendezvous down on the street as planned. They were almost there when they heard laser fire and an explosion coming from the street.

Both lovers looked at each other and then stormed towards the street.

A few moments later they had insight on the street.

AICA was hovering on a low altitude near the road block. The remains of a STAP Recon vehicles lay burning down the street.

SunTzu and Sailor Mars rushed over to AICA and she touched down and opened her canopy.

"The bad tin cans sent a patrol to check out why there was no more contact to here. But I got here first."

They jumped inside and AICA already rose up while the canopy closed.

"Gunny, we're in AICA. She took down an enemy recon patrol at the roadblock but we're good to go."

"Aye aye LT. I'll tell Castle to start the attack."

Rei moved around in her plate carrier, trying to make it more comfortable while sitting, she wasn't neither used to the weight nor being constricted in her movements like this.

"TopGun, I'm not gonna complain but this shit's uncomfortable as hell. After all this I hope you find a way to simultaneously eat me out and massage me to make up for making me wear it. That's the least after today."

It's for safety my dear goddess of war but don't you worry about your idea, I'll come up with something.

While AICA took a wide turn that would lead her to the village the first four bombers flew in and started to drop their proton ordnance on the tanks and vehicles down the road near the village.

A laser run from the Voyager followed. It was pure carnage.

AICA came in from the other side of the village which wasn't encircled yet. On the way they encountered a MTT Droid transporter closing in on the village. Two concussion missiles later the transporter and the company of battle droids it transported were blistering scrap metal.

A minute later they landed in the village square and got out.

"Can we leave this thing here." Rei asked, heaving up SunTzu's backpack from her lap.

"I think we'll need that." He answered and took the backpack, slinging it over and extended his hand to help his girlfriend up.

They got out the cockpit and rushed to the other end of the village.

They scurried into a large two story house, that was filled with people.

"Get these people out." SunTzu ordered Rei while he ran over to a window and took a look.

He had good insight on the main road leading out the settlement and the droids encircling it.

Sailor Mars told the people inside the house, obviously a large family, that they should leave the house and hurry to the other side of the village.

They told her that the houses beside also were inhabited. The only house more near to the droids was the destroyed one.

Mars and SunTzu looked at each other. "We meet here again."

"Take the right, I'll take the left." Rei said and SunTzu laid his backpack down and both left the house for the neighboring buildings.

They each told the inhabitants to cautiously leave for the other side of the city.

Just a few minutes later they both entered the large house in the middle again.

They arrived at the same moment and she jumped into his arms. They kissed while he swung her around.

"You ready?"

"Let's melt down some robots."

Overhead another flight of TIE-Bombers bombed the droids up the road again.

They went up the to the second floor again and SunTzu carefully opened a window so he could shoot out. Rei did the same on the other side of the room.

SunTzu radioed in on Team 2.

"We're ready. I'll drop some smoke to mark our position."

SunTzu took a smoke grenade from his plate carrier and told Rei to get ready. She got into position to cast an Arrow.

SunTzu pulled the pin and threw the smoke grenade out the window. A few seconds later green smoke emitted from the grenade on the street.

"SunTzu to all units, green smoke marks our position. We're engaging now."

Rei casted an Mars Flame Sniper and aimed, SunTzu raised his rifle and got his grenade launcher ready.

"Light them up!"

Mars released her arrow and SunTzu launched a grenade into the droids.

A few meters apart two explosions rocked the half circle of droids.

Mars draw the next arrow and SunTzu reloaded his launcher.

The droids needed a moment to react and suddenly a Super Battle Droid exploded as a 50. Caliber Sniper Round hit him.

Automatic machine gun fire and semi-auto shots from rifles and carbines joined in.

The droids were shorttaken by the sudden shelling from two sides.

Another 40 millimeter grenade and a flame arrow were launched from the couple and destroyed half a dozen droids.

The droids reacted now and started shooting wildly into the houses and up the hill were Team 2 was.

Blaster shots hit the second floor and shattered the windows.

Rei covered her face as SunTzu already jumped up, grabbed his backpack with one hand and Rei's hand with the other, leading her away. Mid running he put on his backpack and let Rei take the lead.

As the first droids entered the road into the city AICA came out of cover behind a house and opened fire on the advancing droids, destroying a whole bunch of B1 and B2 Droids.

Meanwhile SunTzu and Sailor Mars relocated to a house further behind and opened fire again.

A salvo of wrist rockets forced AICA to veer away and she veered into a turn for a strafing run.

The droids now reached the green smoke.

"All units be advised, our position has been breached and we're falling back."

SunTzu emptied a magazine into the droids coming down the street.

"We need to see if there's still people around. Go and get them away, I'll hold the position."

She shot two fireballs onto the incoming droids, disabling two of them and ran for the next house.

"You're okay with a little bit of extreme danger close meatbag?" AICA came over his radio.

"Get them, but don't hit the buildings, Rei is evacuating civilians."

"Coming in hot."

AICA rained laser fire down on the street and bought SunTzu some precious time.

The pilot saw civilians running down the alleys away from the main street and hoped Rei would get all of them going soon.

Time was running out.

Most of the droids had entered the village now and Team 2 ceased most of their fire because an absence of targets. Single sniper shots still rang through the area.

SunTzu had to fall back again shot another grenade to cover his retreat before he ran backwards.

On the next house he almost ran into Sailor Mars who was on her way back to him.

"I guess this means that it's not going well."

"Well, at least we're not dead yet."

He peeked around the corner and was greeted with a salvo of blaster fire aimed at him so he immediately turned back.

"Yo…!" He took a deep breather and rolled over again, shooting a grenade from the launcher.

Then he grabbed Rei's hand and ran the other way, turning at the next alley and taking cover at the next corner.

They started shooting at the droids again but time and cover were running out, behind them was the village square already.

They did what they could but ammo was running out and Rei got more and more exhausted, draining her energy with all the attacks she used.

SunTzu was just taking aim at a Super Battle Droid when the row behind them fired a volley of wrist rockets at them. The rockets hit the wall and only because his force-enhanced reflexes SunTzu could cover Sailor Mars with his body as debris rained over them.

He needed a moment and when SunTzu came back to his senses he looked down at Rei. He was still covered in debris.

Thank god she seemed unharmed, although he probably never saw her so tired and exhausted.

"Are you okay?" He asked her, gently brushing her cheek.

"Tired but unhurt. What about you?"

"I will feel this in the morning but I'm good."

The droids were so near now that they could hear their servo motors moving their limbs. SunTzu had dropped his rifle so all he could do was draw his pistol and protectively positioned him in front of Rei.

All of a sudden green fire rained from the sky and an assault transport landed on the village square. The ramp opened and Stormtroopers, their armor not the usual white and black but also with navy blue markings came down, firing at the incoming droids.

They assaulted forward, two stormtroopers one with a red pauldron of a Sergeant Major and one with the blue pauldron of a Lieutenant leading the attack. The lieutenant was armed with a heavy repeating blaster although he seemed rather small for a stormtrooper. Regular troopers and a Captain with a purple cauldron followed.

Especially the Lieutenant seemed fearless and just stood it's ground opening up on the incoming droids.

The Sergeant Major kneeled down beside the junior officer and took aimed shots taking out whatever the sustained fire of the Lieutenant missed.

Other troopers followed and built a line opening up.

The floor of droids soon ebbed away and Team 2 now advanced down the hill under mutual cover also, closing in on the village.

The stormtrooper captain and a medic came over to SunTzu and Sailor Mars and pulled away the debris around them.

"You guys okay?" The officer yelled and SunTzu gave him a thumbs up.

The platoon of stormtroopers advanced now and together with a fast advancing push from the flanks by the Commandos the droids soon were all a case for the scrapyard.

SunTzu rose up with Rei in his arms and looked at the chaos of smoke, yelling and running stormtroopers.

"That was pretty… intense." Rei stated, looked up into his eyes and smiled. SunTzu couldn't do any other than to laugh.

A few minutes later, Sailor Mars was sitting on a bench at the village center while the medic of Team 2 had a look at her. She was dirty, her hair tousled and had a small cut from debris on her forehead which was smeared with blood. But she was okay.

SunTzu was standing in the middle of the village and directed a Medical Evacuation flight, abbreviated MedEvac, onto the square. Two of the stormtroopers had been wounded, one pretty bad. The stormtrooper medic was kneeling beside the wounded trooper and tried to stop it's neck from bleeding.

A third men was dead, he was hit in the chest by a wrist rocket from one of the B2 Super Battle Droids. The headsized hole in his chest left him dead immediately but the man in front of him had his neck cut open from shrapnel, or worse bone splinter from the man that died.

A Larty came in fast and landed on the square.

Troopers and SunTzu helped to bring and load the stretchers with the wounded and the dead soldier into the Gunship as fast as possible. Medics inside the machine were already going to work on the injured when the ship rose up after just a mere few seconds and went for the Gladiator's hangar.

SunTzu followed the gunship with his stare. He tried to convince himself that this man didn't die because of him and Rei needed backup but in defense of the village. He wasn't completely successful with it though.

Parts of Team 2 were already out again to scout the nearby area and the stormtroopers drew a defensive circle around the village while the inhabitants slowly wandered back to their homes. Some houses were damaged but at least no more civilians had been harmed.

Two more ships came in, one assault transporter bringing another platoon from the company of the stormtroopers, the other, a shuttle, one of the Civilian Affair teams and relief assistance for the village. When those Imps got to work they really got to work.

As soon as the two ships were away again and he saw AICA circling over the village SunTzu got to the bench where Rei was sitting. The medic had finished his inspection and gave her a small Bacta plaster for her head she could put on whenever she want. Right now she was more busy with drinking water and stretching after taking off her plate carrier.

SunTzu walked up to her, taking his helmet off and brushing through his hair.

He didn't look any better, rather worse, with dust in his beard, a large cut on his left cheek and a bruise from debris on the right.

The pilot put his backpack down and opened it.

He took out a bottle of water and used it to clean himself a bit before he gave it to Rei so she could do the same. He took a second bottle and drink a big gulp.

Around them some stormtroopers were patrolling or standing guard.

The part of Team 2 that wasn't on recon had a break.

"Time for lunch. I hope you like military rations."

The look on Rei's face wasn't particularly happy.

How good things can taste when you're hungry need nutrition. After lunch they both met with O'Connell, the third and last platoon of the stormtrooper company was about to be flown in and it and the first of the platoons as well as Team 2 would then march on to the radar site and attack it.

They walked over to where the company commander, the lieutenant from earlier and the Sergeant Major were around something with the assistant teamleader and the JTAC from Team 2.

As they approached SunTzu saw that they made a small miniature of the radar site with bottles, cans and pencils as sandbox model.

The captain had his helmet removed, when they arrived at where they were standing he saw that he was very young for a captain, just in the beginning of his twenties.

SunTzu nodded as greeting and extended his hand to the captain.

"Thank you for the help Sir. I'm sorry for your company's loss."

"The Corporal died protecting innocent people, Lieutenant. At least it wasn't in vain. By the way, I'm Captain John Connor, SOC Company, 501. Legion."

The men shook hands.

"Second Lieutenant SunTzu, Taskforce Sol."

"This is Sergeant Major Sarah Connor." The Captain motioned towards the Sergeant Major beside him and the trooper put down his helmet revealing a brunette haired middle aged woman with a battle hardened face. SunTzu didn't expect that.

The two also shook hands.

"Thank you too for the help Sergeant Major." SunTzu said to the woman, she had quite the firm handshake.

"And this is my proxy, Lieutenant Cameron Baum." Captain Connor said and pointed to the stormtrooper with the blue pauldron.

The Lieutenant nodded but kept his helmet on.

Rei joined them and introduced herself as well.

Afternoon came while they developed a plan how to attack the radar site. Parts of Team 2 already scouted the area and the Voyager and AICA undertook recon flights over the installation until the enemy chased them off with man portable anti aircraft missiles, Manpads.

This was bad in terms of air support but was partially absorbed when one of the Gunships brought two AT-MP-Walkers and their two pilots in from the Far Side.

The small walkers looked a bit like miniature AT-STs, with a rotary chaingun in the middle of their cockpit and arms made out of rocket pods, each arm carrying four launchers.

They decided to split into three groups and attack from three different sides at once, with the TF Sol personnel and the Walkers from the south and Stormtroopers from the West and North.

SunTzu was back at his backpack next to the bench and took what he needed for the assault before he called AICA in and stored the backpack in her. Rei was helping settling the villagers in again.

"You seem quite fond of this fighter Lieutenant." A female voice came from behind him as he closed AICA's storage compartment and gently stroked her frame.

"We're good friends." AICA answered as SunTzu turned around. It was the Sergeant Major. Connor as well, right? Now that he looked at her again he could see some familiarity in the Captain's and the NCO's face. Were they family?

"The ship speaks?" Sergeant Connor asked surprised, behind her the Lieutenant came up and looked at AICA, turning his slight sideways.

"That's AICA, Artificial Intelligence Controlled A-Wing. I'm her pilot actually."

"Sky's up there LT." The middle aged but quite attractive woman told and motioned upwards with her head.

"Sometimes it's nice to see how the other half lives."

"I see, you're an all-rounder so?"

"I have to be. Long Story. You guys with the big Five Oh First, right?"

"Yeah, Special Operation Capable Company. We're the link between Lord Vader's SpecOps Units and the rest of the Legion."

"You guys got experience when it comes to dealing with Clankers?"

"Sure." The sergeant smiled and went off to her troopers, she looked at the Lieutenant. "Clankers are our specialty. Isn't that right Lieutenant Baum."

The Lieutenant looked a moment longer at SunTzu before he followed the Sergeant Major.

Something about this Lieutenant was off. Even in the force he could feel it slightly. He just couldn't tell what it was.

A few minutes later they marched off, the AT-MPs walking in front of the reinforced Team 2.

A hour later they arrived at the hill. This one was as planted as the other they lay on before. This was curse and blessing, the lush vegetation covered their advance up but also hindered the movement paths of the walkers and enemies could also had been hidden in the trees and other plants.

They splitted up with two four man team of commandos leading the way before the Walkers and the rest including O'Connell and the team's medic.

Sailor Mars stayed in close proximity to SunTzu, her energy had regained a bit and she didn't complain anymore also.

They were three quarters up the hill, and everybody carefully watched out for ambushes, sensors or any traps when the third platoon reported enemy contact and the sound of battle came in from the north.

Still cautious but at the double the Earthlings worked their way up the hill.

They formed a line with the Teamleader at the left and Sailor Mars and SunTzu as last men on the right. The Walkers went in first.

As the walkers stormed up the edge and trampled down the fence surrounding the compound, the troops lay down for cover and opened fire on any target they could find.

Rei destroyed a Droideka with a flame arrow from behind.

"Oh God, i hate those things."

SunTzu next to her shot her a quick glance with a smile and then got back to shooting at droids.

The both Walkers mowed down rows of surprised battle droids.

Meanwhile the sound of blaster fire and explosions started to come in from the west and the main gate that was located there too.

After a salvo of rockets aimed at groups of droids the AT-MP slowly advanced into the compound, Team 2, the Senshi and SunTzu following.

As SunTzu blew up a Droideka that just came rolling in with a grenade from his launcher, Sailor Mars destroyed two Super Battle Droids with one flame arrow that went completely through the first one and then exploded in the second Droid behind.

"Nice shot!" Both Lovers commented the other at the same time.

They arrived at the first building, a store house and got into cover.

SunTzu kneeled down and carefully scoped out of cover. He found two B1s, that didn't care for the fight on the ground but rather scanned the sky.

They were armed with Missile Launchers and the Pilot took them out with a few well aimed shots.

Hopefully that were the droids with the Anti-Aircraft-Launchers.

"SunTzu to AICA. I think I got the droids with the Manpads."

"You'll be sorry if not." AICA responded. "I'm going in for a overfly."

A few seconds later, something really, really fast was to be heard coming in a blink of an eye AICA shot over the compound just a few meters above the radar and sensor domes. The sound of breaking the sound barrier followed her and after she passed the compound she broke off towards the sky again with a barrel roll. Obviously the showing off from Haruka was marking off on her.

"Damn." Rei said, standing next to him, as they were leaning out of cover tracking the A-Wing.

Suddenly Rei pulled SunTzu back behind cover, making him fall on his butt.

A millisecond later a blaster bolt hit the ground where SunTzu just kneeled.

"I got a sniper on the side of that tower with dome." She yelled into her radio.

SunTzu took a deep breather and leaned his head against her hips.

"Thanks Babe."

"Your welcome."

Commandos advanced on the other side of the building and made intervisibility with the troopers of the first platoon. They were all in cover because of the sniper.

The AT-MPs were now closing in to them around the base's perimeter

The team's sniper went up the buildings roof on a ladder on the side of the building while other troopers tried to catch the sniper's attention over at the corner of the building.

The sniper went up the ladder till he could plant his rifle on the roof and mounted the heavy 50. caliber rifle.

Using one hand to hold himself on the ladder and the other on the grip of the sniper rifle he aimed at the sniper droid and pulled the trigger.

The special B1 Droid exploded in a small explosion.

"Enemy sniper neutralized!" The man came over radio and the sniper climbed up the roof and laid down on top of it.

The Stormtroopers from the west got up again and advanced, covering each other.

The blaster fire from the north was coming in from more near now too.

Since no more missiles were shot at her, AICA took another turn and headed for the complex again.

"Boss, I'm coming in again. Let me know where you want me."

"Roger. That building next to me is the furthermost position of own troops. Everything behind is potentially hostile, so you might wanna scan for targets of opportunity."

"Gotcha."

She soared in again and stopped between the building the Commandos were and a building over the pathway leading out of the base was standing, currently being annected by stormtroopers of the 501.

Hovering between the buildings she took shots at everything she could find and soon the two AT-MPs advanced underneath her.

Commandos and Stormtroopers, lead by the Lieutenant followed behind the walkers.

SunTzu and Sailor Mars advanced from their side of the storage house towards the radar dome.

A door opened and three Droids stormed out. Only to almost instantly explode in a fire ball as they were greeted by the Soldier of Fire's burning arrow.

The AT-MPs closed up to them and the infantry followed.

Single droids were still taken out as the third platoon finally arrived over the hill, lead by Sergeant Major Connor.

The Galactic Alliance Troops now literally swarmed the place and soon the outside of the compound was secured. AICA hovered over the middle of the base now.

Troops were stacking up next to the buildings now and Team 2, Sailor Mars and SunTzu got ready to make breach the radar dome from the ground and top floor.

The stormtrooper Lieutenant, Captain Connor and a few more troopers joined them.

The Lieutenant was getting ready behind Sailor Mars as Mars already casted a fireball into her hand. The Lieutenant stared at her hand and tilted her head slightly to the side again.

The doors were breached at the same time and Commandos rushed into the building.

Lieutenant Baum kept staring at Rei, now at her face, when the Senshi followed SunTzu inside the building.

Thankfully the opposition in the building was weak and just a few B1-Droids and a tactical Droid had been inside.

It didn't took long afterwards and the complex was marked as cleared. Defensive positions were taken and the two JTACs took care that the wounded, nine at all, two of them seriously injured, were flown out as fast as possible. This time nobody was wounded fatally. Thank god.

Evening came and somewhen at dusk a team of specialists was flown in to assess the situation of the site and its sensors.

A few meters away from the East Gate they found a mess grave where the garrison of the base was hastily buried in. SunTzu made sure Rei didn't even come remotely near there. A squad of medics and engineers had the invidious but important task to identify and them and transport them away to a real graveyard.

Sailor Mars and SunTzu were sitting leaned at the storage house and smoked when the Stormtrooper Lieutenant appeared before them.

She walked right up to Rei and stopped there. Both earthlings looked up to the officer.

The Lieutenant looked at her with a tilted head again.

Then she took off her helmet and to the couple's surprise revealed a young woman, around the same age as Captain Connor.

And she still carried the heavy weapon is it was nothing. SunTzu even saw her holding the hand with one hand. Something most man probably couldn't.

"Sailor Mars. I saw you project Fire without using any device. I'm curious, how you do this."

"Lieutenant Baum, right?" Rei said as she extinguished her cigarette on the ground beside her, got up and brushed over the back of her skirt. "Uhm, It's one of my powers as Sailor Senshi." She nervously looked at SunTzu and he just shrugged.

"Please explain what a Sailor Senshi is?"

"Long Story, but in short, we are the guardians of the kingdom as well as planet earth and our stellar system. All ten of us have special powers."

"I see. Thank you for explaining."

That said she turned around on the spot and walked away.

Mars stood there for a moment, not knowing what this just was about.

Her obvious strength wasn't the only thing strange with this girl.

SunTzu called AICA in and she found a place to land. He took his backpack out again, as well as a poncho liner, also called woobie. Rei joined them and the two humans wished the AI a good night as she was about to leave for the Far Side, going back to Midway as the atoll where the Gladiator hovered over was called.

Just as AICA disappeared in the sky, the Voyager, escorting a Larty, flew in.

While the TIE-Aggressor circled overhead, the gunship landed and four guards and Artemis, still in his GA Fleet Uniform, came out.

The pilot and the Senshi walked over, and both saluted, although Rei's salut wasn't as crisp as the one of her boyfriend.

She's been around troops too long SunTzu thought and smiled inside.

Artemis reciprocated the greeting.

"How are you two?"

"I'm hungry. And tired. But I'm glad we achieved our mission and that we saved that village." Rei told him.

"I see. I'll try to get some real food delivered to you guys." He turned around and motioned to one of the guards. The guard turned away and got on his radio.

"Good Job. Let's meet up with the Company Commander of the Stormtroopers and O'Connell."

They got together with the Connors, O'Connell and his number two and Lieutenant Baum.

Artemis thanked all of them for their good work and gave his condolences over the fallen trooper to the 501st's members.

Then he gave them all a heads up about what happened on Bestine, apart of the island they were fighting on. There island had been dubbed Borneo.

Nice way to tell us that we're just the sideshow, SunTzu thought. That was until Artemis told them how important their mission had been for the final push. Their ultimate and last target, Okinawa, were the oceanic dockyards. And the liberation of the sensor and radar station made the enemy almost completely blind and deaf.

Crystal Tokyo's highest soldier also told them that the main island, dubbed Iwo Jima had been taken too. Although far away from the death toll of the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War 2 the battle was costly also and the Imperial Army Brigade that fought there on foot and in Walkers bewailed hundreds of casualties.

Most of the Galactic Alliance's air power had been fighting there too and two Tie-Bombers had been shot down. Numerous vehicles and Walkers of the Brigade had been destroyed as well. Dozens of civilians had been injured and killed by the droids or through unfortunate collateral damage.

But in the end the Galactic Alliances forces had been victorious on the island.

Other troops, for example the Taskforce's troopers nonstop cleared more islands and at the end of the day the only enemy stronghold left were the docks.

Artemis told them that they would be relieved by regular troops by dawn and that tomorrow noon the final assault would begin. They were to get more Intel and orders in time.

As Artemis walked back to the gunship, hands behind his back, they joined him once again.

"Sailor Mars, you want to come along. I mean, I understand that you're not an infantryman."

"Thanks for the offer, but I stay. I wouldn't be fair to the other people I'm fighting alongside with here." She smiled and glanced at SunTzu. "And someone has to take care of this guy here."

"I see. This is a remarkable thing to do. I'm proud of you Rei. You guys take care, we see each other tomorrow morning."

He and the guards got into the transport and the gunship flew off.

Shortly afterwards two Gunships came in and brought warm, fresh food from the Far Side. The officers ate at last and Sailor Mars, although not an officer but a diplomat followed SunTzu's example.

When they finally took their meal the Team 2, the Pilots of the Walkers and the couple sat down together at one of the rooms inside the base's barracks and ate together. The usual shittalking soldiers had between them was going too of course and the pilot and the Senshi didn't hold back with it either. The Commandos began to joke to always try to take Sailor Mars with them now, because she would guarantee for a flown in nice, warm dinner, perks of having a diplomat around. She answered that if the men around her could articulate in more than guttural sounds and beating their chest they probably wouldn't need a diplomat to get some comfort. When she saw SunTzu laughing she told that the only difference between a grunt and a pilot was, that the pilot knew how to press the colored buttons in his cockpit first and then beat his chest. The pilot and the soldiers fell into a fit of laughter.

The Senshi and the pilot were glad and honored that the Commandos accepted them as comrades and two of their own.

The Commandos let the stormtroopers, those that weren't on watch, sleep in the barracks and settled in on guardhouse, they took turns on guard duty but told their attached personnel that they were exempt from taking a watch shift.

SunTzu and Rei opted to sleep in the warehouse and after a cigarette where they noticed Lieutenant Baum standing guard at the radar dome all alone and without moving, entered the building.

They found some folding chairs and put them up, before they got ready to sleep and took down their armor. Rei sighed satisfied.

It was a blessing to finally get out of that plate carrier. And she thought getting out of her bra after a long day was great. If pre-war Rei only knew how good she had it.

Life can be strange sometimes, Rei thought. SunTzu had brought a toothbrush for her and some wet wipes for both of them and just this little bit of hygiene made her as happy as a kid on Christmas morning.

While she got ready he went out again and managed to get some hot water for them for some tea. What more proof I need that he was the best boyfriend one could have in field. Not that she would ever tell him this.

After the tea they brushed their teeth, put on their Bacta plasters and she laid down over three of the chairs and he covered her with the woobie. Then he sat down on the fourth chair, his rifle ready beside him. They took each other's hand as she laid her head on his lap.

"Think you can sleep?" He asked her, genuinely concerned.

"After today in probably could sleep everywhere. And it's pretty okay in here."

He smiled at her.

"We still will make a real grunt out of you." He took her hand and kissed it.

"But honestly I'm proud of you, how you take all that. I know it's not easy."

She gently pulled his hand towards her mouth and kissed his hand now.

"I'm used to renunciations. As you know my mom died of cancer when I was a kid. My dad never had much time for me. Hell, he didn't even find the time to visit my mom in hospital. Although I think he just wasn't man enough to visit her." She paused for a moment and pressed her lips together.

"And apart from being a Miko and working at a young age, I have been fighting as Senshi, multiple times saving the solar system since I was fourteen years old. The only thing this war is really more demanding at is the psychological factor. It's one thing to see people fall down in a coma because someone stole their life energy and the other if you see someone die next to you by getting blown to pieces from a rocket. I'm glad we safed that village. I don't know how I would have reacted if that soldier died for nothing."

He's squeezed her hands gently again.

"You're so strong and I'm so proud of you. I promise I do anything i can to end this war. As soon as possible." He forced himself to a smile. "Even if I have to blow up a sun." He began stroking her hair.

"And now sleep my Warrior Princess."

She sat up and they gently and lovingly kissed each other, and whispered an I love you in each other's ear, before she laid down on his lap again and closed her eyes.

It was crazy, lying on some folding chairs, a rifle next to them, in the middle of a war zone, she felt safe and home around him.

Rei almost immediately fell asleep, and SunTzu, his hand still stroking her hair, followed shortly afterwards.