Admiral Zasha Ranken-Imperial Forward Command
Aboard the INS Subjugator - Harrower -class Dreadnaught: Vaiken Spacedock - Dromund System, Sith Worlds, Imperial Space, Outer Rim Territories, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 05:30/5:30 AM
'Striking at Kuat again?' Zasha mused at the Council's latest directive for her fleet. The Imperial Admiral has become aware of the notoriety of the Republic's new allies in the conflict: some were just mere brutes and others were refined, civilized beings yet oddly they all hailed from one world known as 'Earth'. Ranken had heard rumors of even 'impostors' amongst their ranks, calling themselves 'Britons' or 'Englishmen' but by Imperial standards this was just a new low.
'It's rather interesting that the Republic would simply leave a token garrison this time, the fools must be arrogant enough regarding their allies to accept such a risk.' The woman thought as she read the intelligence report.
Nevertheless, the commanding officer of a taskforce consisting of numerous Harrower- dreadnoughts, Terminus-destroyers, and Gage-class transports waited for the arrival of two more squadrons of Supremacy-class Starfighters before proceeding to jump into hyperspace.
Fleet Admiral Raymond Ames Spruance- United States Navy (Assigned as an attaché)
Republic Command Post - Kuat Drive Yards, Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 06:00/6:00 AM
"So the Imperials finally decided to take the bait." The Hoosier-native smiled as the enemy fleet exited out of the 'Star Trek' style Warp Drive. "We can probably wipe out this entire naval task force and hopefully bring the Dark Council to the negotiating table when they lose their current best Admiral. The bastards surely are still feeling the aftermath of losing that precious Rakton of theirs back on that 'sacred' world of all holiness Korriban."
"As much as I hate to admit it, the plan is either bold or it might just work." Admiral Aygo confessed as taskforce Aurek proceeded to maneuver around the opposition, positioning themselves behind the Imps.
"Incoming high-priority transmission from the Imperial Fleet!" A Republic Navy 'crewer' with the rank of 'Private' called out, the terminology difference causing Raymond to snort.
"Put it through!"
"Ah, Aygo my old friend, what a lovely surprise." A tan-skinned brunette woman with sparkling dark blue eyes greeted the trio. "I see you brought along your two Earthling pets to accompany you at this time."
"Whatever lady," Raymond snorted, "and sorry for ruining your vacation, but do us a favor and turn your Caribbean cruise liners around before we blow them out of the water, so to speak. Surely you're not stupid to stand up to a trap."
"So you must be the famed Admiral Spruance of Midway." Zasha grinned as she witnessed the American taken aback from shock before composing himself. "Quite a feat you pulled back in this Pacific Ocean of yours yet the files failed to note how handsome you are."
"Sorry, lass, but he's already married." Montgomery defended the Yank. "How about surrendering?"
"Curious, I've been wondering why some of you Earthlings are speaking with Imperial dialects?"
"More like British, madam," Montgomery smirked, "I, however, do believe you need to learn how to speak it properly, you incarnation of humbug."
"So Bey'wan?" The victor of Midway and the Philippine Sea asked the dog-like creature in a whisper while the Briton kept their opponent distracted. "What do we know about the arrogant… wench?" He had to refrain himself from calling her worse.
"Admiral Ranken served under the now deceased Grand Moff Rycus Kilran during the Sacking of Coruscant and unsurprisingly, the witch enjoyed bombarding civilian targets," The Bothan's ears drooped at the memory, "she caused significant collateral damage that day."
"How ghastly." The Spartan General noted as he adjusted his beret. "So this bloody bint is a narcissist? Regardless of the dear Impostor's sensibilities, old chap, what do you think that they're about to commit?"
"We don't know what the Imps are planning other than that they either desire to capture Kuat or…" The Republic Admiral's eyes widened in realization. "Kriff!? They might want to just sabotage the Drive Yards!" If they couldn't take it, they would most certainly want to stop their ability to repair and produce more ships for their fleet.
"A raid does make sense." Raymond agreed. "Bernard, how are the defenses coming?"
"We're preparing a mainline just outside in case of borders breaching." Montgomery replied. "Mainly consisting of the garrison already present, not to mention both my First Commonwealth Division, some of your Sailors and Marines in addition to a Battalion from the 25th Infantry Division, plus some 'Company Guards' I must add."
"I also sent out word for reinforcements but I'm confident that we'll repel them again." Bothan grinned.
Corporal Hanzo Nilsson- Weapons Section, Second Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia Light Infantry, 1st Commonwealth Division
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 06:30/6:30 AM
"Corporal Nilsson!" Sergeant McHugh barked. "Have your machine gun team set up blocking positions outside Hangar Bay Bravo Two-Four!"
"Yes, Sergeant." Hanzo acknowledged as he waved Alex and the two men towards the location. "Alright, so I think we'll set up at the top right corner, the balcony." The Head Corporal noted, applying his experience from 'Nam during the scant instances of urban fighting. "It seems to be a good angle to rain down fire on 'em."
"Excellent suggestion." McAllen approved as he clutched the tripod. "Apparently we'll be having droids and security augmenting us."
"Wonderful." Edwards mutters sarcastically. "Glorified rent cops."
Hanzo sighed as overheard the gripe. "Edwards? Are the crates ready?"
"Yes, Corporal. We have plenty of lead for the Browning to shoot the fuckers."
"Alright, we don't have all day, so let's move people!"
Admiral Zasha Ranken-Imperial Forward Command
Aboard the INS Subjugator - Harrower -class Dreadnaught: Kuat Drive Yards, Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 06:30/6:30 AM
Admiral Ranken met the strike team on the bridge, the company of Commandos and a platoon's worth of Sith warriors were carefully selected for this vital task in this latest attempt at Kuat, only this time the desire was to put the driveyards out of commission. And as such, wardroids will be augmenting the assembled force as well, since this mission was critical for the success of the raid.
"Your objective is to distract the Earthling force defending the western flank." The Admiral revealed to the subordinates. "You are authorized by the Dark Council themselves to utilize whatever force you see fit except summary executions. Their desecration of Korriban shall not be forgotten and these Earther scum shall feel the wrath of the Empire."
"So why should we use overkill against these barbaric primitives?"A Captain in charge of the detachment scoffed as he glanced at one of the droids being prepared for the assault.
"Because the Earthlings don't play by the accepted rules when it comes to warfare." Admiral Zasha announced. "You are all experienced in numerous campaigns against both the Pubs and their Jedi pets, yet the nations of Earth are unpredictable, with different strategies and tactical expertise amongst their diverse military organizations. Accept the unforeseeable, realize that some of you may not come back alive but most important of all, may the Force serve you well."
Lord Krovos stepped forward as she recognized her cue. "Today the Republic shall long remember that they cannot continuously rely on their newfound allies. Those Earthlings of the Second Field Army, specifically the First Commonwealth Division, made a mockery of our forces on Tython, a planet that is an anathema to their entire primitive and barbaric race." It was even reported that one soldier in particular was responsible for a number of Sith deaths during the assault, even with his own bare hands.
The Sith Warriors standing before the Pureblood snarled like baying wolves. In their eyes, the mere forceless freaks were lower than womp rats and not fit for even enslavement.
"And let's not forget that the majority are imposters from the lands they call Britain, New Zealand and Australia as well." Admiral Ranken added. "They believe that ever since they had an Empire, they have the birthright to make a mockery of us. No more. Today, the True Empire shall rule the entire galaxy by bringing the Republic to its knees and Earth will learn the cost of earning the fury of the Empire."
"Taking prisoners is a secondary objective but our main focus is to demolish critical machinery and set back production for years." Lord Krovos added. "No executions. Just go in, destroy as much machinery as you possibly can, create havoc, and then get out. The engineers will finish the task after the main force deals with the defenders then we'll retreat back into Imperial space, is that understood?"
Corporal Hanzo Nilsson- Weapons Section, Second Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia Light Infantry, 1st Commonwealth Division
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 08:49/8:49 AM
"Fall back! Fall back!" McHugh ordered as he witnessed one of his men getting frozen by a cryo grenade thrown from a commando. The Canadians and Republic soldiers with their remaining droid support units were being forced to abandon the first line of defense as the wardroids headed right toward the defenders, pushing those standing behind the barricade out of the way or slaughtering them with their turrets.
"I'm tired of running, let's make a stand for once!" A Rodian Private shouted in clear Basic, frustrated at the lack of resistance by his fellow soldiers.
However, a green-skinned Twi'lek Republic Sergeant voiced his disagreement. "The Earthling is right, would you like to go up against that thing without a launcher?"
"No, Sergeant." The Private conceded.
The allies began retreating in a somewhat chaotic order away from the approaching droids, the monstrosities pushing all before them out of the way in order to allow the Imperials to mop up those who remained behind.
Nilsson noticed the scrambling down below and opened up with the converted M1919A4 down below, blowing away two Imperial soldiers with the powerful STANAG 7.62 x 51 mm NATO round, utilizing the armor penetrative abilities of the M61 to its fullest potential, watching as it just ripped through their armor and an agony death awaited for them.
"Ah hell, that robot fucking spotted us!" Jack cursed as the Imperial Annihilator T4-1Ds and DX-6 Ravagers assisting the Sith and Commandos in their slaughter turned in their direction and began to open fire. Hanzo and his men immediately ducked behind their sandbag barricade, the blaster bolts slamming into them like jackhammers as the smell of melting sand choked the air. While their defenses were holding, the gun crew knew it wouldn't for much longer.
"Go find us a LAW, Edwards!" Hanzo ordered as he continued to lay down withering fire on the Imps supporting the wardroids, forcing a few of them to seek cover before he himself had to duck again as a blaster bolt nearly took his head off.
"LAW, right." The subordinate noticed a launcher leaning up against a box and proceeded to extend the tube before aiming the piece at one of the robot's heads and fired. The rocket struck the wardroid in the face, detonating the circuitry and power fluxers inside in a thundering fireball.
A brief silence followed as even the wardroids were caught by surprise at this grizzly sight. That didn't last long and they doubled their efforts to kill the gun crew. As Hanzo ducked again, an idea suddenly occurred to him.
"You two." Nilsson pointed at the security guards assigned to him. "We need some grenades. Doesn't matter if they're thermal detonators or Lemons, just get 'em." He'll need to remember their names if they survive this battle.
The Weequay and Aqualish nodded in acknowledgment, sprinting to the strategically placed supply cache.
"Ha! How about stick bombs as well!" The Weequey cried in excitement after opening the crate. "Perfect!"
"Gammon bombs and stickies?" McAllen questioned. "Must be surplus."
"And Republic issue ones as well." The other mercenary grinned. "What's the plan, Corporal?"
"Dump the Frags on top of them." Nilsson ordered. "The ro-droids can have the glue." Damnit, it was starting to get to him about the 'proper' correction for droids in this galaxy.
"And have them run the gauntlet of improvised mines. Good thinking."
The detachment poured the grenades and they rolled across the floorboard, spreading shrapnel and destruction in the radius. The wardroids received scratches to their legs yet a few well-placed anti-armor rockets to the heads or sides disabled the machines, causing the Imperial supporting fire to gradually cease.
The remaining Imperials knew that they'd lost the initiative and that without their droids to back them up, charging the dug-in Earthlings would be a pointless slaughter. So instead, they dug in and waited for reinforcements to arrive.
Fleet Admiral Raymond Ames Spruance- United States Navy (Assigned as an attaché)
Republic Command Post - Kuat Drive Yards, Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 08:49/8:49 AM
"Sir? We need to move, now!" A Staff Sergeant of Spruance's security detail recommended.
"Too late, Sarge! They're starting to breach!"
The Royal Marine Bootnecks, Leathernecks of the USMC, sailors from the Allied navies, and soldiers across the Anglosphere aimed their rifles from their barricades alongside their Republic counterparts.
"Want to borrow my pistol, Yank?" Bernard inquired with a grim chuckle, unholstering his old yet reliable Webley.
"No, I'm good but thanks for offering the Six Shooter." Raymond grinned as he aimed his M1911A1. "Stand firm, men. Remember that today we are proving our worth in a proper defensive engagement. If we lose this shipyard, Earth will fall victim to these bastards."
"And set back our entire effort as well." Admiral Bey'wan added, his blaster pointed at the inbound unwelcome guests.
Suddenly, the blast door blew in and three Sith rushed inside first, anxious to cut down the Forceless blights before them.
"Ah shit, we have some of those bloody banshees incoming!" A sailor with a Somerset dialect warned as he cooked a grenade. "Eat this, you fuckin' tossers!"
The grenade landed directly in front of the charging heathens, sending out hot fragmentation in a five-meter radius. The attacking Sith Warriors threw up a protective Force-Shield, but the concussive force was enough to knock them on their collective asses with a few embedded shards in their limbs for good measure.
Before the Earthlings could finish them off, a commando threw a cryo grenade at a Leatherneck, freezing the poor soul in ice. He was taken down in turn by a well-placed shot of .45 ACP from Spruance's handgun which impacted squarely between the eyes of the Space Fascist which only had an eighteen percent chance of survival with treatment if it was a handgun wound yet in this instance it was clearly fatal as the combatant dropped dead.
"Fine shooting, old chap." The Spartan General complimented before placing a .455 caliber slug into the heart of a 'Pureblood,' "Ghastly creatures."
"More like ugly. Reminds me of the inscriptions about demons."
"You don't say." The Field Marshal deadpanned.
"Come on lads! Let's show these bastards what 'primitives' can do!" A Chief Petty Officer of the Royal Navy attired in his white and black No. 3B Dress bellowed, with an L9A1 pistol in his left hand and an honest-to-God cutlass in his right - in this case a 1900 Pattern Royal Navy Cutlass to be precise. "Drive the imposters back!"
"You heard him!" His American counterpart in his Service Khakis and wearing a khaki Combination Dress Cap added as he clutched a Model 1917 Naval Cutlass. "Don't let up! Keep mowing those bastards down!"
Although the cutlasses as well as the scrounge up boarding axes and pikes distributed to perplexed sailors were anachronisms, their issuing was misconstrued as it was neither out of desperation or to spare rifles for the armies, rather it was the glaring fact that vibroswords and whatnot were expected to be encountered nevermind boarding actions in general and for navies steeped in tradition it was better to have it than not need it and besides, the ad hoc naval pikemen still had rifles, they were just slung on their shoulders unless the situation dictated otherwise whereas the axes and cutlasses weren't drawn until required but now as they were under siege the supply of small arms ammunition was no longer guaranteed and such weapons as well as bayonets may had to be used with much more frequency depending on the duration but despite the justifications, it did not prevent jokes from soldiers and marines about sailors being issued hand-me downs from Admiral Lord Nelson or Commodore Perry.
Still, the soldiers, seamen, and Marines were emboldened by the example of the NCOs waving their nautical short-swords, causing the ones with rifles to increase their fire rate slightly, intent on repulsing the opposition from taking over the command center, while the pikemen jabbed those who attempted to break through the defense and while the Sith among them may hack away the ends of pikes they would still be cut down by riflery but the Admiral had a larger bore waiting to be shot.
"Is the surprise ready?!" Spruance shouted, hoping that his men had the trump card prepared.
Two Devil Dogs set up the tripod, placed the tube into the rest, and loaded a Recoilless Rifle with flechette 'beehive' rounds, intending to unleash a hornets' nest of nails at the intruders. "Gun ready! Stand clear from the blast!"
"Ah, Kriff." An Imperial Corporal muttered as he saw one of the enemy 'Marines' aim the tube at the doorway. It was the last object he ever saw as the weapon fired, ripping him and quite literally everybody else in the hallway into finely chopped liver.
"Kierfek! You took down three Sith with that monstrosity." Aygo declared in awe.
"Seventy-Five millimeter M20 Recoilless Rifle."Raymond smirked."How many rounds are left, Top?"
"Two left, sir." The Master Sergeant from Nebraska informed the Hoosier. "Seems like the rest were taken."
'I'm going to have a chat with the supply officer later and see if a court martial is necessary.' The Admiral thought. "Put up a barricade! No doubt this is only the first wave and they'll try again later!"
"Aye, sir."
"Monty? Have Jack come here to reinforce us. We might need his assistance."
"Good God!" Bernard was flabbergasted at the suggestion, before moving his head out of the way of a blaster bolt. "He's an absolute madman, and I would rather have him on the front dispatching the Impostors!"
"I think the Imps wanna capture us, which means there'll be plenty of action to satisfy him. Also, two can play the same game."
Admiral Zasha Ranken-Imperial Forward Command
Aboard the INS Subjugator - Harrower -class Dreadnaught: Kuat Drive Yards, Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 09:00/9:00 AM
Admiral Ranken gazed from the bridge as she witnessed her gun crew finish off another Republic vessel that attempted to launch a boarding party. The Admiral realized that they intended to capture her, perhaps even as a bargaining chip but the woman wasn't going to play into their plot.
"Helmsman!? Bring us two degrees northeast!"
"Aye, ma'am." The crewer acknowledged as he turned the ship's starboard side.
"Focus your fire on the Victory on Bothawui. It appalls me."
The enemy Valor-class Cruiser attempted to bring its turrets broadside against the sudden maneuvering. However, a squadron of Extinction-Class bombers disabled the vessel's engines before Ranken's flagship finished it off under an unrelenting barrage of turbo-laser fire.
"One down, twenty-six more to go in this sector." Zasha muttered as she watched the flame engulfing inside the wreckage.
"We surrender, mates!" A so-called 'Australian' shouted, lowering his L1A1 and raising his arm into the air. "Say you blokes are really ferocious today, reminds me of the Dingoes back home."
"Quiet!" An Imperial Captain ordered as one of the men struck the scum's face with the butt of his carbine. "Acting under the authority of the Empire, I order you to kneel."
"Alright then." The Corporal and his fireteam knelt down, hands behind their heads, expecting to be cuffed. Three Imperials followed their commanding officer's lead and proceeded to aim their weapons at the quartet's heads.
Staff Sergeant Roberto Sanchez - Third Platoon, C/Charlie Company, First Battalion, 25th Infantry Regiment, United States Army
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 09:00/9:00 AM
'You goosestepping bastards!' The Californian thought as he witnessed the summary execution of the four Australians by the Imperial borders. The thought sickened him, reminding him of what the Japanese did to their prisoners. As a buck Private during the conflict, his Lieutenant had advised his men to kill the fuckers to the last as payback for Manchuria, Bataan, and Wake Island.
Before now the Americans hadn't encountered any war crimes committed by these Space Nazis themselves, only the aftermath on a few instances, and those had been again nonhumans. But now? Witnessing this sheer brutality against his fellow Earthlings brought vengeance to the Platoon leader's mind.
"Sarge?" Specialist Four Anthony Wilburn whispered. "Should we take these bastards down?"
"Wilburn?" Roberto uttered to the former gangster from Philly and one of his best men. "Take your fireteam down the hall to your left and see if you can outflank these psychopaths, the second squad will assist. Rest of you, fix your bayonets and wait for the red smoke." The Staff Sergeant watched as his men drew their M6 blades and affixed them to their M14s. Waiting patiently for the estimated time for Wilburn and his detachment to get into position, the NCO withdrew a smoke grenade and pulled the pin, cooking it for a moment before throwing the cylinder out into the open.
"What the Kriff!?" An Imperial Corporal shouted in surprise as the cylinder started to splurt out smoke, the red fumes filling the room with the vapors that unknowingly signaled their demise.
The Americans poured out from the hallways, charging directly into the mist and utilizing the element of surprise to its fullest potential.
"Oooha!" The Infantrymen shouted their warcry, the wail of inevitable carnage flowing through the air like a tidal wave as they crashed right into their attackers. After what the thugs had just done, the Americans showed them no mercy. Sanchez himself buttstroked the Imperial Captain who ordered the execution of the Aussies, the impact flooring the Space Brit. Before the Hispanic could finish off the fiend, the enemy had his pistol aimed at his chest.
"Earth scum!" The perpetrator snarled as the enemy captain fired, the bolt producing a sudden billow of smoke from firing at such close range as Sanchez fell. "Damn you and your damn barbaric ways of conducting war!"
"Sarge!" Wilburn cried as he saw the platoon leader gunned down. The Specialist fired his shotgun at the enemy officer, ejected the spent shell, and pumped it again before shooting the next load of 00 Buckshot. "Die you son of a bitch!"
The Imperial officer felt the impact of the minuscule primitive slugs plastering themselves into him and the captain never thought he would go out like this to some mere unsophisticated Earthling. The thought of bringing glory to the Emperor, the Sith and the Empire as a whole was what he was trained for, to bring the Republic to their knees. Instead, he was to die to some pathetic, backwater race that barely had reached their moon. They were simply too barbaric for intergalactic society, just barely below the infamous Mandalorian warriors and Wookiees of Kashyyyk.
Wilburn proceeded to casually walk up and pointed the barrel of the M1912 at the officer's forehead, smiling at the cowardly fear in his opponent's gray eyes then fired.
"That's for the Third War of American Independence, Captain Nobody." The former street thug from Philadelphia mocked as he thought of the War of 1812 and of course the American Revolutionary War before spitting on the corpse.
Admiral Zasha Ranken-Imperial Forward Command
Aboard the INS Subjugator - Harrower -class Dreadnaught: Kuat Drive Yards, Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 09:54/9:54 AM
"Status report on the boarding party!" Admiral Ranken demanded as Imperial reinforcements began to arrive alongside additional enemy warships from the Republic. This raid had quickly and inadvertently become one of the largest naval engagements of the entire war as both factions spewed volleys of turbolasers at one another or launched waves of starfighters to cripple the other fleets. In short, things had gone sideways fast.
"Sir, our strike team reports that Phase One is complete, but Phase Two is being delayed."
"Delayed?" Zasha questioned. "Petty Officer, Phase Two was supposed to be commenced an hour ago. Even the most flexible of estimates show that they would've sabotaged the main generator twenty minutes ago."
"The Pubs sent in a highly decorated SpecForce unit, second only to Havoc Squad I'm afraid. Chaos is verified to be partaking in the defense of the Drive Yards."
"Very well." The Admiral noted. "What about the main assault?"
"Heavy counter-attacks throughout the Driveyards by angered Australians, apparently a few of our troops proceeded to conduct unauthorized executions, some by the authority of rogue officers and some by Sith."
"Fools." Lord Krovos fumed. "Those Warriors were inexplicably ordered not to anger the Earthlings by conducting summary executions amongst their ranks. They just gave those Earthlings Carte Blanche a reason to continue fighting in this war."
The Lord of the Sith decided to reveal the latest in the Empire's internal politics. "The Council was considering opening negotiations with President Walker, Primer Khrushchev, and other world leaders yet those blasted morons decided that avenging Korriban and Soviet attacks took precedence."
"Well, it's best to inform the Council with an update. We made it this far and we'll see if we can hold the initiative."
"Perhaps reinforcements as well." Ranken advised. "The Republic would've learned about our raid by now."
Specialist Four Anthony Wilburn- Fireteam Bravo, First Squad, Third Platoon, C/Charlie Company, First Battalion, 25th Infantry Regiment, United States Army
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 11:00/11:00 AM
The former mobster from Philly grinned in satisfaction as he killed another expendable grunt of the Empire. Separated from their parent regiment the remaining Americans of First Squad, Charlie Company of the 25th Infantry under the circumstances had instead linked up with Republic reinforcements fresh from Coruscant, the 398th Counterassault Regiment, a unit literally born for plugging in gaps along defense lines such as the ones at Kuat.
The Specialist noticed an Imperial sniper behind one of their fancy portable shields, making hits slim yet not impossible as the Republic soldier standing beside the Philadelphian proved.
"Not bad shooting, Tex."
"Sorry, what?" A Zabrak looked at him quizzingly, confused at the colloquialism.
"It's an American expression." Anthony clarified before yelling. "Take cover!"
The rocket smashed into the barricade, the impact causing some of the troops to fly in the air.
"The Imps are getting desperate if they're using launchers!" Another Pub shouted before muttering vulgarity.
"Oh, yeah?" Wilburn snarked as he picked up an M79. "Just wait and see the 'bloop tube' in action."
The Specialist waited for the right moment to lob a 40x46 mm grenade from the oversized single-shot shotgun at the incoming Imps before seeing a better target. "Watch and see this fucker go down." Wilburn smirked as he fired the grenade launcher, yet the Sith decided to veer rightward as if he noticed he was being targeted. "What the hell?"
"Rrrraghhh!" The alien 'Sith' roared, continuing to sprint toward the main defensive line.
"Fire at the Kriffing Stereb!" Colonel Solies barked at the joint unit, realizing the significance of the current threat.
The Americans presumed that the tall, reddish-orange and muscular creature was their designated target and opened up, focusing their fire at the extraterrestrial being.
Major Jessie Lane- Commanding Officer of SpecForce Squad 149 "Chaos Squad", Special Forces Division, Republic Army
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 11:00/11:00 AM
"Damn." Enilly noted as she saw the carnage of eight Earthlings and many Republic defenders with various colored stripes on their armor lying on the ground with various lightsaber slashes, quite a few with horrified gazes in their eyes, especially the pair of decapitated heads. It took no expert to see what transpired to the men who were isolated and decided to amalgamate after being cut-off from the rest of their respective parent units. "The Sith didn't take any mercy on these Earthlings."
"Kiwis or New Zealanders to be precise." Marala sighed as she glanced at the patches. "We're probably dealing with either a Darth or a highly experienced Sith Warrior, the latter most likely."
"I agree." Major Jessie acknowledged. "This isn't some mere apprentice a year or two away from Korriban, we're facing some animal who thrills in the concept of killing, disregarding the value of life."
"In other words, keep our eyes peeled?" The Alderaanian inquired.
"Exactly and I fear our allies may be too arrogant to realize the peril they're in." Her Cathar comrade noted.
"I think you're right, Jorgo. Let's double it."
Specialist Four Anthony Wilburn- Fireteam Bravo, First Squad, Third Platoon, C/Charlie Company, First Battalion, 25th Infantry Regiment, United States Army
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 12:49/12:49 AM
Wilburn was on his back crawling, attempting to aim his M1912 at the approaching fiend, and Anthony had a feeling that this brute saved him for last as the rest of the squad - not to mention the entire detachment of the 398th- had been wiped out to a man by this lone individual.
"It appears that your lack of a connection with the Force didn't save you today." The alien grinned, slobber coming out of its mouth.
"You really need Crest." The former mobster fired back as he forced himself to unleash the trigger. "Your breath really smells terrible and it wretches like a dead skunk-rotten egg cocktail." The shotgun fired its standard load of buckshot yet the pellets bounced off the heavily armored breastplate, barely scratching the surface of the chest protection.
"Foolish, yet noble." The wizard complimented."Be grateful then that your death will be quicker than what I had originally intended."
Major Jessie Lane- Commanding Officer of SpecForce Squad 149 "Chaos Squad", Special Forces Division, Republic Army
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 13:09/1:09 PM
"Ah, Firefek!" Jessie cursed as she and her detachment gazed at the carnage. The sight of so many corpses scattered reminded the SpecForce troopers of the critical threat aboard the station. "Admiral? Do you have holo footage of what occurred at Besh Two-Seven?"
"Give me a sec, Chaos! Imps are breaching our perimeter again for the fourth time today! Our allies and their bodyguards are holding them off yet-"
"Kriff! They even struck the command center!"
"Focus, Kovo." Jessie reprimands, attempting to bring the focus on the current situation.
"On the contrary, I would listen to her fear." The recognizable Imperial accent declared. "It may do you some good." Chaos noticed the detachment of infantry escorting a high ranking individual, his distinct robes and armor distinguishing him as an experienced Sith Warrior. "What do you want, Sith?"
"A challenge." The Stereb stated simply as he ignited his lightsaber. "Your… Canadian allies are going to be preoccupied at the moment, little good it would do for you."
"Keep talking." Jorgo spat, bringing her G-56 Projection-X Carbine to bear. "I'm getting awfully tired of listening to your witticisms."
"Permission to engage, my Lord?" The officer inquired but the palm of the Sith concluded the inquiry.
"Surround but don't open fire. I want to have some fun." The Stereb directed. "Anyone who crashes our party or if the SpecForce attempts to escape, kill them."
"Understood, my Lord." The Lieutenant acknowledged. "Men, fan out and secure the perimeter!"
The twenty grunts obeyed the command and spread out to cordon off the impronto arena from any Republic response, intending to allow their superior space to have his 'fun.'
General John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming "Mad Jack" Churchill
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 13:09/1:09 PM
"Secure the hall, lads!" Fleming directed. "We're going to reinforce Monty and his boys!"
"Yes, sir." The Para acknowledged eagerly, aiming his Sterling down the hall.
Jack watched approvingly as his men secured the area, utilizing the advantage of cover from the walls and forcing the unexpected Imperials to shoot back. Old-fashioned CQB techniques squared off against the latest in shield barriers in a struggle for dominance.
"Blast them!" An Imp shouted. The officer, however, received a 40mm HE round in defiance, taking him and two goons down, one of whom became an inadvertent example of the carnage caused by primitive slug rounds.
"My leg!" The Private howled. "My leg!"
The squad of Paras fired a burst from their submachine guns, the 9mm volley raining a hell storm of molten lead toward the congested Imperial ranks that were focused on assaulting the HQ, the targets being inadvertent fish in barrels. A machine gun section added to the carnage with their L7s, the three 7.62 caliber support weapons withering down the column.
"Keep up the fire, lads!" Fleming encouraged, his sword ready to add to the slaughter if the need arose. "For Queen and Country!"
Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery - 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein and Commander of Her Majesty's Commonwealth Forces of the 'True British Empire'
Temporary Republic Command Post - Kuat Drive Yards, Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 13:20/1:20 PM
"What the blazes!?" Bernard was taken aback by the sudden gunfire ringing outside and noticed the Imps finally deciding to fall back as their comrades were massacred right before their eyes. "Jack?"
"Sir, one Madman as requested!" Churchill laughed as the lunatic hacked the enemy officer in front of him in two with his Claymore. "Seems like he forgot his sword."
"He's undeniably insane, isn't he?" Bey'wan inquired about the two Earthlings standing beside the Bothan.
"Unfortunately." Spruance sighed. "He tried to convince me to partake in fencing lessons the other day. Said it would do me some good as a 'proper officer'."
The remaining Anglo-American-Republic naval personnel and soldiers of the United States Army, Australian Army, and New Zealand Army plus an infantry section detached from the Scots Guards linked up with the British Paratroopers and kept their bayonets trained on the surviving Imperials, including the wounded.
"I surrender!" One of the goosesteppers whined in fear. "I surrender!"
"Well I'll be damned, we have Paras in our midst." A Bootneck snarled, glaring at the soldier with the trademark red beret standing beside him.
"That's enough, Marine. Interservice rivalries can wait." Montgomery snapped. "Aygo? Think we should move the HQ to a temporary location?"
"Well, I did always desire to have a proper office." The Bothan grinned. "Private Tork? How long does it take to erase sensitive data in the room?"
"Umm, about five minutes, sir."
Spruance scoffed as he overheard the ranker. "Sailors as Privates, who would've thought of such nonsense?"
Corporal Hanzo Nilsson - Weapons Section, Second Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia Light Infantry, 1st Commonwealth Division
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 13:20/1:20 PM
"Is it just me or is it too quiet?" Alex wondered as he handed Hanzo another belt for the MG from the crate. The gunners took advantage of the lull in the fighting to replenish their stocks and adjust their defenses as needed, well aware that their survival during this onslaught depended on it.
"I agree, something's up." The Master Corporal nodded in agreement. "The Imps wouldn't be brewing tea while we dig in." As if on cue, the door to the hanger bay began to bulge as if a battering ram was being utilized. Soon enough, three Sith charged head-on at the main defensive line, intending to cut down the interlopers.
"Ah fuck!" Edwards yelled before the Canadians, Mercenaries, and Republic Troopers focused fire on the Imperials as they came pouring in, heading directly at the defenders.
"SHOW NO MERCY TO THE EARTHLINGS!" The head Sith warrior roared. "REMEMBER KORRIBAN!"
Hanzo watched as Private Willis at the other balcony operated the bolt to his L42A1 Sniper Rifle from his perch, aiming at the bastard who gave the command. He managed to graze the Twi'lek before the Sith launched lightning from his fingertips near the marksman position, causing the munition stockpile behind him to explode and Willis to fall to his death.
"Shit, the Imperials are waving the black flag!" Alex realized. "They're definitely upset about their holy world."
"Hue." Hanzo muttered. "Khe Sahn. Even motherfucking My Lai. These Sons of Bitches desire to become the NVA." Though again, he wagered some blame can be shared on the Soviets for this hate but that's war for you.
"Yeah, they're pissed alright but they know we mean business." McAllen grinned before his friend fired the M1919A4's next burst.
The Imperials divided their forces into three columns, droids at the forefront followed by more Sith then the grunts to deal with the survivors but the allies were not allowing these pseudo-axis goosesteppers the courtesy, obliging them with defiance instead.
"Ah, Kriff, not those droids again!" One of the mercenaries, a Bothan, shouted fearfully. "That's it, I'm outta here!"
McHugh noticed the doglike creature getting ready to desert the defenders and the NCO withdrew his Browning Hi-Power before pulling the slide back. "Stay and fight or I'll kill you myself, you greedy son of a bitch."
"I don't have a choice, do I?"
"More like two actually." McHugh corrected. "Fall back in line."
"Yes, sir."
"DON'T CALL ME SIR!" The Sergeant corrected, roaring at the insult. " I FUCKING WORK FOR A LIVING!"
"TAKE COVER!" Lieutenant Swanson shouted as one of the Anillinator droids fired a rocket directly at their position, the blast scattering six of his men into the air, either killing them outright or causing broken limbs.
"Reinforcements coming in! Watch your soddin' fire!" An Aussie hollered. It was the voice of Lieutenant General Paul Cullen, Commander of the II ANZAC Corps. He was followed by a succession of infantry with the desire to settle the score.
"Say you blokes need a hand?"
"I think we have the situation here under control." Alex deadpanned.
"Duty First." The Tiger retorted as he aimed his L4 Bren and struck an enemy Major. "Ha! You're worse than the Japs! Even the damned Dingos are more aware of their surroundings, not to mention the fucking Emus!"
"Emu War?"
"Don't mock us, boyo." The Aussie grumbled. "It isn't my fault that everything in my homeland desires to kill humans. Even the damn Toads."
Lithgow-manufactured L1A1s added to the firepower of Canadian Arsenals Limited produced C1s, gradually pushing the aggressors back and the servicemen of the Second ANZACs continued to retaliate against the random summary execution, seeking vengeance for their comrades.
"My best friend was killed by you Pig Shites!" A Queenslander growled before putting a bullet into the Imps brain.
"Major Burns? My lads will take care of the rest of the miscreants." Cullen pledged. "You are relieved."
"Alright, one in three will take one-hour shifts to provide watch." Major Burns declared to the battalion. "We don't know when the Imps are going to strike again but prepare yourselves for a siege. Reinforcements will be arriving in the next few days but until then we're on our own."
"Sir?!" A Radio Operator interrupted."Chaos Squad is requesting reinforcements and we're the closest unit to respond."
"Sergeant McHugh? You and your squad proceed to offer assistance. I'll have the rest of Alpha act as a QRF but that's all we can spare."
"Understood, sir."
Jessie threw a thermal detonator right next to the line of grunts blocking her escape route, desperately trying to open a hole for them to escape as the Sith was proving to be a tenacious sleemo; avoiding withering blaster fire whenever the trio attempted to use their main weapons against the surprisingly agile Shereb, forcing them to use more unconventional means. A liberal dosage of explosives had proven somewhat more effective against their opponent although they were running low.
"Blast! You know when reinforcements are supposed to get here?"
"They should have been here by now." Enilly guessed.
Hanzo came up behind one of the Space Nazis and covered his mouth before plunging his Ka-Bar into Adam's apple, silencing the conscript for his eternal rest while his friend took out the other one. The Canadian Section noticed that the scene was more like an improvised gladiator arena with the goosesteppers watching the fight between their Sith overlord and the three SpecForce soldiers attempting to hold the Sith off with grenades and point-blank blaster fire.
"You know, it's rather pitiful that we catch their sentries off guard." Alex quipped after snapping his foe's neck. "Almost like some sickening hockey match."
"With technology, comes arrogance." The Corporal sighed as he remembered the listening devices from the jungle. Even simple tin cans proved more effective than the Acoustic Seismic Intrusion Detectors. "Wouldn't be surprising if they thought their sensors would be the end-all."
"Halt!" An enemy assault gunner ordered as he noticed the Canucks arriving on scene, preparing to use his blaster cannon before Corporal Nilsson rushed him and grabbed MG by the barrel, wrestling control of the weapon before throwing the implement to the ground and finish him off with a vicious kick to the face, literally breaking in his face.
"Dammit Hanzo." Alex cursed at his friend's rage, "You got some serious anger issues."
"I'm just venting, Alex." Besides, this wasn't him angry. This was him focused.
The commotion drew attention away from the brawl to the interlopers in the corridor, intending to break up the party. Lead and plasma fire were quickly exchanged as both sides dove to cover and attempted to flank the other.
Meanwhile, two of their compatriots, Private Campbell and Corporal Anderson were cut down by the Space Wizard before the Sith noticed that one of the soldiers was causing trouble with his men, dodging the grunt's punch before trapping his arm and breaking it with a sickening snap.
"Ah!" The Imperial cried in pain yet when his comrade attempted to shoot Nilsson the Canadian used the poor soul as a meat shield. Hanzo threw the corpse before him and drew his pistol, striking the would-be killer across the head before shooting his buddy. The Corporal threw the carcass down and aimed his Hi-Power at his next target, popping the foe in the cranium when another Imperial came at Hanzo from behind. The soldier, however, delivered a blow to the groin with a well-placed kick before spinning around and peppering the assailant with 9x19 mm projectiles to his center-mass, four rounds striking near his heart.
The Sith smiled appreciatively as he noticed the fury from the hazel eyes of the fatuous human, a being not even a Womp Rat would steal foodstuffs from yet this soldier was giving it his all. Needless to say, this forceless human being drew his curiosity. 'This one knows how to fight, interesting.'
Nilsson turned and suddenly found the Sith staring him down, a smirk on his face. "What makes you believe that you could take me on, Earthling?"
"Let's just say I've seen shit. You ain't nothing compared to them." Nilsson spat, using the distraction to his advantage as he pulled the pin to the flashbang and threw it, the device landing next to the Sith's right boot.
The Sith was stunned momentarily by the concussive force of the blast but recovered quickly by channeling the Darkside. Yet after regaining his sight, the blight was gone. "Coward!"
Hanzo maneuvered around the Sith Overlord, intending to strike the being out with his rifle but quickly realized that going for the breastplate with potshots wasn't going to take him down as the standard 150 grain ball rounds failed to penetrate despite making severe dents. "Your armor definitely can take a few hits." Nilsson commented, studying for any weaknesses but it was apparent that he needed a different 7.62x51mm NATO projectile with higher sectional density, that or something like an M31 HEAT rifle grenade as an M72 LAW may be overkill. "Unlike the flak jackets."
"It took some significant credits to get beskar off the black market." The alien informed him, although he didn't notice McHugh getting onto his back but a quick use of his lightsaber and a Force-enhanced throw did wonders when it came to pests, throwing him at the Earthling's feet.
Hanzo was stunned by the sudden death of his squad leader. The Vancouverite witnessed as his squad leader took his final breath, muttering his final words to him.
"Finish the fucker." McHugh wheezed, granting his last order before his eyes closed forever, comatose from the fatal wound.
""Care to join your friend?" The Sith sneered, his voice a low, gravelly rasp that dripped with arrogance. He placed away his deactivated lightsaber into his belt, the metallic thud echoing in the confined space. Spreading his arms wide, a gesture of mock generosity, he added, "I'll even make it a fair fight." His yellow eyes, narrowed with predatory amusement, glinted in the dim light. The air around him seemed to crackle with unseen energy.
"Big mistake, dumbass." Corporal Hanzo Nilsson snarled, his voice thick with undisguised rage. Fury coursed through him, hot and desperate. He launched himself forward, muscles coiling and exploding into action, tackling the Sith in a desperate attempt to knock him off balance. This was no sparring match; this was personal. He landed a sharp chop to the Sith's shoulder, but the creature barely flinched, his movements fluid and precise. The Sith blocked each blow with an almost casual ease, his eyes never leaving Hanzo's. A powerful push kick sent the Corporal staggering back, his breath catching in his throat. Hanzo quickly righted himself, adrenaline surging. He settled into a Zenkutsu Dachi stance, his feet planted firmly on the ground, knuckles white as he clenched his fists. He would not yield. He would kill this monster, no matter the cost.
"Interesting martial art." The fiend's voice was laced with sarcasm, the words a mocking caress. He feigned a lazy strike, his arm moving with deceptive speed. But Hanzo was ready. He parried the blow with practiced ease, the clash of their limbs sending a jolt through his arm. He riposted with a swift, devastating punch, his knuckles connecting with bone and cartilage. The Sith's nose exploded in a spray of blood – a visceral, satisfying sensation that briefly satisfied his rage.
"Karate." Nilsson spat the word as a declaration of his discipline. He struck again, a knife-hand chop aimed at the Sith's neck, a technique honed by years of practice. But the Sith was faster than he anticipated. He executed a stunning backflip, a blur of dark fabric and motion, and his legs lashed out, slamming into Hanzo's chest with bone-jarring force. The soldier was lifted off his feet, crashing onto the hard floor with a sickening thud. He gasped for breath, pain exploding in his ribs. Right, Force abilities with martial arts! He thought grimly, the realization a cold splash of reality. He'd have to be careful.
"Teräs Käsi." The Dark Sider informed him, a cruel smile playing on his lips. The word was a cold pronouncement made with false politeness. Hanzo kipped up to his feet, ignoring the burning pain in his chest. The Sith moved with an unnerving calmness, his movements like a predator toying with its prey. He effortlessly resisted the enraged Corporal's blows, his own strikes flowing with an almost hypnotic grace. "Something is telling me that you're going to have so much fun, welp." The alien chuckled, his eyes glittering with dark pleasure as his hand met Hanzo's punch with a resounding smack. "Otherwise, I would have killed you by now."
Hanzo didn't bother with a reply, his mind focused on the fight. He launched a roundhouse kick, his leg a blur of motion. The Sith twisted his body out of the way, his reflexes uncanny, and grasped Hanzo's ankle. Before he could break the joint, Hanzo's other leg whipped around, connecting with the back of the Sith's head. The blow was solid, jarring, and forced the Sith to release his grip. Hanzo landed on the ground in a roll, springing back to his feet. The Sith's earlier amusement had vanished, replaced by a raw, naked fury.
"I'll kill you for that!" he roared, his voice laced with pure, unadulterated rage.
Hanzo ignored the Sith's threat, using the distraction to his advantage. He pushed the Sith back, forcing him into a corner. And that's when the true hell began. He lunged out of the way just as crackling blue lightning erupted from the Sith's fingertips. The energy sizzled, burning the air and throwing off a smell that was disturbingly reminiscent of burnt hair. Hanzo rolled and dodged, the ground a blur beneath him as the Sith chased him, electricity arcing dangerously close. The air crackled with a volatile energy, each near miss sending a shiver of adrenaline down his spine.
"I suppose you ruined the fun." The Sith's voice dripped with faux disappointment as he lunged forward, his movements now a blur of violent intention. "What a pity. What an absolute pity as I would have choked you if I could." There was no more playing around; the Sith was done with niceties.
"And I pity your intelligence." Hanzo scorned, his own anger fueling him. He grasped the Sith's forearm, using his momentum to deliver a vicious uppercut, feeling the satisfying crack of bone. The Sith returned the favor with a brutal blow to Hanzo's chest, a sharp, concussive impact that cracked bone and sent pain radiating through his body. "Gah!" He groaned, his vision swimming.
The Sith, enraged by the mockery, reached for his saber, his hand twitching with the desire to ignite it. Before he could activate the weapon, a high-velocity bullet slammed into its hilt, the impact knocking it out of his grasp. The internal components of the lightsaber sparked and sputtered, rendered useless. "It seems as if fate wishes us to continue as sparring partners," the Sith drawled, but his voice was strained, barely containing the incandescent rage at the damage to his weapon.
"Perhaps." Nilsson conceded, wincing at the pain blooming in his chest. But beneath the pain, there was a fierce determination. "But I'm not quite finished with you yet." He didn't have to like the alien, but he had to make sure that he was not a threat anymore.
"Neither am I, my pet." The Sith snarled, baring teeth like a predator ready for the kill. He charged again, his rage a tangible force, driving him into the personal death match.
The Sith's blows were relentless, a storm of violence directed at Hanzo's jawline, each blocked parry feeling like the force of a sledgehammer. Teräs Käsi and Karate clashed in a twisted ballet of pain and endurance, neither giving an inch. They were locked in a death spiral, each desperate to bring an end to the relentless brawl, no matter what the cause.
Nilsson saw an opening, a brief moment of vulnerability. He launched a flying knee, the impact landing squarely on the Sith's shin. The alien stumbled, dropping to one knee, his breath catching in a sharp hiss. Before Hanzo could press his advantage, the Sith's hand shot out, clamping onto his belt. He yanked Hanzo in close, and the fight devolved into a brutal grapple – a flurry of twisted limbs, ripping flesh, and straining muscles as each man desperately tried to gain control.
Hanzo finally managed to create some space, and his hand darted to his belt, drawing his combat knife. He plunged the blade deep, directly under the Sith's armpit, the steel sliding against bone. "Die, you son of a bitch!" He snarled, his voice full of guttural hate.
The Sith knew he was done, the end coming swiftly. He was going to take this vermin with him. His left hand clamped down on Hanzo's knife-arm, pulling him closer. With a guttural cry of effort, he shoved his activated shoto directly into Hanzo's stomach. The shoto's light burned through flesh, searing muscle and tissue, and staining the air with the coppery scent of blood. "You first…" He hissed through a mouthful of blood, blood beginning to pool in his lungs as he felt the life escaping him.
Before the Sith could twist the shoto and bisect him, Hanzo's head slammed into the alien's face, the force of the blow enough to force the Sith back, momentarily loosening the grip. Hanzo took the chance, ripped his own blade free, and buried it to the hilt straight into the Sith's eye, the crunch of bone and tissue a final, grotesque testament to his victory. As the last flicker of life faded from his enemy's eyes, Hanzo suddenly became aware that the world was tilting. He was falling, the pain finally overwhelming him, and darkness claimed him before he hit the ground.
The chaotic energy of the skirmish still clung to the air, thick and metallic, but Major Jessie's booming voice cut through it like a knife. "Medic!" She roared, the command laced with a desperate urgency. Her words landed hard on Marala, who was already reeling from the scene before her. Marala's eyes widened, the irises expanding as shock slammed into her. Fear, cold and visceral, took root in her heart, an icy fist squeezing the breath from her lungs. It was Hanzo. His form was crumpled, and a dark stain bloomed across his uniform, the sight of his injury sending a wave of nausea through her. The Cathar, a creature of inherent grace and strength, moved with frantic speed, calm warmth, and was now wide with a desperate worry, reflecting the terrible reality of the wound she was staring at. This wasn't some training exercise, this was her lover, her Hanzo, and he was badly hurt.
McAllen, ever the pragmatist, was already assessing the situation. He knelt, the clink of buckles and zippers echoing in the tense silence, as he rummaged through his field pack. "I could jerry-rig a stretcher." Alex announced, his voice calm despite the surrounding turmoil. He pulled out a thick blanket, a small measure of comfort in the chaos. "Got a blanket, but I need two poles." His eyes darted around, searching for anything that could be repurposed.
"Kovo? See if you can find them while I stabilize him!" Jessie's voice barked out, her focus laser-sharp on the task at hand. The Major moved in closer, her hands hovering just above Hanzo, assessing the severity of his condition.
Kovo, the blonde Specialist, reacted instantly. She scanned the area and her eyes landed on a cache of weapons leaning haphazardly against a nearby wall. X-52 Wraith Infiltrator Sniper Rifles, powerful and sleek, were stacked in a corner, undoubtedly left behind during the firefight. Hesitation flickered across her face before she resolutely retrieved a pair, their weight familiar in her grasp. "These might do." She said, her voice clear and steady, offering them to McAllen.
Major Jessie's attention turned to Marala, whose expression was a mixture of anxiety and focused determination. "Ready Jorgo?" She asked, a hint of tenderness softening the edge of her command. The two women, one human, one Cathar, stood poised on either side of the makeshift stretcher, their eyes locked in a silent understanding. They were ready to do what they needed to do, to get Hanzo to safety.
"Three...Two...One." Jessie counted down, her voice a low, measured cadence. The words cut through the lingering tension like a blade, signaling the start of a carefully orchestrated movement that they all hoped would make a difference in the fight for Hanzo's life.
Fleet Admiral Raymond Ames Spruance- United States Navy (Assigned as an attaché)
Generator Room - Kuat Drive Yards, Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 02:00 / 2:00 PM
"You know, I never thought I would become a Partisan." Montgomery commented as he maneuvered around the hallway toward the generator room. "Very ungentlemanly."
"Neither did I. Being some Filipino guerilla hasn't been the plan yet, we need to raise hell in order to prevent the Imperials from either capturing or destroying the Shipyard." Raymond clicked on his earpiece. "Aygo? We're near the central reactor."
"Acknowledged Midway." The Republic Admiral acknowledged from his temporary HQ, gazing at the Security Feed."Bringing you up on my scope now."
"My Lord!" One of the expendable goons saluted at the Sith. "We finished checking the corridors and not a single defender remains."
"I do believe it's best to sweep this room one more time, Sergeant. Earthlings and their equipment are not connected to the Force after all and I'd rather know for sure."
"Fuck." Raymond muttered. "You still have that flashbang?"
"I do. Why Yank?"
"We're going to give them a headache."
"I like your plan already." Jack smiled, causing the Admiral and Monty to groan at the Madman. "My Commandos and I will be honored to raise hell with you."
"Here son, you have a better arm than I do with regards to my age."
"Thanks, sir." The Welshman grinned at the honor of being handed the device from a highly decorated legend.
"GREN-!"
The blast deafened the Darth and the Imperial fireteam, causing them to cover their ears or place palms over their eyes in reaction to the deafening shockwaves.
"That's what I call an entrance!" Churchill laughed as he led the charge. "Focus fire on ugly there!"
"Aye, Sir." Petty Officer Second Class Morrison declared, aiming his M1928A1 Thompson with its one hundred round C-drum magazine loaded to beat. The submachine guns from the Anglo-Americans peppered the Sith from multiple directions, not allowing it to have a chance.
"Room secured." Raymond declared.
"Copy Midway. Sending security droids to guard the reactor now."
Major Coria Baize - Commanding Officer of SpecForce Squad 326 "Havoc Squad", Republic Special Forces Division, Republic Army
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 15:30/3:30 PM
"Major Baize?"The Supreme Commander and founder of Havoc himself beckoned, debriefing the unit of their current assignment." You are to link up with Chaos and proceed to engage any high profile targets in sight. We cannot lose the Driveyards, especially now. I'm gathering reinforcements to overcome the siege but as of now you're on your own."
"Understood, sir." The Corulag woman with caramel brown hair and green-hazel eyes acknowledged. "Fourex? You and Vik rendezvous with what's left of the 27th US. Dorne, report to the 7740th MASH and see if you could lend a hand techwise. Jorgan? Yuun? You're with me."
"The Republic, with the assistance of our Earth allies, shall crush all Imperial resistance before our combined forces!" M1-4X praises. "We're going to terrify the evil overlords through sheer combined might!"
"Yeah, yeah. Four." Vik snarked. "Earthlings this and Earthlings that, hamburgers and hotdogs on the Fourth of July with fireworks. Let's just take out their pathetic fleet already."
"Knock it off you two." Captain Jorgan, the Executive Officer, snapped. "There's enough Imps for us to blast away on arrival."
"Agreed." Dorne declared. "Sir, do you believe that as stated in Section 12, Paragraph 19 (a), that we should transfer all our medical supplies to the main ward for the siege's duration?"
"Might as well, Lieutenant." The Major relented. "Especially since stores will be running low."
Lieutenant Elara Dorne- SpecForce Squad 326 "Havoc Squad", Republic Special Forces Division, Republic Army
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:18:16 ATC/ Friday, July 18th, 1969 - 17:30/5:30 PM
"Heard you Earthlings might require some expertise on medical technology and alien biology."The medical expert of Havoc Squad announced herself to the personnel of the 7740th MASH. "Leftenant Dorne reporting, sir."
"You know, Ben, do you think she's some spy?"His fellow womanizing colleague and co-prankster-in-crime, Jeremy McEntire, wondered as he nudged his comrade's arm, grinning at the recognizable clipped accent.
"Sounds like the perfect partner for a certain Colonel." Benjamin Pearce retorted, never one to pass up a wisecrack.
"Nah." Blakenship retorted as he operated on a Corellian with second-degree burns caused by an incendiary grenade. "She's too beautiful for espionage work. Besides, if she was some operative, would she be announcing 'shoot me'?"
"Why thank you, sir." The blonde blushed at the praise, though she'd heard that Earthlings still had traditional values when it comes to gender roles. Her experience when dealing with sexism was to ignore and carry on with her assigned task by conducting them more efficiently. "I assure you that I've been vetted by the SIS after my defection."
"Damn robot!" Burnbrock cursed, the surgeon from Fort Wayne, Indiana was incompetent at its finest and the Colonel managed to have him supervise the hardware instead of being hands-on. It appeared judgment dictated that he wouldn't have a future in the medical field.
"You know after all we went through, it's such a shame we couldn't bring Major Hallihan along for the ride."
Elara arched an eyebrow and grew curious, using it as an advantage to bond. "Friend of yours?"
"Marge was the head nurse back in Korea." McEntire informed the SpecForce soldier. "She's stationed at Walter Reed now."
"Oh, I see." Elara knew that Earth regulations prohibited having their women on the front line, regarded as too dangerous yet if this Hallihan survived Korea, why should they stay within the Sol System for the duration of the conflict?
"Scalpel?"
"Here, sir." Benjamin handed the instrument to Henry.
The blonde grimaced as she witnessed the blade being used on the poor scout. "Are they-"
"Sterilized? Yes, Lieutenant." Blakenship informed the woman. "Now since you're here, we can finally ease the pressure off your medics and assist with operating on non-humans."
"Zabrak coming in!" A Sergeant announced as he and a Corporal brought the alien in a stretcher.
"Grab a mask and hair net out of the drawer, Dorne. Apron as well."
"I'm fine-"
"Do as you're told. This is a Field Hospital manned by the men of the United States Army Medical Corps and regulations dictate that surgeons and their assistants are to wear masks and hair nets while operating on patients!" The Colonel chastised. "If you have any complaints, please feel free to forward them to General Porter!"
Dorne sighed and placed the white clothes on her person yet kept her armor on.
"Zabraks are simple except they have two hearts." The former Imperial informed.
"Two hearts, huh? Not as freaky as those ETs with an upside-down face with eyes at their chin. What are they called again?"
"Beats me, Ben." McEntire shrugged.
"Careful now." Dorne advised as Blakenship utilized the scalpel to cut into the flesh. "You should see an artery a few centimeters to the left."
"Understood."
"You know, I do believe that we work well together." Elara smiles.
"We got another wounded!" Havoc Squad's medic overheard the unmistakable voice of Chaos CO bellow from the back.
"Major Lane?"
"Dorne, are there any spare beds?"
"Who's the patient?" Major Pierce wondered.
"Fellow Earthling." Lane informed him.
"Canadian." Marala added. "Princess Patricia's-"
"We got it from here." Blankenship acknowledged. "I'm familiar with the Canucks."
"He was stabilized en route but I'm surprised that the saber wound didn't pierce his rib cage." Dorne declared as she scanned the unconscious Earthling."Did he take on a Sith hand-to-hand by himself?"
"Murderistic brute of one." Jessie acknowledges. "Surprised he came out on top."
"I guess you know him?"
"We met him and his friend at Carrick Station after the Assault on Tython."
"I see." The blonde recognized the worried gaze from the usual emotionless woman, wondering how close she was to him, though she wondered the same for the dark-furred Cathar teammate as she had yet to leave the patient's side. "We'll get him taken care of although relief won't be arriving for a few days."
"Understood." Lane accepted. "Jorgo, I believe we best replenish our ammo before heading back to the front."