A Nest of Womp Rats

[Talos Barrenfist]

​

Coruscant’s skyscrapers were what many would behold as magnificent. It’s sewer systems however was totally a different story. None were more so aware than the members of a Republic task force invading it. Their purpose to destroy a weapons trafficking gang with Hutt ties. Intelligence gathered recently made clear the ‘Dread Ones’ were a major part of the Cartel’s operations on the planet itself.

Leading the platoon strength unit in the front Talos Barrenfist checked his rifle for the seventh time during the stealthily march. Don’t want my gun to fail during he middle of a firefight. He reminded himself. As their party continued onward, Talos remembered they had a Jedi with them tonight. For a group not supppsed to be tied with the Republic, the peacekeepers seem to be involved with many of their operations.

Right now the lieutenant wasn’t complaining. I’ll take all the help I can to clean out these packs of womp rats. As long he does his part and don’t screw we’ve get along fine.

@Nastalle

 

[Tynian]

Tynian was dressed in his usual deep blue armor, but without the cloak. The sewers were not a place for anything that hung down into the muck and grime... and it was hard to wash all that out. The smell wasn't all that pleasant either, but the Jedi paid it no mind.. He wasn't there to complain about the smell, he was there for a purpose.

He had been called to assist a Republic task force in dealing with some weapon traffickers on Coruscant. The mission was for him to help in anyway he could and to also get some information on what the Cartel was doing on Coruscant itself. The Jedi were very interested in any news of the Cartel and the effects it had on the infrastructure on Coruscant, and deemed this particular mission of some importance to that end.

The unit leader was named Talos Barrenfist, and Tynian was instructed by his superiors to follow the Republic Soldier's lead during the operation. The Jedi kept quiet as they entered the sewers, just in case Talos decided to lay out the plan.

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

Fifteen minutes later with a raised hand Talos halted the task force at a wide tunnel intersection only lit by sparse lights above. Circling around their commanding officer, the troops waited for him to speak, and it wasn’t long.

“One level below us is the lair of the so-called Dread Ones. Remember the objective is to destroy this gang’s structures and confiscate any weaponry. Take prisoners if you can but don’t be reckless about it. This bunch maybe scum but, they are supported by the cartel so expect a fight and watch out for traps.”

Brining out a handheld projector and with the flip of a switch it he activated a holographic map of the whole sewer section they were currently in. Their position was marked with a blue dot and the enemy’s base symbolized in massive red circle underneath them.

“According to intel the traffickers’ main entrance through a stairway on the right flank.” He pointed to the mentioned tunnel close by before continuing.

“However, that position is heavily fortified. Squad one led by me will divert the enemy’s attention from there. Meanwhile squad two and three with our Jedi companion will hit overgrown womp rats from the rear. You will be using this emergency ladder behind me it was mostly left lightly guarded.”

Making sure to look at each group of his brothers and sisters in arms Talos concluded with the following. “Check your corners and watch each other’s back. Also don’t do anything stupid we don’t dead wannabe heroes. Understood?”

The platoon all nodded silently so not give away their position. Nodding with approval signal first squad to move out. Glancing toward to Tynian he whispered. “Please keep as many of my boys and girls alive as you can.” Done speaking, Barrenfist and his squad cautiously advanced into the tunnel on the right flank, leaving the rest to go for the aging ladder in the center.

 

[Tynian]

Tynian nodded in understanding. Keeping them alive was on the top of his priority list. After Talos left with his group, the rest of the task force looked at the Jedi expectantly. He gave them all a confident look and whispered. "You heard the man. Get down the ladder and get into position. Watch each other's backs and don't engage until Talos gives the signal."
They all moved one by one down the ladder as quietly as possible... When it came time for Tynian, the Jedi used the force to deaden the sound of his own footsteps.
Once they made it down to the lower level, the Jedi crouched low and went forward into the tunnel leading to the main area where the traffickers were.
As the group got close, they broke into smaller groups, found cover and waited for Talos to begin the attack.

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

Ten minutes later, Barrenfist’s squad quietly entered then exited the stairs spotted more than a dozen gangsters standing or sitting outside the main entrance. The sentries were not really paying attention to their surroundings other than chatting next to a burning trash can or gambling with dice on the floor. They were obiviously bored amateurs from the point of view of Talos. With silent gestures the lieutenant directed the squad to assume position at several pillars a few yards away in the center.

Utilizing the shadows to their advantage, the Republic squad did command. Talos and two other troopers each pulled out concussion grenades. Nodding at them, the officer hurled his small flash bang with the other duos toward the bored guards. The latter barely had time to register the grenades when all three went off at the same.

The Dread Ones cried in pain as their collective eyes and ears fell victim by the flashing light and deafening noise. Without hesitation Talos and his men opened up on the hostiles with a murderous volley. More than half were killed or wounded in the first shots. Calling in on the comms Talos said. “Squad two and three attack now!”

 

[Tynian]

The signal was given and the group began firing upon the unsuspecting gang members.
As the hail of blaster fire ensued, the gang somehow were able to dive for cover and return fire.
As some in the group began throwing grenades, Tynian used the force to guide them closer to their intended targets.
He wasn’t going to engage them individually until the gang’s numbers dwindled a bit more.

The Jedi would be fine with supporting the group for now...

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

The surviving guards tried to fall back but the effects of the flash bangs and Republic marksmanship proved fatal for them. They screamed while cut by blaster bolts to their backs. Talos’ squad charged through the entrance, intending to link with the two other squads who by now should be engaged with the enemy. The traffickers had not counted on an assault of this size, taken completely off guard.

As Barrenfist and his troop pushed onward, clearing each makeshift room they entered with little to no resistance. Where there was, it was balantly disorganized, resulting in more death for the thugs.

 

[Tynian]

Tynian's group pressed forward as the first line of defense from the gang's fell. They entered the main area and took out more gang members with the Jedi now with an activated double bladed lightsaber in full combat mode...The Jedi cut through several thugs as the group advanced.
Soon the area was cleared from their end and they took up defensive positions just in case more would be coming their way. As Barrenfist's group came into the area, Tynian began walking towards him. "Do you think there's more of them around here?" he asked as they got closer.

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

Pleased to see Tynian and the men alive and well Talos step forward to greet the Jedi. Upon asked the lieutenant was about to speak when they both got their answer in the form of a volley of heavy repeater fire from the lefthand side. Three troopers were cut down and two more for being the nearest to that section.

“Go to hell Republic dogs! Me and my boys will send ya on that way!” An angry voice shouted in the back followed by rifle and pistol fire by more. “Take cover!” Talos called out to his comrades, hitting the ground and raising his gun.

The soldiers didn’t need much convincing. As they spread out, seeking shelter from makeshift tables and numerous sets of boxes. They returned blaster bolts back at the remaining Dread Ones. The latter who charged out toward the invaders with mad frenzy.

 

[Tynian]

Tynian sucked down and jumped behind some nearby crates. He didn’t have a long ranged weapon, but he did have the force at his side.
He sent several boxes hurling through the air at the attackers in hopes to knock them around and draw their fire. That way the soldiers could return fire without being cut down so quickly..

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

The gangsters’ charge broke when several of them were hit by the boxes that Tynian toss at them with the force. It was enough of respite for the Republic troops. Talos kneeling behind overturned square table, aimed and fired, killing one hostile with four round burst. The rest of the soldiers followed suit from their own cover, unleashing lasers on their enemies. Five more Dread ones were gunned down but the remaining two dozen spread out and shot back.

The massive room was lit blaster bolts from two sides of the room in a fierce stalemate.

 

[Tynian]

Tynian was still behind the crates as blaster fire erupted from both sides. There were casualties on both sides, but it seemed to come to a stalemate, with no one really gaining any ground. The advantage the soldiers had, was that there was a Jedi on their side. take out the head, the body dies... Tynian thought to himself.
He peeked out from behind the crates to catch a glimpse of where the leader was positioned. The thugs weren't all together stupid, and their leader was relatively safe in the back of the large room. He was barking orders and firing his pistol as he sent curses and "colorful metaphors" in their direction.
From where Tynian was, he couldn't so much, so he thought he'd have to get closer... looking over at the lieutenant he asked for a grenade, "If I can get closer, I may be able to hit the leader with a grenade." he explained to the Barrenfist.

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

This was getting nowhere fast. Talos realized, swearing his breath. He was reloading with a fresh clip when Tynian requested a grenade and propose a plan to take out the gang. “Here, make it count.” The lieutenant replied, handing the small bomb over to the Jedi.

Turning toward the soldiers in cover he saw one dropped shot through the head and two more wounded, one hit in the side and another in the right leg being tended by a medic behind a large metal container. Barrenfist shouted to the others amidst gunfire and screaming.

“Covering fire!”

Lifting himself up Talos unleashed five round burst with the rest of the troops following his example. The volley forced the Dread Ones for cover, long enough for the Jedi make his next move.

 

[Tynian]

Tynian drew the force in around him, honing on the leader of the gang. As Talos and his group laid down cover fire, Tynian stood up and threw the grenade, using the force to propel it further and faster toward the leader.

He didn't see if it landed right, but instead sucked back down behind the crate as blaster fire erupted on his position. But knowing the living force, and trusting in that. Tynian was confident that he had hit his mark...

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

The grenade landed behind the gang leader who had only a few seconds to look down in terror before it ignited. Explosive shrapnel tore into the man who dropped dead after being swung to the wall by the force of the blast. Upon seeing their boss dead, the Dread Ones realizing the full gravity of the situation stopped shooting back. One of them began shouting toward the Republic soldiers.

“We surrender! We surrender, please stop!”

Hearing them, Barrenfist called out to his whole giving the order to cease fire. Once it was obeyed the lieutenant spoke the Dread Ones. “Put your weapons down and raise those frakking hands for us to see. Any funny business and there will be hell to pay.” Talos meant every word and seemed their enemies believed.

Soon the soldiers saw nearly a dozen gangsters coming out of hiding and raised arms as demanded. Gestured to come out into the open, the criminals complied with weary and frightened expressions. Covered by some of their comrades, the troopers with Talos went to newly captured prisoners. Glancing and noting they also uncover several open crates of blasters Barrenfist smiled and turned toward Tynian.

“Not bad, Jedi. Not bad at all.”

/End Thread.