Operation Chain Breaker

[Hugo Ion]

​

Commander Hugo Ion sat in the copilot seat, looking out at the scene before him. Before him was the surface of the detestable world of Nal Hutta. Despite all the Sith’s claims of bringing law and order, they can barely restrain the criminals who lived and died in this entire Space. They even profit from their activities. Hugo thought with disgust, remembering his time as a slave laborer on Ylesia.

Of course on this occasion, the Durosian rebel found himself in the company of the Twi’lek Jedi Master Vu’thari, onboard his light freighter. The duo were going to recuse as many Evocii as they can fit inside this ship. What perfect time to do so while Imperial Hutta burned with revolt. Hugo squeezed both hands with determination.

There was no way I would stay on the sidelines. We all need to do our part.

Thinking that, the rebel leader turned toward to the red tail head piloting the ship. Without missing a beat he asked. ”How soon will we reach the surface?”

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Outside the Blockade of Nal Hutta
Nal Hutta

The Apogee wasn’t specifically designed to accommodate large amounts of people, however it was designed to get in and out of “hard to get to” places. As such, the cargo bay in the rear of the ship had been completely emptied of supplies, except for the essentials. A makeshift rack was placed along the port and starboard walls, complete with clickable safety harnesses. There was enough rations to support them for over a week, at least enough to get them all to a nearby safehouse.

Vu’thari was careful picking the path of the Apogee, ensuring the blockade of Imperial ships run by gangs did not pick up on them.

”How soon will we reach the surface?”

Looking out the viewport, Vu’thari answered as he keyed the controls for the IFF Spoofer. In front of the Jedi’s ship, the blockade of confiscated Imperial ships could be seen out of the viewport. Vu’thari scanned the frequencies and found the one he suspected the gangs were using for IFF identification.

“We are about to find out…”

Piloting the ship casually up to the blockade, it streaked past, not in a hurry and not doing anything to bring attention. Vu’thari simply piloted the ship like he belonged there. As they passed the blockade, Vu’thari was about to say something to Hugo, but he noticed they picked up a tail. One Starfighter was following them. It did not attack them, but it seemed on a course to follow them through the atmosphere to Nal Hutta.

Looking over at the Galactic Alliance leader, he said quietly, “Commander, you may want to get in that dorsal turret. If that ship lands to question us, we may want to make sure it doesn’t get a chance to report back. I am going to sit the Apogee down in an area where we can take care of this away from the refugees…just be ready.”

@Minuteman75
OOC/Dice Thread

 

[Hugo Ion]

Vu’thari was no novice when it came to flying. Then again living a life of secrecy can teach someone a great deal. Commander Ion understood this fact in his own way. He can’t help but reflect on the first time Vu’thari and him first met in that shop back on the smuggler’s moon.

Feels like a lifetime ago now.

Just then the sensor picked up a starfighter tailing them as they began the descend. So far they haven’t fire yet but Hugo remained tense when the Twi’lek Jedi turned toward and told him his plan. Despite being higher in rank than him in the Alliance, the Durosian did not argue the point with his ally for it was a sound strategy.

“Good call Master Vu’thari. Get us there swiftly as you can.”

Hugo remarked, sitting up from the copilot seat and heading in the back. It wasn’t long before he got in the gunner’s chair, watching the fighter for any sight of murderous intent. If that proves to be the case, he will make them for it.

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Outside the Blockade of Nal Hutta
Nal Hutta

As the Apogee passed the blockade, the twi’lek gunned the sublight engines. The engines roared and rapidly propelled the ship towards the Nal Hutta atmosphere. Keeping a close eye on his sensors, the ship also matched the Apogee’s speed and stayed behind it—but still did not fire. It wasn’t a starfighter, but a small dropship. It was a good thing they did not attack—it would have been a brutal hammering on the Apogee—which would not be able to outrun the vessel on its tail.

Rocking and shuddering as the ship crossed through the atmosphere, Vu’thari immediately oriented himself as they came out of the atmosphere. The Evocii village that Hugo mapped out was close, but this was an issue that had to be addressed first. Quickly scanning the terrain, the twi’lek found a clearing that would be enough room for both ships to land. He purposely wanted room for the gunship to land—he did not want the deadly ship in the air when and if they confronted them. More important than that, they were in a muddy wasteland, far from civilization.

Gently, Vu’thari set the Apogee down, paying close attention to the gunship to see what it did next. It set the ship down off their rear port side. It looked like the pilot was trying to land the ship out of the turret’s arc, but he did not know what Commander and the Jedi Master knew—it was lined up perfectly.

Vu’thari communicated to Hugo over the ship’s intercom, “Commander, I will go out and meet them to see what they need. I will make sure I am in your firing arc. If it gets ugly, blow their ship first--I sense five people on that gunship. If any of them do not come out of the ship, they may have their turret trained on us…”

With that, the Jedi Master removed the headset and got up, purposely exiting the cargo bay at the rear of the ship instead of the forward port and starboard accesses. The cargo bay door slowly lowered with the twi’lek walking down it. His blaster pistol was strapped to his right thigh and lightsaber tucked in his hidden pocket within his tunic. A quartet of grenades lined his belt at the small of his back. Shifting the armor hidden beneath his clothes, Vu’thari stepped out into the swampy ground, looking over to the four weequay that just disembarked their own small, cargo bay door.

The four carried themselves with confidence, but uncertainty. They were all armed with blaster pistols and two of them had light armor on.

They began to approach Vu’thari as he walked slowly up to them…

@Minuteman75
OOC/Dice Thread

 

[Hugo Ion]

“Copy that Vu. I got you covered.” The Duros answered back through the com. Gripping the controls with both hands Hugo stayed quietly still as possible. He watched his comrade go out to meet with the four leather face goons.

He wasn’t too worry about the Jedi Master considering how capable the Twi’lek is. Still need to get rid of that ship when the moment is right. Meanwhile, the welcoming committee came within speaking distance of Vu’thari at the bog. They sneered suspiciously at him, one of the four in the middle then demanded.

“Whatcha ya doing out here Tailhead? If I, don’t get a damn good explanation soon you’re going be a permanent resident.”

Upon saying so, the Weequay gang were reaching for their weapons to emphasize. As that happened, Hugo noted the hostiles did had their ship’s turret trailed on Vu. Realizing it’s now or never Ion quickly aimed and fired into the ship repeatedly. After four shots it exploded with a mighty roar. Taken off guard by the sudden violence the gangsters began to scatter in dour different directions.

Swiftly Ion began firing on the nearest target to the right, reducing him to nothing ash followed by his buddy meters trying to jump for the mud filled water. The remaining two Weequays were rushing for cover on the opposite side. Hiwever another two round burst from the laser turret blasted one more into pieces but the other jumped to the ground and fired back at Vu with his pistol.

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Outside the Blockade of Nal Hutta
Nal Hutta

The thugs were looking for a fight. They were eyeing Vu’thari’s ship often with envious eyes.

They want the Apogee…that is why they followed us.

When they drew weapons, the dorsal turret on the rear of the Apogee roared to life as Hugo’s shots tore into the gunship. It exploded into a ball of rended metal and fire four shots later. The lightsaber jumped into his hand and ignited just as blaster fire made its way towards the twi’lek. Hugo took advantage of their stationary forms and shifted the aim of the turret, exploded into their ranks with huge laser cannon bolts. In seconds, three of them were practically vaporized. A pair of them quickly got behind cover, but unfortunately for them, their piece of starship that provided them cover was still in the firing arc of the Apogee. Hugo obliterated another one. The last one finally moved out of the turret’s arc and fired on the twi’lek. Holding his green lightsaber in an inverted grip, he charged the last gunman who fired shot after shot. Deflecting them all, he came into the personal space and stared eyes to eye with the weequay…but his lightsaber was sticking out of the torso. The weequay dropped to the ground and the Jedi Master switched off his lightsaber. The landing zone was clear…

Making his way back up the ramp, he looked down and saw that one of the shots had grazed his hip. It wasn’t bad but he could not ignore it. Getting back to the cockpit, Hugo made his way to the front, “Fine shooting, Commander. The village is just over that mountain pass to the east. According to the sensors, he should be able to set the Apogee down in a valley that will separate our landing zone and the village…”

Flicking the switches to get the Apogee in the air again, he settled in and got the ship moving. Moments later, they passed the mountain pass and Vu’thari “created” a landing spot in the valley. As he began shutting the systems down, gathering his gear and dressing the graze on his hip, he looked over at Hugo, “I will follow your lead on dealing with the Evocii…”

@Minuteman75
OOC/Dice Thread

 

[Hugo Ion]

The Duros shrugged his shoulders sitting back in his seat, remarking. “Well I don’t get stuck every rotation reading reports.” He snickered at that jab aimed at himself. Jokes aside the Commander did made sure to keep his skills, despite the burdens dealt with on a daily basis. Hugo silently prayed, they don’t run into further complications but it paid to be prepared for the worst.

Their journey to the next destination and subsequent landing was fortunately uneventful. Once out of the seat Commander Ion checked his blaster and ammo, listening Vu’thari say he was letting him handle the locals. “I’ll handle it don’t worry.” Replied Hugo before walking out the cockpit.

Once they were outside, the blue humanoid displayed a disgusted expression, smelling through his eyes the foul stench polluting the very air. It never ceases amazing him how the Hutts were able to corrupt such a world. Not even their Sith overlords fixed though he doubted they ever made a serious effort at it. The small man party advanced through the valley heading for the village. Hugo glanced around side to side, trying to see if anyone was watching them.

With each step they took he became more concerned. “Some of their men were supposed to meet us by now. Something is wrong. Do you sense anything?” Ion whispered to Vu’thari.

Sighing to himself he could not help but had a bad feeling about all of this.

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Outskirts of Evocii Village
Nal Hutta

Hugo was right. As they made their way up the valley, they were not received by their Evocii contacts. The woods had thick, interspersed trees and the ground was damp and bog-like as they traversed the foul, swampish terrain. The Commander voiced his concern over the lack of contact and asked if Vu’thari sensed anything. Reaching out, uneasiness settled on the Jedi Master. Feelings of anxiousness, bloodthirst, fear and anticipation could be felt from atop the valley in front of them. He looked over at Hugo and said quietly, “Multiple people intent on harm. They are coming…get ready.”

As Hugo was preparing for the worst, Vu’thari settled in across from the Commander in an ambush type position where the “path” leading down the valley was between them. Vu’thari figured that whoever it was walking towards them saw the Apogee on its approach and were coming to investigate. The pair were concealed really well as they heard voices and the clanking of armor. The Jedi Master was quite sure they were Imperials. Patiently the pair waited. The moment to strike was about to come…

@Minuteman75
OOC/Dice Thread

 

[Hugo Ion]

When a Jedi senses trouble you know it is true. Hugo learned this fact quite well over the years with the time spent with his force wielding allies. The Duros positioned himself next to Vu on the left flank. It wasn’t too long before they both heard footsteps and armor clanking. Immediately he recognized it as belonging to Imperial forces due encounters with them before. Under the cover of a fallen tree trunk Hugo aimed through the sights at the approaching search party.

When they came into view, he whispered to the red Twi’lek next to him. “Ya take the Imps on the left I’ll handle the ones on the right. Wait till I fire.” Subsequently, Commander Ion with the hand on the trigger breathed slowly while the enemies marched closer.

He pulled the trigger, firing a three shot burst toward the armored soldier. The first bolt hit the chest plate but didn’t make a dent but the next shots struck true, causing the Imperial to scream out his dying breath. Swiftly Hugo directed toward the next one, firing three bolts as before. But this time, the surprised soldier was hit in the head and dropped to the sideways immediately dead.

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Outskirts of Evocii Village
Nal Hutta

Hugo whispered the tactics to be used with the “on the fly” ambush, but combat was like that. Vu’thari had learned that the scope of the battlefield was always changing…and it was the side who was able to adapt that usually won. Giving the Duros a nod, the twi’lek quietly withdrew the brylark hilt lightsaber as the patrol got closer and closer. He sensed eight beings coming towards their position. Patience was a virtue, but he did not want Hugo to have to open the attack on his own and draw their fire…he would need to do that so the Commander could take good shots.

The Jedi Master reached out and sensed the Commander, gathering the Force within him as he stood with his eyes closed. All of his limbs and joints felt effortless, ready to spring into motion. He felt Hugo’s calm nerves as he prepared to fire. When the instant hit, Vu’thari spun around the corner with the hissing of his lightsaber coming to life, glowing green in front of the patrol. The two nearest to him raised their blasters, but the twi’lek was already among their number. From his inverted grip on the lightsaber, the blade flashed across the tip of the blaster rifle and sharply back down across the soldier’s chest. A blaster bolt from the second was loosed but the lightsaber was spinning around with speed and purpose. The green blade met the bolt, careening its path into the forest. The trajectory of the lightsaber shifted and came upwards across the second guard cutting through his arm and into his neck. His steps were deft and with speed. As he cut through the two guards closest to him, his footwork placed him amongst the other two on his “side”…

@Minuteman75
OOC/Dice Thread

 

[Hugo Ion]

Taking advantage of the attention that his Jedi ally drive to himself Hugo immediately lined his next shots. Once more pressing down on the trigger, Ion missed with the first two bolts. But, the third caught the cloestest Imperial in the chest who dropped dead on his bac. The other soldier made a run for a nearby tree while the rebel fired on her next. Three bolts failed to hit but two more finally got her in the back.

She dropped face first into the mud. Commander Ion did not have time to celebrate when the last Imperials bombarded his position from the left flank. Hot splinters flew in the air, forcing Hugo roll out of the way. Taking out a frag grenade Hugo pulled the pin, counted seconds before tossing the anti personal bomb toward the direction of the last shooters. A small explosion erupted and two blood curling screams followed. Looking back up Ion noted the troops laid there on the ground moaning in extreme pain with shrapnel wounds all over.

Firing in two successive bursts at each of them Hugo ended their suffering. War is hell. You can’t sugarcoat it. The Duros thought with a sigh. Hopefully someday the conflict will end with the Sith overthrown, Hugo prayed for that day.

He was about to speak with Vu’thari when they heard some rustling in the bushes on the right-hand side. Aiming his rifle in that direction the rebel leader saw some hands and a voice called out in accented Basic. “Don’t shoot we’re friends.” Seconds later a whole multiple of Evocii, men, women and children surfaced behind the foliage.

Subsequently, an old man stepped forward in front of the rebel and Jedi, saying.

“We’re grateful that you made it I am Elder Domgar leader of this community.”

He gestured toward the whole group behind him before adding.

“We already abandoned our last night before the Imperials arrived. Their fellow soldiers are still searching through our homes right now. Please take us to your ship before they show up.”

While still surprised to find an entire community was able to hide in all of this Hugo answered waving the Evocii to follow.

“Understood. C’mon, let’s get out of here.”

Soon enough the rebel/Jedi team lead back to Vu’s ship and put them onboard despite the tight it became. It was time to leave.

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Outskirts of Evocii Village
Nal Hutta

“Quick thinking there, Commander.”

The combat was fast and brutal. Vu’thari’s lightsaber winked out and he looked over at Commander Ion. Imperial soldiers laid strewn out in the forest and Hugo walked through them, showing a mercy to those suffering. They did not have the facilities or the option to take prisoners—they were here to see to rescuing those who were about to become enslaved.

Vu’thari could sense the evocii’s relief and excitement being saved from their dismal fate. As they emerged from the trees as a group, they were quickly keen to the idea of leaving this place. When they got back to the Apogee, they were able to squeeze all of the evocii in—whether they were in the science lab or medical module or the cargo bay, they were all within the ship and rapidly given food and water that the two rebels brought with them. They were a beaten down bunch of people, ready and willing to help the Galactic Alliance in any way they could, Liberation from the prospect of slavery made the tech-savvy species ready to serve and repay the debt owed. Once the cargo bay door closed, the Apogee’s huge sublight drives roared to life, carrying the evocii refugees to safety…

THE END ​

@Minuteman75
OOC/Dice Thread