Surprise Attack

[Radiwalker]

Mygeeto. A planet that had seen war and peace a-like. Had been under the control of separatists, different republics and empires. Now it was no longer of such major concern as it used to, as it is on the far side of the Imperial border to neutral space, or rather the space where jedi and rebels were hiding in refuge and preparing for their uprising. Yet it seemed that Mygeeto might still see battle and blood and death and glory, as it saw in the old days. For while the frozen planet did not intrigue the rebels and the jedi, it seemed to have caught the eye of a different kind of predator. An uprising, led by an exile, usurper, who seemingly sought to undermine the rule of the Empire and possibly aspired to ascend to the throne. And although many called him a fool, he was still a valiant threat and some had sworn to repay him his treachery in blood.

One of the bases on Mygeeto was rather small and secluded from the others. It was based on a central platform, with eight landing platforms surrounding it. Each of those platforms connected to the main one through a bridge and there was a force field each bridge. There were also defensive turrents and battery guns, but currently they were inactive, as they had developed some defects due to the recent, frequent lightning storms. Communication systems had been compromised as well, however, they could more easily be fixed, unlike the defensive systems which clearly had to be replaced, with the exception of the force fields, which, luckily enough, were working quite well.

As a large part of the personnel of the base had been relocated because of the military actions that had taken place as of late, a small team had been sent to the base to review the situation. The team comprised of three stormtroopers and three sith, who, combined with the ten guards already stationed at the base, made up all of its capable defenses. Two of the stormtroopers were privates, who had seen some action, but not nearly enough to lead an operation on their own and the third was a recruit, named Cristo Morrell, as such the command of the mission was allocated to the sith of the highest rank - crusader Sin'ryk Nalessh. He was also accompanied by two acolytes - Ari Iv-Hadzuska and Viole Nivar. The team was to report back to high command by sending a message from the base, but since the communication systems were down they had to wait until they were repaired. The technicians were taking their time, using the excuse of the bad weather, which would compromise their work, to delay fixing the problem.

All of that, however, had not gone unnoticed...

 

[Kenico]

Ari Stood next to Sin'ryk as they surveyed the Storms above. Ari didn't like being assigned to these kind of jobs, but after fouling up the mission on Naboo, he even had his Ship taken from him till he learned to cool his heels. He looked up into the stormy sky, still wondering about that warrior he fought...

"My Lord, How long did those Technicians say it would take to repair the Comms?"

 

[Pureblood-Sin]

Have I ever told anyone that I hate the Siqsa that is the cold, thought Sin'ryk as the cold air of Mygeeto somehow kept piercing through his cloak. Yet despite it, the Red Sith maintained a visage of indifference in the face of the weather. Out of practicality, Sin'ryk wore his long red hair into a queue, so as for it not to be blown into his face by the bone-gnawing cold. Pushing his thoughts aside, the Sorcerer maintained his focus on the task at hand; the men under his command would need it if they wanted to get off of this urban ball of ice at the very least in one piece. He looked around at the men he would be doing this assignment alongside. The two Acolytes, Ari and the Miraluka Viole and the three stormtroopers, two culturally-regular humans named Athos and Jeckis and a Lorrdian recruit named Cristo. About 10 minutes ago, he had told them that "When they succeed in this assignment, I will buy each of you a drink...assuming that's your pastime." After all, the Red Sith knew what type of leadership he would go for; he would not be a slaved-driver, driving his warriors into the very mud and expending them like blaster bolts. No, he had an inkling what he would go for, assuming all went to plan.

---

Sin'ryk's fiery eyes gazed upon the base that they were investigating. The assignment was simple and they knew what they had to do. To maintain some degree of obscurity, and to help keep out the thrice-damned cold, the Pureblood wore his hood up and wrapped his robes around his form. As they approached, he gave his first ever set of instructions.

"As simple as this may seem, we must stay frosty... He chuckled slightly at his own pun. "This may have the illusion of being simple, but life has taught that is never the case. Should the enemy come and force our hand...then we know what type of greeting to give them. I'd go with a red carpet, of their own blood that is." Finishing with this sentence, the Sorcerer still could not help but feel something comes for them.

"My Lord, How long did those Technicians say it would take to repair the Comms?" A voice broke him from his reverie, it was Ari. "Hopefully soon, if not I'll have to kick them up the backside to get them going."

 

[Kenico]

Ari grinned, "Maybe if I had leave I could find ways to motivate them?"

 

[Minuteman75]

Cristo Morrell tried to remain calm and for the most part was successful. Being a part of a small team that included three Sith and two stormtroopers can tell a person how serious this mission is even if its not the most important one. The Sith crusader leading them seem to be fond of making puns and jokes in a time like this, but then again he did offered all of them free drinks after this mission is over. With that in mind Morrell, decided he would rather take hearing more jokes from the Sith commander than to suffer any warth from him or his brethren.

As for the others, Cristo didn't really know them either even his fellow troopers, Jeckis and Athos. Of course, he trusted his brothers to be at their best since they outrank him and had more experience. Plus he took solace that the Sith with them can provide their own set of powers and skills to fray in case of trouble does arise. Morrell stayed beside the other troopers as they listen to Sith discuss about how to "motive" the technicians to move faster with the repair job on the comms.

I hope we do get communications back up soon. With the defense guns and turrets down we could make a tempting target. Still it like not like we are going to be attacked to be but it doesn't hurt to be on the safe side.

Morrell thought and was about voice it until Private Athos spoke up first to Sin'ryk;

"Sir its my recommendation that we put the garrison on an low-level alert and set up a defense perimeter awhile the tech heads to continue to work. Permission to proceed with that?"

Cristo waited anxiously for Sin'ryk's reply to Athos request as the storm outside raged on.

 

[Pureblood-Sin]

Sin'ryk listened closely to the human, he did make a valid point.

"By all means Private, set up the perimeter." Sin'ryk then turned to Acolyte Viole. "Acolyte Viole will go with you, his Miralukan Force Sight will help when visibility becomes poorer. If you so much as detect a slight blip, contact me immediately."

The Sorcerer then turned to Ari to address his question.

"I shall join you, see if gentle persuasion works first."

 

[Kenico]

Ari Grinned, "Sadly My Lord In battle, there is no Gentle persuasion...not when the Empress' Finest's lives are on the line"

Ari and The Sorcerer walked down the corridors and towards the Communications array, hearing some laughter and chatter up ahead. They came around the corner to see some technicians sitting around smoking on cigars and laughing it up. Ari cringed with anger and stood there looking at them...

"I trust you all are doing a stellar job at getting the array up and running?!"

They all snapped up in shock, seeing two Sith before them. Ari was in a fearful Rage, readying himself to Strangle someone.

"Now me and Lord Sin'ryk will be back within the hour...if its not done by then I will make my personal mission to make your death Slow and EXTREMELY PAINFUL!!! GOT THAT?!"

The Technicians dropped the cigars and whatever else they had in their hands and returned to working on the Array...Ari then clicked on his comm, "I request few Stormtroopers to the Comm Array Pleas?"

 

[Minuteman75]

"Yes milord." Athos replied and then he signal Jeckis and Morrell to move with him. Together with the Sith acolyte, Viole they gather the ten security guards stationed here at the base. Then they divide up most of the guards into two-man watch teams at the entries to the eight bridges connecting to the base. The last four guards were held in reserve along with them in the back. The idea as Ahtos explained was if hostiles were spotted at one or two of the platforms, the men in reserve can be carefully dispersed aid the guards holding the position and rest can hold unto called for.

Armed with a heavy blaster repeater called E98 'Ripperjack', Morrell waited alongside his comrades. Then suddenly they all received a call in their comms. It appears Ari the other acolyte was requesting for a few stormtroopers to come to the Comm Array. Well the force-using teenager seemed to take for granted was that there was only a few stormtroopers, three to be exact. Cristo noticed that Athos shaking his head at the request, he understood the reason, they need keep the best troops here at the defenses.

Then again it wasn't wise to tick off one of the Sith and show open disagreement in front of the garrison.

"Jerkis and Morrell, go check what going on at the array, I'll stay here with Viole."

The Lorridan trooper and the other human both acknowledged Athos' order with a yes sir and head to the comms room. When they arrived, Cristo saw the technicians fast at work and the two Sith standing by them. Morrell wondering what the fuss then asked;

"What do you require of us, sir?"

 

[Kenico]

Ari pointed at the Techs that appeared to be scrambling to keep their work in momentum. The stormtropers could hear a little panting of panic and sweat off their faces, "Keep an eye on them and ensure that they do not slack off...If they slack off in the slightest, authorization to shoot for mutinous insurrection...They need to be reminded that Death is a constant factor in war and lollygagging will not be tolerated. Not here, nor anywhere else in the Imperium..."

Ari and the Sorcerer left for the observation deck...

 

[Pureblood-Sin]

As the two Sith made their way up to the observation deck, Sin'ryk decided to speak.

"Normally I would have preferred more gentle coaxing, you attract more flies with honey. I suppose this has just turned into a game of Good Sith, Bad Sith."

The Sorcerer then sent a message down to the overseers for them to convey.

"Tell the engineers that, though the punishment still stands, if they do their jobs well; I well speak on their behalf for an increase in payment after the job is done. For y=the Troopers, rotate between perimeter patrols and checking up on the engineers."

He then turned to Ari with a grin upon his lips.

"Think of this situation like a bow. It needs two ends for the string to be tied in order to release the arrow. The engineers are more likely to strive to work hard if they realise that there is a reward at the end of the journey whilst the thought of death still niggles at them...of course I cannot say whether or not I'd be successful on the double payment negotiation. Though had it been me in your position..."

Sin'ryk's smile then morphed into a toothy grin.

"I'd have threatened their families, you'd be surprised at the lengths a person would go for their family and they are less likely to sabotage it out of spite."

 

[Kenico]

"Just the way I like it...I play the vicious enforcer, you play the level headed Sorcerer" Grinned Ari, "I threaten them with death, you reward them with pay...its the perfect motivator. I shall try to remember that...my Master..."

 

[Minuteman75]

Though he was masked by his helmet, Cristo stared menacingly at the technicians who were scrambling to fix the array. If they haven't been slacking off in the first place, he and Jekris would be assisting the main defense as stormtroopers should be, not babysitting their lazy butts. It stung worse that the order came from a kriffing teenager of all things, despite that said teen being a Sith. Jekris and him stood there, watching over the tech heads like predators waiting for any excuse to make them pay. Then they received Sin'ryk's new set of instructions from their comms.

Both nodded and Morrell relayed the Crusader's message to the engineers who perked up a little bit more and worked even harder than before. Of course, in his opinion they didn't deserve a reward but they did needed to have more motivation in their job and it was working. Afterward, he just stood there waiting for this overseeing shift to end with Jerkis. The private beside Morrell suddenly struck up a conversation with him through their helmets' private channel so the engineers won't hear it;

"Despite your rank you don't sound like a shinnie to me. What action did you take in part in?"

Cristo stayed silent for a second compelating how to answer, sure he ain't inexperienced when it came to combat but he was still small fish when compare to Jerkis and Athos. In the end he honestly answer back without looking toward Jerkis;

"Klatooine and two small black ops missions in other locations."

"Klatooine huh? Not bad kid, I myself served at the Siege of Manaan nasty business that was. I know this isn't the most desirable assignment we're in but don't be too eager for action. Just do your d*** job and don't be in a rush to prove yourself. Get killed pretty easy doing that."

Cristo nodded in understanding and then continued the talk;

"If you don't mind me asking Private where you from?"

"Well red shirt, I was born in a cave and raised by gundarks! Oh I'm just kidding, actually I was born on Telos, your average farmboy turned trooper. And you?"

Morrell grinned at the other trooper's humor beneath his helmet before replying;

"Lorrd that where I'm from and I used to be a cop till enlisting."

They continue their conversation for another few minutes as they kept watch over the engineers. Then the first rotation watch was over when they were relived by regular security guards. The two troopers went to back to the main defense line.

 

[Kenico]

Ari and Syn'rik* looked on at the storm, watching...waiting...in Ari's case hoping this little deal blows over and he could go back to more than a babysitting job in some outland post.

"Master, May I Confide in you about something?"

 

[Pureblood-Sin]

Sin'ryk smiled warmly at the Acolyte's request.

"Feel free, is there a problem that vexes you Acolyte...or perhaps you're having a feeling?

 

[Vexillar]

The Acolyte had been meditating in his chambers when he got the alert. It seemed he had been noticed after all. Mayhaps it was because someone thought him worthy of this...task. Maybe it was because someone didn't. Either way. He would not question the will of the Force. If it directed him here, there was a reason. If that reason was to die, then he would die with honor. If that reason was to live, then he saw no reason to celebrate. All things lived, all things returned to the Force. That was just how it was. He wasn't going to throw a party because the Force willed him to live an additional day. Such things were beneath him. All the same, while he accepted the details of the mission his mind was already racing with the good, the bad, and the ugly. Ironic for someone who didn't celebrate life or death to be so concerned with the minute details. All things were in the Force's hands, but Viole liked to see just how much he could alter. The Miraluka gathered with the others on the shuttle to the planet.

He wished he would have learned to use the Force to focus heat inside of his body...

Cold weather was not his friend. Of course his robes protected him from the majority of it all, but that didn't save his bones from feeling the occasional sting of "Winter's Wrath" when the winds blew strong. He often wondered what would have happened in certain situations if he had eyes. He was pretty sure that in this one, he would roll them and roll them hard. The Miraluka traveled in silence for the most part. He would make the occasional comment, but it was usually one or two words. Normally this bundle of questions would not hesitate to release them. In present company however, a more experienced Sith and a Stormtrooper with some years under his belt, he felt it best to just keep quiet and do as he was told. Between everyone there it seemed that the group would have a solid handle on things. His probing, his curiosity, would only slow them down. He remembered his first mission, where he asked so many questions one could equate him to a bumbling fool, and did not wish a repeat performance of that. The Acolytes robes fluttered in the wind as the waited for instruction.

Times like these, with this vision impairing weather, he was glad he didn't have eyes.

His Force Sight was the bane of such weather conditions. He didn't need tech to see. The Force showed him all there was. So far, it was just the techs, the Sith, and the troopers. He would merely bowed to the higher ranking Sith as he was instructed to go with one of the troopers, Athos. At the request for more troopers, Viole would merely place a hand on the man's shoulders. "I can sense your...disappointment. Don't worry. You're not the only one who feels that way. Good call, however, in keeping it shut." He flashed the man a smile before returning his attention to the surrounding area. His vision was fine, he didn't see anything that immediately required attention. Some local wildlife a few meters out, but nothing dangerous. Not yet anyway. That's why he was here though...To ensure that nothing would happen. Between his Force Sense skills and his Force Sight, the Acolyte was a walking alarm. He decided to take a seat and relax. Focusing on the Force energies of the world they were on, channeling it through him, directing it to protect him. Speak to him. He "I shall alert you if I detect anything...unusual. For now, things are in the clear." He spoke softly. The warm tone from before was replaced with an almost robotic coldness.

Though my feet walk from the ashes of Katarr... He repeated the line of the Miraluka who serviced the infamous Exile, who survived the destruction of his planet, who suffered greatly. In her words, in focusing her suffering, he found a layer of calmness within himself. His sight expanded to cover more ground as the Force bent to his will, directing more information to his "eyes".

It was going to be a long mission...

 

[Kenico]

"On Naboo, I came into contact with a warrior...He was strong in the Force Master...However, when I tried to determine his alignment...I found...nothing...he was neither Sith nor Jedi"

Ari flashed back to his duel on Naboo against the masked warrior...

"His power was raw but precise...His Skill was flawless...However...what disturbed me was...he used the Light and the Dark sides of the Force, but...he...was in full control...In all my training Master, I have never engaged an opponent such as that one...never!"

 

[Pureblood-Sin]

Sin'ryk raised his eyebrow stalk at the mention of a warrior who wielded the Light and Dark Sides of the Force. Such a being must be formidable indeed if he balances both sides of the Force, he knew what to say.

"This warrior is a being who walks the same path as Revan, understanding both the Light and Dark Sides of the Force. He would be quite a kill to have, but do not obsess yourself with him; if you devote yourself to besting one opponent, what are you to do against a completely different one?"

 

[Kenico]

"I understand, My Master. However, That only galvanizes my resolve to become stronger than Ever! To defeat such an opponent would truly bring glory to the Imperium and the Sith..."

 

[Radiwalker]

"M'am, our spy has reported in, they are trying to fix the communications relay," a young man, no older than 18, had burst into the captain's cockpit, addressing the woman in charge. Her blue eyes narrowed at the news. "Then it is time to attack, I had hoped we would be able to wait for the small sith squad to leave first, but it seems we will simply have to deal with them. Contact all ships and order them to deliver two rounds of fire before landing. If they have set up some sort of defensive perimeter we will drive them back into the base. Their defenses aren't working and they have nothing to use against our ships. Two ships are to remain in flight, to ensure that the imperials will not mount a counterattack as soon as we land. I want all the transmission blocking devise to be set up as soon as we land."

"But ma'am," the man interrupted. "If their communication relay is not functioning, why do we need to block their transmissions?" The woman glared at him with a vicious look, one only they possessed. "And what happens if they fix the relay before we capture the base," she asked, irritated. "Once the device has been set up we will begin a ground invasion. Our force outnumber theirs and with the surprise we have in store, we will surely have the upper hand. Now go, relay my orders to the others and prepare yourself, the battle will not be easy," not with sith among their ranks, she finished in her mind.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The attack was quick and ruthless. It could hardly have been predicted. Ten assault-class light freighters swooped down from space and began firing onto the platforms, at the defensive perimeter and the force fields. Anyone who didn't take cover, or retreat, would suffer a bad case of death. After the initial strike, eight of the ships landed, one on each platform. Ten men and women came out of each ship amounting to a total of eighty. All of them were clad in some armor and had some weapons strapped about them, but it was clear they were no military force. They were pirates, smugglers and hired guns. In an equal fight they wouldn't stand a chance against the Empire, but in this case they outmanned and possibly outgunned the imperials and, what was more troubling, among the ranks of the invaders there was a woman, with black hair and deep blue eyes, who initially seemed like a pirate herself, wearing a jacket on top of a battlesuit, but if one looked closely enough, one would notice a lightsaber hilt, which she held in her hand.

Some of the pirates quickly created a perimeter around the base, while not advancing towards the platform on which the base was situated. It seems they were waiting for something and true enough, some of the invaders on one of the platforms were setting up a device of some sort, while on every other platform the pirates that weren't engaged in the perimeter were setting up blaster cannons. The assault-class freighters couldn't carry tanks, but they could carry their weapons and that was just what the pirates had brought in abundance. They would punch holes in the base and eventually drive out and defeat the imperials inside, all without wasting a single one of their lives, provided everything went according to plan. . . but plans often failed.

 

[Kenico]

Ari watched in anger as the Pirates launched an attack on the base, He drew his lightsabers and folded his mask on. He ignited his blades and looked towards his Master for guidance...