Ask To Break a Tyrant: Lakeside Assault

[Skjorn Naskar]

Mecr'kemir, Concord Dawn
(All Mandos: Feel free to ask me to join)
​

Where the direct assault got all the bells and whistles, the sneak attack, didn't. The city of Mecr'kemir sat beside a lake, one that wasn't always the best guarded. Their task was simple: take the ports and then hangar bay, before pushing onto the Main force.

This had been Skjorns first commission as a leader and so far, he'd volunteered for an amphibious assault kept afloat by actual boats, with actual oars. He had worked with @Ramail Lone in the past and trusted her, though to say he wasn't wary of @Minerva Wren , was an understatement. Especially given the strain between their Clans in the days of old. But to cleanse Dawn of Malinkar, Skjorn was prepared to overlook that ancient history.

He'd signal for the rowing to stop, the boats resting behind a series of jagged rocks."We wait until both sides are committed and then we take the ports and shipyards.
@Minuteman75 @Casmer

 

[Minerva Wren]

Using rowboats for a surprise attack. That is definitely something that Minerva didn't think she would be a part of until recently. It is rather interesting to say the least. Rowing her boat with a whole team of Wren warriors with her, Minerva grew a bit nervous but fought it down. Briefly through the visor she glanced toward the port and shipyards still some distance away.

Paddling the boat quietly as humanly as possible the former founder pondered their purpose. Subsequently Minerva spared a look at both Ramil and the leader of this assault. She had briefly seen the Zabark during the Black Keep but they never really said anything. As for Skjorn she got the feeling he didn’t care for her presence nor that of her adopted clan.

I’m not here to prove myself to him. But help overthrow a pretender that threatens my kin and shames the name of Mandalore for far too long.

Seeing the signal from Skrjorn on his boat, Minerva and her team stopped behind the jagged rocks as well. The water flowed beneath while their ally declared what they would do.

“So be it.” Minerva answered immediately with a nod. In the back of her mind she thought of her children back on Krownest.

@Casmer @Rhogar

 

[Ramail Lone]

Ramail sat at the helm of her own rowboat, a mixed group of Orar'da'yadr warriors filling up the other spots. Looking over at the Wren woman and her warriors, all sporting the same colours, she couldn't help but feel a stab of regret that her own clan hadn't committed warriors to the cause. Their alor was indecisive, and it frustrated Ramail. Luckily, frustration could be useful battle if allowing it to fuel her fighting capabilities.

The Zabrak directed her rowers to follow Skjorn. She knew this would be his first time leading an assault the size of this one, but she had confidence in him. The missions they had undertaken together had shown her enough to know that he would do well. The Wren woman she recognized from the meeting at the Black Keep. They hadn't spoken, but clan Lone had once been allied to the Wrens, and Ramail knew that the Wrens were formidable warriors. They would be good to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with in this battle.

Coming to a halt where Skjorn had directed them to, Ramail took off her helmet and offered Skjorn a quick smirk and a nod before donning it again. She could feel the adrenaline vibrating in her veins, ready to unleash when the firefight began.

@Rhogar @Minuteman75

 

[Skjorn Naskar]

It wouldn't take long for them to see that whatever was happening at the gates, was beginning to pull reinforcements from the docks. After about fifteen minutes of waiting, the number of guards would be reduced to a tenth of their original number, at least for those visible.

Skjorn would give the signal to begin rowing and soon the various boats would push forward, gliding gently across the surface of the water. Scanning the guard towers, he'd speak into his comms. "We have ten snipers in various towers. Take them out to keep our approach in the clear."

Several of the Orar'da'yadr would pull their rifles free to take aim, but so far, they would leave three untargeted. They were now within twenty meters of the docks. "Take your shots." Skjorns voice would ring out. He had elected to be the first one ashore, he just hoped they hadn't all left their target unattended. "Death and Glory." He mused over the comms.

@Casmer @Minuteman75

 

[Minerva Wren]

Sitting in the boat with her adopted kin Minerva fought down the urge to fly out and join the fighting already. Stick to the plan. While she had matured from her younger self, the thrill of battle remained in her soul. The water continued to push against the rowboat while blasterfire echoed some distance away. She turned back to the squad.

Despite the armor and helmets, she can tell in the body language that half of them(the younger warriors) were anxious to fight and prove themselves. Some were inspecting their weapons repeatedly with shaking hands while others looked out to the docks. The veterans were more collected but even some seemed eager to go already. We will get our chance soon. Minerva thought before looking away.

Finally after fifteen minutes they resume rowing quietly with the rest of the attack force. Once they were in range of the docks, the comms came to life with Skjorn’s voice. With the new order Minerva hand signal to the back. Soon enough they had locked onto the remaining three sentries.

Hearing the order to shoot, blaster bolts flew toward the towers simultaneously, at all multiple targets. “For Mandalore, for our people.” Minerva answered, back in the comms.

@Casmer @Rhogar

 

[Ramail Lone]

The wait felt long, though in realtime it wasn't. Perhaps a quarter of an hour? She didn't keep track of the time on her chronometer, fully confident that Skjorn would launch the attack at the right time, whenever that would be. In the mean time, Ramail had to sit with the pre-engagement adrenaline coursing through her veins, willing herself to stay put and breathe. Some of the younger warriors around her in the rowboats clearly struggled with the same issue. Her gaze drifted towards the Wren woman. She sat there, quietly, like someone who had done this a million times before and had lost the thrill of the fight. Ramail knew better, though. Like her, the Wren woman would be disciplined enough to relax herself even as the bloodlust rose in her. And the younger warriors would watch and learn.

Soon, the rowing resumed. Skjorn issued the order to take aim at the snipers in the towers. Ramail readied her blaster rifle and took aim at the target nearest to her, assuming that everyone else did the same. The boats drifted closer and closer to the shore. Ramail focused on not tensing, facilitating the smoothness in her limbs that would ensure an accurate shot. Then, when the order to fire came, she said: "Mar'e!" and fired, dropping the sniper in her sights with a single bolt to the chest.

The fight had begun.

@Rhogar @Minuteman75

 

[Skjorn Naskar]

Skjorn would leap from the boat as it crunched against the shore, unslinging Drahr as he did so. "Minerva, take your Wren's and secure the control post. We need to isolate the docks. Kal, take your men and secure the entry point itself. Ramail, Vix, you're with me. We secure the main area." The docks were quiet, at least moreso than the battle raging at the front gate. His rifle in hand, he would kick in the door to the closest barracks, startling the next wave of guards hidden inside. Truthfully, it was as much a surprise to him as it was to them. But, all was as the gods will it, and he had much to prove.

The young War Priest would glide into the room, prongs connecting with the throat of the closest guard. The man would cry out in pain before dropping unconcious. The next guard, a woman, would take a rifle butt to the knee, before Skjorn used her shoulder as a brace for him to fire a round into the third guard, disintegrating him. As the second guard began to move to attack, Skjorn stepped forward, his left arm wrapping around the womans throat and tugged upwards, snapping her neck.

@Minuteman75 @Casmer

 

[Minerva Wren]

The tower sentries were eliminated. Minerva briefly watched with satisfaction as some of them fell splashing into the water. The fish will eat well. Once the rowboat struck land Minerva jumped off from the left side of the boat. Receiving the new instructions on the comm channel she answered.

“On it.”

With a new hand signal she ordered her warriors forward. They rushed in haste, ignoring the firefight erupting inside the barracks on the right. Subsequently she spotted their objective, the control post some distance away. Just as the Wren warriors neared it, they were met with blaster fire coming out of the post’s windows.

One bolt caught a Wren fighter in the left arm, causing him to cry out, dropping his rifle. Grabbing her wounded comrade she threw them both to the wall as the others followed suit. “Stang, this hurts!” The wounded warrior exclaimed, sounding very young.

“You should've been quicker, Calen.” Minerva swifty reprimand while firing a three round burst drawing back to cover.

A murderous stream of blaster shots returned, clipping at the edge of the wall. The dar’manda got a heavy repeater. Smart call but that won’t save them. Turning to the others including Calen who was applying a med patch on himself she said.

“Atreus, Jäger and Tasha on me. We’re going airborne.” Turning to the rest she added. “The rest of you provided covering fire then joined us once we breach.” Swifty Rai behind her replied.

“Yes Lady Fhirdiad.”

Everyone else acknowledged with nods including Calen who was recovering from his wound while drawing a pistol with his free hand.

“One, two...three!”

Upon that number most of the team revealed themselves, shooting up a storm of blaster bots which was quickly returned by the defenders at the command post. As that happened Minerva and her small team ascended via jetpack above the walls. Then they flew forth to the position. It took defenders several seconds to notice the airborne assault but it was too late as Minerva rammed through the nearest, window, shattering the glass followed in by her allies.

Landing in an roll a few feet from the machine gun crew, Minerva liftedone of her arms up in their direction, unleashing a steam of flames from the wrist. The gunner and his comrade shrieked in sudden agony as the fire consumed them both. Soon more enemies appeared and the whole room lit up in crimson light as blaster shots were exchanged.

@Casmer @Rhogar

 

[Ramail Lone]

Skjorn blended efficiency with the flair of a Crusader. Intimidation tactics or just the way of a natural brawler? Ramail couldn't tell. It didn't matter. As long as it worked. Her own approach was a little more clinical, a product of years upon years of bounty hunting and mercenary work.

She was at Skjorn's back when they entered the barracks. As soon as her compatriot engaged, she fanned out to the left, making quick work of two guards with a single bolt to each chest before they had even risen from their seats. She advanced, flipping over a table where a card game had been left unresolved, sending the cards flying like down in the air. Just in time. A barrage of blaster fire swooped past overhead.

"Vix, move up and flank them," she commed, before she looked up for just long enough to send another guard to the floorboards with a smoking hole in her chest. Ducking down again, she turned to see how Skjorn was faring.

@Rhogar @Minuteman75

 

[Skjorn Naskar]

Skjorn would pull the woman skyward, using her body as a shield before he threw it forward, causing two of the Legionnaires to dive to cover. He would slide into the table behind Ramail. "Kriff! I wanted to pick up where they left off, mesh'la!" He'd laugh as he expelled the charge for his disruptor rifle and slammed another one home. "Having fun yet? I know I am." the grin was definitely audible through the helms speaker.

"Hit the deck." Vix would say over the comms. He'd gone around the barracks on the exterior and was now positioned behind the enemy. The hum of the repeater in the Mandalorians hands would fill the building as bolts rained in from behind the enemy. The enemies that were standing were ripped to shreds, left as nothing more than smoking husks.

As the repeater started up, Skjorn would pull Ramail down, covering her with the hopes that his slightly thicker beskar may save the pair. Thankfully, Vix was such a veteran with his repeater that his bolts hit their intended targets. Heavy boots would approach Skjorn and Ramail before kicking the remnants of the table aside. "Up and at em, kiddos. Ain't gonna be killing hut'uun down there." he'd say with a hearty laugh as he expelled the drum mag from his repeater and loaded up another.


((OOC: Rolled for Vix. 20 atk vs 11 Def))
----

Kal and his team wore the all black drab of the A'den Kal, the elite Bladesmen of the Coalition. They advanced to the entry with their shields lifted and locked in a tortoise formation. Bolts would ping all around their protective shell before they broke ranks and charged the small detail. Quick and practiced strikes from each of the A'den Kal would allow the warriors to escort their foes personally to Manda. Reaching the entry, Kal and his men would once more lift and lock their shields. "Entry secured. Once you're done, we should be able to hold the docks."

((OOC: Rolled for Kal and the A'den Kal: 13 vs 2))

@Minuteman75 @Casmer

 

[Minerva Wren]

Legionnaires and Wrens clashed throughout the large room. While some duel in the air the rest stayed on the ground. Shouts of pain and curses rang out amidst blaster bolts. Via jetpack Minerva flew in and out the place, firing her dual pistols at the nearest targets. Seeing Tasha wrestle with one hostile with daggers in their hands Minerva spotted another aiming a scatter gun at her Vode.

The widow fired her guns, scoring hits in the legionnaire’s left arm and neck, killing him with the latter. As the foe slumped down Minerva dived in before kicking a third legionnaire in the back, slamming her helmet first into the wall before falling back with a groan. Minerva didn’t wait for her to recover, shooting three times into the center mass.

Suddenly she detected movement to her left, before rolling out of the way a burst of flame flew where she once stood. At the end of the roll Minerva fired four bolts into the attacker, two hitting their mark in his upper chest. Briefly watching him collapse, Minerva turned just as the rest of her team stormed in, catching the remaining legionnaires off guard. Within another minute it was over.

Standing amongst numerous dead enemies Minerva sighed with relief. Turning to young Calen. She gave him a nod of respect. “Not bad Calen. Keep it up and you just might be able to pull off the ears of a gundark someday.” The youth snorted in amusement before commenting.

“I just might.”

Meanwhile the other Wren warriors were searching the corpses and securing the control post. Moments later Tasha sprinted to Minerva and Calen declared. “All clear Lady Fhirdiad.”

“Good, let’s inform our bethern-

Before she can finish the sentence, a legionnaire sprang up with a grenade in hand, shouting. “DIE!” He charged at the trio but was swifty gunned down but not before tossing toward his intended targets.”

Without hesitation Tasha threw herself on top of the grenade before it exploded underneath, killing her instantly. Minerva and Calen rushed over to their fallen sister’s side. They rolled her over and saw the gruesome damage to her. Briefly closing her eyes the team leader said.

“Go to our ancestors Tasha, whose mighty company you shall not feel shame.”

Calen, who was Tasha’s younger brother, sat beside the latter and with his head bowed. Letting the youth to grief alone for now Minerva stood up and made a call on the comms.

“Skjorn, this is Minerva Wren. We have captured the control post, awaiting further orders.”

@Casmer @Rhogar

 

[Ramail Lone]

Ramail answered Skjorn's question with a snort. She had learned that he had a more jovial view of war than she did. She enjoyed it, alright. But with a quiet reverence moreso than fun.

She hit the deck when Vix told them to, and so did Skjorn. A smooth action that between them seemed almost rehearsed, even though they hadn't been in more than a handful of engagements together. She waited, patiently, the bolts from Vix's blaster ripped through the building and the bodies of the remaining guards in the room. The room fell silent for a moment. Then, Vix's heavy footfalls approached them, and he kicked the table away. "Nice shooting," she said as she rose to her feet, offering the veteran warrior a slap on the shoulder before turning to Skjorn, saying: "What now, Commander?"

@Rhogar @Minuteman75

 

[Skjorn Naskar]

Skjorn would brush aside the wood and debris as he pushed himself to his feet. "Love it when a plan comes together."

So far, so good. They had lost only a handful of warriors in the assault and now seemed to hold the docks. Everyone was calling in with their successes. A glance to the courtyard would show they lost a total of eight warriors, they would join their forefathers in Manda and guide the way.

Exiting the barracks, he would activate his comm. "Kal and the A'den Kal will hold the entry point. The rest of us will push onto the shipyards. So far our artillery has kept the skies in check, we need to ensure it stays that way. Once we take the shipyards, we'll be able to assault Malinkar's forces from the rear. Good work so far, but let's keep it up."

He'd then begin to jog towards the shipyard entrance, the easy part was done, it could only get harder from here.

@Casmer @Minuteman75

 

[Minerva Wren]

“Acknowledged, we’re on our way.” Minerva responded back to Skjorn’s next directive. Turning off the commlink she turned to Calen who was still beside his departed sister.

“It should’ve been me. It should’ve been me.” The youth muttered in self-guilt. Placing her left hand on Calen’s shoulders Minerva said.

“Honor her sacrifice Calen.”

It was her way of reminding him they must press on. Understanding it the younger warrior sighed and nodded. Getting up he, Minerva and the rest of the Wren warriors sprinted away from the room. Soon enough they would link up with their fellow warriors.

@Rhogar @Casmer

 

[Ramail Lone]

Kal and his warriors were already moving to take up defensive positions when Skjorn started towards the shipyards. Ramail followed suit, content to be following the orders of her friend. He'd led them competently so far, and the Clan Lone warrior had no grounds to believe his next order was a bad one.

Running along beside Skjorn, Ramail checked her equipment, making sure that everything was functioning properly. "How do we do this?" she asked over the comms. "Quiet?"

@Rhogar @Casmer

 

[Skjorn Naskar]

Skjorn would lead the charge as he entered the access tunnel, it was a narrow passage that dipped deep into the earth before angling back up towards the surface. Aside from using jetpacks to fly over, this was the only way from the docks to the shipyards, which meant if they got the alarms going, they could either be facing a staunch resistance or not. He had just hoped that the fighting at the main gate was going well.

Halfway through, it was still clear. "Alright, so this is where intel was scarce. We don't know defenses nor could the spies get close enough to take images or gather anything. Kad willing, we'll find pilots trying to take off or the security here scrambled to prepare for the fighting at the front gate. Main objective: Do not let them get in the cockpit. Secondary, do not destroy any of the buildings or the ships. These yards will be crucial to what we're doing from here on out!" he'd say as they reached the bottom checkpoint. It had been unmanned, they were likely trying to help with the ships, or had likely died at the docks. Now came the run upwards.

His gaze would drift to Ramail. "I think we are well beyond the realm of quiet. Time to chant our glory to Kad!" After a little more time, they would reach the breach on the other end. Pilots could be barely made out as they scrambled for their fighters. Skjorn would ready Drahr and as he exited out into the night air, he leveled his weapon and fired the disruptor shot at the closest pilots neck, disintegrating him. He would then fire of the electrical prongs and taze a second pilot.

@Casmer @Minuteman75

 

[Minerva Wren]

The Wren warriors soon enough linked up with Skjorn’s party. Charging behind the latter Minerva said nothing while gripping her blaster in both hands. Her heart pounded as they advanced through the tunnel. Skrjorn proceeded to explain further their next objective. In the midst of the rush she couldn’t help but reflect.

Years ago I had no clan to call home, wandering the stars and fighting Aruetii conflicts for pay. Manda things have truly changed.

Her eyes underneath the helm narrowed in renewed determination. She had three little children waiting for her back home. They and all of the next generation of Mandalorians deserved a chance for a better future. As long as Malinkar the pretender draws breath that will not be possible.

Once the allies exited from the tunnel Skrjorn fired the first shot, disintegrating an enemy pilot. Upon that sight Minerva shouted in Mand’oa. “Katbirye verd be Nadutr!”

With that Minerva ascended into the air followed by her Wren bethern. They flew toward the left flank, shooting at any pilot and guard in their way. Seeing one enemy getting inside the cockpit of a fighter she dived. Seeing her the flyer drew his pistol but Minerva shot first, scorching her foe’s face as he slumped into the seat. But not before scoring a bolt into Minerva’s right shoulder pad.

Grunting in pain she twisted away a few feet before descending and rolling to the ground. Teeth gritting she thought. No pain no gain. Detecting movement on the side she dodged barely in time to see a Gamorran with a huge mace. The green pig shouted in defiance before charging.

Minerva immediately lifted one of her gauntlets and a new stream of fire burst out. The flames swallowed the alien who let out a dying shriek before collapsing and rolling on the ground. Firing two bolts at her opponent that ended his suffering, Minerva glanced, noting her warriors were making progress. Many were still flying around the left section of the dock shooting any pilot in sight while others fought on the ground against legionnaires.

Hopefully Skjorn and Ramil were having similar fortune.

@Casmer @Rhogar

 

[Skjorn Naskar]

With Minerva and her Wren focusing on the left flank, Skjorn and his Coalition forces would target the center and right flanks. Drahr had been stowed in its sling and Skjorn now advanced with Grahala in hand. The DC-17x rifle would snap from left to right as he advanced, scoring hits and forcing enemies into cover. Orders were to refrain from damaging the ships. Obviously, that would change if any had gotten airborne and so far the Wren jet troopers were doing an amazing job at keeping them grounded.

As he advanced up the center, Kix and Ramail would advance up the right. The roar of Kix's rotary cannon filling the shipyard as he laid low various groups of pilots or other defenders. They were almost clear when Skjorn kicked on his comm. "Kal, we're almost clear here. Push forward with your warriors and rejoin the main force." He didn't need to keep the comm active to know the response.

Turning the corner of Kom'rk shuttle, a vibrospear would be driven into Skjorn's side, causing the young War Priest to curse. His rifle would get swatted to the side, so the young man would grip the haft of the spear, holding it in place while his free hand reached for his beskad.

The first slash would be used to cleave through the haft of the spear before the second slash removed the head from Legionnaires body. As the lifeless body dropped to it's, he'd kick it to the side.

"Skjorn, we're all clear, here." Ramail would say over the comms.

"Left is clear." one of the Wren would intone over the comms.

"Kix?" Skjorn asked. After some silence. "Kix?" The young War Priest would work his way to the last area where he had heard the rotary cannon, one hand cupping where the remnant of the spear was. His shoulders would drop upon finding the body of the large Nautolan, his curiass was riddled with scorch marks and he slowly lowered himself to his knee besides the veteran Mandalorian. One hand would rest on the chestplate. "Guide our way, brother..." he would muse lowly. "Light the path to Manda... we will be along soon enough.."

He would activate his comm. "Srucayr... Shipyards clear. Sending reinforcements to you while the rest of us tally and take care of our dead and wounded. Skjorn out.."

/End Thread

@Minuteman75 @Casmer