A Mission for the Truth (Game Event 3-16-17)

[Akirapryde]

(OOC ADMIN STUFF: The following intro mission is a continuation from the last game. This post acts as a bridge between the two games.)

A Mission for the Truth
Flight Deck, Vengeance
Outer Rim World of Olivan
Date: 2919 AOK (Eight months, one week after Auro’s Birthday)

Already military historians have dubbed the brutal clash between the Second Battalion, tenth division and Olivan Partisans as the Battle of Acfall Heights. The battle started off as a night time rescue mission of the battalion’s beloved commander, Knight Kali Demaya. What it ended up becoming was a nine-hour pinch battle where the battalion found itself fighting for its life. When the dust finally settled, the battle was named the second most bloody exchanges during the Olivan Campaign. The first being the bitter and intense thirty-six-hour Battle of the Resolute, where the Jedi’s Twenty Seventh fought against Olivan militias for control over their crashed flagship. While control of the Resolute was never truly resolved, thousands on both sides lost their lives.

By early afternoon, the day following the night time battle, the analysts had already recorded the casualty numbers. Because of the battle, the Second Battalion had lost four hundred and nineteen troopers. Beyond the deaths, the Second Battalion suffered almost twice as many in wounded. While these losses would hurt the Second Battalion, the Partisans suffered much worse losses. Their losses were estimated at over thirty-nine hundred fighters killed and three times as many wounded. Just looking at the numbers alone showed a clear Republic victory. However, even tactically speaking Lord Sembla and his Second Battalion were able to drive the Partisans from the field. A task that the Twenty Seventh were unable to do during the Battle of the Resolute.

As the sun started to set over the battlefield, casualties were still gathered up and returned to the Vengeance. It was a grueling and horrific task for the Second Battalion. While many veterans brushed off the horrors, new recruits simply couldn't. The sight of broken bodies tossed about the battlefield like leaves blown by autumn wind was hard enough. The sight of rain soaked streets bled with the color of multi-racial blood would forever be burned in to the memories of the survivors.

The worse of it, was the level of brutality within the battle that the bodies showed. Bodies mangled, burnt, twisted and ripped to pieces were left where they fell. One Republic officer wrote, “I could handle the smell, god that smell. I think it was the only day the sun had come out since we landed on this forsaken planet. The sun roasted the bodies like nothing you had seen. By midday, the odor was so foul that you could barely breath. But that wasn’t the worse of it. It was the sight of the packs of animals feeding on the bodies. These critters, that had once been pets, rushed from their hiding places to feast upon the dead, or dying. I guess for these half-starved critters, it didn’t really matter. As my company moved north, we could hear the crying of the dying while sounds of taring and ripping flesh accompanied those cries. That, that is a sound you don’t forget.”

The day following the battle was all about recovery. Lord Sembla, personally oversaw the entire operation. He made his personal promise clear, “no body, be it Republic, Olivenese, or otherwise will left on the battlefield.” As wave after wave of LAAT and Assault Shuttles made trips back to the Vengeance, the Second Battalion did their best to recover as many bodies as possible. The size of the battlefield made this task very hard. The battlefield spanned nearly three kilometers long and two kilometers wide.

With security concerns looming, the task had to be carried out carefully. And it was carried out though originally the recovery order didn’t set well with the average trooper. Such an emotional battle did carry with it deep emotional wounds on both sides. However, after the anger which had been fueled by the battle faded the importance of the order became clear to all. The troopers of the Second Battalion tended to each body with respect and humility, regardless of which side they were on.

By midafternoon the day following the battle, the Flight Deck of the Vengeance had become a hive of activities. LAAT's and assault shuttles were coming and going with alarming speed. Like a well-oiled machine, the flight deck operated with precision. Wounded were taken to the Vengeances’ overflowing medical wards. Body bags were laid out in zones identified by where they were found. In a masterful and humanitarian move, Lord Sembla invited representatives of the planetary government and the rogue Jedi to claim their fallen.

Moral across the Battalion was high, and blood boiled within the troopers. For the first time since they had set down on Olivan, the battalion seemed to be driven. The single thought on everyone's mind was what would Lord Sembla do. The overwhelming sentiment across the battalion was to drive their advantage. But officers and leaders warned the rank and file, that such an action would be in direct conflict with their standing orders from the Chancellor. As the Olivan sun started to set and the evening rains started to roll back in, the Second Battalion continued their tasks.

As the steady flow of LAAT and Assault shuttles continued to come and go, a pair of figures calmly walked across the flight deck towards a LAAT with a bright red maintenance flag on it. Because of that tag on the craft, no one paid it any attention. As the pair walked across the deck, the lead, taller man was clearly a tech, he was dressed in a drab tech jumpsuit with a bag over his shoulder. He was followed by a Jedi, clad in traditional Jedi robes. The Jedi’s robes were pulled closed and the hood was pulled up over its head.

“This will never work,” Tod Klo said while trying to get comfortable insider her robes. “I feel foolish.”

“It’ll work,” Cookie reassured her. “Knight Phlar Vran’s headless body was brought in almost an hour ago. Not to sound racist, but most of these clowns couldn’t tell the difference between you guys. Just keep your robes closed,” he said coming to stop and helping her fix her robes. “Trust me, they will be able to see your lovely breasts” he said with a smile as she jerked the robe from his hands. He added, “and those WILL give us away.”

Tod rolled her eyes and sighed at the statement. But before she could speak a guard walked up, “what’s going on Cookie,” he asked softy while holding his weapon at the ready. He gave a nod to the Jedi behind Cookie, “Commander.”

Cookie smiled friendly as he reminded himself that this was nothing but a normal flight. He was doing everything to try to hide his fear and worries. After all, this was the very first time he had ever done something like this. He glanced behind him to the woman that was disguised as a man. He gave her a reassuring smile. He wondered if she knew how much courage she gave him just by standing there.

He smiled broadly and greeted the soldier as the man came to a stop next to them, “Kip! How is it hanging.” He tried so hard to sound normal and hide the fact that his heart was pounding in his chest. He glanced to the other side of the maintenance hangar and saw his fellow techs hard at work repairing damaged equipment. So many times he had looked across the hanger to this very place and saw the adventures boarding their craft with so much courage and bravery. If only he had half as much courage and bravery as they had.

He added as he handed Kip his maintenance log which had the request for the check flight within it, “I need to take 101 out for a maintenance check flight before we can return her to service.”

‘Of course it’s a lie,’ Cookie thought. The craft had been checked out before the battle and found that there was a major crack in the engine housing. Which was the reason why it had that large red flag on it. Cookie figured that the housing should be okay. An hour ago, he did some work on the housing. As long he didn't push the engines too hard, the craft would be fine. ‘Wasn't like we were leaving atmosphere, after all’ he reassured himself.

Emotionally speaking though, all he could do right in this moment was fight the urge to scream. ‘What the hell am I doing!’ He thought. His mind raced, ‘I’m just a tech. A big goofy, dumb tech. I’m not a hero. I shouldn’t be here.’ Doubt filled his mind as fear took hold. He wanted to turn around and just walk away. Then he looked back over his shoulder and saw her. Her sister had been murdered and no one cared. ‘I care,’ he thought. No one had wanted to help her. ‘I want to help her,’ he thought. His mind calmed a bit as he added, ‘I might die, but I promise you. You’ll find your answers.’

He turned his attention back to the guard who was going over be documents. Cookie wondered about the real heroes on this ship. He thought of Lord Sembla, Unna, Ashla and Duncan. How many times he watched them from a far. How heroic they appeared. He wondered if they felt this sense of fear just before they went out on their secret and important missions.

“Cookie, you know, I still think you cheated at our card game,” the guard said as he carefully went over the documents.

Cookie smiled, “well if you think that, you will have to find out how.” Cookie had kind of cheated at the game. He counted the cards and knew that mathematically, Kip was bluffing.

The guard looked up, “so I have to ask. Six thousand cubic liters of helium and Dorin gas. That must of cost you what, six months’ pay.”

“Something like that,” Cookie said as he nodded

Kip glanced around, “so, for what purpose?”

Cookie smiled, “a romantic night,” Behind him, Tod just rolled her eyes.

“Ohh,” Kip said as he rolled his eyes, “that girl you have been raving about.” He took a closer look at one of the pages in the paperwork. “Oh, hold on. Flight Ops didn't include their approval of this flight.”

Cookie felt terror grip his heart. Of course Flight Ops didn't, they had no idea what he was doing. “Oh man, I am sorry. I got so wrapped up in getting the flight ready for Knight Vran. He would like to get some stick time before he recertifies next week.”

Tod noticed the all too familiar eye roll from the guard. “Dude, really! Sucking up to Knight Vran isn’t going to improve your chances with that girl.”

Both men looked at Tod who was disguised at the recently deceased Jedi Knight. Cookie said a silent prayer hoping that Tod would just not say a thing. To his gratitude, she didn’t. She only rested a hand on his shoulder and shook her head. It was a strange signal that confused Cookie. But he was grateful that she didn’t speak.

Cookie let out a slight and uncharacteristically nervous laugh. “Yeah, well you know what,” he said as Tod pulled her hand back. He turned back to Kip, “she’s worth it.”

Kip just laughed, “you know, Amy down in ordinance repair keeps asking my girlfriend about you.” He checked off the last documents. “I don’t know why you don’t talk to her. She is gorgeous and in to you. From what I have heard, that Kel Dor chick had slammed you down hard. Dude, you missing out on a good thing.”

Cookie shook his head, “not from where I am standing.”

“Whatever dude,” Kip said as he handed the documents back to Cookie. “Commander maybe you can talk some sense in to him,” he said speaking past Cookie to the Jedi Knight standing there. He turned his attention back to Cookie, “do not depart unless you get that clearance from Flight Ops. Lord Sembla's direct orders.”

“Sure thing,” Cookie said with a smile. “We will contact Flight Ops while we are doing pre-flight.” In that Kip turned and walked away.

Cookie was grateful that Kip wasn’t aware that Knight Vran’s headless body being discovered after the battle. Hopefully by the time that issue arose, they would be long gone. Cookie motioned for her to follow him as the pair continued their path towards the waiting LAAT.

He half glanced at Tod, “I think I am going to be sick.”

"That's a normal side effect of committing a falsehood," Tod said in a dull, practical tone from under her hood. "It means you still have a conscience. But, I thought you did well.”

“Yeah? Thanks,” He said as he smiled at compliment. “You may not notice it, but I have never really done this before. I mean first this morning when we flew in to combat. Now taking a LAAT without authority. I could be court-martialed for it,” He fell silent for a moment as they neared the craft.

She reached out and touched him, “I wish you would let me do this alone. The risk to your person is unnecessary.”

He smiled at the statement, “you wouldn’t have made it this far.” While he believed what he was saying, he also gave her a playful smile and wink.

She let out a slight sigh of acknowledgement as he stopped as he turned towards her. There was a sense of seriousness in his voice. He motioned crossed the hanger. “So many times, I would watch them walk to their crafts. Them,” he said then added, “the heroes of this ship.” He redirected his attention back to her. “So many times I would wonder what it would be like to make this walk.”

His eyes fell once more on the techs hard at work, “now, this is where I am. Taking that walk.” He smiled, “and I wouldn’t have done it without you.”

She sighed in defeat as she realized that he was just too bull headed to back down. She only uttered, “trust me, it’s highly overrated.”

On that note the pair continued to cross the hanger and board LAAT 101. As Tod pulled out her data pad, Cookie climbed in to the pilot’s seat. Tod was well underway doing her part in their little secret mission. As Cookie was getting buckled in, Duncan and Jaded both boarded the craft through the port entrance. Cookie and Tod both nodded to the new arrivals.

“Just in time guys,” Cookie said trying to recover from his run in with the guard.

Duncan climbed up to the Co-pilots chair and set down. “Don’t get excited. I am only here because we all know something ugly will go down.”

Cookie smiled and nodded as he continued to go through the per-flight check lists. “I am sure something will happen. The only question is what.”

Ashla soon joined the group with her weapons in an over the shoulder duffle bag. Cookie looked back with surprise as he heard Ashla board.

Jaden smiled as he got Cookie’s attention, “I figured am extra blade wouldn't hurt the cause.”

Tod sighed heavily as she retorted, “We don’t need blades, we need subtlety”

Tod’s comment got a laugh out of Cookie as he added, “I’m surprised you didn’t invite Lord Sembla or Unna.” With that he turned and continued his pre-flight.

Jaden laughed, “I would have, if I could have found them.”

Cookie smiled and keyed up his microphone, “Flight Control, this is Victor Victor One Zero Two One Zero One. We are a maintenance flight in the local area. We will be operating VFR, and will maintain our own separation. We are requesting a departure and northern exit from the control area.”

“Victor Victor One Zero Two One Zero One, Flight Control. I am sorry, but we don’t have your flight plan. We are going to have to refuse your request.”

Cookie turned to Tod and waited for her thumbs up. It was one thing to hack the internal network of the Vengeance. But Tod found a weakness in their network that would work for their plan. She only needed to hack a wireless printer up in Flight Control. One of Jaden’s friends provided he with the IP address of the printer. She turned and gave him a nod.

On that, Cookie keyed up his headphones again, “Flight Control, understand. We filed late, it might still be down in Flight Ops or they sent it up late. Do me a favor, could you check before we have to shut down.”

A few seconds later, “Victor Victor One Zero Two One Zero One, we got your flight plan now. Sorry about that guys. Make sure you stay in local area. Enemy activities are very heavy. Squawk two nine five one. After departure contact Vengeance Center on one five five point three. Be advised there are heavy thunderstorms in the southern and eastern quadrants. Storms are moving north west. Altimeter setting is three nine five. Taxi to the departure strip and hold.

Cookie slowly moved the LAAT in to position as he read back the holding instruction. Once the craft was in the departure strip of the hanger bay, the wind and rain started to hit the main windshield of the LAAT. Cookie turned and looked at Tod who was still wearing her Jedi robs. He smiled as he watched her work to cover their tracks.

In his and Duncan’s ears, control came back over the airwaves, “Be advised we have reports of moderate turbulence, in the southern and eastern quadrants there are reports of moderate icing at angels two seven and above. Victor Victor One Zero Two One Zero One, you are cleared for take off.”

As LAAT 101 slowly climbed higher and higher in to the rain filled evening, Duncan completed his final check list and realized a few major problems.

He leaned forward and turned to face Cookie, “there is a crack in the engine housing and we have no weapons on board!”

Cookie nodded as he turned the nose of the LAAT east over the nose of the Vengeance, “I spend most of the day patching that crack. It’ll hold as long as we don’t put much stress on it.”

“And the weapons!?” Duncan said concerned.

“Standard Operating Procedures. All craft in the maintenance yard has its weapons removed,” Cookie explained.

Duncan’s face was filled with concern, “so we have no weapons and our craft is critically damaged.”

“Yeap,” Cookie said calmly turning the craft for the south and built up speed.

Duncan set back in his chair and looked out the main windshield. The setting sun to the north was behind them and cast the rain covered city in a bright reddish glow. Duncan sighed heavily, “I have a bad feeling about this.”