The Jedi Civil War (Book 3)

[Akirapryde]

Another kind of War
Thor's Chariot
Orbit over Baklid 6

Warlord Raynar stood in the center of one of the largest holo players known to exists. He watched the space carefully with wary eyes. Since the escalation of the Republic's involvement in the Jedi Civil War, he has traveled more light years than he has ever traveled in his life. He had been traveling between Coruscant, Azgard and Baklid within the past 72 hours. Because he hated holo communications, he had preferred to personally attend the meetings where he was requested. These latest meetings affected his warriors directly and he'd be damned if he would not be there personally to show his opinion. Yet despite his fatigue he had to unlock the secrets of the recording we was watching now.

“Replay from point T:1.04.5” he commanded the computer as the images reset and played again. He watched very carefully as he commanded, “slow to one ninth normal speed. And enhance sector five three two by two one six.” He watched carefully as the slowed images changed and gave a new angle on the image. “Enhance sector two nine six by seven four five.”

As the images played a door hissed opened then closed. Raynar knew who was coming for he was expecting one of his most trusted. He didn't bother to look, “Pause Image!” he commanded then pointed, “Colonel Shalo, what do you see?”

Colonel Shalo Pryde had been a long time friend and trusted ally to Raynar since they both children in training. Colonel Shalo was a man of both wisdom and valor. Despite being a member of the Order of the Rose, Raynar still trusts him deeply. Colonel Shalo walked in to the holo image and looked around at the image very closely. He took his time before answering then finally nodded, “I see space Warlord. Nothing else.”

Raynar nodded at the answer, “If I were to tell you there was a ship right there before your eyes, would you believe me?”

Shalo took another moment to look more deeply at the image. This time moving about to get different angles on the image. He really tried to find the ship that he was being told was there. “My Warlord, I would not need to see the ship to trust your word. However, truthfully, Warlord, I can not see any ship in this image. Maybe there was a fault in the transmission of the image?”

Raynar nodded, “That is what I thought at first. That is why we are looking at the actual sensor data from the ship that took the recording. I had it rushed here on my personal shuttle.” he said turning back to the image and looked around, “Play audio section Shalla One.”

Raynar listened as he watched his trusted friend tremble at the sound. Shalo looked up in terror, “May Odin have mercy on us, what was that” he asked trying to understand the sound that just assaulted his mind.

Raynar nodded once more, “That is a computer recreation of what Priestess Shalla claimed to have heard right before the death of the Repulse.” He said then turned back to the image, “She claims that this sound was heard here during this attack as well and that we are looking at the ship that destroyed Republic ships over Whithmerfee.”

Shalo turned in shock, “No disrespect Warlord but I read the reports of Whithmerfee. The attack was carried out by a large pirate fleet. There is no way a single ship could have carried out this attack. No way Warlord.”

Raynar turned back to his friend, “Then show me one image, one sensor log, one witness that can place any other ship there. Because this image here is dated during the attack!” There was something he was missing and he knew it. Turning in frustration, “I have studied this recording for hours. The only thing that I see is empty space. I see no other ships. Not even the pirate ships that were claimed to be responsible for the attacks.”

“Sir, have you considered that maybe there is no ship there.” Shalo said as he continued to move around the image. He wanted to see the ship that his friend was claiming was there. But he eyes told him that there was no ship there.

Raynar nodded, “Yes I have. But I dismissed that thought. Priestess Shalla swore to give up her warrior's quest IF there was no ship there. In the short time I have known her, this one thing is more important to her then anything else in her life. For this, I believe her. There is a ship here. We just can't see it.” he calmly said as he walked over to the holo control. He pulled the data chip from the player and the image vanished. “You have the reports for me?”

“Yes my Warlord,” he answered as his position changed up. “As per your request I have pulled all of the deployments and recent conflicts that have broken out in the past three years.” He pulled out a data chip as he started to walk over to the holo player controls. He placed the datachip in the player and activated it. A new image filled the chamber. This was a large map of the Republic and surrounding spaces. “In the past three years my Warlord, there had been over twenty different conflicts that has sparked up between normally peaceful races. However during the past year and half, some more hotter than others but generally it would appear that the Outer Rim is becoming a hot bed of conflict.”

Raynar interrupted, “Look where Whithmerfee sits. Right in the middle of these new conflicts. Just outside of Corporate Sector Space. I know that they don't have the ships to pull off that attack. They are too tied up in the southern regions of their space defending against our ships. No, something is going on in the Rim Worlds. We need to find out before more warriors die needlessly.”

Shalo nodded, “I see what you are saying my Warlord. The Jedi have already dispatched a number of Jedi to these new conflicts to try to bring peace to these systems. They are having some success but not like they are use to having. As for Baklid, our forces are having the success we had expected. The Rebels are being crushed at every battle. We have completely cut them off from supply lines and landing zones. Their leaders have even contacted us and offered terms for surrender.”

“Two days too late for that.” Raynar said with a heavy heart. He had already gave them a chance to do the right thing. Now the war must be won through complete and total defeat of the enemy. “Tell them they had their chance for that. There are no terms for surrender” he said as he coldly walked over and picked up his warhammer. “We have a meeting with the commanders” he said motioning for the door. After the meeting, I have an important task for you. One that only someone like you can do” Raynar said flatly then held out the chip from earlier. “Take this to Coruscant. Deliver it personally to Jedi Grand Master Quaad. Tell him that there is a ship there to be found.”

“Yes Warlord,” Shalo said with pride, then added, “you have my word. It shall be done.” For the Warlord of one of the most powerful worlds in the Republic to entrust such a mission on someone like him, it had to be something that was of the gravest of importance. 'If there is a ship, we will find it' he swore.

Warlord Raynar nodded as he lead his friend out of the room and right in to a large conference room next door. In the center was a large holo table that was nearly nine meters across. Around the table waited were a number of Azgardian Officers, Republic Army Officers and six Jedi. Raynar nodded to each of them. He knew each of them well. During his travels he took the time to read over their personnel files. He knew that he could trust each of them. Well, all but the Jedi. They were sent here by Master Quaad against his wishes. Despite that fact, they had been useful up to this point. Because of them, he would not be able to carry out his next plan.

“Greetings Brothers and Sister!” he said as he waved his hand over the holo table. It came to life showing a large sprawling city, “Welcome to Courtesy!” He knew that many of them already knew of the Rebel stronghold. But he had to make sure that they all were on the same sheet of music. “This is where the war will end. Here is where the enemies heart and soul resides. Here is where we will drive our sword deep in to their heart. Here is where we shall attack next.” He paused knowing that some would have something to say.

It was General Ki, the Republic Cerean Officer who spoke up first. “Sir with all due respect, the reason why we have no attacked Courtesy first was because we can not get close enough to support a ground operation there. Unless you mean to blast the city from orbit with your ships” he explained calmly and respectfully. Each and every non-Azgardian knew all too well the short temper of Azgardian Officers.

Raynar shook his head, “the Civilian losses would be unacceptable by our standards.” He explained then continued, “We will be attacking the city with ground forces.” He smiled knowing that his own fellow officers knew what he was planning and waited for the others to pick up on it.

General Ki looked carefully at the map then shook his head, “Sir, the closest friendly lines are over five hundred kilometers away. Your forces would be cut off and caught between a hammer and a anvil.”

General Miko Heartman smiled and nodded, “And so would their reinforcements. They would be cut off from help.”

Colonel Lexi Mors looked over the map then read a datacard, “From our intelligence the Rebels had to reinforce their lines because of the Black Dragons attacks along their lines.” She said then looked up in surprise. Never before had she seen such a strategy planned and carried out. Even during her training within the Republic Army she never saw this. “You have been planning this from the beginning” she questioned and watched Raynar nod. “But still how do you expect to keep their reinforcements from hammering your exposed flanks?”

Raynar smiled, “Look” he said as he highlighted routes cut along the mountain passes. “These roads are the only roads large enough to handle the volume of troops at the speeds needed to support their stronghold's defense. I have already denied them their air bases, fighters and ships. They have little air power left. As we speak, three Azgardian Overlord Carriers are hiding behind our fleet. These ships will add nearly four hundred heavy and light fighters to our numbers. We will have nearly nine hundred fighters and bombers able to cut off enemy support from their stronghold. Our pathfinders have uncovered their secret routes here” he said highlighting more lines on the map, “and here. Also these routes here will all be targeted as well. Trust me, there will be no reinforcements for their beloved stronghold.” He said with pride over his plan.

General Ki nodded as the plan became known. It was risky but there was more than a reasonable chance for success. “But to what end Warlord? Okay so we take Courtesy out of the war, what do we get out of it?”

Raynar nodded to the Jedi, “Thanks to our Jedi friends, we know that not only are the Rebel leaders held up in the city for a conference for the next eight hours. We also know that the Rebel Jedi leaders are also within the city. Once we hit the city, we can crush their leadership and leave the snake without a head.”

Every one of the Republic Officers looked shocked at this latest bit of information, “EIGHT HOURS?” cried General Ki. “Even if we moved now we could not be in position in time to launch this plan in to action.” He looked down at the map trying to see a way to work in to the time table. “Its impossible Warlord.”

Raynar's smile grew, “That is why we started the operation six hours ago. We have already deployed forces in advanced positions along key routes to cut off the enemies retreat. Many of your troops have already been pulled and are being relocated right now. Only a few understand some of what is going on. You are the first to see the plan in a larger setting.” he waved his aides to start passing out mission orders. “Here are your mission briefs.” he said and waited while they reviewed them and worked out smaller details.

Colonel Mors looked up as she held up a hand, “Sir, with no dishonor to General Miko or his troops.” She paused waiting for a nod from Raynar to continue. She had served along side Azgards for over a year now. She understood their honor code and how to work within their culture. Once she got her nod she continued, “My battalion had worked the Regailus Mountains for months before we were drive back. I see that you have assigned General Miko and his troops to retaking them. Might I suggest Sir, that you allow me and my unit to this task. We have made vital contacts that might not be so eager to work with the General or his troops. This could save lives and free up his troops for the assault on the city. A task might I add, something my troops have little experience with.”

Raynar turned to General Miko who nodded back, “If these contacts are still able to work with us, than she has a point. My troops are capable in either operation as you know Warlord. If her troops are less capable in urban combat. Than based on that fact, I would support her request” he explained.

Raynar nodded as he turned back to Colonel Mors. He trusted what she said. The reports from the Azgardian troops that served along side her were very promising. That was why he made sure that her unit was one of few Republic Army units that remained behind after the departure of the Ninth Army. “Colonel, looks like you have taken command of the most important part of the plan. Taking and holding those mountain passes is key to ensuring success in the city. Let us all hope that your unit is up to this task.”

She nodded with pride. This was her chance to show them that she was a worthy warrior. She knew that Azgards had little respect for the Grand Army of the Republic. She understood why the lack of faith was there. Yet she wanted to show them that not all Army Officers were so incompetent. “Thank you Warlord. WE will not fail you” she pledged.

Raynar turned to General Ki, “I see you are confused by your orders. Let me explain what I am seeking of you and your men. As it is a well known fact that Azgardian's don't take prisoners. I can not have the defenders put in a position where they are backed in to a corner. I want them to surrender. Yet, I know that I can not order my troops to accept it. So this is why your unit is broken up in to smaller units and embedded within our units. I want the defenders to break combat to seek out your units to surrender. This will help everyone. So this is why your units are so important to the plan.”

General Ki nodded, “I see, so by having them given a choice to die or surrender to my units. This forces them to move and break up their lines of defense. Clever. IF it works. I think that their loyalties will hold up much more than you expect.”

Raynar nodded, “That may be the case General. Let us hope not. Unless anyone else has any other questions. I have transports waiting to take each of you to your commands.” he said and waited for them to ask or leave. Once they started to leave he waved his hand, “Colonel Zurel!” he said loud enough to get the young officer's attention. “A moment” he said waving the man over. Once the room was empty of all non-Azgardians he continued, “Your task is of the most important. As you can see you will be leading the Elite Red Dragoons. You are going to be hitting the Rebel headquarters. Your maps have been provided by two Long Daggers. I am entrusting you with making sure that none of the leaders escape.”

The Colonel nodded, “We shall ride through their blood that we had so badly shed, Warlord.” he quoted from their bible.

Raynar nodded, “Ride like the wind my Son.”

Colonel Zurel smiled, “Fight with pride, Father.”