The Brush Fire Wars (Book 2)

[Akirapryde]

Winds of Change (Part One)
Northern Highlands Region
Baklid 6

The highly charged state of affairs within the Jedi Order has caused the Republic to become enthralled in a ever growing set of small conflicts around the Galaxy. The Senate had been grid locked over a vote to join or remain out of the Jedi Civil War. The sides were clearly divided and both sides had taken the moral high ground within the debates. Sadly neither side controls enough votes to carry their cause. In the end, the Senate had reluctantly agreed to a limit engagement within these small conflicts. Without an official declaration of war, reserve units were called up to help support the Jedi Order as they fought to subdue an ever growing number of rebel Jedi factions. These areas of conflict has become known across the galaxy as the Brush Fire Wars.

A group of special military units were created to fight these down and dirty little wars. These units were called Republican Expeditionary Force or REF. Units from across the Republic military were called up to serve within the REF and help fill out their ranks while new troops could be trained up. Under the compromise within the Senate, the Supreme Chancellor could not deploy any regular Military Forces to these small zones of conflict. The intent was to ensure that these small zones of conflicts did not erupt in to open warfare and spread to near by systems. So to answer this limit, the Supreme Chancellor along with the military leadership rotated units from regular duty to reserve Status. These shifts of rotation soon became known as Unit R&R. This allowed the Grand Army to deploy experienced units to areas of conflict where they were needed the most.

With reports of growing rebel Jedi on the planet of Baklid 6, the 2nd REF was dispatched to bring an end to the planets ongoing civil war and capture the rebel Jedi. While the mission was only expected to last two months, the 2nd REF had gotten themselves dragged in to a nasty gorilla war with the CSA supported rebels on the planet. Despite some surprising gains from the 2nd REF, their slow progress has forced High Command to rotate some more experienced units to the conflict zone. The unit chosen to be rotated in was the elite 501st Marine. After arriving the world, the unit was broken up and sent to serve along side the brave soldiers of the 9th Grand Army. Some argued the logic in breaking up the 501st but the orders were issued and carried out.

Talon fidgeted with her new body armor as she looked out the window of their Assault Air Speeder. Her entire unit had been issued new armor for this Unit R&R rotation. Sure it was just as protective in most regards as her old armor. But it simply was not power armor. Nor was it self contained like her old armor. This armor was designed for combat on worlds like this crappy world. It was arid near the equator and horrible humid in the northern Highlands. She looked out the window and saw vast spans of deep jungles and winding rivers that cut through the mountains. It was this region of the planet were all of the air is produced and where many of the very valuable Fire Crystals were mined. When the command orders came for the 501st to be reassigned to Unit R&R, this was not what she expecting. But it was a refreshing change of events from their normal Special Operation duties with her sister's Jedi friends.

“What is wrong with it” asked Master Sergeant Zya over the loud humming from the engines of the Air Speeder.

Talon looked at her friend and frowned, “I really miss my armor suite” she playfully whined with a smile. The new armor was called, Light Infantry Armor or LIA. Sure it gave great mobility, even better then her old armor had offered. It was even designed so that she could still wear her auto-injectors and combat control computer. But again, Talon loved her power armor. When she questioned the logic of the switch between armors, she was told that the combat fields on Baklid 6 did not ensure that the energy requirements would be met for her unit's special powered armor. Also, it was important that the 501st blinded in with the elements of 9th Grand Army. Their standard armor is a medium, partial powered, armor. Talon just shook her head and accepted the order without further comments.

“Twenty minutes!” yelled the load master of the craft. They were heading in to a hot landing zone and things would only get worse from there. The Immortals were pulled from their normal Special Operations Command to temporally assigned to support the 193rd Republic Infantry which was part of the 9th Grand Army. Once they arrived on the planet, they were told that a element of the unit had been cut of by rebels and was in threat of being over run. Talon step forward and pointed out that the Immortals would turn the battle around and win the day. She asked for a company of troopers to go with her and was told that they could not spar any more forces to support the embattled element. They were able to spar transportation though.

Talon looked at her data pad on her arm. She was told that the unit was a company sized unit of mixed races and that they been ordered to take a key pass in the highlands when they were ambushed near a village. The pass was key to the rebels movement of supplies and reinforcements for the lower valleys. The unit had been engaged with merc units and heavy number of droid units. The unit had become embattled for almost forty four hours since they made first contact with the enemy. She shook her head once more, 'this is not going to be easy' she thought as she looked over everything. Judging from the causality list most of the units leadership had been either killed or taken out of the battle. The only think holding this unit together were resupply air speeders and the fact that they were against a wall.

“Zya, Holiday, Lefty come here.” she said calling over her leaders. She waited for them to get over to where she was kneeling, “Here, see this ridge line on the west side of the battlefield. See this river area. I am willing to bet my paycheck that this is where the enemy is resupplying their west flank. Lefty and Holiday, I want you two to take your squads to the southern side of the ridge line. Recon it and let me know what you see. There are no friendly units out there according to the reports. So what ever moves, kill it” she explained. Then turned to Zya, “Their battalion commander was killed nineteen hours ago. Major Hiem Tevv has taken command of the unit. I want to find him and see what is the latest developments of the battle. These reports are two hours old so keep that in mind before you act. Lets keep two squads in reserve to ensure we can place them where we need them after we find out what is going on” she explained to Zya who smiled and nodded.

The Load Master called out once more, “Five Minutes!”

Talon got up and nodded as she put her new helmet on. “I hate this new armor” she said as she activated her combat computer and a little heads up display illuminated just in front of her left eye. “Marines! Time to go rescue the Grand Army of the Republic” She yelled over to her troopers. On that noted her unit got to their feet and lined up at the ramp in the rear of the craft. Talon grabbed the Load Master, “You better make sure your gunners give us good cover fire” she snapped then let him go.

She didn't trust any member of the Grand Army of the Republic. They were not trained to be warriors like her and her troops were. They enlisted normally because of lack of anything better to do than out of any sense of duty to the Republic. Unlike most members of the Army each and ever member of her unit not counting Zya were bred for war. All of her troops including Zya welcomed death. They were a different breed then those in the Army and now she was going to show everyone what the Marines could really do. Talon looked up and saw the rear ramp starting to open as the Load Master waved a hand with one finger extended. She nodded in response to his message to her.

The Speeder landed in a hail of fire from enemy position that were hidden across the valley. It was a horrible situation as the men and women of the Immortals pured out of the craft with blaster fire ripping over head and shells exploding nearby. Holiday lead Lefty and half the unit for their objective while Talon led the other half of the unit towards the location of where the unit's headquarters was located. The blaster fire never let up while shells and other projectiles were ripping through the air. She had led her unit straight in to a war zone and any doubt of how badly the situation really was, was washed away. They rushed to clear the landing zone as they each saw body bag after body bag being rushed on to the speeder along with the wounded. They were surprised to see so many wounded going on to the speeder.

Talon knew what to expect and the sight of the wounded and dead did not phase her. It was just the high number of wounded and dead. The small group of marines rushed forward and continued to take notes. Once they were clear of the landing zone and were able to regroup Talon took a knee and waved the her unit over to her. She waited for them all to get within ear shot, “Heavy, take the rest of the platoon over to those cannons. I want to know why they are not firing. If they are damaged I want to know what we need to fix them. Also I noticed as we landed that that area is not completely secured. So watch your back and deploy the squads to secure that area. We need that flake held or else we risk losing the landing zone” she explained.

Heavy nodded, “Yes ma'am. What are my engagement orders?”

“Weapons fire Sergeant. Protect your men at all cost” she ordered. And he nodded his understanding then waved the two squads to follow him as he led them off in to combat. Talon looked at Zya “Oh my god this is a mess. Their lines are pushed back to the brink of becoming a complete rout. Did you see those lines on the southern flank. How could this have happened” she asked then added, “Lets find that Major and get some answers” she said then got back up and started to move for the headquarters.

The pair moved carefully through the dug in Army position and found the headquarters. Talon was surprised to see the complete loss of moral within the soldiers around the headquarters. Each step she took showed her one more reason that this mission was a failure. Something deep down in her gut started to eat at her. There were small mounds dug in to the soil and sand bags placed on top to give the space below more protection. Talon led Zya down in to what they were told was the headquarters. The space was a mess. Maps tossed about the ground in disorder and a figure set in the corner. Talon walked up to the figure, “I am Lieutenant Heartman, I am...” she started to say as she touched the figure. The body fell over. He had been died for at least two hour from what she could tell. In the body's right hand was comlink and it fall from its hand when the body fell over. Talon was now beyond words in her anger. Another figure entered the headquarters. Talon spun and drew out her pistol, “Halt or I will shot!” she snapped.

The man froze in place, “I am Captain Ramis! Don't shot” the human soldier said surprised by the two Marines who now aimed weapons at him.

Talon was behind rational thought, “Where is Major Tevv, Captain?” she demanded with her weapon still pointed at him. For all she cared, the situation is just as much this man's fault as anyone else. Killing him would only help these soldiers now. But for now, she wanted information from this man.

Captain Ramis was shaking with his hand held up so not to provoke being shot. “Major Tevv went back to the rear to try and get reinforcements for us” the Captain explained.

Talon didn't recall seeing any Sullustans in the rear headquarters. “He left his unit in combat?” she snapped still holding her pistol aimed at the man's head. She then switched off the safety, “Then who is in charged Captain?”

Hearing the sound of a heavy blaster charge up to fire is a fearful sound. More so, when you are on the receiving end of the so to be incoming fire. “No one has taken command officially but Captain Smoo claims to be the next in command. He has been giving the orders since we lost contact with Major Tevv” he tried to explain while looking down. He didn't know who this crazy woman was or why she was going to kill him. He didn't sign up for this crap. He only wanted to get money for college. When the others deserted the unit he stood his ground with his men and refused to leave them. Now he was started to wish that he got on that transport with the Major.

“I am only go to say this one time Captain. Your situation is dire. We are your relief, but I will not lead my unit in to death because you and your fellow officers will not command. Affective immediately, I am assuming command of this unit. Now pick up that com-unit and pass the word to each platoon out there.” she snapped.

“Begging your pardon, I am a Captain not a radio operator” he protested.

Talon stepped forward, “I have not completely ruled out killing you Captain for failing to led your troops in battle. NOW DO IT while I still decide on your worth this this Company.” she yelled to the man.

Captain Ramis nodded as he walked over to pick up the com-gear from the dead operator. “Platoons Ma'am? Company” he questioned, “We are a Battalion, 3/193rd. we have four companies out there fighting for their lives” he explained. He knew she was not Army. He could tell that much from her actions. From the look in her eyes and the marking on both of their armor could only mean one thing. They were Republic Marines. And if this was the case, then the rumors were true, they were being replaced by the Marines and they would be off this rock in a mater of days.

“Then let your company commanders know that I am taking charge.” Talon restated coldly as she holstered her pistol. “I want a full sitrap in five minutes” she demanded then snapped, “Get on the horn and start talking.” Talon walked over to one of the tables in the space. She cleared off the scattered dirt and rocks off of it. Then she placed a map of the area on the center of the table. She could hear the Captain doing his job. She looked at Zya, “If this is a Battalion, then where is the command staff? Did all of them abandon their troops?” she questioned in surprise. She never once even thought that a commander could abandon their troops in combat.

“Ma'am, the enemy is pushing across the Landing Zone. If we loss...” the Captain tried to warn but Talon cut him off.

“I know, lets go Captain” She said as she took up her blaster rifle and led the way out of the headquarters. Leading from the front inspired her men and showed them that they fought together. She rushed to a point where she could see the battle unfolding. The enemy units were pushing one of the Companies across the landing zone. They were just puring out of the village unchecked. It was clearly this major push was aimed at splitting the battalion and closing the landing zone. Talon saw a Twi'lek officers rushing over to where they were standing but her attention was on the battle as it played out.

“Heavy! Report on those cannons!” she demanded in her own comlink.

She heard Heavy come over the comlink, “Talon, these guns are shot. Looks like someone got up inside them with charges. Take hours to repair them if we can get the parts.”

“Understood, The LZ is in danger. I need you and your men on the southeast side of the LZ. The enemy is pushing hard. Push them back.” she commanded her own men in to combat. “Ramis get Divarty on the air. We need a fire mission!” She snapped then turned to Zya, but before she could speak she was cut off by the Twi'lek now just beside her.

“How dare you tramp in here and try to take over my unit. I am the ranking officer and field commander of this unit” he yelled at Talon.

Talon nodded to Zya who nodded back at her, “So you are responsible for this mess your unit finds itself in” she asked not even looking at the Captain.

The Twi'lek nodded, “Yes I am, I am Captain Smoo. And who the hell are you?”

Talon drew out her heavy blaster pistol with her off hand and aimed it right in his face. The shot rang out with clarity and was covered by the sounds of combat occurring just meters from where they stood. She didn't even look at Captain Smoo as she shot him right between the eyes. His head snapped back a bit then his lifeless body fell forward to the ground. “Sounds like we resolved the issue of Command” she said to Ramis while she replaced her pistol back in to its holster, who only half nodded out of pure terror of the woman standing before him. Talon turned to Zya, “Go rally our troops and form a line there across the southwest line. Use those troops over there and drive northeast. Heavy and his men will support your drive.” she commanded.

Zya nodded and smiled, “With pleasure LT.” she said making sure that the Captain could easily hear her. She wanted the man to know that command was not something that came with rank in the Marines. Zya rushed off to where the battle was unfolding. Already soldiers were starting to run from the field. No defense could withstand a rout and that was their biggest threat right now. The enemy could not possible do more harm then forcing them to rout.

“I have Divarty on the air, Ma'am” Ramis said holding the comlink over to Talon. He could not help but glance over at Captain Smoo's lifeless body. His hand thimbled as Talon took the device from him. Sure things were not as good as they had expected but she didn't have to kill him. Ramis knew better then to speak out against the act now. He would keep his mouth shut and stay alive.

“Ramis, explain to me way we have not blasted that village in to dust?” she said pointing her hand at it.

He looked over at the village and sighed. He could see the enemy positions clearly and knew that they were using the huts and shacks to house their soldiers. “Captain Smoo did not want to fire on civilians or their houses. We have been fighting under limited engagement orders” he tried to explain.

Talon nodded as she brought the comlink to her mouth, “Romeo Fif two niner, this is Whiskey Two Tree One, Fire mission, Zulu Zulu, Niner fif, eight zero, fif tree, kilo fif. Authorization lima kilo, mike november, alpha fif two zero” She said in to the comlink then paused. Giving the unit on the other side a chance to record her orders. Then she continues, “Give us a single round first.”

Ramis looked at her with confusion, “Ma'am you are calling that fire mission right down on the village” he said in shock and horror.

Talon nodded, “We need to drive them from the battlefield. That village is their base of operation and so we are going to remove it from the battle” she explained.

Somewhere high above the planet a Republic Heavy Cruiser drifted in to position over the battlefield. Slowly it turned broad side and aimed its large antiship weapons down on the planet. “ Whiskey Two Tree One this is, Romeo Fif two niner. One round on the way!” Talon heard over the comlink.

Near the center of the village a single round exploded sending large pieces of house and soil high in to the air. Talon was not satisfied with the aim. She brought the comlink up once more, “Romeo Fif two niner, this is, Whiskey Two Tree One correction fire. Zulu Zulu, Niner fif, eight one, fif two, kilo four” she spoke as she wanted to walk the fire from the Northern side of the LZ and then in to the village. “Give us a single round” she ended. She knew what she was doing and it would work. In her own comlink she spoke to her unit, “Zya, Heavy. Get ready for a rush. Have your troopers keep their heads down. Then once all hell breaks loss give the order to charge. I want that village.” she commanded.

Talon watched at the second round landed right where she wanted it. “Romeo Fif two niner, good target. Give me a Mic Oscar drift and fire for effect” she yelled at the ship high above them. She watched as the blast leveled in to the enemy troops cutting them down in droves. She smiled as her own units started to push the enemy back across the landing zone. The rain of fire was intense and unending as it walked across the battlefield and then in to the village. Zya and Heavy led the soldiers of the Grand Army in to their first victory since they landed in the region. Watching the battle from her point she could see the Army's moral shift from defeat to that of revenge. She nodded her head as the village was reduced to dust. They didn't win this battle yet, but they won't be losing tonight. And Talon was okay with that. “Ramis, inform all commands, the gloves are off. This is a war. If they are not Republic, then they are our enemy” she ordered as she watched Zya lead the troops across the river in to the blazing village.

“Yes Ma'am” the Captain said still looking at the body of Captain Smoo. He didn't know who was worse, the enemy or her.

Talon stepped down and tossed the comlink back at him, “And let them all know, if anyone would like to talk to be about command, then let them know they can come feel free to chat” she said with a smile. She had not been on the ground for more then ten minutes and already she saved the unit from complete defeat, killed an incompetent Captain, jumped up two ranks and who knows how many Army Regs she violated. 'How the hell do I get in to all of this' She thought to herself. This battle had just been joined and it was going to last till one side wipes the other out completely.