The Smoke be for the Fires: (Book 1)

[Akirapryde]

Unleashing the Immortals
Republic Heavy Cruiser Defiance
Location: Mid-Rim outside of Wayland Space

Today was like all others on the training deck of the Defiance. Combat units of the 501st Assault Regiment square off with the units coming up through the training battalion so that their skills can be honed and improved. Here in five large training cells one can hear the sounds of combat and instructions being exchanged. Units were coming and going off the training lines. On the Defiance, training is always a high priority and the Captain of the ship prides himself of the fact that his units are some of the best training in the Republic. This made the training deck of the Defiance a place a hive of activities.

No one noticed as Captain Heartman walked slipped on to the deck. Captain Heartman was a military man through and through. He was a tall well built man who commanded his mens respect and attention by his sheer presence. As the commander of the Defiance the Captain often enjoyed coming down to the training deck to watch the next generation soldiers under his command. Captain Heartman noticed that the Duty Officer had taken notice of him. With a simple wave of his hand, the Captain silenced the Duty Officer's call to attention. One thing the Captain was on the ship, it was loved and respected by his men and for very good reasons. His first in, last out command style ensured that all his men were never alone on the battlefield. And his personal promise that, dead or alive, everyone returned home. The Captain had the never ending loyalty from his officers and soldiers.

Searching the deck carefully, the Captain finally spotted the reason why he had come down from the bridge today. Not that he ever needed a reason to tour his ship. Being part of his crews' lives was something that he prided himself in doing. It allowed him to noticed soldiers with great potential and help bring out the best in under archivers. This gave him a better feel for the pulse of the crew and helped him bring out the very best over all. He would also find a very few officers and soldiers that he would take a personal interest in. These very few enjoyed extra mentoring and training above the others as long as they continued to earn it. The young officer he was watching now was one of those very few. When he noticed her career coming up through the Academy, he knew she was destined for greatness under the right conditions. He had her assigned to the Defiance to ensure that her career had the chance it needed to grow. She did not let him down. She pushed and trained her men hard. Her training platoon become one that other units soon looked up to. “Talon!” he braked out over the noises of the Training Deck.

She whipped her head up at the sound of her nickname. Coming up through the Academy, it was said that 'Once she got her talons in to you, you were as good as dead.' “Sir! YES SIR!” she replied loudly then rushed over to the Captain. She turned back to the two soldiers from her platoon that she was talking with. She motioned for them to stand fast, then turned her attention to the Captain. Upon reaching him she rendered a sharp salute then stood as rigid as the ship its self.

The Captain returned the salute, “At ease Lieutenant.” he commanded and watched her shift her weight as she took a more relaxed posture but still a military stance. He took a breath then started, “We have a situation that is turning in to a crisis. We have been monitoring the EAM's coming out of Baklid 6. It would appear that the Jedi are conducting operations there that have gotten out of control. The situation has gotten so bad for them that one group is neck dead in combat while another group has had a member of their group taken hostage. The local situation is not much better and due to the Jedi's actions could get allot worse. Being the only marine unit in range. I have decided to render aide to the Jedi's mission.

He paused noting that she looked as if she wanted to ask something. Taking the opportunity Talon spoke up, “Sir, excuse me for asking. But have the Jedi requested such help? It does not seem like them to ask for help from the marines like this.”

He nodded and smiled, her ability to question instead of mindlessly follow orders was a trait he enjoyed in her. “Do you remember our conversation last month about history and its role in our lives today?” he noted her nod, “Each major conflict that the Republic has been involved in has the Jedi at the heart of it. Not to get me taken wrong, their intentions are always in high regard. They tend to get involved in situations that rapidly get out of control. Sadly the Jedi themselves are typical arrogant and will not seek help till it is too late the contain the problem. This is where many needless lives are lost if we are lucky. Worst case, remember what I was telling you about the Hyperspace wars and how the Jedi let that get out of control?” He explained and once more noted her nod.

She looked down in thought as she spoke, “So by keeping a watchful eye on the Jedi and making sure that we are there to help them before they realize that they need our help. We are further protecting the Republic from what could turn out to be another crisis or even worse, war.” She said then looked up.

He smiled at her understanding, “That is correct Talon, so we have to be watchful of the Jedi. Remember last years assassination of Admiral Narcassan and the attempted assassination of the Chancellor. They knew they had a Jedi that was getting out of control and said nothing about it till it was too late. Baklid 6 is getting out of control so we have to act before the Jedi loss complete control over it. This is where you and your men come in to play, Talon. I am dispatching you and your platoon to Baklid 6. Your mission is clear, rescue the Jedi Hostage, make it clear to the rebels that when they mess with the Jedi, they mess is all of us.” He said coldly with pride, she nodded her understanding. “Next, there are two female children that have become caught up in this mess. The Jedi were to protect them. However traffic indicates that the kids are now in grave danger. Secure them and ensure their protection at all costs. Finally, secure the Jedi and ensure that the Republic is not drawn in to this civil war.” he said then handed her a datachip, “Here is the latest situational reports we have on the planet and its current affairs. Remember this clearly, we are not there to fight for either side. Only to give the Jedi a means of backing out of a situation they should not have been involved with in the first place.”

He paused a bit and then continued, “I have talked with the XO and the Training Cadre, Everyone truly believes that you and your men are ready for your first mission. I personally know that you will make me proud Talon.” The vote of confidence gave her a chance to smile with some pride. “The situation for the Jedi has become bleak to say the least. I would not trust this kind of mission to anyone. Remember your orders and follow your mission by the numbers.” he said placing a hand on her shoulder.

Her smiled widened, “Aye Sir, the Immortals shall not fail you. I promise you.” She said using her platoon's nickname with pride. It was a name that they had earned coming up through the training ranks. They defied even death during training and now they are getting their baptism by fire.

Captain Heartman nodded, “You are charged with these missions Lieutenant. Your Assault Shuttle is loaded and waiting for you in Bay Two. Make me proud Talon.” He said then turned on his heel and walked away. There was nothing more to be said. He knew she was the right officer for this mission and she would not fail him.

Talon stood for a moment and smiled, this was their chance to make their commander proud. She turned to face her two soldiers waiting in the distance. “Valkyrie, Bay Two, Our shuttle is waiting, prep for immediate departure. Showboat, rally the platoon! WE are wheels up from Bay two in one five mikes! Let everyone know this is a full combat mission. So bring their A Games!” She barked out at them. The two each replied with a 'yes sir' then departed with a propose. As they ran down the deck, she could hear them contacting the other members of the platoon passing the word on. She smiled as she looked around the deck. Despite the comments she heard being whispered about the attention that she got from the Captain, no one was going to deny her this moment. 'To hell with them! I will show them that we earned this on our feet instead on my back.' she thought, then turned and rushed off to get ready for the mission.

The departure of the platoon was a smooth as any training mission had been before. Valkyrie was one of the best pilots coming up the training battalion and this was just another chance to show off her skills. The shuttle slipped in to hyperspace with ease and was gone from sight with a slight flash. Deep in the shuttle, the whole platoon soon gathered for their briefing. Talon ensured that everyone was paying attention to every word she said. Nothing was going to go wrong on this mission if she could help it.

“Okay listen up everyone! The Captain has personally picked us to handle this mission.” she said making sure everyone knew that this mission had more riding on it then just the situation. The Captain was looking to them on this mission. “The Jedi have gotten themselves in to a jam and now things are out of control.” she said and then activated the holotable. Here is what we know, a Female Human Jedi has been taken hostage. Two innocent girls are in harms way. The Republic is slowly being dragged in to a conflict that we do not belong. These events are rapidly getting out of hand for the Jedi and chaos is taking over. Order needs to be reinstated.” she explained.

“Our first and prime objective is clear. Rescue and secure the Jedi from her captives. The Captain has asked that we send a message to these rebels. That message is, mess with the Jedi, and you mess with the Republic Marine Corps!” This comment got the entire platoon hooting and yelling out their prise. She waved a hand to bring their attention back to the table, “second, secure the two human female girls and ensure their safety. The oldest, believe it or not, is already a wanted felon. She is to be secured and readied to be handed over to the Ministry of Justice. The other will be questioned regarding ties with a local pirate ship. These two girls have vital information and are to be questioned. Lastly, we are to give the Jedi support in their exit strategy and allow them to back the Republic out of this civil war.” She explained, “We will address the rescue first then move on to the following missions once we make contact with the other Jedi.”

“This is really important that everyone understands, the local Government is unaware of our operation here. We may have to fight both Rebels and Government forces to complete our missions. Though we will work hard to avoid needless conflict, keep this in mind. We have our orders.” She said then moved on to the next topic, “With that said, here is our rescue plan. Valkyrie, once we exit hyperspace, I want full ECM burning the sky. Get us as close to the planet as possible. The less response time the Government has to our operations the better off we all are.” she said and got a nod from their pilot. “This is going to get really hard because according to our intel, Our Jedi hostage is being held at this building just outside of the Capital. The area is under the control of rebels and heavily guarded. Once more, remember we are not here to fight in the civil war. Just to rescue our hostage and get out of the area. Do not engage unless they are standing in our way.”

“The building is a old four story office building. Doc, once we are on the ground and LZ's are secured, get our eyes and ears up as soon as you can. NO ONE moves on the building till Doc reports he is online. Is that CLEAR?!” she paused to get everyone's agreement then continued, “Our LZ's are, Here the front main entrance, Alpha” she said pointing at the holo-image of the building, “Dancer and Powder, you both are with me. We will land here and secure the front of the building. Once Doc is ready we will move in and secure the first floor before taking these stairs up to the fourth floor. Bravo is the roof top. Grim, Lucky and Vic, Hit the roof and secure it. This is our point of exit. Keep that door open for us.” she said looking at them, they both nodded. “There is a side entrance here off this parking lot, This LZ is Charlie. Hammer, Capman, Quiz, Mouse, Broc hit Charlie hard and move fast to cover. There is a stairwell right inside this side door here.” she said moving the image around to show what she is talking about, “Once cleared in, get up these stairs to the second floor. Clear the second floor and lock down this stairwell. Also Hammer, Capman I want you two to set up on this balcony area. From there you can watch all the entrances on the first floor. Keep the back doors closed and our tails clear.” she said showing the points on her holoimage of the second floor.

“LZ Delta is for you Holiday. Case, Rogg, Benny you are with Holiday. Once we move, get in and down this hallway here is a stairwell on the right. Up to the third floor and be careful. Intel shows this floor is heavily occupied with Rebel fighters. Room to Room search. If they have a weapon or in uniform. Put them down!” she said coldly. “We don't know if the lifts in the building are working. This room on the roof is where the controls and lift motors are located. Now Vic once you hit the roof, make sure that the lifts are disabled. We all will be locking down the stairs. No one moves up or down is that clear? Once the lower floors are secured everyone but Hammer, Capeman and Bravo team will move up to the fourth. We will clear each room moving towards the center of the building. This inner room is where our intel shows the hostage is being held. To ensure the hostage is unharmed we will use breeching charges on these three doors. Bravo team, once the go code is given, I want flash bangs through these windows here, here and here. This should give us complete control of the situation. Lets take no chances, the Jedi is the only person left in the room alive. The building is harden so noises between levels should be limited. Still I want full silenced weapons.”

She looked around slowly making sure that there was no misunderstandings. “Okay once we have the Jedi secured we will call in for a pick up then we are moving up to the roof. La De Da Te to the roof is that clear. Valkyrie once you do your drop, get out of dodge and take a high orbit over the city. Keep out of sight and out of mind. Once we call for a pick up, get down there and get us out of there. We will relocate to the Naval Base on the other side of the city. Showboat, I need your squad on standby. Should the balloon go up, you guys are our plan B. So be ready to get in to the action.” She looked around slowly. “Questions?” she said then waited. Seeing no one had any, she continued, “Okay, Valkyrie what is our ETA?”

Valkyrie looked over her shoulder checking a trip clock on the flight consul, “One hour, two five mikes till we exit hyperspace sir.” the pilot said.

“Okay everyone get some rest. Team leaders, I want you to know this building like the back of your hand. I am leaving the data here on this holotable. Review it carefully. Doc, I want these maps uploaded to the HUDs before we exit hyperspace.” she said looking at the team Tech Sergeant. “That is all everyone.” She said dismissing the platoon.