A Bullet for my Bow

[Wayrider]

ASK: A bullet for my Bow

Sullust and the SoroSubb Corporation are in need of help. They have been beset from all sides by aggressive forces looking to take their ships, wealth and personnel. Through a Drake family contact they have enlisted the help of the Protectorate to help them fend off these attacks in exchange for monetary backing.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: Head to the SoroSubb's main compound which is under siege and defeat the attackers.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: Capture any of the assailants and bring them back to Terminus for more questioning

 

[Wayrider]

Jacien was inbound with 4 squadrons of Nova's and one squadron Of WASP's Both of the capital ships above as well as dozens of probes were live feeding firing point data to the star fighters. Most of the cannons tanks and walkers had been identified and marked. While the star fighters would flying slower than their usual speed these pilots were well trained and would have little trouble hitting these near stationary targets. Any target with a shield generator had been assigned to the Nova's, the WASP's were to take any target of opportunity and blow it to pieces. Jacien knew for sure there would be 1 or two additional agents inbound on the Spine Class drop ships with another 50 or so Wardens on each of those ships and a forward observer already on planet. She had removed her astro-mech droid and was using only telemetry and the force to guide her in anticipation of recovering that asset. Any building protecting a hostile target had already been designated as collateral damage and could be used to destroy the hostile forces if necessary. Each star fighter had 3 targets assigned and would be able to take most if not all from the rear. "Shields Full Front change, to full rear after third target and leave them so until rally point is reached and new targets assigned, Ordered Jacien as she began her run.

 

[Wayrider]

@LordOfShadows
@TIMMEL

@Kibbles[/USER]

 

[Kibbles]

Sullust. An ashy and hot planet in space. Jicelli had spent two days on the planet, and was certainly not enjoying it. Well, what was there to like? The ash? The blackened surface? What about the fact it was about to get very, very hostile?

She had just finished marking a set of stationary cannons--Roughly five--in a fairly dug-in location. Surprisingly, nobody seemed to care about the only blue thing on the planet snooping about in the rocky hills. Well, that or they didn't see her. Either way, things were going quite smoothly for her. She had marked a total of twenty stationary guns in various size (Roughly four per setup), and a handful of small camps and entrenched positions. Only a few of the places seemed to have generators, but surprisingly there was the presence of light anti-aircraft weapons. Figures. Jicelli made sure to make a careful note on those surrounding primary targets. It was hard to tell specifics sometimes, as the enemy seemed to enjoy shifting them about and obscuring them. Smart.

Now she was on her way to a new area--A fairly sizable setup that seemed to be an area of concentration. The Protectorate was more than likely in system now, but it wouldn't hurt to at least give them some more information. She'd take a moment to drink some water, before crawling up to the edge of a nearby ridge to get a good look at what was present. For a blue person, she was doing quite well at blending in and not getting shot.

 

[Wayrider]

Jacien delivered all four of her missiles to shield generators and then began runs on the light anti-aircraft and ground-based canons. All five squadrons had been assigned hihg priority targets and were quickly disseminated them. This Combat Controller was good, thought Jacien. Reaching the first rally point new coordinates or disseminated to each star fighter. "All WASP's drop in behind the Nova's they will be engage in any remaining shields with their ion cannon's."ordered Jacien

 

[Kibbles]

Jicelli was quite surprised when the fireworks began. So were the hostiles in the camp below her. She'd note the revealing of some anti-aircraft guns, marking them just as some small blaster fire scorches the rocks in front of her. Without hesitation she'd shove herself back and quickly bag the designator. Now it was time to go, because pretty soon that place was going to get even hotter. She'd run from the ridge, feeling around her bag for the signalling beacon previously given to her. Oh how glad she was to find it was still there.

With the sounds of blaster and cannon fire mixed with explosions surrounding her, she'd find a clear area and activate the beacon. Now she just had to wait and hope nobody decided to follow her or the signal, though she doubt they would. After all, they had bigger problems to deal with than her. Hopefully.

 

[Wayrider]

At the end of her second run Jacien noted there were almost no heavy and absolutely no anti-aircraft lasers being fired at all. At that moment her ship received the emergency beacon meeting the agent on the ground was ready to be picked up. Icerider to all squadron leaders continue with engagement take any target of opportunity. Spinning her ship around she headed directly to the Beacon. She landed nearby at a clearing in the rocks that would've been to For any other ship. Opening the hatch to the Astro-mech socket Jason waited for her passenger to climb aboard, when she had been told that the combat controller was small and would fit in the Astro-mech's socket she had been doubtful but upon seeing her she had to agree. Turning in her shields on full Jason headed directly to the landing pad inside the beleaguered SoroSubb compound. She fired several salvos into the ground troops surrounding the compound the small arms that they had were insufficient to penetrate the shields of a ship

 

[Kibbles]

Jicelli, more than glad to see the friendly ship arrive, eagerly awaited it's descent to get aboard. She'd squeeze herself into the astromech socket, a tight fit but nothing impossible. Though, being in such a tight spot only increased her fear of the combat outside. After all, she could literally hear and almost feel every shot and impact sent to and from the craft. Let alone the fact she was pretty much powerless in the situation. Luckily for her, there was some fun to be had in the wild ride. She'd speak into her comlink, a relatively cheerful but evidently nervous tone of voice piping up in the frequency.

"Believe it's the first time I've been in a situation like this. What uh...What's the plan now?"

Hopefully whatever the plan was didn't include her having to jump out and shoot things. Oh god, what an embarrassing display that'd be.

 

[Wayrider]

Feeling the concern radiating from her passenger Jacien said,"I do not believe there's anything left on the ground capable of penetrating these shields." "These guys may have amassed a huge ground force to begin with but without sufficient air support it will be shortly ground into nothing," Jacien said into her com as she continued to fire repeated salvos into the ground troops and their bunkers.

 

[Kibbles]

It was greatly reassuring to learn that the situation outside was in their favor. Still, she was nervous all together as she thought things over. After all, what else was she to do? Exactly. Just to make sure, she'd speak again over the frequency to the person essentially responsible for her life. Though, whether it really meant anything to them or not was beyond her. Jicelli was certain they cared given the possibilities.

"Again, what is the full plan? I'm not going to have to go out there right? I mean, I will if I have to but I'm not really a fighter. Well, not at all really. Think you knew that already. Right? Right."

 

[Wayrider]

We will be setting down inside down inside the compound, You will be transferred to the VIP bunker. When we have secured the hostile supply line, their ships and cleared the area you will then be transferred to one of the command ships for transport to Terminus.
Jacien continued firing on everything she could see as she brought her ship over the wall. Then dropping down and landing smoothly on the landing pad Jacien then powered own her ship. Popping the hatches she then quickly moved to help her passenger down. "Jacien Icerider, please stay on my left side mam. I would personally like to thank you for your field work, you saved a lot of lives today." said Jacien as she started toward the heavily bunkered front entrance.

 

[Kibbles]

Jicelli would listen to the reply with relief. She waited for the ship to land, noticing the decent and feeling the contact with the ground. To be honest, she couldn't wait to get on the ground again despite any risk that could be present. The feeling of practically being smuggled wasn't the best.

Accepting the other's help and introduction, she'd dust off some of the ash from her clothing before walking on Jacien's left. Things were on the way to settling down, but there was still some action evidently heard. However, things seemed safe enough for her to return an introduction.

"Jicelli Masin, a pleasure to meet you. I'm most grateful for your help, and appreciate the complement. However, I'm sure anyone could have done what I did. I'm just glad I was able to help. You said I'd be relocated to Terminus after this?"

 

[Wayrider]

Ignoring the response momentarily Jason pump her calm link and said what do you mean the drop ships of been diverted upon hearing the reply she said "very well." "Squadrons one through five report by squadron for resupply and continue strafing runs until further notice our ground support has been delayed." Ordered Jacien. During the conversation they continued to walk towards the entrance,as they approach the entrance Jacien's hand flashed out with a Light saber slapping aside a stray blaster bolt that would have struck the young Pantoren in the back.
"No, Jicelli only someone extremely good at hiding and moving from place to place unseen would've been capable of doing what you did." Responded Jacien. Putting away her saber.
As she walked past the alcove in into the safe area of the entrance she met her first SoroSubb security personnel. Looking at the human who was the apparent leader Jacien said, "General Icerider of th Protectorate to see the CEO."
While The security commander spoke into his COM link and waited for a reply Jacien looked over to Jicelli, and said, "this will take only a few minutes." "So tell me how did you come to be available for this assignment?"asked Jacien

 

[Kibbles]

Jicelli was actually pretty confident things were secure in the area, but that confidence was shattered when her escort deflected a bolt with her name on it. Talk about a close call! She'd quickly look behind her out of fearful curiosity, before focusing as the other speaks. Then it finally registered in her head that there was something very special about this individual. Nobody was skilled with such a weapon unless they were a certain kind of person.

As they entered relative safety, for she hoped, Jicelli checked the area around them again. Again distracted by the speaking of Jacien, she'd look up and give the security officer a friendly wave. Even in the midst of danger there was always a time to be nice, right? Oh, now she was being addressed again...And she nearly forgot to thank them for saving her life. Again.

"Oh? Well, I was travelling with another agent of the Protectorate for some time. He really helped me out from where I was. Xel Gand, was his name. I decided to take some time off his back to give him some freedom, and hopefully prove myself more--Decided to try something a bit more risky than simple negotiating. Also, thanks for saving my life again! Where did you learn how to do that, if I may know? The whole, light saber and such."

 

[Wayrider]

Jacien hesitated she was a friend of Xel's, she'd have to break the news but maybe not until later. The security officer at that moment chose to acknowledge them further and asked them to follow. After a series of turbo Lifts that went both up and down various distances they finally wound up in a secure dungeon like area that was by her reckoning A thousand feet below the surface. After entering a Corridor and then having to pass through a set a biometric sensors they were finally at the VIP bunker. Upon entering a late 50s human met her with all the pomp and bluster of someone used to giving orders. Allowing him to finish his speech Jason then thumbed her com-link and said "affirmative," Looking at him she introduced herself,"General Icerider at your service sir. My fleet has taken control and destroyed or run off hostile forces above the planet we are currently engaging all forces on the ground, the cleanup will last as much as two days. Looking at the other security professional in the room Jason asked " are you leading the differences here?" when he responded in the affirmative she said,"please notify all your personnel that I'll be taking over control of the defenses and have them Expect my orders." Waving towards her companion she ordered, "Commander everyone in this room dies before danger even casts it's gaze on her." Yes mam!" Came the immediate response.

 

[Kibbles]

Without a response towards her questions, though no offense to her, Jicelli only wondered how far they'd be going. Place seemed to go on and on to her, and certainly was no easy place to navigate. She made sure to remember where they came from, but it was certainly a task.

The exchange of formalities upon arriving at their destination was expected. She figured the Protectorate would exercise their right to take control of the security forces. After all, the Protectorate were the ones saving them. However, the final command Jacien gave sent a chill down her spine. Was she really considered that valuable? Maybe it was because she was practically defenseless. Sure, she had a weapon but she hardly knew how to use it properly let alone use it against someone else. But surely there was no need for such a thing--They were in one, if not the safest, ground-side places to be at the moment. What danger could there be?

Naturally she'd give all the people present in the room a respectful nod. Introductions can come when asked. In the meanwhile, she'd focus her attention to the one overseeing the operation.

"May I know the status on what's going on? I assume it's all going to plan, right? And what are you going to do now?"

 

[Wayrider]

Smiling, this child is so polite thought Jacien. We are currently waiting for the rest of my ground forces to land inside the compound we will be bringing Down drop ships, if you have injured that you are unable to care for we will transfer will them to our medical facilities aboard out ship's in orbit. In the meantime I have bombing runs running continuously until such time as I have my full complement on the ground. Pausing for a moment Jacien then thumbed her com-link and said go ahead and bring the soldiers down but we will not begin the counteroffensive until I have all of my Wardens present. Looking back at her audience Jacien resumed her narration. We will have the first half mile around the compound cleared before sunset. We can expect them to attempt to bring in additional reinforcements under the cover of darkness, tomorrow by sunset we will have Routed out or taken prisoner all of the hostile forces. But until then I suggest you remain here in the bunker where your safety is guaranteed. At this point I'm not willing to risk any of you to a lucky stray shot. "Any questions?" Finished Jacien. Yes said the CEO," why is she so important?" Snorting in exasperation and shaking her head Jason said,"she is the only reason any of you are still alive not only do you owe her your lives you owe her this entire company." Reaching inside her coat to a pocket she removed a com-link which she handed to Jicelli, "if you need me you can contact me on this we will have to talk later and we will have to talk long Jacien said softly so it could only be heard by her between the two of them. "Gentlemen I now have a battle to begin if you'll excuse me" finished Jacien turning and walking through the door.

 

[Kibbles]

Well, battlefield strategy wasn't her field of expertise but Jacien seemed to know what they were doing. Well, they did know what they were doing otherwise this entire operation would have gone worse.

Yet that was only a small thought. Upon the CEO's question regarding herself, she felt a wave of unease. Like always, people seemed to underestimate her for whatever the reason may be. It certainly didn't help either, especially when she first worked for the Protectorate. Jacien's response to the CEO furthered the feeling, and Jicelli couldn't help but feel entirely out of place. She felt as if there was too much credit being given.

Though before she could worry any further, Jacien offered her a com-link which she accepted. However, her focus was on the words spoken to her. There was something that didn't seem right with it. Oh well. Everything had been going well so far, right? Com-link in hand, she'd nod quietly to the other before they made their leave.

Now Jicelli found her self on her own with people she didn't know. People who didn't know her let alone seemingly care for her presence. She'd give them a nod, a nervous smile formed in an attempt to appear calm. She's been through worse, but the whole situation had her on edge for some reason. The least she could do was apologize for being a bother. Even if she didn't think it was completely justified, it was still polite in her opinion.

"Sorry for any, uh...Intrusion? Once everything settles down I'll, uh, be gone."

 

[Wayrider]

"Miss, do not apologize," began the security commander, "I have heard of General Icerider she has never lost a soldier under her command. If that Jedi places a value on your life then I will make sure not to disappoint her, please let me show you to my quarters where you can freshen up.
The Battle went exactly to plan every move was anticipated and counter moves insured that not a single Protectorate soldier or Warden lost their life in the two day battle several were injured and some would need prosthetics but everyone in her command went home. Several hundred enemy soldiers were captured both officers and enlisted. They were turned over to fleet command for transport back to Terminus for questioning. Early morning of the second day the starfighters retired from the battle there being no targets for them to safely engage without endangering their own men.
Jacien had been deliberately vague with regards to Jicelle's status hoping that the CEO would see her simply as a Jedi's pet and would talk and or display information with her present that would strengthen The Protectorates position in the negotiations with the SoroSubb Corporation afterward. Entering the bunker at the end of the second day. "It is time to transport you off planet we will head directly for Terminus," announced Jacien. "We will be leaving an occupation force until such time as your security force is able to be replenished and reinforced. I assume you have downloaded all of the information you need from your computers. Smiling at Jicelle Jacien said, "shall we go"

 

[Kibbles]

"Oh? I'd be inclined to believe such a reputation as fact. Your generosity is appreciated, thank you."

So Jicelli learned that Jacien was, or is, a Jedi. Fascinating! She already had a barrage of questions ready to ask, though she'd probably hold out. For now, she was eager to clean some of the ash from outside off herself. Perhaps she was hasty to judge the opinions placed on her. Or perhaps it's a false display of kindness, but only time could tell.

...

The time spent over the next two days was nothing more than relative isolation for Jicelli. Of course, she spoke to the others present with her when provided, making sure to answer positively and truthfully on whatever the matter was--Within reason. Though a fair amount of the time she kept to herself out of nervousness, simply waiting for the conflict outside to end. Sure enough Jacien returned with the expected news of Protectorate victory over the enemy, which did in fact bring a smile to her face. Upon being asked about leaving she was more than eager to give her response.

"Of course. From what I can gather everything went smoothly out there, correct? Otherwise things might have been different I'd imagine. With no offense intended, I'm ready to move out from this place."

She'd give her thanks to the respective individuals for allowing her safety, before preparing herself to follow the other out of the complex.