Breaking In and Out

[Talos Barrenfist]

​

Two weeks ago, twenty-four surviving members of the Republic supply frigate Serene had been taken captive by pirates. Intelligence provided by the Jedi had revealed the crew members were currently housed together at orbital station being used as a Hutt owned prison called Hell’s Point within the Klatooine system. As a result, the Grand Army and the Jedi Order had organized a recuse effort together. With a large

A Lybeya Heavy Freighter gradually approached the station. Within its cargo bay was a platoon of forty two Republic marines lead by Lieutenant Talos Barrenfist. His troops, checking their gear and weapons for the coming raid and traded some jokes with one another at the same time. The bearded officer gave a dispassionate expression with arms crossed the chest to all to see but inwardly, he was proud of them.

They’re not Clan Barrenfist but true warriors all the same. The punk bastards are in for a rude awakening. Close by Talos took note of their Jedi companion with them, a Gamorran in fact. Barrenfist wouldn’t have believed at the possibility there was Grug, living proof. He found it quite ironic but silently appreciated their unit having such powerful backup with them.

Could do without the smell, though. Dragon’s breath does he ever take a shower?

Walking toward the piggish peacekeeper, Talos remarked. “We’re nearing our objective Jedi. Once docked in the hanger, we will commence the raid. I don’t care what the pen pushers say back on Coruscant about your Order. As long as you aid us in saving our comrades, we’ve get along just fine.”

@Cazar

 

[Grug]

Grug knew that technically the Jedi were not supporting the Republic directly in the war yet. The Republic was the Jedi's oldest ally outside of the force itself. He did not hesitate to help them in their efforts to defeat the Hutt Cartel. Rescuing prisoners was something he would likely have helped with anyways. This was just him doing his job as a Jedi, not joining the war. That's what the official reports would say. The Gamorrean Jedi though was perfectly happy to smash some enemies of the Republic if it helped improve relations, even unofficially.

"Kay. Am ready." He grunted simply, looking over the soldier carefully. "Grug always happy work with Republic."

The Jedi's mind wandered momentarily to some of his past operations. His memory was a sharper tool than one might think. Grug could recall many happy times with Republic officials. He understood, surprisingly, that they simply wanted to avoid war by keeping the Jedi at arm's length. These operations just had to be unofficial was all. For now at least. If the Sith ever moved against the Republic the Jedi would instantly be welcomed back. He was certain of it. The Sith likely knew that as well so wanted to fight them one at a time. It saddened Grug to see the Republic sit back, but he could not do much about it.

Grug sported his usual dueling armor with a vibro choppa, a lightsaber, and his old beat up blaster rifle. These tools had not failed him yet so he would keep using them. Among so many troops he likely would be using the force more than actually using his weapons. Though what was better than having the force? Grug could not think of anything, except maybe some elegant food. His stomach growled as the ship docked and everyone started the mission.

@Minuteman75

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

Sounded sincere enough to Talos. He nodded in acknowledgment to Grug before turning toward the whole platoon. With a whistle Talos commanded their attention, stopping what they’re doing. Looking around at a number of their faces, Talos can tell some were nervous though they hid well enough but he detected nonetheless from personal experience. Such feelings were to be expected.

It makes sense considering for some of them are battle virgins. This is their first combat assignment and all. He quietly reminded himself. The lieutenant proceeded to address the platoon.

“Alright boys and girls listen up. Once the ramp goes down in front of us it will be hell.” Talos did not sugarcoat when it came to combat. Pointing at the closed ramp, he continued.

“Remember the objective, watch each other’s back, including our Jedi tag along. There are more twenty navy personal being held captive against their will. Fate knows those Hutt bastards been doing to them. Their safety and extraction is our highest priorities so give it all ya got. Let’s bring them home am I understood.”

Upon that last word, the whole unit shouted in unison “Sir yes sir!”

Forming in attack formation, the marines waited hearing from the ship’s intercom by the ship’s captain they’re about to dock. Griping his blaster rifle while standing in the middle of the platoon, Talos waited. It wasn’t long when they all felt the ship stopped and the ramp began to come down with steam bursting out. As soon it comepletly opened, the dozen cartel guards who had been expecting a load of new prisoners were instead greeted by a volley of blasterfire.

Most died instantly before touching the floor and several others fell grasping newly made wounds. With a battle cry the marine platoon charged out of the transport into the hanger bay. However, there were extra thugs present, especially around the entrance into the station’s interior. The shock wore off as a few fired back at the attackers, killing one marine in front and wounding another.

@Cazar

 

[Grug]

At the start of the battle, the marines did all the real work. Grug rushed out behind them as the initial wave was cut down before they knew it was an invasion. That wasn't everything though as more cartel thugs began to fire at the Republican team. This is where a Jedi like Grug could truly shine through. A group next to the main doorway, about six troops, were locked in a distance fight. The Gamorrean Jedi leaped to the front with his lightsaber, landing with a huge thud that made everyone stop for a brief a moment. This brief moment was all that Grug needed to gather a belch alongside the force.

"Bwaaaaaaaaaap!" An almighty belch echoed through the hangar, propelled by the force itself.

Grug did not wish to kill the thugs with some instant cone of destruction, but it would have been acceptable. The thugs got lucky this time. A wide cone of destruction swept through to the men, knocking their weapons out of their hands and sending them into the wall. No one was killed instantly but the smell would be absolutely rancid, plus they'd be in pain from the hit. This would likely give the marines plenty of time to move in before their recovery. All in a day's work as a Jedi.

"Push ahead. Save prisoners. Am help where can." Grug grunted to the men, mostly motioning to Talos himself.

@Minuteman75

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

There was for a moment that Talos thought they were would be delayed by unexpected resistance. So it was to everyone’s surprise that the Gamorran leaped in front of the two opposing sides with force powered belech sent the cartel men into a nearby wall. The lieutenant had seen many a strange thing change the course of combat but this now rank up at the top ten for him. Not bad Mr. Piggy, not bad at all.

Of course he didn’t air that thought as Grug told him and the platoon to push on ahead. With a hand signal the whole unit rushed into the hallway leaving behind wounded man and his dead comrade to be care for by the navel crew who manned their heavy freighter. The Republicans went on ahead, turning from one corridor to another for several minutes as the alarms sound off in the background. It helped that Talos and his nocoms memorized the schematics to the station provided by their spy on the inside.

Knowing the way, the platoon was about to enter the main checkpoint’s entrance when instantly blasterfire erupted from inside, tearing two marines to shreds and forcing the rest to take cover by the wall. With quick glance Talos saw it was a guard mounting a heavy repeater on top of a set of crates. He swore at their misfortune while getting ready to resume the fight.

 

[Grug]

Grug was a bit saddened to see more loss of life here. It was clear that the Cartel thugs were outmatched and they didn't want to give up. The Gamorrean would do what he could to spare as many as he could, but it wasn't looking good. Two more of the Republic marines met their end pointlessly to a desperate man with a mounted blaster. It wasn't the Jedi's role to solve all of the issues for the Republic, but this seemed best suited for a Jedi to handle. He glanced to Talos who seemed frustrated by the ordeal before jumping to action.

"Behind Grug, we enter!" He grunted as he summoned the force to create a powerful barrier.

The Gamorrean Jedi entered the room with a thick barrier of force in front of him. It quickly became obviously it would not last forever, but it was holding for now. Shots were bouncing off or being absorbed while the Jedi created a shield for more to enter behind him. His free left hand decided that while blocking shots it would spin the gun off its mount to stop the shooting. It seemed the gun was locked on tight because while Grug did managed to knock the gun to one side, it stayed mounted so it would quickly become a problem again.

"Not hold forever, shoot thems." Grug muttered towards Talos as his attempt to disarm failed.

@Minuteman75

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

Having the Gamorran Jedi accompanied them was proving to be a sound decision. Grug went in front of the repeating stream of murderous fire, deflecting or consuming the bolts with an invisible barrier. Sure glad he is our side. Talos advanced behind the peacekeeper into the massive room when the mounted gun stopped briefly before resuming. Hearing Grug’s warning the lieutenant rolled to the lefthand side while the cartel guard was distracted with the Jedi. Up again he aimed and fired, striking the hostile in the face, killing him instantly.

With resistance finally eliminated, the rest of the marines entered inside the checkpoint securing it. Filled with consoles and electric equipment, there was also three metal doors, one on the right, left, and in the center. Talos walked over to the main computer hub and activated it. the screen came to life, revealing a map of the entire station. While the platoon guarded the room Barrenfist sought information on the captives of the Serene vessel. Half a minute later he smiled and remarked.

“They’re still held together at cell block 342. The door on the left would be our best bet.”

“Hostiles approaching on the right!” One of his marines shouted behind a metal desk with her squad as the door to their front opened. Sure enough it was cartel guards by the dozen but this time the Republicans were ready for them. Half of the thugs in the lead were cut by a volley of marine marksenship, forcing the rest back. Talos shook his head, knowing they will try again before turning to Grug.

“Jedi you go with third squad to free our people. I’m taking the first squad and assault the command center while the second stays here to guard our rear. See ya on the other side.”

Issuing the command to all his troops, Talos then took one half of him into the central door.

 

[Grug]

Grug was not used to taking orders alongside a military, but he understand that he was here to help and follow in this case. Talos was splitting them up which was fine with Grug, but he felt a bit awkward commanding a Republic squad. The Gamorrean Jedi put aside his feelings on the matter to focus on the task at hand though. How the Jedi and Republic would work together could be discussed after the prisoners were free. This would not be a big issue at the moment so it could wait. He took his squad over to the door once it was clear from the earlier exchange of fire. His senses extended beyond himself as the Gamorrean Jedi looked through the force into the next hallway. Nothing seemed off and most of the people seemed to not hang out in the cell block. That was good for Grug, bad for Talos.

"Ok. Follow Grug. No shoot unless Grug say, kay? Kay." He said to the rather confused squad who at least seemed to nod to their new temporary commander.

A wave of his hand sent the door mechanisms to open and they were in. The hallway was simple but led to a large brig area. Grug would waddle ahead of the rest of his soldiers as they made their way to it. When he reached the end of the hall there were some thugs guarding the cells, but only about a dozen. It wasn't that Grug wanted to show off, but he did not want the Republic troops to needlessly die in a fight here. The Gamorrean Jedi called upon the force to bring a quick end to these thugs before it even began. All twelve turned to see Grug enter the room, but before they could raise their blasters he was acting.

"Stand back." He grunted to his squad as he reached both hands forward violently.

As if a tidal wave was washing through the brig from back to front, the thugs began flying forwards. Their bodies were like rag dolls with no control over their limbs. Just before they would collide with Grug himself he would slam his palms downwards and send the men into the metal floor with the equivalent force of being stomped by a bantha. Bones could be heard snapping and cries of pain were heard. Grug never liked using the force to harm others, but this had saved many while not killing the thugs in question. They would find themselves arrested and seeing to justice rather than murdered on this hole.

"Tie up guards. Release prisoners. All. Help guide thems to ship." He ordered to the squad who really had done no fighting, but instead had come to do clean up.

@Minuteman75

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

All of the prisoners? Technically the squad answered to their Rodian sergeant, not the Jedi since their co did not give the peacekeeper official command. Seeing the fallen guards around them the sergeant a moment later nodded. Quickly the troops went to work and opened up all the cells. Out came dozens of men, women of various species wearing nothing but rags, staring at the Jedi and the marines with utter amazement.

Among them were a haggard group with torn and dirty navel uniforms, who came up with salutes. “Ensign Rita Varen of the Serene crew. Thank the stars, you came for us. Those animals were going to sell us into slavery.” A human woman with reddish hair said. The sergeant still shocked that they were take all these people and in their condition replied.

“Well stay close to us and if anyone of you can still fight take the guards’ weapons. We’ve lead the way just stay close.”

Meanwhile Talos’ squad steamrolled their way through a series of storage of rooms with limited opposition. It was obvious to Barrenfist that station garrison had not anticipated the possibility of a raid like this as he kept his rifle raised, entering the headquarters. Suddnely a shot struck the wall to his left hand side forcing Talos to duck and take cover behind a console. Meters away stood a pistol-wielding Klatooinian, in a warden suit. With a sneer the Klatooinian shouted bloody murder in Huttese before aiming to shoot again only to be interrupted by several blaster shots into his body by the marines behind Talos.

The warden was already dead before collapsing to the metal floor. Guarded by his men Talos took official’s keycard and examined one of the large camera screens. He saw the third squad was already leaving with the prisoners through the hall back to the checkpoint. He smiled before deactivating the station’s security system with the main controls so their ship won’t be blasted to atoms when they leave.

Done the lieutenant and the squad proceeded to shoot and smash the machinery inside the command center before exiting out. It was time to leave. Eleven minutes later all teams and their charges and fallen comrades were rushing inside the heavy frieghter. As soon everyone was onboard the ramp closed up and the ship flew out of the hanger. Just as starfighters were shooting st them, the frieghter went to lightspeed. Once they were in the clear Talos looked toward Grug and nodded.

“Thanks Jedi, we couldn’t have pulled this off without ya.”

Spoiler: OOC

Cazar you can make your ending post and we call this thread. Thank you for your assistance in this mission.

 

[Grug]

Glee came to Grug at seeing so many prisoners released. This was truly a good day. The Jedi had even done his best effort to spare life where possible rather than become a rampaging beast. All the Masters back home would surely approve. Maybe not of him helping the Republic so directly actually, but the way he did so perhaps. Grug was one of the last ones to leave after making sure the prisoners were all getting out and the guards did not stir to cause problems. Boarding the Freighter was simple enough and they made their escape with the rescued prisoners.

"Grug glad help. When Republic do good, Jedi always help." He grunted sincerely, hoping that this soldier could speak well of the order after Grug's diplomatic efforts.

It would be a close quarters trip back with all the new passengers. Grug's stench would be quite the talk of the ship. Some did not know the source and loudly complained before being shushed by others. The Gamorrean Jedi quietly enjoyed that they were stuck with him. His own smell did not bother him and it made others show some of their true natures. Grug did not hold back his gas so carefully once he started hearing complaints. If they wanted stink... he could dish it out. All in good fun, he was sure the Lieutenant would enjoy it.

/end thread

@Minuteman75