Underbelly

[Talos Barrenfist]

​

This place is a frakking magnet for trouble. Thought Lieutenant Barrenfist sitting in a seat of a gunship that flew by several building structures within Coruscant’s Level 1313. Surrounding him were his platoon of twenty four marines. Among them was Bretharr Bargall, a former officer working his way up back in the ranks.

Today command had saw fit to them all to clear out another underworld gang. Specifically a violent bunch that called themselves the Raging Rancors. Currently the underworld police were besieging the neighborhood they were holed up in but the gangsters were proving to be more heavily armed expected. No doubt they got their new toys from the Hutts. He silently guessed to himself, rubbing his dark beard with one hand.

When the pilot called from the cockpit letting them know they were approaching their destination, Talos stood up. Looking back at the troops with a steady gaze, he spoke.

“Alright boys and girls get ready. Within a few minutes we’re going to be storming a gang stronghold. Reports indicted they’re a nasty bunch of frakkers that number around between thirty to forty and with heavy weapons obviously donated by the cartel. The cops have attempted negotiations and frontal assault but all of it has failed.”

Talos paused to bring out a handheld projector and activated a hologram, revealing a large cantina turned makeshift fortress.

“This is their position. We will land two blocks away at the rear and take to the sewers underneath and hit them from there. Unless you are certain any of these thugs can be taken alive without endangering your fellow marines shoot to kill. If there heat for it later I will assume full responsibility. Any questions?”

A red-haired woman lifted her right hand and asked. “What about civilians LT?” Nodding in understanding Talos answered.

“As far we can tell any non-combatants have fled the neighborhood by now since the siege began. If there are some remaining do you what can for them without jeopardizing the mission. Though stay on your guard, the enemy will likely pretend to be bystanders. If not sure set your weapons to stun and get them out of the way. Is that understood?”

“Sir yes sir!” The platoon said in unison.

@Great Jamie

 

[Bretharr Bargall]

So, Bretharr was still a lowly private. It would give him good experience when he did return as to what the men wanted and expected, but now he would have to work hard to get to his former rank, and work hard to keep it, if not progress further. So. Level 1313. He didn’t know whether 13 would be a lucky number. He certainly hoped so. He was descending into the depths of the Coruscant underworld. Not brilliant, but he goes where the Republic army goes. It was at this point that he realised that he was spending more and more time in the army then Navy. Perhaps he might consider a branch swap in the future. For now he listened in on the briefing, and when he heard Talos say he would take the flak for any heat that comes up, he winced silently. Oof. He would wish Talos luck if that did happen. The bureaucrats only wanted to make themselves look good, and not what was necessary in war. He cocked his weapon, and joined the platoon in saying “Sir yes Sir!” Before preparing for war.

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

The gunship continued on its course with its engines roaring in the background. A minute later the transport shook violently struck by heavy barrage like it was a club battering at a door. Several marines were knocked out of their seats by the sheer force and many swore in reaction, Talos among them.

“Taking flak! Hold on we’re making an emergency landing.”

The pilot called out from the front. Talos grimaced, but knew it couldn’t be helped while their transport continued to be bombarded. Soon they stopped and the side doors opened up, revealing the roof of apartment complex. Shouting for his platoon to move Talos kicked and pushed as many of them out as possible as enemy fire lowered the gunship’s shields.

The unit more or less exited and the vessel tried to turn but exploded seconds later much to the troops’ horror. “Take cover!” Talos ordered the men with the enemy’s stronghold some distance away, directing its shots toward them.

 

[Bretharr Bargall]

Bretharr noted the fact that the transport was under intense fire from the enemy stronghold. Not brilliant considering the fact that the entire unit was in it, but oh well. When the pilot shouted that they were making an emergency landing, he sighed, before hanging on for dear life as they landed. The landing was rough, and most unpleasant for him, but he survived without much issue. When the doors came up, he sprinted out, before racing to a nearby wall. It wasn't the best cover, but it would do. He waited for the rest of the unit to arrive, staying in cover before firing.

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

The troops bent low following next to Bretharr. Immediately they came under fire by the guns from the cantina. Dragon’s breath! If I ever get my hands on whoever gave the new weapons to these punks I’ll gut them. Stowing the thought for another time Talos hiding behind the wall as the blasterfire was exchanged, issued his next order. “Squad one provide cover fire and second squad prepare to move down the steps on my command.”

Complying with the order the first squad marines unleashed a murder-is volley of laser shots at the windows where their enemies were at, pinning them down briefly with three kills and one wounded. With a frantic hand gesture the men and women of the other team rushed for the nearby door as the shooting continued. They busted through and began running down the steps.

 

[Bretharr Bargall]

Bretharr saw his fellow soldiers reach the wall he was at, and saw that there had been no casualties. Well that was something at least. Then, he waited for Talos’s orders. He would work with Squad 2. He wasn’t the best at shooting, but he was at running. When the orders were given, he rushed with Group 2 down the steps, showing an obviously quick pace at running, calling at them to hurry up. He raced down the steps, before waiting at the door at the bottom for them.

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

First squad with Talos continued to trade potshots from their position against the forfeited gangsters. The spaceborn duck as one bolt narrowly missed his head but one of his marines took wound in the shoulder, squirming in torment. Talos pulled his charge closer and yelled for the squad medic close to get to work. Undercover at the wall, Barrenfist messaged squad two’s leader.

“Sergeant Wovell status update now!” He demanded as gunfire intensified around him. “We reaches the bottom and heading out the street. So far no trouble.”

Pleased to hear the report Talos added. “Alright. Advance your team toward the cantina at the rear and set up explosive charges. Then you get the frak out of there and bring the house down.”

“Yes sir.” Wovell answered on the other end. The fierce looking Zabark turned to the squad two which included Bargall let them know of the new plan. They sprinted across the street, heading for the backalley to outflank the enemy held cantina.

 

[Bretharr Bargall]

Bretharr had managed to get onto the street far ahead of the others, and had sustained no fire so far. Good. When the rest of the squad had caught up, the orders were given. Before, it was Bretharr who gave the orders. Oh how time changes things. When the sergeant finished, he said
“Yes Sir!” Before beginning to sprint to the back alley. He raced to it, with all his speed. The enemy were still preoccupied with squad 1, and so they didn’t focus fire on squad 2. This means that the squad managed to reach the backalley without issue, and began to move on...

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

Squad two manage to their destination without trouble. However, they were met two shocked thugs in front of them. The duo reached for their pistols but the marines with their rifles already out fired first, killling their enemies instantly. Knowing they have little time Segreant Wovell with hand signals directed his troops to start placing several charges on key points at the backside of the building’s foundation.

Back at Talos’ side of things, the medic beside himself operated on the wounded marine who continued to moan. The lieutenant fired a new three round burst at one of the enemies at the widow on the far right. “Go frak yourselves!” Talos shouted at the enemies hold up in their fortress. In the back of his mind, Barrenfist hope he hear from Wovell’s men soon.

Spoiler: OOC

Jamie feel free to have your guy kill one of the two gangsters in the back earlier.

 

[Bretharr Bargall]

As they entered the room, and he saw the 2 pirates, he instinctively raised his blaster rifle and shot one, squarely in the chest. He noticed the rest of the soldiers fire at the other, and so when the Sergeant made his signals, he and the rest of the soldiers began planting the bombs. They were mid way through planting most of them when 3 pirates came in through another entrance. They quickly abandoned their bombs, and took cover, blasting wildly at the enemy. Now, a firefight was on, and more would come if they didn't wrap this up quickly.

 

[Talos Barrenfist]

The gangsters’ intitial advantage melted before military discipline. Sergeant Wovell’s men cut down the enemy trio with skilled marksmanship while behind good cover. Half a minute later the squad finished their task and exited out.

Once at a safe distance in an alleyway with his troops Wovell pressed button on the detonator. Instantly the cantina’s base exploded and the ninth story building collapsed unto itself.

Talos and the marines with him watched it happened. Smiling while the others cheered Lt. Barrenfist called second squad and confirmed they made it out. Afterward with police support they searched the rubble, taking four surviving thugs into custody.

Spoiler: OOC

Mission completed.