WotH Chpt 7

==War on the Horizon - Chapter 7 ==
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===Promotions===
March 1st, 3008/29BBY Beloria system, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
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"Well, if we have too many more of these events I'm going to run out of these," I chuckled as I passed out the cigars. "I'm down to the last of my good ones as it is." 
 
"You sure you want to use these up?" Peterson asked. "I mean, you already handed some out at Sheppard's wedding."
 
"I'm sure," I replied. "It's tradition. Now let's get this fire going and these cigars lit. It's not every day that we celebrate a newborn."
 
The small campfire crackled as we all lit our cigars and pulled our chairs up closer to the fire. 
 
"So, got any names picked out?" Sheppard asked as he began pouring some small glasses of whiskey and handing them out. 
 
"I'm leaning towards Francis," Peterson replied. "After Rachel's grandfather. But I'm not settled on anything yet."
 
I sat in silence and puffed on my cigar, looking up at the stars of the unfamiliar galaxy. 
 
"You got any input on the name, Mark?" Jack turned to me. 
 
"Nah," I shook my head. "I suck at naming things. I'm content to just listen for a bit. Names can be y'all's department. Besides," I shrugged. "I'm not exactly the one who should be helping out with that part of things given I'm taking 1st Battalion to go pirate hunting."
 
"You secured that contract?" Thomas asked. 
 
"Yep," I replied. "Even managed to negotiate the rights to any ships that the pirates have."
 
"That is good news," Jack replied. "But that's enough about work. We're going to have to get Rachel a place where she can actually rest for a while. She's been acting like the Marksman's mom for the last few years after all."
 
"We've got some of the other moms helping out," Thomas smiled. "They're going to be helping out around the house and making sure that we've got enough food to keep us going. God knows I'm a right terror in the kitchen."
 
"So that's why you've been eating ration packs instead of fresh food for the last few training exercises," Jack laughed. "I thought it was because you actually like the taste of them."
 
"God no," Thomas chuckled. "I'm just hopeless in the kitchen and Rachel was busy doing something or another. So that was all I had."
 
"Well, guys." I finished my cigar. "I think I'm gonna hit the sack, I've got to organize the battalion and get Paige's Marines together in the morning. You two try not to burn anything down overnight."
 
"No promises, Mark," Jack laughed. "No promises."
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===Mission Briefing===
April 5, 3008/29 BBY Patriim system, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
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"Alright folks, I know that we're not exactly using our best gear for this, but we've got a good hit on the pirates that we've been chasing across the sector. Seems they've fled to this system and aren't going to be able to leave given the damage we've caused so far. Now, I know that we're slightly outgunned given they've got an older model Lucrehulk."
 
A hologram of said Lucrehulk appeared behind me, the donut shape seemingly comical until you took in the modifications the pirates had made. 
 
"Paige and her marines are going to be aboard The Archon's Favor and User Friendly, the rest of us are going to be running distraction while they board and begin clearing out the ship. Wardog is on escort while the Gozanti cruisers focus on the remainder of the ships. Remember, anything that's salvageable we'll load into the hanger bays of the Lucrehulk and bring back with us, any questions?"
 
"Just one," Paige smirked. "How many Jolly Rogers are we adding to our kit?"
 
"One skull and crossbones per ship," I said, "that was the agreement."
 
"And if the ship has other ships docked?" Paige asked. 
 
"It still only counts as one," I laughed. "Now get to your designated ships, and let's get this party started."
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===Cover fire for friendlies===
July 15, 3007/30BBY Beloria system, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
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"Alright Marines, listen up!" Paige shouted in the troop bay of The Archon's Favor. "We're here to kick ass and take names. Keep an eye out for any slaves or civilians that they might have onboard, but aside from that you're weapons-free. Kill them all." 
 
"This is Lieutenant Hober, I'll be your pilot for today's activities, please remain in the upright position and get ready for combat, because we are closing in on our target."
 
"Copy that, Hober," Paige responded. "Just let us know if it's going to be a bumpy ride or not."
 
"I'll do my best to keep it from being too bumpy, but no promises." Hober responded. 
 
The Archon's Favor sped towards the hanger bay of the Lucrehulk, the Strike ASF escorting it pulling ahead to punch a hole in the deflector shields as the Sting class dropship approached. 
 
"Hang on!" Hober shouted as the dropship moved into the hanger, its thrusters spinning around to slow it as the Marines onboard dropped out of the dropship, the pirates onboard opening fire as the Marines quickly moved into cover. 
 
"Get down!" Hober barked over the comms as he removed the safeties on some of his weapons. "I'm clearing out some of the scum for you," AC/20s began firing, supplemented by laser and SRMs, clearing out most of the pirates and allowing the Marines to move forward and into the ship proper. 
 
"Thanks for the assist, Hober!" Paige said as she looked around the hangar, signaling for the fireteams to move into their assigned sectors to begin clearing out the ship. 
 
"I aim to please," Hober responded, the grin evident in his voice. "Let me know if you need some more firepower brought to bear." 
 
"Wilco, Paige out," Paige responded as she closed the comms channel. "Alright, Marines, move out, watch your corners, clear your sectors, and we'll all go home."
 
"You heard the lady, last one to clear their sector buys beer for the whole team," A noncom said as the marines moved through the ship.
 
"Good luck, marines," Hober said to himself as he looked at the men and women moving through the ship. "I'll hold down the fort here."
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Chapter 7