WotH Chpt 21

==War on the Horizon - Chapter 21 ==
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===A Terrific Birthday Present===
June 7, 3009/7948 CRC Serenno, Serenno system, D'Astan Sector, Outer Rim Territories
"Well this is a terrific birthday present," I looked at the holographic overlay of the space surrounding Count Dooku's world. "The Banking clans are using Trade Federation droids?" 
 
"It's the cost-effective method," Dooku shrugged. "Most people who can afford it utilize the Federation in one way or another."
 
"We outnumber them in space," Jewel said as she studied the map. "And they haven't moved to engage us yet."
 
"Based on what reports I was able to get from my people, the palace has been made the headquarters of the current Banking Clan leadership," Dooku highlighted his palace on the maps that we had available. "I care not for the palace, it can be destroyed if necessary. But I believe they will have hostages, and I would like to retrieve them if possible."
 
"Peterson," I glanced at the infantry officer. "I'll need you to detach a platoon to see to the hostages. "Count, I'm not sure what military experience you have, but I know that you probably have value in a special forces role. So you'll be attached to that platoon if you're willing to go with them."
 
"That is acceptable," Dooku nodded. "I would like to remain informed as to the status of your objectives as we continue though."
 
"If we're not jammed you'll be kept in the loop as possible," I agreed. "Paige, you and Jewel have control of space, I want those cruisers either dead or seized. The choice is yours. Sheppard, Peterson, we've got some work to do."
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===Planetary Assault===
"Watch your sectors, and remember that we have to secure the LZ before our tanks and artillery can offload," Sheppard ordered. "And remember to watch your fire, we want civilian casualties kept to a minimum."
The pod around his mech turned cherry red as it began descending through the atmosphere, the ceramics handling the heat and then turning as thrusters began firing to brake the momentum. 
 
"This is Colonel Hull, we've got light resistance at Nav point Alpha, beginning to unload now." 
 
The pod around Sheppard's Cyclops fell apart and the attached jump pods fired, slowing the Assault mech down before detaching using the explosive bolts. 
"Rifle Actual is on the ground, we're engaging the enemy," Shepard fired his pair of Medium lasers into a small group of droids, the metal evaporating under the heat. 
 
"Enemy appears to be mainly infantry with a handful of tanks," Erika Lamb reported as the Triumph descended and began offloading tanks, artillery, and Mithril-clad infantry. "Pulling back to the rest of the company now."
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===Boots hitting the Ground===
"Sting," Dooku looked at Sergeant Packer. "What an unusual name for a ship."
 
"She's the first of her class," Corporal Rook offered. "Her and the Archon's Favor were refits of a much older class."
 
"Hold on tight!" the pilot said over the comms. "We've got enemy AAA, I'll get you on the ground, but I might not be able to stick around for fire support."
 
"Opening bomb bay doors!" the ops cargo bay Noncom yelled. "Get ready to drop!"
 
"Go go go!" Packer's platoon fell from the dropship, their jump jets flaring as they descended while rifles eliminated the few droids that were waiting. 
 
"We're green," Packer reported. "You're clear to leave, Sting."
 
"One moment," the dropship turned around, eliminating any holdouts on the ground. "Once you take out the AAA give us a call. We'll be on standby for fire support." 
 
The Sting took off, vanishing off into the horizon. 
 
"Alright Count," Packer turned to the old man. "This is your palace, that leaves you on point." 
 
"There is one place where they would have set up over the others," Dooku ignited his Lightsaber. "Follow me."
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I shifted the torso on my mech to the left as I sniped the last tank, the twin beams of Manmade lightning crippling the armor. 
 
"That's the last of the armor," I reported to Peterson. "You should be clear to engage the rest of the droids."
 
"Sheppard, how's navpoint Bravo?" I turned and began looking at my Tacmap.
 
"Clear, we're advancing toward the mines now," my XO paused. "They've got a helluva lot of turrets guarding this place though."
 
"Check and see if Wardog is available for tasking," I advised. "They can probably clear some of that up for you."
 
"That's a no-go," Sheppard sighed. "The Turrets are in high population areas."
 
"Looks like we've got a slugfest on our hands then," I looked at the indicators on my map. "Let me know if I need to route reinforcements over to your location, Hull out."
 
I then stomped on my pedals, breaking into a sprint as a handful of fighters strafed the area where I had been. 
 
"Where's our AA?" I narrowly missed the lead fighter with a PPC. 
 
"A little busy, Colonel!" a burst of AC fire shattered the first two fighters. "Linking my computer to you now."
 
Using the help from the AA computer that the Jagermech possessed, I led one of the two fighters for a bit and then made it vanish from the map as an Archer did the same. 
 
"Thanks for the assist, Sniper Actual."
 
"Happy to help erase anything that flies!" a cheerful voice replied. "Nice hits sir, maybe one day you can join us here in the AA club."
 
"While I'm sure Kallon is pleased that we're killing more things that fly," I chuckled. "We're not here to spread the word of 'if it flies it dies'."
 
"Whatever you say, Colonel."
 
"Peterson, I'll leave the city to you," I turned and began moving to Navpoint Bravo. "I'm leaving a mixed company of armor and mechs to assist with the heavier elements."
 
"Copy that sir, I'll keep you informed."
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===Introduction into Recreation Game===
DropShip Archon's FavorCargo Bay'''
"So, what is this?" Yaddle asked as she entered the cleared cargo bay of the Archon's Favor. 
 
"Oh, this is a tabletop RPG," Lieutenant Hober gestured to a seat at the table. "I'm GMing, and we just started a fresh game. I've got a few character sheets prepped if you want to join."
 
"I am intrigued by this," Yaddle sat down. "Now please, explain how this is played."
 
"Well, this is going to be a one-off dungeon crawler that I homebrewed up. But I based it off of an old Pathfinder book that I had lying around," Hober handed her a small bag of dice. "Pick your character, and we'll get started."
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Chapter 21