Verrin Ris'To
K'paur Pureblood
Assault on Pylos
Pylos. Even from their command base, Verrin could make out the large sprawling city that was the capital of Chaeronea, and the single most important strategic location on the planet that so many different nations and groups were warring over. He almost wondered on how this... terrible war had started. What had happened to diplomacy? Did it leave the second the Mandalorians, Sith, and Fringe reared their heads? In the days since, Verrin had seen far more death then he had ever wanted to, caused more death then he had ever dreamed he would, all in the name of the Republic. A planet that they were 'liberating' from the very natives, something that he could not even begin to understand. In the past weeks, Verrin had quickly, and much to his dismay, learned that he had a apt strategic mind and his opinions, despite being merely a Padawan, was soon listened to by the various Republic Commanders leading the invasion effort.
It had become increasing difficult to imagine the battle as one small part of a larger war that his actions were not sending hundreds to their deaths in order to save thousands that his advice was not putting into jeopardy all the lives that depended on him and the lives of those that fought against the Republic, but it was so hard to see the larger picture behind the growing piles of bodies. The Republic casualties had been incredibly light so far, but Verrin could feel in his bones that this battle was going to be different. But they had to win. Verrin understood that as did the officers standing behind him crowding around the holotable that projected the City of Pylos for all to see. If they did not claim victory here then there was a very good chance that the Silver Jedi would be moving in, and that, by itself, was... odd. Verrin had not heard much about them, but he could not understand why they were not joining them in aiding the Republic, but from their reports, the Silver Jedi were their largest threat, but Verrin had been hesitant to move on them as he still felt, deep in his soul, that they could reach an agreement, but this land had to fall to the Republic otherwise their strategic position and power would be in jeopardy.
"I still think we should launch bombing runs and soften the city with artillery strikes before we move in, there is too much risk otherwise," Colonel Trubeck said, his hands pressed against the table as he leaned over to examine the holoprojection of the city.
Verrin closed his eyes to the distant view of the city, and took a small breath, "I told you, that is something I cannot, I will not, allow," he said turning to face the table, and the small group of officers gathered, "From our reports, there are over five million civilians still inside the city. Your tactic puts projected casualties at over 43%."
That was a debate that had raged on for hours. Colonel Trubeck, Captain Ruis, and Lieutenant Wilson being the largest, and loudest, supporters of the plan content to ignore the 'collateral' damage in the name of victory, but Verrin had managed to win over General Von, who was in direct command of the invasion, so despite the officers constant, and loud, protest; their plan would not see fruition.
The General, an aging twi'lek man with a large scar running down his left eye, paced back and forth, his hands clasped behind his back, "I am not fond of the current plan," The general admitted, the wrinkles in his face furrowing as he looked over the projection once again, "Master Verrin, are you sure about this?"
Verrin moved closer to the table, "No... I am not," he said softly, "But, it is the best shot we have. Airdroping in three companies and our walker unit is our best chance at compromising their defenses and allowing our armour units and other infantry companies to move in under limited," he stressed the word, "Air cover and artillery support."
To go over the plan once again, Verrin pointed to various parts of the city, "We need to take out as many anti-air and artillery units as possible before we initiate our main offensive as well as get them to pull back as many of their front-line units to ensure our main offensive can assault with as little difficulties as possible," he said, but he did not need to voice how dangerous the mission would be for those men and woman being dropped into the city. His greatest hesitancy over the mission was that he would not be in the initial airdrop. The General had made it very clear that Verrin was to move in with the main assault.
"Tell Captain Victus the mission is a go," General Von said closing his eyes, "Let us pray, men, that this goes well."
Verrin turned on his heel and walked out the HQ, watching as the LAATs lifted into the air, carrying the troops that would soon be fighting for their very lives. Interceptor and Bomber squadrons would be making flight runs first to try and attract their AA fire, but the men would be facing heavy resistance in the air and on the ground. The Bombers would target the city outskirts as they lacked too much information, and the General nor Verrin had wanted to risk them in a full attack... that and the Civilians lives would be at greater risk with every bomb they dropped.
He eyed the swarm of ships lifting and flying through the air, "May the Force be with them," he whispered as they quickly turned to dark specs above the great city that would be running with the blood of fathers, sons, and daughters.
[member="Tamara] [member="Vaudin Miir"] [member="Alexandra Cinthra"]
