Private Ownership Dispute

[Jas Katis]

KENARI | MINING TOWN
TAGS: Katsumi Royal

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GIMME SHELTER​

For all intents and purposes, Kenari was truly a forgettable planet. Located on the border of Republic space, away from any truly crucial worlds, it was a backwater in every sense of the word. But a perfect storm managed to turn the backwater into a momentarily problematic location. With UniMine operations finally getting along and showing results, Kenari's natural wealth was beginning to stir up rumours.

Rumours that were tempting enough for an imperial presence to think of the planet as easy pickings.

The mining operations were temporarily halted and the local Hellion security was dispatched to deal with the rogue imperials, some reinforcements were sent when they proved prickly and the operation was scheduled to be wrapped up in a week or two. Three months later, the already ravaged surface of Kenari was being beaten further into oblivion as artillery and troop movements disrupted the ground and turned up soil. A few reinforcement elements turned into several companies, which in turn were reinforced with mechanised elements when the imperials began to roll out their own forces.

A truly pathetic battle began to form and talks from the top brass began to make noise about a sunk-cost fallacy. That wasn't the problem. The problem came in when reports indicated that Republic elements were alerted of the border dispute.

A perfect storm of who owned what and where.

Jas flicked a cigarette bud into the mud and got up from the crate that served as his chair. Tanks and vehicles were being serviced and troops prepared for another push. By all accounts, the Hellions outnumbered and outgunned the imperials by a significant margin, but the imperials' base was dug into a problematic mountainside and sappers managed to start a fire in one of the supply depots. Morale was low with troops questioning the validity of the dispute. Even the Pureblood was grumbling to himself over the absurdity of it all. And to crown it all off, word was sent of approaching Republic forces. Forces he was going to have to talk to and explain that this was a private company matter. Corporate speak and protocol was going to be needed while his men prepared for another assault on the Imperial base.

Another cigarette was lit. Golden eyes studied the small town they converted into a base for the border dispute. All he could do was wait for the Republic envoy while another tank was cleared for duty.

 

[Katsumi Royal]

Tag: Jas Katis

The matter of who was to do what was already considered by the captain to be done with, this place was under Republic watch.

Transports bearing the sigil of the Republic would glide close to the surface as they came in, gently settling down upon the soil. Alongside the transports was a larger aircraft, a Republic tank being placed upon the ground.

Kat would pull the tank up and away from the transports as they let out troopers, soon opening the hatch to her turret to get a good look at the scene.

"Well this place looks like pure chit."

Otherwise known as nothing new.

She hops out from her tank to adjust her radio.

"This is captain Royal, Republic mobile infantry. Who on this line is the overseer of these operations being carried out by Hex?"

While she cared more about the people over corporations, she wasn't an idiot. This may be a corporate matter on paper, but it threatened the whole of the Republic war machine... Any and all slowdown needed to be sorted/crushed.

"Looking at the reports it would seem you all are dealing with entrenched Imperials?"

The woman then waits, seeing who would respond. Jas may have even been close-by, able to report without even needing the radio.
​

 

[Jas Katis]

Nobody explained where the Republic forces would be landing, nobody asked him for clearance, they simply touched down inside the base perimeter with no announcement or go-ahead to everyone's annoyance. Jas was already making his way over to the detachment of troops when the call came over the radio. :: On my way to you, Captain Royal. :: He answered with a hint of annoyance. Troops watched from a distance as their commander flicked his cigarette into the mud and marched toward the Republic soldiers.

At a quick glance, it seemed that the tank commander was the highest ranking officer among them. Using one of the tank's cannon barrels, Jas clambered onto the vehicle to face the captain directly. A frown and piercing golden eyes would meet her while Jas towered over her. An armoured hand was extended to greet her with the professionalism expected of an officer. "Marshal Commander Jas Katis, Hellion private security." He introduced himself, hand resting on his hip as he looked her forces over.

"Quaint detachment you have here, captain. However, your presence is neither needed nor required here. This is a private matter between our company on legally owned soil and some squatters." He explained, golden eyes turning to glare at the captain once again. Sharp teeth glimmered as a smile stretched along his crimson features. He gave her a few taps on the shoulder to usher her back toward her tank's hatch. "So why don't you turn this tractor around and take your kids back to Naboo?" He spoke with a demeaning tone. At a distance, soldiers were talking among themselves and even passing money around, clearly making bets.

"Besides, I'm sure the imps will blow you out of the sector by evening." He continued as he shifted his weight to lean on the mounted repeater in front of her hatch. He wasn't going to entertain the GAR if he didn't need to and he didn't need distractions. He could tell that the captain was a stubborn one, a blind man could observe as much, he was just going to have to be persuasive.

Katsumi Royal

 

[Katsumi Royal]

Tag: Jas Katis

This was expected, while it was an affair between a private company and some rogue Imperials... It fell on Republic soil.

Despite first impressions, the officer does give the man a firm shake, nodding her head as she listened to his words. It wasn't the kind she was used to, mostly because most people in the Republic army would be in rather deep chit for such a thing.

To Kat however? A breath of fresh air, she loved a fellow stubborn hard-ass.

"I see."

The captain continues to nod, maybe even tricking Jas into thinking she was indeed going to leave.

Taking another look around smiles under her helmet, still nodding.

"Unfortunately this matter falls on Republic soil, and these squatters are slowing resource acquisition for your company... Which said company helps supply me and my boys."​

He could tell that the captain was a stubborn one, a blind man could observe as much, he was just going to have to be persuasive.

Stubborn indeed.
​

"So why don't you turn this tractor around and take your kids back to Naboo?"

"The academy turns kids into men and women, and real combat turns men and women into warriors."

Even if she had greenhorns, they were going to find battle one way or another. Better that they harden against these squatters.

"With all due respect, marshall commander. We both only know this, and you and me both know not to play dumb. Unfortunately those squatters have had the time to dig in, it is now both our jobs to remove the problem. And neither brass mentioned taking prisoners."

She wasn't a fan of mercs, but this band was serving the Republic at the end of the day. And anything/anyone that fell under such was deemed to be valued by the captain.

"Report on enemy positions?"

Determined to stay it seems.





​

 

[Jas Katis]

A scoff escaped the Pureblood, along with a slow shake of his head. He already saw where this was going, she was quickly getting under his skin. "Well, I'm seeing a lot of green behind you." He quipped, sparing a glance at her soldiers. They probably saw a bit of combat with pirates or small disputes like this, but few among them had the eyes of a soldier.

She continued to dig her heels in, insisting that this was a problem for both of them. Behind the cold expressions that adorned his features, he was getting increasingly annoyed with her. "You forget yourself, captain. Private or Republic, I outrank you. You may request intelligence from me as the officer overseeing this operation, you do not get to make demands." He warned with a remarkably calm voice. With a sigh he looked back at the town, immediately noticing one of his officers signalling that it was time to move. With a slap against the tank's hull he grabbed the cannon barrel and dropped back to the ground.

"Park your tank at the depot and bring your men in. You're with me." His order was accompanied with a hand to point out the relevant areas before he turned to rejoin his men. "We are moving out within the hour. Let me get you up to speed." He called out with a spare glance over his shoulder.

Once the two officers were in the base, Jas led the captain to a house being used as a command center. All around them, Hellions watched the Republic troops with a variety of expressions. Some were amused, some were angry, others were simply looking to press buttons where protocol allowed. But for the most part, they were welcomed in to help with preparations. Jas brought a holographic map online and shifted over to the enemy camp.

It was a simple series of structures, but it held the high ground and several emplacements were marked red. "This is their camp. Before you ask or suggest, heavy artillery is a no-go. The area's ground is temperamental, enough tremors can cause a massive sinkhole that will cause a disaster for any operations in the surrounding areas." The map zoomed out to show the scope of what he was explaining. "Direct air support and close fire missions only. Problem is getting close enough. Their artillery is accurate and they have a few squadrons of tanks to back their forces in any open engagement." He continued, bringing up another series of holograms to display the artillery and tanks at the enemy's disposal.

He studied the map for a moment before his golden eyes found the captain. "Would you like to see tonight's menu and the weather forecast as well?" He teased with a smirk.

Katsumi Royal

 

[Katsumi Royal]

Tag: Jas Katis​

"Well, I'm seeing a lot of green behind you."

"And it is my job to weed that out."

Her tone wasn't actually one of protest, in fact she agreed that many among the number she brought were not seasoned. She would know because she brought them for that very reason, better to get experience before the real problems started knocking on their doors.​

"You forget yourself, captain. Private or Republic, I outrank you. You may request intelligence from me as the officer overseeing this operation, you do not get to make demands."

Huh... That was another taste of something different, not that she minded the taste. It got boring dealing with yes-men all day, today was going to be fun.

"Aye sir, a respectable response."

She was a woman who valued order, fussing over rank would solve nothing.

After making sure none were in the way, she gestures for her crew to go ahead and park the machine.

Kat would follow right alongside him to listen in.​

"This is their camp. Before you ask or suggest, heavy artillery is a no-go. The area's ground is temperamental, enough tremors can cause a massive sinkhole that will cause a disaster for any operations in the surrounding areas."

"Understandable, the whole point is to simply remove them so material acquisition may resume as normal. I would imagine typical close air support damage wouldn't be enough of an issue, fixing up some infrastructure is a small price to pay in order to get things back to satisfactory levels."

Seeing as they were in the makeshift command room, the captain saw fit to take her helm off, setting it on the table.
​

Problem is getting close enough. Their artillery is accurate and they have a few squadrons of tanks to back their forces in any open engagement.

"Seeing as my tank is built for it, we should have me and my crew on scouting."

The woman had been rummaging for something this whole time, soon finding the smoke she wanted.

"We can help provide intel on current enemy positions while boots are making their way closer to the entrenched targets."

Taking but a moment to light her own smoke she takes a puff, gesturing to several spots where ground forces can be stationed.

"From there-"

She exhales the smoke before continuing.

"My own troops have wrist rockets, and I would assume your own either have the same or something similar. Once I provide intel I can lob some smokes and gas into their line, proving laser fire into the mass in order to suppress and send them into shock. Once that is going on our boys launch in their own smaller explosives and call in a quick CAS strike on the main bunker."

The captain of course needed another hit of her cigarra.

"Enemy in shock, boots on the ground blitz the line and send the Imperials to an appointment with whatever god they follow. With their focus more on the ground we can keep using the skies for support, we will need it as their own armor will want to push us out."

Taking one last long drag to get her smoke done as quick as possible, the captain snuffs out the embers on her helmet.

"This is why I figure it best to use gas and smokes beforehand, saving my explosives for highthreat targets... Hmm maybe even if those armored units try to push me you all could send something their way. A wrist rocket won't destroy it, but it can kriff up more tender spots in the rear if done right."

She was getting back into her commanding self, yet this time she notices.

"Thoughts, sir?"

The captain asks, waiting to see if Jas had any of his own input on the situation.







​

 

[Jas Katis]

Jas nodded as he listened to her suggestions, agreeing for the moment with her plan. He spared a sidelong look at the captain as she produced a cigarette. He followed suit and lit his own. It was a truly rotten habit he had picked up, but it made the various annoyances in the galaxy just a little more bearable.

"I can spare two recon bikes to aid you. The main force will take longer to catch up, naturally, but we will have intel once they get there." He shifted the holographic map to a nearby ridge. "The terrain is a nightmare but the location is sound. We were planning on posting a company of tanks up there to flank the imps. Our job will be to draw them in, make it look like we're losing footing. Artillery can cover the smoke for us." He elaborated, adjusting the map to show their plan.

"Your forces are lighter than mine. I would suggest you move them into a position to harass their infantry." A smirk crept up slightly. "I trust they are capable of that?" He teased with another puff. It seemed that everything was in order. Jas sent the map to his relevant officers and quickly brought them up to speed before joining the captain once again. "I shall accompany you." He declared while a speeder bike was drawn closer to the Republic tank.

Two other scouts linked up as well, ready to move out with the republic speeder tank at a moment's notice. Another trooper assisted with linking the Republic troopers to the Hellion network to make comms much easier between the two forces. All around them the base came to life as armour rolled and troops clambered into the personnel carriers.

Everyone geared up for a proper push to drive the Imperials out properly, this fight had gone on for long enough.

Katsumi Royal

 

[Katsumi Royal]

Tag: Jas Katis

Seemed solid enough, having more armor to back her up already made the captain feel better.​

"I trust they are capable of that?"

The woman grabs her helmet, giving a simple nod.

"We do make the magic happen."

Kat adjusts her helmet back on her head, giving it a few pushes to make sure everything was in place.

"Bait and switch could work, even more so if they think it is a desperate last try."

The captain thinks to herself, deciding that was the plan she would stick with.

"Assuming then that once the artillery uses smokes, my boys can rush into the exposed rear then?"

While discussing and getting all set on comms, Kat steps outside with Jas, gesturing for her tank to come over.​

"I shall accompany you."

"Heads on a swivel, and eyes on our proximity sensors. Speeder recon will be alongside, understood?"

Her driver who had came out from the top gives his captain a salute.

"This is captain Royal to all Republic infantry, updated map is being sent out. I have pinged several key locations, you all are to dig in and wait for my signal, if you have any questions ask them to your squad's sergeant."

After sending out her orders she follows up on her words.

"Light guard and guide the Republic."

Katsumi then climbs up the side of her tank, gesturing for someone inside to move over a little.

"Let's go remove this issue from our lawn."

The woman jests before climbing down into her tank, the hatch closing soon after.

"All systems green, ready to ride on your command."

"Everything is ready on my end, on your word."

She says to Jas over their comms.

​

 

[Jas Katis]

The captain approved, the men were mobilized and they were on the move. Jas slid his helmet on and started his speeder along with the other two recon troops. He did one last comms and gear check before his visor found the captain as she climbed into her tank. :: We are green, I repeat. We are green. Roll out. :: He called over the comms as his speeder slowly glided forward.

The three speeders quickly fell into formation beside the tank as they departed the base. With scanners on full power and heads on a swivel, the Hellions scanned the area while they slowly began to make space from the tank. Behind them the combined forces departed as well to reach their designated sections. Regardless of what happened, the commander was going to ensure the enemy was broken.

:: I will admit, captain, I do not know what the capability of your tank is compared to the enemy armour. I would suggest you don't take them in a head-on fight. :: Jas remarked after a while, sparing a quick glance at the tank. Around them, the environment quickly changed from old mining trenches to forest. The speeders continued to space out until they cleared the scanning range of the tank. With a quick input, the three Hellions transmitted their data to the tank to effectively extend the range much further. Forests gave way to wreckages and smoldering trees where a battle took place very recently.

Passing a blown out imperial tank, one of the Hellions chuckled over the comms. :: Karkin' tore 'em a new one. :: Her voice echoed. Jas scoffed at her remark as he glanced at the burning tank. :: If it were up to me, I'd tell that destroyer in orbit to glass that base. :: He admitted.

The other mercenary decided to chime in on the shared channel. :: You Nabs got here late. Missed out on all the fun. :: He teased the captain, though a glance from Jas quickly shut him up. :: Watch yourself, sergeant. :: He warned with a low voice to dissuade any argument.

Katsumi Royal