The day was new... all of Yarto's planning and patience, all his machinations had come down to this moment in time.

The time when he would reclaim Mandalore, bring down the heretic known as Rysha, rejuvenate the Mandalorians and act to reunite them. This would be the last place where Mandalorian would kill Mandalorian. This was the spark, where the Mandalorians would arise again...

" Yarto - we're fifteen minutes out. You ready?" Admiral Holtin said as he took the second command seat on the bridge of the Fury.

Holtin was lucky he managed to keep most of his elite bridge crew else his skills would be useless.

Yarto turned his head and nodded. He was in deep thought - would Rysha clan stand and fight... would its leader? Would Rysha once again lead personally and fail, or would he hide and allow better men to fight in his stead?

It was approaching. The darkness before dawn.

" It will come down to who is stronger Hraadas - you know that don't you?"
" We are the stronger - I'm sure..."

---------

Grant was within the tactical room of the Fury, preparing the computers, receptors, comms. and all sorts, readying for the battle. He steeled himself - he feared what he was about to do, he was always content in his application in that he was fighting for the Mandalorians. Now he was fighting against them, and his actions would help kill them.

He shook his head, and he decided just to keep them as data, not men, not living things - merely aspects in the coming battle to be overcome.

----------

Mikelus sat amongst the packed barrack room, one of many, with soldiers of the Ura clan and soldiers of their allies ready for battle.

He sharpened his swords. This was the axel upon which the fate of the Mandalorians would ride. If they failed to do this, they would be out-cast, killed, exiled and left by the wayside, and the cost would be great for all.

Milkelus was readied in his mind. He was a furious killing soldier, and had no remorse at all, not even for Mandalorians. If they stood against him, they would die...

OOC: Prepare, ready for battle etc. Cha, post up your data - you can establish your presence in the battle, and as for anyone else who wishes to join in, make yourselves known by PM.

Apart from that, good luck, good hunting.

Breti Vorrision, rather Breti Ura now, was loading his Canderous-class assault tank onto an Amphibious Interstellar Assault Transport/Infantry ship. The AIAT/i was going to transport them down to the planet of Mandalore during the early stages of the battle. The tank had been brought aboard the Raining Blood, an Aggressor-class Star Destroyer, before they left hyperspace for Mandalore but he took it out to work on it, checking all the systems, making sure there weren't any leaks. One little leak, one little bolt missing, and the whole battle could be lost.

He moved his ratchet forward, fastening a bolt on the one of the main turrets. That was the last one. Everything was tight and fastened securely and ready to go. The ramp was brought down on the AIAT/i and Breti climbed into the tank, moving slowly up the ramp and into the ship. Breti was now an Ura, instead of a Vorrision. He had done a mission with a famous Ura, Elsarus Ura, with another famous Mandalorian, Cha Roni. It seemed he was the only one from the trio that had yet to become famous. But it wasn't about being famous, that was only a result, or consequence in certain points of view, it was more of the honor than the recognition. He was now ready to go the tank was secured in the AIAT/i.

((Sorry for shortness, gotta go... basically, the Carlyles and Togorians will come be in hyperspace in my next post and come in prob my fourth post depending on time))

Mirlade was in her quaters getting her gear on. All day she ahd been going through sunoros in her mind. How this would all play out. She was just happy to be coming on in this battle. She loved the battle the fighting. To fight agisnt her fellow mandolarian that was a different thing. All she knew was this was going to be a battle worth remembering. She heard the busy feet outside her quaters. Going over to the mirror one more time and looking at herself in the mirror.

As she pulled her hair up into her helment. She was ready but still she was going into the unknown her family was born and raised on that planet. As she walked outside her quaters she could help but feel the the feelinig of just right before you go into battle. She was a ture mandalorian her love for battle.

As she made her way down to the docking bay where more of her fellow mandalorians would be. She had pick up her guns from the amory. She was set her mission was simple find the highest point and start to take out there before they took out her. As she could here cries go out the ones you heard before battle for her she was sinent waiting to load up. She knew there was less then 10 they woudl be threre. Mandlore would be out of the ships windows. There beatuiful jewl the mandalorian planet.

Holovids had a word for this, Mandalorians did not as they were often the cause of it and nearly always right in the centre;

Epic

The word had popped into Sestro's head when he had looked out of the viewport and seen the rest of the fleet. Only 25 ships all told, but Sestro was still a relatively small-world Mandalorian, despite his strategic and tactical abilities. He'd read journals and accounts and knew this was nothing like the fights the Mandalorians had been involved in.

'But we weren't fighting ourselves,' he thought to himself. He would, of course, follow his commander's orders if they were honourable. That was partially it, was attacking fellow Mandalorians honourable? He had been wrestling with the question for hours, still with no uncertain answers. The best he could reassure himself with was that this may finally end the clan war and the self-destructive path his people had embarked on ever since the assassination of the previous Mandalore. It would unite them under one strong leader, as it was meant to be. And then.. they could turn on the rest of the unsuspecting galaxy...

Realizing this was best he was ever going to feel about it, he stirred himself from his musing and took another look around his surroundings. He was in the hanger of the Star Destroyer Atiniir, along with 300 soldiers all under his command. He surveyed them with pride, each was a good a warrior as himself, some maybe more. He ran his fingers over the large assault rifle he carried. Hmm, maybe he should make some sort of speech. There was no denying it, fell warriors as they were this was going to be a hard battle. He was no great man for speeches but he felt he had to do what he could.

Seeing a crate he leapt on top of it, since only the immediate warriors around him noticed he fired a round into the ceiling. Instantly, he had there attention.

'Today! We go to spill our bothers' blood across the ground, not for revenge, not out of honour, but for our PEOPLE! With this battle done the star of the clans can shine again, untainted and stronger than ever with our great lord Yarto Ura to lead us into a new age of war and honour! Fight with me now, my brothers, and we shall begin on the greatest crusade in the galaxies' history!'

He must have struck a chord in their fear and keenness because the hanger shook with the approving roar of the gathered soldiers. Sestro yelled himself and then with convincing swaggered turned and faced the large exit laced across with a force-field. Mandalore and some of the fleet was visible. He fixed a look of scorn on his face as he stared out. 'For Mandalore!'

" What of the fleet around Mandalore?"
" They are out of system right now for some reason - the Force must has sided with us..."
" Don't take it for granted Admiral - but I suggest we mobilize are forces as soon as our comrades arrive."
" Yessir, Manouver the fleet into combat order, ready bomber crews and prepare to scramble fighters on command!"

While Hraadas organized the ships, Yarto decided to give his speech to those Ura and comrades gathered. A subordinate opened the comm. to all the ships, and nodded to Yarto, as he stared intently towards his birthworld, a great longing in his blood;

" Mando'ade - brothers of blood and steel, hear me, Chieftain, Mandalore of the Ura Clan, of the Ascendant Mandalorians. We have come to the peak of this civil war quicker than expected. But it was destined that WE would stand true when others faltered and withheld themselves - it was destined that WE would stand for the true image of the Mandalorian race! Mandalore is our home, the home of our culture and it deserves the dignity of being ruled by BRAVE, HONEST and TRUE Mandalorians again, not under the fevered grip of a failed leader and his broken followers. We shall return honor to our brothers, to the Clans and set upon the TRUE path in the galaxy, the ONLY path we are destined, a path of TOTAL WAR - A CRUSADE! But this will not be such a insginificant thing as Rysha's machinations, NO! We shall bring the Mandalorian iron all the way to the heart of the galaxy, to the rim, to EVERY EDGE of this galaxy so that when we die, WE SHALL DIE IN LEGEND!,

Brothers and sisters of the Mandalorian race - WE SHALL BE REBORN!!!"

It was a fiercesome, determined, proud and confident speech. Yarto had no doubt that his commanders had already given smaller scale speaches but it was he, a man who claim Mandalore and the title of which that they wished to here.

He had a strange feeling rush through him in that moment, like rushing water in his veins as he heard all the yells of agreement and pride. He shook it off though.

" Admiral! I leave the space battle and the fleet in your hands, I shall be on the ground - Good luck and let the stronger spine be yours."
" Good luck..."

He headed towards the turbo-lift and descended for the deck on level with the hanger where he would meet the battlegroups he'd accompany. The battle plan had been established in transit, through holo-message and Ophellia as well as he, knew what was needed of them...

There were no ships at Mandalore, as the approaching Clans saw upon their arrival. Since the assault on Mandalore, by the Imperial Remnant, which was followed bu the Clans dividing, many had tried to take advantage of Mandalore.

Pirates were constantly raiding their ships. Various groups had tried to set up base on the planet. Causing as much trouble as they could before either being killed or chased off. Raiders had run through Mandalore a couple times. All coming and expecting Mandalore to be pretty much abandoned, and then not caring when they saw it wasn't.

Currently the ships were dealing various troubles, which were all focused on Mandalore. Two groups were dealing with raiders. While another group was recovering after a skirmish with some pirates. Another group was making it's way back to Mandalore, after having gone on a patrol.

The lack of ships being present at the actual planet itself showed that Fenn had not learned from the previous battle, which he had lost. There did not seem to be any type of organization at all.

Probably because Fenn was too busy thinking about himself, about how to regain his honor, than leading his people and acting as a Mandalore should.

Keldabe, Mandalore's capital city, was in the same state it had been left in. Many had tried to fix what damage they could, and continued working. But so far little had been done. The base outside the city laid in ruins. Although it showed obvious signs that some had scavenged the area multiple times. No doubt survivors as well as raiders.

It was not too long after the Mandalorian ships arrival, that the Mandalore Patrolling Fleet returned. The sight of the other ships confused them at first. Not knowing what was going on. The Patrol Fleet consisted of one Aggressor-class Star Destroyer, four Broadside Cruisers, and six Carrack Light Cruisers. After a moment, after the whispers of confusion and speculation faded, the Admiral of the Aggressor tried contacting the other ships, not knowing they had come here to attack.

"Five minutes out," the ensign yelled across the bridge, reaching Ophelia literally at the speed of sound. Ophelia Carlyle nodded, it was a good sign. They had been in hyperspace for countless hours, after a battle of several hours and an occupation of even more countless hours. Most of the crew rested during the day and a half trip from Ruusan to Togoria to Mandalore; Ophelia made sure to cycle the shifts so they would be well rested for the upcoming battle.

The reason they stopped at Togoria was to join up with a portion of their fleet dedicated to taking Mandalore. And now, both fleets were in hyperspace, heading to Mandalore, just a couple minutes out. "We are here. Enter Mandalore." The ship, an Imperial II-class Star Destroyer named Mandalore's Fury, was the first to exit lightspeed followed by the other ships in Carlyle Clan's rather smaller fleet than usually and then the Togorian ships. Clan Carlyle's fleet was small because some of the ships at Kashyyyk were damaged, destroyed, or it was just unnecessary to bring them.

Over the comm to Yarto Ura, rather Mandalore the Purger, Ophelia began to speak. "Mandalore, Clan Carlyle is here reporting for duty. Over and out." Ophelia stood and moved to the elevator of the bridge. "I will be in my fighter," she said as she entered the elevator and pressed the buttons. The doors shut and moved down where it opened up again at the hanger bay. Moving through the busy hanger, it seemed the final preparations were being made to the fighters. She finally reached her Firespray with the others of Darasuum Kote. Latching in, the fighter was prepared to leave. "All fighters, forward to the enemy ships," Ophelia declared over the fleet wide comm for fighters.

" So it begins..." Yarto exclaimed in the turbo-lift, he quickly activating the elevating comm;
" Admiral, you have permission to begin hostile action against the enemy ships that have arrived,over?"

" Understood Mandalore - Order the King of Terrors and Raining Blood to position on fire on the lead ships of the patrol columns, aim for their most exposed power junctions."
" Yes sir, ordering... King and Blood, you have orders to position on their immediate left and fire on their immediately exposed power junctions - destroy them..."
" We'll hail them for surrender after the ship is the two flags destroyed..."
" Understood..."

---

Tamias appeared immediately after Yarto exited the turbo lift;

" Tamias my friend - paperwork done?"
" Not quite... but I wouldn't miss the scrap for the world..."
" Good to have you on board with us - lets get the troops ready."
" Yes sir!

Yarto and Tamias entered the main flank hanger of the ship, where at least a couple hundred troops stood ready for battle - on the raised gantry where the Scythers, men he had long not seen in his presence.

With a nod of respect, he turned to the men.

" Brothers of the Mandalorian code!.. What we are about to do, understand, is a painful act - to spill the blood of our brothers - but what we know to be right and true is the very act we make now! Freeing Mandalore, Kedalbe, the true center of the Mandalorian center of culture, power, glory, history!...

Upon our greatest world, our symbol of strength stands Mandalore the Destroyer... a man who has lived up to his title in destroying the Mandalorians unity, an act, a legacy that deserves nothing but hate, and vengeance!

We shall not spill blood unnecessarily, but we shall make sure that all those who believe that this heretic deserves power bleed by the sword, and are punished for their foolishness! NOW STEEL YOUR HEARTS, HOLD TRUE YOUR ARMS... for when we stand upon Mandalore - WE SHALL NOT LEAVE UNTIL IT IS FREE!"

A great cheer of belief and fury raised above the men, and they prepared themselves for their greatest battle.

" VODE AN!"
*ALL*" VODE AN!"

Yarto turned to his most senior commander in Tamias and nodded before stepping aside, Tamias taking control;

" Blood is to be spilled lads and ladies so makes sure it is not yours! Prepare for death and glory!"

Mirlade had made her way to the bay, the hour was close to hand. She had her helment under her arm as she walked out to get into line with her unit. It was only thing that her eyes looked at where the comandaor and leader of the Ura Clan was to be. Everything was still going through her mind. She wanted to go into battle she caved this but then she didn't want to have to spill the blood of her fellow mandalorians.

When the leader of the Ura step out to give his speech that her mouth drop open she knew who he was. How could it be him, he was on the firing range giving her training. Shaking her head before she focuce back on what he had to say. She took it to heart every word he had to say. Knowning that they where going into battle against their fellow mandalorians.

Mirlade knew that this was a for the freedom for all mandalorians even if her family made it through the first battle against he Imperials. What more honorable then to go home to free her family home world her home world. It was so long ago that she had been on mandolre that she just hope there was something left.

As the cheer when up then warrior yells. As she join them in raising her voice up.

Stepping down from his 'podium' Sestro started talking to several warriors in an attempt to gauge their mood. The result were heartening; they seemed to have a pretty similar attitude to him, they weren't looking forwards to this battle as much as they would again just about anyone else in the galaxy, especially not as much as if it was the hated Remnant they were about to fight. Nonetheless the thought of battle itself was exciting, and it's implications for the future were impressive. Sestro thought they would fight their best, even if they did not boast much if thier accomplishments after.

Then Lord Yarto's speech came in over the comn, the whole bay went silent through it, and then exploded with cheers and yells, oaths filled the air, along with several lasers blasts. Sestro was roaring along with them, and then looked out of the force-field at the planet, his home world, here we come!.

"Sir, they are firing on us!"

The Admiral of the Aggressor, gave a nod. Obviously they had fired. Seeing as the impact had caused the ship to rock, followed by the sounds of sirens and flashing red lights.

"Orders, Sir?"

He hesitated. His first instinct was to contact Mandalore and ask their leader for his orders. But it would be pointless. They had received nothing from Mandalore since the clans had split apart.

"All power to the engines. I want all ships to advance, and focus all their fire power upon enemy ships. I want someone to contact the surface now, and inform them we are under attack. I want someone to call in the other Ships of Mandalore." He shouted, barking out orders.

Then he sat back into his seat, while his orders were carried out. The last time his homeworld had been attacked, they had suffered many prices. Never had he thought they would be attacked again so soon. "If they want a fight, we shall give them one," The Admiral hissed under his breath. Determined not to lose yet another battle.

"Darasuum Kote, on me. An Aggressor, about 10 o'clock. Take out its turbolasers," Ophelia cried over the comm, struggling to make a sharp turn after getting to nearly full speed out of the hanger. Now facing the Aggressor, the engines blasted to full speed, with the wing of Firesprays behind her. Ophelia began to take aim as the ship grew bigger and bigger. "Fire at will!" she demanded as her weapons went off first. They hit the first turbolaser and once the smoke clear, barely any damage. "Damn shields. Keep trying to penetrate them." They would keep trying.

It was a futile attempt at best as the shields were up. But there was still the slim chance that shields would be penetrated. Plus, they had nothing else to do until enemy fighters were dispatched. "Kote 3 and 4, prepare for bombing run on bridge. Follow my lead." In just seconds, two Firesprays, custom painted by its owners, flew behind Ophelia toward the bridge. Sweeping down and around, they moved passed the engines and up the side, flying over the bridge. The bombs were dropped as they flew over. Ophelia knew it wouldn't do much damage, but it would rock them around and something may happen, plus it could drop morale if they knew they were getting rocked around and bombed.

As the enemy ships began to position, he recognized the Carlyle fleet enacting its own orders, dispatching fighters, which he instantly recognized as the Darasuum Kote squadron led by their clan leader General Ophelia.

" Bring both The Creed and The Conqueror to the fore, Bring the Immobilers up and have them activate their missile deflection defenses In above-front of the Aggressors and have the two of the three Lancers round-about our flanks and be ready to intercept enemy fighters, have our Crusader-classes loop around both our ships and the Carlyle's ships to help screen our forces from fighters and missiles, clear?" Hraadas ordered his bridge crew, and immediately they set to, pervaying and relaying the orders through their ships, they began to act.

Surging at increased pace past [i]The Magnificent Fury. both Imp.Stars rushed onward, their batteries of turbo-lasers and ion-cannons charging and readying to engage.

" Patch me through to the lead Imp.Star!"
" Yessir!" his comm.officer affirmed and opened up a visual/audio line on the arm-screen of his captains chair.

" Captain Madox Hol- Ah, uncle - I mean Admiral..."
" Focus Captain! Need you to bring your long range guns to bear, have your ship and The Creed hold position until you reach medium ranges then move in to cover our Aggressors eventual fall-back, clear?"
" Yes Admiral, It shall be done, out!"

With that, the Admiral nodded to his second-in-command, a silent but well known mannerism that set hs subordinate into action;

" Majority to shields, run weapons on back-up! Issue battle-stations command and have all fighter pilots to the their craft!"

---

Yarto, Tamias, the Scythers and the troops ready to land on the capital planet stood in battle array, at the rear of their transports in the massive hanger of the Kedalbe, when dozens of pilots appeared from various entrances and began to enter their ships, which were various designs, but a few were well known Mandalorian designs, Fire-Sprays mostly.

" Cheer your brothers on men! They go into glory, into history, into legend!" Yarto yelled to his men, turning to them, and they cheered.

He was ready, looking to the Scythers and nodding, they nodded back. Tamias was silent, he was readying his mind for the killing to come, and possibly making his peace prior to what wrongs he was about to do.

Yarto decided the same would be good for him, his conscience... he knew that there would be those who despised him for what he would do, those who would fight him for Rysha's failing rule, and those who would wish for all the clans just to stand together... he hoped that he would do well to make this battle a victory through as little cost as possible...

The Aggressor was taking a beating. The other ships appearing had thrown them off, but they still were bound and determined to bring some honor back to the planet of Mandalore, and those who called it home.

Since the shields were still holding, the Admiral on board the Aggressor decided to use what time they had left to their advantage. Fighters deployed. Boarding shuttles were being prepared. Some shuttles were being sent to the surface, so that if or when the Aggressor went down, their would be some men back down at the surface to fight off enemy forces. When on their last legs the Admiral would order all power to be routed to the weapons systems. For now the power was being routed to the shields. So that they could last as long as possible.

The call had been sent to both other Mandalore Ships in the planets system, as well as to the surface of the planet. Mandalorians on the ground were quick to prepare for battle, should it come down to the surface of the planet. They did not bother trying to round of their leader. Even though they had stayed on Mandalore, most did not hold any faith in Fenn any longer. However they were determined to defend their home world. Even if it meant spilling the blood of their own brothers and sisters.

The Admiral on board the Aggressor just hoped that the incoming Mandalore Ships would arrive sooner rather than later.

The defensive fleet of their opponents finally spurred to action, and now started maneuvering themselves. But the advantage was the attackers - they had acted first, and rapidly.

The Darasuum Kote squadron swept all around the enemy ships, not only attacking the Aggressor with withering intensity, but were primed to take down any enemy fighters, bombers, transports, before they could even break for their enemy.

Hraadas' panoramic of the unfolding battle was clear, and he had his head about him. He knew that this was too small to be the full Mandalore fleet, and he knew how to temper the situation;

" Send caution to the ships to expect enemy ships dropping out of hyperspace, be prepared to defend yourselves from unexpected threats...." he bellowed aloud, knowing full well his crew were fulfilling their job mandate to a T.

The Creed and The Conqueror meanwhile had rounded to their broadside positions, and their batteries aligned.

" Fire on their weapon concentrations, priority on the flag, but don't be stingy about softening up the other ships, their commander may not surrender!"
" Yes sir! All Barbette are aligned! Ready?! Open fire!" the gunner-captain roared, the gun-crew already having their shots charged up, the whir of massive energy in the weapons loudened in the aiming gallery.

The first shots of the four guns, then the second, shot out through space, a magnificent volley of twenty-four shots hurtled towards the enemy craft.

" Excellent Captain! What's the tactical assessment on their Broadsides?"
" Not firing yet sir, but once they do, it would pay to be cautious in a our maneuvers, maybe even delay our landing operation..."
" That won't please Lord Ura but... do it, fore-warn the Crusaders and fighter crews - whats their status?"
" Squadrons one through to twelve have been dispatched, mix speciality, thirteen through to twenty-six are on stand-by."
" Right - Bring the Broadsides' around our flanks, they'll provide at least a stand-off screen should any more ships appear."
" Very good sir -- Comm. have the first and second Broadsides head to the port and starboard sides respectively, keep the third to stay in reserve"
" Yessir!"

As things stood now for the Ura ships, the Imp.Stars were bombarding the Aggressor and its near-by ships with heavy fire - not even a Aggressor could hold up to that barrage. They would be bleed white before they would be offered surrender.

The Crusaders and Carracks were patrolling and ready.

" Sir, the Carlyle fleet has predisposed itself to your command!"
" Tell them to have their Immobilizers position staggered above our ships and activate their missile defenses, have their Crusaders make their own patrols in compliment to ours, and have the rest of their ships splay into ready-maneuvering formation and stand-by."
" What of the Togorian fleet that is coming?"
" Well, I do not doubt their competence but... suggest to them that they immediately drop in and separate their ships to secure our exposed flanks.
" Yessir!"

[OOC: I'm going to focus on the space battle for awhile until it is mostly decided, then I'll start the ground battle]

The Aggressor was suffering massive damage, thank to the constant assaults upon it. They kept their power running solely to the shields, so that they would be able to get as many men and women off the ship as possible. The transports and fighters continued their evacuations, as well as the escape pods. The Admiral on board the vessel refused to leave. Those in charge of the other ships would have to assume command. At least until someone of higher rank arrived.

One of their four Broadside Cruises exploded. Two of their six Carracks had already been lost. Fighters continued battling the enemy forces. All giving their best, for honor and glory. Crying for Mandalore, even though they could not always be heard by anyone other than themselves. Yet it was not for the man, they shouted glory for, but the planet. They had lost faith in their weak leader some time ago.

As the Aggressor finally exploded into a fiery blaze, the Commander on board one of the Broadside Cruisers assumed command of the battle. Ordering all ships currently at Mandalore to release all their fighters, and to attempt boarding invading vessels. With a look to his screen on his right, he saw that their reinforcements would be arriving in any minute.

With destruction of the Aggressor, and everything falling in place so well, Admiral Holtin enacted his leaders orders;

" Cease-fire all engaged ships!"
" Sir - disengage, and hold fire until ordered, priority to shields, weapons on stand-by."
" Open up a open band comm. with the opposing ships..." Hraadas said, just noticing the arrival of more of the Mandalore defense fleet, and then the Togorians ships.

Now was the time to give a speech to men who feared them, and men who welcomed death more than surrender...

" I am Admrial Hraadas Holtin of the Kedalbe-class Magnificient Fury. I hope you recognize my ceasing of fire as a diplomatic opening and allow me to speak.

I understand that you wish to merely defend you homes, you families. But it is not you we wish to kill, to oust from Mandalore. It is the heretic Mandalore, the detestable Fenn Rysha and his Clan who so blindly support him.

There are only two roads we can take. We either dispose of this peace as temporary and continue in a folly battle that will lose us lives that can be kept, the destruction of ships that can defend Mandalore and Mandalorians, and further bad blood. We Ura, Carlyle and even the Togorians, who understand this is not their fight, understand that our leader Yarto Ura will not let any more Mandalorians unnessarily die in a war of pointlessness -

- What I ask is that we stop this violence, stand together, and choose a certain path in uncertain times, brothers and sisters, we share the blood of the Taung, their dreams and culture, so why do we combat each other? You must harken for the times when we stood fearless, side-by-side, with pride and honor to each other?

We have a chance, and our leader has given us a direction - share in that direction, aid us, join us, and we shall grasp this future - Vode An!"

His crew looked rather pleased with their admirals speech, and Hraadas had impressed himself at how he had improvised the speech. He know waited, waited to see if the commanders of the ships that had arrived saw things their way;

---

Yarto smiled;

" Damn good work Admiral..." he muttered, it seemed that Hraadas had the same flair for speeches as him.

He, and the many different soldiers of the the ships, nervous. Worried. Hopeful.

Following the transmission from the attacking fleet, the Commander gave the order to cease fire, yet also cautioned them to be prepared. It was a matter of trust, and the commander held little for the Mandalorians that had attacked them.

He thought over the Admirals words, before responding.

"If you had come for Fenn Rysha, then you should have said as much when we arrived. Instead you decided to attack us, fellow Mandalorians. The Clans may be divided, but in the end we are all one and the same. I'd like to say you are no better than the Imperial Remnant, but I would be wrong. For you are worse, and hold no glory for neither yourself, or your fellow Clan mates."

He turned, to issue the order to continue firing upon enemy ships. Only to meet a fist to his face. The Commander fell back, and was then kicked in the head. Rendering him unconscious.

A short moment later, a fully armored Mandalorian stepped into view.

"If you had not blown that damn Aggressor to hell, you would have gotten someone better to deal with. Unfortunately you did blow it to hell, leaving you stuck to deal with a Fenn Rysha supporter." The Mandalorian told them. "Luckily for you, I am here now."

This latest man did not bother to say who he was. Or why he was there. He just came onto the bridge, heard the conversation, and knocked the foolish Commander unconscious. No one tried to stop him.

"Rysha is foolish, and to many of those on Mandalore, they do not serve him or follow him. This is there home, which is why many have stayed, and why many are willing to defend it to their very last breath. Only a handful remain loyal to Fenn, from what I can tell. Here, above the planet I'll keep what ships I can off your back. Surface, well you might have some trouble there. Not much, but those loyal to that slimy bastard will fight you."

He glanced to his right, when someone mentioned that that five of the Mandalorian ships had arrived, and that they had sent a message to the new arrivals to hold their fire. Nodding, he turned back to the screen.

"Our people should stand together." The man continued. "Frak Fenn. Do what you need to do."

He cut off communications, then turned to the men and women on the bridge. "Well, this might work out after all. Never expected these guys to show up, and do our job for us. But hell, might as well us them to our advantage."

Chuckles floated around the bridge, while two Mandalorian Warriors carried the Fenn supporter off the bridge. They had already taken out two of the other supporters, or loyalists. The Commander had been tougher to get to without raising suspicions. Mandalore being attacked gave them the opportunity to carry that through.

"Think they will take out Mandalore?"

He shrugged, rolled his shoulders and then grinned from beneath his helmet. "For his sake, they better. Cause I won't be nice about it if I get my hands on him." He replied, then pulled off his helmet and glanced at two of the other troops. "Contact the other ships. Make sure they understand that they are not to interfere with whatever it is these guys are doing. They can defend themselves only if attacked."

"Sure thing, Jaren."

At first, the commander of the fleet was berating of the Ascendants actions. Hraadas believed he was justified - he proved and forced them to table of negotiation, that way they would talk more readily, compared to when they had the illusion of safety, with their big energy gun ship and their fire-power.

As Hraadas was about to reassure the commander, another, broader and fully armored Mandalorian strode forward, and dealt the with the commander with a punch that sprawled him out of his commander chair.

This man must have held enough power over the crew of this ship because nobody reacted to stop him.

The new commander, it seemed, had no love for Rysha, and was all to agreeable. Hraadas had him measured as a uncompromising presence and a charismatic man, but he didn't press his caution with questions, A - they had got what they wanted and B - they needed to move quickly to land their forces, so he nodded, a smile adorning his weathered face and curving the shape of his full goatee beard;

" Thank you brother, if you could move your forces to opposite side of the planet, we would appreciate the compliance. Good health to you! Admiral Holtin out."

The communications ended and cut off, and his subordinate walked up to his admiral. He knew what he was about to declare, because he had done so many times;

" Men - The battle is ours gentleman, we have victory!" he called, his crew celebrating with back-slapping and jovial joy. Of course, it wasn't a conventional victory of course, but it had allowed them to keep their lives and those of their brothers, as well as save good ships for them to use later.

" Alright, once our comrades have moved to the other-side, lets move in closer and fall into blockade formation and have both the Carlyle and Togorian ships fall in with us. Inform Lord Ura - begin"
" Yes sir!"

---

15 standard minutes later...

" Alright, I will make this quick and to the point gentlemen and ladies," Yarto started, surrounded by his commanders, the Togorians and Carlyle commanders holding presence over the meeting by holo-emitters;
" - our main objectives are to secure the Citadel and its base, and to capture or drive out Rysha Clan - take prisoners if needed but this will probably be temporary should they swear fealty to us after Fenn is out of ear-shot. Our sub-objectives will make our battle run much easier - Mandalore's orbital defenses haven't started firing but they will and must be secured to allow us to remove hard entrenched foes. Kedalbes power supply junctions are to be secured for safety sake. Speaking of which, when securing the residential areas, I want NO civilians harmed - I want you to direct civilians out of the city until it is secure for them to return. They aren't guilty or wrong, they deserve the dignity to avoid harm."

His orders and explanation held determined and well thought-out reasoning, and the leaders present all nodded and should approval.

Yarto straigtened up from sitting, still keeping his eyes on the holo-rendered map that had been mocked up by Grant, who was present in the fleet but preparing to give them tactical support from orbit - this was why they needed to be so close, so their comm.scans and tact.scans would be pin-point perfect.

Yarto took a deep, heavy breath, then took a lighter tone in relation to the optional objectives he had summarized;

" I have two optional goals I wish to have achieved if they can be. The first is in relation to the MandalTech branch in Kedalbe - secure the building complex so that way, if we are forced off Mandalore we have the blue-prints and read-outs of all the established tech that has been interred into its records - should give us a tactical edge if nothing else. The second is less palatable - Secure the immediate family of Fenn Rysha."
" What do we need them for Lord?" Tamias asked prompty with restrained curiosity but with a firm voice.
" If we can secure his family, we'll have more leverage in negotiation with Fenn when I see him in person. I wont have them harmed, but he wont know that. It's cruel, but necessary." He said, as he walked slowly around the holo-map emitted from the floor.

The fighters had returned to their ships, only a handful had been lost or even damaged in the short melee, but it made this all the more successful.

" Yarto Ura - I'm General Rothakar of the Togorian ground forces - what are your directives for us?" the rather reserved Togorian said via his hologram.

" Support the efforts of the main effort...and be yourselves, let the Rysha understand it is surrender or death."

" As you wish, strong ally..."

" Alright everyone, this is how the battle will unfold - Breti Ura, or Vorrison, as some of you know him - will lead his force of Canderous' in a distraction assault from Kelita River, a force of moderately sized group of soldiers behind them to draw the attention and add credibility to the subterfuge. Once we know the enemy are significantly separated, the main force of Ura, Carlyle and Togorias will land on the plains south-west of the capital and deploy from there to our allocated objectives. They will be so disorganized, the battle may even be decided in the first few hours. However, Rysha's elites will have to be blown out of Kedalbe before anyone can raise a banner with confidence.

But now, I'll allow you, my commanders and comrades, to ask questions, and request an objective to undertake."

Yarto was convinced that the plan would unfold well, but he had worries of course - the Rysha clan would be very unpredictable and dangerous, like a cornered Nexu. He only hoped they didn't act foolishly even if they chose to fight.

Sestro was watching the whole thing from a holographic unit at the back of the hanger. Another clue was the cessation of the thumping and resulting rocks of the ship from constant bombardment. First noone moved, in case it was some kind of gambit that might backfire, but then it stretched on for one minute, then two...

A voice came over the ship's comn system, informing anyone who didn't have access to a hologram what was going on. There weren't any cheers from the hanger, but Sestro could see the men and woman around him relax a little. No-one had liked the idea of fighting their own kin, and definitely not from inside a giant tin-can like this, not when they didn't have their hands on turbolaser or two.

Now it was only a matter of descending to the planet and finishing it off. Sestro followed the instructions which popped up on a readout of the hologram, telling him to retune the unit to the bridge of the Magnificent Fury, where Yarto was holding the briefing. He caught the meeting right from the beginning and listened to reiteration of his objectives from the start, it was clever how it all fitted together. This strike should be both quick and devastating to the remains of Fenn's reign.

'All right ladies and gents,' he roared in a voice that wouldn't shame a drill sergeant, 'get aboard the ships and prep your gear.

'Pilots!' He added, entering a new range of loudness that would be heard by the skeleton crews waiting always inside the troops ships even through the metal bulkheads,' I want those engines fired up ten minutes ago!!

The hanger quickly sprang into feverent, and it could be said slightly nervous, action. He made a curious gesture into the air and like smoke the other five Invizers appeared around him.

'You know what we have to do,' Sestro said, nodding to each of them in turn, 'We circle up round the city walls to the West, going out into the wilderness to avoid the eyes of anyone looking from the power junctions to the city. We then sneak in, and take command of the facilities, with minimum casualties on their part, and comn Lord Yarto to pick which piece of crap goes bang first, got it?'

The Invizers nodded, they had got it.

It was time. The final explaination would be said to make sure everyone knew what was going to happen;

" Chieftain Carlyle, I want you to lead the Darasuum Kote to cover Breti and his landing group of tanks and men, and eventually us when we land - priority on vehicles and enemy hard-spots if called in. Sestro, Tamias and I will have 2100 men under our command, half of mine will accompany Breti's armor down, understood Commander, that means you have 1050 men follow up behind your tanks as something to distract the enemy, while we land. Are we all clear?"

They all answered silently with a nod, and the men who heard gave a hoorah.

" To the transports, sound all forces to their transports and follow S.Sergeant Grant's directions!"

They all boarded the AI/AT/i ships, all armed and massive enough to hold a good number of men.

Breti's transports were the first to leave and they thundered down from their ship, joining up with a transport group of the infantry he'd have supporting him.

The transports rushed down to earth, and Grant nervously monitored the radio chatter of the Armoured battle-group as it descended.

---

The AI/AT/i swept through the atmosphere, chasing the Kelita as it snaked, Kedalbe in view of the landing craft pilots as they hurtled towards their landing zone on the near-side of the river to Kedalbe's approach.

The first to land were the infantry forces, Mandalorians letting pride in their professionalism taking over their fear of what they were about to do to their kin.

The the Canderous' rolled out of their transports, five behemoth vehicles, armored with heavy Mass-driver cannons and commander by Bretti, a man who had recently joined the Ura and the Ascendants, whether he shared their views and ideals or not was not proven yet but he was acting for them now.

" Armoured battle-group is rolling on, command! All forces advance!" Bretti's comm.thundered in Grant's ear-piece, who contacted Yarto's own helmet reciever;
" Lord Ura, Bretti has begun his advance."
" Excellent Sergeant, keep me informed..."

The advance across the intermitent ground between them and the city limits was a short one, but once they reached the limit to which they wished to go, Bretti peered out of his tank hatch, his macro-binoculars in his hand, he raised it in halt;

" All stop, Canderous' stand in firing position! Warm up ya cannons!" he ordered, as the tanks rolled behind him, then spreading out into a firing line like ordered, the infantry standing in scattered, cover formation behind the tanks.

Now, they awaited the enemy to notice them, and attack. Those who wished to avoid fighting would try and avoid the combat to come, while those off blind loyalty to Fenn Rysha would come to attack... it was like sifting the solid out of a liquid.

They waited...

With the lack of leadership from the dishonorable so-called Mandalore, the doubts and disgust of those who had remained on Mandalore, and the efforts of a former Mandalorian Soldier, not as many warriors as one would have once expected had come to battle the invading ground forces.

Word had reached the surface, to those who were not completely loyal to the so-called Mandalore, to stand down. Yet there were still those who were loyal to Mandalore, as well as those who could not help but try to defend their home. They had seen one failed leader after another, and some worried that they would be stuck with yet another, should they do not do something to stop it.

Yet only two hundred and twenty-five Mandalore Warriors were prepared to fight the invading forces. Forces led by none other than their once brothers and sisters in arms. Fellow Mandalorians.

Upon receiving word that Mandalore was under attack, they had begun their preparations. 3HX3 Mines were placed in various locations. Eight Canderous-Class Assault Tanks had been rolled out. Fourteen Mandalore Basilisk Riders prepared their beasts for battle. The warriors of Mandalore, those who were determined to protect their home world to the very end, were prepared. They were outmatched, but they planned to go into battle with glory, and out with honor.

The only thing missing from the scene was Mandalore himself. His lack of presence only showed how weak the man they followed truly was. He had chosen to ignore the battle. Ignore his people, even those still loyal to him. Caring only for himself, his own honor. Not realizing that his honor had already been lost. Yet still, they fought. Still they cried for Mandalore.

A cry rose up in the distance, For Mandalore - it was apt, this was all for Mandalore, the planet and the title. It would have to be decided here and now, as Yarto had chosen it to be.

Bretti immediately raised his binoculars to his eyes, scanning the buildings intently. Appearing from the outskirts, enemy troops began to appear, outlined by the shadows. The tanks sensors picked up enemy armour, and Basiliisks.

Grasping the comm.reciever, he clicked the button and reported his observations;

" This Canderous lead, have discerned enemy infantry, Canderous-class and Basillisks, request air cover be ready to roll in to to cover my force, and do we have permission to open fire?"
" Your data has been noted, message sent to air group, and you have full permission to open up on all visible targets, out!"
" Roger that command, Over and out!"

Dropping the receiver back inside, Breti looked down the line of Canderous', of which he was the leftern-most tank, and pointed a vertically held flat hand down and then closed his hand into a fist and dropped his arm.

The orders were given - advance, and open fire.

The tanks rolled steadily forward, and their Mass-Drivers suddenly whirred to life.

In unison, all the tanks fired together, their fire-linked cannons aiming at several groups of cluster infantry holding line in a shallow recess outlining the limits and at visible enemy armour.

Whether their targets made their marks or not, it was all part of a distraction. A distraction that would allow the planets captiure truly.

Breti locked his hatch, the rcoil of the drivers firing rocking the chasis and its flimsy passengers and pilot.

" All tanks, hold line until fully within enemy range, and scatter into skirmish lines."
A tone on their console marked the acknowledgement. The infantry ran up after the tanks, not able to keep up but they would soon do so once the tanks stopped and allowed them cover.

---

In space, The Darasuum Kote and a number of Fire-sprays had gathered and a set of three six flocks of five, the Kote squadron leading.

They approached the atmoshpere, heading to glorious combat with their brothers.

Meanwhile, the sirens sounded aboard all the ships that had troops to send down, all Ura of the Ascendant, all brave and unquestioning of the blood that would stain their armor, being their kins.

Yarto lead his men aboard their transports with a rapturous yell, that was returned ten thousand fold in strength. Soon enough, the transports were boarded, and they were space borne, destined to land and take back Keldalbe, purging its heresy and returning its honor by spilling the blood of the blasphemers.

The Ascendant transports were joined by Togorian transports, and they all surged down from the heavens in a great cloud of will and fury that demanded the Mandalorians pride and honor be returned, by force if necessary.

Dirt flew up into the air, when the shots fired by the attacking forces missed. While the shots that had hit their targets, the Canderous- Class Assault Tanks, caused the Mandalorians to shout and curse and new orders flew from the higher ranked warriors mouths. One tank, that had been hit several times, flew several feet into the air, before landing back down onto the ground with a thunderous crashing noise.

Mandalore Snipers were quick to move into position. Taking cover behind the heavily damaged Canaderous-Class Tank. Then fired their sniper weapons, as the tanks returned fired upon the enemy forces. Yet they made no move to proceed forward. They were within range. Between the defending forces and the attacking forces laid mines. And they did not want to risk rolling over the very traps they had set for their attackers.

The Mandalore Basilisk Riders brought their rides to life, lifted from the ground, and then proceeded forward. Riding over their own defenses, and heading towards the attackers. Planning to take out as many of their attackers as they could. To make things easier for their warriors when their turn came.

((OOC. sorry this took so long guys))

The transport carrying not only the Insizor squad, but also a sizeable contingent of other Mandalorians raced along with it's fellows towards the ground. This was the next stage in scariness, Sestro thought, a smalelr ship, with weaker shields and less guns than the average Mandalorians teenager would possess... admittedly there were small armies that probably possessed less than the average Mando teenager, but that didn't mean the transport should be less! On the other hand, the majority of the space battle was over, there was nothing coming from the ships that only minutes ago had been firing with all their might against the Ascendant Mandalorian's fleet.

The ship suddenly started shaking as it finally reached the atmosphere, the view suddenly turned red and the lights dimmed, these ships usually had something in the way of structures that could be power-reinforced, and it seemed that the crew of this one were taking no chances and were pouring everything they had into the structure and the shields.

Now things were getting hairy, anti-air turbolaser shots started to fill the air. Red, blue, green, some expired within the atmosphere, evaporating with small explosions that would have looked quite pretty if you had not know what they are. As it was, the transport shuddered violently as three successive shots smashed into the reinforced shields. And then they were below the line of fire, the ships was levelling, g-forces scattering the men like nine-pins, buildings tall and majestic loomed in the viewports, and then they were down.

The door sprang open, and ten Mandolorians were instantly killed by a wave of expecting soldiers.

'Out! Out! OUt!' Roared Sestro, and led the charge out of the suddenly far too cramped starship. Out of glimpses out of the corners of his eyes he saw the Insizors fall in behind him. Quickly reciting this part of the plan in his mind, he gestured and started sprinting off towards another transport that had touched down. This one was not filled with Mandolorians, but Togorian allies, including 150 allocated to the lieutenant Colonel for this mission.

'ASF companies, C through E!' He called, and with speed the three companies of sneering, scowling and leering cat people formed up. Sestro exchanged nods with the Captain in charge of the 3 companies who was now effectively his lieutenant, a particularly tall Togorian called Ra-Yona, the Togorian yowled something at his men, and they began moving out.

The drops had occured at the South end of the city, so now the 160 odd warriors had to 'sneak' round the outside, and creep up beneath the power junctions before they could blow them up and render the city powerless, unless of course, the Ura needed it so.

However, the Togorians had always been a hunting people, and were naturally equipped and trained from birth to be silent and swift if need be. The Mandalorians were a mixed bunch as of birth, but their training had been extensive and in-depth, they could do the Stealth thing too.

So the Sabotage crew began their mission. Leaving the drop-zone as quickly as they could, they soon vanished into the welcoming undergrowth and the shadows it offered. Here we go, thought Sestro, as the first lights of the junction station came into view.

Mirlade had loaded into her transport that she was assigned to by her captain. As she did so, she walked on board then sat down, begin to strap into place. She knew it would be a very bumpy ride down to the surface where they would be meant by a force, how strong she didn't know. All she she knew was that today she would have to kill some of her brothers and sisters, that her warrior heart grieved. She did hope they would die like warriors in a glorious battle.

Looking around at the others warrior that would be with her would have her back when need and she would watched their back. As she heard the count now. Her body started to change along with her mind. She was a warrior and her mind would think like one like she had been train as sniper.

It was a very bumpy trip down but touching down at the staging ground. The ramp open up she knew her job that what she would do. Before the ramp even touch the ground there was those that was ready out and fanning out. That wasn't what her job was to be.

The descent of the many transports was rapid. Yarto sat next to Tamias, probably the most superior ranked in the army second to Elsarus. However, even through his absence, he had been true to the cause and his chieftain, seeking the murder of Yarto's father.

Yarto looked over to the three uniquely armored Scythers - John, Marcus and Denton, all wearing armor modelled on Clone War-era Katarn commando's design. They had been gone a long while, with Tamias, supporting Tamias and Yarto despite knowing that the chieftain openly wanted their brothers death.

A curt nod was exchanged between them and he, the leader of the Ascendant Ura then placing open his helmet, his vacuumized suit pressurizing and his H.U.D activating.

He checked his systems - all working 100 percent.

Looking to his trusted X-45, he clicked the scope sights adaptor dials slightly and, seeing this, Tamias did the same, looking to his own weapon, an E-11B Blaster Rifle which he looked over as he readied the helmet of his armor, a uniquelly matte-black Mandalorian supes armor that had a signiture of his name on the left side of the chest.

" Check weapons, put on your helmets - final check!" the grizzled Lt.General declared, only just now thinking on his meteroric rise through rank from Private to that of a commander of an army.

With a small lop-sided smile, he placed on his helm, and his in turn activated fully.

Those aboard the transport were all-grizzled Ura, of all the clans familys, and, although some did not even have true blood of the clan in their veins, they still joined and fought for them. What made Yarto such a magnetic leader was a mystery but nonetheless, he held enough influence to make men fight in battle against their sworn brothers and sisters. Yet there was no regret, no disgust with themselves, no fear.

They would save those emotions for after the battle, when Mandalore was at peace again, for at least awhile.

" Entering the atmosphere General!" the pilot declared, looking over to his co-pilot briefly as he primed counter-measures just in case.

Meanwhile, the diversionary combat on the North-Eastern outskirt of the city, from the approach of the Kelita, hurtling shots of mass-driven munitions burst from the Canderous' that fired in their skirmish lines, now having their own groups of infantry behind and in front of them, firing at the defenders, using the dips and recesses in the ground for cover as well as the tanks heavy hides.

The enemies snipers were accurate without fail, that was Mandalorian training for you - 7 men already fell to them.

Now even greater danger as enemy Basilisk riders, mounting the buildings and the battlefield, jumped into attack.

four instantly cleared at least 500 yards in a single thrusted jump, and their fire was heavy on two Canderous' and infantry around them being torn apart.

One basilisk even jumped straight onto Bretti's tank hull and vectored its guns, but not fast enough, for a burst of fire from his Mass-drivers sent it sprawling back as the thing was alive and felt agony from the point-blank barrage.

Just as Bretti's heart began to drop, a crackling comm. signal came through;

" You boys wanted air support, you got it - Air group is rolling in and engaging all armor as priority!"

The words were soon followed by a pounding thrum of Fire-spray engines and the clack of their repeaters, a burst smashing down into the fallen basilisk no more than a few feet from Vorrisons tank.

Now that the air battle group was there, the basilisks advantage was negated - up in space, Basilisks had all the manouverability possible, they could flip and tear a pilot from his cockpit with its claw. On the ground however they were limited to jumps, and even if they could jump back up to space orbit, they'd be atomized by heavy guns.

And so, the two-dozen or so Fire-spray led by the Carlyle chieftain Ophelia began to bring down bombardment and fire against all the enemies in sight, looking to beat back the basilisks to allow the transports to manouver and advance.

The transports were no coming throug the plumed clouds, one by one until they turned into a hail of vehicles.

This was the moment in time where Yarto would take glory, and infamy, in equal measure. He would spill the blood of his Mandalorian kin for the 'greater good'.

The idea was for the greater good at least. Hopefully his plans beyond this day of blood would survive with him.

" Arm!" Yarto declared as he pointed to his own weapon to indicate to those who couldn't hear what he was ordering.

* Iced Earth - Infiltrate and Assimilate plays*

All the men clicked ammo into ports, cocked weapons, sheathed swords and tightened their armored gloves.

" Stand up!" he ordered, standing up himself to urge by example.

" Minus 60 seconds!" the pilot announced as he swayed the craft side-to-side slightly to avoid sporadic AA fire that emanated from the city.

Now Yarto tensed himself, straighten up and biting his lip briefly in a hidden show of angst before giving a brief final speech to those who would fight with him;

" Mando'ade! This is a day of destiny! We will forge a new legacy of the Mandalorians, one that survives beyond a year, beyond any of the recent rules! We shall establish an age of Mandalorian might and glory like none before have ever known - but before all that, we must undertake a great evil, despite efforts to avert such - our common blood must be spilt! Let us hope we bloody those amongst our kin who hail a fool lord that dirties a great title, and not those who look to a future of hope with us! For MANDALORE!"

A loud and mighty hail came through the transport, an instant later, the transport thumped to earth, and the ramp and exits immediately were made open.

There was no dramatic urging out of the tranport like many other C.O's did from other transports, instead the force merely filed into a loose battle-order and readied for their chieftains and his generals' orders.

They came as soon as the transport they were aboard divulged all its contents.

" Advance, 25 meter spread! Staggered formation, hold fire until fired upon!"

The soldiers shouted a yes sir, and immediately followed their general, Yarto hung back, he knew his sniper rifle would only do good at long range. He noted a few fellow Marksman hanging behind also.

" Alright guys, stick with me and lets make this painless for the Rysha-loyals, right?!"
" Yes sir, bring the execution!"
" Enough of that talk soldier, their our kin and deserve to be killed with respect, if not honor."
" understood sir... lead on!"

They moved off, crouch-running, keeping a low profile. Yarto was distinguished by his flowing cape of black amongst the un-covered shoulders of the other snipers.

Yarto left the matter of Sestro's objectives to him, he had faith that he'd get the job done, and he felt a strange relief running through his body, for no reason at all... he put that to the back of his mind as he slid down a rise of the plain and instantly threw himself to his stomach and began to crawl, cradeling his rifle in his arms as he did so. It would make a good over-sight of the battlefield for the approach of Kedalbe, this area had walls and it would serve them well to deal with anyone who dared poke their head up.

The outskirt battle was now matched, the Basilisks did their best against the odds, shooting down a couple of the Fire-sprays that dived to low and payed for it.

" MOVE FORWARD! TANKS ADVANCE!" Bretti yelled, the tanks immedaitely rolling onward, followed by their infantry and their air cover arching over head.

A couple of lucky repeater shots detonated a hidden device within the ground between them and attackers, prompting Ophelia to warn Bretti;

" Halt your column Vorrison! Enemy explosives eye-balled on approach!"
" Proof enough to stop?"
" Yes, I'm - gah spit - sure of it, hold off, we'll pepper the immediate ground with fire, clear your path..."
" Alright Carlyle Chieftain - and call me Ura..."
" Indeed.."

The battle was making good progress and losses were minimal.

Grant watched over the battle with a encompassing glare, his glasses spectacles mirroring the chaos on the sceens.

The Mandalore Basilisk Riders were growing weak in numbers. Not that they had had many to start off with. Most of their original riders had either died in battle, moved away after the attack by the Imperials, or out right refused to assist their weak Mandalore. Now they had even less. The Commander leading the ground battle for Mandalore could not tell how many remained, but he could see it was far less than they had started with.

Some of the mines they had set up beforehand had been set off. Yet not by the attacking forces running into them, as they had hoped. But largely due to the invaders repeater shots detonating them. Which would only show them that it was likely there would be more, and probably make them more cautious.

They needed something more if they were to defend this world. Hell, they needed a leader but the Commander knew Fenn would be a no show. Yet still, he remained loyal to their Mandalore.

"Whatever Basilisk's are still running, tell them to hit the enemies on the ground! Frack the blasted Firesprays." The Commander shouted. "Have the warriors split. I want some to push forward, and the rest to try to make their way around the enemies, and try to attack from behind them!"

He wasn't sure what else they could do at this point. But do their damn best. Even though this was their world, they had smaller numbers. Best he could think of at the moment, was try to surround the enemy. If they could. The Commander would call for more men, but some had been ordered to guard the home of their Mandalore Leader.

Grant took an overlook of the battle, through a relay satilite that the Kedalbe had deployed especially for the purpose of watching over the battle continual even when the area of the planets surface turned away from the fleet.

Leaning down onto the desk, and wrinkling his nose briefly, he narrowed his eyes. The transmission was fuzy but discernable. As the satilite overlooked the battle for the outskirts led by Vorrison, grant spotted suspicious movement within the urban area just behind the enemy batteline - lots of little ant-figures began to swarm together then move off from the battle lines situation.

Grant quickly turned and activated the headset he was wearing, and began to try to contact Bretti, but his line was mysterioudly dead. He wasn't dead, he could see his Canderous-class marked out on the screen in front of him.

So he settled for contacting Yarto instead, changing the frequency and then beginning to talk while his collegues maintained control of all the monitoring systems.

" Command-and-chief, this is Oversight, over, respond?"
*static*" What is Sergeant?"
" Well I've got reason to believe that a detachment of enemy forces has broken off from the forces defending the outskirts towards the Kelita and it seems their going to break off to flank them, thats at least what I summize. Apologies sir, but this stretching our communications a bit too much, going to cut off until we get the flag moved to a better positon above the planet. You'll have to deal with the problem in house."

" Alright Sergeant, inform the Admiral of his new orders to position of the planet, over and out... General Carlyle, you read me?" Yarto said, keeping his eyes on the horizon of buildings ahead as he waited for an answer, relying on his sniper comrades to cover him from any counter-snipes.

" Yes Mandalore?" the answer came, the thumping of repeaters and the shuddering easy to hear.
" Can you do an over-flight of just behind the enemy lines, no accurate bearing, just need you to establish enemy movements."
" Understood...," Ophelia returned, and he could see a trio of Fire-sprays arch out of formation and bank around the rear of the position in a wide S-shape, then turning back.

" - Yes sir, we've got a dense group of enemy infantry moving to down out of the city outskirt to the south of the area. Flanking action on Bretti's group in the making... orders?"
" None as yet, make it seem they haven't been found out yet - its best to play like they are stupid by acting like your oblivious. I'll have them dealt with... out."
" Over and out commander!"

Taking his index from his helmet, he turned his scope towards the North-East, and immediately saw troop movement, although trying to conceal themselves, they had either spotted the attacking main force, or lost their guts.

" You soldier, send word to the Togorian General Rothakar, tell him we've got a objective for him to deal with, tell him there is an enemy force looking to break out of the city and flank the Armoured element, get him to dispatch fifty of his best warriors and have them rush right up to there and take that force apart!" Yarto explained, pointing towards the position he had spotted the enemy action.

The soldier nodded, and quickly bolted back up the rise, back to the CP landing zone.

Yarto returned to his scope, and waited for enemies to attack Tamias' main effort.

" No ones home boys - this will be a pastry walk!" Tamias yelled out as the largest of the battle-groups advanced. Immediately, a couple of squads appeared in the buildings and began to open fire, prompting Tamias to berate himself for thinking all was done to soon.
" ALL STOP! COVER, RETURN FIRE! HOLD YOUR GROUND!" he yelled in order, falling to his knee behind a ruinous stone wall that was there, joined by some heavy-class privates, all wielding repeaters, who set up position and lay down withering fire, immediately one was shot in the head and fell to the ground dead - sniper.

" You see that flash there?"
" Yes Treeg - let's deal with it, spot for me." an exchange between of two of the snipers with Yarto said, before acting. They started to spot targets, and Yarto decided to begin to fire upon soldiers attacking Tamias advance.

His sight glided over a flat-roofed building where three soldiers were peering over the ledge of the surrounding wall, and he rested his sights on the T-visor of one that looked like he was a superior rank.

He his breathing stopped dead, and his body froze. He adjusted the incriments for wind allowance and such quickly and then made sure he had target.

He fired.

The immediate sight of a visceral red-mist spray was the indiction of success. The other two reacted with shock, and stumbled from sight briefly, only appearing again to another shot of the SorroSuub rifle, this time hitting the other soldier square in the area of his jaw, making him dissappear from sight probably for good.

The other two snipers were rather impressed, they weren't doing a bad job shootng either, not hitting marks all the time, not one-shot kills all the time, but it was enough, the mass of fire being exchanged was in the favor of the attackers.

" ROLL FORWARD!" Vorrison yelled into his comm., the Canderous' moving onward, firing now exclusively on the Basilisks, aiming for their drivers and failing that their weapons, they also had their special 'System Control' protocol activated, drawing the Basilisks fire to them alone, allowing their infantry to swarm ahead and get right up close to the beast machines, so they could kill their drivers, and maybe even take them over and turn them against their enemies - thats what the Abitrator-class of soldier in the Ascendancy was designated for, taking over hostile weapons and vehicles, plus dealing with any enemy technology that might hinder them.

The tanks were now coming tighter and tighter together as they approached the hillock rise that led into the city, which was being guarded by enemy forces. If the tanks got through that line then they had leave to ride straight over them and deep into the cities industrial and commercial areas without significant challenge, especially thanks to the Fire-sprays of the Carlyles lending aid.

The counter-measures began when Sestro was halfway through stepping over a bush, laser fire came from nowhere and immediately Sestro dived for the ground, in the dark and his grey-green armour he pretty much vanished into the undegrowth. The Togorians were not quite as lucky, and it was as much by numbers as anything, there were angry roars and the smell of singed fur. Sestro counted quickly and was surprised to see there was only four sources of the lasers. Perhaps they were sacrificing themselves in order to make other, stronger, enemies, know that there was a subtle force here.

They had to be silenced quickly, taking a risk Sestro bolted upright, judged the direction and let loose with his Rippers at the closest target, he couldn't see the target at first, but a yell and the outline of a falling shape was all he needed to see, the other three were already dead by the sound of it, he stomped over to the corpse of his adversary and emptied a couple more shots into him just to make sure, the corpse didn't even twitch, he had shot true.

He was suddenly aware of the platoon of silent soldiers gazing at him, or their immediate superiors who were looking at him, for orders, 'move it out,' he hissed, and began leading the way. Soon though he sent scouts to see what was going on ahead as the rest of the platoon moved more slowly forwards. Within a minute the first one was back.

'They set fire to a ring of fuel around the station,' the Togorian told him, 'it'll only last ten minutes,'

Sestro bit his lip, they could wait, but it might cost a lot in terms of men in the main assault force, they could use the men and women currently engaged here, 'No, we press on, we'll have to throw earth onto the fire in a small section and charge through it.'

Quickly he gathered the troops and began relaying orders. half the force, including four of his Mandalorians would pound the walls with small arms in order to make the defenders keep their heads down, while the other half went with the risky task of dumping a load of earth of a arc on the circle of fire and charging through, they would take the heavy weapons. Dumping earth seemed ineffective, but with 75 people he was confident that part would take only seconds.

'Execute!' He yelled, and as a beautifully oiled machine half of the force emerged from the trees and began unloading onto the two defense towers facing the platoon with various small arms and RPGs. Sestro had ordered them to knock out the towers if they could, but not to leave up pressure on the walkway which rode on top of the wall. Meanwhile he and the assault group exploded out of the trees yelling and wooping, and each clutching a mound of dirt, in a brief cycle they all started throwing the earth, and then - with only three Togorians down to return fire - they charged.

All the power Junctions were housed inside a walled interior, which in turn was basically a large courtyard filled with a central building, several less important buildings including an armoury, this was a Mandalorian structure after all, and the Junctions themselves which were underground accessed through the central building. The most worrying thing was the defense towers, of which there were four, each defining a corner of the exterior wall.

Here, Sestro ordered that three loads of explosive be set against the wall, and then for the teams to fall back and around to the sides, while the explosives went to work. As they were set and everyone scurried for cover, there were screams and booming noises from overhead as one of the tower was felled. This ran nicely in concert with the three ground-shaking booms of several new entrances for the assault force. Sestro gestured and yelled, and they charged again, into the breaches.

The courtyard was so much rubble and scraps of burning metal. The defenders had clearly fallen back inside, there wasn't much to hide behind out here anyway, a bad place to defend. Through his comn he ordered the vanguard to come forwards.

There main problem for now, was the towers on the other side, who were now free to unleash everything they had on the caught-out attackers. Or they would if they had been allowed to. At least fifteen rockets of various type and calibre trailed and danced their way up to the towers, and then there were two more fireballs in the sky raining down, along with the now topping one behind them.

'Get that door open!' Sestro said through his comn, it was too noisy to yell it.

Their trap backfired on them, when it turned into a trap for them instead. The Mandalore forces that had split from the main group, and had tried to go around the attacking forces, were confronted with Togorian Forces rushing towards their two groups. If they had had better communications with the other forces stationed at Mandalore, perhaps they could have been warned that they had been compromised. Unfortunately, with the mutinies up in space, thanks to Jaren Fett and some others, all they had left was what they had here. On the surface.

Upon seeing the Togorian Forces rushing towards their positions, the Warriors of Mandalore were surprised. Having not heard that the other Clans had made some sort of agreement with the Togorians. But then again, they had been kept cut off from the other clans. Had heard no news since the day the clans had divided. Therefore it was not surprising that they had lacked this intelligence about the Togorians and the Uras/Carlyles.

While they were surprised, they were also excited. Like most Mandalorians, they craved worthy warriors on the battlefield. And the Togorians were indeed worthy fighters. They were honored to battle them on this day.

The Warriors of Mandalore began firing their heavy repeater's in the direction of the togorian forces as they rushed towards them. Then tossed their weapons aside as they drew to close. Switching to melee weapons instead. The Togorians tore through the Mandalorians who had been trying to get behind the attacking forces. However, the Mandalorians put up a good fight before they went down. Believing that if they should die here, they would die with honor. They would have died fighting those who were worthy of their skills.


The Ground Commander for the group on the surface peered through his binoculars. Watching was the attacking forces drew closer and closer to their position. He had had no contact with the groups he had sent to attempt to get around the invading forces. Yet was not surprised. As they had been having trouble getting in touch with the ships above the planet as well.

He was growing more and more concerned about this battle. More so, with the enemy drawing closer to their position. However, he would not give up. And would do all that he and his men under his command could, to protect Mandalore from the enemy.

"Call in reinforcements," He ordered. "We cannot allow them to pass us by."

"There is no one to call. Not unless we pull those who are protecting Mandalore and his home back."

The commander cursed under his breath. He dared not to recall the small forces protecting their leader. Fenn was weak indeed, and not worthy to lead his people. However being the honorable man that he was, the commander stood by his side and continued to fight under his banner. Knowing Fenn had not been taking care of himself, and had taken no interest into what was going on around him, he had to keep those men there.

"Focus all fire power into anything that is not ours, and is within range. Tanks, blaster rifles, grenades. Whatever we have, throw it at them. And do not stop until they are finished!"

The Mandalorian Soldier gave a curt nod, then rushed off to relay the orders. While the commander sat and watched as the last of their active Basilisks fell the ground, defeated. He figured that the snipers as well, were probably done for this battle. Yet held onto hope that some were still in action. They would need them. They needed everything they had to win this battle.

As she exit she to a quick look around and information that flashed crossed her visor. It was then that she took off to the place she had in mind. This after all was her home planet her home town. As she did so, two others went with her, then took her that she need to wait for the one in charge to tell them what to do. She didn't say anything but she knew what she need to do find the high ground before the the other side did. It was then that they had her go with a platoon. There in it she lost herself she knew being the only after a bit making their way, that she started to do what she been train to do as a sniper. She looked at the buildings that they where passing only for a place for her to set up but also, for sniper of the Fenn warriors. It was then that she came to a building that she knew that would be good and that her rifle would be in range.

As she did say she when through a building she knew that it would be a band because of it being so close to the battle ground it self, two of the troops drop off with her. Making it to the top it as she thought it would be it had a ledge just high enough to put to hide her gun. Taking it off her back, she started to set it up. As she got done to and ready all that could be seen was the end of the barrel that blended into the ledge. Looking through her scope now she just waited for the order to be given in her helmet. As she was about to sent out a message to her commander things started to happen quickly. First thing looking through her scope she could see that some of the had broken off from the main forces. That could been bad if know one else had seen them. She knew it was bad to break radio silence she just waited to see if she could hear anything being done about it.

The battle proceeded to plan, rolling out specifically how Mandalore wished. He watched as the Aggressor set alight on the dim screen which lay in the top right corner of the transport. The silence was mind numbing for even the most battle hardened Mandalorian, the calm before the storm.

His fingers traced the visor on his helmet fingers barely touching the surface. His eyes darting from the emotionless steel of the young Mandalorian sat opposite him to the anxious look of the even younger Mandalorian, barely aged 13, they all had there worries, even the veteran, Jaromir. His worry wasn't about dieing, dieing honorless or even lack of action. His worry was the damage that would be dealt to the motherworld. The compact transport carried 20 men, more like a cramped prison cell then a chariot of war.

Mandalore's message was transmitted throughout the invasion forces, the 50th transport ship was no different the Mandalorians all cheered enviously the transport seemingly rocking from the defening roar of the most feared warriors in the galaxy.

Only a moment later the ominous hum of the engines kicks in, kicking out of the hanger Jaromir is sure to peer out of the window, not that he has any other choice looking at the wreckage of the enemy's ships.

Thats another question which puzzled the Mandalorian, after all his battles in this war the enemy have become more and more desperate and the leader only preoccupied with his safety. But these Mandalorians, are they his enemys? No they are his brothers, they must feel the same way.

Pawns in the game of leaders bidding for controll of the Mandalorians, a nasty subject where thousands have died and maybe will die, but a necessary one. He often questioned the purpose of being a Mandalorian, the treacherous thoughts often crawled in his mind. But it was what he was born to do, besides the galaxy would be a better place if the Mandalorians controlled it all.

His thoughts vanished as he still gazed out the window at the long formation of transportation ships, he saw Mandalore's and saluted he was excited his squadron was to join with his.

---

The atmosphere was thick with clouds red beams broke the beautiful scene the transport elegantly swaying from side to side dodging the already bad shots, as they broke from under the clouds they gathered sight of Keldabe , the capital of Mandalore.

The city's vast urban area sprawled across the surface never ending, Jaromir saw the fortress the bastion of dishonor which had been brought onto the Mandalorian name, clenching his helmet and inserting it over his head hearing the hissing, then the click as it locks into place. The atmosphere became more tense as the sound from battle below leaked into the transport.

Jaromir's eyes swarmed the fortress which the main anti aircraft fire was coming from, the maneuvering of the pilot hastened to the point where it felt like a rollercoaster, the helmet started to pick up the squad's comlink and other generic information. He spent a moment just skipping all these advance function and just focusing on the improvement of his sight.

Knocking on the tip of his helmet like a door it springs to life his vision drastically improving, maybe thats how he saw it, the end. Another anti aircraft beam shot through the sky like a firework, but this time the pilot failed to dodge the incoming round..

---

Deafening screeching, light blinding world ending.. Jaromir's world was plunged into darkness, the wing of the transport flew, vanished, ripped.. Gone..

--

Comrades screaming, sucked into the void.. Head, spinning.. Brothers dieing, mission failing.

Fire spreading, engine ceased. Prison released.

Now the void came for him, but a greater presence saved. His lifted spared, for now, void's fury it screamed and pulled but the void knew its time had gone.

Silence ensued, before the boom plunging him into darkness once more.

---

The smell of burning it aroused the warrior back to a state of sub consciousness, his head screaming in pain but his lips refused to move. His honor brought him slowly to his feet, his honor made him continue, his honor made him fight.

After what must of been half an hour the warrior was back to a stable state, not much damage had been inflicted to him just memory loss, shock and confusion. But he soon put this back into place.

He sighed as he looked back at the wreckage of the transport, it landed in the middle of a street, the impact must of ejected him out of what use to be the roof and onto the relatively soft ground, his squad wasn't so lucky. He was the only one who survived.

There were some body's it wasn't a pretty site. Mangled and decapitated from flying metal he muttered some words of respect to his comrades before planing his next course of action, making his way to whats left of the cockpit he is happy to find the main computer still intact, he can use this to find Mandalore's squad and rejoin this epic fight.

With the Junction Station's defences so much twisted metal and fallen masonry, the platoon quickly responded to Sestro's orders. Every man or women with a heavy weapon of some kind: rocket launchers, rocket-propelled grenades, rail guns, mini-torpedo launchers, fired almost all at the same time at the tall door. The ensuing carnage not only blew out the door but a good surrounding chunk of the wall as well, not to mention blowing another hole of the other side of the lobby, which spanned the breath of the building.

Sestro led the way through the smoke and screams, and emerged like something out of an ancestral nightmare, as the few survivors on the other side would later describe him. Unlike most Mandalorians he did not wear a helmet, but the armour alone and the utterly fearless way he strode forwards was somehow cowing to anyone who beheld him as an enemy. However Mandalorians are very reluctant about retreating, and so the battle for the lobby was a bloody, but at least short, conflict.

He next issued orders for the platoon to split, and for half of them, including half of his Mandalorians, to secure the building and keep an eye out for any counter-attacks. He and the rest of them split into two again, and from opposite staircases they pincer-attacked the lower floors, where the generators could be found.

As Sestro had predicted, the remaining defenders were waiting for them, and Sestro had a present for them in the shape of twenty odd grenades. The resulting screams and explosions ('Whoops') heralded the last wave of attacks, this time the defenders were completely mown down.

Sestro knew his soldiers were tired, but there was still more work to do. Giving out orders he told most of the downstairs forces to weed out any remaining defenders and patrol the area. He himself got on the comn,

'Lord Yarto, we have the Junctions under our control.'

Yarto's attention had flitted between the battle on the city outskirt ahead of them and the horde of Togorian attack that was intercepting the defenders flanking action.

Both were suffering no major difficulties. Tamias seemed to be handlin the main assault with restraint and intelligence, avoiding rushing in like could have due to not wishing to cause major harm to any civilians caught out in the open.

" DRIVE OVER 'EM!" Bretti yelled into his communicator within his helmet. The remaining Canderous' - 12 of the original 15, three reactivated Basilisks liberated from the defenders control and the surviving infantry were no right on top of them.

It was a hellish firestorm that blasted apart the light of day, the street blasted apart from many explosives going off, the burning sears of blaster bolts cascading off the hides of the tanks, there were screams from both attacker and defender as shots were traded.

Bretti now drew a side-arm - he knew that the attackers would do their best to mount the tanks and kill their operators.

The Mass-Drivers of ally and foe's tanks fired, and an exploding Canderous reared up and then fell back on its back, catching at least three men under its shadow as it smashed back to earth.

" AIR SUPPORT!?"
" GOT IT VORRISON!"
" URA!"
" SHUT UP!"

The Firesprays, now lacking any opponents that could give them actually trouble, began to swoop low over the battle in groups of five, strafing visible targets.

Now feeling that they shouldn't over-stretch themselves, Bretti yelled out an unexpected order;

" HALT THE TANKS! ORDER THE INFANTRY TO SWEEP THE BUILDINGS AND CLEAR THEM OF ANY AMBUSH ROCKETEERS!"
" Yes sir!"

With that, the tracks of the heavily assaulted assault tanks trundled to a halt as they found good firing positions that covered the streets ahead. Through the small view-hatch, Bretti spotted over the backs of the enemies barricade the shapes of what he expected were civilians, which prompted his next assertive order;

" ALL TROOPS ARE TO REMEMBER OUR COMMANDER-AND-CHIEF'S ORDER CONCERNING CIVILIANS, SECURE THEM AND EVACUATE THEM ONCE CLEAR! OUT!" he said through the secure channels to the C.O's of the battle group infantry.

Grant now looked down on the battle clearly, the ship was repositioned and the fleet that had reasoned with did not attack them which was good.

The Armoured Battle-group was making concentrated progress, and had pushed the defenders back and established a foot-hold in the city outskirt there.

The Main Assault group hadn't advanced as fully as their other comrades but from what he saw, troops were working concertedly in manouver to take out or at least disable the enemies hindering them.

When it came to looking at the attack on the power-junction, a very large flash of an explosion almost blinded him, and he wasn't even down there.

" Jeez Sestro - easy on the pyro, we've want it intact..." he said as he adjusted his glasses after rubbing his eyes.

" Keep to stand-off distance! Use your grenades and blaster rifles to full effect!" Tamias ordered. In his sight, he saw friendly forces rush up the delta of a street that had now filled with bodies and pot-marks from bolt and bomb.

Eventually, he saw a couple of teams of his forces get onto equal elevation with the enemy - they immediately turned their weapons towards the two flanking attacking groups and were mown down by repeater and blaster fire.

" SECURE THAT ELEVATION!.. Lord Yarto! We've secured a position that would be good for snipers!"

" Indeed General, Arlight We'll be there momentarily, out!"
" Lord Yarto, we have the Junctions under our control." an incoming transmission sounded within his helmet as he stood up and made a gesture towards the city and continuing battle. He recognized the rather boisterous tone to be that of Sestro's, and he answered in earnest;
" Well done Commander! Hold that position, make sure the junction control-rooms are secure. We have to hold them for when we get to the citadel, I have a feeling thats where Rysha will use as his last bolt hole! Out!"

Now Yarto and his sniper comrades sprinted down the rise and towards the battle across the plain, employing their training of endurance as they taught.

"Base to Mandalore fleet, come in."

A silent pause. Well, not so silent. Not with battle waging upon their planet, and hopefully above as well. The static and the lack of response from their fleets had the Elite Mandalorian Warrior worried. He doubted their enemy brothers had wiped out what they had above. Just as he doubted that they would surrender. A Mandalorian never surrendered. They fought to the death.

What concerned him was the rumblings of betrayal that had been going on for the past several weeks. Someone had been stirring trouble on Mandalore. However they had not yet figured out who. And to make things more difficult, Mandalore seemed not to care.

He tried once more, to contact one of the ships. Yet it was to no avail. Grumbling under his helmet he pushed his way pass two warriors who had been sent to assist in guarding where Rysha had stashed himself, and went into the room.

"Lord Mandalore, contact with the fleets have been severed. The enemies ground forces are drawing near. We must proceed to the citadel immediately."

When Mandalore failed to give any sort of response, the Warrior had to fight the urge to strike the man himself, and then drag him out. He knew that their leader had grown weak and self serving. Having not done a single thing to help those who had remained on Mandalore. Having done nothing to regain their honor. Only thinking of himself and his own honor. Yet even still they had done nothing. No one on Mandalore had challenged Fenn Rysha. Believing before that no one there was ready to lead them. Only to see now that anyone would be better than Rysha.

That matter would have to be dealt with after this though. They would guard Rysha. Push the enemy back and away, and then deal with this problem themselves. Not wanting those dishonorable and traitorous kath hounds to challenge Mandalore. In his opinion, they were not worthy.

First things first though. They had to get Rysha out of here. But carrying him out was out of the question. Therefore the Elite Warrior and personal guard would have to trick Mandalore into leaving this dump and going to the citadel.

"Lord Mandalore. I insist that we leave here, now. Before we are overwhelmed. Should we make it to the citadel perhaps we can lure them into a trap of our own making, and you can defeat he who is leading the assault yourself."

Rysha was silent for a moment, then gathered his weapons and got to his feet. The Guard barely could contain the sigh of relief, as Mandalore walked out of the room. While the other Elite Guards followed their leader, the head guard ordered two warriors to suit up in the spare Elite Guards Armor, and told them to remain behind. Hoping it would buy them some time, if the attackers assumed that Rysha was still in his home.

With those orders out, he hurried to assist in escorting Lord Mandalore Rysha to the citadel.



Those who could, had fled the city. Most of them being the injured, the sick. Children and their mothers. As well as those who refused to fight for Fenn Rysha. While they had remained on Mandalore, they did not consider that man as Mandalore. While those who had not taken the time to flee, remained behind in their homes. Hoping that a rocket or something worse did not fall upon them.

Some buildings held snipers as well as others who were still loyal to Mandalore. Abandoned vehicles littered the city streets. For the most part the streets were clear of lifeforms. Say for the occasional squad here and there. Set up with various sorts of whatever heavy artillery they managed to get their hands onto.

Their tanks and basilisks were out of commission. So far as they could tell. They had been trying to call in for air support, yet it was to no avail. Leaving them to believe that the enemy had overwhelmed them in space. Which meant warriors were all that they had left.

However they tried not to worry just yet. Many of those who had survived had retreated back, when the enemy attackers had closed in on the city outskirts. They had set up snipers and other shooters in various buildings. Squads here and there. However a majority waited behind where the Mandalore Warriors had set up.

Preparing their ambush on the attackers...

It would not be a large ambush. A few vehicles, which were being brought out of the garage near the citadel. Seventy-five warrior men and women. Then, at the citadel itself, A couple squads of Mandalore Warriors, Elite Guards, and Mandalore himself.

Those who were in the city just needed to thin out the invading forces numbers, and wear them out for the ambush to come. Which would have been much easier if they could get in touch with the fleet above and get that air support.

The defenders were in complete disarray, Jaromir watched enviously but cautiously on the data being fed to him by his helmet, Jaromir was a smart Mandalorian, as they blindly ran into the heavy fire Jarmoir waited, for his time to strike, because without his squad he is, well not useless but more like a thorn in the side then a weapon.

The Firesprays bombardment was like an orchestra or so it was to Jaromir's mind it was sweet music to his ears, each strum of the bow was one step closer to the climax the end and then he comes to the dim reality that even in his patience he needs to carve his way into history too.

Rising to his feet his carefully picking his gun up as it was a delicate baby in his firm arms. His analysis of the enemy's fall back was proved true, he picked his spot carefully. There lines were well put up but Mandalore's team was behind him, somehow and Jarmoir needed to cut off other defences and alert the defenders elsewhere making it easy for the break through.

Making his way through the streets it was obvious he had crashed behind enemy lines, if you dare call them that. It must of been very stretched, Jaromir maybe was a tactical genius but it didn't take one to realise that the concentrated invasion forces would soon break through and encircle or move forward.

Jarmoir's intelligence was a blessing and a curse, his in-depth thoughts could lead him to victory and walking into a machine gun. But now wasn't the time for thought he had enough time, this was the time for action !

Running down the empty streets moving left to right he breaks down the door into an apartment block, he started to run up the stairs to the roof he makes his way to personally observe the positions of the enemy.

---

Why did he debate technology? Maybe because at the battle of Althir the breakdown of technology made his men lose there bearings. He knew what he was doing but his commander didn't, that's why some died because of the desperation and the lack of consideration to his men. That disgusted Jaromir, but he shall never speak bad of the dead who served even if it was not to his expectations.

He watched the battle progress, the reserves slowly coming to the front, how to break them.. How to divert them, how to save time.. Save lives, being a warrior is a difficult job its not what people belived, even some Mandalorians dont know there role or how to fully do there 'job'. A warrior isnt just a killer, he is a crusader, a visionary, a builder, inspires hope and fear, not just a murderer he fights for something, not a barbarian but a simple politician.

The lights reminded him of fireworks bringing him back to his childhood, but never had he focused so much on the lights that slowly demolished the capital. Looking from street to street he see's several damaged Basalisk war droids discarded over the once flat road. That road lay silent, but maybe Jarmoir could make some use of them, he could see the supplies being brought by the men from the fortress, yes blasters could stand months without charging but rockets and anti tank weaponary was much more expensive, and deadly.

There was another, obstical the enemy was fortifying an awkward building at the cross section of a road which the invading forces might attack through or not. Attacking this bunker would not only draw men away from the main fight but lose a good thirty to fourty and only hasten the retreat.

But he was not an army not anymore, just a single man. Leaving that building he progresses down the graveyard of the street stepping over scraps of war droids untill reaching one which seemed to be in, a perculiarly good condition for it to crash. The only problem was the bottom set of wings were blown away and the obviously new pilot had no controll over his veichle.

---

The Basalisk was admirably small for such a large warrior, it made him smile as the console activated "Mandalorians, best damn tech- well, best damn everyhing" he laughed at his own joke but his stomach turned as he sat on the blood drenched seat saluting the broken corpse that lay out of the veiwing screen.

>>: Acsess granted.
>>: Status Report

The screen started to scroll through a long list of functions now lost or damaged to itself, Jarmoir didnt care about any of these fuctions except for the fact it can hover move at low speeds and some other 'special functions'.

Starting the engine was the first big challenge they were both damaged but after the churning sound of the engines trying to ignite the deafening sound of war outside is all but silenced by the reactivation of one of the most deadly warriors in an equaly as deadly machine.

It had been along time since he had flew one of these mighty charriots, too long. But in the end they were tools, they must be used as such. The Basalisk didnt like its new life, brought back from death didnt appeal to the machine but it did its job. Just like the invasion, the Mandalorians didnt like it but they followed orders.

Shakeily it made its way down the street trying to force its master to let it die once more, but it didnt have to worry it wouldnt live for long.

---

Commander, take alook at this. The Mandalorian stuttered ushering his superior over, it doesnt take long for him to pick the problem out.

"A Basalisk? Damn, we need more AT munitions make the order, now." the messenger nodded and ran off to make the call, the Basalisk had opened fire on the bunker, was this Mandalorian blind or stupid? It was making no impact on the walls and it could shoot directly into the entrence, but he didnt want to take chances.

"Make that munition ASAP, the rest of you open fire. Try and weaken its sheilds, let them know that we are still here, still fighting still loyal !" The troops cheered half heartedly opening fire on the injured Basalisk, even though it was dieing by the second its sheilds blocked the bombardment.. It sat there motionless with a trigger happy captain not hitting a thing.

*Quater of an hour later*

The commander sighed in relive the munitions were here, there was no way the Basalisk could open fire on the heavily armoured transport, it was trapped and now it had to surrender, or die.

He smiled to himself seeing the Basalisk attain the surrendering position by 'rolling' onto its back sheilds lowering, the captain wondered of the pilots intention as his comrades from the munitions craft slowly peeked out from there protecting cover.

The commander nodded as he realised what was happening he silenced the baffled troops with a hand as he watched the drama unfold. The two engines were released from its hold one hanging over each side of the destroyed titan.

"Commander, whats happening?" One of the younger troops asked curiously his eyes squinted focusing on the engines that slowly rotated as if cameras, or crosshairs.

"I dont know, maybe the pilot has gone insane.. War does that to a man, okay squad A go retrive him and I will o-" the commander was interupted by a loud screach off one of his comrades, "Look out!!"

---

The beast served its master well, dieing an honourable death or so the enemy thought. The drop to the floor was slow and only hunched Jaromir further into his seat, his next move only being the more critical to survival. With the engines slowly rotating the enemy just stood there idle, like ducks. This was good, because tonight the meal was roasted duck and the sauce was blood.

Maybe they realised but realised too late the engines was the weapon, the accelerator the final breath.. Jaromir's head read upside down the message off the screen as he pushed his foot down on the accelerater
"Warning, danger engine heat capacity exceeded."

The engines were only connected to the Basalisk by a thin wire that could barely hold its weight as it is dangled upside down, the pressure on the accelerater pushed and broke the restraints, the last barrier. Then finaly, the beast died the computer ceased to work as the fireing rockets broke free.

Wood, rubber, metal, stone.. Basic things in creating a defence, the bastion to hold the enemy back from the prize, the jewel of the defender the loot of the enemy, built to withstand all that stood against it. He was sure from all they had experianced they never thought an engine would be propeled at them, not a chance.

Nothing left, they were vaproised by the sheer heat of the weapon cracking through the wall it exploded leaving only rubble behind, but a far greater explosion took place when the second 'rocket' hit the muntions transport reacting with the heavily explosive material it was sure to create an impact, sure to split the defences.

Jarmoir hid from the sheer force of the blast the radiation of heat he could feel on his skin, even as the armour protected it.

Crawling out hastily of the remenents of his steed he hastily runs down the now empty street and hides again, waiting for the right time to return to the fray, the adrenaline still pumping he waits unhappily but he was a hawk waiting for his prey to make a false move and be swiftly destroyed.

Mirlade stay with the main force through the city until they reached a point where she started to look for the high ground to get a bird one and a good place to set up shop then her fun could begin. Her sniper rifle didn't do to good in a ground combat, knowing that she needs to get off the ground, before they got into more of the heat of the battle that seem to be that their force over taking the small Ryasa forces.

They was at a point of a stop, not for long this was her chance going up to her O.C. "Sir, I would like to request to recon to get higher ground to set up shop, sir." then she waited for him to respond to her request.

"Private, request granted, take three privates with you." with that the commander turn to the task at hand. Mirlade taking three with her that she pulled out. She when to one of the building that she had been eying now for a while. Nodding to the three of them, they understood that that she wanted the building taken so she could be on the roof. Taking her blaster to help the best she could, she was a trained sniper not taking buildings as she quickly enter they started from the ground up, there wasn't much their in the building like it had been gone through and they left in a hurry. Their was a few t