Camouflage watches the pair in growing frustration. Jedi get too many fool ideas. Was she really planning on assassinating the general WITHOUT TELLING ANYONE !? He considers whether he should say anything, and decides he shouldn't butt in. Yet. He glances at Jorin without turning his head, realizing the kid can probably sense his frustration. Kid seems to always know what I'm feeling. Right now, this just makes him more irritated. His thoughts are supposed to be his own . He wants to make the most of this intel, and he's worried that premature action can shabiir this whole osik'la mess. I'm tired. Exhaustion makes you sloppy. And grumpy. He turns back to the datapad, panning the information and failing to absorb any of it while keeping an ear on the conversation.

With it seemingly resolved, he turns back as Ker'see starts to leave. "Get an encrypted comm. You don't want to be traced, so you'll have to maintain comm silence but it'll let you call in your position if things go haywire and you need exfil."

Mireska sighed in relief at Ker'see's compromise. Thank the Force!

She turned to Cody, Camouflage, and Jorin.

"I realise that it's not an ideal situation, but we need to figure out how to capitalise on this. Any suggestions?"

Asked for his opinion, Camouflage decides to be blunt. "Not yet. What I do know is that we have a loose cannon out of communication with headquarters. We can't know when she'll hit him, or even if she'll succeed. If she's ambushed or they jam her comm, we may not even know she's been taken out or if she just hasn't taken the shot yet. If she fails, it could jeopardize our entire defense. We can't count on her success in planning our operations."

Mireska rubbed her forehead. Then I can only hope that she survives, along with her team.

"Duly noted, Lieutenant," she replied. "Let's look at those enemy 'big guns', and see if we can arrange a successful sabotage mission of some sort. Or would you recommend that the CIS shield generator be the priority target?"

His attention refocused on the task at hand, the ARC relaxes marginally, scanning the map absently as he considers the general's question. "The shield generator. Our biggest advantage is the chokepoints and our artillery. Their shield could negate that advantage entirely, and we would likely be completely overrun, whether or not the General succeeds. It should be our priority target. Ideally, we could synchronize our strikes while the battle is ongoing, causing maximum chaos by disrupting their chain of command and removing their shield at the same time. This is not an option though."

He leans back from the table, irritated again, and tries to judge the advantages of waiting for the Separatists to commit their forces against the convenience of taking out the shield on their own time table...

"I think we should take out the shield once they have deployed. They'll have less protecting it and their forces will already be committed in an order of battle expecting the cover of their shield. If I'm wrong , and they don't use the shield as a crawling cover for their advancing forces, we'll know and be able to divert to strike at their artillery, though our opportunity to strike at their vehicles will be lost. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to strike at their artillery after hitting the shield, but that is a best-case scenario. Once we hit the shield, they'll know we're there if they didn't already and any remaining troops in their headquarters will probably come down on us like a ton of bricks necessitating a quick evac."

Camouflage closes his eyes and tilts his head back, knowing that there is some detail he's forgetting... Osik. That's it. "New wrinkle. Based on my read of their general, he'll be on the frontline. In his tank. Ker'see will probably have to target him before he joins the forces, so she'll almost certainly be done before the clankers are committed, one way or another."

After gathering her rifle and dropping off excess gear Ker'see met with her squad in the garage.

"Hello Squad," she greeted. "I know we haven't worked together often but we've got a mission inline with my skills. We are to be taking out a separatist general from long distance. Squad, you will be my spotters and support. We are going to BARC close to the area and proceed on foot to the location. We haven't got a location in place, yet, so we'll have to find a place to camp until we can find our target. We are going to be on radio silence. CT-2999, you'll be my second. Get you gear together meet back here, you have 10 minutes."

The CTs quickly went to retrieve their gear.

"I'm hope they are up for this..." started Ker'see looking down and remembering The Duchess was staying back for this one.

10 hours ago, P-47 Thunderbolt said:

Camouflage closes his eyes and tilts his head back, knowing that there is some detail he's forgetting... Osik. That's it. "New wrinkle. Based on my read of their general, he'll be on the frontline. In his tank. Ker'see will probably have to target him before he joins the forces, so she'll almost certainly be done before the clankers are committed, one way or another."

Sometimes, I feel that we never get a break. Mireska sighed.

"Then the best overall target would still be the shield, so that it can't be used to cover their advance." She looked glumly at the map on the holo-table. "But we would either have to commit what would be way too many soldiers - with the accompanying nightmarish casualties - or be a lot more sneaky about it."

Mireska paused, absentmindedly tapping her finger tips against the edge of the holo-table.

"Maybe some sort of decoy manoeuvre in another part of our theatre of operations? It would require very tight operational security, not to mention fast exfils for all concerned. It's unfortunate that Condor is not available; he's a good pilot."

"Fortunately, General, 'sneaky' is what my men and I do best. This op is pretty much what we do. Some of the context is different, but infiltrating enemy lines and blowing their... stuff up," he tactfully rephrases, "is our specialty. As for a distraction, they will hopefully be completely focused on their advance. All we need to do is get past their lines unnoticed, pass through the shield, get to the generator, plant charges, get clear, and blow it up before they can defuse or remove the explosives. Their advance should handle the distraction."

He chuckles, "I'm no sunny optimist. I know that's a best case scenario. I'm just not sure we've got any better options. We don't have the forces to spare to mount much of a distraction, and any major feint could doom our defense to failure, whether we succeed or not and especially if we fail."

He appears to stare fixedly at the map, but inside his helmet his eyes are flicking their gaze across the table, taking in every street and objective, searching for something to give them an edge or distraction. "General... I'm open to any suggestions, but I can't see any distractions that wouldn't jeopardize our defense, but would also be enough to draw their forces away or make them ignore an attack on the shield. They're bound to have defenders, and the instant we're spotted they'll divert as many forces as they think they need and can afford to assure that we're stopped. No distraction we can muster will be enough to stop that."

"Then, Lieutenant, let's give you and your men the chance to blow ... stuff ... up," Mireska said with a smile. Then she added: "But I'm going to make your job either easier or more difficult, depending on your priorities: Jorin and I will join you on this mission. While we don't necessarily have the same competencies as you, we can improve your survival chances. For one thing, I'm far more effective than a stimpack."

Jorin could feel the turmoil from Camouflage.. almost a small vortex of frustration and suspicion, but It was clamped down before growing large enough to be sensed as more than stress when dealing with combat. Jorin had felt something like this a few times when outside the temple, when some people found out he was a Jedi. Master Vanta explained that while many beings in the galaxy respected the Jedi, not all of them trusted them not to abuse some of their abilities when it came to influencing or other mind tricks that take away a beings free will. He willed himself not to look toward the Lieutenant and refocus his own attention to the map.

As the discussion turned towards a stealth entry to cover for Master Ker'see.. Somehow getting around the advancing shield.. Air support is limited, can't go over .. Their forces would deploy to intercept..same with charging straight through.. Wait, maybe if... They walk over us! Jorin blurted out.

Why are Jedi so intent on getting their fool heads blown off? No, I'm irritable. I'm too tired. I need sleep. "Yes, General. I reckon you are. Apologies for my bluntness, Jedi, but you two are not especially stealthy. We need to get in undetected, and while there are no guarantees - especially not in war - my men and I are trained for these operations. Stealth is our watchword. The whole operation would likely be blown if we are seen before we want to be seen and the two of you make that more likely, simply by being two more warm bodies. We may be able to get through anyway, it'll just make things more difficult." Feeling it might be good to be somewhat diplomatic, he adds, "If we are spotted, having Jedi might make things easier."

When Jorin interjects, he turns, surprised at the simplicity of it. "That could work. Shadow, come here." The clone dutifully walks over, and the ARC tells him what to look for.

After ten minutes the CTs return, weapons and packs available.

"We are taking 4 BARCs, two each to a vehicles and I'll take one on my own. Jedi Mireska gave me a rough location as to where our target will be. We are going to be getting close on our BARCs before proceeding on foot. We may come into conflict with enemy forces so make you are ready for a fight."

The Jedi got on her BARC followed by her squad.

"Okay, squad, let's go!"

"Sewers, other underground utility networks, or maybe public transit tunnels?" Mireska mused. "That's definitely an idea, Padawan. Good thinking!" She patted Jorin on the shoulder and gave him an approving smile.

... Although I really hope that we don't end up going through the sewers. That would be extremely unhygienic!

Jorin turned to Camouflage, How long do you need to ready the men?

"Not long, Commander, since we just got back from our recon mission. But the droid attack won't be until tomorrow, judging by the intel we picked up. We need to hit the shield generator after they have deployed, and it'll be easier to insert once they've mostly cleared out. Fewer eyes around." Camouflage hesitates, then adds, "And... we've been active all day, Commander. We're not going to be at a hundred percent until we've had some sleep. Exhaustion makes us sloppy, and we can't sustain ourselves like Jedi can."

"That's a very good point, Lieutenant," Mireska said. "We must all be aware of our health, both our own and that of those around us. Speaking of which, may I assist you with some small healing, so that you'll sleep more comfortably tonight? I've noticed that you're not moving quite as easily as normal."

Jorin mentally kicked himself, he should have realized before saying it. Yes, of course... Sorry Lieutenant, have the men resupply then get some sleep. We'll draw up the plan in the morning.

He waves off Mireska's concern, "Armor took the hit, just some minor bruising. I'll be fine after a good night's rest. Thanks anyway, General."

He nods to Jorin and pats him on the shoulder, "Yes sir, Commander. Shadow, take your notes and let's pack it in. Busy day tomorrow..."

The clone nods, tapping out a couple more notes on the datapad and scanning the map over once more before turning away. "Yes sir... I've got a couple possible locations noted."

Camouflage walks out of the command center and sends the rest of his squad to finish cleaning and maintaining their kit, then get some rest.

Mireska yawned discreetly behind her hand.

"Bedtime for all, even Healers and Padawans. Come on Jorin, back to 'Jedi country'!"

With Ker'see in front she leads her squad across the crystalline planes of Christophsis. A silence hung over the group as the squad quietness matched that of the general. The Devaronian mused on her rifle and was still sad to have left her bow behind. It felt strange strapped over her shoulder but she had been trained to use any rifle, this one shouldn't be any different.

You'll have to take you time with shots, echoed spanners voice in her mind.

I know Spanner, can you just remove the grip and put a Bipod on, please? I'm in a bit of a rush.

Of course you are, you're a Jedi. Can't sit still.

Despite the grouchiness of the mechanic he wasn't a bad soul and Ker'see would thank him properly when the rifle proved useful.

Seeing a natural bluff in the landscape Ker'see allows herself an indulgence and says into her comm: "Match this troopers!" She revs up to highest speed and attempts the leap. She brings it down carefully with quite a bit of grace and turns to see if her squad copies her.

"Good leap, General," says CT3000 in a clipped tone.

"Not sure if we could make that one," adds CT-3002.

Ker'see if quiet for a moment before saying: "I guess I haven't spent much time with you, troopers. Stick with me and I'll make you the best sniper squad in the whole GAR!"

The squad whoops and once the barrier is down they all take easily enough about recent developments in the war.

Hours pass before they get close to their destination. Ker'see finds a high cliff and meditates on the separatist in front of her. After a moment she opens her eye frustrated. "The force isn't with me..." she quietly says to herself before turning to her squad. "We are doing this on foot from here squad. We'll use our skills and talents to find a place rather than depend on the force."

Led by Ker'see the squad start to hide the bikes where they can.

Leading the squad to a suitable sniper nest she sets down her pack and rifle and stretches. "Settle in, troopers," she orders. "I want two volunteers for the first watch."

CT-3003 and CT 3004 take their rifles in hand and put themselves into watch position.

"Thank you."

The next morning, as the Separatists are preparing for their advance on the Republic garrison, Camouflage, Varactyl squad, and the two Jedi set out into the sewers.

Based on Ghost's analysis, they picked out a couple likely locations along the route, eventually deciding on one that would give them the best cover for attacking the enemy forces

They move as quickly as they can, single file, towards the droid lines. Camouflage leads the way, using the enhanced optics of his helmet to pierce through the gloom and look out for obstacles. Anakkona brings up the rear of the line, though that position doesn't do much in a situation like this.

Before long, they reach the advancing droid lines, freezing in position as they hear the loud, clanking, crunching footsteps of the droids and the steady hum of repulsorlifts just above their heads. Following Ghost's map, they then make their way to a side street, exiting one by one through a manhole cover and making a mad dash for the cover of the buildings on either side of the street, ready to advance down the line as the droids guarding the shield generator come marching through. As they wait, Camouflage gives the rest some "orders" on how to approach it. "They probably have a tank towing the generator. We need to wait until it has passed this street before we start attacking. I'm going to scout out the route, I have a hunch." He moves towards the street in quick dashes, looking up and down carefully before running back to the group. "They've got LR-57s positioned... here and here on the route." he says, pointing to a couple spots on the map. "They're like mines except that when you step on one, a big clanker comes up and tries to blast your head off, rather than an explosion that blasts your legs off."

Soon, they hear the approaching column. He hears the rolling of droidekas and sighs audibly, "That's not good. You hear that pattern? They've got four. Two advancing, then stopping while the others advance, then stop, wash, rinse, repeat. This makes things more difficult. General, Commander, you're the best equipped to deal with them." He goes on to outline good methods for dealing with Droidekas and then gives his men their marching orders. "We won't be able to get through their shields, so we're going to clear out their infantry. Based on the footsteps, I'm guessing Supers. We need to do it quickly so we can take on that tank, but we can't go for the tank while the infantry is out there. If the top hatch is open, I'm going to try for the tactical droid anyway... Get ready..."

Ghost nudges Jorin, "You ready kid? I'll race ya."

Havoc chucks his commander on the shoulder, "Scrap those droidekas and, well, I'd offer you a drink but you're a bit young for that."

The droid column comes into view, walking past the side street without noticing the clones and their Jedi. The tank inches past the street and Camouflage signals with his hand, starting the attack.

Camouflage is glad to see that the top turret is open, with the tactical droid providing a well-silhouetted target. The ARC trooper lets his training and his adrenaline take over as he sprints down the street full speed, blazing away with his pistols as soon as the tactical droid turns its head in his direction. The brilliant blue bolts tear into the droid's torso and it flops over the edge of the AAT. As the first of the droids begin to return fire, he leaps up onto the tank's sponson, then jumps and grabs the weapons outrigger. He clambers up on top of the tank and starts to move towards the open turret as his allies charge in behind him.

Mireska's droideka starts to turn to target Camouflage, leaving it exposed to her attack.

Mireska started moving in the direction of the nearest stationary droideka, preparing to use the Force to leap where necessary, when she suddenly realised that she was about to step into the trigger zone of a half-buried LR-57. The urgent need to side-step threw her momentarily off-balance, wasting some few precious seconds. Gathering the Force to herself again, she successfully leapt over the intervening terrain and landed right beside her target.

Time to dance again. Let's hope that I remember the moves correctly ...

Mireska took a deep breath in an attempt to centre herself, then struck at the droideka with her emerald blade - only to have it skitter off the edge of the droideka's shield. However, she did notice a certain rhythm to the droid's motion.

"Jorin, use the droid's movement to your advantage!" she shouted at him.