"As I said earlier, the purple bands don't necessarily mean that the troops we saw are from the remnants of the 501st legion--in fact, it's doubtful they are, as they were mostly disbanded after the Battle of Endor. I heard that one of the Chiss actually refounded them, though, so that might be of interest...
"In any case, the 501st were the best of the best from their conception to their disbandment. They fought all over the galaxy, starting at the very first clone op--Geonosis--and they served as the prime strike force of the Republic during the Clone Wars, always involved in the most dangerous ops and the deadliest fights. They were at most of the big battles people remember from the Clone Wars--Kashyyk, Utapau, lots of places. By the end of it, they'd done more in the name of the Emperor than any other battalion... Which led to the next bit of service.
"The 501st had served under the Jedi General Anakin Skywalker throughout much of the early Clone Wars, so when he turned to become Darth Vader, they served under him then, too. He personally led them in Operation Knightfall--the massacre of the Jedi on Coruscant--and from there, went on to keep working as his personal task-force. Got so good, they were known as 'Vader's Fist,' and they went all over the galaxy forging the Empire.
"Up 'til this point, they were all original Fett clones, even after the rebellion on Kamino, but Vader started bringing in the best and brightest that other battalions had to offer, strengthening his personal soldiers. They served admirably throughout the Rebellion, and like I said, they were disbanded after the Battle of Endor when the main Empire fell.
"Now, like I said, I don't believe all those boys we saw are 501st, but the bands mean they have that level of precision and ability. And they were all clones. If Danaten has that kind of pull, if they've got soldiers of that caliber, I don't envy the fools who take a fight to them--at least not on the ground. And I'm telling you now that I won't face them myself. I'm not 501st, never was--too individual, and I did even more covert ops--but those clones are still my brothers, and I did fight alongside the 501st on Kamino. I don't want to have to put my brethren down again."
"Certainly, Lord Braun. We have no wish to establish a fragile Empire, the Lady Mirianna can co-exist peacefully with your people - providing assistance as requested." Karval nods affirming that certainly they can try to assist.
"Another way we can prove our good faith is that..." Karval pauses, before adding sincerely; "We heard that Taintus was looking for the research conducted by Adam Cortel in your systems during the occupation by the last regime. Now, we both have a common enemy Taintus."
"Taintus worked for Vader, hunting down Jedi. He now commands his secret forces, which probably includes the 501st. Currently he has the greatest military threat in the galaxy." Karval informs both Darius and the Ambassador. "Fortunately, he has only sent some troops to the station. Could we breech a reactor? Create a leak so everyone will abandon ship? I have no wish to hurt the civilians there.... but the leaders and troops...."
"Now we need to contact Tavoes and Lady Mirianna.... for their council." the Mandolorean looks to the others, to see if this is apt.
He looks to Zaleos with a wink; "Is that acceptable Lord Zaleos, to open a frequency to Commander Tavoes?"
Then turns to the others laying out a military problem with advisors; "We want to minimise the civilian casualties, superstructure damage whilst removing the fanatics." he pauses; "A wetwork team could try and sabotage the air supply - or if a slicer managed to set the radiation alarm?" he ponders.
Zaelos, his mind lost in thought, nods in response. "Yes, by all means Karval. I believe Taevos must be informed of these...troubling developments."
Karval looks to the Ambassador for confirmation, in no way would he wish to offend the Nobles pride. Once it's given, he'll tap on the ship's other comm.
Braun seems a bit perplexed. "I know nothing of the name Adam Cortel. If he was here in our space it was without the knowledge of the Chiss government. Perhaps the Danaten rebels no more. I do agree we have common enemies and though most of the Aristocracy doesn't like working with you, I and the minority have convinced them we have no other choice if we are to survive. Seek the Council of your leaders. I will await your word."]
The image of Braun fades out. You spend some time trying to establish connection with Tavoes. Eventually you get a hold of him. Tavoes's image walks up and greets you. "I hope you bring good news, we certainly need some right now."
Zaelos sighs then begins, "Commander I must say this report is a mixed bag of news. Best I start from the beginning..." He details all of the events since they last spoke, detailing the defeat of Darth Night, the discovery of Taintus's involvement with the Danaten rebels, and the new Alliance with the Aristocracy.
He concludes, "We have also discovered plans of an imminent attack by Taintus on the Empress' fleet at Bakura, although I cannot verify the accuracy of this information." He pauses for a moment to allow someone else to chime in, if they want.
Karval looks to the others before addressing the image; "We have some, firstly.... we have managed to recruit a great new soldier. Experienced and Officer material. Darius...." he pauses and looks to the man.
Taintus listens carefully and considers a moment before speaking. "Seems your information is flawed to an extent. An attack IS in fact imminent on Bakura but not from Taintus. The blasted Rebel Alliance has caused an uprising on her ladyship's homeworld and we have recently received reports that the alliance is preparing a massive offensive on Bakura. We are currently pulling every available resource to quell the uprising and restore order to Bakura before the Rebellion fleet arrives. If we cannot secure the planet then the rebels will have an easy time landing more reinforcements on the world. If we loose Bakura, we lose in all. Even if the Empress escapes, her reputation will be tarnished and enlistment rates will drop. This battle will decide her fate in the galaxy as well as our own."
He paces considering further. "An alliance with the Aristocracy wasn't what was originally planned. The Empress had hoped to conquer that space in due time but having an ally at our flank would prove more beneficial in the long term and even the short term. All in all I agree to this alliance and rather than have you return here, I want you to assist the Aristocracy in taking the station. I highly encourage using those Malaki people who helped you take your destroyer on the station. They seem exceptionally dangerous in tight quarters and are large enough in number to spare. Plus they may leave a positive impression on their Chiss hosts. I also have additional strategic advice, hit the capital ships first, Danaten is run by members of the old order of imperials which mean they are highly reliant on their leadership and any flagships present will likely hold them. Destroy those first if possible, bring every ship you have, take the station completely, and the remaining forces should surrender. To destroy the flagship you should have the Chiss send their fleet in first and draw the attention of the Danaten fleet, Chiss value their leaders in the rear so after a good hour, you approach from behind. Be quick and be precise and you should be able to win with two destroyers and a handful of primitives. Once the station is taken and the flagship destroyed, demand their surrender from the station comms and that should work. If they do not surrender then they will still be suffering from the loss of leadership and become disorganized and reckless, the loss of ships will be higher but not as bad as it could be. With surrender the Aristocracy will have a better able fleet to defend itself from Taintus and send some to our own aid. Once the battle is done you must return to Bakura IMMEDIATELY. Now, do you understand everything I have said and do you have any questions?"
The news of Mirianna's home-planet is shocking, causing Karval to exclaim; "Will we be able to liberate Danaten and get back in time to help?" his words are virtually rhetorical.
He then listens to the commander outline a plan of attack, quickly realising why the man is a genius. Compared to his own macro-scale idea's it's a comprehensive battle-plan.
"Yes, the Aristocracy will fall quite soon on their own due to natural atrophy and pride. Then the Empress can swoop in - claiming to be a benevolent liberator, given her role as an ally and protector." Karval adds; "Agreed upon the Malakai people, with advanced weapons that we have in abundance - they should be a force capable of taking on Taintus' forces." He outlines what they have learnt of the troopers.
"Do we have the capability to outflank the Danaten Leaders Capital ships?" Karval asks; "I don't believe Taintus' troops would surrender, but do they have any suicide or cortex bombs?" he wonders.
That seemed like quite the introduction from Karval." When introduced, Darius steps in the sight-line of the comm. "Commander, I am Darius Lucien. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to serve the Empress."
After listening to the Commander's attack plan, Darius responds, [b]"Very effective approach. I look forward to meeting you in person."
Darius continues to listen to Karval's questions and the commander's responses. While taking in the conversation he begins to think to himself, I should start making modifications to my standard equipment so that I'll be better prepared for battle. I'm not much for ship to ship battles but I need to be ready for taking on Taintus' troops.
Zaelos nods slowly after Darius finishes his introduction. "Thank you, Commander. Your advice is sound and we will coordinate with the Aristocracy forces to capture Danaten Statio." He pauses for a moment before adding, "Rest assured we will make EVERY effort to rejoin you as quickly as possible...but I have a feeling Taintus will take steps to prevent that from occurring. Still, better us than the Empress' fleet as you already have your hands full. In any event, good luck Commander, and may the Force be with you."
"Is there any other questions, or advise we can get from the genius general?" the Mandolorean warrior knows the severity of the situation and doesn't want to coast into another failure. "Any way of demoralising or reducing the forces upon the station itself? We know how good soldiers they are. Could we break into they security, or do we know of Cortel's weaponry?" He then realises, that was their mission - although it may seem as if the Aristocracy know little of the exact facility.
"I will head back to the Malakai and coordinate the efforts with them. Good luck, and stay safe. The chances of peace in this galaxy any time soon may rest on your hands." With that, Na'soth takes his final leave, and grabs a shuttle to head back to Malaki.
The Commander nods. "When you attack the flagship, keep both destroyers to one side, one up and one bellow. Launch all fighters and hold no reserves, tell fighters to keep to one side also and keep any enemy fighters off your ships. By Chiss design, this will render half of the capital ships firepower null. When storming the station. Send as many marines or Malakai as you have landing craft. Make sure they are separated into kill teams. I do not have the schematics for the station so I do not know the vital areas, you must use your own judgement on this. Places most appropriate to secure would be, in order of importance, the reactor, environmental systems, the hanger, the command deck, the medical center, the storerooms and armories, and lastly the barracks. Those are the most important targets on the station and all must be subdued to claim total control of the station. Living quarters are unimportant and are best ignored."
Tavoes looks at you sternly. "I see you still have Cortel on your minds. You best put those thoughts out for the time being until the Alliance and Taintus are defeated. Cortel is no longer a current concern. We have to focus on the enemies before us lest they do us in. Now, with those tactics you should be able to succeed but they are not foolproof." He paces a bit.
He then nods. "This is a good move. An alliance with the Aristocracy. Mirianna can ill afford to fight a war on two fronts. If the station is captured and the Chiss surrender we will have a strong ally at our backs. We can hold long enough for your attack but do not dawdle about. Enlist the aid of the Malaki and Chiss and return to Bakura immediately. Make sure your men rest up on the voyage. They will need it. If we can win at Bakura, we will have struck a vital blow to the alliance and prove to the rest of the imperial remnant that Mirianna is a capable leader and a force to be reckoned with. Go now, good luck.....and may the force be with you."
The image of Taintus fades out.
Soon the image of Braun returns. "So, did you speak to your leaders? What is the verdict?" You basically explain the plan to Braun. After a moments consideration he nods. "Tavoes is one of the best military commanders in the galaxy, had he been at Endor the Alliance may not have won. Regardless, this plan of attack has me nervous but our fleet will be doing what it normally would have, only we have you to take the station, we had no plan of attack for that part. Well done. We will do what we can to hold the enemy and avoid destroying them completely. We need to add as many of them to our number as we can. Then once we are finished here, we will send whatever ships are still able to your Bakura and aid you against the alliance. We only hope your leaders will assist us when Taintus comes to our territory again. Now, we have a battle to prepare for. It will take two days to get everything in order. We will hit the station promptly 48 hours from this minute. Do what you must to prepare. We will send you a message when the attack has begun. May your path be paved with gold." Braun's image also vanishes.
You are now alone in the Holochamber on the Raptor. What is your next action?
Karval shakes Na'Soth's hands, there is a tear in the Mandolorean warriors eye. To part from a comrade is always an emotional time, at least it is not a parting of death. "Thank you, Friend." he says quietly to the departing man.
"A good man, I hope our paths will cross again." he holds back the emotion.
As the others filled in Tavoes, Arana came close to blurting out something about the clone troopers, but fell silent when her more capable companions did so. Nervously she waited to the side as the discussion moved on to space battle tactics. She tried to follow but found the subject to be beyond her experience.
At Na'Soth's farewell, Arana pulls the Givin into a strong embrace "You will be in our thoughts always. May the Force be with you."
Karval keeps his head bowed at Aranna's proclimation, he believes little in such a religion, especially since the Jedi wiped out his clans. However he respects the belief in others, it seems to lead to great power.
"We need to organise and arm the Malakai forces that wish to come with us. They should make excellent shock troops, and with the close quarters fighting of the space station they should excel. We just have to make sure not to get caught in ambushes, cross-fire or anywhere that the enemy can sacrifice themselves to kill our tribesmen." he plans; "We'll need a schematic of the station."
"What else do we need? We need to destroy the Capital Flagship quickly, taking it in a pincer from the rear.... then board the station?" The Mandolorean thinks; "Any other way to take things out quickly and effectively? The Chiss can be a bit timid?"
Perhaps, I can help him locate the schematics.
Darius looks over Karval's shoulder and attempts to assist him in searching for schematics.
"Thanks, I know we haven't told you too much about all of our missions. Although it's quite straight-forward, we are ensuring that Mirianna Palpatine will become Empress for the stability of the galaxy." his words are interspersed with the beeps of the console. "Against us are Darth Night's forces, a conglomerate of deviancy; Darth Night; the single most powerful man in the galaxy, and "The Alliance" the chaotic remnants of Skywalkers' rebellion."
"An Imperial Officer Adam Cortel, created some dark troopers as well as anti-Force weapons. We are searching for his research." he continues with just one of their short term goals.
Turning to the others; "Can someone contact Taggard, we'll need to bring as many tribes as we can aboard. Then we can give them a crash course in our weapons - to supplement their training and skill." he glances to Janitor, knowing his skills at arms will make him an excellent teacher.
Taking in Karval's explanation, Darius responds, "How does this Darth Taintus tie in to all of this?"
"What do we know about these other factions?"
"Taintus has the largest of the factions, with his Dark-Troopers. Or Sith super-soldiers. He is the most likely to threaten Empress Mirianna's rule." Karval looks to others for confirmation.
Darius ponders for a moment as he begins to see the gravity of the circumstances in the galaxy. "What of Taintus' blonde lightsaber carrying associate, Darth Kale? What do we know about him?"
"This is all we know." Karval outlines what they learnt from hacking the records of the ship and have gathered elsewise. The new name of the Sith, does make Karval a touch uneasy. 'Who? Kale? I haven't heard that before? Who is this Darius that he knows such people.' the gladiator thinks.
"I'd be interested to know more myself," Janitor says, finally relaxing a little now that the diplomacy has ceased. "I read some briefs and I've tried to catch up during my time, but it seems there's never a dull moment with our group." The trooper gives a small grin.
This is a very complicated situation. I hope I signed up with the right faction.
Realizing that the others know nothing of Kale, "I don't know much about Kale either. He holds himself out as Taintus' apprentice. He was on Danaten Station and left shortly before you arrived." After a brief pause he adds, "He said something similar about the Empress being a vessel to keep the Emperor alive." He describes the man in enough detail that the others could identify him.
When it seems appropriate to move off the subject of Kale, Darius asks "Have the Chiss been made aware of the violation of the ceasefire? Would that help us in any way at this point?"
"We informed the Chiss Aristocracy of this, thus we were able to force them to destroy Night's forces." Karval adds; "Now we are able to try and help the native Malakai out, so that they aren't destroyed by Night."
'Was Mirianna to be a walking organ donor? What is this about her role, again?' Karval wonders, the thought breaking his concentration.
Going over to the console, the Mandolorean types out commands, trying to get as many tribes of the Malakai aboard then armed & armoured. He organises a schedule of pilots to ferry some of the tribesmen aboard and contacts Chieftain Taggard for his approval.
At an opportune moment, in a lull in the preparations for the attack on the station, Arana draws Zaelos aside and asks for his help with something.
Arana wants Zaelos' help in developing her force Sense; primarily just joining her in some meditation, allowing his skill in that aspect to guide her own burgeoning ability.
After some time, Arana snorts in frustration and ends the session, having gained no further insight. Thank you Zaleos. I wasn't able to make much progress this time. Would you mind if we did this from time to time, until I'm able to use the force as you do."
He nods in understanding at her frustration. "It is alright Arana. such skills are natural to my race, it is how we are able to perceive our surroundings" Zaelos undoes his scarf which he wears around the area where his eyes would be. There are none there, only vestigial sockets. "Our people were decimated by the actions of the first Jedi Civil War and, more recently the Jedi Purge. Many of my people joined the Alliance as a result. Now my Empress will make war on them." He looks up at her, a conflicted look on his face. "I just wish..." He stops suddenly. "Such talk is dangerous, I fear."
Before she turns to leave, he smiles at her. "Although I have felt alone for much of my life, I am fortunate to have met you Arana. Now I feel together again. Thank you."
Preparations begin immediately. The captains of each destroyer under your command begin to prepare their fighters and gunners for battle. As anticipated, you need to supply your own marines for ground/station assault.
With that in mind you escort Na'Soth to the planet's surface and promptly meet with Taggard. Taggard informs you that the Aristocracy is finishing it's removal of the rest of Zedora's forces from the planet and the Malaki have begun to move out of hiding and returning to their homes.
Taggard's gratitude is extraordinary and he eargly looks forward to aiding you in the coming battle. Since technical skills aren't required for this battle and Taggard now understands how the interior of these "space vehicles" are laid out, he believes there are a good number of trained beasts they can employ, especially beasts with hardened carapaces that can withstand blaster bolts and can be point of each Malaki squad making it easier for them to reach melee.
The total Malaki strike force you have at your disposal in two days time will number in about 8000 warriors including pets. This is more than you can comfortably put in your landing craft but the Malaki insist they can fit.
With your farewells to Na'Soth said and your ships loaded with a mass of primitive warriors and animals, you are prepared to jump to your destination and do battle.
The only thing left to decide before the battle begins is where you will be during the battle. Party splitting is permitted but keep all your posts to spoilers when you do.
Your options are as follows:
1. Stay aboard the Raptor and act as commanders, pilots, and gunners.
2. Pilot individual fighters and engage in dogfight skirmishes in space against the capital ship and any fighter compliment it may have.
3. Join the boarding party in taking the station. This will act as a traditional dungeon crawl rather than the rush battle you had taking the Raptor
4. Allow the ships and troops to leave and battle without you entirely and find something else to do in your free time.
Once you ALL have decided where you will be in this battle, I will begin it.
"In the coming battle..." Janitor's in full armor with his carbine on his back and the slugthrower on his hip. "I can station anywhere. You've seen me in interpersonal combat, and I'm also a pretty good pilot, if I may say so. I've seen my share of action in both positions, capturing and defending ships. I'm happy wherever you want me, Commander," he says, looking to Zaleos as he finishes. The ranks may not be that important or defining, but they are there, and the trooper defers to his CO.
In his gruff voice he adds; "I have some skill as a pilot, however I am not sure about space vehicles." Karval pauses; "I am little better than my natural reflexes." he concedes.
With a proud look to the decisive Mandolorean; "You have tactical skill, that could help in many situations. Although I'm wondering if we should split up?"
He glances to Aranna and Zaleos; "What do you think? Or you Darius, is you speciality in the field or from a gunners station."
Darius gets his stormtrooper armor and equipment and suits up. He returns to the group, while still twisting his body and moving his arms at different angles. I need to do some work on this suit to make it less restrictive.
He appears armed with his carbine on his back, with a grappling spike launcher attached. He has his BlasTech T-6 "Thunderer" on his right hip and the D17 on his left hip. He also has some vibro weapons for close quarters combat. His hold out blaster and knife hidden on his person.
"I'll serve wherever I am needed. My piloting skills are rather basic. I expect that I would do the most good with the boarding parties."
Karval claps Darius on the shoulder; "Good man, solid. You have some knowledge of tactics?" he asks comradely, little hinting at his lack of grand strategical planning. Instead the gladiator had spend years learning the nuances in personal combat rather than grandiose ones.
Zaelos listens to the team members offering their advice as to where their skills will be needed the most. After thinking for a moment, he responds "I believe we must not lose sight of our objective, which is to capture Danaten Station. I believe all of your skills would be best suited for boarding the station."
Janitor gives a tiny grunt as Darius approaches. Nice armor. He glances down at his own half-ruined suit, ravaged from his time in the Malakai jungles. Doubtful that I'll ever get a new suit. Ah well.
He nods to Karval and Darius' suggestions, and declines his head to Zaleos. "Sounds fine."
Stretching his arms, Janitor looks to his fellow warriors. "You girls really need vibro-tech?" He chuckles, his smile showing it's all in jest. "Real men just smack the enemy with their guns, we don't need that flashy metal to make the job easier."
Karval guffaws, though there's a wicked glint in his eye; "True, but flashiness is part of the fun. I find it better to test my skill up close." his shoulders bouncing up and down.
"So, we all go together into Danaten station? Should someone stay to direct the battle? Of course, we should board once we've taken out the Flagship like Tavoes said." he asks still feeling a little guilty about losing Nichos.
Darius reveals a smile, showing the beginnings of a soldiers' bond with the rest of his team.
Smiling, Darius says, "At least we aren't trying to throw little pieces of metal at the enemies," while motioning toward Janitor's slug thrower.
Turning to Karval, "Doesn't look like my tactical skill will be needed to take the lead, if Janitor is coming with us." Assuming the old timer can keep up, he thinks to himself while chuckling slightly and holding back the joke in case it would cross the line.
As the men easily exchange banter , they fail to notice Arana standing in the doorway, once again having donned her Malakai fighting armor, hesitant to interrupt.
"I for one, will be fighting with the Malakai on the station." Arana says, a slight quiver of emotion evident in her voice.
Janitor cocks an eyebrow at Darius's comment. "What, this baby?" He draws the slugthrower and holds it, his eyes ensuring that the safety is on and his fingers remaining off the trigger. "Oh, this is far more reliable than even a blaster, and it doesn't cauterize the wound, either. This thing's nice for the personal touch."
The clone slips the pistol back into its holster as he looks to Arana, taking in her statement, emotion, and appearance easily. "Now there's the girl you want leading us," he says, elbowing Darius and walking over toward Arana. "I swear, she says she never shot a blaster before, but when I gave her mine in that last fight?" He laughs and pats the woman's shoulder. "I was mighty glad she's on our side."
Remaining slightly aloof from the clamour to the beautiful Arana, his lip quirks. "You wear it well. I'm sure you'll honour the tribe and put us in the shade."
"So we are all for Danaten? We may, or will have to fight Taintus' forces stationed there." he reminds, a thrill of tension going through him at the challenge. "Should we keep an open encoded channel to this ship, just in case something unexected happens. For if the Danaten rebel Chiss are unused to surprises so will be the Aristocracy." he pauses to think for a second, with another glance to the Dathomirian's distracting costume. "At least it means they won't betray us."
Zaelos nods in reply, "Very good thinking Karval. I think it would be wise for me to stay on the Raptor to coordinate the assault, and also to make sure our 'allies' do not have second thoughts."
Karval nods.
Darius takes in Arana in the armor. She speaks of the force being with people and she looks good in armor. I now have two reasons to get to know her when the time presents itself.
Responding to Janitor's comment but in a tone that might suggest for other reasons, Darius says, "I'm glad she is on our side too," while smirking.
The time is near at hand. You begin bringing the Malaki troopers on board. They and their beasts are a fearsome lot indeed and would easily mess up anyone in melee.
The armored creatures brought aboard look like large Armadillos and upon observation, they can roll up like them too. Their carapaces are harder than steel and more than enough to deflect blaster bolts.
In addition to these armored mansized tanks are several big dog and cat like creatures with large claws and teeth.
Taggard himself greets you all. "I look forward to fighting alongside you once more my friends. May the force lead us to victory!"
Zaleos has agreed to command the space battle and precide over tactics. He will have direct communication to all personnel and the ability to use Charisma to improve the capabilities of those under his command.
Taggard and Karval will be leading their perspective teams in the boarding party. Several other Malaki squad commanders will be leading their own teams.
Once the two destroyers are loaded up and the plan laid out to the Malaki, the two ships jump into hyperspace.
The trip takes several hours and you go over the points the teams of Malaki will need to hit. You do, thanks to Nichos, have a schematic of the station and are able to identify the key locations Tavoes spoke of in his briefing.
You have plenty of troopers to hit them all. The only question is, which will the player party hit first.
Do a little hyperspace roleplay, decide what your target is for the party, and let me know when your ready for the battle to begin.
Karval clasps Taggards’ fore-arm in a warriors handshake. "Good to have you leading a team, sir." He looks to the others as well in askance; "Where do we strike, the General suggested:
"Maybe we all could take out the hanger, then we move onto a heavily defended area like reactor/environmental/command. Whilst Taggard's group moves onto the barracks and armouries to prevent reinforcements?" Karval muses.
Looking at the schematics, Darius looks for any atypical access points to the environmental systems, command deck, or reactor.
"Is there a possibility of us landing with another team, letting them be a distraction while we break off as a small strike team to gain access to a critical point through an unusual approach, such as maintenance tunnels or other crawl space type areas? Even a series of them that require us to pass through some main corridors, but will get us to our target from an unexpected approach."
"We'll be landing with upto 8,000 troops. With Taggard taking at least half of them - however a surgical strike could be a good idea. Especially since we'll need to leave men behind to secure vital area's." Karval nods to Darius, looking at the schematic.
"It's the old issue of big versus small," Janitor says, walking back over to the schematic. "A bigger group would have an easier time of taking out opposing forces, but a smaller force would have an easier time of moving quickly and unopposed. It comes down to what we're targeting and how well-defended we expect the target to be." The trooper taps the butt of his slugthrower. "Environmental systems probably doesn't have a lot of guarding if we move quickly. The command center definitely will have a lot of guards in and around it, no matter how quick we are; a large force would have to take that. If we want this to be a quick assault, I'd suggest a strike to the ES, the reactor, and the command center--the burst-fire approach, three attacks. If we're willing for this to draw out, capturing the medical center and the armory are key, and a strike at the command center would be in order at some point.
"So, how quickly are we aiming to take the ship? I imagine we want this over soon."