The Song of Infinity

Engage and Prosecute Part 5:Landing

Nathema

CIS Space

The UNSC and Republic naval forces had managed to sweep aside a minuscule orbital defense force of Droid Ships with relative ease. The problem was, however, not the navy. Meetra pored over every inch of the holomap they had of their AO, pointing out various defensive emplacements and their possible blind spots to the COs of the armed forces. Clones and UNSC Marine officers, Sergeant Johnson and Noble Six included, loomed over the holographic display, eyes glued to targets.

"Enemy Air Defenses seem to be operational near the Capital of Nathema. We've got orbital superiority, but that doesn't mean they don't have air..." Meetra spoke, circled an area near the Capital itself and said, "Prowler-deployed Stealth Satellites said they spotted Vulture strike craft in this general AO, alongside a squadron of Hyenas. Tell our fighter pilots to expect heavy enemy resistance. I want CAS flying every waking hour we have until we've secured a beachhead."

"Any LZ you have in mind, ma'am?" Johnson asked. Meetra nodded and circled a central clearing within the sprawling forest. He nodded approvingly, then noted a couple of enemy defensive positions set up on rock outcroppings and in nearby villages. He hummed and said, "I and the Spartans could take a strike team the moment we land, displace the Droids from one of those hilltops, use it as overwatch. Maybe even spook the local Militia."

"Could work..." The Jedi replied, "I'll need SEAD from UNSC Air if possible, too."

"I'm sure Admiral Lasky'll be happy to provide ya with the airpower," Johnson grinned one of his usually pearly-white grins. She smiled back at that, then looked to Ordo, who was briefing their men via radio communication. They were within the Infinity's hangar while this briefing was ongoing. A dozen LAAT Gunships, maybe a battalion's worth of Clone infantry, one of Marines with Pelicans and armor and she and her command team were the first wave to hit the dirt.

She told everyone, "Our job's simple! We kick the door down and let the rest of the invasion force strike the place! Should give the Confeds a pretty good scare!" and she smirked, "Hit'em hard and fast! We'll see you all dirtside!" before motioning to her troops to load up. She and Ordo walked together toward the leading gunship, with the Jedi only turning to give a quick wave to Six and Richard, both of whom nodded to her as they boarded the leading Pelican. She murmured, "This should be interesting..." Her voice slightly shaky.

"You alright, General?" Ordo asked, surprisingly caring.

Meetra gave an awkward smile, rubbing the back of her neck, "The last time I commanded any major military action was four thousand years ago, Commander. I don't wanna mess this up..." Though, in truth, she had cooperated with and commanded UNSC troops. Nothing as wide-spread as an entire campaign to seize a planet. Last time she'd done that was probably Dxun.

Ugh, Dxun. She shuddered, remembering the damp, the mud, the beasts and jungle. She stowed the memory away for later as she boarded the gunship. Ordo himself replied to her, "I'm certain it's gonna be fine, ma'am..." as he grabbed onto one of the handles above. The rest of the platoon that was gonna be landing with this gunship boarded, loading up on rifles, thermal detonators and the like.

The Jedi replied, "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Commander..." then radioed, "Infinity Actual, first wave, callsign EAGLE, ready. Second and third, stand-by on board Venators and the Acclamator," before grabbing onto the handle above, the large cloth sleeve of her hooded robe dropping to her shoulder to reveal the armor plate she wore. It was a pure silver, unlike that of a Clone's. Beneath the robe resided the rest, what looked to be specialty-made Mandalorian armor. As the doors of the Gunships shut and the atmosphere aboard pressurized, Meetra opened and closed her mouth, then swallowed and clicked her tongue. She checked the timer on her UNSC-standard TAC-Pad and ordered over com, "All strike units... Launch!"