SWTFW 10 - "The Rules Of Engagement"

A Rebel trooper spoke, "It's Vader ! Kill him !" And at once all shots were focused on him. But Vader was indeed strong with the force. He held out his left hand and lazily deflected all the shots.

PRESS CTRL = (EQUALS) TO INCREASE THE PAGE SIZE AND CTRL 0 (ZERO) TO RESET THE PAGE SIZE THIS PAGE VIEWS BEST IN FIREFOX Want to read this in a different language ? Change the TO field to your own country and click the TRANSLATE button after going HERE THE FORCE WITHIN © June 2017 Written by David Wicker Please do not reprint without permission CHAPTER 10 - "THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT" [ CHOOSE A DIFFERENT CHAPTER ] * * * This entry is Rated: EVERYONE As the rebels continued their barrage of fire from the cover of the trees, Smite stepped forward. Suddenly he whirled his staff in front of him at incredible speed with both hands, grunting slightly from the effort. Shots from the rebels hit the spinning staff and bounced off of its impervious surface. Not only were the shots expertly deflected but they were projected with such precision as to return back to the sender who fired the shot ! Within moments many of the rebel troopers were killed, almost as if they were shooting at themselves ! The leader of the rebel pack held up a white gloved hand and spoke, "Forget the old man. He must be a Jedi. We'll never get a hit on him. Direct your fire around to the remaining Empire troops !" Vader watched Smite thoroughly impressed with his actions. He would have to speak with him later about an advancement in rank and position. But for now, the Rebels were pressing their attack. Smite, seeing that no more shots were directed at him leapt directly into the fray of the rebels. The rebels cried out in both fear and confusion as Smite expertly wielded his staff to smash into the skulls of the rebel troopers, easily cracking their helmets and their skulls. One tried to grapple with him but Smith also proved to be an expert and excellent fighter flipping the hapless soldier over his head. "Fall back !" the Rebel leader cried in panic and they dispersed backwards to further trees, still firing shots at the Empire's troops. Smite then returned back to Vader. Smite was breathing hard a little, slightly winded, but still apparently in great shape for more fighting. Vader tapped Smite on his back appreciatively, "Excellent form, Smite. Your fighting skills are indeed impressive. I would like to discuss fighting tactics with you at some time. But for now - I will take it from here." Vader stepped forward and at once the remaining Empire troops ceased fire for fear of hitting their leader. Vader whipped his right hand to his left hip and pulled out the dreaded and deadly light-sabre. A cry came from the Rebel troops. "It's Vader ! Kill him !" And at once all shots were focused on him. But Vader was indeed strong with the force. He held out his left hand and lazily deflected all of the shots sent his way as if they were magnetically drawn to his palm. While this was not as expertly achieved as Smite who had such skill as to direct and aim the shot, it was enough so Vader was never hit and the salvo instead hit trees, branches, and the ground. Then Vader jumped at the closest Rebel soldier and cut him in half with the blade. The troopers seeing their defense was broken tried to scramble back but were also cut down by Vader's vicious and deadly light-sabre. Vader sadistically pressed the attack. In moments, only a handful of rebel troopers remained and they were beating a hasty retreat, not bothering to fall back at all but run for their very lives - as well as their leader. A minute later it was quiet and all you could hear were the sounds of the forest. Vader sheathed his glowing blade and returned to where Smite and his troops were. * * * "Get into your outfits." Vader told his troops. In their packs were full stormtrooper outfits. It was always cumbersome to wear them as they slowed down your movements. But they could also deflect a normal blade or concussive damage to a degree so they were better than nothing. Once everyone was in their familiar white stormtrooper outfits he ordered the troops. "Proceed." And then they stepped forward to approach the main city. . . . Back with Jan, the shields had just hit the edge of the red warning line. Not waiting for control to turn it off, she did so manually from where she was, not wanting at all to risk at burning up the atmosphere. The instant she did though, a barrage of fire was seen from the rebel's attack to shoot down the hapless 10 Tie-Fighters that were above waiting to enter. Splinters of their fragments entered the lower atmosphere and burned as beautifully as fireworks. Jan smiled to herself. At least that was 10 soldiers from the Empire they wouldn't have to worry about. Then a radio message came in. "Ma'am, this is assault team one. We have encountered Vader. He is also apparently with some type of apprentice, a Jedi as we could not get a single shot on him. In this we could not beat back their attack and had to retreat. They are making for the city. I suggest war vehicles be used to intercept." She hit a button to reply, "Confirmed. I'm sending them now." She hit a different button and a pure tone chimed, "Relay 4. Did you get that ?" A voice replied, "Yes ma'am. What are your orders ?" She had held back using their expensive arsenal as it had taken years of work to cultivate. Unlike the massive slave colonies the Empire used to build their ships by the hundreds, the rebels did so much more slowly, paying out a salary from the national treasury to the workers. The cost of this was clear though. The rebels had only a handful of attack crafts to counter the Empire's massive legions. But now in fear of Vader himself entering the main city she spoke her orders. "Send out the total of our AHS, heavy assault speeders and all of our rebel tanks." "Ma'am, the AHS will not be effective in the forest." the voice returned. Jan thought for a moment. He was right, the floor of the forest was too uneven. A land-speeder, even one designed for military engagement required even and smooth ground to be effective. Before Jan could countermand the AHS, the voice spoke again. "Also, ma'am, are you certain you want to turn out ALL of our tanks ?" "You heard me right, soldier. ALL of them. We are at war here. Vader is leading the team along with an unknown Jedi in their employ. If we can get Vader, the Empire will be leaderless and crumble. We must do our very best here to succeed." There was a pause before a reply, "Yes ma'am. We have 2 rebel tanks in the vicinity and can deliver 3 more within the hour." "We don't have an hour ! Vader and his troops will be at the gate to the city within the next 20-minutes !" Jan spat back angrily. The voice quavered, "Ma'am. We'll try to send them sooner then." Then clicked out. . . . Vader and his team of soldiers encountered no more resistance and were making good progress. Vader noticed Smite had fallen behind and looked over his shoulder. Smite had surprisingly for his age nimbly climbed a tall tree branch and sitting there was using his macro-binoculars to view their destination. Sensing that Vader was looking at him, he spoke, "The rebel city is just a half a click ahead, Lord Vader. And ... there is a rebel tank guarding the entrance !" Vader nodded, appreciative of the heads up and spoke to the others. "We're 500 meters to the entry. They are going to shell us with the tanks. Retrieve your shields from your packs troopers, now !" The stormtroopers set down their packs again and this time pulled out a large folding shield. It was clumsy to use but could mean the difference between life and death for a ground team when attacked by heavy firepower from assault vehicles. Once everyone had their shields out and Smite had returned back to the ground, Vader spoke, "Proceed." Vader and Smite let the troops go ahead of them. As soon as they cleared the forest they were shot at viciously by two tanks. One guarding the entrance to the city and another that was camouflaged in a leaf pattern by the entrance to the forest. The stormtroopers all huddled together in a circle and shots were fired right at them. The shields held and protected, but now they were pinned from doing anything or returning any fire. Vader and Smite stayed back out of attack range gauging the distance. Finally Vader pulled forth his light-sabre. It hissed angrily and ignited with a wicked red flare. "Smite ?" Vader said, clearly smiling behind his mask. "Vader." Smite nodded to Vader - and then the two superior soldiers ran forward to attack the closest Rebel tank. (to be continued) END OF CHAPTER 10 Return back HOME You are Earth Visitor #