Answering the call. [Jace]

[Cavalry King]

The winds were changing on the hot desert sands of Tatooine. The sands now moved toward the Kandosii encampment. That meant it was time to move to a new valley where the winds would be blocked. This was a very vulnerable time for the clan, as the Sand People could strike from anywhere. Despite the long standing treaty from the last time the Kandosii and Sand People fought, Rogath didn't trust them. Revenge was a strong motivator on this world, and it was likely that the Sand People knew just the ravine that the Kandosii would move into. This stank with the smell of an ambush but the clan could not wait any longer while the sands blinded them.

Rogath mounted a bantha and rode to the head of the column. They traveled in long lines and with space to avoid having the entire caravan caught in an ambush. The best warriors took up the front and rear guards. The other men traveled on the flank of their family's train of tents and supplies. The women were the last line of defense and they watched over the family goods. Life in the sands was ruff, just the way the Kandosii clan had desired it to be. The struggle made them strong and on the plains they were free to do as they pleased. It was a good life, one that Rogath intended on maintaining for his people.

As he rode at the helm of the cavern, the scouts came back with reports that several speeders were traveling in their direction. Rogath moved his bantha and took several warriors to the edge of the column to meet them. He had several more warriors watch the helm in case it was a trap. As they approached they were greeted by something they hadn't even considered. The banner of the Mandalorian Clans, the Mythosaur skull, was flown and could be seen from quite a distance. "Udesii ner vod!" Calm, my brother! one of the men in the speeders said.

After a quick exchange of greetings, Rogath determined that these were. in fact, Mandalorians, and he welcomed them gladly. He informed them that the clan was currently moving and the extra warriors would be extremely helpful. They however explained that they were not there to assist him. After several days of trying to track the elusive Kandosii, they finally found them and had a message for Rogath from Concord Dawn. He was summoned by his people to take up arms in the coming crusade. He had already been to Mandalore to show his commitment to the army, but he did not know that the crusade was so soon. He was honored, but worried for his clan. He put his worries aside however, he had a duty to the Mandalorians. His people were warriors they would survive. They shared this same feeling with him and he immediately left with the messengers to Mos Eisley where they had transport back to Concord Dawn.

***

It had been many years since he had seen the planet. It was as he remembered it, filled with farmers, many of whom were not Mandalorian, a fact that greatly irritated him. His wished for the day when they would be wiped from the planet. He assured himself that that day would be soon. Very soon if he was being called to arms. It would be glorious, he just hoped that his people were ready for another war. This one had to be different from the last crusade, for the Republic would not let the Mandalorians survive again if they would only rise back up to fight them. It was foolish of them not to exterminate the Mandalorian clans when they had the chance, now they would regret that.

He walked the halls of the Mandalorian Special Forces Headquarters where he was summoned by Colonel Bane, the right hand man to Mandalore himself. He was not entirely sure what the subject of this meeting would be, and he half expected to be greeted by Mandalore, but he would settle for his second. It was an honor to be called none the less.

Wan-shen in hand and fully dressed in his Kandosii armor, Rogath made his way to the office of the commander of the Special Forces. He did not bother to knock or announce his presence. He simply walked into the room and said, "I am General Ro'gath'klaatu of the Kandosii clan. I have been summoned here."

He was not very friendly and wished to spare no time. He figured that the military had no need for trivialities and efficiency was key. Hopefully the colonel would not take it as an insult, but Rogath did not care much if he did.

[Jace]

The newly promoted Brigadier General scanned through various files in preparation for his next meeting. He had just partaken in quite an interesting one some time ago. This next meeting should prove to be just as interesting. Bane's meeting was with Ro'gath'klaatu of the Kandosii clan who at this time were located in Tatooine. The man was a fierce warrior and a cunning commander. He had been chosen by Bane, and approved by Mandalore for this next assignment. Bane hoped that he could learn a thing or two from the older and more experienced general. One could learn a great deal from simply observing their superiors.

Bane wasn't surprised when Ro'gath walked straight into his office without announcing himself, he didn't have to. Bane quickly stood up, and pounded his fist against his chest. This man was after all a senior and respected officer. The Mandalorian wasn't wasting anytime and dispensed with the niceties which Bane found refreshing.

"Please General, have a seat" He stated as he motioned towards the chair in front of Ro'gath.

Bane observed the man in full armor in front of him, and couldn't help but be somewhat impressed. The man and the armor created quite an imposing figure. It only solidified Bane's belief that he had picked the right man for the job.

"You may or may not have heard, but the Spec Ops has been quite busy as of late. Through poise and audacity we have attained the various necessary assets for our crusade. Well vod, the time for us to retake what is ours from the Republic hut'uuns is upon us. Mandalore has decided that out first step shall be the retaking of Shogun.

It has been decided that you shall be commander of all ground forces for the invasion. Mandalore believes that you are the best choice for such a task, and I fully agree with him. A great victory is on the horizon ner vod.

I have called you here to discuss the stratagem for the current invasion...Will you accept this Honor?"

Bane looked carefully at the man in front of him. He already had his answer but it was a matter of propriety for him to officially bestow the general's command.

[Cavalry King]

The large Mandalorian general returned the salute that was bid him by this... general? He had not heard of any promotions to staff officer ranks but he nodded and sat. From the reports and rumors he had heard of the man, he was well deserving of the new rank and Mandalore's respect. Respect was probably the best feeling you could get out of Rogath, as he wasn't very friendly and he tended to be quite authoritarian to those he felt below him, but he respected a few and treated them well - this General Haseful was one of those select few he respected.

Rogath eyed the man carefully from behind his helmet, he could tell that this Haseful was a true military man, it was just the way he held himself. He had an air of authority, that was good in an officer. He listened carefully, not allowing himself to miss anything. He considered each fact he was told and filed them in his mind. He had heard rumors that the basilisk war droid from Coruscant was stolen, he figured the Spec Ops might of had something to do with it but it all now made sense. The might of the Mandalorians was being assembled and the Special Operations unit was bringing all the necessary pieces into play.

He was surprised that he had been chosen to lead all of the Mandalorian ground forces. He understood the choice however, he was an accomplished commander and one of the highest ranked commanders in the army, courtesy of the new wartime promotions. It was quite an honor, one he would not turn down, no matter the odds or consequences. If Mandalore felt him right for the position, he could not refuse. He smiled under his helmet, battle was near, and he would be at the helm of the galaxy's greatest army.

Without hesitation Rogath responded, "It is the highest honor to lead Mandalorians into combat. I would not refuse Mandalore's call." His response was not one with enthusiasm or joy, but merely as if he was stating a matter-of-fact. It was almost a foolish question to ask if he would refuse the post, but he did not add that to his reply.

Wasting no time to begin the necessary preparations, Rogath said, "Firstly I will need to know what resources will be at my disposal and any relevant information on the Republic position on Shogun and the surrounding systems. Then after I know how the Navy intends on transporting the soldiers to the battle, we may begin proper planning. If the Navy can transport our troops as I feel necessary for deployment, we may begin even sooner."

He was already running through several scenarios in his mind, considering some basic tactics, troop landing procedures, and the strength of Republic Forces he could remember from his past. He did not expect much from them, but would plan as if he were facing a worthy opponent, that way, there were no surprises on the field of battle.

[Jace]

He almost let out a smile, almost, but that wouldn't have been appropriate for the scenario. Bane definitely liked the attitude that general Ro'gath was portraying. He was a no nonsense man, who got down to business straight away. As expected he accepted the offer immediately without an ounce of hesitation. There weren't many honors greater than commanding the entire ground force of the Mandalorian Military.

The Mandalorian Military was split into three distinct branches. There was the army, the navy, and the special operations unit. Lately it had been Bane's special operations outfit that had been performing most of the duties. This was mostly due to that fact that the Army and Navy were still 'in construction' so to speak, or at least had been. Each of these branches were commanded by an elite member of the Military. The Spec Ops was Bane, The Navy was Fleet admiral Tal'akaan, and now the Army was Rogath. They were essentially the top three men in the military aside from Mandalore himself. Mandalore of course was not only their Military leader but the leader of their whole culture.

Bane flicked a button on his desk, dimming the lights as the room was bathed in a faint orange glow. The holoprojector was now showing the planet of Shogun, with two specific points marked on the map.

"Mandalore has designated that since you are in command, you have full control of whatever resources you feel necessary. It goes without saying that their should be sufficient reserve on both Mandalore and Concord Dawn to repel any light invasion however unlikely.

Intel shows that the Republic have fortified their position at the two marked locations. This is where the bulk of their Forces are amassed, due to terrain restrictions. Our main problem is the significant presence of anti-air installations. Two Spec Ops strike teams will land before and neutralize the anti-air controls in the communications center. The navy will then proceed with numerous strafing runs to create and clear a landing zone for your troops.

Fortunately the bulk of our Army and Navy is located here at Concord Dawn. The Navy is under orders to make sure you receive whatever is necessary to transport the necessary troops. The Army itself is on full readiness awaiting your orders General. Mandalore does not want any disharmony between the branches. He believes that through our unity and unrivaled strength and will, we will crush the Republic.

So what are your thoughts General?"

Bane had outlined the very basics of their battle plan, but enough to give the general to work with. Planning and timing would be key for this invasion to go as smoothly as possible. He had no doubt that once the army landed, that general Ragoth would make quick work of the Republic. That meant that the bulk of the responsibility lay on the Special Op and his shoulders. Bane had not let his people down yet, and he wasn't about to start anytime soon.

[Cavalry King]

The plan was solid and most of the factors had already been considered. It seemed it would just be his and the army's job to clean up after everyone else. Not as glorious of a battle as he would have hoped for, he knew that Shogun was vital to the Mandalorians, not as a source of resource or strategic position, but for morale and purpose. It was one of the oldest Mandalorian worlds, an eerie dreamscape of crystalline fields and valleys. It seemed that the unimportance of the world had left the Republic soldiers to only policing actions, centering themselves at strategic locations to patrol the planet. While the Republic might not care for the world, the Mandalorians did and Rogath would not permit a defeat here. In fact, he desired for the Mandalorian presence to not only been seen on the Outer Rim, but felt. He wished for such a sound and crushing victory that would send shivers down the bickering senators on Coruscant. That was what he desired, but he wondered what Mandalore hoped for. If they did that, it would be likely that the Republic would send a retaliation force or come to terms with a treaty as soon as possible. He was just a general, and so diplomatic matters eluded him, but he knew that securing a treaty as soon as possible would be ideal.

"General, I am sure you share my goal in not only making the Republic know and see our presence, but feel it. Our victory on Shogun could be so powerful and crushing that the Republic would once again see the might of the Mandalorians. This would mean however, that they would likely send quite a force to oppose us or we could secure a favorable treaty quickly. I believe our window for the latter would be short and the possibility of the former large. So I ask you, how prepared are we for a major war against the Republic? What are Mandalore's goals for our future. Depending on this we could utilize one of the strategies I have in my mind." He replied to the general, sharing his thoughts out loud. This, he felt, was the most important thing to establish before setting off to war, a solid set of goals for the coming campaign.

"If we seek to announce our presence with force, I propose a swift victory on Shogun. We will attack the fortifications simultaneously from all sides, effectively sealing there men inside. We attack in two waves, the first wave shall be tasked with eliminating their major defensive weapons, turrets, mine fields, earthworks, big guns, etc. This ground assault that be succeeding a short, but extremely heavy bombardment also targeting key defensive locations. The ground soldiers will clean up what the bombardment left and seek to set off any traps that might have been set. Casualties will likely be high in the first wave of attacks, however after they have cleared the way for the rest of the army and sufficiently tested the strength of the enemy's fortifications, we shall bring our full might to bear and crush their positions. This will be in conjunction with strafing and bombing by the Navy and bombardment from our cannon in a glorious rain of terror."

He stopped allowing that he to considered, then proceeded. "If subtlety is required, then I suggest we only attack at quarter strength. The soldiers on Shogun will only report the size of the Fleet and army that they will see, allowing the Republic to underestimate us. We then set out to bombard the fortifications, once again attacking from all sides. We attack in waves, preceded by bombardments. This will ensure a victory, albeit a slower one but should be quick enough to take the positions before the Republic can send reinforcements. This way we still control Shogun, but the Republic will not know our true strength, something that we could use to our advantage later."

Both were sound plans, but would result in entirely different end results. One could end the war quickly with a quick treaty, or prolong it greatly with a real war, while the other would fool the Republic into thinking that the Mandalorians were no real threat and allow the Mandalorians time to gather strength or make another attack.

[Jace]

Rogath was living up to all of Bane's expectations, and even more. He had clearly not only thought out the logistics but also the political ramifications of their attack. Based on these outcomes, he had formulated multiple plans to bring about the desired outcome. Bane himself abhorred politics, and tried to stay as far away from it as he could. Yet he knew just as Rogath did, that they needed to be taken into account.

The Republic had been underestimating the Mandalorians, treating them as some backwater tribe. Mandalore had been liberated long ago, and Concord Dawn almost three years ago. This had been done through almost entirely militia efforts only, which he had aided a great deal. After each of these liberations, the Republic came to some shaky cease fire with the Mandalorians. All this did was buy time for the Mandalorians to make their next preparations.

Bane knew that the attack on Shogun would be dealt with differently though. The Republic would not take likely to a third planet being taken from their grasp. They could not yet resist the full might of the Republic's forces, luckily they wouldn't have to. The Sith Empire had been busy and intelligence states that they have made their move. The Republic would have their hands full defending their critical planets. They would most likely to agree to a treaty after the Mandalorians had taken over Shogun. The treaty would mean nothing to Bane though, for he would not be satisfied until they had reclaimed all of what had been taken from them.

"If the Republic were to retaliate after our glorious victory, it would go ill for them. Reports suggest that they are currently focused on the Sith Empire, who I believe are attacking two critical rim planets. Fortunately for us, the Mandalorian sector is not on the top of their list. Our goal is to reclaim what has been taken from us, at least that is how far we shall go for now. Even if the Republic offers a treaty it will only buy them some time until we retake another planet. Could we fight the Republic with their full military power focused on us? No we are not ready for that. But could we face them with what they could currently attack us with? Yes I believe we can.

Our military might grows daily. We have begun production of the deadly basilisk war droids, and our Navy increases exponentially. Mandalore and Concord Dawn were but warnings to the Republic. As you said, we need to make them feel this invasion, shake them to their very core. We will show them we are not some backwater tribe but Mandalorians, the fiercest warriors in all the galaxy.

Though I am not willing to throw strategy completely out the window just to convey a message. You have stated quarter strength would be the subtle approach. Maybe then half of strength would be advantageous from both perspectives?

In honesty General, I am a militia man, my job is to sneak in and create chaos. I leave the commanding of armies to you, vod, so pick which strategy is best in your mind. Just remember, that our time in the shadows is over, let the galaxy once again fear the might of the Mandalorians"

Bane was beginning to get fired up, he was rearing for a battle, he couldn't deny it. This was not some sneak mission to steal something from the Republic. This was for the true glory of all Mandalorians and their ancestors. Bane also knew that Shogun was going to give him a good fight, and he would welcome it gladly.

[Cavalry King]

Rogath considered the proposed synthesis of the two strategies, which were based on two extremes of a continuum, and find a balance of the two goals in the middle. He thought on it quite hard actually, he worked through what he would think in such a situation given the circumstances and the results of the strategies once employed. It was a novel idea, to merge the strategies to accomplish each objective, at least in part. It was always a good idea to mask one's numbers, so the Republic would likely believe that they hadn't attacked in full strength. That would probably make the Republic believe that the Mandalorians had about 65% of the forces that they actually controlled. That would immediately establish the Mandalorians as a potential threat, thus largely nullifying a subtle objective, yet it would serve to mislead the Republic as to the Mandalorian's true strength. If they attacked at half strength, they would not make the Republic feel there presence as much as they would if they attacked in full strength.

If they only felt the Mandalorian presence slightly and felt the Mandalorians a potential threat the chance of force them to come to terms with a favorable treaty as quickly as they could would be highly reduced for they would likely feel that they could combat the Mandalorians if they had to. This wouldn't do at all. Rogath felt it had to be one or the other. Either make the Republic feel as if the Mandalorians are unstoppable, or a threat beneath their attention. A middle ground would likely prompt retaliation and unfavorable diplomacy.

Ro'gath shook his head no. "An attack at half strength, while it would serve to mask our true might, and it would make the Republic think we are less of a threat than we actually are, the merging of these two factors would likely be unfavorable to our goal. If the Republic believe we are a threat that they can combat, then they will likely engage us. They must believe we are either too Powerful for them to fight successfully given the current state-of-affairs, or believe us to be so weak as to be beneath their notice. While a mixing of these two goals may still bring the Republic to a treaty table, I doubt they will be as eager to make peace with us as we would like. The more I consider it, the more I believe we should bring forth all of our might to bear upon them. Our entire army against their small Outer Rim outpost shall result in a crushing victory. Even if this results in the Republic sending a major force to combat us, if we score a few early victories against it, the Republic, I believe, will be forced to their knees begging for the Crusade to cease so that they might concentrate their resources against the Sith. Then we could accept a treaty or ally with the Sith. Our future is in Mandalore's hands, I just wish to give him options."

Rogath stopped speaking, but his mind was still hard at work. The key to sound strategy was to put yourself in your opponents position, and he was considering the Republic position quite thoroughly. The more he thought of it, the more dismal it became. He liked his odds greatly but would not underestimate them. Perhaps he was underestimating them believing they will come to a treaty quickly, but he did not honestly believe the Republic had the resources or manpower to wage a two front war. This was not arrogance or blindness, he believed, it was just a mere fact of life.

[Jace]

Once again Bane counted himself lucky that this man in front of him was commanding their army. Bane was of course schooled in large scale warfare, but it was more theoretical than anything. His true strategy and experience was in the area of guerrilla tactics and covert operations. He had his fair share of experiences fighting in the army of course, but he was only 30, his experience was limited compared to general Rogath.

He could tell that Rogath had quickly yet efficiently analyzed Bane's middle ground and found it unsuitable. To Bane, this was one of the best signs he had seen all day. When push came to shove, this man would be able to assess a situation and come out with the most favorable strategy. While this wasn't a battle scenario, there was no doubt some pressure on the man. It was common knowledge in the upper ranks that Bane was considered to be the right hand of Mandalore. While Bane himself didn't think like that, even he couldn't deny the level of trust that had been placed in him. This means that what Rogath was saying to Bane, he was essentially saying to Mandalore.

"Yes, the more I think on it, I agree that a crushing victory is what is best. Either outcome I believe will serve for our purposes whether it be a treaty or war. You know as well as I, that the morale of soldiers can decide whether we win or lose. Completely crushing the Republic on Shogun would be a significant morale booster to add on to what already has been done."

Morale. Bane believed it was the ultimate motivator and weapon of the Mandalorian. A Mando'ade without some cause to fight, was still exceptionally deadly. You give that same Mando'ade a cause and leader to believe in, and he will equal a hundred soldiers. He would sacrifice his life without a second thought. Though Bane himself always went on the battlefield prepared to die, it didn't mean he was about to throw his life away needlesly. Bane always told his troops that while self-sacrifice is glorious, it should be your last resort. One can bring more glory to Mandalore alive, then if he were dead.

There would be a great deal of dead warriors after this battle, but that was expected in war. Bane was no stranger to death, especially of his fellow comrades. It was an occupational hazard of being a Mando'ade, and he had accepted it long ago.

"Is there anything the general wishes to know? If not you are welcome to stay here at headquarters, or I can get you a transport to Army HQ?"

[Cavalry King]

Rogath was satisfied with the meeting. He had met this... General Haseful finally and had established the primary objective for the invasion of Shogun. Campaign goals were easy to set sitting our a desk far from battle, accomplishing them in the heat of a fight, that was another thing. Rogath would stay true to his word though, he would give Mandalore options. It was strange he thought, the way Mandalorians operated. They were not a nation in the conventional sense of the word but in many more ways they were more a nation than many had ever seen. "Mandalorians" were not a single political unit, but rather a collection of fiercely independent like minded people banded together by a culture. It was not uncommon during these times and times previous, for Mandalorians to be hired by opposing sides, yet they still viewed each other as brothers. Mandalore was not their leader in the conventional sense of the word either, in peacetime he was just a guy clans listened to when he gave sensible advice, but in war, Mandalore was expected to be in full command. It was odd how this change of position and expectation occurred so easily for Mandalorians. They could switch from just considering his advice and judgement to taking commands readily with ease. War was soon to be upon the Mandalorians and once again, Mandalore had to take up the mantle of Supreme Commander and Rogath would subject himself to Mandalore's commands.

Yes, options for Mandalore and his people, our people. Rogath was finished with Haseful but he was not finished here. "I will meet with Mandalore. Afterwards I shall leave to the Army HQ and begin prepping and reviewing my troops. Have the transport ready for tomorrow morning. I shall leave no later than tomorrow afternoon. I should have met with Mandalore by then."

Rogath rose and headed for the door, but he turned and said, "If there is anything else General, I will make myself easy to contact. Mandokarla ner vod. Haat, Ijaa, Haa'it" You have the right stuff my brother. Truth, honor, vision. The last part of his statement wasn't a descriptor of the general, but it was a phrase Mandalorians used when sealing pacts and agreements. Here he and the general had sealed their battle plan, and Rogath believed, came to a great mutual respect for each other.

In a strange show of respect to the junior commander, Ro'gath gave a salute before turning to leave the room.