The League Wars were over. Thanks to pressure from the Republic’s government and the war exhaustion on both sides finally forced the League and USPR to agree to a ceasefire and negotiate peace. Planets changed hands, prisoners and captured vessels were exchanged. Now that it was over, the Republic could focus on other problems.
Specifically, the Red Hand. A terrorist organization, advocating for human supremacy over the Republic. Any xeno, human deviating from the “standard“ or those showing any sign of active resistance were killed on the spot. This ideology, opposed to everything the Republic was founded on, stemmed from a belief that deterioration and weakening of the human race led to Envari domination and their enslavement. They wanted humans to dominate and for that every weak link and competing species had to go.
From a planet hidden deep in the Wild Territories they sent out operatives, creating networks in smaller settlements, recruiting to their cause and often usurping local leadership. The Republic nor any member states had a good way of tracking and detecting these networks. Until a weak link revealed itself.
An operative gave himself over to a Commando squad. He wanted to desert and had a likeminded collaborator on the Red Hand’s he base, Nova Terra. And he could get the Republic coorrdinates to that world.
“Which is why we have to do it.“ Andarna said, springing from her seat. “This is the best opportunity we’ve had. We can cut off the head of the snake instead of running after small cells. Decimate their leadership, supply chains and manpower pool with one strike. We have to take this chance.“
“Which is why I’m hesitant about it. We would be going in blindly based on what a guy told some other guy. And do you really think the Senate will agree to this. Especially as you want to specifically exclude their troops.“ And older human man on the other side of the table said, twisting his grey moustache. The Minister of Defense, Harvey, was often opposed to the political meddling within the military. It prevented it from doing what it should be doing and he often spoke about, not being as concerned about public image as the President would be. Andarna expected him to be more eager towards this. “Not to say the military side of this plan is quite… unconventional.“
“He is right Andarna. You are going in blindly into a perfect trap. Not to mention you have no idea about the planet or space around it, enemy military capability, supply lines or possibility of reinforcements. If your quick assault fails, you have no way of waging a long battle, even if you got supplies. You know Commandos aren’t meant for that kind of war.“ Dornan said. His impressive height, typical for Envari, and the equally rank of General was intimidating for many people. His more pragmatic and traditional doctrines often prevailed too.
Andarna, turned to the second Envari in the room, or rather the hologram of one. Marshall Hoxha, the only person outranking Andarna and Dornan, head of the Republic’s Armed Forces and architect behind the Rebellion’s officer training programs. He is responsible for the education 90% of Republic’s officers. “Back in the day you conducted operations similar to those of the Red Hand. And you saw me pull off operations magnitudes riskier than this one. Like Malevelon Creek. If I did that with a bunch of untrained volunteers and converted supply trucks I can do this with a Dreadnought and a Commando taskforce.“ Andarna insisted.
“We need to act fast. The prisoner refuses to speak before we agree on an operation against the Hand and we don’t know how long his contact on Nova Terra can last. This time we have no time for planning and a conventional battle.“ Hoxha said, the hologram flickering as he moved. He was still needed to deal with the troubles in the occupation zone and couldn’t be here in person. “The doctrine of taking out key targets with small Commando insertions isn’t new either, it’s all you two have been done for the past three years, just on a larger scale. Using new recruits to handle things here is a good idea, they could use some combat experience. Your plan is more thought out than meets the eye.“
“Thank you, but you know you can drop the formalities in private meetings.“ Andarna replied.
Everyone turned their gaze to the President Xanen. The Darkon stayed out of discussions up to this point. He was not a soldier, but a politician.
“What about the Senate?“ He finally asked.
“They can go fuck themselves.“ Andarna replied, seemingly handwaving the thought away. “The operation is small, outside of Republic territory and doesn’t require their troops. For once, they don’t get a say. I only need Hoxha, the Ministry and you.“
“In that case, I believe we heard enough. The plan us risky, but wasn’t the Rebellion which founded our state risky too? This is an opportunity to start acting and Andarna is the perfect person to do it.“ He said, in a tone that suggested the matter was settled. Hoxha was in agreement and the Minister was from the President’s circle.
An hour later Andarna exited the Ministrie’s meeting room to find Major Casey, her direct subordinate and good friend, waiting for her.
“So, how did it go?“ He asked.
“Pack your things and tell Yarrick to prep the Ravager. We leave tomorrow.“