[center][b][h2]Kato Okoye[/h2][/b][/center]

The Lambda-class T-4a shuttle could carry roughly 20 combat troops from ship to shore or in this case, the surface of the trash heap known as Lotho Minor. The first and fourth squads or in some circles, Alpha and Delta squads loaded onto the same shuttle allowing for one platoon to use two shuttles to get their complement to the surface. 

Kato took a seat near the rear ramp, ready to deploy his Light Repeating Blaster for rear security as soon as the vehicle landed, and the squad was prepared to deploy. There was no way of knowing what sort of reception the two squads would receive once they hit the deck.

Kato listened to Sergeant Vytuia detail the mission. Alpha squad would take lead from the south after deploying from the shuttle. The squad would split into two four-man teams with Sergeant Vytuia leading one team and Corporal Tapalo leading the second team. Usually, in this configuration, Kato would serve as the LRB guner for Tapalo’s team. But knowing the sergeant likes to change things up he asked the question, “Sergeant, will I be with Corporal Tapalo on this one too?”

Sergeant Vytuia continued with the Operations brief. The third squad or charlie squad would assault the complex from the north and the second squad or bravo squad will insert onto the roof of the complex and clear from the top down. The best way to take a building is from the top down, that is tactically the best. By having a stronger force clearing from the bottom up, as in this situation, it will force the hostiles to move up, attempting to seek refuge, but would simply run into the platoon’s Bravo squad setting in hasty ambushes on the top floor. The Delta squad riding shotgun with our Alpha squad was obviously the platoon’s reserve and was prepared to assume our mission if something tragic were to happen. They could also lend fire support if we came under heavy fire inside.

The platoon would then clear the building room by room, floor by floor until all enemy combatants were either eliminated or rendered ineffective. It would be a slow process with Kato and Trooper 2323 (aka Bradlev) providing overwatch or cover in the corridors and open areas as the remainder of their respective teams cleared the rooms.

Kato listened to Malik’s question, knowing they’d used thermal detonators a number of times for room clearing. Toss a detonator inside, it goes off killing or injuring the occupants and then rapidly enter firing at any survivors inside. Painless for the attackers. Sometimes a hand thrown device that created a blinding flash and high volume explosion was all that was needed to disrupt the enemy’s ability to fight back. Kato was ready for this fight. He cradled his LRB between his knees, butt plate on the deck as he listened to the squad sergeant and ran through his mind what his job would be. Cover.