Tarsus para bellum

[BackworldTraveller]

You've a short chance - I'll squeek if they look to be getting close enough to twig

[Tiglath]

Kit and Freya (and Regimental HQ back at the Kruger Ranch via comms relay)

While Kit and his infantry reposition the grav bikes / wrecks the Greys provide tactical overwatch while Freya and Freddy use their drones as recon piquets to check the far horizon for the enemy and gather further ELINT.

Recon Report
Each "prong" of the attack seems to be an ad hoc battle group of thirty or so vehicles ranging from wheeled ATVs and Technicals, tracked APCs, some tanks but very few grav vehicles. Infantry are carried on the tops of all of the vehicles. The enemy HQ/Reserve consists of wheeled and tracked RVs, buses and more massive ATV "Landtrains" festooned with weapons of dubious provenance and "aesthetic" smoke and sound projectors.

The Reserve and two "prongs" are headed towards Spion kop. The Third prong is being engaged by the SEMC cavalry troop and drawn away to the east.

Tech/Recon Debrief
Some of the few grav vehicles are what caused Freya's most recent "situation" as, following Freddy's armed intervention on the side of a local goat herd, the pair were pursued by the pack of grav bikers. She therefore headed towards the SEMC positions at Spion Kop where Kit commands. Freya reports that the beacon stating this is a refugee staging post run by the "Sisters of the Imperial Belief" (who are apparently some type of missionary) is functional.

(OOC: Apols for patchiness but you are kinda/nearly now all heading towards (if not on) the same page! ).

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya checks with her team to see if the enemy leader's comms has been identified. A strike in that direction might distract if not decapitate. Similarly, the closer units might lose some cohesion if their comms were interrupted at a critical juncture. She asks her team to thrash out some ideas. Perhaps some earlier recorded orders imitated and re-issued at an inappropriate time?

As the enemy units approach, the expensive drones are probably better saved and the cheaper ones readied for deployment. To this end she checks with the HQ Staff, and prepares to look for a good observer/sniper position in support of (and behind) the main stop-line.

[Tiglath]

Prerna

Prerna

Prerna searches Ms Yersinia Pestis and finds clothing and articles consistent with her cover as a "joy girl". She carries no weapons and nothing more than a standard comm. In response to Prerna's dire warning she returns an agreeable smile and replies ""Noted. Thank you Major Nayar".

Perna takes all of Pestis' possessions and sets them outside her erstwhile cell. "We will return your property when we can talk. For now, please indulge my abundance of caution." After placing her in sort-of-safe storage, Prerna ensures that there is both a guard and a remote camera keyed to her helmet display. Then, she goes to find her wife and her team, in that order.

Prerna's quest finds success on both counts as she checks the Scout/Sniper's billet which is a simply a particular section of cots among the large area allocated to SEMC in the Kruger Ranch's vast vehicle sheds (which are sized to accommodate starships). Prerna first hears the whistles from the Collace natives as she walks into the open floor area full of cots which is the non comm "barracks".

She now knows that the odd whistles are the Collace street warning issued on the sighting of law enforcement adapted by the soldiery to ensure officers aren't troubled by seeing things that would otherwise interrupt their day.

Her scouts extend her the decency of pretending to be "surprised" by her arrival and have apparently even extended the "heads up" to their incongruous close combat specialist Sergeant Beau. His smoothly genteel tones greet Prerna on arrival "Officer on deck. Room 'shun. Good day, Ma'am. Scout section ready for your inspection".

From behind a "wall" of vertically hung blankets and camo nets Corporal Baker's voice sounds in surprise "Fekmyoldboots!" followed by "Sorry, Ma'am! Er... Annuver officer on deck! 'Ullo, Ma'am, er... unknown Flight Leftenant... oo I don't know at all!" T'Lia's Imperial accent purrs a reply "At ease Corporal and carry on. Sharp man - Sergeant material there for sure". Baker replies "Thank you... Leftenant. 'Ere, I know we're recon and that but you gave me a right turn there! I mean if you're just visitin' 'ow about you cough or somefink? I nearly sh... er, will that be all Ma'am? An' Major Prerna's over 'ere".

Prerna sees T'Lia ushered through a blanket "door" by Baker who, with the best intent, candidly offers "Er... if you want a moment we could all do one and set a perimeter?" He is cuffed about the ear (no doubt for many reasons) by his girlfriend and fellow sniper Easy who candidly asks Prerna "Are we deployin' up country Ma'am? Seems like the Cavalry and Mister Ghosal 'ave fahnd some fekkers oo are frontin' up for a barney*".

Prerna sees T'lia wearing SuSAG flight coveralls with Flight Lieutenant's rank bars and a Corporate ball cap which until she removes it partially obscured her features.

(OOC: Collace Trans Service: * displaying aggressive tendencies pursuant to a bout of fistcuffs).

[Tiglath]

Klaus

Naffo takes up initial guard duty as everyone else checks their weapons and performs basic maintenance before rotating in to allow him to do the same.

Klaus finds that Ambrose has joined Naffo guarding the corporate prisoner despite only Naffo being assigned duty in the "jail".

In immediate explanation Naffo states "Sir, we're doublin' up in our own time because this lady's not right. She came over all friendly once - just out of the blue. Turned her down. Dang I'd rather stick my junk in a fusion turbine". He looks across to the other Marine Commando Lance Sergeant who confirms "Just sits on the floor - states she's meditating. No one can be that still - she's not breathing".

Ambrose adds "Chief, after the approach - that's when we started doublin' up. That lady's a whole mess of Corporate trouble an' she's just very... bad news. Just so you know if she makes a break we've already discounted the non lethal option".

Naffo adds "Sir, you know we're all Tier One operators. I somehow think she knows that and it's only because we are constantly tactical around her is why she's not tried anything. Now, we are being danged careful. If the line guys get put in charge of this prisoner... Well, the unit might well loose people and she's gonna do just whatever the hell she wants until we stop her. You might want to punt that upstairs to Command".

[Tiglath]

Frank

At that point I think we'll need a meeting to bring everyone up to speed from both sides and work out a plan.

Voss summarizes the strategic and tactical situation while using the HQ battle computer to render visuals and real time images,

"Sir, Mister Ghosal has done well - again. After he handled the land grab backed by corrupt local law to the south he has deflected one thrust from the north with the QSM's cavalry troop and positioned himself with his squad, the Rangers and the local force Greys in the terrain about Spion Kop and the valley leading to it".

Ref: viewtopic.php?p=692139#p692139

"He has found a good position and appears to have drawn the remaining attacking columns towards him with an improvised radio ruse. The enemy moving on Spion Kop are in three groups of three types: a column of mixed armour and paramilitary vehicles which forms the main threat and head straight for his position up the valley, there's also a column of what appears to be mostly irregular vehicle mounted infantry with some Technicals as support who appear to be attempting to outflank his position in a "left hook" by avoiding the approach up the valley and circling behind Spion Kop, the enemy HQ and combat reserve seems to be following on directly behind the column of mixed armour. Their tactics are both blunt and basic and if we let them evolve might offer some chance for the enemy. However, the locals are very enterprising lads - ruddy murderous in fact! I like 'em. Sir, I have Major Storr Garlake of the local Light Infantry waiting outside. He states that his platoon of lift infantry will deal with the enemy mobile battalion's left hook".

The one armed officer pauses in consideration before committing to his assessment "Sir, out there on the airstrip they have four armed but beat up civvy air rafts, a commercial mid range grav boosted turbo prop transport and a G Carrier but I've looked 'em in the eye. It's their country, they know their enemy and have troop quality and innovative tactics on their side. This is the whole concept of the partial element we saw with 4DC. Sir, they're a killing machine. My tactical appreciation is that I believe we need only maintain a minimum reserve and entirely focus on the destruction of the enemy forces in the valley".

[Tiglath]

Freya

Freya checks with her team to see if the enemy leader's comms has been identified. A strike in that direction might distract if not decapitate. Similarly, the closer units might lose some cohesion if their comms were interrupted at a critical juncture. She asks her team to thrash out some ideas. Perhaps some earlier recorded orders imitated and re-issued at an inappropriate time?

As the enemy units approach, the expensive drones are probably better saved and the cheaper ones readied for deployment. To this end she checks with the HQ Staff, and prepares to look for a good observer/sniper position in support of (and behind) the main stop-line.

The Tech crew begin to formulate ELINT and PsyOps plans but are necessarily dependent on the decisions of Regimental HQ.

The opposition blast devotional tracts glorifying the Son of the Star, sermons to the same end and "trance music" on many channels making their transmitter (and thereby possibly their HQ) easy to track and geolocate. The Tech team rather disappointedly report absolutely no counter comms activity or jamming emanating from the invading formations. There are transient blooms of Target Acquisition band radar but no Tracking band radar.

(Cue a Sensor Ops + Int roll from Freya please).

Freya and Freddy can park their drones "hull down" on the rising peak of Spion Kop behind the SEMC "contact line". With two vehicles you can also manage good sensor coverage of the valley.

While Freddy's new "junior henchman" hero worships him the young and no doubt smelly goat minder thinks Freya is fascinating (he's of that age...). Once you co-locate and Freddy attempts to field repair the minor damage to his drone the juvenile abandons Freddy's ride to co-exist in Freya's. Really smelly! but also armed with a scrip stuffed with hand grenades. Meanwhile Freddy can be seen vigorously "freshening" the interior of his, now vacant, drone with emergency spritzes of cologne. Whilst he manages to nobly pull off both "smug" and "pseudo wounded" he also tends a small fire to which he has consigned several items whose olfactory contamination puts them beyond saving.

(OOC: The now revealed "memo to self" here is that these vehicles are utterly lacking in the high tech (laser) comms suite that would make them really useful. Fortunately Freya's "officer spec" armour has that facility but this still can't provide laser comms between both Essor drone vehicles and HQ. However, "in the land of the blind" encrypted radio is king! )

[shaidar]

Frank

Frank smiles at Voss "Thank you Lieutenant, I knew I could count on you and the others while I dealt with my situation. Now, show the Major in and let's see if we can finalise a plan to send the invaders packing...oh, where is the Sargent-Major?"

[dongriffiths]

Klaus

Naffo adds "Sir, you know we're all Tier One operators. I somehow think she knows that and it's only because we are constantly tactical around her is why she's not tried anything. Now, we are being danged careful. If the line guys get put in charge of this prisoner... Well, the unit might well loose people and she's gonna do just whatever the hell she wants until we stop her. You might want to punt that upstairs to Command".

Agreed, at the slightest hint of trouble end her. I don't know what she is but we take no chances.

Switching to command channel

Colonel this agent is giving off real bad vibes. My guy have already take initiative to up security on her. It feels like we're holding a live grenade.

[shaidar]

Frank

"Thank you Lieutenant, is the Major not around? I fully understand and I'll make sure it's taken into account when we plan the next move against the invaders, to make sure the reserves are suitable. With her sudden change in personality, and lack of emotion, I do wonder if there has been some kind of psionic or psychological conditioning, or even if she is some kind of cyborg."

[Tiglath]

Frank

Frank smiles at Voss "Thank you Lieutenant, I knew I could count on you and the others while I dealt with my situation. Now, show the Major in and let's see if we can finalise a plan to send the invaders packing...oh, where is the Sargent-Major?"

Voss replies "The QSM is holding up the easternmost enemy thrust. The cavalry troop seem to have the advantage there, sir".

He then ushers in the local force Major who is wearing light fighting order and carrying his camo painted FN variant ACR.

Rhodesian Light Infantry.jpg (76.36 KiB) Viewed 104 times

"Pleased to meet you Colonel Cross Major Storr Garlake, Newland Light Infantry - call me "Dooley". My troopies* are standing by and are ready to kill insurgents. The border farms north of here have mostly evacuated their families and the local kommandos are deploying and reporting the enemy progress. If you let us deal with the infantry hooking behind Spion Kop we'll leave you the armour in the valley. As soon as you give the word I'll have my men go to instant readiness".

(OOC: * local force for troops / troopers).

[joertexas]

Prerna

Prerna sees T'Lia ushered through a blanket "door" by Baker who, with the best intent, candidly offers "Er... if you want a moment we could all do one and set a perimeter?" He is cuffed about the ear (no doubt for many reasons) by his girlfriend and fellow sniper Easy who candidly asks Prerna "Are we deployin' up country Ma'am? Seems like the Cavalry and Mister Ghosal 'ave fahnd some fekkers oo are frontin' up for a barney*".

Prerna sees T'lia wearing SuSAG flight coveralls with Flight Lieutenant's rank bars and a Corporate ball cap which until she removes it partially obscured her features.

(OOC: Collace Trans Service: * displaying aggressive tendencies pursuant to a bout of fistcuffs).

"I'm sure the colonel has something useful for us, Easy," Prena replies in a carrying voice. "Mount up." When everyone is ready, Prerna keys the command net. "Recon group is ready to deploy."

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya

Freya checks with her team to see if the enemy leader's comms has been identified. A strike in that direction might distract if not decapitate. Similarly, the closer units might lose some cohesion if their comms were interrupted at a critical juncture. She asks her team to thrash out some ideas. Perhaps some earlier recorded orders imitated and re-issued at an inappropriate time?

As the enemy units approach, the expensive drones are probably better saved and the cheaper ones readied for deployment. To this end she checks with the HQ Staff, and prepares to look for a good observer/sniper position in support of (and behind) the main stop-line.

The Tech crew begin to formulate ELINT and PsyOps plans but are necessarily dependent on the decisions of Regimental HQ.

The opposition blast devotional tracts glorifying the Son of the Star, sermons to the same end and "trance music" on many channels making their transmitter (and thereby possibly their HQ) easy to track and geolocate. The Tech team rather disappointedly report absolutely no counter comms activity or jamming emanating from the invading formations. There are transient blooms of Target Acquisition band radar but no Tracking band radar.

(Cue a Sensor Ops + Int roll from Freya please).

Freya and Freddy can park their drones "hull down" on the rising peak of Spion Kop behind the SEMC "contact line". With two vehicles you can also manage good sensor coverage of the valley.

While Freddy's new "junior henchman" hero worships him the young and no doubt smelly goat minder thinks Freya is fascinating (he's of that age...). Once you co-locate and Freddy attempts to field repair the minor damage to his drone the juvenile abandons Freddy's ride to co-exist in Freya's. Really smelly! but also armed with a scrip stuffed with hand grenades. Meanwhile Freddy can be seen vigorously "freshening" the interior of his, now vacant, drone with emergency spritzes of cologne. Whilst he manages to nobly pull off both "smug" and "pseudo wounded" he also tends a small fire to which he has consigned several items whose olfactory contamination puts them beyond saving.

(OOC: The now revealed "memo to self" here is that these vehicles are utterly lacking in the high tech (laser) comms suite that would make them really useful. Fortunately Freya's "officer spec" armour has that facility but this still can't provide laser comms between both Essor drone vehicles and HQ. However, "in the land of the blind" encrypted radio is king! )

Freya decides the poor hero-worshipper should be dealt with by encouraging an air of distant worship rather than close familiarity. She sets him a devotional task of building a sangar for protection in case of mortar fire (or similar).

Freddy - keep the smoke down on that IR-homing missile's dream! I hope your combat position is well away from that!

She fiddles with the sensors looking for good targets - and asks her base team for the same.



Freya to HQ: We have some interesting target/strike data from these sensor maps. We may wish to consider a wide sweep with the armour or some sort of suppressive strike when things start going.
Do we have a map we could show these on?

And with that she looks for clear withdrawal routes and alternative hides for her and her team before settling in and waiting. The sound of rocks being piled up (downwind) by her acolyte places him clearly - near but not too close. Keep going lad!
She takes a swig of water, carefully saving the rest for later.

[shaidar]

Frank holds his hand out to shake

"It's a pleasure to meet you Major...Dooley. Voss here tells me your men are more than capable, but if there is anything in addition we can provide to assist then just say. We are just putting our plan together to attack the main convoy, it makes sense to have the attacks occur simultaneously."

[Tiglath]

Frank

Frank holds his hand out to shake

"It's a pleasure to meet you Major...Dooley. Voss here tells me your men are more than capable, but if there is anything in addition we can provide to assist then just say. We are just putting our plan together to attack the main convoy, it makes sense to have the attacks occur simultaneously."

"Dooley" returns Frank's handshake with a smile "Pleased to meet you Colonel. I'm just glad Meester Kruger chose to invest in your services. He's a true Newland patriot. The Corporation doesn't like us having a Newland military so they find ways to sanction our attempts to build one and keep the planetary army as... well... an embarrassing mess. That and they don't seem shy in buying up any low/mid tech military surplus gear and quietly slipping it to the insurgents. That's why I'm pleased you're here and able to deal with their new armour. Although I'd be surprised if they know how to use it".

"If you are offering help medevac and logistics is where we're short. I'm told you have grav ambulances and if you can lend us a good air raft and a pilot with some balls to re-supply ammo I'd be grateful. My men will do the rest - they are good and we've been doing this a while. You should assume your right flank and rear will be secure Colonel".

"We'll need at least half an hour to get to target - the Paradak's not the quickest bird. As soon as we are over the target I'll take my K car in for a recce and the Lynx* will pin them. Then the G cars will put in the stop groups where they're likely to run and the main sweep will drive the insurgents into the kill zone for the finish".

(OOC: * The "Lynx" must be Newland parlance for the serviceable and sturdy looking civvy G carrier modified with a dorsal gun pack and forward of its side loading doors stub wings carrying rocket pods, what might be locally produced deadfall munitions and what to Frank looks like external fuel tanks).

[shaidar]

Frank

"Medevac and ammo resupply, I'm sure we can help with that." he nods at Voss. "And we'll loop you into our secure comms."