Tarsus para bellum

[dongriffiths]

Klaus:

The team nervously continues to monitor their "guest" while checking the antics of the crazy Vargr on the field. Everyone waiting for their "guests" betrayal all feel is almost inevitable.

[Tiglath]

Klaus (and Frank)

The team nervously continues to monitor their "guest" while checking the antics of the crazy Vargr on the field. Everyone waiting for their "guests" betrayal all feel is almost inevitable.

Ms Pestis returns from the shuttle an is once more escorted by Klaus' team to her cell where she reverts to her reverie.

"Fek me! Do that again and I'll drop you!" comes from Naffo as he suddenly aims his weapon into the cell the other duty guard Ambrose explains to Klaus. "She just stood up. She stood up quicker than it's possible to stand up - if you're "normal" that is".

Ms Pestis intones "SEMC operative designation "Klaus" your co-workers are optimized in their work place roles as close combat specialists. That may give us an efficiency advantage in the current task arena. I am your ally. I will share relevant information. Please inform Colonel Cross that I estimate with high probability that the Aslan forces will defeat the garrison tasked with security at the SuSAG production facility at Evander, Tarsus. Inform the Colonel that it might be to the advantage of SEMC and Executive Outcomes Division, SuSAG AG, LIC, Trin, Trin's Veil to secure the orbital facility on Rond before the Aslan do so".

(OOC: Thanks dongriffiths for your great patience in bearing with me while the focus has been "elsewhere" in game ).

[Tiglath]

Frank

Voss turns to Frank and states levelly "Sir, it's a great benefit to have our tactical commanders read the battlespace well but how did Captain Ghosal know that airstrike was inbound and where did it come from?"

"Sir, there's also a message regarding Ms Pestis. It would appear she's come over a bit... "antsy"

[shaidar]

Frank

"You make a good point. I'll ask the Captain in due course, but first I'll visit our guest."

Frank heads down to see Ms. Pestis.

"I'm glad you returned unharmed Ms. Pestis. Is there a problem I can help with?"

[Tiglath]

Frank

Frank heads down to see Ms. Pestis.

"I'm glad you returned unharmed Ms. Pestis. Is there a problem I can help with?"

Ms Pestis states "Colonel Cross. I am your ally. I will share relevant information. I estimate with high probability that the Aslan forces will defeat the garrison tasked with security at the SuSAG production facility at Evander, Tarsus. It might be to the advantage of SEMC and Executive Outcomes Division, SuSAG AG, LIC, Trin, Trin's Veil to secure the orbital facility on Rond before the Aslan do so".

"The SuSAG shuttle and troops specialized in close combat and operations in a vaccum environment will be appropriate to the task".

[shaidar]

Frank

"In which case I think it's time Ms Pestis, the lieutenant and myself find a room where we can discuss tactics for his team. Ms Pestis, you will need to inform us of all relevant intel you have to ensure the highest chance of an optimal result. I think I'll have Voss join us too for this chat."

Frank will find a secure room we can use that can be appropriately guarded.

[Tiglath]

Frank

"In which case I think it's time Ms Pestis, the lieutenant and myself find a room where we can discuss tactics for his team. Ms Pestis, you will need to inform us of all relevant intel you have to ensure the highest chance of an optimal result. I think I'll have Voss join us too for this chat."

Frank will find a secure room we can use that can be appropriately guarded.

A steel walled "root store" is found that seems suitable it also has a raised catwalk to give security some possible reaction distance from Ms Pestis. Nevertheless all of Klaus team retain their longarms anywhere near her.

Nevertheless, Ms Pestis holds a "corporate briefing" despite the incongruous surroundings requesting a holo projector for her presentation.

"Welcome Colonel Cross, SEMC Assault Squad Leader identified "Klaus", Assault Squad members. Here is a briefing on the current situation on Tarsus and the holdings of Schunamann und Sohn AG therein".

"Evander: Colonel Coney, commander of SuSAG ground forces, is rated as "Tactically: Less Efficient". It is anticipated the facility will fall under Aslan control shortly. This is most regrettable as it has a billion credit value.

Rond: this orbital nearspace facility is the current Crisis Management Venue for Drace Keening, former employee of SuSAG, whose contribution is recognized by Executive Outcomes Division. The Rond facility has a select garrison of troops and its own flight of escort fighters together with regular service from Corporate shuttles. The garrison of ten to twenty security troops may have been reinforced but both available fighters and the garrison's Quick Reaction Force were destroyed in an orbital engagement with unidentified space forces.

This facility's garrison reflects its billion credit plus value as the main production facility for synthetic Thongamonganite in the Spinward Main. This is due to the unexplained prevalence of psionically reactive chemicals in certain local vegetation species.

After further archival research Drace Keening has been directly implicated in misappropriation of Bespoke Corporate Merchandise within the Collace Prime Arcology. This information has been shared with planetary law enforcement and Imperial partner agencies.

Schunamann und Sohn AG value our local business and community partners. I am therefore authorized by and on behalf of Nemo Sicarius, Executive Outcomes Division, SuSAG AG, LIC, Trin, Trin's Veil to offer a corporate bonus of 10MCr to SEMC Command and a 1MCr individual performance bonus for documented proof of the termination of Drace Keening's illegal command on Rond. This last to be with extreme prejudice.

I will holo project the floor plans of the Rond facilit and take questions".

Please see relevant post below viewtopic.php?p=717347#p717347

"The Corporation has no other facilities on Tarsus since we have recently ceased all ownership and liability relating to a scientific lease of a plot in Regiment. I mention this for the tactical context which will become apparent. The site revealed what was suspected to be an original colony ship. A SuSAG archeoscience team prosecuted the wreck confirming the Solomani colony ship theory and promoting through suitable genetically "blank" hosts several DNA samples which had been stored aboard by the colonists. Our team's goal was to restore a useful and robust servitor sub species to humanity's benefit. The experimental subject handling procedures are subject to review but the products rejected our Corporate ethos and displayed behaviour incompatible with management ideals. A security team sent in to terminate the experiment and a further whole section of troops from the Evander infantry garrison are liable for Corporate severance benefits as a result of the experimental mismanagement. A number of the scientific staff are subject to performance reviews if they are ever traced. The "proto Sword Worlders" still at large identify themselves as: Ragnar Lothbrok, Anders Lassen, Freydís Eiríksdóttir and Harald Sigurdssson. They have assimilated TL 14 Tech and are now rated as "Extremely Dangerous: Do NOT initiate contact".

Operational Caveat: exigent circumstances override security rating and protocols. It is believed that a group identified as the Study and Operations Recording Activities Group is responsible for catastrophic damage to Corporate assets and profit outcomes in District 268. It is believed that this group is affiliated with a reactionary section of the Zhodani military. Current status: Threat Unknown.

Up to a 50MCr bonus is offered by Nemo Sicarius, Executive Outcomes Division, SuSAG AG, LIC, Trin, Trin's Veil for intelligence on this threat or for actionable information leading to the detention of agents or actors of such an organization should it exist".

(OOC: Yikes! Having lost this and all its (internally sound) references once I find the map's now too big. I'll get the saw out and post it up tomorrow!

Oh and there's Corporate beans all over the carpet... ).

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya applauds Freddy's enthusiastic construction of a Sangar whilst doubting the wisdom of drawing attention to her position by his firing from it!
Come on Freddy - You aren't going to hit anything much from here with that ACR of yours. You are just repositioning your ready supply of ammo somewhere down-range! What if someone headed our way?

She does, however, check (on her drones) that Freddy isn't engaging someone who is actually heading her way.

The low-flying fighters cause her considerable concern - last seen at a Diplomatic event escorting a high-ranking Consular official, she's sure these are "Consular Guard Only" equipment items.

She tips off the SEMC HQ with this information.

[Tiglath]

Here's Ms Pestis' projected map of the Rond Facility:

Rond Interior.jpg (1.54 MiB) Viewed 635 times

By way of Legend:

Very top row (top right hand end): Gun Gallery, Executive Gallery

Top Row (of "units" left to right): Twin Small Craft Bay, 200ton Docking Bay, Cargo Bay, Lab / Scientist Quarters, Executive Quarters.

Bottom Row: Fuel Refinery, Fighter Bay (launch tubes below), Station Command, Living Quarters, Horticulture Area, Corporate Command, Power Plant.

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya

Should we assume that only the front of the facility is open to the surface - the rear parts are underground? It looks like that sort of thing. Which then begs the question of what defences to the top/rear have?

That amount of underground gear will be water cooled - airflow will be terrible. I wonder how they supply that water?

Those pop-up fighter elevators. What is the surface like there? Any access? Or do we just need to prevent escape by that route?
Similarly, there is a suggestion of an access way along the rear of the facility. What might that be?

[Tiglath]

Those pop-up fighter elevators.

Re: Fighter bays and elevators a picture is worth a thousand words

Screenshot 2024-08-17 192835.png (447.21 KiB) Viewed 587 times

Should we assume that only the front of the facility is open to the surface - the rear parts are underground?

Yes The base is an eighties slot in car stereo - which fits into the inner face of the hole through Rond.

So only the front (top) face is accessible.

There's no access at the rear.

However, there must be other flight launch facilities...

What is the surface like there? Any access? Or do we just need to prevent escape by that route?
Similarly, there is a suggestion of an access way along the rear of the facility. What might that be?

Asteroidy and no access from the rear.

Please all pitch in with any further queries.

[shaidar]

Frank

"So, 10 to 20 security troops, maybe more. Are there automated security systems?. What about Keening's personal security? And how many scientists and non-combat personnel should we expect?"

Apologies for the delay in my input. Frank doesn't like SuSAG corporate beans, they leave a bitter taste.

[Tiglath]

Frank

"So, 10 to 20 security troops, maybe more. Are there automated security systems?. What about Keening's personal security? And how many scientists and non-combat personnel should we expect?"

Ms Pestis replies "Your troop numbers are accurate. The same number of scientific and station staff are also present at the facility. Drace Keening, former employee of SuSAG, will also be accompanied by his personal entourage which may include security operatives. I may be able to compromise automated security measures and on approach our shuttle will be protected by Corporate IFF systems and local security protocols. I may have the capacity to neutralise a number of Corporate co-workers if we are able to infiltrate the Rond facility".

Apologies for the delay in my input. Frank doesn't like SuSAG corporate beans, they leave a bitter taste.

(OOC: No worries! And yes Corporate beans is nasty... It appears that Coreward SuSAG have no problem with throwing Keening under the bus and seem almost ready to then reverse back over him...).

[dongriffiths]

Klaus:

"It seems unlikely that there wouldn't be some sort of emergency bunker or escape route for the leadership of such an installation. I would assume there is nothing on the "Official" plan but possibly something excavated and concealed before the current structure was installed. A panic room of sorts where the top exec and backups of all the data would be kept secure until a relief force arrived. Is that a possibility Ms Pestis?"

[Tiglath]

Klaus

"It seems unlikely that there wouldn't be some sort of emergency bunker or escape route for the leadership of such an installation. I would assume there is nothing on the "Official" plan but possibly something excavated and concealed before the current structure was installed. A panic room of sorts where the top exec and backups of all the data would be kept secure until a relief force arrived. Is that a possibility Ms Pestis?"

"Assault Squad Leader Klaus you would be advised to expect greater physical security in the "Executive" areas of the base. Iris valves replace doors and have biometric locks. It is therefore fortunate that all Corporate biometric locks always admit staff from Executive Outcomes Division, Schunamann und Sohn AG".

Ms Pestis expands the focus of her floorplan:

Screenshot 2024-08-19 203912.png (139.18 KiB) Viewed 534 times

"It may be wise to focus efforts on securing this area during our incursion to the Rond facility or to alternatively have space flight capable interceptors available on standby. These measures may avoid the inconvenient loss of target opportunities and compromise of mission goals".

(OOC: If you have the option available "Open image in new tab" gives you the full size map (with now legible annotations) ).

[Tiglath]

All at Spion Kop / the Valley of Tears

He sets his mic to reach all units that are not in reserve positions, flips the switch, and relays a short message. "This is Cap'n Ghosal - we are now weapons free in the valley. I repeat all units we are now weapons free."

Kit receives an update from "Scuzz" piloting the gunship "Sir, first line of enemy armour halted - all vehicles K Killed or abandoned. There's one or two infantry gone to ground or hiding under wrecks but they're done. Second line of armour is stopped. Our IFV tore up everything on the east side - all K Kills. IFV is re-deploying to shoot up the HQ echelon. I see two or three AFVs pulling back from the line on the western side. They're not stopping. They went over one of their own softskins - that's a rout. I'll direct the IFV onto 'em".

"Sir, I'm scopin' out the HQ echelon - mostly softskins and civilian transports. We'll start on 'em. They have no anti air save personal weapons but we are near "Ordnance expended" sir".

From the eastern hills T'lia reports "The insurgent battalion in the dry river bed are now pinned there and under overwhelming air and ground attack by an aggressor force initially one tenth their number... and they are being annihilated. These Newland parachuting men fight like Guardsmen! Command, infantry threat from the east eliminated - I estimate 95% casualties. I'm unsighted - moving north to engage the enemy HQ".

Prerna sees the enemy HQ echelon is now down the throat of the ambush in the valley and effectively surrounded by both her east and west sniper units who are now having to shift firing positions to continue to engage the enemy rear. The vehicles she saw bringing up the enemy rear are all stolen civilian transports. Those riding or being transported in the enemy rear echelon don't seem to wear either civilian or camo gear but instead favour long white "shifts".

Dzofin moves through the brush at a crouch until a shrill whistle attracts his gaze to a thorn bush that at a second glance conceals a rifleman armed with the "right" ACR variant. The soldier's (apparantly hand painted camo) FN identifies him as "friendly". The soldier shouts to his left "Hendrik. Back, back". Then keys his comm "Dries, Jaco. Back, back". He then turns back to Dzofin indicating direction "This way Uitlander. Crashed your attack bike, eh? You should get yourself a horse, man! West now back to your friends, eh? Here!" He throws Dzofin a full FN mag "You're out. Not much use use without ammo are you boy? That way. Get ready. Move, move!"

Dzofin finds the running bent double disorientating and the constant "course corrective shoving" possibly disrespectful but unarguably effective. After a short while he notices the sound of firing is no longer "immediate". At one lung searing halt he sees his rescuer (maybe "guide" might fit better in his memoirs? ) hoist his FN and shout "Hey, Mercs. Isselbacher and four coming in! We have your pilot". There is more movement until the "Sword Worlders" turn him over to another human unit this time not dressed in bush camo CES but in combat armour. "Wait there Uitlander. Don't interrupt - Major Nayar's busy killing insurgents. It's important work". The four light infantrymen leave and Dzofin's quite sure one of them casually patted him! However, all he can hear is their departing casual chatter "Nice little bloke wasn't he?" "Ja, no trouble - when I get a farm I'm going to get a Ridgeback for the stock...". Dzofin overcomes his outrage and chagrin as he notices what must be the Mercenary commander before him. He sees two figures: one is standing helmetless in full sight of the enemy to use a range finder. He is armed with an Imperial Marine cutlass and has a large sidearm in a covered holster. He favours a wide brimmed hat against the glare of the veldt. A short distance to the observer's left either a large human child or small human adult lies prone behind a rifle apparently much bigger than its firer. The human wearing the hat drawls "Why, I do declare the wind is still at the target. Fire when ready". The massive rifle sighs and after a more than long pause the hat wearer declares "Well, you were his huckleberry!" On a repeater screen nearby Dzorfin notes a male in a white shift carrying a pistol and bearing a standard comprising with a huge metal star ceases his attempts to rally a group of fleeing infantrymen as his entire torso - just crumples. He collapses leaving a cloud of pink mist in his stead. The handful of infantry who were the audience throw their weapons aside and run towards the viewfinder stripping off any military gear on route.

[joertexas]

All at Spion Kop / the Valley of Tears

Prerna sees the enemy HQ echelon is now down the throat of the ambush in the valley and effectively surrounded by both her east and west sniper units who are now having to shift firing positions to continue to engage the enemy rear. The vehicles she saw bringing up the enemy rear are all stolen civilian transports. Those riding or being transported in the enemy rear echelon don't seem to wear either civilian or camo gear but instead favour long white "shifts".

"Stay on them," Prerna commands over her team net as she selects her next target in the enemy HQ formation and fires once more.

[gurusql]

Kit

"Any units, especially HQ unit that surrender should be captured when there is acceptable risk to person. Intel can be our ally here. Units that provide the faintest resistance can be eliminated."

[Tiglath]

Kit

"Any units, especially HQ unit that surrender should be captured when there is acceptable risk to person. Intel can be our ally here. Units that provide the faintest resistance can be eliminated."

Gaughan jogs over to Kit's Command Post "An armoured Regiment broken - a fine action well fought, sir. Would you be considerin' somethin' of a "general advance", sir? The other fellas seem to have lost their enthusiasm an' are after wanderin' away so they are...".

He adds "Ye can keep after them with the mortars - harrassing fire. Mister Ingridsdottir* can measure the progress of our "creeping barrage" an call the fire with her drones from the heights, sir. That will keep the broken enemy moving moving but we can't risk friendly fire if Major Nayar moves in an' does them up the..." he glances at Trooper Ink, the gang girl from Collace underhive, who is in the CP grabbing extra ammo cans for her SAW "... takes them from the rear, sir". Trooper Ink takes her leave wearing a cheerful smirk.

[Tiglath]

Frank

Voss states "Local secure comm call from General Piet Valls, Newland Army Command. He's slightly "Swordy", sir".

Before Frank can introduce himself his collocutor speaks "My name is Piet Valls, commander Newland Defence Force. By the gods, Colonel Cross, I like your work! I am committing all my reserve ground assets and air support to reinforce your success at Spion Kop. I spoke with Sergeant Isselbacher - he was busy. If you see him before I do tell him that he's a Captain".

"To business then. We have a heavy lift asset and I'm using it to reinforce you with my immediate armour reserve - two squadrons of The Black Devils in armoured cars and a whole squadron of The Greys. More will follow to exploit north over the river. They're all good men. Their infantry will catch up. I have some unexpected and generous help and so I plan to drop an assault infantry battalion directly into any incursion the armour makes - I'll be leading it. You've seen the Greys at work and my armoured cars eat insurgent main battle tanks for breakfast. I hope your people have left them some!"

"Colonel, I am "advised" to have my air support pilots claim some of your success. I'm a soldier so I don't like that sort of political dealing but I'm told it serves a "deception operation" purpose - so be it. Nevertheless, I personally apologize to your peole and I also pay my land's debts so please accept the case of champagne I'm forwarding to the Kruger ranch to mark that. Colonel Cross, I'm told that you're a decent man so you deliver it for me personally, ja?"