Game Turn: TwoOperation: End Game

War: Unification War, Late

Location: South-east Yakima County.

Combatants: Yakima Republic vs Badlands Commonwealth

Back Story: The Unification War officially ended two years ago, after Republican forces comprehensively defeated the Badlands Commonwealth at the Battle of New Toppenish. However, whilst the Republic has been licking its wounds and rebuilding its battered military, the Commonwealth has sought to consolidate its surviving territories - all located in the South-east region of Old World Yakima County.

Though militarily defeated, and lacking in both men and material, the Commonwealth's Merchant Parliament is stubbornly refusing to give up the struggle. Four promises of amnesty and peaceful annexation from the YR have been rejected, often with violent outcomes, and with the NCR possibly on the horizon, President Gordon Clearwater has called lights out on any peace agreement. He believes they need to be dealt with now or never, and with all means necessary.

With this in mind, the Republic has mustered four of its standing armies, and dispatched them to the YR/Commonwealth borders to finally end a war was supposed to have ended two years ago.

Starting with the Commonwealth stronghold of Sunnyside, the Republican army will finally begin its push to fully unify all original members of the Yakima Grand Alliance (the Republic's political forerunner) under a single flag.

Operations Map



Missions:

Refer to Operations Map for corresponding mission numbers.

Mission #1

Republican Armies Involved: 1st Republic Hunters Battalion "Black Death"

Mission Objective: The 1st Republic Hunters Battalion is to, under the cover of darkness, infiltrate the thinly held Commonwealth lines, and circle around the north-eastern flank, to arrive at the ruins of Sunnyside Municipal Airport. The airport, though it is in a state of total disrepair, is a vital Commonwealth logistical hub and communications centre.

President Clearwater wants that installation captured and held at all costs. If the Hunters are forced into retreat, then they are to destroy as much of the Commonwealth's supplies as they can before doing so.

Enemy Strength:

The Commonwealth units operating in the area are a mixed bag of militia, lawmen and some professionals. However, they are spread thinly across their lines, and no one place seems to house a large group of them. Passing through the occupied areas should not pose much of a problem, and if any Commonwealth units can be destroyed along the way, with minimal losses to the Hunters, then Command has given the green light.

The air port itself however, is a different story. A platoon of the Commonwealth's so called Freedom Guard are located there, armed with a variety of high-end assault rifles. They're not badly trained either, and will be unlikely to run - but numbers are on your side, and so is stealth, if you want it.

Mission #2

Republican Armies Involved: 1st Republic Energy Force

Mission Objective: To smash through Commonwealth positions on the borders, and to storm into the northern suburbs of Sunnyside. All hostile formations encountered are to be destroyed or routed.

Enemy Strength:

The Commonwealth units operating in the area are of decent quality, though mostly equipped with cheap rifles and sidearms. They are aware of the Republic's recent mobilisation on the borderlands, and so fifty Commonwealth troopers have been brought into the area. They are dug in along a field, occupying a shallow trench network, and block the approach to northern Sunnyside. Destroy them first, before proceeding.

The northern Sunnyside suburbs are held by small groups of rag-tag militia - the dying gasps of the Commonwealth's military might - and should not pose a problem. However, be warned, for the pre-war ruins of Sunnyside offer plentiful places for snipers to hide.

Mission #3

Republican Armies Involved: First Battalion, Rifle Infantry

Mission Objective: To evict or destroy a company-strength force of Commonwealth Freedom Guard stationed in the small pre-war town of Outlook.

Enemy Strength:

The Freedom Guard are aware of your coming, and have fortified the ruins of Outlook with sniper emplacements and machinegun nests. Their strength is placed between one hundred, and one hundred and fifty.

As far as we are aware, they have no access to artillery. But be warned, this would not be the first time the Freedom Guard have proved urban warfare as their Ace card. Proceed with caution.

Mission # 4

Republican Armies Involved: The Martin Rangers

Mission Objective: To navigate the hills west of Sunnyside, and to establish an observation post just south of the city.

Enemy Strength:

The only people who occupy hilly terrain in the wasteland are either fools, or are there because they're forced to be. You'll likely come up against rag-tag units of penal companies, formed from the Commonwealth's undesirables and condemned. They are usually poorly armed, relying on anything they can get their hands on, but this does not make them ineffective.

Bypass them, or take them out quietly. This is a "stealth" scenario, and we cannot allow the Commonwealth to know we're setting up shop so close to home.

With the Commonwealth facing action all across its borders, it is unlikely any regulars will turn up to scour the hills for any lost penal squads, or to chase ghosts in the shadows. Stay quiet, and you'll stay safe.

0540

From a hill overlooking the podunk ghost town, Lt. Colonel LeMay watched in the final minutes before the assault. The fire leading up to it had been hellish; it was a legitimate doubt to him if any of them survived. There simply wasn't enough cover for the pretentiously named "Freedom Guards" to withstand it.

The time came, and from behind trees and berms came his loyal men...

O545

"Let's move!" Lieutenant Johnston waved along Bravo as they approached the first ruin. There was no contact with the enemy so far, which was always a positive in any military operation.

Deliberately they avoided the fields of fire covered by the windows and stacked along the concrete exterior walls. The lieutenant held up his fingers in the rising sun, and counted down from three. On "One", he dropped to one knee and presented his weapon through the window. Rather than a gun-toting foeman, three bloodied carcasses greeted him.

"Three tangos down,"

As they moved to the next house, they noticed a sizable number of silhouettes standing in the middle of the street. The squad immediately found cover and presented arms. When through their night vision googles they beheld that their arms were up.

"EVERYBODY ON THE GROUND, NOW!" The Lieutenant stood up with his weapon drawn and advanced. As he closed with them, 17 shellshocked faces blinked at him in the darkness as they groggily laid prone and placed their hands on their heads,

"HQ, this is Sierra Bravo. I have got 17 POWs here. Going to need more ties. Is the rest of the town secure? Over."

The radio crackled in response, "Negative, Sierra Bravo. Cover the POWs and wait for an all-clear."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elsewhere in the city, enemy elements were not so keen on surrender. The men of Second Platoon, Second Company had seen some of the hardest fighting, which given the weakened, demoralized state of the enemy, was not much. A few potshots here, a burst of automatic fire there, just enough to make them take cover and allow the hooligan to flee. Due to this delay, Second Platoon was to clear the last house.

It was a formidable structure, and given that only 132 enemy soldiers had been accounted for, it offered the potential for bitter resistance. As Second Platoon advanced, a crazed machinegunner opened up in a second story window.

A radio call for concentrated mortar fire, and that problem was solved.

Ares studied the operations map in his tent, occasionally consulting the orders for reference. His forces were about 500 yards from the suburbs, nestled between two small hills. Thousands of equations and scenarios ran through Ares head in the span of several seconds. He would rain explosives down on the trenches and then send the Assault division to clean it up. It would no doubt alert the enemy to their presence, but stealth was never this army's strong point anyway. He heard the sounds of gunfire further into the town and figured his peers had started the attack. His top lieutenant, a aging black man named Bud Koroasa, peeked into his tent. "They have started the assault, sir." he said. "I noticed." replied Ares in the smooth, almost business like voice that he had been made with. "Tell Sky to meet me on top of the east hill." he ordered, grabbing his plasma rifle and donning his Enclave hat. The camp was quiet, soldiers had been ordered to keep noise at a minimum until the attack. The tension was almost palpable. To an organic at least. Ares didn't notice anything except the anxious movements of soldiers. He marched up the east hill, getting lower as he neared the top. He stopped just before the crest of the hill, he was able to see the trenches. He scanned the trenches and saw a multitude of soldiers, they acted slightly on edge, having also heard the firefights in town.

Footsteps approached behind him, and the lithe female form of Sky settled down next to him. She was the leader of the Explosives division. "What's the plan?" she asked, observing the trenches herself. "I want missiles to hit here, here, and here." he said, showing her the marks he made on the map. "How many?" Ares paused for a moment. "As many as you think is necessary." he replied, handing her the map. "Effective immediately." he added, starting back down the hill with her. She nodded and went to go round up her men.

Ares approached Korasa, who was also the leader of the assault division. "After Sky hits those points, you take all of your troops in to clear out whoever is left and head into the suburbs, I'll rendezvous with you there." Korasa saluted, then rushed off.

Seven minutes later, Sky let loose the artillery and the battle had officially begun.

Game Turn: OneOperation: Wasteland

Conflict: Unification War, Late

Location: North-east Yakima County.

Combatants: Yakima Republic vs Feral Ghouls and Raiders

Back Story: With the last weeks of the Unification War playing out in the south-east, the Yakima Republic has already started its search for resources. Currently, the Republic is crippled by a lack of proper medicine and pre-war materials. If it hopes to turn aside any potential NCR annexation attempt, it'll need plenty of both.

With this in mind, Special Operations Command has dispatched its two standing formations to the north-eastern corner of Old World Yakima County to scour the barren deserts for anything of value. The land there is harsh, hilly and blanketed with radiation death-spots, and for this reason the President has decided against deploying regular units for the scavenging operation.

Packs of Feral Ghouls rule the night, and disjointed raider bands rule the day. Whilst it is hoped that eventually, the area will be brought into the Republic, the President would rather not waste lives on a few grains of sand and some inbred locals for the time being.

It takes a special kind of person to wade through sandy hills, blasted by the unseasonably hot sun of winter, to dig a few relics out of the ground.

Operations Map



Missions:

Refer to Operations Map for corresponding mission numbers.

Mission # 1

Republican Armies Involved: 1st Republic Infiltrators(The Black Widows)

Mission Objective: There have been reports for some weeks that a mysterious wreckage has been spotted not far from the Republic's borders. Our science community believe, from the descriptions given, that it is that of a Vertibird. For this reason, the Republic will not delay in reaching and securing the crash site, so that the craft's remains can be pillaged.

Your orders are to march across the wasteland, to secure the crash site, and to transport anything of value back to the Republic's borders.

Enemy Strength:

The north-east area of Old World Yakima County is infested with Feral Ghouls, and gun shots will quickly bring a horde down on your head. Kill what you must, and hold the crash site for as long as is needed for you to extract anything salvageable, but do not turn the desert wastes into a shooting gallery. The last thing the Republic needs is an unplanned Feral Ghoul invasion of its scarcely held borders.

Mission # 2

Republican Armies Involved: 8th Underground and Recon Division

Mission Objective:

The Republic has known for some time of the location of Vault 59, but has so far decided to avoid making contact, until now.

Information from captured locals is sketchy, but all conclude that the Vault has been abandoned for some time, though we've always presumed it occupied. It is said that Feral Ghouls use it as a form of hideout, often disappearing into it when the winter rains pound the sand dunes.

If this is true, then it is unlikely the Vault's interior has been pillaged by others, which would provide us an excellent opportunity to gain some much needed pre-war equipment.

Make your way into the wastes, avoid contact with any hostiles until you reach the vault... at which point, you have the green light to enter the facility with any means necessary. In the event that you are met with stiff resistance, then you are to retreat from the area ONLY if you are confident any perusers can either be lost or destroyed. If you are unable to disengage, you are to hold your position until reinforcements are available.

On the chance that you gain entry to the vault, you are to search it for anything and everything deemed useful to the Republic's survival, from defunct robotics, motors, tools and weapons to medicine, artificial plant nutrients and water purifying equipment.

Enemy Strength:

The north-east area of Old World Yakima County is infested with Feral Ghouls, and gun shots will quickly bring a horde down on your head, this much is known.

However, the Feral Ghouls in the area seem presently occupied with a raider camp, located further to the south-east, and so you can expect to be met with less resistance than usual.

The vault itself holds an unknown number of hostiles, and so caution is urged when it comes to entering the facility.

When Jame's had received his order he felt happy. His men were getting anxious and need battle. His orders as he understood them were to send a warning to commonwealth and take the airport. He as always moved under the cover of darkness and easily slipped based the enemy lines. They were able to reach halfway before the sun rose. He as usual send out 10 men from alto's platoon to scout the area. As expected the so called "Freedom Guard" protected this old world building. So Jame's told his men to wait till the cover of night. He told his platoon leaders that will Leo's and Jame's platoon would move to the fence at which point he'll send a ghoul out to launch a flare and alert the rangers to begin firing. When the men run out to deal with the rangers Jame's would lead the men and slaughter the entire garrison. However now all he needed was the cover of night.

Game Turn: One (Mid Turn Event) Operation: End Game || Mid-Turn Event

War: Unification War, Late

Location: South-east Yakima County.

Combatants: Yakima Republic vs Badlands Commonwealth

Back Story: The Unification War officially ended two years ago, after Republican forces comprehensively defeated the Badlands Commonwealth at the Battle of New Toppenish. However, whilst the Republic has been licking its wounds and rebuilding its battered military, the Commonwealth has sought to consolidate its surviving territories - all located in the South-east region of Old World Yakima County.

Though militarily defeated, and lacking in both men and material, the Commonwealth's Merchant Parliament is stubbornly refusing to give up the struggle. Four promises of amnesty and peaceful annexation from the YR have been rejected, often with violent outcomes, and with the NCR possibly on the horizon, President Gordon Clearwater has called lights out on any peace agreement. He believes they need to be dealt with now or never, and with all means necessary.

With this in mind, the Republic has mustered four of its standing armies, and dispatched them to the YR/Commonwealth borders to finally end a war was supposed to have ended two years ago.

Starting with the Commonwealth stronghold of Sunnyside, the Republican army will finally begin its push to fully unify all original members of the Yakima Grand Alliance (the Republic's political forerunner) under a single flag.

Operations Map



Missions:

Refer to Operations Map for corresponding mission numbers.

Mission #4

Republican Armies Involved: First Battalion, Rifle Infantry

Mission Objective: We've picked up a column of mixed-strength Commonwealth troops coming your way, and they look set on evicting you from your position around Outlook.

The ruins may be little more than tumbled Old World bricks and mortar, but the President has seen fit to have this rather significant Commonwealth formation obliterated.

Therefore, you are to hold Outlook, and to use the defence effort as an opportunity to deal these stubborn bastards a mighty blow!

Enemy Strength:

The Commonwealth column is a rag-tag group of Sunnyside militia, and Freedom Guard. Our estimates put them at five hundred strong, and they represent a large portion of the Commonwealth's forces in the area.

Their equipment ranges, with the militia relying on the mass-produced varmint rifle, whilst the Freedom Guard have a variety of automatic weaponry. We've also spotted atleast two medium-range mortar teams, but are unaware of their effectiveness.

Last, but not least, is a rather laughable addition to their little assault. We've seen what appears to be a small herd of Brahmin travelling with the column, but upon closer inspection, they're laden with explosives. As funny as that may sound, I wouldn't let them get too close.

Game Turn: One Operation: Swooping Crane

Conflict: Southern Expansion

Location: Washington State Border (South).

Combatants: Yakima Republic vs Township of New Dalles

Back Story: Not much lives in the wastes to the south of the Republic, and for a long time, they have served as a comfortable buffer zone from the NCR's military might. However, with rumours growing about an NCR presence in Old World Oregon, the President has decided to get proactive around the matters of building a suitable line of defence.

The Columbia River is a natural barrier between the YR and the NCR, and could serve as a tactical ace in the event of hostilities. There are three Old World bridges, spanning the river, and the President is most unhappy about the gateway they would allow into the YR's southern territories. With this in mind, he would see them secured.

The only political organisation in the area, is known as the Township of New Dalles. The people there are known as raider-sympathisers, and hold no alliegences to anyone. They will not yield the bridge, or their settlement, but this is of little concern. The President only wishes that the YR's end of the bridges are held by forces loyal to the Republic, but unfortunately, to do this would mean war with the locals.

And so, war it is!

Operations Map



Missions:

Refer to Operations Map for corresponding mission numbers.

Mission #1

Republican Armies Involved: 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion

Mission Objective: Proceed down the Old Route 97, and engage the Township's forces at the ruins of Goldendale. After they have been destroyed or routed, mount up, and proceed further south.

One force is to capture the Sherman Highway Bridge, directly to the south, whilst another is to head off-road to New Dalles' airport. We do not require you to cross the river, only to secure the airport and to set up a base of operations there. Once the Sherman Highway Bridge is secured, consolidate upon Columbia Gorge Airport, and hold it against any Township counter attacks.

Enemy Strength:

The Township of New Dalles is a small collection of farmers and traders, who have formed themselves a small community. Their armaments vary, but are mostly small-arms based. They are not known as heroic fighters, and will likely break in the face of overwhelming fire power, but do not underestimate them.

The garrison in the Goldendale ruins is small, perhaps fifty or so men, and none of them are professional soldiers. New Dalles is a slightly different story, as its population stands around 1,000. There's no telling what they'll throw at you once you swarm over the airport, but be wary, this would not be the first time the Republic was outsmarted by brahmin herders.

---

Game Turn: One Operation: Hidden Oracle

Conflict: The Tribal Wars

Location: North West Yakima County.

Combatants: Yakima Republic vs Yakima Tribal Confederation

Back Story: When the fledgling Republic was torn asunder by the start of the Unification War, there were those who sought to make good its weakness.

The tribes of savage men occupying the mountainous areas around Mt. Rainer assembled into a war host, and stormed the unsuspecting Republic, getting as far as New Yakima City before they were finally stopped. That was six years ago, and old wounds can sometimes sour.

Though they have been stripped of the military might they may once have possessed, the savages are still a force to be trifled with. Operating out of several hidden areas located around Mt. Rainer, they launch incessant guerilla attacks on trade routes, farms and small settlements. Though the Martin Rangers are the ones who traditionally fend them off, their current deployment in the late stages of the Unification War have left the vulnurable areas of the Republic totally defenceless.

This is not why the President is sending in some of his best, however.

In recent days, New Yakima City's science community have alerted the President to a series of radio transmissions being made from Mt. Rainer itself. Details, as always, are sketchy, but the transmissions appear to be on a loop, and make constant references to the United States Military. It is thought, that perhaps the slopes of Mt. Rainer house a hidden Pre-War military base, or something of that stock.

The mountain must be brought into the Republic's borders, so that the source of these transmissions can be found. For that to happen, the Yakima tribesmen must be driven off or killed to the last man, woman and child. Their surrender is unlikely, as they hold an almost religious hatred towards the Republic.

Operations Map



Missions:

Refer to Operations Map for corresponding mission numbers.

Mission #1

Republican Armies Involved: West Valley Division

Mission Objective: Follow the Old World road, 410, through the winding valleys of the former Mt. Rainer National Park. Destroy any and all hostile resistance encountered , and annihilate any tribal camps spotted along the way. We're at war here, and these savages have bothered us for too long.

You are to halt your advance at the base of the mountain, and await reinforcements before proceeding to the source of the transmissions.

Enemy Strength:

The tribals of the Yakima highlands are vicious warriors, relying not on guns to bring their foe to the ground, but numbers. Machetes, spears, bows and brute strength power their war machine, and whilst this may not sound like much, they are backed by an endless stream of courage.

When the Yakima Tribal Confederation was broken at the Second Battle of New Yakima City, it was not because they were routed, it was because over 80% of them were slaughtered on the killing fields.

Laser guns and power armour are a smug smile in the face of such reckless warriors, do not trust in technology to put down our savage brothers, but tactical prowess.

They will likely rely on hit and run manoeuvres, striking you from the hill tops with thrown spears, and vanishing as quickly as they appeared. If you settle down for the night, beware an all out assault on your position.

In the hills south-west of Sunnyside, no less than a dozen pairs of eyes were buried neatly into the shrubs, trained with eagerness on a collection of unhappy men in chains. The group being watched was dressed in scavenged old orange jumpsuits, and were equipped with nothing but half-broken shovels that they could just barely manage to use in their bondage. Standing beside the handful of penal workers, only a few feet away, was a middle-aged man, well built and tall, carrying a rifle. The lonely guard watched over his prisoners with half of a lazy eye, the rest of his attention focused up at the sky, staring off into the sun, or maybe some shape he thought he saw in the clouds. He was caught entirely off guard when he heard a call from behind him.

"Drop the gun and kneel on the ground, hands behind your head!" the voice calmly, but firmly, demanded. It wasn't just the guard that was caught unaware—his workers, too, had managed not to notice the group of a dozen Martin Rangers encircling them, slowly closing in on their position until it was impossible for them to miss, if they had to shoot at all. When the guard dropped to his knees in compliance, the prisoners gave a smug cheer, but then tossed their shovels and knelt down just like him. Anthony E. Martin smirked, and gave a second command, this one to the portion of his Martin Rangers' Frontier Company that was in attendance. "Grab his rifle and put him in chains with the rest. He won't be getting a shovel."

The old general stepped forwards a few feet, his officer's uniform immaculate, thanks to the lack of real action his men had been facing in these hills. He set his hand on the Commonwealth law man's shoulder, and said in a reassuring tone, "Sunnyside belongs to the Yakima Republic now, friend. That means her prisoners do as well. We'll do right by them. Of course, 'them' now means you, too." A Ranger then picked up the guard's rifle, and used it as a stick to push the guard forward on his knees, with the rest of the prisoners. His leg was connected to the chain gang, and he and his old detainees begrudgingly got back to work, the law man digging with his bare hands in lieu of a shovel. Two of the twelve Martin Rangers stayed behind, keeping a diligent eye on the chain gang, whilst Anthony and the nine others pressed on further south-east. Night was falling, and Anthony wanted his men to own the hills by the time shooting started. With the whole rest of the Frontier Company skulking the hills, Anthony doubted it'd be long, now. Once he reached the end of the hills, he and the free members of the Frontier Company would meet up with Contact Company, who'd followed the hill's edge from the south. By the time they regrouped, the fighting would be on well and good further north, and the time would be optimal for the Martin Rangers to establish their observation post just to the south of Sunnyside's limits, hopefully unopposed.

Once night had fallen he moved his men to the base of the fence all was silent. He gave the signal to the ghoul and he did as was asked. The ghoul set themselves on fire then when the guards looked to him they sniper fire began. Once people started rushing out the closer rifle men opened fire killing a large amount. However when they all reload the enemy returned fire. From what he could tell none of his men were hurt at least not dead hurt. Then when the commonwealth troops advanced Jame's shouter the black death battle cry "For the Great Darkness that will consume us all" The melee raiders stood and charged the commonwealth stood frightened at what just happened and easily slaughtered. By the time morning had come Jame's was in the Airport tower and most of his men guard the base. He lost a few mostly ghouls who took the blunt of fire when they charged but a few of his own men. His men scavenged the commonwealth troops for everything. Gear,clothes,drugs then the base. As per usual they rose his personnel flag but his snipers wore the commonwealth uniform so in case anyone came to check they'd have the advantage. Meanwhile Jame's sat over looking the area waiting for his messenger ghoul to return with further orders.

The artillery destroyed the trenches and after a barrage, Ares ordered in the Assault Division, as the other divisions followed behind. The artillery seemed to have done most of the work, everyone was either dead or attempting to crawl for safety with what limbs they had left. Ares found one of these such soldiers. Not wanting to waste a mircofusion cell, he instead stomped on the crawling form's skull until it resembled a squashed tomato. The support division looted the corpses as the Assault Division pushed forward into the suburbs. Ares walked with them, ordering the leader's to rendezvous with him as the troops secured the area, "Medical and Support will set up camp here while Assault and Explosive push forward. Recon, there is a chance that there are snipers in the area, so take some of your guys and scout it out." The leaders nodded, going to their respective positions. Ares could tell that his newest Lieutenant, Rhett, was unnerved by his appearance and how he sounded. He would have to address that later. Doctors were always a bit more...intimidated by him for some reason.

They pushed forward, Humans and Ghouls going cover to cover, Robots rolling down the middle of the street. They were clearing the streets house by house and so far, there was no activity in the last two blocks. Then gunfire erupted from a nearby community center. Dozens of lasers and plasma shots slammed into the building, shredding through cover slightly less sturdy than a brick wall. Ares estimated that there was about 27 enemy troops in the area. Several Mutants ran into the building and red and green lit up the interior. 19. It seems this particularly detachment was expendable to the main force. The troop moved on, methodically clearing buildings. Turning a corner, the force was met with a small barricade with a mounted machine gun. At least 4 soldiers went down before anyone got to cover. Ares returned fire from behind a shop sign, Sky ordered a missile to blow that outpost sky high. Apparently there were some explosives as well because there was nothing left of the structure after a sentry bot sent a missile rocketing their way. 13 left. Crack! A sniper shot slams into the same Sentry bot's rocket launcher disabling it. It's turret revs up and demolishes the spot where the shot had come from. 12 left. "Push forward with caution!" Ares ordered, leading the troop farther into the suburbs. A yelp came from a nearby house as an enemy soldier was thrown down the stairs leading to the front door. A soldier from Recon walked out and put a laser round through the soldier's head, his skull exploding into a fountain of brains and blood. The soldier nodded to Ares then went back into the house. 11 though Ares with some pride.

Olivia, a prominent member of the Recon Division, came out of the same house and saluted. "Sir, the remaining enemies have dug in at a high school a couple blocks from here. The force is small, but better equipped than the other detachments." Ares did some quick calculations. "I see, well done soldier, inform the other divisions to push up to the high school, it will be secured by the time you get back. Tell Medical we have a few casualties as well." Olivia saluted again, then disappeared into the house. The troop continued forward, the Explosives division taking point. The plan was to bomb the crap out of their dug in positions and then unload hundreds of cells on them until there was nothing left. The street they were on started to rise and Ares saw several signs pointing to a school zone. As soon as they crested the hill, they were assaulted by lead, killing 3 soldiers, damaging one robot, and injuring 4 soldiers. Their comrades pulled the wounded back and the robot manged to back pedal so they could return fire. Olivia wasn't kidding, this place was locked down tight. "Change of plans, Sky. I want them vaporized. Hit that school with everything you got." he said heatedly, Sky already rallying her troops. There was already 8 dead and he wasn't about to lose anymore. The Explosives division sent everything they had at the school. And everybody in a one mile radius could feel it. Half of the already decrepit building fell down and crushed everyone within. Enemies left: 0.

The troop moved forward, tired but victorious. Ares picked up a dead soldier and carried her in his arms. Later that day when camp was settled, injuries tended to and the dead accounted for, Supply started handing out ammo and food. Ares wrote a report and stored it into an eye-bot, which buzzed away to deliver the message and receive orders.

---

Operation: Wasteland

---

Outline:


Resources:


MAP:

---

Night_1
16:00

"Alright!" Aesir shouted, looking around the temporary encampment, "We leave in 30!" Her companions-- her "troops"-- began to scramble after that, final preparations, the adornment of armor-- the configuration of the Eyebots. In 30 minutes her small composite band of mutants would be making it's way to Vault 59. The task was assigned to her battalion out of the blue, perhaps on a whim by brass up top? Resources were certainly important for the war machine-- and that this thing had apparently been sitting here for years, untouched, must mean the big wigs were getting nervous. Raw supplies like this were important during war, and getting them would prove her worth...

This operation would be fairly simple, get in, get out, no shots fired. Ferals didn't attack ghouls or super mutants, and Slags were basically just ghouls with shittier eyesight and better skin-- Ghoul masks have been proven to work time and time again. The only real variable were the raiders to the east, the plan was just to deploy her 3 ghouls into a field of radiation, they would find a vantage point and keep everyone updated through Eyebot radio. Her Nightkin would do most of the heavy lifting-- she and the Slags would raid the Vault for everything not nailed down (and, if the computers were working, any useful information could be downloaded into the two Eyebots that would be following them into Vault. So long as everyone stayed in touch, things should go smoothly.

Aesir put on her ghoul mask.

---

19:30

About 30 minutes until they got to the vault.

To be fair, they had been moving at a slow pace on purpose-- although this was a field of Ferals, they still needed to move stealthily, an encounter with a stray raider or critter could lead to unnecessary feral attention, especially given the size of her group, which would not be very 'Covert operations.'

At that moment, the Eyebot closest to her sparked with life, Team B, the 3 Ghouls, had made their way to vantage point-- having more mobility in the sparsely populated radiation field.. Team A had time to make it's way into the nearest abandoned house before the sparking gave way to a gravelly voice, "We got a view, boss."

"Anything abnormal?"

"Nah," replied another scratchy voiced Ghoul "They're just taking potshots at the ones get too close, don't look like they'll leave soon."

"Hmm, how many? Can you see?"

This time the third responded, still gravelly, but distinctly female, "Hard to tell. At least 30 outside-- more inside. They seem to like shotguns..."

That caused Aesir to furrow her brow, she hadn't expected that many, she quickly recovered from the surprise, however. "Alright, keep us posted." The shadow of someone say "Alright" could be heard as the tinny speaker went quite. The 15 (albeit, invisible) Nightkin and 7 Slags left the house and continued on the road to the Vault.

---

20:00

Thankfully the Tunnel to the Vault was empty, allowing her Nightkin to wait without needing to use stealthboys-- not so thankfully, the Vault door was jammed, the Eyebots were working on that.

In the meantime, most of her team had taken to picking around the tunnel, looting the remains of wasteland adventurers who had made it to the Vault only to die outside. The caps were free to pocket, but the guns and chems were supplies for the republic.

Eventually, the Eyebot simply zapped the mechanism for opening the vault door, not out of frustration, but amazingly, fixing it. The Slags entered the Vault, the unknown, and the timer began.

Operation: Swooping Crane - Phase One - Outskirts of Goldendale

The field before Goldendale was a roaring sea of metal; a storm of thundering engines looming just outside its ruined edifices. The eye of the vehicular storm was a peculiar sight. There, nestled between dozens of rumbling, Old World metal beasts, and beneath fluttering Yakima standards stood a tarpaulin on three clumsy legs. But this was no command tent. Lieutenant Colonel Caelan J. Hathaway had hoped it would be the opposite -- a place of understanding. He sat under the tarp and in between the growling war-machines with his legs crossed and his greatcoat resting on the backrest of his rusty folding chair. Before him was a metal table, one its legs too short and supported by a piece of concrete. On it were not battle plans, or firearms, but food. Two roasted squirrels, a can of Pork n' Beans, two bottles of water and some whiskey. Not for him, but for his guest.

The mechanized columns had come to a halt outside of the city, the full brunt of their guns made to face Goldendale and its crudely-built fortifications. Each vehicle had its target; this had been decided long ago. The improvised, armored vehicles provided him with some cover, and he could see the opposition from where he sat - traders and farmers armed with the crudest of firearms, some of them armed with little more than clubs. They peered their heads over concrete barriers and crumbled buildings - what was left of Goldendale. They weren't soldiers; Hathaway could see it in their eyes. They were frightened men and women made to stand against impossible odds, by their pride, or their government. And so he arranged a meeting, sending forth unarmed messengers with an offer to the Goldendale leaders to meet in person.

"Sir." one of the men standing nearby called, giving the Lieutenant Colonel a brief salute. "Their leader has agreed to meet with you." he said, "But he demands he be allowed to carry his weapon."

"Let him." Hathaway shrugged. He understood the request. Were he in the man's shoes, he'd have made a similar demand. "Keep your weapons ready." he said, looking around at some of the soldiers around him. "I would not sit here unarmed, with dinner on the table in place of a .45 if I did not trust you all with my life."

There was brief pause, and some shouting could be heard toward the front of the formation -- their guest was near. "Yes, sir." the soldier with the message said, turning on his heels.

The leader of the Goldendale defenders came marching into the formation from the field between it and the city. He was a tall man with a potbelly and greying muttonchops. His clothes were ragged; ripped and loose. His face was covered in grime and absolute defiance. More troubling was the bolt-action rifle he clutched between his arms as he stomped closer.

"Git da feck off me!" he shouted, pulling away from soldiers trying to slow him down or restrain him. He looked one from head to toe and erupted into concentrated anger. "Who da feck are ye!?" he demanded to know, pushing the young soldier against one of the armored vehicles. The others were quick to pull him off their comrade but the old man broke free again and kept stomping towards the center, where Hathaway sat patiently. "Are ye NCR!?" he asked furiously, eying the uniforms worn by Hathaway's men. They did, indeed, resemble those worn by the NCR; khaki tunics and breeches reinforced with hardened leather pauldrons and occasionally thin metal breastplates. "Ye comin' ta take wut little we gots!?" he pressed on, wiping the spit from his lips. "Ye comin' ta tax hard workin' folk fer da air they breaf!?"

The man was just a few feet from Hathaway when the soldiers stepped between the two, their weapons drawn as they formed a wall. "Feck you!" the old man shouted over their shoulders, towards Hathaway. "Take yer feckin' ass back ta California!"

"I would love to, sir." Hathaway said with a smile, standing up. It seemed to catch the man off-guard, and put an end to his shouting. "I was born in NCR -- the state. It's a lovely place, if a bit loud. But I'm afraid I wouldn't be welcomed there anymore." that seemed to have intrigued the grizzled farmer. A man who the NCR wouldn't welcome. Hathway stepped closer and offered his hand, which the farmer shook firmly.

"Ye sum kinda deserter?" the old man asked, this time more calm. Hathaway waved the soldiers to ease and they stepped back to allow the man to walk under the tarp. "Wut ye do ta da NCR?" he asked and smiled, his teeth crooked and chipped. It was as though it brought him pleasure to think the NCR had suffered a great deal at the hands of Hathaway and his men.

"I told them they could go to hell." said Hathaway, eliciting another smile from the farmer. It was a lie, of course. The truth was, Hathaway wished he could go back. He loved the NCR and its people, though he recognized its imperfections. He gestured for the man to sit on the other side of the table, noticing how the man could not keep his eyes off the food. "I just wanted to talk." Hathaway explained. "And we can enjoy this meal while we do so. I know you and your men must be hungry."

The man looked just short of licking his lips, but it was as though something had clicked in his head and he suddenly pulled back. "Wait'a goddayum second, boy." he said, looking at Hathaway with narrowed eyes. "Wut if ye poison dis?" he asked rhetorically. "Dis look mighty gud, but dees 'ere squirrels could be goddayum poison squirrels."

Hathaway let out a snicker. "That would be a waste of effort, and a waste of good food." he said, but the man didn't seem convinced. "If I wanted you dead, I'd just have the man behind you plunge his bayonet into your back." he said bluntly. It had been meant as a threat, and a way to establish that the man was on his terms, but the farmer didn't seem to catch the hint and instead dove into the food in front of him upon being reassured it wasn't poisoned.

The mood was much lighter now. They exchanged pleasantries and it was explained that Hathaway and his men were not with the NCR, but with the Yakima Republic. The revelation seemed to upset the farmer but only just, and he kept eating away at the food before him, occasionally taking shots of the whiskey he had poured himself.

"You see, my men and I have been tasked with a mission to head down into California and put a halt to NCR advancement northward." It was only half true, but Hathaway knew the man would like to hear that the NCR would suffer from all this. His voice was soothing, calm. It was meant to comfort the farmer. "It is of utmost importance that the Yakima Republic hold the bridges south of this position. If the NCR gets their hands on them first - and that they will, unless we act now - there will nothing to stop them from absorbing the territory in its entirety." he explained.

The man nodded between bites and sips.

"Holding Goldendale means holding the bridge further south. Holding the bridges puts a muzzle on NCR operations into the north and puts us in a position to take the offensive. What I am asking is that you and your men lay down your arms and surrender the town to the Yakima Republic, so that we may avoid bloodshed in the interest of regiona-"

"Why da feck would I do dat?" the farmer cut in. "We ain't droppin' no dayum guns. Dat town be our livelihood."

Hathaway took a deep breath, pausing for a moment. The conversation had suddenly grown tense. "I can promise you and your men will not be treated as combatants if you surrender Goldendale willingly. You will not be treated as prisoners and you will be allowed t-"

"I ain't givin' up no dayum town, boy."

The Lieutenant Colonel stared him down. "You don't have a goddamn choice; that man with the bayonet is still behind you." the soldier pressed his bayonet against the farmer's back and kicked the bolt-action rifle aside.

"Ye sumbitch."

"There is nothing you can say, or do, that will stop me from taking the city today. But I am offering you and your men an easy way out. On my terms, not yours. You can lay down your arms, live and be accommodated within the Yakima Republic, where you will prosper and grow as a community, or you can refuse, and watch your people die because you were too stubborn."

The man looked defeated, but didn't budge.

"Those men and women don't want to fight. I can see it -- you can see it. They're not soldiers." Hathaway said. "They can live, or they can die. It is up to you. Do you want their blood on your hands?"

The man said nothing.

"I'm going to give you three seconds to make your decision -- to decide their fate. Surrender, and they live. They go on to prosper under Yakima rule. Refuse, and I'll give the signal for every one of these goddamn guns to open up and obliterate the city. But I swear, if you make me do that, I will kill you with my own hands."

"Three."

"Two."

"One."

Hathaway stood up and raised his hand to signal the artillery.

"I surrender!" the farmer screamed.

Outcome:

Operation: Wasteland_2

---

Operation status:
Extraction of Vault resources commenced, estimated 3 hours until Vault extraction is completed, 6 hours remain until estimated mission completion, 8 hours remain until dawn.

---

21:00

Aesir's journal - "Operation: Wasteland" holotape no.1

"Vault 59, as per Vault-Tec rules, experimented on it's inhabitants, this isn't an uncommon thing to discover in old Vaults. But what went on in Vault 59... Now, don't take my tone toward this Vault as an indicator of it being a waste of time! My girls are busy loading down the Nightkin with hundreds of pounds of shit from this place, from generators and water purification tools, to food processors, seeds and non-perishables and raw supplies. This Vault even has an armory. An armory! The Eyebot Duraframe model A_1 is cracking it open as we speak-- and we've only just started!

"I got into the Overseer's office! And I have gotten some excellent stuff off the terminal, apparently, the Overseer in this Vault had access to every private computer in the whole complex-- it even logs when the Vault door opens, and recorded our use. The nature of a Vault where an Overseer spies on every resident couldn't have been all that great, but it certainly makes our jobs easier. ED-A is downloading it all now. I think it should really help out Yakima's scientific community, which, let's face it, is pretty shy of nonexistent right now. I'm no theoretical physicist, but from what I can make out, this stuff seems really impressive, all of water chip and vault generator information, schematics. Man, it's a treasure trove, practically untouched too! There's also chemical and psychological information that a few scientific minds might find use in, but it's nature brings me back to what I opened this all with: The Vault.

"From what I can gather, Vault 59 was entirely dedicated to memory wiping, and memory modification. The early days of the Vault saw easy success in the way of erasing memories, they experimented with methods and apparently found that a liquid taken orally had the best results. Anyway, it was when they started with memory replacement that things get crazy, and as you probably guessed, fuzzier. I'll have EDA download it all for documentation's sake, but I'm not sure there's much to actually be learned from some of this later stuff... The Overseer seems to begin to think the Vault scientists, who appear to be a good portion of the Vault population, are out to get him, the Scientists think the Test Subjects, also a good portion, are being oppressed by Vault Security, and Vault Security begins to think the Overseer is... the Devil? They all begin to use the experimental memory technology against each other in sneaky ways, utilizing the food and air filtration systems. It was a psychological war in it's purest form, we have yet to come across a single blood splatter in 59.

"Though, that may in part be due to the still active maintenance bots (which we are totally taking).

"The surreal part of Vault 59 is the result of this armed psychological war, waged by it's citizens as a part of a Vault-Tec experiment. It's citizens never died. Well, most of them, when the Overseer used the air systems to pump the air full of memory erasing dust, a handful managed to crack the Vault door open just enough to get out with whatever they had left of their minds. Those who didn't...

"...Just... kind of went blank. The Vault door was just open enough to let in a Ghoulifying amount of radiation, you know how that goes. But here's the thing-- I don't think these ghouls are feral. They just stand around and stare at nothing. They haven't lost their minds in the way a feral ghoul has, they occasionally do repetitive motions related to their old life, it seems, and they don't care that us Slags look human, we've deemed it safe to take our Ghoul masks off in here. They don't care, they've lost everything they were. They are just empty shells.

"As such, I only think it appropriate to ask that some of this information goes to finding a way to reverse this memory loss. The citizens of this Vault would be a GREAT gain for the Yakima Republic in this region that is otherwise barren. They number 200+ and as fresh minds to the wasteland they'd be easily swayed to the Yakima cause, it would also be easy access to the technologies of a Vault we can't scavenge. Anyway, it's only a request to think about. Over and out."

---

00:00

3000lbs.

They had managed to get it all, everything that wasn't nailed down, and some things that weren't. They even pick-pocketed everything they could take off of the Vault residents. They had loaded down every Nightkin to their carrying capacity with 3000 lbs of scavenged, untouched, Vault goodies in 4 hours. Aesir's remaining party was reduced to 6 sleek Slag women, as her last Nightkin waved silently, and turning on their stealth boy, left for the encampment. The women soon followed, putting on their Ghoul masks, they left the Vault tunnel and returned to the dark of midnight.

The Nightkin would be safe, they were invisible, and one of the few races feral's didn't bother. Her group's job was to rendezvous, with the three Ghoul lookouts and make sure there were no raiders near the area of the Cascadian encampment. They began the trek to the meeting point.

---

00:30

Over an hour since team B had last checked in, Aesir had begun to worry.

EDA sparked to life, speak of the devil.

A worried characteristically Ghoul voice opened panicky, "Mia's been captured!"

Aesir's group moved with fervent haste to the meetup point.

---

00:45

Blue, explained the situation in a hurried and nervous manner. He and his brother, Black, were scouts of a sort for the Cascadians. Mia, a newer member, had just gotten captured not 30 minutes prior.

"Midnight was the turning point," Blue explained, "There were just less ferals attacking, and more Raiders actually serious... She just..." He was on the verge of tears.

"It was a rookie mistake," Black chimed in, "She had just gotten a new Pipboy, and she left the light on." He continued, "Probably rip it off and give it to whomever's in charge down there." He paused, "After they rape and eat her of course." This pushed Blue over the line and into tears.

"Of course," Aesir deadpanned in reply, already formulating a plan.

---

00:50


Aesir had already sent the slag women to do their job, assuming they did it right, and that Black, EDA, and herself could pull of the next part without a hitch,they could then move on to finish the actual assigned mission within 20 minutes of what was originally estimated.

They waited for the signal-- gunfire-- that was it. Aeisr and her companions made there way closer to where Blue had last observed Mia being taken. A shack to the east of the encampment.

---

01:00

She wasn't dead!

Aesir couldn't help but breath a sigh of relief. Her armor was still intact, and her arm was still there, contrary to Black's theories, Mia was okay! Well, she apparently had taken quite a beating, possibly due to torture, or maybe sadistic pleasure? They had left her, knocked out and bloodied, in what appeared to be their makeshift pantry. It was full of rotting meats, a huge stockpile of alcohol and drugs, some prewar food, and few meager first aid kits. Black would be carrying Mia and the first aid kits, Aesir took her fill of the Raider drugs and prewar food, all her bag could hold without weighing her down. It was hardly worth the risky excursion into enemy territory, but more loot was never a bad thing.

After they were done looting the place, EDA's short-range radio turned on, "The feral ghouls have been a decent distraction, but they're wearing thin-- they'll be moving east in about 5 minutes," He hesitated before asking, "Is she there?"

Black, short tempered, answered bluntly, slinging Mia over his shoulders as he headed for the door, "Yes! Let's get the fuck out of here."

Aesir, stood in the middle of the room, looking around, as if she had lost something. "You go ahead, we have some extra time, I'll catch up."

This surprised Black, "Boss are you su--"

"Go." She didn't turn to look at him, "That's an order, you're wasting precious time."

---

01:02

Aesir liked to be safe.

The goal of the mission had been to scavenge materials from the Vault with no combat, to that end, they had succeeded. But they had also been given the order to not be seen-- the main concern here being the feral ghouls-- but the Raiders were also a threat. The Yakima Republic was at war, they didn't need unnecessary skirmishes with bumfuck raiders on the border, and even though she stood up to whatever the raiders threw at her, until the point of unconsciousness, she had still made the mistake of being seen. The insignias of the Cascadians and the Yakima Republic decorate her arms, and although simply eliminating all the Raiders was not an option, she didn't want to risk the one sober person they'd need to make the connection.

"Eda," Aesir began, she opened her bag and began to look through it's contents, "Play Vault 59; Scientist, Oscar, George Audiolog_17 titled "Farewell" " Aesir began to set aside some contents with haste as the robot began, a nervous voice coming out of it's speaker.

"U-um this is it! I've been able to retain most of my memories... who I am up until this point. The Overseer is... I guess he's um... doing? Sure. Oh god, I'm already forgetting basic grammar! Haha! Okay... need to finish this. Mutually Assured Destruction, I guess, he's just paranoid and broken enough to take us all down with him. And he keeps taunting us all with the announcements... And... And... Okay! Um. My name is George Oscar, I am a scientist in Vault 59, I used to work for Rob-co? I grew up in... in... Washington-- the State-- I can't remember the city it was, I'm sorry. I have a wife here. I vaguely recall us being happy before all this began. It was the dust, the dust gave her a stillbirth. I'm sorry Shell... I'm so sorry...

"The world is still hell out there, so I can only assume if you are hearing this, it's in the distant future. I had the chance to escape, but the world can't sustain life yet-- I couldn't leave here, I couldn't leave this without trying to fix it all... Did... did you know the Chinese started researching this first? They even got farther than us, but I'm not sure they know it... mentats! Crushed mentats and alcohol! Any kind... but that'll do it, at least for the last few hours. They may have made mentats with the goal of weakening the American public through collective memory loss... Pfft... wouldn't that have been awful? We all stop fighting because we forgot why we were doing. Truth be told, I don't even think they knew, I think mentats were made as just that, the mental enhancer with a crippling addiction. That they inhibit hippocampus function and destroy neurons when combined with beer or a vodka is a fucking... fucking... fucking... fuck?

"I don't remember? What was I going to tell you? You? You? Yoooouuu....? Who ARE you? Right! The... thing... I was... I was working on a cure... possible... yes... but I just... just... didn't. I'm... sorry."

Every drink in the room would eventually be consumed by these Raiders, and Aesir was already hard at work dissolving several of her Party Time Mentats into each bottle...

---

03:15

Operation - COMPLETED
8th Underground and Recon Division

Anthony E. Martin stood atop the tallest of the hillsides to Sunnyside's south, flanked on his right and left by two Rangers each. A stiff wind blew against him, flowing in the direction of the enemy city below. What Anthony saw through a pair of binoculars, his Rangers watched through their scopes, ready to pull the trigger on any target that Anthony called out. After he'd identified a shot for each of the Rangers to make, he muttered the word 'now', and the sounds of four rifles firing off into the north-east broke the silence. With steady aim and the wind against their backs, the Rangers' rounds each found their way into the torsos of their targets, putting them down instantly, and without warning. Their brothers in arms must've been scared shitless, now knowing themselves to be surrounded from both north and south. Anthony's trademark frown didn't show it, but the accuracy of his men made him proud. He set his binoculars aside and gave them a snide clap of reassurance, then turned his back to take a gaze upon the barren south.

The Martin Rangers had occupied the eastern-most hill in Sunnyside's proximity, having been ordered to establish an observation post to watch over the town's southern approaches. Anthony found what was happening to the north to be much more interesting than the empty wastes to the south, but he had his orders, and he intended to follow them deliberately. With the Martin Rangers Frontier Company setting up sniping positions at this hillside, the Contact Company had marched eastward, to block off the road leading away from Sunnyside to the south-east. They'd encountered virtually no resistance on their march, and the small handful of men that awaited them at the Commonwealth's roadside checkpoint quickly surrendered when they saw an army of two hundred Rangers approaching on the western horizon. The Martin Rangers now held firm control over the hills and the road, and any man foolish enough to head south through the open fields would find himself a bullet heavier in short order. Sunnyside's south was secured. If the men assaulting from the north did their job, the Badlands Commonwealth would soon have no choice but to either surrender or die. Sunnyside belonged to the Yakima Republic.

Game Turn: TwoOperation: End Game

War: Unification War, Late

Location: South-east Yakima County.

Combatants: Yakima Republic vs Badlands Commonwealth

Back Story: The Unification War officially ended two years ago, after Republican forces comprehensively defeated the Badlands Commonwealth at the Battle of New Toppenish. However, whilst the Republic has been licking its wounds and rebuilding its battered military, the Commonwealth has sought to consolidate its surviving territories - all located in the South-east region of Old World Yakima County.

Though militarily defeated, and lacking in both men and material, the Commonwealth's Merchant Parliament is stubbornly refusing to give up the struggle. Four promises of amnesty and peaceful annexation from the YR have been rejected, often with violent outcomes, and with the NCR possibly on the horizon, President Gordon Clearwater has called lights out on any peace agreement. He believes they need to be dealt with now or never, and with all means necessary.

With this in mind, the Republic has mustered four of its standing armies, and dispatched them to the YR/Commonwealth borders to finally end a war was supposed to have ended two years ago.

Starting with the Commonwealth stronghold of Sunnyside, the Republican army will finally begin its push to fully unify all original members of the Yakima Grand Alliance (the Republic's political forerunner) under a single flag.

Operations Map



Missions:

Refer to Operations Map for corresponding mission numbers.

Mission #1

Republican Armies Involved: First Battalion, Rifle Infantry

Mission Objective: The Commonwealth are on the run, and their remaining forces in the area have fallen back to Sunnyside. You are to join the 1st Republic Energy force in destroying whatever remains of their army in the city.

Intel from the observation post to the city's south indicates there is a moderate civilian presence. It seems the Commonwealth are not beyond hiding behind women and children. Kill who you must to complete your goal, but do not actively engage civilian elements with intent to destroy.

Finally, the "7th Freedom Brigade" has surged into the area, apparantly with hopes of evicting us from Sunnyside and its airport. We're planning on the Martin Rangers destroying a portion of the force, and that our guys over at the airport will tie down another, but expect some of them to make it through.

Enemy Strength:

The Commonwealth units in Sunnyside are a defeated force, and in pitiful condition. They have no artillery, and are fighting mostly out of survival, as they fear certain death in the event of surrender. Intel puts their strength anywhere between three and six hundred, but with the civilians in the crossfire, it's been hard to pin down an exact number from the observation post.

The elements of the 7th Freedom Brigade that make it through the rangers, and do not head off towards the airport, will likely be heavily armed and determined. At the outbreak of the Unification War, 10 such brigades existed. The 7th is all that remains of the Commonwealth's professional war machine, barring any nasty surprises further in their territory. Expect them to engage you with established tactics and enthusiasm.

We put the Brigade's strength at a thousand strong, which by far makes them the most combat-effective force we'll likely encounter in Operation End Game. Destroy them, and just maybe, we'll win the war here and now.

Mission #2

Republican Armies Involved: 1st Republic Energy Force

The Commonwealth are on the run, and their remaining forces in the area have fallen back to Sunnyside. You are to join the First Battalion, Rifle Infantry in destroying whatever remains of their army in the city.

Intel from the observation post to the city's south indicates there is a moderate civilian presence. It seems the Commonwealth are not beyond hiding behind women and children. Kill who you must to complete your goal, but do not actively engage civilian elements with intent to destroy.

Finally, the "7th Freedom Brigade" has surged into the area, apparently with hopes of evicting us from Sunnyside and its airport. We're planning on the Martin Rangers destroying a portion of the force, and that our guys over at the airport will tie down another, but expect some of them to make it through.

Enemy Strength:

The Commonwealth units in Sunnyside are a defeated force, and in pitiful condition. They have no artillery, and are fighting mostly out of survival, as they fear certain death in the event of surrender. Intel puts their strength anywhere between three and six hundred, but with the civilians in the crossfire, it's been hard to pin down an exact number from the observation post.

The elements of the 7th Freedom Brigade that make it through the rangers, and do not head off towards the airport, will likely be heavily armed and determined. At the outbreak of the Unification War, 10 such brigades existed. The 7th is all that remains of the Commonwealth's professional war machine, barring any nasty surprises further in their territory. Expect them to engage you with established tactics and enthusiasm.

We put the Brigade's strength at a thousand strong, which by far makes them the most combat-effective force we'll likely encounter in Operation End Game. Destroy them, and just maybe, we'll win the war here and now.

Mission #3

Republican Armies Involved: The Martin Rangers

Mission Objective: To intercept and bludgeon the 7th Freedom Brigade's spearhead. Further guerilla action optional. Retreat westerly, if positions are in danger of being overrun.

Enemy Strength:

The 7th Freedom Brigade consists of just over a thousand of the Commonwealth's best. They're experienced, and mostly made up of veterans who have survived the Unification War from its start, to the present day. This means they're less likely to run than those you've encountered this far, and they're well armed. Grenade launchers, assault rifles, submachineguns and some light artillery swells their ranks.

However, they're in a hurry, and have neglected to post scouts around their formation. Ambushing them from the high terrain as they march up Route 82 would almost certainly catch them off guard.

Mission # 4

Republican Armies Involved: 1st Republic Hunters Battalion "Black Death"

Mission Objective: Defend the Sunnyside Airport at all costs.

Enemy Strength:

We're unsure of how much of the enemy will break off from the 7th Freedom Brigade's push into Sunnyside, however we know from intercepted intel that they're planning on evicting you from the airport. They need the supplies, and the ammunition, if they're going to try and lose themselves in an urban war zone.

However, depending on how well the Martin Rangers are able to pull away the Brigade's reserves, we're predicting that at least three hundred of them will be coming your way. They'll likely have the bulk of the Brigade's artillery wing too - nothing too big, mostly light mortars and rocket launchers.

0500, three days ago

Lt. Colonel LeMay saw no military advantage to be gained from holding Outlook in any meaningful way. The position was indefensible, as his gallant soldiers had so recently proven. He never did like giving the enemy the initiative, but instead always preserved the right to choose when and where the combat would happen himself.

The nature of combat in a devegated totally flat wasteland, however, was unique to say the least. There was no where to hide; it was an unadulterated contest of marksmanship.

LeMay ordered his troops to move in a very long con contiguous line. As the men of first company marched, a chant started spontaneously among the men as a company sergeant started it off.

"Hey Rangers,
(Bullet-Soakin' Rangers!)
Pick up your steps and come me!
(We're first battalion infantry!)

He-ey 1st Mech!
(Wreck Drivin' 1st Mech!)
Start up your heaps and follow me!
(We're first battalion infantry!)

Hey Battalion!
(Toughest Battalion!)
Get in your squads and march with US!
(We're first battalion infantry!)"

After a few laughs and cheers, a platoon sergeant lead the next cadence!

"Down by the ri-ver
(Down by the ri-ver)
Took a little wa-lk
We ran into the Chi-nese
(We ran into the Chi-nese)
And we had a little ta-lk

We didn't like their attitude
We didn't like they walked

We pushed 'em (Hey!)
We shoved 'em (Hey!)
We threw em in the river
And laughed as they drowned
We don't need no Commies
Hangin' around

Down by the ri-ver
Took a little wa-lk
We ran into the Russians
And we had a little ta-lk

We didn't like their attitude
We didn't like they walked

We pushed 'em (Hey!)
We shoved 'em (Hey!)
We threw em in the river
And laughed as they drowned
We don't need no Commies
Hangin' around

Down by the ri-ver
Took a little wa-lk
We ran into the Enclave
And we had a little ta-lk

We didn't like their attitude
We didn't like they walked

We pushed 'em (Hey!)
We shoved 'em (Hey!)
We threw em in the river
And laughed as they drowned
We don't need no Nazis
Hangin' around

Heyyyy, don't be a fool. (Hey! Hey!)
Someone said we're number two (They lied!)
We're number one! Go Army!"

0900, two days ago

The confrontation never occurred, as the enemy fell back to Sunnyside and in concert with new orders, the military initiative came to be back with its rightful owners; the professional soldiers.

As they got nearer to the city of Sunnyside, LeMay spread his troops thinner and thinner. The guns of the enemy were nothing to fear; varmint rifles stood no chance of penetrating their armor at a distance, but mortar fire could be lethal.

By radio, he sent a message to the energy force.

"First battalion, in position awaiting rendezvous."

Game Turn: Two Operation: Swooping Crane

Conflict: The Township Proxy War

Location: Washington State Border (South).

Combatants: Yakima Republic vs Township of New Dalles

Back Story: The Township of New Dalles has rallied against the Republic's attempts to annex the Washington-Oregon border, and is mustering a response to the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion's lightning advance.

Farmers and brahmin herders they may be, but for such a small and disjointed community, the Township of New Dalles is wealthy. Mercenaries have been hired in droves, and their NCR-equse equipment is more than suspicious. The Yakima Republic fears that the simple attempt at annexation will result in a proxy war between itself and the NCR, and seeing men clothed in New California battle dress is an unsettling development.

It could well be that any future conflict between the YR and the NCR will be decided here and now, at the state border. With this in mind, the President has sanctioned the use of Special Operations Command in bringing the Township War to its speedy conclusion.

Operations Map



Missions:

Refer to Operations Map for corresponding mission numbers.

Mission #1

Republican Armies Involved: 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion

Mission Objective: It's now or never, Lieutenant Colonel. The NCR has a hand in this, even though we can't prove it. They're either testing us, or weakening us - either way, we're in a bad position.

This is why I'm ordering you to knock that airport from the Township's hands. I don't care what they have stationed there, or how many. Kill them all, and take no quarter. We're at war, and until the Commonwealth is subdued, you're the only man who can stop the NCR from taking liberties on the extremities of our borders.

I am asking much from you, Lieutenant Colonel, this much I know. But I have, we have, fought hard for our Republic's existence, and so it seems, we must contiue to fight just as hard.

Take that airport, Lieutenant Colonel, and destroy everything in your path.

- President Gordon Clearwater, Presidential Communication, January 7th 2282.

Enemy Strength:

The airport's garrison has recieved a significant boost in troop and weapons strength since the previous week, and intel reports they have a stock of rocket launchers and anti-tank rifles. How many, we are unsure, but do not fret. From what we can tell, these troops are militia-grade, and are not the NCR-mercenaries we have been hearing of lately. Proceed with caution, and cover the advance of your armour.

A few platoons have crossed the bridge to bolster the defences, and if we had to guess, the total troop strength you're facing ranges in the hundreds. Their equipment is a mish-mash of shotguns, hunting rifles, rocket launchers and a few machineguns.

Mission #2

Republican Armies Involved: 8th Underground and Recon Division

Mission Objective: The Township's forces are facing northwards, towards the airport and the 1st Mechanised's advance. This display of total ignorance and lack of battlefield understanding thankfully underlines the fact that the NCR are not formally engaging us. The farmers are still in charge, albeit with some extra muscle.

We'll take this opportunity to destroy the Township's forces, and wrestle New Dalles from their hands.

Cross the bridge, at night, and destroy any sentries or static guard units overseeing its defence. Do it quietly, if possible, as stealth here is essential.

Proceed west, towards New Dalles. You are to assault the town before dawn break, and on the same day that you cross the river, to achieve the maximum element of surprise possible.

Ideally, we need the Township's forces driven from the town, but just doing them a chunk of damage will do just nicely. Either way, we need to ensure the airport does not come under any immediate counter attack.

Conquer or sabotage. This is your mission.

Additionally, those resources you were able to evacuate from Vault 59 have enabled us to begin mass-production of the .22. Silenced SMG. Though a crude contraption, it's silent and fast firing. Take as many as you need, but ensure they are used wisely. Materials and specialists used in their creation are a scarce resource, and losing them may not result in replacements.

Enemy Strength:

The Township is not expecting a direct attack against New Dalles, and her forces are facing northwards. However, there is a platoon strength unit of what appears to be NCR troopers, though they lack the NCR insignia. We're expecting these mercenaries to be special forces grade soldiers, but we are unable to confirm this theory.

The town's eastern bounds will be lightly patrolled, unless you fail to storm the bridge quietly. Should you gain access to the town, then the NCR mercs and bands of rag-tag militia are likely to confront you. We do not believe the town's populace to be militant, and they should give you no problems. If they do, then you have the green light to engage every last man, woman and child that attempts to thwart your mission.

The approach of the 7th Freedom Brigade had been anything but stealthy. The swiftness of the Martin Rangers' entry into Sunnyside's south had ensured that they'd seen the Commonwealth coming from miles away. Word had been relayed to the allied armies to the north, the approaching enemy possibly numbering as much as a thousand. The Martin Rangers, though proven and crafty, didn't stand a chance in an open fire fight against a force more than twice their number. The 7th Freedom Brigade's explosives capabilities made open conflict even more unwise; grenades and missiles would be devastating to the lightly armoured Martin Rangers. Unlike with raiders and tribals, the most common of the Martin Rangers' foes, the Commonwealth's veterans would also likely be able to handle such weapons properly—without inflicting casualties on their own side. That last thought had the dangerous effect of giving Anthony E. Martin, perched atop the high ground west of the highway, an idea.

When the 7th Freedom Brigade's columns marched down the highway, they found it empty of any resistance. Their commanders mused that if any Yakima forces had been in the highway's proximity, they must have fled, intimidated by the arrival of the Commonwealth's best. For those commanders that happened to be wielding explosive weapons, that errant thought would be the penultimate thing to go through their heads, seconded only by the marksmen of the Frontier Company's well aimed rifle rounds. As skulls exploded and missile launchers dropped to the ground, fire erupted from the Commonwealth's formations. The hundreds of men in Commonwealth uniforms, gathered into their tight-knight formations, looked west, layering the origin of the surprise assassinations of their explosives using comrades in a heavy rain of bullets. Just before their clips ran empty, many of them felt the sharp pain of chunks of lead embedding into their backs. East of the highway, opposite Frontier Company, was Contact Company, their machine guns now ablaze, emptying into the backsides of the Badlands veterans. Once their clips were spent, they shifted southward, focusing the remainder of their fire at the back of the Commonwealth formations. Frontier Company followed suit, belly to the ground behind their cover, inching south-east to the back of the 7th Freedom Brigade's lines. The Martin Rangers were thinning out the men in the back the worst, leaving the north side of the column mostly untouched, after the initial ambush.

A few of the dumber riflemen among the Badlands Commonwealth grabbed the explosives weapons gathered at their feet, snagging the launchers away from the corpses of their former owners. A few shots, grenades and missiles alike, fired at the Martin Rangers. Most exploded half way to their destination. Most of the rest exploded immediately, peppering the 7th Freedom Brigade's formations with smoke, dust and fire. The men that hadn't been holding the weapons were those that didn't know how to use them, and the men that would use them if they had the opportunity were those that were worst suited to do so. In the chaos, as explosions bellowed and fire came from west, east, and now south, the Brigade pushed north rapidly, rushing towards Sunnyside's airport to find fortification and resupply. The Frontier and Contact companies regrouped west of the Highway, on the snipers' high-ground. The wounded were tended to, and scouts were placed north and south, to both watch the direction of the 7th Freedom Brigade, and check if any more reinforcements were coming for the Commonwealth. Anthony E. Martin had never left his hill-top, but now spied down upon his own men rather than the enemy. It was a job well done, and he pretended not to notice when a few of his Rangers pilfered some niceties off of the Commonwealth's dead. It was a waiting game again: but this time, victory was all the more assured.

Operation: Swooping Crane

---

Outline:


Resources:


MAP:

---

14:38

Aesir's journal - "Operation: Swooping Crane_1" holotape no.2

"This was really the best you guys could afford to get us?

"I'm not arguing with command or anything, I know caps are a tight resource in what is basically an all out war... But still...

"10 minutes is a really short window of time to get 6 bodies and like 50 pounds of explosives and guns into 3 crates, that's all I'm saying.

"The ride has been bumpy thus far, but I really don't have any complaints, a few of the girls even found it soothing enough to take a nap. I brought a few of these tapes, so I figured I'd use them to bide my time constructively. It is now 1440, or about that time, the Caravan has been moving constantly since we left Yakima territory, and barring any unexpected interruptions, we should reach the bridge in about an hour.

"I will update then."

---

16:02

Aesir's journal - "Operation: Swooping Crane_2" holotape no.3

"So it's Narfi and Nari who volunteered to take out the bridge.Their jobs are incredibly important to the success of this operation, falling more on the 'conquer' side of the mission than active sabotage. With the majority of the township's forces focused on the north and the airport, the eastern bridge should be the only location any patrols are sent most of the night, having those taken out any time, along with the sentries and guards stationed at the bridge, over time, will contribute to the attrition of the townships forces.

"They ALSO will hold a strategic point for any forces wishing to attack the airport from behind, and of course any supplies found at the bridge outpost will be ours for the taking.

"...Hmmm? Oh... Oh! They're leaving now-- I'll be right back--

"(silence)"

---

16:07

Aesir's journal - "Operation: Swooping Crane_2" holotape no.3

"(silence)"

"Okay! So those two are gone; that just leaves me, Notte, Vanir, and Freya. They used their stealth boys as planned, and the lack of gunfire seems to indicate that everything worked out. So, current status: Bridge as good as secured, 2 currently deployed, 4 remaining. They didn't don't need any explosives... At least, I don't think they did? They didn't take any either way, so they'd *better* be okay with just the knives and guns.

"Ah yes! Speaking of those guns, send whoever got to work on those so quickly my thanks! They aren't made of stopping power, but they'll be more than enough for our purposes!"

---

17:54

Aesir's journal - "Operation: Swooping Crane_3" holotape no.4

"Okay, everyone's left but me, each deployment seems to have been successful, and the Caravan is approaching the end of New Dalles' territorial claim, so I'll be leaving soon. As far as mission status goes, I figured I should elaborate on what each of us are doing.

"We're acting independent of specific orders, but our general mission going into this is two-pronged. One: Sabotage or destroy any military equipment, or equipment that may be useful to New Dalles, any vehicles, mounted guns, and the like, as well as strategically placing mines and traps to further weaken their forces in the morning. Two: The assassination of anyone in this territory with any type of power, this includes men and women with military leadership, as well as any community leaders. We will gather this information through... creative... interrogation of soldiers and citizens.

"With this... umm... what was it called? Trojan horse? What's a Trojan? What's a horse??? With this "Hide-In-Caravan-To-Get-Into-The-Township-Without-Them-Knowing" strategy, I think we can theoretically have this place ready for claiming in one night.

"Because rest assured, anyone who might put up resistance will be killed tonight.

"Even more will be killed by the explosives in the morning, and while we can't take out all the forces stationed north without risking direct combat, we will be scattering them in the morning. When all of us fire off our flares, we'll trigger our C4. Ignoring the casualties that will cause, the forces stationed at the airport, without a central command, should scatter.

"There will be some fighting, but it should be so minimal the airport and Township will all but be thrown into Yakima control."

---

05:35

The flares went early into the dying night sky. Aesir hadn't fired her's, and it hadn't come from the bridge. The Cascadian general made her way through the alleys of the township northward, the planned meeting point was where the Mechanized Battalion should be stationed, she assumed her girls would make their way there.

The explosions began. People were waking up.

They weren't horribly behind schedule, but still-- it wasn't dawn, they had more time. Who fired early?

---

07:45

The dawn sun shone on the encampment, engines began to purr with a foreign sound as the drivers and soldiers of the Mechanized Battalion began the morning preparations. Aesir waited in the shade of a tent as her spies found their ways back to her, Notte and Vanir already had, their nights having gone similar to her own, successful, just cut a bit short. Aesir had already been growing worried, so seeing Nari running toward the tent, bloody and crying, nearly gave her a heart attack, Aesir rushed to meet her, followed by Notte and Vanir.

Aesir blasted Nari with questions as the girl tried to catch her breath, "What happened? Where's your sister? Who's blood is that?"

Nari eventually recovered, and answered slowly and deliberately, as if weighed by some heavy knowledge, "Narfi's fine, she stayed at the bridge to continue holding it. Blood isn't mine it's..."

"Freya? Is she--"

"Nah... the person... the kid... who tagged her. Commander's son, she didn't expect him to... She's dead, kid is too. Body got vaporized...."

Nari continued her attempts at catching her breath when she finished. Aesir and Vanir stood in silent shock, Notte broke down in tears.