Dewey Deftones

Ashes Beneath the Burning Sun

@Ambiguity

I'm really excited about this upcoming patch. It's gonna make some much-needed changes and really improve the game. I played o the PTR the other day; the two new modes are a lot of fun. Both of them rely a lot on individual skill, so they're good places to improve your 1v1 potential, even in the 3v3 mode.

Ashes Beneath the Burning Sun

Angela tried hard to contain her anxiety. The deployment came in a flash, and they soon arrived at what would be a combat zone for the next... who knew how long? When Fareeha and her jumpers took to the skies, it seemed that almost instantly there were wounded to deal with. The medics were fast, moving to the wounded, pulling them out of the line of sight of the omnics and working on their wounds. Angela was no exception, even in her exhausted state.

She used her Valkyrie suit to glide across the battlefield as fast as one could run if not faster, conserving energy by not using her legs to run. Landing next to a fallen jumper, she quickly assessed the man's wounds. His right arm was in shreds, and he had multiple bullet wounds in his chest. Likely the unfortunate target of a Bastion unit in turret form. She dragged the heavy trooper aside, then began removing his armor. Blood poured from the wounds, and the man was hardly breathing. Angela took a deep breath and got to work, using her healing on the most vital parts first. She drew a line with one hand slowly over where the arteries in the torso trailed, while one hand lay flat against his chest, keeping his heart beating. Slowly, his breathing picked up, but he wasn't out of danger yet. Looking over what was left of his arm, Angela sighed slightly. There wasn't really anything left for her to heal. She'd have to amputate.

Swinging her bag off of her shoulder, she retrieved a latex band to use as a tourniquet and a small laser cutter. This wasn't something she could do with her suit. After tying off the blood flow to the damaged limb, Angela used the laser cutter to quickly and efficiently remove the flayed, mangled skin and bone. Once the parts were cut off, now she placed her hand over the end of the stub, watching the skin heal rapidly beneath her fingers, covering the exposed muscle and bone. The amputation was safe and complete, and this man would live. With a prosthetic, he could easily go back to his days as a jumper.

She motioned to another medic, quickly telling him to drag the man to the backlines. The other nodded and lifted the healed jumper onto his shoulders, carrying him away. Angela took a deep breath to steady herself. Blood was staining the ground, and this battle had only just begun. Scanning the area with watchful eyes, Angela moved from casualty to casualty, healing those that could be saved, even allowing some to return to the fight. She saw once or twice the surprise on Fareeha's face when a downed jumper rocketed back up with ferocity in their eyes.

Kalte's soldiers were some of the fiercest ground troops Angela had seen in a long time. Some continued to fight while heavily wounded, waiting on a medic to get to them but never dropping their weapons unless to self-administer a tourniquet to stop bleeding. Angela tended to a few of them, forcing a few to leave the frontlines much to their disagreement.

For a stretch of time, it seemed that the fighting was at a stalemate, but then Kalte made one motion of his hand and the remaining Swiss troops moved forward towards the omnics. They were pressing forward, making progress. Angela moved forward with them, steady despite her own exhaustion. Her suit was doing what it could to regulate her body's temperature and condition, but even small bursts of adrenaline from the suit couldn't counteract her brain's need for rest. She hoped that this would end soon, but there was no end in sight. Not now, at least.

Ashes Beneath the Burning Sun

@Ambiguity

Have you seen the Pharah buff they're testing on the PTR? She's getting an increase to the amount her hover jet can go, so she can stay in the air indefinitely if the player manages their fuel decently. Pretty excited for it.

Ashes Beneath the Burning Sun

Kalte listened closely and inspected the map with experienced eyes. When Fareeha finished speaking, he took a moment to think before he opened his mouth. Angela stood idly by, not having the knowledge of military tactics that these two did. However, she'd need to know what the plan was so that she could make the most of her own capabilities as an advanced medic.

Kalte pointed to the position on the map where the Swiss companies would infiltrate. "Once your jumpers distract the omnic with an assault from the skies, my companies can press forward from here. If your scouts are correct and the omnics are fortified on these positions," He motioned to the portions on the map that showed where the heaviest omnic defenses were. "We can split the two companies to spread out. If I know the omnics like I do, they're most deadly when their targets are clustered together. Especially those Bastion units. So, when my companies move in, we'll form up around the omnics in a wide pattern and try to take out as many as we can. Even if they take some of us out, the more we weaken their defenses from the ground, the harder you guys can hit them from above, and the less danger you'll be in. A few of my troops are equipped with grenade launchers attached to their rifles, including my own. The Bastion units will be killed if they sit in sentry mode. We can force them to stand up and move, which weakens their defense."

Angela continued to be impressed by the Captain. If he survived this assault, he'd surely go on to lead more missions alongside Fareeha, so long as the Swiss remained deployed here.

Kalte looked to Fareeha, determination in his eyes. "Doctor Ziegler would need to be somewhere else, as opposed to with those on the frontlines if she wishes to be safe and make use of her healing. It's the best plan that I can think of for the ground troops to follow, but it is still very dangerous. In twenty-two years of service, I've ever done missions harder than those that are against the omnics."

Angela's eyes widened a bit in surprise; twenty-two years? That was more military service than most people she knew. Even some senior officers didn't have that amount of time spent enlisted. However, she didn't take lightly to the fact that he wanted her to stay off of the frontlines.

"Captain Kalte, with all due respect, I disagree with where you would prefer me to be. I am not a soldier, but my place is not on the backlines of the fight. I will go where I am needed. I will go where the wounded are." She insisted.

Kalte looked to the doctor, and for a moment, she could almost see defiance in his gaze, but he quickly nodded his head. "Very well, Doctor. But know how valuable you are. You are the best doctor in the world for what you can do. Losing you means losing many more people than we would if you remained safe."

Ashes Beneath the Burning Sun

@Ambiguity

It's no problem! I don't mind. :)

Ashes Beneath the Burning Sun

@Ambiguity

I think I'm obsessed with Sombra a little bit. I've watched some gameplay videos from Blizzcon, and oh my lord is she even more troll than Mei. She's going to be the #1 most annoying hero to deal with. Thus far it seems she's countered by D.Va, 76, and McCree.

Ashes Beneath the Burning Sun

The Captain brought his hand up in a sharp salute when Fareeha approached, despite their equal ranking. This was her home turf, therefor she had the upper rank. At least, that's how he saw it. Angela looked up at Fareeha, who was clad in her blue armor, ready to go. She clasped her hands in front of her.

"I'll be alright, Fareeha. Don't worry." She assured, before allowing the two soldiers to talk. Kalte, the Captain of the Swiss forces, dropped his salute though he didn't relax in the slightest. This man was stiff as a board through and through.

"Glad to be here to assist, Captain Amari. We were attacked over Greece, but the only casualties were from the crash. Four killed. The injured were healed by the doctor and are back on their feet and ready to deploy. We're all under Doctor Ziegler's command, so it is her choice as to what we do." He reported, looking beside him to the tired Swiss woman, who spoke again.

"My orders are for you to follow Captain Amari's lead. I'm no soldier, I couldn't command a squad, let alone a whole two companies."

Kalte nodded his head. "Very well. Captain," He turned his green eyes to Fareeha's. "A small rundown of the strengths and capabilities of my forces so you know how to command us; we're infantry, capable of carrying out hard assaults and pulling quick defensive tactics. There are three medics in each company, one for each platoon. Our primary strength is fighting on the ground. Most of us are combat veterans who know the omnics well. The few that are fresh came out of training with top scores, and are just as capable as the rest. My second in command since the death of the other Captain is Lieutenant Messer. If I am killed, he will take my place. I myself am former Spec Ops. I can carry out solo objectives if the need arises. Know that these soldiers are loyal to whomever is said is their leader. I will tell them that you are in charge, and that they are to follow your orders above mine. Each one of us is prepared to risk our lives for your country. All in all, we're ready when you are. Just say the word and we'll move out."

Angela didn't know why she felt so surprised by the professionalism in her countryman's voice. He was as soldierly as they came, and looked almost twice the age of Fareeha. He'd likely refused promotions in order to stay on the battlefield instead of running a desk. He left nothing more to be wanted. Kalte was a very capable leader, and an excellent soldier. Angela felt a sense of pride swelling up in her. This was her country's best.

Ashes Beneath the Burning Sun

@Ambiguity

Post up for you. It's a little rushed since I'm at work, but I hope it's alright!

Ashes Beneath the Burning Sun

Two Days Later

Angela stood outside, the sun beating down on her pale skin as she watched the skies for signs of the Swiss troops. They should be arriving any moment, and yet it appeared that they were running late. Fareeha's unit was to deploy in an hour, everyone was getting in final preparations, there would be no time for the Swiss to prepare. They'd have to go straight from landing to deployment, no time to get ready or be briefed on the mission. Angela took a deep breath, hoping for the best. The Swiss wouldn't dare be a no-show, would they? That'd be a disgrace to their reputation, and break the trust between Angela and the Egyptian soldiers who were waiting for the reinforcements. Nothing was worse than false hope.

After almost a half hour longer, Angela was getting very anxious that they wouldn't show up after all. Suddenly on the morning horizon, multiple black helicopters emerged, red squares with white cross marks on the sides. It was them, the two companies. Angela released the breath she'd been holding in her chest, but her worry wasn't over. Two of the four helicopters had thick black smoke trailing off of them. So that's why they'd been late. They'd been attacked on their way here. She waited for the helicopters to get closer. The two that were undamaged landed safely, and the one company that they carried exited and hurried over to Angela. They turned their heads to watch the other two helicopters. One landed with some difficulty, while the other still hovered above.

Angela looked to the soldier next to her, who was a Captain and Commander of the unscathed company. "What's the issue? Are they unable to land?"

The Lieutenant nodded his head a bit. "They are having a lot of electrical malfunctions. Landing gear probably isn't responding, among other things. Their communications haven't been working for the past hour."

"When did you get attacked?" Angela asked.

"Over Greece. No one in this company was injured, but we don't know the conditions of the others. We've been told we're all under your command, Doctor Ziegler. I know we're late. What do you want my company to do?"

Angela looked around a bit. "Find Captain Amari, she's a jumper. Her armor is blue, shouldn't be hard to spot. Her unit is the one we'll be tagging along with. Follow any instruction she gives you."

The Commander saluted then motioned for his company to follow. Angela remained waiting for the other helicopter to land. The one on the ground billowing smoke opened up and the portion of the second company it was carrying scurried out. A few were wounded, but nothing severe. Angela waved them over to her location and she treated them herself. Once they were ready, she sent them to follow the first company. Looking back up to the sky, the severely damaged chopper was still hovering. Without warning, it lost altitude and slammed hard into the ground, steel twisting into a deathtrap. Fires ignited and panicked Swiss soldiers crawled out of the wreckage wherever they could.

Angela was frozen in shock for a moment before running in to assist her countrymen. She had to do something. Some Egyptian soldiers ran in to help as well, showing unity despite these soldiers not even being of their own country. Angela reached into the twisted metal, feeling flames lick her arm. She felt a hand grasp hers, and she pulled hard. She tugged a young man free of the wreck, grabbing him under his arms and dragging him to a safe area. Her arm stung, but she wasn't a priority.

The Egyptians soon got everyone they could out before the inferno encapsulated the helicopter. Anyone left within it was nothing more than a charred skeleton by now.

Angela focused on healing the wounded, while other medics offered their own assistance. She looked to them. "Don't waste your supplies on those with minor wounds! I will take care of them! If there is anyone with a severe wound, try to stop the bleeding or clean the burn, set any broken bones, and just leave the hard work to me!" She called out. She could take care of her people. The Egyptians need not waste their resources just before an important deployment, and it seemed that the medics listened to her. They tended to those with serious injuries, leaving the minor ones for Angela to deal with alone.

She moved from man to man, hands soon becoming red with blood as she healed each person. By the time she'd gotten to everyone, she was exhausted, and they were to deploy in only a few minutes. Those who were fine to deploy were quickly on their feet, joining the other company. It appeared that only four soldiers had died in the crash. The pilot and copilot, then two others that were assumed dead from the fire that still raged. It was still two companies. Angela's chest heaved with fatigued breaths.

This could have been much worse. Only four died, and the wounded were back in shape and ready to go thanks to Angela's nanotechnology. This deployment would be rough, as she found herself depleted of her strength. She took off her gloves and slid them into her bag. She'd don them when she needed. Walking over to where the two companies awaited, Angela went to the front of the formation. The Commander of the first company had assumed control of both. He looked to the pale woman.

"We only lost four. I'm taking over leadership of both companies, since the Captain of the second company is dead." He was surprisingly stalwart, and ready to get going. There wasn't a hint of hesitation in his voice. The Swiss had clearly sent some very hardy soldiers. It brought a bit of relief to Angela, who nodded her head.

"Very well. I'm leaving all of this in your capable hands, Commander." She sighed, bringing a hand to her head. "I hope your soldiers aren't as tired as I am."

The Captain shook his head. "We never tire. These two companies are the best Switzerland could send. I'm former Special Forces, and the rest of my company are my own hand-picked platoons. The General ordered me to gather the best I could to assist Egypt, so that two companies would feel more like a Battalion. The 2nd Company was hand-picked by other other Captain, who was a combat veteran. He knew what it takes to win a war."

Angela felt even more relief. "Fareeha will be happy to hear that your soldiers are all so tough. Maybe things will go well after all."

Ashes Beneath the Burning Sun

@Ambiguity

Sombra's animated short is out! It's so awesome! I watched it first thing when I woke up. She looks so cool.

I'll get a reply up in the RP sometime within the next few hours. Don't know if I'll be busy at work or not.