Realistic or Modern Ｂｅｓｉｅｇｅｄ

[Kabboom]

BESIEGED​

"I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its stupidity."
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower​

The world had always been unstable. It's the basic principle of man, the very first instinct every animal was born with since the dawn of life. Humans just happened to take it too far. Though many of them attempt to deny it or justify it, it is still an undeniable fact that warfare is an integral part in what makes humans... well, humans. So why would it stop now?

It is the year 2017, and the Republic of Ambria has become stronger than ever. Despite being only a fledgling colonial territory belonging to the Beranese Kingdom about 200 years ago, it has become a world power, the dominating force on this earth. And it has no intention of ceasing.

The continent of Femos, a recently discovered continent, is under a state of constant war. Countless warlords and violent nobles have gone all-out on each other, each proclaiming to be the ultimate power on the continent, in a brewing soup stew of conflict. And it is only natural that someone would intervene.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
AMBRIA AIDS OUR FEMOS BROTHERS!
As the conflicts in the unstable continent of Femos escalates, the Republic of Ambria has taken upon itself to intervene in the matters and has mobilized troops and lend-lease aid to friendly nations in the continent, namely the People's Republic of Colegria, who have agreed to an alliance with the Republic of Ambria and its allies. The president himself has addressed the matters at hand, stating that 'no longer will men oppress and kill each other senselessly, for by God, we, the Republic of Ambria, will put and end to this for good, starting with Femos. More on page 3.

MERCENARIES ON THE RISE
Over the past few years the usage of mercenaries in armed conflicts across the world has tripled tenfold. This is due to a decrease in military equipment costs and

Within only a few months, the Republic of Ambria, along with a few other allied nations, have established multiple bases and establishments on the continent, moving in hundreds of thousands of troops in the name of "maintaining peace" and "ensuring freedom", though they are merely just fronts for the true purpose: exploiting the natural resources of the region, most notably oil and rare minerals.

One of the many military units sent to Femos is the 22nd Combined Arms Division, known as the Division of the Damned for its staggering amount of casualties during its time of service with all of Ambria's previous conflicts, the oldest military unit in Ambrian history. Sent to a key position to defend the Republic's interests within it, they are dispersed across a wide area to establish security. The 3rd Battalion is assigned to the city itself, and its inhabitants expect little fighting.

How wrong they were.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

July 18, 2017

D Company is stationed upon a Forward Operating Base holding a vital natural bridgeway into the politically important city of Grindes, one of the two largest entryways into the city, aside from a highway, guarded by the adjacent 3rd Battalion. Grindes is considered important due to the political alignment of its mayor and surrounding forces, and its status as a 'hub' of sorts for Ambria's transport convoys.

B Company, freshly transferred into Grindes under temporary 'chopped opcon' under 3rd Battalion, is stationed within a nearby militia barracks, near D Company's FOB. The humid sun proves vital in securing the city, as well as its surroundings, which are primarily forest.

All forces within the city are adamant that no enemy attack will come their way, due to the effectiveness of other frontline units holding the supposed 'front' far from Grindes. But little do they know.

Trappy LoneSniper87 The Cobalt Killer The Omen of Death Illusive Loki777 Elekta Kount adrian_ Human__Ramen Pilgrim59

 

[Trappy]

Elizabeth Forrest
-"Delta move towards map grid 51771-niner. Check those sheds, over."
-"Roger on location. Repeating: Map Grid 51771-niner, over."

It's another day in Femos. The land of exotic wonders, they said back home: Dense, green rainforests that stretch across the horizon; Refreshing air; Hospitable locals and a radiant Sun that forges you. Well, score one for Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda. Despite being one of the newest faces in D Company, I still would like to think that I'm qualified to say I've seen enough of Femos' wonders. Rainforests so dense you can hardly see the sky, filled with most of the world's known toxic creatures. All qualified to take your life. That is, if the humidity didn't seal your death first, catching some contagious diseases on an op in this climate isn't the most delightful thing. And that's why I must do my best, to prevent the men and women of D Company to ever fall in such situations.

It's been 3 weeks since we got here. No casualties, no engagements. Things do look suspiciously quiet, considering how we aren't exactly welcomed faces here. 11 warring states, or was it 14? The factions split and join, rinse and repeat. And every one of them claims to be the legitimate government of Femos, which isn't really a good picture of a region.

Oh, I forgot to mention, all those factions share a common enemy. Us. Ambria.

Ever since we've taken control of this FOB, we've come into contact with some armed personnel, but no shots fired. Foreign mercenaries, militias and such. Something definitely smells fishy, but D Company will always be ready, and I'll personally see to that. For in this foreign land, in the masses' eyes, we are the trespassers, the invaders, the enemy.

B Company arrived the day before. Reinforcements, exactly what we need. They're currently stationed in the designated barracks near the FOB. Captain Wiltshire intends to visit the barracks sometime today, to greet the newcomers, and the one with the new defibrillator. Rumours have been spreading about the device, and I must say I am curious myself.

D Company is stationed in the FOB. We've been digging trenches, reinforcing our positions, building pillboxes - As I mentioned, it is crucial that we expect for the worse, and do our best preparing for it.

All this preparation, it must sound like I yearn for combat myself.

Anyway, the Captain sent me to oversee a scouting operation of our neighbouring regions. Mostly flat terrain, with bushes and villages here and there. Lieutenant Moran's 2nd platoon is on the ground, split up into small teams of 10 while I oversee their doing from a COP (Combat Outpost). Suddenly, someone reported on the radio:

-"Delta here. More caches, no sign of those militias, over."
-"Copy Delta. Retrieval team is en route. Proceed, over."

In the past 3 weeks, we've confiscated several weapons and equipment caches in these small villages around our position. Mostly small arms, munitions. I sit down, eyes following the scouting teams' routes and location in the outpost' dim yellow light. The operation is going smooth enough, and hopefully it will stay this way.

LoneSniper87 The Cobalt Killer The Omen of Death Illusive Loki777 Elekta Kount adrian_ Pilgrim59 Kabboom Human__Ramen

 

[Human__Ramen]

Boghi sat under a tent that shielded her from the harsh sun, with her legs up on the folding table and a toolbox on the ground beside her. Her gloves, balaclava, helmet and ACU were on the table to the left of her feet and she had the sleeves of her black long sleeved shirt were rolled up. With the balaclava off her face, it exposed it to the rest of the world.
Boghi had big brown eyes that had a constant glow of wonder and curiosity. She had a small, and rather cute nose and plump lips. Her hair was shaggy and dirty blonde, which she had neatly tied into a bun, much like the other females on the site.
Boghi had her device resting on her lap as she unscrewed the screws that held the plastic carapace of the defibrillator in place. She removed the plastic cover and place it on the table along with the screwdriver. She proceeded to reach over to a piece of cloth dunked in a cup of water and clean the insides of the machine, taking extra caution to not remove the wires from the conduits.

 

[Chief Shiro]

" Day 1 ~ 12:00 pm
"Autumn"
Field entry - 1

Currently i am operating out of a small barracks set up not too far from the F.O.B. and bunked with the rest of B company. The Ambrian Military has done an adequate job of prioritizing what little defenses they have. The place isn't much, wouldn't last too long under normal circumstances, but at most all they have to worry about are untrained, undisciplined, guerrilla fighters... Though even with that possible threat i doubt Grindes is on anyones' hit list at the moment. As for the city itself, i hear its what you'd expect of a newly developing civilization. The locals here don't seem to take kindly to the Ambrian intervention, at least from what i can gather, but then again when does anyone ever like an occupying force in their home. Today ill be meeting Captain Wiltshire, a man i'm told ill be working very closely with. As far as he knows i'm here as an allied "military observer," though my real objective is to document things coming in and out of Grindes for my employers. Not sure why they'd have me gather intelligence on an allied nation but i guess it doesn't hurt to know who's packing what. The less i know about their intentions, the bett- "

I swatted a mosquito from the back of my neck with my pencil hand. " Damn things." I muttered aggressively. I had been in Femos for Little over a day now. It wasn't my favorite environment to be in but its nothing i haven't seen before. I already knew how to deal with the place; stay hydrated, wear plenty of bug repellent, watch where you step, that sort of stuff, so it wasn't all bad. I could tell some of the Ambrian forces were having a tough time adjusting however. This could very well be some of their first deployments.

I was sitting down by the base of a tree leaning against my pack and cradling my G3 in between my arm and my torso while i recorded my first journal entry. I had a bit of Experience with these rifles but i have never really seen one quite this personalized. The Furniture wasn't standard issue for the Eisanland Military, though it did look, and feel, very nice. it came with a worn, almost out dated, leather sling but i decided it would work for the time being and let it be. Before i shipped out i had it outfitted with a small zoom rifle scope to provide a little more than the traditional irons could.

The sun was high so it wouldn't be long until it was time for me to get to work. All i was doing was waiting on the Captain to arrive and then id make my way to the F.O.B. to begin my work and assist them in theirs. I packed up my journal and loaded my pack on my back and set off to lounge around the barracks before he would arrive. Perhaps i could find out what kind of soldiers we had defending this place.

 

[adrian_]

Andrew Blassimer​

B Company, Platoon One
Andrew was looking down at the butterfly on the back of his hand while sitting on a crate, filled with either medical supplies or explosives, the faded icon on the side of it could have been a cross or two RPG-7's. He looked up towards the middle of the street, giving a disgusted snort to the small amount of supplies around him. He hooked his shotgun to his chest rig, took out his Beretta and gave it an ammunition check, then put it back in it's holster and half-cocked his shotgun to check if it was loaded, then jogged down the road.

 

[LoneSniper87]

I stood in the triage tent, moving back and forth between wounded, taking notes on thier vitals and other things. I set down the clipboard, moving toward a desk that was set up on the far end. My helmet was off and set on a table, along with my G36C. I cracked my fingers and neck and took a step outside, glancing around in the harsh sun.

 

[Kabboom]

July 18, 2017
12:02 PM
D Company's 22nd day in Grindes

Cpt. Richter Wiltshire

Same shit, different day.

It's just another bright day in the relatively large town or city of Grindes. Frankly, I don't care anymore. It's just another urban area that we, the Bastard Battalion - 2nd Battalion for short - have to hold for an unspecified, and probably indefinite amount of time.

Usually, I'm stationed at the mayor's hall, where I have instant reach to other forces and my superiors via the radio station, but today, I've decided to do some field recon. Platoon 2, the one assigned to the FOB on the natural bridge entryway, is my stop for today. I've heard that they've uncovered a fair amount of enemy weapon caches in the vicinity, and I want to get to the bottom of this, and review what the enemy's got.

Also, I heard that one of the troops over on B Company have developed a brand-spanking-new defibrillator that's been proven in combat. A she, apparently. She's gonna be transported back to the rear lines, via the highway that 3rd Battalion guards out of Grindes, for further research and development some time today. Let's see if I can stop by and have a peek before that, maybe have my own engineers cook up something similar. Conveniently, her platoon is based nearby, in a local militia barracks. They just arrived today.

Alright, enough talk. My jeep has arrived at the FOB. A few troops salute me, as the vehicle stops and I step out, making my way towards the local HQ that they've so graciously set up for me in time. My XO, Forrest, has already been here before me, and is overseeing perimeter scouting missions. As soon as I entered my HQ, I picked up a radio and contacted her.

"Moskit, this is Dagger, I want a sitrep on that perimeter check. over." I said on the radio, before turning to some staff personnel, and told him to "find the girl with the defibrillator over in B". With that said, I could relax, and looked out the window.

From where I'm standing, I could see the entirety of the FOB. Hesco walls and sandbags cover the base perimeter, with barbed wire on top, forming a courtyard within, populated with troop tents and crates, dominated by a lone radio tower and a few trucks. There are roads leading out of this small establishment, to other strongpoints, COPs, that do the actual guarding of the natural bridge formation. about 500 to 800 meters apart from each other, the COPs seem to be heavily guarded and armed as well. At least, that's all I could make of them without binoculars.

I decide to grab the radio with me, and walked down to the tents. On my way, I spotted a few troops sitting idly on the crates, standing in the harsh sun for some reason. Accompanied by a radioman and an NCO who offered to show me around, I approached them, especially the one who just came out of the medical tent. Seems we took a few wounded over the past week or so.

"Trooper, state name and rank. How's our wounded?" I asked bluntly. At the same time, I began looking around. Another trooper, a shotgunner, walking down the road leading into our FOB. An NCO getting on my jeep, driving to the B Company barracks as quickly as possible, most likely to pick up the defibrillator girl. And, as my radioman informs me, a "military advisor" from Ambria's ally, Eisenland.

Seems like a busy day. Hope nothing goes wrong.

LoneSniper87 The Cobalt Killer The Omen of Death Illusive Loki777 Elekta Kount adrian_ Pilgrim59 Trappy Human__Ramen Chief Shiro

 

[Pilgrim59]

Day 1 - 12:02:49 FST (Femos Standard Time)
Designate: N/A
Pfc. Dimitri "Dima" Mayakovsky
22nd Division, 3rd Battalion, B Company
Grindes, Femos

Meow~ purred Sasha - a stray cat that had accompanied Dimitri since his arrival in Grindes just an hour or so ago. The surrounding countryside stood calm and placid, as lazy as the man and his companion. Getting up from the ditch at the side of the road, Dimitri paced himself into town alongside his shotgun partner - whose name he had forgotten and was too awkward to ask. He had reserved his words for the cat, in order to not sound like a newbie around his partner - little did he know, it was ironically obvious.
"Recruit Sasha report for fur maintenance!" - said Dimitri to his cat playfully as he tickled the latter's belly.

As they entered Grindes, Dimitri's expressions changed. The man eyed his surroundings attentively - closed windows, idle men, tumbleweeds, and a very pleasant smell of freshly-baked brioche. The ancient church of a bygone age stood strong in the middle of town, dwelling in its glorious sight and significant role in spectating the entirety of the town. It was a welcoming break from the supply depot for Dimitri, whose daily routines were packing rations for the locals, and moving supplies. No fires were exchanged, no practicality, and no excitement - the opposite of what Dimitri hoped to look forward to when he scribbled that paper. Although it wasn't an enormous change, Dimitri managed to keep himself occupied in a more relieved manner. The woodwork and cool air of Grindes was fairer than that of the scorching oil rigs in the rear-echelon HQ.

After entering town, the two broke off, relinquishing their uneventful walk to that of another pair. Dimitri quickly releases the magazine from his rifle and cleared the round in the chamber before slinging it on his back. As the man walks towards the CP, a jeep passed him by with quick haste - quite different from the mood of this passive town. Minding his own business, he continued his journey towards the other end of town - bounding for the barracks. Passing by the FOB near the bridge, Dimitri took a quick glance, and paused for a good ten seconds before straightening his back and closed his feet. Raising his right hand, Dimitri saluted the man with the silver bars that was attending to other fellow comrades.

A small zephyr pushed its way south, pacifying much of the civil and armed population of Grindes.

​

 

[LoneSniper87]

"Ensign Ashley Winters, sir." I said, snapping into a salute for a moment before moving to attention. "Most of the wounded we have are wounds that can be treated rather quickly, you can expect them out in a few days." I inform the Captain. "The others..." I trail off, looking back at the tent. "If they got back in time, a few weeks... but the also might not make it due to the location of their injuries... But they are in capable hands, so the utmost care will be taken of them, I can assure that." I added on. "What brings you to our part of hell, Captain? I mean, if you wouldn't mind answering." I asked.

 

[Trappy]

Lt. Elizabeth Forrest

-"Delta reporting: Perimeter is clear, we got some weapon caches but nothing other than that, over."
-"Copy that. Good work today Delta, assist the retrieval team with confiscating those caches and head back to COP. Moskit out."

Aaaand I guess that's it for today. I'll be heading back to FOB and present the Captain with a complete report of the scouting operation. The scouting teams will head back once they have secured the caches. Supper, sleep, then a new day. How do I know all this? I don't. I merely presumed that these things will happen, in the respective order. Because, to put it frankly, ever since we first set foot on this chaotic continent, our life has been repetitive and boring. But enough of this talk, I wouldn't want to jinx it.

Anyway, that's all for today's work. I back up my stuff and informed one of the officers present in outpost that I need a ride back to the FOB. Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded on my radio.

-"Moskit, this is Dagger, I want a sitrep on that perimeter check. over."

The Captain. He must've arrived at this part of town to see the defibrillator girl and that foreign military advisor. I press on the radio neatly secured onto my combat vest and answered :

-"Moskit reporting: Perimeter is clear. We've got ourselves a couple more weapon caches though, Captain. Mostly small arms, over."

And that's done. I have another officer to take care of the scouting teams and head out to catch my ride. Upon exiting the communication bunker, the harsh, burning sun pierced its way into my eyes and hot air embraces me. Bloody climate, we're probably gonna fall sick and go home before anything happens. If you ask me, I'd say that's the most likely probability, seeing how things are the past few weeks.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sgt. Lawrence Lambert

So I am to find this Lance Corporal Manuella - a trooper who apparently developed a new type of defibrillator, and a foreign military advisor who goes by the name "Autumn" - an Eisenlander, shouldn't be too hard to miss. The Captain would like to meet them, and they sent me. Then since I'm already on the way, they said I'm gonna have to swing by and pick up the Company XO from the Northern COP. Oh, while we're at it, my introduction: Sergeant Lambert, D Company Delivery Man, or taxi driver. Hell, I'm more than happy to take this job. Anything is better than sitting there and get a heat stroke, really.

As I make a turn at the crossroads in front of the ancient church, I drive past a few troopers, who are assume are making their way to the FOB. There's this fella with a cat. I'm telling you, he's the one with the most luck in associating with the locals so far. I heard there was this ensign who got attacked by a stray dog the other day, and he's still in the medical tent now.

I would've gotten at least a few dozens tickets if I was driving in an Ambrian city, 'cause hell, I drive fast. There it is, the barracks. I stop the jeep and tell one of the soldiers standing post at the gate to go find Manuella and the Eisenlander. Meanwhile, I guess I'll just sit here then. No rush.

 

[The Cobalt Killer]

See, the way I see war... It's a new science of life. War, unlike the soldiers in it, is an unstoppable force. Now, humans are deluded into thinking that that force is the driving point of all nature and that it goes away once an ideal situation is achieved. That, of course, is wrong. It simply takes breaks for periods of time we know as "peace". And peace is somehow heralded as this great thing when - really - is it? That's the thing about war and peace. You can't have one without the other, and you can't have neither. So why do I fight, if all is futile and if war is this unstoppable force? Well, that's simple; to keep the bad men from the door.

That's the art of siege, isn't it? Since the first primordial human declared war on his neighbour, man has felt the need to protect himself, his family, and his tribe from attack by external threats. External threats, that means the enemies outside, so it is man's job to keep them from the gates. When they get there, however, it's about more than just protecting the city and making sure the walls stay standing. A city under siege is a home under attack. There's no simpler way to put it. Once the enemy brings the fight to us, we have to resort to our most basic natural qualities; war, violence, killing.

As a part of D Company, the Platoon 2 Leader in fact, it is my duty to hold enemy forces from the city of Grindes. This isn't my home, but it is my occupation. We are stationed in an FOB that protects a vital artery leading from the land to the city. I've been told my methods can be seen as unorthodox and that people don't appreciate my attitude, so I decided to take it easy while there's still some quite around the FOB. Quite frankly, I don't give a damn what others think of me or how I fight - no, how I win fights - and this conflict will be the last thing to change me. Still, it has been an interesting experience to see my fellow soldiers at work.

I suppose this would be the opinion of my 41-year-old eyes, but watching younger comrades always gives me a bitter-sweet feeling. I distinctly recall observing the hard work of a young woman, one Elizabeth Forrest I believe, while cleaning my AK and smiling at her inspired work ethic while frowning at her very presence. I mean, I've got nothing against women and of course we need young people to help us fight but... I suppose it's the thought of my daughter ever growing up to be a determined young woman like her, throwing her life on the line. I don't have to worry about that anymore though.

My name is Leon Moran, by the way. Yes, I am getting older but that isn't gonna stop me. Would it stop you? Because, brother, let me tell you now, if it would then you are a bad soldier. It wouldn't stop any of these people, I know it. That's why I'm silently confident that all will be alright. D Company has it within itself, along side the aide of B Company, to protect this city. And I intend to lead my platoon to that one goal. I won't spend all of my time in here, shacked up and out of the way. I'm just passing the time as I clean my P226. Out there, I see another one of my platoon members. Ash, I call her. Another brilliant soldier, but also another reminder.

 

[Human__Ramen]

Boghi realized that there was no way she could clean the circuitries without removing the wires from the connectors. She sighed. It was always a pain in the ass to connect those wires to the conduits after removing them.
She put the wet cloth on the table and reached down to the toolbox to get a pair of pliers. As she was about to remove the wiring, a soldier appeared at the entrance to her tent. "Manuella Boghi?" He asked, looking straight at her. She nodded back. "One of the boys from D Company is here to pick you up." He continued, and then left her surprised. Why would they come to escort her? She was only a newbie - at least compared to her other comrades.
Either way, she screwed the plastic cover back onto the device, put the tools on the table back in the toolbox and put on her outfit. She pocketed her balaclava and walked to the other side of the tent, where her weapons leaned on a metal locker. Picking them up, she exited the tent and proceeded towards the gate, shotgun in hand and defibrillator hangig from her waist.

 

[adrian_]

Andrew Blassimer
Grindes, Famos​

B Company, Platoon One
After a quick, albeit exhausting, jog into inner Grindes, Andrew decided to take a walk towards the FOB and eat something, he hadn't eaten in a few hours anyway, and dried pineapple was sounding mouthwatering at the moment.

After an ID check at the door Andrew took a brisk walk to the mess hall, opened an MRE labeled 'Dried Peaches and Cream' put it on a hot plate and filled it with water then inhaled his food and left. He didn't like to stay too long as the mess hall itself was a mess, but what are two companies worth of soldiers going to do other than make a mess? Fight? It didn't seem they were doing much of that.

Andrew decided to spend the rest of the day in his bunk, reading a book, any book, to be honest.

 

[Kabboom]

July 18, 2017
12:06 PM
D Company's 22nd day in Grindes

Cpt. Richter Wiltshire

I took a look around, furrowed eyebrows as the sun wished to do damage against my 'elf eyes', at the troops around me, idly listening to the female medic's report. I could see two soldiers entering through the FOB's entrance, with the one in front apparently playing with local wildlife.

That's another issue we've been encountering lately. Apparently, there are a lot of stray animals in Grindes, and our troops keep adopting the damn things. I don't personally have anything against cats or dogs, it's just that it distracts them from their duties, and puts extra strain on food and medical supply. There aren't many vets in an army. And besides, I'm a bit more worried about the animals. It's not like they can eat the entire contents of the MRE packs. And the fact that dumbass soldiers are approaching wild dogs are eating through what little rabies medicine we have isn't something to just laugh at either.

As my eyes landed upon a particularly old soldier meticulously cleaning his P226, my ears pick up the Ensign's question - Ashley Winter's question. I prefer to refer to people by their name, not rank. I turn to her, giving a slightly lifted eyebrow. "I'm here to check out your part of hell, Winter, if you can believe that. I lead the Company, and I can't do it if I don't know what my boys are going through at the front." I said, with that bossy voice you usually find from generals, despite not being one.

"And besides..." I turn to her again, quietly, in a joking voice. "...It's every commander's duty to fuck shit up for his men." I turn away, and walk towards the elevated platforms of the barbed wire Hesco walls around the FOB, my NCO and radioman following like little ducklings.

I stood in the corner, under a camo net. I did a scan of the surroundings. The three COPs set up in front. The natural bridge leading into Grindes, a result of dirt building up over time, supported by tough boulders within. The two sheer drop-offs beside the bridge, a result of a stream running through, almost coming full circle around this part of Grindes but blocked by said bridge. The lush forest area on the other side of the bridge, in the rural outskirts of the city. We've learned the hard way that the enemy forces like to occupy forest regions and mountains, anywhere they could potentially get an advantage on us.

As I looked, I spotted a peculiar thing. I couldn't put my mind on it, but it was definitely out of the ordinary. Over to the North-East, I could see faint puffs of dust being kicked up from within the forest. I order the radioman to contact the North East COP, while I took my binoculars out of their holster on my chest.

"Moskit, this is Dagger, I need you to send a team to check for activity to the North-North East of you, over." I said into the radio, before pressing my eyes into the binoculars.

LoneSniper87 The Cobalt Killer The Omen of Death Illusive Loki777 Elekta Kount adrian_ @SushiMuncher Trappy Human__Ramen Chief Shiro

 

[LoneSniper87]

"You mean you are the rare brass that know how to lead?" I said, mainly as a joke, but still looked down as I said it. "I am only kidding, hope you enjoy your visit, Captain." I said dutifully, before looking back up to salute him. I turn and head back to the medical tent, letting one of the officers know I am going to be back in about ten minutes. I grab my helmet, my baklava, and my rifle, and head back out. My visor was up, but it still luckily blocked out the sun from my sight, making it easier on me to see. I look over and see my commanding officer, cleaning his guns. I walk over with a slight grin and take a seat next to him. "Good day to you, sir. How has your day been?" I ask him, setting my G36C on the table.

 

[Pilgrim59]

Day 1 - 12:09:21 FST (Femos Standard Time)
Designate: N/A
Pfc. Dimitri "Dima" Mayakovsky
22nd Division, 3rd Battalion, B Company
Grindes, Femos

The sunny day progresses slowly. Along Dimitri's lone walk back to his barracks, he spotted a local farm where an old couple was tending to their crops. He paced himself slowly before stopping by to converse. Perhaps it was curiosity of the local's interests that drove him, or maybe it reminded him of his home back in Svolensk. Ultimately, hearts and mind was just as important as sticking the pointy end into the enemy - at least in Dimitri's thoughts.

At first, the couple shied away from the Ambrian soldier - after all, one does not usually prefer to have an armed occupant on one's own land. But eventually, Dimitri's lax demeanor, accompanied by Sasha's adorable clinginess, gave way to a pleasant interaction between the Ambrian and the Femosian. One could say Dimitri was fratenizing the local population, but to him, it was just a simple concern about the crops, as he himself is a farmboy.

After a few minutes of plowing the small field, Dimitri expedited his return to the barracks - his BDU covered in dirt, while his backpack full of apples as a reward. He expressed a slight feeling of content, knowing that he had done something meaningful in his run in the armed force, besides stacking sandbags and doing PT. Getting out of the shower, Dimitri headed to the mess hall to get some grub in his belly after a long day.


"... from what we can estimate after the last push at Demeitros, the ongoing conflict in Femos will surely come to an end very soon. Allied forces have always been at the top of thei-"
"Can someone please... turn that shit off!" someone from across the room shouted. The radio transmission ended abruptly, and was replaced by one of Ambrian's classics - Paint it Red by The Surfing Stones.
Tearing his "Chef Bosardee - Beef Stew" MRE, Dimitri prepared his lunch and gulped it all down in a go, followed by a cup of water and left in a hurry. As an indoctrinated Ambrian, "...speedy procedures are key to a decisive conduct of war..." - _{The Ambrian Manual of War}.

Sasha was already sitting outside the gate leading into the post. Casually walking past the sandbags, Dimitri gave his clingy companion some beef jerky leftovers and a can full of water - of which she happily consumed. With nothing but time on his hand, the young Ambrian from B Company unslung his rifle and crossed the dirt road, jogging alongside his feline partner towards the woods just east of the bridge. He was curious of the surrounding area, as well as needing to memorize its strategic positioning. It was pointless, Dimitri thought, but it was something he felt necessary. Something gnawed at him since his arrival, he just couldn't shake off that uneasy feeling. Perhaps life in the field was different from the rear - the indifferent environment and countless uncertainties.

Breaking himself from his thoughts, Dimitri stopped at the eastern treeline and dropped his gears on the ground. He then proceeds to climb, wielding his trusty pickaxe. Sasha looked up with confusion. He chipped off parts of the tree's trunk just so that it is visible enough from the town at around 500 meters - enough for a decent rifleman to make a shot. It was also a good way to work on his math. He had done this earlier back in Karalia tying a ribbon to a flag pole, where he was stationed. As eager for a fight as he was, one could say its one of his social flaw - unprecedented paranoia. But eventually, he'll just forget about his handicraft and end up doing regular, boring patrols. Descending from the tree, Dimitri grabbed his gears and headed towards the FOB by the bridge.

"Don't ask, comrade Sasha, I have no idea why I did that. Come on, comrade, we gotta look for something to do. Maybe the new officer will get us on a special mission." said Dimitri to his cat as the two paddled along the ol' dusty road towards the FOB.

 

[Kabboom]

July 18, 2017
12:10 PM
D Company's 22nd day in Grindes

Cpt. Richter Wiltshire

As I heard my XO answer the radio and subsequently send the actual recon team, I peered into the binoculars closely. What in hell's name could that be? Can't be vehicles. We'd have spotted them if they tried to approach with anything heavier than a bicycle, what with the new perimeter sensors and all. Did we do maintenance on those things? I forgot to ask the Engineer boys during my busy time here.

I could see something moving in the edge of my vision. I turn to my left, and spot something shuffling in the distant treeline. I could see silhouettes, figures dashing through the bushes, rustling the leaves. I call up the Northwestern COP, the radioman changing the frequency within a blink of an eye before handing me the pack. But just before I press the button and actually call them, I could see a flash from a clearing within the woods.

Accompanied by smoke, ejecting upwards. Like...

Mortar fire.

I turn to all frequencies, with my hastened fingers fumbling in valuable seconds, and then yelling into the radio, startling the NCo and radioman nearby. "All units, contact direct North of FOB! I repeat-" My words were cut short by a duo of explosions hitting the Northwestern COP dead-on, sending a slight rush of wind and a muffled explosion to the entirety of the FOB a few seconds after.

The NCO who was supposed to show me around turned to the men down beneath from our elevated position, and yelled at them to get to combat stations, while I pressed my eyes into the binoculars, looking desperately for any more signs of the enemy, or any friendly movement in the Northwest COP, all while trying to hail my XO on the radio.

"Moskit, this is Dagger, we have contact, I repeat, we have contact, do you copy, over?"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sgt. Lawrence Lambert

Finally, the defibrillator girl shows up, the apparatus hanging from a strap on her waist as she made her way towards my jeep. I could also see the Eisenlander, a buff guy walking towards my position, carrying a G3. Huh. Haven't seen those things in Femos before. Heard those things were accurate. Hope we don't run into any of those in Grindes. It's a quieter town, and I like it for that.

As I waved my hand towards both of them, waiting for them to actually get the hell on, I might as well tell more about myself and our job in Grindes as a whole. I'm not a special guy of any kind, born and raised in a farmstead, hauled wheat and various foodstuffs for my family ever since I had enough strength to do so. Went to the city, like most farm folks do, and found a good opportunity to join the Army. Here I am now.

Our Company's here in Grindes because the Mayor, some guy in a suit, decided that he'd rather have an army of foreigners around than the locals. Says a lot about this damn region. When I asked for a transfer from frontline units, I expected to go further backwards behind the lines. But Grindes is fine.

As everyone got seated, I pressed my foot firmly on the gas and sped out of the gate, giving the gate guards a bit of a dust cloud to inhale. Whoops. As I rode towards the location of the Company commander's pet, the XO, I could see a faint puff of smoke in the distance. Probably nothing, I thought, but then I heard a muffled explosion in my ears about 2 seconds later. That can't be good. I step on the gas. The sooner I get to the XO, the faster we can all get back to the FOB.

Trappy LoneSniper87 The Cobalt Killer The Omen of Death Illusive Loki777 Elekta Kount adrian_ Human__Ramen Pilgrim59

 

[LoneSniper87]

An explosion rocked the area nearby me and I quickly stood, flipping the visor of my helmet down and grabbing my rifle. I look around once more and spot the Captain. I make my way towards him and stopped under him. "Sir, what are our orders!" I shouted up to him. I had no sight on the enemy, and RoE using tended to fuck with what we were allowed to do, so confirmation was always key. My eyes scanned for any wounded, though having not found anything, I felt as if my hands would be an ungodly amount of full in the coming hours.

 

[Minyari]

Journal Entry
Day 1 - 7:26 AM FST (Femos Standard Timezone)
Pvt. Emily Karpov
22nd Combined Arms Division, 3rd Battalion, B Company
Suppy Garrison "Julie" , 10km South of Grindes, Femos

The clear, blue skies as the sun begins looms over the supply garrison as the sounds of the morning wildlife, the crisp morning air is felt, and the sounds of snoring from the barracks. Emily fixes her green, Ambria beret on her head slinging her backpack over her shoulders and grabbing her trusty SKS. Finishing her equipment checks she heads out of the barracks, jogging over to her assigned squad, forming up with them. A few minutes later Emily's squad would begin their march to Grindes, locating their new units and assignments.

One hour later... Emily continues her march with her comrades, having small banter of where they came from and jokes about how boring an assignment this will be. The squad being half way completed with their march took a rest break before quickly continuing their march to Grindes alongside the road. Emily didn't think much of her new assignment, glad enough to be contributing to the security of Femos. Soon enough her squad would arrive at the outer area of Grindes, showing their orders to the guards before splitting off to find their assigned units.

Emily begins to navigate through the city, using local signs as well as asking fellow soldiers along the way. She was to report to a northern FOB across a bridge. Moving along the road Emily takes a quick snack break, drinking and replenishing her canteen as well as unwrapping a protein bar before devouring it. Upon finishing her small break Emily continues her walk to the FOB, observing the nature of her surrounding before a sound of an explosion would be heard. Weeeeeee! Booom! The sound of a mortar whistling through the air before making it's impact on the ground. Emily drops to the ground with her head ducked before raising it once again, examining the surrounding area. "That sounded close... the FOB!" Emily quickly gets back up unslinging her SKS as she jogs towards the FOB.

 

[Pilgrim59]

Day 1 - 12:12:58 FST (Femos Standard Time)
Designate: N/A
Pfc. Dimitri "Dima" Mayakovsky
22nd Division, 3rd Battalion, B Company
Grindes, Femos

POMF! POMF!
"It's a little too sunny for a thunderstorm..." Dimitri and Sasha paused their jog and looked at one another before double-timing their current pace towards the FOB. Dimitri showed a slight expression of interest and concern at the same time.
His breath gradually hasten in a rapid pattern, as Dimitri continued down the dirt road, arriving at the FOB near the bridge within a few minutes. He looked around at the garrisons lining up by the sandbags and emplacements, followed by a multitude of scattered friendlies running fro and forth.
"Identify yourself!" shouted one of the men by the sandbag, as Dimitri stood still in between his sights.
"Pri...vate... First Class Mayakovsky....3rd Battalion..... B...Company!" Dimitri catches his breath as he reply, before being signaled a green light to pass.

In the distant, Northwest horizon, Dimitri could see stacks of smokes climbing the canopies of the forest. Thoughts started plaguing Dimitri's mind as he settles down behind the sandbag - just like everyone else.
"GET IN COVER AND KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED!" shouted one of the NCO, as he grab his rifle and scans his surrounding for anyone else who wasn't in cover.
Grindes was a rumored paradise of persistent tedium - but not today. As Dimitri's attention runs wild with questions, he caught a glimpse of the Captain's burdened look. While one of the trooper with a polymer Gecko 36 attempts to get a confirmation of orders - our orders. Something definitely went wrong, or at least it was not going in the right direction. The magnitude of the disturbed peace affected not only the locals, but further gave way to a shock of uncertainties among the fresh faces of B Company, whose experiences in Grindes, or perhaps in the field, was limited. Crouching behind cover, a sense of excitement and worry hits Dimitri with a conflicted view. Will this be his first actual battle or will it be his last? Opposite of the conflicted Ambrian, was an old soldier with a Sig-226 whose calm demeanor somewhat inspired Dimitri to cool down and stay focused.

Sasha scurried away from the FOB and vanished beyond a nearby bush - much to Dimitri's troubled relief. At least she would not be in the middle of it all if a firefight should come this way, Dimitri thought, as he loads a fresh magazine into his SKS. With his safety switch still on, Dimitri's trigger discipline would rule for the time being until a confirmation is passed. The sun was now above everyone's head, the blazing glare from her peaked position would agitate any foreigners in Grindes. The heat, the summer insects, and the long pause after the initial explosions quickly became an undeclared enemy of the Ambrian garrison.

 

[Trappy]

Lt. Elizabeth Forrest


I inform Delta team of the Captain's request of addition checking on the NNE perimeter, since they're already on the field. Through the binoculars, the dense forest and the empty field looks clear enough. The Delta boys saw to that, they've ran checks on the perimeter multiple times today. We have some dust picking up in the horizon though, but it can't be vehicles or anything. We'd have picked up something on our perimeter censors. Nothing other than that though. Well, one more check wouldn't hurt. What's the Captain thinking, I wonder?

Minutes later, I find myself in a building to the North East of the outpost, a radioman by my side and binoculars on my eyes. Delta informed me that they're en route to the NNE perimeter after securing the weapon caches with the engineer team. So today is going to be longer than I expected, but I trust the Captain has a reason for his sudden request. Out of curiosity of the Captain's reason, and maybe boredom, I peer through the binoculars again and scan the field and the treeline.

And I see something. Or at least I think so. Movement within the dense forest, shadows, silhouettes. Grindes isn't so isolated, probably some locals, villagers perhaps. Or animals. Or I'm just seeing things. It's not so unlikely, given this climate. Maybe the Captain saw the same.

But then it happens, against all of my predictions. I should've known better, the battlefield is an unpredictable place.

It starts with some faint flash from a clearing within the wood. Then a familiar sound, and finally an earthshaking explosion. The windows near my desk shatter instantly as I cower to protect myself from the broken shards of glass and the shock. It appears the shell landed dangerously close to my building. I get up on my feet and scan around the room. One of the officers were standing closer to the windows when the shell landed. Now he's on the cold floor, and warm blood dripping all across his face. At that moment, my ears are still ringing, and there are already too many sounds to comprehend at once: People shouting, people screaming out, people coughing, and then someone else yelling, the sound of mortar shells screaming follows him.

-"MORE INCOMING!"

And everyone droped onto the floor. The shells landed outside the outpost. This is wrong, this isn't supposed to be happening. Who would dare to fire upon an Ambrian outpost?! Can't be an accident, I'm not informed of any firing drill today. The rebel states see us as invaders, but they wouldn't dare!

Some medics burst into the room, tending to the wounded. On radio, the familiar voice of Delta team's captain shout, his croaky voice mixed with gunfire and heavy, tired breathing:

-"CONTACT, FALL BACK, FALL BACK!"

There was faint gunfire in the distance. I peer outside the broken window and can barely see tracer rounds being fired from the forest towards Delta's supposed location. I turn to the officers in the room and give the order:

-"MEN, TO YOUR COMBAT POSTS, GO!"

Then the Captain sounded on my radio, it seems he noticed what's happening as well.

-"Moskit, this is Dagger, we have contact, I repeat, we have contact, do you copy, over?"

-"This is Moskit, we're under attack! There are casualties, and presumably a formidable hostile presence. Requesting reinforcement, over!" - I shouted into the radio.

 

[adrian_]

Andrew Blassimer
Grindes, Famos
B Company, Platoon One​

"What the hell?!" Andrew jumped as soon as he heard the explosion in the distance. He quickly hopped off his bunk almost throwing his book across the room and picked up his shotgun, put on his backpack and combat apron, put his helmet under his shoulder and sprinted out into the chaotic courtyard. Andrew cocked his Remington hoping to not see any enemy soldiers inside the compound, giving a quick look at the area he set the safety on his shotgun to 'off' and slung it around his shoulder, favoring his pistol for this distance.

He decided to set up shop to the side of the gate and put his helmet on, dropping it twice, his hands shaking the entire time, fear most likely. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves, and readied himself for what's to come.

 

[Human__Ramen]

Manuella climbed onto the jeep, squinting her eyes to block out the sun. She observed as a hunk of a man also entered the vehicle, accompanying the two.
She was a bit startled when Sgt. Lambert stepped on the gas, forcing her body backwards a bit before she recomposed herself. Manuella glanced at her surroundings, mostly dried dirt cracked due to the heat accompanied by tall grass.
The girl was lost in her thoughts when suddenly, a very loud whistle pierced the air, which was then followed by an explosion. This threw Manuella off guard and she scowled, bewildered. What was happening.
As the driver accelerated his pace, Manuella removed her balaclava from her pocket and took off her helmet, and proceeded to put the piece of cloth over her face. She put the helmet back on and gripped her shotgun, slightly leaning forward on the jeep.
She was ready for action, and her eyes, filled with adrenaline and excitement evidenced this.
Kabboom

 

[Kabboom]

July 18, 2017
12:13 PM
D Company's 22nd day in Grindes

Cpt. Richter Wiltshire

Shit.

Shit shit shit. This is getting bad. Northwest COP's not responding on my radio, and my XO over in the North-East COP is taking contact as well. Where the hell did all of this come from? Intelligence reported minimal enemy infantry presence within a 20 mile radius from here, where the bleeding hell did these mortars come from? Is Intel wrong? And what about those perimeter sensors? We should've picked up these fuckers the night before, why are we only learning about these tube-humpers now?

No. I gotta recollect my shit. Can't flood my mind with stupid questions. Game time.

The medic I had a brief chat to earlier, was now asking me what to do from below. I turn to her, and all the troops who stood bewildered under me. I had a split second surge in confidence, what with the whole 'I'm above them, looking down, and I must lead them' nonsense. I squint my eyes for a small moment, and began shouting off orders.

"You, get on a jeep, you're headed to Northwest COP to check for wounded. I'm sending Platoon 2 that way with you." I turn to the apparent commander of Platoon 2, an old guy still cleaning his pistol in a calm and relaxed fashion. "Hey! Get your guys! I need you over at the Northwestern COP, check for survivors!"

During times like these, I assume time for asking permission from other Company commanders are out of the question. They don't take kindly to me ordering their soldiers around, like I did a few times before, but the Battalion commander deems it acceptable, considering my effective commands. I don't like to push my luck too much, though. Just this once.

I turn to the general crowd, who are now scrambling, as their military training kicks in. "B Company troops, I need you on the front! North COP and North-East COP, now! Trucks, go!" I turn to a soldier with an SKS, apparently the guy who was playing with a cat some time before the fighting. "You! Take two, and get on a jeep to the rest of B Company in the nearby barracks! Tell 'em to get their asses into gear!" I turn to my radioman, who can't seem to get a signal. Enemy jammers? I turn back to the guy, and yell at him quickly. "And get to Battalion HQ in the city after you're done! Get air support, artillery support, anything to get these mortar fucks!"

I turn back to the battlefield. Mortars are exploding more frequently now. I saw one land near the North COP. They're spreading shots. I guess the war has come to us. I think this is just a sporadic attack, but I shouldn't be tempting fate here.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sgt. Lawrence Lambert

Finally! We're here! In the nick of time, too! If I had pressed on that gas any sooner, we would've been here just in time to take a mortar round directly into the engine. Shrapnel incoming from above. I swerve right, into a camo net, to avoid most of the shrapnel, as one plonked directly on my helmet, giving me a slight head concussion. I'm still completely combat-able though.

I turn to the two passengers. "Stay in the jeep." I began honking the horn, making a pathetic but loud squeak sound repeatedly, hoping the XO would notice. After all, she should be nearby. Hope she hasn't died from shrapnel or gunfire. Speaking of which, there's some tracer rounds in the forest. I begun honking quicker. The damn XO better hurry her ass up, before we get cut down by AKs and whatnot.

Trappy LoneSniper87 The Cobalt Killer The Omen of Death Illusive Loki777 Elekta Kount adrian_ Human__Ramen Pilgrim59

 

[Pilgrim59]

Day 1 - 12:14:31 FST (Femos Standard Time)
Designate: Romeo-Victor "BRAVO 1-1"
Pfc. Dimitri "Dima" Mayakovsky
22nd Division, 3rd Battalion, B Company
Northern Barracks, Grindes, Femos


Amidst the rush, Dimitri stood up along with the others just as the man with the Silver Bars called out his orders. His left lowering his rifle, while his right saluting and acknowledging the Captain's orders as he scurry along towards the nearest, unmanned transport - along with two other faces. As far as Dimitri could tell, most of B Company was at the barracks, which is slowly getting in range of the intermittent mortar splash.
"I have no idea what's going, so just call out contacts if you guys have a twenty." said Dimitri to his nodding associates, as he hops onto the jeep and pushes the throttle to its limit.
The crew of 3 inside the jeep zoomed their way north towards the furthest B Company barracks.


...a couple of minutes later...


BRUMPP.....BUMP.....BURUMPP
The mortars have ceased landing around the barracks, leaving craters on the dirt road and surrounding field alike. The surrounding area was eerily quiet, with some trees leaning over each other, as a result of the bombardment. Dismounting the jeep on the side of the dirt road, Dimitri and his companions cautiously maneuvered towards the smoking barracks. They quickly entered the impacted grounds and assisted in relocating the wounded, before gathering the rest of the company.

"Gather your gears, guys. This is not a drill. The Captain needs everyone five by five and on alert!" Dimitri said as he turn over and approached the wounded being tended to by the corpsmen. He then offered to drive the wounded into town to get the medical attention they needed, as the barracks was in no condition for a defensive posture - given the amount of scatter-ratios Dimitri had counted along the way. In other words, if another barrage was to commence, there would be more casualties if they do not relocate southward. But Dimitri had his priorities - getting the wounded out first.

Having loaded onto the back of the jeep as many as the wounded can fit, Dimitri signaled one of his companion away, accompanied by a relieved sigh. He turns his attention to one of the man, with an un-safetied Remington slung around his shoulder, while wielding a Beretta sidearm, slightly shaking - probably the adrenaline, Dimitri thought. He paced himself slowly closer to the man. The two look outside what remained of the compound and scan for contacts.
"Y'all got any contacts before we got here?" asked Dimitri in a calm manner, trying not to startle nor annoy him.

adrian_