"Gear has been loaded onto the shuttle. Where do you want to be placed?

In addition to the personal equipment each member of the team was taking, Meir had included a number of other items split roughly equally between the two quad bikes.

Quad One (Meir & Thornhammer)
2  Aluminium storage box, 30 litre cap
1  Climbing Gear
5  Gecko Adhesive
7  Meal Pack
1  Monowire Spool
1  Morph Axe
1  Mini-Toolkit - Mechanic
1  Pressure Tent (Two-man)
1  Radio Communicator - Medium
50 Rope, yard - 3/16"
12 Water, gallons
2  Water bladder, 6 gal.

Quad 2 (Tanya & Tonkin)
2  Aluminium storage box, 30 litre cap
2  Climbing Gear
1  Crash Kit
5  Gecko Adhesive
1  Group Basics
14 Meal Pack
1  Portable Mechanic Tool Kit
50 Rope, yard - 3/16"
1  Shovel, all-metal
12 Water, gallons
2  Water bladder, 6 gal.

"As close as you can without risking detection," he'd directed Illiam.
All five of them had pored over the available maps to find a suitable ravine to drop into which would initially hide them from casual observation yet still allow a relatively easy ride out of it. It would probably take them a few hours to fine tune their loads and get used to the way the bikes moved in the low gravity, and he wanted to make sure they could do that without too much danger from the Labs.
Once they were happy with their setup, they'd head off on their approach and find somewhere fairly close to the target area to establish a concealed camp. After a rest and reporting in, they'd probably continue on foot, perhaps leaving a pair behind with the quads, or perhaps all moving out - it all depended on the situation at the time.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 2):

You identify a ravine about 5 miles from the target ravine that will allow Illiam to approach along the ravine. Only enemies in or near the ravine will be able to see you approach.

As you get near, William rounds a bend and sees a scout Tank! The security detail opens up with the beam turret and it explodes as he speeds over the top of it.

"Not good. They'll know we're here now. Illium, take us about ninety degrees around the target and another dozen kilometres further out."
"Tonkin, Tanya, help me with the maps to find an alternate drop point."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 4):

"Sure, but it happened so fast there was no radio signal. They may not have gotten a message off, and the more we fly, the greater the risk of finding more..."

"Even if they didn't, they're sure to have to report in soon, and if they don't somebody will come looking to find out why."
"I'd rather not have any sign on the ground indicating our presence. With luck they'll think it's spill over from the existing battles."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 6):

"Yeah, good chance of that. There is a lot of action around. We can keep going up this ravine, but to change ravines will mean becoming more visible."

Having been on the ground now for a while, Meir led his small group close to the target area on the quads. After a while they found a suitable hide and concealed their vehicles under an overhang. Observation from ground level was screened by the existing plant-life plus a little "transplanting" of branches cut from the surrounding area. Running out the monowire antenna, he sent the single code word indicating they'd arrived at their forward operating base and were about to head off on foot.

Some time later Meir and Tonkin observed two bored sentries - nobody liked guard duty, especially when the nearest action was many miles away. Sneaking closer to just under a hundred and fifty yards, the pair lined up their weapons and took their shots...

Tonkin trailed Meir and followed his directions, setting up to take a shot at the second sentry with his laser rifle.

In reply to Private Tonkin (msg # 9):

The two guards both drop, and you move in quickly to ensure both are dead. One was in the process of dying, but Tonkin pulled his blade and completed the process.

The area is sparse and rocky, with little vegetation, but the guards patrol route affords them good visibility of the ravine. However, you would have to get closer to be sure there is or is not a base nearby. Tracks indicate not all patrols are on foot.

"Lets hide the bodies, strip anything useful off them, and get in closer."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 11):

They are armoured very similarly to the Labrysian agents that were on Dastavka and armed with plasma guns and 4 plasma mines, probably anti personnel mines. Equipment is otherwise unremarkable, and the single radio is a simple affair.

"Lets take the mines, radio and the power packs for their weapons. You should be able to modify them for your lasers?"
The mines should be fairly straight forward for soldiers like Tonkin and Thornhammer to use, the radio a useful way of listening in to the Labs communications - at least until they changed frequencies, and you could never have enough power for weapons or survival gear.
"Make sure everything else is well hidden."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 13):

The mines take a little working out, but Tanya and Thornhammer are able to work out the Labrysian markings thanks to the recent work with the Labrysian agents.

The plasma guns are hidden and the power cells talents, though you would need a mechanic(power cells) roll, or something similar, with equipment modifiers, to use the power cells.

The Labrysian radios work, and you can hear communication... in Labrysian. Unfortunately, no one can understand it...

What next?

Meir knew there was a reason Hancock should have come...
He thought briefly about relaying the signals through to the ship, but realised immediately that was likely to give away their own position. Perhaps on the next check in they'd let them know what they had.
"As soon as you're ready, we'll move in closer and see what we can spot."
Although their visors didn't have any magnification, Meir was carrying his ancient binoculars which would give them quite a boost in their observation ability.
"Sentries aren't found where there's nothing to guard. There's got to be something here somewhere."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 15):

Perception roll please....

That will be a pass by 2, plus -10 range from the binoculars, and the hyperspectral visor benefits (3 I believe).

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 17):

You were assuming there was something to see. Fortunately you passed...you hear a low rumble from along the ravine...coming from the direction of where the track goes around a bend out of sight about 100 yards away.

It was perhaps a good thing hunters never actually walked on tracks when they could avoid it.
"Conceal yourselves and prepare your heavier weapons. Sounds like a tank."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 19):

A light scout tank comes rumbling into sight, it's plasma cannon menacingly pointing ahead as itakes its way along the track. It approaches your position without any sign it has seen you, though it travels relatively slowly.

Meir shifted his aim to follow the vehicle, looking for a weak spot to exploit should there be an indication they've been spotted. He suspected the crew expected to see the sentries. Chances were they'd be stopping shortly for a scout on foot.
"Hold", he indicated with a raised palm, not trusting the communicator in his suit, nor that he could keep his voice low enough to avoid detection, nor loud enough to be heard by those with him.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 21):

The scout tank continues past slowly. They stop about 100 yards away from you, past your position, and the turret swivels, at first away from you, but continuing around to begin coming in your direction.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:26, Sun 28 May 2017.

Not knowing the capabilities of whatever sensors the thing carried, Meir chose to err on the side of caution and lowered himself down as far into the dirt and rocks as he could, and trusted the others to do the same. Bushes and shrubs might not be much impediment to advanced detection equipment, but he didn't think anything could see through stone.
Only his weapon remained up, maintaining a visual and aim on the target through the HUD link.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 23):

The turret swept past the small group as they took cover, returning slowly to  the front before stopping. After a few tense moments, the machine lumbered on.

Meir kept still for about five minutes before he risked exposing himself again. The vehicle was a good sign they were close.
"Lets move on, but stay well clear of the trail."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 25):

Which direction?

Usually patrol routes went around a location rather than out and back like the spokes of a wheel, so it seemed logical their destination would be across the track and deeper into the unknown.
Meir brought up the rear, covering their tracks where they crossed over the path for a few dozen metres either way.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 27):

Beyond the track is the canyon...about 50 metres away. The patrol path clearly passes along the top wall of the canyon...

Well that looks to be a good spot to settle down with the binoculars and see what's below...

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 29):

There is plenty of life in this canyon...that is what brought this place to your attention to start with. However, that is going to be what makes setting up camp on the canyon edge of the canyon risky.  There are patrols on the floor and far side of the canyon.

Roll a stealth at -2 for the whole party to get into position, due to many eyes that may be watching and the less than ideal skills of some members, then a camouflage to hide properly once into position.

This is not where camp should be. The quads and most of the stores should be some way back - a mile at least.
This current activity is on foot with the aim to first identify the presence of a Lab installation, and then try and find out what's actually there and estimate the defences.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 31):

That is what I had in mind. The penalty to stealth would be significantly higher if you brought the bikes...

The idea is also to leave the two least stealthy back a bit in support, and the other two undertake the actual eyes on part. That would be Meir and Thornhammer unless Tanya is better.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 33):

In that case it would be a regular stealth roll.

Is stealth really necessary (except to avoid a critical failure) given the range penalties on detection?

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 35):

Yep. They are on high alert due to the battle and the loss of the station above. Staying hidden has always been their first line of defense, so they will be extra vigilant now! Range penalties will largely be overcome with sensors.

The pair approached the selected observation point with great care, both using the HUD capability of their weapons to great effect to check it was safe to break cover before they moved on.

Meir - Stealth missed by two (hoping those range and cover penalties help), Camouflage passed by 4.
Thornhammer - Stealth passed by 4, Camouflage by 0.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 37):

As you settle into position, you hear a familiar rumbling sound approaching from the direction the tank disappeared in.

The plan was basically the same as before. Aim in the direction of the threat, keep their heads down and wait. If it looked like they'd been spotted, Thornhammer would hit it with the LAW and he'd try thumping it with a shaped charge from the grenade launcher.
Of course the moment they fired their presence would probably be known to those in the canyon, so their next act would probably have to be withdrawal back to the quads and relocate to at least a few miles away. First of course they had to avoid dying or capture...

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 39):

The light tank returns, but this time the main gun is pointed in the direction of the canyon, nearer where Meir was earlier. It stops, its turret moving much more slightly than before as is scans a much smaller area in more detail.

As tempting as it was to let Thornhammer take the shot, the risk of detection and the shit storm that would follow it was just to high. Sure they could win this battle, but they were guaranteed to loose the war.
Holding in place and hoping the vehicle moved on was the only real option.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 41):

A Labrysian gets out of the tank with some kind of electronic device and starts scanning the area, moving slowly towards your general position. His plasma rifle is slung , however, to enable him to use the equipment.

The plan stayed the same unless they were spotted, at which time Meir (who'd shifted his aim) would eliminate the one on the ground (preferably with a head shot), and Thornhammer smash the vehicle.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 43):

The Labrysian moves slowly in your direction, device in hand and eyes on its screen. He stops about 15 yards away, aon the path you took to where you are now and in a location visible from much of the canyon, right on the edge.

How big is the vehicle? How many does it probably hold?

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 45):

The tank is about the same size as a APC, Normal compliment of 2.

Do we know if it can carry additional passengers internally?

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 47):

Not normally. Basically a small tank in design, you could carry perhaps 3 pax in a pinch.

Nothing to do but wait and hope they weren't detected...

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 49):

After nervous few minutes, the Labrysian soldier turns and walks slowly back to the tank, before the tank departs once again.

"I think we're okay, but we better move soon just in case."
With the possibility of more Lab interference in the near future firmly in the back of his mind, Meir turned his attention to observing as much as he could in the canyon as quickly as he could. Hopefully they'd spot what they needed within minutes and be able to withdraw to the quads quickly.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 51):

Your initial observation showed a number of caves set in the canyon walls. Some appeared to be guard posts, with turrets clearly visible. Well travelled roads indicate substantial traffic to a few other caves on either side of the canyon, some of which may be connected deeper in the ground. There are at least ten scout tanks and two heavier tanks visible, with many troops.

Kicking himself for neglecting to bring a camera, Meir quickly dictated notes of what he could see and their relative positions into his recorder.
He'd use the cartography software on his laptop to draw up a map as soon as they'd withdrawn to a safer location. It wasn't ideal, but it wouldn't be the first time he'd created charts and diagrams based on memory and brief notes.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Sun 18 June 2017.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 53):

As Meir is recording, the sounds of battle further down the canyon can be heard. Troops below take up defensive positions and get out of the open.

"You see anything Thornhammer?" he whispered.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 55):

"Thought I saw an explosion about a mile away. Wait, isn't that one of our fighters?"

In the distance you can just make out a small saucer-shaped craft, about the size of a 6dTon fighter, crossing the canyon at high sleep. Some of the tanks nearer you fire at it, but only hit the canyon walls. The heavy tanks below seem to be tracking it, but have not yet fired.

The scout tank that was looking for you seems to have taken up a position on the canyon lip about 200 yards from your position, in the opposite direction to the battle. Its turret is turned generally in your direction, but you have cover.

Meir considered their options.
Firstly he thought about asking Thornhammer to take the vehicle out with the LAW if the flier came near enough to look like they'd done it - but that idea was discarded as too risky given the rather noticeable back blast of that sort of weapon.
Then he considered contacting the flier by radio and offering their services as forward observers and target spotters, but without knowing the right frequency to use that would probably just end up with the Labs tracing their signal and throwing some artillery at them.
Really, their only true and logical option remained the same as it had been the entire mission to date - stay concealed, observe everything and only fire if discovered.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 57):

"Do we have any limpits to stick on that thing?" he whispers?

He shook his head slowly in the negative. Tanya may have some but she wasn't there actually on the ground with them.
He'd deliberately left them out of the equipment as this was only supposed to be a scouting job. The weapons deliberately chosen to reduce the temptation to go on the offensive or try their hand at a spot of impromptu sabotage.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 59):

The fighting grows rather intense down the valley. You see through binoculars a number of scout tanks firing, before one explodes. There seem to be a number of shots fired from the top lips on both sides of the canyon. Then a second tank expodes, leaving just two more scout tanks firing. Then a large medium tank, like the two below you, comes into iew near the top of the canyon.

Three more scout tanks come rumbling up the track towards your position.

OOC: Tanya and Tonkin are still hidden about 150 yards away on the other side of the track. There were 4 plasma mines on the guards you killed and his nearby. Damage 6dx4 burn ex sure.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:29, Thu 22 June 2017.

"You know how to use them and honestly think you can sneak right up while they're looking this way?"

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 61):

"No sir. Well, we were given some training in use of Labrysian weapons, but sneaking around them is a better idea. But I am just letting you know what we have..."

"Hold and wait."
Although the situation appeared to be deteriorating, once the fighter had left the area he expected the armoured vehicles would also soon return to their usual positions. With a little luck, the two sentries they'd killed would be written off as casualties of the aerial attack and little effort would be spend looking for alternate, ground based causes.
Of course to pull that ruse off, they'd need to reposition the bodies and fake battle damage. Hmm, perhaps tossing them off a convenient cliff would be enough to cover up the real cause of death...

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 63):

Indeed, the situation does deteriorate. As you stay hidden and watch, two Scout tanks stop near you, one about 130 yards away facing away from you and the other about 50 yards away facing in your direction. They pull off the road ane into bushes, with the near one in bushes about 20 yards from your current positions. There are more explosions, some on the opposite cliff , and some on the near cliff, before you hear the unmistakable sound of a LAW flying through the air and hitting the tank about 150 yards away! The explosion seems to cripple it, though you cannot see the source...

Miles and miles of canyon and they just had to stumble into a battle zone. Weren't the humans they'd come to rescue supposed to be somewhere else entirely conducting some sort of ambush?
Unwilling to enter the fray while the attackers remained unidentified, Meir kept his aim on the hatch of the closest vehicle and trusted Thornhammer to seek suitable target a little further away - it wouldn't do to be caught in the blast radius of their own missile should firing prove necessary...

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 65):

The battle seems to rather have stumbled onto your position, rather than visa versa. As you watch and wait, several Labrysians armed with rocket launchers come into view, only to be hit by plasma guns from the scout tanks. Even as they are being hit, rockets come from other directions and smash into the scout tanks. Along the lip of the canyon, the story is repeated several times as the government troops are overrun along the top of the canyon.

Down below, the heavy tank starts to rise up. Rockets hit it from several places along the canyon wall, and fire is poured onto the attackers from below and the far canyon wall. There seems to be a pause as the attack seems to stall, before mortar rounds start raining down...

Watch and observe. As long as Labs were killing Labs Meir was happy to stay out of sight and let them get on with it.
The moment they turned their attention to Thornhammer or him though, explosives and steel cored lead projectiles would be flying.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 67):

As the fight progressed, the attackers started taking heavy casualties from the heavy guns of the tanks. Several light tanks were destroyed below, and finally the heavy tank succumbed after a particularly heavy mortar barrage had a round strike home, but the light tanks, soon supported by a number of APCs filled with government troops began to inflict heavy enough losses to turn the tide.

Then the fighters seen further down the valley began to make their way up the valley towards you, also supported by ground forces. You note some of these troops are human.

OOC:
So from how I'm reading the books, these are basically just a "sticky" version of a "typical" smart grenade which uses the 64mm warhead stats - in other words it's virtually identical to the plasma hand grenade and utterly useless against armoured vehicles?
IF we contributed to the fight, we'd be stuck using the two 84mm one shot missiles Thornhammer's carrying, and our 25mm grenade launchers (shaped charge ammo). Hopefully Tanya's got a weapon that can contribute too.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 69):

That is pretty much right, though the mines can be set to go off when something steps on them. They can take out a track, which on a steep slope can be lethal, buy they are best against troops.

Tanya's 64 mm mortar is mounted on her grab bike, so she is limited to her 25mm Grenade launcher. Though if she can get to the mortars that have been shut down by the scout tanks (which shot some of the crew before being taken out), she could use it...

OOC: The problem with mortars though is of course that they're an indirect fire weapon and not generally the most accurate thing on the battlefield. Smart munitions go a long way to improve accuracy, by they're still a high angle weapon without (except in rare and fairly unique cases) a direct fire capability.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 71):

True. But with smart munitions and less armour on top, that can turn to an advantage. Not to mention cover from direct fire...

Actually mortars can do direct fire ... they just need a clear line of sight to the target ... Soviet, French and others Mortars and others operated like this through WW2.

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 73):

And line of sight to target means line of sight from target for large cannons...probably not preferred in this case!

Actually if sighted with just the top of the sight and barrel up above ground level, there isn't much target. Remember, no VT fuse and Tanks don't use mechanical time much.

The French and early american usage also had the section leader put an aiming stake on the gun-target line, the mortars lay on that stake and fired at the ordered range.

These are old techniques, but certainly still valid in a pinch.

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 75):

True, but large balls of superheated gas don't need precision accuracy to take out mortars...

Passing over head won't do much... IF they hit the barrel... well no more mortar anyway...

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 77):

The heat shock wave would have a very good chance of setting off munitions if it passes within about a metre of an exposed case, I would think...

"We need to get out of here," Meir whispered to Thornhammer.
"Don't want allies to shoot us by accident."
Getting away while that light tank was facing them just twenty or so metres away might prove somewhat difficult though, and taking it out with the LAW wasn't a great idea either since there were more vehicles not all that far away, ready and able to rain down hell on any threat.

So you want me to bust it or we just slide out?

Meir really wanted a few Labs to die, but not at the cost of his own life.
"Screw it. Lets do it."
He lined up his grenade launcher.
"Together on three."
"One."
"Two..."

OK the shot at the turret looks good... just!

10:58, Today: Sergent Thornhammer rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,5,3.  Aimed LAW Shot.

Meir's unfamiliarity with the grenade launcher showed to anyone in a position to watch. Even so, the grenade still struck the vehicle, although perhaps with less than the hoped for effect.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 83):

Tanya, who had been aiming at the cockpit, also managed to score a hit.

[OOC: Tonkin, if you are also taking a shot, please indicate and have a roll. I will wait a day for you to do so before revealing results of the attack. You would roll against Default Skill 10 (off Shotgun)+1(br)+1(Det)+2(XT)+6(Acc)-7(Range)=13 plus Size Modifier of whatever part you are aiming at...and if LAW damage not rolled by that time I will roll damage for that.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:57, Sat 22 July 2017.

In reply to Fate (msg # 84):

All four of you fire at the scout tank that is nearly between you, with the LAW targeting the turret and Tanya and Tonkin targeting the cabin.

All hit. There is a spectacular display of power shorting out as the main gun goes limp, and the sparks in the cabin, soon resulting in smoke billowing out, suggests things are not going well there either. Even Meirs hit, further back in the centre of the body, seems to have smoke pouring out.

The lump lurches forward, up the hill and passes between you all, before veering off towards the cliff. Apparently aware they are heading in the wrong direction, you see a door open as the occupants attempt to exit the vehicle. Both manage to land unceremoniously just before the vehicle plummets out of control down the cliff.

We need a prisoner or we just bump 'm off?

"Burn them," Meir spat venomously as he lined up for a shot with the storm rifle.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 87):

The two will take a moment to recover, and remaining prone, they pull out their flamers. They are about 70 yards (-7) from Meir and Thornhammer, and about 140 yards (-11) from the other two. No cover for the head, normal prone penalties for the torso and legs have full cover.

Thornhammer aims at the one to the right side and squeezes off a shot with his laser rifle.

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 89):

Thornhammers shot hits the torso of the Labrysian, who quickly looks in his direction. He does not seem particularly put out by the shot...
This message was last updated by the player at 03:52, Sun 23 July 2017.

Meir fired a double tap into the head of one of the Labs scoring a direct hit to their face.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 91):

Meirs carefully aimed round hits the Labrysian full in the face about in the cheek bones. Grey blood splatters across his face as he staggers and falls, roaring in pain.

A second later, another laser flashes at the head of the second one, three times in succession, splitting open the helmet and spraying grey blood around as the second Labrysian falls lifeless.

Meir was up an running, his rifle carried in one hand.
"Lets finish them off, strip them of anything useful and get the hell out of here!"
As he moved closer, he drew his long knife for a more personal touch...

Grimacing, he follows, hardly interested in messing with splattered bodies.

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 94):

With the battle going on around them, only a few stray shots are fired in your direction, and they do not hit close.

Several Labrysians can be seen moving towards you from the opposite side to the canyon, ie coming up behind you if you were facing the canyon, but they make no attempt to point their weapons at you.

Meir finds both are badly injured, if not dying. He is able to remove any doubt. They are equipped in scuffed Space combat armour with visored helmets (which were not down) and a hand flamer each. They have no other equipment except a survival knife that seems to be made of stainless steel.

Trusting Thornhammer to cover their backs, Meir popped out their armour battery packs scooping them up along with the flamers and knives.
"Lets go. Back to Tanya and Tonkin."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 96):

The fighting rages on around you, but the Labrysians coming towards you from beyond the canyon seem to be working with the humans attacking in the canyon, so they assume you are friendly, and your actions thus far have done little to suggest otherwise.

They also offer very good decoys for any stray fire heading your way. The Government forces are taking a beating, and the fighters start to make strafing runs across the canyon to make the damage inflicted greater by the time you all regroup. Those in the Canyon make no further attempts to get out, rather just digging in to fire on attackers.

He'll balance the load with Meir so they both can move as quickly a possible... they keep their eyes open a the retreat toward the others.




10:30, Today: Sergent Thornhammer rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,2,4.  Perception. by 3

As they drew close to where he thought Tonkin and Tanya were concealed, he waved and signalled the withdrawal. Using the radio didn't seem like a great idea at the moment - he'd heard signals could be traced in a matter of moments and bombs fired at the source just seconds later. He didn't know if the Labs could do that in the middle of a battle, but judged it not worth the risk to their lives.
Provided they weren't intercepted their next stop would be where the quads were hidden where he intended to quickly discuss their next move.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 99):

You meet a few Labrysians on the way back to the Quads, but most do not seem to be able to communicate. Fortunately, they also seem to regard you as friendly.

As you reach the quad bikes, one does approach you.

In reply to Fate (msg # 100):

His English is poor.

"You new? I not see you with others at briefs."

Diving to cover, Meir aimed his rifle at the filthy Lab soldier, his finger caressing the trigger.
"Who the hell are you and why shouldn't I blow your murderous head off!!?? "

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 102):

"I rebel commander Gork. We on same side!" He was rather alarmed at your response, and several of his men suddenly adopt defensive positions with plasma guns.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 102):

He pushes the rifle out of alignment with his leg... We New from Space Ship... he motions toward the sky.

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 104):

He smirks, as other relax a bit at Thornhammers actions.

"We know space ships better than English. Why you friend hostility?"

His Family, His friends, Village and many other villages all killed by Government on their planet ... he has deep hate for Labrysians, as he still thinks all are the same. So far, talking has only eased it a little.

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 106):

It takes a few moments for the translation to register.

"Yes, I guess if the only Labrysians I met were Government troops, I would want to kill them all on sight too. Most of us here have lost families and even villages, and we have been mode fugatives from our home planet to boot.  He wont find any love for government troops here."

Yes, But he needs to understand that they have done it to heir own as well .... Not all are bad.

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 108):

"Right. You help with assault too?"
This message was last updated by the player at 06:57, Sun 30 July 2017.

"Yeah, sure. Not all bad."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 110):

"No. Just Government bad."

Clearly unimpressed, Meir did nevertheless lower his weapon and demanded, "Where are the humans?"

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 112):

"Most coming up Cannon. We taking Cannon shoulders."

"We'll wait for them then."
So this "commander" had put the humans into the thickest fighting had they? Obviously these "rebels" were just as callous as the other labs when it came to other species, or they'd have put their own troops in the centre and the humans on the somewhat safer flank.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 114):

Seeing Meir s concern, he adds.

"Our best in Cannon with them. Humans only take outside base, then we go in. Explosive fighting in cave, not suitable for soft skinned humans."

"Yeah, sure. Whatever."
Probably used them to soak up the worst of the incoming fire and expected they wouldn't be able to continue into the caves.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 116):

As more Labrysian troops move up to the lip of the canyon, it becomes clear that the firefight below is coming to an end. At least for now, it is becoming safe to move around again.

The sergeant gathers the group up and establishes contact with the Shuttle, which has them move away a bit for pick up. Meir and Thornhammer get redirect to the Yuri, Tanya and Iliam with the shuttle rejoin DASTAVKA

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 118):

Once back aboard the Yuri, Meir and the others are debriefed, with what information gathered passed on to command.

The situation has been summarized as follows:

The initial attack landed on planets near Hibernia as a distraction. 100 SR Missile Fighters  and 10 Star Fighters from Miratovetz combined with 30 Missile Fighters from the Yuri to overwhelm the small defences on all the other planets in the system, but in it's primary task of distracting the forces at Hibernia, it failed. As the two vessels moved towards the planet, scans of large wreckage fields near the planet revealed why. Not only did they find the wreckage of the Midway and numerous destroyed fighters and Labrysian Destroyers and fighters, but they also discovered the remains of a massive warship, clearly destroyed by the remaining fighters. With the defences so badly damaged, the Labrysian fleet currently drawn into a tight formation around the formidable starbase became understandable.

Regardless, the Yuri ordered a full strike by the fighters, as she herself approached the enemy fleet. The Labrysians responded by launching about 350 fighters, causing the Yuri to quickly double back at full speed! The speed of the warship clearly caught the Labrysians by surprise, and the fighters were able to destroy all of them, but needed to return to rearm.

The second wave then saw Yuri moving with the fighters, but the Labrysians this time did not break formation, reducing the missiles swarms effectiveness. Still, there was only a Destroyer and two massive cruisers left, and they soon fell to the missile swarms. The next missile swarm attack on the base itself included a nuke from Yuri, hidden amoung the swarm. The Base did not pick it up in time, with guns only focussing on the nuke seconds before it detonated right beside the base.

With the skies now ours, the Yuri followed up with a second Nuke strike on the main garrison, again combining with a missile swarm. The massive command tank, apparently as big as a Hero class starship, was destroyed, along with a number of heavy tanks. A following missile storm managed to destroy most of the medium tanks garrisoned there as a number of APCs as they attempted to escape.

Fighting was detected at another location by the Miratovetz initially. It was the battle survivors of the Midway and your own men were involved in. It is understood that the site of this battle is a major research facility, and the battle in continuing into the cave system in which the facility is built. There are known to be five other garrisons bunkered underground still to be neutralized, and while the Yuri is utilizing her heavy cannon for bombardment, this is on little use underground.

At this point, the Jeremiah Jones, the small picket ship that had followed to observe, keeping well away from the fighting, was sent back to Aegir to ask for more missiles to be sent. Dastavka was first contacted at this point as well, and has now, as you know, been sent for Labrysian troops.

Each remaining Labrysian government garrison has approximately 16 scout tanks and 256 troops (16 squads of 16), while there are barely 500 rebels remaining from the 1000 that were there prior to the Midways destruction. Many have dies trying to help the survivors of the Midway stay out of the hands of the Government troops, who were know to conduct cruel experiments on them in the research base now under attack. The good news is that  the remaining rebels are now reasonably well armed, and since the Government troops have lost a number of tanks, the rebels are slowly managing to get many of them operational again. It is believed that they have 11 scout tanks and a medium tank now in operational condition, though they are not so useful in the caverns where tight corridors can often block them and render them very vulnerable to mines.

Since you were actually on the ground, you are asked what your assessment is of what is needed.

Thornhammer shrugs and points at Meir.

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 120):

"Thornhammer, Galansky has little military training, whilst you were trained by Vilani to fight Aliens, so I would also appreciate your input."

[OOC:Kat, were you making up a character?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:54, Sat 12 Aug 2017.

Well sir, I'm not sure that my limited exposure is of much value. I note that the Government forces fight to the death, so they truly believe in what they do. They seem to rely on armored vehicles, even where they aren't the most useful, and push  them forward, where leading with infantry supported by tanks would seem a better tactic. They defend to the death, but don't seem to be quick or creative with counter-attacks.
They will  lose unless they change, but the fight will not be easy.

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 122):

"Yes, that is what we have heard. Their culture emphasizes that size and strength are related, so bigger is seen as better.

What are your ideas on what to hit next?"

I really don't have enough intelligence information to even guess wisely ... but a strike at the head might prove easier than striking hands and feet.

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 124):

"That was largely our thinking in taking out the main garrison. We are not sure where their command is now based...indeed it seems each is now reverted back to independent command, as suggested by the local rebels. question is, should we take our time and take out each garrison individually or try to keep them all occupied in a war of attrition until reinforcements arrive?"

Well if they combine, you will have greater problems, if possible, keep them separate and busy...if we have the manpower, eliminate one at a time.

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 126):

"We really only have about 100 human troops and 500 Labrysian rebels, and each of their d garrisons are around 250 troops, dug into tunnels, so we really don't have the manpower to keep them busy and eliminate them one at a time without taking serious losses. Hence I am looking for suggestions."

"They're underground right?"
"Bury them. Blow up all the exits, cut off their air supply and leave a few people to watch for attempts to dig out."
Seemed about the safest way forward, and didn't require anyone actually entering the tunnels to ferret them out. It also had the advantage of a long, slow death by suffocation for the Labs trapped within.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 128):

Andrew paused for a minute, thinking it over.

"There is definitely a way to keep them isolated. We believe they have air scrubbers that would last years as backups, but to block all air supplies would most likely keep them occupied, and stop any of their remaining armour from being useful. I guess long term we may even be able to starve them out, like an old fashioned siege.

In that case I would like to send you with a few combat engineers and some explosives to block one of the garrisons. The rebels have already given us what information they have of the garrison, and we will pass it on. Anything else you need?"

A lot of luck.

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 130):

He laughs.

"We have had a good deal of that already. The nuke hit the orbital station, and we have a real chance to contain the government now. Unfortunately that is not an item I can issue from the armoury."

"Are there more nukes available?"
"I wonder if we can't use a few of them on the exits. Might even be able to channel some of the blast inside and roast a few of them."
"If nothing else the radiation will make digging out a bit harder for them."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 132):

"I only have 2 more, and I want to keep them in case of a serious counter attack jumping through from the homeworld. We will need another couple of shipments of missiles jut to reload, and we are very short right now, so lets just hold them to make sure we can get home if we need to."

"That's disappointing," he said with obvious sadness.
"Well, my team aren't really demolition experts so I don't know what use we'd be."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 134):

"I have a couple of demolition experts. Your team can just make sure they get to where they need to be. Some of you, such as Hancock, know some Labrysian and all of you have been plantside, whereas we have few troops that do have that combination, so you would be best choices to accompany them."

"Well, better get on with it then."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 136):

"Right. We have 200 troops we can spare from our ships with a good variety of weapons, ranging from LAWs TMLs, mines and portable rail guns, including the demolitions experts. But perhaps some stealth would be preferable. We have the lifeboats which we can use for transports...they can take up to 100 men each and have two turrets as backup, but little armour. What do you want to take with you?"

Probably just our gear ... I should imagine that the lower openings are covered by others higher up, so starting at the top and closing off each as we go down may be the best way. Of course we need to be aware of opening facing the one we want to close a well.  I am figuring the charge is placed above the opening to collapse the soil into the opening?

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 138):

"The combat engineers will probably want to access the entrances and place their charges in the opening, rather than simply above it. An avalanche is unlikely to block it if the angle is steep."

Meir nodded his agreement with Thornhammer.
"Yeah, about the same sort of gear we had before, but perhaps with a few heavier weapons and better ammo for my rifle."
He wanted to take the quads back down as well.
"You think we can get some trailers for the bikes to carry more supplies?"

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 140):

"We have all the ammunition you should need and a number of grav bikes, but we were not prepared for a ground assault, so no other vehicles. However, we have a number of technicians working round the clock on getting some of those scount tanks working again, so we could send at least one or two with you as fire support. One is ready already as it has had the main gun removed and refitted as an APC to carry the explosives and combat engineers. We can try to refit a couple of others like that if you like."

Well that would carry a lot. A couple with guns or plasma weapons would also be useful to drive back those in the tunnels

In reply to Sergent Thornhammer (msg # 142):

"The Scout tanks were never meant as main combat vehicles, and they are susceptible to infantry weapons. LAWs and Limpits will work better for that, as will grenade launchers, and they can be fired from behind cover much more effectively."

In reply to Andrew Kalishnakov (msg # 143):

You and a about 90 other troops, including 6 combat engineers, as well as a couple of ton of weapons and explosives and a few rock drills, 10 grav bikes and a scout tank modified to be an APC are loaded into a support vessel and you lift off. Heading planetside, you approach the first locale.

Set in rugged tropical mountain range, the garrison is set in a series of caves in an extinct volcano. The heavy foliage makes it hard to ensure they are contained, hence this was selected as the first site to close up. There are an additional 50 Labrysian troops ensuring the Government troops stay put, relying on booby traps and ambushes to hold the 16 squads each with 16 troops and a scout tank.

In reply to Fate (msg # 144):

The next few weeks is not particular exciting. The Labrysian garrisons, lacking leadership, put up valiant but predictable defences, and you are able to seal them into their caves most effectively. The Labrysian rebels are then able to patrol them and, as they expend considerable resources getting out again to avoid slow suffocation when their scrubber equipment finally runs out, the rebels are able to tear them apart and reclose the entrances, condemning those within to a suffocating end.

The attack on the research centre does reveal that they have developed a weapon with is really an early version of a Particle cannon. Unfortunately the design was sent back to the home planet just a week before you got here, after the ill-fated assault by the Midway destroyed the massive new and fast battleship.

Prior to the Dastavkas return, two small hero class vessels and a Lightning class from Aegir return with tanks and holds brimming with supplies and missiles. Most of the missile fighters are able to reload, having been almost empty, and everyone breaths a sigh of relief. However, they also bring work of a Governemtal assault on Aegir by the Government fleet based at the research colony, in which the bulk of the Government fleet was lost. Somehow, they got word the Yuri and Mirotovetz were absent, and tried to press the attack, but the planetside fighters proved too much for the 5 cruisers. There was significant damage to the fighter base, and a few fighters were lost, but the Government fleet was destroyed.

When the Dastavka does finally return, it brings with it several small Labrysian troopships and warships, though the bulk of the fleet went to the research colony to attack it as a distraction. Finding the fleet based there absent, they attacked the incomplete starbase and have managed to attack and capture that planet also, and the reserve fleet and troops have returned with Dastavka to secure Hibernia.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:24, Wed 23 Aug 2017.

Good to be back... tired of planet side fighting. ...

"So are we finally getting out of this shit hole and back amongst real people?"
The long weeks of forced exposure had been especially hard for Meir. His temper had flared on numerous occasions and only fast action by humans, Geonee, and Suerrat had prevented bloodshed. The sooner they were off-world the better for everyone.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 147):

"Yes, with the fall of the Government colonies we will be able to blockade this system. The Government had taken some old destroyers they were configuring as orbital bases around the other two planets, but we have been able to capture them now as well, so our hold here is quite strong.

As such, I am setting the Dastavka the task of doing complete survey of all the Labrysian territory, and then get back to exploring."

[OOC: You will each get 3 cp for this mission. Let me know where you plan to fly next, including when you return to resupply, and from where.]
This message was last updated by the GM at 00:27, Mon 04 Sept 2017.