Enemy armour, 10 oclock; 300 metres.
Target locked; ready.
Fire.
Confirmed hit. Reload.
Ready.
Fire.
Confirmed hit. Target neutralized.
The gunner swung the turret forward as the tank rolled on through the valley, the commander scanning for new targets. Superior officers observed from the hills above as the steel chariots manoeuvred, releasing occasional flashes and bursts of smoke as they continued their quick dance. At first glance, the performance could be taken for an actual skirmish; but the longer one watched, the more clues emerged that it was, at least partly, staged. Wayward shots never registered on the terrain; there was smoke, but no fire; there were no actual wrecks of any kind. What was taking place was akin to a sophisticated game of laser tag. The tanks on the field were specially-modified and covered with infrared sensors, wired to computers that calculated with immaculate precision everything from armour integrity to engine conditions to cabin humidity, then adjusted the vehicles performance accordingly. The trainers could simulate hull breaches, onboard fires, track blowouts, even predicted deterioration of the forward gun to an uncanny degree. Paired off with similar systems for infantry, aircraft, and once-upon-a-time, the navy, the result was a training and practice regimen that allowed for a depth and intensity too dangerous for live-fire exercises. It was the most realistic experience the soldiers could receive outside of actual combat.
The so-called live simulations were a particularly popular way for commissioned officers to practice wargames, pitting regiment against fellow regiment to hone both strategic acumen and the grunts experience. This particular session, however, was more structured, OPFOR comprising remote-controlled drones piloted by operators re-enacting a previous battle from some decades ago, before the Fourth Cataclysm. As one officer watched, another drone halted, hull seeming to settle, emitting a stream of dark blue smoke signalling it was out of commission. He lowered his binoculars and turned to his partner.
A rather interesting choice of tactics on the part of Honghui, he said, Charging the line head-on. I wouldnt have thought it prudent, but the results seem to speak for themselves.
Remember that the Falangists army was already on the ropes, replied the other. By this time, the tanks they had left were so outclassed it mightve been more cost-effective to use them as roadblocks.
He turned his gaze back toward the valley. Oh, somethings up. One of the tanks had attempted a salient, but found itself outmatched. The ground around it exploded in a grey-white shroud before the vehicle could be seen in full reverse. It didnt get away fast enough, and a flanking shot from a drone was followed by a faint bang, a brief flash, and red smoke billowing up into the sky.
Whose unit?
He zoomed in on the turret. Cant see yet, he muttered. After a few seconds, the smoke dissipated enough to make out the registration. 0632, he replied.
Damn it, he spat, I warned Fan against advances like that. He keeps jeopardizing unit cohesion for a quick kill.
With any luck, hell get the message before he lands in any real danger.
By Our Lady, I hope so, he sighed, Because it might be sooner than we think. The officer turned to his comrade; answering his inquisitive expression, he explained: Turns out the arco vandals arent as haphazard as previously thought. There was another attack on the complex in central Sichuan; they brought tanks.
Tanks?! he repeated, dumbfounded.
Older models, fifty years out of date. Local militia repelled them, but only just. The administration in Hubei says its not fit to deploy its own forces that far afield, so naturally, brass is petitioning the government to accelerate the reclamation project.
It could just be scavengers, he offered, not believing it himself.
The Ministry of Intelligence say the marauders are acting up all across the board. Either theyve cracked open some armouries with uncannily convenient timing, or someones coordinating their actions. Since the arcos are the target, odds are the Ministry of Defence will begin deploying companies into no-mans land to reinforce the militia before theyre completely overrun.
The first officers radio had crackled in toward the end of the statement, and he dutifully picked it up to reply. Receiving; go ahead, over.
You are requested back at the main base, over.
I believe we specified we were on exercise at this time, over?
Copy, but its Priority A-0. Over.
A-0? he mouthed. Alright, tell them were on our way. Out. He exchanged a nervous look.
The second officer picked up his own radio. Watchdog 3, this is Watchdog 2. Weve been called back to base; not sure why, over.
Copy that. Well cover your post. Watchdog 3 out.
Having transferred observation duties, the men made their way to the jeep and headed back to base. As they pulled through the gate, a subordinate jogged up alongside and directed them to the helipad, where they were met in turn by a liaison. The officers had barely debarked when the air was filled with a loud buzzing as a passenger Shikra appeared in the sky above. With one gunship reporting a top speed of 653 km/h, the Shikra was the fastest helicopter design known. The Silver Dart project was supposed to have replaced it within the past century, yet the Shikra remained more agile and fuel-efficient than its jet-powered counterpart. It was capable of some truly astounding aerobatics, and skilled pilots could execute incredibly tight manoeuvres even at high velocity. The Fourth Cataclysm had halted further development of the Dart and drastically reduced the number of operational craft, meaning even once manufacturing picked up again, the Shikra could be expected to remain in military service for some decades into the future.
The officers held onto their hats as they approached the tarmac, the helicopter touching down with the speed and precision of a bird alighting on a tree branch. The pitch of the rotors slowly dropped as the engine cut out, passenger door sliding away and its VIP quickly disembarking. The officers snapped to attention and saluted sharply.
Gentlemen, please, at ease! laughed the man, raising his hands in mock surrender, Im only the deputy.
We were told this was A-0 priority, sir, said the first officer.
He rolled his eyes playfully. Theyd class it A-0 if I was coming for tea. But, he clapped his hands, I am here for a reason, so lets make my intrusion as short as possible.
The man and the two officers withdrew to a vacant room in the command building and seated themselves around a small desk, the VIP on one side, the officers the other. Both of you served in Siberia, and both of you fought during the Schism, the man began.
Thats correct, sir.
My question, then, is who would like the longer journey.
Sir?
By now you are probably aware that marauder activity has increased in the past few years, to levels even higher than during the immediate collapse. You are also probably aware of the recent turmoil in the American Empire.
Yes, sir.
To put it as simply as I can, I want to send one of you to Siberia, and one of you to America. Foreign Affairs has devised a couple of goodwill missions to strengthen our ties internationally. Weve been negotiating with Siberia in the hope of gaining its support in the recovery of the arcos. Mongolias already onboard, and if we can get Siberias help, we should be able to secure the northern regions until formal control is re-established. You would be leading a delegation to help co-ordinate their activity.
The second assignment is to provide counter-terrorism advice to the Americans. Granted, we are at odds with elements of their political ideology, but given recent international events, the government believes them to be a priority ally. Not to mention, your influence may help deter them from a complete massacre.
How soon would we be expected to leave?
Dependent on when Foreign Affairs actually contacts the countries. They wanted to make sure the army was willing to volunteer first. Either of you interested?
I could go to America, said the second officer, after some thought. Is it a joint op, or just advisory?
Advisory for now, and from what weve heard of the Americans reprisals, I strongly doubt Parliament will want to involve our men directly.
OK, Ill take it.
And Ill handle the Siberian mission, said the other officer. Its been a while, but there might be some brass who still remember me.
Alright then, said the man, rising to his feet, quickly joined by his hosts, Ill pass the memo on, and you should hear an official reply in... Ill say two or three weeks. They shook hands. Ill see myself out.
------------------------------
The Chinese Union is happy to announce a joint project with Guangdong to begin reconstitution of the Federal Navy. Through mutual co-operation, we hope to strengthen both economic and military ties between our states.
We also announce the ratification of an economic and non-aggression pact with the Swahili Kingdom
In an effort to fortify the historical friendship between China and Siberia, the Union invites the Siberian District to participate in a joint initiative to provide protection for the remaining arcology complexes in northern Asia that are currently outside the recognized jurisdiction of any state.
The Union sends its condolences and moral support to the American Empire during its period of crisis. In addition to a pledge of non-aggression and formalized propositions for mutual trade, we offer our services in advising the government's current counter-terror initiative.
And because I'm running out of creative ways to say the same thing, NAP+Trade to Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, Philippine Republic, Siberia, PUBAD, and Takrur.
(Still waiting on replies to NAP+Trade with Turkistan & NAP with 501st.)