|
|
Post by The Governor on Feb 4, 2016 5:41:42 GMT
Faltaron System, Elite Commando Training Centre
Sergeant Scott Carver took another swing at the punching bag in front of him, relishing the sweet pain that ran up his arm afterwards. His body glistened with sweat, and his muscles were beginning to tire. But he continued the training, determined to push through the pain. After all, it was only physical.
And physical pain was nothing. Marcus Millex, Dr Kenaaros, and other people in the Experimental Weapons Programme had seen to that. Whenever you were hurting during combat, relief from the pain and liquid power were only a button away. Chemical stimulants, a far broader pallete than Naval Commandos had ever used before, had been loaded into the armour of a select few. Their armour was also more advanced than what the standard Confederate commando used, as were their weapons. But none of that mattered to Carver. The only thing he cared about was killing as many Invaders as possible.
Every one of his friends had died or been assigned to far away posts. First dozens had died aboard the HCS Pluto, back when he had only been a private under Corporal Jennings. When so many had died, Carver had been promoted to Specialist, and Jennings had stayed the same. Then the Lieutenant had died, as well as many other good men in the bloodbath that had been Tau Volantis.
Carver's fiancée had been among the troops at Tau Volantis, as if losing his friends to those walking horrors wasn't enough. His thoughts suddenly drifted back to her. "Why you, Helen? Of everyone who had to die, why you? And why am I still here? Those things are going to send us all to the grave's darkness anyway, no matter what Sharp may think. No matter what drugs they give me, the nightmares and memories will get through the fog. I can only hope they don't during combat."
And so he was a shell of the war machine he had been. Driven by anger and vengeance during combat, and crippled by grief the rest of the time. He had no idea why the new trainees under his command looked up to him. Did they think he was something for surviving those battles? Carver didn't think so. He hadn't been particularly heroic, only lucky.
He left the training room, and went towards his bunk.
Morning came too early, and training would start soon. The Sergeant hurried into his armour and walked towards the training grounds. The new recruits were assembled, and he said in a commanding tone, "Good morning. Today, you will be running the obstacle course."
There was was a collective groan. Carver then added, "Not like yesterday. This time, I want everyone in full armour, and using combat stimulant one for their first run. If you're going to use one of the Confederacy's greatest advantages in the field, you need to learn what to use and when. Figure out when to use the stimulant. I expect nothing less of our best soldiers. Now, go."
|
|
|
|
Post by Acruan on Feb 4, 2016 20:29:45 GMT
ARC-2800, Faltaron System
ALS ARC-2800 was a simple Acruani-Loroi ship, closer to a transport ship than anything. In the least, it was good enough for what it was going to be used for. It was just a black ship with jagged design. After arriving at the system, the ship transmitted a request to land under the guise of 'an important request from the Acruani'. The ship itself was only being occupied by a single... person. A human-looking man with black hair in a white military uniform, which military historians could easily attribute to being some kind of white variation of the old Human Colonies Armed Forces military from before the Long Night.
The man was Archene Night, the highest ranked Acruani, had come to request Confederate help in a mission that was... in the least unlikely to succeed. While such request could be made towards far higher on the top, Invasions on Triangulum considered as well as the required mindset. It was more effective to make his request here.
|
|
|
|
Post by The Governor on Feb 4, 2016 20:51:58 GMT
Carver noticed the unknown ship landing from high atmosphere, and immediately knew it had to be important to receive clearance to land on Faltaron. Seconds later, his gauntlet began to chime and flash, meaning he needed to meet whoever arrived. He looked at the corporal in his unit and said, "I have to meet some dignitaries. You're in charge for now. Run them on the course again when everyone is finished, this time on stimulant two. If anyone says they're tired, you tell them to push through it anyway. If anyone collapses during the second run, tell them to take a dose of numbing agent three. Carry out my orders. I'll be right back. Understood, corporal?"
"Yes sir, Sergeant Carver," the man replied quickly. Knowing the training was in capable hands, Carver walked away without another word. He headed for the landing platform, and wondered who would be waiting.
|
|
|
|
Post by Acruan on Feb 4, 2016 21:04:10 GMT
Outside the ship, Archene was simply standing there waiting, seemingly lost in thought with an expression hard to be read. As Carver approached, the Acruani looked in his direction saying, "Greetings, Sergeant Carver. I am the Overseer of the Acruani, Archene Night. Leader of the Acruani, in simpler words." A light smiled appeared on his face, "And I have matters of the greatest importance, pertaining the Invader Menace. All that I require is a moment of your time so we may discuss if you would find it acceptable to join the Acruani in this mission." After another smile, he said, "That is, you and an acceptable number of people under you."
|
|
|
|
Post by The Governor on Feb 4, 2016 23:40:20 GMT
"A pleasure, Archene," Carver said in a formal tone. "I'd be happy to work with the Acruani on a mission. My unit is an elite unit, and I suspect we're what you need. Not everyone's training is complete of course, but I suspect they're far enough along. And I suspect the Acruani could make certain...improvements to my unit. For the mission of course."
As Carver thought about the mission, he wondered what it would be. He also wondered if the rest of his unit would be ready. The sergeant suddenly recalled all of his unit's shortcomings, and he began to worry. But he couldn't reveal such concerns, not when his superiors and the rest of his unit looked to him for strength. The frown deepened as Carver wondered again why they did that. But he had a mission to plan, so did his best to look confident as he waited for Archene to plan the mission.
|
|
|
|
Post by Acruan on Feb 5, 2016 0:10:16 GMT
"Accepting before asking any questions? Incredible, and yes, an elite unit that can work with my ground forces would be the ideal. As this once, I need quality that I cannot obtain with just the Acruani." Even then, Archene could already imagine a number of ways to improve the commando's abilities in the battle field. Some only harder than others to implement, of course, "Currently, as you might know, we are fighting a rather defensive war against the Invaders. Our current simulations predict that we would have no chance as we are to fight against them anywhere beyond our Galaxies, specially considering their numbers."
"But seeing the situation in the Milky Way and how much the Colonies have been pushed back, We believe that we need to attempt to recover some lost territory. The mission is to strike the previously known First Colonial Defense Line. While its completion would be what we predict to be one of the best outcomes, the attack is being done mostly for the side effects it may have on the Invader forces. Possibly delaying future attacks, halting current ones or at least, having them diverge forces towards defending themselves."
"However, We don't have data on the current conditions of the lost defense line. While Acruani ships will take most of the fight in space, despite the possibility for the enemy to bring limitless reinforcements. We require help with the prime objetive of the mission, reaching the highest ranked Marker in the system. Beyond that We can only speculate the effects on the fight occurring in space, but if successful enough, We will be able to recover the system with success."
There was a pause, less brief than it could have been, before the Acruani spoke again, "The secondary objetive is to capture and take-over any and every accessible Marker in the system, prioritizing the higher ranking ones. If I am unable to take over any given Marker, it will be instead destroyed regardless of the number of Markers captured. Which in the least should disrupt their forces in the system allowing for a victory to become more likely, considering we might enter in a fight against an enemy with limitless supplies. Your place in such mission, is to guarantee that I, as well as some other specialized Acruani land units, are capable of reaching any given Marker as fast as possible, so we are able to recover the system successfully." He looked at Carver for a moment rather analytically, "We will be glad to make any possible improvements, however being the leader of your unit, you should have enough insight on what kind of improvements would necessary to increase the success and survival rate as much as possible."
Considering the words given, any well trained soldier, or politician, could see that... freeing the system was more of a side-effect, rather than the main objetive of the mission. Or maybe, it was simply phrased that way for some reason. From another side, it could just be saying how it was imperative to destroy or control the Markers to recover the system.
|
|
|
|
Post by The Governor on Feb 5, 2016 1:21:30 GMT
Carver smiled brightly as he said in an excited tone, "I'll take any excuse I can to kill the Invaders. Given the prowess of myself and my unit, I expect that we'll succeed,or at least do more damage to the Invaders than they do to us." He then thought a good bit before adding, "In regards to the improvements, I'd suggest Acruani bio-monitors for each commando, so they can monitor their physical condition more effectively. Also integrated targeting systems on our weapons, and an Acruani interface in the armour. The current interface is quite advanced. It's linked to the Confederae holonet, meaning we have access to music, entertainment, and all sorts of information, as well as the position and health of our squad mates. As for the HUD, it gives advanced information about the environment, and what we face. But what I'd really like is an Acruani live interface. Someone to take control of the armour every now and then. Not all the time mind you, just to make split second decisions a human may be too slow for, like getting away from a grenade, dodging a shell, that sort of thing. Do you think we can do it?"
"And are the Colonials going to be helping us retake their defence line? It would be nice to have back up." Suddenly, the sergeant rethought the presence of Archene. He asked in a concerned voice, "Is it wise, for you to come? You are one of the most important people in the Collective, after all. I'm only a sergeant."
Even as he said the words, Carver doubted them. He wondered again if the mission would succeed, thinking nervously, "Is this really the best thing to do? This suicide mission? Even if I don't care what happens to me, what about the others? And what about Archene? Can I really let these people be a footnote in the chronicle of casualties so casually? HCS Pluto, Tau Volantis. All those screaming souls. None of them are coming back. They're all dead or past the point of no return." He then thought, "But we're all doomed anyway in the long run. Might as well go down in a daring attempt to capture or kill these damned Markers."
|
|
|
|
Post by Acruan on Feb 5, 2016 2:41:47 GMT
"Good, good. But yes, your unit's presence is essential for us to cause more damage than we take, in fact." Archene smiled at Carver lightly, "In regards to everything but the Acruani interface we can implement with minor changes to the armour, but for the interface, it might take some time to properly adjust parameters to produce Acruani Cores that wouldn't hinder the armor's performance. If the armors of those that will come are assembled, I can have a pair of Hive Queens come to the system to produce the required upgrades and implement them onto the armors."
"Sadly, allowing the Colonials to know about the attack before it happens will increase the chances that the Invaders discover about it, making us also lose the surprise effect. They are also rather, busy with internal politics, as well as simply defending currently. Should the optimal outcome happen, they will be capable of helping in the recovery of further defense lines." He paused briefly at the last question, "Even if this body is destroyed, it will only be a temporary loss. As any other Acruani, I am without end." He smiles lightly, his smile somewhat empty... uncanny, "This body, however, is a military asset that would be better employed this way. It was made for this after all."
|
|
|
|
Post by The Governor on Feb 5, 2016 3:12:32 GMT
"Very well then. It's good to hear you can make the changes necessary. The armoury is nearby, and I can take you there."
He then opened the squad comm and said in a tone of authority, "This is Sergeant Carver. All troops are to return to their barracks, and study the lists of stimulants on board your armours. I want everyone to disarm and return your armour sets to the armoury. We've got a mission, and certain modifications have to be made."
Carver then looked back at Archene and said, "Alright then. The armour will be waiting for you, the modifications only need to be made. I'm glad for the changes. With Acruani-backed armour along with the strongest knowledge of combat medicine in the Universe, my commandos should be some of the most advanced amongst all civilisations. The Invaders should be taken by surprise." Carver then added as he pulled out a scattergun, "There's also these. Tactical scatter guns, loaded with shells of low trisilviate. Newly created weapons, of course, but extremely effective against Invaders. The Invaders will expect common commandos. They won't know what hit them."
|
|
|
|
Post by Acruan on Feb 6, 2016 2:18:57 GMT
"I would be interested in seeing the Armory, a brief analysis of the armors as they are might help with the process as well. The materials are being brought to the Hive Queens, might take a number of hours before they are here and the process is concluded. We might re-use the cores we use on our Mobile Units in the armors so that an Acruani can be properly housed and protected." Archene nodded as he looked at the scatter-gun, "I agree. And considering the surprise element, we do have chances of completing the mission successfully."
|
|
|
|
Post by The Governor on Feb 6, 2016 17:52:10 GMT
"The armoury is this way," Carver said as he set off, expecting Archene to follow. On the way, he began removing his own gauntlets and other armour sections, knowing his would need to be modified as well. After a long walk, the two arrived at the armoury. It was filled with sets of commando armour, both boarding and refrigeration. Carver advised quickly, "There are two different models of armour, human and Dothvalian. I'm sure you'll be able to spot the differences, just wanted you to have a heads up."
Also within the armoury were portable ordnance launchers, explosive packets, rifles, sniper rifles, carbines, grenades, rocket packs, scatter-guns, and assault cannons. "So you said we'll be going for a Colonial Defense line. Is there any sort of planetary mass we can land and stealthily approach on, or is there only space stations? If the latter, we may want to have the Confederate Navy raid the line, only to cover our entry."
|
|
|
|
Post by Acruan on Feb 6, 2016 22:16:50 GMT
Archene surely followed as he took a look at the varied armors, "Yes, they are perceptible." Archene gave Carver a brief nod as he looked more closely at the armors then later at the arsenal within the armory.
"Don't worry, though I doubt we will be able to go in stealthy, we will already have a large contingent of Acruani ships to ensure that we are able to assault both planetary targets as well as any available space stations. We will only be able to assert the location of our main target once we are in the system." And such was the Acruani way of saying, We don't know but We will be ready for it anyways. (Or at least attempt to.) "And if our mission is successful, they might be able to win combat in space even if they go against extraordinaire numbers. There is also the fact that I would not wish for the Confederacy to divert forces from Triangulum, I would not wish to see a situation similar to the Milky Way happening here. Plus, any more people would only compound the number of losses we might take."
|
|
|
|
Post by The Governor on Feb 7, 2016 7:35:13 GMT
"Of course," Carver said in an even tone as he removed the final armour section and was left standing in fatigues. "We'll be ready. I'm going to have everyone rest for the mission. All our equipment is here in the armoury. You've got the run of the place, and all of the equipment. No telling what we're going into, so please be creative. I'll see you in twelve hours. The modifications will be ready by then, I expect."
As he turned to depart, Carver added, "One stipulation. The company colours are black and blue. That's all. Everything else, improve as you see fit."
|
|
|
|
Post by Acruan on Feb 7, 2016 10:20:55 GMT
"Twelve hours will be more than enough. And the colours have been noted, We will be sure they are used properly. I hope that the final modifications are liked. It seems that a number of Acruani already had some in mind..." He chuckles quietly, "Iraesh has quite a number of ideas." He smiled at Carver, "Rest well, Sergeant."
Archene walked about the armory, seeming to quietly analyze each of the weapons contained in it then the different types of armors. Soon enough, two ships came to the system. Two Acruani Hive Queens, far too big to properly land on the surface, but they sent down cargo ships, several at the time. Acruani Mobile units, this time all personally controlled by Archene quickly loaded the armors, and later the weapons, onto cargo ships that quickly enough returned to the Hive Queens.
It was then time for him to do his magic. The last few decades interacting with non-Acruani truly had given him quite a few challenges to work with. Nothing as interesting had happened since the RATS Extermination centuries ago. One of him, or at least, a part of him that was controlling the Hive Queen quickly began to make changes to a virtual version of the armor suits. First, it was made slightly bulkier, then small channels for nano machines to course through various parts of the armors were made. Given the added space, bio-monitors were added throughout the armor followed by a pair of Acruani Mini-Cores on the back and front of the armor. The interface itself certainly was already quite good, leaving him needing to make no further improvements to it. The gloves for the armor was modified slightly so that it would allow for the Acruani supporting the commando to integrate any weapon to the armor, given that it was properly analyzed or prepared before hand to be integrated with the armor. Several parts of the armor were given smooth trisilviate edges or even trisilviate tips as those parts were the most likely to be used to hit a humanoid target should the commando be unarmed. He went on for the next design of armor, the Dothvalian considering the refrigeration. Though he had thoughts in regards to ways to improve the refrigeration system, he left such for a later date, executing changes similar to the previous armor onto the current one.
While the various types of weapons had each minor modifications all of them, even the granates got a new slightly shiny white part. Said part would usually be on the outer part of the barrel of the guns, and was there solely to ensure higher efficiency of the now built-in targeting system. In case of the granades, the same part also allowed the grenades to explode before impact should the need for such feature come.
Followed that, what he had to actively do was done, better to spare a minute than let others merely attempt to do the task. There were others who could focus more on the boring parts of physically making the changes. Archene sighed as he walked back to his ship. The armors were being made, weapons being modified, and lastly, the armors were being re-painted for the blue and black colors. As the additions did happen to be mostly over the current armors to reduce the need for anything to be made from zero.
All that was left was to rest until all was over. Though the mind never tires, the body may. Or at least, it was so for Archene.
|
|
|
|
Post by The Governor on Feb 8, 2016 4:42:29 GMT
Carver rose the next morning, and slowly began to don the armour that had been left at his bunk by Acruani subordinates. It was his suit reworked, with his old decorations, but also different with the new modifications. He put every piece into place, until the only thing visible was his face, which would soon be covered by a visored helmet. All over the barracks, the commandos were making similar preparations, some taking longer than others to admire the new paint and modifications on their armour.
Slowly, they proceeded to the landing platforms and the Acruani transports. Carver saw Archene standing above on a raised piece of ground, and Carver stood beside him. All the commandos stood shoulder to shoulder in neat lines, helmets under their arms, presenting themselves for inspection. By universal military standards, they were a tiny force, only about a sixth of the number of Wendigo Company when it had boarded the HCS Pluto. But that didn't discourage the troops. Their minds were crystal, their hearts were fire, and their eyes were windows to inner conviction.
Carver said in a somewhat reverent tone to Archene, "These are the men I've trained since Tau Volantis. They are mixed human and Dothvalian, men and women. They are the top .01 percent of the Confederate military, and they will fight to their dying breaths against the Invaders. You've heard of Wendigo Company. They were the most famous and effective of the regular Naval Commando units. My men are taken from many units, and each is the top of their own. Our unit colours are black and blue. The black represents the Invaders, and the blue represents their blood. Blue is splotched on our armour, especially near the helmets, to represent the Invader blood we hope to spill." Carver then added as he raised his helmet, the troops mirroring him, "All of these men have fought the Invaders in some capacity, but never before with equipment like this. Thanks to your help, aside from the Relikans and perhaps the Colonial Genome users, we are the most advanced force to ever face the Invaders. Thanks to you, we will finally become what strikes fear into the Invaders. We will be the thorn in their side that never goes away." Carver then said in a tone of finality as he and the other commandos donned their helmets, "No longer will the Abyssals have a monopoly on fear, for we are Nightmare Company!"
|
|
