Continued from "Chaos Rising"
The 2nd regiment ran into Imperial reinforcements on their way to aid the 1st regiment. The 3rd regiment was in the middle of executing their plan to seize the Imperial supplies.
Series Introduction: [ The Corinosian Introduction ]
Series Introduction: [ The Corinosian Introduction ]
Star Date: 12.01.07, Location: Pythoria, Listarian Northern Mountain Range
During the 2nd regiment’s advance, they had run into Imperial forces. There were only a couple hundred Imperials, but Captain Griffin decided to neutralize them as swiftly and quietly as possible.
Captain Griffin: “Kipler, alert HQ and give them a briefing on our current situation. David, gather the marksmen and bring them to me.”
Lieutenant David: “Why don’t we just open fire with all we've got?”
Captain Griffin: “I don’t want them to have an estimate on the size of our forces. They’ll be less likely to send help against an unknown enemy.”
Captain Griffin’s plan was to send in a few stun grenades and start picking off the enemy one by one.
2nd Marine Kipler: “Sir, HQ just sent us an order to return to HQ immediately. We are not to aid the 1st regiment.”
Captain Griffin: “What type of order is that? Do they have contact from the 1st regiment?”
2nd Marine Kipler: “Yes, the 1st regiment is pinned down near our position. They are being slaughtered.”
Captain Griffin: “I don't care what HQ says on the matter, if there’s any chance we can save some men from the 1st regiment, then we're going to take it. We need to take care of the Imperials in front of us first. Halther, send out the order to engage.”
2nd Marine Halther: “Right away, sir.”
The grenades were thrown, and the marksmen opened fire. Soon afterwards, the Imperials sent grenades towards the 2nd regiment. The Listarian forces had been relying on their grenades quite a lot during this battle to see them through. Now the Imperials were returning the favor.
Captain Griffin: “Everyone, take cover!”
The 2nd regiment backed up a bit and ducked behind any tree or boulder nearby, while the marksmen continued firing. The Imperial grenades were not as advanced, and were unable to dish out much damage, as their blasts were small and impotent.
Captain Griffin: “Marines, open fire. Don’t hold anything back!”
Everyone started firing. This startled the Imperial forces who had thought they were engaging a small guerrilla force. They quickly changed formations and took cover.
Captain Griffin: “This is not good. At least we are holding them back, but they could say the same for us. I wanted to end this swiftly. Lieutenant David, I need you to organize a flank attack with your squad, go to the left. Halther, I need you to send word to the marksmen to give them cover, and Kipler, I’ll need you to send word to the front to move to the right about 20 paces, if possible.”
The 2nd regiment followed orders like the well disciplined soldiers they are. The Imperials did not detect the flank attack until it was far too late, and by then the Listarian front had just hurled several more grenades over to distract and disorientate them. The marksmen began shifting positions to avoid detection, while hammering the Imperials without mercy.
Captain Griffin: “This is good; we might have turned this battle around greatly in our favor. Keep up the pressure everyone!”
Suddenly the 2nd regiment began taking hits from behind. They were surrounded. Luckily they would be finishing up with the original force soon, but they will need to eliminate the new forces before advancing to aid the 1st regiment.
Captain Griffin: “Halther, I need the forward flank to reverse positions. Kipler, I need you to set up explosives along our position. “
The 2nd regiment turned to face the newfound foe. Captain Griffin planned to make a run for it and set off the explosive trap to soften and confuse the enemy. The original Imperials were completely neutralized now, and the remnants were routed.
Captain Griffin: “Halther, run to the right and give the word of a fighting withdrawal. Kipler, you do the same for the left. I’ll alert the marksmen to set up a new position quickly, I’m glad this is such a thick forest.”
The 2nd regiment began their retreat, firing off a few shots to keep the enemy somewhat suppressed. The marksmen entered a full sprint to reach their new position. Once there, they gave Griffin the signal that they were ready.
Captain Griffin: “Everyone! Once the last man has fallen back into our ranks, take cover in the brush, make yourselves unseen.”
The Imperials began their pursuit. They did not see any Listarians, so they did not bother to take cover or move cautiously. They only wanted to catch up to their retreating foes. Griffin sent out the order to set off the traps, and dozens of Imperials were blown back by the explosion. Soon afterwards, the Listarian marksmen began picking off targets. At this time, the remaining forces of the 2nd regiment left their cover and began firing.
Captain Griffin: “Keep them suppressed! We'll defeat them shortly!”
The Imperials took cover, and soon the two forces were engaged in a full firefight. Nearby, the 2nd regiment heard an explosion. The 1st regiment was still fighting for their lives somewhere close. It was no longer a fight to win their battle, or eliminate enemy forces, but a fight to survive.
Major Ytriub: “Rain, I'm glad you're back from your recon mission. What have you found?”
Lieutenant Rain: “There’s a nearby cave. I know that we’re usually taught that unknown caves spell out doom for any commander who attempts to use them. We could get trapped or the enemy might find another entry and surround us. But, I think in our current situation, it'd be best to fight on only one flank and take the chance.”
1st Marine Peter: “Well, anything besides being surrounded by an unseen enemy in a dense forest seems better to me!”
Major Ytriub: “I agree. If we’re going to make a final stand, we might as well make it somewhere that doesn't look like a complete slaughter for us.”
2nd Marine Zerthul: “Sir, some of the other marines and I heard gunfire nearby!”
Major Ytriub: “That could be the 2nd regiment, or an allied force coming to aid us. However, if they lose their engagement, then we'll be all alone. I guess all we can do now is hope. Zerthul, I need you to notify the marines near your position that we are making a full retreat to the east.”
2nd Marine Zerthul: “Aren't there enemies on our eastern flank?”
Major Ytriub: “Yes, we'll need to punch through them.”
Lieutenant Rain: “I’ll gather the remaining grenades. We'll going to need all we can find.”
Major Ytriub: “Peter, I am leaving you in charge of gathering our supplies. We need medical aid and such; I don't know what’s in that cave or what’s going to happen. I've failed as a commander, for I am unsure of what’s to come for us, and I don't think I can bring you all home in one piece, let alone safely.”
1st Marine Peter: “It’s not over until it’s over, sir.”
Major Ytriub: “Our only viable option is to go against standards. How did we end up in this situation?”
Lieutenant Rain: “Well, a lot of our men have never seen combat until this battle. And besides that, we really didn't know what to expect when we engaged the Imperials. I've never seen an APC come out of the ground before.”
Major Ytriub: “Contact HQ and explain what we are planning on doing. Let’s make an attempt to punch through the eastern flank and make a full retreat to the cave. We'll set charges along the way to slow down and soften the enemy forces.”
Lieutenant Rain: “Sounds good, sir. I’ll see you on the other end, then.”
Major Ytriub: “I’ll be fighting from the front. If I don’t make it, you must assume command and get as many of these soldiers as you can somewhere safe.”
Lieutenant Rain: “Understood, sir.”
Rain and Ytriub saluted and went their separate ways to make their last preparations. The 3rd regiment successfully captured their supplies. The plan was to abandon the encumbrance elsewhere, so the stealth bombers wouldn’t pose as much of a threat, while most of their forces headed in the opposite direction. Colonel Jacob’s plan was successful. He didn't earn the rank of Colonel for nothing, after all. HQ sent a small squad to gather those supplies while the 3rd regiment headed back towards HQ. Captain Griffin and his forces were still engaging the Imperials.
Captain Griffin: “We can’t get distracted with these Imperials so easily. Lieutenant David, I need you to take your squad, half our marksmen, and anyone not currently at our front lines suppressing the enemy to move forward.”
Lieutenant David: “Is it wise to split our forces so much? We’re already so thin.”
Captain Griffin: “Desperate times call for desperate measures, right?”
Lieutenant David: “No need to justify your orders. I’ll carry them out. Keep an open line of communication with us, we can head back if you're in trouble.”
Captain Griffin: “No. You are to only head back in the event that the 1st regiment is found and their enemies are neutralized. I do not want you to head back and save us. Understood?”
Lieutenant David: “Yes, I understand.”
Lieutenant David gathered the required soldiers and moved on ahead of Griffin’s position to help lend aid to the 1st regiment.
Captain Griffin: “Alright men. It’s time to finish this.”
Griffin raised his voice in an effort to gather the attention of the remaining soldiers, despite the deafening gunfire all around them.
Captain Griffin: “I need the marksmen to cover us. Every able man on the front is to move forward with me. We'll take our entire front and flank the enemy on the right! For those of us who are unable to walk, throw any grenades you can find and cover us as much as possible. And most importantly, don't die.”
The 2nd regiment followed orders as expected. They looked up to Griffin and trusted him, no matter how crazy his plans seemed. The marksmen began firing more slowly so their shots would be more accurate, so the Imperials would become more cautious. They would wait for an Imperial soldier to show his face, and then blow their heads clean off their shoulders just as quickly.The grenades were thrown, and Griffin and his men moved swiftly. The suppression worked, and Griffin and his men were able to move much more freely. Starting from one side of the enemy’s flank, they would perform a sweeping motion. Attacking the enemy in this way reduced how many guns the enemy could point at them.
Captain Griffin: “Alright, roll in some smoke grenades for cover. Conserve your ammunition! Engage in melee if possible.”
While Griffin and his men had gained some hope in this new tactic, the 1st regiment was about to lose all hope. They had successfully punched through their enemy and reached the cave. However, the Imperials seemed undaunted by the explosive traps set off. Along with that, there was no sign of Major Ytriub.
Lieutenant Rain: “Hurry up, we need to gather all that we can to provide cover!”
2nd Marine Zerthul: “Sir, do you think we have a chance?”
Lieutenant Rain: “I am going to be honest with you. It looks like we’re all dead men; unless this cave leads somewhere safe. I sent recon forces to check. In either case, let’s take down as many Imperials as we possibly can, alright?”
1st Marine Peter: “Sir, it looks as if the Imperials caught up, and they are organizing outside this cave.”
Lieutenant Rain: “Set up half of the remaining explosives near the entrance, around that bend so they don't see you. Try to set them up so they can cause a cave in.”
1st Marine Peter: “Wouldn't that be dangerous to us as well? And why set up just half?”
Lieutenant Rain: “Well, it could backfire. However, we will have time to move further back in the cave, and it might buy us some time. It’s a last resort. We’re saving some explosives in order to break free.”
1st Marine Peter: “Understood, sir.”
2nd Marine Zerthul: “Sir, it looks like the enemy is nearly finished organizing!”
Lieutenant Rain: “Zerthul, take a few of your buddies, and toss some grenades towards the Imperials. That might buy us some more time.”
2nd Marine Zerthul: “Right away, sir.”
The remnants of the 1st regiment worked tirelessly to prepare for the second leg of their battle. Moral was low now that a majority of them discovered Major Ytriub was missing. When Zerthul and his comrades threw their grenades, the Imperials responded harshly and returned fire. Soon after Peter finished his task with the explosives, the Imperials began sending troops in, and the Listarian forces fired upon them as soon as they rounded the bend near the entrance.”
Lieutenant Rain: “Be careful not to set off those explosives! Keep them suppressed!”
More and more Imperials began entering the cave, and they began throwing grenades. The Listarians became disorientated and disorganized. Their moral was broken and several began retreating further into the cave. They couldn't stand watching their comrades fall by their sides while being powerless to do anything to stop it. Lieutenant Rain couldn't get them to hold their ground. He picked up some remaining grenades, tossed them, and let down smoke grenades near the front. He grabbed a sheet of metal from one of the makeshift barricades, his sniper rifle, and put on another armor vest. He then charged at the Imperials, and made his last attempt to rally his men.
Lieutenant Rain: “Forward! Stand your ground! Don't falter, don't retreat, and show them what it means to be a Listarian!”
He blocked shots with the sheet metal, and moved forward like a juggernaut. Some of his forces began fighting once more, and the Imperials were pushed back a bit. Suddenly half of the Imperials at the entrance retreated. Rain didn't think they could have caused this, but he passed out from his wounds soon afterwards.
1st Marine Peter: “Come on, quickly now! We need to get Rain some medical attention!”
2nd Marine Zerthul: “Why are the Imperials retreating?”
1st Marine Peter: “I have no idea, but let's use the time we have while we have it.”
Lieutenant Rain was taken care of by the medics, but he was still out cold.
1st Marine Peter: “We no longer have an able commander, but that does not mean this battle is lost. I am going to check out what’s going on that caused the Imperials to retreat so swiftly, and I need some volunteers to aid me.”
Several of the remaining marines volunteered to aid Peter.
2nd Marine Darek: “Peter, what happened to Lieutenant Rain?”
1st Marine Peter: “I see you’re back from the recon mission. Rain charged the Imperials in an attempt to inspire all of us to continue fighting. He seemed invincible for a couple minutes, until the Imperials retreated and he fainted from his wounds. He should be alright. Tell me, what did you find?”
2nd Marine Darek: “That sounds both good and bad. I am also sorry to say, but we did not find any back entrance to this cave, and it looks like there is only one way in and one way out.”
1st Marine Peter: “Understood.”
Peter and his followers checked the entrance and noticed the Imperials were in the middle of an engagement.
1st Marine Peter: “Zerthul, alert the rest of the marines to come here. We are going to help whoever is fighting those Imperials since they have helped us greatly.”
2nd Marine Zerthul: “I’m on it, Peter.”
1st Marine Peter: “As for the rest of us, let’s show those Imperials what we’re made of!”
Peter and his handful of marines began their attack on the Imperials. The Imperials began retreating, since they couldn't fight on two fronts. More of the 1st regiment’s remaining marines arrived, and they pushed forward. In just a few minutes, the rest of the Imperial forces had retreated.
1st Marine Peter: “Let’s move, and meet our unknown ally, shall we?”
Peter and the marines moved carefully. They did not know if this “ally” was actually a friendly force or not.
Lieutenant David: “Are those Listarians I see!”
1st Marine Peter: “Oh thank god! It’s the 2nd regiment. We began to think you were never going to come!”
Lieutenant David: “We were held up by some Imperials that were heading to your position. Captain Griffin is still fighting them as we speak, so we must move swiftly to aid him.”
2nd Marine Walter: “Sir, Captain Griffin is on the radio.”
Lieutenant David: “What is it Griffin?”
Captain Griffin: “We've finished these Imperials off, every last one of them. How goes things on your end?”
Lieutenant David: “I ran into some marines from the 1st regiment. The Imperials engaging them began to retreat when we put pressure on from two sides.”
Captain Griffin: “That’s great; I will move to meet you after tending to our wounded. We need to regroup quickly and head back to HQ. They are furious with what we did.”
1st Marine Peter: “I’m sorry, but may I ask what you guys did wrong?”
Lieutenant David: “HQ sent us an order to abandon you. They told us not to help you guys out. We couldn't just leave you behind, so we continued our own mission to save you.”
1st Marine Peter: “Why wouldn't HQ want you to aid us?”
Lieutenant David: “I’m as confused as you are, honestly. I really don’t know how they could be angry at us either for saving you guys.”
Captain Griffin: “Well, it doesn't matter anyway. I’m the guy who will take the heat for this. Where’s Major Ytriub?”
1st Marine Peter: “We haven’t seen him, I’ll explain what we did later, but he disappeared during the battle. On the same note, Lieutenant Rain made a rather rash decision that proved fruitful in the end, but he sustained some injuries from it, and he is currently recovering.”
Captain Griffin: “I suggest you guys send out a search party now that the battle is over for now. He might still be alive, so please don’t lose hope.”
1st Marine Peter: “Understood, I will gather some men and get to it.”
Lieutenant David: “I have some supplies, where is the rest of the 1st regiment? We can help the wounded.”
1st Marne Peter: “They are in that cave over there. Tell them to remove the explosives near the entrance. We were desperate, so don’t judge us for heading into a cave. It was either be surrounded on all four flanks or get stuck in a cave. We chose the latter.”
Lieutenant David: “That’s fine, I am just glad you guys are still alive.”
Captain Griffin: “I’ll be heading to your position shortly. See you all when we get there.”
Lieutenant David: “Alright, cya then!”
Peter and his search party found Ytriub bruised and severely injured near their original position before retreating to the cave. They picked him up and gave him medical attention. He survived. Once the 1st and 2nd regiments regrouped and recuperated, they began to move towards HQ. Captain Griffin knew that he would need to face the consequences for his actions, but he figured there was enough justification in what he did, and that those consequences couldn't possibly severe.
To be continued...
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