Zlatomir and his squad watch in the barracks rec room, as the newscast repeats itself for the third time. Although the information is not presented in exactly the same way every time, it is close enough to a loop. Bladonna, the city of endless arbitrary districts and the misguided little brother of the Taros cities seems to have finally gone off the deep end. "Rebellion" the squad radio operator says, fiddling with her set like always. "How do they think they're going to get away with that"

"I don't think they plan to." Zlatomir was sitting on his bunk, going through his rifle magazines taking count of the number of bullets he was issued to carry. He had enough for ten reloads, which felt like more ammo than he'd normally need. "I think their plan is to win. Doesn't matter what you do so long as you come out the victor, ya?" He didn't want to admit it to the rest of his squad, but Zlatomir felt glad that Bladonna initiated a war. The time of peace since he last served had been nice if not noting an ever growing itch. Gudrun on it's own merit had seen many wars, and Zlatomir was trained to participate. Something wasn't sitting right with him staying home while the world seemed to be at peace. A warrior, a killer, he couldn't help himself but not to seize an opportunity for more nametags; it was simply what he's been trained to do. (edited)

"Guess so, still never gonna happen though" There is more conversation, but it trails off as you continue taking stock of your gear. A runner shows up as you finish getting your things back together. "Missive for you, pick three men, head to the commanders office. urgent orders" The runner is out of breath and this doesnt look like his first stop. Or the last

Staring at the messanger leaving as quickly as he came, it took Zlatomir a moment to hop out of his seat and scan the room, taking 'pick three men' as meaning a team was in order for a mission. He pointed his finger at three other 'volunteers' before he stuffed his ammo away into his pouch. There weren't any specifications on what was needed, but picked out a medic, an electronics expert, and a heavy weapons for the composition. "Double time." Swiping his rifle before heading for the barracks exit, he turns his head back to make sure everyone had their personal equipment before taking the lead to the commander's office,

“I’ve got a mission for you” The base commander wastes no time in setting things out for you. “You saw the news I am sure. We are sending you out to get rid of someone important in the enemy command structure. For this mission you’re going to be seconded to the intelligence division , and working with an agent named Theta. Your sniper skills will be needed. “

"You're asking for an assassination?" Zlatomir supposes that's part of a sniper's job, but he was somewhat surprised that would be his first task in the current crisis. Not being issued to a base to defend from a vantage point, not sent to frontlines, but a potentially covert operation? It would probably help itch his trigger finger, but it definitely wasn't what he was expecting "That doesn't sound like it'll make us look good on the planet's news network, if it's what I'm thinking it is. 'UNW silences political leader initiating revolt'." "But I supposed I'm making assumptions... and it's not my job to question things." (edited)

“It’s a General, not a political leader and the UNW has evidence that the city of Bladonna has been covertly offering assistance to the Taros First League extremists. They’re going to be meeting at a site they refer to as The Farm. They don’t know we know about it. It’s a chance to cripple their leadership before the fight even begins”

"So if we get there before the meet and set up at a vantage point, maybe two- to four-hundred meters away, we can take him and potentially any associates out before it escalates." He looks to his team before turning back to the commander "... Perhaps I should have requested one or two other snipers instead of a medi and demo."

“Theta is a good marksman. Your team sounds more than sufficient”

Zlatomir shrugs "If the unit is fine as is, then I don't see any reason we should be waiting here any longer. The sooner we reach the LZ, the better, I say."

(So, should Zlatomir resume here, or should we wait until we can confirm whether or not Theta manages to escape and regroup?)

(We can pick up here, the way the mission is going he wouldn’t be able to make it back to the same extraction Point as you now anyway)

(Also, just realized, that mission took three weeks)

(He would have to cross the road in front of the oncoming tanks and personnel carriers. And yeah. Opposite time zones. I’ll try to be better about pairings)

(It fortunately worked out, since I'm wrapping up collage, but yeah that took absurdly longer than it could have)

(One of the newer people is heading out with a band of partisans to do another military type thing. The post speed and times are closer to what you’re typically doing if you want to buddy up again, otherwise I can make something else if you wanna solo. I’m here to help)

(I can buddy up with them. I think it's actually cool working alongside another PC. Even if it proves to be slow, it's alright; in part the point of 'play by post' to take things easy. With that said, Zlatomir would probably want to grab some new equipment if he can back at base, now that he has more money to throw around)

(Absolutely. Toss me a list and I’ll get you two rolling)

(I'm also assuming this is a T4 planet, so...)

(Gudrun? Yes I’d hope so)

(It’s TL4, shear rifles are the only tl5 thing available , which you could requisition As a specialist)

(... if only Pearl knew...)

(EP didn’t have shear. We just never made it that far out there yet )

Shear Rifle (if not, a Conversion Bow) Grapnel Launcher Ration, 1 Day (to replace the ration tossed to distract the hound) Telescoping Pole Power Cell, Type A [x3]

(Shear rifle is good)

Orders come in for you and your spotter , stating that you’ll be linking up with a squad of partisans at another part of the bladonna front. A supply convoy from the city is expected to pass through your new area of operation, and anything that can be done to disrupt it will help ensure local forces are under supplied before the major UNW offensive planned ar week ended

Having managed to return to barracks, Zlatomir had used a portion of his funds to expand on his issued arsenal, taking out his compad as he discovered the message. With this, Zlatomir fetches Thatcher, tipping him off and allowing the both of them to make their way to the meet location after collecting each other's equipment packs

Returned to barracks yet again, Zlatomir stares at the number in his compad, having received his pay for a job well done. Zlatomir felt like he was on a roll, not even a week passing into his service and already having personally taken six heads. His skills for marksmanship and stealth were beginning to get the recognition he felt he deserved, only able to listen to the news of the war's current situation and wait for the next mission

(I just have to roll mass combat tonight and I can se show things go)

(See how they go. I can make missions based off that)

(Okie dokie)

A message comes in later at night (4 days after your last mission) , with dire news. Out in the wilds another unit of partisans has been surrounded. The forest is too dense for most of the UNW mechanized army formations to make it through, but a handful of infiltrators may be able to shoot a gap through The tightening Bladonna spireguard noose , and this gap would allow friendly forces to escape. Elsewhere, UNW reinforcements returning from Rawhani are slowly beginning to arrive, bolstering local defense forces and the momentum is beginning to turn, keeping bladonna forces in place and in some areas even beginning to drive them back

Transport is arranged this time through a special liaison with the psychic academy, who the message says is waiting for you at your convenience in the main assembly ground

Zlatomir uses those four days of downtime to train his Survival skill, and recieving the message over his comm he decides to regather his equipment and prepare to make his way out to the meet location. (If I remember correctly, if you spend 90 days of downtime, you can improve a Level -1 to 0, correct?)

(correct)

A man in a non marked combat field uniform who looks to be little older than 30 stands waiting near some shipping boxes. He glances around keeping an eye on his surroundings, and his complexion is pale. A shear rifle is strapped to his back , and a bioscanner has been worked into the armored cuff of his wrist

Zlatomir approaches the man, putting a hand up as a simple wave "Greetings. You must be...?"

“Zaricon. From the psychic academy. Teleport division. Nice to meet you. You’re Zlatomir? My report didn’t come with a picture”

"You would be correct about the name. People don't typically see what I look like; I'm usually at least a quarter mile away from my squad."

He laughs nervously. "I suppose you're right. They figured you were probably tired of parachuting, so we're going to try something else. I also have a gift for you, from command"

He teleports, and returns after just a second, with a slim metal case

Inside, is a rifle, similar to a marksman rifle you carry, but with some small differences (Statline is) DMR 2d8dmg Range 800/1600 Ammo 10/10 ENC 2 (Does not have sniper rule, but also way more shots before reload)

Zlatomir looks at Zaricon with a raised eyebrow, accepting the case and cracking it open to inspect the contents, followed by going wide eyed and gawking at the weapon gifted to him "Hoooolyyyy macarol..." A custom made sniper rifle, just for him from command? Zlatomir knew he was good, but wasn't expecting something like this: magazine fed, as opposed to the break action "I'll be damned. I'll be sure to make sweet use of this."

"Command would be interested in your feedback when this is over, if it is satisfactory, they are looking at a production run, to start arming UNW squads with them

"It doesn't have the same punch as an actual sniper rifle, but when you're working with squad tactics, being kilometers away from backup isn't always the best option. This lets you keep closer, and has more bang in the mag for if you do get caught in the open"

"More of a battle rifle, then; able to pick off targets from afar, but equally suited for closer quarters. I will make sure to use the next mission as the trial run."

He nods once, and thinks for a moment. "You were briefed. There is not much information to go by. Calling it a briefing feels wrong. We will be teleporting into an area of rolling hills. You should have a good position"

"So I'm just going right into things? Getting into position, adjusting my comm to get into communications with the others, and just going with it? The more missions I go into, the less of an actual plan I'm given..."

The bladonna forces are using jamming in the area. None of the comms relay traffic using orbit or space is getting through. We can still raise them but we need to get closer and try to get a tight beam link out there. We need to see where the enemy has moved to since our orbital coverage isn’t working, and try to raise friendlies on comms. Part of being a scout sniper is accessing changing situations like these and making a plan with the best available information, and that’s done on the scene. “

"In that case, I don't think there's anything I need to do first. I'm ready to be sent off if there's nothing left." (edited)

(UNW air superiority is to the point where anything the rebels have that isn’t masked by the woods or jamming is just going to get strafed to death by airplanes , and they really wouldn’t need to deploy a marksman for it. The real kinetic stuff you’re doing is going to be in places where real time info isn’t available, which is why they’re sending a Pc specialist and not just another mass combat formation)

(That's understandable. Zlatomir is being sent in to learn information and relay back to command, so that they know where to also strike)

"Alright. I've got barely enough information to get us close. It's a hill set to the eastern edge of the forest zone we'll be teleporting into. Satellite can see it we know where we're teleporting at least is clear. From there, its going to be some trekking through the woods, and we'll deal with whatever we come across, friend or foe"

"This is going to seem a little forward, but if you'll take my hand, we can be off"

With a nod, Zlatomir reaches forward to hold his hand. He presumes it's a necessary part of the psionic teleportation that he needs physical contact, and thus little point questioning him "Let's make this three for three."

"Indeed" he nods, and there is a flash of light. You're taken from the military base, to the hilltop seen on the satellite photographs. A modified umbrella stand has been set up, protective dome keeping you safe from immediate observation with its camouflaged field. Around this cleared hill in all directions, the forest spreads, its thick trees forming a carpet of green. As the wind blows, muffled pops, small bangs, and the sounds of scattered, but somewhat consistent fighting are carried with it.

"Chaos in there, from what I could tell" Zaricon says, taking a moment to listen. "Small bands of soldiers from each side, fighting dozens of skirmishes. We need to figure out how to break the deadlock here, and get our soldiers out to regroup. I don't even want to tihnk about how many friendly fire incidents might have happened"

"Should be easy enough... just need to keep my head low and my eyes peeled." (Sorry for slow responses)

(You're good, I'm fast because I've got nothing else to do, i dont expect the same from you guys lol)

"Alright, lets get an antenna up, and see if we can get a sniff of who might be out there"

(program/int)

(8... accidentally rolled on Perform, but it's the same modifier) (edited)

(all good) There are two pips that begin to populate on a slowly forming area map. One is very clearly a friendly UNW infantry squad that has become lost and disoriented in the woods. It is 500m north of this position, though you cannot see them through the dense trees down below your hilltop perch. They are clearly being followed and hunted by a smaller but evidently more specialized spireguard unit, with at least one hound

"Looks like a start. I'll need to catch up with the spireguard and cut down their numbers, or at least distract them enough to let our UNW get away." Zlatomir looks to Zaricon "Are you going to remain situated here? Or where should I go once I wrap up what I can here?"

"I'm coming down there with you, just in case things get rough. If we make contact with the friendly unit, I can jump them up to the top of our little hill under the umbrella stand too, if we need to, and we can regroup there"

"We'll put the battle line back together piece by piece if we have to"

"I have plenty of bullets and the patience to take from corpses to take down every single hostile, if that's what's needed. Let's not waste time, then." With that, Zlatomir would prepare their move toward the pips, using the cover of the dense forest to remain hidden

Moving down the hill, into the woods, the light level drops under the thick branches. As the distance between the two groups closes, and they both close to your position, you begin to settle in.

(You'd be coming in from the east, for purposes of this map)

Several paths cut through the forest, wide enough for the grazing animals that regularly live here and use the woods for food. The sounds of cracking brush and muffled voices resounds loudly, further away (West)

Not wishing to put himself in close quarters with the approaching militia, at least ill-equipped to take them all out in a fell swoop with explosives, Zlatomir turns his attention upward, seeking to get a view past all the foliage by climbing up a tall tree and taking position atop a sturdy branch

You’re able to find a place to secure yourself to the trunk and are able to spot the oncoming UNW patrol. Three wounded men drag a sleeping back with a fourth more heavily wounded soldier in it. The Bladonna patrol is 50m behind, down the path, trying to loose their wolf Beatles from leashes to run down the UNW soldiers

Zlatomir is certain if those beetles are let loose that the UNW's are sure to be found and killed, and he can't allow that to happen. To slow them down and form some degree of distraction, he decides to take a shot at one of the uncaging Bladonnas, getting a feel for his brand new rifle (14 to hit for 11 damage)

The shot is clean, punching through the man's throat, and he falls over the cage, dribbling blood onto the wolf Beatle within, who is chirping and howling wildly at the sudden confusion. The Bladonnan patrol adopts combat positions, trying to take cover and those who cant find brush, go flat on the trail

For now, Zlatomir tries to remain hidden amongst the leaves and branches, now having put the patrol at an alert dead-stop and granting the UNW an opportunity to escape (15 for Sneak/DEX before additional modifiers) (edited)

(they dont notice your firing position) The UNW patrol is beginning to put some distance between them and their followers. Two Spireguard, heads low, are trying to set up a light machine gun to suppress the area, hoping to hit who they can. Another soldier crawls low, trying to sneak his way over to the cage

(Sprieguard are on the same side as Bladonnan, correct?)

(yea, they are Bladonnan elite)

Zlatomir decides to make the decision between the two, taking a shoot at one of the two Spireguards to keep himself and the UNW out of stray lead's way (17 to hit for 11 damage)

The loader is hit, and likely killed, the gun tilts violently left as the force of his fall knocks it off its current heading. The rest of the enemy patrol begins to scatter, and back off, seemingly abandoning the cage with the wold beetle hound inside (edited)

Having put the UNW into a safe position, Zlatomir would climb down from his position and attempt to catch up with them, needing to inform them of the tower location

The patrol is easily located out of breath on the path not far from you. Several of them are wounded in minor ways. They can barely look up as you emerge from the trees , a few weakly raise their guns before seeing the insignia on your uniform

"Friends! Comrades!" Zlatomir would point a free arm toward the umbrella's direction "I would highly suggest that you come this way. There is a secure position where you may all rest, recover, and reorganize yourselves. I may offer assistance leading you there."

They begin pulling themselves out of their stupor, and it sounds like further down the path, the retreating enemy soldiers have run into either another UNW patrol, or devolved into some kind of internecine fighting. The vegetation is too thick to be sure. In any case, the begin forming up with you, heading up into the hilled position, where the umbrella stand promises them a respite.

(I'm being so absurdly slow that I swear the war will be over long before I get around to wrapping up this mission) "I have a medkit if you require it. Can you tell me if you know where other UNW's may be?"

"We lost most of the platoon in a glade just north of here, enemy machine gun started chopping us up and we scattered. Everyone ran in different directions. Sounds like someone got the gun though, I haven't heard it in a while"

(no worries, I know you're dealing with a lot being in the bar scene and all this covid stuff, just stay healthy and safe)

(Let me know if you get a chance to see pearl's wiki page though, If i left anything off let me know)

(... Wait, wiki page?)

(Huh. Yeah, that summarizes her accomplishes pretty well.)

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash

"Anwyay, thanks for taking out that gun, we owe you. We're going to have to pull back to the firebase we have nearby and reorganize. This entire front has dissolved once we hit the forest. It's impossible to move in any kind of organized fashion in there"

"If it's as bad as you say... the rest may either be too far out or already lost to us. I may as well head back too; not a very large victory, but I still consider managing to pull you lot a victory."

"It's a victory for us" Arriving at camp several hours later, while avoiding the worst of the enemy and managing to link up with small patrols of friendlies, the lone firebase here in the woods rapidly becomes the bastion the UNW needed. The fighting will still be some weeks, or even months, but things are finally beginning to tip in UNW favor.