Not All Rules are Absolute

"Two years ago, on this day, the first Allied forces landed here, and moved north. Our nations had truly banded together for the first time in Wars World's long and bloody history. Where the first war had us working together as allies of convenience, the second brought us together as friends. The third war cemented those bonds as we drove the last of Black Hole's dictators from our world, and we embraced those who sought redemption," Olaf began his speech. Sonja and Lash stood to his left and right.

"The end of the Third War saw the formal dissolution of the Allied Nations. But the fight has not stopped. Those who are working diligently to produce materials, grow food, and rebuild our countries continue the battles. One day, we will rebuild, but we will always remember.

"The recent attempt on the lives of my fellow CO's of Blue Moon reflects not the world we have fought to create in the second and third, but how the first started: Nationalism, hatred, greed. These are qualities that we no longer holding ourselves to. Though our wars never change, our times do. And we must be prepared for those new times.

"Although my companion in this idea is not present, none other than Hawke of Black Hole, I am still prepared to announce the formation of the Assembled Allies, an international assembly of the nations of Wars World, dedicated to the preservation of peace and common security among all people. All nations are invited, and Blue Moon is announcing its membership here and now. It is time to learn from the mistakes of the past, embrace the present, and prepare for the future.

"One month from today, I ask for the leaders of our nations to meet here, on Black Hole soil, a place where we all have something in common. I now turn the podium over to Princess Sonja of Yellow Comet, for a few words."

Olaf stepped down, and Sonja stood, and they bowed to one another. Olaf offered his hand, and she shook it. Olaf started to sit when someone came up to Olaf and tapped on his shoulder.

"Sir, there's a situation," the man said, and Olaf turned to Sonja, frowning. She motioned for Olaf to go on, and the General exited stage right. He heard her apologize on his behalf, and Olaf was handed a satellite phone.

"Olaf, we have a situation," it was the Premier, "It's about Sasha."

"Don't tell me there was another attack!"

"Well…It's an attack of a different sort. There are some…Disconcerting pictures regarding her personal life. This could be more serious than we might first think it is, Olaf, particularly after the attacks. You're not exactly Orange Star's most popular person."

"What are you talking about, Karl?" Oalf grumbled, "What does Sasha's personal life have to do with my approval rating in Orange Star?"

"While you turned over command to Sasha in your absence, she had a visitor. Jake, of Orange Star. Last night, she and Jake went out to a nightclub during a downtime."

"Oh, no…"

"There was a photographer following them. The photos were published this morning in an Orange Star tabloid, but we were able to block them here in Blue Moon. We're concerned that it might spread throughout the internet. There's a lot of anti-Blue Moon sentiment still in Orange Star, Olaf…This could go very badly."

"Karl, I just announced the Assembled Allies!" Olaf growled. The Premier sighed audibly.

"All right, we can spin this as premature celebration. They knew, didn't tell anyone, and went out to celebrate lasting peace or something like that. Should I call General Nell of Orange Star?"

"That sounds like a good idea. Keep me posted. Thanks, Karl," Olaf hung up. Olaf didn't think much about the position of the Premier, but Premier Karl was a good man, one who knew what he was doing. It was largely his job to make sure that Blue Moon always looked like the good guy, to keep the liberals shut up and the hardliners in their stables. The man was also one of the people who spoke against Olaf's invasion of Orange Star in the first war, which was probably why Olaf 'endorsed' him in between; Olaf wanted someone that had the balls to stand up to him. With that settled, Olaf returned to the speeches, where Lash was giving a speech. Who would have thought…

((Break))

Sasha wasn't even aware of the controversy the next morning; all she was focused on was conducting the proper security details. Blue Moon was at a Code Orange for Terrorist attacks, and she was the ranking CO in Blue Moon. There were other officers in the field, but while Olaf was away, the country was in her hands. Although she'd let loose the previous night, she didn't allow that to hamper her duties.

"Ma'am!" an Intelligence Captain snapped to attention, and she waved him to ease, "We have received reports from Stroll Valley. Captain Salvatore and his unit have encountered probable Black Hole vehicles and likely Orange Star terrorists."

"Captain, they will not be referred to as Orange Star terrorists. Orange Star is our ally. The person we are fighting is a rogue, a terrorist. They are to be referred to as rogues, and not affiliated with our ally, am I understood?"

"Ma'am! Yes, Ma'am! Captain Salvatore is awaiting orders on how to engage."

Sasha paused for a minute. In an ideal situation, she would send reinforcements and a CO, but Colin was the only CO that was below her in rank, and he was unavailable, but she couldn't go alone. Stroll Valley was important not because of its strategic value, but because of what it contained: Destroyed Black Cannons. If Jameson wanted something from there, then it meant that he was looking to upgrade his existing technology. They couldn't allow him access to that sort of weaponry.

"Send an extra Company to assist Captain Salvatore, and leave the operation in his hands. Tell him that I want the Black Cannon positions secured, but that Jameson's forces are not to capture the local headquarters."

"Ma'am, yes, ma'am!" the Captain spat.

"And Captain, I ordered you at ease. Calm down, I'm not going to tear your eyes out," she remarked.

"Uh…Of course. Sorry, ma'am-Uh-"

"Go…" she instructed, and he scampered off. She entered her office to go through the paperwork. Grit always told her how Olaf always managed to cause his paperwork to disappear without actually looking at it by handing it to his administrative subordinates, but Sasha preferred to keep a personal eye out in cases like these. It was mostly funds allocations and intelligence operations. She clicked into her email, nibbling on a crumpet. At first she didn't even look at her screen, but something caught her eye.

Command Authorization Requested in Stroll Valley

The Captain in charge wouldn't have bothered sending an email. This was off, so she decided to click it.

Commander Sasha-

This may seem to be an odd request, but I am requesting to be given command of the forces patrolling Stroll Valley. I have reliable intelligence that the terrorist known as Major Kyle Jameson is not working alone. If given command, I am confident that I would be able to not only repel the forces attempting to salvage Black Hole armor technologies, but acquire valuable intelligence leading to his associates and their common motives.

As you may or not be aware, Major Jameson has a close association with two other war criminals after their common incarceration on Star Island: Captain Christopher Cobbler of Green Earth, and Dr. Herman Befurchtung, the latter of whom was a Black Hole scientist in the second and third war. Their location is currently unknown, as is their affiliation in this plot, but it can be assumed that they are playing a major role in the conflict that we have yet to see.

I understand that my position is unusual; I am neither Blue Moon intelligence nor military. However, I assure you that I am more than qualified for command, and my loyalty lies with my country. With Commanders Colin and Grit incapacitated and General Olaf out of the country, you and Blue Moon's command structure is shorthanded at the moment. Captain Salvatore is an excellent field officer, but he lacks the proper intellectual initiative needed for such a delicate command against such a dangerous and innovative mind such as Major Jameson.

I eagerly await your reply.

Sincerely,

The Great Gamer

The Great Gamer? Sasha had heard about him. He was some big professional video game player who hid his identity. It was some big mystery or something. Sasha, herself, had actually invested in sponsoring him because of his success in competitive gaming. The Gamer was talented, but ready for command? She didn't even know his identity And how had he gotten her military e-mail address?

Mr. Gamer-

This certainly is an odd situation for the both of us. I can only assume that you wish the best, but it deeply concerns me that you were able to overcome our security measures. As your identity is not known to the public, or to the military, I cannot give you the benefit of the doubt, nor can I have absolute confidence in your ability to handle the situation in Stroll Valley; how you acquired this information, as well, is another mystery, and only lays doubt upon you intentions and your methods.

Sincerely,

Commander Sasha

She worried that replying might give him legitimacy, but she was curious as to how she would respond. She read through a handful more emails before she received a reply.

Commander Sasha-

I understand your predictament, and I can show you my dedication to Blue Moon. The following links are reports from Blue Moon intelligence that shows my activities during the Second and Third Black Hole Wars, in which myself and a community of hackers actively fought Black Hole's attempts to seize control of the world's telecommunications networks. As for how I was able to get your e-mail and the military reports, many of those same hackers that rallied behind my online activities now work for Blue Moon intelligence and cyberwarfare. For their safety and security, their identities, as will mine, will remain confidential, unless they so wish to come forward.

Link

Link

Link

Link

Link

As you can see, I have played my part in the wars. My loyalty is with Blue Moon, I assure you, and you, yourself have confidence in my ability to at least game. I understand that real-world conflict is much different, but it is simple competition-allocation and use of resources. The difference is, those resources are people. I understand the risks here, Commander. Tell Captain Salvatore that I am a specialist to ease his mind. I am ready, and I am willing; it is a risk to appoint me, and it is a risk to leave the operation in the Captain's hands. I will respect your decision either way.

Also, you should read the latest edition of the Shooting Star. It has a disturbing development that you may wish to address as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

The Great Gamer

Sasha clicked the links, and skimmed the reports. These were authentic! During the last two wars, large online civilian and military personnel worked together to protect the internet from Black Hole. Many of the antivirus and firewall programs that are used today were developed in this literal 'online war' between the citizens and the soldiers-and the Great Gamer was at the head of this movement. His loyalty was not in question here. But could he command?

Mr. Gamer-

This is, indeed, a great gamble. But gambling is also a game, and you specialize in games. I will trust you with this task, though with the highest level of deniability. Should you fail, then you never contacted me. You were never there. I will pass on a message to Captain Salvatore, informing him of your arrival.

Please ensure that these emails cannot be leaked.

Thank you.

Commander Sasha

Sasha was satisfied. The Gamer simply sent a thank you in reply, and Sasha called the intel officer.

"Inform Captain Salvatore that a specialist will be taking command of his unit and the reinforcements. Tell him that it will seem odd, but to trust in the man's judgment, but to keep me informed at all times."

"Yes ma'am!"

((Break))

A specialist? Captain Salvatore didn't think there were any more CO's to send. But he trusted Commander Sasha, so he would listen to this guy, whoever he was. Sure enough, within minutes, a car drove up, and he couldn't believe his eyes. The guy wore a blue trenchcoat and a blue helmet, something strait from some video game. On top of the helmet, he wore a soldier's cap.

"You have got to be kidding me…" Captain Salvatore muttered to himself.

"Captain Salvatore, I'm the specialist that Commander Sasha sent you. You may call me the Gamer. No need for Sir, I'm technically a civilian advisor," the Gamer told him. The guy even had a voice modulator.

"Uh, right. I'm gonna have to run this through HQ to confirm," Salvatore told him, and he brought up the radio.

"Command, this is Captain Salvatore, I've got a guy here who claims to be the Specialist. He's wearing a full helmet and a trenchcoat. Is this him?"

"Put him on," Salvatore heard. It was Sasha herself. Salvatore handed the radio to the Gamer.

"Commander Sasha, it's good to hear your voice," the Gamer stated.

"I wish I could say the same, unless you really do sound like a robot. I'm assuming I am speaking with the Great Gamer?"

"That's correct."

"Right. Your objective is to secure the demolition sites of the Black Cannons, prevent the local HQ from being captured, and rout the enemy."

"I am aware of the mission parameters, as well as the secondary objectives of gathering additional information. The enemy is likely using the woods to hide their numbers and positions; Major Jameson is a specialist in utilizing stealth tactics, meaning he has the Fog of War on his side. Don't worry, Commander. We'll eradicate the terrorists."

"Good to hear it. I was reports every fifteen minutes."

"Will do, Commander. Gamer over and out," the gamer turned to Captain Salvatore, "I know this is an unusual situation, but bear with me, please. Inform your men that we are going for frags and caps. I want dead terrorists, and I want captured terrorists. Failure is not an option, this mission is too important."

"Uh, all right."

The Gamer had four tanks, four artillery, two rocket trucks, an anti-air tank, two Medium tanks, two APC's, four Recons, four Infantry and two Mechanized infantry. The artillery pieces had both explosive and flare ammunition. The Gamer had the troops load into the APC's, and he placed them in the mountains just south of the destroyed Black Cannons, to get a good view of the valley. Nearby, he placed the two medium tanks at the southmost destruction sites, where Jameson's forces were undoubtedly going to be coming from. The rockets were placed in the woods, to give covering fire, while the recons patrolled the roads, leaving the tanks, artillery, and APC's to patrol the woods themselves, as their treads would be unhindered by the thickets of the valley.

For several hours, it was nothing but boring patrol and report, but the Gamer was patient. He knew what he was doing. By putting the recons on the roads, and keeping everything else hidden, the Gamer was giving Jameson a target, while hiding his real forces. Ultimately, Jameson had the advantage of stealth on his side, and he always would. But the Gamer could still goad his opponent into making mistakes.

And the first one was made when a Mechanized infantry unit attacked his Recons. They requested tank and artillery assistance, but the Gamer just told them to pull back, and remain on the roads. The remaining patrollers started to panic, but the Gamer told them to stay their course. Salvatore's men were obviously starting to get demoralized from the lack of action, but when the Recon unit was finished off by a tank, the Gamer ordered the artillery to fire their flares, lighting up miles of woods, and revealing half a dozen units.

"Attack," the Gamer instructed, and the tanks moved in, with rockets blasting their armored targets. The first volleys were hasty and inaccurate, but as the tanks started destroying things and sending Jameson's troops back, their morale improved. The emphasis on frags was getting the soldiers pumped.

The soldiers in the mountains started to take sniper fire, so he ordered them to hide in the woods and start patrolling those areas. Jameson was moving his forces up to capture what he'd come for in order to get the mission done quickly. Since the bulk of his forces were being blasted by rockets, artillery, and tanks, the Major obviously wanted to get the objective.

But there were really big tanks in the way, so that wasn't going to happen.

"We're getting reports of enemy troops in the north," Captain Salvatore said, "Near the capital."

"Reinforcements are coming, remember?" the Gamer informed him, "The Headquarters will be secure within the next twenty minutes or so. Don't worry."

The snipers were soon found out by the patrolling APC's, and the Medium Tanks moved in for the kill, killing several of them, and allowing the hurt squads to avenge their buddies with follow-up attacks. Sure enough, reinforcements of three more Recons, two infantry squads, and two tanks rolled in from the west, and the Gamer had them occupy the nearby cities and start patrolling the woods. A trio of infantry squads were soon detected, and were turned into meat by the anti-air tank, though not without tanking a few prisoners.

Soon, the tank blasts quieted down, and the patrols resumed. The Gamer was confident that the battle was now over, as what units remained were making best speed south. Still, it didn't hurt to be careful. The Gamer gave standing instructions to the Captain, and contacted Commander Sasha.

"Commander, this is the Gamer. Operation Nature Trail complete and successful. The enemy has been routed, and we have prisoners. Morale is high, and the demolition sites are secure."

"Good to hear. And it's good to know that you're capable. When you have the next chance, I'd like to chat, face to…Mask. We're going to need a few background checks, but if I can get Olaf's approval, you may have a bright future in the Blue Moon military if you keep this up."

"Thank you, Commander. I look forward to meeting you," the Gamer stated simply.

"You know, you're not half bad, kid," Salvatore commented, "I'll keep Commander Sasha informed of the interrogations of the captured soldiers. Maybe we'll meet again."

"I would like that, Captain. Keep the troops in high spirits. They've done well."

"Will do."

The Gamer returned to his car, and started making phone calls. He was going to fly strait to the capital. And his mother told him that those video games would never get him any usable skills.

[Okay, so I've got it set so that Advance Wars was four years ago, and Empress Kana was disabled five years before that. Just for reference.

Here's the biography of the Gamer.

The Gamer: Blue Moon CO
Specialty: Successful Attacks. Gains bonuses for total sum of damage done to the enemy-the damage he takes. If he takes 5000G damage, but dished out 10000G the previous day, he will get a buff proportionate to the difference; however, it works both ways, and can receive debuffs for losing more troops the previous day than the number he destroyed.
Power: Pwnage. Only considers damage done. Unique in that he only gains the 10% firepower bonus the day the power is activated. The actual power takes effect the day after.
Super Power: Pure Pwnage. 20% firepower boost the day it activates, it adds both damage dealt and damage taken towards the buff the day after the power is activated.
Tags: Colin (Bargain Bin, 15%)
Lash (Dangerous Games, 10%)
Jake (Gaming Mix, 10%)
Javier (5%)
Andy (5%)

A mysterious youth, the Gamer is well known on online gaming communities as being one of the greatest players in the world. Known online as 'The Great Gamer' and modeled his show personality on a classic book character, the Gamer came across Black Hole's online activities, and decided to tackle them head-on, leading the 'Online Campaign' of hackers and surfers to protect their communities. The Gamer volunteered his genius to Blue Moon to help handle the recent insurgencies in his home country.

Hit: Epic
Miss: Fail