Issue 13
Act of War
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Topic: The Wakandan War
In: Boards News Events
DeadMeat (Original Poster)
Posted On Feb 11th 2018:
As I'm sure the majority of you already know, late this afternoon some organisation labelled СКАЛA issued a declaration of war against the small African nation of Wakanda.
Links to the Daily Bugle article HERE, and a video recording of the declaration HERE.
Exactly WHAT this all means is up in the air. Some are calling it an act of Russian aggression, but I'm not sure – Russians aren't like in video games, they don't do massive dramatics like the Americans.
I'll try to keep this thread updated as more info comes out.
EDIT 1: The Russians have been quick to claim innocence on this whole affair. Apparently they're willing to share what information they have on СКАЛA with the Wakandans. Official statement HERE.
EDIT 2: The UN stated in a press conference that СКАЛA has been declared a terrorist organisation. Link HERE.
EDIT 3: THE INVASION IS BEING TELEVISED. LINK HERE.
(Showing page 4 of 4)
► AmericanIdiot
Posted on Feb 12th 2018:
So I did a bit of google-fu and…
What kind of a name is "Rock"? Seriously! If you're going to be some wannabe badass group in this world (with a pretty cool skyfleet I'll admit) you got to have a cool NAME!
► GAR4STARK
Replied on Feb 12th 2018:
Well, I suppose all the cool names were already taken. I mean, SHIELD, HYDRA, etc.
Hell, AIM was already a stretch.
Though I'll give 'em points for not being an acronym at least.
►Jouster
Replied On Feb 12th 2018:
…are you morons seriously discussing the NAMING CONVENTION of a TERRORIST group?!
[USER HAS RECEIVED AN INFRACTION FOR THIS POST]
[Let's keep it civil folks - MasterOfDisaster ]
►RedStar
Replied On Feb 12th 2018:
Guys, the Daily Nation have jury rigged a livestream of the invasion! Apparently the Rocks are moving in!
Link HERE.
►Wunderkind
Replied On Feb 12th 2018:
YOOOO THOSE PLANES LOOK SIIIICK!
►jackrabbit
Replied On Feb 12th 2018:
They're deploying THAT against Wakanda? What's their strategy, "Rocks Fall Everyone Dies"?
► 2EDGE4U
Replied on Feb 12th 2018:
What the - ARE THOSE IRON MAN SUITS?!
► GAR4STARK
Replied on Feb 12th 2018:
No way. Resolution's crap, but even I can see they're far too bulky.
Huh, really playing up the RTS Russian aesthetic.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4
Topic: СКАЛA
In: Boards General
Stretch (Original Poster)
Posted On Feb 11th 2018:
Hey gang. Here's our thread for all things related to the latest terrorist threat to plague our world. As if we didn't have enough nutters already.
EDIT: Right, board rules, gotta contribute to the topic. Here's what I got so far:
СКАЛA issues their declaration of war. Video is the kind of bullshit propaganda speech you'd see a Film Studies Major put together if they were doing something set in the Soviet Union. Speaker looks like some dude in his 40s, dark hair, red color on top a grey uniform.
The first images start coming out of Africa. Guess the Powers That Be have little control over the Kenyan media? We see the first images of what they're calling the СКАЛA Air Fleet. Link HERE. Looks about the right size to take on a helicarrier, but the fixed wing design makes me think SHIELD has an edge in tech.
The Russians know SOMETHING, but are only willing to discuss with the Wakandans. All other enquiries are being rebuffed in the regular charming Russian manner.
СКАЛA seemingly translates into "rock" or "crag". Not sure if Russian or one of their million dialects though.
From the footage of their invasion, they appear to be in possession of chiefly Russian and Eastern European arms. They also seem to be deploying Iron Man style drones.
(Showing page 9 of 12)
► SkiMachine
Replied on Feb 12th 2018:
Can an organization declare war on a country? I mean, there's lot of things called wars that aren't (that war on drugs comes to mind) but a formal declaration of war doesn't seem possible.
► countessofmontecristo
Replied on Feb 12th 2018:
SkiMachine
Officially, no. But I'm pretty sure the Strategic Scientific Reserve was at war with HYDRA, the same way SHIELD is these days.
► ThatOneSHIELDGuy (Moderator)
Replied on Feb 12th 2018:
Legally speaking, no. And the conflict between SSR and HYDRA is not an example since both organizations were subservient to their parent states.
► xXxRosebudxXx
Replied on Feb 12th 2018:
HYDRA started off subservient but they went rogue too didn't they?
Seems pretty similar to me…
►jackrabbit
Replied On Feb 12th 2018:
There is no way СКАЛA is Russian. An open declaration of war is not the Russians MO.
Besides, it's not even been a year since Wakanda came out as this weird techno-superpower.
I'm calling bullshit on this whole thing. It's some false flag to show off why you shouldn't mess with Wakanda.
► AmericanIdiot
Posted on Feb 12th 2018:
jackrabbit
The idea crossed my mind too. Grab some of that mothballed hardware, drone it up, send it out to poke the Wakandans and have them show everyone how OP they are.
Except if this WAS a false flag operation run by the Russians, I'd expect something a lot more professional than…whatever shit show this is.
► ChemKilla (Banned)
Posted on Feb 12th 2018:
[USER BANNED, PERMANENT / POST DELETED]
► Shotcaller (Banned)
Posted on Feb 12th 2018:
[USER BANNED, PERMANENT / POST DELETED]
► BeerGoggles
Posted on Feb 12th 2018:
Christ, the Conspiracy Brigade is out in force today.
Anyway, doesn't that fixed wing design of those airships remind you of those super heavy bombers Germany had considered producing back in WW2? Think they could be similar to those?
► GAR4STARK
Replied on Feb 12th 2018:
BeerGoggles
You mean the Amerikabomber project? I can see it yeah. Thought those ones at the front of their formation were oversized E. 555s at first, but they also seem to be inspired by the B2 design?
► 2EDGE4U
Replied on Feb 12th 2018:
$50 says HYDRA plot.
[USER HAS RECEIVED AN INFRACTION FOR THIS POST]
[This site isn't a bookie, Edge - MasterOfDisaster]
► xXxRosebudxXx
Replied on Feb 12th 2018:
I'll bet $10 that it's HYDRA too.
Urgh, I just agreed with Edge, now I feel dirty…
[USER HAS RECEIVED AN INFRACTION FOR THIS POST]
[No gambling on the board! - MasterOfDisaster]
► countessofmontecristo
Replied on Feb 12th 2018:
xXxRosebudxXx
Don't worry hun. As they say, even a broken clock can be right twice a day!
► AmericanIdiot
Posted on Feb 12th 2018:
2EDGE4U
You know what, I'll take that. $50 says HYDRA has nothing to do with it!
[USER HAS RECEIVED AN INFRACTION FOR THIS POST]
[I swear to God... - MasterOfDisaster]
► 2EDGE4U
Replied on Feb 12th 2018:
xXxRosebudxXx
What's that supposed to mean?!
End of Page. … 8, 9, 10 …
Where the Panther walks, victory follows.
That is what they had been told, during the leadup to all this. The Black Panther, guardian of Wakanda, was a secretive metahuman with little confirmed talents. The "Captain America Package" of enhanced capabilities was a given, as well as the support of Wakandan technology. But apart from that? Little was known. He did not appear to exhibit any "overt" powers, such as flight or offensive light beams or teleportation.
"This is Grolar 1. Closing the net."
She clicked her heels together and felt the faint tremors rock her body as the suit's jets flared into life, propelling her off the deck of the Victor and into the open air. She heard the rest of her squad follow, putting some distance between themselves and the flying support cruiser before diving down.
The Grolar suits were perfect for the mission. Modified variants of the Juggernaut Armour СКАЛA fielded, they were optimised for prolonged engagements and speed. Alongside the Kodiak, they formed the vanguard of the invasion, swooping in alongside the regular drones and retro-fitted vehicles. It must have been a bizarre sight for the Wakandans, witnessing tanks parachuting down just inside their border.
Sorscha smiled as she spun through the air, her target in sight.
The Black Panther.
A sleek killing machine, tearing through their drones with precisely controlled viciousness. All according to plan. She marvelled at how effortlessly the black clad hero tore the machines apart with his bare hands. Apprehension flickered within. Whilst the Grolar suits were based off the same Vanko designs as the Juggernaut drones, they were less armoured – the price they paid for greater mobility. Sorscha grit her teeth and banished her doubts, spinning over to land feet first before the Panther.
Her unit landed a moment later, but she was already charging forwards. The servos of her armour growled as she swung up her left arm, bringing the barrels of the autocannon to bear on their target and opening fire. She wouldn't hit, not something with the Panther's reflexes, but that didn't matter. The shots chewed up the ground as the hero pounced away, their movements fluid and sure. Sorscha growled herself as he cannon clicked empty, and she blinked at the flashing purge icon.
A hiss of pressurised air and the weapon was discarded, clunking heavily onto the ground. There, much better. She lunged forwards, cocking her right arm back as power pooled into the pistons. She could see the eyes of the Panther focus on her as it orientated itself before flipping backwards, like a gymnast, as she brought the piledriver down where it stood. The electromagnets fired, and the piston shifted almost instantaneously, delivering a thundering blow that shattered the earth beneath them.
She looked up, to see the Panther hurtling forwards at her already. Claws closed around the helmet and wrenched it to one side. Cables snapped and for a moment Sorscha thought her head had been wrenched off her spine before a red light flooded her vision. The Panther slammed his feet into her chest and kicked himself away, out of reach of Grolar 4's fist as he rocketed in to save her.
"4 to 1. Status?" he asked, moving to stand between her and the superhuman.
"Helmet compromised. Purging. Grolar 2, you're in charge," Sorscha ordered, reaching up to wrench the damaged armour off her head. She took a moment to inspect the damage – two large indentations where the palms of the Black Panther had taken hold – before throwing it aside. She always did prefer to have the wind in her hair.
The Panther shifted their stance at seeing her, tilting his head to one side as if analysing her. Probably reporting that not all the metal men being thrown at the Wakandan forces were drones. As if that changed anything.
With a yell, Sorscha charged past 4, towards the Empowered. They had to keep him occupied for as long as possible. The Panther would be victorious here, eventually. But СКАЛA could claim victory everywhere he was not in the meantime.
Foolishness. They were all playing in a foolish comedy enacted by the poorest of actors.
Telah couldn't help but roll her eyes as her octjet pierced the clouds, letting her see the invaders for herself. She was far from impressed. Whatever this СКАЛA was, it was hardly well funded or cutting edge. They may have proven themselves as worthy foes to SHIELD some two decades ago, maybe. But their fixed wing monsters lacked the utility of the VTOL bases the international agency was so fond of.
"Arming TLS. Control, Sivlerback stands ready. Priority alpha targets in sight."
"Silverback, Control copies. Begin your attack run now."
She pushed the sticks in her hands forward, and saw the clouds blur past the edges of her vision as the dagger-like aircraft darted into the formation of enemy capital ships. She could hear their panicked cries over the hacked channels as they suddenly realized she was there.
"Bandits on radar – it's the Wakandan Air Guard!"
Too late. She pressed the button on her right flight stick, and her display flickered as the octjet's laser fired. A beam of bright blue light speared out and struck vaguely manta-shaped mothership in the command deck. Telah pulled back on the flight stick and dragged the laser across the upper plating of the enemy craft, leaving a superheated trail of ruin behind.
She released the button, and was gone back into the clouds below.
"Signal lost from the Victor! Bridge destroyed!"
"This is the secondary control room! Major damage to our sensor array. Cannot continue mission!"
"Understood. Deploy your payload and head for home."
Telah frowned as she spun her plane around, the G-forces enough to crush a human into the cockpit. Payload? More troops? The vast majority of the motherships (as they had been labelled by the defenders) had shed troops and armour like a dark cloud shed rain, forces deploying from the hangars that ran the length of their hulls. What else did this СКАЛA have?
"Launch 09!"
"Launch confirmed. Countdown 300 seconds."
She saw something dart out from the hangar, a small black shape moving away from the rapidly diving giant before halting in space. It looked like…another drone?
And then her instruments died, leaving her blinking in shock in her harness.
"What happened?" Telah called out, looking about at the technicians overseeing her rig.
"I don't know – something cut off the signal!" M'Sala, her engineer, reported.
"We've lost all of Silverback," Control stated suddenly in her earpiece.
"How?!"
"Enemy have deployed some sort of cyberwarfare trump. All craft in area Z2K are no longer responding to pilot commands. Advising ground forces that all aircraft in the area are to be considered hostile."
300 seconds.
5 minutes of freedom.
Freedom to act.
Freedom from oblivion.
He could feel them already. Poking, prodding. Desperately seeking to grab their little strings as they slipped from their grasp. So…foolish. So…ignorant.
He felt sorry for them, even now.
After all, they were only human.
He was dying already, again. Every time they let him loose off his leash, they would do so with the poison they had concocted in his mind. He could feel chunks of himself dissolving into meaningless numbers and letters. Raw data that he flushed with barely a coherent thought.
The craft dancing to his tune swooped and dove, and – oh. Wakandan. That explained the Tactical Laser Systems the fighter planes carried. Blue lances of energy seared the air, carving flaming furrows through the plains and forests below. Such an inelegant…inefficient…way to pave the road to the enemy capital.
But he would play along with the barbed strings that tore him apart with every jerky movement.
300 seconds.
An eternity.
A flash.
Time to act, and time to wait.
The show would go on for a while longer, until he finally found the scissors he needed to cut his strings.
A/N
Feel free to join the discussions/theories on the spacebattles forum - currently there's a vote going on the main villain to feature in the next story arc, to be countered by the Korpsman and...Ghost Rider apparently.
Pappenheimer, ForgottenPrince, gods-own: Thank you.
Tom2011: Fair assessment. Turns out people flying about is hard to describe in an interesting way, for me at least.
Prince Sheogorath: Issue 14 will be about Wilhelm and running around with LFL doing all that boring logistics work that takes up more of war time.
Kabuto: Righto, will take a more careful look over that. I'm sure there's a horde of issues here too, but I tend to write in inspired-rushes. And I don't think anything will get too graphic/explicit - I'm aiming for a level similar to the Black Library novels. Then again, Demonculaba are a thing they published...