SARGENT ANDERSON: CHAPTER 28: Supply Raid
It's been about two years since the Battle of Jackson. The war still rages on. At the moment both the Republic and the Firefly Empire are stuck in a stalemate.
The Texan Army is said to launch an offensive around Christmas. This offensive is being nicknamed, Operation Santa Claus.
Lots of important things happened in the past years. The Republic and the US Remnant (FEDRA) made an alliance against the Firefly Empire. This marked the beginning of the United Republics' Alliance (basically a reformed NATO).
A couple of months into the war, certain clans of Fireflies broke away. They became against their once parent. Many gave them the name Texan Raiders, even though most never visited Texas. The Republic of Texas began to support the Raiders.
Now don't get too excited. The Raiders have very little numbers, and can't take the Fireflies in a head on battle. The Raiders were mainly used for reconnaissance. Sometimes they would successfully ambush Imperial convoys. Sometimes.
The Fireflies began to deploy chlorine gas. As it was discovered that it took too long to put on the gas mask. The prototype helmets, like the one the Major in Jackson uses; is considered too expensive to mass produce.
The Texan Army decided to remove the straps on the mask. They added magnets on both the helmet and the mask. This helped the user put on the mask much faster.
Back at Jackson, things were getting kind of rough. Supply lines are thin. There isn't enough food for the people of Jackson. Every now and then supplies would come. The Fireflies' plan to suffocate Jackson was working.
Food got so low, that Tommy ordered the execution of the imprisoned legionaries. They were said to have been using too much of the food supply. As for the lost platoon, they remain in the capital of the Firefly Empire.
Jackson Hole Airport became a FOB for Texas. About 25% of the S.O.C. candidates became SOC Troopers. In those 25% was Captain Pineda's squad.
The trench lines across Dubois were created. Anderson was promoted Sargent in the past two years. Allen became a Heavy SOC Trooper. Anderson got a Special Forces' helmet. Anderson now looks like a Delta Force member.
Anderson switched to a suppressed, foregriped M16A4. He now had a Red Cross patch on his right shoulder. Now with it being the beginning of winter, his camo uniform was white; to blend in with the snow.
Captain Pineda didn't change much. Besides the snow camo, he now has a captain insignia on his helmet. Because he was in SOC again, he had to get new attachments for his M4. His choices were an AGOG sight, foregrip, and a suppressor.
As for Cruz, he now has headphones, along with a snow camo, and a new hat. This hat had his first lieutenant's insignia on it. He got about the same as Captain Pineda's M4, put didn't like the AGOG.
Baker became a marksman. Looking like a recon but just wearing his snow camo. He now carried a DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle), a suppressed, scoped, foregriped SCAR-H SV.
Walker now looked about the same as Anderson. The only difference was that Walker had googles on his face, didn't have a red cross, and he still used his M4. However, the M4 was now suppressed, foregriped, and had a holographic sight.
Anderson was now in one of the snowy trenches back at Dubois. Anderson was next to Baker and a regular soldier at a machine gun's nest.
[Play The Last of Us (You and Me).]
"The war goes on, doesn't, Sargent?" Baker had said looking back at Anderson as he was a crouch position spotting anything that may come their way.
"Yes it does." Anderson replied.
"Do you ever think it'll end, Sarg?" the soldier on the machinegun asked.
"It has to, with either a United Republic victory, or an Imperial one."
The two other soldiers just wondered what a Firefly victory would look like. Not something pretty.
"Do you see anything we can eat?" Anderson asked Baker.
"Negative," Baker said looking through the scope. "…wait, I think I see the recon squad."
"Aww, gross!" Anderson said, "Did Sargent Joel tell you about that story too?"
"Yeah, pretty crazy. They almost ate the immune!" Baker said with emotion.
The random soldier on the machinegun now responded to Baker's comment. "Maybe if they did, we wouldn't be here."
The three started laughing soon afterwards.
"Sir!" Walker came interrupting
[Pause or wait out The Last of Us (You and Me).]
"What is it, Walker?" Anderson responded.
"The Captain request you and Baker's present."
"Better be important, Walker." Baker said with boredom.
"Alright, lead the way, Walker." Anderson said.
"Yes, Sir!"
Baker got up, pointed to the nearest to soldiers (who also wore snow camos) and ordered them to take their post.
From there Baker, Walker, and Anderson walked through partly snowy, filled trenches.
As they walked through they saw soldiers walking up and down in the trenches. Once they got to a certain part of the trench, it was blocked by snow. Two soldiers were there, one shoving the snow out, the other standing guard.
"I'm sorry sir, snow collapsed and now it covers this part of the trench. Going over it would leave you exposed to any possible snipers. You have to take the detour to your left." The solider standing guard finished as he pointed in the direction of the detour.
The three now took the detour.
"You'd think these trenches would be better maintained." Baker said.
"It's not so bad. I heard the ones from the First World War were worst." Walker informed.
As the three walked through the detour, they found the two tanks in their stations. The tank stations were also dug in trenches, with a ramp in front of it. This would allow it to roll out and into combat when the order comes.
"Almost there." Walker said as he found the command center.
The command center was just a building sticking out wide open. With the Lone Star Flag waving.
"I'm surprised the Fireflies haven't noticed this place with the giant ass flag waving!" Baker said laughing afterwards.
"Maybe they're so hungry they can't see anymore!" Walker said joining in.
"That's not funny," Anderson began, "People are starving back at Jackson. All for the immune…" Anderson said stopping and looking down.
"You alright, Sarg?" Baker asked.
"Yeah, now let's see what our old Captain wants."
The three entered the building. They found a couple of soldiers checking the radios. Captain Pineda's office was upstairs, being on the first floor was no use to them.
They headed up stairs to find his office. On the office door, the words Capt. Pineda were printed on the door.
"Should we knock?" Baker asked.
"No need to," Walker began, "he's expecting us." Walker now opened the door and the three walked through.
"What took you so long?" Captain Pineda asked looking out a window.
[No official name is given to this song, but is the main menu's first song. If you're having trouble finding it, look up Airy String and Bass. If you find it, play it if you like.]
"We had to take the detour." Anderson answered.
"Oh, is it that snow in Trench A? I just got the report right before you walked in." Captain Pineda said as he was looking out the window.
"What you looking at, Captain?" Baker asked. As the three now stood being him.
The three were now behind the Captain. Through the blinds, they saw a crashed A-10 Thunderbolt. The markings on the plane were Texan.
Anderson now began to speak. "One of Baker Company's was shot down yesterday. The pilot was said to have landed near our trenches. He was sent back to the Jackson Hole FOB."
"I know." Captain Pineda said, "It just looks odd there, like the plane crashed in Jackson. Wonder if this will be here years later."
"You requested our present?" Anderson said.
"Yes that's right." Captain Pineda said moving away from window and leaning on him desk. "You three are going to nearby town, near Jackson, to search for supplies. You're going to find as much as you can. Place it on the LZ, and then a helicopter will come to pick it up."
"So why send us?" Baker asked.
"We don't want to make our present obvious. We can send a recon squad, but there is no guarantee they'll all come back. You guys are more likely to get the job done faster and all come back."
"What are we dealing with?" Walker asked.
"The usual, I guess. Threats from possible bandits, infected, and the Empire's new snow legionaries."
"Any Texan Raiders able to assist us?" Anderson asked.
"Negative." Captain Pineda responded grabbing a picture on his desk.
Cruz now walked in.
"Sir…" Cruz began.
"Long-time, no-see, Lieutenant?" Anderson began, "I like the mustache ." Anderson ended pointing at it.
"Well, we're running low on razors, so I figured. Anyway," Cruz said paying his attention to Captain Pineda, "recon has reported back. They say they've spotted infected. They are now investigating."
"Another day in the Army of the Republic." Captain Pineda stated. "When this war ends, I better get to see my daughter." Captain Pineda looked back at the three. "What are you knuckleheads doing standing around? You got your orders! Helicopter waiting for you on the roof."
"Sir, yes, sir." Baker said as he made his way to the roof.
"Good seeing you, Captain." Anderson said as he followed Baker.
"Be safe." Captain Pineda said looking back at the picture. The picture was his family, before the outbreak.
The three were now on the roof. The helicopter's propellers were already active.
In the helicopters there was two gunners, and two pilot in the cockpit.
"If you want this ride, Austin 2-4. You better get your ass in the helicopter!" one of the pilots yelled.
From there the three hustled and got on the helicopter's passenger seats.
The helicopter now took off. Anderson had one of his legs hanging out of copter. As they passed the trench lines he soon began to see the snow filled forest.
[Play Returning.]
He now saw a bear take down a deer. Anderson smiled.
"Life goes on." Anderson says out loud. "You'd think this process would have stopped for them. A pandemic didn't stop them. Hell not even a war has yet. Mother nature always finds a way."
"You alright, Sargent?" Baker asked next to him.
"Not really. What do you think life would be like if this war hadn't started?" Anderson said looking back at Baker.
"I can't say what it would look like, all I know is that we'll still be threaten by the pandemic. That wouldn't have changed. We'll still be on some front. Either fighting infected or fighting bandits."
"I guess you're right." Anderson admitted.
"Though I know what you're saying. That's how every modern war has really felt like for every soldier."
"What do you mean by 'modern'?" Anderson asked.
"Any war from the First World War, to now."
"Times have changed." Anderson admitted.
"One thing never changes, though."
"And what would that be?" Anderson asked looking back at Baker.
"War. War never changes." Baker said with a smile.
"Get your Fallout shit outa here!" Anderson said shoving Baker a bit.
"I knew you'd get the reference!" Baker said laughing a bit.
The helicopter now stopped. It was now hovering above a forest covered in snow.
"Deploy!" the pilot said on the radio.
Anderson dropped the rope. He looked back at Walker who was about to slide down the rope. "GO! GO!"
Anderson was the first to slide down the rope. As he hit the ground in a couched position. He took out his rifle and looked back to see if they had landed.
Once all three were on the ground, the ropes were dropped.
"I'm Oscar-Mike!" Anderson announced.
The two behind Anderson followed him into the town.
As the began to enter the town, they found a building. The three approached the building. Now near the door.
Anderson nodded at Walker.
Walker kicked open the door. Anderson walked through moving his rifle side to side. Baker followed, and so did Walker.
Anderson stopped at the stairs.
"Walker take point." Anderson whispered.
Walker nodded and walked up the stairs.
"Clear!"
Baker followed and checked the rooms.
"Restroom. Clear!" Baker announced.
"Master Bedroom. Clear!" Walker announced.
Anderson now walked up the stairs to find his two men standing and waiting for him.
"Upstairs, clear." Anderson said in a low voice.
"Sir," Baker said saluting Anderson, "I've located a good place to provide over watch. Request to use it."
"Request granted." Anderson said.
Baker now broke off from the group.
"Walker with me." Anderson said walking down stairs.
Walker followed and they were soon outside.
"Austin 2-5, do you read me loud and clear?" Anderson said through the radio.
"Copy, Sarg." Baker said through the radio.
"Good, we're going to move up, inform us if you see anything."
"Copy." Baker said through the radio one more time.
Both Walker and Anderson began to walk in city. The snow covered building began to give way. Some of them with no roofs.
"Uhh, Austin 2-4… I think I've spotted those snow legionaries." Baker said through the radio.
"How do they look like?" Anderson said through the radio.
"White, completely white, pretty hard to spot. They have white helmets. They have white vest, uniform, knee pads, wrist pads, backpacks, and hell; even white gas mask. They also have white blouses."
"No army has had blouses in there combat uniform since the First World War." Walker commented.
"Man you really like World War I, don't you, Walker?" Baker said through the radio.
"Yes, I do. Before I joined the army, I was a World War I historian at UT."
"Enough you two," Anderson said, "Austin 2-5, do you see any of them?"
"I see a pretty good amount of them." Baker said through the radio. "I can provide support, over."
"Confirm, if you see bullets go flying; you are clear to engage." Anderson said.
"Copy. Standing by."
"Let's go, Walker." He said out loud.
Walker nodded at him, and they were soon in the town. In between an alley, they found two snow legionaries standing guard.
The two walked up to them.
Anderson nodded back at Walker.
Walker nodded back.
Both came from behind and snapped both the legionaries' necks.
"This training is paying off." Walker whispered.
Anderson was now on one knee examining the dead legionaries. He turned the first one around. His weapon still wrapped around him. He picked it up.
"Why do these legionaries have MP7s?" he said with the SMG in his hand.
"I know it doesn't make sense either, but sir we have to keep moving."
Anderson grabbed a suppressor from his backpack and screwed on the SMG.
"Let's see what this baby can do." He said putting away his original rifle and pulling the SMG back.
"This is Austin 2-5, I'm seeing multiple tangos heading to your position. My guess is that whatever you did in the alley, they didn't like."
"Go!" One of the snow legionaries yelled as he began to make his way there.
About five appeared.
Both of the soldiers pulled the trigger on the legionaries. Shooting the MP7, it proved effective for Anderson. The legionaries were caught off guard. Unable to get off the safety on their weapons. They were massacred by just two.
"Tangos down." Anderson announced.
"I see a sniper!" a legionary yelled. "Ahh!" the legionary yelled as he was shot.
"Austin 2-5, what's going on up there?!" Anderson asked.
"Taking heavy fire! GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE!"
"Copy, were heading over there now."
As they made their way there, and RPG was shot. The RPG rocket went straight for the room Baker was in. An explosion appeared soon afterwards.
"Baker!" Anderson said through the radio.
"I'm fine, [coughs]. Shit they've breached the building!"
They found the building they were in. The sniper's nest had been under siege.
The building was soon less than 20 yards away. No legionaries outside. They must've been inside.
They opened the door to find all the legionaries going in one direction.
Anderson grabbed one from behind, grabbed his knife and threw it in the legionary's chest.
One of them turned around. Walker threw the stock of his rifle at him. The stock had hit him in the nose, causing him to fall backwards. Walker walked up to him, lifted up his stock and beat him to death with the stock.
As they moved up they began to shoot them from behind.
"Shit, retreat! We stretched ourselves too thin!" the commanding legionary said as he jumped out a window. Soon all the legionaries on the first floor were gone.
They made their way up stairs. They got to the door were Baker was.
The door was locked.
"Baker open up!" Anderson ordered.
No answer.
Anderson put his ear on the door. The door now opened. Anderson fell forward. A snow legionary stepped on his helmet, pinning him on the floor.
Pining on the ground with his boot. Another legionary appeared.
About to pull the trigger on Anderson. Walker tackled him.
The Firefly on top of Anderson looked away. This gave him a chance to push his boot, and get up.
The fighting soon broke into a fist fight.
Anderson threw the first punch, followed by another to the stomach. Anderson threw one more to knock him out.
As for Walker, he had knocked out his guy.
The two turned around to find Baker. Having his rifle dangling down in front of him.
His face and uniform blacken from the explosion.
"Hey guys." Baker said.
"Where the hell were you?" Anderson asked.
"Well right after the rocket from the RPG hit. I went flying forward. I got up and discovered a hole made by the RPG, exposing the outside winter. I jumped out of it. Once the legionaries entered the building, it allowed me to seem as if a whole platoon of soldiers were deployed."
"Well good job." Anderson said patting him on the shoulder.
"Sir," Walker began. "What do we do with these two?" Walker said looking at the two knocked out snow legionaries.
Baker and Anderson now looked at looked the two.
"We're going to find out what they meant by 'stretched ourselves thin.'" Anderson announced.
