A/N: I bet you were not expecting an update today?
Now a bit of a disclaimer... this chapter will introduce a new front in the "war" and it was something I planned on doing since I started this story over a year ago. I hope you guys like it because it will be featured more as the story progresses along. Its a short chapter, but it was never meant to be a long one.
I don't really have much to say again, really. So on to the fic!
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{ Chapter 30: Muddy Water }
For centuries, the Tyran River had been the primary link between the Saderan Empire and the numerous city states/colonies which existed along the coast line of the continent. Despite being the dominant power in Falmart, Sadera did not have direct access to the Blue Sea. Though the largest nation on the continent, the borders of the Saderan Empire never reached the coast line. It was generally believed that the Coastal regions were swampy, which made movement over land almost impossible and there were numerous failed attempts at building roads to confirm this. But the existence of the Tyran River gave the Empire their much needed access to the Blue sea and over time, the Empire was able to establish a number of colonies along the coast. Colonies that would later be used to launch massive merchant fleets to conduct trade with other City states that existed in that region.
As a result, the Tyran river was quite possibly thee most important asset the Saderan Empire had at their disposal. As the massive water way not only linked the Empire with the open ocean, but other parts of the continent thanks to the numerous tributaries and streams which fed into the river. Over time though, an extensive network of forts, supply bases and garrisons had been established by the Imperial government to secure the massive network of waterways and man made canals that had been created to link certain rivers and even lakes. The Tyran River network was without question, a marvel in its own right and the Saderan Mare Exercitus were totally unchallenged as they patrolled the Water Ways.
That of course, was about to change...
{ Music: Fortunate Son – Clearwater Revival }
The silence which had existed that entire morning was suddenly broken, as three Small Unit Riverine Craft powered up the Tyran River and towards their destination. Each vessel carried 20 men (4 Crew, 16 Marines) and were armed with a combination of 50. cal. Machine guns and M134 miniguns. While the marines on board carried a combination of M27 assault Rifles, M248E4 light machine guns and even Mk153 SMAW rocket launchers. On top of each vessel, a blue flag covered in white stars flew wildly in the cool morning air. As the small yet well armed Riverine craft thundered up the river at speeds well over 30 knots
Just over an hour ago, these 3 water craft had departed Alnus via the recently created Ginza Canal to conduct the first ever combat mission of the recently established "Special Region Naval Command". When the Coalition learned about the existence of the Tyran river and just how important it was to the Empire, the decision was made to bring in certain Naval assets who sole mission was to deny the Saderan Empire access to one of their most important means of transporting men and material throughout their Empire.
These particular vessels belonged to Riverine Squadron No. 2 of the United States navy and had arrived in Falmart just three weeks earlier from Virginia, USA. Flying into Japan on USAF C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft, the vessels were later towed on trailers through Tokyo before being sent through the Gate and into Falmart.
They were the first of what was expected to be a force consisting of over three dozen vessels which were to be committed by certain Coalition members. The Indian Navy was currently in the Process of shipping over a pair of Israeli Built Super Dvora-class patrol boats from to take part in operations in Falmart, while the Philippines were just now activating their recently arrived Mk. 3 Fast Patrol Boats and Coastal Craft.
But for now, these three American vessels made up the bulk of the Coalition's naval forces and were already on their first deployment. With a modified Predator drone relaying navigational data, the three fast boats suddenly made a sharp turn into one of the tributaries that fed into the mighty Tyran. The Marine Corp contingent holding on to what ever they could as to not lose their balance during the tight turn. They traveled up the tributary for another half hour before the small flotilla came upon their final destination.
Their was a small beach on the west bank of the river and on it, a large group of civilians stood with welcome banners in hand and even a make shift American flag. What was even more surprising, was that there was a small band present playing lively music, as the crowd began to cheer as the three fast craft approached the recently completed pier that had been complete by U.S. Navy Engineers. Behind the crowd, the sailors and Marines could see the familiar shapes of armored up Humvees and a fuel tanker, along with a contingent of Japanese Soldiers waiting for them.
Music continued to fill the air, as the first fast craft came up on the beach and lowered it's built it ramp. No sooner had it touched the muddy shoreline, the Marines disembarked the craft and assembled themselves for inspection on the beach. It was not long before the remaining vessels did the same and the Marines on board joined their comrades for inspection. The crowd fell silent as the one who organized the welcoming ceremony walked forward with her Maids in tow for protection.
The Marines stood at attention as the young child approached, as they all had be briefed about their new posting and just who was responsible for allowing the Coalition forces to set up camp near her city. By the Countess' side, stood Major Sean Payne. Commander of the Coalition forces stationed in Italica and liaison between the Coalition command and the Principality of Italica. The music soon ended and the crowd fell silent as their beloved leader began to speak...
"On behalf of the people of Italica, I want to personally welcome you to our nation." Countess Myui said with a welcoming smile, as she gifted the commander of the Marine Contingent a special medallion she had created for the historic occasion. Myui's visit to the other world beyond the Gate had a major effect on the young countess, as it confirmed that she had made the right decision to ally her city and her family with the Coalition. It had only been a few months since Italica declared its Independence and already the new nation had ties with not only the other worlders, but the recently formed United Independent Kingdoms of Falmart. Formally known as the Allied Kingdoms. King Duran himself even visited Italica and pledged his support for Myui and her city.
Needless to say, Myui had quickly become one of the Coalition's biggest supporter/ally in the Special Region. After welcoming the Marine/Naval contingent to her city and making a small speech about the friendship that now existed between her people and the Coalition, the Countess stepped back and allowed the Coalition Liaison to Italica to speak.
"Welcome to the Principality of Italica!" Major Payne began, as he addressed the men an women before him. "As of this moment, you are now all under the direct command of myself and the House of Formal. I don't think I need to remind any of you just why you have be sent here, but let me remind you just in case. With our support, Italica was able to break free from the Empire's grasp and for the first time in centuries, it's people are free to determine their own future. Obviously Sadera will not take took kindly to this fact and the immediate area around their capitol still needs to be secured.
"Therefore, our job will to make sure the Empire does not try to retake Italica and place it back under it's influence. Your job will be to ensure that Sadrea does not get any ideas and try to use the rivers to attack the city. Italica may be free, but they have a long way to go before they are able to protect themselves. Countess Myui here has allowed us to build a base on her lands, I expect that none of you make her regret her decision to allow us to be here! You are guests in her county and I expect all of you to not only respect her country and it's laws, but her people too. You are representatives of the deadliest fighting force the world has ever seen, I expect all of you to conduct yourselves in a manner that best represents the values United States Marine Corp! Do I make myself clear!"
"OORAH!"
"Oorah!" the Major replied, before he ordered the marines to their new barracks to settle in. But they would only have a few short hours to rest themselves, for when the the night came, their operations in Italica would begin.
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January 22nd, 20XX.
01:25 HRS...
Three large war barges of the Imperial Mare Exercitus slowly made their way up the Tyran river, as teams of Slaves used their oars to propel the ships against the current. Just days ago a small flotilla consisting of just over a dozen ships, loaded up with 5500 soldiers in total, departed the coastal colony of Urbs Mare for the Imperial capitol. Prior to this, Urbs Mare, along with ever other colony along the coast, had received news about the Other Worlder Army on Alnus Hill and how they had crushed the Alnus Garrisons. As a result, the Imperial Army had begun to recall a number of military garrison in an attempt to rebuild the numbers lost at Alnus.
Urbs Mare was no different and upon receiving their orders, the Mare Garrison dispatched the 3rd Legionnaire Army to Capitol for redeployment. In total the Mare Garrion had 15,000 soldiers at their disposal. But was only able to send the third and the other two armies were needed to suppress a possible revolt that was rumored to be sweeping the Coastal Colonies.
In his cabin of the lead ship, Legate Garabol Co Ansa sat by his desk and continued to go over all the dispatches he had received before leaving departing Mare. The seasoned commander still found it had to believe that not only the Alnus garrison had been destroyed, but an army from another world had be responsible for it's destruction. His army of 5000 men was only just the advance force, as more units from the coastal colonies would sail up the Tyran in the coming weeks.
With a heavy sigh, the old Legate got up from his work desk and exited his room. His Flagship, the Superbia, was only a few years old but already had seen extensive combat. Under his command, the 30 meter long vessel had faced off with Pirates and other City states which had refused to bow to the will of the Saderan Empire. Though these City States had yet to be defeated, the Superbia had more than a few victories to it credit. While Ansa himself, was seen as one of the more experienced naval commanders of the Coastal Colonies.
Now he was on his way to the Imperial Capitol where he believed his knowledge would be used to defeat the barbarians from beyond the Gate.
As the Legate mad his way onto the deck of his seasoned vessels, the cold night air bit on his exposed skin. The weather here was a little cooler than what he experienced in the Coast, but it was nothing he could not handle. From his vantage point, Ansa could see the few torches that illuminated the ships of his small fleet. While the only thing that could be heard were the sounds of the oars splashing into the river, propelling the fleet forward.
"We will be passing the Iilis river soon." the Superbia's captain announced, as he approached his commander. "Would be nice if we could put into Italica for the night, the rowers are starting to strain."
"It would be nice." Ansa replied, his focus now on the river bank in the darkness. "But the men will just have to deal with the strain. The Emperor had made it very clear in his dispatch to arrive in Sadera as soon as possible and I do not want to keep him waiting. Besides, we are effectively in enemy territory and completely surrounded. Even if we were to stop in Italica for the night, we would still be a tempting target for the enemy to attack."
"Understood." the Officer replied. "At this rate, we should arrive in Sadera in four days."
The legate looked as if he was about to respond to the officer's statement, but it would forever be a mystery as to what he was about to say. For no sooner had Ansa turned to face the young man, the legate's body suddenly exploded violently. His flesh and blood covering the now shocked officer, who was still trying to process what he had just seen take place before him. But this process would never be completed, for moments later said officer met his end in the same violent manner, as the wooden hull of the Superbia began to fall victim to heavy machine gun fire.
It was absolute chaos, as the Trieme's crew attempted to figure out just what in the name of the gods was happening? The Superbia and it's crew were quite literally being torn apart and there was nothing that could be done to stop it. Suddenly there was a massive explosion that ripped the wooden hull open and set it on fire. The water proof tar with was used to seal the hull fueling the flames, as the fire began to spread across the ship. Those who were fortunate to still be alive were now no longer concerned with defending the ship, but with their own survival. Many of them made it to the top deck and began to throw themselves over board into the dark waters of the Tyran.
Those who were fortunate enough to make it back to the surface were soon rattled by another explosion in the distance. Upon investigation, the survivors of the Superbia were met with a sight that would forever haunt them. Many of the ships that were apart of their flotilla were now nothing more than burning hulls being pulled away by the river current. The screams of their dying comrades filled the night air, as the survivors tried to make it to shore. But as they did, some of them could see the silhouettes of what looked like small boats darting in between the burning ships, at incredible speeds. They made an unholy sound as they moved about the destroyed fleets, as streams of light lashed out from them and struck the wooden hulls with a fury they had never seen before. Just what in the name of the under world were they?
But as soon as the attack began, it came to an sudden end. The the three Riverine craft formed up and sped back up the river. Out of the 15 ships that were apart of Ansa's fleet, not a single vessel survived the U.S. Navy's surprise attack. Every single vessels was set ablaze by the assault with only a few managing to beach themselves to the river bank to avoid sinking.
Morning's light would show the extent of the would be battle, as all that was left oh the Urbs Mare flotilla were half sunken burnt out hulls and hundreds of dead bodies floating down river towards the sea, many of them covered in burns and even missing limbs. While the survivors were soon rounded up by Fillipino Marines and JSDF personnel who had been sent in after the would be battle.
The first battle of the Tyran River had ended in a massive defeat for the Saderan Empire, and it was only just the beginning...
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Special Region Naval Command Fleet
United States Navy:
6 x Small Unit Riverine Craft
3 x CB90 Riverine Command Boats
10 x Special Operations Craft – Riverine
Indian Navy:
2 x Super Davora-class Patrol Boats
6 x Immediate Support Vessels
8 x Fast Interceptor Boats
2 xGriffon/GRSE 8000 TD Hovercrafts ( On Loan from the Indian Coast Guard )
Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force
10 x Special Operations Craft- Riverine (On Loan from the U.S. Navy)
2 x Shinano-class "River Monitors"
Philippine Navy
6 x Swift MK. 3 -class Patrol Boat
15 x Ridged Hulled Inflatable Boats
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A/N: And just like that, I added a new front to the conflict. Anyway, I know many of you are asking just what are the Shinano-class River Monitors being used by the Japanese? Are they a type of warship being used by the JMSDF? Actually... no.
During my research, I learned that the Japanese dont really have much in the way of Riverine craft so I decided to give them some. If you are asking where the Shinanos came from, well... remember that village Princess Pina told they had to abandon due to the rise in bandit activity and the other worlders?
Lets just say Shinano and her Sister Ship Tone were a Thank you from the villagers. They will be featured in future chapters.
As Always, leave a review and tell me what you think. Until next time, NIGHTSTALKER OUT!
P.S. All the vessels that will be used by the Coalition Naval Force are currently being operated by their respective nations. Google them and you will see just why I selected them for this story.