Chapter 2.2
Quake II Mission Pack 1: The Reckoning
(Historical file TCM-Q2-9904-21-TR)
The War against the Strogg
Special operation: "The Reckoning"
The Threat
Since the earliest stages of planning for Operation "Alien Overlord," the possibility of a Strogg retaliatory strike against Earth was taken into account, although time constraints prevented a more in-depth analysis into the matter. The launching of the operation would require the bulk of the TCM fleet to be engaged above Stroggos, leaving Earth open and vulnerable to a counter-strike. Any victories on Stroggos would become meaningless, if the homeworld was to fall. Therefore, a unit of space marines was ordered to be prepared to be diverted from the primary operation and react quickly to any intel regarding Strogg retaliation.
As Operation "Alien Overlord" began and the vast majority of the marines perished within minutes, one survivor (codename "Bitterman") was able to establish a communications uplink with the command ship, allowing TCM forces to assume control over the Strogg base's computers and gain access to some of their classified data. Analysis of the information yielded many valuable bits of intel, among them – a possible lead to a Strogg counter-strike fleet, which could be launched against Earth very soon, from an unknown location. The threat had finally been confirmed.
The Operation
The selected unit of TCM marines was immediately put on high alert and prepared for launch. The operation was codenamed "The Reckoning" and initiated with the bare minimum of tactical information – the only thing known for sure was that the counter-strike fleet had some connection to an Intelligence Center located within a Strogg compound in a distant region of the planet, mostly dominated by swampy wilderness.
The strike team's first objective was to infiltrate this compound and find information regarding the exact location of the Strogg retaliatory force. Once this data was obtained, TCM Intel specialists could come up with a way to stop this threat before it could be unleashed.
The Wilderness of XTRX-01
While the entirety of surface of Stroggos was poisoned to the point of turning it into a lifeless wasteland, there existed pockets of partially preserved wilderness in areas with fewer and/or abandoned Strogg facilities. Pollution and industrialization levels in this zone were low enough for the local wildlife to adapt and survive, maintaining a semblance of the planet's ancient ecosystem. Samples of genuine Stroggos wildlife, such as the Gekk, could be observed in XTRX-01, and they proved to be as vicious as the mutants spotted in other areas of the planet.
Strogg buildings were harder to detect, due to being partially obscured by the swampy terrain. Because of this, the strike team was sent with insufficient data on the layout of the combat zone – one of the reasons why they were wiped out. The only survivor of the team was a marine codenamed "Joker," who landed in an unintended area due to a collision with an asteroid during insertion. This error turned out to have saved his life, as well as prevented the operation from complete failure.
One additional, pretty vague bit of intel that was gleaned from the Strogg databases, was the mention of something called "Beta models." TCM Intelligence assumed this were upgraded Strogg models, which were confined to the XTRX-01 zone due to still being in an experimental. It was reasonable to assume they'd be deadlier and more resilient than the standard models. It was also possible that they could be deployed with the counter-strike fleet, which made its threat even greater.
Archive #05-21/01
Operation "Alien Overlord"
Special Assignment: "The Reckoning"
Location: planet Stroggos; region: Wilderness zone XTRX-01
Operative: "Joker," TCM Space Marine; real identity: (classified)
Mission Unit 01: The Wilderness
Location: XTRX-01 zone, Swamp area, Sewer system perimeter
Objective: Infiltrate Strogg military compound
General description: Separated from the rest of the strike team, Joker landed in a large region of well-preserved wilderness outside the perimeter of the Strogg Compound. The area consisted mainly of caverns, swamps, and natural underground water reservoirs. Strogg guards normally stayed behind the protection of their laser fences, while the outside areas were the undisputed dominion of the predatory Gekk. Because of these creatures, the laser fences were considerably enlarged, reinforced and virtually impassable to any less agile creature, such as a human. Joker had to find an alternate entrance into the fenced-off area, lest he became the local Gekks' next meal.
Structural elements:
1. The Swamps: Slimy rock walls, deep lakes and twisted tree trunks – the swamp area outside the military compound looked like something out of a bad dream and even the Strogg avoided it. The water flowing out of the sewer system was only mildly contaminated, which allowed the local flora and fauna to adapt and thrive off of it. While all main entrances were safely behind laser fences, there was one maintenance hatch that could still be reached normally.
2. Sewers: The outermost contour of the Strogg compound drainage system was dedicated to handling water with low levels of contamination, and therefore contained lighter treatment equipment. On the other hand, this sewer sector also acted as a crucial junction between several major water tunnels and overflow tanks. Because of this, security presence was higher than usual for this kind of facility. Water levels were controlled through a system of valves and hatches.
3. Waste Sieve: The deepest sector of the swampland sewer facility served as a filtering installation, catching any kinds of debris and smaller mechanical contaminants from the water flow, so that the water can be reused in the compound. The waste would be ejected into the wilderness along with any unwanted biological residue.
Mission outcome: Joker successfully navigated the treacherous swamps and sewer tunnels, finding a way behind the Strogg laser fences. Once he had secured a small watch post, he was able to gain access into the military compound.
Mission Unit 02: The Compound
Location: XTRX-01 zone, Strogg military compound
Objective: Obtain data on location of counter-strike fleet
General description: A fairly large and sophisticated Strogg military facility, located quite far away from the capital of Cerberon. Its remoteness was probably meant to conceal its multiple important functions – it served as a regional garrison, storage depot, research lab and, most importantly, an intelligence processing and analysis center that contained, among other things, data on the Strogg counter-strike fleet. The compound's most covert purpose, though, was to serve as a testing ground for the Beta models of Strogg – the first complete models were deployed in this area to strengthen its security, in light of an expected human incursion.
Structural elements:
1. Outer Compound: The Compound's outer layer housed most of its low-priority sub-systems, such as environmental monitoring, sewer system connections, spare parts storage, maintenance tunnels, and fortified containment walls. This was the area where the Reckoning strike force was wiped out by newly deployed Beta Strogg variants. Joker witnessed their demise, but was able to survive and carry on the mission.
2. Inner Compound: The inner sector of the Compound contained the more important areas and systems, such as a laser testing lab, weapons and ammo storage, and security controls. Security presence was increased, including the deployment of stronger and deadlier Beta variants. The main entrance to the Intelligence Center was automatically sealed by the activation of the alarm system, forcing Joker to look for an alternate roe through the cargo transfer conduit.
3. Core reactor: The Compound's unusually high power demands required the installation of an additional energy source. The Strogg quickly realized they could harness the volcanic vent within a nearby cavern and built a geothermal generator on top of it. The facility generates additional power for the Compound, and also houses a device used for charging up power cubes. Corrosive vapors from the volcanic pool necessitated a readily available supply of tools and spare parts to be kept in the area at all times.
4. The Warehouse: The Compound's lowest levels housed a large storage facility that hoarded all kinds of weapons and ammunition, as well as experimental components and equipment used for the development of Beta Strogg variants. The warehouse was connected to the water drainage/reclamation system and featured a large reserve tank.
5. Intelligence Center: The inner sanctum of the Strogg compound, the Intelligence Center could be described as a large brain that collected and processed data from numerous sources throughout Stroggos, analyzed ever bit of useful information and devised new strategies and tactics to advance the Strogg's military objectives. These tasks were handled by several large and highly advanced supercomputers, protected by specimens of the heaviest Beta variant Strogg. The Center also housed an access console for the Stroggs' largest database.
Mission outcome: Joker successfully fought his way through the Strogg Compound and used an alternate route through the warehouse, utilizing stolen power cubes to activate several critical systems. Having gained access to the Intelligence Center, he accessed the Strogg databases from their own terminal and obtained crucial data that indicated the Strogg counter-fleet was based on the planet's moon.
Mission Unit 03: The Industrial Complex
Location: XTRX-01 zone, Industrialized area
Objective: Destroy vital fuel refinery
General description: The heavy industrial complex was nestled in the northwestern swamplands seemed to serve no important purpose at first, due to its distance from all major Strogg strongholds. The recovery of vital intelligence data, however, revealed its role as a supporting facility for the counter-strike fleet, producing fuel, ship parts, armor plating, and other bits of equipment. Therefore, the complex was immediately designated a vital target and operative "Joker" was redirected towards it with the task of knocking out the fuel refinery with a precision airstrike. The Industrial Complex is a dangerous place, however, concealing numerous Strogg security forces (including Beta variants) and treacherous heavy machinery.
Structural elements:
1. Industrial Facility: The main area of the industrial complex serves as a central distribution and storage hub for raw materials, power supply, coolant, and ready goods. Access to certain areas of the complex is restricted via security keycards. Heavier variants of Beta-model Strogg were detected in the area.
2. Outer Base: This small military station served as a security center for the industrial complex, monitoring for intruders and dispatching containment teams as needed. It housed several control rooms, ammo supplies, as well as at least one keycard storage unit. An airstrike by TCM forces caused heavy structural damage, nearly crippling the Outer Base, though surviving Strogg troops still offered considerable resistance.
3. Refinery: The most important section of the industrial complex, the refinery processed a variety of highly toxic chemicals and produced high-grade fuel for the Strogg space forces, more specifically – the counter-strike fleet that was preparing to be sent to Earth and lay siege to an undefended humanity. TCM Intelligence analysis indicated that the fuel production units could be permanently disabled with a well-placed airstrike. The only drawback of this plan was that it required the placement of an airstrike marker, which was stolen by a band of Gekks shortly before Joker could reach it.
4. Water Treatment Plant: Water served various purposes in the production process, and therefore the industrial complex needed a secure supply. The treatment plant's purpose was to eliminate the only the pollutants that could be dangerous to the machinery, rather than purify completely. Thus, the water was still left in a murky state after processing, yet sufficiently reusable.
5. Badlands: A pocket of preserved wilderness existed along the perimeter of the industrial complex, thriving due to the relatively cleaner water leaking from the treatment plant. The area featured a network of narrow canyons, caves, and a shallow lake. A band of Gekks inhabited the darkest reaches of this peculiar habitat and they only got involved in the war against the Strogg due to their attraction to shiny metal objects, such as an airstrike marker, which they took into the heart of their lair.
Mission outcome: Space Marine Joker successfully infiltrated the fuel refinery and dealt with an unexpected mission complication by tracking down and recovering a lost airstrike marker from the lair of hostile local wildlife. With the marker placed, an airstrike was successfully carried out the fuel production units were damaged beyond any hope of repair. Joker exfiltrated the area through via an underground supply train.
Mission Unit 04: The Hangars
Location: XTRX-01 zone, Spaceport area
Objective: Infiltrate Strogg moon-bound freighter
General description: Situated in the northern region of the swamplands was a small starport, which mainly served as a supply link for the Strogg moon base and was thus a major part of the counter-strike fleet's logistical framework. Transfer of cargo and troops was handled by a heavy freighter that conducted supply runs every few days. A tactical analysis indicated that the Strogg defenses' only potential weak spot was infiltration of the moon base through the freighter itself. Such a plan would consist of two parts – smuggling a marine into the cargo hold and then taking over the ship by eliminating its entire crew. This was exactly the kind of high-risk assignment that Joker was trained for.
Structural elements:
1. Lower Hangars: The lower areas of the hangar complex housed the unloading station for the supply train running between the starport and the Industrial Complex, as well as several storage rooms, control and maintenance systems. Access to the higher levels was restricted by force fields.
2. The Hangars: The upper, restricted areas of the hangars contained several chambers where cargo was prepared for loading, a conveyor-based processor for live human specimens, as well as the loading dock for the freighter itself. Disrupting the live specimen loading system would cause empty crates to be loaded onto the ship. Joker merely needed to sneak into one before the freighter took off.
3. Strogg Freighter: The freighter was the heavy workhorse of the Strogg fleet – a rare example of a non-combat vessel, which doesn't mean it was any less armored or packed full of Strogg troops. The majority of the ship's volume was occupied by cargo holding areas; other sectors included the power core and a prison block where live captives could be transported. The ship's control systems were directly connected to its command crew, necessitating its complete elimination when attempting to take over the vessel. The Strogg must have surely been aware of this, as they had installed a self-destruct device, which would activate in the event the command crew was incapacitated.
Mission outcome: Operative Joker successfully infiltrated the Strogg starport's hangars and snuck into an empty cargo crate, which was loaded onto the freighter. Once aboard, Joker systematically eliminated the ship's Strogg occupants, including the command crew. Following a swift deactivation of the ship's self-destructive device, the marine was able to assume full control over the freighter and touch down at the Strogg moon base.
Mission Unit 05: The Moon Base
Location: Unnamed moon of planet Stroggos
Objective: Destroy Strogg counter-strike fleet by any means necessary
General description: Stroggos had several moons of various sizes. All of them had at least one Strogg outpost built on their surfaces, but the largest one was home to an important supply and refueling base, which serviced the Strogg counter-strike fleet. The moon itself was a cold, dark and desolate place, devoid of atmosphere and with lower gravity. The external environment could not support any life and exposure was therefore quite lethal. The base itself was fully isolated from the environment and powered by an internal reactor core. This was also its weak spot – the reactor's overload and destruction would not only wipe out the base, but deal fatal damage to the counter-strike fleet itself, rendering it inoperable.
Structural elements:
1. Cargo Bay: This sector of the base contained the docking bay for the freighter, as well as the warehouses for all supply needed by the counter-strike fleet, from the smallest spare part, to the heaviest warhead. A smaller hangar could be found there as well, intended for transport shuttles.
2. Command Center: The inner sector of the moon base housed the reactor core, its induction coils, and various control systems. Several natural caverns were sealed and included into the area's structure, although air temperature in there was very low, causing nearly all surfaces to be coated with a layer of ice.
Mission outcome: Joker successfully infiltrated the Strogg moon base and fought his way through numerous Beta variant troops to the reactor core main controls, which were protected by a guardian strongly resembling the Strogg Makron (further analysis pending). Joker caused a system overload, and then left the base via a TCM dropship that had landed into the Cargo Bay's smaller hangar, before the entire base was consumed by a catastrophic explosion. The Strogg counter-fleet had effectively been crippled beyond any hope of recovery.
Operation "The Reckoning" – Outcome & Final Analysis
Despite the poor planning and numerous mistakes during its start, Operation "The Reckoning" ended with complete success. The counter-strike fleet was all but wiped out by the destruction of the moon base, and its support facilities on the surface of Stroggos, such as the fuel refinery, were heavily damaged and taken out of commission.
The presence of a second Makron at the moon base was unexpected and perplexing, yet TCM intelligence analysts have come up with several possible explanations for its existence.
The first one is that this was some kind of "backup copy" of the original Makron, intended to be activated in case the original one was destroyed. If this is the case, it is quite fortunate that Joker destroyed it.
The second one is that this Makron was specifically designed to command the counter-strike fleet and its dominion only extended over the moon of Stroggos. The third and, supposedly, most likely hypothesis is that this was an underdeveloped Beta variant Makron, intended to control the Beta variant Strogg creatures encountered over the course of the operation. Its downfall, combined with the merciless extermination of all known Beta variants by space marine "Joker," effectively spelled doom for the entire Beta program; although it is possible some of its designs survived and were used to build some of the new Strogg specimens encountered by Rhino Squad during the second phase of the invasion.
With the threat of the counter-strike fleet eliminated, TCM forces could finally focus on mopping up and preparing to depart before the next phase of the invasion. However, there was one final complication before the fleet could disengage – please refer to archive file on Operation "Ground Zero."