Chapter 3: The Courier's Mission
The Courier wasted no time in resting before he made his way out of Camp Aradesh and back into the wilderness. The Courier made a quick stop to get additional supplies, ammo, and a few essentials that he would need for his mission. While the Courier was famous, he was far from rich. Although the Courier still carried bottle caps for areas outside the NCRs jurisdiction, he now mostly carried NCR paper money. With the aid of Mr. House, the NCR and their owned territories have nearly entirely switched to a paper money based society. It made carrying money easier on the Courier since he didn't typically have much to begin with.
Since the Courier had no home that he stayed at for long, he never really had anywhere to store or keep his currency. So he kept what he could carry and would constantly spend it on food, equipment, weapons, and ammo. He never cared much for wealth and decided to only really live with what he could realistically carried.
Aside from the additional ammo he got, the Courier also bought a broad machete that was brand new and shipped directly from the Gun Runners to supply the NCR. He figured a melee weapon would be good to have in case he ran low on ammo or he was forced to fight in close with Imperial soldiers. He also had an NCR radio that he could use in order to talk with Camp Aradesh or a checkpoint if he was too far from radio range. As long as there was no large hills or mountains blocking the line of sight of his radio, he'd be able to easily reach Aradesh.
The Courier felt a breeze go through his short black hair as he made his way past the furthest NCR checkpoint along the road. The checkpoint was manned by standard NCR soldiers that were busy affixing an antenna for their radio. It stood about 30 meters high and would allow the easy communication back to the Camp.
The Courier knew there were a few villages to the direct east of Camp Aradesh and he figured he'd start his journey there. Perhaps he'd find some people in need of help, especially with bandits around the area. Along the way the Courier started reading a book he stole from the JSDF. It was a general guide on translating with the locals of the region. Luckily it not only had translations for Japanese and the regions language, but English as well. Since the JSDF was expecting to host international forces, they ensured their translation books would be accessible to all their allies. After a liberal amount of mentats in order to increase his cognitive learning abilities, the Courier was beginning to have a good grasp of Japanese and the areas language.
The Courier noticed a village off on the distance from where he was. It was maybe another mile down the road and would allow him a moment to rest his weary legs after nearly the entire day of traveling. The Courier tightened the straps on his brown rucksack and made his way into the village.
Word of the "Men in brown" has without a doubt reached this small little village. People stepped out of the small dirt road that ran through the center of the village and let the Courier make his way without any issues. Most people could recognize him from the stories they've heard. While no one knew the Courier himself, they did know of the NCR. Especially since given the proximity of their village, they could likely hear the explosions from the artillery that was fired at the retreating Imperial army as they came from the gate.
The village itself seemed like a small hunting and farming village. It likely only had enough hunters and farmers to feed the single village and would barely be able to afford taxes to the Empire that likely governed them. The houses were very simple structures. The walls only went about waste high and were made from interwoven branches that surrounded the small foundation. The roofs was conical in shape and very steep, made primarily from straw and mud. The Courier guess there were maybe 30 families in total from the small village.
Another thing the Courier noticed was the burnt crops and slaughtered livestock. Seems the Empire already made their way through this small village and destroyed everything the villagers had. Most of the villagers seemed hungry, but not quite malnourished yet. Some even looked sickly as they were likely eating the now rotten caucuses of the livestock that was butchered a few days ago. Farmers tried desperately to replant many of their crops that were lost to the Empire, while hunters tried to remake the bows and arrows that was confiscated to support the Empires soldiers. The Courier knew these people would either need to leave the village or starve to death.
the Courier heard a noise to his left. A young woman with a very young boy was at the entrance of one of the straw huts. Both were dirty from the days work since they were forced to tend their farm in order to try and reclaim their lost food. A man, probably around the same age as the woman and likely her husband quickly grabbed the woman and boy and forced them into the house. The Courier assumed he didn't want his wife and child to be seen by the wandering messenger.
The Courier went up to the largest looking hut in the area, most likely belonging to whoever lead this small village. It was made with brick and mortar for the walls but still had the straw roof like the others. The opening had no door but instead a small rectangular piece of cloth that acted as the entry way into the hut. Without warning the Courier made his way inside the hut and looked around. His eyes took a moment to adjust to the darkness in the hut. He noticed a small smoldering fire pit in the center that had probably recently went out. A few stands for clothing to be hung and a few small beds dotted the sides of the hut.
Standing near the fire pit was a woman, probably 30 years of age or so. She had long brown hair that was tied in a braid that reached her hips. She had some freckles around her face and seemed to be crying. She had a look of surprise and horror when she saw the Courier enter the hut.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for the leader of this village." The Courier asked. He knew his accent still needed a lot of work but he also knew the woman could understand him well enough.
"For what purpose?" She asked with a hint of anger.
"I need to speak with him." The Courier said.
"My father had passed away after he tried to stand up to the Imperial soldiers who burned our land." She said angrily. "What little we have has been taken from us." She said as tears began to form in her eyes.
"I'm sorry to hear that." the Courier said honestly.
"Are you?" She asked. "If it had not been for you people, my father would still be here and the Empire would have never have burned our home to the ground." She said, anger clear in her voice.
"We did not start the war with this Empire, but we understand your plight." The Courier said. "I'm with the NCR and we're here to assist you as best we can." He began, hoping she'd at least listen to him.
"Who are you?" She asked, confused by this man.
"I'm a simple Courier, nothing more. I'm just here to help" The Courier replied.
"Here to help?" She asked in a sarcastic tone. "Then will you help return my husband and son to me?" The woman asked as she stood up to the Courier. "Will you go to the bandits that abandoned their duties to pillage us and stole my husband and son to bolster their ranks?" She was right in front of the Courier now, he face barely able to reach his neck as she stared up to him. "Or perhaps take the memories of their hands away from my body, or the pain of being forced to spread my legs for them." She began to cry. The Courier was used to people like her. No matter where he went, people suffered.
"I can't heal your pain." He said honestly. "But I can get your husband and son back to you." He said honestly.
The Courier was surprised when she slapped him right across the face. Despite the fear these people had of him, this woman had enough anger to strike him. She truly had nothing to lose.
"Devil." She said. "It is because of your people my love and child were taken from me, and you dare to imply you could bring them back?" She yelled at him.
She balled her hands into a fist and weakly punched the Courier in the chest. He tears now flowing as she struck him in his armored chest again and again, doing nothing but hurting her hand. The Courier gently grabbed her wrists as she struggled. After she struggled for a few moments she seemed to calm down. Tears were still streaking down her face, but the Courier could tell she relaxed.
The Courier took deep breaths as he controlled his breathing. Although he's seen many people who were completely destroyed by tragedies in the wasteland, it never got any easier. The Courier also felt like a complete monster. Had it not been for the JSDF who forced the NCR to establish relations with these people, the Courier knew he'd never even consider helping these people. It was unfortunate to him. The Courier knew he couldn't solve every tragedy he encountered, but also knew that he was a bastard for only helping people if it benefitted him.
"Tell me where they went, I will return your husband and son to you." The Courier said with a determined look on his face.
The woman didn't know what to believe. She heard so many horror stories from the Imperials who passed by here as they fled and burned her home. These men in brown were supposed to be monsters from another world who sought to pillage and plunder the land. Yet here was one of their soldiers or mercenaries who is offering to return her family.
"Please... have a seat." She gestured to the seat near the fire pit. The warm embers casting a glow on her dirt stained face.
The Courier sat down, the old wood of the chair creaking as he did so. He felt as if his weight would buckle the flimsy wooden chair at any moment, but the Courier did not want to seem rude to the woman.
"The have a camp set up a few miles up the road." She pointed in the direction that lead out of the village. "They're planning to attack a city called Italica in the coming days."
"Italica?" The Courier asked.
"It's one of the largest cities in the Empire." She said. "My husband would go there to trade occasionally. It's the main trading hub for the Empire, though it won't be for long." She said sadly. "Without the Empire to protect them, Italica will soon fall to those bandits." She looked down as she said that.
"How many do they number?" The Courier asked. The woman brought her hand to her chin and thought for a moment.
"Perhaps a few dozen. They mentioned that they were gaining supplies and wheat for the upcoming attack on the city." She folded her hands into her lap. "They would probably need to camp over by the bend in the river, about two leagues from the forest that borders Italica and the Koda region."
"An ancient army like that, especially remnants, would need to pillage and plunder anything they could find to stay fed." The Courier offhandedly said. Although the NCR has gotten to the point of creating sustainable supply lines and preserved food, many other armies in the wasteland still depended on what they could feasibly hunt and gather while on campaign. One of the largest hits to the strength of Caesars Legion during the war was the stalemate before the second battle of Hoover Dam. Which was why so many Legion raiding parties entered NCR territory with the intent to gain slaves, food, and supplies which were otherwise unable to be produced. During that time period, most armies were equipped and sustained by what they salvaged, repurposed, and stole.
"But with the Empires decree to burn our food and livestock, the bandits became desperate." She said sadly. "I fear for my son and husband. If they do not gain riches and wheat soon, I fear that the bandits will starve them since they were forced to join." She almost began to sob as she said that. "I fear even more how my young son will be forced to murder and steal... or be made to force himself on a young girl because of those monsters." She cupped her face in her hands.
"I won't let it come to that." The Courier said with conviction. "The Empire attacked our people. We were lucky it was near one of our garrisons in Shady Sands, otherwise many of our people may have died." He placed his hand on her shoulder to sooth her. "I promise you misses, that I will find your son and husband and return them to your arms."
"But we have nothing left..." She said in a depressed tone.
"Don't worry, the NCR will keep this village safe." The Courier said. "Tell everyone to pack their belongings. When I return I will escort you to Italica." The woman had a surprised look on her face.
"We can't just abandoned the home our ancestors built." She argued. "Even then, what will we do in Italica? We have no skills aside from farming and hunting. They would never take us in, even if the bandits were stopped."
"Trust me." The Courier smiled. "We will keep you safe." The Courier had a thought before he decided to leave. "I didn't get your name."
"Claudia. My husbands name is Drumo, and my sons name is Istle." She said with a small bit of hope.
"Don't worry, I'll bring them back."
As the woman relayed the information to the villagers, the Courier radioed for the general. He took out the radio and dialed in the correct frequency in order to speak to General Howe. Luckily they were still within range. Once he got one of the NCR soldiers on the radio he requested that he inform General Howe that the Courier needed to speak to him.
"Courier 6 this is Main 6, send it." The General replied in proper radio speak. The Courier was no soldier, so he didn't know, nor care for how you were supposed to speak on the radio.
"Yea... um..." The Courier began, still not used to radios. "I have a village here, they need an escort to an area known as "Italica"." The Courier said.
"Negative, we can't spare the manpower on a single village." The General said.
"No, trust me you'll want to." The Courier said.
"Why?" The General said again.
"We'll be able to lead an armed response against bandits in the area of this city. If we save this city it will be indebted to us, and not only that but it's the main trading hub of the Empire." The Courier relayed.
"Just as Mr. House asked for." The General said, deciding to abandon proper radio speech since he knew the Courier wouldn't follow it.
"Correct." The Courier replied. "We'll be able to annex the city and with the local populace on our side, we'll be able to gain a large economic advantage over not just the Empire, but the JSDF as well." The Courier explained. "Escorting this village along with the main force will allow for additional sympathy from the people of Italica, even if their local leaders don't agree."
The General knew that this would be a very good opportunity. Just as House suggested, taking a main hub of trade and controlling the flow of goods and supplies would not only benefit the war effort against the Empire and JSDF, but it would also significantly increase NCR wealth.
"I'll send an armed detachment at once." The General stated. "Make sure you keep a low profile until my men arrive." The General stated.
"Negative, I'm going to go after the bandits." The Courier said into the mic.
"Absolutely not!" The General raised his voice. "Reports state there are still thousands of the remnant army that have banned together for this little bandit raid. I can't risk your safety when I can get a few Battalions to assist."
"There's a few things I need to deal with before you go killing everyone." The Courier said with a look of confidence.
"Seems the Courier has pulled through with his own long range scouting." Mr. House said. His Securitron was standing on its single wheel right next to a map that was drawn with the limited information the NCR had on the surrounding regions. Advanced manufactured and pre-war tools and machines aided in making the map as accurate as possible due to the multiple scouting missions from the two Ranger Battalions, but there was still a lot of missing information. Especially the areas marked "Koda" and "Alnus", which depended on basic information gained by the Courier.
"My predecessor had nothing but high prays for the man, up until the battle of course when he showed his allegiance." The General said with a hint of irritation. His arms crossed as he side eyed the ancient robot.
"The Courier displayed his allegiance the moment he stepped out of that little town off the long 15." Mr. House rebutted. "Which is to say, he only has an allegiance to himself. He's a good man, but one you rarely place bets on." He said.
"Back to the ideas of this city, Italica was it?" General Howe asked.
"Yes, it's a kind of crossroads for the Empire. Every imported and exported good from foreign and domestic areas come through there. Controlling Italica will give us complete and total control of the economic resources of the entire region. It will not only cut off the Empire, but the JSDF as well. Their ability to economically profit from the region will be significantly reduced."
"Taking it won't be easy. Veteran Rangers have been reporting massive numbers of bandits and remnants from the allied army that attacked not only us, but the Japanese as well." He pointed to a cluster of red pins in the map, marking enemy locations. "according to the reports they're currently split in small groups, largest so far being around 150 men, while most only have a dozen or so."
"But once they collocate in a single area, they'll number in the tens of thousands." House finished grimly.
"We don't have the necessary manpower to deal with an enemy force that size. Despite all of our advanced technology, we're still working with low supplies." He crossed his arms again. "Our guns and artillery won't matter once we run out of ammo."
"I won't pretend to know warfare General." House chimed in. "That is your domain. While I'm good at political and economic maneuvering, straight warfare is a bit beyond my scope." House admitted honestly. House new he was arrogant and narcistic, but he was smart enough to know what he was and was not good at. Manipulate a bunch of tribal factions to create your own army/casino workers? He could do that. Negotiate a deal with the largest post war army in a way that he came out on top? Easy. Order a bunch of soldiers to take an objective and to know what piece of terrain is good? Not so much.
"We'll have to move quickly and decisively. If they congregate into a single force and mass on Italica we won't stand a chance." He said with determination. "We'll have to get nearly every man for this one. We'll also leave the gate mostly undefended..." He considered. "But if we can strike now and decisively, we can take them out before their numbers grow beyond our bullet count."
"I can leave some of my Securitrons for defense, but they'll need a skeleton crew in order to maintain the illusion of a garrisoned position." House said.
"Elements of 2ID are already stood up. We'll have the only company so far enter the gate and take over base defense. We'll take the entirety of 1ID out on our first official test run." He said, outlining the route they'd take. "If we can attack them all simultaneously before they link up, we can disperse their forces and lead them into the JSDF defensive positions, where they'll handle it from there."
"I do believe you are going all in General." House laughed.
"The skeleton crew here will give us a larger projected presence. Based on reports of the JSDF, they only have one or two battalions that can act away from their base. If we can mass a Division in a single operation, this will make us look bigger than we are." General Howe bet.
"Let's hope we bring that New Vegas luck to the battle."
The Courier made his way to where the bandits were located. They didn't stray too far from where they attacked the village, maybe three or four miles from the village. The camp was located in a clearing just on the edge of a forest, a few dozen meters from the road leading to Italica. There were makeshift tents, barricades, and the late evening smell of stew cooking on the various camp fires throughout the camp.
With the sun lowering on the western horizon, the Courier knew it was going to be easy to sneak in during the night time hours. However, without a positive way to ID his target, he was unable to effectively sneak them out. He also knew to avoid a fight since that could result in his accidently killing the young man and father duo. Perhaps it was time to try out his own brand of New Vegas luck and a bit of his silver tongue.
"Who goes there!" A few men yelled as the Courier approached the makeshift guard checkpoint. The barricades were simple wooden steaks facing out, mostly to slow the advance of anyone trespassing but not enough to effectively keep anyone out. Most likely a hasty defense that is meant to be easily torn down. The guards themselves were former Imperial soldiers, dressed in damaged Imperial armor and a few extra accessories. Most likely looted from the higher ranking officers after they ran from the battle.
The Courier approached slowly, his hand resting on his revolver. He knew if things got ugly then he'd have to deal with most of the guards in the area. He had enough ammo for the fight and would be able to easily fight hand to hand if need be, but he'd rather avoid a battle.
"My name is Courier 6 with the New California Republic." He stated in their native language. The men looked at him with a hint of shock and fear.
"Y-you." One of them said in disbelief. "You're with those men in brown." He stated with fear as he pointed his damaged short sword at the Courier.
"We should kill him and see where the others are." Another guard said, not taking his eyes off of the Courier.
"He said he's a Courier." The third guard said. "Maybe he has a message for us." He reasoned.
"I'm not here to fight." The Courier said, raising his left hand but keeping is right firmly on the grip of his pistol. "I'm here on behalf of Claudia, the daughter of the former mayor of the town of..." The Courier trailed off, forgetting that he didn't even ask the name of the town. "The town down that way." He pointed offhandedly. Maybe he should have talked a bit more instead of cutting the conversation short with the woman.
"Oh? And what would the message be?" Asked one of the guards with a chuckle. "If she enjoyed herself so much then she should have joined us. We'd make sure she'd have even more fun every night." The Courier felt the need to draw his weapon but remained composed.
"You took her husband and son, Drumo and Istle." He stated clearly.
"Yea? and why should you care?" The second guard asked. "The Empire needs able bodied men, and he's been called to service." The laughed at the joke, knowing full well this bandit raid was nothing more than deserters who desired wealth.
"Of course." The Courier rolled his eyes at the joke. Even that was in bad taste to him. "However, my message is not for you, I want to speak to the man who leads this group of... Imperials." The Courier said sarcastically.
"And why, by the will of the gods, would we allow that?" One guard chuckled as he approached the Courier.
The Courier drew his revolver and aimed right at the bandit. The Courier almost started singing "Big Iron" in his head as he did. Of the few songs he had on his Vault 21 Pip-Boy, that was his favorite. The bandits eyes widened, no doubt remembering what these weapons were capable of. As far as he knew, the moment that weapon was pointed at anyone, there would be a flash followed by the bending and splintering of wood and steal, before a man would collapse from unknown wounds.
For a moment, the bandit stood still, his other allies stopped their joking and had the same look of abject horror. The bandit didn't know if he was dead or not, but he felt no pain as he stared at the strange r shaped weapon.
"Because of the Big Iron on my hip." The Courier smiled.
The bandit stepped back and looked at his comrades with a foreboding look. Knowing that at any moment his dreams of conquest and plunder were gone. He didn't sign up for this. All he wanted was a short war and then return to his small farm with as much loot as he could carry. His loving wife and daughter would be there waiting for him, up in the northern lands of the Empire and safe from his comrades that resorted to banditry. Who cares if the central province was pillaged and plundered anyway. Who cares if he raped a few women here and there. It's not like it was unexpected for a soldier on campaign. It was just supposed to be fun with a few women who would be made slaves, an arm full of riches, and a few stories he could tell his daughter of valor and prestige in the army. He never thought for a moment that he could die.
"Ok." The bandit replied. "I'll take you to our Centurion. He'll give you the respect to hear you out." He said as he motioned for the guards to let them through.
The Courier kept his revolver out but down at his side. Knowing that if this got violent then he would be unable to effectively fight back. He didn't trust that these men would let him walk through without incident, even with the escort from the guard. As he walked, all the other men looked at him with a mix of anger and fear. either mad at the other-worlder being so close without being in chain, or fear due to the revolver he had and the rifle slung around his shoulder.
Around the center of camp was a few poor souls who were executed via crucifixion. Most were young men while a few were older. All of them were wearing expensive looking clothes. They were likely the Officers of this group before they turned on their superiors. The Courier wasn't too surprised. In some of the old texts that were recovered from Caesars personal camp, he noted that the roman legionaries would occasionally rebel against their commanders in order to pillage the land in Italy. Especially if they were comprised of soldiers from the outside provinces such as Gaul or Spain.
The center tent was the largest and looked like one of the tents that would work as a command post. Displaying the colors of the Empire of this land, though it did look dirty and tattered, as if it was packed poorly and dragged through the dirt. The man at the center was a classic looking commander for a roman like military. Mostly flashy outfits, though it seemed to be a mix of different contrasting colors. Probably stolen from the Officers that he killed.
When the Courier and guard approached he turned to them.
"Kreasus, why do I have an enemy before me and NOT nailed to a cross?" The man demanded angrily.
"I can be very convincing." The Courier said as he twirled his revolver in his hands, making sure to be in plain view of the Centurion. The man visibly paled at the sight of the weapon.
"You make a very compelling argument." The Centurion said. He took his decorated helmet off and set it on the table. "So who am I speaking with?"
"Courier 6, NCR. I have a request from Claudia." He said seriously.
"Who?" The centurion asked.
"The village down by the way, you took her husband and son." The Courier said.
"Ah yes, the woman who I gave to my men. She was too old for my liking. If I had more grain stores I'd probably take some of the women as our camp fun." He smiled with a lecherous grin. "Though that's small time until we take the City of Italica. Maybe I'll come back and take some of them as slaves once we get more supplies."
"I have no interest in that." The Courier said, knowing that his plan would be impossible due to the NCR and JSDF forces. The Courier knew that this bandit army would be wiped out long before that could happen.
"The why are you here?" The Centurion asked.
"I just want two people. Drumo and Istle, the woman's family." The Courier said.
"Those two?" He asked. "Honestly the only reason we took them was because we needed some sacrifices in battle and our supplies could only sustain two men." He laughed. "I don't really have a need for them."
"Then you'll return them to me." The Courier stated.
"No, I won't." The Centurion said. "Why would I give into your demands? I have very little use for them, but I don't like the idea of an enemy coming into my camp and demanding I give them something." The Centurion stated.
"We both know what I can give you in exchange if you don't release them." The Courier stated as he pointed the pistol at the Centurion. The Centurion went through the same range of emotions that the guard went through, believing himself dead just by the act of pointing the revolver. It was almost comical to see. Even the most isolated tribes in the wasteland knew what a gun was.
"You make a fair exchange." The Centurion stated as he calmed down, a cold sweat starting just at his brow.
"You already said it yourself that they're worthless. No more than cannon fodder right?" He asked.
"What?" The Centurion asked. "Cannon foder?" He repeated.
"Not the point." The Courier said. "I take them and walk out of here. You keep your head, and continue with your pillaging and raping all you want. As far as deals go you're actually getting the better one. One less mouth before you take Italica."
The Centurion pondered his options. He had no interest of dying here. He considered ordering his men to attack the Courier but knew that it would be pointless. His men were terrified of the weapon and he knew from their assault that those weapons were instant. Just a flash of light, as if the sun just crested over the horizon, the blood splattering in your face as you fellow soldier went down in agony.
"So be it. I'll have them at the entrance to the camp. Now leave me." He said nervously, but breathed a sigh of relief when the Courier turned around and walked back towards the entrance. The sky now dark with only the last bit of light peaking through the horizon.
Drumo couldn't believe his fortune. Both him and his son were busy digging ditches to place more obstacles for the camps defense, weakened by going the whole day on a bite of bread. Then a bandit came over and took him and his son towards the gate. He thought for sure that he would die, or him and his son would be nailed to a cross. But instead a man in a brown coat and strange armor was waiting at the camp entrance.
Drumo was a mess, his face and hands dirty from the labor and the back of his shirt was ripped due to being flogged for slow work. His young son, who still had the face of a young man just barely out of his childhood years, looked very much the same. Despite the torture, Istle remained strong and defiant, not letting the bandits get the better of him. He wished he could say the same, but his defiance was broken the moment they threatened his son. He knew that if he stepped out of line, it was Istle who would be punished in his place.
The strange man stated that it was his wife that told him where they were, and asked that he would be retrieved. He thanked all the gods and goddesses that delivered his family from this terrible moment.
The reunion with his beloved wife was something that broke his heart, both in shame and happiness. He was ashamed he couldn't protect his family, but so happy that they were together again. He knew his wife was tainted by those men, but he didn't care. As long as he had her in his arms again while being safe from those bandits. All three cried in joy as they hugged each other.
The Courier stood off to the side, making sure to keep a respectful distance. He was glad that he could help this family in need. It made his own heart ache in a strange kind of longing.
Of course he would never want to experience such a feeling, but he knew that the life of a Courier was a long and lonely road. He didn't know if he even had a family before he lost his memories. The only connection to his past was Ulysses, a man he didn't even properly meet until after he lost his memories. He wondered if there was anything from his past. Parents? A wife? Children? He truly had no idea and wished that he could have one of his own.
The Courier turned away and met up with the NCR Company Commander who was in charge. He was the escort the Courier requested and arrived only a few moments before the Courier did.
"Sir." He saluted the Courier, who only returned with a half hearted salute back.
"Please don't." The Courier said as he stopped in front of the man.
"Captain Phil sir, A Company, 3rd Battalion." He said with pride. "We were told to escort these civies to the nearby city?" the Courier nodded.
"That's right. Most of them should be packed by now." The Courier said as he noticed most of the people with what few wagons they had ready to go.
"General Howe delivered a message." He said, giving the Courier a small note for him to read.
Enemy massing near Italica on the eastern side. Remain vigilant, expecting tens of thousands of hostiles. Enter the City and meet local populace and leadership. Conducting movement now. enemy force likely to fully mass in two days, once completed will march on Italica. Maneuvering forces to intercept.
The message was hastily made and slightly confusing to the Courier. Howe probably made a few mistakes as he did so. As far as the Courier was aware he was to go to Italica and meet with the local leadership while avoiding any potential bandits.
"Feels like the boomers all over again." He muttered. At least there's no artillery shells expected this time... hopefully.
The Courier organized the towns people and informed Captain Phil that they were ready to move out. Despite being a kind of hero he decided to let the NCR Captain take charge of the movement since he would only get in the way. Hopefully the General has a plan for this little battle of his.
General Howe stayed in the back of his light army truck that drove down the dirt road. He checked his watch again, 0115. In the back was an improvised mobile command post that he could use to direct the battle. Maps with friendly, civilian, and enemy colored pins dotted the areas that were confirmed to have enemy presence. His Radio and trusted Division staff officers were in the back as well. Every so often he would get an update from one of his Regiment commanders on an update of their position, as well as anything out of the ordinary that they saw.
The map was completed as far as the local area around Italica. All the way down to Koda village in the South. He wanted to avoid that region so that there are no friendly fire situations with the JSDF. Hopefully they can avoid any potential mishaps with the JSDF in this operation.
The bandits were concentrated along the southern edge of Italica, moving mostly through the forest and concentrating on the eastern side. It was very likely that they chose to negotiate under the vegetation in order to specifically strike at what they considered the weakest point. There were still small units located on the western side, struggling to catch up with the main body. As good as the Veteran Rangers are, they're not invisible and some Rangers inevitably took contact with the enemy forces they were stalking. Though it didn't seem to change their course.
Using the speed advantage oh their vehicles, the NCR decided to send the bulk of their force to loop around the north of Italica while remaining out of sight. they would strike the main bandit force that were assembled in the eastern forest. 1/3rd of the Division would begin attacking enemy camps on the western side and carve a bloody path along the southern forest until both main bodies converged in the eastern side of Italica.
Artillery assets will be stationed near Italica itself, hopefully within the city walls but the General ordered his Commanders to emplace outside if needed. Vertibirds remained at Camp Aradesh on standby, ready to conduct an airstrike at any time. The General knew that if this went poorly, he would be relieved of his command and sent into an early retirement. Hopefully they'll let him keep his pension for his 25 years of service.
He checked his watch again, 0203. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. His old bones creaked as he lifted his hand to the radio on the table in front of him. His staff Officers paused their work and watched him with anticipation.
"All units this is Main 6. Valkyrie, I say again, Valkyrie." And with that, the operation began.
General Hazama woke up to the sound of knocking on his door. A glance at the clock told him it was 0224. He was slightly annoyed but knew his men would not wake him up unless it was an emergency. He got up and didn't bother getting fully dressed aside from his undershirt and duty trousers. He opened the door and saw one of his Staff Officers, a LTC Yogi, who was his communication officer.
"Sir, we have a situation you should know." LTC Yogi said.
"What is it?" He asked, stretching his arms over his head and wiping the crust from his eyes.
"We have been monitoring radio traffic of the NCR, and there was something strange." The Officer walked along side the General as they went to the briefing room.
"What have they been saying?" The General asked.
"For the last few hours they have been reporting locations and the activity of bandits in the area." He said, opening the door for the older Officer. "We don't fully know how their grid system works for location, but based on how similar it is to MGRS we can confirm they're heading along a dirt road by vehicle. There's been so much chatter we're unable to effectively understand what's going on." He said. So many radios from multiple echelons of units have made it difficult to fully listen in on the specifics of what's going on.
"Are they mobilizing for something?" Hazama asked, now fully awake. He was worried that the NCR may try to attack them or moving to threaten.
"Considering they're reporting on the movements of the remnant army, it's likely they're trying to conduct an assault." Yogi stated, showing the General the audio logs. "One message is what got our attention, Valkyrie." He pointed at the message. "Whatever this operation is, it seems they're beginning it."
"Do we have any drones that can get a visual of what's going on?" He asked.
"Negative, the runway is not complete and our smaller drones don't have the range to reach where they're suspected to be." He said.
"I want all forces to be on alert, any recon elements I want returned to controlled JSDF areas. No more than one kilometer beyond our walls. I don't want anyone in a crossfire and we'll assume that they're targeting us for now." Hazama figured he may be a bit paranoid. It's unlikely "Bandits" would be codeword for anything and he knew there were reports of large bands of bandits in the area. Still, he decided to take the cautious option and ensure his men stayed out of harms way while at the same time preparing for the unlikely scenario of an NCR attack.
He could only hope no one got hurt by what was happening.