So, a lot of people have been talking about tanks and APCs, how they're not replaced and you see them in Fallout. While there's truth to that, I had to make sure I wasn't misunderstanding something. Granted, a lot of this is Wiki for the deeper stuff, but it makes sense.
The reason tanks were phased out was simple economics. With the energy crisis, it became nearly impossible to field large units of tanks. Power Armor replaced tanks because they didn't require gas in order to operate, making them very effective. While there were tanks in the Great War, they weren't nearly as common as in the past.
As for if Power Armor would be able to defeat a tank, honestly I'd say it depends. As long as you have a dedicated anti-tank weapon, it shouldn't be too much of an issue. The armor (As portrayed in the games) would easily dominate most heavy infantry roles. Since tanks have issues with the energy crisis, Power Armor began to dominate the battlefield.
Granted... in reality I don't think tanks will ever be replaced by mech suits, but Fallout paints an interesting possibility. It's not really that power armor replaced tanks, only that tanks lost a lot of viability.
I hope now I at least cleared any confusion. But please keep the comments coming. Tell me what you like and don't like. I'm open to any kind of criticism. And thank you to the people who took the time to comment on my story and give their opinions. It brings out interesting topics.
Chapter 5: Battle of Italica Part 1
First Sergeant John Hernandez was used to the difficulties of fighting the Legion from his time during the war in the Mojave. His first bit of action was as a young Sergeant on the front lines during the first battle of Hoover Dam. He knew every trick to fighting fanatical psychopaths' that charge at you with machetes and throw improvised spears at you. As long as you kept your distance and shot them dead, you had a chance. However, Caesars Legion was a breed of their own. You could fire a dozen rounds into a Legionaries chest and he would still charge you. And with the rarity of ammo, it was hard to make every shot count. Every time the Legionary closed distance was usually when you ran out of ammo.
Of course, that was when you only had maybe one or two 20 round magazines for your issued service rifle. With logistics as bad as they were, most units ran out of ammo and were forced to engage in hand to hand with the Legionaries in the Mojave. Fact is, you just didn't have enough ammo to keep them at distance. Especially when the Legion began taking and using guns within their ranks. He was incredibly lucky he survived the war.
Now this new Legion provided a very similar yet different challenge. Now every NCR soldier was issued with around five 20 round magazines. Meaning a soldier could send 100 rounds down range before needing to resupply. It was something the senior enlisted man believed would prevent another repeat of the melee tactics of the Legion.
However, now the result was the opposite. Instead of facing a dozen Legionaries with less than ideal amount of ammo, now they faced hundreds of Legion rip-offs with not enough ammo. At least these discount Legionaries had the decency to fall down and stay down after a shot or two in the chest. Still suicidal in their charges, but at least they died quick.
"Do you know how fucking awesome it would be to fight an enemy that is weaker than us kid?" He asked the medic who was near him. Corporal Johnson was a young but experienced medic who was finally getting his first taste of real combat. So far he dealt with training injuries and accidents on the range, but he was good at keeping men alive.
"Guess it's too much to ask for 1SG." The kid replied.
Normally, all you had to do against these tribals was maintain distance and fire into a crowd. It was easier than shooting mutant fish in a barrel. However, because they decided to set their camps and maneuver through the dense forest, they could get close to the unit before being shot. General Howe in his infinite wisdom decided it would be a good idea to attack them in an environment that suited them.
The NCR Company that he supported was spread throughout the forest. Most men were no more than five meters apart from the man to his left and right. His Company Commander was a few dozen meters behind him, operating the Battalion and Company radios in order to effectively coordinate the four platoons he commanded as well as report the situation to the Battalion Command Post. The Command post was a set of makeshift trucks that had radios and maps in their backs in order to move with the line infantry and keep pace.
About one kilometer behind their position was the Battalion Command Post, where their Battalion Commander was. About two to three kilometers behind that was the Regiment Command Post. Each post having a compliment of security to defend it. To the left and right were their sister Companies, which also had sister Battalions spread out through the front. According to NCR doctrine, three Platoons advance on the enemy in a linier fashion while one Platoon stays back in reserve. Heavy infantry that was organic to the battalion remained in the rear until a hole formed in the enemy lines, allowing for them to breach the enemy with their modified light power armor suits.
The entire forest was completely deafened by the sound of gunfire and screams all around them. NCR troopers were just in front of him, killing any potential enemy they saw in front of them. The bandits were almost never ending. Since the operation began last night, Hernandez felt like he's been walking through a sea of corpses. All belonging to the enemy. Only three of his men had to be removed from the front due to lucky enemy archers that managed to get a shot on them before they could engage.
Supply NCOs and soldiers ran back and forth between the CPs and the front, carrying dozens of bandoliers with magazines that they distributed to the front line troops. Because of the dense vegetation, it was impossible to use vehicles in large quantities. Already a few of the CP vehicles had to be abandoned because they got stuck, and even a few supply soldiers had to be removed due to a broken or sprained ankle. Thankfully for now, they lost more men due to self inflicted accidents than enemy attacks.
"More coming on the right flank!" One of the soldiers on the front line screamed. Another broken formation of bandits and former soldiers charged their line, mismatched shields from the various enemy factions locked together as best they could while moving through the forest.
"Focus fire in your lanes!" Hernandez screamed at his men, though it was very difficult to here over the ringing in their ears. He didn't want his soldiers focusing too much on the enemy formation to the right in case they decide to maneuver in other areas.
"They're breaking through!" A soldier on the left flank screamed as some of the swordsmen closed the distance. Their left flank ran very low on ammo and the enemy took advantage by charging when they slowed down their fire rate. He saw the swordsmen close the distance and start a melee battle with the soldiers. Most NCR soldiers had a bayonet on their service rifle so they were able to at least manage for a short while. Especially since NCR training doctrine included long hours of hand to hand and melee combat drills that were developed during the war with Caesars Legion.
The left flank devolved entirely into melee combat. NCR troopers either used their rifles or dropped them in favor of the machetes that were issued to them in the recent years. Despite the training, the enemy bandits had large shields that they were able to utilize to gain the advantage. Troopers began getting cut down as a result of this one sided advantage.
"4th Platoon, get in there and relieve 2nd!" Hernandez screamed at his reserve platoon, who charged down to assist their wounded comrades. "Johnson, with me, once they retake the position we'll move to collect the wounded!" He yelled at the Medic.
"Roger 1SG!" He acknowledged, making sure he had the liters ready to collect casualties. A few dozen additional men had aid bags and stretches/liters that were meant for anyone who was wounded.
"Move!" Hernandez screamed as the group of soldiers ran down to the left flank in order to recover the wounded. The Commanders job was to coordinate with higher head quarters and give orders. His job as Company First Sergeant was to ensure the safety and wellbeing of his soldiers and give guidance in the absence of orders from the Commander.
After they got down to the flank, 4th Platoon had already secured the location. Bodies of Legionary remnants and bandits littered the area. From the moment melee happened to the moment 4th Platoon retook the area, only about five minutes had passed.
"Get them on the liter!" Johnson screamed as he checked a wounded man. The enemies tactics were designed to avoid the armor they wore. Men had stab wounds in their groin, arm pits, and under their jaw. Maybe about seven or eight NCR troops laid on the ground, though it was impossible to tell how many were dead.
Despite their best efforts, most of the men who were injured would die. Those large gladiuses made patching the wounds too difficult and they were unable to stop the bleeding. The wounds were just too large. It wasn't all that different from how the Legion fought in the Mojave.
"We need more ammo!" Came the voice of one of the NCOs in the center line.
As First Sergeant Hernandez collected his wounded and dying men, he knew this was going to be a very long fight.
Princess Pina Co Lada marched confidently up the steps of the mansion of Count Formal. Her goal was to meet with the local count in order to get an assessment of the situation around the two gates. Once she assessed the threat, she would raise up a Levied Army in order to assist any re-enforcements from the Capital. This would be her moment to prove she and her Rose Order of Knights were worthy of respect and prestige.
She was saddened to hear of the loss of the patriarch of the Formal clan, and the heavy burdened that was placed on his remaining unmarried daughter. As the remaining unmarried link to his lineage, Myui Formal would be in charge of the largest trading hub in the Empire. Pina knew that it could not fall into enemy hands.
"I'm telling you, something is not right." Grey voiced his concerns.
"Can't be that bad right?" Norma replied. "We already heard those other-worlders use magical staves that make those loud noises."
"Yes, but I have never heard the sheer amount of mages capable of making that many sounds." He said. Grey knew that mages were relatively rare in the army. On their march to Italica this morning, they heard what sounded like pops coming from all over the southern forest. They knew better than to engage the enemy at that moment, but the sheer volume of sounds was almost impossible to imagine.
"Which is why we're here to strengthen Italica's defenses and prepare for a siege." The young commoner, Hamilton, added.
Pina tuned them out. Truthfully she was worried that either the bandits in the area, or the two other world armies would converge on Italica before they could mount a proper defense.
As she reached the tope of the stairs, Countess Myui waited for them. The eleven year old countess wore a smaller version of royal battle armor, very similar to Pina's own. Although Pina could tell the young Countess was terrified, she could see a look of determination in her eyes.
"Princess, it's an honor to meet you." Myui bowed to one knee in order to show the royal woman the respect her blood deserved.
"Please rise Countess." Pina said, knowing that time was of the essence. "I need you to quickly give me all the information you can."
"Yes my lady." Myui said as she stood up. "My father never returned from the expedition in the gate on Alnus, and since then, the allied armies as well as the Imperial soldiers who were sent to the gates were defeated. They created bands of roaming thieves who have been pillaging the countryside for days. Many of the people fleeing said they have been massing in the east in order to take Italica."
"Do you know what the other-worlders are doing?" Pina asked.
"I'm sure you heard the sounds of battles in the south. I sent some of our remaining scouts but they never returned." She said sadly.
"Then we'll prepare for a siege." Pina said with determination. "I need your people to go out to the countryside and bring in any grain and resources you can. We need to prepare to outlast a siege until my father sends additional troops."
"But my lady." Myui looked down in sorrow. "The retreating Legions took all of our grain and destroyed our crops. We already brought what we could but there isn't anything left. My scribes tell me we have enough food to last a week."
Pina was worried about that. She knew due to her formal education that it would take at least two to three months to consolidate and raise additional Legions for a counter attack. She didn't blame her father for the scorched tactics he used, after all it would prevent the enemy forces from marching to the capital without taking heavy losses. The Capital itself will also be able to withstand a siege for years with the amount of grain they have stored. However, that might end up making Italica a lost cause unless she can secure a victory here and now.
"Pina." Grey came up beside her.
"What is it Grey?" She asked and turned to her trusted advisor.
"We won't be able to withstand a siege. Perhaps the best course of action is to evacuate Italica and reconsolidate with the Legion near the Capital."
"We can't just abandon Italica. Without it, we would take a major blow in not just our pride, but also it would make it easy for the enemy to starve us out." She said, thinking more so on the strategic importance of Italica.
"I'm aware, but we won't be able to withstand an assault from the bandit army. we need to fall back and get as many able bodied men here into the Legions before the other-worlders march on Sadara."
"We're staying here Grey." She said, not listening to his advice. "I can't fail this mission."
"Your father told you to scout." He said, as if a father trying to persuade his daughter. "I know a victory in battle is what you want, but you don't have to try and do anything more than what you were told."
Pina ignored his advice and went back to preparing for the battle. As much as she knew to take his wise advice, her youth and drive to prove herself outweighed her caution. She knew that he would follow her decision, after all, she's a princess by blood and so outranks him. Though this is the first time she exercised that authority and it made her feel bad.
"Countess." One of the maids that Italica is famous for approached the group.
"What is the matter?" Myui asked her made.
"Men in brown, along with many of the countryside folk, are at the southern gate. they are requesting entrance into the city and they have what look like ballista's with them."
"Prepare for battle, I'll go speak with them but we must make sure that we are prepared for any kind of ambushes." Pina ordered. She then marched back down the steps in order to meet these other-worlders. She though she might be able to gain some slaves or potential ransoms if she can capture them. No doubt it would help to legitimize her reputation as a wartime general.
"I'm telling you, there has to be some weird monster girls." One of the privates said to the other soldiers in the group.
"What, like in Grognak?" His buddy asked him.
"Yea. One guy from 3rd Battalion said he saw a girl with wings. Totally a harpy lady, I'm telling you."
"I don't know, I'd rather see a siren like in issue nine." another soldier chimed in.
"What, you want to bang a weird fish lady?" the Private joked.
"Bet you three bills that the guy in charge of this place has a smoking hot daughter. Maybe since this is like a Grognak comic, she'll be in a fur cloth and bra."
"I'll take that bet." Another soldier remarked and shook hands, finalizing the bet.
"No betting fuck sticks." Captain Phil reprimanded his soldiers as they placed bets. Officially, betting was punishable in the NCR with demotion, though most Commanders didn't enforce it. Mostly because many were frequent visitors of New Vegas on their leave time. Not that they told anyone.
"Got to admit, haven't seen a wall that well constructed outside of a Grognak comic." The Courier commented, marveling at the sheer masonry required to build such a thing.
"Never read Grognak, so I'll take your word for it." The Captain said, as he took a long drag of his cancer stick.
"Really?" The Courier asked in surprise. "Thought most Officers were collectors." He joked.
"More of a Silver Shroud guy myself. Especially since they started reprinting and continuing the story. Although I wish the original creators were still alive, the new issues just don't have the same magic that the originals had. Plus the art style is messy at best." He said as he flicked the spent cancer stick away.
"Heard Reno Comics are going to try and continue Grognak. They actually got pretty successful on continuing Silver Shroud." The Courier said. "Though I wish they would make something new. The world has had those comics for two centuries now. I'd rather explore modern topics, like the lands past the eastern mountains." The Courier said.
"Or a horror comic on the Sierra Madre." The Captain laughed, knowing only the basic rumors of that place.
"..." The Courier was silent. "I'd rather not." He said as he tried to avoid thinking about it. Not many people knew he went there and survived. Of all the places the Courier explored, that one has a special place in the large catalogue of nightmares he sees most nights.
Both men were silenced by the opening of the main gate. As they did, a group of women came out as well as a few male guards. all were dressed in extremely well made and expensive looking armor, looking like a strange combination of medieval knights and roman commanders. It was an odd, yet somehow fitting combination.
"Fucking called it." The private who bet on the leader of Italica having a hot daughter said as he collected the three bills from his buddy. She's a red head too.
"My name is Princess Pina co Lada, daughter of Emperor Molt of the Sadaran Empire. This is Countess Myui, daughter of Count formal and Regent of Italica." The red headed princess introduced herself. The Courier translated what she said since he was able to quickly learn the language thanks to his very liberal application of mentats and fixer to remove any addictions.
"She's the daughter of the emperor and the kid is the daughter of the ruler of Italica." The Courier informed the Captain.
"Hah." The Private who originally lost the bet bragged. "She's a kid, so she's not smoking hot yet, give me back my money, plus extra."
"Damn it." The Private said angrily as he passed six bills to his friend.
"Shut the fuck up while the Captain is talking." A Sergeant berated them.
"Princess... Pina." Some of the Soldiers laughed at her name as the Captain addressed her. The Courier acting as translator for this meeting. "My name is Captain Phil. I lead this detachment and we're requesting permission to use this city as a base of operations and for artillery support." The Courier translated for Pina.
"And why would I allow an enemy to take refuge in this city?" She asked.
"judging by the size of the garrison here, I'd say you're unable to defend the city yourself." Captain Phil commented. "We're under order to emplace artillery positions around and in Italica. Our units will be better defended in the walls. I understand we're at war right now, but those bandits are a threat to both of us. It would be better to work together." The Captain said.
Pina considered the offer. Basically deciding if it was worth allying herself with the enemy to face a larger threat.
"Pina." Grey called her. She excused herself and went over to him.
"Any words of wisdom?" She asked the senior knight.
"When the enemy are at blows, don't try to prevent them from destroying each other. We can use this to our advantage and try to negotiate with the men in brown. We can either create a temporary halt in battle after this is over to give us time to reconsolidate our Legions, or even capture them when their back is turned." Grey offered. "If they're within the city, it'll be easier to capture them before they can organize after we defeat the bandits."
Pina thought about the potential outcomes of that plan. She knew Grey was correct, however she still wanted to think to see if there were any downsides to this plan. Sensing no immediate issues, she decided to allow the men in brown to enter Italica and use their ballista like weapons from within the city. She walked back up to Captain Phil in order to inform him of her decision.
"I'll allow it Cap-tan Fil, but as long as you pose no threat to me and my subjects." Pina said, glad that everything was going according to her and Grey's plan.
"Thanks Princess." Captain Phil said after the Courier translated. "Alright men, get in here and start setting up your emplacements. I want ARTY pointing to the south and east. Once we get fire missions we'll BBQ those Legion bastards!" He issued his commands. His men immediately began to unhook the Howitzers and Mortars from the vehicles and dragged them into the city, rolling them on the wheels.
"Guard." Pina said to one of the gate guards. "Where are their Horses?" She asked.
"They didn't have any your highness." The guard said.
"What do you mean?" Pina asked. "How did they drag those metal wagons and their ballista's?"
"I don't know... they just... moved on their own." The guard said nervously.
"These men have mages in their ranks." Hamilton said. "Maybe they're magical?" She grasped at straws.
"It's moving!" Norma screamed as one of the metal carriages moved on its own. A single soldier in the front moved a strange wheel in a direction and the wagon turned in that direction.
"How many mages do they possess?" Pina asked herself, slightly regretting letting them in.
"Princess." The Courier went up to her. "I need to speak to you about what to do with these villagers." Pina felt her head was ready to explode with all the surprises today.
"General, We have confirmation that ARTY is being emplaced within the walls of Italica." General Howe's Fires Officer, the LTC in charge of Divisions Artillery assets reported as he placed the radio down.
"Good, once we get fires capabilities we'll be able to call fire missions." Howe said as he looked at the map. Currently his Division CP was located in a clearing far from the front. Multiple vehicles scattered around the clearing with tents and command posts scattered all over. Soldiers rushed around to either emplace defenses or set up additional supplies. Constant rotations of supplies were carried to and from the front line. Aid stations were filled with wounded and dying men who had severe injuries from arrows and swords.
The map had been updated to show the entire battle. The main effort was still moving unopposed along the northern boundary of Italica, prepped to assault the main bandit location in the East. The Southern effort on the other hand had slowed down due to the fighting. Half of the effort was busy pushing eastward through the woods, while the other half flanked the enemy and exploited gaps in the various groups of bandits. Since they weren't consolidated yet, their movements were uncoordinated. As long as they didn't run out of supplies, they would be able to win this battle within 48 hours.
"Sir." One of his staff Officers called him over. this particular Officer was their liaison for 2nd Ranger regiment. "Veteran Rangers report that the main bandit camp is preparing to attack Italica's eastern gate by tomorrow morning. So far the bandits are unaware of our advance and are going to strike. If we don't close the distance soon, we'll lose a large portion of our Fires assets." He commented.
"We'll stick to the plan as of now. We'll continue to push through their lines and break them before they can attack." He ordered.
"Sir, 4th Regiment is taking large casualties." His Operations Officer informed him. "They're red on ammo and have consistently engaged the bandits in melee combat. confirmed 37 KIA and 89 wounded sir."
"Jackson." Howe got his Supply Officers attention. "Redistribute supplies to 4th. Prioritize ammo and water."
"Sir." The LTC acknowledged.
"Strange." He said to his Operations Officer. "I want you to send in 1st Iron to relieve them. Even if they close distance, with Power Armor they'll have a difficult time getting through." He said.
Power armor was just as vulnerable as any other piece of technology they had. Once they run out of ammo and are swarmed by thousands of combatants, eventually they'll find weak points to stab and damage.
So far reports have been saying that many of the groups dispersed without a fight, however it was unpredictable. Many Company's would encounter a dozen men who either fled or were immediately killed. Other Companies ran into groups of a thousand or so men who would charge. Normally they didn't disperse until they killed half the enemies formation.
The largest issue is their ammo. Based on their current estimates, the Division as a whole used up half of their ammo, even resorting to use the emergency ammo stored at Aradesh. And according to current estimates, they only killed 20% of the enemy force and dispersed an additional 10%. There was a very real possibility that they would literally run out of ammo before they could route the enemy.
Some company's were reporting that as they pushed forward, less and less men were willing to charge, meaning the enemy units were starting to route. However, although they're taking advantage of the poor coordination of the enemy, this is also a double edged sword. Because of the lack of coordination, many of the enemy groups don't know about their comrades dying by the thousands so they're less likely to retreat.
"Prep the Vertibirds for their assault. Once the enemy reaches the clearing around Italica I want a full airstrike on the bandits." Howe ordered his aviation Officer.
"Our Vertibirds are at 30% strength. Most have been grounded due to maintenance. We'll only be able to field five birds until we can get them repaired." He said.
"Damn." Howe cursed. He knew that was a possibility. One of the biggest issues of using salvaged parts. House already started making replacement parts that were factory produced but most of the fleet of Vertibirds in the NCR were typically grounded. In many cases the NCR had to use grounded Vertibirds for spare parts in order to keep others running. It was only a year ago that they could replace broken parts with new components but they were still too far from repairing the whole fleet.
"Everyone prepare to jump CP!" Howe ordered. "Keep the ACP (Alternate Command Post) up until we re-establish communications. We're going to jump to Italica." He ordered and the men began to tear down their tents and equipment.
Howe knew that their communications were being stretched and that they had to maneuver to a closer location. They couldn't set up in the forest, otherwise the trees would block the signal from their radios. they had to relocate to a closer location but also safe from any counter attack. Since he got confirmation of their troops stationed in Italica that they could set up their location there, he knew it would be their best bet.
First Sergeant Hernandez sat down on a log to get a few moments of rest. He was exhausted and felt like he could collapse at any moment. He could barely keep his eyes open but he forced himself to stay awake.
He could barely see around him. The forest was completely dark and almost impossible to really get a good look around. Since the sun went down the fighting stopped almost immediately. With no moonlight to shine down through the clouds and trees, it was almost impossible to move around without tripping, nevermind fighting. It was said during the Great War, every soldier had night vision that would allow them to own the night. What he would give for that to be the case. Only ones who had any ability to see at night were the Rangers.
Occasionally, some dumb bandit would try to move close to their forward line of troops, but a quick gunshot later and he'd be dead. As old as warfare itself, minus the brief window in the 21st century, when the sun went down then all combat stopped. It gave him and his men a chance to rest, recover, and eat.
"Everything ok John?" He heard behind him, their Company commander walked up to him to make sure everything is ok.
"I think we lost 52 kids. 12 of them are dead, the rest were evacuated." He said as he took out his small notebook and tried to see the notes he took throughout the day. If he brought it to his face he could just barely see the writing.
"The Sync with Battalion ended." The Commander said. "As it just so happens, we're in the heaviest part of the fighting. Some of the other Regiments are basically chasing off small groups."
"That's my luck." Hernandez laughed. "Even with the cease fire after the first battle of Hoover Dam, my unit had some of the heaviest fighting on no mans land along the river. Guess I always end up in the thick of it."
"Well, you'll get us through this one." The Commander laughed. "Especially with this crazy idea I have." The commander said.
"Should I be worried about?" Hernandez asked. "It's a terrifying thing when an Officer has a good idea."
"I said crazy, not good." He laughed. "I want us to push forward."
"You're kidding me." Hernandez said. "You want us to push forward when we can't see a thing?"
"2nd Rangers are saying the enemy are bedding down with camp fires and cooking stew." He countered. "It's making it easier for them to keep track of their camps, but it'll give us a window of opportunity."
"Sneak in?" Hernandez asked.
"Exactly." The Captain said. "We'll sneak in as they're bedding down. Bayonets' and machetes out. We'll use the camp fires in order to see the enemy and kill them as they sleep. It'll allow us to break through their line by tomorrow." He planned.
"Except most of our guys are out of ammo. If this goes poorly, it'll be a free for all in the middle of enemy territory."
"Which is why we won't mess this up." He said. "This is an order, let the others know that we'll move out in half an hour."
"Fuck this." Hernandez said as he stood up and moved to his men to deliver the orders.
The briefing room in the JSDF main building was mostly quiet, aside from the occasional conversation between a few of the Officers. Itami was annoyed that he has to stay up late in order to attend this briefing by General Hazama. He was kind of glad most operations outside Alnus Hill were put on hold due to the NCR mobilizing. It gave him a chance to re-read some of his favorite manga that he brought from home. But now it was starting to become a pain.
For the past couple of days, the displaced locals that they saved from Koda village had been busy setting up their areas and trying to keep themselves productive. Itami was also annoyed with all the paperwork and running around he had to do in order to get the supplies needed for the local people. Not that he really blamed them or had any negative thoughts on the matter. He just would rather be lazy today.
The other Officers in the briefing room were members of the other recon teams that had been deployed to the Special Region. Itami knew that they were probably going to be sent on a recon mission here soon, especially if it was General Hazama giving the brief.
The older JSDF Officer walked into the room and turned on the power point that was connected to the projector. Hazama looked very tired, as if he hasn't slept in days. Since the mobilization of the NCR, he probably was awake that entire time. The power point itself was a crude map of the known area, mostly Koda village and the edges of the Italica region, with some rough estimations of the other unknown areas around them. In a blank space to the east was the projected location of the NCR base, though nothing is known about that area as of yet. That area was designated strictly as a "No Fly Zone" until further guidance was given.
"As you know, early this morning at around 0200, we had mobilization of NCR units in the region north and south of the Imperial city of Italica." The graphics on the screen changed, showing symbols representing the NCR moving around the Italica region. "We can confirm they have engaged the large groups of bandits that are scattered in the region, we also have been intercepting their radio traffic. However, we're unsure if the NCR is aware that we can intercept so we don't know for sure if there are any deception campaigns."
The map shifted to show projected enemy bandit locations and NCR locations. There were symbols representing the conflict, showing that the NCR was beginning to push the bandits back.
"We have assessed with near certainty that they have engaged the bandits, though we currently don't have any drones or scouts available to observe the battle. Everything we're learning is intercepted from their radios. As far as we are aware, it seems the NCR is struggling with limited resources and ammo. They also have placed forces inside the city of Italica and are maneuvering their main HQ into the city."
The screen changed again, this time showing the current estimated positions of all forces involved.
"We're going to need to officially confirm what's going on." General Hazama said. "We'll break you men into 5 teams and spread along the Koda and Italica region. We'll have you mounted and maneuvering along the main roads."
"Sir." A young Lt. raised his hand.
"Go ahead." Hazama said.
"Wouldn't that make us easy to spot? Especially for a recon mission?" He questioned.
"That's precisely why you're taking the roads." Hazama stated clearly. "We don't want to have an instance of Japanese and NCR forces accidentally engaging each other, thinking one side are bandits. Even if you're engaged, you are not authorized to return fire without prior approval. The plan for being engaged is to leave the area." Hazama stated.
The Officers were very unsure of that. It's no secret that the Japanese have such an anti-war stance that they would rather some of their own men be put in danger if it meant avoiding conflict. Unlike other international forces, Japan didn't have a universal "Don't fire unless fired upon" rule. Without authorization, even if their lives depended on it, they were not allowed to engage the enemy.
"However, we're confident that the NCR will not attack us. If you're flagged down or questioned, simply comply with their orders. If they say you are not allowed in an area, you will leave immediately." Hazama ordered.
After a few more basic information was put out and each team were assigned their zones, all the Officers stood and saluted the old General. Itami was worried about the situation, especially since he was assigned to conduct a KLE with the NCR HQ that was currently at Italica. This was due to Itami being ordered to take Lelei and Rory, since they both somewhat trusted Itami. Lelei would act as their local national interpreter in assisting in translation and cultural awareness. Rory, since she was a very important religious figure, would give the JSDF legitimacy in the eyes of the local people.
Itami was worried. He knew that things could easily go bad. He had a mostly pleasant time working with the NCR on his initial scouting mission, but when he came into contact with other NCR units he wasn't sure if it would be the same.
He returned to the break room, where his team and the local girls were waiting.
"So what's the plan sir?" Sergeant Major Kuwahara asked.
Itami told them in detail what was expected. Their plan to meet with NCR forces in Italica, and their basic rules of engagement.
"They want you to not fight back if attacked!?" Rory almost yelled.
"That's right." Itami said. "If we shoot at the NCR at all, even in self defense, I could get arrested." He said with a bit of concern. Itami was less worried about himself and more worried about his team.
"So they just expect us to show up and hope we don't get shot at?" Kurokawa asked critically.
"That's completely stupid!" Sergeant first Class Tomita almost yelled.
"I don't understand." Lelei asked. "Why is it so bad to defend yourselves?" She asked.
"The JSDF isn't technically an army, we're a self defense force." Itami stated. "Our countries constitution places massive limits on what we can and can't do as a military, such as we're forbidden from operating outside our nation. Only reason we can operate in the Special Region is because we used a loop hole, claiming that it falls under Japanese territory."
"But don't they care about their soldiers?" Lelei asked.
"Not really." Kurokawa chimed in. "Japan has a very stubborn stance against war, since we fought the United states in World War Two. Since they defeated us, our fathers generation was raised to abstain from warfare or expansion of our borders."
"I thought the Japanese were the strongest." Rory asked with a curious expression, bringing her hand to her chin.
"As far as the strength on paper, the JSDF is one of the stronger nations in our world." Itami answered. "However, compared to the United States, it would be like facing the Empire with a bunch of sticks. And our policies often have been criticized in how they limit our ability to actually fight." He stated.
"I went to America on a joint training exercise a while ago." Kurokawa stated. "Their soldiers are entirely different. While we abstain from war, they live for it. The units chaplain, their religious leader, even had them all praying to go to combat against another country called North Korea." She said.
"Either way." Itami stated. "Whether we agree or not, we'll have to follow our orders anyway."
"Don't even know why they bother giving us guns." Kuribayashi complained.
"Best not to dwell Kuribayashi." Kurokawa commented as they prepared to leave Alnus for their mission.
Itami knew this was going to be another long headache for him.
And there we go. Stage is set for the upcoming part 2. Originally I was going to make this a single part but I realized that there was simply too much going on lol. Hope you guys enjoyed. Whether you loved it or hated it, please let me know. Especially if you feel there are things lacking.
Thank you to everyone who comments on my story and leaves their honest thoughts. It honestly is what keeps me going with this story. I also apologize for the long delays, mostly just work in the way lol.