Fort Triggering
--An Advance Wars Fan Fiction by StarFoxRocks--
Chapter XVIII: Orange Star City
The small squad of nine, in two APCs, slowly made way through the woods until they arrived on the hills by Orange Star City. Spying on the city, they waited for anything unusual.
"I don't think anythings gonna happen during the day," muttered Corporal Fratrick.
"That may be true," Sergeant Bowser said, "But we still need to watch. You may never know."
"Yes, but not without feeling theres no point," muttered Private Irmandez.
"I get that a lot," Bowser turned to him. "And guess what? I could care less each time. Be ready to be patient a lot, Private, because you'll need it."
Crystian watched the City, and sighed. He could already tell that a great battle would take place that night. A battle worse than before...
---
The APC drove through the gates, and parked outside the HQ lobby. A handsome man in an Orange Star Uniform, with wavy brown hair and dark brown eyes, stood with CO Nell as the doors opened, and Lieutenant Berrimour helped Jack out towards them.
"He's alive?" Nell asked.
"I didn't think he'd make it," the man next to her said. "Who knows what Blue Moon could have done to him?"
"No matter, Captain Ferris," Nell said. "He's breathing. Get him to the med tent areas."
"Yes, ma'am," Captain Ferris said, saluting. He turned and shouted to a group of soldiers. "You two there, help this man to the med tents!"
As he turned back, he saw Nell and Lieutenant Berrimour discussing the recent events.
"I really appreciate the help Green Earth is offering us," Nell was saying.
"It is of no problem, ma'am," Berrimour said, nodding. "After all, the war between us and Yellow Comet is dying down."
"Thats good to hear," Nell said. "But theres still our war with Blue Moon..."
"We'll drive them out, ma'am," Captain Ferris said confidently. "I rely on our troops to do their job for Orange Star, and we'll have them cornered in no time on their own little side of the island."
"Let's hope so," Nell said, looking at the sky.
Berrimour checked his watch. "Well, I say, I'd best be off. You lads take care, now, okay?"
He returned to the APC, and slammed the doors shut behind him. The APC skidded off into the forest paths, and the gates slowly closed.
Nell sighed. Hearing her, Captain Ferris tested his curiosity.
"Is something wrong, ma'am?"
Nell sighed again. "Its just... no war has ever torn us like this. I fear we will take serious loss if we do not win the battle of Orange Star City."
"I will assure you once again," Ferris said, concern in his eyes, "That we will make it. We cannot allow ourselves to be torn apart like this. Do you understand."
Nell nodded, after a moment. "Yes."
Captain Ferris saluted. "The Morning Patrol Squad should be arriving soon. Good day, ma'am.."
---
The gates opened at Eleven AM, letting the Morning Squad Patrol enter.
"What reports do you have, Sergeant?" Captain Ferris asked, walking up to Bowser.
"Nothing of any sort, really," Bowser said, taking off his helmet and scratching his head. "But I am confident that they will be attacking tonight."
"Thats why I ordered for snipers to go at around... oh... six. They'll know if something is wrong."
"Are you sure, Captain?" asked Bowser.
"Positive, Ryan," Ferris said.
"Alright... but I still have a feeling..."
Bowser put his helmet back on, and made way for the HeadQuarters Lobby.
---
"So what did they do to you?"
"What was it like?"
"Did you see Olaf?"
"Did you see Grit?"
All around the lobby, people were asking Jack questions. He declined them, claiming he had a headache. And he actually did.
"Why don't you go to bed, Jacky Wacky?" Cliff asked.
Cliff's head wound had healed up, so good in fact that you could barely tell it was there. His hair had grown, covering the scar.
"You know, I probably should," Jack said, standing up. "I'll need a rest for the battle."
Crystian stood. "You're going?"
"Yeah," Jack said. "I volenteered. I'll need my rest."
As he went into the Infantry Ward Hallway, Crystian sighed as he returned to his book.
"I swear, Jack," he muttered. "You get yourself in too much trouble sometimes."
---
The troops ran outside, putting on their helmets and adjusting their weapon packs to their backs.
"Troops! Line up!" Captain Ferris was waiting. "Okay, if you aren't any of the men on this list, please go back to your dorm room. Sergeant Ryan Bowser, Sergeant Wilson Lamondo, Private Will Atkins, Corporal Bill Basington, Private Sammy Beegar, Private Jack Brady, Private Seth Caddling, Corporal Crystian Evans, Lieutenant Tim Ferrel, Corporal Sean Fratrick, Private Ray Gemm, Private Ian Irmandez, Private Arnold Jackson, Private Seth James, Private Cliff Kinnear, Corporal John Lemons, Lieutenant Arnold Murphy, Sergeant Basil Orinn, Sergeant Jake Rayson, Corporal Ryan Richens, Corporal Larry Smith, Lieutenant Ernie Townelly, and Corporal John Zuck. Everybody here? Anybody missing? Good."
"We're all gonna die," muttered Crystian, to Jack.
Jack's headache was gone, but he was still a little tired. But that would most likely change during the battle.
"It seems so," Jack said as a reply. "But what choice do we have?"
"If we die, we die with honor," Private Jackson said. "Like Tom, and Lieutenant Wilson."
"And Sam," Jack added, remembering his brother.
"Alright, listen!" Captain Ferris said. "This is one of my first times leading a Fort Triggering Squad, so I'm rather nervous. But even more so on the battle we are about to witness. I am relying on all you soldiers to do your duty. Only working together can achieve us victory. Get in those APCs, hurry!"
The crowd of twenty four entered the various APCs. When they were all full, they took off through the gates and down the main forest path. Just past the hills and clearings, and they would soon be in Orange Star City.
---
As they approached, noises of war could clearly be heard. Tanks fired, causing devastation to buildings, soldiers, and other tanks. Blue Moon soldiers were opening fire with machine guns, rifles, and bazookas. It was a hellish scene everywhere.
The APCs stopped, opening the doors in the back, freeing the troops from the cramped space. They charged, yelling their battle cries.
"Victory to Orange Star!"
Captain Ferris urged them forward. "Keep moving! Fight off those Blue Moon bastards!"
He turned and ran towards the line of orange-painted tanks. Seeing Max, he climbed up a tank so he could hear him.
"Commander!" Ferris shouted. "The Infantry and Mechs have arrived!"
"Good!" Max yelled. "We could use their support! Get moving, Captain!"
"Aye, Max!"
Ferris jumped to the ground, and ran for a building.
---
Jack was with Crystian, Seth, Private Jackson, and Corporal Richens. They were in an alley, trying to see what was going on in the streets.
"Who'd ever think," Corporal Richens muttered, "That Orange Star's Captial City would be ruined like this."
"Let's not think about that," Jack muttered. "Crystian, any ideas?"
"No idea, Jack," Crystian said. "My mind's a- what the?"
An explosion passed the opening into the streets, making them jump.
"Holy crap!"
"Okay, anyone have a bazooka?"
Private Jackson nodded, holding it up.
"Charge out there and blow up any tank you see," Crystian explained. "We'll go out after you. Try to get to cover, everyone."
Jackson nodded, knowing the odds of him surviving. Saluting, he stood. "It was nice working with you all."
"Don't do that," Jack muttered. "Come on, let's move!"
They charged, Jackson in the lead. Giving one big deep breath, Jackson charged forward, putting his bazooka onto his shoulder, ready to fire. There was a Blue Moon tank right in front of him. Before he could react, the machine gun on it opened fire, striking him straight in the chest. His eyes widened, and fell backwards onto the ground. His fingers tensed, and pulled the trigger. The bazooka rocket launched into the air, striking a ruined building. The building began to crumble, and soon began to fall.
"Run for it!" Corporal Richens said. "Get to the other side!"
The remaining three ran across the street. The building fell atop the tank, rendering it useless and trapping the driver. The last thing Private Jackson saw was the remains of the falling building falling his way.
---
Cliff was with Seth, and around five other troops with the tanks. They were having sucess driving any Blue Moon tank back, mainly because of the streets and the ruins of buildings that were making the streets narrow.
"We're creaming them!" shouted Private Irmandez.
"Thats because of the ruins," pointed out Sergeant Orinn. "See them alongside the streets, covering the sidewalks? It made the streets narrow, and only one tank can go at a time."
"We're still creaming them," said Irmandez.
A loud explosion was heard.
"Must be the mechs," Sergeant Bowser said, lowering binoculars after a failed attempt to see what was causing the explosion. "Or more tanks heading this way."
"Better ready the tanks," said Segeant Lamondo.
"Way ahead of ya," Max said, lowering himself into his tank. The tank moved forward, crashing through debris, knocking it out of the way.
Just then, a Blue Moon tank came into view, along with three mechs.
"Get ready to fire!" shouted Bowser, aiming his rifle at a mech.
"Shoot them!" shouted Sergeant Orinn.
"No, wait-"
A massive series of explosions erupted on both sides, two mechs and the tank were demolished, and on Orange Star's side, Max's tank was set afire, Sergeant Orinn was incinerated, and several more were burned.
"Put it out!" shouted Private Irmandez, whose arm was on fire. Irmandez had fallen to the ground, beating at his arm with his other.
"Hold still!" shouted Sergeant Lamondo, rushing over to him.
Max was getting out of his tank, which was about to explode.
"Get out of there!" shouted Seth.
Max climbed out and jumped, just as the tank exploded. Max was launched into the air, until he came to a landing in the ruins of a building, in which the first floor walls still stood.
"Max!" called Sergeant Bowser, after a moment. "Are you okay?"
"Yes!" came Max's shout soon afterwards. "I'm fine! Kind of a nasty fall, though. I think I cut myself."
"Don't worry, we're on our way!" yelled Bowser.
Just then, the remaining and forgotten Blue Moon mech loaded his pistol.
Private Irmandez stood. The fire on his arm was finally put out.
"You okay?" asked Sergeant Lamondo.
"Yeah... I think I'm good..." said Irmandez. Just then, the Mech's pistol went off, and he was struck in the stomach twice. Falling over again, Irmandez coughed up blood and looked at his bullet wounds.
Sergeant Lamondo, however, did not stop to help Irmandez that time. He quickly turned as the Private fell and opened fire upon the mech, who died instantly. When he turned back, Irmandez was dead.
"Ian..." said Seth.
"Its okay, Seth," Cliff said.
"No, it isn't!" Seth shouted. "Everyone I know is dying. Does that seem okay to you?"
Seth turned away. Understanding his pain, Sergeant Lamondo did nothing to stop him.
"Guys, we need to get Max out of that building!" Sergeant Bowser shouted. "He's stuck. Private Kinnear, Corporal Lemons, get in that house and find him!"
Cliff and Corporal Lemons rushed forward towards the door to the house.
--An Advance Wars Fan Fiction by StarFoxRocks--
Chapter XVIII: Orange Star City
The small squad of nine, in two APCs, slowly made way through the woods until they arrived on the hills by Orange Star City. Spying on the city, they waited for anything unusual.
"I don't think anythings gonna happen during the day," muttered Corporal Fratrick.
"That may be true," Sergeant Bowser said, "But we still need to watch. You may never know."
"Yes, but not without feeling theres no point," muttered Private Irmandez.
"I get that a lot," Bowser turned to him. "And guess what? I could care less each time. Be ready to be patient a lot, Private, because you'll need it."
Crystian watched the City, and sighed. He could already tell that a great battle would take place that night. A battle worse than before...
---
The APC drove through the gates, and parked outside the HQ lobby. A handsome man in an Orange Star Uniform, with wavy brown hair and dark brown eyes, stood with CO Nell as the doors opened, and Lieutenant Berrimour helped Jack out towards them.
"He's alive?" Nell asked.
"I didn't think he'd make it," the man next to her said. "Who knows what Blue Moon could have done to him?"
"No matter, Captain Ferris," Nell said. "He's breathing. Get him to the med tent areas."
"Yes, ma'am," Captain Ferris said, saluting. He turned and shouted to a group of soldiers. "You two there, help this man to the med tents!"
As he turned back, he saw Nell and Lieutenant Berrimour discussing the recent events.
"I really appreciate the help Green Earth is offering us," Nell was saying.
"It is of no problem, ma'am," Berrimour said, nodding. "After all, the war between us and Yellow Comet is dying down."
"Thats good to hear," Nell said. "But theres still our war with Blue Moon..."
"We'll drive them out, ma'am," Captain Ferris said confidently. "I rely on our troops to do their job for Orange Star, and we'll have them cornered in no time on their own little side of the island."
"Let's hope so," Nell said, looking at the sky.
Berrimour checked his watch. "Well, I say, I'd best be off. You lads take care, now, okay?"
He returned to the APC, and slammed the doors shut behind him. The APC skidded off into the forest paths, and the gates slowly closed.
Nell sighed. Hearing her, Captain Ferris tested his curiosity.
"Is something wrong, ma'am?"
Nell sighed again. "Its just... no war has ever torn us like this. I fear we will take serious loss if we do not win the battle of Orange Star City."
"I will assure you once again," Ferris said, concern in his eyes, "That we will make it. We cannot allow ourselves to be torn apart like this. Do you understand."
Nell nodded, after a moment. "Yes."
Captain Ferris saluted. "The Morning Patrol Squad should be arriving soon. Good day, ma'am.."
---
The gates opened at Eleven AM, letting the Morning Squad Patrol enter.
"What reports do you have, Sergeant?" Captain Ferris asked, walking up to Bowser.
"Nothing of any sort, really," Bowser said, taking off his helmet and scratching his head. "But I am confident that they will be attacking tonight."
"Thats why I ordered for snipers to go at around... oh... six. They'll know if something is wrong."
"Are you sure, Captain?" asked Bowser.
"Positive, Ryan," Ferris said.
"Alright... but I still have a feeling..."
Bowser put his helmet back on, and made way for the HeadQuarters Lobby.
---
"So what did they do to you?"
"What was it like?"
"Did you see Olaf?"
"Did you see Grit?"
All around the lobby, people were asking Jack questions. He declined them, claiming he had a headache. And he actually did.
"Why don't you go to bed, Jacky Wacky?" Cliff asked.
Cliff's head wound had healed up, so good in fact that you could barely tell it was there. His hair had grown, covering the scar.
"You know, I probably should," Jack said, standing up. "I'll need a rest for the battle."
Crystian stood. "You're going?"
"Yeah," Jack said. "I volenteered. I'll need my rest."
As he went into the Infantry Ward Hallway, Crystian sighed as he returned to his book.
"I swear, Jack," he muttered. "You get yourself in too much trouble sometimes."
---
The troops ran outside, putting on their helmets and adjusting their weapon packs to their backs.
"Troops! Line up!" Captain Ferris was waiting. "Okay, if you aren't any of the men on this list, please go back to your dorm room. Sergeant Ryan Bowser, Sergeant Wilson Lamondo, Private Will Atkins, Corporal Bill Basington, Private Sammy Beegar, Private Jack Brady, Private Seth Caddling, Corporal Crystian Evans, Lieutenant Tim Ferrel, Corporal Sean Fratrick, Private Ray Gemm, Private Ian Irmandez, Private Arnold Jackson, Private Seth James, Private Cliff Kinnear, Corporal John Lemons, Lieutenant Arnold Murphy, Sergeant Basil Orinn, Sergeant Jake Rayson, Corporal Ryan Richens, Corporal Larry Smith, Lieutenant Ernie Townelly, and Corporal John Zuck. Everybody here? Anybody missing? Good."
"We're all gonna die," muttered Crystian, to Jack.
Jack's headache was gone, but he was still a little tired. But that would most likely change during the battle.
"It seems so," Jack said as a reply. "But what choice do we have?"
"If we die, we die with honor," Private Jackson said. "Like Tom, and Lieutenant Wilson."
"And Sam," Jack added, remembering his brother.
"Alright, listen!" Captain Ferris said. "This is one of my first times leading a Fort Triggering Squad, so I'm rather nervous. But even more so on the battle we are about to witness. I am relying on all you soldiers to do your duty. Only working together can achieve us victory. Get in those APCs, hurry!"
The crowd of twenty four entered the various APCs. When they were all full, they took off through the gates and down the main forest path. Just past the hills and clearings, and they would soon be in Orange Star City.
---
As they approached, noises of war could clearly be heard. Tanks fired, causing devastation to buildings, soldiers, and other tanks. Blue Moon soldiers were opening fire with machine guns, rifles, and bazookas. It was a hellish scene everywhere.
The APCs stopped, opening the doors in the back, freeing the troops from the cramped space. They charged, yelling their battle cries.
"Victory to Orange Star!"
Captain Ferris urged them forward. "Keep moving! Fight off those Blue Moon bastards!"
He turned and ran towards the line of orange-painted tanks. Seeing Max, he climbed up a tank so he could hear him.
"Commander!" Ferris shouted. "The Infantry and Mechs have arrived!"
"Good!" Max yelled. "We could use their support! Get moving, Captain!"
"Aye, Max!"
Ferris jumped to the ground, and ran for a building.
---
Jack was with Crystian, Seth, Private Jackson, and Corporal Richens. They were in an alley, trying to see what was going on in the streets.
"Who'd ever think," Corporal Richens muttered, "That Orange Star's Captial City would be ruined like this."
"Let's not think about that," Jack muttered. "Crystian, any ideas?"
"No idea, Jack," Crystian said. "My mind's a- what the?"
An explosion passed the opening into the streets, making them jump.
"Holy crap!"
"Okay, anyone have a bazooka?"
Private Jackson nodded, holding it up.
"Charge out there and blow up any tank you see," Crystian explained. "We'll go out after you. Try to get to cover, everyone."
Jackson nodded, knowing the odds of him surviving. Saluting, he stood. "It was nice working with you all."
"Don't do that," Jack muttered. "Come on, let's move!"
They charged, Jackson in the lead. Giving one big deep breath, Jackson charged forward, putting his bazooka onto his shoulder, ready to fire. There was a Blue Moon tank right in front of him. Before he could react, the machine gun on it opened fire, striking him straight in the chest. His eyes widened, and fell backwards onto the ground. His fingers tensed, and pulled the trigger. The bazooka rocket launched into the air, striking a ruined building. The building began to crumble, and soon began to fall.
"Run for it!" Corporal Richens said. "Get to the other side!"
The remaining three ran across the street. The building fell atop the tank, rendering it useless and trapping the driver. The last thing Private Jackson saw was the remains of the falling building falling his way.
---
Cliff was with Seth, and around five other troops with the tanks. They were having sucess driving any Blue Moon tank back, mainly because of the streets and the ruins of buildings that were making the streets narrow.
"We're creaming them!" shouted Private Irmandez.
"Thats because of the ruins," pointed out Sergeant Orinn. "See them alongside the streets, covering the sidewalks? It made the streets narrow, and only one tank can go at a time."
"We're still creaming them," said Irmandez.
A loud explosion was heard.
"Must be the mechs," Sergeant Bowser said, lowering binoculars after a failed attempt to see what was causing the explosion. "Or more tanks heading this way."
"Better ready the tanks," said Segeant Lamondo.
"Way ahead of ya," Max said, lowering himself into his tank. The tank moved forward, crashing through debris, knocking it out of the way.
Just then, a Blue Moon tank came into view, along with three mechs.
"Get ready to fire!" shouted Bowser, aiming his rifle at a mech.
"Shoot them!" shouted Sergeant Orinn.
"No, wait-"
A massive series of explosions erupted on both sides, two mechs and the tank were demolished, and on Orange Star's side, Max's tank was set afire, Sergeant Orinn was incinerated, and several more were burned.
"Put it out!" shouted Private Irmandez, whose arm was on fire. Irmandez had fallen to the ground, beating at his arm with his other.
"Hold still!" shouted Sergeant Lamondo, rushing over to him.
Max was getting out of his tank, which was about to explode.
"Get out of there!" shouted Seth.
Max climbed out and jumped, just as the tank exploded. Max was launched into the air, until he came to a landing in the ruins of a building, in which the first floor walls still stood.
"Max!" called Sergeant Bowser, after a moment. "Are you okay?"
"Yes!" came Max's shout soon afterwards. "I'm fine! Kind of a nasty fall, though. I think I cut myself."
"Don't worry, we're on our way!" yelled Bowser.
Just then, the remaining and forgotten Blue Moon mech loaded his pistol.
Private Irmandez stood. The fire on his arm was finally put out.
"You okay?" asked Sergeant Lamondo.
"Yeah... I think I'm good..." said Irmandez. Just then, the Mech's pistol went off, and he was struck in the stomach twice. Falling over again, Irmandez coughed up blood and looked at his bullet wounds.
Sergeant Lamondo, however, did not stop to help Irmandez that time. He quickly turned as the Private fell and opened fire upon the mech, who died instantly. When he turned back, Irmandez was dead.
"Ian..." said Seth.
"Its okay, Seth," Cliff said.
"No, it isn't!" Seth shouted. "Everyone I know is dying. Does that seem okay to you?"
Seth turned away. Understanding his pain, Sergeant Lamondo did nothing to stop him.
"Guys, we need to get Max out of that building!" Sergeant Bowser shouted. "He's stuck. Private Kinnear, Corporal Lemons, get in that house and find him!"
Cliff and Corporal Lemons rushed forward towards the door to the house.