OPERATION ALASTAIR

Calming Waves Five

Esvallia 2, 1915

Location: State of Esliledeo, Esliledeo Gloni Border Region

Time: 7:39 am

POV Zavier Bruan*

It had already been a miserable day for him. Just granted a brief break by The Colonel, he found himself back on duty after merely a day. Posted far from his wife and youngest son, not even close to two of his other sons. He should have known more about the challenges awaiting him in the 2nd Company, part of the 15th Marines Regiments.

Deployed to this challenging post for at least a week, it became clear that being stationed here was no easy task. The influx of refugees and orders from top brass to prepare for potential relocation only intensified the hardships.

Glancing around, I spotted one of my Section Captains, Das Liu, in charge of the Third Section, reporting for duty with a shout.

Nodding, I asked for a sitrep. "Major Bruan, my section's situation is not good. There have been attacks, especially on the barbed wire fences. Our ammunition supply is ample, Major."

"Any injuries?" I inquired. "Yes, two privates, one severe and one lighter," Section Captain Das Liu responded.

"What caused it?" I asked. "An explosion, sir. I'm not sure if it's artillery; it didn't sound like it, sir."

"A rocket, you say?" I contemplated his observations. "Section Captain Liu, reinforce your current position. Keep up the maintenance of the barbed wire. We can't tolerate their attempts at entering. Continue to watch. You're dismissed."

I watched Section Captain Das Liu leave as he headed back to his position.

"Major Bruan!" shouted Captain Estelle Catsi. "What's the matter, Captain Catsi?"

"I received a runner from Section Six, Major. They reported possible Cinyan Scouts."

"Cinyan Scouts way out there?" I exclaimed. "Yes, Major!"

I quickly turned to 2nd Lieutenant Callie Fasrond, immediately giving out an order. "2nd Lieutenant Fasrond, check the radio and inform command that the Dragon is needed ASAP. Corporal Edwin Wyatt, get a runner to Vice Captain Riana Ivinla. Tell her the dragons are out. Captain Catsi, back to your section and remain on high alert."

Quickly looking back, I grabbed my trusty Fose Bolt Action Rifle. Addressing my section, I shouted, "Men, I want all of us prepared. Who knows what the hell Cinyans would throw our way!"

9:23 pm

Waiting. And waiting. Night had begun to settle, yet silence prevailed.

Then, a series of inaccurate explosions erupted, disrupting our positions.

Grabbing my binoculars, I checked the damage to other sections. Whispering to our machine gunner, 1st Warrant Officer Asen Luva, to hold until my order.

Cinyan Sappers were planting explosives on the barbed wire line. Section One opened fire, met with a resounding boom. Section One's trench had been hit by enemy support fire.

We had to wait until daybreak for reinforcements. I shouted, "Open Fire!"

Gripping my rifle, I heard 1st Warrant Officer Luva unleash her Fose A5 Machine gun. Spotting a Cinyan Officer, I fired and hit him on the shoulder, then the chest, finally ending him.

The Cinyan forces reorganized for another assault. Their momentum halted, but I knew they would call in an artillery strike.

Hearing the whistling sound of death, I shouted, "TAKE COVER!"

For ten minutes, the barrage covered them. I knew HQ was probably responding unless the chaos spread across the front.

When it stopped, I fired my rifle, hitting another Cinyan in the chest. 1st WO Luva and her machine gun team fired back as the Cinyans returned fire, focusing on suppressing our sections with machine guns.

Looking through my iron sight, I sought a Cinyan officer. Instead, I saw a section of Grenadiers rushing toward us.

"Luva, shoot those damn Grenadiers dead!" I ordered. She complied. I fired at the Grenadiers, hitting one in the torso and another in the leg.

More suppressive fire came from the Cinyan forces. They moved with support, having already overrun Sections One and Three.

Cursing the lack of support, I shouted for Corporal Wyatt to get a runner out.

"Corporal Wyatt! Get a damn runner out to warn HQ about us."

"Yes, sir!" Corporal Wyatt shouted back over the roars of rifle fire.

I continued firing at the Cinyan forces, hoping to slow down their assault. Changing clips, I observed the field. Many of my men had fallen, and I had no choice but to stay in my trench.

By now, the sun was rising. It was likely 5:30 am. I watched as the Cinyan Forces slowly pulled back and retreated.

Grabbing my binoculars, I went to check on other sections. Section One had been all but taken out. Section Two suffered severe losses, while Section Three was also lost.

Moving around to assess the other sections, Section Four seemed to have been hit by artillery the worst. Sections Five and Six suffered light losses, while Seven and Eight had only taken losses. Sections Nine and Ten were the same, but with more casualties.

In total, I estimated at least 35 dead and 17 wounded.

With reinforcements from the 5th Company and 7th Company, he and his men were finally given a chance to rest.

Esvallia 3, 1915

Esliledio.

Marshal Abelia Von Frank watched as the officer ended his report. It appeared the dragon had taken the bait.

Hopefully, this news could further spur public outcry. One thing was clear for the Marshal.

Standing up, he gave orders for his staff to warn the capital and mobilize the Esliledian Guard.

"Colonel Craig Park, join your marines with the 5th Esliledian Guard. Colonel Alberto Harian, I want you to bring the 88th Light Reaction Forces to full readiness. Gentlemen, it is in our utmost interest to ensure that we begin our defense." With his ending remarks, the military staff moved to do their given tasks.

So began the diversionary offense at Cinya.