Chp. 3: The Shuffle
November 26, 2015
15 Kilometers North of Misko
The gathering of APCs and trucks that was General Yurevich's headquarters was becoming a bit more lively than usual. The man had serendipitously been battling another bout of insomnia when he got word that there'd been a skirmish with Emmerian forces. He emerged from his WZ551 into a long, narrow tent filled with radios and map boards.
"Colonel Edeshko, what's happening? Where are our forces engaged?" He demanded as he finished securing his flak jacket. His Chief of Staff set a finger along the river.
"Scouts in the area were engaged and rendered combat ineffective by enemy armor and infantry. We sent in some helicopters to assist; they reported destroying multiple tanks and reconnaissance vehicles." The short, wide man replied.
"Do we have an idea of the size of the enemy force?"
"No; we're ordering scouts on foot forward to augment a Pioneer UAV. We can expect a report within the next 30 minutes."
Yurevich squinted at the symbols on either side of the river. The last known Emmerian unit in the area was the 19th Armored Brigade. One of their bigger concentrations of tanks. Activity had been almost non-existent in that area, so why the change?
"What was the purpose of a reconnaissance mission in that area?" He spoke up, turning to Edeshko and his Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence
"Probing the area for Emmerian troop strength and disposition. This section of river has several fords that either they or we could make use of."
"Are the Emmerians aware of these fords?"
"It would be best to assume that they are."
Yurevich turned around and walked back to one of the maps. He tapped a digit against the symbol representing the 9th Guards Motorized Regiment.
"Commit a larger force from the 9th Motorized as soon as our scouts have the river in sight. The Emmerians might be looking to cross the river here. I want to probe the area to better gauge their strength. Contact 4th Aviation Regiment and see what they can alot us. I don't want any surprises this time. Whatever we can get, I want."...
Jacques slid the cover for the gun's breech back into position and climbed out of his cupola. He looked back towards the sound of approaching engines and saw a number of shapes moving again
"Steel 6 this is Bronze 6, we can hear you approaching. Watch for friendlies to your front." He reported.
"Understood Bronze 6…okay, we have a visual on you. We're going to pass through you; have your tanks and half of each investigation group join our advance." Gerard replied.
"Copy, break, Bronze 1-1 and 1-3 maintain echelon right with me and 6-2, how copy?"
"Bronze 1-1 copies all."
Taskin moved the tank forward a minute later, joining the larger force with Bronze 2. They made up the spearhead of the impressive force moving towards the river. Behind the twenty-odd tanks, two companies of AMX-10Ps carried the revisit units that would take over holding this part of the line. With them was a company of engineers in VABs, moving alongside a short-range air defense battery with Crotale Mk.3s. Gerard kept them all moving at a steady speed across the terrain, pushing through anything in their way. Camille slid up through his cupola to get some last breaths of fresh air before they reached the river. He glanced at one of the few larger buildings still standing, a farmhouse, then at his commander. The senior man's eyes were fixed on another farm, and the ruins of several storage tanks and buildings.
"My sister owns a farm with her husband near San Loma. Not very big, but she's very passionate about it." He commented over the engine. Jacques looked back at him and just nodded.
"You ever lived on a farm, sir?"
Camille couldn't imagine he was being very subtle, but Taskin wasn't the only one who was curious. Jacques turned his gaze forward for a second, then nodded.
"...Yes. My family runs a sheep farm. To tell you the truth, I'm not terribly fond of them."
Camille flashed a smile before he sank down into his seat again. Jacques lowered himself so he was visible only above the shoulders. He keyed his intercom as something occurred to him.
"The sheep, that is." He explained.
"What's this about sheep?' Taskin replied.
"Maintain our course and speed, Driver."
Jacques maneuvered his night vision scope up to his eye as they passed Hyena's old positions. He could see a large cloud of smoke rising above the horizon, accompanied by puffs of the stuff above it. Smoke rounds; he hadn't heard anything about it on his end.
"Bronze 6 this is Bronze 1-1, I've spotted smoke near our objective. Did anyone call in fire support?" He asked.
"One minute, 1-1; I don't believe so…" Squadron commander Captain Marco Rousseau replied.
"That's a negative on fire support for smoke, Bronze 1-1. We're supposed to be getting help from fixed and rotary-wing aircraft until they can reposition a battery." Gerard spoke up.
"I've spotted smoke on the horizon. Bronze 2, can you confirm?"
"Can confirm; smoke on the horizon." Gabriel replied.
"The Stovies might be trying to make a crossing. Impala and Dragon, establish temporary positions outside of town. Archer, continue to your firing positions as planned. All Bronze elements, move to secure the fords on either side of the town. Once we've gotten a better idea of things, Impala will move up to garrison it."
"Is it possible that they've already taken the town?" Gabriel pointed out.
"If they have they wouldn't be dropping smoke, Bronze 2." Gerard replied.
Gerard didn't waste any time in directing the tanks under his command. On Jacques' orders, Taskin jerked the tank to the right after Captain Rousseau. The mixed force crossed over the main road and oriented itself towards the ford Gabriel had been at. The smoke was replaced by a distant scream. Jacques tensed as bright flashes streaked up from the far horizon, arcing overhead until he realized that they were going too far to hit the advance. He looked back as the rockets landed well behind them. The salvo was short, short enough that Jacques decided to button up and maybe pray. Rocket artillery had its own kind of psychological impact.
"Steel 6, do we have anything on hand to deal with those rocket launchers?" Gabriel asked.
"Air support is moving to locate them. Continue the advance and secure those crossings." Gerard ordered.
Captain Rosseau and Bronze 1 shifted to the right and pushed aside the remains of a stone wall. They swung back to the left in a looser formation, guns aimed and waiting for whatever came out of the smoke. As the ground began to slope down towards the river, it revealed the shapes of tanks. T-84 Oplot-Ms to be exact, and Camille didn't waste any time.
"Gunner has a target! Tank, forward quadrant at 500 meters!" He called.
"All Bronze elements, engage at will!" Gerard radioed.
"Engage! Driver, slow down!" Jacques ordered.
"Engaging!"
All six Leclercs fired in near-unison at the two platoons of T-84s fanning out from the river's edge. The Estovakian tank ahead of Jacques bolted to the left, but the round was moving far faster than it could. Jacques watched the tank take a hit in the side of the turret, and Camille followed up with a second round to make sure they did some damage. That round blew through a side skirt and brought the tank to a halt. He zoomed out, looking for other targets to engage as the surviving Estovakians sped up and turned into the attack.
"Deploy smoke!" Gearard ordered as his gunner fired a second round at the nearest tank.
Jacques hit the button for the countermeasure with a thumb and anxiously held the line as the Emmerian armor crept forward. One of the T-84s fired back at him as the smoke filled out. He tensed as it glanced off the turret, but failed to penetrate. Camille responded by putting an OFL 120 into it. The shot stuck near the gunner's sight, and DeBay fired another shot into the tank's side.
"Impala, we've made contact near the river. You should be cleared to move up to the town to take it. Watch for additional armor!" Gerard radioed.
The Leclercs picked up the pace a bit, just as the unseen rocket artillery fired another salvo at the village. It was once again short, which Jacques decided was because of their air support. Gerard moved the force back to the top of the gentle slope, behind another stone fence, as more shapes started to fade through the smoke. The tanks stopped flowing across the river, replaced by ones moving to firing positions among the trees.
"More tanks inbound." Gabriel noted.
"I have eyes on additional armor further back. Looks like BTRs." DeBay added.
"Bronze 1, move back towards the road and cover the ford on the other side of the bridge. They might try to flank us." Rousseau instructed.
"Steel 6 will join them; Right flank is all yours, Bronze 6. Close air support is inbound to help slow the advance; everyone stay clear." Gerard decided.
It was worth noting that they'd caused a small traffic jam at the ford. He decided that now was the time to bring forward the new holding force. He got to work dishing out orders like the waitresses at an Osean-style diner. He joined Jacques and DeBay as several platoons of Estovakian BTR-80s started across the water. Many of them were moving into 2nd Squadron's area of responsibility, backed by a company of T-84s firing from across the river.
"Focus on the tanks; Impala is moving up to strengthen the line." Gerard radioed as his gunner zeroed in on an enemy tank.
"Engage!" He added for his gunner.
Gerard emerged from the turret as his driver moved back to get some better cover. Jacques and his crew made a quick sprint to the remains of an apartment building and fired on another one of the T-84s. The Commandant flinched as one of the APCs opened fire with its 30mm cannon; his gunner decided to take the chance to switch to a OECC round and engage the offending vehicle. The driver brought them back, then lunged for the same apartment building that Jacques was behind. DeBay found what cover he could as well. A friendly platoon of IFVs rolled into the fight from the highway, helping to contain the BTRs as they seemed to spill across the river.
"Steel 6 this is Vampire 1, we've been tasked to assist you in driving enemy armor back across the river. Request you mark your positions for us."
"Vampire, contact Icicle for further instructions. Look for us south of the river." Gerard grinned.
"Copy. Be advised, the Stovies have their own CAS inbound."
For extra assurance, Gerard made sure the identification panel draped over the back of the turret was visible. He returned his attention to the fight at hand as another BTR tried to chip at their armor with its cannon. One of the AMX-10s responded this time, before a T-84 gave its own response. The heat wave forced Gerad back into his tank.
"Impala, exercise caution! We've still got a number of T-84s in play!" He barked.
The warning served to remind Gerard that they were very close to the river, and the Stovies' assault hadn't been broken yet. Bowed, but that wasn't enough.
"All Steel elements, pull back from the river wherever you can. We're getting too bunched up and I don't want that Stovie artillery getting a break. Bronze 6, move your guys back to that orchard. Bronze 1-1, you and 1-3 stick with me."
Jacques popped up to look for a clear path backwards. The three tanks rolled back, getting pelted by the BTRs as they tried to pursue. The other AMX-10s moved to where the tanks had been and used their vantage point to harass the enemy vehicles. After a few shots, they withdrew to join the three tanks along one of the main avenues. Jacques brought his tank to a halt behind a pile of rubble that'd been a store. High above his head, he heard the distinct roar of jet engines. He tensed until the explosion bubbled skywards from the Estovakian side of the lines. He watched the roadway ahead of him, waiting for the APCs or their supporting tanks to flood down it. It gave him an odd sense of deja vu over the many retreats through innumerable towns between here and south-central Emmeria. Instead of another vehicle, what showed up was an Su-25 Frogfoot. He reached for his machine gun, only for the attack aircraft to pull away without firing a shot.
Jacques whirled around and saw two missiles racing up to catch it. The Estovakian jet rolled to the left and deployed countermeasures, only to be intercepted by one of the missiles. He looked back in time to see a second cross-shaped Frogfoot go vertical. He looked back towards the river and bit his lip.
"Steel 6, I'm not seeing anything heading our way. Has anyone said anything to you about it?"
"Negative, Bronze 1, break, Bronze 6 what can you see from your position?" Gerard replied.
"Steel 6, I have eyes on those remaining T-84s moving back. Looks like their artillery put out fresh smoke? No more BTRs moving up, but we're still receiving sporadic fire." Rousseau observed in a halting manner.
"Alright…okay, all units hold your positions for now. Dragon, once Impala's in position and is dug in I want you to start deploying your engineers to the south end of town. Hyena should be here within the hour to strengthen the line…"
Jacques settled down into his seat and looked at his management system. Two more tanks were offline, leaving Gabriel as the sole survivor of his platoon. He overheard Bronze 6 saying he'd thrown a track, possibly thanks to some lucky hits by a BTR. None of it had Jacques feeling very motivated. They still had to transfer their position to support this upcoming offensive. It had the same atmosphere as trying to place masking tape over a broken pipe…
The briefing room of EDC 8/15 had once been a meeting room for the local branch of Emmerian Airways. The wood paneling and cush seats reminded Joan of one of the more upscale bars she'd tried back in Gracemeria. The warm, fuzzy nostalgia was always cut by the sterile air of the room. She rubbed her eyes and stretched before sitting down and chugging the rest of the energy drink in her hand. She looked at her wingman, sitting directly across from her, until she had his attention. His eyes were zeroed on a magazine about house buying.
"Shamrock."
He looked at her and flashed a smile.
"What's up, Talisman?"
"Any news about your wife and daughter?"
"No, still nothing. It's a mess with the refugee camps, but I'm starting to think."
He cut off the sentence before he got to the end.
"Marcus, where they are you have to tell yourself that they're alive."
She quickly corrected herself and sat forward in her chair.
"They're alive, Marcus."
The use of his real name seemed to really get his attention. He nodded and pulled a well-worn photo from the magazine.
"I'm stuck between two arguments. Set myself up for heartbreak? Or worry now and be relieved later?"
"I…I don't have an answer."
Joan sat back in her chair again and let out a frustrated growl. She examined her drink, hoping to find an answer somewhere on the silver-and-blue can.
"I don't expect you to know how to sweep away all my problems." Marcus assured her.
Joan managed something that looked like a smile, then turned in her chair when their WSOs entered. Maeva let out a heavy sigh and sat down next to Joan; Erwian took the opposite side with a much less melancholy mood.
"I need to invest in some ear plugs." the other woman grumbled.
"I'm telling you, Major, that a healthy injection of caffeine is nothing to worry about." Erwan insisted.
"It's not the matter of caffeine; it's the matter of where I fall asleep. You could sleep in the middle of a busy street, Lieutenant."
"I think we're all envious of his skills." Joan commented with a smirk.
Everyone looked at her, questioning the odd change in tone. Possibly also because they were trying to decide if she'd been trying to make a joke. This time, she was prevented from adding anything when the squadron commander walked in. Commandant Herve "Shorty" Jarre walked to the front while the final stragglers came in. The short, wide man was once the unit's Operations Officer, but now he'd been fast-tracked to his rank and given command of the remains of Garuda.
"Good morning, everyone. I'd like to start by reminding everyone that we'll be on standby after this mission. I know it sucks, but we've done it before. If anyone needs to talk to the flight surgeon, he'll be staying up with us to monitor our statuses." He began.
The man very quickly moved back to the mapboard. His finger landed on a piece of land some distance behind the lines.
"In order to keep the Stovies guessing, command is continuing to have us attrit Estovakian positions at random spots along the line. Tonight we'll be attacking further east, near the coast. Our target will be artillery attached to the Estovakian 92nd Tank Regiment. We'll be launching with four aircraft from EDC 8/15 and employing Paveways and JDAMs against these positions. We'll be carrying the latter to be used against the support vehicles and their counter-battery radars. Windhover and his lot will attack the guns and rocket launchers with their Paveways."
By now, one of the enlisted men had gotten the projector running. Jarre turned to it and lifted a pointer to an annotated recon photo.
"Our primary targets are these Zoopark counter-battery radars, and these ammunition depots northeast of them. Electronic intelligence has also pinpointed the location of at least one of the battery HQs. If you have weapons left, attack it to further degrade their chain of command. Pre-strike reconnaissance has located two batteries of HQ-7s and one battery of SA-6s. We expect there to be shoulder-launched weapons and short-range AA closer to the front. SEAD will be twofold: four Mirage 2000Ds from EDC 3/10, callsign Phantom, will attack the sites. We'll receive additional support from a Falcon 7, callsign Snake Pit. EDC 3/4 and EDC 8/11 will provide top cover with four Mirages and four Rafale Cs each. They're to establish their patrol stations here and here after sweeping through the area. We expect the Estovakians to respond quickly, so we'll have several approaches ready." He went on.
"Do we know what kind of aircraft the Estovakians have in the area, Commandant?" Maeva asked.
"The main type present is the Su-27; the area falls under the protection of forces stationed around Loenz. Preliminary intelligence suggests that they have four pairs of aircraft on patrol at any time, supported by a single Tu-126 and six ground-based radars. In light of that, we'll be making our approach from the coast and using the terrain there to mask our initial ingress. Phantom should have the long-range weapons suppressed by that time, but I shouldn't have to mention that it won't guarantee an easy approach. Should, or rather when, the Estovakian air patrols reach us, we'll have two Magics and two MICA RFs to defend ourselves in addition to our cannon. A fresh shipment of them just arrived from Sotoa, but priority goes to the aircraft escorting us."
Jarre slowed down to go through the minute details about their approaches. Since the distance was so short, they wouldn't even be tanking for this. He almost felt like an idiot for asking what he was about to, but he wasn't going to leave anything to chance.
"Command wants everything it can reasonably bring to bear for the attack at dawn. Only engage those patrols if they're after you. Our comrades should keep them tied down, if only long enough to hit those ammo dumps. Any questions?" He concluded, aware of the clock across the way.
The others collectively shook their heads, and that was perfectly fine with Jarre. In fact, it was the best he could hope for. The Garudas had a firm sense of rhythm by now.