Chp. 15: The Pocket
November 28, 2015
North of Misko
The Stovie Thunder punched through the clouds expecting little in the way of resistance and let loose with its rockets. The LeClercs and VABs in the open scattered, but the Estovakian pilot was met with an unpleasant surprise. Four VBLs with Mistrals made their presence known to the JF-17 and its wingman. The second half of the flight aborted completely when an Aster battery just south of the river illuminated them. Gerard took it as a good sign and a bad sign; he expected the Stovies to commit more flights. His attention returned to the artillery landing behind them and ahead of them for now. He reluctantly kept his hatches shut as his adhoc company waited in the trees, where they would likely get hit soon enough. He decided he'd rather be in hiding instead of being out in the open to see. His radio crackled as a few rounds landed closer than the rest.
"Steel 6 this is Iron 6, that air attack scattered us but we're all still online. We're moving to your position once again."
"Copy that Iron 6. Emerald 6, what's your status?" He replied quickly.
"We've left the highway, screening towards that road to the north."
That voice belonged to a group of RCs coming up from the southwest. The recon vehicles weren't very enthusiastic about it, but he'd be keeping them for support once they gave their destination a good look. Gerard's force was getting bigger, but there was the possibility it still wouldn't be enough. Eight teams of reservists armed with Eryx anti-tank missiles were set up closer to the highway with a few scouts using laser designators. His force was bigger than it was initially meant to be, but even then he wasn't sure that would be enough. The assault had been predictably rough and there were fires to fight everywhere. About the only thing he could take comfort in was that they weren't being hammered by rocket artillery. That had cone earlier in the night.
One shell bounced dozens of fragments and clumps of dirt onto the turret. He zoomed his viewer out and waited for another to strike even closer. Two shells exploded behind him, but did the same thing. He immediately keyed up his radio.
"All Steel 6 victors report in."
"Steel 6 this is Swallow 1, we've spotted a very large force moving in your direction. Estimate at least a battalion's worth. Got two platoons, no, three, sweeping towards the same road as Emerald. They're feeling out in multiple directions." An unfamiliar voice radioed first.
The platoon answered after that, thankfully. Gerard went to his notebook and found the callsign: a Gazelle, probably on a scouting mission.
"Thanks for the info, Swallow. Break, Emerald, did you catch that? Stovie BRMs north of your objective." He replied.
"Stovie BRMs north of our objective, copy."
The artillery subsided and Gerard used the chance to take stock of his situation. He had his immediate command, but he hadn't heard anything from the reservists or the dismounted scouts.
"Forge 3 and Gladius 2, what's your situation? Can anyone get eyes on Forge and Gladius?"
Gerard opened his hatch and looked in the direction of their positions, It was hard to see through the snowfall and the night, but he could see tiny fires flickering in the hedgerow.
"Forge 3, Gladius 2 respond if possible. Emerald, Iron, can either of you get better eyes on them?"
"Seeing a lot of fires and craters on the thermals, sir." Iron 6 replied grimly.
Gerard decided it was time to compartmentalize the matter. He advised the two units to contact him as soon as possible and had his platoon move closer to the edge of the trees.
"Steel 6, this is Emerald 6. Eyes on those BRMs. They're swapping the lead with about a dozen T-64s. Withdrawing to your position."
"Copy Emerald, break, Iron 6 what's your position?"
"Iron 6 moving to an alternate position southwest of you. Higher elevation."
"Copy, will you still be in range?"
The annoyance at the change on plans was evident on the Commandant's tone, but the Capitaine ignored it.
"Yes sir, we can make it work. Sending you those coordinates now."
That annoyance turned to reluctant acceptance; the junior officer had chosen a good spot. Gerard kept that in mind as he adjusted his viewer. The snowfall was getting heavier and the smoke from the artillery had helped to form a shroud. Through its cracks he could see heat signatures in the distance.
"Steel 6 to all elements, I've spotted Estovakian armor tithe northwest, about 5000 meters out. All elements are cleared to engage once they get within 2000 meters. Break, Lion 6 this is Steel 6; we have eyes on a major Estovakian force heading our way. Requesting assistance." He reported.
"Understood Steel 6. Be advised, the Stovies launched a major air raid in the rear areas. Air Support is available but limited…ah, I have four helicopters, callsign Locust, inbound to help. I'll let you know about fixed-wing assets as I get more information." Brigade HQ replied.
Typical, Gerard thought with a sigh. He adjusted his thermal viewer and keyed his radio to assign his gunner a target. Jacques did the same with Camille.
"Gunner, track that platoon to the right of the one the Commandant selected." He ordered coolly.
His mind was racing as he picked out which targets they'd engage. The Stovie tanks crossed the highway and several turned their main guns towards the left flank. More came over the hills near the highway. Gerard checked the range and decided to change his orders.
"All Steel elements engage at will!" He barked.
"Engage!" Jacques responded.
"Engaging." Camille replied readily.
"Emerald is engaging and shifting to new positions."
"Copy Emerald."
Main gun rounds flashed across the field from both sides. Gerard's side had the advantage of firing first. His platoon scooted back into the trees where the foliage was heavier, where enemy fire was more likely to hit a tree. As soon as they saw a T-64's muzzle flash, Jacques and Gerard would order their tanks forward and their gunners would fire. The attack's right flank went for the reservists' positions, meeting almost no resistance. That told Gerard all he needed to know about their fates. He looked in that direction and saw a few figures trying to run. Almost every one of them fell back onto the snow and didn't get up. He hoped they were playing dead.
It was apparent by now that Iron 6 had given them a serious advantage. They were picking off the Estovakians from long range. Gerard referenced his management system as a few of the T-64s switched to their Kobra guided missiles. Jacques spotted them from the lack of muzzle flash.
"Kobras!" He announced hastily as he deployed smoke.
Camille fired another round before the smoke could fill out and Taskin reversed the tank deeper into the woods.
"Steel 6 this is Locust 1, we're entering your area and looking for targets. Please advise." A female voice called.
"Locust, need you to help by concentrating on the main advance ahead of us. Please advise if the Stovies try to flank us on our right." Gerard directed.
"Copy."
That was quickly followed by the Estovakians deploying smoke. Gerard's eyes rose to the top of his screen every other second. He'd almost forgotten about the possibility of AA. If the Tigers could, though, he'd trust they had a better understanding of that than he did. His tanks moved about in the doors best they could as the Estovakians landed a few shots closer than comfortable. Gerard kept the hill behind them in mind as the enemy advance grew closer and closer. They deployed more smoke; four Hellfires streaked in above the trees. Gerard opened his hatch, looked at the way back, and looked at his manager again.
"Emerald, be advised that we're going to move back to our secondary position. What's your status?" He declared.
"Three vehicles down, two catastrophic hits…this is 5. They got 6's vehicle." The units XO explained.
"Then you move first. Deploy smoke and go by platoon. Iron 6, are you able to assist?"
"Copy that, Steel. We're on the move now!"
That left Gerard and his company to hold the line against at least two more companies of T-64s. The Tigers let loose another salvo of missiles as the leading Stovies made a dash for a better position. Gerard decided it was time to move once Emerald was out of the way.
"All Steel and Bronze elements, standby to fall back to secondary positions. Bronze, you go first but wait until Emerald has moved."
"Bronze 1 copies."
Two of the Tigers came around to make an attack with rockets, and the Estovakian air defenses finally showed themselves. Jacques spotted a missile racing towards one of the helicopters, which proceeded to nose up, launch flares, and do what looked like a barrel roll. Its wingman swung in that direction and fired a dozen or so rockets as a retort.
"Steel be advised, there are A LOT of vehicles back here. We're gonna try and raise someone to help." One of the helicopters declared.
"Copy, estimate at least a battalion. Be advised we're switching to secondary positions at this time." Gerard breathed.
He looked upon the destruction they'd brought so far as he listened to try and gauge his side's strength.A round glanced off his tank and his gunner returned the favor. For a second he debated moving his tanks. The Estovakians might always think they were facing a larger force. It became less appealing as another tank round shredded a tree next to them.
"Steel, we're in position! You're clear to pull back!" Emerald radioed.
"Copy! Steel 6 is moving! 6-2, with me." Gerard replied.
Jacques popped out if his hatch to track the movements of the two tanks. They deployed smoke as a few shots landed near them. As they reached the top of the hill, Steel 6-2 took a hit to the underside of its front hull. The tank stopped, and a second later the rear blowout panels flew off.
"Steel 6-2 is down…they're bailing out!" Gerard observed.
The Commandant launched smoke to cover them. Jacques lowered himself to look at the Stovies on thermals, then stood up and keyed his mic.
"Steel 6-4, follow me!" He ordered.
DeBay waited another second, then followed the officer up the slope. The artillery had left a dozen holes in the grove, with more being made by the Estovakians. As they passed through one, DeBay's tank took a hit on the top of the turret. Jacques felt like someone elbowed his gut but kept his tank moving. The blowout panels went off just before a second round hit the LeClerc. Jacques deployed smoke and manned his NF-1. His normal demeanor faltered for a second.
"Steel 6-4, report in as soon as you can!" He radioed.
He went the rest of the way, closing ranks with Gerard as the man watched the enemy's advance slowing. The two surviving crew from Steel 6-2, the driver and gunner, hurried down the opposite side of the hill. Gerard called out to them, telling them to wait at the foot of it.
"Harp 3, be advised that I'm sending some of the wounded from my platoon your way. Meet them at the bottom of the rear slope." He added over his radio.
He turned forward again as the VBLs guarding the road acknowledged. Gerard had a better view from this position, and he still had trees to hide amongst. Three tanks gone, but now they could form a better line on the two hills. The situation remained fragile from what he could see. Despite the hits the T-64s took, the second wave committed. Several ZSDs advanced behind them while others went wide to take up positions where the road got closer to the Emmerians. Even more were moving around to the right with fresh T-64s. Gerard reacted immediately.
"Emerald, concentrate on those ZSDs on our left."
"Roger!"
"Steel 6 this is Wasp 1, we have eyes on multiple flashes up in the sky. Missiles, I think you have missiles inbound to your position."
Gerard just acknowledged and set a finger atop the button to launch more smoke. He raised their air defenses as Locust directed Wasp.
"Steel 6, Wasp is bringing in some Legionnaires to assist you. Estimate about twenty minutes before they get to you."
"Copy, Copy."
Despite the threat, Gerard kept his tanks in place. He did order Emerald to move back as the Stovie tanks gained some ground. He spotted a command tank as he looked back to the right.
"Commander has a target! Command tank, front-left quadrant! 1700 Meters." He announced.
"Acquired!" His gunner barked back a second later."
"Engage!"
"Engaging!"
The missiles began arriving at the same time. Gerard caught glimpses of them as they descended from high above into the Emmerian positions. He saw fireballs rising up from Emerald's direction.
"This is Steel 6, requesting additional support. We are heavily outnumbered here and the Estovakian attack isn't letting up." He demanded.
"Gunner, round count!" He added when he switched to the intercom.
"Magazine's almost out of OFL rounds, sir!" The enlisted man replied.
"Tell me when you're on your second-to-last shot!"
Gerard switched channels again to find Regiment HQ was calling for him.
"Steel 6, come in!"
"Go for Steel 6." He replied quickly.
"Steel 6 be advised that three, no four, flights of friendly aircraft are inbound to assist. Do you have contact with your scouts?"
"Negative, they were overrun."
"...Okay copy, all of them?"
Gerard started to groan at the wasteful question, but it finally caught up to him that he had more scouts. They'd been guarding the road.
"Silver 1-5, are you able to get to an elevated position to guide in air support?" He asked.
"On it!" The Investigation Group's commander replied.
"Silver 1-5, Garuda reports they need those coordinates immediately. They've got munitions dispensers they want to get off once Tempest and Faucon are off target." HQ added.
"Understood."
"Enemy aircraft!"
The call from one of the Tigers was followed by the flash of another explosion. Gerard listened to the radio in an effort to get an idea of what kind of enemy aircraft. He looked through his thermals but didn't see any Hinds or something the Stovies would use.
"Tiger, what kind of enemy aircraft?" He demanded.
"Fast movers, fast movers! At least two. Where's that SAM site from earlier?" Another one demanded.
Gerard poke his head out as a JF-17 dipped below the clouds. It salvoed rockets behind Gerard's position and pulled away as two Mistrals rose to intercept it. The Estovakian ground force had slowed, too. Gerard decided he'd call in the air support.
"Headquarters, do you have our position?" He asked.
The fact that the answer took more than five seconds is what made the waiting so antagonizing.
"Copy."
"Stovie troops are 1000 Meters north of that. Tell Garuda to put their munitions dispensers there."
"Understood, standby."...
"Tempest, be advised that we've launched our Apaches at the rear of the Estovakian attack. They're not exactly close support weapons. About 40 seconds until they hit their targets."
"Copy that Garuda. Tempest is inbound on their forward elements." Freddie replied.
He looked at his left display as the Rafale's radar picked out targets, one after the other, for his six Brimstones. It went back and forth with Paul's jet and his second element. What he was seeing wasn't pretty: the ground seemed to be covered by armored vehicles.
"Tempest 1 to flight, make sure you're not choosing the same targets." He announced, more to remind himself.
The battlefield was more alive than ever, too. The Stovies had moved a pair of Buk batteries into the area, and they were spoiled for choice on the Emmerians. The JF-17s that had attacked Gerard's force were also turning their attention to the incoming bandits. Freddie constantly noted them via the RWR, with a finger resting on the weapons selection switch. His mind was centered on the one coming off a half-hearted pass. He leveled out and nosed up a few hundred meters. Chaff blossomed behind him to help keep the Buks from stopping his attack.
"Garuda, are you or Faucon able to suppress those SAMs?" He asked.
"Faucon 3 and 4 are on it." Pollini reported.
"Sharks 1 and 2 are rerouting to attack those two sites."
The SAMs kept up their pursuit and Freddie reluctantly leveled out again to launch his missiles.
"Tempest 1, Rifle!" He declared.
The Brimstones shot off one after the other, and immediately the fourship broke into pairs. The Stovie SAMs doubled their efforts to stop them. Freddie twisted and turned through the pre-dawn sky, selecting his MICAs as he went. The Buks launched missiles in all directions, pushing the Estovakian aircraft in the area to higher altitudes. Erwan watched the tracks on his radar while Joan jinked back and forth.
"One SAM is tracking us, eleven o'clock." He announced.
Joan clicked her mic, and the Spectra system focused on that one in particular. She spotted its rocket motor amongst a few others and nosed down. When the missile followed, she leveled out and went vertical. She shoved the throttles forward and rolled so the missile remained in her sight. It reacquired them, so she aimed the Rafale then pulled away and deployed chaff. She rolled back in its direction and again made a break for higher altitude. The SAM site was setting her up for another shot, and then radar showed the Stovie jets were setting up to have a better position. She looked at the GBUs on her wings, but still switched to her MICAs.
"Owl, try and lock up two of those Thunders. We'll take a shot at 'em, try and keep 'em busy while we help the guys down below." She said.
"Gotcha; get me a good angle for the radar and I'll have 'em ready a second later. Be advised, looks like we've got Flankers further back. Strike Flankers." He replied without looking up.
"Noted."
Joan rolled towards the ground as the first SAM lost its track. In its place came one of the JF-17s and scattered SPAAGs towards the rear of the Estovakian attack. Large swaths of smoke, much like those from yesterday, rolled over the plains. She came back up as the SAM site launched another missile in her direction. Erwan took the chance to target a pair of Thunders that appeared to be rolling in from above to attack.
"Garuda 4, pick out a pair of bandits if you can for your MICAs. Lose some weight and thin their numbers." She commanded.
"Copy, should I drop my Paveways?" Marcus replied.
"Keep 'em for now. Let Tempest and Shark handle the bandits after you take your shots."
Joan whipped her plane about again until she was certain no one was about to get a shot at her. The JF-17s pulled out of their dive high above and split. Erwan watched as they left the bomb-laden Rafale alone; whatever the reason, he was happy they were gone. His attention switched to a second pair of JF-17s that were separating from the others.
"Talisman, I got a pair for you. Separating from the rest of the group, maybe trying for another bombing run." He spoke up.
"Get 'em!" She replied.
She kept herself pointed at the two jets, though she did go up and down to keep the many unfriendly radars off of her. Fresh explosions in the distance gave her a bit of relief, but she needed to make sure.
"Faucon, you hit those Buk sites yet?" She asked between breaths.
"Copy Garuda. Those explosions were in their vicinity." Pollini radioed back.
Joan clicked her mic before making a pair of "Fox 3" calls. She pulled away as soon as the missiles were clear and switched one of her displays to their targeting pod. She had no illusions about the need to be fast and hit hard. If the Stovies broke through they could turn the army's pincer against them. As well as relieve their stranded comrades at Misko. The thought of failing wasn't welcome in Joan's mind; not this early in the journey to take back Emmeria.