Journal of the 106th #8

>During the rise of Atlas's Militarism, the General's home village of Natu rapidly established itself as a major irritant.
>After a number of Natu's ambassadors were sent home in various states of dismemberment, her newly elected Mayor broke off diplomatic ties, and began exploring military options.
>Clearly it was time for a regime change, a change that would be effected by the 106th, now under the direct command of Lt. General Vermilion.
>Our orders were simple, to infiltrate the city, take out their leader, sending a clear signal to other potential troublemakers in Mystral.
>We were slipped in during the night, our drop ships landing just outside of the village.
>When we arrived, we thought this might even be easy.
>But as they say in the military, the only easy day was yesterday.
>The streets came alive with the Mayor's militia, bullets riddling our company.
>We returned fire and scrambled into street corners and alleys for cover.
>Advancing slowly, we soon pushed them back to the town hall.
>We were about to cross the street when the doors open and a flood of militia charged our position.
>Gunfire filled the street and few of them managed to survive, but their attack had left many wounded on our side.
>We gathered ourselves after killing the few that remained and filed up the stairs of the town hall.
>Flooding into the building, we quickly made our way to the Mayor's office.
>When the door was kicked up, we were surprised to find ourselves facing a Hunter.
>We had heard the rumors, but we assumed they were all killed in Haven.
>He charged with his sword and began slaughtering our men.
>Our gunfire overwhelmed though, and we were soon alone with the Mayor.
>We dragged her out into the street and forced the civilians from their homes to watch.
>Some officer read something about loyalty and betrayal.
>I never really remembered what was said.
>The only thing I remember is the faces in the crowd.
>Their fear, their anger.
>When the speaking was done, she was left in the road and we were told to back away.
>The officer put a bullet in her head.
>The crowd went crazy.
>Some screamed over the death, others about the brutality of our General.
>We were ordered to point our guns at the civilians, and they quickly stopped.
>They retreated within their homes, and some appointed officer was left in charge.
>We were soon called back to Atlas.
>With the Mayor eliminated, Natu quickly fell in line.
>It was the first time the 501st was called upon to "adjust" a village's government, but it wouldn't be the last.
>Within months, the 106th gained a well-deserved reputation as "Verlmilion's Fist".