ONLY WAR LOGS

<MajorMurray> The squad is not but twenty minutes out from their destination, roaring across the flat grey and brown dirt with a dusky sky. The tank shifts and shakes on the uneven but still traversable terrain, the sounds of distant battle roaring as the echoes of two giants thrashing against one another, yelling and smacking into each other.
<MajorMurray> "No...oh no no no," Senjak sympathetically says, moving her fingers over the engine block. "Simon! Simon the fuel canister! It's leaking!" Arnold goes pale, as does Gregor. Before Simon san send a reply Gregor speaks faster, "Are we gonna go up in flames?" Senjak inspects in, before shaking her cloaked head.
<MajorMurray> "We're fine but...I don't think we can make it to Jordan /and/ make a return trip...." Now the squad has to decide, either pull the tank back, or go get Jordan...
12:51 <Simon_DeLeary> "Right.... let's try to preserve as much fuel as possible for the moment. We'll stay on route to Lt. Jordans location and try to figure out things from there."
12:53 <Stannum_Tybalt> "Very well."
<MajorMurray> Gregor leans over from his seat, whispering to his friend's ear, "Are we going to alert Wecker or the others, man? They have no idea we have a problem."
<Simon_DeLeary> ++ As those of you in the tank have heard the Vanquisher is leaking fuel. Maintain a safe distance from the Vanquisher at all times. We will continue with our mission until further notice. ++
12:55 <MajorMurray> ++ Understood. ++ Voxes back Wecker, his tank deciding to push ahead to make for the lead...
12:57 <MajorMurray> Katrin groans, hitting her fist against the side of the tank. "Well that's just fucking perfect, ain't it?"
12:59 * Henrik_Jutte laughs. "Of course, of course. These things do happen in the field though. To soldiers and machines both."
13:00 <MajorMurray> The battle cries of those giants grows, and grows until the squad reaches to the battle point. Wecker voxes to Simon, ++ Hill is obscuring out view of Jordan's area. Want to move around or over? ++
13:01 <Simon_DeLeary> ++ We'll move in over the hill, there's no time to be lost. You'll take the lead and the Vanquisher will follow. ++
13:03 <MajorMurray> ++ I copy that. Putting fuel on the fire and watchin' it burn. ++ With that, the large ponderous tank warmachine speeds up, going over the hill in a blitz and immediately joining the battle. Katrin's smoke falls to the ground as she braces herself. "That better not be us! I don't feel like flying!"
<Simon_DeLeary> ++ This is DeLeary for Lieutnant Jordan. We are approaching your position and moving in to assist. ++ Voxes Simon to Lieutnatn Jordan, hoping to be able to reach her.
13:06 <MajorMurray> Speeding up the hill, Simon's tank comes to be side by side with Wecker's. Two buildings are firing las-weaponry at one another. ++ Simon! Glad to see you! Listen I'm down a Russ and we had to abandon the other one. We're behind some rubble with Death Korps. Think you can light up the building adjacent to ours? ++
13:08 <Simon_DeLeary> ++ With pleasure. ++
13:09 <MajorMurray> ++ Hey that Medicae we picked up still alive? I got a Krieger Watchmaster bleeding out here and I need someone good with bandages stat! ++ Katrin looks to Henrik, saying, "No, you better not motherfucker. I don't feel like running through machine gun fire today!"
13:10 <Henrik_Jutte> "That's fine Katrin, You just keep on the commbead in case these guys need help. I'll go run through the machine gun fire."
13:11 <Simon_DeLeary> ++ Wecker and plasma sponsons take out that enemy held building. The Vanquisher will remain at a distance and engage any enemy armour. ++
13:12 <MajorMurray> "...You just gotta put it like that don't you?" Katrin says jumping off the back. "Come on, let's go."
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* Henrik_Jutte smiles and jumps off as well, ready to lend aid to Jordan.
13:13 - Joined: Stannum_Tybalt ([email protected])
13:14 - Topic set by MajorMurray: Stannum, Simon - Henrik - Allies - Enemies
13:36 <MajorMurray> The heavy bolter sponsons fire their deadly barrages whilst the main battle cannon barks out fire and metal. The side of the building collapses, taking out a total of four enemy combatants.
13:45 <MajorMurray> A barrage from an autocannon rumbles against the side of Wecker's tank, causing him to curse into the vox. Moment later he says ++ We got dinged up pretty good, I need to spin this baby around. They nicked me in the side plating! ++
13:47 <Simon_DeLeary> ++Oh come on you baby. It's an auto cannon and not a multi melta. ++
13:52 <MajorMurray> After a devestating ring of heavy bolter shots sending up shrapnel and death all over the walls, a large enemy force that seems to be quite heavily armed decides to make a run for it. They bear blu-ish, red-ish uniforms. Yes, uniforms tightly pressed and maintained ones. They seem to be Traitor Guard but no one can recognize their regiment of origin.
<MajorMurray> Henrik rushes into the room, finding dead Mordian and Krieger bleeding out side by side. Jordan's face is covered in dust and grime, but she directs him to the dying Krieger commander. "Can you get him patched up?"
<Henrik_Jutte> "Of course, of course. No problem at all. Katrin?"
13:53 * Henrik_Jutte opens up his medkit and prepares to patch the krieger up, giving instructions to Katrin as he does.
<MajorMurray> She hands him his medicae bag, so he may get to work. The Krieger moans on the ground, clutching his gut. "Forget it. End me. I'm not worth the ti-Aaah!"
<MajorMurray> Jordan shakes her head, "He's been singing that tune for a while now."
13:55 <Henrik_Jutte> "Well, let's start with this." Henrik deftly produces an injector, seemingly out of thin air, rapidly loads a dose of Stimm, and sticks it in the man's neck.
13:57 <Henrik_Jutte> Afterwards, he and Katrin get to work on the man, quickly determining that there's a solid piece of shrapnel in the man's intestines, which has to be removed.
13:59 <Henrik_Jutte> Acting quickly, he has Katrin hold the man's lower back up to prevent blood pooling, while he produces a scalpel and forceps to open the man and get a better look at the situation.
14:04 <Henrik_Jutte> After getting a good look, while the shrapnel is causing bleeding and discomfort, it's not an issue to pull it out of the man.
14:05 <MajorMurray> Stannum walks into the complex, three Kriegers sitting on rubble. All their heads turn with perfect syncronization as he enters to regard him. They saw nothing, their soulless lenses staring right at him.
14:06 <MajorMurray> Senjak is able to easily shift inside the tank, being a tiny little thing. She comes up to behind Simon, saying, "Tank is going to run out of fuel soon. We'll be running on fumes then. Think they're all gone?"
14:07 <Simon_DeLeary> "I certainly hope so. There better be a heavy lifter somewhere at HQ or this would really be an unbeffiting end for such a mighty warmachine."
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14:08 <MajorMurray> ++ Simon, I need you in here asap for a debrief. ++ Jordan's voice barks in his ear.
14:09 <Simon_DeLeary> ++ Certainly, I'll be there right away. ++
<Henrik_Jutte> With the shrapnel gone, it's just a matter of stopping the bleeding and stitching his torso back together.
14:10 <Simon_DeLeary> "Gregor, keep watch. I don't want any surprises out here without fuel." says Simon before climbing out of the tank and moving into the apartment complex.
14:12 <MajorMurray> Stepping in to the complex's first floor where Stannum is standing in the doorway of, Simon is greeted by the unblinking gaze of three Death Korps Troopers, sitting on some rubble. In the corner of his eye, he can spot Henrik and Katrin patching up another Krieger with Jordan lording over both of them.
14:13 * Simon_DeLeary salutes Lt. Jordan before approaching.
14:15 <MajorMurray> "Come on Simon, I thought we were past such petty formalities. Anyways. I called you up because I need a debrief and a better understanding of what's going on. Tell me what happened while you were away."
14:16 * Stannum_Tybalt follows after Simon to learn more of this Jordan, keeping his gaze on Jordan while walking.
14:17 <Simon_DeLeary> "We succesfully dislodged the enemy from their positions. However while doing so the PDF forces routed, cowardly fleeing the battlefield. We didn't have time to pursue them since we immediately changed course to support you."
14:18 <Simon_DeLeary> "On the way there we discovered that the Vanquishers fuel supply was damaged and has very little fuel remaining."
<Simon_DeLeary> *on the way here
<MajorMurray> "Well...shit. Anything else that might be important for me to know? Any idea why the comms are so fuzzy?"
14:19 <Simon_DeLeary> "I'm hoping it is just a malfunction but I'm not certain myself. I'd like to get Enginseer Tybalt and Senjak to figure that out."
14:21 <Stannum_Tybalt> "Simon, Senjak is not an enginseer."
14:22 * Simon_DeLeary sighs. "And if it something different, like HQ being overrun I'd like them to perform final rites on the Vanquisher before denying it to the enemy."
<Simon_DeLeary> "I know but I can never remember the proper title the Mechanicus has given her. But she does perform as if she were an enginseer, which is all that counts."
14:24 <Stannum_Tybalt> "Not entirely, no. But very well, I will see if I can find what is wrong with the comms."
14:25 <MajorMurray> "I don't care rightly either way, the both of you. Stannum, make sure to see what you can find. Simon, I'm calling us back from this assault. Something just doesn't feel right. That means you'll be having to abandom the Vanquisher. Preform last rites and we'll get out of here."
<MajorMurray> The Krieger officer rises up, being careful not to put too much strain on his wound. "DeLeary. Tell me. Can you pilot a vehicle smaller than your tank?"
14:26 * Henrik_Jutte pulls out a small bottle of pure alcohol to get the blood off of his hands before handing it to Katrin.
14:27 <Simon_DeLeary> "Sir. Most certainly. There isn't a single imperial vehicle I can't pilot."
14:28 * Stannum_Tybalt clasps his hands behind his back while using his mechadendrite to indicate towards the Vanquisher. "Shall I disable the Vanquisher so the enemy may not use it?"
14:29 <MajorMurray> Katrin takes the bottle, then takes a quick swig before dousing her hands with it.
<Simon_DeLeary> "Before you do please try to contact HQ one last time using it and if it is possible salvage as much of it was possible before /disabling/ it."
14:30 <Simon_DeLeary> *as possible
<MajorMurray> The Krieger says nothing more, getting his answer. Already he's up and moving, his men following behind as they start marching out the building. It seems to be Low-Twilight now, when only one of the dim suns is shining.
14:31 * Stannum_Tybalt nods and heads for the Vanquisher without another word
14:32 * Simon_DeLeary heads over the the Vanquisher to unload his gear while explaining the situation to those that remained inside.
14:33 <MajorMurray> Gregor shakes his head at the development, while Arnold curses as he disembarks, carrying the Beast's power supply. Senjak mutters a soft prayer inside, climbing out afterwards. Jordan comes back outside, standing inside her own Russ. "Hey Simon, the Krieger's want you in the basement."
14:34 * Simon_DeLeary nods and heads for the basement.
14:35 * Stannum_Tybalt watches the crew disembark before seizing up the Vanquisher and getting to work.
14:43 <MajorMurray> Stannum is unable to find anything but static on most channels...
14:45 <MajorMurray> ++ I told you I'm going to try one last time Throne on Earth! ++ A voice cuts through to Stannum, although it's distorted. He's unable to determine much other than the speaker is male.
14:47 * Stannum_Tybalt finds himself somewhat startled by the sudden voice but leans over the comms and begins speaking. "This is Enginseer Stannum, report."
14:48 <MajorMurray> "Enginseer Stannum? One moment. Let me just..."
14:49 <MajorMurray> "Ah! Ah right you're deployed to Third Platoon! This is Fifth Company Command of the Mordian Iron Guard! All forces are to pull back. Thunderous Victory is being aborted. We were too late."
* Stannum_Tybalt nods while absorbing the information. "Too late? What do you mean?"
14:51 <MajorMurray> "The enemy ships already deployed those troops. The Navy was dead wrong on identification. Those weren't transports, but some sort of new light frigate. They're getting their asses handed to them and we're being assaulted on the western front. It also appears the enemy knew we were coming since we've faced not nearly half the opposition we should. Forces are repositioning as we speak."
14:52 <Stannum_Tybalt> "Very well, Fifth Command. I will inform Lieutenant. Jordan.
14:53 <MajorMurray> "Gotcha, we're handling the retreat of other forces but we're getting nothing but static."
<MajorMurray> With that, the line goes dead.
14:54 * Stannum_Tybalt stands up and goes about disabling the tank best he can.
14:58 <MajorMurray> Simon walks down into the underneath of the hab-block, a parking area for landrovers. By the scratches in the entrence's ceiling, he can tell Jordan sought refuge here, though the tank's hatch could barely make it past the door. Here he can see also, a massive mortar gun along with something akin to a buggy and a tank having a child.
<MajorMurray> "You sure you can operate it." A familiar yet eerie voice calls from behind, the Watchmaster and his three other troops coming into view.
15:00 * Simon_DeLeary turns a round, surprised by the creepy greeting.
<MajorMurray> troopers*
15:01 <Simon_DeLeary> "I'm sure I can. Give me but a moment to familiarize myself with the machine."
15:02 <Simon_DeLeary> "If I may?" asks Simon as he approaches the light tank, sliding his hand across the armour plating.
15:03 <MajorMurray> "Do what you need to familiarize yourself. I will give you five minutes. That's how long it took for Christopher #2453."
* Simon_DeLeary climbs inside, looking around for the basic features, steering, accelerating, breaks, maybe an MIU interface port.
15:05 <MajorMurray> There is an MIU port, but it appears very much underused, and unclean. The previous Operator must have not been graced with the proper augments. The Centuar appears to me meant to be for easy use. Nothing but a steering wheel and a break and pedal. Instead of the several complex levers of the Leman Russ...
15:06 * Simon_DeLeary plugs in his MIU interface and turns on the engines. "I'm sorry this is taking so long." yells Simon mere moments after sitting down in the vehicle.
15:09 <Simon_DeLeary> "Do you want me to perform some simple combat manouvers or is this all you needed Sir?" says Simon, after driving a bit back and forth and heading over to the Watchmaster in the vehicle.
<MajorMurray> "It is sufficient." He makes an arm gesture, making the rest of his troopers move forward to take their place on the Centuar. "If you would, DeLeary. We must be moving..."
15:10 <Simon_DeLeary> "Where to Sir?"
15:12 <MajorMurray> "Outside."
<Simon_DeLeary> "Right away."
15:18 <MajorMurray> High-Twilight is fast approaching, the second sun peeking over the horizon. Senjak helps Stannum load up the plasma cannons onto the back of Wecker's tank, while Jordan gets a sit-rep from Stannum afterwards on what's going on. With this, the Lieutenant directs everyone back to base in a full retreat...
<MajorMurray> "Parts, may I do the honors?" "Certainly ma'am," The Operator says as the tank turns around, cannon now staring straight at the Vanquisher. The dual-autocannons fire off, ripping the back of the tank to shreds and destroying the engine block. Reducing it to scrap metal. "If we can, we'll try to scavenge the hull later."
15:21 <Stannum_Tybalt> "I am sure the Machine Spirit would understand by that time."
15:22 <Simon_DeLeary> "I certainly hope so, I wouldn't want a vengeful Vanquisher haunting me once we salvage it."
15:24 <MajorMurray> That causes Gregor and Senjak both to chuckle as they start to climb into the Centuar. Jordan smiles down at DeLeary, leaning on her tank's turret. "So, Simon. How does it feel to have the smallest vehicle in the regiment." She then looks down yelling, "That was the cue!" "Oh shit." The Leman Russ speeds off, missing the punchline but still trying to make the race back to base an actual race.
15:27 <Simon_DeLeary> "Right, everybody, strap in or hold onto something. No way I'll let a Russ beat me in a race."
15:28 * Henrik_Jutte loops his arm around anything available, pulling out some notes on chymistry to read on the way
* Simon_DeLeary sounds the horn, trying his best to sound a charge as he chases the Russ.
15:29 * Stannum_Tybalt holds on to what he can as the Centaur races ahead.
15:30 <MajorMurray> Henrik wraps around Katrin who is holding for dear life on the deck plating.
15:34 <MajorMurray> "What the fuck is-" Jordan says as the dust cloud passes by. The Kriegers, to their credit, hold fast but are having trouble keeping onto the Centuar. Senjak berrates Simon, "SLOW DOOOOOOWN!"
15:36 * Simon_DeLeary smiles the entire time and even when he slows down to a more managable speed he's enjoying every second of it.
15:37 <Simon_DeLeary> "Yeah, one tenth the weight of a Vanquisher, that does make a bit of a difference. Hope none of you guys lost your gas masks."
15:39 <MajorMurray> Two hours later...
<MajorMurray> The convoy arrives back at base, which is in an uproar. The PDF that ran from Simon's assault cam back, took anything they could, and deserted with as many men they could find. Half the fuel is gone, and so is a few vehicles. Calvin runs out to meet the squad, and is soon scooped up in Senjak's arms.
<MajorMurray> The Krieger Watchmaster talks with Jordan, who voxes to Simon to 'get in the command room before a boot is shoved so far up his ass he'll be shitting leather'. It can be assumed she isn't in the best of moods.
15:42 * Simon_DeLeary makes his way to the command room.
15:44 <MajorMurray> As Simon enters Jordan is sitting, thinking to herself with the wounded Watchmaster sitting in his chair. Jordan says, "We're in a bind, Simon. A real tight fucking bind."
15:46 <Simon_DeLeary> "What exactly is going on? What about Operation Thunderous Victory?"
15:49 <MajorMurray> "More like Forlorn Victory..." A nickname by the troopers for the operation. "We can't contact command, but look at this..." She gestures to the hologram table, which flickers on a broadcast from a reporter. While the woman talks, Jordan explains what they're seeing. "This is going on is Rataport. A city with a population of 12 million on the eastern riverside. The enemy is pushing with all their might to Rataport..."
<MajorMurray> "But I don't know what to do, Simon. We could either make a move for Rataport, or stay here. I can't get in touch with command, and if we leave our post while the enemy wants to poke holes..."
<MajorMurray> "We could very well place everyone south of this defensive line in danger." The Watchmaster adds.
15:50 - Joined: Machion_Cenuva ([email protected])
<Simon_DeLeary> "Do we have any intel on the enemies forces that are pushing into Rataport?"
15:51 - Machion_Cenuva changes nick to Horst_Meiser
15:55 <MajorMurray> "From this broadcast, an array of shock troops, highly armoured line infantry, and a lot of psychopaths. Tanks, artillery, aircraft. We even hear the Titan Legion is being mobilized."
<MajorMurray> Jordan states, trying not to fall into despair at this situation.
15:56 <Simon_DeLeary> "Our enemy has a Titan Legion attacking a city of about 12 million?"
15:57 <MajorMurray> "Our Titan Legion ya dense dolt."
<MajorMurray> "Now that you mention it, we don't even know if they do or not."
16:07 <Simon_DeLeary> "Right. If the enemy is using such large resources to push towards a small city of 12 million there are two things that could be happening in my opinion."
<Simon_DeLeary> "Option 1. Our intel is wrong."
16:08 <Simon_DeLeary> "Option 2. The city or something near the city is of strategic position. Since the enemy has not pushed towards Rataport earlier we can assume that either the enemy did not know about the strategic importance of Rataport until some time ago or he did not posses the resources to benefit from pushing towards the city before this point in time."
16:09 <Simon_DeLeary> "If these assumptions are correct there is either something important in Rataport itself or the enemy has gained such significant forces that they assume they can simply overrun the forces stationed at Rataport."
16:11 <Simon_DeLeary> "Since Rataport is obviously the base protecting the eastern front we can assume the enemy has gathered suficient forces to attack it and trying to save the city in our current situation is utterly pointles."
<MajorMurray> "You say a fight against the enemy is pointless?" The Krieger says, taking a hostile slant to his voice. "Every fight is worth it. Every fight worth the sacrifice!. No man dies in vain if he dies fighting the enemy."
16:12 <Simon_DeLeary> "You are entirely correct Commander. What I am trying to say is that this base of operations does not have the resources to defend Rataport nor will the forces in this base make a difference in the battle of rataport."
16:14 <Simon_DeLeary> "So instead of wondering about the defense of Rataport or an enemy ruse that relies on a fake attack against Rataport I would worry about what we can do in our current situation to hinder the enemy while our Titan Legions and other forces are mobilising."
<MajorMurray> "Which is what the Colonels might be worried about. The PDF and Cadians won't last forever, but without diverting major resources, we won't be able to keep Rataport. We're in a quagmire. If we leave, we risk leaving our defenses wide open but if we don't go, the Hive City is still in danger."
16:17 <Simon_DeLeary> "What I'm proposing is strikes against the enemy supply lines. If the enemy is attacking Rataport in force there have to be supply lines supporting such an assault. With our recent losses, the failure of Operation Thunderous Victory, the desertion of various forces of the PDF and the looting of the base our options are limited but holding our ground here isn't among them I believe."
16:18 <Simon_DeLeary> "But if we can deprive the enemy of fuel and ammuntions we will slow their advance, giving our forces more time to mobilise."
16:20 <MajorMurray> "...Alright. But it'll have to be with minimum forces being diverted from the defense here, just like last time except now I can't afford to lose a single tank." The Krieger states calmly, "Simon has already shown how much terrain he can cover in a short time. With our mortar we can easily shell and disable enemy forces, with his speed, we can easily drive away."
16:21 <Simon_DeLeary> "I have to agree. While I would prefer sending in some Stormtroopers in a Valkyrie this doesn't seem to be an option."
16:27 <MajorMurray> Talks of strategies are debated for hours. With both suns descending in the background, night falls. Senjak walks back up to Horst, scratching the back of her head. "Hey Horst uhm...Calvin won't sleep unless you tuck him in."
16:30 <Horst_Meiser> "I, er, what? Yes. I'll tuck him in. I'll have to give him a stern word or two on stuff like this. This is an army after all."
16:31 <MajorMurray> "Horst, hey. Give him a break. He was scared half to death when the PDF came by and started looting everything."
16:36 <Horst_Meiser> "You're right. But we can't be commanded around by a child. This is about the worst place for a six year old boy. Except for a burning wreckage, I guess. Anyway, we are on a battlefield and it feels so wrong to do stuff like this. We see our allies crumble away and all we can do is soothe a scared child."
- Joined: Sigmar_ ([email protected])
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16:39 <MajorMurray> Senjak opens her mouth to speak, but shuts in, realizing she can't truly comment on this. Not really being able to give advice or pass judgement.
- Sigmar_ changes nick to Stannum_Tybalt
16:40 * Horst_Meiser heads over to Calvin's chamber.
16:41 <Horst_Meiser> "There you are, soldier. I heard you are ignoring direct orders?" He gives him  a semi-stern look.
16:42 <MajorMurray> The small child is already tugging tightly to his blanket, which he uses to push over half his face as Horst comes in. He mumbles a 'sorry' not being able to meet Horst's keen gaze.
16:48 <Horst_Meiser> "Listen, Calvin. I know you are scared. But you can't cling to me all the time. We have to fight a war here and taking you with us down here was problematic to begin with. We will soon head out for another mission, maybe a longer assignment this time. So I need you to be a good boy and listen to your superiors. So do your excercises, follow your orders and go to sleep when told so, all right? Can you do that for me? We'll have time to
16:49 <Horst_Meiser> We'll have time to play around when this is all over."
16:51 <MajorMurray> "...Horst." Calvin says raising up. "When they were taking all the stuff. The men in green. One of them told me to go find my mother and stay with her till this is over...you aren't going away like her, are you?"
17:00 - Henrik_Jutte changes nick to SpaceThor
17:01 <Horst_Meiser> A deep sigh escapes him. "You know, your mother did not just go away. She gave you to us because that was the only way she saw to save you when the ship went down. She did not leave you behind, did the only thing she could do to save you when she could not save herself." He wipes a tear from his eye. "By that point the ship was falling apart already. But there is hope. We picked up the captain of the ship the other day. She said Oreo
<Horst_Meiser> She said Oreo had landed here on the planet and he had a woman with him. And it just might be that means he has taken your mother with him from the ship. This means, there is ever so small a chance she is still alive."
17:03 <MajorMurray> Horst feels the small child wrap around him in a sudden hug. He says nothing, giving Horst a thank you already.
17:05 <Horst_Meiser> "Now sleep tight, little soldier. We will need you fresh and ready in the morning."
17:06 * Horst_Meiser tucks the boy in, kisses him slightly on the forehead and begs him goodnight.