July 17 - Federal Palace, Kruzibal
"Well, gentlemen, shall we begin our discussion", beckoned Field Marshall Orliov. A veteran of the Civil War, he, like many others, held the scares of war on his body, most notably, on his face. A thin scar ran from below his left eye to the middle of his left cheek, a reminder of the failed attempt on his life many years ago. He then sits down as another officer, bearing the rank of General, takes the small podium. The man is General Izanvich, the hero of Remoros during the Toiletian Liberation.
"About 25 hours ago, Operation Cherno-Alpha was a complete success. We well on our way to take Zeronda, and by next week we will have taken the entirety of the Republic of Zeronda, and have dealt a crushing blow to the Oaledonians by taking out 3 of their carriers, as well as many other vessels. We only lost 5 ships, a cruiser, a destroyer and 3 frigates. On the ground, we lost roughly 1700 troops as well as some 90 vehicles. Defensive lines have already been set up and the rest of the 6th Army is on its way, as well as the 7th Fleet. Guillermo and Borliov are currently planning their next move, and Cherno-Beta will be underway in 6 hours. Questions? None? I hereby move to adjourn this meeting"
"Seconded", a voice from the back of the room calls out
"Motion carried", says Marshall Orliov in a commanding voice.
Izanvich steps off the podium, grabs his suitcase, and walks back to his office, and every other officer does the same. He checks the time, 4:37 pm, as he walks the long corridor leading to his office. He enters the office and picks up his mobile and dials a number.
"Cherno-Alpha is a success. Begin Black Dagger"
As he finishes he abruptly drops the phone, the unknown receiver of the call having fully understood the message. He tucks away his mobile, and walks out again for an afternoon snack.
July 17 - Zerondan Frontlines, 4th Regiment, 42nd Division
Sergeant Villa trudged through the thick forest of Zeronda, with Oaledionina forces just west of them. He, along with the rest of the squad, was assigned as sentry for the front while troops massed for a new offensive. Tanks, IFVs and assault guns just 200 meters east, hurriedly moved about, getting into formation. He raised his GAR-12 rifle, scanning the forest for any incoming enemies, then slings it back over his back and continues walking.
"So, ya think we'll be attacking again soon?", inquired Corporal Ulvaryov, armed with an LR-83 launcher, scanning the forest with his IR goggles.
"Probably, we gotta attack them while they're off balance", replies Villa.
"Da", Ulvaryov replies, nodding in agreement.
As the two soldiers finish their conversation, a radio transmission comes in from Forward Base Brazen
All troops fall back to staging positions, repeat, all troops fall back to staging positions
"Well then, let's get back to base. I'm kinda hungry", Villa says, and his stomach moans in agreement.
"Wait a sec, sir. My IR goggles are picking up 3 heat signatures in the forest", a curious Ulvaryov tells the Seargeant.
"No way. Must be Oaledonians. We better check it out", replies Villa
Villa quickly whips out his radio, and messages their Lieutenant: "Crucible Command, we are picking up 3 heat signatures in the vicinity, most probably Oaledonian. Permission to engage?"
"Granted, do not take long", a voice replies from the radio's speaker
"Understood. Crucible-Beta out"
Villa quickly puts his radio back in hIs backpack, and begins to bark out orders.
"We have detected 3 heat signatures about 100 meters west of our position, presumably Oals. I want Alpha Team to come with me and move directly towards it, Beta team will go around it and flank them. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!", every man in the squad replied enthusiastically.
The squad set off as Alpha Team, composed of an anti-tank gunner, a LMG gunner, 2 grenadiers and their commander, Sgt. Villa, began to march towards the heat signature when suddenly a deafening boom was heard
"SHIT! WE'RE TAKING FIRE!", shouted the leader of Beta Team, but oddly no explosions were heard or seen in the vicinity.
"Must be arty fire. Proceed as usually", Villa calmly orders his troops.
As the troops get closer to the enemy heat signature, they leave the forest and enter the rolling plains the is the south of Zeronda. About 50 meters north of Alpha Team was Beta Team, already seeing the three Oaledonian vehicles firing down on what seems to be hostiles, most probably those "freedom fighters" Vlaricstani troops encounter every so often.
"Crucible Command, we have sighted 3 Oaledionian vehicles, probably Oukatas, bombarding what seems to be a camp of insurgents. Are we clear to engage?", inquires Sgt. Villa
"Affirmative. Light em' up", and enthusiastic voice replies over the radio.
"All right, Ulvaryov and Nemorov, I want you to light up those two Ouks over there. Make sure you have a clear shot"
"Affirmative, ready to fire", reply the two anti-tank gunners.
"Fire".
