Ukraine Crisis [IC] [Sign-up 1st] (MT)

[Military Democracy of Birtonia]

Knight-Major Theodore Lion, Commander, Birtonian Naval Strike Force
N.B.B. Percival Wallace
Ukrainian Coast

Control room of the ship was always hectic, little less so when it was peacetime But right now, being so close to potential enemy the operations tempo was so high one could liken it to a bee hive. Marines and sailors running into and out of the bridge, delivering reports, coffee and otherwise keep operations a highly efficient machine ready to bring some pain to whatever was out there.

Theodore was reviewing a map of the area, Birtonian ships had a highly developed Combat Information Center, or CIC. The map he was viewing was a standard military topographical map, augmented with a holographic overlay, combined with a synthetic material similar to sand. Combine this with a IFF tracker system and you have one of the most advanced information devices on the planet. Currently a small portion of Ukraine was shown, with red, green, and yellow sectors, all denoting friendlies and contested areas. On screen there was a purple line with arrows, showing a path between the Percival Wallace and the Vannish FOB. The Knight-Major knew Vannish forces worked in concert with Birtonians on the regular basis, he also knew there was a plan to include some Vannish forces on his ship. Wouldn't be a bad idea to pop in.

Out on the flight deck a pair of VF-24 Swift Fox tilt rotor aircraft had just finished their pre flight checks, crews were busy removing fuel lines, ensuring ammunition was fully loaded and giving reports to crew chiefs. The task force commander and some of his command team loaded into the first VTOL, along with some small boxes containing morale packs. The second VTOL loaded up a half platoon of marines, just in case something happened along their route. They'd be flying low and behind friendly lines but always worth it to cover yourself, just in case. The airframe shuddered as the massive blades slowly lifted them off the deck. As they left the carrier vessel, you could see the rest of the strike force gathered around her, a few destroyers, cruisers and other light support ships, only a taste of Birtonian naval power, and their sister ships lay just a short distance on the horizon.

Water quickly gave way to land, replacing the color palette with browns, greens, and tans. You do have to give credit to the engineers that created the Swift Fox, once the loading ramp was closed, assuming all other bay doors were closed as well, you could mistake riding in one for being a commercial airliner. A relatively short time later, after an uneventful flight, the pair of Birtonian tilt rotor aircraft touched down near the Vannish FOB.

As soon as the rotors stopped turning the crew chiefs lowered the ramps. Almost immediately, Knight-Major Lion stepped off and walked towards the Vannish soldiers moving out to greet them.

"Gentlemen! Good to see our brothers in arms. I've got a gift for you boys, Birtonian Brandy, some of our finest smokeables, lickies and chewies too" said Theodore as he removed his helmet.

[Vangaziland]

The Vannish military was well aware of Knight-Major Theodore Lion's impending arrival. They prepared for a Vannish Army Major and Vannish Marine Major to meet with a small attaché. Part of the reason for sending soldiers of the same rank was because of the protocol of not saluting in a warzone. It was just best to have officers meet on equal terms.

A Vannish Officer on Duty at the Tactical Operations Center used a digital comm system to send a message to Birtonians inquiring about the incoming flight. The Vannish system of digital map overlays is compatible with similar systems in New Hayesalia, Birtonian and most recently the EFF.

MAJ Arthur Wikes represented the Vannish Army. He was going gray on top of freckled, fair skin. Alongside him was a shorter, younger marine. Major Jake Halgren had medium brown skin and the frame of a trained fighter. Watching from positions in the distance was a mixed detachment of Airborne Cav and Vannish Marines on escort detail for the day. A small group of Army officers also joined the group. Major Wikes spoke first.

"Welcome to FOB Winter, Knight-Major", said the Army officer. "Impressive vehicles", Wikes said while looking over at the Swift Foxes. The officers accepted the gifts with smiles and warm faces.

"Excellent gifts. Thank you", said Maj. Halgren. "We've heard so much about Birtonia."

"Hell. Let's head back to the HQ and crack out the smokes. We can talk some strategy", said Major Wikes. He wore the Army's 'Vannish MultiCam' pattern. This version of the uniform was tinted a darker green than the more olive standard MultiCam pattern. The Marines wore digital camo made of similar dark greens and browns.

Both officers were looking forward to learning more about Birtonian plans in this sector. The nation is an important ally to Vangaziland.

"Tell us", said the Marine Halgren. "What is your unit preparing to do in sector?" Vangazi would be working with the Vannish Navy. The Vannish officers had discussed the possibility of Birtonians taking part n the offensive in Horlivka. The amount of trenches and urban space that needs to be covered will be challenging. Halgren's question was designed to see what assets Knight-Major Lion was prepared to deploy.

[The United Nations Of Europa]

1st Lt. Katarzyna Nowacki
EFF Polish Corps 17th Mechanized Brigade 12th Company - Ukrainian ATO Forces
FOB Frederick
20 KM away from Avdiivka frontlines

The staging area was buzzing with commotion. Helicopters continuously flew over as troops were being brought in. Stridsvagen-120's along with SPG's were digging in within the outskirt defenses that were being set up. It was very clear to everyone at the staging area that the EFF would be going all in for this offensive. Weeks of training had prepared the forces for this offensive. Ukrainian soldiers who had been fighting the separatists for years were crucial in helping the coalition forces understand how the separatists fought. This would be the last time that the separatists had any strong control in the Donetsk Oblast.

Nowacki was sitting on the front of her tank overlooking the continuous fields. It amazed her how such a calm looking place could be home to a seemingly never-ending war. A slight breeze blew by with the scent of smoke from the city in the distant, a scent that she had learned to become familiar with. Nowacki took a pair of binoculars and looked at the city. The city seemed empty with no sign of life left but deep inside it was possibly thousands of separatists hiding within the buildings and rubble.

"What do you see out there?"

Nowacki looked over her shoulder and saw Lisowski, the main gunner of her tank.

"Nothing but rubble and an empty city."

"I'm sure once we get in there it won't be so empty."

"Yeah, I'm sure you're right." Nowacki jumped down from the front of the tank, "Are the guns all set up?"

"Yup. All working fine."

"Great. Well let's do some last minute radio checks and then we'll be ready. Command will be sending us out anytime now."

After performing some routines and finishing radio checks, Nowacki's platoon was ready to move on. 15 minutes passed and the word was finally given. Soon enough troops moved into their vehicles and the vehicles moved out in their formations. Once the word was given they traveled quickly to the first checkpoint where they would be met by the separatists defending the city. Nowacki's heart was pumping with adrenaline as they neared the city. She looked over at the BFT and saw that the column was nearing the checkpoint.

"This is Alpha 1-1, I'd like for the column to move into a line formation"

Quickly the column moved into a line formation with tanks in the column moving in front of the IFV's providing them cover.

"We're 2 klicks away from the checkpoint. Watch out for any hostiles. They could be hiding anywhere waiting to take us out."

The column eventually made it to the checkpoint, going into a hull-down position behind a small rise in the land. In the distance was Avdiivka along with all the defenders within the city.

"Nowacki how far out are we?" Lisowski, Nowacki's gunner, asked.

"About 800 meters away."

"I can practically see people in the trenches from here."

"Yeah well, they won't be in there for much longer. Once our B-1's come in there won't be much left."

TIme passed as everyone tensely awaited the bombing runs from the B-1's. 10 minutes later and the first Lancers could be spotted afar in the clear sky. AA fire from within the city started to go off but was ineffective. The Lancers flew passed Nowacki and seconds later explosions devoured the trenches ahead. Nothing could be seen except the plumes of smoke left from the explosions. Even the view of the city was obscured by the deadly sight.

"This is Alpha 1-1. That's our signal to move forward. We're going to get the infantry to the trenches so they can clear them out. Once they're done we'll all gather at the next checkpoint and move on from there. Move out."

[Military Democracy of Birtonia]

Knight-Major Theodore Lion, Commander, Birtonian Naval Strike Force
FOB Winter
The Ukraine

As the boxes were unloaded, the contingent of Birtonian Marines paired up and took one box each to the Vannish watch positions, varying between towers and sandbag bunkers. Though these Marines in particular didn't know their Vannish counterparts, years of cooperative warfighting have brought the countries very close. A Vangazi was regarded as a brother in arms to a Birtonian, many Birtonians became personal friends with Vannish personnel as well, trading was commonplace within the two militaries.

Theodore tucked his helmet under his arm, most amphibious infantry in Birtonia wore simple black uniforms, camouflage was used in certain situations but with the modern warfare, often times it wasn't really needed. Thought Knight-Major was a higher ranking officer, not much on his uniform made him discernible from a regular rifleman, his kit was the same, rifle, sidearm, all the way down to his boots. Birtonian uniforms were simple, always a single tone, unless they belonged to the elite Rangers. This locale called for an OD Green according to Birtonian army regulations. Theodore bore the look of a tactician, maybe a warrior before, but age was catching up, his weathered face was home to several scars. His hair was kept short and tapered within regulation, grey began to show through the black. He personally like it, felt that it gave him an air of authority over some of the younger soldiers.

"I've been given command of a half strength battalion of Amphibious Infantry. One company of amphibious assault vehicles, and one company of air assault soldiers equipped with those Swift Foxes out there. Not to mention the air wing of the Percival Wallace. There is also a composite air wing being tasked out to us consisting of ground attack craft, fighters, and multirole craft. My men can assist with house to house operations and our firepower can sweep the trenches for you."

[Vangaziland]

Maj. Halgren, Imperial Marines - MAJ Wikes, Vannish Army
FOB Winter
Ukraine

The officers had begun walking back to the HQ as they spoke. While Birtonians unloaded their boxes, enlisted Vangazi joined the detail to help expedite the process. The Vannish soldiers were in the midst of long days and short rest periods. Most perked up at the thought of working with Birtonians. They would be a help on the battlefield. Vannish airborne cav soldiers have been in country for several months now. Things were only just starting.

"That sounds like a very strategic commitment. Downright useful", said Maj. Halgren. "Imperial Marines tried to put together a force capable of fighting Russian doctrine. So we've got armor. 36 T-90's sold to us by a former satellite of theirs", Halgren said tongue-in-cheek. "Air defense artillery as well."

"The fight in the sky will be important", Major Wikes added. The group entered a nearby tactical operations center (TOC). "Army Aviation rounded out a few scout helicopters. Stealthy Comanches. The area is expected to be hot with MANPADS." The Army officer spoke of man-portable air defense systems. There was a high risk for shoulder fired weapons in the area.

"Marine and SF teams are working up SEAD missions as we speak... Hitting as many ADA targets as possible." Maj. Halgren continued spewing acronyms, with suppression of air defense and air defense artillery abbreviations.

"The first wave is pushing towards the city", Halgren continued. "Over the next few days, more and more allied forces will pile in behind the opening front."

"Coffee?" Major Wikes didn't mean to change the subject, but couldn't help but think of being a host. He gestured towards three mermite beverage containers. "Three kinds", he continued. "Oh." The Army officer reached into the square pocket on his bicep. Every solider knows this pocket was built to house smokes. "These are all the rage in the Vannish Army. CBD flower roll-your-owns."

The Vannish Marine laughed in reply. "The Birtonians don't want to smoke our new age Vannish hippie $#%&", he said.

"Shoot", said Major Wikes. "This is so good for any soreness." Wikes turned to the Birtonian. "Halgren here always complains about his back. I keep telling him this can help him keep his mind on the fight. R&D tests have shown great results."

---

Meanwhile - Just NE of Horlivka

A company of Vannish T-90 tanks escorted a convoy of MOWAG DURO IIIP gun trucks. Intel chose this route for this group because it was considered to be the least guarded. It also provided cover on the way in and space to operate, without too much dead space in narrow alleyways.

This did leave the group exposes for part of the trip. Six tanks led the group, six brought up the rear. They vehicles sped through the countryside, past farm fields and wispy trees.

Everything went wrong as they came around a winding turn. The tell tale sign of an incoming projectile was a white tail that seemed to expand as the warhead got closer. With a clang loud enough to be heard for many miles, a guided projectile impacted alongside the second Vannish tank. Reactive armor softened the blow, but the tank was down. It's tracks were shattered, the engine howling as the vehicle sat still. The shot was fired from a high ridge that looked over the road several hundred meters away.

The officers and NCOs shouted over the radio. .50 caliber machine guns sounded like copycats of each other as they began peppering the ridge where the trail was last seen. Each weapon fired six round bursts.

"Maintain line of sight discipline!" A Vannish NCO could be heard shouting over the radio network. Vehicles were maneuvering to take up positions around the immobilized tank. A forward observer was already trying to contact air support. A call would soon be arriving to the very TOC where the Birtonians and Vannish Officers currently talked strategy.

A 'Fires NCO' would answer the radio call and see what jet aircraft were nearby. This wasn't the ideal situation for rotary support, not when shoulder fired projectiles of one sort had been confirmed.

Infantry began unloading from the rearmost gun-truck. Only one squad was dismounting, moving tactically in an effort to get better eyes on the ridge. The truck positioned itself fairly close to a two story building that sat on the round of the corner the convoy was in the midst of driving across. Entering, the soldiers found a family lying prone and speaking terrified/frantic Ukrainian. A translator that left with the squad began comforting them.

"We are here to liberate the city", said the masked Ukrainian attached to the Vannish unit.

To be continued...

Note: 'Imperial Marines' is the name for the Vannish marine force, not to be confused with Imperial Birtonian things.

[Military Democracy of Birtonia]

Knight-Major Theodore Lion, Commander, Birtonian Naval Task Force
FOB Winter, Vannish Sector
The Ukraine

Vannish command centers were something that Theodore had becomed accustomed to over his years of service. Nine times out of ten they were all set up the same way, which makes sense, standardization is important for multiple reasons, wether that be to shave seconds off emergency response or even for allowing foreigners such as himself to know where to go when needed. This was no exception, large map in the middle of the room, very similar to the one he had back on the ship. As the two officers responded to his tactical assets Thedore tapped a keyboard attached to the tac map.

Standard Vannish command systems had a few subroutines available to close allies, which reflected on the screen as a small Birtonian flag popped up, on the Map. The commander slid his datacom device into a slot, which produced several other Birtonian flags, indicating his position and all other Birtonian units in the area of operations.

"You'll probably be our ground pounders then Major, I have a detachment of armor being held in reserve across the water there, small scale AT crews are all I have currently", he paused, "well, those and the Dragons", of course referring to the A-10 Dragon ground attack plane the Imperium used to much effect. Most Vannish troopers knew them well if they had ever served in Al-Khalifiya.

Theodore nodded when more allied forces were mentioned, he knew he would be up to the full strength battalion within a few weeks. Though he did wonder how vested the Imperator was in this conflict, it wouldn't take long for the might of a full legion to arrive across the black sea.

Without hesitation a mug of coffee was poured and already slurped on by Theodore, rich scent of Vannish coffee was trademark and he had to admit. Vannish style was just as good as Birtonian, if not better. The Knight-Major raised an eyebrow looking at Major Wilkes as he produced a funny looking cigarette from his arm pocket. He chuckled at the Marine counterpart and produced his own smokeables from the same pocket in his uniform.

A sleek, matte black case, worn on the edges, letting the bare metal shine through. He popped it open and offered one of the 12 hand rolled cigarillos to the Vannish Marine. "I take it your a regular smoker eh? Paradisio Delights, seeds and leaves are from our newest colony over in the Pacific, you'll find they're quit the unique flavor."

Several minutes passed of some light banter and general shop talk about the respective military hardware both their nations had available when, suddenly a frantic radio call came in. Vannish armor convoy had came under fire and was requesting fast air support. The Birtonian turned to the two Vannish officers and gestured towards the table.

"I've got an AWAC aircraft already up" pointing to a deep purple Triangle with an X through it that was orbiting the battlespace, "I can have a pair of Dragons on station in five minutes, you patch your man to my AWACS and we'll take care of it for you".

[Vangaziland]

As the Birtonian offered Major Halgren a smoke, he reached to accept it. The older marine drew the wrapped cigarillo close and took in its scent. "Smells fine", he said. "The Pacific, huh? You Birtonians sure do travel." He laughed once in approval.

Major Wikes spoke between puffs of his CBD cone. "There's good tobacco coming out of Coapuca", said Wikes. "Since the Empire is getting involved in their revolution, hopefully we can get some of that here." He took another puff and inhaled. It had to look bizarre to see someone in uniform smoking in such a way. The truth was that the only thing CBD smokables did was wash away all the older officer's aches and pains in a numbing wave of sorts. It just felt like a more effective muscle rub or ibuprofen. Any other effects were imagined (and usually were).

A Vannish Army sergeant major who had watched the officers smoking from his desk in the corner piped up. "Dang, sir. Looks like you're going to get the munchies."

"You and your jokes", Major Wikes replied sheepishly.

The call for support came through soon afterwards. "We have a few fast movers in the area", said Major Halgren. "But let's see how the Dragons do. I'll have the RTO contact the Air Controller over Fires Net.

The tank crew passed targeting information to an observer attached to the unit. The Vannish Air Force Tactical Air Controller rode in the TC hatch of one T-90. She was in the process of working up a 9-line and using the BLUFOR tracker to plot targets on the digital map. The 9 line would also be passed digitally to the FIRES NCO. FIRES would forward the targeting info to the Dragons before they even arrived.

The observers would still likely need to visually talk the aircraft onto the ridge, to make sure they were indeed looking at the right spot. Vangaziland's convoy was not hopeless. Now the armor began firing the larger cannons. Only two tanks had safe firing arcs with the large gun at the angles needed. Other tanks moved to flank around. Most were stuck in the process of moving around the banking turn.

The lead tank rocked on its heels as a vicious plume of smoke announced a violent shot. If the Birtonian pilots didn't arrive soon, these tankers would run the enemy off the ridge...

Or flatten it.

Another shot from the second tank ripped a chunk of thick rock apart that an enemy had been using as cover. Almost in retaliation, another smoke trail announced a second anti tank projectile shot at the Vannish. It struck a concrete wall next to the lead tank. Several tanks had machine gun angles on the shot right away. A tank towards the rear of the convoy fired its cannon into the ridge's far corner.

Behind the ridge, a line of Separatist forces were moving in position against the stranded convoy.

[The United Nations Of Europa]

Cpt. Andris Čaklais
EFF / Latvian Corps 22nd Infantry Battalion
Charlie 4-1/Leo 2-2 Panther IFV
Avdiivka frontlines
10:00

"Alright everybody listen! You all know the plan from here. Once those bombs drop we'll have ten minutes to book it at full speed to those trenches and to start clearing them. We'll dismount from our vehicles at our stopping point and enter from there. We'll make our way through the trenches and meet up with our vehicles at the rally point in the city. Once we enter the city we'll be breaching and clearing with the 17th and we'll go on from there. Everybody understand?"

"Yes sir!" responded the men inside the IFV.

The inner coms in the IFV went off, "This is Leo 6-6, Lancers bomb run is complete. We are mission launch for objective "Tarmac". Advance and report over."

"Copy Leo actual, advancing to LOD and report, out."

"Solid copy Leo actual, everyone in your lanes. All call signs move forward full throttle."

10 minutes later
"All Leo stations, halt, halt, halt."

"Alright everybody dismount! Let's go! Let's go!"

The hatches of the IVF's dropped down with all squads dismounting. The grounds around them were plagued in black smoke. The scent from the trenches blew in the way of Čaklais. Its stench was unlike anything that he had experienced. From the scent alone it was clear that the separatists had been holding in the trenches for weeks. It was also clear that there were a lot of separatists in the trenches.

"This is Charlie 4-1, all callsigns rally up behind your IFV."

"Charlie 4-1, this is Leo 2-2. We're 50 meters out from the trenches. We're going to move forward toward the trenches and pop smoke to get you guys in. Stay behind us."

"Copy that Leo. We're following you."

The IFV's and infantry slowly moved forward the trenches being cautious to any hostiles that may have survived.

"Čaklais do you think anyone survived that?"

"They'd be damn unlucky to survive."

"I can't see shit in this smoke."

"Neither can the enemy."

"Charlie 4-1, this is Leo 2-2. We're 20 meters out from the trenches. We're going to pop smoke and drive over."

"Roger that Leo, we'll clear out the trenches and meet up with you at the rally point."

A large smokescreen was shot out in front with the IFV's driving forward to the rally point. With the trenches only being 20 meters away, Čaklais's squad quickly ran into the smokescreen and jumped down into the trenches. One by one jumped down until all of Charlie was in. Once they entered the horrifying sight shocked all of them. The countless dismembered bodies reeked of death as they made their way through the trench. Čaklais along with many others started to lightly gag.

"Everyone stay on me. I don't want any surprises in here."

"Čaklais' do you hear that?" Matīss asked.

"What do you hear?"

"Voices... from the ground."

"What the fuck are you talki-." Muffled voices suddenly became very distinct from within the trenches. A banging sound soon followed with dirt falling off the side of the trench. Everyone raised their gun at the dirt side waiting for someone to bust out. Suddenly a wooden door flew open with an armed separatist falling out choking. He fell to the ground and struggled to breathe. His coughing paused as he looked over at Čaklais's squad. His eyes widened and he quickly dived over to his rifle but was quickly shot down. Shouting from within the room in the trench side could be heard after the shot. Čaklais rushed over to the door and threw a grenade in. 5 seconds passed and yelling stopped.

Čaklais breathing heavied as he looked over to his squad. "Everyone stack up on me."

Matīss was the first to enter with Čaklais and the rest behind him. The voices from inside were 5 other men that were trapped, now lifeless on the ground.

"Clear!" The room inside was a mess. It seemed to be a small bedroom with sheets and some food bags scattered across the floor. There were a small desk with an AK-74 and a magazine loader with bullets still inside. On the wall above were some children drawings. Many had little drawings of kids with soldiers next to Russian and DPR flags. Čaklais looked over to the lifeless bodies and knew that some of these drawings on the wall were probably from their children.

"Charlie 4-2, this is Leo 2-2. We're holding at objective "Kilo"."

"Copy that Leo, we're still in the trenches and will be meeting up with you soon."


Čaklais along with his squad exited the room and went back outside back into the trenches with the rest of Charlie. "Alright Charlie we're moving out! Gotta double-time it to the rally point."


1st Lt. Katarzyna Nowacki
EFF / Polish Corps 17th Mechanized Brigade 12th Company- Ukrainian ATO Join Force
Tatra 2-1 MBT-90
Avdiivka Frontlines

"Leo 2-2, this is Tatra 2-1 over. we are pushing forward to objective "Kilo", will be arriving in 7 mikes over."

Nowacki and Vova's joint forces would be rallying with the 22nd momentarily. They had been on the South East side of the trenches about 500 meters away from Čaklais's platoon. Nowacki and Vova's squads would be following the same procedure that Čaklais did. Have the vehicles get the infantry to the trenches and move ahead and meet them at the rally point. There was about 200m of trenches they had to go through yet it went quickly since most hostiles were taken out by the bombing runs. In under 20 minutes Nowacki and Vova were able to group up with Čaklais and Leo squad. From then on it would be breaching and clearing for the infantry while the tanks and IFV's moved with the infantry.



1st Lt. Andris Čaklais
EFF / Latvian Corps 22nd Infantry Battalion
Charlie 4-1/Leo 2-2 Panther IFV
Avdiivka frontlines
10:00


The rest of the trenches were quiet and Čaklais made his way to the rally point. As they walked up to the IFV's, the 17th company arrived with some more IFV's and a platoon of tanks that Nowacki commanded.

"Great to see you 12th Company!"

"We brought some friends along the way Charlie squad, they'll be joining you in breaching and clearing the houses."

"Alright, I want 8 squads! 4 and 4 on the left and right of this street, 10 men each! Clear out these buildings and move up with Tatra until we get to the 3rd intersection down the road. We'll group up with the rest of the 17th company there."

[The United Nations Of Europa]

Cpt. Andris Čaklais
EFF Latvian Corps 22nd Infantry Company / Polish Corps 17th Mechanized Brigade 12th Company-Ukrainian ATO Join Force
Charlie 4-1/Leo 2-2 Panther IFV
Avdiivka
10:20


Čaklais had just entered Avdiivka after crossing the trenches on the outskirts of the city. Avdiivka was surprisingly quiet for a city being sieged. Yet everyone knew that would change very quickly once they moved up. The damage from Ukraine's last battle with the separatists was still present within Avdiivka. Trash and rubble littered the streets throughout the block. Holes riddled the streets from past heavy shelling. Even the houses along the street had foxholes and small entrenchments from previous battles.

"I never thought I'd see this type of shit in Europe," Matīss said behind Čaklais. "This isn't the first time war has been in Europe."

"I mean I never thought I'd see it in my lifetime. I never thought I'd be able to tell my grandpa I was fighting in Europe."

"None of us did."

The two looked over at a group of their men huddled around in a circle ahead of them. "What the hell are they doing? Ay, what the hell are you meatheads gawking at!"

One of them turned over to Čaklais, "Čaklais come over here and look at her! Some poor bastard left behind their Mercedes."

"You have to be kidding me."

Matīss whistled as he saw the car. "Wow. What kind of person would leave this here?"

"A person who has too much money to not care about it."

One of the men started to laugh as he discovered the car was unlocked, "Ah hell yes! Matīss check me out!"

Čaklais groaned at his mens actions. Most of them were young and didn't realize how stupid they were being right now. He loved his men as his own family but sometimes he couldn't handle their immaturity. But then again he remembered his first years in the military. Training during the day and then all types of shenanigans in his barracks at night.

"Alright you idiots lets get back to it."

"Aw come on Čaklais. We haven't even seen anyone in the city yet. Most of them probably fled when they saw us coming."

Suddenly the front windshield shattered into pieces with a bullet going into the hood of the car. Everyone on the road frantically called out sniper and tried to get in cover as fast as they could. Čaklais pulled the man out of the car and yelled for everyone near to get to cover. His squad huddled into a garage in a broken-down house next to the car.

Čaklais looked at the man who nearly lost his head to a sniper with anger, "They all fled huh! You could've gotten yourself killed you idiot!"

Čaklais yelled at a squad leader across the street, "Jānis do you have eyes on the guy?

"No idea where he is! This guy has this street locked down!"

"Damnit. Nowacki do you have eyes on the bastard?"

"Affirmative Čaklais." Nowacki continued to speak to her crew inside. "The top floor of the apartment, middle window! Fire a HE round through it!"

Nowacki's tank fired a round with the deafening sound of its 130mm gun cutting sound from anything nearby. Only the sound of the rounds impact could be heard after.

"Birds nest is destroyed Čaklais. You're free to move up."

"Good shot Nowacki."

"Don't thank me. I'm not the one firing the gun."

"Yeah, yeah whatever you say."

Čaklais's company moved out from their cover and went back out into the street. He walked up behind and grabbed the young soldier who just almost got killed. "No more fucking looking at cars. We're here to clear this place out, not shop for damn cars. Do you understand me?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. Now regroup with the rest of the squad."

Matīss joined up with Čaklais, "Maybe if they left a FIAT on the road they'd stay focused on the objective."

"No shit."

"It just bothers me."

"What bothers you?"

"The sniper destroyed the car."

"Psh. What were you going to do with it anyway? Take it home?"

"Who knows. Maybe after all this was over I could come back and take it."

"Or you could buy one that didn't have a bullet go straight through it."

"That too."

Čaklais's radio went off with the voice of Nowacki coming through, "Čaklais lets get a move on and hit these marked buildings. We don't need to give your men any more time to stand around and get shot."

"I hear you Nowacki."

"Čaklais, what are these buildings marked for?"

"They've been cited by Ukrainian forces as hotspots for hostiles. We're here to check if any are still home."

"I wouldn't exactly call this shit a home."

"Yeah well in war home can be a lot of things. A couple of weeks ago our home was a trench."

"Don't remind me."

[Vangaziland]

3rd Platoon, Bravo Company
1st Battalion, 205th Infantry Regiment
Horlivka Frontlines

Several Vannish units had moved to surround Horlivka, facing resistance as they moved to fight towards the rear lines into the city. Fighting had grown more and more intense as Vannish lines tried to extend around the city. Armor played a role where it could have access. 1-205 INF was responsible for fighting into the northern edge of the city.

The light infantry company made use of its wheeled vehicles to approach from the roads. This was no easy task. An armored push, driven by the 180th Tank Battalion of the Imperial Marines, led the way.

1-205 INF soldiers of B Co's third platoon had dismounted two days ago. Since then it had been an almost non-stop fight. The group stalled when crossing a forested area. It surrounded Horlivka's northern road eventually branching out to link the city to Druzhba and Kurdyumivka.

The Separatists had dug a system of trenches on either side of the road. A camp rumored to house regular Russian soldiers along with Separatists was dug in deep on the other side of the road. Unfortunately, a lot of the fighting was at a standstill.

A look down the Vannish line would show soldiers of different races and creeds fighting together. A mixed black-Tainese soldier squatted behind a mounted 240B machine gun. The targets were just out of visual range as the gunner fired towards the other side of the road. The unit had come far to get this close. Actually crossing the linear danger area was still far from a possibility.

Other soldiers crouched behind the relatively shallow trenches. One smoked a small cigar in one hand, while holding his rifle in the other. It was a habit he'd picked up from the Ukrainian soldiers fighting alongside them. He occasionally popped up to aim and send a few shots towards any flashes he saw in the opposite tree line.

An orange-haired Vannish female sat at a deeper trench, armed with an M40A5 sniper rifle. Her features were covered in makeup. She didn't go full out in ghillie this time, though her suit was nearby. A net still fell over the back of her head, keeping her bright hair out of sight. Her rifle let loose with a cracking wallop. An unfortunate separatist had been playing the 'pop up with random AK burst' game.

Her shot rang true, well trained flaxen haired male spotter at her side. As the sniper's line connected twisted up and over towards the front trench, a group of attached Ukrainian rebels had their own machine gun nest. A portly fellow moved to and from the weapon each time he fired.

Snaps and cracks of enemy rifles showcased the enemy's willingness to fight. It seemed as if they fired a shot for every Vannish round sent their way. A sudden terror appeared in the sky above. The unit's forward observer called out the shape of two fighters in the distance.

"Su-27's! Soviet", the brown skinned woman called out. Vannish soldiers often colloquially referred to both Separatists and Russian regulars as 'Soviet 2.0'. The fighters were high above and headed deeper into the town. Allied fighters were surely on a path to intercept. These fighters had likely been based in Crimea and were now bringing the threat of Russian airpower into the conflict.

The platoon leader wasn't far from the FO and told his RTO to call the sighting up to battalion. The forward observer reported the arrival over the FIRES net, monitored by air and indirect fire support assets to include the Vannish Air Force. Two Vannish F-23 'Black Widows' were in the area. They sent out a call for more support.

The VAF had a limited presence in the skies above Ukraine. The 25th Fighter Squadron was a squadron built mostly for attack with 12 x A-10 Warthogs. Vannish doctrine made room for 4 x F-23 Black Widows in the same unit. Imperial Marine air defense artillery plays a major role in anti-aircraft operations in this offensive.

It would only be a matter of time until the fighters soon flew over one of the M271 'Defensemen' system's coverage zones. The call reached them, with short range radar from the trucks waiting to pick up the two aircraft's signatures.

On the ground below, the arrival of said aircraft did little to affect the exchange of bullets and shells across either side of the road. Even as they knew the fighters could flank around and strafe the line, the Vangazi held true. For now it seemed as if the aircraft were flying an anti-aircraft CAP patrol. They were most likely helicopter hunting.

A few dozen miles away, a Vannish RAH-66 had changed course and was speeding back towards the protection of allied fighters. It's low radar signature made it harder for the Russians to detect.

The corner of the Separatist line went up in smoke. An 'immediate suppression' mission had been called in, Vannish 120mm mortars hitting the line in a delayed fuse setting. This allowed the shells to punch down the tree and even explode deeper in the trenches, as opposed to ground level. This caused some shells to burst after burying into the soil. Other rounds impacted with dangerous results on the other line.

Separatist mortars had done similar damage to the Vannish line. Both sides were dug in with little room to give.

"We need some g---_--- air support", the surly platoon sergeant shouted over the battalion network. Vannish Army rotary assets had been hesitant to approach this corner of the city given the propensity of the camp to be protected with air defense assets. The threat of MANPADS alone kept the Comanches just out of reach.

VAF assets were tasked in support of operations across the country. One had been set to launch within the next two hours. The platoon sergeant was trying to make sure the arrival of Russian fighters didn't affect this.

The female sniper fired another true shot, striking another Separatist who popped up a little too high after a shot. A soldier tasked to guard her flank cheered vociferously as the camouflaged rifle rang it's blast.

[Luhanskaya]

Senior Sergeant Vladimir "Vova" Yurchak
3rd Platoon, 4th Company, 87th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, В/Ч 22874
Ukrainian ATO Forces, Task Force "Pekelnybog"
9th Quarter, Avdiivka
10:20

The streets seemed abandoned as the Ukrainian and EFF units entered Avdiivka. Barbed wire and sandbags lined the sidewalks, windowsills and the tops of walls, and craters covered the roads from where previous battles were fought. The area was nearly silent, the only noise was of boots stepping on asphalt and broken glass. Vova's muzzle fanned past every open doorway and window that he crossed. The element was moving in a staggered column along the road. Ahead he could see the EFF forces at the end of the street, a couple of the soldiers appeared to be messing with a car that had been left behind. He chuckled to himself, amused at how soldiers were the same, no matter where they had come from. Among the wind whistling in the abandoned neighborhood were the whispers of his men behind him. Fixa talked quietly over the radio, relaying their position to forces outside of the city. Livsha carried his SVD at the low ready as he smirked to a joke Melnik cracked. One soldier however was silent as they maneuvered.

Babnyk walked quietly among the formation. He had grown up in this city but it was now a shell of its former self, the element was now progressing through the 9th quarter borough of the city. Glass cracked beneath him, looking down he could see a charred picture frame showcasing a singed picture of a large family. This had been a place where families once enjoyed their lives and children had played in the park at the end of the road. The reality of the cities fate was weighing heavy on him, he had not been there since before the war had started. The fate of his family was unknown, as was not uncommon in the chaos that had ensued in Eastern Ukraine. He clinched his "kalash" tightly in his hands, while his eyes scanned building to building, eagerly awaiting the first enemy they encountered.

Vova wished there was something he could do for the kid, but there simply wasn't. This was the unfortunate effect this war had on the population. The foreign partners they worked with would never have to feel what they felt. Ukraine was simply a buffer country between Western Europe and Russia, a battlefield for both sides to square up before the warring parties ever had to lose their people or land. He was nearing the EFF soldiers as a crack echoed the streets. He lunged for the near wall, his men following suit, some utilizing the craters for cover, others in the rear took refuge in the grocery store. He grabbed Livsha by his plate carrier giving him a tug as he crouched along the building getting up to the intersection where one of the EFF soldiers had been targeted. Livsha was on his hip running with his SVD in one hand, but before they could even figure out what was going on, a deafening roar had come from the large gun on the tank. A dust cloud filled the street.

Vova's ears rang fiercely as he pushed himself up off the sidewalk, wiping the dust and debris from his eyes. Livsha had a large grin on his face as he did the same. Ahead of him the top floor of an apartment had been blown out, smoke poured out of the side of the building. Turning he motioned for his men to begin movement again, falling in behind him as they were before. Ahead he could see a young soldier be scolded for his carelessness. Moving quickly down the road they reached the first building marked for clearing. Elements of both sides stacked upon the entrances readying themselves for potential close quarters fighting. Melnik took point with his weapon trained on the closed door, behind him was Vova waiting to give the command.

[Military Democracy of Birtonia]

Knight-Major Theodore Lion, Commander, Birtonian Naval Strike Force
FOB Winter
The Ukraine

As the men conversed casually about waging war on foreign land, Theodore heard more than the usual buzz of commotion and turned his gaze towards the communications area of the Vannish command center. Several Vannish troopers frantically responded to urgent air support requests coming in from a column of vehicles near Horlivka. As information passed on the radio, the operators quickly entered into the command and control systems, almost instantaneously red symbols popped up on the digital display in the center.

"Well I guess it's time for me to bring our strategic commitment out eh Halgren?" smirked Lion as he approached the soft glow of the C&C system.

Vannish command, & intel software was automatically allowed a certain level of access to Birtonian systems & information due to the relationship of the two nations. However, an officer ranking O-6 or above could manually authorize high level allies all current Birtonian information of the immediate area and vice versa. The Birtonian officer slid his Imperial Access Card and after a few moments of retinal checks, fingerprints, and mission specific authorization codes, the map clicked and displayed new symbols, showing the Birtonian amphibious group off the coast and several aircraft already in flight.

"Do you mind if I get rid of that for you?" he pointed towards the red diamonds near the Vannish convoy under fire.

Knight-Lieutenant Victor Pengeist
E-707 AWACS

"Okay ladies and gentlemen" started Victor into the headset, he would be coordinating strikes for a majority of Birtonian aircraft in the sector and liaising with friendly ground forces requesting for air support, "today on the menu we have.... an air patrol, Mick and Shifty, you're on that".

A pair of F/A 60B Rogue fighters pulled right and began their patrol over friendly lines, looking for enemy aircraft or helicopters.

"Ah and a high priority request from Vannish forces engaged by insurgents, let's show them the might of the Imperium, Candid, Red Wings, Sun Ray, Chariot, this is all you, for the Emperor".

The next group consisted of 2 more F/A 60B Rogue's, an A 10 Dragon attack plane, and E/A 60D Thresher EW fighter soared off towards the beleaguered Vannish column.

Moments later the air wing was in the vicinity of the friendly vehicle column under fire. The EW plane kept a wider arc, searching for radar guided AA or any enemy aircraft that may try and sneak up on them. A little closer was the pair of Rogue's, standing by to utilize their guns or bombs if the Dragon didn't suppress the enemy ground troops. Shortly after the group was on station, the pilot of the A 10 Dragon lined up and let loose with a long burst of his 40mm gun, before dropping four 500lb bombs on the last known location of the enemy fighters.

"Vannish Command, Dragon is off station, you still have a pair of Rogue's, equipped with 250lb bombs, ATGM's, and guns, you call, we slaughter"