Unit 314 - Stalwart Bastion

[johndramey]

So in order to kick off this forum I've decided to make an LP out of my current squad. I've been going through Secrets of the Dark Age since the latest update on Brutal. Figured it could be fun for others to see me play. Well, maybe more along the lines of see me kill my poor templars. You are, unforunately, jumping in on map 7 of the campaign. After finishing this campaign I'll move into another campaign, maybe we can have a bit of vote to figure out where we will go.

So, before I start, let's lay out same basic ground rules. I'll post my story in this thread, and I'll create another thread and link to it for discussion/praise/plans/criticism. I've actually already run mission 1 for this squad, after I get around to writing up that mission (it'll be a bit brief because I didn't grab as many screenshots as I wanted) I'm hoping to enlist you guys to help decide to path of Unit 314! So...... Let's go!

Click here to go to the discussion thread

[johndramey]

Unit 314 - Stalwart Bastion

Command Officers


Captain John Stewart
Kills 101
Completed missions 9

The de-facto leader of the Stalwart Bastion, Captain Stewart is an exo-scout by training. He joined the Templar brotherhood 6 years ago and has slowly raised through the ranks by following orders, being fair to his subordinates, and leading from the front. Unfortunately his lack of political skills has hampered his promotion out of the front-line, but that suits him fine.

Non-Commissioned Officers

Specialist Demes Scipio
Kills 22
Completed missions 2

Spec Scipio is acting as an NCO for Unit 314 simply because he is a juggernaut of a Templar. Already standing an imposing 190cm, his specialized armor brings his height up to a gigantic 240cm. One of the few Templars in active duty that are trusted with the dreaded Neptune Cannon, he is known for his dry wit and coolness under pressure. He is equally at home joking with his subordinates as he is shredding enemy contacts with his weapon, and few in Unit 314 wouldn't trust him with their life.

Joined during The Replacements

Men of the Line

Private 2nd Class Melvin Bhevian
Kills 15
Completed missions 2

Pvt. Bhevian is the a recent recruit to Unit 314. He's a scout with a good head for tactics, he prefers to operate in small teams and is generally a capable shot. He is a bit of a recluse and his squad mates tend to mistake his reservation for arrogance.

Joined during The Replacements

Private 2nd class Corbulo Occulus
Kills 13
Completed missions 2

Pvt. Occulus was transferred from the Destroyer Dark Rain's complement of marines. As such, he displays unusual tendencies towards officers of the Star Corp's navy. Namely, he refers to them as squids, will generally look down on them out of hand, and constantly picks fights with them while on leave. He also has an ancient tattoo of an eagle sitting on an anchor behind old Earth and speaks of brotherhood with his fellow marines. Because of these personality quirks he tends to be the butt of many of unit 314's practical jokes.

Joined during The Replacements

The Honored Fallen

Private 2nd Class Kincaid Ortao

[/b]
Kills 8
Completed missions 2[/center]
Pvt. Ortao is a solid and dependable soldier. No non-sense, he has been with Cap. Stewart from the start. While not a dedicated sniper, he has been operating as a psuedo-marksman for the squad.

Fell pre-314

[/color]

Private 1st Class Donovan Kole
Kills 34
Completed missions 6

Pvt Kole is a recent recruit and has been finding his feet in the squad. He's gone through a few missions and has been performing well, but is largely untested. Only time will tell how Pvt Kole will perform.

Fell during Operation Clean Sweep

[/color]

Specialist Akhmed Bhavass
Kills 35
Completed missions 4

Spec. Bhavass is currently operating as unit 314's scout. He is a devote religious man, and as such constantly seeks Lt. Ortega's advice on any and all matters. Spc. Bhavass is relatively experienced and a solid hand to have in the squad, but he can be a bit... excitable when things get hot.

Fell during Operation Clean Sweep

[/color]

Lieutenant Fredrico Ortega
Kills 52
Completed missions 6

Cap. Stewart's right-hand man, an ex-priest that joined the more direct of the church's branches after his congregation fell to a heretic incursion. Lt. Ortega has become known for his strength and his compassion; able to deal equally well with the innocent and the guilty. He can be hard on new recruits, but he is a born NCO.

Fell during Operation Clean Sweep

[/color]

Missions

1)Operation Clean Sweep lead-up
2)Operation Clean Sweep
3)The Replacements / Operation Gentle Caress lead-up
4)Operation Gentle Caress
5)Prelude
6)Operation Darkness Rising
7) A Voice in the Darkness
8) The Approach Current as of 04-22-2013

[/i][/center]

Completed Campaigns
1)Secrets of a Dark Age
2)Docking Operations Current Campaign

[johndramey]

Operation Clean Sweep

Log begins

Secure said:

To Officer in charge - unit 314
Location tag SBS Salvation
Sender Officer in charge - SBS Salvation ; Commodore DeCruz

***************
ORDERS ENCLOSED
***************
.
REPORT TO OUTBACK PLANET ENDIVIUS
.
.
.
-INVESTIGATE REPORTED DISAPPEARANCE OF TWO (2) SURVEY TEAMS
-RESPOND TO SITUATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL DUE HASTE
-ELIMINATE ANY RESISTANCE
.
.
.
DATA SQUIRT IN-BOUND
.
.
VAE VICTUS

That's how it all started, this tour of hell on Endivius. We found a small structure on the surface, un-powered and seemingly abandoned. When we scouted the structure we saw some signs of habitation, but nothing we could pin down. Since the structure was open to the inhospitable atmosphere of Endivius I decided to recon in force. I mustered the 314 and moved in. Everything seemed so calm, no blood or bodies. We moved deeper into the structure and as we did so all hell broke lose.

Poor Ortao was our first loss. He acted as a rear-guard for us, holding the xenos off while we welded the bulkhead closed behind him. He will not be forgotten.

We've uncovered a madman. A rogue captain has contacted me over the internal security monitors and claims to have found some dark technology that allows him to control the xenos. I cannot be sure he is controlling them, and the troops think he is just as trapped as we are. I'm happy to let them think this, I was able to block all but his first message to the troops. Now all of his ravings come directly and solely to me.

We are pushing into this wretched place. We've found some kind of.... egg sacs. He's claimed that he is growing the next generation of xeno warrior, one that will follow his orders and allow him to conquer this sector.

I cannot allow this.

After I finish this log and transmit it up to the Dark Rain we shall move out. Lord, if you are out there, watch over me and my squad. We have our work cut out for us this day.

Attached to this log will be a map of our current area and objectives. As you can see, we are moving through a vast underground structure. I have picked up the strange signals that seem to emanate from the egg structures. My squad and I will purge them.

Log ends

[johndramey]

Operation Clean Sweep

After Action Report

Reporting Officer Captain John Stewart

Report
Unit 314, consisting of Lt. Ortega, Pvt. Kole, Spec. Bhavass and I broke into the main structure. Previously I had picked up emanations from what I believed to be egg sacs in 3 separate locations, the locations farthest from the extraction point. To combat this I decided to break up our assault into two squads, Squad A led by myself with Spec. Bhavass and the Squad B led by Lt. Ortega with Pvt. Kole in support. I plotted out a tentative route for the squads, and we moved out.

The pre-action plan. Squad A in red, Squad B in Blue, combined in green

Setting out the mission went according to plan, Spec Bhavass and I were able to use our lighter suits to build proceed to our objectives meeting only light resistance. Lt. Ortega and Pvt. Kole proceeded towards their objective with all due haste, however they were meeting some significant resistance. I'll include an excerpt of the mission log at this time.

Stewart: All right men, let's split up
Bhavass: Roger, on your six.

Ortega:Sir, splitting to the south. Good luck. Kole, on me.
Kole: Sir.

*Sounds of heavy breathing for approx 10 seconds*

Kole: Sir, I hear one behind us.
Ortega: Keep your cool soldier, when we hit this corridor I'll hold him while you move in.
Kole: Sir!
Ortega: Captain. We're running into some resistance, everything is under control at this time.

Stewart: Roger that. Things are proceeding smoothly here, we've hit very light resistance. If things get heavy let us know, we can be at your position in 5.

*indistinct screeching followed by gunshots*
Ortega: Ok, sir. Kole, move, move, move! I got him, you're clear. Watch your front.
Kole: Shit sir, thanks. Moving in.

So far, so good.

At this time I had checked with the Lieutenant, he assured me things were in hand, and Spec. Bhavass and I proceeded towards our objective. When we reached the objective we received a priority ping from Ortega, included below.

Ortega: We have a situation here sir.

*Multiple gun shots, the sounds of bullets slamming into bulkheads and flesh*

Kole: *screams* I'm hit! Shit. Shit. *gun shots* It's too hot!
Ortega: Sir, we need support. Resistance is extremely heavy. I repeat... *grunting, the sound of a thunder fist engaging followed by cracking carapace* extremely heavy!

Stewart: Roger that, we're mopping up the first batch of eggs. Resistance is extremely light, we'll be there in 5.

Squad A's situation at this time


Squad B's situation at this time

It took approx. 30 seconds for me to clear out the egg sacs with Spec. Bhavass standing watch. He dispatched 2 xenos, but other than that things were going too easily for us.

*2 gunshots spaced evenly apart*

Bhavass: Cap, that's another one. Are you done.
Stewart: Last one.
*The sound of a blade biting into something, followed by a splashing*
Stewart: Done! Ortega! Status!

Ortega: It's quiet, sir. Kole is watching the halls while I clean out the eggs. We've found three of them.
Kole: I don't like it sir.
Ortega: Silence. Captain, it looks like things are under control here. I recommend we follow the plan. No support needed.

Stewart: Are you sure, Ortega?

Ortega: 100% sir.

I made the decision to continue with the plan. I made the decision, so what comes now is all on myshoulders. Splicing combat log.

Kole: Sir.... I think I see something.
Ortega: One second, Kole. Almost got them.
Kole: Sir!

*Screeching, rapid gunshots*

Kole: Shit! They're everywhere!

*gunshots*

Ortega: Kole, I'm coming.

*gunshots*

Stewart: Ortega, Report!

Ortega: They must have been regrou....

Kole: *screams*

Ortega: Kole?! Kole! report!

Pvt. Kole had been caught in a pincer attack by 2 drones. He managed to kill one before it could close, but the other xeno drone closed the distance and was able to rupture his armor. Lt. Ortega did everything he could, but by the time he found Pvt. Kole there was no hope.

Kole's demise

*Heavy breathing*

Ortega: Sir, Kole's down. I'm moving to our rendezvous. I need backup now, sir!

Stewart: Got you, Bhavass, move out! I'll finish off these eggs and catch up later.
Bhavass: Roge.... *gunshots* No can do! Their right outsi....

*rapid gunshots, the sounds of a struggle*

Stewart: Bhavass?! Report!
Bhavass: *static* Can't.... *gunshots, screeching* too many... *gunshots* no! *transmission cuts out*
Stewart: Oh Christ. Ortega, objective completed. Bhavass is down. Move out to the rendezvous point, I'm moving now.

Ortega's retreat


Bhavass's demise

I maintained contact with Ortega via radio while I retreated. The damn Xenos had taken Bhavass's legs out from underneath him, exploiting the weakness in the joints of the scout armor that lets us move so much faster. Ortega's radio cut out while I was moving to the rendezvous, I have no idea what happened to him. At one point I ducked into a hallway so I only exposed one side of my body to attack. I managed to dispatch two xeno warriors and continue towards extraction.

Cleaving two Xenos

I was able to make it to the main security doors and activate the two security consoles, the whole time xenos were actively pursuing me. I could hear them closing in on me, but I just kept running and hoped my light armor allowed me to stay one step ahead of them. Luckily, I was able to escape through the bulkhead and slam it down. I can hear the xenos beating on the other side of the bulkhead, but they can't get through. I've even managed to get in contact with the Dark Rain. They are drilling down to me as we speak, they'll be able to provide some basic resupply and refit. After that.... Well the rogue captain must be brought to justice.

Extraction

My squad has been ravaged. All that is left at the moment is me and Pvt. Bhevian. He's never even seen action at this point. Luckily I'll be able to get some relief from the Dark Rain.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's the first mission. So my question to you, readers, is this: What now?!?! I have 4804 honor saved up and exactly two squad members alive haha. Good place to put you guys, huh?

Go on over to the discussion thread and help me out!

[fallen]

johndramey - awesome work! This is a great read and shows just how brutal this level is. I've posted it onto Facebook for others who are looking for a walk-through on how to get through the level. Anything to destroy the rogue captain! I'd definitely suggestion just one more soldier or maybe a scout who is decked out.

[johndramey]

Haha, glad you liked it. I am hoping to get the next mission up sometime soon, maybe even tonight!

*** Just a heads up, I ran the mission and had some kind of bug pop up. Made me lose the progress, so I'm going to rerun the mission. Hopefully I can make an update tomorrow night my time. Give me 24 hours and I'll give you a new story.

[johndramey]

The Replacements

[/b][/center]

Good news is to be had this day. I've been receiving transmissions from the relief force that is, at this very moment, just minutes away from breaching this god-forsaken structure and helping me to complete my mission. We will not be able to use their insertion point as a path to safety, however. Their rapid burrowing to my location has required some... creative use of the ships offensive armaments, and as such the path to freedom must be found within this structure.

The replacements. Well they are a mixed bag, we have two completely fresh recruits and one specialist. The fresh recruits are Pvt. Bhevian, a man who has been training with the 314 for some time, and Private 2nd class Corbulo Occulus. Pvt. Occulus was transferred from the Dark Rain's onboard marine complement in order to help me offset the loses I've already encountered in this pit. I've been told that while he is green and lacks experience, his heart is strong and he will do well. The specialist they are sending is... unique.

The Templar Brotherhood recently realized the need for heavier man-portable firepower. Recent research into plasma arms has been promising, and in fact the Dark Rain is sending two plasma rifles down for the 314 to use, but has yet to yield significant advantages over simple Leviathan guns. Sure, the plasma hits harder, but containment shielding keeps ammunition bulky and production costly. To help to fill the gap while plasma technology is properly miniaturized for the Templars, some madman decided to develop the Neptune cannon.

Neptune cannons are, simply put, monstrous rapid fire cannons originally designed as point defense cannons for merchant ships. They've been scaled down slightly, and the ammunition reserves reduced greatly, but largely the design still holds. They are so massive, in fact, that the a special set of Templar armor was developed to facilitate Neptune use in the field. This armor is much heavier than other Templar armor and has an anchoring system installed. This anchoring system will hold the trooper steady while firing, effectively locking him in place until he disengages the system. The cannon itself fires 30mm H.E.A.P. rounds at a rate of 120 every minute, this gives the cannon a distinctive sound that most templars have learned to both love and hate. The Templars love the sound because it means some enemy is on the receiving end of devastating fire that few things can endure, the hate comes from the enemies immediate reaction. Neptune troopers have significantly shortened life expectancy on the field and are almost totally dependent on their squad mates for support. They can lock down a choke-point single-handed, but require help if there is more than one avenue of approach.

As such I have already split the 314 into two separate squads. Squad A will be made up of Pvt. Bhevian and myself, while Squad B will be Spec. Scipio and Pvt. Occulus. Pvt. Occulus will be expected to support Spec. Scipio in whatever capacity Scipio demands.

The mission coming is going to be a difficult one. The rogue captain Maddoc has been quite for some time, and I expect that he has either succumbed to the xenos or found some avenue of escape. As such we must investigate what is on the other side of this bulkhead. I am expecting heavy resistance. According to the ATAS system we will have one large central room that can be used as a defensive fire base by Squad B, highlighted on the map in yellow. From that base Squad A can move out to the two locations showing those strange signatures the egg-sacks seem to produce.

The plan of action for this mission

This map shows our basic plans. Hopefully this splitting of my forces works better than the last attempt. I can hear the relief force on the other side of the bulkhead. It is time to brief my troops, distribute the gear, and head out on our mission.

May the lord protect us this day.
Miserere mei, Deus,
Capt. Stewart, Unit 314

-------------------

I'm at work at the moment, so I'll try to write the actual mission report tonight. Also, I'll update the first post with the current squad members tonight for sure. Stay tuned!

[johndramey]

Operation Gentle Caress

After briefing the replacements and passing out the two plasma rifles the Dark Rain was kind enough to send down to me I quickly formed up the squads, opened the doors, and Operation Gentle Caress began.

The insertion point

Immediately after opening the bulkheads a scene straight out of hell greeted me. There was blood and tissue all over the place, coating the decks and walls of this twice-damned place like an abattoir.

Stewart: It appears we have found the rogue captains crew, troops. Let this be a reminder to you all what happens when total freedom reigns.
Occulus: Dear lord...
Bhevian: My god, sir what happened?
Scipio: It appears as if these bodies were rent apart by same force. See here *points to what appears to be a broken ribcage* these are not clean cuts.
Stewart: The xenos couldn't have done this. It must be the work of the rogue captain's artifact.

I gave the order for the squad to move in towards the central room. My hopes for a smooth, uninterrupted entrance were dashed at once when a single warrior closed in from a side corridor. Since it was just a single xeno I had Pvt. Occulus handle it while Spec. Scipio and Squad A proceeded to the rally point.

Pvt. Occulus's first blood

Occulus:Got it, sir. Lord are they ugly, but it went down easy enough.
Stewart: One is never a worry, private. It is rare only one comes, though. Quickly, move to the rally point with us.
Occulus: Aye aye!

As we entered the central rally point I spotted an orange pedestal with a space that was conspicuously empty, as if something had recently been removed from it. The lost crew's gore seemed to be especially heavy around the pedestal, and I proceeded to close with the pedestal to get a better look while Squad B proceeded to set up firing positions. I realized my mistake immediately as the xeno chose that exact time to close with us, and no fewer than 4 of the wretched demons charged our positions. I was able to dispatch two with my captain's force blade while pvt. Bhevian dispatched one closing on my flank. The last of the damned things was put down by a spray of plasma bolts from pvt. Occulus's rifle.

The first wave

Stewart: Incoming!
Bhevian: Get down!
*two even gun shots and the sound of blade on bulkhead*

Occulus: I got one *rapid panic fire* closing! Shit you're fast, but I got you good. Semper Fi!

Stewart: Occulus! Watch your fire. You'll need all of your rounds and we have no ammo packs.
Occulus: Aye aye, sir. Sorry I lost my cool there.
Stewart: That's fine, soldier. Next time one shot. Scipio! How is it coming, soldier?
Scipio: Just finishing set-up sir. The Neptune is online.
Stewart: Perfect, let's get ready to move out Bhevian!

Moving to the Eastern objectives

As we moved towards our next objectives I spotted three egg-sacks against the bulkhead. I ordered Scipio and Occulus to hold position in the North-eastern corner of the room and watch my back while I took care of the blasted things with my blade. No point wasting ammunition on their demonic spawn, they cannot harm Titans.

Smiting the xeno spawn

As Squad A moved towards the south-eastern objective Squad B started to report some light contacts. Spec. Scipio was loathe to employ his Neptune cannon until absolutely necessary due to the inordinate amount of attention it's firing tends to bring to the operator. As such, Occulus was left to deal with the single xenos that wandered into the choke-point. He was able to dispatch these xenos without incident. My plan for Squad B to draw the xenos away from Bhevian and myself appeared to be going without a hitch.

Occulus watching the western approach

At this point Scipio got on the common band and informed me that he could hear a large group of xenos closing on Squad B's position.

Occulus: Two more, ooooorah. These xenos can't handle this rifleman's plasma bolts.
Scipio: Wait.... Hear that? *keys common band* Sir, I hear what a lot of xenos closing. Looks like it's party time!

Stewart: Roger Scipio, keep them off of us. We're closing with the south-eastern objective right now, no contacts aside from the hell spawns' eggs.

A wave of warriors closing on Squad B

Scipio: Roger, spinning up the cannon.
*An ominous click followed by the sound of a heavy engine rotating the twin barrels of the cannon*
Occulus: You got this, Skip?
Scipio: Oh yeah, locked and loaded. Watch and learn, private.

Target rich environment

*THUNK, THUNK, THUNK, THUNK*
Scipio: Take it, devil things.
*screeching*
Occulus: Wooooooooooo! Damn Skip, you got those bastards!
Scipio: Told you it was nothing Occulus, and stop calling me Skip. *keys common channel* Your flank is clear sir, nothing but a fine xeno paste to report at the choke-point.

Stewart: Good work, B squad. Bhevian and I are clearing out the south-eastern eggs now.
Bhevian: Leave some for us, Occulus. I'm just stomping on eggs over here. I've only got a single xeno under my belt.

Occulus: Hell, Bhevian, Skip isn't leaving any for me. You should see this thing in action!

Clearing the southern eggs

Stewart: Enough chatter, you two. Bhevian, watch my back while I clear out the northern eggs.
Bhevian: Roger sir, nothing will touch you.

[/i]Moving to the northern eggs[/i][/center]

While I focused on clearing out the largest collection of eggs I'd run into thus far Bhevian dispatched 4 separate xenos. The treacherous things may be fast and strong, but tactical they are not. They came in one or two at a time. Bhevian had positioned himself perfectly to catch them as they rounded the corner. Good to his word no xeno made it more than 1 meter into the intersection. All the while I was cleaving their disgusting eggs as best I could, and I could clearly here the Neptune firing through the bulkheads. The firing was coming with increasing regularity, and I was beginning to worry that Squad B's position was becoming untenable when Squad B contacted me.

The situation, Squad A clearing eggs while Squad B suppresses xenos

Scipio: Sir, resistance is tailing off. I think Occulus and I have rocked the xenos. They don't know what to make of the Neptune.
Occulus: Sir, they just round the corner and vaporize. I don't even think Templar armor can stand up to this thing!

Stewart: Good to hear you two. I'm finishing up here. Bhevian! Get ready to move out.

*muffled gun shots*

Bhevian: Roger that sir, it's like a shooting gallery down here. That's my 5th xeno.
Stewart: Keep it up, I'm moving out now.

All eggs neutralized

As I moved out of the northern passage I almost stumbled on Bhevian executing another of the xeno warriors. There were quite a few bodies piled up there, and Bhevian and I moved swiftly towards Squad B's choke-point.

The choke-point. Note the nice new paintjob

As Squad A moved towards the choke-point I ordered Squad B to start falling back towards the extraction point. Scipio disengaged his armor's damping system and started to move while Occulus watched him. This was the most dangerous part of our mission, our primary strength in Scipio was practically defenseless while moving. Occulus did an admirable job protecting him, and we succeeded in reaching the extraction point.

Staged retreat to the extraction point

Not only was this mission a resounding success in the fact that we totally removed all eggs we encountered, we also did not suffer a single injury. Scipio and Occulus were able to pull enough of the xenos off of their eggs that Bhevian and I were able to get in and out of their hatchery with very little resistance. The downside is that the rogue captain appears to have escaped with the dark artifact and collapsed his path, leaving it totally impassable. We will have to backtrack through this infested structure in order to evacuate to the Dark Rain. I do not doubt that we will make it, the situation requires at least one of us make it out with news of what has happened. Perhaps is we hurry we can even intercept the rogue captain before he escapes off the planet.

Until next log,
Vae Victis, Brother.

Kill count
Stewart 17
Bhevian 11
Squad A total 28

Occulus 16
Scipio 8
Squad B total 24

--------------------------------------------

Oh boy, Neptune cannon was good beans. Big thanks to Lt. Hathaway for the suggestion over in the discussion thread. If you enjoyed this story then please head on over to the discussion thread and let me know! Your praise and suggestions encourages me to keep up with Unit 314. Until next update folks!

Head over to the discussion thread by clicking here!

[chromeada]

Nice work (on the level and the writeup)! Very entertaining!

[johndramey]

Paxdad and chromeada, thanks for the compliments! It's nice to see people enjoying the thread. If you guys are interested in giving me some more input, joining the squad as a templar, or just generally chatting about 314 please head on over to the discussion thread. I always welcome ideas for the team!

--------------------------------------------

Prelude

As the squad piled into the security lock and prepared to move out I slammed the seal, effectively trapping any of the xenos that were pursuing us. I figure removing their eggs and sealing them into the structure will do well enough for now, so I engage the power servos in my Leviathan armor and bend the lock handles. Now no mere explorer can gain access.

Stewart Alright men, since the rogue captain Malloc was not to be found I'm guessing he escaped. That means we need to get out of here too.

Occulus Aye, sir. Something quick and easy would be nice.
Scipio Occulus, stop smarting off and get to the drop pod we came down here in.
Occulus Why Skip? We can't go back up in it, you know that.
Occulus For Shalun's sake, ammo block head. We need to reload while we have time.
Occulus Ah, right. Gimme a second.

Bhevian While Occulus gets the ammo, can I take a look at the map data sir?
Stewart Sure, transmitting now.
Bhevian Got it. Looks like there are three possible ways out sir. One is your original entry point...
Stewart was.
Bhevian Sir?
Stewart It was my original entry point, the elevator was flooding with xenos and we had to seal the door.
Bhevian Ah... Well then sir, I guess that narrows our choices to one.

Scipio One? Since when does removing one option from three leave one?

Stewart The other is Malloc's escape route, I'm guessing behind this door here. *pats security door*
Bhevian Bingo.

Occulus Delivery, we got enough ammo for everyone to top off. There is some extra, but I can't imagine trying to lug it around would be a good idea.
Scipio Leave it be, private.
Occulus Ok, ok. *starts passing out ammo crates* Dig in.

Bhevian Captain, may I have access to the squad net? I want everyone to see this.
Stewart Granted, let's see it soldier.

*A map appears in everyone's HUD, displaying a map that Bhevian has apparently been working on*

Bhevian's map

Bhevian Our only option is an as yet unseen shaft. From the ATAS mapping it looks like we'll have to walk it, could take a while, but it'll eventually get us out.
Stewart Ok, private. Then tell us what you got marked out here.
Bhevian Sir. The way I see it these areas I've circled in yellow look like the possible entry points for these beasts.

Scipio That many, huh? What about the north-eastern area?

Bhevian I think they'll stay away from that area. Might want to be careful up there, but I think they'll be coming from the south-western corridors. As such, we should take the main passage.
Stewart I agree, two main advantages there. First we can go two abreast and give each other some support, also we can deploy the Neptune if things get too hot.

Scipio That we can, sir. Just keep in mind it'll take me a bit to ready my armor for firing. If you can keep the bugs off my back I can clear us a path.
Occulus I got your back, Skip.

Bhevian So, what do you think sir. I think a straight shot up the hall followed by a single turn. The last leg will be through a tight hallway, but the rest of it should be relatively open.
Stewart Sounds good, private. Let's form up and get ready to move out. We must hurry if we are to get to the Dark Rain and waylay Malloc.

The squad quickly formed up on me and we made final checks. All of our suits checked out, we were topped out on ammo, and spirits were high. It had only been a short 5 minutes for the troops, but I had been down in this sewer for almost a full day. Fatigue weighed heavily on me as I keyed the door and I straightened my shoulders.

Stewart Prepare yourself, men.

One last charge. Once more into the maw of these beasts. Unsheathing my force blade I prepared myself. The door swung open with a hallow clang and we moved out.

[johndramey]

Operation Darkness Rising

The retreat begins

We were greeted with eerie silence, the corridor was dimly lit and there were no xenos in sight. After the running retreat I had to make just hours ago I was expecting to open the door into dozens of the hellspawn, instead all that I can see through the dim lighting is damage to the bulkhead and the surrounding walls from claws. There seems to be none of the xenos around and I signal the men to move out.

Stewart Alright men, looks like we have a respite. Let’s take it, move out.

*acknowledges ring out on the common band*

Stewart Bhevian, switch places with me. You and Occulus are in charge of our rear. Scipio and I will cover the front.
Bhevian Roger, sir. Moving now.

Occulus It’s us privates in the back, Bhev. Skip, we’re trusting you to hose those bastards down if they show up.
Scipio Consider it done.

Spirits seemed to be pretty high as we moved down the corridor. We ran into our first xeno shortly after rearranging our formation, but I was able to dispatch it with my force sword without breaking stride.

Xeno to the front

We continued our forward progress without too much trouble. Immediately after dispatching the first xeno another came barreling out of the darkness and I dispatched it with my sidearm.

Scipio Contact, captain!

Stewart I got it.

*A single shot rings out, higher pitched than usual leviathan fire*

Occulus Wow, cap, didn’t know you had a gun on you.

Stewart We all do, private. Command officers simply prefer close combat.

The way is open

As we continued moving down the corridor a small branch came up on the right. I slid to a halt and positioned myself in the hallway, effectively blocking the way for any xeno.

Covering the hallway

Scipio Where are you going, sir?

Stewart Covering our flank, Bhevian move up next to the specialist and I’ll bring up the rear.
Bhevian Moving, got the right side Scipio.

Scipio Ok, Bhevian. You get any singles that get through, I’ll take care of bigger clumps.
Occulus Hey, you two, keep moving. The less time in here the better.

Stewart You heard the man, get a move on. I hear some of those things coming this way.

As the men moved past the hallway I eased back out. The sound of the xenos was getting louder all around us and I could hear the Neptune spinning up. Scipio reported contacts closing on his position, and as he did so a xeno burst out of the corridor I had been blocking just seconds ago.

Pulling out of the hallway

Scipio Two contacts front, maybe more. Engaging!

*whirring sound as the Neptunes twin barrels spin up to firing speed*
*screeching and skittering*

Stewart I got one back here.

Occulus Sir!? *starts to turn around*

Stewart Keep going private, I can handle this one.

*xenos screeching*
*The Neptune fires one short burst*
*xenos screeching is cut off*

Occulus By Shalun that thing is loud, ok sir moving up.
Scipio Front is clear, sir.

*the sound of a hammer striking a watermelon*

Stewart Back’s clear. Move up, we’ll reform at the intersection.

The Neptune’s work

When we made it to the intersection we started to encounter heavy resistance from the creatures. Unfortunately Bhevian’s plan had been too optimistic, he expected no strong xeno presence from the easternmost corridor and there were quite a few of the hellspawn coming from the passage.

Stewart Reform!
Bhevian Bad news, sir. I’m hearing a lot of movement from the East.

*Screeching can be heard over the heavy breathing of the squad*

Occulus What was that Bev? You said you didn’t expect anything there!

Bhevian It appears I was wrong.
Stewart Change of plan, Squad B form up and push towards the exit. Bhevian, you and I will secure the eastern flank and hold off any xenos from our rear.

Scipio Got you, sir. Occulus, let’s do this.
Occulus On you, Skip.

The squads form up

As Bhevian and I formed up to cover the eastern flank he hired shots into the dark. I couldn’t see what he was engaging, but the scream of an injured xeno echoed out of the darkness. Bhevian and started to fall back into the western corridor while Squad B pushed into the choke-point. We simply trusted them to take care of anything in the front, while they trusted us to cover our sector.

Scipio Occulus, you take the front. You have to push through this hallway, I won’t be able to fire while moving.
Occulus All up to me, huh? Oorah, Skip.

*Gunshots and scuffling from squad A*

Bhevian You ok, sir?
Stewart I’m ok, I got it. Only a dent on my shoulder plate, I’m fine. B team, you need to move! *Gunshots and grunting* Things are hot back here, we can’t hold much longer!

Occulus Moving, Captain. As fast as I can.
Scipio Xeno to the front, private!

*Gunshots*

Occulus Got ‘em!

Things are heating up

We started pulling back into the corridor. Bhevian and I had to fight every second of the withdrawal, but we managed to hold the xenos at bay while Occulus and Scipio pushed forward into the choke-point.

Pushing into the choke-point

When squad B reached the other side of the choke-point the started to encounter resistance as well. However, at that point Scipio had enough room that the Neptune could be employed with devastating results.

Occulus There are more coming, Skip. Get up here!
Scipio I’m here, private. Engaging the recoil suppressors.

*The neptune starts to spin up*

Stewart Clear the front, specialist! We need to get out of here, now!

*Gunshots ring out*

Bhevian Another one down, sir.
Stewart Good shot, get ready to make a break for it Bhevian!

The Neptune getting ready to clear the way

*THUNK, THUNK, THUNK*
*Screams resonating from the front*

Scipio The front is clear, sir! Occulus, move it to the security bulkhead.
Occulus Moving now!

Stewart Move back, Bhevian... *The sound of a blade cutting into carapace* I can take care of these.
Bhevian Going sir.

Scipio I got the door controls, sir. Move back as soon as you can.
Occulus Come on, Bev. Captain, I got your back, fall back!

Stewart Coming in 3.... 2.... Moving!

*Gunshots and stomping feet*

Occulus Their in, Skip. Seal the doors!

The final push

As the door slammed down behind me I could hear the xenos closing. They had no hope of getting through the thick security bulkhead. I turn around and am greeted by my squad staring back at me. We’ve made it. I signaled to Specialist Scipio to cycle the airlock, and we prepare for anything that may be on the other side. We are greeted by a claustrophobic little crawler-elevator. It appears that we can ride this to the surface, although it appears that it could take a couple days. No matter, the suits will keep our bodies healthy while we ride. The men and I can use the time to rest and prepare for returning to the Dark Rain. I can finish my reports and have them ready for transmission once the squad reaches the ship. For now, everything seems at peace. One can only hope that we will see no more action on this god-forsaken planet.

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Final kill count
Stewart 7
Bhevian 4
Occulus 5
Scipio 6
Total 22

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That’s another mission down for the 314! We’ve actually completed the campaigns Secrets of a Dark Age and are ready to move on to the next. What is that, you ask? What’s the next campaign? Well I don’t know, that’s up to you! Head over to the discussion thread and let me know what you think! As always, your comments (whether they be positive or negative) are always appreciated!

[johndramey]

Hello there folks! So, I’m back. It’s been awhile since you guys got to see what’s been going on with Capt. Stewart and Unit 314 and that is mostly due to my life. Work, a marathon, and just general chores had built up to the point that I had to fall of the radar for a while. Now that everything is a little calmer I should be able to come and bother all of you guys on the forums again. Also, hopefully you can get a chance to have some more fun with Unit 314! So... without further ado, on to the next mission!

As another small note. I decided to do a small campaign in order to beef up the skills of my squad. Fallen actually gave me the suggestion to do Vengeance of the Templar, but I actually can’t find the campaign on my list. I’m sure it is there, or maybe listed under another name, but I am pretty stupid so we’ll do another campaign until someone points out my idiocy

A Voice in the Darkness

[/size][/center]

After clearing out Endivius and watching Malloc escape Unit 314 returned to the surface of the planet only to find their ship missing. Bodies were strewn around the landing area, and there were signs of a hasty take off.

Bhevian Sir... It looks like Malloc beat us here and hijacked the ship.

Occulus Shit! What do we do now?
Scipio Stow that talk, private!
Occulus We’re doomed, Skip! How are we supposed to...

Stewart Enough! We need to dig in. Bhevian, get up someplace high and broadcast an S.O.S. with your comms system. Maybe we can get a ride out of here.
Bhevian Roger that, sir.

Occulus What does it matter, sir? We got no food! No supplies!

Bhevian By Shalun, didn’t you pay attention during training? Our suits can sustain us for as long as we need, and the rations stored in our suit can keep us fed for weeks.

Scipio Yes, exactly private. We won’t be comfortable, but as long as we relax and keep our heads we have a good chance of getting out of here.

Private 2nd class Bhevian then proceeded to climb on top of the highest spire and set about broadcasting a repeating S.O.S. with as much power as his advanced scout’s suit’s communications suit can handle. Captain Stewart took control of the squad and had them build up a tight perimeter around Bhevian’s position, making sure to always keep him protected in case the xenos managed the impossible and escaped their tomb.

The Stalwart Bastion ended up holding that hill side for nearly a month before a passing Templar ship picked up their transmission. A Spear class attack cruiser’s captain made contact with Bhevian on the 27th day of Unit 314’s stand and the cruiser’s captain was quickly convinced by Captain Stewart to rescue his squad.

As the Spear class cruiser took off and Unit 314 got out of their Leviathan suits for the first time in over a month the debriefing of Captain Stewart started. He quickly reported the results of the campaign against Malloc and how he was able to capture a Templar ship and escape a Templar response team. Captain Stewart was harshly reprimanded by Templar command and told that, in no uncertain terms, such a failure would not be tolerated again.

While the cruiser coasted through the darkness between stars, Unit 314 licked its wounds. The strike team had been through hell and back, and while the wounds would heal there would always be scars.

It took only a few weeks for the peace to be shattered. Captain Stewart entered his cabin after a training session with Unit 314 to find a message waiting for him, the message was marked Eyes-Only and Urgent, so Stewart settled down to read what was an inevitably going to be a briefing.

To Officer in charge - Unit 314
Location SBS Salvation
Sender Officer in charge - SBS Salvation : Commodore DeCruz

*************
ORDERS ENCLOSED
*************
.
EMERGENCY SIGNAL DETECTED
.
.
OVER RIFT OF LARUDHU, TIBERIA HIGH-LINER
CONTACT HAS CEASED AS OF 37 HOURS AGO
.
.
.
CREW MISSED 3 CONTACT CHECKS
.
.
PROBABILITY OF HOSTILE ACTION, HIGH
.
.
.
MISSION OBJECTIVES AS FOLLOWS:
-BOARD TIBERIA HIGH-LINER
-INVESTIGATE CAUSE OF DISTURBANCE
-IF PRESENT, ENGAGE ANY HOSTILES
-IF POSSIBLE, RESCUE SURVIVORS
.
.
.
DATA SQUIRT INBOUND
.
.
VAE VICTUS, CAPTAIN

Attached was a personal note from Commodore DeCruz

Stewart,

I realize that you and your unit are probably feeling.... used. The reprimand was not necessary, I and my superiors know that you did all that you could. While we cannot publicly do so, we support you. Take care of yourself out there, captain. May Shalun be with you, and may the righteous law guide your blade.

Commodore Rodrigo DeCruz

Captain Stewart gathered the unit and informed them of the situation, it appears that the High-liner is only able to be boarded from a single airlock. The templars will have to make entry through that lock, but after that the situation is unknown. The Spear class cruiser has set off towards the Rift of Larudhu, and is expected to make contact in 42 hours. Until then plans are to be made for the boarding operation and the Unit is to refit and rearm. The Stalwart Bastion is preparing, soon it will have a chance at redemption. Who knows, maybe this will be a routine patrol with no foul play? Stranger things have happened....

----------------------

So I hope you guys like the prelude! I’ve actually played through the first mission and documented it with screenshots and everything. I’m working on writing it up, and will hopefully have something finished tomorrow night. Give me 24 hours and I will hopefully have you guys reading about the Unit! Until then.... Vae Victus!

[johndramey]

The Approach

[/center]

When our cruiser finally got within range of the Tiberia High-Liner the captain decided to investigate the ship before trying to establish communication. The ship was floating dead in space, and there appeared to be extensive damage to the ship’s hull. We were able to read it’s registration, which turned out to be the banned freighter The Gifted Thief. It started its life as a Javat merchant ship, but was listed as blacklisted from all Clan exchanges a little over 3 years ago. Since then, only Shalun knows.

Our scans showed a huge amount of interference, but there appeared to be... something alive in the ship. It was hard to tell exactly what it could be, but I decided to suit up the Stalwart Bastion and check out The Gifted Thief personally. Before departing the captain of our Spear cruiser was able to scan the ship visually as well as with the deep radar system. There appeared to be extensive modifications internally to the ship, and we would not be able to access any of the upper airlocks. Luckily we gained access to one of The Gifted Thief’s mid-ships access ports, but it appeared that we would require extra work before we would be able to dock the Spear cruiser to the ship and start to affect salvage operations.

As such, I had Private Bhevian draw up plans on how to go about engaging the primary docking arm. Using the deep radar system aboard the Spear cruiser he was able to detect that two power relays relating to the operation of the docking arm were offline and require manual re-engaging. Thankfully the power relays are both located near the access hatch, and it should be a simple run to get them engaged. I’ve attached Bhevian’s action plan for your review, hopefully you can understand it easy enough.

Bhevian’s Plan of action

As you can see on the attached plan, both Bhevian and I agreed that the mission could be easily accomplished if we simply split into our traditional squads. Bhevian and I would be responsible for the upper locks, while Scipio and Occulus would move to the nearer lower lock. We are not expecting any resistance, but as Shalun knows what to expect we will be loaded in full combat load. We will be departing shortly for The Gifted Thief. May the righteous law be on our side this day.