USCMRPG

(My first turn posting since I ran Boot Camp. Hopefully I didn’t forget anyone. If there are any questions just ask me. Let’s rock!)

Planet: Adullan
Location: Secessionist Space
Date: February 1, 2187
Mission Time: 01:26

As 1st and 3rd Squads moved up, led by Sam and Dirk respectively, there was very little noise. The sound of nature had returned to the area. Birds were chirping, and the wind rustled the trees. The only thing one could hear beyond that was the light crunching that came from twigs lightly snapping beneath the squad member’s feet.

The deathly quiet was unusual given the mass of firing that happened moments before. Still they pressed forward seeking out whoever it was that were in front of them.

3rd squad had moved up quite a ways, with 1st squad maintaining its distance to the flank. As they moved they could hear something that almost sounded like whispering. It was nearly indistinguishable from the sound of the wind, and the squad proceeded just a little bit more cautiously.

Dirk was at the front of the line eying every inch of what was around them, letting nothing slip passed his gaze, while the others in his squad attempted to do the Same. He moved passed a dense bush patch and looked to his left.

Crouched down in a small huddle was a group of seven men. They wore dark gray uniforms which appeared to be an urban camouflage. They were certainly not marines however, their equipment appearing to be an amalgamation of fringe group war material.

They were looked forward in the direction that Dirk’s squad had come from, seemingly ready for battle. But they were completely flanked.

For a brief second they had not noticed Dirk, but not two seconds went by before one looked over.

“Holy shit! Marines!” the soldier yelled, falling on his behind and firing his weapon in the air on accident.

The others seemed to scramble confused, but Dirk’s squad had the clear advantage, and with Sam’s squad closing in at their rear along with the captured Sentry guns being operated by Giosso, the firefight was going to be a quick and bloody one.

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

Second squad held their position around the wounded Morse, who appeared to be shifting in and out of consciousness. Quinn’s efforts to remove the scraps of the leg were very successful as the man was nearly qualified as a world class surgeon. He was already in the process of stabilizing him, and preparing to move the injured Smartgunner.

Suddenly overhead there was a light rushing sound. At first it sounded like a heavy stream of water. But the sound got louder and louder, and then gave way to the tone of an engine.

Colson then immediately saw what was making the sound. Pointing up, the other’s all were able to see what appeared to be some sort of drone.

It flew just over the tree line above their heads, but it clearly wasn’t military origin. It had a rusty brown color to it and was about five feet wide and four feet long. It flew on two parallel boosters. It was clearly a mining survey drone, something that was used to help get a read on ore that might be in an area.

But there was one serious difference to it, and that was the unmistakable image of what appeared to be a long rifle attached to the bottom of it, similar to the sniper modification that could be made to a Sentry Gun. It flew just over the tree line, hovered a moment and then fired at the stagnant squad.

BWANG BWANG BWANG

Three shots went out, two towards Colson and another towards Bell.

< ACTIONS!

Bell hit the ground for the humpteenth time, cursing viciously. "Contact !!!Aloft!!!" He scrambled for cover on his worn out belly, "This fucking sucks". When he found suitable cover he began unloading onto the drone, more out of spite than out of any real hope to deal any serious damage.

Colson had patched Morse up as best he could and was watching as Quinn finishing up; he couldn't help but admire the man's needle work.

That's when his ears picked up a new sound, something out of place. Looking round he tried to locate the source, with a glance up his eyes locked onto a shape just above the tree line. A drone! "Heads up!" he shouted at the sight of it, that's when he noticed what appeared to be a gun under slung, "WASP!" he cried just as it opened fire.

At that moment time condensed and through his head countless possible actions passed through. He acted only on one; leaning forward over Morse he attempted to shield the wounded marine from any further harm.

The thought that with such superior position and firepower could force the men to surrender flashed in his mind, then passed quickly. These men wanted a fight, they fired on his men and they wounded Morse with their mines. He had offered to allow them to surrender and stay alive. His offer was flatly ignored and now was no longer on the table. With that realization an electric shiver shot up his spine, ending in a cold smile on his lips. No mercy until they laid down their arms.

"Take 'em" He said simple to his squad.
<Tag third squad>

With the order given Dirk opened fire. Pulling the trigger he sent a constant stream of 10mm death as his pulse rifle screamed.

Sal had rejoined his squad and things had returned to that sort of silent equilibrium they did during exercises. Seeing real humans in his sights he suddenly felt a little silly. Not long ago, in the scheme of things, he'd been burning monsters that could tear men in half and shear through metal with their claws.

Now he was gunning down a bunch of deserters and dissidents who didn't like that their tax money was paying for a federal hospital in another system, or some trite shite.

What was this factions manifesto anyway? Did they even have one?

Someone made them through the cover, but it was a kill box situation. Sal aimed, held a breath, and picked a target that was firing toward the other squad. Hopefully the broader profile would make for a better shot. He fired a short burst, exhaled and fired another.

<Aim>
<Hold breath to stead>
<Fire/Steady/Fire>

Mac kept point with 3rd squad and froze when he heard whispers, automatically going to a crouch and shouldering his sniper rifle. His CO spotted the enemy first and he awaited the kill order, ignoring the sound of a long rifle firing back at 2nd squad's position.

Dirk Pitt wrote:The thought that with such superior position and firepower could force the men to surrender flashed in his mind, then passed quickly. These men wanted a fight, they fired on his men and they wounded Morse with their mines. He had offered to allow them to surrender and stay alive. His offer was flatly ignored and now was no longer on the table. With that realization an electric shiver shot up his spine, ending in a cold smile on his lips. No mercy until they laid down their arms.

"Take 'em" He said simple to his squad.
<Tag third squad>

Mac centered his sights on the panicked rebel and held his aim for 2 counts of mississippi before sending an armor piercing round down range, the rifle's thunderous report ringing his ears but he was already aiming for the head of the next enemy, aiming for 2 counts and firing again.

Actions: Aim 2, Fire. Aim 2, Fire

Samantha had led her squad to its flanking position and looking around, she saw her people in perfect position to act as the 'anvil' to Dirk's squad's 'Hammer'.

Upon seeing the handful of Rebel troops caught flat-footed, she was about to call out a "Drop your weapons and put your hands in the sky!" yell when Dirk and company opened up. Letting out a sigh that no one probably heard in the midst of the fire-fight, she called out to her squad; "Well, I guess we need to make sure nobody gets any return fire at 3rd; so pick your targets and make your shots count!".

With that, she raised her Pulse Rifle to her shoulder and took aim at the Rebel farthest from Dirk's position, held it and fired a short-burst; then turned to the next farthest from 3rd squad and did the same.

<Tag 1st Squad>

<Aim for 2 actions, fire short burst at Target 1; aim for 2 actions, fire short burst at Target 2>

1st and 3rd Squad

The shots clattered in with amazing efficiency. Within three seconds of the first rebel calling out that they were flanked, half their number was being cut down. Amidst their surprise, they few that remained had no option but to run. They pivoted slightly, but did not even make it a step before 1st Squad, led by Sam opened fire on them.

The firing from both sides was beyond overwhelming as the superior Marine training left all seven men in a bloody pile in the dirt. They had very little with them, just what appeared to be a standard infantry kit of weapon, ammunition, and some small field gear, much of which had been damaged by the streaks of fire that passed through them.

But before they had a moment to react and declare the situation clear there was a sound, much like the one that 2nd Squad had encountered. It was a low roar that after only a moment most experienced with modern technology would recognize as a small engine.

And similar to the one that flew over 2nd Squad, a modified mining drone flew above them, just over the tree line. This one was different however. It had a small barrel on it’s right, and several tubes on it’s left. And before anyone could discern what they were for, the Mining Drone showed them.

Drrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaa Drrraaaaaaaaaaa Drrraaaaaaa

A number of bursts from what sounded to be quite similar to a submachine gun came pouring from the weapon. It was not terribly accurate, but the volume of fire was making the patter of dirt come increasingly close to both Squads. And just as they were realizing they were under fire, one of the tubes had a burst of red fire jolt from it and sent a black blur straight between the groups.

The grenade sized explosive detonated as soon as it hit the dirt, fairly close to the dead squad of rebels in a violent fiery blast in an attempt to keep both squad suppressed.

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

2nd Squad

The drone overhead was causing a serious problem for the squad who was caught almost completely in the open. While the fire from their weapons was serving to make the drone bob and weave to avoid getting hit directly, it was not enough to do any real damage. From an onlookers perspective it would seem that the marines and the drone were simply trying to put up a defensive shield of bullets for themselves to avoid getting hit.

The dirt around Colson and Bell kicked up every few seconds letting them know how close the drone was to getting it’s mark. But to reassure them, after every few bursts, they would manage to see a golden set of sparks show where they just nicked the drones armor.

Still the situation was not good as they were living human beings and that drone was merely a robot that could be replaced. A shot came incredibly close to Colson’s boot, a small portion of the leather tearing off, but not actually touching his boot, while another shot ripped through a tree near Bell, causing splinters to fly at his shoulder.

And just as it was looking very dire there was the sudden sound of another engine, only this time the vehicle was land based. The tone of tires on mud, and the metal crushing sticks was unmistakable. But just as the group was ready to turn around and fire on it, they saw what was clearly a 242 Combat Buggy with USCM markings on the side of it, roaring up from 50 yards away.

A hail of bullets roared up from the vehicles turret, and pounded the drone. It was smacked hard by nearly every high velocity shot, and the small vehicle was torn into pieces.

But just as the group was about to celebrate their victory, there was a bright flash, as the vehicle hit a landmine just like the one that Morse had stepped on.

The vehicle flipped over to right and rolled. It smashed it’s roof and blood was clearly visible coming over the top as it rolled over a second time. It collided with a tree, right side up.

The gunners body was battered, broken, and tossed several yards. The driver was in several pieces as the mine went off right beneath him, sending shrapnel through every inch of his body. But the marine in the passenger seat, by a sheer miracle of placement, being strapped in, and keeping his head down, had only minor injuries in the form of some bruises and cuts. The name on his tag read Pvt. Dave Halbert

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

The Buggy

2nd Squad of the 6th Platoon, in the 52nd Company had been given a very simple job. Hop on a 242 Combat Buggy, and drive a scouting line between the main force and the “Easy Eights”. They were to watch for enemies, and provide immediate back up if need be. Since the 52nd Company was to provide support if they had to, it was good practice to have a quick reaction force.

They’d been driving in relative silence for most of the ride, until there was a call that the 8th Platoon had come under fire. They immediately had shifted position and gone at full speed towards where their last signal had come from. Cpl. Hugh was driving, and Pvt. Billings was on the gun, with Pvt. Halbert riding in the passenger seat. He was the only one strapped in properly, the other two opting for a more relaxed approach.

It took them several minutes to actually get to the Eights position, and when they had, they could hear what sounded like sniper shots. They saw the drone almost immediately when they got in the area, and they opened fire. The drone was torn to pieces instantly, and just as they began to cheer, the mine went off.

Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam

The buggy was tossed. Blood from Cpl. Hugh splattered as shrapnel from the bomb and the undercarriage of the vehicle flew through him. Pvt. Billings held on as long as she could but in doing so her whole body was crushed beneath the weight of the vehicle hitting the dirt, and as she was flung she gave her last breath.

When the vehicle stopped rolling, only Pvt. Halbert was alive. He was conscious, and in fairly good order aside from some fresh pains on his skin from bruising and a few cuts. Before him was the scene of 2nd Squad tending to the wounded Morse and wondering what had just happened.


< ACTIONS!

Dave was on his first deployment out with 6th platoon 2nd squad, he was being sent out as part of a quick reaction force with Corporal Hugh and private Billings. Being his first mission his job was to be a passenger in the front seat and help navigate and keep comms ready with their chain of command. They were operating an M242 Combat Buggy, he'd pulled the straps down good so he wouldn't be bouncing around or out of the buggy as it moved through the forest. He looked around as they were riding, noticing wisps of Billing's dark hair blowing about from under her helmet. She wasn't the cutest gal he'd ever met, but she was friendly and flirty and made his first posting since basic a little easier. Command advised them that they needed to respond to the Eight's location and that they were in a firefight. Cpl Hugh nodded and glanced at the navigational console before accelerating quickly towards their position. As they got close to the last known position, they could hear shots being fired from what sounded like pulse rifles in short bursts with more spaced rifle fire. Then they saw a weird looking thing flying around with a rifle slung underneath. Billings quickly took aim and started putting rounds on target. Dave pulled his pulse rifle up and got the flying thing in view and started firing in short bursts. Cpl Hugh continued to advance as the flying drone thing began to fall from the sky.

Then there was a lot of noise but Dave couldn't really make out what it was and his vision began spinning like he was getting sucked down a toilet bowl. His body was jerked around violently as the buggy rolled over. He'd been in a car crash before but this was a pretty rough one. Somehow the buggy managed to get back to it's wheels, but the whole thing was tilted over towards the driver's side. Dave looked down and didn't see any major bleeding, he could still move his hands and feet. “Maybe next time I should do the driving corporal,” Dave prodded as he tried to unhook the straps, ultimately cutting them loose. He looked over at Hugh wondering why he hadn't responded and saw a large jagged piece of metal sticking out of his torso. “Oh crap!” Dave burst as he reached over to check for a pulse at Hugh's carotid artery while trying to assess any other injuries the corporal might have. No pulse Dave thought to himself, Hugh's eyes stared off blankly. Dave looked to the back of the buggy expecting to see Billings, but she wasn't there. He looked around briefly and spotted her. Dave shouldered his pack and jogged the short distance to her. She wasn't breathing, and blood was dribbled out the corner of her mouth. He grabbed her and carried her back to the buggy. Where's my rifle he thought suddenly, glancing around. Then he saw Hugh's rifle and snatched it up. He looked around, realizing he didn't know where he was, where the Eights were, and most importantly where the enemy was. The adrenaline started to fade out a little bit from the brief shooting and the crash.

<Awareness> figure out where I am in relation to closest unit <tag 2nd Squad>

(OOC: good to finally join you all)

Mark, perhaps the most technologically savvy of the group, recognized the sound of a small jet engine almost instantly. It was small, approaching, and not the type the Marines used on their drones. It sounded rougher and a little heavier – probably industrial. Mark swore silently as he realized what that would mean, but the report of automatic weapons fire announced the makeshift attack craft's presence and drowned out his cry of "Drone!".

Stumbling backwards from the grenade explosion, Mark quickly inserted a sturdy looking trunk between him and the flying machine. Catching his nerves, he lifted his left arm and woke up the small computer interface he wore, he one linked to the intelligence system he'd used to commandeer the rebel's stolen defense turrets. He accessed their targeting systems and quickly adjusted them to include vertical tracking, hopefully allowing them to engage the aircraft.

<Move!>
<Security Systems>

Sal held his position after the rebels had been torn up, checking his ammo count and keeping an ear open. He still was caught off by the sound from above, hoping it might have been reinforcements. No such luck.

"SHIT!" He swore as the drone dropped a grenade on the dead bodies. The debris scattered between the two squads and the gun fire was getting close. He kept his front to face the drone and backed off to another, less singed, tree.

"Fucking Horseshit!" He swore as he drew a bead on the drone, aiming down his sights. Something exploded in the distance, from the direction where the rest of the unit had been protecting Morse. But he reacquired the drone and fired a burst, before taking cover.

<Duck behind tree to avoid falling debris from grenade>
<Move, backwards-away from drone>
<Aim at Drone>
<Fire at Drone>
<Find cover>

As drone remnants rained down on them, Bell turned to the people working on Morse.
"Can we move him out of the open now? This place sucks." Releasing his left hand from his rifle long enough to point the wooded area separated from the enemy by the newly acquired sentry guns.

Not really waiting for an answer, figuring the lot of them would be able to move him if they so choose, Bell started scouting the way for more booby traps. He eyed the rest to see if anyone would keep an eye on the sky.

>Tag 2nd squad
>Actions: Check for land traps and move to wooded area for cover.

Roberts didn't even have time to get a shot off on the rebels. 'Better,' he thought, 'no nightmares.' Just then the drone appeared. He tried to lock on with the Smartgun targeting and opened fire, not worrying about overkill. This thing was dangerous as hell.

(Aim, Fire x 5)

((OOC: After a protracted absence fueled by RL commitments and an appalling paralysis of imagination, I'm back. Paltry though it is, here's my post.))



Hunkering down behind cover as the drone made its pass, Dmitri morosely took stock of the situation. They were down a smart gunner--one of their best Marines--and they were pinned by the drone. He understood they were supposed to draw the rebels out, but why hadn't they scanned the area for heat signatures while they were still in the air before putting boots on the ground? At the very least, have a drone of their own to relay the IR feed so they'd know where the damned rebels were hiding?

Scan 'em, paint 'em, light 'em up ...

That wasn't what they'd done and Dmitri privately thought that their current approach was ill-advised. It wasn't his place to say it, however: too many people outranked him. He mentally listed all the things that could go wrong ... and had.

Ambush? Check. Landmines? Check. Aerial drones? Check.

If he were the opposition, he'd throw nerve gas next. It would kill off anything the drone managed to miss.

Don't jinx it, he thought grimly. Move.

He crawled to O'Brien and fetching up against him, he cupped a hand to the other man's ear so the commtech could hear. "Can you hijack the drone's signal? Turn it on the rebels like the smart guns?"

<TAG: O'Brien>

Mac hit the dirt and felt a piece of debris from the grenade bounce of his pack. He dropped his sniper rifle and took up his pulse rifle and loaded a grenade into the underslung launcher and cocked it.

"Two can play..." He growled and rose to a crouch, "FRAG OUT!". He yelled and took aim at the drone overhead and fired the launcher.

Actions: <load grenade, chamber it, aim for 3 and fire at drone target>