Warzone - Northern Conflict

[Conor]

Hello

This is a series of short stores I wrote about the followup to the War against Nexus, concentrating on the future of the project and how other factions might have been affected by it. Hope you enjoy

Arizona Desert, August 2205

Someone pointed into the distance. Following the direction of the finger, Clarence raised the binoculars to his eyes and spotted what they had seen, a small column of dust heading in their direction. "Looks like they're coming." the lookout said.

Clarence simply replied "Be careful, it could be a patrol from the Project. Let me know as soon as you can see them." He was being paranoid, he know, the Project hadn't returned to this area since their base was wiped out by Nexus, but there was no harm in making sure. Turning from the ridge he began to walk back towards their temporary encampment. His second in command, Hastings, fell in step beside him. "You don't really think it's a patrol from the Project do you?"

"Not really." He admitted.

"I'd almost wish it was." replied Hastings. "Dealing with these guys gives me the creeps, you can't turn your back on them for a second. This deal is plain bad news."

Clarence stopped and considered. "Maybe, but a weapon this powerful is worth ten times its weight in oil with the way the war is going. Who knows, if we do this right we might get more out them in future." He looked about the dusty plain that had been his home for the last three days. "But I dont think it will be. The council thinks that the Project is going to start moving again, we will be concentrating our efforts in that direction from now. This place has potential, but running this operation is too complex and resource intensive for anyones liking. We had to broker a dozen deals just to get the convoy here safely."

Hastings shook his head knowingly, he had brokered a few of them himself. "This just better be worth it you know. Anyway, I'll go and make sure everything is secure before they get here."

Clarence waved him away and entered his own tent, reading up on dossiers of their contacts. He knew it all already, but did it anyway to pass the time. Plans and contingency plans. The deal was meant to take place in the valley just over the ridge. It was expected to take thirty minutes while both sides verified the trade. Thirty minutes of nervousness, mistrust and itchy fingers. Two Veritas cruiser tanks were his contingency plan. They were really light tanks with heavier armour, but they could take on anything that their partners could bring to the table. How the mighty had fallen. The New Paradigm had controlled this whole region when Clarence was fighting the unification war up in the North, but the Project had turned their fortunes around.

One good Commander was all it had taken to beat them. The New Paradigm had the numbers and the tech, but not a single commander worth mentioning. They were consistently out thought and out fought by the Project, eventually losing their main headquarters when a large portion of their forces were in no position to defend it. Now the survivors were reduced to the level of scavengers. Still posessing the best technology around, but nowhere near the number to be the force they were. Only other pressing concerns for the Project had saved them from complete destruction. Not that their subsequent infighting hadn't essentially done this anyway.

Lost in thought for some time, Clarence didn't notice Hastings return. After a few moments of silence, Hastings spoke "It's confirmed, Stoddard's people. They should be in position for the trade in about ten minutes.

"Good, get the transports ready, I will go and meet our friends. I don't want this to last any longer than it has to. The quicker we're back in the north the better."

Hastings simply shrugged and then saluted before leaving the tent. Clarence followed him out after collecting his thoughts. The party for the trade had already assembled outside, so he simply took off back for the ridge, and they followed behind. Reaching the ridge, he stopped by the sentry, who saluted and reported. "It's just as the report says it was sir. Small convoy with only light protection. Their forward scout signalled a few minutes ago, so you should be good to meet them."

Clarence stared across the valley as the transports lumbered up the hill behind him. Even without binoculars he could see a small party already moving down into the valley. "It's time." His own group began to move down the hill and Clarence moved down amongst them. Over the radio, Hastings reported in. "The transports are in position behind the ridge. The escorts are moving into position now."

Across the floor of the valley, both groups stared each other down, both wanting nothing more than to open fire, but restrained. Clarence stepped out and walked forward, mirroring the actions of a slight figure emerging from the other group. Coming face-to-face, Clarence simply said "Stoddard."

He could read the condescension in her body language, though her face was covered completely. "Clarence. I assume you have our payment."

"Lets just get this over with."

Both of them made gestures towards their own respective camps and the sound of engines starting flared on each side. Three heavy transports climbed slowly over one side, while a solitary specially designed transport came over the side. The prototype it carried was not fragile, but the extra security was a good precaution to take. After a long minute of silence, they were in position, and they exchange began. Each group set to examining the contents while Stoddard and Clarence stood watching.

Unwisely, Clarence decided he would try and get into Stoddard's head. "I am surprised that you can afford to spare this. A weapon this powerful should be worth alot to you."

"Such a thing means little to us. We have ample weapons that are more than enough to enforce our will."

More like you have no technicians capable of activating it. Stoddard had been one of the New Paradigm's political officers. Zealous and committed, but blinded and in denial of reality. But then what could you expect of the officer who ultimately splintered their faction. When the Project attacked their headquarters, Stoddard had been with the forces advancing on the Project base. She immediately issued a return to base order...which the commanding officer countermanded. Taking things into her own hands, her forces had attacked the other Paradigm soldiers as traitors. Soon after the New Paradigm had fallen apart into a mire of personal loyalties.

"No doubt you do. You have successfully stopped the Project from returning here." Sycophancy wasn't usually in Clarence's nature, but he figured he may as well minimise any potential trouble.

"Yes! You see, this is our territory, and we allow no transgressors." she replied enthusiastically. More like they have other priorities. The Project could easily have wiped them from the face of the map, but since the end of the Nexus War, they had mostly turned inwards. The Coalition had tried to find what they were doing, but had been frustrated at every turn.

Wishing to avoid any further conversation, Clarence decided to find out how the inspection was going. He approached the prototype's transporter, and the leader of the inspection crew spotted him and jogged over.
"It looks good sir, definitely legitimate hardware. The techs are just checking to make sure it works now."

"Excellent. See if there is anything they can do to speed it up. We want out of here as soon as we can." The crew leader saluted and moved back to the truck. Clarence moved around the meeting spot, acknowledging Hastings period reports that nothing was happening. Stoddard was examining the contents of the heavy transports. Oil, parts, materials. Basic stuff, but lots of it. At this point it was all they could use really. Clarence even detected a strong undercurrent of hostility amongst her group. He doubted whether or not their group would be intact by the time they returned to base.

Finally the techs signalled they were done. Clarence approached Stoddard. "We're satisfied. Are you ready to finish the exchange."

Stoddard seemed about to argue something but then simply said "We are. " She signalled to her people and they started up the transports. "We will move out. We have much to be done." The New Paradigm remnants slowly moved out and retreated back over the ridge, leaving the Coalition team preparing to move the prototype once again. All of them were weary from the expedition, but they were past the hardest part. Stoddard could be irrational, and they breathed a sigh of relief once she disappeared out of the valley. In just a few days, they would be back in Coalition territory enjoying some well deserved rest, the eggheads would be gushing over their new toy too.

[Conor]

Canadian Rockies, January 2206.

The tank moved forward slowly, its wide tracks sinking deep into the snow and mud and churning it as it pulled the rest of the vehicle forward. Each link was caked with lumps of sodden mud that we shaken off and reformed over and over as the tank kept moving. At least it was keeping moving thought Stockton. He couldnt articulate how happy he was that the engineers had given him the lightest possible chassis for the mission. The bright lights at the top realised that the risk of lighter protection was worth it compared with having to send out a recovery mission for a tank stuck in the mud.

Not that he couldnt understand the desire. The prototype could easily tip the scales of the war firmly in favor of the coalition. They had paid a pretty hefty cost down south to procure it, and losing it would be a serious loss...assuming it wasnt recovered by the Bloc. Shaking his head, Stockton put aside the thought for later, they had a mission to carry out. Field tests of their newly acquired weapon had been positive, but the Executive insisted on a practical field trial against active enemy units before they would authorise full production.

So here he was, high in the mountains, knee deep in snow looking for an enemy patrol, in the depths of a winter Blizzard at night. Looking would be a generous description though, the conditions made visibility essentially zero. The driver navigated with the aid of an advanced terrain sensor mounted on the sensor vehicle in column behind him, which would also provide targeting data when the time came. Two small scout vehicles brought up the front and rear of their patrol, to provide security 'just in case.' If the prototype failed, it was their job to make sure it made it back to base. They werent any heavier than the enemy scouts, but the advantage of the sensor would be invaluable.

As they crunched along an old pre-collapse road a low voice came over the radio 'Potential heat source, 100 metres.' Varley was the best technician they had, and Stockton knew he was getting the best out of the sensor as was possible. He peered into his periscope, and saw nothing but darkness and falling snow right in front of him, chiding himself for expecting anything different all the while. The seconds ticked agonisingly by before Varley came back again "2 heat sources, patterns indicate 2 small scouts. Stationary but engines active. Probably dug in for the night trying to keep warm."

"Acknowledged. Lictor One and Two, retreat ten metres, be ready to cover us. Sensor, can you get accurate targeting data from here."

"Negative." Replied Varley. "We need another fifteen metres I think before we can guarantee accuracy."

"Ok. Knight and Sensor will advance fifteen metres and engage the enemy."

Without any further conversation, they inched forward, until Varley said "Halt. Time for the calibration shot, beginning data feed." Stockton nodded to himself as the two smudges appear on his targeting screen. With such dense weather, getting a shot would be almost impossible under normal circumstances. Even having the sensor did no guarantee a hit. Stockton adjusted the targeter onto the first heat source and simply said "Firing." Pressing the trigger, produced no discernible reaction, in contrast with the crashing and shock of a cannon firing. Seeing no reaction on the screen, he said "Miss." A few moments later he got his reply, slightly annoyed and slightly impressed "Confirmed, the slug passed in front of them." Stockton checked the targeter again, no reaction. They werent even aware he fired.

After a few moments readjustment, he felt he had it on target, and when the load indicator glowed a pleasing green, he fired again. This time, there was a definite response from the target. The heat source glowed a more definitive red, but fluctuated alot more as the cold started to infiltrate the inside where the armour was pierced. With the next recharge cycle complete, Stockton fired again, aiming for the power source of the tank. This time there was a deep orange flash across the screen as the slug hit home and destroyed the vehicle, the heat began to slowly dissipate with its source snuffed out.

It's partner started to get into action, and began moving, but no way fast enough. The weapon was recharged just as they came about, and a raking shot ripped through where Stockton was sure the left track assembly was, and the enemy stopped turning. Before they could make any response another shot went straight through the heart of them. Another deep orange flash, before devolving into a fading orange glow like the other vehicle. Realising he had stopped breathing, Stockton took a lungful of air and then exhaled slowly. It had taken less than a minute, but had felt alot longer. He triggered the radio once again, "Test successful, Lictor 1 and 2, move up and scout the remains, ensure no crew members escape."

As the escorts moved forward Stockton fancied he could hear the steam being created as the snow fell on the now-heated coils of the prototype, unlikely as it was. After a minute of silence, Varley spoke again. "Looks like it works. Those slugs went straight through their armour and out the other side. I would be surprised if none of them killed the crew with a direct hit."

He replied "What about the weapon? Can it really maintain that rate of fire?"

"The conditions helped cool it, but it can certainly fire faster than a regular cannon, even if you do need to slow down. The techs are looking into a built in cooling unit too."

Stockton nodded once again, but said nothing. For a few minutes he busied himself with monitoring his own vehicle to see if there was any issues, but it was running perfectly. Lictor One reported in "Both targets confirmed destroyed, one small, and the second one was a Bandit, heavier scout. No survivors."

He didnt bother replying, it made no difference in the crew died in their vehicles, or in the snow. A clean shot through both ends of the heavier Bandit was an unexpected bonus, it meant the weapon could likely consistently pierce the armour of all enemy medium tanks, and would damage their heavies too. "We're moving out, prepare to return to base, those wrecks will be buried in the snow until Spring. By the time they are found, they'll know all about the weapon. "

Lictor One turned and started to slowly lead the way back along the track. Knight and Sensor fell in behind, while Lictor Two slowly covered their retreat.

[Conor]

Project HQ, April 2206

Durant watched the rest of the council file out of the room. The discussion had been pointless, as usual, as most of them had known beforehand too.

Was this what they had fought to achieve?

The great Project, forged in the fire of the Nexus War, they triumphed against massive odds to come out as the most advanced faction in this region, if not in the entirety of North America. The cohesion that had been born of their sacrifices had slowly been eroded in the three years since the end of the war. The council had been formed to ensure that the Project kept true to its vision, but all it had succeeded in doing was hamstringing it. the cracks had shown once the effects of the Nexus War had died down. The technology retrieved from Nexus was catalogued and explored. They had transitioned military units back to civilian construction and maintenance jobs. The remaining army units had been reorganised and refit to the highest spec. They had explored the mountain terrain in full, and uncovered many lost facilities from before the Collapse. They were ready to face the future, but what would that be?

All of them had valid ideas, and all of them pushed them. She considered each in turn. First was Kellan, from the Interior department. They pushed for a return to the Arizona district, still considered Project territory despite their presence being nil since Alpha Base was destroyed.. Retake Alpha Base and clear out the area, for good this time. Finish off the New Paradigm remnants and create a new province in their territory. Coincidentally increasing the influence of their department as their area of coverage was increased.

Opposite that was Chambers from the Exterior department. They advocated intervention in the conflict between the Coalition and the British Columbia Bloc up in the Canadian Rockies. The Coalition had just finished a successful campaign, reportedly equipped with some Railguns, which had given them a significant advantage. Naturally Kellan was quick to point out that this Railgun seems to have been recovered from New Paradigm remnants in Arizona, and pushed for resolving that.

Between these stood, Lucas, the Army representative. Both of the schemes were supported by him, as it would no doubt involve some military intervention, giving them authority over most of the other departments for those conflicts. Of course that wasn't their main wish though. Over on the East coast, The Collective lurked, their only truly dangerous enemy remaining. Even in the wake of the nuke, and the infighting that followed the fall of Nexus, the Collective was still a real threat to them.

Next was Miller, from Intelligence. Durant wasn't sure what to make of him, or what his goals were. He provided the best information he could, and it always seemed to be accurate. There was no pattern in his opinions beyond what he thought was best for the Project. She should be thankful for this, but couldnt bring herself to dismiss the idea that here was more to his actions.

Tyler, from Research, wanted them to move for one of the west coast cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles, reasoning that as the biggest concentration of people in the pre-collapse area, there were many non-military technologies to be recovered from there. But of course this went along with all the other issues that attempting to hold a major population centre would hold. The cities were now relics of the past, but still held far more of the population than other areas. Divided into numerous groups, gangs, factions and tribes, it was a quagmire that even Lucas wouldnt support.

Then there was Isaac, from the Manufacturing department. Of all those who sat around the table, he alone had never fired a shot in anger in the War, and he felt an outsider for it. This feeling was not reciprocated. As the leaders of the Project, they had a deep understanding of the larger needs when at war, and Isaac's ability to maximise their manufacturing capacity had played a major part in their victory. But he could never shake the feeling that he was looked down upon. Of course, a feeling of mistrust did exist, but for very different reasons. As they began debating the future, Isaac had pushed for expansion into a certain Mid-western zone, which had contained offices from the Reed Corporation. A controlled reactivation of Nexus had been his proposal, supported by the Research department, who felt there was much to learn from such an advanced AI. Rumours might abound that Nexus was still out there, and Durant certainly wouldnt dismiss the idea, but the thought of actively bringing it back into play made her shake.

Since then, Isaac had rarely participated in the council meetings beyond his standard reports on the manufacturing department. Durant wished she could have him removed. In this, even Chambers and Kellan agreed and Lucas was onside too. She wanted to see what Miller thought of it, but couldnt be sure where he stood on the issue. Isaac would have to be set aside, but the power he held within his department was considerable, and he couldnt be removed without causing a potential rift in the Project.

Durant shook her head, and moved on.

The Resources department was led by Stone. He probably held the most power amongst the council as he controlled the backbone of the Project in the form of oil, power and materials. A conservative man, he desired to build and ensure a sustainable future for the Project. But he was smart, and easy to work with, supporting projects which had genuine merit, and ensuring that they got what they needed to succeed.

And finally there was Wilson, responsible for Exploration. Wilson was the reason they had been here, and she shook her again thinking of it. He was pushing for the reclamation of a coastal shipyard, to construct an ocean-going ship to reach out to Asia.

Stone had nearly hit the roof when he had heard it. Quickly outlining the cost in materials and manpower just to construct one, not to mention running it. Even Isaac and Tyler had been vexed by it too, pointing out that designing and building a ship was a major undertaking, possibly even beyond their current abilities.

Lucas, characteristically, had been all for it. The Army would make the choice on what shipyards to take, and Durant had no doubt that it would be old US Navy ones they would get. The addition of Warships to the Project would fall firmly into the control the Army to begin with. Kellan and Chambers had been split on it, naturally, with Kellan pointing out that they had plenty of issues at home already, and didnt need to go looking for more overseas.

Finally, Miller's lone contribution had been to point out that they had no intelligence on what was happening outside of North America. But of course this was both support, in the need to find out what was happening, and a warning that they might not necessarily like what they found if they did.

Ultimately, Durant had said it wouldn't be happening. In theory it wasn't a bad idea, but it simply was not practical at the moment.

She sighed heavily, and was startled when someone said "Is something the matter, Chancellor?"


Of course. She had forgotten about Patrik. "Nothing beyond the usual, Watcher, thank you for your concern."
The Watcher was the final 'member' of the council, but held no authority in it. Their role was to observe all council meetings and make the public aware of what they felt was important.

A novel innovation of her predecessor, but at times incredibly frustrating. A councillor couldnt discuss any council business with a Watcher unless the Watcher initiated the disucssion. They could not order a councillor to do anything, but held the political lives of the councillors in their hands. It irked her no end that Patrik's predecessor had not made public Isaac's idea about reactivating Nexus, the outwave of anger at the time would have solved the problem. But as time passed, Nexus was becoming a more and more distant memory, more people would be open to the idea she knew, claiming it in the name of 'progress.'

Patrik smiled and nodded. "Shell we then inform the Citizens of the council's most recent resolution?" and gestured towards the door.
She shot him a dirty look, he knew that the public would be frustrated that no course of action had been decided yet, but all the same, she rose and left the chamber, with the Watcher following behind.

[aubergine]

Brilliant!

[Giani]

I didn't read the story, because it is very long and I don't have many time...
But I can see you put many effort on it
And:

Brilliant!

+1

[aubergine]

@Conor: You should take a look at this: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9523 -- maybe you could help with the story for that campaign?

[Conor]

Thanks aubergine, I'll take a look

[Goth Zagog-Thou]

Can't wait for the next installments. Great work!

[Conor]

Thanks
Should have more in a few days