NationStates Jolt Archive

President L.K. Athus III rolled up the dusty blinds with a deep sigh, cursing under his breath at the maid who had once again failed to turn up for work. He stepped back and squinted in face of the bright sunlight, and then stood to watch out over the endless lawns of Lord's Manor. The sun was beginning to set, but the pile of paperwork on his desk was still fresh and tall.

He sat back in a deep leather office chair, holding a strong drink in one hand the daily paper in the other. He looked out of the window once more, and was suddenly hit by the hard, cold reminder of mortality. He was getting old, but there were many years in him yet, with no enemies important enough to threaten his personal well-being.

He scowled as the phone let loose its piercing cry, and set down his paper to pick it up. He listened but he did not like; and by the end of the conversation the missing maid was the least of his worries. He downed his drink and refilled it, before downing that immediately after. He had almost refilled a second time when a sharp knock came at the door, and a young aide breezed in without waiting for an answer.

"This is everything we know about the incident, Mr Athus, we'll have more once the dust has settled and the crowds have gone home." He blurted, standing awkwardly in the middle of the room.
"Very well, Jeffery, have Harry send me up the reports as soon as he has them, and have the local police on extra alert."
The aide nodded politely and left, closing the door behind him.

The President exhaled deeply as he picked up the phone, his brow knotted together with worry.
"Sue? Get me General Adams, General Smith and Channel 7... as soon as you can."


...


"You're here with Channel 7 Live at the scene of international conflict on our doorsteps. At around 9:30 this evening a group of Ruvitian citizens were shot dead by Kraven troops after apparently asking for a guided tour of the Kraven Corporation Embassy. Exact details are unknown at the moment are hazy, as police have restricted all access to Embassy Row and are busy trying to calm down the other ambassadors. Over to you, John."

"Thanks Amy. This event is not the first to revolve around the Kraven Embassy, and i doubt it will be the last. Only 18 months ago the Kraven troops violently expelled the twenty security guards stationed at the embassy by the Ruvitian government. Among the victims today was the 19 year old..."

(OOC: Is this open? And has Kraven agreed to it?)

Cravna, Cravan
Imperial Palace
7:00 AM Local Time

The city was just waking up when the news hit the desk of the Emperor. A manilla envelope crashed onto the oak desk, and the Emperor looked up to the Head Director. The envelope was marked with the one of the highest classification levels, and the Emperor looked up with a dry look on his face.

"What is it today, Marty?"
"Our old buddies are hard at work again."

The Emperor opened the envelope, files considered top secret spilling onto the desk. Littered among them were intelligence reports, satellite photographs, records, and God knows what else the IDI was able to get its grubby hands on.

"Summary?"
"A couple citizens tried to get a tour of the Kraven embassy, the rest should be obvious."

The Emperor sat with a blank look on his face for a moment.

"Well, keep me posted, Marty. And tell the IDI to keep an eye on the situation."
"Will do, sir."

He walked out of the office while the Emperor began reading through the reports.

(OOC: Yes its open, and I’ve discussed this extensively with Kraven. Welcome aboard.)

The numbers were bad, thought Athus as he thumbed through the rough notes in the small hours of the morning. He stood and picked up the phone, once again asking for the leaders of the Ruvitian Military. He explained to them that he wanted this situation resolved, and that full control of the situation was in the hands of Generals Smith and Adams.

The moon was high and bright, a natural searchlight to illuminate the scene at Embassy Row. The shooting had evolved into a siege since that evening, and as the sun crept up on the tired Ruvitian soldiers, not an inch of ground had been given either way. The no-mans-land was over half a mile wide, because the Ruvitian troops had to face away from the embassy to restrain the legions of protesters trying to hurl stones and petrol-bombs at the Capitol Police.

Although some were armed, the Ruvitian soldiers stood against the tide like a wall, holding the crowds back but never firing a shot. Ammunition had been scarce since the budget cuts, and they didnt plan to waste rounds on civilians. The sound of shouting rose and rose, but was then suddenly drowned out by the roar of a landing helicopter.

It was an X-32B Gunship, an aging but reliable model armed with high-caliber chain guns and space for two prone snipers. However, the two men inside were not snipers, but Generals. This was the problem they were here to solve.

There was a shout and then a scream as the Ruvitian anti-riot line was breached, and then a shot was heard above the brawling mass. But it was a Ruvitian soldier who fell, as his rifle was quickly snatched up by the mob as they surged forward towards the embassy.

(OOC: Excellent. I'm sure Kraven would love to see my bright and shining face again.)

****************

"Any updates on the situation, Marty?"
"Riots breaking out in the city... Anti-Kraven riots."
"Well that can be a good thing... Shows that the people won't be swayed easily in the event of... A Kravenisation."

The room fell silent at the word. Cravanians had witnessed first-hand the effects of a "Kravenisation" on Zukariaa when Imperial Guardsmen had been deployed to assist the resistance.

"I have a feeling we should contact them... Get an idea of what's going on."
"Good plan."

****************

Urgent Imperial Communique
To the government of Ruvitio

We have watched the events in your nation closely and would like to know if you may need any assistance in the matter. We have some experience in dealing with Kraven, and wouldn't mind helping you during this crisis.

The Government of Cravan,

Although we acknowledge and appreciate your offer of assistance, I am afraid that we must decline. I am determined not to allow the situation to grow out of control, and any international intervention would only make the Kraven Corporation angrier.

The crowds should soon be under control and the situation contained.

We are certain that this mess will be resolved diplomatically, although our attempts to contact the Kraven Corporation have so far been ignored.

Nevertheless, you are more than welcome to establish an embassy in our nation when all this has died down. We are forwarding you an interactive map of Embassy Row, so please reply with your preference once you have decided.

President L.K. Athus III of Ruvitio

Response Communique

Very well. We understand.

Top Secret Attatchment
Nobody has to know about our involvement... We are famous for our black ops. If you are interested, reply on the secure government line we are attatching to this message. Our operative will be there and be ready ASAP.

OOC: Essentially a Splinter Cell type deal.

The Government of Cravan,

Again we must decline your noble offer. Please remember that this is not a war-zone, and nor will it ever be, as the situation is almost under control. As I write this, the Ruvitian Police are withdrawing from the scene, and the Military is taking total control.

We are determined that this situation will not escalate, and that the reasonable diplomats of the Kraven Corporation will listen to the truth about what happened and punish the soldiers responsible.

President L.K. Athas III of Ruvitio


...


He re-read his message, and then hit the send key. As Athas donned his overcoat and hat, he was accompanied by extra security personnel as he made his way to his car. He took little notice of the tightened defences around Lord's Manor.

Meanwhile, the Kraven situation was far from under control. The initial advance of violent protestors had been halted with tear gas and sub-lethal shotguns before the Kraven troops had fired, but the mob had only grown in both size and anger. An increasing number of them were armed due to an unwatched box of Ruvitian Rifles being stolen, but so far the armed forces were keeping them at bay.

A deep groan filled the air as an armoured car edged its way through the mass of people, facing the south-west corner of the Kraven embassy. Soldiers checked their weapons before piling into the APC, an armoured head and shoulders sticking out of the top to take control of a machine gun.

The was silence for a second, and then the louder noise of an angry General on a megaphone.

"Kraven! You're surrounded, and any hostile moves will be taken as an act of war against the Commonwealth! Now everybody in your building needs to come out in single file with your hands above your heads and a smile on your faces. This isnt a good day for me, so I'd like you to co-operate. Now move it, everyone get out of that building, even the god damned janitors!"

(OOC: If you want to send your special-ops, go ahead. It would be wise to not let the Ruvitians find out, though.)

"Should we send him?"
"No... Not yet... I have a feeling we'll be involved soon, though. Kraven never comes quietly."

Kraven did as it was told, so to speak, The Capitol Police guards marched out of the embassy one by one, in single file, each footfall perfect and each drill was indefactiable...

The Capitol Police formed up into two ranks, the first rank kneeling down with their weapons held in a ready but a non offensive stance, while the ones behind, stood with their weaponry in the same style...

A Loud speaker broke the uneasy silence that had decended, as the last Capitol Police trooper moved into place with a crunch of gravel underneath boot...

"Your are violating Corporate Embassy Doctrines, your forces are ordered to immeadiatly withdraw from the Area, and your Citizens to return to their Homes, You have one Hour to Comply..."

"We're a violation? Then what the hell are they!?" screamed General Adams at a passing subordinate, almost knocking the man over and startling a few others. "Send in the APC... shoot the troops but dont harm the civvies. Get me some snipers on that vacant embassy to the south, with night vision. This might take a while."

His orders were carried out with hesitation, if not confidence, but within minutes an extra gunship was circling overhead and the APC was ready to go. It quickly gained speed as it followed the road into the Kraven Embassy, the big, bullet-proof wheels kicking up grit and the vehicle charged like a bull into the Capitol Police lines.

But just as the APC came close, the top hatch was punched open by the gunner who then opened fire with the 30-cal machine gun. The driver simultaneously swerved to his right, slowing the car and allowing four of the eight passengers to shoot outwards in a broadside manoeuvre.

The small arms fire raised both the dirt on the ground and the spirits of the armed mob, as the first valiant few charged the Kraven lines. The Ruvitian soldiers were helpless against the tide, and soon began to turn and charge at the Kraven themselves.

Armed with a 40-cal sniper rifle and some binoculars, the two man team on an embassy rooftop almost 800 metres away were able to get a clear shot at the Kraven troops. The spotter called and the sniper fired, each time the elevation and wind were read with expertise and the gunman compensated accordingly.

The Capitol Police opened fire in return, their formation allowed the maximum number of soldiers to put up a wall of lead infront the oncoming soldiers and Civilians, while at the same time, Supporting Jagdpanzer (Antitank) squads set up man portable Rocket launchers, designed to take out enemy armour, the sniper set up on the roof took out quite a few of the Capitol Police outside the embassy, while it was now aparant that a sniper was operating in the area, a Wolf Brigade counter sniper was set up on the roof of the embassy, using thermal optics he searched the area for the enemy sniper, until he'd found the heat signature he was looking for and calmly placed a round into the heat mass, considering they were in a team of two, the one holding the rifle would be targetted first...

The 30cal machine gun took down several more, while the smaller arms fire rioched off the armour of the Troopers, while each one effectively picked their targets and strived to bring them down using the expertise marksmen ship of the Troopers...

Meanwhile, The Supreme States headquaters of Norska now prepared to dispatch forces to Ruvitio to effectively bring this nation under The Iron Fist of Supreme State rule, The Corporation and The Supreme State would not stand for such blatant disregard for The Corporations Doctrines....

IDI Headquarters
Outside Cravna, Cravan

A live satellite feed of the situation unfolding in Ruvitio was broadcast in the main conference room for members of the Intelligence Council to see. They watched as the situation escalated to violence, with Ruvitioan (sp?) troops firing upon the Capitol Police.

"Lovely... Another target for Kraven's hordes."
"Not if we have anything to do with it. Inform the Emperor, and ask him for his opinion on the matter."
"Yes, sir."

They continued to watch in silence, waiting for the next move to be made.

ooc: shite I thought my people were heartless bastards.

Jones screamed as a sniper round hit him in the shoulder, travelling quickly down through his prone body and straight into the heart. Death was immediate, but the convulsions of his body made him twitch for seconds more, much to the horror of his partner. May quickly recovered though, as he snatched the rifle and rolled behind cover as a second round tore up the concrete.

The stench of blood and the many sounds of agony filled the air as the Kraven rounds ripped through the civilians as they charged across no-mans-land. The soldiers only wavered before falling to the bullets, but pockets of Ruvitians survived by lying in the natural dips of the land.

May watched this through his scope as the first of the rain drops hit the ground. He searched for a target through the rifle scope from his new position, pausing only to tighten the hood on his coat and check the wind.

The APC avoided the first of the missiles, but was struck and immobilised by the second. The crew kicked open the emergency exits and streamed out of the vehicle, only to be cut down by a confused and over-zealous Ruvitian soldier, his gunfire drowning out the screams of "Friendly Fire".

He himself was killed as precision fire split his skull, tearing through his helmet like a tin can. The civilians had quickly realised which way the fight was going, and had began a hasty retreat.

Jones screamed as a sniper round hit him in the shoulder, travelling quickly down through his prone body and straight into the heart. Death was immediate, but the convulsions of his body made him twitch for seconds more, much to the horror of his partner. May quickly recovered though, as he snatched the rifle and rolled behind cover as a second round tore up the concrete.

The stench of blood and the many sounds of agony filled the air as the Kraven rounds ripped through the civilians as they charged across no-mans-land. The soldiers only wavered before falling to the bullets, but pockets of Ruvitians survived by lying in the natural dips of the land.

May watched this through his scope as the first of the rain drops hit the ground. He searched for a target through the rifle scope from his new position, pausing only to tighten the hood on his coat and check the wind.

The APC avoided the first of the missiles, but was struck and immobilised by the second. The crew kicked open the emergency exits and streamed out of the vehicle, only to be cut down by a confused and over-zealous Ruvitian soldier, his gunfire drowning out the screams of "Friendly Fire".

He himself was killed as precision fire split his skull, tearing through his helmet like a tin can. The civilians had quickly realised which way the fight was going, and had began a hasty retreat.


The Capitol Police pressed the assault, keeping up the tyrade of gunfire, while forming up into standard Capitol Police fire teams, using their formation to maximise the slaughter, the Wolf brigade sniper continued to search for the snipers partner, who stuck ontop of a building didn't have much room to take up a new position, so the Wolf brigadesman took his second shot, on a confirmation of a kill, he would turn his concentration towards the retreating Civilians...

A Reichmarshal stood at the window of the Embassy...

"Secure the Embassy Row, and call in reinforcements, The Government of Ruvitio could have ended this quietly, but now has sealed its own fate..."

The Reichmarshal turned away from the window, and headed back into the bowls of the dark and omnious Kraven Embassy...

Secret Communique to Ruvitio

I suggest you take our offer for aid now. Kraven will strike back, and faster than you can prepare a defense.

May stared at the wet and cloud-filled sky as the last of his breath crept from his lungs. The Kraven sniper's aim had been calculated, and the bullet had found its mark. The rifle fell from his grasp and off the edge of the building as May half-heartedly clutched the air. He closed his eyes and waited for the pain to consume him, but he did not die. He lay there, facing upwards, for some time, before coming to the conclusion that he was not dead, nor mortally wounded. He did not try to move though, and slipped into unconsciousness as an explosion filled the sky.

The explosion in question was the APC, hit for a third time by the Kraven anti-tank squads. The shrapnel and flames soared high above the scorched earth, sending dust and debris into the air.

And then the Ruvitians retaliated, as anti-tank weapons of their own were employed as anti-infantry weapons against the Kraven troops. A jeep-mounted 65mm missile battery unleashed its storm of unguided chaos, the 'cheap and cheerful' rockets swerving wildly in the wind.

But heavier weapons were brought to bear, as a two-man-portable RPG was quickly deployed and bolted to the tarmac. A jet of fire left the back of the weapon as an extremely large missile left the front, burning its lazy path across no-mans-land, oblivious and invulnerable to the mayhem around it.

Across the street, reinforcements had come with the arrival of a gunship sporting two chain guns and one sniper, armed with a militarised big-game 80 -cal hunting rifle. The rounds were glycerine capped and capable of punching through most light battle tanks, although this configuration impaired accuracy. However, the weapon was still effective at up to 1400 metres, and powerful enough to wreak havoc with the Kraven forces.

Explosions rippled across the concrete and tarmac of the embassy row, the Kraven forces had split off into fire teams, and were now Combating the Jeep mounted Rocket launcher, as two squads were practicaly blown apart, one injured trooper rose to his feet, his arm was bloody, and part of his armour had been sheared off, and lay on the floor, the Trooper limply held a .50cal pistol and continued to fire off rounds into Rutivio soldiers...

The Jagdpanzer squads turned their attention to the Gunship that was now felling other squads, several missiles streaked out from troopers weapon who using the Smart Link system, locked onto the aircraft, hoping to bring it down..



The Port of Norska

The Kraven battlefleet was preparing for war, numering over 300 vessels including four of the Feared Annihilator Class Super Dreadnaught, thousands of Centurians were piling into Battle Carriers and several Legions of Sardaukar Terror Troopers were loaded into specialy designed transports, a Terror weapon used effectively by the Corporation and its forces...

Time would tell how soon Rutivio's fate would be sealed....

ooc: Because I am not the worlds greatest rper you may rp as the units if you want them
ic: Ragnar slams his cybernetic fist into his desk, cracking the 200 year old oak. THe images that came from the spylite made his pissed, he huridley typed a secret message to the belegured goverment.
Sir may I offer the use of five of our penal legions? We give them to you for you to add to your military.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...es/specops.jpg They are under the controll of Colonel Nancy "Bigguns" Ziporlin I can send you the whole 7,500 strong legions. Each trooper will be armed with FN Forty-Nine for their side-arm. 3 out of 6 men shall have AUG /Hbar machine guns, 1 out of 6 shall have RAMO M600 rifles and 1 out of 6 shall carry a Metal Storm multi-shot grenade launcher. We shall send with them 90 Tjorny Aryol heavy tanks and we shall send our 30 mercs who fly F4 Phantom IIs.





ooc: all firearms can be found at this site. http://world.guns.ru/main-e.htm
all penal used vihcales are at this site http://www.nemo.nu/ibisportal/5pansar/index.htm and the fighters are at http://www.fighter-planes.com/jetstart.htm

The Gunship pilot saw the missiles and swore, bringing the nose of the helicopter up as fast as possible to evade the rapidly advancing wall of death. By sheer luck the gunship escaped unscathed, though one missile hit the sniper inside with enough force to lift him out of the gunship before exploding in mid air. Another missile, launched only seconds after the initial barrage, hit the rotors and forced a black plume of smoke from the top of the helicopter. As it began to spiral out of control, both remaining gunners bailed as the pilot struggled to level out and slow down.

The dismembered Kraven soldier was quickly targeted by the remaining Ruvitian soldiers, but not before a soldier was clipped in the neck by the .50 handgun round. Other soldiers were moving forwards in an attempt to isolate and destroy the divided Kraven troops, while the driver of the missile-mounted jeep ran in face of the incoming missile.

Pools of rainwater were rapidly changing the battlefield, demoralising the Ruvitian troops. Two full squads had already deserted, and many more had been destroyed.

But one man stood steady, and May levelled his rifle as he crouched outside the building he had initially been stationed on. The reticule rested calmly on the head of the Wolf Brigade sniper, the rifle strangely still in the hands of the wounded soldier. May took the shot, years of poorly funded but effective training proving their worth. Once more he slipped back into the half-sleep of the injured, and collapsed behind a low wall.

OOC: EDIT: KC, check your TGs.

"IDI reports activity at Norska."

The satellite image hit the desk with force. The Emperor looked it over.

"Forward it to Ruvitio. Tell them they don't have much time."
"Yes, sir."

The images were forwarded to Ruvitio, as was a small, cryptic message.

He is on his way. Let him work.

*******************
IAF Airbase
Someplace in Cravan

The massive stealth bomber lifted off, headed for Ruvitio. Its payload, however, was not that of the explosive variety.

It was that of the classified variety. Thomas Selkan, the only Cravanian who possessed the Fifth Freedom.

The Gunship pilot saw the missiles and swore, bringing the nose of the helicopter up as fast as possible to evade the rapidly advancing wall of death. By sheer luck the gunship escaped unscathed, though one missile hit the sniper inside with enough force to lift him out of the gunship before exploding in mid air. Another missile, launched only seconds after the initial barrage, hit the rotors and forced a black plume of smoke from the top of the helicopter. As it began to spiral out of control, both remaining gunners bailed as the pilot struggled to level out and slow down.

The dismembered Kraven soldier was quickly targeted by the remaining Ruvitian soldiers, but not before a soldier was clipped in the neck by the .50 handgun round. Other soldiers were moving forwards in an attempt to isolate and destroy the divided Kraven troops, while the driver of the missile-mounted jeep ran in face of the incoming missile.

Pools of rainwater were rapidly changing the battlefield, demoralising the Ruvitian troops. Two full squads had already deserted, and many more had been destroyed.

But one man stood steady, and May levelled his rifle as he crouched outside the building he had initially been stationed on. The reticule rested calmly on the head of the Wolf Brigade sniper, the rifle strangely still in the hands of the wounded soldier. May took the shot, years of poorly funded but effective training proving their worth. Once more he slipped back into the half-sleep of the injured, and collapsed behind a low wall.

OOC: EDIT: KC, check your TGs.

The Kraven forces now aware that the Ruvitian soliders were morally broken, pressed the psychological attack, using smoke grenades, flash bangs and other mentally disorientating weapons, including white phosphorus...

GPMG rounds hammered away, spitting hot lead through the air, while Jagdpanzer squads mopped up any armour or infantry squads falling back..

The Wolf briagade Snipers head exploded out of the concrete, and his body fell limp his life extinguished...

Meanwhile, it had become aparant with Kravens rather, infamous reputation that sooner or later, forces would come to assist Rutivio, so a Cruise missile strike was launched targetting the large Communication array of the Government buildings, its electromagnetic output gave away its location and so was an easy target to lock onto, the missile broke the silo as its long white plume rose into the air, around twenty minutes to its target, Rutivio would become deaf and blind...

Quickly however, the Embassy area would be secured and reinforcements from the Embassy would bolster the forces including several heavy black eight wheeler APC's, that would act as patrol vehicles and support units.

Outside the Port of Norska, the immense battlefleet was nearing readyness, its various cruisers and battleships were sat a few miles out to see as the last few transports, supply ships and battle carriers left the port and moved to join the rest of the fleet...

A Corporal ran though the crowd of fighting soldiers, holding a yellow smoke beacon in one hand a blue one in the other. He held them high despite the chunks of building falling around his ears and the bullets being sprayed across the Ruvitian lines.

He was hit, but still continued his determined run from one squad to the other, degrading into a limp as the land rose. A second shot found his chest, but he had got his vital message to the troops. Yellow and blue: Retreat and Prepare.

Almost in unison, the soldiers started to crawl away from the fight, pausing only to deploy their standard issue anti-personnel land mines in preparation for the inevitable counter attack.

But the fight was not lost, as it became apparent that the infantry here was only stalling the Kraven forces while part of the 7th Armoured Division was fuelled and armed. The first of the tanks were in range, and the opening volley turned the hillside to a field of craters. The tanks were accompanied by APCs, two for every tank and 16 in total.


...


The President was still calm despite the situation at the embassy. He opened the inbox on an old computer, and opened the e-mail forwarded to him from Cravan by his secretary. But the system died before the page loaded, accompanied by a brief flicker in the lights. The phones were dead, and security forces were immediately in the room to check on him.

Down the hall however, someone had managed to print the photo of the Kraven forces from Cravan before the servers died. His jaw dropped as he saw the image, and he did not pause for breath until he had explained everything to the President.

The kraven battle fleet was now on its way, the powerfull engines of the naval vessels powered them through the water with perfect efficiency, their prows ploughed through the waters, causing vast waves of water to crash down infront of the vessels as they made their way forwards, the crew keeping it on course towards the target zone..

------- Rutivio -------

The Kraven forces reacted towards the enemy armour by retreating into grounds of other embassies in the area, and firing from vantage points, Jagdpanzer squads waited until the enemy armour was in range to hit them with a torrent of shape charge missiles, while the APC's of Kraven lay down covering fire at did their best to avoid the enemy armours fire...

Further Cruise missiles were launched at various targets, Power plants and Military installations, a total of fifteen cruise missiles were targeted at the various locations.... several more were launched at civilian sectors, designed as a weapon of fear and intimidation, to show Rutivio, what the price of defying Kraven would mean...

The tank at the front of the column stalled, giving an ample window for the Kraven anti-tank squads to turn it to scrap metal. As an ally-turned-obstacle, the remaining tanks had to immediately back-pedal to avoid the follow ups.

They kept the heat on the Kraven troops though, firing without discrimination into any building which might hold Kraven forces. The APCs made their wheeled advance towards the crumbling embassies and the tanks provided the covering fire. Four tanks lined up to face the enemy positions, as two flanked the Kravens on each side with the APCs in the middle.

The wounded were wailing their last screams as the tanks rumbled past, the swift retreat had left the dead where they fell and the injured to fend for themselves.

May awoke with a start, his head propped up by his bullet proof vest and his chest bare except for a crude bandage. He was on a stretcher, but both carriers were lying by him with shrapnel embedded in their backs and heads.

He stumbled away from the combat zone and back into the city, shakily drawing his sidearm and remaining cautious for enemy soldiers.


...


Meanwhile, the entire air force had scrambled to launch a hopefully crippling strike on the incoming Kraven fleet. 50 fighters with 80 interceptors and 60 bombers had been deployed, with the helicopter forces redeployed to landing zones closer to the coast.

The tank at the front of the column stalled, giving an ample window for the Kraven anti-tank squads to turn it to scrap metal. As an ally-turned-obstacle, the remaining tanks had to immediately back-pedal to avoid the follow ups.

They kept the heat on the Kraven troops though, firing without discrimination into any building which might hold Kraven forces. The APCs made their wheeled advance towards the crumbling embassies and the tanks provided the covering fire. Four tanks lined up to face the enemy positions, as two flanked the Kravens on each side with the APCs in the middle.

The wounded were wailing their last screams as the tanks rumbled past, the swift retreat had left the dead where they fell and the injured to fend for themselves.

May awoke with a start, his head propped up by his bullet proof vest and his chest bare except for a crude bandage. He was on a stretcher, but both carriers were lying by him with shrapnel embedded in their backs and heads.

He stumbled away from the combat zone and back into the city, shakily drawing his sidearm and remaining cautious for enemy soldiers.


...


Meanwhile, the entire air force had scrambled to launch a hopefully crippling strike on the incoming Kraven fleet. 50 fighters with 80 interceptors and 60 bombers had been deployed, with the helicopter forces redeployed to landing zones closer to the coast.

Kraven forces now fought a running battle against the forces of Rutivio, the enemy armour was striking buildings at random, so using the confusion, rubble, natural dips and craters made by the armour, the advancing Jagdpanzer squads with following Sturmpanzers made their way towards the enemy forces, until they were in range to lay waste to the enemy tanks, however a couple of squads remained, hiding in the shubbery of the embassy grounds, they targetted the incomming APC's...

Forces on the outskirts quickly became aware of the flanking forces, and so moved to counteract them, using smoke grenades and white phosphorus grenades to confuse and disorientate the flanking forces...

Meanwhile, "The Mimir Class" tracking ships were watching the air craft making their way towards the battlefleet and so the fleet was on high alert, its Battle Carriers scrambled AXIM air superitority fighters and soon the Capitol Police pilots were making their way towards the craft, mounting up and preaparing to launch, while on the other battle carriers craft were already in the air, forming an Air Umbrella of sorts... awaiting the enemy craft to approach the fleet... in around an hour around sixty Axim fighters were airborn and guarding the Fleet, while down on the Carriers, more craft were being prepared...

Tank after tank was obliterated, but the Ruvitian armour was still gaining ground against the Kraven troops. Infantry reinforcements and two more gunships had just arrived, and began to proceed towards the enemy. The soldiers were poorly trained and poorly equipped, but this was their homeland they were fighting for, their pride, their lives.


...


The Fighters of the Ruvitian Air Force were each carrying two high-ordinance long range ASMs, and unleashed these all at the same time at the Kraven ships as the Interceptors launched their smaller missiles at the enemy fighters. The bombers charged forward regardless, determined to drop their payloads on or around the Kraven ships; as sea mines had been mixed in to compensate for the recent bomb shortage.

The bombers were also equipped with 40mm guided missile batteries to fend off enemy fighters, but this role was largely devoted to the Interceptors. As the fighters' missiles closed in, the fighters themselves aided the Interceptors in trying to clear the skies.

"Alpha one, deploy the package."
"Copy that, Command. Deploying package."

The bombay doors of the bomber opened as it slowed down, and out dropped a small black object. It fell for what seemed like days, but really was less than a miniute. When it reached a low altitude, its chute opened, and it gracefully slid to the ground. It looked around, taking in its surroundings. It was in a city, and according to the GPS, just south of the battle raging around the Kraven embassy.

It was actually a he. And his name was Richard Fawns. And officially, he did not exist. His codename was Echelon Two, and his purpose was simple: The elimination of all who opposed Cravan, through whatever means necesarry.

He slowly made his way north, sticking to the shadows and ensuring he was not detected by anyone. If anyone saw him, he was to shoot them on sight no matter their affiliation. Whether he shot them with a deadly weapon was another story.

The environment he was in gave him the advantage. Not only did noone know he was there, but he also had the perfect cover. The rain coming down would hide his figure, while he would still be able to shoot as if it were sunny and warm. His combat gear ensured his comfort on the battlefield, and also ensured he wouldn't miss a thing. It minimised his heat signature, and he skillfully made his way through the city making no audible noise.

He was ready for anything... The silent killer had arrived...

“General? You should take a look at this” said the Captain as he handed the General a wad of orbital photographs, “We have a guest.” The photos displayed the Cravanian bomber flying over Ruvitian territory, and another of an open parachute above the drop-zone. A third was of a vaguely humanoid blur from above, and the fourth was hazier still.

“Satellites… we have comms back up?” the General asked, “Since when?”
“They’ve only got local communications back up, Sir, the primary antennae was completely destroyed.”
“In that case, there’s not much we can do. Is it Cravanian?”
“Almost certainly, Sir, they did in fact offer to send such an operative.”
“Then keep him watched, but do not approach under any circumstances. I want a sniper to have a visual ASAP.”

“Continue as planned, Captain, and shift more forces to the Capital.”

OOC: The cruise missile strike?


Kraven Forces were forced back, it was however a ruse, designed to bring the untrained soliders into a trap, where the Capitol Police had layed down hand grenade traps under corpses of Capitol Police, as well as Kraven weaponry and spent shell casings, Several Troopers brought various Rockets to resupply the Jagdpanzer units that were now falling back, The Kraven forces kept up suppressive fire, as the APC's had fallen back slighlty, using the cover of buildings to give them the Hull down advantage...

Meanwhile, Engineers that were always present with Capitol Police forces were setting up C12 traps on the road into the embassy, and around the no mans land that was now a series of craters and pock marks...


The Enemy missiles approached the fleet and the air cover as one by one they were brought down by the accurate CIWS fire of the Kraven vessels, it was standard practice for Kraven fleets to form up into a four tier formation, having the Command ships in the centre as well as carriers and supply ships, making it difficult for enemy missiles to strike them, but still missiles had crept through the screen and craft were dropped from the skies like flies, until the counter barrage of ATA missiles were sent, targetting the Bombers that were approaching, while dedicated missile ships launched a torrent of missiles towards the air craft, hoping to decemate them before they approached too closely, the Missiles were not targetting any particular class of aircraft, and so the dedicated missile ships carpeted the enemy formation with SAM's....

The Antiship missiles used by the enemy fleet were brought down mainly by the outer vessels of the tier, until again a few missiles slipped through and struck the various ships on the side, vast plumes of smoke rose into the air as the missiles had done their work, two of the larger destroyers listing slightly in the water until water tight bulkheads sealed and the engineers began to repair the various wounds..

E2, as he was called for short, continued through the city, going inside buildings for cover. He was sure to remain silent, for he was meant for stealth.

"Dick, where are you?", said a voice in his head. Most men would think they were going crazy having just heard a voice in one's head. But not Tom.
"Someplace in the city. A few blocks down from the embassies. I can hear the gunfire.", he said back, making sure he said it so quietly nobody would be able to hear it. The mic in his headset was quite sensitive.
"Well, I've got a news update for you. Ruvitio's communications came back online during your jump. They probably got some very, very blurry pictures of you."
"I'll be careful, Rich."

He jumped out the window, and grabbed at the window sill opposite to the building he had been in. He climbed in noiselessly, and made his way through the building. Some sort of apartment. The locals had probably been cleared out from the fighting, but he couldn't be sure.

He came down to ground level, and creeped through the alleyway. The embassies were close, now. He could see movement in his thermal goggles...

(OOC: I was taking it as the missile strike wiped out the comms array, hence the President unable to retrieve the Cravan communication. I'm out now, but I'll be back tomorrow when I'm not half asleep.)


The Air Force was in tatters, the unsurpassable Kraven ship defences proving impossible to breach through sheer force. With such large numbers of ships, the only viable option was to defend the beaches and the cities whilst drafting the Navy into the Army for the extra man-power.

As it stood, only a handful of Interceptors managed to escape the Kraven anti-air weaponry, and they turned with full speed back to the airfields to give reports of the actual size of the enemy force.

At the embassy, the Ruvitians had successfully split the Kraven force and was beginning to gain the upper hand, when the mass of various traps sprang and caught them unawares. Although casualties were minor, the remaining troops were scared stiff, and watching their footing instead of their firing line.

(OOC: I was taking it as the missile strike wiped out the comms array, hence the President unable to retrieve the Cravan communication. I'm out now, but I'll be back tomorrow when I'm not half asleep.)


The Air Force was in tatters, the unsurpassable Kraven ship defences proving impossible to breach through sheer force. With such large numbers of ships, the only viable option was to defend the beaches and the cities whilst drafting the Navy into the Army for the extra man-power.

As it stood, only a handful of Interceptors managed to escape the Kraven anti-air weaponry, and they turned with full speed back to the airfields to give reports of the actual size of the enemy force.

At the embassy, the Ruvitians had successfully split the Kraven force and was beginning to gain the upper hand, when the mass of various traps sprang and caught them unawares. Although casualties were minor, the remaining troops were scared stiff, and watching their footing instead of their firing line.

OOC: I did another strike, 15 CM's against Power plants and military targets as well as several against Civilian Targets, such as hospitals

The night sky was lit by the fiery trails of the cruise missiles as they finally entered Ruvitian territory, weaving their way through the air and spreading out as they found their individual targets. The coastal defences had been poorly equipped to fend of the attack, but the more inland positions had ample firepower.

Four Interceptors were scrambled to combat the weapons in the air, while every available anti-air battery was pointed at the incoming explosives.

Two were brought down immediately by guided anti-air missiles, and five more were destroyed by the Interceptors before they ran out of ammunition.

The remaining eight were getting closer still, and the evacuation of civilian areas had only just begun. They found their targets just as more anti-air weapons were launched, streaking harmlessly into the now empty sky.

On the ground however, the missiles had hit had. The reinforced military installations had been turned to rubble, and entire city blocks had been taken out by the Kraven attack. Fire fighters were quickly on the scene, but could do little against the blazes that sprung from the holes in the cities the missiles had made.

"Give me the numbers General Adams... what did we lose?" spoke President Athas shakily, the weight of the dead had broken his normally calm posture.
"Well, although we managed to shoot down some of the incoming missiles, we lost 841 civilians and 516 soldiers. That’s wounded not included, but the hospitals are bursting." came the sombre reply.
"That many? But how?"
"Large explosives, Sir, expertly aimed into crowded living areas and barracks. 58 soldiers have been discharged because of serious injury, and 39 more are still up for review."
There was a long pause, and finally the president spoke.
"What must we do to defeat these invaders, these scum?"
"I'm afraid there’s not much we can do, Sir, except hold the cities."
"What about the beaches? Why, we could stop them be-"
"Allow me to interrupt you there Sir, but defending the beaches against this enemy is impossible. We have no artillery to match the guns on their ships, but we have extensively trained our soldiers in urban warfare. The streets will be out battlefields Sir, and it is there we shall repel the Kraven offensive."
"I understand, General, I just want the minimum of military and civilian casualties... even if that means surrender."
"With all due respect Sir, surrender is out of the question. Whether we give in or not, these monsters would defile our nation and enslave our people. They live for war, and we're going to give them more than they can handle."

But his brave words only masked his fear; he too had seen the aerial photograph of the incoming enemy force and was spending every waking second working out the best forms of defence for the tiny nation.

The Kraven fleet had arrived on the coastline of Ruvitio, it numbered over 300 vessels, including four of the Annihilator Class Superdreadnaughts, they gingerly moved their way through the formation towards edge of the formation where their massive 28" naval guns turned themselves towards the Coastal city that was now facing them, if the Civilians could see what was happening, they would be able to see their impending doom, as the first of the Salvos cascaded outwards from the massive naval cannons, a blossom of white smoke rising gently as the first shells hit home, striking the cities outer buildings, meanwhile, the smaller 8" broadside cannons opened fire, causing even more smoke to join the initial salvo, while the large 12" and 18" naval guns joined the torrent of gunfire..

The other Annihilator Classes opened fire as well, sending shell after shell towards the cities buildings and those of the civilians....

Other Naval vessels joined in sending even more ammunition to strike the down with the wave of destruction that now swept across the city...

"Hold Fire... Hold Fleet position, Deploy Capitol Police"

"By your Command"

The Fleet slowly stopped firing, and now the smoke from the fires of destruction could be seen rising into the sky as the Captains of many vessels across the Kraven fleet watched through high powered binoculars...

Small boats now broke from the fleet, motorboats that powered their way across the water to the vessels that lay in anchor in the cities port, they continued to close as the small vessels bounced and rose over the crests of waves, the Capitol Police inside were holding their assault rifles in the ready position as they neared the fleet moored in the docks, the Vessels were strangely unactive, and so far since the appearance of the Kraven Fleet not one had moved or been activated, not even the marker lights were activated...

The Kraven Admirals and Captains thought this was very odd and why the Capitol Police were dispatched...

A family had just sat down for dinner. Mother. Father. Two children. They began to eat, when the younger child looked out towards the sea.
"Look! Pirates!" he shouted, as his mother stood behind him to watch the boats. But they were no pirates, in terms of neither quality nor quantity. The largest of the boats rocked backwards slightly, and a faint report was heard rolling over the peaceful city.

The rolling boom became a whistle in the back of the mind, and then the whistle became a scream. Then silence, but the dust had not settled yet. Support beams came crashing down around deafened ears as the small house was obliterated by the incoming shell.

Many more were following suit, the buildings and their occupants splintered and broked as the relentless bombardment continued. A truck was blown apart by one shell, the shrapnell hurled outwards into the crowded market. And then it stopped, as suddenly as it started, and smaller boats made their way to the port.

All the surviving civilians had taken shelter in their basements, locking the doors and waiting. This was the silence before the storm, but one man was prepared to endure it.

The sights rested lazily on the distant sillouette of a Kraven boat, but his finger was not on the trigger. From his prone position on the cliffs behind the town, he would have a view to remember of what would follow.

It was Private Samuel R. May, 34th Platoon Scout-Sniper reporting for duty.

The Capitol Police effortlessly stormed onto the Docks, their rifles held ready, but still no contacts from the naval personnel who would be normally present on the dock side, especially considering the scale of the attack, and the naval vessels out to shore...

A few watchmen were on patrol, but others were stood smoking around a barrel, looking out to the city, where in the twighlight of dusk was setting in, and where the flames and smoke rose gently into the air...

The Capitol Police swept onto the shore, moving with precision until the first shots were fired, the Capitol Police assault rifles hammered away, stitching one guy from the shoulder to the groin, the bullets tearing through his torso as his body spasmed and dropped to the floor, his life blood splattered against the wall behind him and now leaking across the concrete that his life less body now lay...

Another was given a triple burst blast to the head, his skull fragments exploded across the dock as the explosive rounds tore the head of this watchman apart...

Another was cut in half, spreading his guts across the floor as he clutched his stomach, trying in vain to keep his guts from falling out...

The Capitol Police where now on the Dock proper and securing the area, preparing for the next phase of the Operation

"Hold position... wait for my go." came the nervous whisper from the Captain in command of the City Garrison. His troops shuffled into place, sticking to the shadows and keeping their guns trained on the Kraven forces, still some distance away. Numbering at just under one hundred soldiers, it was their duty to stall the Kraven invaders at this particular coastal city.

"Rogers! Get that AMR set up... no, over there!" and similar shouts were heard across the docks as the platoon attacked, deploying on the way to keep surprise on their side.

They fanned out as the soldiers fired, 'Pepper-Potting' the enemy positions with continuous alternation between advancing and cover fire. The soldiers would fire single shots while they moved, and then burst fire once they were in position. The captain here had rehearsed the battle a million times in his head, but this gave him little confidence as the enemy returned fire.

But then the AMR was up, a two-man sniper rifle designed to punch through light vehicles. The .50 cal rounds tore through bricks and mortar where they did not find an enemy, and provided the perfect cover for the front lines to get closer.

The Capitol Police were hit, with the first couple of rounds from the AMR taking out Capitol Police with ease, the Troopers began to return fire, using their Optical Mags to effectively pin-point the enemy assaulting their positions, while forming up into fire teams, and laying down their own cover fire, and suppressive fire in the form of 3 round bursts, frag grenades and white phosphorus grenades..

"Commander... Capitol Police at the docks are coming under heavy fire..."

"Move the 'Deathrone Tyranny' towards the Dock, have the Capitol Police withdraw and level the area..."

"As you wish Commander"


The Capitol Police on the docks began to fall back, using the ladders mounted onto the sea walls to escape the enemy gun fire and hit the boats that were waiting for them, the Capitol Police were using more white phosphorus, smoke grenades and flash bangs to cover their retreat...

While out to sea, The Annihilator Class "Deathrone Tyranny" moved closer and closer towards the Docks...

Although the fire fight was brief, it was clear that the Kraven forces had marked the memories of every Ruvitian soldier at the docks that day. Almost one third of them had been killed or wounded, even those in the shadows were picked off with expertise.

The two AMR gunners had been prioritised, but their superior cover and spotting had kept both of them alive. The front lines had not been as lucky though, with the Capitol Police able to weather the storm from their low-caliber weapons.

Although a victory was a victory, the survivors were silent and shocked. After endless stories of the viciousness and brutality of the Kraven forces, they ran away?

But there was no time for thought, as the wounded were tended to and the dead were recorded, and then cremated on the spot. New regulations did not want any Ruvitian bodies to either demoralise the people, nor encourage the enemy.

A looming shadow out to sea came closer, though the Dock Garrison took little notice.

The Deathrone Tyranny was in position, it sat in the gentle waters just outside the dock, The Annihilator was bearing its broad side 8" cannons, sixty small bore cannons designed to overwhelm enemy defenses and vessels with the sheer amount of ordinance a salvo of broadsides could unleash, the 25" cannons spun around to bear against the Dockside, while the other smaller caliber weaponry, 12" 18" cannons all turned to face until all weaponry that could, faced the Dockside...

Claxons blared outside as the guns were loaded, then with a deafening roar that howled like thunder, the ship opened fire, bright plumes were forced into the air as shell after shell rocketed across the gentle waters of the coastline, while the vessel itself rocked gently as the recoil did its work..

The Annihilator continued to fire, over and over again, never ceasing in its torrent of shells, the Vessel hammered away sending HE shells packed with C12 towards the buildings and ships docked in the port...

Fleet Command Vessel

"Commander, Deathrone Tyranny has opened fire and is requesting further instructions.."

"Maintain position and Bombardment"

"As you wish..."

The booming report was heard by all of the soldiers at the docks, and they turned to face the water. Frozen still by sheer fear, they watched in half awe, half dread, as the Annihilator class super dreadnought fufilled its function.

It took the first of many shells landing too close for comfort to shake them from this, and a once organised platoon made a mad dash for the nearest building, taking to the basements and barring the doors.

Although some made it, many were too slow and were caught in the firestorm that errupted seconds later at the docks. Chunks of concrete were blown straight out of the ground before rolling over the low dockyard buildings.

Most of the docked ships were sunk, the incoming shells punching huge holes in their sides and decks. With no crew on board the abandoned ships to contain the flooding, they were quickly pulled under the water.

But the barrage did not stop, the shells seemingly trying to dig their way to the sheltered Ruvitian troops.

Then the order came through, as large land-based artillery was brought to bear against the offending ship. The shells fired were anti-shipping mines that would deploy in mid-air, either exploding on contact with the ship or cutting off its escape...

The Annihilator, such a massive and impressive class of vessel simply shrugged off the majority of the shells, the damage being minimum, and easily repairable by the Engineer Korpz on board, however the inland artillery had given itself away by opening fire, and now the Annihilator armed with the telementry data required to zero in on the fire positions, returned fire with GPS guided shells, able to accuratly place shells almost ontop of the enemy artillery positions.

Meanwhile the rest of the Broadsides and other smaller calliber weapons continued to level the dockside...

"The bastards!" Foreign Secretary Alima Polo swore as she looked at the satellite imagery coming in from the beseiged nation of Ruvitio displayed on the wall for the entire cabinet to see.

The defense minister, slightly more collected, began to speak. "So, as you can see ladies and gentlemen, Kraven is up to their sick, twisted agression once again. They have killed countless innocents and invaded a fledgling democracy with no provocation, all part of their neverending imperialist goals. Mr. President, this is just the thing GAPTS was formed to fight against. We only survived the horrible days of the Black/Grey Imperium because we worked together with our allies, and we are far, far larger and more powerful then Ruvitio. They need immediate help, or they'll be overrun and become another enslaved nation."

President Azullias sat in his chair, his brow furrowed. "Since the begining of this nation, we have always strived to protect peace and freedom. Why does it always seem to push us towards violence?" he thought outloud.

"I'm going to bring this up with GAPTS." he continued, "I think they'll be very worried about the situation. We'll try to decide what to do. In the meantime, I would like to have updates on this situation. Oh, and wire $300 mil. to the government there. Make the transfer as secret as possible. We don't want to reveal we're taking an interest in this. Not yet, anyway."

The light artillery that had been firing at the Annihilator was designed to keep mobile, and most of it was over the verge before the Kraven ship returned fire. The larger shells smashed into the ground around the retreating gunners as the smaller ones continued to hammer on the beach below. Two artillery pieces were hit simultaneously, the stock of shells exploding to destroy a nearby supply truck.

Similar scenes were happening all over the small nation, the soldiers falling back towards the Capital, the easiest place to defend in the whole of Ruvitio. Since the incident at the embassy, arms producers had been working at double speed to arm the military and even the populace. All gun-ownership and registration laws had been scrapped, and the people were quickly forming defensive militia.

The Kraven Battlefleet

Assault Craft, hundereds of them thundered from the steam catapults of Gorgoroth Class super carriers, they were thrust into the skies with a deafening roar as their quad engines took over, carrying them over the waters and further into the air, they formed up into a standard assault pattern formation, each one carrying twenty five fully armed and armoured Centurians, their battle standards were folded up awaiting the time for them to fly freely in the winds of battle...

It took several minutes for the formation to cross the waters, no resistance so far, not one missile, or flak cannon opened fire as they assault Vtols closed in...

The Craft shook violently as the turbulance from the off shore winds meeting the coastline rose up into the sky, but soon the craft were clear and inbound towards the city..

The first few broke through the city limits, their twin assault cannons opened fire, tearing up the streets as they flew at low level between the high rise buildings, and apartment blocks, the Pilots gently flying them as the Troopers inside opened the large side doors...

the Vector thrusters slowly turned, taking the powered thrust down over to bring the craft to a safe holt...

six black ziplines fell to the ground , followed shortly by the black trenchcoat wearing Troopers of the Centurian Capitol Police legion, their assault rifles were held in one hand as the troopers quickly reach the floor, their black jackboots thumping the ground hard, as the rest of the squad followed shortly behind, more and more craft of the same type were doing the same, deploying their squads that were now on the ground and panning out, searching for enemy hostiles and other contacts..

The Centurians thundered across the tarmac of the road system, their black jackboots crunching underfoot, before one went slamming into the door of what appeared to be a retail outlet, the door, splintered fell to the ground, followed shortly by five Centurians that searched the building for hostiles...

The Dragon Banner was raised high by one of the Troopers, its crimson colour was resplendant in its glory, as the twin hammers of Kraven, and atop, the eagle with its outspread wings, looked across the city with the inhuman nature of Kraven and its forces...

Instantly as more and more banners were unfolded, the Centurians let out a terrorfying Battle cry that echoed out across the streets, followed by the thumping of chests and the clatter of loading weaponry...

"For Kraven... For Honour!"

The President sat inside Lord's Manor and reviewed the situation. He was protected by triple the usual security, and was expecting a visit from General Smith concerning the Kraven menace. Although it was late at night, he had not seen any of his staff leave the building, or anyone enter for that matter.

A sharp knock came at the door, and he opened it with a sigh as the General stepped in.
"General... Adams?" enquired the President, "Where is Smith?"
"He couldn’t make it. Stomach pains... a mystery." came a confident reply, one hand concealed behind his back as four security personnel strode in behind him. In an instant, the General was holding a silenced handgun up to the President.
"You are old and weak, these people deserve better. It is the Kraven Corporation who know true power, and we will achieve that in their image!"
"Guards!" yelled the now frantic President, and he exhaled deeply as the soldiers raised their weapons. But it was not the rogue General they aimed at, and the President became truly confused.

A dull thud failed to echo as the bullet's flight was cut short by the President's head. The 9mm casing made a high-pitched ping as it hit wooden floor, and again as it bounced and rolled.

The Guards dragged the body away through the open door, and eventually disposed of it in a dumpster behind the Kitchens, right next to the body of General Smith, with three small holes in his abdomen.

Imperial Department of Intelligence
Cravna, Cravan

"Report?"
"Kraven is making a mess of the place, sir... It doesn't look pretty."
"What about...?"

The Director of Intel paused, and looked to those who didn't have clearance. They promptly left the room.

"What about our boy?"
"He hasn't engaged anyone yet. Still doing recon."

*********************
Someplace in the city...

E2 continued to wander the dark alleys and shadowy areas of the city, always watching out for any danger. His rifle, silencer permanently attatched, was always at his shoulder, ready to fire. He crept along, making no noise in the pitch black.

"E2, what is your status?"
"Still creeping around... No contacts as of yet...", he mumbled back.
"Well that's about to change. Sat readouts suggest movements just ahead. Lay low, and do not engage. Continue surveying the area."
"Gotcha. E2 out."

*********************
Someplace in the city...

E2 continued to wander the dark alleys and shadowy areas of the city, always watching out for any danger. His rifle, silencer permanently attatched, was always at his shoulder, ready to fire. He crept along, making no noise in the pitch black.

"E2, what is your status?"
"Still creeping around... No contacts as of yet...", he mumbled back.
"Well that's about to change. Sat readouts suggest movements just ahead. Lay low, and do not engage. Continue surveying the area."
"Gotcha. E2 out."


Around twenty five, Centurians strode through the streets, sweeping as they went, clearing out buildings, and escorting civilians out into the street, but not one was hurt, they were lined up along the street pavements, and ordered to stay where they were, anyone failing to comply would be punished severly...

As the squad continued to sweep the area, an unusual heat signature was being detected in the shadows of some building...

"Possible hostile ahead, will advise..."

"Understood Forward six"

The Centurians now approached the strange heat signature their weapons held ready...

And here they come...

E2 pulled his mask over his face, to conceal it with a heat absorbing camoflauge. He crept silently, and made sure not a single part of his skin was showing through his suit.

Hopefully the lab made this thing as heatproof as they said... Hasn't failed me yet.

He put his rifle in his sling on his back, and instead removed his pistol. When he was sure the Centurians weren't looking, he jumped up between two walls, and stayed in the darkness, his legs spread and propping him up between two buildings. Not even a pair of the clearest NV goggles would be able to pick him out, which made aiming a bitch since he could barely see his weapon.

Please pass under me... Please pass under me... Please pass under me...

Shutters on a poorly built house creaked open as the barrel of a bolt-action hunting rifle poked out, seeming to survey the scene below. Kraven soldiers were hunting the man who had just scaled his house, and any enemy of Kraven was a friend of his.

A crack was heard as he fired at the nearest of the Centurians, the .227 cartridge clattering on the ground as other armed civilians followed suit. They fired form the buildings, taking cover after the initial burst to keep the Kraven Soldiers guessing.

A Molotov cocktail came arcing out of a window and into the ground around and others followed, the cheap but effective weapons one of the few defences left to the Ruvitian populace. Even a hand grenade was used, albeit poorly, and a bark of heavy machine gun fire was heard further down the street.

Elsewhere however, civilians were being urged to leave the country or hide in the swamps. Arguably more perilous than the enemy, but the perfect hiding place for anyone who could survive there.

Shutters on a poorly built house creaked open as the barrel of a bolt-action hunting rifle poked out, seeming to survey the scene below. Kraven soldiers were hunting the man who had just scaled his house, and any enemy of Kraven was a friend of his.

A crack was heard as he fired at the nearest of the Centurians, the .227 cartridge clattering on the ground as other armed civilians followed suit. They fired form the buildings, taking cover after the initial burst to keep the Kraven Soldiers guessing.

A Molotov cocktail came arcing out of a window and into the ground around and others followed, the cheap but effective weapons one of the few defences left to the Ruvitian populace. Even a hand grenade was used, albeit poorly, and a bark of heavy machine gun fire was heard further down the street.

Elsewhere however, civilians were being urged to leave the country or hide in the swamps. Arguably more perilous than the enemy, but the perfect hiding place for anyone who could survive there.


The Centurians responded by returning fire, using their optical mags to highlight enemy hostiles with the echolocation system, knowing roughly how many people were in the building and one what floors, a molotov cocktail exploded coating two Centurians in fire, they instantly returned fire until their lives were expended by the fire, a horrific sight for all but the most hardened of fighters...

The Bretheren of the Centurians enfuriated by this returned fire with highly accurate fire, before using frag grenades, lobbing them straight through the broken windows, while at the same time others in the squads added flash bangs and white phosphorus grenades, before the entire squad, broke down the door and stormed the building, their intention to clear it out room by room...

E2 watched as the Centurians ripped open on the building.

Thank you, friends. You've saved me. I hope I can do the same for you all.

He continued to hide, waiting patiently for the danger to pass.