Author Notes:
No picture for today as I haven't gotten the time to generate the next sets, being in the hospital and all that stuff, you know...?
Anyway! Happy news comes home recently, and it's all because of these kind souls. Salutations to Private John Doe (No kidding, best name to have ever existed) and Private Amazing-Albatross (A name that can be made into a military aircraft pin-up, ngl). Big thanks to Thomas Mohr and Sven Schumann for your donations and coffee!
Mom and I appreciate all of your support, so don't forget to enjoy reading the new chapters to come!
Up next, Monthly Recruitment Drive is up! Don't hesitate to grab the discount that will be running from now till the 21st!
Peace and prosperity to everyone!
Also, cookies to whoever can infer the Easter Egg that is only visible to classic RTS gamers from the 2000s era.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Dodging torpedo boats? Easy.
Steering clear of anti-submarine nets and hydroacoustic monitoring stations? Now, that's the hardest part. Even with the diminutive size of the SDVs, a moment of carelessness is more than enough to run head-first into a naval mine or skimming too close to the hydrophone, risking the entire operation being compromised and all the planning and resources going to waste. Fortunately, the drivers of the SDVs are those with steady hands and nerves of steel, even more so than the other SOFCOM members of Rampant element. Thanks to them, navigating through the underwater red zones proved to be an uneventful, albeit time-consuming endeavor.
"Breakwater ahead. 500 meters."
"Rampant 2, prepare for the split. Over."
"Affirm, 1-1. Happy hunting. Over and out."
"Neophyte, this is Rampant 1-1, Rampant is splitting as planned as Waypoint Three. How are we looking up there, over?"
As the two submersibles diverged left and right of the nearby breakwater, mission operator Zephyn, callsign Neophyte, reports in a spirited tone.
"The remaining naval vessels remain berthed at their piers. No riverine patrols are detected in either the Martwa River or the Smiala River. The scope is clear from here on out, Rampant 1, Rampant 2 unless any of you boys decide that stealth is optional."
"We'll be running this smooth as silk, Zep," Quips Captain Justin. "So be ready to pop us something nice once we have that criminal packed tight like sardines in a can."
"Heh, we'll see about that, Captain. Over and out."
With Rampant 2 heading to the military harbor, Rampant 1's SDV with only four occupants is taking the Eastern ingress to inner Gdańsk, using the Smiala River. After traveling a short distance inland, Rampant 1's SDV makes a portside turn, going upstream of the Martwa River until they come across a bog by the riverside. The bog is covered in dense foliage with little to no illumination other than the scant lighting from the stars above and the nearby vegetable farm's shoddy light bulbs. If anything, the location serves as the perfect dismount point for the SOF, and indeed, ONI marked this area as their point of disembark. After anchoring their SDV beneath the murky water of the bog, the SOF members of Rampant 1 open their hatches, grab the required gears, and swim upward. Guns raised as they break the surface, the four SOF soldiers scan the shore ahead of them, their helmets grant them stellar vision in the night. Finding nothing dangerous, the four-man Fireteam swims closer to the shore until they find their footing and start crouch-walking to solid, wooden covers. Now safely ashore, the team checks their equipment and SPI suits.
Modified for amphibious warfare, Rampant's SPI suits have a distinctively different look compared to the mainline version. The helmet has a pressure-resistant cross-brace on the visor to protect the user from heavy pressure in different situations that require it. The chest has an anterior lock and posterior lock for modular pressure shrouds. The armor also uses peel-casing pauldrons to streamline movement in particle-dense environments. More importantly, micro-thrusters are incorporated into the design for underwater maneuvers. These thrusters are important because they allow the wearers to swim more efficiently, consuming less of the suit's internal power if they are to swim conventionally. SOF members make it an ingrained habit to make sure these thrusters are always working at peak efficiency. Not just because these are their best mean to swim, but because they're also a viable way of boosting their mobility on land. Albeit this tactic requires the SOF soldier to have extremely good reflexes and bodily coordination.
After making sure that everything's all green, Captain Justin leads his men out of the bog.
"Neophyte, Rampant 1, en route to meet with our helper. Over."
"Rampant 1-1, this is Neophyte. The coast is clear and the helper is waiting for you by the dirt road next to the farmland. Over."
"Good copy. We'll report back once we meet the guy. Over and out."
Leaving behind naught but wet footsteps, Captain Justin leads his Fireteam to skirt the side of the vegetable farm, one that is clearly occupied by someone with nasal issues with how loud the snoring is. Trekking a bit of a distance while maintaining 360-degree security coverage, the Captain and his men soon come across the designated dirt road. There, at the end of the road, is an American-made M2 Scout Car with tarpaulin, decorated in the Polanian Revolutionary Command Army's livery. The armored car is probably a byproduct of a black market deal made by the Polanian Council, and it's empty. The owner and the sole driver of the vehicle is dismounted and leaning against its side, smoking a cigarette to fight the cold darkness. Creeping closer, Captain Justin is mindful not to step on any branch until he gets within speaking distance of the unknown helper.
"Rubber Duck."
There's an alert start to the smoking soldier by the Scout Car, turning in the direction of Justin's voice, the SOF's unknown helper replies audibly. "Scrambled Eggs."
Then the helper makes a countersign. "Box of Matches."
To this, Captain Justin responds with the password. "Unemployment Insurance."
When the helper nods, it means that the two parties have successfully verified each other's identity. Barely illuminated by the dim lighting of the farmland, Rampant 1 approaches the M2 Scout Car, still as alert as ever. Stepping near their helper, Justin offers a handshake with the man who is clearly one of Section Two's undercover operatives. The helper, wearing a Polanian soldier fatigues with the marking of a Lieutenant, accepts the gesture politely. The undercover agent greets.
"Been out here for so long, I was thinking that the first thing I would find must be a zombie or a demon."
Captain Justin smirks beneath his visor. "Apologies for the delay. We ran into a hiccup with some boats out in the sea. Had to play ring around the rosie for a bit."
"Heh, understandable." The helper nods with the cigarette in his mouth. "Same business as usual, no names, no attachment."
Gesturing his head to the armored car, he continues. "Mount up."
Nodding, Justin leads Rampant 1 to board the back of the M2 Scout Car. Covered by the tarp with only a couple of vision slits, the vehicle serves as a good land infiltration vehicle. The limited visibility of the night also helps deter any curious eyes. Driven away by the undercover agent, starts making headway to the HVT's location, the Grano Hotel Solmarina.
"Neophyte, Rampant 1, approaching the Wiślinka village now. Over."
"Rampant 1-1, Neophyte, copy that. Be advised, there's a checkpoint ahead, so be prepared for anything. We're updating enemy patrol patterns now. Over."
"Roger that, Neophyte. We'll be on the alert. Over and out."
Captain Justin nods at his Fireteam, having their weapons switch to deadly just in case before turning to the driver seat. "Hey, pal, you think you can clear that checkpoint?"
Turning his head slightly, the undercover Lieutenant replies. "I know those bastards, kids! Just stay low and make sure the tarp covers you all and we should be in the clear!"
Justin replies with a nod. "Alright, I'll hold you on that one, friend!"
As the M2 Scout Car speeds down the Łąkowa road that runs through the riverside Wiślinka Village, where the Grano Hotel Solmarina is also, the headlights in the front of the vehicle soon illuminate a shoddily constructed checkpoint. Two wooden guardhouses and a raised blockade that is clearly meant for the incoming vehicle to pass without much issue. Standing by the side of one of the guardhouses are three Polanian sentries, young, and inexperienced given how sloppy they're when only one of them is armed, but the rifle is slung. Slowing just enough so that the Lieutenant can see the expectant look of these young men, the undercover agent greets them while reaching for a bag on the co-driver's seat.
"Oi, Bartek! Think fast!" Having said that, the Lieutenant tosses the three soldiers a securely wrapped grocery bag. "Enjoy the food, boys!"
Bartek, the leading soldier, jumps at the bag filled with goods from the big city with a happy expression. "Many thanks, Lieutenant!" The young man shouts with a salute toward the M2 Scout Car that is reaccelerating further into the village. A hand can be seen waving at the soldiers from the driver's seat.
Turning toward his two friends, Bartek the Polanian sentry says. "Come on, guys! Let's lower the gate and get all of this stuff inside! Come morning, we feast with hams and sandwiches!"
"Oh!"
Leaving behind the suddenly rowdy checkpoint, Captain Justin marvels at how the Lieutenant handled the pass-through. "Smooth."
"It pays to be cordial and nice with the grunts, especially these impressionable kids. Once they think that you're one of theirs, they cemented the idea pretty darn quick." The Lieutenant replies. "But obviously, that trick won't work twice so don't even think about making me the chauffeur for your ride outta here."
Captain Justin smirks. "I won't dare, friend. The less we stick together the better."
"Damn straight." The undercover Lieutenant agrees promptly. "Drop-off point is just straight ahead. Get ready to jump out on my mark. You have ten seconds to get out of the car before I speed up and get on with my life. Oh, and close the door when you get out."
"Understood. Team, be ready."
As Rampant 1 gears up for a swift disembark, the M2 Scout Car rounds a corner near a loosely defended motor pool. The car starts slowing down noticeably at a very dark corner where its engine seems to stall and the headlight starts flickering on and off.
"Now!" The Lieutenant signals for Rampant 1.
Captain Justin and his Fireteam smoothly swing the rear door open and drop off cleanly, with the Captain being the last one to disembark. Remembering the Lieutenant's words, Justin pivots the door close as the armored car drifts away slowly. Afterward, Rampant 1 heads deep into a nearby, well-kept patch of woodland while the undercover Lieutenant restarts the engine of the M2 and proceeds normally into the motor pool. Both sides split perfectly and the Polanian garrison is none the wiser as to what happened right under their nose. From now on, it's less of that undercover Lieutenant and more of Rampant 1 working to secure their objective.
"Neophyte, Rampant 1, infiltration successful. We're moving to the objective location now. Over."
"Rampant 1, Neophyte, check your HUD, we have updated the enemy patrol patterns. Be advised, the primary approach is compromised. Proceed to the secondary approach. The door is left unlocked by the hotel staff. Over."
"Understood. What's the status of Rampant 2's objective? Over."
"They have mined all of the docked destroyers and a few of the torpedo boats. I have advised them to get out as the earlier sea patrol is returning. They're making their way to recover your SDV and should be on standby for extraction when you're done grabbing the HVT. Over."
"Roger that, thanks for the update, Neophyte. Over and out."
Justin tunes into his Fireteam comm channel.
"Alright boys, once we clear this stretch of the wood, we will approach the gated hotel complex. Primary entryway is fucked, so we will switch to the secondary one, cutting through the construction yard and the boardwalk. I know it's not the best, but we will have to make do with it, just like usual. Keep an eye out for the target's building, which is the unmistakable tallest building in the village. And I will reiterate this once again, we're heading into an area filled with not just hostiles but also civilian and covert operatives. Our orders are to minimize collateral damage in the process, so keep that in mind and make sure you hit nothing but the one you need to destroy. Are we clear?"
"Crystal!"
Justin nods, holding his G1-SD rifle in a steady grip as the Fireteam marches toward the objective. As SOF members, it's normal to see these soldiers carrying the SD variants of the G1 or the MP9. However, due to their specific work requirements, these SD variants are a cut above the normal offerings from those of the Stormtroopers or Pathfinders. Raven-tier level of equipment capability, basically. For this particular mission, however, both the G1-SDs and MP9-SDs are being used, with the USP-SOCOMs acting as sidearms. However, of the ten-man Rampant element, only four are carrying rifles, with two on each detachment. Due to the close-range nature of the combat they expect, should they have no choice but to initiate one, the MP9SD is chosen as the top option for its balance in firepower, precision, ammo capacity, and reliability. Its 9x25 mm cartridge is also less prone to overpenetration which may cause unintended slugs to hit their HVT or innocent bystanders in claustrophobic engagement. Most important of all, the subsonic audio cue of the MP9SD is still smaller than that of a G1SD which also uses subsonic ammo. A perfect fit for the task at hand.
Having cleared the woodline and finally laying his eyes on the slumbering construction site, Captain Justin finally sees the target hotel on the horizon.
"Alright, boys. Let's come by the lobby and see if they have any luxury suites left."