The race to the bottom

[HHAYD]

[quote name='Lynneth' timestamp='1304380852' post='2704481']
While the Type 170 was a sturdy vehicle with ERA and NERA as part of its armour as well as anti-missile weaponry and other measures, the sheer volume of fire from enemy tanks would eventually bring even it down. One on one, it could take down practically any hostile tank in range. Outnumbered, it could dish out a lot of damage, likely more than it took, but even then it would fail eventually.
Their commanders hoped that they would be able to take at least three or four enemy tanks out, each, before the vehicle being destroyed or suffering a mission-kill. With five Type 170s, this would be between 15 and 20 hostile vehicles - most of what they had. But this ratio would most likely never happen, even with the agile Stingrays supporting them.

As the Vanguard veterans began engaging MRA loyalists to support the rebels, it was rather likely that their battle network and high level of cooperation would win the day, with each man covering two others, firing short bursts at enemies trying to get a shot off, throwing grenades and all in all using their equipment to its greatest use.

Only when the bomber came crashing towards the ground did the troops' attitude shift, mostly to get away from the detonation zone. Most made it, luckily, but 13 veterans and a Stingray were less lucky, the troops incinerated as well as thrown by the blast against the ground and other vertical surfaces. Often, the impact rather than the flames claimed the kill.
For the stingray, it simply had been too close to the depot. Not much would be left of it.
[/quote]
Many of loyalists were starting to become demoralized, Vanguard would notice that many of their enemy's MRA infantry seemed to be pinned more frequently and longer. However, the MRA rebels were also becoming pinned more frequently and longer, not only due to being demoralized, but also due to ammunition shortage. Close quarter combats were becoming highly frequent in the buildings, especially in the kitchen (butcher and butter knife fights anyone?).

The loyalists' two reinforcement M60A3 tanks arrived in from the rear and rolled onto the airfield, open firing at Vanguard's Type 170 tanks. The rebel MRA had no vehicles left, most were destroyed when the vehicle depot was caught in the blast, the rest were blown to pieces by the loyalists' and Mercenaries' superior number and quality of vehicles.

About a dozen of miles away, about 50 Loyalist and 10 Mercenaries infantry were arriving in two transport trucks, escorted by an AH-64 Apache helicopter. The Loyalists and the Mercenaries wanted to outright crush the rebels and whoever the $%&@ was helping the rebels.

[img]http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/3113/map3k.png[/img]

Red: Rebel
Blue: Loyalist/Mercenaries (If outside, circles represent vehicles or infantry taking cover behind wreaked vehicles. If inside buildings, circles represent only infantry)

Edited May 3, 2011 by HHAYD

[Axolotlia]

[quote name='HHAYD' timestamp='1304465881' post='2705562']
[img]http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/3113/map3k.png[/img]

Red: Rebel
Blue: Loyalist/Mercenaries (If outside, circles represent vehicles or infantry taking cover behind wreaked vehicles. If inside buildings, circles represent only infantry)
[/quote]

OoC: Lolwut? Whats in the bottom left?

[HHAYD]

[quote name='Axolotlia' timestamp='1304466392' post='2705564']
OoC: Lolwut? Whats in the bottom left?
[/quote]
OOC: I forgot the label the black smudge as the munition depot's blast. The loyalist/Mercenaries units represented on the map's lower left corner moved onto the affected area after the blast occurred. Those that were caught in the blast are no longer represented.

Edited May 3, 2011 by HHAYD

[Lynneth]

[quote name='HHAYD' timestamp='1304465881' post='2705562']
Many of loyalists were starting to become demoralized, Vanguard would notice that many of their enemy's MRA infantry seemed to be pinned more frequently and longer. However, the MRA rebels were also becoming pinned more frequently and longer, not only due to being demoralized, but also due to ammunition shortage. Close quarter combats were becoming highly frequent in the buildings, especially in the kitchen (butcher and butter knife fights anyone?).

The loyalists' two reinforcement M60A3 tanks arrived in from the rear and rolled onto the airfield, open firing at Vanguard's Type 170 tanks. About a mile away, three Mercenaries' parking T-90 tanks open fired at Vanguard's vehicles. The rebel MRA had no vehicles left, most were destroyed when the vehicle depot was caught in the blast, the rest were blown to pieces by the loyalists' and Mercenaries' superior number and quality of vehicles.

About a dozen of miles away, about 50 Loyalist and 10 Mercenaries infantry were arriving in two transport trucks, escorted by an AH-64 Apache helicopter. The Loyalists and the Mercenaries wanted to outright crush the rebels and whoever the $%&@ was helping the rebels.

[img]http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/3113/map3k.png[/img]

Red: Rebel
Blue: Loyalist/Mercenaries (If outside, circles represent vehicles or infantry taking cover behind wreaked vehicles. If inside buildings, circles represent only infantry)
[/quote]
OOC: Requesting loyalist tank losses

IC:

While the infantry was doing reasonably well, Vanguard operatives being trained in melee combat as well - like any good soldier - the tanks weren't doing good. One of the MBTs was practically a goner, only its turret still capable of moving and firing. A Stingray had suffered an ammunition explosion after a lucky shot from the enemies. The other vehicles were still there, moving onto the airfield in order to gain cover from the various depots and to clean out enemy vehicles nearby it. This would hopefully clear the way for the transport that was currently in-flight and attempting to land, carrying 3 Bionix AFVs as well as thirty Vanguard operatives. If it managed to land - even if it was a bad, semi-crash landing - they would be able to take part in the battle and turn the tide with ease.
Vanguard infantry began congregating near the airfield as well, in the aircraft depot. From there, they would begin to make their way through the mess hall and the other adjacent buildings to clean them of hostiles as well as establish positions from which they could harass hostile vehicles.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/Lynneth_del_Serpentas/AE/Thing341.png[/img]

Purple exterior: Vanguard Vehicles (4 of 5 tanks, 10 of 12 stingrays)
Purple areas interior: Vanguard infantry positions (around 85 of 100 operatives)

[HHAYD]

Only eight loyalist/Mercenaries tanks remained, the rest were destroyed or crippled to the point that they would be useless. The remaining six attempted to follow Vanguard's retreating tanks, though were forced into choke-points. The other two tanks, M60A3s, advanced toward the lone Vanguard tank that was parking in the vehicle training area (with their cannons blazing). The two reinforcement M60A3s that camped on the airfield didn't stand a chance, but at least their wreckage would block the runway somewhat.

About 10 minutes later, the reinforcement infantry arrived and stormed the left fuel and aircraft depots. They then set up anti-tank missile launchers and open fired at Vanguard's vehicles. However, their rear came under fire from hidden rebels.

The fighting in the hospital and right aircraft depot intensified after some of the rebels were forced to retreat from the mess hall/administrative building other other parts of the hospital. The loyalists and Mercenaries found it difficult to contain the large enemy clumps contained and would be forced to retreat soon if they don't receive reinforcements. The clump of rebels guarding the right side of the barracks were broken up.

The remaining rebels in the mess hall.administrative building also managed to force the loyalists and Mercenaries to clump, but just like their enemy, they found it hard to hold their positions.

Overhead, the loyalist AH-64 Apache sprayed AT missiles at Vanguard's tanks.

[img]http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8070/map3y.png[/img]

OOC: Redid the map instead of drawing lines all over the previous one.

Edited May 4, 2011 by HHAYD

[Lynneth]

[quote name='HHAYD' timestamp='1304470538' post='2705598']
Only eight loyalist/Mercenaries tanks remained, the rest were destroyed or crippled to the point that they would be useless. The remaining six attempted to follow Vanguard's retreating tanks, though were forced into choke-points. The other two tanks, M60A3s, advanced toward the lone Vanguard tank that was parking in the vehicle training area (with their cannons blazing). The two reinforcement M60A3s that camped on the airfield didn't stand a chance, but at least their wreckage would block the runway somewhat.

About 10 minutes later, the reinforcement infantry arrived and stormed the left fuel and aircraft depots. They then set up anti-tank missile launchers and open fired at Vanguard's vehicles. However, their rear came under fire from hidden rebels.

The fighting in the hospital and right aircraft depot intensified after some of the rebels were forced to retreat from the mess hall/administrative building other other parts of the hospital. The loyalists and Mercenaries found it difficult to contain the large enemy clumps contained and would be forced to retreat soon if they don't receive reinforcements. The clump of rebels guarding the right side of the barracks were broken up.

The remaining rebels in the mess hall.administrative building also managed to force the loyalists and Mercenaries to clump, but just like their enemy, they found it hard to hold their positions.

Overhead, the loyalist AH-64 Apache sprayed AT missiles at Vanguard's tanks.

[img]http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8070/map3y.png[/img]

OOC: Redid the map instead of drawing lines all over the previous one.
[/quote]
With the tactical retreat onto the airfield, a disaster had been averted. Only a single stingray had been destroyed since then, though the Stingray in the vehicle training area would be destroyed, outnumbered two to one by MBTs, even outdated ones.
Having gained a relative superiority, one Type 170 moved to push the two M60 wrecks off the runway. While the transport still had fuel, it would have to land eventually.

The sudden attacks from the building were something of a suprise to the vehicles, another Stingray falling victim to hostile fire. The other vehicles retreated east, firing on enemy tanks and giving light supporting fire for allied forces via their mounted machine guns.
Only when the Apache appeared and began attacking did they disperse once more, a dozen mounted guns opening fire on the helicopter, even as two of its Hellfire missiles utterly annihilated a Type 170.

In the buildings, Vanguard's troops set up killing fields wherever they could, attempting to lure loyalists into traps that would result in heav lead poisoning. If that didn't work, grenades and other explosives would be made part of the main course, even if this did risk damaging the structures. Flashbangs were used liberally.
First priority was still to clear the aircraft depots, then the mess hall and hospital. Any retreating enemies would be mowed down with liberal application of 6.8x43mm caseless ammunition.

A single team of Vanguard operatives attempted to reach the mess hall's roof, to set up one of the three [i]Lance[/i] launching systems that had been brought. While usually utilized to combat tanks, it was capable of firing anti-air missiles as well.
And two such missiles were available to the operatives.


Kill count: 3 of 5 Typee 170 in working order.
8 of 12 Stingrays in working order.
74 of 100 operatives battle-capable.

[HHAYD]

The loyalist MRA and Mercenaries infantry begin to falter rapidly as the battle continued. They were forced out of the hospital, barracks, right aircraft and fuel depots and the right side of the left aircraft depot. They were broken in half, one half continued to hold the left aircraft and fuel depots and air control. The other half was trapped in the Mess hall/Administrative building.

The six M1A3s and T-90s continued to fire away at Vanguard's tanks. The two M60A3s sped toward the right side of the left aircraft depot and smashed through it and onto the tarmac on the other side of the building to greet Vanguard's tanks, crushing about a dozen of rebel MRA soldiers that were in the path.

Another loyalist MRA AH-64 Apache helicopter, dozen of M60A3 tanks, two M1A1 tanks, 15 transport trucks (750 infantry total) and 6 Mercenaries M113 APCs (66 infantry total) were approaching the battle-torn military base. The tanks and helicopter would approach toward the upper part of the map while infantry hit the right side of the map.

If Vanguard wanted their reinforcements, they have only about 10 minutes land their transport aircraft before enemy reinforcements arrive.


Rebel MRA status:

Soldiers: 289 out of 778 battle-capable
Tanks: 0 out of 60 battle-capable
Helicopters: 0 out of 29 battle-capable
Jet aircraft: 0 out of 36 battle-capable


Loyalist MRA and Mercenaries status:

Soldiers: 58 out of 293 battle-capable
Tanks 8 out of 36 battle-capable

Edited May 4, 2011 by HHAYD

[Lynneth]

[quote name='HHAYD' timestamp='1304548106' post='2706278']
The loyalist MRA and Mercenaries infantry begin to falter rapidly as the battle continued. They were forced out of the hospital, barracks, right aircraft and fuel depots and the right side of the left aircraft depot. They were broken in half, one half continued to hold the left aircraft and fuel depots and air control. The other half was trapped in the Mess hall/Administrative building.

The six M1A3s and T-90s continued to fire away at Vanguard's tanks. The two M60A3s sped toward the right side of the left aircraft depot and smashed through it and onto the tarmac on the other side of the building to greet Vanguard's tanks, crushing about a dozen of rebel MRA soldiers that were in the path.

Another loyalist MRA AH-64 Apache helicopter, dozen of M60A3 tanks, two M1A1 tanks, 15 transport trucks (750 infantry total) and 6 Mercenaries M113 APCs (66 infantry total) were approaching the battle-torn military base. The tanks and helicopter would approach toward the upper part of the map while infantry hit the right side of the map.

If Vanguard wanted their reinforcements, they have only about 10 minutes land their transport aircraft before enemy reinforcements arrive.


Rebel MRA status:

Soldiers: 289 out of 778 battle-capable
Tanks: 0 out of 60 battle-capable
Helicopters: 0 out of 29 battle-capable
Jet aircraft: 0 out of 36 battle-capable


Loyalist MRA and Mercenaries status:

Soldiers: 58 out of 293 battle-capable
Tanks 8 out of 36 battle-capable
[/quote]
Vanguard's tanks would continue opposing both vehicles and infantry as they could, firing as accurately as they could get. The Type 170 further east partially drove down a slope, in order to be able to aim upwards...and fired at one of the Apache helicopters! The main gun would, if it hit, utterly end the helicopter.
Meanwhile, the team on the mess hall's roof had set up the AA missile launcher, aiming for the Apache to try and shoot it down if the tank didn't hit while other infantrists all over the various buildings began - freed up from infantry combat - fire AT-weapons at the enemy tanks. Any other infantry would try to keep the loyalists suppressed or even flush them out of the buildings and into the open, where they could be mowed down indiscriminately.

The runway would have to be freed of the wrecks soon, or the transport would attempt landing on the grassy plain nearby the base.
Other than some operatives falling, the Vanguard troops holding their ground. Except for one unlucky Stingray.

Kill count: 3 of 5 Typee 170 in working order.
7 of 12 Stingrays in working order.
70 of 100 operatives battle-capable.

[HHAYD]

[quote name='Lynneth' timestamp='1304549039' post='2706295']
Vanguard's tanks would continue opposing both vehicles and infantry as they could, firing as accurately as they could get. The Type 170 further east partially drove down a slope, in order to be able to aim upwards...and fired at one of the Apache helicopters! The main gun would, if it hit, utterly end the helicopter.
Meanwhile, the team on the mess hall's roof had set up the AA missile launcher, aiming for the Apache to try and shoot it down if the tank didn't hit while other infantrists all over the various buildings began - freed up from infantry combat - fire AT-weapons at the enemy tanks. Any other infantry would try to keep the loyalists suppressed or even flush them out of the buildings and into the open, where they could be mowed down indiscriminately.

The runway would have to be freed of the wrecks soon, or the transport would attempt landing on the grassy plain nearby the base.
Other than some operatives falling, the Vanguard troops holding their ground. Except for one unlucky Stingray.

Kill count: 3 of 5 Typee 170 in working order.
7 of 12 Stingrays in working order.
70 of 100 operatives battle-capable.
[/quote]
Whatever advantage in accuracy that Vanguard's tanks had were nullified as the loyalists' and Mercenaries tanks (not the reinforcements) were between 100 meters to 1 kilometer, making it very hard for the loyalists and Mercenaries to miss. However, Vanguard's AT firepower was too much for the remaining eight tanks, resulting in all of them being destroyed.

The Apache helicopter was hit in the tail and was sent spiraling into the right fuel depot, igniting a large fuel explosion that incinerated anyone in or near the depot. About a dozen of rebel MRA soldiers were unlucky as they were roasted extra crispy, assuming they weren't outright vaporized.

The rebel MRA and Vanguard would quickly notice incoming enemy reinforcements when shells came flying at Vanguard's tanks, the loyalists' M1A1 tanks were firing while speeding toward the airfield. It would take another few minutes for the reinforcements to arrive at the base. Another loyalist Apache helicopter appeared in view as it sprayed Hellfire missiles at Vanguard's tanks and its disabled cargo aircraft while attempting to spray rebel/Vanguard occupied buildings with 30mm shells.

Edited May 5, 2011 by HHAYD

[Lynneth]

[quote name='HHAYD' timestamp='1304556140' post='2706418']
Whatever advantage in accuracy that Vanguard's tanks had were nullified as the loyalists' and Mercenaries tanks (not the reinforcements) were between 100 meters to 1 kilometer, making it very hard for the loyalists and Mercenaries to miss. However, Vanguard's AT firepower was too much for the remaining eight tanks, resulting in all of them being destroyed.

The Apache helicopter was hit in the tail and was sent spiraling into the right fuel depot, igniting a large fuel explosion that incinerated anyone in or near the depot. About a dozen of rebel MRA soldiers were unlucky as they were roasted extra crispy, assuming they weren't outright vaporized.

The rebel MRA and Vanguard would quickly notice incoming enemy reinforcements when shells came flying at Vanguard's tanks, the loyalists' M1A1 tanks were firing while speeding toward the airfield. It would take another few minutes for the reinforcements to arrive at the base. Another loyalist Apache helicopter appeared in view as it sprayed Hellfire missiles at Vanguard's tanks and its disabled cargo aircraft while attempting to spray rebel/Vanguard occupied buildings with 30mm shells.
[/quote]
During combat, another two Stingrays had been disabled, and things weren't going all that well for the Sri Lankan mercenaries.
Regardless, they were determined to give at least as much as they got, even as the Apache crashed into the depot, the following explosion taking two more operatives with it who had been unfortunate enough to be close enough.

However, now that there was some range between enemy tanks and Vanguard's - even as the Stingray's machine guns fired at the Apache in an attempt to dissuade it from further attacks - the Type 170 could utilize the full range of their ETC cannons, useful for hitting targets up to ten kilometers away, with incredible accuracy.
The three remaining tanks - their anti-missile systems had just barely managed to take the Hellfire missiles out - would thus open fire on the loyalist and merc tanks that were still coming. Targets were designated by proximity and the danger they posed.

Meanwhile, the pilot of the transport said came to the conclusion that he had to land, no matter what. The transport plane began lowering, aiming for the flattest patch of land there was near the airfield, which was still littered with tank wrecks.
With any luck, at least two Bionix and twenty Vanguard operatives would be able to battle.

[HHAYD]

[quote name='Lynneth' timestamp='1304560809' post='2706481']
During combat, another two Stingrays had been disabled, and things weren't going all that well for the Sri Lankan mercenaries.
Regardless, they were determined to give at least as much as they got, even as the Apache crashed into the depot, the following explosion taking two more operatives with it who had been unfortunate enough to be close enough.

However, now that there was some range between enemy tanks and Vanguard's - even as the Stingray's machine guns fired at the Apache in an attempt to dissuade it from further attacks - the Type 170 could utilize the full range of their ETC cannons, useful for hitting targets up to ten kilometers away, with incredible accuracy.
The three remaining tanks - their anti-missile systems had just barely managed to take the Hellfire missiles out - would thus open fire on the loyalist and merc tanks that were still coming. Targets were designated by proximity and the danger they posed.

Meanwhile, the pilot of the transport said came to the conclusion that he had to land, no matter what. The transport plane began lowering, aiming for the flattest patch of land there was near the airfield, which was still littered with tank wrecks.
With any luck, at least two Bionix and twenty Vanguard operatives would be able to battle.
[/quote]
The second Apache's pilot's head exploded in a red mist from the gunfire below and the helicopter spun out of control, before slamming into the air control tower and killing or injuring about two dozens of loyalist MRA soldiers.

The incoming loyalist tanks were shredded and none of them came within visual view. However, the M113 APCs arrived within 20 meters of the right side of the base to drop off the soldiers. The transport trucks stopped at a much farther distance. The sudden infantry rush caught the rebel MRA infantry inside the right side of the barracks and Mess Hall/Administrative building off guard.

Edited May 5, 2011 by HHAYD

[Lynneth]

[quote name='HHAYD' timestamp='1304564187' post='2706526']
The second Apache's pilot's head exploded in a red mist from the gunfire below and the helicopter spun out of control, before slamming into the air control tower and killing or injuring about two dozens of loyalist MRA soldiers.

The incoming loyalist tanks were shredded and none of them came within visual view. However, the M113 APCs arrived within 20 meters of the right side of the base to drop off the soldiers. The transport trucks stopped at a much farther distance. The sudden infantry rush caught the rebel MRA infantry inside the right side of the barracks and Mess Hall/Administrative building off guard.
[/quote]
Finally, the transport plane was landing. In the process of doing so, only a miracle prevented its left wing from clipping one of the tank wrecks, though the landing gear had been ripped away, making extensive repair necessary.
This was outweighted by the fact that all troops and vehicles on board were in full combat condition. The thirty operatives and three Bionix AFVs - the latter by chance quite adept at combating infantry - linked up with the rest of the forces' battle network. They thus knew where to go almost immediately, the Bionix already moving to engage the masses of infantry near the trucks. The powerful 30mm cannon made this possible well beyond the range of most weapons the loyalists could field, more than 3 kilometers. Secondary armaments would be used as enemies came into range, with a coaxial MG and the commander's MG being the rapid-firing variant, while the 76 mm grenade launcher on each vehicle could dispense heavy firepower over a short time, if needed.
Combined with the high maneuverability and the fact that the Type 170 tanks were moving to support the Bionix, it was quite likely that the loyalists who had come in those trucks were truly and utterly $%&@ed.

Meanwhile, the Stingrays provided as much support to allied troops as they could, mostly firing short bursts from their machine guns, though on one or two occasions, the main gun was fired as well. Vanguard operatives set up defensive positions in what remained of the two aircraft depots, some forward troops trying to extract rebel MRA soldiers to those positions for superior firepower. With the rebels having numerical superiority, the operatives hoped that having experienced soldiers back them up would raise morale and heighten their combat effectiveness.
Unfortunately, they didn't have many spare weapons for those who'd lost their arms or run out of ammunition - those would have to do with pistols and would be told to stay in cover to try and suprise flanking hostiles with speed instead of sheer power. Of course, the flanks were supported by at least three operatives each.
The majority of Vanguard's infantry was thus in the depots, with a few men on the roof and uppermost floor of the mess hall, defending there in case the anti-air equipment was needed again. They didn't have the numbers needed to attack, but hoped that the loyalists wouldn't realise that, trying to take their positions.

[HHAYD]

The loyalists and Mercenaries infantry stormed the mess hall/administrative building, barracks, weapons depot and somewhat the right aircraft depot. Three Mercenaries M113 APCs armed with 30mm cannons moved in to distract Vanguard's vehicles from attacking the loyalist transport trucks and infantry who are still in the open with another two APCs on standby. The emptied transport trucks attempted to flee as fast as possible.

The loyalists and Mercenaries located in the left fuel and aircraft depots had near total dominance, they only needed to crush the last two depleted rebel squads. Nevertheless, they kept firing AT missiles at Vanguard's vehicles, occasionally at their damaged cargo aircraft as well.

[img]http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/8863/map3a.png[/img]

[Lynneth]

[quote name='HHAYD' timestamp='1304715649' post='2707662']
The loyalists and Mercenaries infantry stormed the mess hall/administrative building, barracks, weapons depot and somewhat the right aircraft depot. Three Mercenaries M113 APCs armed with 30mm cannons moved in to distract Vanguard's vehicles from attacking the loyalist transport trucks and infantry who are still in the open with another two APCs on standby. The emptied transport trucks attempted to flee as fast as possible.

The loyalists and Mercenaries located in the left fuel and aircraft depots had near total dominance, they only needed to crush the last two depleted rebel squads. Nevertheless, they kept firing AT missiles at Vanguard's vehicles, occasionally at their damaged cargo aircraft as well.

[img]http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/8863/map3a.png[/img]
[/quote]
[i]"All personnel, abandon operation. Losses are too high to make holding this outpost feasible. Enemy reinforcements estimated to be in the hundreds."[/i]
After the first sentence was half-finished, the Vanguard operatives already reacted to the order from high command. A highly ordered retreat was begun, so slow that the enemy might even think that is was just Vanguard falling back to better positions.

After almost five minutes, most of the operatives were within vehicles or riding on the roof, even the pilot of the downed transport having hitched a ride. The last half-dozen operatives that were still in combat simultaneously threw a grenade and a flashbang each while the BIonix fired their grenade launchers, using smoke grenades. In the chaos and cover that would hopefully result, Vanguard's forces began to retreat from the airfield, though not before firing at the fuel tanks to deny the Loyalists any use of the airfield for the short term.

A new plan was required. Vangaurd needed air power. One of three nations would have to be approached for this: Pravus Ingruo, Ontario or the Federal Republic of America.
If any of these gave Vanguard permission to move planes through them for operations in the Midwest Republic in order to end the civil war more quickly, Vanguard could move two carriers to the Americas.
Without this, they would [b]have[/b] to convince both rebels and loyalists that they were on their side.

[HHAYD]

Vanguard forgot about the poor MRA rebels that were left behind. About 250 demoralized rebels with little ammunition were left to deal with a little over 760 loyalists and Mercenaries. Within minutes after Vanguard retreated, morale among the rebels shattered and almost all of them begin to flee from the base on foot, attempting to get into the forest as soon as possible. Only a handful of them made it, nearly all of them were gunned down in the open. The few rebel squads that were determined to fight to the death were swarmed and crushed.

The loyalists and Mercenaries had won a Pyrrhic victory. They forced Vanguard to retreat and demolished an entire rebel infantry battalion, vehicle company and a platoon of aircraft, at a tremendous cost. They lost an entire platoon of tanks (36), platoon of APCs (39), two helicopters, an entire company of infantry (about 350 soldiers), four transport trucks and a B-52 bomber. There wasn't much left to be scavenged either as the base was torn up and burning.

The loyalists and Mercenaries took a long march back to Houghton. Due to the heavy losses, they lacked the resources to push south or north.

OOC: What direction is Vanguard retreating towards?

Edited May 7, 2011 by HHAYD

[Lynneth]

[quote name='HHAYD' timestamp='1304801705' post='2708158']
Vanguard forgot about the poor MRA rebels that were left behind. About 250 demoralized rebels with little ammunition were left to deal with a little over 760 loyalists and Mercenaries. Within minutes after Vanguard retreated, morale among the rebels shattered and almost all of them begin to flee from the base on foot, attempting to get into the forest as soon as possible. Only a handful of them made it, nearly all of them were gunned down in the open. The few rebel squads that were determined to fight to the death were swarmed and crushed.

The loyalists and Mercenaries had won a Pyrrhic victory. They forced Vanguard to retreat and demolished an entire rebel infantry battalion, vehicle company and a platoon of aircraft, at a tremendous cost. They lost an entire platoon of tanks (36), platoon of APCs (39), two helicopters, an entire company of infantry (about 350 soldiers), four transport trucks and a B-52 bomber. There wasn't much left to be scavenged either as the base was torn up and burning.

The loyalists and Mercenaries took a long march back to Houghton. Due to the heavy losses, they lacked the resources to push south or north.

OOC: What direction is Vanguard retreating towards?
[/quote]
The rebels were an unfortunate casualty of the retreat. With them having run out of ammunition and Vanguard having had no time to bring in supplies for them, their fate had been decided at the beginning of the battle.
Vanguard's troops were moving northwards for the time being, aiming to go east and then south, keeping near the shores to move to Marquette for the time being.
From there, the plan was to move to the next airfield capable of servicing the Vanguard transport planes.

All in all, 3 Type 170 tanks, 5 Stingray LBTs, 3 Bionix II AFVs and 92 of the Vanguard operatives were capable of fighting, if necessary.

[HHAYD]

The closest airport was located in Houghton, there were no other airports up north. It would take a while for the 700+ loyalist/Mercenaries soldiers to reach Houghton as they were on foot, all of the remaining vehicles were overfilled with the wounded.

[Lynneth]

With Houghton being loyalist-occupied, and forces moving there, it was suboptimal as location to go to. Further Vangaurd planes would take at least 8 hours to reach the Midwest Republic.
Plans were made to bring serious firepower in, amongst that SAM and artillery vehicles.

[HHAYD]

OOC: There is a handful of rebel-occupied airports located south of Houghton.

Ironwood, Michigan: Gogebic-Iron County Airport
Ashland, Wisconsin: John F Kennedy Memorial Airport
Wisconsin: Lakeland/noble F. Lee Memorial Field
Mosinee, Wisconsin: Central Wisconsin Airport


Have fun convincing them that the aircraft aren't carrying loyalist or Mercenaries forces onboard.



EDIT: Map update

[img]http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/3387/map1m.png[/img]

Edited May 8, 2011 by HHAYD

[HHAYD]

In the loyalist government's makeshift HQ in Lansing:

MRA General Arnod: "Operation Maralis was a success."

President George: "In terms of crushing the rebels there? Sure. But the casualties? $%&@ no."

Mercenaries General Naory: "That's because we ran into a much more technologically advanced force."

President George: "And who they were?"

Mercenaries General Naory: "All we know is that they are foreign. Our investigators are trying to pin-point where they came from. The rebel prisoners we took weren't much of a help, all they said were that the foreigners arrived in cargo aircraft. Based on the scant air traffic data, the foreigners flew in from the west."

President George: "Could it be one of our neighbors?"

Mercenaries General Naory: "Highly unlikely, unless if they were highly classified forces."

MRA General Arnod: "I also forgot to mention that the foreigners had fled from the base when it was captured. Our assault was too worn out to peruse them. The base is pretty much leveled and burnt, so there wasn't much to salvage."

President George: "That's nice to hear, I hope they are ready for a counter offensive."

MRA General Arnod: "As long as we ensure that all of the airports are captured or covered by sufficient anti-air power, we'll be fine."

Mercenaries General Naory: "Easier said than done, the rebels are surprisingly tough and they aren't going to hand over their airports on silver platter. Especially Ohio."

President George: "Anyways, lets talk about the overall war strategy. We're outnumbered and with the foreigners possibly coming back, we're going to need a solid plan."

MRA General Arnod: "We secure Michigan, knock out the northern part of Indiana and storm the northeastern part of Illinois, continue to swing north into the eastern part of Wisconsin, make a U-turn and take the western part of Wisconsin, march into southwestern part of Illinois, southern part of Indiana, and then stomp Ohio."

Mercenaries General Naory: "I agree on securing Michigan, but I propose we crush Ohio first then the rest of the states, it's pretty much a rebel stronghold and it needs to be flatten before it can rebuild its forces. It would also make a nice propaganda"

MRA General Arnod: "I'm fairly sure taking our capital, Chicago, would have a bigger morale effect on the rebels. Do keep in mind that our forces and the rebels are spread out. In order to take on Ohio, we would have to pull out of all of the other states, which would wreak havoc on our supplies. Take the other states, reunite with our scattered forces, rebuild supplies and then march into Ohio."

[i]Discussion continues[/i]

[Lynneth]

After almost two weeks, Vanguard's aircraft carrier - technically property of the Republic, but crewed and taking orders from the corporation - had made its way into Hudson bay, guarded by two corvettes, two destroyers and a cruiser. The carrier's air complement consisted of a total of 62 planes, ordered in five squadrons of twelve, plus two assault transports.
This was considerable firepower Vanguard Industries had brought, and they would use it to secure air superiority around a few select airports, from which Vanguard would supply its operations in the MIdwest Republic.
Ashland with its John F Kennedy Memorial Airport was chosen as main outpost.

To do this, however, they had to be allowed to move through Ontario's airspace.


An appropriate missive was sent to Ontario, requesting access to its airspace in order to ferry the planes to the Republic.


Meanwhile, Vanguard's ground troops had got the order to turn around and move to Ashland. They would briefly harass loyalist forces in Houghton during the journey, while attempting to refuel in Marquette. By now, it should've been rather obvious to the rebels that Vanguard was here to aid them, if they just asked.
And even then, the corporation would aggressively defend itself against the loyalists and their mercenaries.

[HHAYD]

The loyalists stationed in Houghton attempted to give Vanguard a brief chase, but they quickly called it off. Vanguard would meet little resistance after Houghton's loyalists, though the rebels in the area that Vanguard was passing through were slightly suspicious as their communications was disorganized, so they never knew what Vanguard did beforehand.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The loyalists and Mercenaries continued to dominate in the center part of the Midwest Republic while the rebels gained ground in the southern part of the country. Detroit and Chicago were in danger of falling to the loyalists' and Mercenaries' hands, though both sides continued to take heavy casualties.

[img]http://imageshack.us/m/861/6937/map1n.png[/img]

[maicke]

Ontario has responded to the missive sent by the Vanguard stating that they are free to use Ontarian airspace, however Ontario shall not offer any further support to the Vanguard, as it would like to remain as neutral as possible in the conflict at this point.

[Lynneth]

With permission to move through Ontario, a full squadron of AC-77A Kovas fighters took off over the next few minutes, heading towards the Midwest Republic. Their stated goal was to secure northern airspace against loyalists so that bombing missions could be flown against loyalist emplacements in Houghton and northern Michigan.
A message of thanks was sent to Ontario.
The planes being on their way, headquarters were notified that the contest over airspace would begin soon and that the first resupplying missions could be flown soon.

The Vanguard troops that were moving west would arrive at the airport within 24 hours. During this time, heavy resistance from loyalists and mercenaries was expected, while the rebels would of course be highly wary of Vanguard's planes flying up there in the north.
To remedy communication problems, Vanguard sent a message to the rebel high command that they would lend them two satellites for communications, if needed.

Edited May 14, 2011 by Lynneth

[HHAYD]

[quote name='Lynneth' timestamp='1305404893' post='2711832']
With permission to move through Ontario, a full squadron of AC-77A Kovas fighters took off over the next few minutes, heading towards the Midwest Republic. Their stated goal was to secure northern airspace against loyalists so that bombing missions could be flown against loyalist emplacements in Houghton and northern Michigan.
A message of thanks was sent to Ontario.
The planes being on their way, headquarters were notified that the contest over airspace would begin soon and that the first resupplying missions could be flown soon.

The Vanguard troops that were moving west would arrive at the airport within 24 hours. During this time, heavy resistance from loyalists and mercenaries was expected, while the rebels would of course be highly wary of Vanguard's planes flying up there in the north.
To remedy communication problems, Vanguard sent a message to the rebel high command that they would lend them two satellites for communications, if needed.
[/quote]
Vanguard would receive a reply from the Department of Defense located in Chicago, the rebel's HQ, that they were glad to accept Vanguard's two satellites.

What Vanguard didn't know was that the HQ was overrun about three weeks ago and its staff was replaced with loyalist operators. The loyalist MRA was glad to sabotage some unlucky rebels over the span of three weeks.

Nor would Vanguard know which part of the country was rebel or loyalist held except for areas they passed through.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the loyalist government's makeshift HQ in Lansing:

President George: "I propose we launch a two-pronged attack, a combination of you two's proposals. Most of the force will invade the other states. A small detachment will be sent to Ohio to reinforce our soldiers there, hopefully to keep the rebels in Ohio distracted from reinforcing other rebels outside of their state. It would be unlikely that the rebels will be able to respond quickly and adequately as we captured their high command and communication hub building a while ago."

Mercenaries General Naory: "Sounds good"

[i]Arnod's cellphone rings[/i]

MRA General Arnod: "Hold on a second, excuse me."

[i]Arnod leaves the table for about 30 seconds to answer his cell phone before returning[/i]

MRA General Arnod: "The foreigners have attempted to offer the rebels two communication satellites, through the captured rebel's HQ."

President George: "I trust that you know what to do with the foreigners. Nevertheless, lets launch our operation, shall we?"

Edited May 14, 2011 by HHAYD