Just before you drop in you hear the Lt. shouting at someone in the trench.
Followed by the sound of a lasgun firing.
He then comes over the Comms, Contact with friendlies established. Trench is secure. Mortar position spotted at a trench intersection. Jeeves, see to it! I am on the way to meet with first wave's Lt. now. Lugga, get over here!
Well, that is a step in the right direction then.
Of course, no reason to expect things to go any easier from here on.
I believe I had better be present for the planing session as well.
"MEDIC! See to the Sergeant, on the double please."
I'm slowly bleeding out sir. Felix reports waving her injured arm around. It's a persistent bastard. She'd seen too many people slowly bleed out to not report it.
"Very well trooper Tark, let us see if there are any medics about that they may bandage you up as well.
While waiting, use your keen eye to see if you can spot a weak point to drop a mortar round on top of."
As if protected by the hand of the Emperor, Himself, the shot that knocks Kersin's leg out from under him glances off the armored plate over his thigh. The second shot, however, hits the same weakened spot where he had been hit before. Already starting to stuggle to right himself, Kersin accepts the Commissar's help in standing and running on to the dubious safety of the trench, "Right you are, sir." Kersin slides into the trench with another grunt of pain and immediately begins checking over the squad, "Everyone here? Sound off and identify if you were hit."
You reach the trench and drop down with a hasty eulogy to the Emperor.
The trench is well dug, some three meters deep and five broad.
It is far from a straight line, but rather runs in a irregular zigzag, creating a corner every score meters or so.
The trench has solid firing steps every five meter, all of which facing south (the direction you came from).
Several bloody bodies litter the area and the side and ground of the trench shows clear signs of very recent combat: las and projectile impact craters, a several meter long scorched area with a heap of burned matter in the center from someone using a flame weapon and blood trails everywhere.
A group of three troopers in black-and-yellow leans against the trench wall a couple steps away, carefully watching you climb into the trench one by one, lasguns at the ready.
All three look battered and two have bloody bandages wrapped around a head and leg wound respectively.
The unwounded (but pretty pale looking) trooper greets you with an exhausted wave of the hand.
"Welcome to our new s+++ty home.
The latrines are nowhere.
Instead we have creepy altars around every other corner.
Enemies pop out of side trenches at a moments notice and mortar shells keep falling.
Feel free to not get comfortable."
A series of replies come in.
"<< Martha here. Got a glancing hit on the head. Don't ask me to count to three please. >>"
"<< Phlip here, I am fine. >>"
"<< Glrg- Empr - urgh... >>"
"<< Syna here, still alive by the Emperor. I ... I think Jones is gone. >>"
"<< Fred -urgh, got me -uhr in the belly. Stings like a -ngr a friggin' Mountain-Stinger.>>"
"<< Jones here, I'm fine, but they got Dennis. He was right in front of me, when ... when it happened.>>"
"<< Jeeves, reporting in. I am unharmed but Leonard got hit in the leg and went down outside. He's carrying the mortar ground plate and our ammo, Sir!"
"<< Urg, 's right. I can't walk ... and 'm bleedin' like a grox. Please, oh-God Emperor someone help me! 's only five steps!"
Beyond the corner is another twenty meter trench section ending in a crossing of two sub-trenches.
You can already hear the voice of the Lt. over the distance, shouting into a vox set.
You trudge through the trench and feel the racing pounding of your heart slow down.
As your roaring adrenaline level drops, you feel your vision start going black at the edges.
The stimms are already starting to wear off!
Something happens around the emplacement.
The uncontrolled firing stops and you spot some movements - nothing but the shifting of some of the sandbags right now.
Maybe the crew isn't dead yet or is being replaced?
The lower half of the gun shield is gone, so you should be able to spot if someone tries to settle down in the gunner place...
Terrific. Well, there is preciously little to do then isn't there?
The Commissar, mindful of how fragile the morale is at the moment, and how much even a tiny little thing can make or break a situation like this, quickly vaults back outside the trench and begins searching for wounded.
"Keep speaking, I will find you troopers, just make sure I can hear you!"
As Archibald walks he feels the darkness closing in. He tries to fight, but the darkness doesn't yield. He manages to com Commissar! The stimms! I'm... before passing out.
"Listen well troopers, the Lieutenant had better be awake, aware and mobile by the time I return to the trenches.
I am running low on mercy."
"Oh, Emperor thank you, Cough-Commissar.
I-I, yes I can see you.
Towards your eight, Sir."
Base: 30
Modifiers: Brace, Aim: +20; Distance: +0; Orders: +5
Chest/Chest
The Commissar turns and hurries towards the disabled soldier crawling over the rocky terrain.
Lasbolts from the second trenchline search the widely visible man and two find him, as he just reached the wounded trooper.
Two burning red lasbolts drill into his body armor, leaving visible holes in it.
"Nnngh, Some covering fire would be MUCH appreciated right now."
One of the wounded troopers in the trench whistles silently as Felix drops close to the group, visibly bleeding from her arm.
"Oi, sis', this ain't lookin' good.
Lemme call ye a medic, eh?"
He then calls into his com-bead:
"<< Medic Jonston to trench section 0-12, at the double, man.
Got some wounded of wave 2 here! >>"
"Commissar, no!!
Are you allright? Can you still walk, sir?
Gah, by the Emperor, ...
Here, ugh- just take it and leave me!"
He rips the mortar ground plate from the webbing on his back and heaves it towards the Commissar.
The box with mortar rounds has fallen right beside him and is within easy reach as well.
"Make those bastards pay the Emperors due, Sir!"
Lynn keeps her eyes and gun trained on the bullet shield of the gun emplacement.
On it, oh great and mighty Commissar - You really don't want THIS gun to open up on you
And as always she whispers.
"Shhhh honey. I know you want to see red again but the guy in red you love so much is going to be cut in half if that gun opens up on him now."
Oh this is lovely, of course I cannot accept now, if I do, the troops will lose morale from seeing an officer abandon the troops, where as if we both die at least they know we do not do that.
I Rather hope we shall both live though.
"Let's not try for martyrdom right now, shall we trooper.
A live trooper is much more useful than a dead martyr."
Tapping his com he speaks with saccharine sweetness as he makes his way to the trooper.
"Not a lot of shooting from our side but a lot from their, can we perhaps change that, hmm?"
Lynns lips curl up into a smile of pure bliss, almost cat like, as a target presents itself, practically begging to be shot in the head as he - or maybe she? who can tell at these distances and who cares anyway? - settled in the seat of the heavy gun emplacement, ready to hail bullets onto the Commissar and the downed trooper.
Her whispers rise an octace as she squeeels
"toooold you hooooneeey!"
as she squeezes the trigger
Another thunderclap echoes through the already noisy battlefield, followed by a much MUCH quiter squeeling as Lynn watches the trooper drop from the seat as she pets 'honey'
As she revels in happiness her right uniform leg started looking distinctly red.
E, Pen:0
E, Pen:0
Felix braces her longlas on the trench and finds where the lasfire at the Commissar is coming from, and takes a shot.
Taking up position at the firing steps and shooting out towards the second trenchline feels quite satisfying.
Finally you are able to return fire, although it isn't exactly easy to hit something over these distances - unless you are a trained sniper of course, in which case this is more of a target rich environment.
Under such cover, the Commissar returns together with the wounded trooper to the relative safety of the trenches.
Soon after, the sound of hasty running announces the arrival of the medic.
Jonston turns out to be a red-headed youth with the body of a sprinter and a sizable backpack that seems comically large for his slight build.
"Huf-Huf, Who needs stitching-huff?"
The trooper who called the medic points at Felix.
"Still a greenhorn after all this time, aren't you Jonston.
If you want to be a real man, you better start noticing the tell-tale signs of a mistress in need."
The red-head blushes a crimson red and tries and fails no not stare at Felix.
Meanwhile the return fire picks up in volume, most of it aimed at the various spots along the trench line from which troopers of the Serenus 1st were peppering the second trench, but one set of lasbolts is clearly aimed at Lynn - although they miss her by a couple of hands widths.
"Medic Jonston, see to it that our troopers do not bleed to death.
Also, do you carry Stimms medic Jonston?
If so, I would ask you give one to one of the troopers to administer to the Lieutenant, and do so promptly, as if I see the Lieutenant not on his feet, I shall be forced to do something regrettable.
You take my meaning, I am sure?"
"Wha-yah, s-s-sure, Sir.
Here, t-t-take my inj-injector.
Its al-already loaded."
He turns back to Felix, tries to avert her eyes, find something else to stare at, then looks to his feet.
"Ehm, w-would you st-step down, Miss, so I-I-I can help you?"
Felix fires another shot and looks down at the stammering medic. She waves her arm a bit. It feels better. Hey handsome, think I fixed myself. Someone else probably needs more help.
Ludicus narrows his eyes at the back of the medic, he then turns to one of the other troopers, specifically the one without bandages on the head.
He holds out the injector.
"As I was saying, if I see the Lieutenant off his feet, I may have to do something regrettable.
Now, if *I* were the one to administer the stimms, I would of course see the lieutenant off his feet."
Here he pauses, waiting to see if the trooper takes his meaning in a way the medic clearly did not.
Lugga lands in the trench hard enough to feel the ground shake over the rumble of explosions. He immediately makes his way to the Lt, as ordered. When he spots the man face down in the muck he's quick to roll him over. Gently. With one hand.
Then, not being trained as a medic (because that's a terrifying thought), he just hovers over Archibald and attempts to will him into consciousness.
The remaining Trooper laughs and takes the offered injector.
"Ah, of course, Sir.
Thank the Emperor that you're here and not some other red caped bas...
Ah, some other Commissars with a iron fist ..."
He snaps off a salute and hurries away in the direction Archibald went.
Jonston turns and faces the other wounded, somehow appearing both relieved and disappointed.
His administrations come quick and appear professional and true enough the Sergeants bad chest wound is not bleeding anymore, nor is the mauled leg of Leonard - the latter still seems to struggle with the fact that he in fact not dead.
Archibald is dimly aware that he's been stuck with something. Then he feels his heart skip a beat and go into overdrive. He opens his eyes and AHHHOOOOHHH MY EMPEROR!
Some things shouldn't be seen from less than an arms' length away. Lugga's face is one of those things.
Archibald rolls to his feet. and tries in vain to order his uniform. His attempt at cleanliness only makes it dirtier, it seems. He huffs and continues is march toward the first wave's Lt as if he had never stopped.
Allowing himself a moment of respite, Ludicus removes his cap and runs a hand through his hair.
Inspecting the cap he frowns at the new bullet hole it sports.
Rather unfortunate, it was my favorite cap. Fortunate that I have a few spare ones.
Sighing, he replaces the cap once more and begins to stride towards the meeting of Lieutenants.
As he passes by Leonard, he gives him a crisp nod.
The bleeding on Lynns leg stops. She wriggles it around for a moment and straight up decides that it wasn't as bad as she first thought.
Instead of starting to run like a chicken with its head cut off she fixes her camo cloak and watches out for whoever has the audacity to fire back at her
As the Lt walks he starts rattling off orders over the Com at the speed of someone on speed.
Ok, I'm back and aren't you lucky. Jeeves, get that mortar set. Snipers, scan for any heavy weapons emplacements. Take them out if you can. If you can't, mark and report for mortar fire. The rest of you, prepare to defend until told otherwise. Keep moving. I don't want to get caught stationary in case of enemy artillery. Further orders to come.
He then switches to the bunker's line.
Papa Two, Charle Alpha One. Request coordinates of any heavy weapons, emplacements, pillboxes, bunkers, other fortifications and especially any indirect fire weapons you can see or get a decent estimate of position on. The better map we can get of these trenches the better we can coordinate fire.
Felix is just unable to survey the battlefield with any amount of precision.
35+10+10+20-20-10=45
Pen: 2
Having been restarted once more, you rush towards the Command post, which is indeed set up in the crossing of three trench paths.
While you hurry towards it, you get a reply from "Papa Two".
<< Copy, Charle Alpha One.
We are a bit busy right now, but we'll send you coords if we find some juicy targets. >>
In the background of the link, you can hear explosions, gunfire, chainswords, yelling and the unmistakable sound of flamers working.
The improvised command post does indeed look quite improvised.
Three foldable tables have been set up in a 'U' and are littered with tactical maps, a couple of data slates, notepads and a portable vox set.
Lt. Henrik stands in the middle of it, one bandaged arm in a sling, deep in conversation with three Sergeants standing around the desk, with several orderlies standing a few steps back and three guards stand watch on each approach.
"... no, we can't force a breach through that death trap.
Maybe we could have at the start of this mess, but not now.
Even if we somehow forced a breakthrough, we would lack the numbers to actually hold this messy place afterwards.
No, we can't do anything but dig in and defend the gains we got, whittle them down slowly and wait for reinforcements.
If the reports are correct, our enemy might be foolish enough to attack us if we keep our heads down for long enough."
The trooper with the injector return quickly and hands the injector back to the medic, talking louder than would be necessary.
"Here medic, I am sorry but it messed up and wasted the shot.
I tripped over a dead enemy and the shot went off.
Luckily the Lieutenant did not need it after all.
He was fine, just needed a moment to catch his breath.
Adrenaline withdrawal you know how that can momentarily leave you breathless."
Jonston looks bewildered but accepts the injector and refills it from a near-empty bottle.
Another flashing lasbolt sizzles towards you, highlighting the gunner!
But this time the enemy's aim was on target and you suffer a lasburn to the shoulder.
The frakker is firing from the trench close to the former gun emplacement and only his bare head and the hand on the lasgun are visible, everything else is covered by the trenchwork.
The Lt. turns around with a sly grin.
"Not dead yet, eh?
You look more like a soldier than ever, I'd say, so ...
Welcome to the dirt, Lieutenant.
The sitrep ...
FUBAR comes to mind.
We've have lost some 40 percent effectives as afar as I know.
Too many to force a push to the second trench.
And probably too few to hold this trench without support for any length of time."
Not being targeted gives Felix a little bit more comfort to really aim at a target from the opposing trench... really draw a bead right between the eyes and....
That dirty bit of business done, and with a charge pack depleted Felix hops down and reloads, wandering over to the seniors.
Down one charge pack sirs, Is it possible to resupply?
They're more likely to charge than not, especially if we dig in. We have support from the bunker at the top of the hill as of last report, but they're getting hit in some form so we can't count on them 100%. We can't fall back. We can't advance effectively.
That leaves digging in. It's all we can do until we get another wave in here. Do you want to call it up the line, or should I?
He then turns to Felix. I want you and Lynn and any other snipers left taking out as many snipers and heavy gunners as you can. It's likely we're going to either charge or take a charge at some point and I want as many of those threats removed as possible. If you can find any extra ammo among the fallen you're free to take it. Once your ammo is out switch to your lasgun and prepare to hold the line until told otherwise.
His mind is clearly on overdrive. Internally he's already drawing up plans for a smoke screen against enemy mortars and thinking of how to get a good peek at no-man's land without getting shot.
Lugga stands behind the ElTee and doesn't even try to understand the Boss-Speak flying around. When he's needed he'll know. He starts "tapping" his Warhammer on the wall of the trench and staring at the pretty patterns the shattered rock made.
Archibald takes a look at the map and thinks for a moment. We are vulnerable here. While we call in our situation to command we should try to secure as much of this line as we can, especially that Lascannon. What do you think, Lt.?
<<Command, this is Charlie Alpha One. Have secured first trench line but have taken heavy casualties and are low on ammo. We cannot make a push on the second line. Serious danger of being overrun! Request immediate reinforcements and resupply!>>
"Lieutenant, you may add my personal Commissar code the the request of reinforcements.
That should lend it some further credence."
With those words, the impressively tall Commissar joins the proceedings, his black eyes sweeping over all present.
Lynn grits her teeth as the lasgun sears her even through her armor. Still - rushing now would be the death of her and so she shoo shoos her restless honey into waiting until the time is right. While drawing a bead on her opponents head
Full Round Aim Action
Archibald, of course, does so and awaits the response.
After receiving a report on the command line, Archibald hands down the orders.
Ok everyone, listen up! Pick your shots and take them carefully because we're not getting resupplied. Triple-A is still active and command won't send more drops until they're down. If you find useable ammo on the enemy, take it.
Allied rapid response forces are an hour out and incoming from the west. That makes the lascanon to the west of us a primary target.
Serenus Mechanized forces are on the way with AdMech elements, but they're half a day out.
Our job is to hold this line until the rapid response unit arrives and clear as many heavy guns or other obstacles that may be a threat to them as possible.
1st wave, your job is to push east of here and secure the three trench lines south of the captured bunker, then hold the secured area.
2nd wave, we're going West! We're going to take the lascannon emplacement and all trenches between here and there.
Snipers, your orders are unchanged. Eliminate any enemy snipers and heavy gunners you can. The smoother we can make the arrival for that rapid response unit the more work they can do for us.
Mortar teams, deploy and await fire orders.
Lock and load, everyone. For the Emperor!
Lugga knows what battle orders sound like and he follows the ElTee with a huge smile on his face. Time for some action!
Felix looks around for any ammo lying around for either her longlas or her shotgun. Preferably both.
"It has been given to us, our duty.
We are the emperors hammer, aim squarely at the heretics face.
For it is said, suffer not the heretic to live, do not allow his lies to infect you.
Meet him on the field of battle, strong in your faith in the emperor, and with nothing but hatred towards those that would turn from his light.
We are punishing traitors today, traitors to all of mankind.
Traitors who would tear down the sanctity of our imperium for their own wanton blood lust, greed and pride.
They have dared to spill the blood of faithful troopers this day, friends, loved ones and maybe even family.
I go to punish them, and you will join me!"
Lt. Henrik reacts with a surprised expression on Archibald's command.
"You want to assault the western trenches with just the remains of the 2nd wave?
From what you reported, Lt., that is barely more than a single squad after you count off the mortar team.
Are you sure you don't want a couple of squads from the first wave with you?
We could start a distraction attack here...", he points on the big crossing where the long trench connection the 1st and 2nd line splits up in several side walks,
"... that should draw quite a bit of attention from your group.
Hopefully enough to allow you to conquer that lascannon."
That sounds perfectly reasonable. If you're sure you can spare the men, I would welcome the support.