The Dead Winters of Suskillon are dangerous at the best of times, but this year, the bitter winds and extreme cold were accompanied by the descent of the Swarm. It’s been six months since they first arrived, six months of regular attacks and frequent losses, and the Suskillon Defense Force is struggling to maintain momentum.
Over the past few weeks, Suskillon has been enjoying something of a respite. The Swarm has ceased its near-daily attacks and it’s allowed the SDF time to try and replenish their ranks with any who volunteer. All new recruits and transfers have been assigned to Camp Cavalier, a cluster of red-and-white prefab modules on the frozen crimson sands just outside of Brinnoa. Morale among the newest volunteers is relatively high, which seems to be the norm among those who are new to the military. It’s a stark contrast to the grim attitudes of those who have seen their share of lost battles and lost comrades.
There isn’t the manpower to split the new members of the division into groups based on experience, so the morning’s physical training accommodates both those who have transferred from other military branches and those with little to no military experience. After being dismissed from the training, the recruits have half an hour for lunch before they’re called for target practice. Most of the recruits collect their rations from the camp canteen and then seek out one of the few remaining heaters in order to stay warm while they eat lunch.
Aygavan sprawls over several chairs under one of the heaters, reclining in a manner that would be impressive by sheer virtue of how much space it manages to take up if it wasn't so damn out of place. He chews thoughtfully on a roughly stick-shaped mass of protein gel. His left hand rests on the table, but his right hand, the one holding the protein gel, seems to be both abnormally large and made of a strange crystalline material.
Aside from his aberrant hand, he is a thin, early middle-aged man, with a shaved head and what could only be described as a poorly maintained soul patch on his chin. He wears fairly standard SDF fatigues, with a laser pistol and combat knife at his hip.
As the half-hour lunch break draws to an end, your comms beep with an incoming message. You’re each greeted by the tinny voice of the camp-wide communications VI reciting your IDENT code, followed by “You have been excused from afternoon training. Report to your commanding officer at 1300 to receive your new briefing.”
A check of the time shows that it’s already 1253, so you don’t have that much time to finish your lunch break and find your way through the maze of barracks to Major Jaldamarrak’s office.
Leech sits apart from the other soldiers at lunch, telling himself it's because he doesn't need the warmth of the heaters as much as they do. When the message comes up over comms, he rises immediately and makes his way to the major's office. While he hasn't been at Camp Cavalier long, he navigates the barracks with relative ease.
Berith Dantalion reporting, sir!
Rising from his table Brundus finishes the last bite of a nutrient bar.
He glances around the mess hall, trying to discern if its an assignment, or if his "disagreement" with that smartmouthed android was coming back to haunt him.
Damned andi had it comin'. Can't jabber them big words through broken teeth... Heh.
With a hard smile the bulky Lashunta lumbers his way toward the Major's office...
"Trooper Kadesh reporting. Sir."
S.O.S. is hardly Ryder's favorite meal from the mess, but with a grim sigh, he stows his plate and the remains of his meal in the recycler.
Since he first heard of the Major, Jaldamarrak had been a personal hero. If he rose further in the ranks of the SDF, it would be to emulate a leader like the Major.
So, it's with haste that Ryder navigates the familiar labyrinth of barracks and training drills to the Major's office. Hopefuly this means that training time is over, and duty calls. Not that helping the drills isn't satisfying, and lending his experience to newer recruits isn't fulfilling. It's just that since the fall of the 82nd, Ryder has more than training to offer the bugs.
Sgt. Davan, reporting as ordered sir," he notes with a salute as he enters the office.
Aygavan finishes his protein gel before heading over to Jaldamarrak's office, somehow managing to remember some information about the Major despite his total lack of experience with anything military. Once he finally makes his way to the office, Aygavan gives a lax salute as he says, "Trooper Salmain reporting in for duty."
Jerry sat with a group of soldiers, half paying attention to the conversation. His attention is fixed on the vid screen of his comm unit catching up on the latest news report on the invasion. When he hears his code on the announcement he looks around a bit confused wondering if he heard it right. Looking at the time, he decides to hurry over to Major Jaldamarrak’s office. He didn't want to be late and risk upsetting him.
"Maybe they decided to fulfill my request about getting a new video camera," he thinks to himself as he touches what looks like a broken camera eyepiece on a cord around his neck.
"Trooper Rivera," he says as he looks over the assembled group.
The major’s module is barely big enough for both an office and personal quarters, and it looks even smaller with the green-scaled, hulking vesk inside, his head barely an inch from the ceiling. At nearly 8 ft tall, Jaldamarrak cuts an imposing figure. He acknowledges each introduction with a brusque nod, and then there are a few minutes of heavy silence as he looks over your postures and your kit, both eyes - one of which is cybernetic - lingering just a bit longer on Aygavan’s hand.
Seemingly satisfied with your appearances, he shows you to a metal table in the center of the room, a 3d blue map projected onto its surface. He’s wide enough to take up one side of the table by himself, and he gestures for you to organise yourselves around the remaining sides.
“I am your commanding officer, Jaldamarrak, and I was killing Swarm before you were clutching your mother’s tails. I know more about this enemy than every soft-skin general in this system, and I know for a fact we are losing this war.” he states, his voice deep and gruff. There’s a weighty pause as he takes the time to look each of you in the eye. “You’ve probably heard that over the last seven days, the Swarm has retreated from three smaller cities to the east of Brinnoa, and the media and SDF alike are calling this a turning point for the war. I know better. Those vexers are up to something, and I’m not letting the Fifth Battalion get caught with their spacesuits around their ankles. I’ve selected the five of you to form what I’m calling the Midnight Squad.” He uses a clawed finger to trace a path from the camp’s position on the map to a steep slope to the west. “For your first assignment, you’ll patrol the Delta Escarpment a few miles west of Camp Cavalier from sundown to sun-up and report back with any unusual activity. Any questions?”
A patrol mission. Not exactly a strike to bug city, but not outside of the scuttlebutt I've been hearing.
Ryder takes in as much of the 3-D map as his memory allows before speaking up. There may not be a chance like this to learn from one of the best. Sir," Ryder looks around at his new squad-mates. While he's not the only one to have seen action, but like most of the Fifth, Midnight Squad is more green than not. "Like you've said, you've been fighting bugs longer than most of us have been sucking air. Any insight you have about the swarm and their tactics- especially that we might not be teaching to new recruits- would be beneficial. Are you expecting us to see any major enemy contact in the area of our patrol? Sir."
At Ryder's questions, the corner of Jaldamarrak's mouth lifts in a slight smirk and he gives Ryder a second look-over, clearly impressed. "Good questions, soldier, but as many times as I've fought the Swarm, that doesn't mean there's much I can tell you. First rule of fighting the vermin is to be adaptable. I've fought the Swarm on a handful of fronts, and every time, they've been different. Here on Suskillion, there's something... more cunning about these critters. Like they've got a purpose other than just killing everything they come across. We've seen a number of new variations in their ranks, including the expendable scouts we're calling 'dredgers'. As for your patrol tonight," he gives each of you a hard look. "I know you're hoping for some excitement, but the best outcome for everyone is if you see nothing. If you do see any evidence of creatures not native to this system, report back immediately."
Brundus listens intently to the veteran Vesk, then tries to hide (and fails) expressing his disappointment at the squad's designation and assignment;
Midnight Squad... Patrolling. Ugh. Still might come across something to hit. If not that android'll get round 2.
The burly Lashunta takes in Sgt. Ryder's question and view with a nod but remains silent - keeping his eyes transfixed on the holo-map;
Canny. Planning ahead and looking for intel.
Ryder absorbs the Major's lesson and turns to take in his new squad-mates, glancing at each IDENT in turn.
Trooper Kadesh- Big, burly, a monster that seems to be born in armor. Not what I'd expect in a lashunta, but what I'd want at my back.
Trooper Dantalion. I'd heard of the mad doc, "Leech" Dantalion. He's native to Suskillon like me, but has a reputation. Supposed to be brilliant, but a bit... unconventional.
Trooper Salmain- Hard to read this man. He's human, or at least in part. That crystal arm is hard to ignore, and probably means something magical or mystical about him. Still, the weight of his charm oozes off of him. He's worth watching.
Trooper Rivera- I think I heard he was trying to become an in-bedded reporter or something of the like. That means he'll either be the mouth and face of the squad alongside Salmain, or he'll be in trouble.
"Sir, it seems that you've built Midnight Squad to prepare for a lot of contingencies here. Are our orders just recon and report, or do we have leave to engage if we see any of those dredgers? Do they take bolts and fire well or should we try more unconventional fire on them?"
Aygavan smiles at the Major’s cybernetic eye. He points to his hand and says, ”Well, looks like we’re both a bit more mineral than we started out as. Isn’t that fascinating? Any case, do these bugs we’re expecting to face have any notable weaknesses aside from the standard fire and shot? Perhaps particular resistances?”
“Standard fire will do you fine. Put enough rounds into them, they’ll die. Be warned, they’re nasty little critters, about the size of a khefak, but the burrow right under you. They’ve got barbed jaws that latch onto you and take you down in a matter of moments.” Jaldamarrak takes a moment to tap a few words into the small computer controlling the projector, changing the 3d display from the map to an image of what you assume is a Swarm Dredger. The small creature has a swept-back, segmented carapace and a set of three mandibles covered in hooked barbs. “Report any sightings before engaging, but you have leave to take any of those bugs out. Any opportunity to try and reduce their numbers, take it. My kill count is 112 since joining the war, but there always seem to be more ready to take a dead one’s place. We want to take out as many of them as we can before they do the same for us.”
Berith stares impassively at the Dredger image and says, You mentioned the Swarm's purpose. Any truth to the rumor that they're after something in the planet's soil, sir?
Brundus' intense observation of the holo-map and accompanying Dredger image is broken when Berith mentions the soil;
Huh. Not heard that one. Soil? Sounds far fetched...Might explain why AE sent us tho'.
The big Lashunta pipes up with his own take;
"At the Astral Extractions safehouse, one of the other... contractors... claimed to be a bug expert. Said he'd seen the creature they say controls the Swarm invasion force. Swore it was the size of a skyscraper, got multiple heads an' can kill anything within a mile of it using only its minds... Sounds like naur-dung to me Top. You seen anything like that?"
Jaldamarrak frowns at Berith’s question. “If that’s true, I’ve heard nothing of it. The Swarm is irritatingly mysterious. Whatever their purpose is, we don’t know it.” He turns his attention to Brundus. “As for whatever controls the Swarm, I’ve not seen anything. I’m sure there’s some sort of telepathic control going on there, but with the bugs. Not with any of us.”
I see. No further questions from me, sir. Berith waits to be dismissed.
"A night patrol? I cant speak for the others but I know I can't see in the dark. Wont we give ourselves away patrolling with lights?" Jerry says concerned about the new type of bug.
Brundus flashes a hard smile as the veteran Vesk affirms his notion that the rumour is far-fetched.
"Don't you worry Rivera, when I burn 'em up they'll be plenty of light!"
The lashunta chuckles grimly to himself.
Jaldamarrak nods at Jerry's question. "If we were worried about keeping a low profile, then we'd worry about lights. In this case, we're more concerned about signs of unusual activity. Take a light source if you need it. If you do catch the attention of any bugs, better you can see them to fight them. The bugs can see in the dark, and we're starting to suspect that the dredgers don't need sight to sense our positions. We don't want any of our troops to be the only ones hindered by the dark."
He looks over each of you, checking to see of any of you seem like you're going to ask something more."If you have no further questions, you're dismissed," he says, turning off the projection. "You're exempt from training this afternoon so take the time to prepare. Get some rest, double check your equipment. It's a two hour walk to the patrol route and sunset is scheduled for 2107, so make sure you muster up by 1900."
He walks round the table to the door and opens it for you, giving each of you a firm pat on the shoulder as you pass.
Berith stands. See you all at 1900 hours.
Back in his quarters he starts getting his gear together, setting out most of what he owns. He doesn't have much left in the way of credits, but hopefully he spent what he had wisely.
He attempts to rest, though doesn't get much sleep. It's been a while since he's been out in the field. He keeps mentally going over his gear, wondering if there was anything he should have purchased.
When the time comes, he suits up, putting on his cold weather clothing over his armor and heads out.
He arrives to the meeting point early. On his back is a heavy, industrial backpack with multiple straps. It looks pretty full. Same with the various pouches on his belt.
Jerry nods to indicate he understands the mission. He pauses for a moment contemplating if he should ask another question. "Um, one more thing before we go. Is it true that some of our soldiers are being captured and that the swarm has a way to "obtain" information from them? he asks nervously.
Brundus also heads back, grabs some more chow and then sleep head of the patrol mobilisation.
Once up he stretches and does some light training to get the blood flowing before donning his cold-weather fatigues issued by his last employer.
He then checks over his kit: cleaning and functioning weapons and equipment before donning his heavy armour.
Smiling at the familiar heft he makes his way to the meeting point where he spots Berith waiting.
"Evening. Berith right?"
Aygavan attempts to catch some shut-eye before he meets the rest of the squad. Restless, and wracked with strange and troubling dreams as always.
Upon waking up, he brews himself a cup of ReCaf so strong it almost needs chewing and gets his kit together.
AbadarCorp second skin under cold weather combat fatigues, combat knife in a sheathe on one hip and a laser pistol holstered on the other.
Meeting up with the group, Aygavan nods and says, ”Rather fine to see you all again. Seems it’s time that we head out and look for some bugs in the dark.”
Jerry nods to indicate he understands the mission. He pauses for a moment contemplating if he should ask another question. "Um, one more thing before we go. Is it true that some of our soldiers are being captured and that the swarm has a way to "obtain" information from them? he asks nervously.
As he’s dismissing you, Jaldamarrak frowns at Jerry’s question. “I’ve seen it done before in other wars, by other Swarm creatures, but not by any that I’ve seen since arriving on Suskillon. It might be true, but there haven’t been enough MIAs to think there’s anything other than the usual casualties of war.”
You leave Camp Cavalier before the sun sets. There’s a brisk, bitter wind, and each breath is a puff of smoke. As you march west, the sun moves lower and lower in the sky. The light of the setting sun makes the frosted red sand a glittering scarlet, matching the crimson clouds. It takes a couple of hours for you to climb up to the escarpment, and by the time you reach your patrol area, the sun has fully set and the only natural light comes from the stars.
Berith nods at Brundus but says Most call me Leech.
He’s quiet until the group reaches the patrol area at which point he offers, I’ve got a flashlight in anyone needs it. I don’t.
"Probably better to leave them off as long as possible. Leech, think you can take lead for a bit, just in case?"
Ryder's thoughts return to the briefing, while mulling over the scuttlebutt he'd been hearing.
The Major mentioned we're losing the war. If that's true, command COULD be preparing to leave Suskillon and nuke it from orbit. That scans. But even if the Major knew about a plan like that, he'd be in a difficult position to admit it.Still, better to be prepared in case it all goes fubar.
"I have a light too, if anyone wants Leech's. Can anyone else see in the dark?"
Ryder lets his eyes get used to the darkness, pistol in hand, keeping close to the squad, but off to the left side rather than in a ragged line.
The hulking Lashunta flashes hard grin;
"Leech it is."
As the group assemble and start the trudgery of patrolling, Brundus hefts his heavy weapon as he falls in. Wether due to the weight of his kit and armaments, or just his natural pace you quickly note he's moving slower than the rest of the group
"No night eyes for me Sarge, got a flashlight... but hopin' we'll all be seeing' by the light o' a burning Swarmer!"
He taps the trigger on his Agitator. which emits an ominous "humming" noise before he powers it down.
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The major's answer doesn't seem to quell Jerry's concern of getting his brain sucked out of his head. He goes to his quarters to prepare and get some rest. Looking over his equipment, he seems content as he doesn't have the credits to buy anything else to help him with the cold. He gives himself enough time to have a warm meal before meeting the others for the hike to their patrol area.
During the long hike, Jerry alternates between asking everyone where they are from and mentally reviewing his training on combat tactics.
"I grew up on Alappu Minor. Was boring until the invasion. While I always wanted some excitement around, I can't help but think of all the people who have died. If we get into a skirmish, I'll keep my distance and try to shoot the bugs with my rifle here. That, and I can point out targets for us to focus on. Other than on the range, I've never used it. The only thing I'm used to pointing and shooting is a camera," he says with a slight chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.
I don't mind making use of my vision, but keep in mind I'm packing medical equipment and tech, not weapons.
After Jerry speaks, some time passes before Leech offers, Suskillon also. Major. And then falls silent.
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"Hmm. Good point, Leech," Ryder nods. "If it comes down to it, and you see something, you let Trooper Kadesh and I jump front and stay far behind us, if you can."
For a moment, Ryder takes in the squad while trying, less than successfully, to get his eyes to acclimate. "I'm from Brinnoa. Been in the SDF for long enough that had the bugs not come to Suskillon, I'd be home by now, trying to figure out what to do now that my tour's over. But hey, at least I get to try to save the world, instead of flying useless sorties and shuttle runs to the outer planets. But my unit got bloodied and beaten before Stone Sea. Pretty sure I'm the last of the 82nd, and considering the amount of recruitment, the 5th didn't fare much better."
Ryder gives Leech a long look. "We're not in the 82nd, and the Major didn't put me in command of Midnight." He glances at Brundus. "You don't have to call me Sarge. You can call me Ryder. If the Major changes things, or we're around the brass, Sarge or Sgt. Davan is probably best. But otherwise..." Ryder just shakes his head and waves the idea away.
"I don't want you to think I'm giving you orders. I'm just a grunt in the 5th, like you guys."
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”Well, you may have heard of me, if you lived on Suskillion some twenty-five odd years ago. I was the youngest person in the known history of Suskillion to receive a doctorate in theoretical physics. Those were the days, partying and studying. The sky was the limit. My star faded after a while, of course, but I kept at my studies into alternate realities. My one successful portal went badly, and I ended up with this thing,” he says, gesturing towards his crystal hand.
”I also lost my doctorate and academic reputation overnight. Turned to chems and the bottle, lost just about everything else. Figured I’d join the army and kill some bugs. Not like I had much to lose.”
He’s quiet for a moment, and those watching him closely see a slightly troubled expression wash over his face before fading. He says, ”Any case, if we run into trouble I have some...talents that will suit us well. Know that I have any spontaneous explosions well under control.”
Brundus eyes the others as they give their backgrounds;
"Real mixed bag eh? Well I'm long way from home in Castrovel. Was a Contractor for mining corp Astral Extractions as a "Freelance Coercer" they call it, merc-muscle by any other name. Got shipped here to protect local AE assets and personnel, maybe on account of that rumour Leech heard 'bout the soil? Anyways AE pulled out, I stuck around... cherry picked some gear and joined up. Maybe bust some bug heads instead of protesters!"
He pauses flashing a hard grin at Jerry;
"You going to put us all on the holo-tubes JR? Make us Pact World Stars? Make sure you get my best killin' side if you do!"
Leech shakes his head at Ryder. No problem. We don't know each other well so I don't want to assume anyone knows my skill set.
He listens quietly as the others share about their backgrounds. Enlisted in the SDF early on. Served elsewhere on the planet until I was transferred over here to replenish ranks. I've got patches and serums, injections to keep us up and moving. Mine are the kind of skills you don't want to need. But war is war.
The first several hours of the patrol pass by slowly and quietly, other than a few brief periods where the wind picked up and the temperature dropped even lower than the usual biting cold. None of you notice anything out of the ordinary. There are no signs of Swarm activity, and the cold of the Dead Winter has ensured that there isn’t much sign of native wildlife either.
As the end of your patrol nears, morning twilight lights the horizon a dusty pink. It isn’t long now until sunrise and until you can start the trek back to camp. The stars are starting to fade, but you start to notice the flashing of small lights in the sky, and only minutes later, a loud atonal alarm is followed with an all-points emergency broadcast over your comm units.
A hurried female voice says, “Attention all Suskillon ground forces, this is Spacedock Prime-1. We are under heavy attack! A Swarm armada has entered in low orbit and has begun to-”
The transmission ends as abruptly as it began in a burst of ear-splitting static. Up in the sky high above Brinnoa, there are now hundreds of flashing lights, something you now recognise as the sign of starship combat far above you.
Ryder doesn't miss a beat and taps his comm to contact Camp Cavalier or Central Command. "Midnight Squad to Command. We've completed our patrol with no contact. Requesting orders to proceed." He then turns to look at the others.
"If I'm a betting man, we'll be ordered to where the action is. I'm inclined to agree. Thoughts?"
Brundus hefts his Agitator and flashes an eager grin;
"Hope so Top! We got bugs to burn!"
When Ryder attempts to contact central command, the only response is static. It seems as though interference from the overhead is disrupting the signal. That, or the Swarm are somehow blocking communication.
Ryder frowns at his comm and switches it to speaker so everyone can hear the static.
"Static. Leech, Jerry, Aygavan? I know Brundus is game for heading into the heat. You guys up for it?"
Ryder begins checking his gear to make sure his hand cannon is locked and loaded and that his knife moves easily out of its sheath.
Trouble's coming whether we're ready or not.
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That was an all-points and we're ground troops, so, since we can't reach command, I'd say we'd better check it out. But let's go in quiet if we can. Leech glances at Brundus.
”Of couse I am. Must say, I’ve never been one for quiet but nonetheless, if you insist on it then I shall try my best.”
"That cant be good," Jerry says following the emergency broadcast as he watches the lights in the sky. He nods in agreement that they should go.
You begin the journey towards Brinnoa, making your way down the icy slope of the escarpment and then weaving your way between snow-covered hill banks. Gaps in the snow display the red-tinged dirt you’re all familiar with, glittering slightly with ice. Your comm units buzz occasionally with an attempt at communication, but the signal is never good enough to make out more than a couple of words at a time.
As you step out onto a small break of flat land, both Jerry and Berith spot movement in their corner of their eyes, and they turn to see two insects scuttling out from around one of the small hills, attempting to close on you.
Too late for quiet, anyway. We've got incoming. He lifts his right forearm in the direction of the bug to the south and manipulates the custom scanner there in attempt to gather information.
Berith recognises the creatures as the Swarm Dredgers Jaldamarrak showed you on the projector. From the look of their barbed legs and smaller claws, it seems likely that they will try to attach to prey before clawing at them.