Operation Dust Devil

[Spooks]

 

 

 

“Attention all personnel. At 22:00 hours today, 6th fleet will be mobilizing. We are going on the offensive. Resources have been routed from Terra, and your company level officers have been given sealed orders. The preparations have been made. We will be striking back, and we will be reclaiming Dionysus. I expect the very best of you. We will show today that we have not been cowed by crisis, that instead we have been forged by it.”

-Captain Hussain, of the Winfield Scott

 

 

Lieutenant Raleigh flipped the switch.

 

Ten thousand pounds of electronically guided cluster-ordnance shunted itself on two-stage rocket boosters out of the battlecruiser’s silo and streaked down towards the ground. Raleigh watched, but the impacts were never visible from orbit.

 

“Rounds out.”

 

Rounds, plural. An old saying - they only had the one tube at Raleigh’s station.

 

“Copy. Standby for effect on target,” Raleigh’s petty officer sat beside him at a cloned console, watching the numbers tick up.

 

Fighters swarmed Dionysus like so many angry wasps. From a distance, the planet looked serene. On the tac-display, it was a frenzied whirlwind of activity. Little red splotches spread out as the bombardment continued.

 

“How many more d’ya think they’ll give it?”

 

“One, maybe two. Can’t do too much damage.”

 

“Good effect on target,” the petty officer clacked away at keys, “New firing solution’s in. Rounds loaded.” A hefty thunk through the chair as the autoloading mechanism finished its job.

 

Dionysus was a reclamation world. A lost world. The bugs had taken it, and the political mandate was that it would be taken back, by ‘measured force’.

 

Lieutenant Raleigh flipped the switch.

 

“Rounds out.”

 

“I wouldn’t want to be a bug today,” the petty officer muttered with disingenuous empathy. He rubbed Raleigh the wrong way.

 

“I’m just glad I’m not landing today.” Raleigh glanced towards the stern, where the dropship hooks were extended. He could just see the tips of the vikings’ stub noses if he leaned forwards. He imagined the infantry, packed inside like sardines.

 

“Ah, the Mobile love it. It’s what they sign up for.” Raleigh glanced across at the officer, but before he could say anything, the man hit a flashing rune and piped up again, “That’s it. No more targets. We’re done for the day.” A pause. “Coffee?”

 

Raleigh looked again towards the waiting dropships, and the distant red strobe of emergency lighting in their cockpits.

 

“No. Not today.”

 

Somewhere towards the stern of the ship, an officer flipped a switch, and the viking dropships plummeted away with a clunk.

 

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In the late 23rd century, the Federation was choked by rubble. Earth was early into its reclamation process and many colonies were still reeling from the civil war. A victory was needed, and Dionysus was chosen as the site.

 

It had been a thriving colony world of four billion prior to being taken by the arachnids in 2278. Twenty years later, with the military still picking up the pieces, it was chosen as the focus of the first major mobilisation. A testing ground and an anvil for the newly re-forged SICON militant arm.

 

In many ways it was intended as a confidence inspiring move. Dionysus, at the time it was selected as a target, was seen as ripe for the picking. A relatively unimportant world to the arachnids. Exactly when that assessment changed is unclear, but the lapse in adapting to the situation is now seen as largely responsible for what followed.

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Credit to Pilotfish for writing & Music combo

[Spooks]

Mission Report - First Platoon

 

Abstract Mission Briefing

First Platoon is to deploy, eliminate local Plasmabugs (PB), then evacuate.

Purpose is to alleviate pressure on aerospace (Fleet), thus allowing the rest of Operation Dust Devil to take place.

 

 

 

 

Mission Log

>> 10/11/2298 - 22:30 Federation Standard - Approx. 30 mikes after 6th Fleet's mobilization, First Platoon is deployed to Dionysus.

>> 22:40 - SSgt. Alice Vickers as drop lead. Sgt. Pauline Westervelt & Cpl. Norman Cox led blue and red squads respectively.

>> 22:45 - Dropship -- Redwing 1-0 -- Touches down; Platoon mobilizes.

>> ??:?? - Platoon continues through the AO, eliminating minor-caste Arachnids as Eng. Amaya prepares TON's.

>> ??:?? - Eng. Amaya nukes first PB; Platoon bounds hill-to-hill, maneuvering to next target.

>> ??:?? - 1x Fatality (Cpl. Cox.) 1x Casualty (Sgt. Stevenson)

>> ??:?? - Platoon organizes once more, proceeding with objective. Another PB is eliminated.

>> ??:?? - 1x Casualty (Pvt. Ruiz) PB is eliminated - Timeline unknown.

>> ??:?? - Platoon holds hill. 2x Casualties (Eng. Amaya & Cpl. Conelly) Final PB eliminated.

>> 23:48 - SSgt. Vickers requests MEDEVAC. Angel 2-2 retrieves casualties. Platoon evacuates via Redwing 1-0.

>> 00:01 - First Platoon officially boards the Grant, concluding their tasking.

 

Abstract Mission Conclusion

Mission was success. Minimal casualties sustained.

Dust Devil may proceed. First platoon to be restasked in assistance of Second Platoon, Charlie Company.

 

 

[Spooks]

Mission Report - First Platoon

 

Abstract Mission Briefing

First Platoon is to deploy, recover lost fusion-based ordnance (TON's), then scout the area & establish FOB / Airstrip.

 

Mission Log

>> 10/11/2298 - 03:00 Federation Standard - Approx. Three hours after First Platoon's retrieval, they are redeployed to Dionysus.

>> 03:15 - SSgt. Vickers as drop lead. Sgt. Westervelt & Sgt. Squires as blue and orange squad leads respectively.

>> 03:25 - Redwing 1-0 touches down. Platoon proceeds to mobilize.

>> 03:32 - Platoon moves to downed dropship - Red Eagle - They eliminate minor-contact Arachnids on the way.

>> 03:38 - Platoon investigates & marks Red Eagle.

>> 03:45 - Golden Eagle - Rescue Craft - Recovers Red Eagle.

>> 03:54 - Platoon locates abandoned UCF Missile Silo & Reinforces it.

>> 04:00 - Local weather event halts ground-to-Grant comms for approx. two hours.

>> 06:00 - First Platoon officially boards the Grant for re-tasking elsewhere in Sol.

 

Abstract Mission Conclusion

Mission was overall success. Zero casualties sustained. TON's were ferried to Charlie Company.

FOB was established. First Platoon, Alpha Company to be re-tasked elsewhere in Sol. Other companies remain on Dionysus.

 

 

 

 

[Spooks]

Mission Report - First Platoon

 

Abstract Mission Briefing

First Platoon is to reconnoiter a city on the outskirts of Mesa Verde & determine the damage.

 

Mission Log

>> 11/11/2298 - 00:00 Federation Standard - Sgt. Stevenson as drop lead. Cpl. Conelly as RTO / SIC.

>> 00:23 - Red Wing 1-0 touches down. Platoon deploys. Red Wing returns to orbit.
>> 00:27 - Platoon encounters worker-caste Arachnids. MIPOD Operative suffers minor attack.

>> 00:38 - Platoon proceeds with reconnaissance. City is dilapidated.

>> 00:42 - Platoon investigates apartment bloc. Warrior-caste Arachnids tunnel to surface.

>> 00:53 - Exfil is requested. Little Eagle Two-Three is tasked. 1x Casualty (Cpl. Conelly)

>> 00:59 - Little Eagle Two-Three lands. Platoon evacuates.

>> 01:00 - First Platoon officially boards the Grant, concluding their tasking.

 

Abstract Mission Conclusion

Mission was success. Minimal casualties sustained. City's condition was established.

Arachnid presence potentially higher than calculated. Hive elimination suggested.

 

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[cat danny 25]

Mission Report - First Platoon

 

Abstract Mission Briefing

i. First Platoon is to investigate Camp Osprey, a supply depot endeavoring to secure MSR Sierra connecting Mesa Verde to the UCF landing zone that has lost radio communication with Mobcomm.

ii. First Platoon is to link up with, and if necessary, recover Second Lieutenant Hector Mercer, Second Platoon leader of the 71st Morita Bat. B. Co.

 

Mission Log

>> 13/11/2298 - 22:40 Federation Standard - Cpl. Conelly as drop lead. Cpl. Daby as RTO / SIC.

>> 22:41 - Red Wing 1-0 touches down. Platoon deploys. R-W returns to orbit.
>> 22:45 - Platoon encounters worker-caste Arachnids. Engages them and prompts arachnid retaliation.

>> 22:51 - Platoon proceeds with investigation, finds base dilapidated and worn, signs of conflict are reported.

>> 23:31 - Platoon pursues signs of garrison remnants. Warrior-caste Arachnids tunnel to surface to intercept and ambush.

>> 23:45 - Platoon finds remnants of team's APC, still active. Signs of conflict and evidence pointing towards abduction are evident.

>> 23:46 - Cpl. Daby calls for evac. Red Wing 1-0 is dispatched for recovery.

>> 23:50 - Red Wing 1-0 lands. Platoon evacuates.

>> 00:01 - First Platoon officially boards the Grant, concluding their tasking.

 

Abstract Mission Conclusion

Mission was partial success. (3x) Casualties sustained. (1x) Long Range Radio Manpack destroyed. Base & Garrison condition was established.

Arachnid presence significantly higher than calculated. Hive elimination suggested.

Recovery of Second Lieutenant Hector Mercer failed; Platoon failed to identify / locate. Suspected abductee. Marked MIA, presumed KIA.

 

 

                                      

 

 

 

 

[Silly goose]

Mission Report - First Platoon

 

Abstract Mission Briefing

First Platoon is to relieve Charlie company's 3rd platoon at FOB Kaspersky and patrol the area.

 

Mission Log

>> 11/11/2298 - 01:22 Federation Standard - Sgt. Westervelt as drop lead. Sgt. Squires and LCpl. Williams as Orange and Blue leads respectively.

>> 01:23 - Red Wing 1-1 touches down. Alpha cycles out with Charlie at the FOB.
>> 01:27 - MOBCOMM logs a report from Sgt. Westervelt of a need for repairs at the FOB.

>> 01:35 - Platoon sets off on patrol of the area, heading towards a site of interest marked by Charlie company.

>> 01:48 - Element arrives at the site of interest, identified by location as an agricultural research station. 

>> 01:51- Platoon is tasked by MOBCOMM with data retrieval at the site.

>> 02:01 - In a nearby AO, Bravo company completes their objective of eliminating a hive. The arachnids rout towards FOB Kaspersky.

>> 02:21 - Sgt. Westervelt requests and is granted supply drop of ammunition on her position, and at the FOB.

>> 02:30 - Sgt. Westervelt requests and is granted TAC support.

>> 02:31 - Sgt. Westervelt reports conclusion of search. Platoon advances towards FOB Kaspersky.

>> 02:33 - Platoon finds FOB Kaspersky compromised by arachnids, clears it, and is cycled out of the AO by Redwing 1-1.

>> 02:45 - First Platoon officially boards the Grant, concluding their tasking.

 

Abstract Mission Conclusion

Mission was success. Acceptable casualties sustained. Damage to the FOB repairable.

Samples from the agricultural lab promising. RX-9c strain currently undergoing genetic profiling.

 

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[Orwell]

Mission Report - First Platoon

 

 

Abstract Mission Briefing

i. First Platoon is to secure a mountain pass (Stockholm Pass) and allow for the safe transport of elements from Alpha and Bravo of the 88th Moritas to pass through.

ii. First Platoon is to ensure the safety of several emplacements on said pass

 

Mission Log

>> 14/11/2298 - 1:20 Federation Standard - MSgt. McCarthy as drop lead. Cpl. Daby as RTO / SIC.

>>1:25 - Little Eagle Two-Three touches down. Platoon deploys. L-E returns to orbit.
>> 1:35 - Platoon entrenches at the pass on a bridge and encounters light resistance from Warrior, Hopper, and Firefly castes.

>> 1:50 - Platoon encounters first string of troopers from the 88th. They pass through without incident.

>> 2:00 - Platoon gains more attention from Arachnids, and deals with increasing resistance.

>> 2:10 - Stragglers from the 88th filter in with Arachnids in pursuit. They travel through the pass after eliminating their pursuers.

>> 2:20 - Arachnids begin counteroffensive, and sandwich First Platoon between both ends of the bridge. At around this time, ammunition runs critically low. A supply drop is called in.

>> 2:22 - Red Wing 1-2 arrives with resupply in tow, gets knocked into the bay by a Firefly and crashes, destroying the munitions inside and killing the pilots. (2x KIA)

>> 2:30 - First Platoon is pushed off the bridge after requesting air support (could not be granted) and retreats further into the tunnel to their south.

>> 2:40 -  First Platoon is informed that Operational Command is aborting, and that they are to exfil ASAP.

>> 2:50 - First Platoon extracts via Red Wing 1-4

>> 2:55 - First Platoon officially boards the Grant, concluding their tasking.

 

Abstract Mission Conclusion

Mission was a failure. Elements of the 88th were entirely wiped out (most of Bravo and Charlie).

Several TAC wings lost in addition to the crew of Red Wing 1-2. GnT failed to accurately forecast the intensity of the resistance the Mobile Infantry would face on the outskirts of 

Mesa Verde.

 

 

[Spooks]

Mission Report - First Platoon

 

Abstract Mission Brief

i. First Platoon is to make investigate the last known location of Second Platoon (Bravo Company.)

ii. First Platoon is to reinforce A.O. with Second Platoon & wait for retrieval. If Second Platoon is KIA, wait for retrieval.

 

Mission Log

>> 15/11/2298 - 22:00 Federation Standard - Sgt. Westervelt as drop lead. [UPDATE REQUIRED] & [UPDATED REQUIRED] as squad leads.

>> 22:15 - Red Wing 1-0 touches down. First Platoon deploys. R-W returns to Grant due to hazardous weather.

>> 22:?? - First Platoon proceeds with objective. Second Platoon APC convoy is discovered.

>> 22:32 - Second Platoon is MIA. Signs of struggle. Supplies intact.

>> 22:34 - First Platoon searches A.O. Nothing is found.

>> 22:39 - First Platoon returns to Second Platoon convoy. MIPOD Operatives make telepathic contact with Arachnid network.

>> 22:40 - First Platoon faces extreme Arachnid assault. Radio contact with Grant is lost. 1x Casualty (LCpl. Bellic)

>> 22:?? - Weather conditions worsen. First Platoon establishes perimeter with

>> 22:52 - TAC Wing - Nightstalker - Reconnoiters A.O. & commences bombing run. Red Wing 1-0 is deployed.

>> 22:58 - First Platoon maintains steady perimeter despite unprecedented Arachnid presence.

>> 22:59 - Red Wing 1-0 enters the A.O. First Platoon boards. Red Wing 1-0 dusts.

>> 23:04 - First Platoon officially boards the Grant, concluding their tasking.

 

Abstract Mission Conclusion

Mission was success. Minimal casualties sustained.

Second Platoon's whereabouts are still unknown. Likelihood of survival is unknown.

Arachnid network requires investigation. Brain-Caste capture suggested.

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[cat danny 25]

Mission Report - First Platoon

 

Abstract Mission Briefing

i. First Platoon is to exterminate a bug hive.

ii. First Platoon is to establish a Forward Operating Base within the oasis.

 

Mission Log

>> 16/11/2298 - 4:32 Federation Standard - Sgt. Stevenson as drop lead. Cpl. Conelly as RTO / SIC.

>> 4:50 - Red Wing 1-0 touches down. Platoon deploys. Red Wing returns to orbit.
>> 4:55 - Platoon encounters varied-caste Arachnids. Proceeds through the swamp lands.

>> 5:12 - Platoon proceeds to establish a temporary FOB, supplies air dropped in by Red Wing 1-5.

>> 5:32 - Platoon detonates TON inside of bug hive, obliterating it and by extension, their FOB via opened tunnel.

>> 5:44 - Exfil is requested. Little Eagle Two-Three is tasked. 1x KIA (Cpl. Conelly)

>> 5:47 - Little Eagle Two-Three lands. Platoon evacuates.

>> 6:02 - First Platoon officially boards the Grant, concluding their tasking.

 

Abstract Mission Conclusion

Mission was partial success. Bug hive destroyed, area temporarily unusable due to conflagration. Oasis destroyed. 2nd Platoon deployed post-fires in order to attempt to salvage an FOB.

 

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[F r a n c o]

Mission Report - First Platoon

 

Abstract Mission Briefing

i. First platoon to retrieve downed TAC fighter pilots - Flight DAGGER.

ii. First Platoon to retrieve Flight Data Recorder from Flight DAGGER TAC sites.

 

Mission Log

>> 25/11/2298 - 6:45 Federation Standard - Sgt. Quinn Caffrey as drop lead. LCpl. Erae Bellic as SIC.

>> 7:22 - Red Wing 1-0 touches down. Platoon deploys. Red Wing returns to orbit.
>> 7:38 - Platoon encounters worker-caste arachnids.

>> 7:54 - Platoon retrieve flight recorder from DAGGER 1-3. Platoon confirms death Petty Officer Leon Riker.

>> 8:06 - Platoon retrieves Lieutenant Richard Boyer | 3Spc. Nu Ji-Hun provides medical aide.

>> 8:15 - Worker-caster arachnids encountered. Platoon continues search.

>> 8:36 - DAGGER 1-4 crash site found, flight data recorder retrieved. Platoon confirms death of Lieutenant James Girgus.

>> 8:41 - First Platoon engages warrior-castes. Investigate trail leading EAST of DAGGER 1-4 crash site. | Second Platoon finishes tasking, eliminating plasma bug presence.

>> 8:53 - Platoon retrieves Ensign Sally Dougan, critical condition. Platoon calls for immediate EVAC.

>> 8:55 - Platoon engages warrior castes. Platoon-wide casualties ensue. | LCpl. Erae Bellic provides medical aide.

>> 9:01 - Red Wing 1-4 tasked with extraction.

>> 9:04 - Red Wing 1-4 lands. Platoon evacuated. | Dropship is damaged on-site by warrior-caste. 

>> 9:13 - Red Wing 1-4 crash lands into the hangar deck. 2x KIA (FLt. Beau Duke, Spc. Zachery Giamundo) 8x WIA (List to follow).

>> 9:16 - First Platoon officially boards the Grant, concluding their tasking.

 

Abstract Mission Conclusion

Mission was complete success. All flight recorders retrieved, all surviving pilots were extracted.

 

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[Orwell]

 

 

Abstract Mission Briefing

 

i. First Platoon is tasked with destroying a tunnel network on the floor of a canyon in Hirabayashi-Neumann Federal Park while Second Platoon eliminates a tunnel network to the North of first Platoon. Destroying said networks will inhibit entrenched Arachnids from bringing down dropships flying overhead.

 

Mission Log

>> 26/11/2298 - 1:00 Federation Standard - Sgt. Madoc Llewellyn as drop lead.

>>1:11 - Little Eagle Two-Three touches down. Platoon deploys. L-E returns to orbit.
>> 1:35 - Platoon comes across remnants of park buildings on Hirabayashi-Neumann Federal Park grounds.

>> 1:50 - Platoon encounters minimal resistance from Arachnids, and proceeds down into the canyon.

>> 2:00 - Platoon proceeds to dispatch Arachnids before noticing the effects of the ethanol springs on the floor of the canyon.

>> 2:10 - The platoon crosses the canyon before contacting MOBCOMM to report 'wooziness.'

>> 2:20 - Platoon begins to become noticeably inebriated from the excess ethanol in the air on the canyon floor.

>> 2:22 - Platoon attempts to destroy the geysers in an attempt to cut off the ethanol. This does not work.

>> 2:30 - Platoon remains in the canyon. Misfires and accidental discharges reported. Inebration worsens.

>> 2:40 - Platoon manages to close the entrance to one of the caves. Command structure and communication break down.

>> 2:50 - Platoon decides to hole up in the park building near their LZ for their own safety. Platoon is thoroughly inebriated.

>> 2:55 - Platoon exfiltrates via MEDEVAC.

>> 2:55 - Platoon officially boards the Grant, concluding their tasking.

 

Abstract Mission Conclusion

Mission was a failure. Due to the overlooked detail of the location of several ethanol springs and geysers on the floor of the canyon, First Platoon was rendered combat inefective. Dropship supply lines are to be routed around Hirabayashi-Neumann Federal Park until further notice.

 

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