CRUZ CHRONICLES #006 - OPERATION MIDAS PART 1

Approximately 1000H when Ozz and his secret division of elite soldiers landed on the western borders of Leboux, a city in Central Europe. For weeks now the Allied and Axis blocs have been surveying the area, for which a definite reason was yet to be established. Common grunts heard a potential supply of VK was discovered within the city grounds. Officials do not confirm, nor deny, anything though. As for Ozz, his orders were clear; the Allies must seize control of the city at all costs. But there’s another one, another objective he was handed with.

“The Basterds, eh? You Americans and your bloody pet names!” Jackson jokingly uttered on the radio communicator.

“Excuse me? Hey Ozz, please tell me these stinky Brits aren’t joining us here!” replied Rhino almost instantly after hearing Jackson’s signature accent.

Major Jackson Clayborne, or more commonly known as Action Jackson, as promoted by the local British media, had been part of initial testings of ASOCOM’s new line of weaponry. He and his “Red Devils” have since been carrying one of the most recent advancement in Allies’ technology: Phaser weapons.

On the other hand, Sgt Major William Springfield, or Rhino, a nickname he carried since his professional boxing days, prefer the Heavy Rocket Punches and getting up close and personal with Axis Zombies and Gorillas alike. His “The Hammers” prefer the same, albeit lighter, melee weapon.

The bickering of the two frontline leaders kept on going for at least a minute more, in which Ozz frustratingly yelled, “I will have both of you locked in a stockpile for a month if you don’t end this now!”

Silence followed. “Our priority is to extinguish the Axis trying to take over the city. We will take care of the renegade scum later. Unless they get in my way.” declared Ozz, as he issued the command for his men to press forward.

ACT 1: Vic’s The Basterds

Location: 3

Format: Dust Tactics

Army Total: 250

Special Mission: Victory Bridge: Seize the Explosives

Who's attacking who?

ATTACKER (The Basterds):

Long Tom II (68)

Mickey x2 (70)

Grim Reapers x2 (52)

13 Foxtrot x2 (10)

Crack Shots x2 (20)

Legio Patria Nostra (30)

Army Total: 250

DEFENDER (Zero Division):

OZZ 117 + Grim Reapers (50)

Rhino + The Hammers (48)

Action Jackson + Red Devils (52)

Corps Officers (35)

Tank Busters (30)

Legio Patria Nostra (30)

Army Total: 245

TURN 1:

The Zero Division was seemingly outnumbered, both in number and firepower. 2 medium walkers, 1 heavy walker with devastating artillery power was guarding the objective.

Ozz’ elite team carefully deployed on and around the bridge to avoid an early shot from the opposition. Ozz’ squad took the frontlines, landing on the available cover nearest to the building. Rhino and his Hammers took the left flank, hoping to take on the looming threat of the Mickeys. Action Jackson and the rest of the Division followed suit, readying to provide cover fire where needed.

“Sir, they have a Long Tom II.” Reported the squad leader of Ozz’ French Legionnaires.

The available infantry units of the Basterds didn’t seem clear on their own mission though, deploying outside the building and leaving only a couple of them inside to block the entrances. The monstrous Long Tom II stationed to the right of the building, waiting for the Observers to call the shots.

TURN 2:

Realizing they will not win the battle through sheer force, Ozz devised a plan to exploit the tiny opportunity presented to him.

Without any hesitation, the Field Medic behind him administered them with the single dose of Stimulant Kit. The drug almost instantly pumped up Ozz and his Grim Reapers’ senses.

“Now we’re talking!” Ozz thought to himself as he felt the sudden rush of energy flowing inside him.

“Stop them!” yelled the Basterd’s own squad of Grim Reapers as they rushed and threw themselves to the nearby door, in an attempt to blockade it from the drug-laced Ozz.

But it proved too late, at least for Ozz. “It’s now or never! Jumpers on, Reapers!” Within seconds, the sound of rocket blast enveloped the area after Ozz gave the orders.

The jumpers disengaged their rockets right in front of the building entrance where the opposing Grim Reapers positioned themselves. Without hesitation, Ozz ignited his flamethrower. The hissing sound of napalm ejecting from the nozzle was enough to make even the hardiest soldier cringe in fear. As if the fire was not enough, Ozz’ Reapers added their Victory MG’s firepower to the fray. The Reapers on the receiving end were almost instantly eradicated.

As soon as the smoke from their firearms cleared, Ozz and his squad didn’t waste any more time. “The drug’s wearing off.” Ozz realized. And that will not be very beneficial for his men, especially when you’ll end up like vegetables for a few minutes after the drug’s effects are gone.

“They can’t get inside!” shouted the Basterd’s commanding officer. But everyone, even Rhino and Jackson, were caught off-guard by Ozz’ bold move. In a split moment, he’s inside the heavily protected building.

The after effects of the Stim Kit drug.

RESULT: 

Zero Division won the scenario, granting them control of Location 3, NE Residential A.

AFTERMATH:

It was mission accomplish for them. All that’s left was to take down the remaining units of the Basterds. “Priority Target 2 spotted, sir!” reported the Field Officer of his NCO squad. “Intel said they’re last seen near a residential area due southwest.”

Rhino and Jackson looked at each other, assessing what the other’s judgement on the situation would be. A simple nod was enough to communicate that at least for the time being, they've agreed on one thing. But before they can even take the first step, a shadow emerged from the rabbles.

“Like what I said, first things first.” Ozz announced as he was dusting himself off, like nothing happened. “Eliminating the Axis force is our top priority!”

(To be continued…)