The Pristine Commonwealth

[MadMario]

Chapter II, Part I


*generic news jingle playing*


"Welcome back to Henndirro News Network with a breaking news report of the tense situation in Ulrion Prime´s capital city. As you may have heard earlier, an explosion heavily damaged the StarCorp. LLC building in the embassy district right before the start of treaty negotiations."





"Yes, and it seems that the rumours of an underground rebellion were far from exaggerated, as a video shows that´s been released shortly after the attack. The Protectorate forces now seem to face an opponent that has been widely underestimated."
"And we're happy to hear that our reporter Hugh Headlines who witnessed the explosion earlier is in good health and already back on the streets to give us the latest update on the situation!"





"Alive and kicking, Anne! And so are the docks in the embassy district, where Protectorate troops and a few soldiers of the StarCorps entourage have gathered to secure the situation.





"As our drone pictures show, they try to fortify the landing pads to ensure that dropships can bring reinforcements here quickly."





"However, it doesn´t look too good, considering the relatively low number of troops that coud be round up here. If just half of the rumours in the streets are correct, there are many, many rebel troops and even tanks approaching through the industrial district and will soon arrive here."





"Oh, hey. Maybe we can ask some of the soldiers how they experience the situation. Excuse me, Sir! Do you think you'll have a chance against the supposedly huge army of..."
"You know what, pal? Yeah, I know - freedom of press 'n stuff - but we don`t have time for your nonsense. This area will be a battlefield sooner than you think."





"So, you expect enemy forces to break through soon he..."
"Listen, buddy. I see that reading a room is not a skill you possess. For your own safety we'll guide you out of here. No interview today, sorry."
"Well, Anne, you see everyone´s a bit nervous about the upcoming battle. We wish all participants a violent and successful fight!"





"Umm... yeah... you're not a sports reporter, Hugh. But thanks!"
"Maybe his head was battered more than we thought..."
"Anyway, stay tuned for more news on the Commonwealth Crisis! We´ll keep you updated with troop movements, weapon system informations, body count and more!"
"What?"


*generic news jingle playing*


to be continued...

[MadMario]

Chapter II, Part II



Shortly after his conversation with Lord Weisswelt, Secretary McKinley heads to the fairish fortified docks, where Ambassador Barrick and Security Chief Porter are already awaiting him.

Quinton McKinley: "Is that everything we got?"




Diego Barrick: "For now, yes. Fortifications are up as good as the time let us do it, and all our troops lined up at the dock's east end."

"I hope that was the bad news and you have some good news left for me..."





"Indeed I have. StarCorps assured us to send troops immediately, the nearest fleet is fairly closer to us than the M-Throne forces. And also an entire IMA chapter is here to help. Their ship landed west of the docks quite recently, and they should arrive any minute."

"That´s good news, indeed! Intelligence gave me the estimated numbers of enemy forces, and if they are correct, we´ll really need every help out here."





"Did someone say help?"





Bright lights and deep motor sounds suddenly fill the air. A big truck and several buggies and motorcycles speed up the way to the docks. The truck with several mercenaries on board halts right in front of dock 13's gate.





"Vance, brother! Good to have you here, ol' Son of a B..."

"Hey, keep our mother out of this!"

"???"

"Sorry for the language, Quinton. It´s kind of a ritual greeting we have."





"Quinton McKinley, this is Captain Vance Barrick, leader of the IMA chapter of Henndirro. And also my brother, as you may have guessed."

"An honor to meet you, Captain. Even if the circumstances could've been better."

"The honor is mine, Secretary. Oh, and there´s no better circumstances to make someone´s acquaintance at the brink of battle. It shows their true nature, unlike sitting at a conference table with some dull paper-pushers."





"The IMA is at your service. We´ll keep the crowd entertained until the headliners show up."

"That´s a very... colorful way to describe it. But thanks."





With some routine gestures Vance Barrick directs his troops to help fortify the docks, and the mercenaries immediately advance to their new positions.

"Excellent. As long as we can keep the docks until StarCorps and M-Throne arrive, everything´s fine."

"*sigh* Diego, I really wish I could share your optimism sometimes..."


to be continued...

[MadMario]

Chapter II, Part III



A poorly lit alleyway in Ulrion Prime's industrial district.

"...and you're sure he will still show up?"





"Be patient. I´m sure he's just careful. That takes time."

"I´m just not comfortable with making changes to our plans so short before the ambush. Especially if
it involves new factions we hardly know..."

"I stand surety for EnviroCorp. I´ve worked with them before."





Shortly after, careful footsteps can be heard at the alley.

"Excuse the delay. I had the feeling of being followed shortly. Took some detours to be sure."

"I see. And to what conclusion did your boss come?"





"President Moneaux doesn´t want any direct involvement due to political tensions. This will be a completely unofficial mission. But he funded a considerable amount of troops for this, all armed and ready."

"Well, that sounds very good to me, Cantos. So we might plan how to get your troops quickly into..."





"Am I late to the party?"

Everyone in the alley stares shocked at the figure on the roof, pulling their weapons immediately.

"Stay back! Who are you?"

"Easy, pals. I´m on your side. My principals want the same thing you want."





The woman swiftly jumps off the roof and stands in front of the still puzzled group

"I know you. You´re Mortdecai Magna's assistant!"

"Correct. And Magna wants to be part of the party. He´s just not the type who waits for invitations."





She hands a datapad to the leader of the gang.

"Here. On this you´ll find useful informations. Our radio frequencies, passcodes and where our troops are right now. That´s right, we´re already here in the city."

"Just one question - why would Magna want to do this?"

"We won´t let StarCorps resume the negotiations with the M-Throne empire. And anything that weakens StarCorps is good for MagnaCorp's business. Easy as that."





"Well, I gotta go. See you in a moment on the fray!"





"Hmm. I`m not sure if I like where this is going..."

"Well, don´t ask me why, but I suddenly think everything´s going as it should."


to be continued...

[MadMario]

Chapter II, Part IV



A Major of the former Commonwealth army approaches the General and his attendand.

"General, all troops are armed and ready to move."





"Excellent, Major. I heard that divisions of our new allies have arrived on schedule, too?"

"Yes, Sir. EnviroCorp and MagnaCorp both sent numerous troops and vehicles, and the rebel forces that shaped in this city also sent several divisions of troops. It´s way more we could have hoped for."





"Well, that´s very good news. As soon as the 'Ratel' is packed up, we'll give the signal and head straight to the docks. I want you and your men to come with us."





"It´s an honor, Sir. My men will be aboard in no time."

"Good. With all these brave men and women on our side I feel this will be a glorious day for...."





"...the RESISTANCE!"



Find The Battle Report Here!