7/22/2085
With their two months of training complete, the problematic team was deployed to South Korea to join in the defense against the Rapine Storm, which had regained strength over the last three years. Ouishi and Shay have command over the party, as they traveled over to California to deploy on the UG Catharsis for a multi-week boat trip to Busan.

The trip was fairly uneventful for the first two weeks, but on 8/8/2085, the UG Catharsis was attacked by pirates. With Umbreal’s forewarning, the party opened fire on the enemy ship before they had a chance to board, and most of the pirate group’s firepower was destroyed before boarding. But once the ship came astern the UG Catharsis, Umbreal foolishly lept into the middle of five assault rifle wielding pirates. In a hail of bullets, she was torn to tatters, barely surviving. But she managed to crawl off the edge of the ship, hiding from the remainder of the conflict.

The last few pirates were quickly subdued, and the ship (and the three surviving broadswords) were captured.

(4/27/2085)
With some careful word crafting, Squad 3 was able to convince the other three squads that the base was compromised. Eben filed a report with Ouishi via satellite uplink, who responded the way any reasonable officer would; she hopped into a supersonic jet with Shay and made it to the base in just under 3 hours. The Migou were found to be dead via self-inflicted internal organ destruction, and Fillepe was rendered dead via Shay.

Squad 3, having filed a formal report in record time due to Ashely’s quick typing skills, were sent back to base, to be lambasted by First Sergeant Bjorn. They intelligently held their tongues while he tore into them, though they are to be held on base for two months for further training.
(5/7/2085 – 7/22/2085)

Platoon 2 was deployed. With no difficulty, they traveled the 14 days to the Panama Base. Nay noticed the canal was particularly understaffed, while Ashely realized there were a series of recently repaired craters. Under intense questioning, the Blanks manning the base cracked under pressure, particularly when a Migou was spotted. A short battle ensued, resulting in the death of the majority of the guards as well as four of the six Migous.

Ashely unleashed a barrage of attacks, dealing quite a bit of collateral damage on the surface. Towa ran over numerous targets, while Eben deathbeamed a line of soldiers, exploding the tank at the end. Three Migous managed to shoot down Nay’s Mech, although it was not completely destroyed. Ashely, in hunting down the last Migou (who was bifurcated by the blast), realized there was a hidden underground hanger. Jumping down, she blasted open the hangar door with a terrifying scream, allowing Nay an easy shot at the dragonflys. The grenade disabled two of the three, while a well placed shot on Ashley’s part destroyed the third completely.

Eben and Towa broke into the Armory the normal way, disabling the last three soldiers. Nay commendeered a Broadsword, slaying another Blank. Towa and Eben found two cowering Blank Soldiers, who turned themselves in – mostly out of fear.

Final result:
13 Blanks dead
5 Blanks Captured
4 Migous Dead
2 Migous Captured
3 HPM Antimech Support Weapon
2 Dragonfly’s Captured
68 Billion Tn in Damages

The 182 soldiers stand at attention in the main meeting hall. Jason Bjorn, First Sergeant and commander of this training camp, limps onto the stage with his familiar dragging gait. He looks over his trainees with the tired eyes of someone who has seen too much. With a heavy sigh, he begins his speech.

“At ease. Today… Today you will all receive your first mission. Many of you will find your first deployment… disappointing, considering how anxious you are to engage the enemies in combat. Though I admire and encourage your enthusiasm, I feel the need to temper your naievity with these warnings: ‘Your enemies are powerful. Your enemies are dangerous. Never underestimate your enemies, or you will die.’ But you have something to stand against these enemies; you have your allies, your friends, and your training here. Keep these close to your heart, and you will find yourself safe, even in the most dire of times.”

He heaves another heavy sigh, catching his breath from the speech. “Platoon one, meet outside the mess hall at 1100 for deployment information. Platoon two, meet at the shooting range at 1100 for deployment information. Platoon three…” He continues on for another minute, issuing orders. “… And remember, you are not to speak with the other platoons about the details of your deployment. The less people who know where you’re going, the less likely an enemy ambush will await you en route. Dismissed!” He hobbles off stage, his grey hair and multitude of scars making him appear much older than his tender 63 years.