Operation Freezing Shoreline.
Perhaps it might sound a bit exaggerated to call it the greatest defensive operation in the Federation's history, but that's exactly what it was. The rapid deployment of 3,000 personnel from the 1st Infantry and 1st Armor Divisions, flown in aboard the Federation's fleet of transport aircraft, marked the beginning of an unprecedented military effort. This figure didn't even include an additional 3,000 members from the local forces.
It was almost comical how the number of transport aircraft seemed to outnumber the fighters in the air force. Yet, it underscored a fundamental truth: logistics are the backbone of modern warfare. These troops were stationed at Joint-Base Norton, strategically positioned in the heart of New Glacier. From his vantage point on the top floor of the command center, Bell surveyed the base, his gaze lingering on the latest additions to their military hardware.
"Are we gearing up for a war?" Lisa inquired, her voice dripping with sarcasm, though they both knew a war was precisely what they were preparing for.
Outside, a formidable lineup of M1 Abrams tanks and Puma fighting vehicles dotted the snowy landscape, poised to launch an assault on Saven at a moment's notice. Goblins and demons mingled among the vehicles, busy with maintenance and loading ammunition, ensuring readiness for the impending conflict.
"You bet we are," Bell affirmed.
The missile units stationed in Frostwood were on high alert, and fighter jets sliced through the skies on routine combat patrols. Equipped with anti-ship missiles, they were ready to neutralize enemy vessels by any means necessary.
"Though, I'd much prefer they just keep their distance from here," Bell mused.
"And how on earth did you manage to persuade Hussar to evacuate all human populations to New Glacier?" Lisa probed.
"A bit of mutual trust and a dash of intimidation," Bell replied casually.
"Just a dash, huh?"
"Surprisingly, yes. I didn't expect Hussar to agree so readily."
New Glacier had transformed into a refuge, a town built from the ground up with the sole purpose of sheltering the residents of Saven, located eighty kilometers to the west. It boasted public apartments with superior amenities and designated areas for agricultural pursuits, a testament to the monumental effort required to accommodate 7,000 evacuees from Saven.
What was unexpected, however, was the sheer number of humans who volunteered to join the fight, integrating seamlessly into the 1st Infantry Division. Despite occasional tensions between the races, a sense of camaraderie prevailed. United by a common goal, they stood ready to defend New Glacier against the advancing Southern Coalition, illustrating a vivid picture of unity and determination in the face of adversity.
With the Southern Coalition amassing 12,000 troops on their ships and Bell currently commanding 6,000, with plans to bolster his forces by an additional 2,000, the odds seemed to be in his favor. Conventional wisdom in modern warfare suggested that attacking forces needed to outnumber the defenders by three to one to ensure victory. This calculation didn't even take into account the formidable presence of the air force overhead.
"What's our strategy, Bell?" Lisa inquired, seeking clarity amidst the brewing storm.
"We'll hold our position until we hear from Eldrin. He's currently engaging Falael, and his report will determine whether we engage the enemy at sea or on land. I'd rather rebuild that town than let it fall to the enemy," Bell explained, hinting at a preference for preemptive action.
"So, we're not concerned about demolishing the town in the process?" Lisa asked, seeking confirmation.
"Exactly. We've acquired some advanced weaponry that needs field testing," Bell replied with a knowing smirk, revealing a strategic appetite for showcasing their new arsenal's capabilities.
Lisa responded with a smile of her own, understandingly. "No wonder you've invested heavily in artillery."
Bell had indeed stocked up on PZH 2000 howitzers and the more experimental M1299 artillery systems, specifically for this purpose. Additionally, the Facility had contributed something codenamed Archer: three HIMARS systems equipped with M26A3 missiles, designed to unleash guided cluster munitions and bring devastation to the battlefield.
In essence, if the Southern Coalition was intent on war, Bell was prepared to offer them total annihilation. They would be foolish to approach Saven's shores, unless Falael was withholding information about a possible pact with the Coalition or another unknown factor. It was also conceivable that the Coalition underestimated Bell's strength.
The elves remained in Saven, not having received evacuation orders. The RAA had advised against such a move, such as invading Saven with armored vehicles, suggesting that it would give Bell of a legitimate pretext for the Coalition and potentially label him as an aggressor.
These strategic decisions inevitably affected Falael, but Bell left the handling of these diplomatic nuances to Eldrin and Hanna. Given the Coalition's modus operandi, a confrontation seemed inevitable. The possibility of a joint military occupation by the Coalition was something Bell could not entertain, firmly setting the stage for a decisive showdown.
The alert from his phone—a single, insistent beep—drew Bell's attention. It was a message from Eldrin, brief yet laden with implications. Falael had proposed a peace plan without consulting Bell, a move both surprising and audacious. Without hesitation, Bell initiated a call to discuss the unexpected development.
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"Bell, you've seen my message. What do we do next?" Eldrin's voice came through, tense with anticipation.
"Is he out of his mind? There's no way I'm agreeing to a joint-military occupation," Bell responded with disbelief. "And I certainly won't tolerate their presence on our turf. Anything within 30 kilometers west of Saven is non-negotiable. It's ours."
Bell's confusion was palpable. He had refrained from attacking the Southern Coalition's ships, not out of hesitation, but to avoid the label of warmonger. Yet, he was prepared to respond decisively should the Coalition dare to strike first. Even a minor aggression, such as a musket ball wounding one of his soldiers, would unleash a ferocious counterattack.
"It's part of his peace proposal," Eldrin clarified, though the idea seemed as incredulous to him as it did to Bell.
"A joint-military occupation, with both sides barely concealing their animosity? It's unthinkable," Bell retorted.
"I agree," Eldrin concurred, their shared skepticism underscoring the conversation.
"Keep me in the loop, Eldrin," Bell instructed, his tone firm.
"Will do. I'll get back to you later," Eldrin promised, concluding the call.
Standing before the expansive strategic map laid out on the table, Bell pondered his next moves. His fingers traced the carefully delineated borders and key positions, including New Glacier and areas likely to see the advance of Southern Coalition forces. The RAA had supplied detailed intelligence, equipping Bell with insights into the enemy's possible strategies. This information would be crucial as he and his advisors worked to defend the Federation's sovereignty, crafting a response that balanced the need for strength with the desire to avoid unnecessary conflict.
In the war room, the atmosphere was charged with a palpable sense of urgency as Shruss, Hussar, and Linda poured over the tactical layout sprawled before them. They had crafted a nuanced defense strategy designed to thwart any advancement by the coalition forces into Federation territory.
Artillery units were strategically placed to create a formidable no-military zone, a clear deterrent against any forward movement by the enemy. The armored divisions, on the other hand, were primed for offensive action, ready to act as the spearhead in the event of an incursion. Infantry units, bolstered by rapid deployment capabilities, were assigned the critical task of swiftly reclaiming control of the town, ensuring a quick restoration of order. Meanwhile, the air force hovered above, ready to unleash devastating strikes on any lingering coalition forces, securing air superiority and providing indispensable support to the ground forces.
Bell turned to Hussar, whose recent return from retirement had seen him undergo a whirlwind transformation from a 19th-century military leader to a commander equipped with 21st-century warfare knowledge, thanks to an intensive two-day training session provided by the beloved system. "Are you truly comfortable taking action against your former allies?" he asked, probing the depths of Hussar's resolve.
Hussar's response was unwavering, his voice imbued with the gravity of their situation. "Traitors receive no mercy. Their hostile approach, warships and all, leaves no room for misinterpretation of their intent," he declared. His disappointment in Falael's choices was evident, lamenting the missed opportunity to deter the elf from a path that now seemed to lead inexorably to conflict. “The moment we accepted your help, it’s clear for them on which side we are.”
Shifting focus, Bell raised concerns about the civilian situation in Saven. "So, it's just the elves remaining there, right?"
"That's correct," Lisa confirmed, her tone somber as she acknowledged the dire state of affairs. "With the medical facilities obliterated, our presence in Saven has been virtually erased."
Bell lightened the mood slightly with a nod towards their financial strategy amidst the looming conflict. "Well, Hanna has turned out to be quite the efficient revenue generator," he commented, acknowledging the influx of EP that had bolstered their resources, a silver lining in the midst of their preparations for a potentially devastating confrontation, for the other side, of course.
[Bellial Radcliffe] [Level: 32] [EP: 2,525,500,000]
[Diagnostic Menu]
[Items & Logistic Department Interface]
[Military Management]
[Mission + Objectives]
[Infrastructure Menu]
Bell's posture relaxed, a mixture of amusement and pride lighting up his eyes as he reflected on their situation. "I underestimated her ambition when she spoke of pushing the system to its limits. Hanna's ingenuity might just be the key to resolving our financial challenges," he acknowledged, appreciating the strategic edge their efforts had afforded them.
Lisa's smile was a mirror to Bell's optimism.
Shruss, seizing the moment to highlight another success, pointed out, "Our strategic integration of the system has transformed goblins from perceived savages into vital contributors to our defense efforts. Thanks to initiatives like Green Armaments and government incentives, we've achieved a level of self-sufficiency in missile production and other military supplies that was previously unimaginable."
Hussar, inspired by the conversation, expressed his aspirations. "I hope we can replicate this success in New Glacier."
Bell, ever the visionary, added, "With the Umbrilium mine operating at full capacity, there's a lot we can accomplish."
"So, what's our policy moving forward?" Lisa inquired, eager to understand the next steps.
"We adopt a wait-and-see approach," Bell replied with a confident smile. "We're far removed from their immediate reach, allowing us to focus on our endeavors. Let's demonstrate to everyone the true strength of the Federation. It's not just in our military capabilities but also in our investment in human resources. And, as you all know, our presence here is strategic."
Hussar, catching on, added with a knowing smile, "The Umbrilium hotspots, just twenty kilometers south."
"Exactly," Bell confirmed. "This is not just any mineral deposit but a highly dense one, providing us with a significant advantage. We'll utilize it to the fullest."
He continued, empowering Hussar with a nod of approval, "You have the autonomy to manage it, provided your actions align with our constitution. Given the popular vote, it seems you're poised to become the mayor of our burgeoning town."
Hussar, humbled yet confident, replied, "I won't disappoint you or our allies."
Bell's nod sealed their understanding, affirming their united front. This conversation underscored the deepening alliance between Bell and Hussar, heralding a new phase in their collaborative efforts. Under Hussar's guidance and with the addition of 7,000 humans to their fold, they worked through initial skepticism to forge a unified community. The provision of essential services and rapid integration of the refugees were key to their success.
While they hadn't secured all of Saven, Bell's strategic foresight ensured the safety of the population and the acquisition of Hanna, their financial linchpin. Achieving this first strategic objective positioned them well as they turned their attention to securing the ports, marking another ambitious goal in their ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand their territory.