FEDERATION COLLECTION #1
THE AZARIUS INCIDENT
Published By: Modern Day Publishing Co. Inc.
Storyline By: Steve Nolan
Scenario Design By: Steve Nolan & Rob Ballantyne
From the Author
What I have set out to do with this project is to create an entire series of scenarios that carefully intertwine hand in hand with a realistic, thought provoking, adrenaline pumping storyline that will totally emerge the participants into a world of their own, a series of mini-campaigns that utilizes not only Omnitrend's Breach 2 game, but other IGS (Inter-Locking Gaming Systems) Games like the Rules of Engagement and other future releases by OmniTrend. As of now, the Federation Collection will consist of seven separate campaigns with over a hundred different scenarios that will not only be built around one central plot, but will hopefully create a "Universe" where you, the player can totally escape to and build your character from the beginning rank of Ensign to the ultimate career status of Starfleet Admiral. We will create a collection of scenarios that will start you out leading a small patrol of grunts through the sweltering heat of a jungle to eventually the hi-tech surroundings of a bridge on a Federation Starship commanding a fleet of warships.
The other six disks in the series will sell for $19.95 each and will only be available to VidComm members. The price of $19.95 is well worth the investment when compared to other Campaign Disks offered by OmniTrend at $24.95. Bundle six of these Campaign Games together at $19.95 a piece, and you have over $120.00 invested. That is why we have especially created a new membership for you... the Elite Club. This special organization was designed to not only offer the entire Federation Collection at over 50% savings, but also bundle in a yearly subscription to VidComm the Resource Guide to OmniTrend Newsletter, but also offer major discounts on all OmniTrend products! This new organization is definitely for those loyal diehard players and readers who comprise from our thousands of VidComm subscribers.
The Federation Collection Campaign Disks was originally conceived over a year and a half ago, with the introduction of OmniTrend Software's Breach. Early attempts at the project produced two fantastic Campaign's, Ore Wars and Imperial Uprising. With the development of Omnitrend's IGS gaming systems, it allowed us to migrate from stand alone Campaigns to a intertwined collection of Breach 2, Rules of Engagement and other IGS Game Scenarios. Looking back at both Campaigns, Imperial Uprising and Ore Wars, both of which were based around the central storyline of the Universe Series, (created by William Leslie) we were able to tie in directly with the Universe Story. But now the Universe Series has ended with the finale of the Series, Universe III, I knew that the storyline of the Federation Collection would undoubtedly run into conflict with the original storyline of the Universe Series. After all, the United Democratic Planets had capitulated to the Federation Worlds. The Local Group Star Cluster bad been united with the ending of Universe II. And with the release of the long awaited Universe III, the Local Group had established contact back with Mother Earth.
How would I recreate a storyline that would not conflict with what had been already established? How would I address the problem of tens of thousands of Players who had never heard of the Universe Series? Should I create a world all my own and abandon the foundation created by OmniTrend's William Leslie? These thoughts have plagued me for many months as I eagerly awaited the release of Breach 2.
The solution had hit me strangely enough one night as I was sleeping. I can still remember that hot, August night as I slipped out of bed and stumbled to my Macintosh. Create a world based around the original Universe plot, but take it another step... One more step into the future. What I have created seems not only to answer those haunting questions, but also addresses new, untouched questions for Local Groupers like myself. To say more would be letting the cat out of bag. So with this, I shall end by saying that I hope you enjoy playing these games as much as I had creating them. For as a struggling Science Fiction writer, what greater joy could one want than to have a loyal reader.
This project, the Federation Collection is solely dedicated to my loving wife, Christine, for whom without her support and undying patience this would have never materialized into being.
Kleptnir,
Steve Nolan
President and Executive Publisher
Modern Day Publishing Co. Inc.
10/05/89
Prologue
The year is 2402 Local Group Standard Calendar. The location is deep within the Xanor System on a little known planet called Azarius XA7. Over forty years ago, this planet served as mining colony for the Maxim Dynamic Corporation. As the mines turned up more and more rich concentrations of Ore Grades I and II, this small operation soon gained the eye of the Federation Procurement Agency, a political arm of the Federated Worlds Security Council. Just beyond this system lay the Neutral Zone. A natural boundary that separates the Federation from that of the Zollanti Empire (which was established twenty years ago after the Black Nova incursion). Both governments agreed in principal not to cross the Neutral Zone, violating each others sovereignty. Being that the Xanor System forms the central hub of front line planets that separates the Federated World's Local Group Star Cluster from that of the Zollanti Empire, the Federated Security Council saw it fit that a Marine garrison be established on the planet to protect its national interests.
At first, the colonists did not mind the establishment of a Marine Outpost. It would mean regular reshipments and increased travel. More and more goods were brought into planet's economy and the colonists were able to prosper handsomely. The Maxim Dynamic Corporation benefited from regularly patrolled shipping lanes. It not only cut down on pirate incidents, but it also served as a deterrent to the Zollanti. All went well, until more and more colonists fell into conflict with the bureaucracy of the Federation. Colonists being a vastly independent group, found it harder and harder to follow Federated laws and restrictions. Squatter Rights were abolished and on top of that came Federal taxes. The Colonists began to feel that the marines had to go. In other words their time had come and gone. It seemed as though everyone wished for the times of old, and less Federated control.
Two years ago a movement started. At first the rebels acted covertly, destroying bridges and communications. Sabotaging military establishments or an occasional assassination of a Federated sympathizer. But recently the rebels began to come out from beneath the shadows of night and attack boldly in broad daylight. Each time they succeeded in installing fear in the other colonists or lowering the morale of the small detachment of marines who wished that their time of rotation would come allowing them to return home, back to civilization. It was when Maxim Dynamics began to show sympathy with the government, that the rebels began to raid stockpiles of ore. Huge profit losses nearly destroyed the company and the mining facilities alike. It was time the Federation put its foot down and squash the rebellion before it grew out of hand and all was lost.
There were those in the Security Council who believed that the rebels were gaining strength at astronomical rates. Some said that nearly 75% of the planet's population was either directly or indirectly aiding the rebels. The military could not afford to lose its valuable interests in the mining facilities, nor give up its valuable listening post center that was under construction. Azarius XA7 was the closest habitable planet among the front line planets that offered an electronic window into the Zollanti Empire. For that reason alone, Azarius XA7 had to remain under Federation control... rebels or no rebels, the uprising had to be stopped.
The Federated Joint Chiefs of Staff wanted to deploy the entire 7th Marine Flotilla to the planet, and establish orbiting docking facilities that could allow an entire fleet of warships servicing and repair capabilities. But the politicians knew that creating such a large base of operations in the area would not only directly violate the treaty with the Zollanti, but also run the risk of an all out war with the Empire, a risk that would have to be avoided at all costs. It was rumored that some members in the Security Council had secretly leaked to the press that the Azarius Rebellion was being funded by Zollanti Empire itself. This well orchestrated move was to put pressure on the politicians and create a general fear of mistrust with the Zollanti. Everyone suspected that the Zollanti most likely knew of the top secret listening post created on the planet, and short of going in and destroying it themselves, they sought out to use the rebels to carry out their dirty work. Whether this story was actually true, no one knows. Some say that there had been reports of Zollanti Advisors training and arming the rebels deep within the southern jungle forests of the planet.
Fearing the worse, a plan was set in motion... Operation Spartan. A small detachment of highly trained Federated World Special Forces would be secretly sent to the planet. A hidden base had already been secretly constructed. Their mission was simple, crush the rebellion, from the inside out. Use the rebels' own guerrilla tactics against themselves. Fight amongst the shadows and install fear into their very minds. And if the Zollanti were involved, wipe them clean from the face of the planet, they were to leave no trace, no witness, no quarter.
Chapter 1
The hustle and bustle of a hundred and fifty marines setting up house was enough to drive one crazy. The echoing voice of Sergeant Steiner and Krantz was enough to make any man jump in his boots. Closing the door to your office you sit down at your desk and turn on the VidComm monitor. After entering your security clearance you lean back in your chair and wait for the descrambler to retransmit and decode your message. A moment later the screen comes to life as a picture of Admiral Williamson appears on the plasma screen.
"I see that you have made it all right Commander."
"Yes sir," you reply. "Everything seems to be in order. The men are setting up shop and storing gear as we speak. They seem to have a lot of nervous energy."
"Space travel can do that to a man. How long before your ready to operate?"
"Sergeant Steiner says forty eight hours, but we'll be ready in twenty four. As soon as I can get my own equipment situated I thought about going out on a recon operation, just to get a feel for the terrain we'll be operating in."
"Well your Area of Operations will mostly be to the south in the jungle regions, but the land surrounding your base is comprised mostly of dense forests. It should be adequate for training purposes. I will send coded messages every twelve hours. Have two units on the ready line at all times. We already have intelligence agents scouring the planet. If anything should come up, we will contact you to intervene. Any questions?"
"No questions on my part sir."
"Very good Commander. Good luck with the assignment, we have a lot riding on you and your team."
"Rest assure Admiral, we'll take care of business and put these fires out before they have time to spread."
Standing up from your desk you walk outside and head towards the Operations Building. Sitting at a monitoring terminal is Corporal Simms. She is busy adjusting frequency controls and fails to even notice your presence.
Sergeant Steiner, a rugged looking man of thirty six years old turns around and approaches you. "Everything in order. We should have some resemblance of home in no time sir."
"Very good Sergeant. Find four or five men who you can break away from house cleaning and have them ready for a light recon patrol in five minutes. I want to take a small patrol out."
"Yes sir, consider it done."
Play AZRS 01
The patrol although it was somewhat long and uneventful, did allow you to get out and stretch your legs. The countryside was beautiful, yet harsh. The landscapes offered plenty of protection in a fire fight but going in and coming out would be tough. You begin to wonder if fighting the Wadgels and Terradons will be as easy as fighting the rebels. As you make your way into the control room you see Sergeant Krantz fully geared up with a squad of marines preparing to enter the transporter room.
"What's up Sergeant?"
"We got word that rebels were spotted by the river's bridge ten clicks south of here."
"That close?"
"Let's take a look at the map." he replies as he rests his laser rifle on the table.
Both of you walk over to the Plexiglas colored map. Running your finger across the main highway you stop at the bridge. "This road directly leads to one of Maxim Dynamics processing plants. Are you thinking what I am?"
"Looks like they're goin' after the bridge."
"Right, chances are they're going to take the bridge before we can get there. The question is do we try hitting them from the other side of the bridge and get them from the rear or do we try a direct landing on the river's edge, right here?" you say pointing to a small clearing just south of the bridge.
Krantz smiled a wolfish grin. "Either way is fine with me. I prefer a hot landing. Gets the blood boiling... then again you're the CO."
If you wish to make a landing south of the bridge and approach it from the rear play AZRS 02. If you wish to try a direct landing on the bridge play AZRS 03.
If you failed your mission please read Chapter 2. If you succeed in your mission please begin your next reading with Chapter 2A.
Chapter 2
With your first taste of real blood still fresh in your memory you feel utterly disgusted. All your prebriefing estimates of the rebels had made them out to be a bunch of disorganized fools running around with hunting rifles taking a few pot shots at nearby targets. Your post action report was not going to favor to well with High Command. Maybe it would indeed catch somebody's attention and this rebellion would get the attention it deserved? The loss of the men would be hard to replace, but if anything it would prove to the rest of the men that they too were venerable. For some reason the rebels were not only trained rather well, they seemed to be equipped with some hi-tech firepower. You've heard about unconfirmed intelligence reports of Zollanti Advisors training the rebels, perhaps this was indeed true?
Please skip Chapter 24 and continue reading with Chapter2B.
Chapter 2A
Although it wasn't a simple walk in the park, the mission was a success. Casualties were acceptable, but by God if you were to succeed with your mission, tactics would undoubtedly have to change. The men seemed ready for action, but something terrible was gnawing away at your innards. The rebels were nothing like what the prebriefing intelligence reports made them out to be. For some reason the rebels were not only trained rather well, they seemed to be equipped with some hi-tech firepower. You've heard about unconfirmed intelligence reports of Zollanti Advisors training the rebels, perhaps this was indeed true?
Please continue your reading with Chapter 2B.
Chapter 2B
After slipping out of your blood stained Exo-suit you proceed to the Operations Center for a debriefing. Sergeant Steiner met you at the door leading to the room.
"I heard about the Operation. Congratulations are in order. I understand we kicked some ass this morning."
"Congratulations? What for? We could have very well got our ass kicked just the same. If we're going to stop this rebellion, I think we should start fighting much smarter. Now come inside, I got a debriefing report to send to the Admiral. I want your feedback, and I think you should sit in on this one.
Sergeant Krantz shouted out across Operation, "Commander, saddle up we got rebels spotted!"
Turning around you turn to Steiner, "Rebels?"
"Sensors pick up a half dozen rebels just south of this morning's Area of Operations." reports Krantz as he hands you your rifle.
"Must be stragglers escaping from our last run in."
"They're moving slow, must be wounded pretty bad."
"Where they headed, isn't that swamp land?"
"Yes, looks like they're beaded through the Marshlands."
"Good, that'll slow them down even more and buy us some time. Get the second unit on the ready line and meet me in the transporter room on the double."
Play AZRS 04
It was a set up. Those rebels who were wounded were used as a decoy to lead us into the swamp. Those bastards were smart. The worse thing about it was that you had swallowed their bait and went into the trap, never suspecting a thing. It was a miracle you managed to get out alive. You were beginning to get frustrated always waiting for the rebels to make a move. How could you be expected to win a war by reacting not acting. As you walk into the room, Corporal Simms meets you by the terminal. "I logged on for you. Should be on line with the Admiral any moment now sir."
"Very good Corporal, that'll be all."
The plasma screen came to life as the Corporal disappeared from the room. The fuzzy image of Admiral Williamson focused into view.
"Good morning Commander," came his reply "or is it afternoon?"
"Actually its evening sir."
"Yes I guess you're right, those damn time zones always screw me up. I just read about you post action report. What do you have to say about it Commander?"
"First I want to go on the record saying that this rebellion is much bigger than anyone wants to admit privately or publicly."
The Admiral leaned forward listening, "Go on Commander..."
"Sir, these rebels aren't a bunch of angry colonists that are going around blowing up a communications tower every now and then. One, they are highly trained in tactics and combat. I can see why the regular marine garrison has their hands full and why you called us in the picture. Second, they seem to be armed to the hilt. We're talking proximity charges, camo-suits and rocket launchers. They have some sophisticated hardware on them. They're getting it from somewhere, whether it's from pirate gun smugglers or Zollanti I have no clue. Either way, if my men and I are expected to stop this rebellion, I think we're going to have to modify the rules of engagement somewhat."
"I see, and what do you suggest?"
"I think we should reduce from two to one team that's available on the ready line at all times. By freeing up my manpower I plan to initiate a series of Seek and Destroy Operations, aimed at cutting their supply of arms, break up their communications lines and finally penetrate their secret training camps. The rebel network is far more advanced than anyone could have suspected. Our last encounter was less than ten clicks away from here!"
"I see... well being that you have a closer grip of the situation, I will give you clearance for your Seek and Destroy Operations, but we'll need to have positive results if I'm going to support you on this. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir. Oh an Admiral... thanks."
"Good luck son."
The plasma screen went blank. "Well what do you think Sergeant?" you ask.
"I think you're absolutely right in bringing this little here war to the rebels, but definitely watch my step if I was you sir. One more slip up sir, and the Admiral's goin' to have your ass."
"After a couple more engagements like today, he's going to have it anyway. At least this way I can go out, fighting saying that I at least did it my way."
"What's next sir?"
"Well Sergeant," you say putting your arm around his bulky shoulders, "See this stack of Intel-Reports... I want us to go over them one by one and try to pin point some Area of Operations."
"Right, I'll have Simms put on a fresh pot of coffee for us."
"God only knows, this is going to be a long night..."
Chapter 3
The morning came sooner than expected, but isn't that always the case when you stay up to two in the morning. Sergeant Steiner met you in the Operations Center with an extra hot cup of coffee in hand. His eager smile betrayed his tired, blood shot eyes.
"Sleep well sir?"
"If you can call five and half hours sleep good." taking the cup of coffee you both proceed to the Plexiglas map. On it, scribbled in a half dozen different colors were markings of possible target sites for the days upcoming missions.
"Basically we determined that we should concentrate our efforts to three main targets. First we'll try to locate their training camps. These areas are here, marked in red. They seem to be most likely located to the south, in the jungle regions. If we can wipe out some of their camps we'll be able to cut down on their recruitment. Up to now they've had it relatively easy. Let them know that we're on to them and that we mean business. Secondly, we should strike their supply depots. We've narrowed down those targets to here and here," you say as you trace your finger through the highland regions. "If we cut their supplies down it should relieve some pressure on their covert attacks. And lastly for the coup de main, we bit their command bases. Where they are located is anybody's guess. Our only hope to finding them will be to retrieve some information from the other operations. Perhaps we'll find some clues..."
"Or we could try to capture some rebels and beat the information out them."
"You mean interrogate the prisoners and extract the secret information from them?" you say with a grin.
"Yes sir, a little motivation never hurt anybody," he says slapping his holster.
"Have you broke the men up into teams?"
"Yes, basically for this first operation against the training camps, I think we should first send in some scout recon teams. Recon the area, locate the camps and slip out with as much information as possible. Then I have an extraction team assigned. Their mission will be to slip in and extract a prisoner or two. The third unit will be a strike team that'll go in there armed to the hilt. We'll basically go in and level the place."
"Good, assemble the first team. Chose the best scouts you got. I want experienced vets going in there with me. Issue Camo-suits, stun pistols and smoke grenades. I want to go in their light."
"They're already assembled and waiting for you sir."
"Good then let's get this show on the road."
Play AZRS 05
Chapter 4
The men performed well. The Operation went by the numbers. Judging by the proximity of the heavy traffic on the jungle trails, you think you've narrowed down the possible location of one of their training camps. Satellite observation would be nice, but then again the jungle's canopy would probably be too thick to penetrate. Nevertheless, you have to go back down and lead another recon mission. Special care will have to be taken on this op. One screw up could easily jeopardize the entire operation, but then again if it succeeded you could set back the rebels operations for months.
The thought of running into Zollanti crossed your mind as you strapped on your exo-suit. Never seeing a Zollanti face to face seemed to fascinate you. You can remember being a teenager reading comic books describing the Zollanti as a barbarian alien race that threatened to wipe out the known Universe. Military training taught you to push back those fears, especially when you studied about the Black Nova Incursion. The battle, if one could call it that, proved that the Zollanti could die just as easy as a human. If they were indeed training the rebels, could they possibly see through the camo-suit's protection and jeopardize the mission? Trying to console yourself into not worrying about it, you realize that there is really no way of knowing unless you try. With that last thought you suit up and head towards the transporter.
Play AZRS 06
Chapter 5
The morning's long range recon patrol had proved fruitful. The main trail leading to the Rebel Training camp had been discovered. After the Marshland massacre, you would have to proceed a little more cautiously from now on. The patrol had been a total success in that a true sketch of the training camp was now available. Looking over the enemies' defenses you realize that capturing a rebel leader or two may prove very difficult indeed. But regardless of the risks, you knew that if you were to find the rebel supply base, a Rebel would have to be captured and drugged to tell its location. The only question that remains yet unanswered, was if the right rebel leader could be kidnapped. This is why you have chosen to capture two of them instead of one. More than likely they would be found in several of the installations located throughout the training camp. The question was, would you be ready? You are utterly exhausted, but you know you have to go on. It will be your decision to snatch the correct prisoners. They will obviously have to be drugged and taken away. If any sign of a struggle should remain behind, they would no doubt get suspicious and place the guards on full alert. The Strike Team would loose that element of surprise that it would heavily depend on. This next mission would have to go by the numbers. Looking across the room you spot Sergeant Steiner.
"Sergeant do you have the Extraction Team assembled yet?"
"Aye Sir, they are standing on the ready line waiting for the word."
"Very good, then let's get this party going..."
Play AZRS 07
If you successfully completed your mission then continue reading, if you failed, then retry until you complete mission 07.
Chapter 6
With the prisoners recovered and still sedated, the Strike Team was busily preparing for the pre-dawn attack. You had barely enough time to shower, catch a quick bite to eat, and suit up for the next mission. The losses from the mission were acceptable, especially when compared to the amount of information you were able to retrieve from the rebel prisoners. It would be just a matter of time before they would tell all, and hopefully give us the information on the whereabouts of the rebel's main resupply area was located.
The bright glow of the plasma screen came to life as the image of the Admiral came into focus. "Congratulations are in order Commander."
"Thank you sir."
"I just finished reading your post op report on your successful capture of the two rebel leaders. What kind of information have you obtained so far?"
"We are still interrogating both of them as we speak. Sergeant Steiner has roughed them up a bit, and so far, all we can put together is that the Rebels are far more organized than we could have ever suspected. I fear that a great secret has been kept. Apparently the rebels operate in cells. This one area where we snatched them is just one of a hundred different bases located in the jungles. We do however, have actual confirmation of direct Zollanti intervention."
"Yes I know. Tell me more about it."
"We had only two positive ID's on them. Apparently, they were both some sort of covert military trainers. Unfortunately, both of them were snuffed out during the raid. They sure as hell put up one hell of a fight."
"Anything else?"
"I fear that if we don't get a firm grip of the situation soon we are going to have a lot harder time breaking their backs than we expect."
"What kind of measures have you taken?"
"Right now we are preparing to send in a Strike Team to go in there and level the known camp. By the time I come back, we should have the information on the whereabouts of one of their supply camps."
"Very well then Commander, keep up the good work. I'll be in touch soon."
"Thank you Admiral. I will send you my post op report as soon as I get back to the base."
Walking over to the armory you look over the ordinance listings for the next mission, the complete destruction and annihilation of the camp.
"I guess you know that the Rebels will be waiting for us when we come in." spoke the Sergeant
"Yes I know. On our last op, I could tell that they were suspicious and on their guard. Now that they know that their leaders are missing I am almost positive that they will have shifted more men into the area. I only hope we can catch them off guard and wipe this place out before they can bring in reinforcements."
"Well I have assigned some of our best men to carry in rocket launchers. Maybe this will give us that edge back."
"Let's hope so... let's hope so. We'll need it."
Play AZRS 09
Chapter 7
Slowly you take off your dirty exosuit. Emotions of utter disgust bit you in waves of guilt and frustration. How does the Admiral expect you to win a war with a handful of special forces marines? The screams of your dying men echo off in the distant as you head back to the Operations Center. These rebels seem to have more firepower than the Federation has stationed in this very same star system. Those tanks were Zollanti tanks for sure, but how did they get on the planet? Maybe they were there all the time, located somewhere close to the camp? But how did they get to the camp in less than four hours? Maybe there was a fuel depot located close to the camp that they used for refueling.
Sergeant Steiner approaches you from the distant. "I just heard the news from Corporal Kim. How in the bell did they get tanks?"
"Your guess is as good as mine. If they have tanks this close to Freeport, then they must be preparing for something big."
"Well I think you just might be right sir. I think we have just obtained the information on the location of a supply depot in the area. If they are indeed planning something that big, then I bet they are going to have to resupply those Zollanti tanks with fuel before they make their push into the city."
"Show me were the depot is?"
Steiner walks over to the Plexiglas map and draws a large red "X" just south of the city.
"Only six kilometers away from the city?"
"Yeah and only four from the training camp we wiped out today." he says pointing to the map.
"That explains why they were able to beef up the camp's defenses in such a short time. Get the men ready, we're going in to wipe out that resupply depot. If we can hit the depot and destroy their fuel reserves before that column of tanks hits their staging area we just might be able to put off their offensive."
"Yes sir, the teams already assembled."
"Very good, oh and Steiner..."
"Sir?"
"Inform the local marine garrison that I want to have a meeting with their CO when I get back."
"You mean Lieutenant Krieger?".
"Yeah that's right. If the rebels are planning on attacking the city in big numbers, we might be able to stall their offensive, but I want those regular marines on the ready line in case we need to call on them, in case the rebels do indeed push for the city. We'll need everyone we can get our hands on to defend the city if it comes down to it."
"Let's just don't let it come down to defending Freeport. But consider it done, I'll let the marine garrison know that you're going to be dropping by. I'll have a shuttle prepared and ready when you get back."
Play AZRS 09
(Note: Data Packs have been placed amongst the fuel tanks to insure their destruction.)
If you fail your mission, replay it until you succeed with the mission.
Chapter 8
The ride back into Freeport was uneventful. Events of the past morning seem to be taking its toll. Tired and short tempered you exit the shuttle and proceed towards the Marine Garrison located across the street from the starport. All around you, colonists walk about, oblivious of the war that is around them. If they only knew how close they had come to meeting death face to face. If the supply depot hadn't been discovered and destroyed, the rebels and Zollanti would probably be outside Freeport's walls.
A few passers-by stop and look at you as you make your way into the garrison. As you approach the local garrison you notice a lone marine guard standing by the rod iron gate entrance busily talking to a local female. He doesn't even notice as you walk through. Looking back over your shoulder in disgust you notice the marine's laser rifle is lazily leaning up against a nearby tree. As you approach the main compound two marines are standing by the main entrance into the command post. Making your way up the stairs you notice that one of them is asleep! You stop in front of him and kick out one of his legs. He stumbles to the ground and curses.
"What the fu-" he shouts stumbling to his feet. "Sorry sir."
"Not as much as you will be." turning to the other marine you shout out. "Who in the hell is your CO?"
"Lieutenant Krieger Sir!" he replies frightened to death.
"You've got fifteen seconds to find him and have him report to me at once!"
The Marine didn't even bother to salute, turning about face be ran into the building. A moment later he returned accompanied by his commanding officer.
"I didn't know we had guests?" he replied. It took a few moments for him to recognize the lapels on your cammies. "Lieutenant Krieger, bow can I help you sir."
"First by throwing this clown and the one by the front gate into the brig for dereliction of duty."
"What happened?"
"I didn't come here to tell you how to run your show Lieutenant, but apparently its a good thing I came here when I did. Did you know that there is over several thousand rebels operating within a half a dozen kilometers of the city?"
"Several thousand..."
"Yes that's right Lieutenant, several thousand. Our intelligence estimates that there are over 15,000 rebels all ready. If I was a determined rebel not only could I have slipped by the one guard talking to the woman by the front entrance but I could have walked right up into the Operations room, found you half asleep in your office and simply just blew you away."
"I see. Chapman, you and Veller will report to me in one hour. Is that understood?"
"Aye aye sir."
"Yes sir."
"Then get the hell out of my face." shouted the young lieutenant.
As the two marines exit the front entrance, the Lieutenant walks over and motions for you to follow him. The two of you enter a series of power doors and lift shafts. Finally he opens a glass door and motions for you to have a seat at his desk.
"I had no idea we had any Special Forces operating on the planet."
"That's because it's classified. We've been here about a week and a half so far. I didn't come here to chit chat."
"I see. Then by all means go on."
"You've got to get your men in top shape as soon as possible. I will be relying on your men to participate in several operations in conjunction with my own men. The rebels are gearing up for something big. I think we should think about installing a curfew throughout Freeport as well as road blocks on every major entrance into the city."
"What the hell for? This is a peaceful city."
"Yes it is, but it won't be for long. If it wasn't for simply stumbling upon some intelligence information, there would be over 50 Zollanti tanks outside this little peaceful city of yours. It will be only a matter of days before the war hits home and as soon as we can implement some sort of order into the city the better. If you'd like I could get Admiral Williamson to send you the orders."
"No, that won't be necessary Commander."
"Very good, I had a feeling you'd see it my way. I need to be leaving, but in the meantime I think you should have your garrison on yellow alert. No authorized personnel should be allowed into the garrison. We have learned from our interrogation of some local rebels that they have been planning to attack a military installation. If it indeed goes down you can reach me on frequency ninety eight A. We can have a rapid deployment team out here in less than three minutes."
"Thank you."
"Well let's just hope it doesn't come down to that."
Chapter 9
As your shuttle begins to lift off the launch pad you sit back in your chair and try to anticipate the next upcoming days events. Your intelligence gathered from the captured rebels, points to a major covert strike against a military installation. It has to be the garrison. Maybe you should send some men over to temporarily set up a small team to aid in its defenses?
"Commander we have a Code Red message on the line." reported the pilot.
"Patch me in immediately." Code Red. That could mean only one thing. The Special Forces Base was under attack!
"Commander this is Corporal Simms can you read me?"
"Yes what's the situation?"
"Dunno... the rebels are attacking in full force. We got infiltration on all levels of the compound!" her nervous voice betrayed the situation as she tried her best to remain calm.
"Put Steiner on line."
"Can't... he ain't here. He led a small unit to try to re-secure the Armory!"
"What about Sergeant Krantz?" You can barely make out the sharp high pitched squelch of a laser rifle in the background as you wait for the reply.
"I... I think he's dead sir."
Krantz is dead... the thought hit you like a ton of bricks. It took you several moments to gather your wits. "Listen to me Simms... you got to get word to Steiner to bold on as long as possible. If you don't think you can hold out make sure you destroy all secured data packs. Is that understood? Destroy all secured data!"
"Yes.... destroy all data packs."
"Good, hang on Corporal, we're turning back to the marine garrison. I'll bring over reinforcements. It may be a while so hang on."
"Okay sir.... Hurry sir, they're all over us! We don't know bow long we can bold out."
Leaning over to the pilot you shout out, "Turn around! Turn back to the starport.... we need reinforcements. Try to get Lieutenant Krieger on line and have his men ready at the starport!"
Play Azarius 10.
(Note that this scenario is a resumed game and can only be accessed by resuming play. You will not be using your present squad leader for this scenario, one has already been supplied.)
Have the rebels gained the upper hand? What will happen to those men and woman stranded behind in the Special Forces Base? Will Steiner and the rest be able to hang on long enough for you to bring in reinforcements? Have the rebels captured any of the Classified Data Packs? What about the Top Secret Listening Post under construction? Will the rebels and Zollanti learn about its hidden location? Will the Zollanti directly intervene and take Freeport? These and other questions can only be answered by playing the second disk of the Federation Collection, Part II Azarius Under Fire.
Do you have what it takes to regain control of the planet as everything around you turns against you and your men? Can you survive on a hostile planet and fight off rebels long enough for the Federation to realize what has happened? Azarius Under Fire is one of the most grueling Campaign Games designed yet. Imagine over 15 different scenarios linked together to form one entire game. Imagine running throughout the jungle as the rebels send out all their forces in a massive manhunt. Will you be able to lead your remaining men, one scenario after another as you search for shelter, food, and weapons? Can you lead your men across the dreaded marshlands and mountains in search of the secret listening post? Will you be able fight your way back into the city as the rebels begin their major push to liberate Freeport?
If you think you have what it takes to complete the ultimate Breach 2 challenge then you have to play Azarius Under Fire, Part II of the Federation Collection. Available for immediate shipment.... The survival of the Federation is relying on you.