Day 1-20: Breaking The Fingers Act I - The Story Of The [6th] And Fort Barley
Day 1-20: Breaking The Fingers Act I - The Story Of The [6th] And Fort Barley
By [PRESS] Cataley Cheezit
War 119, Day 1-20
Fort Barley, The Fingers
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Act I
It is Day 1 of War 119. War has been declared on the Veli-Caoiva land bridge. The 6th Regiment of the Warden Armed Forces is taking part in their initial operations, revolving around the eastern island chains.
After a multitude of initial Mammon charges, establishing their presence in the islands, a Private First Class informed the commander of the [6th], Solo, that the men wished to attempt an attack on the Fingers. The region is part of the Colonial logistics chain and critical to Colonial naval attacks. After consulting other officers in the 6th, it was decided to attempt an attack.
In order to attack, they first needed intelligence. Therefore, two groups of three soldiers, utilizing motorboats, sailed down to the Fingers, having to remain careful not to be picked up by observation towers. They discovered the island of Fort Barley had a large lack of defenses or manpower stationed on it, proving that an attack was feasible. Additionally, there were no naval vessels in the area, meaning a QRF would be unable to be mounted.
Before we continue, we first must discuss who these Warden soldiers are. First, and most important, is the [6th] commander, Solo. A well experienced leader, he was well versed in combat against the Colonials, having led many offensives during War 115 and War 117. Next, were the officer corps. These were led by Officer Nederbal, who was similarly experienced in combat. Below them all, was the main infantry corps. They comprised 60-65% of all [6th] forces in this battle, and almost completely consisted of new recruits, fresh from cities like Whedon’s Row. The chances of success completely depended on the leadership.
As preparation began in Morgen’s Crossing, jobs were separated by birthdate, and the soldiers loaded up various barges and trucks. Work was hard, stretching out over almost two days straight of loading vehicles. A telegram announcing the operation was sent to [6th] Headquarters over the “Discord” line, a secure service utilized by both Warden and Colonial regiments. The final tally was around 50 infantry ready to be deployed, not including the few officers also assisting. At about Day 20 of War 119, the six barges of trucks and soldiers set off from Quietus seaport.
Archival photo.
The soldiers were quiet, the tension able to be cut with a bayonet. Waves lapped upon the side of the barges. Despite being in the middle of the sea, echoes of the brutal combat on the mainland still echoed out here, the cracking of rifles and death rattles of machine guns piercing the blue skies. Scratch the blue part, as smoke and flak had turned the skies above the land bridge a haunting grey.
As soldiers grappled with the thought of likely not returning home (this was well known to likely be a suicide mission), Solo discussed with his officers the likelihood of failure. He knew how little supplies they would have upon arrival, and planned for a resupply mission to occur, collaborating with other Warden regiments. Little did they know at the time, most other regiments had decided not to get involved, deeming it unlikely for them to even make it up the beach, let alone hold the line long enough to resupply with a convoy. They would be on their own. They arrived off the coast of Fort Barley. Final preparations began. Trucks were revved, their engines purring as if a big cat from Leiloa Fa. Magazines and clips were loaded, and the soldiers took some last sips from hip flasks and canteens. The signal to land was given, and the barges steamed forward.
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And the ramps dropped.
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