Durgama Takeover

Combined Army aren't the only faction sneaking around Durgama...

A clandestine Hassassins sect has forwarded reports to Haqqislam High Command that contain proof of rogue scientists working at the Alfutna Terraforming Unit. These traitorous individuals have been sending classified data to Yu Jing operatives in exchange for financial reward.

In the early hours of the morning Haqqislam High Command authorises the Jackals Unit to move into position and eliminate the rogue elements. However, the situation soon escalates as Yu Jing operatives appear on the scene! Now the loyal civilians must be protected from the Yu Jing forces, whilst the traitors are rooted out.

Haqqislam - The Jackals Unit

Yu Jing - Incursion Force (No cool name because they're the bad guys, obviously)

The Mission: Unmasking
The Objective: Kill the enemy informants whilst protecting our own scientists.

Haqqislam takes the early initiative, arriving on the scene first and making the opening moves. The Yu Jing troops appeared later, and moved in response.

It was the Hassassins that first discovered the audacious betrayal, and therefore the honour of first moves goes to Al Djabel. At the start of the operation he finds himself near to an enemy HVT, but as Yu Jing forces arrive he switches targets. A Zuyong on a nearby rooftop makes for a very tempting kill. He stealthily creeps forward and draws his blade, daubed with vicious toxins. In two strikes, the Zuyong dies.

Unfortunately, as Al Djabel strikes, a Kuang Shi dodges up onto a nearby container, and begins to squeeze the trigger of its chain rifle.

Thankfully, a nearby Mukhtar races forwards to cover the advance of the deadly assassin. He vaults up onto a nearby rooftop and drops the Kuang Shi with well-aimed shots, saving Al Djabel. The Red Fury's ammunition tears through its victim, preventing the Kuang Shi from activating its explosive device. The Mukhtar then downs a nearby Digger, before setting up a commanding overwatch position.

The Yu Jing troops spring into action shortly after the first shots ring out. With a rippling effect, the cloaking device of a Hac Tao switches off. Enraged at the actions of the Haqqislam forces he goes on a rampage. First action - move and kill Zuleyka. Second action - move and kill a Digger. Third action - move and kill the overwatching Mukhtar. Fourth action - move and kill Knauf. Each Haqqislam troop drops in quick succession as the Hac Tao's unwavering aim allows it to strike true. The Zuyong nearby to Al Djabel then moves into his back arc and mercilessly executes him.

It might have been Haqqislam that struck first, but it was Yu Jing that quickly took control of the battlefield.

The Haqqislam lieutenant swallows as communication channels quickly go silent around him. Beads of sweat form on his forehead. He thinks for a second before giving clear and direct orders. "Kill that Hac Tao, now!". A small Asawira and Rafiq team seizes their opportunity. Covered by smoke thrown by a nearby Ghazi, they move over to a console and retrieve the name of one of the informants, but unfortunately not the main target. The Rafiq then performs a sensor sweep around the location that the Hac Tao was last seen in and waits...

...its sensors ping in affirmation - there's definitely a target here! The Rafiq sends the location of the ping to it's team-mates. With this information the Asawira charges forwards and catches the unmistakable shimmer of a cloaked infantry nearby. After a brief scuffle the Asawira's sword strikes true and the highly advanced power-armour belonging to the Yu Jing troop fails. The Asawira then retreats to a safer position. As it does so it puts four quick shots into the newly identified informant, instantly killing them.

The Yu Jing troops advance once again. The Zuyong that killed Al Djabel enters suppressive fire near to a console, knowing that it needs to stop the Haqqislam forces from retrieving the names of every informant.

On the other side of the board, Krit Kokram emerges from his well-protected position near the rear and advances towards the button next to the Asawira. He takes shots at the Asawira and a slippery Liberto that skulks in the shadows. The Asawira dies immediately, its armour failing to deflect the armour-piercing rounds. However the Liberto manages to dodge for some time, placing two mines near to the console, before also succumbing to Krit's rifle.

Haqqislam must be decisive now. This is quickly getting out of hand and time is running out. With only one informant removed they run the risk of failing the mission unless they do something decisive!

The Mukhtar hacker emerges from its sheltered position and carefully moves whilst remaining out of sight from the nearby suppressing Zuyong. The Mukhtar quickly interacts with the console that the Zuyong was covering and retrieves another scientist's name. It's the ringleader! The main target. However, this individual is on the other side of the board, being covered by Krit. Darn.

Running low on assets, Haqqislam High Command authorises the use of mercenary troops. The lieutenant orders the Digger forwards, and sighs with relief as the close-combat prowess of the Digger is demonstrated by the main informant dropping quickly. Haqqislam's appreciation for mercenary elements has always been strong - today it was certainly money well spent! The Digger then runs screaming into close combat with Krit and manages to wound him. Just behind, a Ghazi pushes forward, its jammer covering Krit.

Yu Jing is on the back foot now. They've only retrieved the name of one Haqqislam scientist and what's worse is that they've eliminated none. Krit was intending to interact with another console to hopefully identify another scientist, but is now locked in close combat with a ferocious Digger. The Yu Jing commander thinks quickly.

A Yu Jing Digger moves forward and puts chain rifle shots into the Ghazi. The Ghazi is badly wounded but doggedly holds on, determined to do his duty. From an overwatch position, a Celestial Guard appears and finishes the job with three accurate rifle shots. That's the jammer dealt with!

But orders and time are low now, and the Yu Jing team has no assets nearby to a console, save Krit who is stuck in a deadly battle. A Zuyong charges into the fight to aid Krit, but fails to scratch the mining suit of the Digger. Krit also scrambles to land a decisive blow but can't do it! Roaring in frustration he reaches for a d-charge to slap onto the exo-suit worn by the Digger, but as he does so he opens himself up to attack. The Digger makes an upwards cut, implanting its knife between the tough sheets of armour that protect Krit. He stumbles backwards and falls unconscious.

With no remaining specialists in a position to interact with the consoles, the Yu Jing command orders a retreat. They cannot win the day.

Somewhere on Concilium Prima, a local miner's bank account suddenly receives a massive transfer of funds. Attached to the transfer is a note that says, "for undisclosed professional services, and a bonus for extreme valour"

Thank you so much to my opponent for an amazing game!

Real nail-biting stuff here. When the Hac Tao killed four troops immediately on turn one, and then a Zuyong killed a fifth, I really thought I was in trouble. Luckily I managed to deal with the Hac Tao, kill some designated targets, and stop the Yu Jing player from doing the same by locking Krit in close combat. I must admit that a Digger keeping Krit occupied for roughly four orders was completely ridiculous, but sometimes that's the way the game goes!

Thanks for reading!