============================================================================== Advance Wars: Days of Ruin - Game Script v1.76 January 2008~February 2008 Written by: JustChillin aka "JC" email: jchanaki@gmail.com ============================================================================== ================= Table of Contents ================= 1. Version History 2. Introduction 3. Script 4. Credits =============== Version History =============== 1.0 - Initial release 1.1 - Fixes and finished known optional dialogue and cleaned the format a bit. 1.11 - Few more typo fixes. Added thanks for people contributing to helping fix the typos I had. 1.76 Fixed more errors, and added half of Dark Conflict's Script (13/26). (02/19/08) Expect it to be done by around the 25th. ============ Introduction ============ The game script faq will contain spoilers in the story. So please be aware that if you have not completed Campaign mode you shouldn't read this guide unless you don't care about having the story ruined for you. Tactics dialogue was included, as are unit selections/introductions. And optional dialogue and even lose dialogue. If I made mistakes, please point them out, and email to me. Preferably point out the line or point out the mission, etc. Dark Conflict's script has been added as well, so people can compare both scripts if they wish, or simply read their respective script if they live in Europe. If you wish to skip to Dark Conflict's Script, search for: AWDC Enjoy. ========================================== Game script for Advance Wars: Days of Ruin ========================================== Prologue: Our world is destroyed. Fire rained from the sky. The land burned... The earth shook.. The oceans raged... THe devastation was total. Dust coverred the earth, blotting out all traces of the sun. it seems impossible that anything could survive. But amid the destruction, there is hope... ==================== *****Chapter-01***** ==================== Days of Ruin Will: Please... Please let me find someone... ~~~~~Cutscene of Will, dirty and shocked~~~~~ Will: ...There's no one here. The whole world is dead. HELLOOOOOO!! Help me, please! I don't want to be alone... ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Will: Wait! There's someone there! Where's my radio?! Maybe I can call them and tell them I'm here... Help me! My name is Will! I'm a cadet at the Rubinlle military academy! Um, do you read? Over. The Beast: Gwar har har! Will: ...What's so funny? The Beast: Look sharp, roaches! We got us a live one! And he's just a punk kid. You know the drill! I want his food, and I want his weapons! Leave his corpse where it falls! Ain't no one going to complain! Gwar har har! Will: No! Don't do this! *****Day one***** Will: There are too many of them! I've got to get out of here! Ok... hold, on Will. Focus. Remember your training. What's the first priority in a combat situation? Right! Examine your surroundings, and gauge the strength of the enemy. *****select Bike unit***** Will: I can't take them on, so I need to fall back. There's a good spot. *****moved***** Will: Ok! What's next? *****If a unit is damaged***** The Beast: Gwar har har! That's what I'm talkin' about! It's blood-and-guts time! We just keep killing 'til there's no one left to kill! =====Tactics War Room===== Will: ...Huh? Where am I? What's this room doing here? Lin: This is the war room, Will. You can come here to learn tactics for the current battle. Will: Oh, that makes sen... Wait a minute! How do you know my name? And how did you pull me off the battlefield like that? And who are you anyway?! Lin: Please. Now is not the time to worry about minor details. You don't need to know my name. You just need to take my advice. Will: Um... OK? Lin: Now, let's get down to brass tacks. It's tactics time! ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Lin: Position your units next to the enemy and attack them. That's it. Will: ...What do you mean, that's it?! Lin: What? It's a perfectly good strategy. ...Oh fine, I'll tell you more. The more damage you do to an enemy, the weaker its counterstrike will be. Striking first is very important Make your first hit count. Will: I think I understand. Thank you. Lin: We'll take care of this battle for you, but remember these tips in the future. ~~~~~Flash to War Room~~~~~ Lin: ...That's it. You can go now. Oh, and try not to get killed, all right? =====End Tactics===== *****Day two***** Brenner: Give me tactical, Lin. Lin: I've got a single solder being pursued by a pack of raiders. The soldier appears to be one of ours. Shall we intervene? Brenner: Do it. Lin: Yes, sir, Captain. Will: Who are you guys? Brenner: Skip the introductions. Fall back, and let us handle this. Will: Umm... OK. *****Bike leaves***** The Beast: What's the big idea, dogface? This got nothin' to do with you! Brenner: It's got everything to do with me. I'm a soldier. It's my duty. You remember what duty is, don't you? I think you used to be soldiers. The Beast: Duty? Gwar har har! Don't make me laugh! This world's dead, soldier boy, and so is your precious duty!! We stopped being soldiers when the meteors hit. We're survivors! This is our time, and there is no law! We rob! We kill! We're kings! Brenner: Not anymore. The Beast: And who's going to stop us? You? Brenner: That's right. Your days of preying on survivors are over. We're going to put you down like the rabid dogs you are. You may have forgotten your duty, but we have not. The Beast: Gwar har har! Keep talking loser! I need a place to aim! Brenner: Move out, Lin. Let's end this quickly. Lin: Yes, sir. *****First enemy unit destroyed***** Will: This... this isn't like training at all! This is the real thing! *****Day three***** Lin: All units have unique specs. Make sure to check the intel on each one. *****Attacking a 2nd unit***** Lin: Familiarizing yourself with the different terrain types is essential as well. *****Day four***** Lin: Battlefields can be chaotic, confusing places. If you are at a loss for your next move, there's a way to get advice. (Open the menu, select Mission info, then choose the Tactis option to receive strategy for the current battle.) *****Brenner's Wolves win***** The Beast: GYAAAA! Stinkin' soldiers! Head for the hills, roaches! We're outmanned! *****If Brenner's Wolves lose***** Will: Oh no... After all I've been through? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~Victory Page~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brenner: This will teach them to prey on survivors. ~~~~~A ruined City in Northwest Rubinelle~~~~~ Brenner: You all right, kid? Will: Yeah, I... I am now. Thank you. My name's Will. I'm a cadet at the academy. ...I mean, I was. Before the meteors. Brenner: A cadet, huh? Thought I recognizd that jacket. So what happened? Will: The academy is gone. One minute I was eating lunch and then... Everyone died. Instructors and friends... everybody. I was buried in the mess hall. I've been digging myself out for... I don't know. Weeks, I guess. I looked for survivors, but I only found rubble and bodies. ...I thought I was the only one left. Brenner: You did well to stay alive. I'm impressed. Will: I didn't want to die. Brenner: I'm captain Brenner. I command the 12th Battalion, pride of the Rubinelle Army. And this is my second in command... Lin:First Lieutenant Lin. Welcome to Brenner's Wolves. Brenner: We've made it our mission to seek out and aid survivors of the disaster. The world is a dangerous place now. I suggest you come with us. Will: Yes, sir! That would be fantastic! You won't be sorry about... Uuurrrr... Brenner: Are you all right? Will: Sorry. I haven't eaten in a long time. Brenner: That was your stomach rumbling? I thought we were under attack. Come on. We'll get you some spare rations. Just don't get too excited. All we have is canned bread. ======================== *****End Chapter-01***** ======================== ==================== *****Chapter-02***** ==================== A single Life ~~~~~12th Battallion Base Camp~~~~~ Brenner: You've got permission to leave camp, Will. Don't wander too far away. Will: Sure thing, Captain Brenner. Brenner: I'm glad you've recovered enough to be up and about. Will: I've got you to thank for it, sir. Brenner: Well, don't push yorself too hard. And be careful. This area's not safe. Will: Yeah, I... I know. Brenner: What's wrong? Will: The world really has changed, has it? This ash is everywhere. The sky is dark. It's like a never-ending twilight has fallen. Even the ground is coated in it. I've never seen so much gray. Brenner: Ashes to ashes... Lin: When the meteors struck, huge clouds of dust and ash filled the sky and blocked out the sun. We've haven't seen a single ray since. Will: When will the sky return to normal? Lin: Years? Decades? Who can say? Will: Decades? Brenner: Don't make that face, Will. We'll be OK. As long as there's life, there's hope. Will: As long as there's life... Brenner: Right. The world we know is gone, but we can't give in to despair. Someday things will be set to right. We'll have peace, and the life we had will return. That's what I believe. That's why we must help everyone we can. Will: Um... Brenner: Keep it simple--never give up. If you can do that, anything is possible. Got it? Will: Got it! Brenner: That's the spirit! Now let's get to work. Lin, I want recon units canvassing the area. Lin: Yes, sir. Will: Captain! I want to help too! Brenner: No, I don't think so, Will. It's too dangerous. Will: Oh, c'mon! Look, I know I'm still just a cadet, but that doesn't matter! I can drive or search or wash dishes or whatever. I just want to help. Brenner: ...You've got spirit, I'll give you that. OK, you're in. But if anything happens, get your tail back here. You're too weak to fight yet. Will: Yes, sir! ~~~~~ Will: Hey! Are you alright? Can you hear me? Rubinelle: Hang it up kid. We're too late. He's dead. They're all dead. Will: No... Rubinelle: All these towns are the same. No survivors anywhere. Will: That can't be true! There have to be people out there who need our help. What is captain Brenner had given up on me? We have to keep looking. ~~~~~Flash to field~~~~~ Will: Hello? Is anyone there? Rubinelle: Move it, kid! Mission's over! We got raiders coming. Let Captain Brenner step in and take care of the hostiles. we stay out here any longer, and they'll be sizing us for body bags. Will: Just a little more time. I've got a feeling about this. Captain Brenner always says to never give up. *****Day one***** Brenner: All nonmilitary personnel, fall back! This is now a combat zone! Get that tank up there and block the road! Keep that artillery safe! =====Tactics War Room===== Will: This is...? Lin: This is the war room. It's a place to learn battle tactics and strategies. If you've already been here, then welcome back. If it's your first time, I hope it's useful. Will: So...you give me hints on how to defeat enemies and win battles? Lin: Smart kid. Now listen up. ~~~~~Flash to field~~~~~ Lin: Artillery has a long range, which makes it very useful. However, it can't attack adjacent enemies. Block the road with your tank, and pound enemies with the artillery. Don't allow the tank and artillery to get separated. Will: OK. Got it. Lin: You seem like a fast learner. I hope that translates to battlefield success. ~~~~~Flash to War Room~~~~~ Lin: Feel free to visit the war room anytime. Now get out there and do good. =====End Tactics===== *****Tank is selected***** Lin: Captain, the tank's main cannon is out of ammunition. We can attack with the tank's machine gun, but it's far less powerful. Brenner: Then that's what we do. Get up there and open fire! *****Enemy unit is attacked***** Brenner: Be sure to check the attack range of both enemy forces and your own. *****Artillery unit is selected***** Lin: That's an artillery unit, a power indirect-attack unit. Take care of it. *****Day one, The Raiders***** The Beast: Gwar har har! You ain't getting away this time! You hear me, solder boy? You and tht punk kid are gonna pay! *****End of Day one, Raiders***** Will: Hey! There's someone over there! Hold on! I'm coming! *****Day two***** *****Infantry moves to highlighted circle***** Will: Can you hear me? Hold on! Rubinelle: Is she alive? Will: I... I think so. Her breathing is really faint. Come on! We've got to get her back to camp! Rubinelle: It ain't worth the trouble, kid. I doubt she's long or this world. Will: I'm not giving up! If you won't help, I'll carry her myself! Rubinelle: Are you serious? Will: Hey! Can you hear me? Give me a sign, will you? Rubinelle: That's it! I ain't sticking around to rescue a corpse! Will: Open your eyes... I know there's not much to see, but you can't give up. You're alive, you know? And where there's life, there's hope. ~~~~~Cutscene of Will, holding a girl~~~~~ ???: ... Who... Who are you? Will: Yes! You heard me! You're alive! ???: P-please tell me... Who are you? Will: I'm Will. I'm with Brenner's Wolves. What's your name? ???: I... I don't know. Will: What do you mean? ???: I... I don'tremember. I don't remember anything. Will: OK, OK, don't worry. You've been through a lot. Everything's going to be fine. Just come with me. ???: ...All right. ~~~~~Flash to field~~~~~ *****End of Day two, the Raiders***** ???: What's happening? Will: Don't worry, you're safe. You're with the Rubinelle Army now. ???: Rubinelle... Rubinelle is one of the two main countries on this continent. At the last known date, the army employed 1,296,973 men. Will: What the... How do you know that? ???: Rubinelle and its neighbor have been at war for a century. Despite several armistices, the fighting has never truly ended. Ten percent of Rubinelle's GDP is expended on weaponry and research. The last recorded assessment of its military strength was "Excellent" Will: Where did you learn that? ???: I...I don't know. I don't understand. Will: Yeah, OK... Let's talk about it later. Right now we have to get back to camp in one piece. ???: All right. *****Day three***** Lin: All units! Study the terrain, and use it to your advantage. *****End of Day three, the Raiders***** Lin: Like ammo and food and everything else in this world, fuel is scarce. Avoid unnecessary movement, and keep an eye on your fuel gauge. *****Brenner's Wolves win***** The Beast: GYAAAAA! NOT AGAIN! How did those dirtballs survive? This ain't over, ladies! You ain't seen the last of The Beast! *****If Brenner's Wolves lose***** Will: I'm sorry, Captain. You saved me...and I've let you down... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~Victory Page~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brenner: Make sure the civilians are cared for. ~~~~~12th Battalion Base Camp~~~~~ Brenner: You OK, Will? Will: I'm fine, sir. But the girl we found... Brenner: Who is she? Will: I don't know. I fond her unconscious near some ruined buildings. Brenner: Good work bringing her in. ???: ... Brenner: What's your name, sweetie? ???: Umm... I don't know. Brenner: You don't know? Listen, kid I-- Will: Captain Brenner! Let me explain... --- Brenner: She lost her memory? Is that what you're saying? It's not surprising, with all that's happened to this world. Sometimes I wish mine was gone too. Lin: There's more, sir. It seems the girl has detailed knowledge of our army. I would be interested to know where she obtained her information. ...Very interested, sir. Brenner: Easy, Lin. She's a survivor who needs our help, not an enemy combatant. Will saved her, and we're going to see that she gets someplace safe. Clear? Lin: Sir. Brenner: She's your responsibility now, Will. Stay with her, and see that she's taken care of. Will: Understood! ======================== *****End Chapter-02***** ======================== ==================== *****Chapter-03***** ==================== Freehaven ~~~~~12th Battalion HQ~~~~~~ Brenner: OK. See this spot on the map? That's our next destination. It's a small village. Will: A village? With people? Brenner: That's right. The earthquakes and tidal waves destroyed most of the cities, but... In some places,srvivors have begun banding together. This village is one such area. Admist the anarchy and chaos, they've come together to reestablish laws and government. Will: Laws? Why do they have laws? The world's been destroyed. There's no one left to help them enforce their laws. Brenner: That's why they're doing it on their own. They need some way to create order. No one forced them to do it. It's just natural to try to prevent murder and other crimes. You see, Will? Even in the most unexpected places, humanity shows its inherent virtue. Lin: Permission to disagree, Captain? It's not proof of virtue. It's simply a survival strategy. A society that doesn't punish murderers is a society where anyone can be murdered. A society of sleepless nights, where people live in fear of everyone around them. When faced with tht, it only makes sense to band together and agree to prohibit murder. People are motivated by their own interests. The meteors didn't change that at all. Brenner: They certainly didn't change you, did they Lin? I see yo still don't factor in human decency. As for you, Will, you and the girl will be safe once we get you to the village. You're civilians, so they'll welcome you with open arms. ~~~~~Freehaven~~~~~~ Civilian: Hold it right there! Identify yourselves! Youth: D-don't try anything funny! We've got snipers watching you! Brenner: My name's Brenner. I'm captain of the 12th Battalion of the Rubinelle Army. I need to talk to your mayor. Tell him I'm here. Civilian: What if you're with those raiders? What if you're here to attack us? Youth: Yeah, I bet that's it! You came back to kill us all, didn't you? Brenner: Listen, we don't want trouble. Your mayor owes me his life. Tell him my name, and I'm sure he'll agree to see us. Will: C'mon guys! Help us out, will you? Civilian: Hey... You're too young to be one of them raiders. Maybe you're OK after all. Wait here! We'll go get the mayor. Brenner: About time... ~~~~~Freehaven~~~~~ Mayor: So it really is you. Your weapons and uniforms have my people scared half to death. What do you want, Brenner? we're trying to live in peace. We don't need your kind here. Brenner: So it seems. Don't worry, we'll move out as soon as we finish what we ame here for. We rescued some civilians a few clicks back, including an injured girl. I want you to take them. Mayor: I hope you're not marching in here and giving us orders. I truly don't. Things aren't that simple, friend. My village is barely getting by as is. Brenner: No one's giving orders. I'm asking for your help. They're just a couple of kids. They're not going to make it out there alone. Mayor: And that's not our fault! We didn't make this world, but we have to live in it. That's reality. Brenner: Reality? The reality is that there's nothing out there but cockroaches and corpses. These people survived. They're alive, and it's up to us to keep them that way. Mayor: Maybe that was true before, but now? I don't think so. Millions and millions of people are dead. I don't think a couple more is such a tragedy. The more people we have living here, the more mouths we have to feed. We can't afford it. Brenner: So you think they're not worth saving? Mayor: That's not what I'm saying! We don't want to see anyone die, Brenner. You know that. But you don't know what you're asking. We simply don't have the means to take them in. I'm sorry. Brenner: I see. Mayor: You're soldiers. You can use your weapons to take what you need. All we want is to be left in peace. Now do us a favor, and take your troubles elsewhere. Civilian: You heard the mayor! Hit the road! We don't need warmongers in our lives! You read me? Brenner: I read you. Sorry, Will, but it looks like you're going to be traveling with us until we find another village. Will: Don't worry, Captain, that's fine with-- Youth: Head for cover! Those raiders are back! Where's the mayor?! Mayor: The raiders? Are you sure? ~~~~~Flash to map~~~~~~ The Beast: Look at this, roaches! Soldier boy's visiting OUR village! Nothing like a nice day of raiding, murder, and revenge! Gwar har har! Brenner: Of all the luck... Mayor: Dear mother of mercy! Look at those savages You've got to help us, Brenner! They've destroyed every village in the region, and now they've come for us! Brenner: All those innocent lives... Mayor: They have tanks! We have sticks and rocks! Please! You have to help us. Brenner: All right. Leave them to us. You get your people out of here. Start evacuating! Mayor: In regards to payment... Brenner: There's no time for that now! Get moving! *****Day one***** Lin: Captain, we have only five units at our disposal, while the enemy has nine. They enjoy a significant advantage in firepower. Brenner: Bullets don't win wars. Soldiers do. And I'm bettingours are smarter! =====Tactics War Room===== Lin: Oh. Hello again. I was wondering when you were going to drop by. Ahem. Welcome to the war room, the place to come for tactical advice and strategy. Will: You're going to help me with this battle, right? I'm still kinda new at this... Lin: Patience, grasshopper. All will become clear... ~~~~~Flash to map~~~~~ Lin: There's a narrow pass through the mountains at the top of the map. Position a tank and artillery there, but watch out for the enemy artillery. Place your mechs in the mountains to make their attacks more effective. Will: Got it. Lin: Are you sure? That's a lot to absorb. Will: I'm sure! Lin: All right! Well, if you forget something, feel free to ask. ~~~~~Flash to War room~~~~~ Lin: I'm chock-full of helpful advice, so come back anytime. =====End Tactics===== *****Mountain mech unit attacked***** Lin: The enemy has units in the mountains. That terrain weakens our attacks. Brenner: We can use the woods and mountain, too. I want casualties at a minimum. *****Day one, The raiders***** The Beast: Gwar har har! Is that all ya got? We're gonna slaughter you! Move! I want that dogface's head on a plate! *****Day two***** Brenner: We're still outnumbered, and these scum will fight to the last man. Lin: That's right, sir. I think we'll have to eliminate them all. *****A mech unit is damaged***** Will: One of the mech units has been hit. It's not looking too good. Lin: There's another mech unit. Units of the same type can be joined together. Combining two damaged units will give you one stronger unit. See how the battle unfolds, and join units if you feel it necessary. *****End of Day four, The Raiders***** The Beast: What are you waiting for? Kill 'em! Kill 'em all! Brenner: I'm going to wipe you out if it's the last thing I do. *****Brenner's Wolves win***** The Beast: NOOO! Yer gonna pay for this! Head for home, roaches! We'll feast on these fools another day! *****If Brenner's Wolves lose***** Brenner: Sorry, Will... I guess this old soldier wasn't able to find a safe place for you...after all... Will: No! Captain Brenner! I just wanted to stay with you... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~Victory Page~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brenner: That's how the 12th Battalion fights! ~~~~~12th Battalion Base Camp~~~~~ Lin: We're awaiting confirmation on the enemy withdrawal. Will: Sir, they're gone! There's not a raider to be seen for miles! Brenner: Good work, everyone. Mayor: Captain, Brenner, I'd like to revisit our earlier conversation. I'm not above reconsidering my position on your refugees. Brenner: Is that so? Mayor: It is. However, there is one...condition. Brenner: Go on. Mayor: As you've seen, we live in constant danger from those raiders. They may well regroup and attack us again tomorrow. Do you really think it's a good idea to leave your kids in such a situation? Will: Kids? Hey, I can look after-- Mayor: We know where the raiders' camp is. They've taken over an old army base east of here. Unfortunately, we don't have the weapons or training to go after them. Brenner: I get it. So we wipe out the raiders, and you'll agree to take in-- Mayor: Something like that, yes. If you agree to my proposal, I'll consider your request. ======================== *****End Chapter-03***** ======================== ==================== *****Chapter-04***** ==================== Moving On ~~~~~Raiders'Base Camp~~~~~ The Beast: Listen up, roaches! We're low on supplies, so it's time to swarm a village! Take what ya want! Steal what ya want! Kill who ya want! There's no law but The Beast's law! No prisoners! No mercy! Gwar har har har! ~~~~~12th Battalion Base Camp~~~~~ Lin: Sir, the mayor was right. Those raiders are camped at an old army base. That's probably where they scavenged their weapons and vehicles. Brenner: They lack the discipline of a comptent army unit, but not the fighting skill. Lin: Agreed. And we know there are former soldiers and mercenaries among their number. Brenner: They may have been fellow soldiers once, but they're just a pack of dogs now. Let's put them down before they do any more harm to the survivors. ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~~ Will: Captain Brenner! All units have been deployed, sir! Brenner: Good. Still no sign of the enemy? Will: No, sir. But this dust prevents us from seeing much of anything. Of course, it keeps us hidden too, so I guess it's not all bad! Lin: My training was in reconnaissance and intelligence. Leave this to me. All units, move out! *****Day one***** Rubinelle: Scount unit Bravo reporting. Visibility is poor, and we've lost visual contact with the enemy. I can hear something out there... I think they know we're here, sir. Lin: Understood, Bravo. Get somewhere safe. We're on our way. Rubinelle: Watch the woods, sir. I think the raiders are hiding there. *****Selecting the Flare***** Lin: The flare unit is ready to fire. Will: Oh! We studied this at the academy! Flares can help reveal enemy positions in poor-visibility conditions. Lin: Smart kid. Maybe you'll be some help to us after all. Aim the flare anywhere you think the raiders may be hiding. This unit could be the key to our victory today. *****Select an infantry****** Lin: Get those foot soldiers into the mountains, now! Will: Into the mountains? Why? Lin: Did they stop teaching basic recon tactics at the academy? Infantry and mech units can see farther when stationed on mountains. =====Tactics War Room===== Will: Lin? Uh, I mean, sir? Hello? ...Lin, is that you? The Beast: Gwar har har! Guess again, loser! Will: Eep! ...Wait, what are you doing here? The Beast: Givin' tactical advice! What does it look like I'm doin'? Will: You're giving me... Wait, is this a trick? Where's Lin? The Beast: GWAR HAR HAR! So ya want yer mommy, huh? Well, tough beans! This is Beast country, and no one knows it better than me! So listen up! ~~~~~Flash to field~~~~~ The Beast: If there's one thing I love, it's ambusing little chumps like you! So don't move without thinkin'! Use yer flares to see what's up ahead. And get foot soldiers into the mountains to give yerself a better view. Now do as I say! ~~~~~War Room~~~~~~ The Beast: Gwar har har! I'm The Beast, and I love me a good tactics session! Later, little man! Will: ...OK, that was kind of weird. =====End Tactics===== *****Get surprised***** The Beast: Surprise, little man! The Beast is coming out of his cave! *****Day one, The Raiders***** The Beast: No one attacks The Beast in his own home! No one! Swarm, roaches! Show no mercy! *****If Bravo unit is destroyed***** Will: Scout unit Bravo has been hit! Lin: I'm trying to raise them on the radio... Bravo, do you read? Over. Rubinelle: Scout unit Bravo reporting! We're taking heavy fire! We can't continue the mission! We have to retreat! Lin: Understood. Double-time it back to base, soldier. Rubinelle: Roger that, sir! Lin: Pay attention, Will. Remember that soldiers are a precious resource. We know there is risk in war, and some casualties are inevitable. But it's our duty to get as many of them home as possible. *****Brenner's Wolves win***** The Beast: GYYYAAAAA! They defeated me! This ain't happenin'! The world is over! Why do these do-gooders care what we do?! I'm The Beast! No one says no to me! Not even a bunch of soldier boys! I'll be back, losers! And I'm gonna kill every last one of ya! *****If Brenner's Wolves lose***** Lin: Fall back! All units, fall back! Captain Brenner... I failed. I'm sorry... Brenner: Lin? Are you there? ...Lieutenant Lin, respond! LIIIIIIN! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~Victory page~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lin: I never miss a thing. ~~~~~Freehaven~~~~~~ Mayor: You did it! You drove off those savages! Brenner: I don't think they'll bother you again. Mayor: Thank you, Captain Brenner! I think my village can sleep soundly tonight. Brenner: I'm glad. Now let's talk about your side of the bargain. We drove them off. Now you need to provide Will and the other civilians with shelter. Mayor: I didn't agree to that. Brenner: ...What are you doing? We saved your village. You promised to take in the civilians. Mayor: I said nothing of the sort, Captain. All I said was that if you scared off those savages, then I would CONSIDER it. Isn't that right, people? That's what I said! Your mayor is a man of his word! Civilian: Yeah! That's right! That's what he said! Brenner: I don't believe this! Mayor: Captain, please! Control yourself! Even you can see that this "bargain" of yours affects my entire village. I may be the mayor, but I do not rule by fiat. We are civilized men, after all. We will come to a decision in due course. Until then...you must be patient. Brenner: Why, you double-crossing-- Mayor: You have only yourself to blame for your anger, Captain. If you misunderstood my words, then the fault is yours alone. I have done nothing wrong. Brenner: I see. Mayor: Will you threaten us now? Will you let your guns take the place of your honor? Perhaps we should have taken our chances with the savages! Brenner: ...No, Mayor. I won't threaten you. I won't do anything to unnerve these people that you pretend to care for. Mayor: Wh-what? How dare you! Brenner: I remember you. I remember how you were. Scared. Alone. On the verge of death. Do you remember your words to me when my men gave you food and shelter? "I will save others as you have saved me, Brenner." "I will construct a village where all can live in peace and rebuild their lives." Do you remember that? Or did I misunderstand your words again? Mayor: Who are you to say such? You're a killer! A soldier! A relic of the past! I give these people peace. I give them hope. You give nothing but horror and death! Will: Captain Brenner! Brenner: ...Will? Will: Sir, I know you have our best interests at heart, but it's OK. Look, I know it might be safer here in this village, but I don't want to stay. I want to serve with you, Captain. You and the battalion. Brenner: Out of the question, Will. It's too dangerous. People who truck with us don't live very long. You're young. Your life is ahead of you. Will: Please, Captain. Please. Let me stay. Let me fight with you. Brenner: Honestly, I don't seem to have much choice. And I admire your courage... All right. Lin! Will! Prepare to move out! ...Good luck, Mayor. I think you'll need it. ~~~~~12th Battalion Base Camp~~~~~ Will: Hey. How's she doing? Woman: Oh, Will! Thanks for coming again today! She's going to be very pleased. Will: I hope so. Sometimes, I... I just don't know if she even gets it. You know? Woman: She looks forward to your visits, Will. When you're here, she is bright and cheerful. Otherwise, she seems a bit...sad. Will: Really? Woman: Really. But don't worry about it. We'll take care of her. She's going to be OK. ------ Will: Um... Hi. How's it going today? I... brought you something! I hope you like it. ???: A flower? Will: Yeah. Well, it's not a real flower. It's plastic. You can't find many real flowers anymore. I found it while I was on a recon mission a few miles over. ???: It's... It's beautiful. What do you call it? Will: Huh? Oh, I don't know. I'm not much of a flower... scientist...guy. Let me ask Lin. ???: No, I wait! I remember... This is a Cattleya isabella. It's a natural hybrid of the orchid family. Cattleya... Yes, that's it! That will be my name. I will be named after this beautiful flower you brought me. My name is Cattleya! Will: Uh...Cattelya? Wow, that's...that's uh... That's kind of hard to say, actually. How about we call you Isabella? That's really pretty. It fits you better. Isabella: Isabella? Oh! I love it, Will! I'm so happy! Will: Yeah? Oh, good! I think it suits you. Isabella: Thank you, Will! Lin: Boy meets girl. Boy gives girl flower. Boy names girl. ...What's wrong with this world? Will: Lieutenant! Um...what are you doing here? Lin: I've been here. The whole time. Juuuust keeping an eye on you. ======================== *****End Chapter-04***** ======================== ==================== *****Chapter-05***** ==================== New Allies ~~~~~New Wolfington~~~~~ Brenner: We're here. Will: There are still some buildings standing. Maybe the people survived too. Lin: At first glance, this city seems extraordinarily well preserved. Brenner: All right. Spread out and look for survivors. Move slow and easy. I don't want anyone to mistake us for raiders. ----- Dr. Morris: Hello! I say, you there! Can you hear me? Brenner: Yes, I hear you. Are you hurt? Do you need assistance? Dr. Morris: Please, my good man! Not one step further! Do you come in peace? Brenner: I do. I'm Captain Brenner. I lead the 12th Battalion of the Rubinelle Army. Dr. Morris: You don't say! Why, that's simply marvelous! Welcome, Captain Brenner, welcome! It is a great honor to have you here! Brenner: Thank you. Who are you? Dr. Morris: My name is Dr. Morris. I was elected to speak for the free citizens of New Wolfington. Brenner: Are you in charge here? Dr. Morris: Oh ho ho! I guess you could say that. I told them I wasn't really the man for the job, but they chose me anyway. I used to be a resident...but now I'm a PRESIDENT! Oh ho! Oh ho ho ho ho ho! Brenner: ... Dr. Morris: Hmm... Perhaps you didn't hear me correctly. I SAID that I used to be-- Brenner: I heard you. My unit is desperately short of supplies. Can your town spare food, medicine, or weapons? We will repay you however we can. Dr. Morris: Supplies, eh? Well, you see... Oh ho! Giving yourself a twenty-one-gun salute, eh, Brenner? Brenner: Those weren't my men. I think we're under attack. I suggest you make yourself scarce, Doc. This could get ugly. ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Lin: Intel reports that the raiders have regrouped to attack this city. They're tenacious. I'll give them that. Stupid...but tenacious. Brenner: Stupid can still kill you, Lin. Let's move out! That factory seems undamaged. Can we get it up and running? Dr. Morris: Oh yes, it works. And that's a FACT! ...Get it? Fact? Factory? ...Ahem! ~~~~~Flash to Factory~~~~~ Dr. Morris: Countless automated weapons factories were built during the Great War. But I'm sure you are more familiar with that than I am. If you have the materials, you can use them to produce units. Brenner: I've heard of such factories, but I've never operated one. Dr. Morris: Oh ho! It's easy as pie! We just need someone to capture them. If you do so, we will turn control of the factory over to you and your men. We will also provide you with what few troops we have. Brenner: That will help. Thank you. Dr. Morris: I assume I can leave the military decisions to you, Captain? Brenner: I think that's for the best. But at the risk of sounding ungrateful, why are you doing this? Dr. Morris: This is no ordinary band of soldiers you command, Captain. Am I right? Stories of Brenner's Wolves have spread across this ruined land. This world is destroyed, yet you devote yourself to helping survivors. The people of New Wolfington saw fit to trust me. I hope I can trust you. Brenner: I'll do all that I can. Now get to safety. There isn't much time. *****Day one***** Dr. Morris: I would strongly suggest that you move a foot soldier or bike to the factory. Once captured its automated systems will become fully operational. This will allow you to produce more units! Brenner: Got it! Let's capture the factory! *****An infantry is selected***** Brenner: Infantry, mech, and bike units can capture factories and cities. *****Capture is started***** Will: The capture is under way! Lin: You can't capture a factory or city in a single day. You have to keep at it. Select Capture again on the following day to finish the process. =====Tactics War Room===== Brenner: Hmmmm... Let's see here... Will: Captain Brenner! Brenner: Hello, Will. Will: I'm really looking forward to learning some great strategies from you, Captain. I'm sure you'll know how to deal with all of those enemies. Brenner: Yeah... Look, Will? I'll be honest with you. The thing is... I haven't decided on a strategy for this battle quite yet. Will: Haven't...decided? Brenner: Don't worry! As long as there is hope, we will prevail! Will: Ummm... If you say so, Captain. ~~~~~Flash to field~~~~~ Brenner: All right. Our first priority is to capture that factory and produce new units. We can use the terrain east of the fatory to build a line of defense. We'll use tanks and artillery to take out enemies as they approach. Then we'll march on their HQ. If units are damaged, they can recover in cities or join with other units. And watch out for enemy artillery! Got it? Will: Yes, sir, Captain! Brenner: If we do that, we should be able to win. ...I think. Will: Um, you don't sound very confident, Captain. Brenner: Mmmm... I'm not much for talking and speeches. That's more Lin's specialty. Will: Never give up hope! Right, Captain? ~~~~~War Room~~~~~ Brenner: Yes, Will, well said. Never give up hope. Without hope, victory is impossible. =====End Tactics===== *****Day one, The Raiders***** The Beast: Gwar har har! No one makes a fool of The Beast and lives to tell about it! Swarm, roaches! Take what can, and leave no one alive! *****A city is captured***** Will: The city has been captured! Dr. Morris: Good! Restoring power to cities will boost your factory production. You see, factories use hard resources to generate a recalibrated-- Will: Whoa, wait. What? I'm sorry, I... I didn't understand a thing you just said. Dr. Morris: Funds! Capture more cities, get more funds, build more things! Sometimes I'm a bit too clever for my own good. Oh ho ho! *****Factory is captured***** Will: The factory has been captured! Now we can produce more units. Dr. Morris: Yes, although the kinds of units you can produce are limited at the moment. But I'm sure you'll take what you can get, eh? You can begin production the day after you capture a factory. *****A unit is damaged***** Lin: This unit has taken damage, but it can be repaired. Position a damaged unit on a friendly city or factory so it can recover. Be smart. Don't push your units too hard. *****Factory has no unit covering it***** Dr. Morris: Ah ha! Success! Now you can produce units in this factory. Select a factory to see what units it can produce. (To produce units, move the cursor onto the factory with the +Control Pad and press the A button, or just touch it with the stylus.) *****Brenner's Wolves win***** The Beast: No! Not again! GYYYAAAAAAA! The Beast is invincible! Brenner: Your road ends here, Beast. Dr. Morris: Captain Brenner? I'm afraid you'll have to return the units you produced. Automated units only function near the factory where they were made. Stay too far, and you'll be left with useless lumps of metal! Brenner: Thanks, Doc. This is a huge help. *****If Brenner's Wolves lose***** Brenner: No! I failed... Dr. Morris: No! Captain Brenner! Please don't give up! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~Victory Page~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brenner: Now, where were we...? ~~~~~New Wolfington~~~~~ Dr. Morris: Before all this, I worked as a medical researcher. My days were spent running small rats through large mazes. When the world was destroyed, I dug out of my ruined lab and made my way here. There were so many sick and injured people... I just did what I could. Youth: We owe our lives to Dr. Morris! He saved us. Dr. Morris: And I didn't even run them through a maze! Oh ho! Oh ho ho ho ho ho! Will: ... Dr. Morris: Laughter is good for you, you know. You should try it sometime. Will: Um...Heh? Youth: He's an amazing man, but his jokes are TERRIBLE! Will: Dr. Morris, you remind me a bit of Captain Brenner. I was near death when he found me. He saved my life. It's good that there are still people like you and him in this world. Brenner: ...Yes, but my sense of humor still works... Dr. Morris: Well you shouldn't make me out to be some kind of hero, Will. I was a selfish man. I entered medicine to satisfy my curiosity, not help people. I'd never even seen a patient before the meteors struck. I guess such situations teach you what really matters, eh, Captain? Brenner: I know what you mean. Dr. Morris: Yes! Exactly! But I fear we have other, more pressing issues to discuss. With your people and my people combined, we have several hundred mouths to feed. However, our supplies are running lower than a snake in a wheel rut! Brenner: A shortage of food is hardly a joking matter, Doctor. Dr. Morris: Huh? Did I make a joke? Anyway, I think I know how to solve our little problem. But I will need your help... ======================== *****End Chapter-05***** ======================== ==================== *****Chapter-06***** ==================== Fear Experiment ~~~~~Near Automated Crop Factory~~~~~ Dr. Morris: Tell me, my boy, do you know why it is dinosaurs became extinct? Will: Huh? No, but I bet Captain Brenner does. Brenner: Not likely. Lin! Front and center. Lin: There are many possible explanations. I assume you're referring to the meteor theory? Dr. Morris: Oh ho! Right you are. The theory states a meteor struck the planet millions of years ago. The impact caused megatsunamis upward of 300 feet in height to sweep the globe. The shock waves spawn earthquakes reaching 12.0 and 13.0 on the Richter scale. Pieces of the meteor ignited global wildfires, causing enormous devastation... Dinosars, without the benefit of fireproof surfboards, were ill equipped to survive. Lin: Fireproof surfboards? Whatever. The point is, most dinosaurs prished. One day they ruled the world, and the next, they were a few pages in our history books. Will: But we survived our meteors. Dr. Morris: So we did, so we did. Cockroaches aren't nature's only durable creature, are they? Three cheers for mankind, and for much smaller meteors too! Ho ho! Brenner: Can we move this along, Doc? What is it you want to tell us? Dr. Morris: Yes, of course. Meteors...dinosaurs...cockroaches... Oh yes! The clouds of ash! That's it. The ash blocks out the sun, which of course means that plant life withers and dies. Some may say the fate of the dinosaurs was sealed by similar sunlight-blocking clouds. Brenner: So you're saying we're going to share their fate? Is that it? Dr. Morris: No need to panic, Captain. Unlike the luckless dinosaurs, we possess knowledge and science. If we can get the automated crop factory running, we'll have as much grain as we want. Brenner: Automated what? Dr. Morris: A factory with an environmental system designed for the cyclic cultivation of genetically... Brenner: Whoa! Spare me the scientific mumbo jumbo. You're giving me a headache. Cut to the chase, and tell me what I need to know--no jokes, no science. Clear? Dr. Morris: Yes, of course. Ahem. If we can get the systems running, we can produce food. We won't be able to sustain a population of millions, but we'll be able to feed New Wolfington. I trust that was clear enough. Oh, but there is one thing I worry about... Will: What's that, Dr. Morris? Dr. Morris: Hmm, I wonder... Yes. Let me ask you a question, young man. Do you believe in evil? The kind that revels in the destruction of the world and of mankind with it? The kind of evil that thrives on the pain, suffering, and sorrow of innocents? Will: Uh...what are you talking about? Dr. Morris: Oh, I'm just thinking out loud. Pay me no mind at all. I've actually forgotten what it is I asked you. Ho ho! ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Brenner: Status report, Lin. Lin: Unidentified units in the field, sir. They're ignoring all communications. Brenner: They're advancing on our positions! Move out! =====Tactics War Room===== Brenner: Oh, Will. Come in. Will: Captain Brenner? Can you give me any tips for the upcoming battle? Brenner: Of course. I'd be glad to. Hold on one second... ...Blast! Now where did I put those... Will: Did you lose something, Captain? Brenner: Lin gave me some notes for this tactics session, but I can't seem to find them. Ah ha! Here they are! ...Oh, wait. That's just a drawing of a tank I made when I was bored... Will: Um...Captain? Are you really getting all your strategy from Lin? Maybe you should keep that a secret from the rest of the troops... Brenner: She's a natural teacher, Will. I'm just not much for that kind of thing. Yes! Here they are! OK, let's see what she has to say... ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Brenner: "Captain. Tell Will to quickly capture factories and cities. He needs to defend his foot soldiers with other units as they do so. The area southeast of the factory will make an ideal defensive perimeter. If the enemy swarms you, retreat to this area and regroup. And have him build an anti-tank unit for the enemy's war tank." That's it. Will: Is that all? Brenner: Yes, that's... Oh, wait a second. "P.S. Don't just read this to Will. Pretend you thought of it yourself." ...Damn. ~~~~War Room~~~~~ Brenner: Let's just keep this to ourselves, all right? =====End Tactics===== *****Day one, IDS***** [Paranthesized names are unknown at the time] (Penny): Tee hee hee! Is it OK, Daddy? (Caulder): Of course, little one. Play to your heart's desire. Do remember to record the battle, though. I must know how each soldier fights... and how each one dies. (Cyrus): Father, I cannot condone this. I can see no reason for us to attack these people. It is meaningless-- (Caulder): Meaningless? Whatever are you babbling about? Is there a more meaningless expenditure of energy than life itself? I think not! (Penny): Get 'em! Get 'em! Boooom! Tee hee! *****All enemy units destroyed***** (Caulder): What's wrong, pumpkin? Did those bad people blow up alll your toys? I suppose you'll be wanting more. Well, what's the magic word? (Penny): PLEEEEEEEASE! I wanna big BOOOOOM! (Caulder): How could I deny such a well-mannered little girl? I look forward to seeing how they respond to the world's mightiest tank. This should prove to be most enlightening. Will: Look! Reinforcements! And... Ohmygosh! Th-that tank! It's enormous! Brenner: Bring us to speed, Lin! Give us what you have on that monster. Lin: I'm sorry, sir. Our database has no intel on that tank. Isabella: That is a...war tank. Dr. Morris: A war tank? Isaballa: Compared with standard tanks, it has vastly superior armor and firepower. It is currently the most powerful ground unit in the world today. Dr. Morris: And how are we supposed to stand against it? It's too darn big! Isabella: ...I don't know. *****The Day after the reinforcements arrive***** Isabella: Oh... Will: Isabella! What is it? What's wrong? Isabella: It's...nothing. I'm fine. The factory... Its systems have been updated. It can now produce anti-tanks units. Will: What? Dr. Morris: She's right. The system just rebooted. Isabella: Anti-tank units will prove to be very effective against the war tank. Dr. Morris: I think she may be right. Amazing! We may have a chance after all! Lin: Isabella, I want an explanation. Now. How in-- Brenner: Later, Lin. We've got a battle to fight. Anti-tank units, huh? Let's see how tough that war tank really is. Isabella: yes... *****Brenner's Wolves win***** Will: That's it! All enemy units have been defeated. We won! Brenner: It wasn't a walk in the park, but you're right. We won. Will: And it was all thanks to Isabella! If it hadn't been for her... Isabella: No...I didn't do anything. Dr. Morris: Don't be modest, dear. Now let's check on those crop-growing systems! *****If Brenner's Wolves lose***** Will: They're too strong. Who are they? (Caulder): This will never do. I'll get no useful data from such paltry foes. Come now! I require an enemy that will satisfy my intellectual curiosity. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~Victory Page~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Will: Now if we can just find that factory... ~~~~~Near automated Crop Factory~~~~~ Brenner: What's the word, Doc? You and Lin give that system the once-over? Dr. Morris: Yes, well, hmm... I've got some good news, and I've got some bad news... Lin: The system's useless. The factory has been destroyed. Dr. Morris: What are you doing, Lin? I had a joke I wanted to tell first! Brenner: Save your jokes for when I'm not around. What do you mean, destroyed? Do you mean we can't repair it? Dr. Morris: That would be quite difficult, I'm afraid. The factory was extremely sophisticated. The components needed to repair it are not likely to be found at the corner grocery. Not that we have one anymore! Oh ho! Oh ho ho... You're not laughing. Will: That's terrible, Dr. Morris. What are we supposed to do now? Dr. Morris: I'm afraid I don't know. And to tell the truth, there's something else that truly disturbs me... Will: There is? What? Dr. Morris: It appears the enemy's goal was to destroy the factory all along. If we had gotten the factory up and running, we could have solved our food-shortage problem. We could have lived here peacefully. What did they gain by destroying our factory? It's as if... Lin: It's as if they wanted us all to die. ~~~~~Near Automated Crop Factory~~~~~ Will: Well, look at this... Lin: Flowers. They're quite beautiful, aren't they? But there's something odd about them... Dr. Morris: Whatever you do, don't touch those flowers! Will: Dr. Morris? Dr. Morris: Pardon me, Lin, but I must ask you a personal question. Are you over twenty years of age? Lin: ...Maybe. I'm not as young as Isabella, but... Are you implying something, Doctor? Dr. Morris: No, of course not! And there's no need to glare at me so. It's quite unsettling! I only ask because these flowers have yet to infect anyone over the age of twenty, and... Lin: Infect? What are you talking about? Dr. Morris: Have you heard of Endoflorescens terrbilis virus? It's common name is Creeping Derangea. ~~~~~Flash to Photo~~~~~ Lin: Oh. Look at that. How pretty. Dr. Morris: This young man was about your age, Will. Will: ...He WAS my age? Dr. Morris: The flowers aren't decorative. They're the result of a parasitic virus. And there is nothing beautiful about them, Lin. This boy is dead. Lin: Wait, so the flowers...came out of his body? Dr. Morris: It acts like a parasite, but it spreads like a virus. I don't claim to know how it works, I just know that it does. Since the meteors fell, I've buried many victims of this scourge. Lin: He had roots and leaves growing under his skin... In his ears... In his eyes... Little roots creeping behind the eyes... ...What if you could hear them...? Dr. Morris: Lin, please! Stop talking about it! Curiously, the virus seems to only infect young people. You're in the right age range, Will, which means you're at risk. If you meet anyone suffering from this, you must stay away! Is that clear? Will: Oh yeah. It's clear... ~~~~~Near Automated Crop Factory~~~~~ Lin: Starvation, raiders, and flowers that kill you. Gotta love this place. Brenner: The world's certainly not making it easy for us, is it? But we can't give up. Will: As long as there's life, there's hope. Brenner: Exactly. ======================== *****End Chapter-06***** ======================== ==================== *****Chapter-07***** ==================== A Kind of Home ~~~~~12th Battalion Base Camp~~~~~ Brenner: So we've hit a snag in our supply-procurement plan. Got any suggestions what we do now, Doc? Dr. Morris: Oh ho! Yes...um...no. No, I don't. We're in trouble, no doubt about it. Lin: Are there any other factories with the systems we need? Dr. Morris: No, not to my knowledge. Isabella: Automated...crop factories? Will: Do you know something, Isabella? Isabella: Yes...I do. Will: What is it? ~~~~~12th Battalion HQ~~~~~ Brenner: You're absolutely certain about this? Isabella: Yes. Dr. Morris: This is no joking matter, young lady! I...I can't believe I just said that. You're saying you know the location of another factory, is that correct? Isabella: Yes. It is located at latitude 25.345 degrees north and longitude 131.035 degrees west. Dr. Morris: Oh...um... Well, as long as you're sure! Lin: That's in the Seratta mountain range. Isabella: There is an underground nuclear shelter at the coordinates I have given you. It contains a subterranean farm and small-scale factory capable of feeding 1,000 people. Dr. Morris: Do you really expect us to believe that? I've never heard of such a place! Lin: Nor have I. Isabella: It was constructed or Rubinelle's senior cabinet ministers and captains of industry. In the even of an all-out nuclear war, they would be able to live in the shelter for decades. Its existence is not known to the general public. Access requires a grade 4 security clearance. Dr. Morris: Oh ho! Now we know! You must be the president's secret daughter! Oh ho! Oh ho ho ho! Isabella: The construction contract for the shelter was awarded to a private military firm...IDS...IDS...IDS... IDS... IDS... ID... Will: What is it, Isabella? What's wrong? Isabella: I'm sorry... It's my head. It's pounding so hard... I can't think. Will: Captain Brenner! I'll take care of Isabella. Brenner: You do that, Will. Dr. Morris: That girl may be a complete mystery, but I feel strangely confident she's not lying. Perhaps those coordinates will lead us to the answer to our dilemma, hmmm? Brenner: Could be, Doc. It's worth checking out, that's for sure. Rubinelle: Captain, sir! One of our recon units just pulled in. It's reporting a firefight in progress! There's a lone unit running or its life. It's a Rubinelle unit, sir! ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Waylon: Would somebody tell me why these Lazurians are up in my business? Did they not see the meteors? The fires, the floods, the dead people? They act like there's still a damn war goin' on, and... Hey! Who are you? Brenner: This is captain Brenner of the 12th Battalion. Waylon: Aw, yeah! Now, we're talkin'! The cavalry arrives! Brenner: Name and rank, soldier. Where's the rest of your company? Waylon: Name and rank? Listen up, brother man. That's all ancient history! I ain't heard a peep from the big brass since the sky fell in. How 'bout you? Nothin', right? Yeah, I thought so. Brenner: You're right. We've been operating on our own. It seems Rubinelle's government is gone for good. Waylon: Cheer up, Brenner! Ain't nothing wrong with that. The name's Waylon. Oh, right... Captain Waylon of the 13th Airborne! Ha ha ha! Lighten up, will ya? We're survivors! We're lke lottery winners! Ain't much left of the old world. Least we can do is enjoy the new one. Lin: Captain! The enemy has spotted us and is moving to engage. Brenner: Understood. Get 'em ready, Lin. *****Day one***** Lin: Attention, all units! The yellow fighter is a friendly. Do not, repeat, DO NOT use it for target practice. Waylon: Right kindly of you, baby. I owe you one! =====Tactics War Room===== Lin: Welcome back to the war room. Today, we have a...special guest. Dr. Morris: Oh ho ho! At last, it's my chance to share some pearls of wisdom with you! But first, let me entertain you with some of my trademark wit! Lin: That's not necessary. Can we just hear your tactical analysis? Dr. Morris: So! A priest, a Lazurian, and a chicken walk into... Wait, that's not it. Oh! Right! A chicken and a Lazurian are crossing the road-- Lin: Fine. I'll do it myself. ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Lin: If an enemy planes attack, strike back with anti-air units and missiles. Keep other units nearby to defend them from ground-based attacks. Once you're settled, head for the enemy HQ, taking cities as you go. That rocket could be trouble. Use multiple units to take it out. ~~~~~Flash to War Room~~~~~ Dr. Morris: Oh ho! Now I remember! It wasn't a chicken at all! It was a pony! Lin: Dr. Morris? We will pursue the issue of the pony another time. Understood? Dr. Morris: Honestly! Where is your sense of humor? Lin: It was shot off in the war. Very sad. Thanks for listening, everyone. Come back again if you need more tips. =====End Tactics===== *****Day one, Lazurians***** Tasha: More Rube forces... My prayers have been answered! Rejoice, brothers and sisters of Lazuria! Our enemy is before us! In the names of our ancestors, let us sow the soil with their bones! *****Brenner's Wolves win***** Tasha: Gya! Those Rubes may have won the day, but we shall fight again! Retreat! *****If Brenner's Wolves lose***** Brenner: So this is the end... There's so much left to do. Ah... Waylon: Hold on now, brother man! You can't leave me hanging! You hear me? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~Victory page~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brenner: We drove them away. For now... ~~~~~12th Battalion Base Camp~~~~~ Brenner: The enemy's been routed. Will, I want you to make sure the wounded are taken care of. Will: Yes, sir! Waylon: Thanks for the assist, brother! Who's the runt? You got yourself some sort of cabin boy? Will: Cabin boy? Brenner: He's one of us. We've been patrolling the region looking for survivors who might need our help. Waylon: "Helping" survivors? Helping yourself to their money, I hope! Ha ha ha ...whew... Wait, you serious? Brenner: Of course. We'd be more effective with air support, though. Why don't we join forces and-- Waylon: Time out, Captain Courageous! You want Waylon to join forces with YOU? Listen to me now. I think you're a good man. I'll even give you a standing ovation. Clap, clap. But if you think I'm going to do charity work, you need to think again! I didn't survive the meteors just to risk myself for a bunch of chumps! Brenner: What in the hell are you babbling about? Waylon: Are you truly so blind, Brenner? There is no more central command! No orders, no missions... I do what I want! Got it? Brenner: No, I don't think I do. And you've got it wrong. The world's been broken. But that doesn't mean you're free to do whatever you want. The ties that bind people together can be reestablished. We have to do that. Waylon: And why would I want to do that? You want to clip my wings, brother? That it? I won't live in a cage! You can do what you want, but just leave me be. By the way, you know a fat cat named Greyfield? Brenner: Admiral Greyfield? Yes, I served under him for a while. What about him? Waylon: He's set up shop in the capital. Word is, he wants all surviving Rubinelle soldiers to come join him. Wants to start what he's calling the "New Rubinelle Army." Creative genius, he ain't. Now I ain't hip on takin' orders, but I could make a pretty penny as a mercenary. I'd have all the food I could eat, and the ladies love a man in uniform. Know what I'm saying? Brenner: There's no accounting for taste. Waylon: Aww, that's just cold, brother man. Ain't no call for that. Looks like you and I ain't gonna be friends. And with that, the sky calls. Good luck with the charity work. Brenner: Wait a minute! What about your wounded? Waylon: What's done is done. Wounded ain't dead, is it? I got places to go, things to do. You feel like playing nursemaid, go right ahead. Brenner: You'd abandon your own men? Waylon: You think you can guilt-trip me? You got another thing coming, brother man. My only responsibility is survivin' to eat, drink, and be merry another day. Brenner: Is that so? Waylon: Uh-huh. Know what responsibility's gonna get YOU, Brenner? A broken heart and an early grave. Brenner: ... ... ... ... Lin: Are we letting him go, sir? Brenner: We can't force him to stay, and we can't force him to care. Will: Is that guy really a soldier? He's nothing like you, Captain. He's nothing like any of us. Brenner: Soldiers are people, Will. You have to take the good with the bad. Each of us has to choose how to make it in this world, and Waylon's made his choice. Try not to let it bother you. ~~~~~12th Battalion Base Camp~~~~~ Lin: We located and extracted Waylon's downed air units. His men are resting comfortably, sir. We've also found some airports. Perhaps the men can be convinced to join us. Brenner: What do they want? Have you heard any talk about them rejoining their captain? Lin: Not a peep, sir. Apparently they want nothing more to do with him. It seems he's used thm poorly, risking their lives for nothing more than his own amusement. Will: I can't believe him! Brenner: Let Waylon's men know they're free to join us if they wish. Now let's head out for that nuclear shelter. It may give us reason to hope for a better day. ======================== *****End Chapter-07***** ======================== ==================== *****Chapter-08***** ==================== A New Threat ~~~~~Raider's Base Camp~~~~~ The Beast: GYAAARRR! The Beast is hurting! I need medicine! What are you waiting for, roaches? Swarm and plunder! And don't come back without something to ease my pain! Raider: Um... It's not that easy. We're low on fuel and ammo. And most of our weapons were destroyed in the last battle, so-- The Beast: You're THIS close to dying, boy! Whatever you need, you steal! UNDERSTOOD? Raider: Y-yes, sir! The Beast: My leg's on fire! I can't believe those soldier boys hit ME! GYAAARRR! Gotta kill this infection and then kill me some dogfaced do-gooders! Caulder: Do you truly harbor such hatred for Captain Brenner? The Beast: HEY! Wh-where did you come from, you freakin' ghost? Caulder: My dear Sergeant... Wait, you have no nme now, do you? You're just The Beast. How appropiate. Your propensity for violence saw you expelled from the military, yes? And these past few years, you've spent each day slaking your thirst for blood and mayhem. The Beast: B-but...how do you... Caulder: All in good time, my friend. When the meteors came, you knew just what to do, didn't you? You stole weapons and access codes, then began plundering whatever you could find. For most, the world was a living hell, but for a man like you, it was paradise. At least until Captain Brenner and his good samaritans arrived... The Beast: GYAAARRR! I hate him! He ruined everything! When I find him, I'm gonna rip-- Caulder: You will have your vengence. I will provide you with supplies and weapons. You desire chaos and destruction, yes? I shall see you are equipped to sate that desire. ~~~~~12th Battalion HQ~~~~~ Lin: This is the quickest route to the Seratta mountain range. Brenner: So we'll be passing by Freehaven again, will we? I doubt they'll be happy to see us, but we should check to see if the people are safe. Lin: Permission to speak out of turn, sir, but I believe you're too forgiving. How can you be concerned for their welfare after the way their mayor behaved? Brenner: That doesn't mean we can abandon them. Lin: Doesn't it? They insulted you, sir. I for one couldn't care less if they were wiped from the earth. Brenner: That's enough of that, Lin. Will: Captain Brenner! Brenner: What is it, Will? Are we under attack again? Will: Huh? No, it's those villagers. Remember the ones we met before? They say they want to speak with you, sir. Brenner: Is that so? _________ Mayor: So this last quake destroyed the remaining buildings, leaving us without food or shelter. We can't survive without assistance. Brenner: And what has this got to do with me? Mayor: Please, Brenner... Captain. We need your help. You have my apologies for any past-- Brenner: Understood. Pack your things. You're coming with us. If we can locate that factory, there should be enough food for everyone. Mayor: Factory? Brenner: That's right. If you need details, find Dr. Morris. I deal in weapons, not test tubes. All I can tell you is, it's key to getting the food we need to survive. Clear? Mayor: Yes, of course. You have my gratitude. Speaking of food, my people haven't eaten in days. May I ask-- Brenner: If we'll feed you? Ask away... All right. We're running short ourselves, but I'll see to it. Lin: For someone who hasn't eaten for days, you look pretty well fed to me. Mayor: I-I beg your pardon? Lin: I'm rather curious as to what your villagers are carrying in all those trucks. It wouldn't happen to be provisions, would it? Mayor: N-no, it's merely... How dare you? Are you implying that I'm lying? Lin: I said no such thing. I merely inferred from your robust condition that you've been eating-- Mayor: Enough! You...you uppity-- Rubinelle: Attack! We're under attack! Brenner: Gather your people and take cover in the rear. We'll continue this later if we survive. ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Lin: It's that same group of raiders. How is it they're still operating? And they're using this poor visibility to cover their attack. Someone must be helping them... All units, advance! Keep your eyes peeled! *****Day one***** Lin: Mark that pillar of fire! See how it illuminates the surrounding area? Looks like there's an enemy infantry unit on the other side of the river. And...there are factories there too. We need to capture them ASAP! Let's use our transport helicopters to airlift some infantry up there. =====Tactics War Room===== Lin: You know, Will, you should be grateful that I'm such a nice instructor. Will: Oh? Lin: Mmm-hmmm. When I was in the Rubinelle military academy, I had very strict instructors. If you missed a question, they'd have you doing push-ups and running laps. You're practically on vacation in comparison. Will: Wow. Well...thanks for being so nice. Lin: Once I forgot how many ball bearings are in a tank thread, and my instructor screamed at me. Not nice screaming, either. Nasty stuff. Things you're far too young to hear. Will: Ok, now I'm scared. ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Lin: Don't go storming across that bridge. Let the enemy come to you. Build some indirect-attack units to weaken them as they approach. Use transport copters to move soldiers into distant cities and factories. Then focus on producing additional tanks and indirect-attack units. Once your force is ready, move east as a group and engage the enemy. Will: Understood! Lin: Now give me a thousand push-ups! Will: Uh...OK? One...two...th-threeeeeee... Ow ow ow...F-f-f-foooourrrr... Lin: Will? You can stop. I was kidding. Will: ...Huh? Oh! Oh yeah, I... I knew that. ~~~~~Flash to War Room~~~~~ Lin: Stop by again if you want more tips. ...Or exercise. =====End Tactics===== *****Select an infantry***** Lin: Infantry and mech units can be loaded onto transport copters. This is the easiest and fastest way to transport troops over long distances. *****Select a transport copter***** Brenner: Move 'em out and drop 'em off. Make sure you find someplace safe! *****Day one, The Raiders***** The Beast: Gwar har har! They ain't happy to see us, roaches! Let's bury... ungh... Ungaah...my head...so dizzy... Must be the medicine that freak gave me... But it feels good! My blood's on fire. The rage is burning me up! YESSSSS! I am reborn! The Beast will not be denied! GRAAAARRR!!! The Beast will hunt! Prepare...to...DIE! *****Capture a property***** Lin: Capture successfully completed! This improves visibility in the area near the base, giving us an advantage! *****Brenner's Wolves win***** The Beast: NOOOOOOO! Must...escape... But this was just a taste, losers! Now that I've got a weapons supplier, I'll be making your lives miserable. Sleep lightly, soldier boy! The Beast rules the night! GYAAARRR! Lin: All enemy units have been accounted for. This battle's over. Brenner: Somebody tell me where those raiders got all that firepower? Lin: I can't understand it, sir. We destroyed everything they had... Will: Captain! The raiders' leader managed to get away. Looks like he hid in a pile of corpses, then snuck off when it was safe. Brenner: That doesn't bode well... I'm sure we'll see his ugly face again. But we've got our own goal to reach. Let's move out! *****If Brenner's Wolves lose***** Lin: I'm sorry, Captain... My mistakes were too great. Please forgive me... That's all I need. Your forgiveness... Brenner: LIN! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~Victory page~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lin: That went just as I planned it. ~~~~~Civilian Base Camp~~~~~ Isabella: Oh...I... What's... Ungh... Will: Isabella? Is something wrong? Are you feeling all right? Isabella: I d-don't know... Will: Isabella! Talk to me! What is it? Isabella: So...dizzy...my head... 9693872914... 9693872914... I feel... funny... Will: Wait a minute... ~~~~~Flashback of photo with infected boy~~~~~ Dr. Morris: This young man was a victim of the plant. He was about your age, Will. Curiously, the virus seems to infect only young people. You're in the right age range, Will, which means you're at risk. If you met anyone suffering from this you must stay away! Is that clear? ~~~~~End Flashback~~~~~ Will: No! It can't be! Isabella: W-Will? Will: I'm going to get Dr. Morris! Wait here, Isabella! Isabella: Please...don't leave... Brenner: What's all the commotion over here? Oh no... Get the doc over here! On the double! ~~~~~Base Camp~~~~~ Dr. Morris: Captain Brenner... Judging from the symptoms, there's a good chance Isabella's infected with Creeping Derangea. Brenner: The plant virus? Dr. Morris: Yes. I've placed her in a quarantine in a temporary laboratory. She must stay there for now. There's no danger of us getting sick, but young people like Will are at risk. Brenner: What are you doing for her? How long until she's cured? Dr. Morris: Will's right about you, Captain. You truly are a caring man. But to have any hope of curing her, I would require highly specialized equipment and facilities. Brenner: You've got what you've got, Doc. Do your best. Lin: If I may, Captain? I have a thought. Brenner: Go ahead. Lin: The shelter the girl told us about. If it truly does exist... Perhaps it contains the medical equipment Dr. Morris requires. Dr. Morris: You may be onto something there. A shelter like that would be completely airtight... Which means an infectious disease would spread like wildfire... Yes, they must have considered it. It's very possible they would have a contingency plan for a situation such as this. Brenner: I see. Good work, you two. As long as there's a chance, we keep moving. ~~~~~Base Camp~~~~~ Brenner: Will? What are you doing out here all alone? Will: Nothing. I'm just... Brenner: I know you're worried about Isabella. That's a normal reaction. But listen, I don't want you to lose hope. As long as there's life-- Will: I ran away. I... I ran away from her. Brenner: What are you talking about? Will: When I knew...when I knew Isabella was sick. I didn't go to her. I didn't want to get sick too. I was only thinking about myself. She was really scared, you know? I could see it in her eyes. She wanted me to help her, but... ...I ran away. Brenner: You did the right thing, Will. If you'd gone to her, if you'd come into contact with her, you'd be in quarantine too. Will: But you would have stayed with her, Captain! You help people. That's what you do. You're committed. You're not like me... Brenner: I've spent more time running than you'll ever know, kid. Hell, I'm still running. Will: What do you mean? Brenner: All the people I couldn't help, all the soldiers who died because I wasn't good enough... I've spent many a sleepless night telling myself it couldn't be helped, that I did all I could. That's just the sound of me running, Will. Running from a past I'll never escape... Will: Oh... Brenner: You disappointed? I was hoping I could protect the illusion for you. No matter how I grieve or regret my actions, the men who've died because of me will still be dead. But Isabella's still alive. You've got nothing to regret. There's plenty you can still do, right? For her? Will: Sir... Yes, sir! Brenner: Just remember, Will. Where there's life... Will: There's hope! ======================== *****End Chapter-08***** ======================== ==================== *****Chapter-09***** ==================== The Beast ~~~~~12th Battalion Base Camp~~~~~ Mayor: Brenner! I need to talk to you! Is it true that the girl traveling with you is sick? Brenner: Yes, it's true. It's nothing you need to worry about, though. The virus only affects people under a certain age. No one in your group is in danger. Mayor: That's not the point! Sickness and disease make people nervous, and nervous people panic. We can't have that! You've got to get rid of her. We can't afford the risk. Brenner: I think you need to stop talking now. We're in this together. All of us. Is that clear? Mayor: No, it's not! Would you put us all in danger to protect one girl? We don't know who she is or where she came from! She has to go, Brenner! Brenner: Listen carefully, because I'm only going to say this once. No one gets left behind. Not you, or your people, not Will, and not Isabella. If you have a problem with that, you're free to leave whenever you want. Mayor: You...you fool! You're too soft, Brenner! If this goes wrong, it's on your head! I'll hold you personally responsible! ~~~~~12th Battalion Base Camp~~~~~ Will: How's Isabella doing, Dr. Morris? Dr. Morris: You're going to worry no matter what I tell you, so here's the truth. It's not good, Will. She needs medicine, and she needs it now. Will: Can I see her? Dr. Morris: Absolutely not! We've had this conversation before. This virus is most dangerous to people of your age. I won't allow you to see her. Will: But, Dr. Morris, I-- Dr. Morris: Once we get to the shelter, there's a good chance I'll be able to treat her. But until then you have to stay away. You don't want to get sick too, do you? Will: I don't care! What would it matter anyway? If I don't see her now, I may never get the chance to apologize. So please... Dr. Morris: Your apology can wait, boy. I'm more concerned with her well- being, and you should be too. Will: What's that supposed to mean? Dr. Morris: I don't wish to betray doctor-patient confidentiality, but I have spoken to her. What's troubling her most is the fear that she's become a burden to us. She thinks it would be better if she'd died before you found her. Will: How can she think that?! Dr. Morris: But she hasn't given up hope. She never even complains about the pain. The other Creeper patients I've treated have all begged me to...end their suffering. But Isabella has chosen to live. And do you know why? It's because she owes that life to you. Will: ... ... ... ... Dr. Morris: She believes that if she refuses to give up, we'll find a way to cure her. Her first memory is of you telling her she was going to be all right. She trusts you implicitly, the way a newly hatched chick trusts its mother. She believes everything you told her about having hope. I suggest you believe it too. Will: You...you're right. I'm sorry, Dr. Morris. Thank you. Dr. Morris: No need to apologize. I can't allow you to see her, but... Oh ho! Yes, you could try speaking to her through the door. Will: Really? Would that be OK? Dr. Morris: Certainly. Just for a little while, though. ~~~~~Flash to field~~~~~ Lin: This route leads directly to the foothills of the Seratta mountain range. However, recon reports those raiders are back and blocking the way. Brenner: Set up an ambush, have they? Seems they really are hell-bent on revenge. We're going to have to finish this once and for all. Advance! *****Day one***** Dr. Morris: Come in, Captain Brenner! Dr. Morris here, and I've got great news! This airport we found is in fine working condition. You can produce new air units whenever you need them! Brenner: Roger that, Doc. Air support will be welcome. *****Rig is selected***** Lin: Rigs can be used to build temporary airports. That looks like a good spot. Move there and commence construction. *****Bomber is selected***** Lin: With bombers, you can attack ground and naval units. Bombers are very powerful and can even take out tanks with one strike. Utilize your bombers to attack the enemy's ground units. *****Duster is selected***** Will: This unit must be... Lin: It's a duster. It can attack ground units as well as other air units. It's not as powerful as a fighter or a bomber, but good to have nonetheless. Will: Right, I studied them at the academy. They're inexpensive and versatile. Lin: Good memory, Will. Now use them to attack those nearby ground units. *****Fighter is selected***** Lin: With fighters, you can take on other air units. When it comes to air combat, fighters are second to none. Now let's take out the enemy's air units! *****Rig starts construction***** Lin: Good. The rig crew has gotten started. Select Build on your next turn to continue construction. Dr. Morris: That's right! Keep building! we've all got to do our part! =====Tactics War Room===== Lin: Come on, Will! This one's a cakewalk! You shouldn't need my help! I'm disappointed in you. Brenner: ...I'm not Will. Lin: C-Captain Brenner? Sir! I'm sorry, sir! I spoke out of turn. I just wanted to encourage Will, sir! There are no easy battles, sir! Not even the easy ones! ...Sorry, sir. Will: Hey! You never apologize to me! Lin: Stuff it, soldier! Will: SEE?! ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Lin: Yes. At any rate, this stage lacks factories. Guard your infantry units carefully, or you won't be able to capture cities. Use fighters and dusters to strike the enemy early and often. And strike his anti-air and missile units as soon as you can. Bombers work well for this purpose, especially against missiles. Brenner: That's solid strategy, Lin. Lin: Thank you, Captain. My pleasure. Will: She never tells me it's her pleasure. Lin: Stop that grumbling, soldier! ~~~~~Flash to War Room~~~~~ Lin: I hope my tips help you win the day, sir. =====End Tactics===== *****Day one, The raiders***** The Beast: GYAAARRR! Where the hell am I? Where did all these copters and tanks come from? Oh, my head... Wait! It's SOLDIER BOY!!! Time for The Beast to hunt! GYAAARRR! *****Rig finishes construction***** Dr. Morris: Excellent work! That temporary airport is open for business. Lin: Temporary airports allow air units to be refueled and repaired. Brenner: Looks like the rig's run out of building materials... *****Day two, The Raiders***** The Beast: 'Bout time you showed your ugly mugs! Will: Why are you doing this? Get out of our way! We have to save Isabella! The Beast: Isa-whatta? You think I care about what you're doing? I want BLOOD! Will: You may have tanks and guns and men at your command, but... You're not a soldier! You're nothing but a murderer! The Beast: Gwar har har har! Murderer? ME? And you're a snot-nosed punk! Will: I... The Beast: War IS murder! You hear me?! Soldiers are trained to KILL! That's battlefield learnin', punk! Your textbooks teach you that? HUH?! You wanna learn 'bout war? Fine by me! The Beast'll teach you good! *****Brenner's Wolves win***** The Beast: GYAAARRR! You're dead, punk! The Beast will destroy... Destroy... I'm...coming for...you... NO! My head...urgh... *****If Brenner's Wolves lose***** Brenner: Go on, Will... You can't stop now... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~Victory Page~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brenner: Now, let's investigate the shelter. ~~~~~Nuclear Shelter Entrance~~~~~ Lin: This is it. These are the coordinates Isabella gave us. Dr. Morris: Oh ho! There really is a shelter here! What did I tell you, folks? That girl hasn't got a lying bone in her body. Knew it right from the start! Lin: All we need now is a way to open the security doors. Ideas, anyone? System: Welcome to Fortress. Enter access code. Lin: The access code is of standard military issue, but I don't have the proper security clearance. Captain, do you think your clearance is high enough? Brenner: I doubt it, but we've got to try. I'm only a captain, but here goes... Code number 0848124390. System: Identification error. Access denied. You have one chance remaining to enter a valid code. Brenner: Damn... Guess the politicos never planned on letting grunts into their private club. Looks like I should have taken those promotions when I had the chance. Lin: More importantly, Captain, we only have one chance remaining. I think we're done. Will: No! Don't say that! We've come so far... There must be something we can do. We have to get inside. We have to! Otherwise, Isabella will...she'll... Dr. Morris: We need someone with the right clearance, but... Lin: I don't see any generals or high-ranking government officials in the area, Doctor. Did you happen to see the president's corpse on the way here? Perhaps he's carrying the code. Dr. Morris: That's morbid, Lieutenant. And decidely unhelpful. Truth be told, we don't have time to go looking for the code. It's not sophisticated, but how about starting at 0000000000 and working our way up? Lin: Now who's being unhelpful? We only have one chance left. Dr. Morris: I'm merely offering suggestions! There's no need to upbraid me so! Lin: I'm merely stating the facts. And the fact is, we have no chance of guessing the correct access code. We have one more try to get a ten-digit code correct. The odds of guessing it right... ...are almost zero. Dr. Morris: We're talking a probability of one in ten billion. Now, if this was just a story and I was the hero, something miraculous would happen... Brenner: I'd rather try and fail than just walk away. Anyone have a favorite ten-digit number? Will: Ten digits... Wait a second! Brenner: What is it, Will? Will: 9693872914... That's ten numbers, right? Lin: Don't tell me you actually HAVE a favorite ten-digit number. Will: Um...Not exactly, no. I just have a feeling. I think that may get us inside. Brenner: Well...what have we got to lose? Go ahead, Will. Will: Right. System: Welcome to Fortress. Enter access code. Will: Please let this work... 9693872914... System: Identification accepted. Security locks disengaging. ~~~~~Door opens~~~~~ Dr. Morris: What in the world? Brenner: You did it, Will! Lin: ...I don't know what to say. Dr. Morris: Are you some sort of idiot savant? Or wait... Perhaps YOU are the president's secret child! Oh ho! Oh ho ho ho ho ho! Will: What?! No...that's not it. It's the number Isabella was whispering. Lin: What are you talking about? Will: She's been saying it randomly ever since she remembered this shelter was here. In fact, she said it again just before she got sick. Brenner: So once again, it's Isabella to the rescue. I feel like we've got our own guardian angel. Do you think she really is the daughter of some high-ranking official? Lin: That's the one explanation I would be comfortable with. Dr. Morris: Well, in any case, we're in! And that's something to celebrate, my friends! Oh ho ho ho! ~~~~~Inside Nuclear shelter~~~~~ Dr. Morris: Now that we're in, we should be able to find the machinery and medicine we need. Will: I'll go back down and get Isabella. Dr. Morris: No, you won't You're not allowed to have any contact with the patient, remember? I'll take care of Isabella. It'll give me the chance to tell the mayor that we're inside. Brenner: Take some of the men with you. There's no sign of hostiles, but we can't let our guard down. Lin: I'll take charge of reconnoitering the shelter. Will, you're with me. Will: Yes, sir! ======================== *****End Chapter-09***** ======================== ==================== *****Chapter-10***** ==================== Almost Home ~~~~~Nuclear Shelter Control Center~~~~~ Lin: There are ten levels to the shelter. They're all clear. Brenner: How about the medical facilities? Will: The medical bay's in D Block, Sector 1, sir! Lin: It's filled with antiviral medicines and the latest medical equipment. The government spared no expense in its preparations to safeguard the political elite. Brenner: I hear you, Lin. Now let's get Isabella and the rest of the civilians in here. On the double! Will: Right away, sir! Rubinelle: Captain! The rear guard's under attack! Looks like those raiders are back again! Brenner: What? Someone want to explain how they snuck up on us? Lin: I...I don't know, sir. They didn't appear on radar... Brenner: That's just great! What are you standing around for? Let's move! ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Civilian: It's those raiders! We're done for! They'll kill us all! Rubinelle: Calm down! Just follow the evacuation procedures we practiced. Do as you were told, and you'll get out of this just fine. Isabella: Unnnhhhh... Dr. Morris: It's all right, Isabella. Try thinking of something pleasant. That should help. When I'm stressed, I think of my lab. And perhaps some nice rats or robots! Isabella: I-I'm OK... If we never give up... Dr. Morris: Yes, of course. We must never give up. That's the key. Of course, some reinforcements would help raise my spirits, but... The Beast: GYAAARRR! Ungyaahh...graar... Gwar har har! GYAAARRR! Will: The raiders are closing in on the civilians! They're going to attack! The Beast: GYAAARRR! Civilians? You're worried about them? Gwar har har! That settles it! KILL 'EM ALL!! War lesson number one, punk! NEVER CARE! GYAAARRR!! Will: Leave them alone! They're not soldiers! THEY'RE CIVILIANS! The Beast: It doesn't matter! They're weak! They're defenseless! They're the perfect prey, and that's why they're gonna bleed! Will: But why? Why would you... I'm not letting you touch them! We're going to stop you! The Beast: Gwar har har! I'd like to see you try! Do your worst! GYAAARRR!! *****Day one***** =====Tactics War Room===== Lin: ...Iiiiiiit's Lin... Isabella: ...Aaaaaaand Isabella... Lin: ...With today's... Isabella: ...Tactical Tip Show! Lin: We rehearsed that, you know! Anyway, on with the strategy. ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Lin: First, have your frontline units fall back immediately. Strong units can build a defensive line near the central mountains. Oh, and keep an eye out for enemy aerial attacks. Use planes and anti-air units to keep them busy. Isabella: Capture the airport and factory, then build indirect-attack units and tanks. Once you have a good-sized force, strike for the east. And don't worry about the war tanks, your bombers can take care of them. ~~~~~Flash to War Room~~~~~ Lin: See you next time on... Isabella: The Taaaaactical Tiiiiip Shooooow! ...Hee hee! That was really fun, Lin! Let's do it again! =====End Tactics===== *****An infantry dies***** The Beast: GYAAARRR! YES! YES! YES! First blood to The Beast! Take them all! Don't let them die easily! Will: NOOOO! Get out of there! Do you read?! You have to evacuate now! Dr. Morris? Isabella? Please, someone answer me! You've got to get out of there! Hello? Is anyone there? The Beast: Gwar har har! They're all dead, punk! Your pretty little girlfriend too! You couldn't save 'em. How's it taste? Burns, doesn't it? Will: WHY? Why did you do that? There was no reason... The Beast: Reasons? I don't need reasons! I kill because I can! And now I'm gonna kill the rest so I can hear you cry some more. How's that sound? What's that? I can't HEEEEAAARRR you! C'mon, punk! Don't you have anything to say? I wanna hear you beg! Will: I...I want to kill you. The Beast: You threatening me, boy? Will: You were right. I had no idea what war was really about. But I get it now. It's about anger and fear. It's about hate! My friends weren't looking to fight. They were innocent... You want to live like a beast? Fine! You can die like one too! The Beast: Gwar har har! Now you're talkin', punk! Now you're worth killing! GYAAARRR! *****Brenner's Wolves win***** The Beast: GYAAA... Uuurrrgggh! NOOOOOO!!! Caulder: It seems my little experiment has come to an untimely end. Oh well... You served your purpose well, my savage beast. I am quite satisfied. But you are no longer of any use to me. You may continue dying... Will: Hello! Is anyone there? Did anyone manage to survive? Hello? HELLO? It's...it's no use. They're dead. I failed them all... Dr. Morris: Don't be so quick to bury us, Will! We were just lying low until we could be sure it was safe. Will: Dr. Morris! Dr. Morris: No time for lollygagging! I've got wounded coming out of my ears! And Isabella is faring poorly! *****If Brenner's Wolves lose***** Will: Isabella... forgive me... The Beast: Gwar har har har! GYAAARRR!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~Victory Page~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Will: We must never give up hope. ~~~~~Nuclear Shelter Control Center~~~~~ Lin: The wounded are in sick bay, sir. The civilians came through largely unharmed. Brenner: Where's Will? Lin: He's with Isabella. Her condition has deteriorated badly. She was hurt in the skirmish, and the virus is continuing to develop. Brenner: Will she make it? Lin: It's touch and go. She's in Dr. Morris's hands now. ~~~~~Nuclear Shelter Medical Wing~~~~~ Will: Come on, come on... What's taking so long? Dr. Morris: Will. You're still here? It's been hours. Will: How is she, Doctor? Is Isabella all right? Dr. Morris: I'm...I'm sorry, Will. Try and calm down, all right? I don't know if I'm the right person to tell you this, but... Will: Oh no... Please, Dr. Morris! It can't be! It can't! Dr. Morris: Listen, I... No, I don't have the words... I think I'll leave it to Isabella to tell you how she's made a full recovery! Oh ho! Oh ho ho ho ho ho! Isabella: Will! Will: Isabella! Isabella: I'm going to be OK, Will. I owe it all to Dr. Morris's help and to everyone's kindness. Will: That's great news! Isabella: It is, isn't it? ~~~~~Nuclear Shelter Control Center~~~~~ Brenner: You're a real piece of work, Doc. Why didn't you just tell the boy she was better? Dr. Morris: Come now, Captain! Where's the drama in that? Did you see the joy on Will's face? I felt like the director in one of those TV medical dramas. Oh ho ho! Brenner: Unbelievable... Lin: May I assume Isabella's no longer contagious? Dr. Morris: You may. The virus incorporated the nucleoside analogues into its genomes, halting its life-- Brenner: Stop! Is she OK or isn't she? Dr. Morris: You are a most impatient man, Captain. Yes, yes, she's fine. Although I must confess I had my doubts there for a while. She was on the verge of death, and then... Something changed within her system. While I was recovering from my surprise... Voila! I can offer you no explanation for it. Brenner: Why not just call it a miracle? Sounds to me like Will's prayers were answered. That's all the explanation I need right there. Dr. Morris: I'm a man of science, Captain. Miracles are not something I deal in. However... Truth be told, I feel rather superfluous in that I truly did nothing to heal her. The one thing I can say for certain is that she's cured. So... Hip hip hoo-rah! ~~~~~Nuclear Shelter Living Quarters~~~~~ Mayor: Where've you been, Brenner? I've been waiting to hear your report for hours! Brenner: Calm down. Everything's fine. The girl made a full recovery. Mayor: The girl? Who said anything about her? I want to know about the food! Is the factory in working order? Will we be able to grow crops? Brenner: Yes. That's what I've been told. You'll be happy to learn you don't need to worry about food anymore. Mayor: That...that is good news. Now, we've got some additional business to attend to... As the civilian represenative, there's something I need to discuss with you. Brenner: Go on. Mayor: It's about this shelter. Do you think it can sustain this many people living here? We've assessed the situation and feel we need to cut our population roughly in half. There's-- Brenner: You can't be serious. Do you realize how big this place is? There is more than enough room for all of us. Mayor: Listen, Brenner. This is the collective opinion of the entire civilian population, understand? And having soldiers living here is problematic as well. Are we supposed to live in fear of being attacked? Brenner: Is there a point to all this? Mayor: You're soldiers. You have the weapons and training to survive anywhere. But we civilians are powerless. This shelter is our only chance for survival. We believe the solution is clear. Am I right, everyone? Shall we vote and decide like civilized men? Lin: That's not a reasonable proposition. In terms of numbers, you civilians have an overwhelming majority. Additionally, a large number of our people are incapacitated by their wounds. Would you use that to your advantage? Is that the type of people we're dealing with? Mayor: How disrespectful! I'm not trying to set up a dictatorship! This new world should be built on democracy. One person, one vote! That's what I say! Or would you rather threaten us with your guns and bully us into submission? Brenner: ... ... ... ... Lin: OK, yeah. I'm comfortable with that. Brenner: Stand down, Lin. Mayor: Very well, then. We vote, and majority rules. Does that sound fair to everyone? All in favor of having the soldiers leave the shelter, raise their hands. ...Come on! Lets see hands! Civilian: I don't think so. Youth: Me either. Mayor: Wh-what are you doing? Get your hands up! I gave you the plan! Now do as I told you! Woman: But...they fought for us. They risked their lives for us. Youth: Some of them...died for us. We can't just throw them out of here. Woman: I want them to stay. Civilian: I'll second that! Brenner: You listening, Mayor? Lin: It would appear we have a clear majority. Mayor: B-b-but, how can you...? Wh-what are you thinking?! Fine! Do as you please! I don't care! Brenner: Thank you, everyone. You have my gratitude. As you know, my people and I have been on search and rescue 24-7 since the meteors struck. But most of the folks we've "saved" didn't last too long after the fact... To be honest, there've been times when I've questioned the value of what we're doing. But knowing that you understand makes it all worthwhile. Thank you. Lin: Well said, Captain. ~~~~~Nuclear Shelter Medical Wing~~~~~ Will: So we're going to stay here for a while. There's plenty of food, and there's safety in numbers. Isabella: We can stay here together? Me too? I...I had nothing. I didn't know where I was or what I should do. I didn't even know my own name. Yet you took me in and cared for me, and now you say I can live here with you. Are you sure? Is it truly all right? Will: Of course! And now that you've recovered from the virus, I'm sure you'll get your memory back. Isabella: Perhaps... But I really don't need my memory back. I'm fine not knowing what happened before. Will: Really? But... Isabella: You've given me all the memories I need. I'll never forget the kindness you've shown. Will: Isabella, listen. I want to... ...Um, Lieutenant? Are you... Lin? Hello? Lin: Yes? Will: GYAA! How do you do that? And why are you eavesdropping on our conversations? Lin: Are you talking about something you don't want me to hear? Will: Well, no, but... That's not the point! It was a private conversation, and-- Lin: Whatever. Captain Brenner sent me. We're to report to A Block immediately. If we're going to be living here, we need to set up rules and regulations. Will: Fine. We'll be right there. C'mon Isabella. It's time to go! Isabella: Yes, sir! ======================== *****End Chapter-10***** ======================== ==================== *****Chapter-11***** ==================== A Storm Brews ~~~~~Lazurian/Rubinelle Coastline~~~~~ Brenner: Any news, Will? Will: No, sir. Nobody's here either. Brenner: I see. We'll just have to keep looking. Will: It's been a whole year since the meteors came down, and we still can't see the sun. How long will it be before we see another blue sky? Brenner: Don't give up hope. The sun will find a way to break through again. However, I think it's time to increase our search radius, even if we have to leave the shelter. What's our supply situation, Lin? Lin: We have enough for another three months. But more and more refugees have been coming to the shelter. We're already over capacity, and they are still coming. If we keep taking them in... Brenner: We'll figure something out. We're not turning anyone away. Will, what's the current status of the civilian population? Will: Everyone seems to be getting by, and they're all helping each other. But, then again, they don't know just how low our food supplies are... Lin: There's a growing faction of civilians who follow that idiot mayor. They sit around all day waiting for us to feed them and keep them safe. If they knew about the supply situation, they would likely turn on the newcomers... The situation isn't good. I worry it could deteriorate to infighting at any time. Will: I won't let that happen! We'll just find a new place to live! We can't resort to fighting our own people. Lin: I'm worried that Will is pushing himself too hard. I know he wants to help, but he puts a lot of pressure on himself. Brenner: He still sees himself as a civilian, not a soldier. That's why he's worried that the other civilians might become a burden to us. Lin: He doesn't make things easy for himself. Brenner: No, he doesn't. Lin: Captain... I've started hearing some disturbing rumors from incoming refugees. They say there is a war raging in the north. Brenner: War? The world is in ruins. There's no one left to start a war. Lin: Regardless, there are rumors that the survivors have been banding together. And that someone has dragged them into a full-scale war. However, it's only a rumor. Will: Captain! Brenner: What is it, Will? Will: Ships have been sighted off the coast! I can't be sure, but it looks like some Rubinelle Army survivors are under attack! ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Davis: Aw, man. This ain't good, man... C-Captain Brenner! HELP! They're attacking us! Brenner: Davis?! Is that you? Will: You know him, Captain? Brenner: I do. Davis used to be under my command. Davis: The Lazurians are all over us! We need support now, Captain! Brenner: Why do the Lazurians have to keep throwing fuel on this damn war? Davis: Please, Captain! Take 'em out before it's too late! We're gettin' torn up! Brenner: Hang tight, Davis. We're on our way! *****Day one***** Lin: Remember, your forces are in red uniforms. The enemy is wearing blue. Davis's forces are yellow. Don't forget that they are our allies. =====Tactics War Room===== Lin: Welcome to the Tactical Tip Show. We have a special guest today... Davis: Ummm...yeah. Hi. I'm...I'm Davis. I work for Admiral Greyfield. ...And I'm not that special. I'm actually just a guy. See, my boss-- Lin: OK, too much info. Let's talk strategy, all right? Davis: Uh... Look, I thought... I mean, I was just... I thought you were here to help! You know, with my problems? Yeah, 'cause I've kinda been thinking about a lot of stuff, and I hoped someone would-- Lin: Are you still talking? Davis: Hey, look, I'm... You could at least pretend to care... See, my boss keeps losing his temper and yelling at me and calling me a big-- Lin: Yes, yes. Terribly sad. Now on to tactics! ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Lin: A gunboat-and-rocket combo will work wonders on enemy cruisers. Your gunboats have only one shot, so you'll need to resupply them. Use the rig to build a temporary port on the nearby beach. At the same time, move troops to the central peninsula with landers. ~~~~~Flash to War Room~~~~~ Lin: That's it for today. Thanks for coming. Davis: Um... Look, can I... Can we talk now? I really need someone to listen to me. Lin: I'm afraid you'll have to keep looking. Davis: B-but, I thought... I thought you cared. Lin: Not really, no. Anyway, that's the Tactical Tip Show for today. Thanks for the help...um... David? Damon? What was your name again? =====End Tactics===== *****Gunboat is selected***** Isabella: Gunboats can strike other naval units with missile salvos. They carry only enough missiles to fire one full salvo, so use it wisely. They can also transport one infantry or mech unit. Lin: ... ... ... ... Will: Are you OK, sir? Lin: What, me? Oh yeah, sure. No worries. Now that Isabella is training, I'm ...not quite sure what to do with myself. ...Maybe I need a new hobby. Like...knitting. Will: Don't say that! *****Lander is selected***** Will: Can you tell me more about this unit? Lin: It's a lander. Will: Right. Uh...could you give me a little more information? Sir? Lin: ...I guess I could. But I think I'll let Isabella talk now. Over to you, Isabella. Isabella: You can load up two ground units onto a lander. Run the lander onto a beach to unload or pick up units. *****Day one, New Rubinelle Army***** Davis: My forces have taken heavy damage! You're going to have to take over. No offense, but my priority right now is gettin' outta here in one piece... *****Day one, Lazurian forces***** Tasha: More Rubes joining the fight? Good, keep them coming! Come on, Lazurians! Let's wipe 'em off the map! *****Brenner's Wolves win***** Gage: Tasha, we have to retreat. Tasha: What? Why?! Call in reinforcements, Gage! I want to keep fighting! Gage: Orders from General Forsythe. Tasha: But...WHY?! Look at them! Those Rubinelle forces are lame ducks! Gage: Tasha? It was a direct order. Tasha: Dammit! Gage: Calm down. There's no place for emotion on the battlefield. Stay cool, follow orders, and eliminate the enemy. That is all we have to do. Tasha: Gya! I'll get revenge on all those Rubes! I swear it! *****If Brenner's Wolves lose***** Lin: I don't know anything about naval battles. It costs us lives. Davis: Oh, man! This is it, man! We're goin' down! Somebody save us, man! ...Anyone? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~Victory Page~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lin: That was a success. ~~~~~12th Battalion HQ~~~~~ Davis: Oh, man! I thought we were goners! Brenner: Good to see you alive, Davis. What have you been up to? Davis: Me? Aw, I'm commanding a force for Admiral Greyfield. I've been looking all over for you, Captain Brenner! Look, I'll come straight out and say it...we want you and your men to join us. Brenner: Explain. Davis: A huge war's broken out between Rubinelle and Lazuria. Greyfield took command and formed the New Rubinelle Army so we could take it to 'em! Brenner: This world is a slag heap. What could you possibly be fighting over? Davis: Well, the... The Lazurians started it! So now we gotta wipe 'em out! And the Lazurians are led by the legendary General Forsythe. They rallied behind him and hit us but good! Truth be told, we took some lumps... Brenner: Continue. Davis: Look, we...we have tons of supplies! Food, fuel, weapons...everything! Join us, and you won't ever have to worry about shortages. They can all live easy! Brenner: "They"? Who are you talking about? Davis: Captain, we know you've been protecting a big crowd of refugees and survivors. But you have to be running low on food and supplies, yeah? C'mon! Join us! Brenner: Our situation is none of Greyfield's concern. Davis: Look, man... Er, Captain. We need you just as much as you need us, and that's no lie. But we're both Rubinelle through and through! Not even doomsday can change that. Join us, Captain Brenner! ======================== *****End Chapter-11***** ======================== ==================== *****Chapter-12***** ==================== A History of Hate ~~~~~New Rubinelle Army Headquarters~~~~~ Davis: Admiral Greyfield, the 12th Battalion commander has arrived. Greyfield: ...WELL?! Don't just stand there like a slack-jawed idiot! Send him in! Brenner: ...Admiral. Greyfield: So you're the leader of the so-called Brenner's Wolves. Frankly, I'm surprised you're still alive. Brenner: For now. Greyfield: Yes, I remember you now! An adequate soldier, but crippled by ideological limitations! Your lack of patriotism and devotion was an insult to your Rubinelle heritage. Brenner: The 12th Battalion always fought with honor and respect for the rules of war. Greyfield: Rules of war? Ha ha ha! Rules... You really are a relic from another age, Captain. Davis: Hey, uh... Come on, now. We're all soldiers of Rubinelle, yeah? We should all pull together against the enemy. Waylon: I don't think much of Davis, but the chump's got a point. We gotta plow the Lazurians into the ground. There's time for dancing when that's done. Brenner: Oh, good. Waylon's here. Waylon: Oh, you know it ain't a party 'til I arrive, brother man! That's straight-up truth! Oh, yeah, and thanks for bailing me out of that jam. The ladies of the world thank you. Brenner: Couldn't resist the draw of the high life, huh, Waylon? This paycheck help you sleep at night? Waylon: Like a baby with a bottle! Only a fool'd miss out on this kind of livin'! Round here? They treat me right! Give me anything I ask for. I do whatever I want, too, and everyone's too scared to say boo! Brenner: Typical. Davis: L-look...Admiral Greyfield has taken over the former military and built the New Rubinelle Army. But we need help to beat those crafy Lazurians. ...N-not that you need any help, Admiral! Um... Oh Great One... Greyfield: The Lazurians are an enemy to freedom-loving people everywhere! There can be no peace until they are wiped from the face of the planet. Davis: Yeah, so, it's like a war for peace. Right? The enemy forced us into it. Are you with us, Captain? Brenner: ...I don't want this idiotic war to continue any longer than it already has. If my men can end this fighting a day sooner, then we will help. Davis: Yes! I don't believe it! Greyfield: Hmmm...yes. I suppose you may be a modicum of help. But we will have to wait and see... Go to the Rubinelle Sea. The hated Lazurians have been seen in the area. Send them a clear signal that you now fight for Admiral Greyfield! And show no mercy! Brenner: ...I hope this is over soon. Greyfield: For a man of Rubinelle, he lacks moral flexibility and respect for power. Davis: Y-yes, sir! B-but I always remember him as a good fighter... ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Brenner: Have all units been deployed? Lin: Yes, Captain. They are awaiting your orders. Brenner: One wrong move, and the Lazurians will be all over us. Greyfield sent only a handful of units, and this force is formidable. Will: Captain Brenner? Brenner: Yes, Will? Will: Why did the Lazurians start this war? Why would they do that? I don't understand what there is to fight over. Brenner: I imagine they saw this as a chance to settle some unfinished business. Sometimes I can almost understand the feeling. Will: I still don't get it... Brenner: Will, I know how you feel. I know this war seems senseless. But the Great War caused unspeakable horror for our two countries. We've traded black eyes with the Lazurians for over a century. The meteors changed everything but the hatred between our nations. Will: But still... Brenner: I fear this war won't end until one side secures military victory. We have to force them to surrender. We have no other choice. Now let's move! *****Day one***** *****Submarine is selected***** Lin: Dive subs after moving them to avoid detection. *****Battleship is selected***** Lin: Battleships are the only units that can launch indirect attacks after moving. A smart CO can use them to completely change the outcome of a battle. =====Tactics War Room===== Lin: Welcome back to the Tactical Tip Show. Today we have another special guest... Isabella: Hello! It's me! Isabella! Lin: She's going to give s a fascinating lecture on how to strip and clean a field rifle. Isabella: Actually, I want you to teach me how to cook. ...I just made that other stuff up so you'd invite me here. Lin: Oh. Well..all right. Sure. Change of plans. We'll talk about cooking. It's not tactics, but cooking is still important. A well-fed unit has high morale, after all. Isabella: Yay! OK, I'm taking notes. Lin: Let's see... Cooking... Well, to master the art of battlefield cuisine, you need to use whatever is at hand. ...Oh look! A rat! That's great. Today we'll make a rat stew. Isabella: Rat...stew? Lin: Yes. Rats are an excellent source of protein and vitamins. Isabella: Um...OK. Well, I guess I'll try to... Ew! Please don't give that to me! Lin: Now, while our rat is simmering, let's discuss the upcoming battle. ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Lin: Subs should dive and focus on torpedoing enemy battleships. And your battleship should focus on enemy cruisers or battleships. Lastly, your cruisers should hit the enemy subs. Battle copters can be very helpful, but keep them away from cruisers! Oh, and use fighters to strike the enemy bomber. Aaaaaand, that's it for now. ...Is something burning? Isabella: Um...maybe? Lin: Well, it's not bad for a first attempt. Who's for rat stew? Isabella: Oh! I'm... I'm really full. But maybe next time you could teach me other dishes? Lin: Sure. I can make snake stew, frog stew, roach stew... Oh, and boot stew! Which should we try next? Isabella: ... Can I get back to you later? ~~~~~War Room~~~~~ Lin: Well, that's enough adventure for today. Isabella: I don't think the troops are going to enjoy my new recipe... =====End Tactics===== *****Day one, Waylon's forces***** Waylon: Woo-hoo! Let's hit 'em where it hurts! *****Day one, Lazurian forces***** Tasha: Requesting permission to engage the Rubinelle forces, sir. Forsythe: Granted. Caulder: General Forsythe? If you like, I can boost your chances of victory. I have prepared some special gifts for you and your men. Forsythe: Gifts? Caulder: Yes, gifts! Weapons with the power to grant you an effortless victory! Such as a device with the power to freeze troops solid? It uses a specially developed formula created in my labo-- Forsythe: Good chowder, man! That is enough! I will hear no more talk of this! Weapons of that ilk are banned by international and military law. Caulder: Law? What does that mean now? There is no law in this world! A wise man would use all means at his disposal to ensure victory. Forsythe: I am an old, tired soldier, Caulder, but one who fights with honor. I will not sully the proud name of Lazuria with your foul weapons. Caulder: I don't think that position will prove popular among your troops. Forsythe: My good man, I am grateful for the aid you have given my army. It is thanks to you that we occupy a position of superiority over Rubinelle. But I simply will not abide the use of such terrible weapons! Caulder: That is regrettable. Tasha: General Forsythe, leave it to me! I'll destroy these filthy Rubes! *****Day two***** Will: Um...hello? I mean...attention? Come in, please. I want to speak to the Lazurian commander. Can you hear me? Why are we fighting? The war is over. None of this matters. Tasha: Huh? ...John? ...John? Is that you? JOHN?! Will: ...What? Tasha: No, that's...that's impossible. John is... Will: What are you talking about?! Tasha: This is Wing Commander Tasha of the Lazurian Airborne. Identify yourself! Will: Um...I'm Will. I'm a member of the 12th Battalion. Uh...of Rubinelle. But listen! I don't want to fight! The Great War is over! Tasha: It's not over... It's NEVER over! This is about revenge! We fight and fight until Rubinelle is destroyed! Will: Look, I know our nations have been at war since before we were both born. And we've all lost friends and family... But revenge won't bring anyone back. Tasha: It may not bring them back, but it will avenge them! And that matters! Could you just forgive and forget! Pah! What a hypocrite! Will: I'm not a hypocrite! Tasha: You're a kid! What do you know about war or revenge? You think you know right and wrong, but you've never been tested! All you have are your words and your false bravado. John was my brother. He was killed by your Rubinelle Army. Revenge! Death to all Rubes! Reveeeeenge! Will: But wait...! Tasha: I've said all I'm going to say. I don't want to fight a kid, but if you're with the Rubes, you're going down! *****If Waylon's Forces are destroyed***** Waylon: Waylon don't like this none, no sir! Let's get out of here! Retreat! *****Brenner's Wolves win***** Tasha: No! Those filthy Rubes beat me again! I'm so sorry, General Forsythe! I swear we will have revenge! *****If Brenner's Wolves lose***** Will: How could I lose... Tasha: YES! Revenge! Revenge is mine! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~Victory Page~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Will: How long must this war go on...? ~~~~~12th Battalion Base Camp~~~~~ Brenner: Will, Lin. Look to the wounded. Will: OK. We'll split up and begin searching for survivors... ~~~~~Rubinelle Seacoast~~~~~ Waylon: Well, look what the cat dragged in! It's Captain Courageous's cabin boy. And look at you! Running all over hell and breakfast helpin' the wounded. Will: Captain Waylon? Waylon: Waylon, kid! Waylon! No need to sound so uppity! I ain't some fancy-pants general. So how is the good captain, eh? Still tryin' to save the world like a chump? Will: Captain Brenner is a great man! Waylon: What?! Will: You can call me a kid or chump or whatever, but never speak badly of Captain Brenner. Waylon: Pshaw, kid! I'm just pullin' your chain a little. That's all. But that reminds me... Ol' Greyfield himself wants to see you. Will: He wants to see me? Waylon: 'Fraid so. And he ain't a fella that likes to wait, if you know what I mean. So hit the road, and tell the great man that I said hello. ... What are you still doin' here, brother man?! Get going! Go on! Shoo! ~~~~~New Rubinelle Army HQ~~~~~ Will: You wanted to see me, Admiral? Greyfield: Hmm? Ah, yes. Will, wasn't it? Yes, yes. Please, do come in. You kept a cool head in that battle, my boy. I'm impressed. Commanding an army at your age is no mean feat. But you are Rubinelle, and the proud blood of this nation flows in your veins! Will: Umm... Thank you? Greyfield: What do you think of this life, Will? What do you think of the destruction which gave birth to this brave new world? Will: I... I think it's terrible-- Greyfield: WRONG! You have made a fundamental error! Do not do so again! Will: An error? Greyfield: Only the weak view this destruction as terrible. Some defeatists may even claim we deserved it... But they are fools! All of this has been but a test! Will: A...test? Greyfield: Yes, a test. A test to see who has earned the right of survival. The weak see it as a catastrophe, but the strong see it as opportunity! You, Will! You could be one of the strong! You passed the test with flying colors. Will: But people died! They lost their lives! Greyfield: It is natural that the weak should perish! Will: I... I don't... Greyfield: This world as it is now demands strength. It demands the strength of Rubinelle. Our long years of war with Lazuria, and the destruction that followed, were all tests. Those who cannot cope with the harsh reality of today do not deserve to survive. Will: ...You're wrong! Greyfield: What did you say? Will: My parents were killed in the war! My friends were killed by the meteors! You think it is natural that they died? You think they failed some crazy test? You're wrong! And I'm not afraid to say it! Greyfield: How dare you speak to me in such a way! I am Admiral Greyfield! I will rule this world! Will: ... Greyfield: I thought you were different from that fool Brenner... But I see he has brainwashed you with that nonsense about protecting the innocent! Begone! Leave my sight! If you dare return, I'll see you hanged for treason! ======================== *****End Chapter-12***** ======================== ==================== *****Chapter-13***** ==================== Greyfield Strikes ~~~~~New Rubinelle Army HQ~~~~~ Greyfield: WELL! Don't just stand there, fool! Give me your report! Davis: Th-thanks to the brave effort of all our units, we crushed the hated Lazurians. Brenner's Wolves fought particularly well. It was only due to their-- Greyfield: SILENCE! I did not summon you before me to hear you sing that damn fool's praises! Where is the 12th Battalion now? Davis: On...on the coast, Admiral Greyfield. L-l-looking for the enemy... Greyfield: Send units to assist them. Make it clear that Admiral Greyfield is in command! Brenner will obey my orders to the letter during the next battle! Davis: B-but, Admiral... Greyfield: Do you question me, Davis? Armies need discipline and leadership, and I provide these things! Rogue elements like these...Wolves of Brenner's... must be brought to heel. Davis: Y-yes, sir! Absolutely right, Admiral. I'll... I'll get right on it. ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ *****Day one***** Will: Captain, we have completed the capture of the port. We can now produce naval units! Brenner: Well done, Will. But the enemy possesses ports also. This may be a long battle. Lin: Greyfield has sent a token amount of funds and military support. But I think it's mostly for show. I doubt he really supports the 12th Battalion. We'd better make plans to secure our own source of funds and materials. Brenner: Got it. Thanks, Lin. All units! Spread out and capture as many neutral bases as you can! *****Select Carrier unit***** Lin: That's a carrier. We can use carriers to build seaplanes. Seaplanes will provide our air force with a significant boost. =====Tactics War Room===== Will: Huh? Where's Lieutenant Lin? Lin: ...Sorry I'm late! Will: Hmmm... There's something different about you today... Isabella: Oh! Hey, Will! Will: Isabella! What are you doing here? And what's that on your eyes? Lin: It's called mascara. ...What? Don't stare at me like that. Isabella asked me for help with her makeup. Poor kid found some in the rubble and thought it would be fun to try it on. Isabella: Hee hee! This is fun! Although Lin doesn't know much about this kind of thing. She told me that axle grease makes a fine skin-care product. I'm not sure that's true... Will: Um... Are you sure there's nothing more important you should be doing? Lin: Please leave the prioritizing of tasks to your superiors. Will: Oh! Sorry, sir. ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Lin: Use gunboats to transport troops and secure the islands. Greyfield's bizarre orders are going to immobilize units from time to time. But you can plan for that by building a wide variety of units. Will: Understood! Lin: Sink the enemy carriers and battle ship with your sub and battleship. Then station a carrier, sub, and rig on the western island. That will prevent enemy naval units from sailing through these waters. Use battleships and seaplanes to pound ground forces near their HQ, then transport a contingent of ground forces and capture the enemy HQ. Now, if you have no...objections...Isabella and I have more to discuss. Will: Please! Go right ahead! ~~~~~War Room~~~~~ Lin: Is there something else I can help you with, Will? Will: No! No, I think I'll be OK. Thank you. Lin: So anyway, Isabella, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted... White is a great color for summer, but never wear it into battle. Are you taking notes? Isabella: I sure am, Lin. Oh, Will! Maybe we can color YOUR hair, too! That would be fun! Will: Time to go... =====End Tactics===== *****Day one, Greyfield's forces***** Greyfield: Advance, my New Rubinelle Army! Failure will not be tolerated! Prove yourselves worthy of my glorious leadership! *****Day three, (And every three days from now)***** Greyfield: Report on the units in Brenner's group. Where does their strength lie? (Random Unit name)Battleships? Understood. Ensure you relay my orders tomorrow! *****Before Day four***** NRA Guard: Captain Brenner! We're receiving orders from Admiral Greyfield! He says they must be obeyed under penalty of death, sir! Brenner: What?! This is our battle! What does that idiot think he's doing? NRA Guard: Sorry, sir! But I'm just the messenger! Please do what he says, sir! I have a wife and kids! Will: Wait...the penalty of death applies to you? An enlisted man?! Brenner: I think it applies to all of us, Will. There's no choice. The admiral clearly doesn't like me very much. Will: This is my fault, Captain. I was disrespectful to the admiral... Brenner: Don't blame yourself, Will. Things can't be changed now. I could risk my own neck, but I won't endanger the lives of my men. We'll follow his orders. ...No matter how crazy they are. Will: Yes, sir! *****Day four***** Greyfield: All (Previously mentioned unit) Battleships, halt! Don't move an inch without my leave! *****Day four, Lazurian forces***** Gage: The enemy units are behaving oddly. Tasha: Great! Maybe there's a problem in the ranks! Gage: I wouldn't want to speculate. Let's just finish the job at hand. *****Before Day six***** Will: Attention, Lazurian commanders! Can anyone hear me? Gage: ... Will: I just hear static... Is this dumb thing broken? Gage: ...What do you want? Will: Hey! You heard me! Gage: I'm switching the intercom off now. Will: Wait! Please, hold on! I have to talk to you! I need to know why the Lazurians started this war again! Gage: I obey orders. I don't engage in policy discussions. Will: Orders? But Lazuria is destroyed! Both of our nations are in ruins, and yet we're still at war! Orders don't matter We don't have a reason to fight. Gage: ... ... ... ... Will: Surely you thought about this! You must know this war is pointless! Gage: That's not my concern. Soldiers follow orders, not their hearts. If soldiers acted as they pleased, armies would collapse. We're tools of the government. They tell us what to do, and we-- Will: But there IS no government now! I mean, not a real one! Gage: Not my problem. *****Before Day eight***** NRA Guard: Captain? I have more orders from Admiral Greyfield. Brenner: ...Not again! This idiot is risking all of our lives! Will: Captain, we can do it anyway! Brenner's Wolves won't be beaten by the Lazurians OR Greyfield! Rubinelle: Captain, he's right! We can win this! *****Brenner's Wolves win***** Gage: Clearly the enemy had a method to their madness. We have no choice. We must retreat. *****If Brenner's Wolves lose***** Brenner: I let my troops down... I let everyone down... Gage: This is a hollow victory. The enemy command was in disarray. I take no pleasure from this... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~Victory page~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brenner: Tell Greyfield what happened here... ~~~~~New Rubinelle Army HQ~~~~~ NRA Guard: Admiral Greyfield! Brenner's Wolves have won the day! Er...I mean... It was probably due to your leadership, s-sir! Greyfield: ...I see. NRA Guard: A-Admiral? You're not...upset at our victory, are you? Greyfield: No! Of course not! How dare you! I am merely displeased Brenner allowed the Lazurians to escape. Until they are wiped from the face of the planet, we will know no peace... ~~~~~Ruined Coastal City~~~~~ Civilian: Oh! Oh golly, it's you! Isabella: I'm... I'm sorry. Do you know me? Civilian: Oh, I doubt you'd be remembering me. I used to run the bakery in this city, don'cha know! Isabella: Oh... I'm...I'm sorry. I can't really remember anything. Will: Wait! You know Isabella? She's lost her memory. Anything you can tell us about her would be a big help. Civilian: Well, that's just a shame, it is! But I'm afraid I won't be of much use t'ya. I only saw this young lady and her family a few times. Never bought m'pies, don'cha know! Will: She has a family? Civilian: Oh yah! Had herself a couple'a sisters and a brother, if I'm rememberin' rightly. Isabella: ...I had a family? Will: Do you know their names? Or where they are now? Civilian: Oh no! I don't think anyone here will be tellin' ya any of that. Not quite sure the best way to tell ya this, but... Ya had a bit of a creepy family, if I remember rightly. Folks were scared of 'em. Isabella: Why? Civilian: Oh, I don't wanna be talkin' poorly about someone's family! Wouldn't be right. Isabella: No! Please tell me! I want to know! Civilian: Yah well, we had all kinds of strange rumors flying about! Folks said your family wasn't human! Said they were monsters and the like! ...Don'cha know. Isabella: That's...horrible. Civilian: Oh golly, now I gone and done it! But yah, there were a buncha rumors! Folks said that a buncha tough guys caused ya trouble and then died all mysterious-like! And some folks said that if ya got near weapons, they'd explode and such! Isabella: ... Civilian: But they're just rumors, yah? Don'cha be payin' these things no mind. Isabella: Will... Will: Listen, Isabella, I'm sure that-- Isabella: Who am I? What am I? What if I did terrible things and don't remember it...? ======================== *****End Chapter-13***** ======================== ==================== *****Chapter-14***** ==================== A Hero's Farewell ~~~~~Flash to Field~~~~~ Lin: We are approaching the main Lazurian base. This will not be easy. Their forces are led by General Forsythe. Will: I learned about him the academy. He was the hero of the Lazurian Seige! But that was twenty years ago... Is he really still fighting? Brenner: Forsythe... What are the chances I would be facing him? And here of all places... Will