”ALEPH strategical analysis has decided that we really need a foothold in Camp Antella if we want to gain a proper foothold on this island. Terrain is rough, so pack lightly. Intelligence and scouting we have prove that the location has heavy Nomad presence. Prepare to do some pest control. And Achilles, try to stay alive this time.”
Machaon on some undisclosed ALEPH stronghold, planet Paradiso
It was noon, and the steaming jungle of Camp Antella was soon to act as a backdrop of battle between ALEPH Assault Sub Section and Nomads (pic 1, plants are decorative and illustrate jungle). The troops disembarked the suborbital transport craft, and secured the deployment zone (pic 2). As soon as they got some cover, they already heard the roaring of the Nomad beasts charging towards their position (pic 3). Immediately afterwards the jungle on the left flank exploded from the fire of Intruders and Grenzer. Both Phoenix and Teucer returned the fire (pic 4a), but were only wounded themselves, Teucer fatally (pic 4b).
”It’s time to return the favor” thought Achilles and jolted towards the open doors of the office building (pic 5a). Even if the terrain didn’t slow him down, the in room area was free of obscuring foliage and so it was easier to operate there. Too bad the the Nomads train of thought weren’t too different and Moran Maasai hunter was already in position. The Crazy Koala were easy enough to dodge, but the Oblivion – program used by the Interventor via Moran’s repeater isolated him from the rest of the army. Luckily help was not ar away and Dactyl engineer managed to boot his armour (pic 5b). Then our Golden Lion finished the Moran (was isolated and fixed again in process and marched across the building to open the door. Chimera and the mine on the other side weren’t too happy, but he dispatched such feeble opposition without a scrath and activated a suppressive fire (pic 5c).
Second turn for Nomads and after the remaining Agema removes the Morlock, they decide to remove the Agema. A Tomcat lands safely behind the now immobilized Pupnik (typical Nomad tactic, using their own pets as meatshields)(pic 6a). It’s followed by fierce fighting inside the center most building. A Corregidor Jaguar throws a smoke grenade on to Achilles, and launch a Close combat attack, but is easily decapitated by monstrous power and skills of our hero (6b). A Corregidor bandit repeat the error (Nomads are coming out of the woodwork)(6c). Interventor sneak closer and deploys her Fast panda, which she the uses as repeater and tries in vain to immobilize Achilles. Even Cassandra Kusanagis flamethrower fails to catch the Blonde Beast. The Dactyl valiantly protects his flank and ARO a Zero (6d).
It’s ALEPH turn to act and Phoenix shoots the other Zero controlling the left watchtower. Achilles can’t advance without being out ranged by Intruder sniper, so he fires at Kusanagi repeatedly, but only catches fire and is once again immobilized (third time). This time Dactyl fails to repair the damage done (pic 7). Machaon’s link decide to take control of the the building on the right. Chain rifle myrmidon harass the camomarker found inside, which turns out to be a Prowler. Both launch their template weapons and both die. With the link broken, Machaon can now use his lt order freely. He uses his Yudbot and heals Phoenix, getting Experimental Drug in process. The link is then reformed and Spitfire Myrmidon tries to shoot Kusanagi, but fails.
Third act, and Nomads are starting to fight back. Kusanagi shoots the Spitfire Myrmidon (8a), which open the route for Tomcat to flank the remaining myrmidons of Machaons link. After it uses its deadly flamethrower and kills Machaon (Nooo!), it coup de grace the downed Spitfire Myrmidon, which earn the Nomads the Extreme Prejudice –Classified objective. Hacker Myrmidon manages to engage him (8b). Kusanagi manages to wound Achilles the second time, but is wounded herself by his nanopulser in return. Finally dactyl AROs the Vertigo (smartmissile launcher), that tries to reposition itself.
The final moments of this battle. Forces of ALEPH are in disarray after losing their lieutenant, so their options are limited. Kusanagi is on her last leg, but so is Achilles. After much pondering and Dactyls failed attempt to finish her (he only manage to down himself), he decide to take the risk and shoot her with a Nanopulser. She fails to dodge and is finally killed and Achilles survives. Burnt, isolated and grievously injured, but alive and conscious, which means victory for ALEPH (pic 9). Despite her best efforts, Hacker Myrmidon fails to kill the Tomcat.
