Los Lobos and the Civitas Crystallini Adventure Part-Six Victors, Losers & Revelations

Los Lobos survivors- Dr.Vaquero, Dr. Sirrandon, Dr. Jon, Carlos. Dr. Jonsen & Pedro.

Key facts of the report to the Escuela Los Lobos Executive Campaign Committee on the Los Lobos Rescue Expedition.

 1/Dr, Linda Vaquero and her aide Dr. Suzzann Sirrandon were rescued and are positive no other survivors are alive from the first expedition. The two doctors believed they survived due to the need for intelligent female "breeding stock" by the Hidden Empire.  They were extremely lucky to be on the surface when Dr. Jon's party arrived as they were cleaning up after providing food for the exterior guards. (Refer to sub-page 233.05 for a full report on the doctors' experiences and observations of the "Hidden Novum Imperium Romanum.")

2/ Four members of the Jons' Party died, Gaston, Julien, Pierre & Robbie. Suitable compensation will be made to their families and full education benefits to their offspring who will be encouraged to join the Los Lobos Organization when ready. Suitable rewards and promotions have been made to the survivors, especially to Doctors Vaquero, Sirrandon and Jons.

3/ As no evidence from intelligence suggests that either the Imperial Chinese nor Imperial Nippon know of the Hidden Novum Imperium Romanum. It is recommended by this Committee that this knowledge continue to be limited a need-to-know basis. 

4/ As the Novum Imperium Romanum has some technological advances that may be of value to the "Escuela Los Lobos Grand Plan", it is recommended that a new expedition be fitted out to make contact with the ruler of Novum Imperium Romanum.

The full story of the first Los Lobos Expedition is still secret. 

Imperial Chinese Semi-Autonomous Zone survivors, Junxiaoshangs  Li Zhang, & Pu Wa with  Erdeng Bing's Chen, Yii & Hiro.

News release from General Sun Tsu-Li, Commander, from Imperial Chinese Dongan Silingbu:

Hero's accolades for the brave spirit of the late Shangwei An Yen, 203 Frontier Company Imperial Chinese Dongan Silingbu; who, with the brave sacrifices of the hero's under his command, has driven off the Hated Nipponese Invaders who dared to enter Imperial Lands. It is even reported that two wonderous Dragons came to the aide of Imperial Chinese forces. There can be no greater proof that Imperial China is under the protection of the Heavens and the Jade Emperor! Long Live the Imperial Chinese Semi-Autonomous Zone and Long Live Great Emperor Yuan Shikai!

Sick with fever ads snake venom, Ren wanders the jungle, eventually floating down a river on a log where he was found by an Imperial Nippon Navy river patrol boat.

Southeast Asia Command report to Imperial HQ on the patrol Seven-16A under command the Rikugun-Shoi Izu Takomi.  After a through interrogation of Itto Kaishi Ren, now deceased, it appears that the patrol met and destroyed a patrol of Imperial Chinese Ototta soldiers. That point is clear, then Ren became raving about snakes and metal men destroying the patrol. We believe that these ravings are due to fever and the lasting effects of snake venom. Unfortunately, as a lowly Itto Kaishi, Ren was unable to identify the location of the battle with the Chinese, it is somewhere in a thousand square kilometers of contested territory. It is recommended that stronger patrols be sent into the entire contested area to clear it of the Ototta presence.

Novum Imperium Romanum

The secret of the underground, hidden New Roman Empire of Counsel Julius Augusts XXIII may have leaked, out or possibly it can be contained by "Agents Provocateurs." Only time will tell...the story continues. Note, as both Shangwei An Yen and  Rikugun-Shoi Izu Takomi survived and are currently held by the Novum Imperium Romanum, perhaps they may be of some use in this matter.

Los Lobos and the Civitas Crystallini Adventure Part Five-Sacrifices

 

What are these creatures, they can't be "Dragon Bones," all the intel at Escuela Los Lobos says that Dragon Bones are reanimated skeletons, not flesh and blood. Whatever these beasts are, Carlos wisely decides not to bring attention to his position by shooting. Besides with all the shooting and explosions in the Northern ruins, blasting away at these monsters is doubly foolish. 

Carlos' made a wise decision, as the death created by Heros Metallum is all to evident, And Centurion Tiberius Pulax is looking for more targets to be crushed by Heros Metallum.  

And he finds one, Heisocho Sho, who has decided honor demands he face and fight the Metal Monster (especially as his wounds prevent him from out pacing the ponderous beast). The blurry figure in the foreground is Ren disappearing into the jungle.

 

Death Ray vs two rounds of 6.6 mm rifle, both hit and score no damage to either target. Centurion Tiberius Pulax curses under his breath, the problem with the Lux Mors is its inconstantly sometimes it has the power to drop a bull elephant and other times it just burns a nice round circle in a targets coat. Enough of this, time for the  Fulmen Surculus!

Grenades away, and so ends the brave Heisocho Sho, whose sacrifice allows Ren to get away from the metal monster.

Unsure of what he might be facing Pu Wa, sets up his squad in defensive positions and tells them to dig in. Yao and Li-Li decide to hunker down behind the deer carcass and save themselves the digging. They will not live to regret this.  

"In the name of the Jade Emperor what in the Middle Kingdom are those monsters" screams Pu Wa as two blood sent enraged pterodactyls swoop in with talons, claws and beaks flashing.  Yao and Li-Li don't even have times to scream in terror before their throats are ripped out.

The attack is so unexpected and quick that the rest of the squad only stare in horror as the limp bodies of their two comrades are carried away by powerful wings. Pu Wa wastes no time in ordering his remaining troops back to base. High command needs to know the truth of the dangers here. If they will believe him that is.

Nippon and Imperial China are done, but what of Los Lobos?

Dr. Jonsen's team has gotten close enough undetected to id Los Lobos two survivors who appear to be washing dishes, in cold water? Lars knows swift action and surprise are the only options. some quick hand signs an go, in quick succession the three guards are gunned by two rifles and the Browing Assault Rifle and Gaston tosses smoke grenades to cover the rescue.

To the sound of alarm bells, Pierre and Julien rush in to free, Dr Linda Vaquero and her aide Dr, Suzzann Sirrandon! The roof guards lob their Petisti Pilums (Guided Heavy Javelins) taking both men OOA 

Kenny realizes that with only pistols and grenades he and Pedro are useless on the upper floors and rush down to meet the rescued Doctors. Lars yells at Gaston to join the retreat. In the confused situation none of the Los Lobos team see the Pteranodons and their grisly cargo flying just north of the team.

Ignoring calls to leave, Gaston stands his ground and continues to lob smoke and frag grenades to hold back the legionnaires pouring out of the tower gate.

                                        

With yet another curse on his lips, Centurion Tiberius Pulax instantly realizes that the alarm bell mean there must be previously unknown intruder by the Bastion. And worse, he and Heros Metallum are out of position to easily stop them.  Assuming the foes will be retreating to the forest or the ruins with the ready Legionnaire guard after them, he orders Heros Metallum to move to intercept at his best speed.

The end for Gaston, who falls impaled yet surrounded by dead and wounded Legionnaires.

"RUN, for gods, sake RUN," cries Dr. Vaquero, "the "Killer Robot" is coming!" Robbie and Carlos earlier had moved towards the ruins to cove the rescues team and now see the robot, "quick back to the Gateway," cries Carlos.

Confusion reigns among the Legionnaires as the Pteranodons fly past. When they do start the pursuit, the invaders are no longer visible in the darkness.

Carlos and Robbie make a stand at the Gateway, Carlos scores two hits that appear to do nothing to slow the machine down. 

Robbie's SMG Jams and as he struggles to clear it Heros Metallum fires the Lux Mors , hit and Robbie instantly reduced to a smoking puddle. Carlos runs for his life ducking behind the Gateway.  

With Heros Metallum's grenades expended, Centurion Tiberius Pulax orders the robot to go through the Sacred Gateway to cut off the intruders. But the monstrous machine has been damaged by the Bren Guns fire and its smoke guns arm is jammed in such a way that Heros Metallum becomes wedged in the gate.

 Carlos thinks better of shooting again an runs to join his companions, who continue to run for their lives.

The last moves, Los Lobos escapes at the lower left. Pu Wa and his survivors retreat at the center right and the Romans collect the dead and wounded. Note that Heros Metallum is still stuck in the Sacred Gateway.

Tomorrow, counting the costs, rewards and punishments:

Los Lobos and the Civitas Crystallini Adventure Part Four- Banzai Charge Quick Victory Quicker Defeat

With the Battle cry "BANZAI" ringing in the air, the SNFL charge into the Chinese. Sho & Kenta are able to close before their opponents can react.

No so for Izu Takomi's group as all three rifle armed Chinese take aim at Yu who falls OOA.

                                      

The rest of the team close with the Chinese and with a flashing of blades, grenades and gunfire, the battle is bloody & quick...

for when the smoke clears two more Chinese are OOA, three are running (all with serious wounds) all for the cost of but one light wound to Izu Takomi. Only An, Li Zhang and Quon remain to face the deadly SNFL, who quickly follow up into further melee.

Giddy with his victory, Izu Takomi charges An!  Wet pants and all, An stands his ground, fires his pistol and tries to remember what he learned in swordsmanship class! 

Remembering the Sun Zu motto, "He who runs away lives to fight another day," Li Zhang desides to fall back and regroup with the retreating survivor's (hopefully back at the Base). Quon and An are made of sterner stuff and keep fighting. Quon is even able to wound both of his opponents but takes a serious wound in the process. Yet his bravery holds, and he keeps fighting. 

                                        

To his surprise, not only is An still alive but he actually gave his hated enemy a serious wound! Izu Takomi is angry with himself for loosing self-control and with the cowardly Chinese who shot him before they crossed swords-he will make him pay.

                                                            Cave Metallum Hominem

With a start Ren, who had been enjoying the melee, turns as a crashing of trees alerts him to a metal monster, He fires two quick rounds just as the giant fires what sounds like a light machinegun.  The sounds of the firing blend into the noise of the melee so no one but Ren yet notices the new danger.

When the smoke clears, Ren is running for his life and Centurion Tiberius Pulax curse the luck that allowed the Nipponese to score a one in a million hit that jammed Heros Metallum's Machina Arma (Machinegun). Luckly the Lux Mors (Death Ray), Fulmen Surculus (Grenade Launcher) and Fumus Surculus (Smoke Thrower) are all still functional. Now to finish off the rest of the intruders.

Grenades and poison smoke rain down on the oblivious fighting Chinese and Nipponese. In a moment only the seriously wounded Sho is not OOA. At the same time, Izu Takomi & An square off, feint slice, feint, slice-Connect-VICTORY- and both fall OOA.

Pu Wa has just rallied two of An's fleeing men when all hell breaks loose to his front, explosions screams and then horrible silence.

Meanwhile to the south, Dr. Jons divides his men into three groups. Dr. Jonsen with three men will stealthily crawl through the crops using the darkness to help them close in on the building Dr. Jons had seen with his night glasses. Dr. Jons and Pedro will cover them from the building...

 

 

While Carlos and Robbie cover their rear.   

Tomorrow, Winners Losers and the Rest:

What the Hel....

Los Lobos and the Civitas Crystallini Adventure Part Three-Romans What Do You Mean Romans!

An chooses to advance and use his superior numbers in a firefight with the SNFL. He might feel better about his chances if he knew his reinforcements had arrived (by the abandoned halftrack). The relief force under  Junxiaoshang (Officer Cadet) Pu Wa (Regular, 9 mm revolver & Fragmentation Grenades) with Erdeng Bing's (Privates) Chen, Yii, Yao, & Li-Li (Green,7.92 mm Mauser Gewehr 98s & Bayonets) where Pu Wa notices strange damage to the vehicle. Several circular areas of paint on the vehicles armor have been neatly "blasted" down to the bare metal.

The Los Lobos team makes it too the "Gate Way" the torches are indeed blazing from some form of energy that is not fire.  Carvings in Classic Latin warn those who enter that the land is protected by the men of metal.  The problem is the carvings show no signs of age... 

As the Chinese move up, the SNFL put both Tan and Shin Out Of Action (OOA), Hiro is now totally panicked and refuses to move or run away. Using all of his command power, An holds the rest of his command together by pure will power (and the threat to shoot the first man who runs.)

Firing a burst from his SMG, Junxiaoshang Li Zhang guns down Daiki, who takes three 9mm rounds and goes OOA. With three of his six men wounded our OOA, Izu Takomi realizes that he must break the morale of the Chinese soon before he has to few men left to accomplish his mission. One thought come instantly to mind "BANZAI" Charge!

Perhaps if he had noticed the newcomer by the Buddha statue, he might have chosen a different path. For a Roman (?) Centurion, Tiberius Pulax, appears from a secret underground passage-perhaps Civitas Crystallini is not quite as ruined as it appears.

The Battle Continues:

SUPRISE!

 

Los Lobos and the Civitas Crystallini Adventure Part Two Opening Moves & Casualties

As Duck descended, the SNFL continue to silently traverse the Jungle while An's Chinese do the same in the forest. Suddenly a Sambar buck is flushed by An's men with unfortunate results as several Erdeng Bings panic and a ragged volley from Jin, Hiru, Liang and Zang shatters the silence, and drops the deer. Shangwei An curses the fools while yelling for them to cease fire.  Well at least there will be fresh meat for dinner think the men. Unbeknownst to them both the SNFL and the Los Lobos forces know roughly where an enemy is located, as do others.
 

The SNLF has its own problems as Itto Kaishi Ren has stepped into the path of a deadly serpent that immediately strikes.  With iron discipline, Ren resists the urge to shoot the creature, rather he tries to fend it off with his rifle and bayonet. Rikugun-Shoi Izu Takomi dashes in and dispatches the horrid creature with a single stroke of his Katana. But the damage is done as Ren suffers a serious wound.

An's Chinese reorganize themselves and slowly (possibly due to being weighed down with 100+ kilos of venison) continue their advance through the forest. Heisocho Sho leads three of his men towards the ruins while Izu Takomi and Yu tend to the wounded Ren. The Los Lobos Rescue Party has arrived in the lower left corner.

Believing that the earlier shooting came from the East, the SNFL quickly set up ambush positions in the ruins and jungle. Sho, Daiki and Kenta set up in the ruins while Izu Takomi, Kaito, Yu and Shota hide in the edge of the jungle. Due to his injury, Ren has been tasked as rear guard. The Los Lobos party skirts the edge of the forest, for security, the Bren Gun, a Grenadier and the SMG cover the right flank. The party heads toward the strange "Gate Way" that appears to have burning torches.

The Chinese obligingly walk into the ambush, as half of them leave the jungle for the imagined safety of the ruins. A volley from Sho's party wound two of the Chinese and pining them and their buddy in the close ruins. Kaito, Yu and Shota cause another wound and pin on the next group of Chinese. The ragged response from the Chinese lightly wounds Shota.

SNLF, no one said we would run into Nippon's finest! With Tan, Jin and Shen wounded, and the latter two plus Hiro pinned, An is in a quandary as to what to do next. Should he move the rest of the squad into the ruins and shoot it out with the SNFL or fall back into the jungle, lick his wounds and regroup. Or should they show the invaders the bravery of Emperor Yuan Shikai's soldiers and charge with cold steel...naaa not a good idea...yet.

                                                          SNLF view of the Chinese positions.

To Be Continued: