Battle of Credence Airfield First Night
Diary entry of 3rd Battle Group Field Commander San "Rip" Gore"

Fortune favors the bold. The clouds of war block the light of the heavens, casting a heavy shadow over Reizen. The First and Second Battle groups march under the cover of darkness, but I fear the worst. During my inspection of the other battle groups I could see that the that the tension in the air was palpable. The Martyrs fearfully glancing at their captors who pushed them along while our men braced themselves for a bloody fight.

These martyrs are unreliable, and they may try to flee the fighting before they serve their roles. And their handlers? Absolute arrogant brutes. Why the High command even tolerates these "men" is beyond me, but I must concede that they do bolster our ranks and strike fear into the hearts of the weak. However, I do not know how effective they will be in striking fear into the enemy this time. Because we face the Sedunners, not the pitiful weaklings of the RDC or the trusting Rekina partisans of the WPR.

I remember their missile strikes overwhelming our defenses. I remember the shrieks and wails from my dying brothers and the cries for help from those who barely survived the burning wrecks of their batteries. I remember the calm and almost callous nature of the Higher ups when they promoted me twice to fill the gaps in losing so many artillery officers.

And yet despite their callousness the higher ups were certainly gracious to provide us with the opportunity to avenge our lost brothers. And in a strange sort of way, I feel calm, and almost eager to fight. Like one of those zealous fools who didn't know the cruelties of the meat grinder and sought everlasting glory. Despite my own desires for vengeance, the Third Battle Group has a job to do and we will provide artillery support to the raiders of the Second Battle Group as needed and not act on my own desires. 

In the forests South of Credence Airfield

"Keep your eyes peeled raiders. The enemy should have skirmishers and patrols in the area." said the platoon leader. 

The platoon acknowledged the platoon leader quietly as they scanned the area for hostiles and traps before moving forward.

"Get with your partner, we're casting the net here." the platoon leader ordered after he received new orders. The men complied silently, dispersing in teams of two.

The Second Battle Group's Field Commander knew that his infantry would be stretched and so he adopted Captain Onoda's organizational style. The Commander reorganized the infantry along fire teams of two, splitting the traditional fire team in half to promote greater mobility and independent action. He also required all personnel to keep their gas masks on at all times to prevent friendly fire incidents.

Corporal Maz Yamada looked at the darkness through the infrared goggles and spoke to his partner, "Hey sarge, how come you don't use the goggles they issued us?"

His partner replied, "Its because I'm used to the night fighting. And when the enemy starts using flash grenades, those goggles will be a liability. Besides someone has to be able to fire on-" the sergeant paused raising a clench fist to signal the corporal to halt. Corporal Yamada, instinctively hit the ground, his rifle raised.

The Sergeant silently points northeast and raises 2 fingers to indicate the number he sees before shifting himself behind a tree unslinging his light machine gun. The Corporal nods and crawls behind a fallen tree aiming at one of the enemy and fires the first shot of the battle...