Defence of Steel

[nazariobattista]

OOC: I'm terrible at drawing up maps, so can someone else make one when they join up. Also, since the disaster that was my previous thread, Boat Siege, I've learned that the least members playing the better so no more than two or three people sign on. Thanks, Nazario.

Nazario Battista sighed as another boring hour trickled by. He hated being positioned in Germany at the best of times, but now? He had been sent to guard the incoming trains at the enormous station he and his men were stationed around. A large supply of weapons and the like was being transported from Berlin and the Nazi forces had been tipped off that the Allies were planning a raid. Nazario himself severely doubted that any Allies would be foolish enough to delve right into the heart of Germany just for a few tatty weapons. But Nazario's commanding officer had been insistent and so Nazario and his troop of eight men had been chosen for the job.

Although it was technically an honour to be personally chosen, Nazario saw it as little short of a punishment. It was freezing and besides, the train was already an hour late.

The hairs on the back of Nazario's head pricked up. What if the enemy had raided the train at an earlier station? Even if he wasn't present the blame would fall soley on his shoulders. Rumours were already spreading that his commanding officer, Captain Rafael Wolfram was displeased with him even now. He couldn't afford to fall back into his bad books...

He breathed a sigh of relief as he saw the train approaching in the distance. As soon as the train left again, he could return to his bed. But, even so, he had to remain vigilant. He tightened his grip on his rifle. If anyone attacked, he would be ready.

[♠ James F. Mason]

OOC: Ah, I'll just post now. I'll try making my own map later, but not now.

James' hands kept a tight hold of his new anit-tank weapon. A large push earlier in the day had brought a section of the allied frontlines close enough to launch a raid on the nearby railway station. A weapons train would be coming along any minute now, and his orders were to blow it up. Himself and two other privates; Marshall and Jones had been dropped off in a jeep at the edge of the forest. They had walked through the forest for two miles before they reached the RV here. Once they had hit the train they were to get out quickly and make their way back to the jeep. They were lying down in the tall grass and the edge of the forest was only about twenty feet behind them; close enough to make an easy escape. Of course they knew that there were close to ten soldiers gaurding the station, but they would be un-prepared. The news of the enemies close proximity probably hadn't reached them yet.

A buckle in Marshalls clothing jingled and James turned around to hush him. "Be quiet, the train should be along in a minute, now" He whispered urgently to them. They were a good distance away from the track. Far enough so that the lights from the railway platform which was up the line about hundred yards, wouldn't reach them, but close enough for it to be very hard to miss a shot with the P.I.A.T. A sound could be heard from the lines; the train was coming. The P.I.A.T would have no backwash, or telltale smoke coming out of it's back when it was fired. This made it handy for firing from inside buildings or in enclosed spaces. The train came into view, slowing down as it came to the platform. James hoisted it up, while Jones slid one of it's bombs into the back. He took aim at the bottom of the train, the wheels, and fired the projectile. He flattened himself along the grass. Just incase some piece wreckage was flung in his direction.

[PuNk! ™]

Moderation Post:[/b]

Thought i'd get a mod-post in quickly, seeing as an action was made;

James F. Mason:[/b]

• Firing one shot with the P.I.A.T, the projectile spiralled with a high pitched whistle noise very momentarily, before successfully hitting one of the 'Carraiges' lower tracks (not the main train), inevitably causing the metal of the wheels to churn loudly.
  
  
• Exploding, the entire one side of the carriage's wheels buckled from off the tracks, tipping the carraige sideways, causing it to slant and embed into the ground. However, the carraige hasn't completely derailed, just crippled.
  

~Danny[/color]

[nazariobattista]

Nazario heard a deafening bang in the distance as his entire body drained itself of colour whatsoever. They can't have intercepted the train already...they can't have...

What could he do? Nazario wracked his brains for the solution but nothing came. The train still appeared to be moving, but only just. It had taken quite a beating.

Nazario's heart leapt into his mouth as he saw the figures of three British soldiers armed with a...Nazario swore loudly. A P.I.A.T.

It didn't matter about killing the soldiers themselves. It was the P.I.A.T. It had to be taken care of or the lives of himself and all his batallion was at risk.

"Uomini! Prendete il P.I.A.T!" bellowed Nazario, sending a few rounds towards the powerful weapon. He hoped the element of surprise would prove to his advantage; the British didn't seem to be aware of their existence. It wouldn't be long until they started firing back.

Nazario reasoned that it would take a good few minutes to destroy the entire train and the chances were his men would be able to reach the British before then. But, in his heart, he knew he could never risk it. Besides, they would be shot down before they even made it half-way there.

His men had joined him in the firing by now. Eight strong soldiers, ready to pay the blood price for their commander. Most of the shots fell short but a good few reached the target. Nazario wasn't sure whether they had hit the enemy, never mind killed, but he reasoned the enemy would panic under fire and would take a good deal longer to achieve their objective.

Nazario swept the hair from his brow. It was his last stand and if losing his life meant victory to the fatherland, then he would gladly do so.

TRANSLATIONS

Uomini! Prendete il P.I.A.T!
Men! Take down the P.I.A.T!

[PuNk! ™]

Moderation Post:[/b]

The Following Actions have been made;

LT. Nazario Battista:[/B]

• Identifying the threat and issuing firm orders to open fire, Lieutenant Battista's 'Eight' men opened fire.
  
  
• Unsuccessfully, Lieutenant Battista's shots inaccurately missed, along with the majority of his men's shots, but strafed near and intemidatingly to the enemy.
  
  
• Successfully however, Lieutenant Battista's Sergeant managed to hit, Private John H. Marshall in the thigh of his leg, rendering the unit off his feet with a sharp rifle bullet cutting straight through his flesh.
  

~Danny[/color]

[♠ James F. Mason]

The bomb whacked into the side of the train, ripping away part of its tracks, but not de-railing it as he had hoped it would. The train continued sliding slowly forward. James was about to put a second round into it when the guards started firing at them. The rifle rounds tore into the grass around them, cutting down Private Marshall who was alreeady starting to head back to the trees. Jones turned; ready to go over and help him. "No!" James shouted forcibly. "You have the ammo, load the P.I.A.T first." He reasoned.

Jones quickly tore another shell from his waist and slid it into the back of the anti-tank weapon. He ran back to Marashall and picked up his rifle and handed it to him. Then he heaved the man up onto his shoulders, where he stumbled back to the tree line. As this was happening, James was aiming his weapon at the side of the building where the shots were coming from. He squeezed the triger, sending a glowing line across the sky towards the building. He turned and ran towards the tree line, where Jones was providing good covering fire; sending a clip towards the building. There would probably be survivors.

James dived behind a tree. The injured Marshall was in the forest a few yards, behind one of the thickest tree's Jones could find. Jones ran from behind his tree over to James. He handed him a shell, before running back across to another a tree; They still needed to take out the train properly. James slid the shell inside and pushed to cock the weapon. He waited for the salvo of shots that would surely come next. Jones had his rifle pointed around the tree, while he tried to look out, but still stay in cover.



EDIT: Yeah, I think this is a fun thread how it is. I'd prefer if nobody else joined...

[PuNk! ™]

Moderation Post:[/b]

Please remember, the P.I.A.T is more of a Grenade Launcher (propells AT Projectiles thou, not grenades ), whereas the Bazooka/Panzershreck are much more stronger and longer range. So the P.I.A.T is good against Infantry/Armour, but only from a shorter range for more accurate hits.

So when fired, the P.I.A.T would have to be on a level upwards, almost like a mortar.
Just thought i'd notify you.

PVT. Mason:

• Successfully pulling back a short way (tree-line) and reloading quickly, the next shot from the P.I.A.T was fired in time, but fell slightly short of the building, causing the projectile to explode against the outter permiter, along the track.
  
  
• Hitting the train-line and causing more damage to the lower walls, shrapnel from both the explosive and train-track churned upwards, slicing through the midst of the air like daggers, cutting down Private Kyle Nicholas where he stood, as the shrapnel slit through his torso and left leg. Immediately killing the unit and causing further damage to the train-track.
  

~Danny[/color]

[PuNk! ™]

Moderation Post:[/b]

Okay. Nazario. You have completely and utterly lost me in your post, this is why we need a map and the moves you've made, well, they're a little too far fetched. As far as i've read, you've done these following things;

- Ran towards some houses? (Thought James's units were retreating into the woodlands?)
- Fired some shots from behind the houses...
- Climbed on top a roof, fired some more shots.
- Jumped down, fired more shots...
- Knocked on someone's door and now you're using their place as a garrison?

Seriously. In realism, if I were your CO, i'd kick your bottom for abandoning your post/s at the train-yard and further still, James has the advantage of dropping further back into the woodlands now. You should've stuck your ground or pushed forwards. Not run off to some houses, that personally, I didn't know existed in a train station environment?

Oh well, here's my Mod-Mark. Just be sure to cut down your posts in future, do some strong, simple moves. Not loads of weak ones. You might make more of an impact.

LT, Nazario Battista:

• Running towards some houses? (Map or distance description would've helped me mark this better, but at the moment, I have an image of you running away from the Train-Station and Train-Yard) Lt. Battista and his men's rifle shots failed to make any real connection with the enemy threat pulling back through the tree-line.
  
• Huddling up into a single house, the Axis Forces are failing to overwhelm or attack the enemy falling back to a safe distance.
  

Sorry I can't say much more. I had to void most shots made due to the fact, you've made too many actions in one post. And I'm confused. eek!
~Danny[/color]

[nazariobattista]

OOC: Right, sorry, it's just I saw the houses as being on the same road as the station. If I can delete and disregard my previous post, I'll write again. If this is against the rules, ignore this and sorry.

Nazario could do nothing but stare in horror as the young private to his side was impaled by a shard of vicious shrapnel. It was as if time stood still as the final scream of young Kyle Nicholas echoed around the battlefield.

The men were losing morale and fast. Most were still gawping open-mouthed at the first casualty while others were visibly shaking in their boots. Nazario had to take control of the platoon and fast.

The enemy seemed to have retreated into the vast forest but yards away, taking pathetic cover behind a collection of sturdy trees. They were, Nazario grudgingly admitted, in a decent defensive position and it would be extremely difficult to spill their vile British blood.

Ordering his wary men to send a few rounds towards the enemy, Nazario hoped that his severe advantage in numbers would prove to his advantage. He ordered three of the surviving men - including the young Sergeant Angelo - to march steadily forward, while the other four, under Nazario, hung back and sent shots through the gaps of the infantry. Nazario knew that a number of those in the front line were almost certain to be killed by the hail of bullets that would surely come, but it didn't matter. He would sacrifice all of his men just to defeat the enemy. It was personal now.

After marching a few metres, Nazario ordered his men to dive for cover behind the thick trees to their side. The two forces were but metres apart now. Nazario could practically taste the fear of the enemy. His men sent a hail of bullets towards the enemy before ducking down once more into cover. In a race like this, there was no silver medal for coming second.

[PuNk! ™]

Moderation Post:[/b]

LT. Battista, you've already had your turn to post and I appreciate you amending your actions made, with new ones, but like I said, you've already had your turn and re-marking with new concequences and such would be unfair upon my part towards James.

So it's entirely up to his discretion what post he'll respond too, but I'm going to have to Void your previous posts actions, due to the fact you've had your turn already. Sorry.
~Danny[/color][/i]

[♠ James F. Mason]

OOC: Ok, well... I suppose I will go easy on you. Your post has been made sorta void, so it would be unfair for me to try to blow you up.

James cursed as his AT round fell short. He should have know that it would happen. It was one of the most important things that they had taught him when he received the P.I.A.T; It's range. The weapon usually wouldn't even have made it that far, it was a lucky shot and most likely hadn't disturbed the enemy much. If he was going to attack them properly, then he would have to slant the barrel upwards, a bit like a mortar. Or else he could creep along the edge of the wood until he was nearer the station. Both had bad sides to them; It would be difficult for him to guess the angle to put the P.I.A.T at, since he wasn't trained in using them that way. And if he went along the edge of the tree line, then the enemy could shoot him, or make a charge at them while they were busy.

But, first of all he should complete the objective that he was sent to do. He had been sent to take out the train and that was what he should be concentrating on. It hadn't gotten far and his most recent shot had taken a large bit out of the line, so it wouldn't be going anywhere soon. The engine workers had probably all ran off now. They wouldn't have known what had hit them. James hefted the already cocked and loaded weapon up to face the train. and fired for the third time, hoping that this would be the shot to take out the trains body.

A loud moan made him remember about Marshall. Leaving his P.I.A.T behind, James ran over to the injured man with Jones following behind. "So, uh, what do we do?" James asked the ininjured Private. Jones shrugged, "Bandage him up, a bit". James stood there stupidly for a second, before he grabbed the leave of Marshalls jacket and ripped off a long piece of fabric. As he tied this around his leg Jones crept back to his earlier tree. Someone could sneak up on them when they were all busy. He could see movement near the train station, where the second shot had hit. He aimed carelessly and fired three shots with his bolt-action rifle. He paused for a second before focusing properly for a few seconds and firing another shot for good luck.

[PuNk! ™]

Moderation Post:[/b]

The following actions have been made; Thanks for going easy on him by the way, due to the voidance made.

PVT. Mason:

• Firing another shot with the P.I.A.T towards the front (? Assuming you said Body of the train), the projectile spiralled aimlessly for a brief moment due to the wind-resistance, but with a piercing split second scream from it’s close descending, the projectile hit the ‘CARRAIGE’ behind the Steam Train.
  
  
• Hitting the First Carriage (behind the Main Train) the projectile thumped a hole through the roof, exploding within the carriage, causing an almighty explosion within, as all the carriage windows shattered and a large hole emerged upon one side of the carriage’s wall. However, the carriage’s tracks remained in tact’ and hadn’t derailed it, only merely damaging the carriage it’s self.
  
  NPC: PVT. Jones:
  
  
• Firing three careless ‘covering fire’ shots, the bullets zipped and cracked through the bark of nearby trees, but failed to incur any enemy casualties.
  
  
• Firing one last bullet with a better aim, the bullet cut through (NPC) Edek Kreshnek’s left hand. (I had to choose a random name from the list, due to un-given names in the thread; I suggest listing names of the units making actions for future reference, not just for myself marking, but they can also earn promotions too.)
  

~Danny[/color]

[nazariobattista]

OOC: OK, here's the list of my men:

Sergeant Thomas P. Angelo
Private Kyle Nicholas (KIA)
Private Rico Damietta
Private Felix J. Heinrich
Private Edek Kreshnek (Injured)
Private Samuel F. Carco
Private James Benita
Private Phillipe DeBoinod

Nazario cursed as yet another projectile crashed into the vulnerable first carriage of the train. If the Brits got their hands on the explosives it carried his life wouldn't be worth living. If he lost the skirmish, he would be dishonoured and perhaps even demoted. The thought of someone else occupying his position made his flesh crawl. No. Defeat was not an option.

However confident Nazario was of victory, things weren't looking good. Nicholas was dead and even steely old Kreshnek was temporarily out of action. The men were shaken and Nazario wouldn't have blamed them if they had fled the field of battle there and then. But they didn't. They held their resolve and resilently continued their constant onslaught on the enemy from behind the relatively safe cover of the trees.

The main bulk of the small platoon, perhaps four firm men, were firing conventionally towards the enemy, directing fire mainly on the second private, who Nazario reasoned would be an easier target than the first who seemed to be taking command. Nazario himself sent a couple of rounds towards the injured Brit, hoping that killing the frail soldier would drain all morale from the oppositions' bodies.

Benito and Heinrich, aided by the injured Kreshnek, meanwhile, were sending round after round towards the P.I.A.T, more concerned with taking down the weapon that the men themselves.

Nazario stooped down and charged out of cover before diving behind Benito, Kreshnek and Heinrich'sgaggle of trees and too sent a couple of powerful shots towards the P.I.A.T. The Italian smiled encouragingly towards his men and vowed that no more members of his platoon would die that night.

[PuNk! ™]

Moderation Post:[/b]

Hey Nazario, thanks for putting names into your posts (on who’s doing what). Makes my life easier when mod-marking and who knows, your units might stand a chance of gaining promotions in future battles, if their names keep appearing when in battle and displaying valour.

The following actions have been made;

LT. Battista:

• Sending a few shots towards the Injured male, the bullets fell somewhat short of their mark and thumped into the Earth around the male within the dark.
  
  
• After moving cover and sending a few more rifle rounds towards the enemy, the majority of these too fell short, but one stray round however managed to slit a minor wound across PVT. James’s Leg, who wasn’t near the P.I.A.T (left It and ran to help the wounded soldier), but fell victim to one of Battista’s stray bullets in the dark.
  

(NPCs) PVTs. Benito / Heinrich / Kreshnek:

• Firing at the AT weapon, in hope to damage it, the bullets failed miserably to make any real connection with the weaponry.
  

~Danny[/color]

[♠ James F. Mason]

James laughed out loud as he noticed his P.I.A.T shell project itself through the roof of the train and explode loudly; smashing every window in the carriage it lodged itself in. He quietened down when he noticed that although he had fired two shots at the train and hit the train twice, he had still not managed to de-rail it. Maybe this would do? James pondered to himself. The train certainly wouldn't be going anywhere soon, it was damaged badly enough so that the Germans probably wouldn't be able to drive it for a while. That's if they found the crew; they might still be running. And if that wasn't enough he had damaged a bit of the track as well.

He abruptly stopped pondering when a barrage of bullets could into the tree-line around him, sending up clods of dirt into the air, which showered down upon anyone who was unlucky enough to be near where it hit. A few small branches snapped and fell down from the trees. James dived back across next to the P.I.A.T which the enemies seemed to be aiming at and Jones ran over, fumbling with the round he was trying to put into it. Marshall lay on the ground, trying to ignore the pain in his leg.

James saw a figure sprint across from one piece of cover and dive behind a clump of trees. He realised too late that he had been wearing an officers uniform. Jones too hadn't noticed the man until he was already gone. James grunted ludly and fell backwards as he felt something slice against his leg. He pulled away the trouser leg to reveal blood. He relaxed after a second when he realised that it was only really a scratch. No real harm was done. It was still painful, though.

He looked to the clump of trees and he realised with a jolt that there was a few different Germans taking cover behind it. If he got a shot in anywhere near the trees then the men could be ripped apart by splinters from the trees. Determined not to misjudge the distance this time, he lay on his back and gently tilted the cumbersome weapon upwards until it was at about a 40 degree angle. Then he slowly and carefuly send a last shot through the air. He got up and limped back towards where Marshall and Jones were. Jones was supporting Marshall, it looked like he had the same idea as James. They retreated back through the trees towards their own lines.

*James Retreats*