ViperSWE

Inspired by the video created by DiplexHeated, written by ViperSWE.

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Prologue

For decades natural gas and oil deposits on Earth have become increasingly rare to the point where tensions rise between nations in the pursuit of resources. Rules of nature dictates that only the strongest will endure and, eventually, survive its opponents. Politics were no different.
Relations between nations reflected this rule very well as neighbouring nations formed energy conglomerates with the sole purpose of stockpiling the few resources they managed to get their hands on. It was every man, womand and child for themself.

In the United States however resources were pouring in. In 2028 the US had managed to establish the first EES (Energy Excavation Site) on Mars. At the same time measures are taken to intensify the MOXIE program, effectively creating a breathable atmosphere on the red planet.
Despite the possibility of breathing air Mars is yet to sustain life on its own with efforts continuously hampered by the intensive mining operations on the planet.

Because of growing tensions on Earth the United States were forced to privatize their mining business on Mars which created a new open market for the minerals mined there. Humanity enters a period known as the Great Exertion; because of the growing energy crisis and mounting civil unrest across the globe nations are forced to focus more or less entirely on the production of energy.
During this crisis it was decided that Mars would become neutral territory, a DMZ (De-Militarized Zone), because of its strategic role in Humanity's future.

In 2031 a new compound, known as Ivonium, is discovered on Mars. With the potential of solving many of Earth's problems nations demand to get their hand on the resource while scientists from all over the world are astonished by the near-nuclear capabilities of the compound.

Ivonium was discovered by the Nomos Corporation which is one out of three companies active on Mars. While the United States establish trade routes between Mars and its own spaceports Nomos moves in to acquire its two other rivals on Mars, as well as several other smaller Earth-based companies.
This move turns Nomos into one of the wealthiest and most powerful corporations in Human history.

Despite public outcry the United States secures monopoly on Ivonium through their trade routes, allowing the americans to propel themselves into the future while also earning a hefty profit from selling the ore to other nations desperate for energy.

Suddenly the situation changed. In 2033 contact is lost with Camp Columbus, the premier Ivonium refinery on Mars and largest Nomos site, just thirty days prior to the next shipment of Ivonium. Losing the facility is not an option and thus Nomos prepares a joint-operation with the USSC (United States Space Command) to investigate and secure the site.
Nomos prepares one of their fastest shuttles for the mission which will carry a senior Nomos representative to Mars alongside an elite security team from Nomos Security. Despite the fact that such action would be in violation of the Mars Neutrality Act the USSC also deploys boots on the ground in the form of a platoon of Navy SEALs.

Consisting of members from the newly-formed SEAL Team Nine (Zero-G and Mars Operations) the team is highly skilled and determined to ensure the stability of the Ivonium trade routes.
Their journey will take 150 days with the latest technolgy.

Upon arriving at Mars the Nomos-USSC forces deploy for Camp Columbus immeadiately. With no lifeforms detected on satellites the team moves in to secure the facility clearly ravaged by a sandstorm months prior. Even though there's extensive damage and wear to the equipment there are no signs of combat. After securing the facility two four-man teams are dpeloyed to investigate nearby points of interests. One of the teams is deployed to the nearby communications relay where they discover that wiring and other technical components had been sabotaged on purpose.

At the same time the other team reaches their location, roughly fifteen minutes away from Camp Columbus. Investigating a sensor relay the team comes under fire from unknown hostiles. Taking one casualty the team eventually manages to gain the upper hand and seize terrain, effectively eliminating the hostiles. Identifying their enemies by marks and emblems on their uniforms and transport vehicle the SEALs discover that the enemy forces are from China.

Rushing back towards the camp the SEALs arrive just in time to witness an assault by Chinese Special Forces. Attacking Camp Columbus from two directions in a daring pincer maneuver the SEALs take heavy casualties. In the end however the CSF operators were all killed in action, granting the Nomos-USSC forces a pyrrhic victory.



The year is 2035. Since the engagement at Camp Columbus Ivonium trade routes have been restored. While the US and China are aware of eachother's intentions the United Nations so far remain in the dark, unaware of the treaty vioaltion.
Expecting further hostile action the USSC forms MSOC (Mars Special Operations Command) to oversee security of the Nomos facilties on Mars. Despite the temporary setback Nomos have expanded rapidly and the Ivonium industry is expected to expand further with new industries being built in Canada and mainland Europe to sustain future energy needs.

At the same time the Communist Party in China is slowly losing its iron grip on the Chinese people and with a president destined to be replaced by a more progressive alternative China prepares to seize the Ivonium mining sites by force, effectively holding the rest of Earth hostage.

While the US and China prepares to duke it out Russia, which has been pouring much of its resources into refitting its own spacefleet into a cargofleet, moves to create an alternate Ivonium traderoute in order to break the US monopoly. Backed up by Iran tensions continue to escalate as the rest of the world watch from afar.

On Mars MSOC deploys MOG-1 'Crimson' for another routine patrol. Little did they know that they were about to witness the start of shadow war...

Chapter 1 - Routine

Like any day on Mars the sun was blazing. The red rock spreading out towards the horizon in all directions were showered in warmth. Hours later the same area would be colder than Antarctica. Still, terraforming efforts had at the very least balanced both daytime and night-time temperatures. You would no longer instantly freeze to death during the cold nights and you would no longer experience vital organs failure during the scorching days.

Far off in the distance a cloud of dust slowly approached. This dust however was not the sign of an impending sandstorm, no, instead it was the marker that signaled the approach of MOG-1 (Mars Operations Group), nicknamed 'Crimson'. Three state-of-the-art patrol vehicles- reminiscent of the MRAPs seen in Iraq and Afghanistan- with one sporting a two-seat cab and a large flatbed made their way across one of many improvized dirtroads built by Nomos and its subsidiaries.

Hurricane adjusted his respirator which was currently unlatched and resting against his vest. "This fucking sand..." he muttered while trying to clean out the inside of his mask. Following an accident the day before during a sandstorm Hurricane had learned the importance of changing filters on a regular basis after one too many sand particles had ruptured the worn-out filter inside the mask.
Goliath glanced over from his seat and chuckled before resuming the polishing of his grenade launcher. After all a weapon could never look too clean, especially not on a planet actively trying to cover everything and everyone with sand.

Infront of Hurricane sat Empire, the commanding officer of MOG-1, currently going over a map for the fifth time. Next to him was Warhammer, senior command. Normally a squad would want to spread out their resources to the prevent loss of all commanding officers in the event of an ambush but because the only thing that ambushed you on Mars were sandstorms Crimson squad didn't really care much about standard procedure.

A series of buzzing noises could be heard from the radio. "Tharsis Command to Crimson, do you read?" Empire sighed and grabbed the headset connected to the onboard radio. "Crimson Actual here, go ahead Tharsis." There was a slight delay before the next message got through, one of the downsides of operating in and around the Tharsis Rise. "Crimson we're scrubbing your patrol. Nomos is requesting your presence at Camp Beringia ASAP, over."
Empire glanced over at Warhammer who shrugged. "Crimson acknowledges, breaking off patrol and mobilizing to Beringia. Over and out." Putting back the headset in its holder Empire grabbed his helmet and turned on the squad communications. "Squad this Actual, listen up. Tharsis just messaged us saying that our patrol is cancelled. We're breaking off from our patrol route and will be heading towards Camp Beringia. Nomos orders."

Iceman cursed over the radio. "Roger that boss, any word on why those dipshits wants us to babysit them?" Empire shook his head. "Negative Iceman, no intel on the Op at this time. Get your gear ready and prepare for alot of walking."
"...and sweet-talking." Interjected Oxide.

Empire chuckled and pulled off his helmet. He brought up the map once more and double-checked all the roads leading to Beringia. "Warhammer, turn left in five. We'll take road thirty to Beringia."
Warhammer nodded. "Roger wilco, road thirty it is..."
One by one the vehicles left their original patrol path and drove off onto another dirtroad crisscrossing across the surface of Mars.

Chapter 2 - Camp Beringia

Named after the Beringia landbridge which had allowed Humanity's ancestor to walk from Asia to North America and populate the region, Camp Beringia fuhnctioned as a spaceport, administrational facility and Ivonium storage. It had been constructed to safeguard Nomos interests  on the planet following the Camp Columbus Incident. Workers could be seen loading and offloading trucks and cargoships at the spaceport while engineers were working hard on two new landing platforms in anticipation for the new Ivonium traderoute to Russia.

Hurricane coughed lightly, breaking the silence. Crimson squad had formed a line infront of their vehicles. Standing infront of them was a group of operators from Nomos Security. Unlike your average mercenaries the Nomos forces were in fact disciplined, well-trained and motivated for their task. At least as motivated as "spend five months inside a bunker on Mars eating nothing but rations" made you.
Behind the Nomos team were three vehicles- two smaller patrol jeeps with the company logo adorning their doors and hood and a large utility truck with a large orange tarp covering the cargo onboard the flatbed.

Unlike the jeeps the truck had no Nomos markings, neither did its driver and loadmaster currently chatting about next to it. Hurricane eyed the truck with curiosity, as did Goliath with the latter leaning in. "Orion Rapid Excavation? Have you seen these guys before."
Hurricane shook his head. "Negative. Must be some new subsidiary." Goliath chuckled. "What's the total count at now then?" Hurricane smirked underneath his mask. "Fifty subsidiaries, all carrying out contract work."
"Yikes" muttered Goliath.

One of the nearby structures came to life with an alarm signaling that the airlock was currently in use. Both MOG-1 and the Nomos team stopped their stare-off and turned to look at the door. Slowly the airlock opened up, revealing a woman wearing the standard-issue blue Nomos company fatigues and full-face respirator with a transparent visor, allowing one to see the face properly. Next to her was another member of the Nomos Security forces, currently letting his rifle hang freely on its sling while he discussed the contents of a PDA with the woman.
Finally a man wearing an orange coverall, similar to the ones worn by the truck crew, as well as a full-face respirator casually strolled alongside his Nomos colleagues. The acronym 'O.R.E' was printed on the chest and back of the coverall.

When the group reached the center of the courtyard the woman turned towards Empire and reached out to greet him. "MSOC?" Empire nodded and shook her hand. "MOG-1, nicknamed Crimson, at your service ma'am. You may refer to me as Crimson Actual."
The woman smiled and nodded. "Dr. Erika Taylor, Nomos Corporation." She gestured towards her two colleagues. "This is Chief Engineer Michaels of ORE..." Michaels nodded. "Pleasure to meet you." Taylor continued. "...and Security Officer Davis of Nomos Security." Davis also shook Empire's hand. "Pleasure to have you with us Crimson." He gestured towards his own squad. "Raptor Group, at your service." Some members of Raptor Group nodded while others continued to stare blankly.

Taylor smiled and nodded. "Now that we've all introduced ourselves, let us get to work." She looked at Empire. "Have you and your men been briefed?" Empire shook his head. "No ma'am, Tharsis only told us 'when' and 'where'. Not 'why'." Taylor grimaced. "I see." She gestured towards the truck. "Michaels and his crew arrived here two days ago with sensitive mining equipment. It is imperative that this equipment reaches its destination safely and intact."
Empire nodded. "Ma'am, if I may ask, but why involve MSOC? Your own security forces are capable of escorting you." Davis glanced at his superior to see how she'd handle the question, almost as if he was expecting her say something odd.
The doctor smirked and nodded. "Indeed they are but this mission takes the highest of priorities. The request was approved by the USSC, something we'd never ask for unless it was important."

Empire nodded, despite being unsatisfied with the answer. "Understood ma'am. We're are we headed?" Taylor adjusted her coverall. "To the Tharsis Montes."

Chapter 3 - Basecamp Montes

It had been five hours since the convoy set out. The roads between Camp Beringia and the Tharsis Montes were few and treacherous. Cliffs, ravines and sharp rocks covered the terrain as far as the eye could see. The roads crisscrossed through the area like a massive snake slithering through thick vegetation.
Drivers were especially cautious as the only thing between the road and falling a hundred meters into a ravine were thin metal poles with flashing yellow lights. Hurricane and Hunter were both standing up top inside the turret ring on the vehicle.

While the turret hatch was normally closed and sealed to prevent sand from slipping in the two extra pair of eyes up top helped the drivers navigate around the more dangerous parts of the road ahead. Currently the convoy's formation started with one of the Nomos jeeps followed by Empire's and Iceman's patrol vehicles which in turn were followed by the truck. Behind the truck came the second Nomos jeep which transported Dr. Taylor and behind them were the flatbed patrol vehicle driven by Darkstar.

It wasn't an optimal convoy configuration and had Empire been in charge his two lead vehicles would be at the front rather than one of the Nomos jeeps. But orders were orders and Davis had insisted on taking the lead, citing "knowledge of the terrain". At least Empire had convinced Taylor to have her vehicle follow the truck, giving her and half of Raptor Group somewhat good cover.
Empire gripped his rifle hard and observed the terrain outside. Warhammer momentarily glanced at his squad leader and friend. "You're never this tense, boss." Empire grunted. Warhammer always could read him. Both of them had been at Camp Columbus. Lost friends.

Infact they were the only SEALs in the group, aside from Hurricane who had been transferred to MSOC as soon as he finished Basic Zero-Gravity Assault Training (BZGAT). The rest of the teammembers were Delta Force, Rangers and Marine Force Recon. It was an odd mix, but each member complemented the squad in one way or another.
Empire looked at Warhammer. "I got this hunch. It's bad." Warhammer focused on the road and narrowly navigated around a hole to the left leading into the ravine below. "Talk to me boss, what is it?"
"I had Tharsis check O.R.E. Turns out they got twenty employees in total. Twenty. Out of these twenty everyone but the CEO, CFO and three secretaries are here on Mars. Their management has their headquarters listed on the same adress as Nomos HQ. Tharsis told me it's a new way for super-corporations to make shellcompanies."

"Shellcompanies?" Asked Warhammer. Empire nodded. "O.R.E wasn't bought up, it was created by a low-level Nomos employee. They're using it as a secondary channel. For what I don't know, neither did Tharsis."
Goliath spoke up after listening in silence. "So Nomos used a puppet to create a company which then became a Nomos subsidiary then they ship most of the company staff and its assets- which were probably purchased by Nomos themselves- to Mars?" Empire nodded. "Exactly. The last piece of the puzzle is of course 'why'. Then there's this Erika Taylor. Before she worked at Nomos she was employed by Nomos Security. R&D division, at least that's what Tharsis could see."

Goliath shook his head and Warhammer glanced over to Empire once more. "Weapons R&D and shellcompanies working in the Tharsis Montes. This can't possibly get any better..." Before Empire could respond Hurricane knocked on the roof. "I think I can see it!" He yelled over the radio. "See what?" Yelled Darkstar from the back of the convoy.
"I see it too, there's a camp roughly one click ahead." said Hunter as he zoomed in through the scope of his DMR. "I don't see any known base in the area on the map." Muttered Hacksaw from the second vehicle.

Up ahead the road slowly ascended through a maze of sharp cliffs up to a plateau not far from the Tharsis Montes. The three giants covered the horizon with an even bigger shape, Olympus Mons, looming in the distance.
"These mountains makes Mt. Everest look like a baby" said Hurricane, laughing.

The convoy carefully pulled up to the fenced camp which was built around a sensor-node doubling as an air-purifier. Five tents with white text marking their function were evenly placed inside the camp with one space out farther away from the others. A Nomos tanker and a couple of ATVs were parked next to the largest of the tents marked as 'ADMIN' on the side with large bold letters. Solar panels dotted the outskirts of the camp and were connected to a large generator sitting next to the admin tent. Heavy wiring reached out from the generator to the other tents.

To the left of the admin tent were three tents marked as 'BARRACKS' and 'MESSHALL' while the tent isolated from the other was marked as 'ARMORY/LAB'. The O.R.E truck pulled up alongside the armory tent while the Nomos jeeps parked next to the admin tent. Meanwhile Crimson parked their vehicles next to eachother facing outwards, ready to roll at a moments notice. The team dismounted and watched as Davis ordered his men to sweep the surroundings for any faulty equipment. Taylor began to boot up the administration tent while Michaels and his two engineers  made sure that the truck's cargo was still secured.

After ordering his men to begin patrols Davis approached Empire. "For now you and your men can begin patrols of the area. Onfoot or with a vehicle is up to you. Make sure to keep your radios on so that the good doctor can reach you. You will be sleeping in the first tent." Davis smiled and tapped Empire on the shoulder. "Welcome to Basecamp Montes."

"They're not trying to hide it." said Warhammer, nodding towards the armory tent. Empire shook his head. "It's above our payroll." He looked at his squad which had assembled. "Alright team, get your gear to the first barracks tent. Don't unpack, just drop it at the end of the bed. We're going to rotate in shifts unless ordered otherwise." He gestured at the flatbed car. "We'll use the flatbed car for general perimeter patrols. Map any and all points of interests. As with any operation on Mars make sure to always have a partner with you. Just because there's alot of cliffs around here doesn't mean that sandstorms can't cut us off."

He observed his squad which remained silent. "Keep your eyes open while we're here. Make sure those Nomos boys don't wander off, same goes for Dr. Taylor and the Chief Engineer. Dismissed."

Chapter 4 - Nuclear Deterrent

It had been five days since arrival at the camp. Since then another vehicle- an O.R.E utility truck carrying the remaining engineers- had arrived. This meant that everyone from Orion Rapid Excavation was currently present inside the camp. Empire and his men had fared well. Several routine patrols with no incidents. While carrying out their duties the soldiers had also mapped the imminent area, getting a good picture of the landscape.
Aside from base security there hadn't been any major events. Hurricane had, on Empire's orders, checked under the truck tarp to see what it was carrying. According to him it had looked like a massive demolition charge coupled with various technical components. It didn't take a genius to figure out that it was a bomb. As such Hunter and Iceman had been posted to overlook the truck at all times, in secret of course.

Davis and Raptor Group had been going in and out on a regular basis. The Nomos security forces had repeatedly said they were carrying out long-range patrols but when Empire asked Tharsis for satellite feed he had seen that the jeeps did infact travel to the base of one of the mountains where they seemingly disappeared. Darkstar and Oxide had managed to recon the area from afar, spotting a tunnel leading into the mountain. Aside from that Tharsis had notified Empire of several energy readings relayed between the mountain and Basecamp Montes, indicating that remote mining equipment was in use and monitored from the camp.

Currently the camp was calm with the evening covering the otherwise red surface with a dark-blue shade. It was quite beautiful to see. A pair of floodlights mounted in two seperate corners of the camp allowed staff to move between the tents without getting lost.

Empire, followed by Warhammer, entered the admin tent. Inside were Taylor, Michaels, Davis and one member of Raptor Group. Taylor looked up with a stern look. "Crimson, welcome." Empire nodded. "You wanted to speak with us."
Taylor nodded. "Camp Beringia sent us the latest news from Earth. Nomos has uncovered a mole within our organization. They believe security has been compromised and asked us to shut down this operation."
"Ma'am?" Taylor nodded. "I know how it sounds, it's no joke." She stared at Davis and Michaels. "My colleagues and I have decided to finish our work. Packing up will procceed relatively fast either way and Beringia isn't expecting us untill Monday.

Monday. Two days from now. Empire nodded. "What do you need us to do?" Taylor gestured towards Michaels. "Escort Michaels, his team and their truck to a separate location from here. I presume you're already aware of the tunnel we have constructed not far from here?"
Empire smiled. "Aware of the 'when' and 'where' but not the 'why'." Taylor smirked and nodded. "We're building an Ivonium bomb. If it works as expected it will be the evolution of nuclear deterrents." Davis chimed in. "It's the only way to force tensions to cool down. If Nomos have both the only resource that can save Earth and the weapon to protect said resource hostile nations can't do anything out of fear for global war."

An Ivonium bomb. Empire couldn't believe it. He'd seen reactors powered by Ivonium, even a shard of it was enough to keep a reactor going for decades, if not more. But use it as a weapon? The effects could be horrible.
"You're telling me the USSC approved this mission and ordered MSOC to guard a goddamn super-nuke?" Taylor nodded. "Yes." Warhammer looked at Empire with worry as his squad leader regained composure. "We'll escort your bomb but if that thing starts to malfucntion, don't expect us to stick around." Taylor nodded once more. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Suddenly Davis grabbed his earpiece as someone started to talk. He widened his eyes and looked up. "I need to go. We have lost contact with a patrol." Empire stopped him halfway up. "Recall all your men have them hunker down inside the camp. We'll find your patrol."
Davis looked at Empire then at Taylor who nodded. "Their last report came from the tunnel. Routine patrol to make sure that the robots were still drilling." Empire nodded and put on his helmet, as did Warhammer.
"Keep your radio on."

The camp quickly came to life as the entirety of Crimson squad mobilized. Aside form the two missing operators the remaining Nomos security forces could be found inside the camp, guns ready. Davis followed Empire to the improvized parking lot. "The tunnel has no separate tunnels, it's just one big tunnel leading deep into the mountain. There should be five robots in total, one drilling and four hauling rocks and ore out to the entrance."
Empire nodded just as Hurricane and Goliath rushed by and embarked inside the car. "What are their names?"
"Clarkson and Ramirez." Empire nodded. "We'll find them."

Within minutes the convoy departed. "Crimson Actual to all. Red mode, I repeat, Red mode. No flashlights. Drivers, shut off your headlights. Ready weapons and stay sharp." Warhammer nodded and flipped a switch, turning off all lights on the car. At the same time he activated his built-in night-vision visor.
Aside from the muffled humming emitted by the patrol car engines there was only silence as the three dark silhouettes made their way towards the mountain tunnel. It didn't take long to reach it and as soon as the cars were in range they broke formation and parked in a inverted 'V'-formation.

Quietly the soldiers dismounted and secured the area. Empire kneeled down while Hurricane watched his back. "Crimson to Basecamp. We've reached the area." Infront of them were one of the Nomos jeeps as well as two of the hauler robots. None moved. "Got eyes on one Nomos-marked vehicle and two hauler bots. No movement."
Empire glanced to his right. "Darkstar. Oxide. Take point, secure the vehicle." Darkstar and Oxide nodded and got up. Slowly they left the comfort of their pickup and walked into the open. Silently the two soldier approached the jeep.
"Clear! One body!" Yelled Darkstar over the comms as he checked behind the car. Oxide moved to check behind the two hauler bots. "Clear!"

Empire nodded. "Angel. Iceman. Move up, secure bodies. Go." Angel nodded. "On it." Followed tightly by Iceman. Oxide and Darkstar positioned themselves on either side of the tunnel entrance, staring into it. The tunnel was dark. Too dark.
Angel reached the vehicle and kneeled down next to the dead Nomos contractor. She pulled up a scanner which took some basic readings of the body. She looked up. "No pulse. Cause: GSW, center mass. Two shots. Subsonic rounds." Empire relayed the info back to Basecamp Montes and was met with curses from Davis. "Caliber?" Asked Empire.

"DBP-30X." Replied Angel. Hurricane tightened the grip on his rifle. "That's a Chinese cartridge." Hunter switched from his NVVs to thermal imaging and started to scan the area. Rocks, boulders, cliffs, sand. Nothing. He continued to look, observing a ridge just above the tunnel. Several boulders lined the ridgeline and then there was a... antenna? He widened his eyes. "CONTACT!"

Chapter 5 - Contact Red

Shots rang out along the ridgeline as well as from several rocks and smaller crevices. Hacksaw opened fire with his machinegun but was quickly targeted by several hostiles. He managed to strike down two enemies advancing from the side when a shot pierced his body armor. "I'm hit! Fuck!" He slumped down next to his car with Hunter kneeling down next to him. "Angel! Get your ass over here!" Yelled the marksman at the top of his lungs.

A couple of meters away Darkstar, Oxide and Iceman used the tunnel entrance as cover while engaging the hostiles on the side. "Popping a 'forty!" Yelled Iceman as he readied his underbarrel grenade launcher. He pulled the trigger and an audible thoom could be heard right before the grenade struck its target, blowing up one of the attackers. Panicked yelling in Chinese could be heard as the attackers were losing numbers. They had expected Nomos Security contractors, not American special forces. Empire fired a burst at a target which was obviously barking out orders. The CSF squad leader collapsed while clutching to his neck.

"Basecamp! Basecamp! This is Crimson! We've come under attack by Chinese Special Forces! Get your asses out of that camp!" On the receiveing end static was the only response Empire would get. Realizing that the enemy was most likely jamming his squad they had no choice but to fight on.
Angel rushed over to Hacksaw and used biofoam coupled with experimental nanobots to not only combat his injuries but also seal it up to prevent an infection. "He's stable!"

Hunter nodded and continued to shoot, saving Hurrican and Goliath from a CSF operator about to throw a grenade. The soldier collapsed and was instantly cremated by his own grenade. Eventually fighting died down and Crimson squad set out to secure the area. Hacksaw and Angel loaded up inside one of the cars while Darkstar, Oxide, Hurricane and Goliath sweeped the area. "Black uniforms with chinese markings, they're def' CSF!"
Empire made a motion with his hand. "Mount up! We're heading back to camp!"

Time was of the essence and the soldiers were quick to embark. Of the second Nomos contractor there was no sign of. Racing back towards the camp the cars drove as fast as the environment allowed them. Coming up on the basecamp a large pillar of smoke covered the distance. "Shit! Are we too late?" Asked Hurricane. Empire didn't respond. The car pulled over at the center of the basecamp and the soldiers quickly disembarked.

Remains of the O.R.E engineers and Nomos Security contractors were spread out across the camp. Some slumped up against cover while others had fallen flat, face-down. The tents were riddled with holes, as were some of the solar panels. Airlock sirens could be heard across the camp as the tents automatic climate control systems warned of oxygen leaks. At the center of the camp was a crater, surrounding it were the burning remains of the admin tent.

Empire stopped to look around while his forces secured the area. He glanced towards the armory tent and saw how the only thing left of the truck were tiremarks. "We're too late."
Warhammer walked up and was about to respond when static could be heard across the comms. "Crimson this Tharsis, do you read?"
"Tharsis this is Crimson. Go ahead." Replied Empire. "Are you alright? Your squad went dark for twenty minutes." Empire stared at Warhammer. "Negative Tharsis. We have one wounded and at least a dozen dead near Tharsis Montes. High-value package is missing and we've made contact with the enemy."

There was a long pause. "Repeat last Crimson. Have you made contact with enemy forces?"

"Affirmative Tharsis, positive contact with enemy forces. Contact Red, I repeat, Contact Red. We have engaged Chinese forces."

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Author's Notes

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this short-story based on DiplexHeated's fictional Ivonium Wars series. Diplex, keep up the great work. As always the stories in your videos are very inspiring and, as a sci-fi fan myself, I was very inspired to write this after watching your video.
To all readers: if you found this story enjoyable please do leave a comment, perhaps I'll continue the story of MSOC and MOG-1 later on in the future.

/ Viper