TF Amethyst

TFA1 2.10 - Plan of Invasion

CO Office, 4th Floor of Main Building, Harley Quinn

With great seriousness, TF Amethyst higher-ups looked at the display table in the General O'Neil office. Apart from General O'Neil and Vex, also attended:

Brigadier General William Rayden, CO of Ground Combat Group, 3rd highest-ranking officer,

Daniel Nate, CO of Intelligence & Diplomacy Group, 4th highest-ranking position, 

Col. Patricia Cruz, CO of Aviation Combat Group, 5th highest-ranking officer, 

and

Col. Emil Montana, CO of Logistics & Support Group, 6th highest-ranking officer.

About an hour ago a Rider entered Magwurt City's airspace, and then moved to FOC South 860. According to Tuscan Region's higher-ups, he was Tarai Rider.

The problem was, it was too early for Tarai Region to notice the changes in Magwurt City. While the possibility of spies or traitors in Magwurt City was being discussed, the Reaper that was sent to inspect the border had an unexpected result.

On the northern border, or to be precise at Fort Cambia, there was a build-up of strength, along with a clear sign of preparation for an invasion. Without difficulty, IDG identified the elements of Tarai Guard, Liqua Guard, and Darpha Guard. And judging from the thousands of military tents scattered around Fort Cambia, it was estimated there were at least 90 thousand well-trained assault troops.

Ironically, Fort Cambia was one of symbol for Tuscan Region's glory until a decade ago. The fort was designed to massively accommodate personnel and supplies, and was full of defense mechanisms that made it easy to defend but difficult to attack.

Regarding the reason why the three neighbors of Tuscan Region on the northern border were suddenly interested in launching an invasion, TF Amethyst's higher-ups could somewhat predict it.

Several years ago, the Northern Coalition consisting of Tarai Region, Liqua Region, and Darpha Region, captured 1/3 of Tuscan Region territory because they had the same idea as TF Amethyst.

The leader of Northern Coalition wanted to restore Nouel Farmland that could no longer be cultivated. However, these attempts failed. So when they found out that the farmland in Tuscan Region could be restored, they immediately took action to find the method used. As for why they chose military mean, it was likely because they were worried Tuscan Region would refuse to share their desired methods. Meanwhile, if they wait too long, Tuscan Region would recover and tried to regain its territory.

While observing the activity at Fort Cambia Vex asked, "What is our response?"

General O'Neil answered casually, "We will secure Tuscan Region's stability with whatever mean in our disposal."

After General O'Neil determined TF Amethyst's stance, Col. Patricia made a suggestion, "Once Northern Coalition elements cross the border, we can send Vipers to drive them home."

Vex shook his head and said, "That will make us open too many cards without producing sufficient results. Once Northern Coalition finds out we have a deadly iron bird, they will retreat to avoid more damage. Then, they will return to attack when they have a solution to neutralize the iron bird."

Col. Patricia turned to General O'Neil before saying, "If we want to do more damage. We can let them enter a little deeper and ambush them with artillery. Then, we send Viper, Kiowa, and Venom to hunt remaining force.”

General O'Neil closed his eyes for a moment before speaking, "Even if we wiped out all Northern Coalition elements that had entered Tuscan Region, the damage they received would be minuscule if they divided it by three."

After tapping his finger on the display table for a while, General O’Neil then explaining the plan he had in mind.

The Northern Coalition elements would be allowed to arrive in front of Magwurt City, and once a quick retreat was impossible for them, a light surprise attack would be launched to cause a chaos in Fort Cambia.

Like it or not, Northern Coalition's higher-ups had to strengthen Fort Cambia, or elements that had gone too deep would lose logistical support and the retreat route. Once the reinforcement to strengthen Fort Cambia left the populated area, air strike would launch to wipe them out, along with artillery strike to hit the elements that had arrived in Magwurt City.

With an expression full of seriousness, General O'Neil closes his explanation, "We are going to let a big and hostile element go very deep in our front yard. One wrong move and we will face a protracted war. One thing we don't want because right now, GCG has to focus on the south side of Southeast Triangle. So, if there is a group that has doubts in executing its duties, you should say it now."

Silence immediately enveloped the entire room, before finally the details of the operation were discussed. 

---  

Main Meeting Room, Fort Cambia.

14:45, 23 Mar 2025

As soon as he landed, Rider Orka was being taken by Viscount Grakh's bodyguards to the Main Meeting Room, where three people were waiting.

Viscount Grakh, Supreme Commander of Tarai Guard,

Baron Eslei, Supreme Commander of Liqua Guard,

and

Baron Mhors, Supreme Commander of Darpha Guard.

Cold sweat immediately drenched Rider Orka's forehead, because now he was very sure that the joint training between the three Regions was not ordinary training, but a camouflage to cover the invasion on Magwurt City.

Viscount Grakh took a sip of his tea before turning towards Rider Orka. "How's the reconnaissance going?"

"Sir," Rider Orka swiftly handed over several crystal recorders.

"Rider Orka, you must know what to say and whatnot."

"Sir."

"Once we occupy Magwurt City, you will be promoted two ranks higher, for the dangers you took today and for your willingness to safeguard the vital information."

"Sir."

After Rider Orka saluted and exited the room, Viscount Grakh turned towards his two colleagues. "Check whether the intel I previously gave you is real or bullshit."

Baron Eslei and Baron Mhors stared at each other for a brief moment, before examining the crystal recorders, and in an instant their eyes widely opened.

Results of aerial reconnaissance in Magwurt City:

- Multi-storey building extended for a few kilometers.

- A wide and smooth road, full of iron carriages of various sizes that were not towed by horses.

- Greenfields where sugar cane-like plants thrive.

 .  .  .

 .  .  .

Results of aerial reconnaissance at the entrance of Desolate Land:

- A complex that too small to be called a fortress, but too large to accommodate the estimated 300 personnel living in it.

- A smooth road like the one in Magwurt City, but wider and extended from north to south as far as the eye could see, and was flanked by Nouel fields that jut out up to 3-5 km.

 .  .  .

 .  .  .

"It's a shame that each crystal recorder can only store nine pictures."

"At least, we've confirmed intel from Viscount Grakh."

Viscount Grakh was completely satisfied as he saw the surprise on face of his two colleagues. "Our Nouel field is already showing signs of decline as Tuscan Region has experienced. Wasting any more time is not wise.

Not to mention that if Kingdom of Makai finds out about Amethyst Merchant's existence, they will devour all knowledge and technology they brought without sharing it with us."

The moment Amethyst Merchant was mentioned, a speck of concern crossed Baron Eslei's face. "Are you sure we can beat Amethyst Merchant who has such high level technology?"

Viscount Grakh grinned before saying confidently, "So far Amethyst Merchant personnel are no more than 800 people, and the majority of them are support personnel. As long as we move quickly it will all be too late when their main unit arrives."

Baron Eslei and Baron Mhors immediately nodded in agreement with Viscount Grakh's assessment. One of their reasons was, Viscount Grakh spies had confirmed that Amethyst Merchant's personnel were very open, and repeatedly emphasized that Amethyst Merchant always prioritized the path of peace.

Amethyst Merchant's weak attitude was also reflected in the policy not to attack if not attacked, and this was proven through the actions of Rider Orka who were not attacked even though he entered their airspace without permission.

No matter how high the level of technology Amethyst Merchants had, if they didn't use it with the right way of thinking then it was all useless. Also, at the moment, of the 80 thousand population of Tuscan Region, only 24 thousand were members of Tuscan Guard, while the rest were women, children, or elderly.

With Northern Coalition's total strengths in Fort Cambia reaching 123 thousand personnel, the defense on Magwurt City would collapse in a matter of hours. Moreover, Northern Coalition elements would be supported by three Rider Squadrons. Meanwhile, Tuscan Guard had not rebuilt their Rider regiment.

Baron Mhors firmly said, "Very well, with the combined strength of three Regions, I doubt we will fail."

Baron Eslei then added, "After all, all personnel who will participate are already stationed in this fort.”

Once his proposal was approved, Viscount Grakh nodded in satisfaction. "Also, in anticipation if our calculations miss, while moving we will throw bait to see their reaction."

*****