Xelana arrives at the military checkpoint as dusk settles over the road. Two Marine squads man sandbagged barriers while a halted convoy idles behind them, engines rumbling under the sharp stink of exhaust.
Sgt Dunn, a medium-built young man with close-cropped blond hair, weathered skin, and a scar across his face, stands at the gate. Ella Bawer, a towering, broad-shouldered Black woman, covers the wire beside George Pele, a young athletic Black man with cropped hair.
Sgt Dunn
Hold the line. Keep the convoy sealed until I know what is coming through.
The radio on Dunn's vest crackles. Beneath bursts of static, a distant Marine pleads for help, the words breaking apart as moans swell beyond the wire.
the radio
Checkpoint... this is Second Squad... we're pinned... please, do not leave us...
Ella Bawer
Sergeant, those things are massing beyond the fence. If we open the barrier, they may follow the convoy straight in.
Sgt Dunn
I know. But the convoy cannot sit exposed, and Second Squad is still alive. We choose fast, or the dead choose for us.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get the convoy through the checkpoint
✓ Quest Accepted
Rescue Second Squad
“I ask Sgt Dunn where Second Squad is pinned and how to reach them. and as 2nd Lt I am taking command”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled -1)
“I ask Sgt Dunn where Second Squad is pinned and how to reach them. and as 2nd Lt I am taking command”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +1)
Xelana
Where is Second Squad pinned, and how do we reach them? I am taking command.
The checkpoint seems to contract around her declaration. Engines idle behind the barriers while every Marine turns toward the towering red-skinned lieutenant.
Sgt Dunn
Second Squad is pinned at the old fuel depot, two hundred meters east, inside the maintenance yard. The service road reaches their position directly.
Sgt Dunn
Lieutenant, the convoy stays sealed until you clear the route. I can put George on overwatch and have Ella move with you.
Dunn points past the checkpoint toward a dark line of storage buildings. Beyond them, scattered muzzle flashes blink through dusk as distant voices call over the radio.
Ella Bawer
Give the word, Lieutenant. I will take the east flank and keep anything from reaching the road.
George Pele
I have the depot in sight. Second Squad is still transmitting from the maintenance office, and their signal is getting clearer.
“I lead George toward the depot and send Ella with 2 Marines East”
FAILURE (Good Tactics, rolled -3)
“I lead George toward the depot and send Ella with 2 Marines East”
FAILURE (Good Tactics, rolled -2)
“I lead George toward the depot and send Ella with 2 Marines East”
SUCCESS (Good Tactics, rolled +4)
Xelana
George, with me. Ella, take two Marines east and secure the flank.
Xelana leads George down the service road as Ella signals two Marines forward. The convoy remains sealed behind them, engines fading beneath the crackle of gunfire.
Ella Bawer
East flank moving. Nothing gets past us.
George reaches the depot first and points out a maintenance gate standing open. The route into the yard is clear, with no dead blocking the approach.
George Pele
We are in. Second Squad is inside the maintenance office, and I can hear them answering.
Xelana and George enter the yard. Across the concrete, the office door is visible beneath a flickering security lamp, while radio traffic confirms the trapped Marines hear them.
Ella Bawer
Our flank is secure, Lieutenant. You have a clean path to the office.
“I enter the office and rescue Second Squad and order Pele to setup Overwatch til I come out with 2nd Squad”
SUCCESS (Good Tactics, rolled +1)
Xelana
Pele, set up overwatch. Cover the office and keep the route clear until I come out with Second Squad.
George Pele
Understood, Lieutenant. I’ll watch the door and the yard.
Xelana crosses the concrete and shoulders through the maintenance office door. Inside, overturned desks form a barricade around three exhausted Marines, weapons trained toward the entrance.
Second Squad
Lieutenant! We thought the checkpoint had written us off.
The squad lowers their rifles when they recognize her. Xelana gets them moving, gathering their ammunition and directing them into a tight file behind her.
George Pele
Movement outside. I have the yard covered. Bring them straight to me.
Pele settles behind a concrete barrier overlooking the approach. Xelana leads Second Squad back through the office and into the open yard, where his rifle guards their withdrawal.
Quest Complete
Rescue Second Squad
Skill Upgrade: Tactics Good→Great
“We are on the move people I ordered as I lead them back to Pele”
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled +1)
Xelana
We are on the move, people. I ordered you back to Pele.
Xelana leads the three Marines from Second Squad across the concrete yard, keeping them in a tight file while the office door swings shut behind them.
Second Squad
Moving, Lieutenant. Stay close and keep your weapons ready.
Pele tracks their advance from behind the concrete barrier, rifle sweeping the dark approaches. His covering fire is not needed, but his aim never leaves the route.
George Pele
I have you covered. Bring them through the gate and keep the formation tight.
Xelana reaches Pele's position with Second Squad intact. The rescued Marines take cover beside him, breathing hard as the secured route opens toward the checkpoint.
George Pele
Second Squad is clear and accounted for, Lieutenant. The way back to the checkpoint remains open.
“I lead Second Squad back to the convoy”
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled -1)