The New Estana Incident (PB4)

On the 23/4/2022 a territorial dispute between the territories faction and the dominion boiled over into armed conflict. Their supposed claims significantly overlapped each other, resulting in armed incursions into the Estana region, seeking to fight and destroy the opposing force to make claims for themselves.

Tired of the constant shelling of their homes, and finding themselves without a sponsoring state, the Estana territorial defence force made a decision. By unanimous vote, they decided to claim the disputed territory for themselves and their families, seeking freedom under their own flag, to make a better future for their children. The local barracks maintained one assault platoon ‘Secret Squirrels’, one defensive platoon ‘Roughnecks’, and a combat engineer platoon ‘Donbass’.

Initial engagements were rocky and bloody, the well-established territories faction ambushing Donbass as they attempted to move equipment to establish a cordon around the spiritual heart of Estana, the birth log. Aiming to secure this, they hoped to inspire their people to see they had a right to their own nation. The territories faction engaged Donbass viciously, showing no mercy, killing one squadron to a man. Despite this terrible loss, Secret Squirrels were able to make a counter attack and retrieve the birth-log, fighting through brutal odds to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, utilising the tragic distraction that befell Donbass Squadron. Roughnecks maintained diversionary attacks throughout this time, drawing the brutal dominion forces away from the zone of operations.

The remainder of Donbass, although haggard, managed to retrieve their comrades’ sacred birth-log splinters, and reunited with the Secret Squirrels, providing security as they moved the relic to a safer area. Establishing a defensive AO around the birthlog, and setting traps to prevent the Dominion forces from destroying the relic, both the Secret Squirrels and Donbass repelled a brutal territories attack, who sought to capture the relic, likely to sell to their capitalist masters. However, the forces of New Estana prevailed, fighting off the ruthless attacks. Despite losses suffered, there were no retreats and they proved themselves heroes of their people.

However, there was no time for victory celebrations. After regrouping, and committing their fallen brothers’ splinters of the birth log back to their home, the forces regrouped and returned to combat. Roughnecks had maintained the field against Territory forces, preventing them from overrunning their comrades, but had been caught in an attempted pincer manoeuvre. The Secret Squirrels struck out to hunt down the Dominion forces threatening the birth log, while Donbass mobilised to relieve the Roughnecks. Striking downhill, Donbass were able to catch the foolhearty territory forces off guard, as they had failed to maintain rear guard in their bloodlust. Between the courageous charge by Donbass, and the unshakable stoic defence of the Roughnecks, the Territory forces were crushed between them. It was not a clean victory, however, as Territory forces received reinforcements, flanking the New Estana attack group, but despite heavy losses and with a valiant defence, they managed to repel the attacking force, sending them home with tail between their legs.

Feeling that their claim had been established, Donbass maintained location at the ambush position, while Roughnecks moved to relieve the Secret Squirrels engaged in combat against the filthy invaders. Selecting two engineers specialised in mine clearance, Donbass laid a perimeter warning about the mined path, and set up a guard unit. Always keeping the goal of making their country better for their children, these men risked their lives to establish safe roadways for their people. These engineers disarmed themselves and proceeded to start demining operations.

After some time, they radioed back to the unit that they had encountered Dominion forces, and as a show of good faith, were attempting to warn them of the buried dangers, but promising safe passage from Donbass should they proceed. This would be the last time these men would make contact with their team. Hearing a large explosion and several gunshots, Donbass mobilised, and navigated through the safe path laid by their engineers, who were now likely in mortal peril.

Sighting Dominion, Donbass cried out for them to surrender, to throw down their arms and end this madness. However, the cowardly Dominion fired on Donbass, before fleeing up the nearby mountain. Donbass moved forward, finding their engineers with arms tied behind their backs and executed by close range gunshots. Further on the path they found a crater with several dead Dominion units around it. A mine, a tragedy the engineers were trying to prevent.

Enraged by these inhuman actions, Donbass pursued the Dominion forces up the hill. Hearing the cries for assistance, Secret Squirrels and Roughnecks both sent squadrons to assist Donbass, despite both suffering losses from ruthless engagements. Managing to entrap the cowardly Dominion, one of their forces surrendered, taken into custody by Donbass. The rest of the Dominion forces were killed to a man, refusing to surrender, seeking only to shed more blood.

The captured Dominion soldier was interrogated, and brought before Colonel Gorlami. With a jury of two officers, the Colonel found the captured Dominion soldier guilty of murder, as well as several warcrimes, punishable by death under Hague rulings. In the noble state of New Estana, this is punishable by death, and he was executed humanely.

After this incident, the forces of New Estana found both Territories forces and Dominion forces to be in full retreat, leaving only a haggard rearguard to sow more needless destruction. The forces of the newly established New Estana mobilised to root out these agents of chaos, killing or capturing all hostile forces. The battle has been won, however there will be many trials for this new fledgling nation.

Glory to new Estana.