New Armaments

As Bell left the office, he spotted the armored vehicles parked near the command center, and they were already occupied. Most of them were manned by goblins, as the SRD personnel were too busy admiring the C-17 Globemaster aircraft. Bell decided to approach one of the goblins who was operating a Puma IFV.

The goblin's appearance had changed significantly since their arrival here. They had traded their worn and tattered clothing, mixed with animal furs, for a high-end combat uniform. They were equipped with a communication system that could easily be more expensive than the average income of a knight within the Southern Coalition. Their small size made them highly efficient when inside a vehicle, as long as there was no need for manual loading of ammunition.

"Commander, thanks for the new hardware," the goblin said appreciatively.

"The vehicle looks impressive. Could you give me a detailed breakdown?" Bell inquired.

"Of course, commander," the goblin replied, giving the vehicle a pat. "This beast boasts upgraded nano-composite armor, which is practically impenetrable to most rounds, except for tank rounds, if you catch my drift. The turret's fire control system is top-notch, enabling precise targeting."

The goblin pointed at the cannon. "That's a 30mm high-velocity cannon, with compatibility for smart and telescopic ammo. Inside, there's a digital interface with a real-time data link to command. In terms of speed and agility, it's unmatched in its class. This thing can reach speeds of up to 100km/h, and it's equipped with an active defense system to intercept threats like RPGs or missiles. There's also a field generator to protect its paint from scratches and other potential damage, which even includes most melee weapons."

Bell nodded in approval. "This sounds like it could truly change the game on the battlefield."

The goblin's grin widened in agreement. "Absolutely, commander. In the past, we had to make do with mere sticks and stones we found on the ground when fighting against the ogres. But with this new strategy," he added with a mischievous grin, "we'll be practically invisible to them."

Bell chuckled. "Hey, let's not underestimate our enemies too much. What if an ogre suddenly shows up with a Javelin?" His joke carried a clear message about the importance of not underestimating the enemy under any circumstances. Still, Bell couldn't deny that this large vehicle could be a game-changer. He had always been more familiar with tanks during his career as an officer, and IFVs were a new concept to him. He already knew how significant the difference was between a dragon and an F-15EX Eagle II, so perhaps modern IFVs represented a similar leap.

On instinct, Bell approached one of the tank crew members. At first glance, something about the tank felt odd to him. It didn't resemble a box at all, which was his typical mental image of a tank – a literal box on top of tank tracks or a bulky vehicle with tracks as wide as its crew compartment, bristling with guns.

This vehicle, on the other hand, had only four guns, according to the spec sheet: the 140mm M550, the M230LF, the M240B, 40mm guided micro-missiles, and the co-axial 240. In comparison, the Empire's tanks had six guns and two main cannons. This was certainly a departure from what Bell was accustomed to.

"Sir, how can I assist you?" asked the goblin, who wore an unusual helmet with a peculiar visor that covered his entire head. The visor had six dots on it, likely cameras for situational awareness or something along those lines. Frankly, there was a lot of technology here that Bell struggled to comprehend.

"Could you give me some information about this tank?" Bell inquired.

"Certainly, sir," the goblin tanker responded, his voice slightly muffled by the high-tech helmet. "This is the M1A5 Abrams, equipped with advanced electronic weaponry. Its main gun is a 140mm cannon, which packs a serious punch. Additionally, it's armed with an autocannon and a machine gun for secondary defense."

He pointed to various parts of the tank. "We've got a complete sensor suite for a 360-degree view around the tank. This includes infrared and radar capabilities, night vision, and more. We even have APS and Aether shielding for added protection. Quite impressive, wouldn't you say, sir?"

"Sure, but it all sounds like technobabble to me," Bell admitted. "Could you explain it in simpler terms?"

"Of course, sir," the goblin replied. "The armor is nearly impenetrable, and our sensors let us see everything around us. It's tough, fast, and smart. In simple terms, sir, while the Empire's tank is based on the flawed design of a German tank called the A7V, this machine is a whole lot better."

Bell nodded in deep thought, absorbing the goblin's explanation with a mixture of fascination and intrigue. "It's quite clear that we're dealing with a significant leap in technological advancement, something our enemies couldn't even comprehend," he mused aloud.

"Yes, commander," the goblin affirmed with a nod. "Our tank isn't just a step forward; it's several strides ahead. It's tailor-made for modern warfare, blending raw power with cutting-edge technology. While the Empire may boast quantity in terms of guns, we excel in the quality of every shot, maneuverability, and defense. Sir, even if we were to face a hundred of the Empire's tanks, I can assure you that the only limiting factor would be the ammunition this tank carries."

Bell's gaze lingered on the sleek lines of the M1A5 Abrams. "And what about this Aether shielding? How does it come into play?"

"Oh, that's a game-changer, sir," the goblin said with a hint of pride. "The shielding adds an extra layer of protection against both conventional and magical attacks. It can absorb or deflect a wide range of magical energies, making this tank an incredibly tough nut to crack in any battlefield scenario, whether it involves magic or not."

"And?" Bell pressed for more details.

"I'm not entirely sure, sir," the goblin admitted with a smile. "I think the promotional brochure from General Dynamics Land Systems will provide you with more comprehensive information." He handed Bell the brochure, offering a source for additional details.

The tank boasted impressive capabilities, including a top speed of 120 km/h and a range of 1,000 kilometers thanks to its Rockwell D102 electric-turbodiesel engine. Its situational awareness was top-notch, thanks to onboard radar and cameras. The Nexter M550 140mm cannon could be programmed to fire either multipurpose ammunition or sabot rounds. What intrigued Bell even more was the strange telescopic ammunition, a term he had never heard before.

Bell was eager to witness this machine in action, in a real battlefield against the Southern Coalition. However, for now, its primary purpose was to defend the base from potential future attacks. Currently, the goblins swarmed around the armored vehicles like ants surrounding sugar. Their excitement was contagious, and their chatter filled the air. Bell couldn't help but think about how the goblins had always been at the bottom of the power hierarchy.

Lost in these thoughts, Bell was abruptly brought back to the present by the deafening roar of a C-17 Globemaster aircraft flying overhead. The aircraft's four engines thundered as it soared above the base, leaving Bell wondering about its mission.

His contemplation was interrupted when Lisa appeared behind him, playfully poking his back. "It's about time, isn't it? The first combined arms assault in the history of our world is about to unfold," she said, her eyes gleaming as she observed the two C-17s flying in formation, accompanied by A-29 aircraft loaded with an arsenal of bombs.

Bell turned to Lisa, his curiosity piqued. "Have you been orchestrating this entire operation?"

Lisa nodded, her grin widening. "Indeed, I've been overseeing it. Shruss and Morreau had the assault plan ready; we were just waiting for your final decision on the new vehicles. Now that we have that, everything's in motion as planned," she explained.

Bell continued to seek clarification. "Could you give me a rundown of the plan?"

"We're targeting three goblin villages nearest to us. It's a straightforward assault, nothing too complex," Lisa replied casually.

Bell raised an eyebrow, surprised. "How did such a significant operation manage to escape my attention?"

Lisa shrugged. "You've been deeply involved in civil affairs, setting up temporary settlements for the non-military goblin population. It's been a demanding task, I understand."

Bell took his position on the sidelines, watching as the new IFVs and tanks rolled out of the base. Their engines produced a low growl that contrasted with the quiet of the early morning. The armored column moved with precision, disappearing onto the road that stretched into the vast tundra beyond. Bell's experienced eye discerned the likely strategy: the SRD units would perform an airdrop directly into the villages, while the goblins, with their formidable armored vehicles, would execute a meticulously planned ground assault.

He settled onto a nearby bench, and Lisa joined him. The cool morning air provided a stark contrast to the impending heat of the operation ahead.

"Alright, Lisa. Can you walk me through the preparations?" Bell asked, his attention still fixed on the distant column of snow stirred up by the departing vehicles.

Lisa turned towards him, her expression focused. "Certainly. Shruss has been incredibly thorough. SPEAR scouted the routes used by the villagers for entry and exit, confirming that the dirt roads are still accessible, which is to our advantage. The plan is to use the armored vehicles for a frontal assault. It's a simple yet effective strategy."

Bell absorbed Lisa's briefing, his mind already considering the aerial component of the operation. "What about air support?" he inquired.

"The A-29s are fully prepared," Lisa responded. "They're positioned to provide crucial support, which should tip the scales in favor of the goblins. Although, in reality, the tanks alone would likely suffice. Let's just say they're not too concerned about collateral damage."

At this, Bell couldn't help but give a wry smile. "Collateral damage, you say? No offense, Lisa, but given the goblins' current trajectory, I doubt they'll be too attached to their old wooden shacks. I don't think they'll give a damn about their former residences, really."

Lisa handed Bell a military tablet. "Here, if you want to see some footage."

The footage on the tablet was captured from one of the goblins, specifically Shruss. The camera was attached to her helmet, and she was currently riding on one of the tanks headed toward the village. Bell examined the footage closely, observing the commander's seat in the M1 Abrams, filled with screens and various equipment.