News has reached us about a battle that has taken place on one of the other continents on Coopers World. As readers might be aware, the colony is on the Eastern coast of one of the smaller continents of the planet and the other continents are not inhabited.
A small mercenary unit was engaged by forces unknown whilst providing protection for a Government survey team looking for mineral deposits. Little news has filtered out to us about the skirmish but it is believed that the mercenaries took light losses whilst repelling the attack. Also, a rumour has reached us that the attack was not by the Sardarken or any other indigious species!
We are, of course, investigating these claims and will bring any news we get to you, our readers.

Jackson City Saved!

ollowing three days of heavy fighting, Jackson City has been saved. After a lull during the night of the 3rd July, the morning of the 4th saw a change in the main avenue of attack of the lizards as they sought to exploit the breakthrough they had made the following day in the southern sector of the city. Large numbers of lizards advanced on a narrow front against Government troops already brittle from losses suffered the day before. It showed, as the company from Jefferson City broke and ran in the face of the seemingly never ending assault. Suddenly, a large hole appeared in the defenders lines and lizards started to pile through into the gardens that were full of civilians.
Units from Finlandia rushed to plug the gap in support of The Black Watch who were fighting a losing battle against three lizard armoured cars. After a fierce engagement, with vehicle losses on both sides, the defenders succeeded in stopping the lizard attack before it could get through to the hotels and large office blocks in the city's centre.
The final act of the battle was the arrival of the relief force the following morning. This force, made up of units from most of the other mercenary units on the planet, pushed through a lizard blocking force and finally broke the morale of the lizard forces around the city. Rather than take further losses, the remaining lizard units withdrew from the city and melted into the forests.
The battle has apparently left the Government forces in the city shattered and unable to complete their duties. Also, unconfirmed reports suggest that up to 5000 innocent civilians were killed in the battle. Most of them in the city's gardens on the 4th July.
It appears that the mercenaries could be tied up in the city for some time to come!

Aftermath of Journeys Rest

The battle of Journeys Rest might be over and the citizens of that village might now be able to look to rebuilding their lives in Carson City, but the repercussions of what happened in those four days may be felt in the colony for a long time to come.
For several years, William Jefferson –Governor of Carson City, has railed against the central governments moves toward industrialisation and the increase in investment in CMC industries, especially their military division.
William pointed to the words of his grandfather and the colonies whole raison d’etre and demanded that the government returned to a more pastoral way of life.
As it became clear that this was not going to happen, William Jefferson withdrew from the government and started the process of isolating Carson City and its small outlying village from the policies of the government.
It came as little surprise then when following the replacement of all government appointed senior officers in the Carson City Brigade, the central government refused calls for help when the Sardarken attacked.
In truth, the Government had very little aid to send but in not lifting a finger to help its own citizens, it signalled a major split in the colony.
Carson City formally declared itself as an independent city state with no formal ties to the central government in Jefferson City.
With the help of three of the mercenary companies currently serving in the colony, the Carson City Brigade was able to save the majority of the citizens of Journeys Rest and withdrew them to the safety of the city. This action was notable for several reasons.
Firstly, it was the first action against the Sardarken for one of the Cavalry companies that have been training for the last year. Although casualties were high, the company performed with distinction and was instrumental in rescuing 80 villagers.
Secondly, this was the largest concentration of Longclaw Sardarken yet seen and intelligence estimates of their tactics suggest this tribe, although not as aggressive as some of the other tribes, are far more capable.
Lastly, and most worryingly, the government forces came under fire from forces unknown using cluster munitions.
Intelligence evaluations suggest that the actual target of the attack was the civilians and their Sardarken captors!
But government troops died in the attack so this assessment could be inaccurate.
Suspicion has fallen on the mercenaries for this outrage as they are the only units on the planet deploying these special rounds.
   

More Firepower Required?

The recent escalation in combat on Coopers World has attracted a fair bit of attention in the mercenary fraternity.
Whilst the seven mercenary companies already on the planet seem to have all the contracts sewn up, other opportunities are plentiful. Recently arrived on the planet are the infamous import/export company Van Dijk Imports who have set up an office in Jefferson City.
The company is ostensibly an importer of technology spares and equipment but with a motto of ‘We can get anything, anywhere’ (For a price!) it is well known among the mercenary community as a source of black market weapons.
It is highly likely that the CMC will not consider this enterprise as a contravention of their import embargo as long as it is kept discreet.
Therefore, if they can afford the import fees, this could be a valuable new source of equipment for the beleaguered mercenaries.

Van Dijk Imports

Attack on Jackson!

At about 3pm on the 3rd July, the hammer fell on Jackson City. Thousands of Sardarken attacked on three fronts throwing armour, artillery and massed ranks of infantry against the defenders. As of going to print, the city is still mostly in Government hands but large areas have fallen to the attackers.
We have the following report from Captain De La Croix.

Jackson City Assault Day 1

The quiet before the storm?

The last two weeks on Coopers World have seen some amazing events unfold. It started so well for the Government with the re-taking of Peaceful but has turned to ashes with the kidnapping of hundreds of citizens by the Sardarken and the subsequent declaration of independence made by William Jefferson Jr on behalf of Carson City.
Added to that is the precarious position of Jackson City, cut off from the rest of the colony and completely surrounded by the enemy. Although nothing has happened in the last 24 hours, most people think that it is only a matter of time.
So, what about the vaunted mercenary companies, I hear you ask! What indeed! Well, four of them are currently trapped in Jackson City including the two largest, Finlandia and the Gatherers. We have heard that they have effectively taken over the command of the city and marshall law has been declared!
Two more companies are involved in the recovery of the missing citizens in the West. That looks like it might be a prolonged campaign as reports suggest that the Sardarken have effectively vanished without a trace back into the jungle. The other two companies have not been seen recently and are believed to be undergoing more familiarisation training out in the jungle!

With all of these mercenaries tied down, the army seems paralysed to take independent action! They have spread themselves thin garrisoning all the villages and without the Carson City and Jacksoin City brigades, there is little left to conduct offensive operations.


There is a feeling that something has to give, and soon!



More guns for hire!

The continued activity in this quadrant is now resulting in a steady stream of mercenary talent heading into the sector in search of new opportunities. This month, we have quite a few quality units looking for a new paymaster. There is 1 vehicle crew, and 2 infantry squads. All of them are hardened veterans.  Also, a regular Sergeant and command crew are available.
Offers of employment should be made to the usual address within one week although I'd get in quick as these guys are bound to be snapped up real fast!



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