polemos:campaigns:many_in_freedom:events:operation_thunder_dust_the_battle_of_dolmapolis [Earth Sphere]

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====== Operation Thunder Dust ======
Operation Thunder Dust, also known as the battle of [[polemos:8th_age:locations:dolmapolis|Dolmapolis]], was the first large-scale battle fought by the UFPF after its formation, and focused on liberating the city of Dolmapolis from the USC in order to better secure Agalos City from USC encirclement. It was fought in a white coalition with FDC forces.

^Start Date  |241/11/1  |
^Main Objective  |Liberate Dolmapolis from USC occupation; establish coalition regime over city  |
^Mission Status  |Complete - Mixed Objective Results  |

===== Preparation =====
After the operation was approved by both governments, [[polemos:8th_age:characters:tyr_eleythos|Tyr Eleythos]] was named Strategos, or ad-hoc commander, over the new coalition. As Thunder Dust Actual he mobilized the forces assigned - namely the 1st Volunteer Regiment from the UFPF and several brigades of the FDC's 3rd Mechanized Division. Units were reorganized to allow tasking of support elements to coordinate a large evacuation mission, as the USC had banned travel for the residents of the city, meaning civilians could not flee the combat zone beforehand.

One of the biggest complications to taking the city was the presence of the "Black Widow" - an sophisticated anti-air system built into Dolmopolis's fortball stadium. With sensitive detection arrays and a vast ammunition pool it could effectively eliminate any flying object bigger than a dragonfly from rising above roof level. This ruled out not only close air support tactics, but artillery support, mortar team support, and even some grenade tactics. The Black Widow was the focus of ranger teams, particularly seraph squad.

Plans for the post-libration city were that a coalition regime, with the federation handling military defense and the council handling civilian administration, would rule until the ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the FDC and federation ended.

==== Ranger Camp Insubordination ====
Before the start of the operation, both of the major independent "ranger camps," or splinter factions, worked to undermine the stated outcome of the coalition, and secretly conspired with other squads to ignore RANGECOM's orders for their own goals.

=== Pteros ===
The Eleytheros Pteros Episke, as a group, were not pleased that the FDC was being given civic governance of the city. Particularly controversial to the pteros was the FDC's counter-insurgency laws which meant martial law could extend indefinitely in areas where factional loyalties were not in the council's favor.

[[polemos:8th_age:characters:lynnis_utherson|Lion]] approached seraph squad with an offer. He would supply helicopters and pilots experienced in flying below roof-top level, and priority tasking for unicorn squad for air support after the Black Widow was disabled. This would let the squad attack the Black widow much faster than following the front-line, hopefully leading to less casualties as air support could come in sooner. In exchange they would need to insert a specially crafted digital storage device (DSD) into the control console of the stadium after the Black Widow had been secured. Lion would not reveal its full capabilities, only that it would "send a message to the USC." After a short time to consider the offer, seraph squad accepted.

=== Kingslayers ===
The Kingslayers, namely [[polemos:8th_age:characters:klayr_kyris|Nocturne]], felt the federation had the raw end of the deal in the coalition. They wanted the FDC to take the brunt of the defense, and had a plan to see it happen. Using her old FDC contacts, Nocturne would "turn" and let the FDC take the Black Widow and use it to extort the federation into giving the council full control of the city. Since she was being watched by federation counter-intelligence because of her previous leadership position in the FDC, she asked seraph squad to supply the federation battle network encryption keys to a council armor lance that would take control of the Black Widow. Seraph squad, uncomfortable with performing an act tantamount to treason, and mindful of the increased loss of FDC life after the federation would pull out, declined to take part in the conspiracy.

===== The Battle of Dolmapolis =====
After the start of hostilities USC armor elements north of Dolmapolis, in the Lylas county region, began a breakout and looked to attempt to encircle coalition elements. Thanks to the efforts of seraph squad, however, the Black Widow was secured in less than half an hour using a surprise air assault. Federation air assets, warned ahead of time, were able to get into position before USC interceptors could scramble. This left a gap in air superiority, which combined with a dedicated push on the federation side of coalition lines led to a delayed but decisive route of USC forces. With opposition making a disorganized retreat to the river, coalition forces gained ground quickly and FDC elements had ample time to re-position and prevent an encirclement from the north.

After taking the Black Widow, however, seraph squad inserted a Pteros DSD into the stadium controls. It contained a worm process that temporarily took control of the Dolmapolis metronet, lifted the blackout enforcement, activated the emergency broadcast system, and displayed the following message in Com-A and Agathonian on all available screens in the city:

//"Let it Be Known,\\ 
\\ 
The USC has repeatedly violated the sacred and natural rights of the citizens of Dolmapolis, proof of which can be found here [@agh:ufpf:mil:rangecom/dolmapolis]. They are unrepentant and have not provided relief for these injustices. As rangers, we officially invoke the ancient rite of Emancipation. Hear now, Dolmapolis, never again will you be slaves. Your dawn has come!\\ 
\\ 
USC authority is now null and void within the city. Thirty days from today you will vote on whether or not to join the UFPF. Factions without comparable protections for citizen's rights will not be allowed on the ballot. All previous residents have the right of safe return, guaranteed by the federation.\\
\\
But to the despots of the USC, know that we are Rangers of the Free Peoples. Despair, for the repayment on your deeds is fast approaching. If you run you will only die tired; if you hide you will only die afraid. But meet us in battle, and we will gladly oblige you a quick death.\\ 
\\
Many in Freedom, One Under God,\\ 
The Pteros Eleytheros Episke"//

===== Aftermath =====
While the battle was quickly won, several hundred casualties were still reported on either side. The coalition secured the city, but afterward the FDC recalled their troops in protest of the unauthorized and unilateral declaration of elections by the rangers. Councilmen particularly objected to the idea that the federation would control ballot access. This left the city wholly under the control of the federation, but put their white coalition status with the council in serious doubt.