Time for Somme Armor

Posted on Wed Oct 25th, 2023 @ 11:19am by 2nd Lieutenant Orjheza zh’Kaakret & Master Sergeant Jason Vanderson

1,664 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Episode 118 - "It's About Family"
Location: Deck 43 - Marine Holodeck
Timeline: MD1 - 1550 hours

Jason Vanderson was accustomed to missions that pushed him to his limits. As a career Marine, he had faced the most dangerous situations that the galaxy could offer. But today's exercise was something entirely new. He found himself in the commander's seat of a Somme Class MBT, the Starfleet's equivalent of a 20th and 21st-century main battle tank, also known as the 'surface defense escort.' It was a massive piece of machinery, its bright white hull adorned with blue and red lights, making it resemble a runabout more than a tank.

The tank's squat rectangular cannon, inspired by that of the Valkyrie Class Fighter, sat within a swiveling turret. It was a Type-2 Micro-Torpedo Launcher, a formidable weapon that could deliver a punch equivalent to the torpedoes used on starfighters. The tank also boasted a Type-XI Phaser Array, a weapon known for its versatility and precision. This combination of heavy firepower and advanced defensive systems made the Somme Class a game-changer in ground operations.

As Jason sat in the commander's seat, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and responsibility. He was new to this role of Starfleet Armored Operations. The Somme Class was had a reputation for being underutilized. It was one of Starfleet's latest innovations, designed to provide heavy support for ground forces and protect them from enemy fire. The tank's Class 6 hull conformal shielding system provided excellent protection. Its anti-grav tracks allowed it to traverse various terrains with ease.

Today's training exercise was ambitious. Jason commanded a platoon of four Somme Class MBTs, each operated by a highly skilled crew. They were inside one of Starbase 400's holodecks, and the holographic simulation was about to put their skills and the tank's capabilities to the test.

"Listen up, everyone," Jason addressed his crew through the internal comm system. Remember our objective: assault and clear the Vandor Breen complex. We're going in heavy, but need to be precise. Keep your eyes on your systems and maintain communication."

The tank rumbled to forward over the frozen terrain, its systems coming illuminating the cockpit in dim red lights. Jason glanced at the holographic readouts in front of him, displaying the tank's status and that of the platoon. The exercise began, and the tanks rolled forward, their anti-grav tracks making a soft hum as they moved.

"Alpha, take the lead. Bravo, provide cover. Charlie, fall back and be ready to move in if needed," Jason ordered, coordinating the platoon's movements. His quick thinking and adaptability, skills he'd honed as a Marine, were invaluable in this new role. Vanderson rode in the tank known as Delta.

The enlisted tank commanders responded to Master Sergeant Vanderson over comms. Jason sent the order to fire at will as they approached. The Marine tankers were not used to the Master Sergeant’s presence. It was refreshing to see him take the time to familiarize himself with their tactics. MSG Vanderson made an effort to train with as many units as he could as acting Sergeant Major of the 1st Marine Division.

The Breen complex loomed in the distance, heavily fortified with turrets and defensive emplacements. This was as close to a real battle as one could get within the safety of the holodeck. The platoon's tanks moved in unison, their cannons swiveling to target enemy positions. The first salvo of micro-torpedoes erupted from the tanks, streaking through the air and obliterating a Breen turret. The explosion sent holographic snow and debris flying.

The tanks continued their advance, using the Somme Class's advanced sensors to detect hidden threats. They fired their phaser arrays at any visible Breen forces, beams of energy cutting through the snow-covered landscape. The Breen fired back, even as those who fell vaporized around them. Each tank’s shielding glowed and pulsed to showcase each incoming impact.

"Charlie, I need you to move in and flank their position," Jason ordered, realizing that the Breen were putting up a tougher fight than expected. The Somme Class tanks were powerful, but the Breen's technology was formidable.

The tank designated as Charlie rumbled forward, taking a path that would allow it to approach the complex from the side. As it moved, the Breen concentrated their fire on the newcomer, recognizing the threat it posed. Bolts of energy from their disruptor weapons peppered the tank's shielding, causing it to flicker but hold.

Inside the tank, the crew worked with determination. "Shields at eighty percent and holding," reported the gunner.

“Keep moving,” Jason shouted over the network. Delta tank unleashed another volley of phaser fire as the gunner alongside Jason searched with the main cannon’s targeting sensors. The Breen positions were overwhelmed, and their defenses began to crumble.

The Breen had one last surprise—a holographic artillery unit hidden near the complex. Its massive cannons fired energy projectiles toward the tanks. One of the rounds struck the tank designated as Bravo, causing a brilliant explosion that filled the holodeck.

"Bravo is down,” shouted the tank's commander. Not only had their anti-grav system failed, but their shields were down.

“We can’t maneuver to take out that artillery”, called out the young platoon commander from Alpha. Although he had given MSG Vanderson the freedom to take control, he had to lay down the rules as the officer. The Bolin did not want to split the platoon and leave a tank behind.

Jason felt a pang of loss. It was just a simulation, but the bond between a commander and their crew was real, even in a holographic exercise. The remaining tanks intensified their fire, determined to complete the mission. “Alpha, move to cover Bravo and wait for tow extraction”, Vanderson instructed.

Bravo’s young crew quickly put their tank into action, phaser array firing as the bulbous vehicle maneuvered.

The Somme Class MBTs closed in on the Breen complex, cannons blazing. Its defenses were slowly overwhelmed as dismounted infantry guided Valkyrie airstrikes and tallied casualties from a frosty hillside 400 meters away.

“Keep up the fight, everyone," Jason said, a note of pride in his voice. The training exercise had highlighted areas where they could improve. The tanks still had to support the exercise, but their main effort in the maneuver had been a success so far.

“Hold this firing position”, Vanderson called over the network. “Bell Company is approaching from the west with the troop carriers. Lift fire, lift fire.”

It was hard to see the dark shapes of the vehicles as they approached from an adjacent direction. They moved quickly, firing as their white and grey shapes were illuminated by lights leading towards the complex. Rear hatches began to open as SFMC marines dismounted in squad and moved toward preplanned routes of attack.

The dismounts took heavy fire as they exited, quickly closing the distance as their own vehicles provided phaser support. Unlike the garishly bright Somme tanks, the Type 1 Federation APCs utilized an adaptive camouflage system. Only a red light front center and blue lights underneath highlighted the dim shadows in the late twilight.

Although neither the flanking marines nor the tankers could see the artillery piece, eyes were on it. 2nd Lieutenant Orjheza zh’Kaakret fighter had traced the trajectory over 12 miles away. She radioed to the force tracking back aboard the simulated ship in orbit of the exercise.

“30 seconds”, she called to her wingman as her fighter lined up with the phaser artillery cannon. The enemy piece fired another blast, bright beam expending its energy upwards at an angle that would rain back down upon the target area.

“Micro quantum locked…” It took time for the firing solution to lock on. “Firing.” A two torpedo burst ran out from the weapon’s bay. The purple and white bolts of light streaked towards the ground, tearing into the phaser cannon with a roaring blast.

Word of the destroyed artillery soon hit the armored element.

“Okay, Charlie.. Pull up and prepare to tow Bravo”, Vanderson called out over comms.

A call came in from Bravo tank. “Hey Delta, this is Bravo. The Breen are trying to set up a turret on hill 312.” The steep slope was across from the saddle where the SFMC observers watched and overlooked the complex. “We’ve got the shot.”

“You are clear to fire, Bravo”, Vanderson replied.

The immobile tank rocked on its partially operational anti-grav tracks, the rear of the chunky vehicle sunken into the frozen ground. The front of the system still kept part of the tank airborne, shifting partially to help with the firing solution.

Seconds later a shot rang out, torpedo launching with hellish determination and frenzied energy. The emplacement team was separated by the blast and vaporized with their equipment. The tanks continued to watch the perimeter and surrounding hillsides as the dismounts methodically cleared the complex.

Soon it was time to sync the Somme main battle tanks up for the voyage back to their simulated ground base.

“Delta, this is Bravo. Charlie is secure.. Towing to the rendezvous point.”

“Understood”, Vanderson replied after shouting orders for his driver to change the tank’s position. “We’ll cover your movement and link up. Alpha, prepare to link up on our six.”

“Affirm”, replied the young, chipper Tellarite woman commanding A-tank. “Moving..”

Each tank roared into action as the dismounts moved throughout the complex. Their armored personnel carriers moved to encircle the area, smaller pulse phaser systems occasionally lighting up in the close quarters.

Vanderson would try taking the opportunity to pull the tank to the rendezvous point where they could get the tank serviced and return to the operation. Each tank was full of activity as their commanders and crew moved to execute the objective.

The exercise was far from over, but MSG Vanderson had a few moments to enjoy traveling across the holodeck’s scenic winter landscape. He hoped the unit would have to really move on Breen some day.

2nd Lt. Orjheza zh'Kaakret
Fighter Pilot
Starbase 400

Master Sergeant Jason Vanderson
Acting Sergeant Major
1st Marine Division

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