[center][color=8dc73f]Ruben Verislav[/color]
[color=8dc73f]Level[/color]: 2 [1/20]
[color=8dc73f]Day/Time[/color]: Day Three - Evening
[color=8dc73f]Location[/color]: Forest of Skyrim to Stormcloak Fortress - Ulfric's Tent
[color=8dc73f]Tag[/color]: [@Holy Soldier][@Lugubrious][@Zarkun][@DracoLunaris]
[color=8dc73f]Word Count[/color]: 686
[/center]

Nodding briefly in confirmation, Ruben shouldered his rifle and stepped in line, following the group at the rear to the fortress, which was just as disappointing up close as it had appeared from their point of arrival. Heavy timber and furs were hardly a means of defense against an invading force, especially one wielding the firepower of the previous group. He glanced down at the mulch floor and lifted a boot to examine the imprint. If only Ulfric could be introduced to the wonders of reinforced concrete. 

The party regrouped in the largest tent around a large fire pit, which had been repurposed as some form of crude map. The XCOM soldier listened intently to the vague description of the area and scowled slightly. He certainly hadn't been expecting aerial photography, but he was hoping for at least a paper map. He had a good memory but it wasn't photogenic. Fortunately, the XCOM initiative provided extensive training in blind operations, since it was impossible to know where they would be deployed. Being prepared to engage anywhere, at any time, was a core element of his job, and with a good team he knew he could compensate for a lack of information. Unfortunately, he was not sure he had a good team. If nothing else, it was unlikely that any of them had received similar training. They had performed well in their first engagement, but the post-combat discussion suggested there were larger problems than a lack of battle tactics.

Ulfric's description of the Steel Gods was somehow even less specific than Ruben had expected. One had tusks, one resembled a wolf, and one was small. Dr. Vahlen would not approve of such descriptions. He made a mental note to gather as much information on each as possible for a report. Earth was woefully unprepared for the Sectoids. Any information he could supply on otherworldly enemies would be invaluable. To his surprise, and satisfaction, the Boss laid out an actual plan of attack, assigning him to the largest of the enemy targets. Ruben couldn't help but grin. Not only was he going to be working directly with commanding officers, he would be taking on a real challenge. Analyzing a completely new enemy, determining a point of attack, and filling it full of holes sounded like something he might actually enjoy. The prospect of healing and protecting fifty other men was a bit daunting, but Ulfric was on hand. He would hopefully be able to organize tacticians of his own to help protect his men. He gave the boss another nod of consent.

Azura and Piper took the opportunity to offer their feedback, with Piper's being surprisingly well thought out. Aware that the burden of speaking had passed to him one more, he shifted on his feet and crouched down, re-reading the map with Ulfric's commentary in mind.

[color=8dc73f]"This is the only point of entry?"[/color] he asked, pointing at the gate. [color=8dc73f]"I do not see us moving 100 men through here into a position of attack without being noticed and attacked first. We will have to move very quickly to get into a safe position to strike before being spotted."[/color]

He moved his hand to aim at the guard tower. [color=8dc73f]"I suggest we first move to secure this tower. It should give us a clear view of the entire area, allowing us to coordinate attacks and spot ambushes before engaging. If the enemy is intelligent at all, they will already have someone located there. They will see our force approaching before we can reach the gates. Send in a unit of men to climb and clear the tower first.

"From there, I would have both teams move along the walls as swiftly as possible, with the intent to reach the highest point of the city before engaging. Move the men in groups of perhaps ten at a time rather than the entire force, with a group remaining near the gates to secure our exit and eliminate enemies trying to flee the city."[/color]

He paused, then sat back down away from the map and waited for a leader to reply.