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[center][b]8th Republican Sovereignty Army
[i]Siege of Kiefeng - Second Week[/i][/b][/center]

[u][i]One Week Earlier:[/i][/u]

"General, things are proceeding smoothly. Our troops have extended the siege lines to the west, and the Tao-The Younger, will be here within a week." Lieutenant General Hao Lin smiled as he spoke into the receiver. He actually enjoyed speaking to his commanding officer, even if through daily reports to Headquarters.

"Very well, Hao, I expect Kaifeng will fall within the next few weeks, yes?" General Zhou's voice came through the receiver deeper, and slightly crackly.

"Yes sir, we are on schedule. Truth be told, the Zengravi Democratic Front seems to be capable." He paused for a moment, "Apart from that unreliable, opportunistic, ruthless thug Ma Auriot. His men are hardly more than a rabble." He finished, making his displeasure at working with the freelance warlord of the 10th Volunteer Division known to his commander.

"Of course. I do not envy you friend, though I trust you will do your duty." The General said, and any further discussion of the matter was ended right there. Such a statement from the General was as much an order as an off-handed remark. Lieutenant General Hao Lin would do his duty, his men would do theirs, and if there is anything holy in the world Ma Auriot and his 'division' would do theirs.

"Of course, sir." Hao replied simply. "As for the upcoming days, men and supplies are expected to arrive, along with the 12th's tanks. We will put them to good use, you can rest assured of that sir. Was there anything else that needed to be discussed?" The Lieutenant General inquired professionally.

"Nothing major. I will allow you to return to your preparations. Contact me once the city has fallen, I will wish to make an inspection before we continue on the campaign. Carry on General" Zhou Jin said, hanging up the phone without a reply. Lin was not offended, this was simply how the General was, and as his second in command he could expect nothing other than for the general to be himself. 

He did the same and replaced the receiver back into it's handle on the radio. Then he did as he had done all morning. He set about studying the maps of Kaifeng, and reading reports from regimental, and brigade commanders. 

[u][i]Earlier this week:[/i][/u]

[i]Bang, Bang, Bang[/i]. 

Nearby pistol shots echoed through the regimental headquarters of the 4th Infantry Regiment, of the 24th Infantry Brigade. Troopers ran from cover to cover, firing off rifles, submachine guns, and shoulder mounted rocket launchers at their attackers. 

"We've got Mechs attacking regimental HQ too, Major! But we're not giving an inch, and I expect you to hold your position too!" Colonel Yuan Xieufeng shouted into his radio receiver. The sounds of shoulder mounted rocket launches being fired could be heard nearby. More of the Duke-Mother's guards were assaulting his men nearby. 

"Relax, Colonel, it is good for the men to be blooded before the assault." Brigadier General Chang Tian said, sauntering toward the Regimental commander. His standard issue pistol in hand. "Casualty report?" He asked casually, placing the pistol on the wooden table between the two officers.

"Yes sir, we've taken a couple dozen dead, hundred or so wounded. The real pain comes in the form of our lost vehicles. Replaceable losses, so far sir." The colonel replied, steadying himself under the eyes of his youthful commander. Brigadier General Tian was no more than 23 years old, and had already risen to prominence in the 8th RSA due to his courageous, calm, and bold actions under fire. The Colonel was nearly twice as old, but held the young man in high regard none-the-less.

"Very well, your men have things mostly under control here.  I'd say we've hit them nearly as hard as they've hit us. Get word out to your company officers to reform the lines, and double watches from now on after sundown. The 17th is in position and with the support of the 27th Bomber Wing they managed to push the defenders off the outer-walls. I expect we shall do the same in the coming days once our lines are firmly established." He paused, thinking of the moments before the attack began. The roar of the mechs, the sound of rockets, and machine guns. It had all occurred at once. 

"Sir?" The Colonel interrupted, noticing the thoughtful, almost detached look on his commanding officer's face. "Are you unwell?" He asked.

"No, no of course not. I was just thinking of earlier. The Duke-Mother's guards attacked using mechs." He paused for a moment as the Colonel took in the information before nodding. "But we didn't hear them." The General finished, and immediately the gears turned in the Colonel's head.

"They didn't advance out from the city!" The Colonel all but shouted, "That many mechs, we'd have heard them miles out! Well where did they come from, then?" He asked, not expecting a sure answer, as there is no way the General would be able to know that.

"No idea, but you're going to find out. Send your scouts forward to search for how they sallied that many mechs and men out of the city without going through their walls. Report to me when you find out, understood?" The general said matter-of-factly. He was all business now.

"Yes sir!" The Colonel said, giving the general a sharp salute.

The General returned his pistol to it's holster. Tian returned the salute before departing to inspect his own headquarters.