Sterland

        Ultimately the idea behind Sterland was a nation founded on Judeo-Christian and Eastern Orthodox Principals. Sterland would begin its history with a tumultuous period but grow into an isolationist country who'd watch the world rise and fall around them. In the name of faith in Christ and upholding of Orthodox doctrine Sterland would see itself constantly several steps ahead of the most advanced country in the world in a bid for self preservation. This would tie into the SSA aiding in resources and man-power. Eventually the duplicated agents would be fazed out in favor of younger Sterlandic men. The following are weapons and defense systems utilized by Sterland and the S.S.A.

     AGGRESSOR ACFT: With the construction of the Aggressor F/A-19, Sterland would lead the way in tailless fighter aircraft. However, Sterland's airpower had seen successful and commercial use of tailless aircraft as early as the 1950s. In late 2012 Sterlandic offensive airpower would see the final form of conventional propulsion aircraft with the introduction of a "final generation" fighter as it was called by the SDM (Sterlandic Defense Minister).

VAPOR HAWK PROGRAM:  The AD-22 Vapor Hawk was the first iteration of Sterland's Vapor Hawk program. The program saw extreme success in exhausting all resources to produce an aircraft which essentially aimed to exploit conventional thrust propulsion to the maximum extent possible. The Vapor Hawk would surpass not only Sterland's F/A-19 Aggressor, but  that of any air superiority fighter known. The Vapor Hawk saw extensive use in stealth strike campaigns in support of SSA operations globally. Despites the VH's small size it's range was not adversely effected. Not only was the VH stealth to radar but also stealth to the naked eye. A first-of-its-kind camouflage system made it one of the most effective infiltrators and often earned the Vapor Hawk reconnaissance missions. While currently Sterland's mainstay fighter for years to come there is speculation of a "non-conventional thrust" fighter capable of breaching suborbital travel. 

    

REGGER 345: The Regger 345 is a bullpup style rifle initially adopted by the SSA and would become the signature weapon for Sterland's most elite fighting units.

 SIDEL: The Sidel is an experimental weapon designed by Sterlandic Inventor, Thomas Sidel. It's initial intent was to act as both a lethal and non-lethal weapon. By controlling energy concentration, which formed a projectile based on energy emission, the user could ultimately switch between modes based on need. However, the sterlandic Department of Weapons Development deemed it a liability after it failed to switch modes in a demonstration. However, this hiccup was alleviated when Thomas Sidel introduced a magazine system explicitly for lethal measures, effectively eliminating the need for a mode switch. While still in development for Sterlandic forces the SSA has used it in several paranormal missions to terminate if not mitigate effects caused by malicious non-physical entities. 

AITOMS: Artificial Intelligence Operator Monitoring System. The primary purpose of the system is to provide greater situational awareness for the operator as well as enhance response time in terms of targeting and team member tracking. The helmet in particular can track targets, team-members, as well as adjust ballistic guidance with paired weapons systems. The targeting system would reduce the need for verbal communication as it would mark chosen targets on each team members HUD thus allowing a simultaneous elimination of targets. The system also allows the user to see beyond solid objects within a certain range, detect objects or movement not immediately visible to the naked eye, and also features a robust translation system allowing the user to communicate in and listen to any given language in real time. Currently the system is comprised of three components, the helmet itself (to include visual acuity assist "aka blind visor") and the vocal/auditory system. The SSA "Weapons Development Initiative" currently has tasked Sterlandic Defense Projects with developing a helmet that is less modular. The primary reason for this is the current helmet struggles to accommodate for rapid donning of bio-warfare raspatory equipment. Sterland's Renth-Tec Robotic Systems has offered up the Titan 2.5 as a candidate for replacement. 

HEARTS: The Human Assisted Robotic Tactical Suit is the most advanced piece of equipment operated by the SSA. The suit and included systems were the basis, if not inspiration, for systems such as AITOMS and the SIDEL energy weapon. The HARTS mainly serves as a heavy offensive weapon operated by an individual agent. The suit is the product of five prior models and still sees improvements today. A slightly altered model exists for the female aliases of the SSA and features a less offensive build-out but is no less sophisticated in it's engineering. 

Brutal Initiative

                                          Contains graphic content. Reader discretion advised.

     Why the overwhelming force, why the on-site execution of targets? Mercy is never shown to the children who suffer at the hands of the evil and incompetent. Was there any level of mutual respect by the target towards their victims? Why should anyone show mercy now, especially in a time sensitive situation where the child's immediate welfare is at risk? Answer your own questions. I don't expect you to understand, I don't care if you do, I don't care if you don't. We didn't ask you and we aren't going to.

A mansion lay in ruins having been deliberately destroyed by fire, but this was no arsonist. Shell casings and boot prints matching no known weapon or footwear company, riddled the ground about the mansion. The bodies of ten deceased adults lay around an outdoor firepit, ritualistically set up for gruesome torture. A scheme seemingly set up by those now lifeless around the pit, to inflict horrer, ended in their own demise. Their death was no accident, as was made clear by fatal gunshot wounds consistently placed center-mass. A grim message was sent that night. There was no shadow on Earth that could hide them as they lay in pools of their own blood. Those that once preyed on the innocent, had been mercilessly cut down. The predators had become prey.  

        Infiltration that afforded the team both smooth dispatch and rapid evacuation was typically the most challenging part of ops planning. This particular mission was no different. Rescue/evac of at least one known victim, at a somewhat secluded location, demanded a special vehicle. This vehicle would have to arrive virtually silent, be comfortable for a rescuee in the event that they were ambulatory, as well as accommodate at least one of three strike teams. The location of the op made the choice rather obvious. A fully-loaded GM Hummer EV would not only afford a virtually silent approach but also an inconspicuous departure. The target location would have no shortage of high end luxury cars. Three days to prep would offer the team an opportunity to modify their vehicle as needed. The funds from both the team and the sponsoring nation's support group, made nothing impossible. 

      While the SSA has support units primarily sponsored by them, their sponsoring nation has increasingly accepted rescuees and their family's due to the nation's massive medical/developmental psychology infrastructure. The team's relationship with the sponsor nation was also mutually beneficial, as the team often sent their rescuees overseas and the nation in return would deploy green military and medical personnel to assist in the team's constant missions. This current mission would most likely see the rescuee sent oversees as it was believed family relations were non-existent and habitable safe-zones were rapidly diminishing on home-soil. 

     Two GM Hummer EVs were selected. One was outfitted to support one ambulatory and four team members while the other was outfitted to carry eight team members and possibly three other rescuees if necessary.  Per the mission objectives, the team would arrive at target location, extract, then meet at a drop off location where sponsor nation would take rescuees via helicopter which would then transport them to a local airport for final destination.  

         The target location was remote and was on a parcel of private property allowing for an excellent dismount location so as to increase the team's concealment and ultimately, element of surprise. The team's selected vehicles' advanced mapping system would allow it to use the main driveway and pick-up the team upon mission completion/team member command. This eliminated the need for the team having to trek back through the small patch of trees separating the team from their target. A small hill in the treeline overlooked an elaborate garden with a large fire ring in the center. Behind the garden, farthest from the team's overlook, was a large mansion. The agents were no more than 200 yards from the target area but the shadows provided cover. Furthermore, there would be no time for group members to react as their eyes would still be adjusting from the large fire they were all facing. 

        Approximately 1213 local, both teams have arrived at target location, though at range from targets and rescuees for observation/tactical approach evaluation purposes. Intel picked up by the SSA's ops base indicates multiple high importance individuals and at least one victim. Information also outlines a sinister event is planned for the night. Observation quickly yields data accuracy. A passive "bounding overwatch" strategy is enacted by team leaders. Eight team members will engage targets at range while four team members will eliminate any threats beyond line of site and establish fire superiority in the immediate vicinity of the known rescuee. 

    The SSA operates with various amounts of technology far superior to that of any fighting force with exception to their sponsor nation. One such combat system is the "AITOMS" or Artificial Intelligence Operator Monitoring System. The primary purpose of the system is to provide greater situational awareness for the operator as well as enhance response time in terms of targeting and team member tracking. The helmet in particular can track targets, team-members, as well as adjust ballistic guidance with paired weapons systems. The targeting system would reduce the need for verbal communication as it would mark chosen targets on each team members HUD thus allowing a simultaneous elimination of targets. 

    A rhythmic chant began to emanate from a small group of nine, which was now circled about the fire. The second team of four had reached the edge of the group, and was now utilizing the shadows of  the elaborate garden as cover. A tenth member could be seen descending a set of steps from the mansion, approaching the group. In front of the approaching individual was the rescuee, quite obviously in a state of severe distress. Eventually the pair reached the fire. Directly in front of the fire was what appeared to be a device intended to restrict movement and inflict pain. The tenth individual began to direct the rescuee to the device. 

        Targets identified, over watch team in place the agents engaged. Eight group members briefly felt instant fear and shock before collapsing to the ground. Not a second later two more targets fell to the ground, lifeless. As the over watch team secured their rescuee and initiated triage, the second team descended the hill into the target area. 

        Minutes later shell casings from a follow-up "insurance shot" to targets, and a mansion deliberately set ablaze, were the only sign left from the rescue operation. There was no enemy the team wouldn't face, no location so secret that predators were safe. Not only was this particular mission a brutal success, but it was also a statement to those who participated, enabled, or turned a blind eye to such evil. No longer were the corrupt untouchable, no longer were they the top of the food chain, and nothing could mitigate their demise.