NOTE: The post for the First Battle of the Front Room was lost due to some photobucket issues. But here is what you need to know: their is a small company of scouts who, after an ambush while on a reconnaissance mission, are trapped by the dining room table. They are surrounded, but the Rebels can’t attack them since General Sterling Prince (the Cat) is protecting them. They are cut off, but they hold a strong position–and the only position that the Alliance hold in the house.

At the beginning of day two the reconnaissance company continues to fortify their position under the table and await reinforcements. The Alliance high command decided to dispatch a 122 man infantry company and two artillery batteries (8 guns) to help strengthen the recon companies position until a larger force can be assembled to begin the major living room offensive. To get the reinforcements to the recon company would not be easy: all troops entering the front room have to come from the front door, and would have to fight their way to the table. Alliance high command was not worried: intelligence reports indicate the Rebel troops from around the couch outpost were severely weakened from the first days battle and were also awaiting reinforcements. As long as the Alliance was able to get fresh troops to the table before the Rebels could they should have no trouble holding their only position in the house. But they had to hurry: if the rebels are reinforced they would have no problems destroying what was left of the Alliance forces.

I. The morning of the battle the scouting post on the wall monitors the battlefield and is shocked at what they see: the Rebels have constructed a fortified defensive position from the couch to the computer table, effectively blocking the route to the table. This position would be costly to assault, and would signficantly delay any movement to the trapped recon company. They report quickly back to high command that more infantry would be needed to punch through to the table.

II. What is worse: the infantry company was delayed, and the artillery batteries were the first to enter the living room. The commander of the batteries knew there was no point in trying to move forward unsupported, so after observing the enemy position he orders his 8 guns deployed in front of the door and to await for the infantry. The position in the open was not strong, and an attack by the Rebels in any real number could wipe them from the field. They were able to construct fortifications that would at least slow down any attack, though the only support the batteries had was a small detachment of infantry that could only provide token protection. Still, even in the open and without real infantry support, any Rebel attacks on the guns would be costly, especially if the gunners loaded canister rounds and fired at close range.

III. While the batteries are deploying out from the hallway comes two massive Rebel relief columns, marching to link up with the Rebel troops from the couch. The force is huge, and more than strong enough to stomp out the remaining Alliance forces near the table. As they march into the living room they see the battery, but do not attack and instead deploy a skirmish line to monitor the batteries but not attack.

IV. As the battery commander watches the columns pass his position, he has a choice: he can allow the columns to pass unmolested, and allow them to link up with the Rebels around the table. This would allow him to not risk his own command, and hopefully once the Alliance infantry company comes up they can attack the combined Rebel forces, possibly buying time for the recon company while even more Alliance reinforcements arrive to allow for a break though and link up. But this is risky, and if the Rebels move fast they could possibly wipe out the Alliance forces around the table, and then turn their whole force on the batteries before the infantry company and any additional support arrives. At that point all the help in the world would not save the living room. Second option: open fire on the columns. At this range they could cause substantial casualties to the Rebels, and if they are lucky the columns will divert and they will become the target of the large Rebel force. They could then engage them, and while it would almost certainly result in the complete destruction of the battery, since without infantry support they have no chance. Hopefully they can cripple the Rebel force enough for them to put off attacking the reconnaissance company at the table until they can have more forces sent from the living room–again buying more time for the Alliance to bring up more infantry. It is a tough spot to be in. But the decsion is soon made for him: one of the Rebel colums break into double time and make a mad dash to the fortifications. Obviously they feel that it is more important to make it to the couch and destroy the recon force at the table…

V. The battery commander gives the order to fire on the head of the column. He does not want one Rebel solider to make it to that line…

VI.The Rebel columns stop their advance and begin to form battle lines to assult the batteries position. The small infantry detachment prepare themselves to the onslaught, and the crews begin to load canister, expecting to be firing point blank into the attacking infantry.

VII. The Rebels come on hard, but the artillery unit knows that is is fighting for it’s life…there is no retreat. At this point they just hope to take down as many Rebel troops as possible.

VIII. The Rebels prepare for the final push, reforming their lines and charging the batteries.

VIV. The Rebels final assault begins. This attack is even bigger than the first, and the Alliance know that there is no way that they will be able to beat this wave off. The remaining troops prepare themselves, but everyone–infantrymen and cannoneers–are low on ammunition. They can’t hope to win.

X. The Alliance consolidates it’s position. With the infantry company now in the field, and the batteries in the process of being resupplied, their position is very strong. They also have been informed that at least three more companies in route, and as soon as they arrived the Alliance will begin the assault on the Rebel positions surrounding the recon unit at the table.