Roadrunner, Pegasus Scout Vehicle of 5th Company
Lancaster Bridge
"Look, look. I just need to hear this again, to fully understand it, is all!"
Sergeant McKinsey inhaled deeply through her nose as the assistant driver private Speer, in her typical loudmouth fashion, annoys the ever living crap out of her.
"So," the young woman, once again, began her tangent, "Americana gets kidnapped at the capital, not even a day after those attacks, gets flown all the way here, and mysteriously drops off the RADAR within a stone's throw from our position?"
"Yes..." came the jittery voice of gunner specialist Tanaka from her seat within the turret ring.
"And then, some fucktard captain in the 7th Calvary decides he has to be some big hero, drags his unit along with the rest of his battalion across the bridge and invades Columbia?"
"For the last time, yes, Speer." McKinsey's patience was wearing thin, "And watch your language."
"I'm just saying, McKinsey, that this whole thing stinks!" And off goes another Conspeeracy Theory, "We barely even got here, and then all this happens! I just feel we are the designated sacrifice to kick off the firework show!"
"And why would Americana fake her own kidnapping?" Specialist Pierre finally broke her silence from the driver's seat.
"Ah, my good Pierre, that's the thing! I believe that Americana is back in her mansion not even aware that this shit's going down. This is all fake shit cooked up by the shadow government! False flagging us into a war with Columbia, having plants in the 7th to lead the charge - it all makes sense!"
Everyone in the cabin groaned. Everyone except McKinsey, whose frown turned to an outright snarl. "Speer," she hissed, "We are going into battle! I am now ordering you to stow your shit, keep your conspiracies' to yourself, and to conduct yourself in a manner befitting your station!"
"Y-yes ma'am"
Indomitable, Command Super Heavy Tank of the 3rd Heavy Armor Battalion
Lancaster Bridge
"Checkpoint's been destroyed" Miho's soft voice came over Maho's radio headset, "The 7th must have moved on, Godmother. Over"
Maho's eyes darted to the map displaying the localized area. The 7th would have likely followed the highway - the surrounding area was pretty woods-y, limiting movement for those in a hurry. the road branches into two, with one going southward running by the last known place Americana was taken to. However, that branching occurs in the town of Phillipsburgh...
"Godmother copies, Phoenix Actual," Maho replied over the comms, "Attention all callsigns: Godmother, Valkyrie, Maiden, Phoenix, and Lancer will move on to the town of Phillipsburgh. Bulwark, Scylla, Thunder, and Jaeger will remain behind to guard our exit. Lancer Actual, I need you to leave behind two assets to help safeguard the bridge. How copy? Over."
The various company commanders - Erika (Valkyrie Actual, 1st Company), Alexandra (Bulwark Actual, 2nd Company), Ren (Scylla Actual, 3rd Company), Kaguya (Maiden Actual, 4th Company), Miho (Phoenix Actual, 5th Company), Ino (Thunder Actual 6th COmpany), Carter (Jaeger Actual, Tank Hunt Auxiliary), and Saito (Lancer Actual, Anti-Air Auxiliary) - gave their affirmatives over the battalion frequency.
And so, Dunham's tanks invade Columbia.