The swift and relentless invasion of the Netherlands by Belgian forces was a remarkable display of military might, progressing with startling speed as it swept through the territories south of the Rhine. Belgian forces made the crossing over the formidable river with ease, using the enemy's very own bridges against them. Ordinarily, this would've been an overwhelming tactical and strategic hurdle, however, Dutch forces had no time to block the bridges before Belgian tanks overran their positions.
In response, the Dutch high command made an unbearable decision, consolidating their remaining strength to make a defiant stand in the cities of Utrecht and Rotterdam, having been forced to abandon the south and urged all forces to retreat and regroup. Few would manage to do so thanks to the lighting-like advance by Belgium, but it was better than none at all. They could use all the help they could get.
Thousands of troops who were caught up in the blitz had little choice but to surrender or be crushed into submission by relentless bombing and attacks. Some might accuse them of cowardice yet facing such odds it was understandable they would prioritize their own lives. At least their families would not bear their loss, and perhaps they could fight against this insurmountable enemy another day.
Simultaneously, a mass exodus of civilians fleeing the conflict continued, seeking refuge in neighboring Germany. Belgian troops, not willing to halt their momentum, blocked major highways and roads or opted for off-road routes, not willing to handle the mess of traffic which would delay them much more. Meanwhile, overcrowded ships departed from ports, bound for Denmark or England. In an echo of history, a courageous few even braved the perilous journey across the English Channel using fishing boats, reminiscent of similar attempts made nearly a century ago.
Ironically, the jam-packed roads proved to delay Belgian forces far more than the military ever did. Long highways filled with panicked civilian vehicles is certainly a challenge to clear out.
The Dutch government, aware of their dire circumstances, desperately sought aid from neighboring countries, primarily France and Germany. However, their pleas for assistance seemed to fall on deaf ears, with a delayed and minimal response that hardly matched the urgency of the situation.
In the eastern regions of the Netherlands, a significant portion of the Belgian troops were deployed to secure the German border. Their mission extended beyond preventing escape; it aimed to impede any potential aid while meticulously preparing fortifications in anticipation of possible German intervention. A similar story is happening on the other side of Belgium, major military deployments and defenses have and are being readied on the border with France. Belgium is well aware of the possibility of foreign involvement and won't let them act with impunity.
The last hope of the Dutch was placed on Utrecht. Their intentions were not to halt the advance, far from it; they wished only to delay as long as possible and hope that international intervention in the conflict to save them. They were under no illusions regarding the current situation.
January 11th, 2030. Utrecht.
Emile was taking part in the invasion of the northern Lowlands, much like the rest of his colleagues. He had barely had time to rest after the Luxembourg operation before being stationed on the Dutch frontline.
Due to the performance of his unit, his team was chosen to test some prototype technology made by the enigmatic minds at the research division, who were notorious for receiving copious amounts of funding from the government, but their advanced and effective gadgets shut up any possible complaints. It was their efforts that the party's plans would have any chance at succeeding.
Regardless, the equipment to be tested still surprised them: it was a powered exoskeleton. These types of suits have been in experimentation for over a century and their more advanced counterpart, power armor, was a major part of popular military fiction.
The suit provides significant ergonomic structural support and is powered by a system of electric motors, pneumatics, and a combination of cybernetic technologies, whilst at the same time enabling enhanced limb movement as well as increased strength and endurance. The exoskeleton also protects the user's shoulder, waist, back and thigh against overload, and stabilizes movements when lifting and holding heavy items.
This would already be a game changer for ordinary frontline soldiers, but the costs associated with its production and necessity to keep the technology from enemy hands forced its use to be limited only to special forces veterans.
The duration of the northern campaign was already far longer than the previous invasion, having lasted multiple days now, as expected of a more 'traditional war'. So far, the orders were to assist the main assault forces advancing through the southern Netherlands and utilizing their equipment to eliminate enemy troops behind the frontline. Being able to run, shoot and fight better and for longer periods of time (not to mention their long military experience) made them a menace to the Dutch troops, thinking themselves safe whilst on the way to the front.
Finally, the advance found its roadblock at Utrecht. The city would eventually fall, simply because of the overwhelming advantage yet the longer they took, the higher the chances of a foreign intervention. Both forces knew what was at stake.
Emile's unit was to clear out house after house and building after building from any entrenched troops inside. Urban combat something the high command wished to avoid at all costs and should they have to take part, minimal casualties was the aim in order to reduce the expenses and discontent from a higher death toll.
As of now, Emile was moving into another building reported by nearby units as a point of high resistance. Unlike normal circumstances where the building would either be bombed or blown to bits in any other way, his unit planned to charge straight in, though they would still have to make their own entrance as the position was completely barricaded.
The ordinarily suicidal strike was carried out with minimal damage, the unexpected maneuver and exo-suits contributing to their success. Charges were planted on the barricaded door and the way in was clear. Troops from the upper floors swiftly moved down to beat back the brazen attackers but were subsequently neutralized. Although it may come as a surprise, there were only a few deaths among the dozen or so defenders; the aim was to keep the casualties low, enemy or otherwise.
Just as he was about to report back that the building was clear and to order ordinary units to take control of it (along with taking a few prisoners of war), Emile received a shot straight to his chest from one of the adjacent buildings. The bullet was unable to incapacitate him, largely due to the protection from his suit, and was able to react quickly, locating the sniper and shooting them dead.
His situation was still critical, however, and his squad mates quickly escorted him back to a medical unit after applying first aid. Waking up after the surgery, Emile finally realized, "A cornered dog will give it his all; The Dutch will not give up so easily".