Apex Security Forces
To protect its many endeavors and research secrets, Apex developed its own paramilitary organization, the Apex Security Forces (ASF, or colloquially referred to as "A-Sec").
Composition
Manpower
The total number of ASF personnel is classified, but media estimates have placed the number around 30,000 personnel. As for the E-ASF, 200 operators deployed through the Polyphemus Gate with Odysseus-1 in 2055 CE. By 2 AA, this minimum number of deployed personnel has increased by another 50 as the Odysseus expeditions establish forward base camps across continental Abia.
Weaponry
The ASF and their expeditionary branch utilize a wide array of state-of-the-art electromagnetic firearms that rely not on explosives, but on the sheer kinetic energy of propelled mass to inflict high damage.
Most troops are equipped with two lethal weapons that use electromagnetic acceleration (EMA) technology: a fifth generation bullpup carbine rifle called an Eclipse, and second generation pistol sidearm called an Iris.
Eclipse-5 carbines are modular rifles that launch a steel 5.56mm calibre projectile. It's modularity allows the rifle to be rapidly reconfigured in the field to suit different purposes. There are three standard configurations for the Eclipse-5: short-range CQC, medium-range assault, and long-range sniper. The weapon system itself performs the reconfiguration according to operator direction by expanding and contracting the barrel, shoulder stock, scope, and EM power output.
The Iris-2 is a semi-automatic pistol that launches a steel 10mm calibre projectile. Unlike the Eclipse, the Iris is not a modular system, but it's inherently lower EM output allows for different types of projectiles to be launched effectively, including less-than-lethal ceramic rounds that break upon impact with their target.
Vehicles
Outfitting the E-ASF with rugged, durable transport options became Section 10’s highest priority for more than a year before the gate to Adarus was opened. Upgraded humvees, MRAPs, MACVs, and VTOLs rolled off the line with darkened color schemes and the Apex/ASF logos.
Since Adarus road systems are largely undeveloped, the E-ASF will primarily use vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft for extended travel. The best choice for transporting personnel is the Albatross PAX, which can carry up to fifteen personnel plus two pilots. For air-to-ground combat, the Albatross ARM is equipped with rapid kinetic bombardment chain cannons and multi-purpose missile launchers.
History
By 2040 CE, Apex's assets had become valuable enough for rival companies to resort to industrial espionage. Evenway became increasingly concerned about the company's physical security as well, noticing a rising resentment toward speedy technological progress, especially where human augmentation was concerned. As a start to organizing a proper security force, Apex sought out police and military veterans.
Isaac's fears of the inevitable came true when an Apex warehouse outside of Detroit was attacked by an extremist "pro-natural" organization. Improvised explosive devices crafted to resemble pipe bombs resulted in twenty innocent lives lost and millions of dollars in damage to assets. The security posted at the warehouse was too thin to defend against the attackers and were overwhelmed.
In response, Evenway bolstered the ranks and re-organized Section 10's priorities. He shifted 10's focus from contracts with the military industrial complex to developing technologies exlusive to his corporation's own security force.
Six months after the warehouse attack, Apex's security was large enough to be considered a privately funded paramilitary organization. Evenway finally referred to them as the "Apex Security Forces" at an official press conference. With headlines about the corporation's new PMC attracting the attention of seasoned veterans all over North America, the ASF saw yet another surge in troop numbers.
In 2042, the ASF proved their worth when the same domestic terrorist organization attacked another isolated company-owned facility. Knowing what they were up against, the attackers came armed with more than just pipe bombs; bringing along semi-automatic firearms. However, while their explosives did initially cause havoc on the property, their small arms were no match for something new Apex's Section 10 had cooked up for the ASF: kinetic repulsion fields; a technology that deflected oncoming high-speed projectiles. The new KRF tech was installed on body armor, fully protecting the wearer from weapons fire by repulsing bullets.
The terrorists were also out-gunned by the first-generation variants of the Eclipse and Iris weapon systems. Prior training, greater numbers than before, and advanced technology gave the ASF a much-needed edge. Their success shocked both the media (which had been highly critical of Evenway's posturing with his "militia") and the U.S. government. Surprisingly, instead of pressure from the Department of Homeland Security to scale back Apex's newly found power, Evenway was lauded by offers from the DHS with yet more contract opportunities. Everything ended up being a win-win.
Today, the ASF continues to safeguard Apex's properties and resources, which includes the company's most vital asset: their manpower. Apex employees are considered more valuable than the technology and results they produce. Threatening someone that works for the corporation usually results in the aggressor looking down the barrel of a gun or being face-planted into the pavement.
Odysseus 1st Expeditionary Force
With the launch of the Iliad Program, a second model for the ASF was needed to maintain security beyond the Polyphemus Gate and protect the adventuring scientists. As they were, their role as security specialists on Earth wasn't enough to take on Adarus, especially when they would be walking into the unknown. The top commander of the ASF, Commissioner Evaline Stone, suggested to Evenway that he allow her to organize an "expeditionary force" equipped with the technology, provisions, and training necessary to venture into a potentially hostile, alien environment. While Section 10 set themselves to work on development, Commissioner Stone selected candidates from among the best ASF had to offer. These men and women would comprise the first expeditionary force through the gate.
Type
Paramilitary
Founding
2042 CE
Overall training Level
Professional
Assumed Veterancy
Veteran
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