Lauren C. Loucks Expedition

(April 2-June 6, 2007)

As the first exploration into the interior of the former United States following the Great War of 1985, The Royal Rangers, led by Lauren C. Loucks, left Alaska in late March 2007 arriving in Portland on April 2. Briefly staying in Portland to gather additional supplies, as well as information and guides, the party departed several days later heading west into what is now known as the Badlands. While traveling through western Washington and northern Idaho the expedition first encountered several groups including the John Days Indian Tribe. On May 7 the expedition was ambushed by local cannibals and while the expedition suffered little casualties the expedition leader Lauren C. Loucks was killed in the fighting. Following the attack the expedition wandered aimlessly until arrived in the small town of Jordan, Montana on May 18 where a nearby B-52 aircraft as well as a Beachcraft 18 were found. Negotiating with the villagers the expedition defeated a local biker gang, which had been terrorizing the area for several years, in exchange for their assistance in repairing the aircraft and flying the plane, with the Vulcan cannon onboard, back to Portland arriving there by June 6. While stopping to refuel however the Portland government held the aircraft, later destroying the B-52, and siezed the Vulcan cannon. Later deported from Portland the party was escorted back to Alaska. While the expedition failed to retrieve the B-52 or its cargo the expedition accomplished it original mission bringing back valuable information on the unknown territory mapping out much of the Pacific Northwest as the first group to cross over the Rocky Mts. as well as providing the UKA with reconnaissance which proved invaluable during the war against the Republic of Portland later that year.

2007:

• April 2
  The Loucks Expedition, the first official Royal Ranger mission, lands in Portland.

  May 7

  The Loucks Expedition is attacked by cannibals. Lt. Commander Lauren C. Loucks, RN is killed by cannibals.

  May 18-June 5

  The Loucks Expedition reaches Jordan, Montana, where it locates a downed B-52 and a repairable Beechcraft 18. With the help of the locals, given in return for help against a local biker gang, the explorers get the Beechcraft flyable, load the tail Vulcan cannon from the B-52, and fly back to Portland.

  June 6

  The Loucks Expedition attempts to leave Portland by air, but the Portland authorities destroy their aircraft and cargo in an attempt to acquire the Vulcan for themselves. The explorers are deported.