"Alright. How is our supplies then people?" Varrot asked the two lieutenants standing in front of her in what had just a few minutes prior been a storage tent.

Both lieutenants looked to the other and then to Varrot. "We've lost about one third of the main army while another third is all wounded." One lieutenant said grimly.

"On the upside, since most of our tanks were parked away from the main area, almost all of them are intact, and all of their tank crews are unhurt for the most part." The second said as Welkin stepped into the tent, missing his hat and not seeming to care.

"Welkin, how are the militia units?" Varrot asked her tone both worried and expectant.

Welkin let out a sigh and stepped up beside the other two lieutenants. "Only a bit better than the main army. Squads 2, 3, 5, 7 and 11 are untouched and have no wounded. The other squads did not get off so lucky. Except for Faldio's squad, but he's apparently gone missing. None of his squad can find him."

Varrot sighed and looked at the bloodstained map of the battlefield as the distant sounds of guns, mortar and screeching creatures filled the air. "Those creatures are still attacking the Imperial forces. Do we have any news on them?"

The two lieutenants shook their heads and the small tent was silent for many seconds, until Welkin coughed slightly. "I um, do have something that might be useful, but it's about the creatures, not the imperial forces.

Varrot nodded. "Go ahead Welkin."

Welling nodded before speaking. "I took a look at some of those creatures' bodies while gathering my squad. It seem that their bodies break down at a very fast speed and-."

"They're rotting already?" Varrot asked, interrupting Welkins words.

"No," Welkin said with a quick shake of his head, " it's more like their falling to pieces and melting, disintegrating even."

"As interesting as that is, how is it useful?" one lieutenant asked with a wave of his hand.

"It means that these things aren't normal. If they were their bodies would rot like any other animals, but they disintegrate, leaving almost no trace of them. I did find a limb that seemed to be melting slower than the others, and it wasn't made of flesh, its limb was made of a carapace that felt almost like metal."

"Wait, you're saying these things are made of metal? Or are giant insects?" Varrot asked carefully."

Welkin nodded. "Something like that. They seem to be based on insectile organisms, but they are extremely specialized, far more so than any other species of insect."

"Wait, it sounds like your saying they're not natural, like they were made by something." The second lieutenant said, unsure of what Welkins meant.

Welkin slowly nodded. "I do. Animals and insects adapt and evolve according to the environment around them, but these creatures . . . . It's like they were bred for specific purposes, designed even."

"But those tripod things are still sitting in the field, right? Why aren't they melting to pieces?" The first lieutenant asked, suddenly very worried about the tripods.

Welkin shook his head," I'm not sure, I'd have to get a closer look, but I think that can wait." Welkin said as he looked to Varrot.

Varrot sighed. "I guess you know what I'm thinking of saying then. Very well; Welkin I'm ordering you and squads three and seven to cross the field and head toward the Imperial camp. You are to help the Imperials destroy the creatures, and then request that their commander come to speak to me personally."

"That cannot be permitted!" the first lieutenant yelled, "It's suicide, and General Damon would never.."

"I am not General Damon!" Varrot yelled, causing both lieutenants to back up in shock at her raised voice. "Whatever these creatures are, they do not seem to hold a preference to one group or another. It would be in everyone's best interest to work together to deal with them. The main army will hold the camp and continue tending to the wounded. Welkin you have your orders. Dismissed!"

With a salute Welkin turned and let the tent, entering the main area of the camp, where all of the forces now were, not just the army. All around people ran, carrying medical equipment, provisions and supplies to tend the wounded, and moving the nearly lobotomized bodies of the dead out of the way. Welkin couldn't stand the sight of it. He didn't like seeing anyone wounded or dead, but compared to the ways that these men and woman had been killed; being burned to death, shot to death or even shot directly by a tanks gun could be considered preferable.

"Yo, Boss, what's the deal? You don't look so good."

Welkin looked up to see Largo standing in front of him. "Oh, I, it's just terrible is all." Welkin replied as he gestured to the bodies being moved, many of them in multiple pieces.

Largo visibly shivered. "Yeah, I know what you mean, seeing that messenger being torn apart was just . . . . . . Did you talk to Varrot? What are our orders? We're retreating back to the capitol, right?" Largo asked, keen on changing the subject.

Welkin shook his head but said nothing as he and Largo walked across the camp, stopping only when they stepped up to the circle of all of the militias forces. Clearing his throat, Welkin waited until the eyes of every able bodied militia man were on him and he paused for a moment before speaking. "We have our orders. Squads three, five and seven are to . . . cross the battlefield and assist the Imperial camp, to gain a meeting with their commander." Welkin said, bracing himself for everyone's reactions.

Welkin was happy that he had prepared himself, because the sudden roar of disbelief would have otherwise blown his eardrums. "What are you talking about, Boss? Why the hell should we help the Imps!" Rosie yelled, her voice carrying over and silencing all others.

Welkin nodded and sat down on a nearby log. "I understand your feelings, but Captain Varrot believes we can make an alliance with the Imperial commander to fight against those creatures, and I'm honestly inclined to agree."

The entire area was dead silent for a good minute before Largo spoke up. "Alright Boss. Why do you agree?"

"Because whatever those things are, they basically crippled half of our military force. Beyond that, they're not natural, and the Imperials are still fighting them." Welkin explained as the distant sounds of battle continued, almost unheard over the bustle of their camp.

"I can take that logic. I'll get the Shamrock suited up with the flamethrower!" Zaka said from the side as he walked over to the nearby parked Shamrock.

"Huh, you're crazy you know that. How'd you convince Varrot of this insane idea anyhow?" Largo asked with a short chuckle.

"I didn't, she decided it." Welkin replied.

Largo looked at Welkin for a moment before sighing. "You're both crazy, but alright, let's do this already!"

Hearing Largo agree, almost every other militia member began talking softly to each other, agreeing that, even if the Imperials were their enemies, they wouldn't want even them to die from such creatures.

Welkin smiled, seeing all of the militia members preparing. "Alright, those that are on this mission, get ready, we leave in five minutes. Let's move out!"

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"Lord, Cerulean has defeated the infantry swarm near them and appears to be regrouping. Crimson is not doing so well, but is holding out against the two swarms."

"Interesting. I did not expect Ceruleans forces to defeat an infantry swarm so fast. One of their own must be skilled with analysis and strategy. Have the Assimilators made it to the tripod yet?"

"Almost, Lord. They shall be there in less than a mini-cycle. . . . . Lord, Cerulean appears to be sending a force of units and primitive armour toward Crimson."

"Hmm, let them. I'm interested to see what they do. How are our engagements elsewhere?"

"Lord, all engagements are in our favor, except for one north of the field where the tripods fell. Crimson forces inside a massive stone fortification have managed to completely hold off our force with minimal, to no losses."

"Hmmm, a fortification of such strength may pose a, problem to discovering what these organics are capable of. Send one of our free motherships to it, and level the fortifications completely."

"Yes lord. nearest Mothership is one cycle away, is now redirected."

"good. How long until all of our Motherships are above their targets?"

"Times range from one solar cycle to seven, Lord."

" us watch as this world burns, and see what its inhabitants do in response!"