Okay, so its been awhile sense I've updated. Shits been busy. So heres a hot steaming chapter to make up for it. It's a Big'en.
The second half of the Chapter, detailing the events of the Traxin camp, was writen and Edited by Rixham. And he did a fucking amazeing job.
Be sure to let him know what you thought of it, and if you would like to assist in some way or another.
The Spartan stood before the raiders as the flames engulfed the village, the firelight casting his armour into an eerie glow.
He spotted a few more contacts on his flank, but saw that they were some of the few surviving villagers, watching him as he stood before the raiders without fear.
Dante looked back down at the bag of currency that the man before him had just offered him in exchange for his services.
He scowled, Spartans were many things, but they where not nor would they ever be mercenaries.
He picked up the bag of coin in a flash, snatching it out of the dirt, and crushed it in his hands before tossing it aside.
This caused the man-called Kraiger, face to fall a bit, but he didn't lose the smug look on his face however and just shrugged.
"I see. In that case it would appear that I have no other choice." the commander turned on his heel and strode off back towards the group of gathered soldiers.
"Kill him. When you're done, bring that vixen to me, she looks simply delicious."
With that the soldiers charged at Dante, who grinned under his helmet as he un-slung his shotgun and cocked it once, feeding a round into the chamber.
Not only had they burned this village and its inhabitants to the ground, but now they had threatened his companion.
He sprinted forward into the centre of what had to be around 30 soldiers, all screaming for his blood.
The villagers that had managed to remain hidden up until now watched as the giant man killed soldier after soldier with his bare hands, his movements impossible to track as he killed them.
They jumped as here and there a thunderous bang could be heard from the centre of the fray, sending men flying backwards with blood pouring out of gaping holes in their bodies.
After a few minutes it was all over, the titan standing victorious as those who had managed to survive ran for their lives, scrambling over each other to get away.
The villagers cheered as they watched the Traxins run with their tails between their legs.
Myra walked up to Dante's side, the little girl having been taken by a couple that had claimed to have been friends of her parents. She smiled up at him as he made the smile signal, two fingers swiped across his faceplate.
Gunnery Sargent Jamal stretched as he strode out of the depths of the Albatross and into the morning sunlight, his joints popping and creaking as he did. The corps had not been kind to his body and although he was only 38, his body felt like it was 60. This damned job made you old.
He ignored the soreness in his bones however and stretched them out a bit more before plopping down on the ground and doing 50 push-ups, followed by 100 crunches and 20 pull-ups on a makeshift pull-up bar they had recently set up.
He then ran for a brief sprint before returning to the Albatross and washing the sweat off his face with a canteen of water that sat on a table near the door.
"Mornin' gunny." said a voice, causing him to look up, only to see Floyd, who was on guard today, standing in the doorway with 2 MRE's in his hands. Gunny took the one that the trooper offered to him and they sat down to tear into them, watching the sun slowly poke its way through the tree's, casting long shadows over the ground.
"Anything happen on the patrol yesterday?" asked Gunny, in between mouthfuls of maple sausage. "Nah'. Just more of the locals getting more friendly with us and Treven buying a sweet looking leather journal from a merchant." replied the corporal, failing to mention how close they had been to purchasing a really friendly Chimera hooker before the Captain had found out.
A beep alerted the two Hell Jumpers that there was somebody approaching the Albatross, a video feed from the Cicada Drone appeared on a monitor next to them. Glancing at the video monitor, Floyd wolfed down the rest of his MRE while Gunny grinned. "They're here early." "Better get started then." said Floyd through a mouthful of food.
Garit led the small Platoon of new recruits to the edge of the treeline, where he stopped and turned to face the squad leader; a young buck by called Tobias.
"Well platoon commander, in the treeline is a group of dangerous bandits that have been terrorizing travellers and merchants alike. Your job is to capture or kill them." said the guard Captain, grinning at Tobias who looked into the treeline with apprehension.
"Well! What the fuck are you waiting for!" commanded Garit.
"Yes sir!" yelled Tobias before jumping into action.
"McMillan you take your squad up the right and Gentry take the left, keep your eyes open and shout if you see anything! Keep the formation tight and your shields up! Move out!" Ordered the young platoon commander as he lowered his helmets metal visor and held his sword tightly.
Garit stayed next to Tobias as the platoon started to make its way down the path, watching the trees and the path ahead for any suspicious movement.
They were about halfway towards the ship when Tobias turned and saw that their rear guard was gone. He turned to Gentry to ask where they had gone, only to be hit with a rock the size of his fist.
Garit grabbed McMillan and was in his face in a second, "your commander is dead! What do you do!" McMillan stammered, trying to find his voice but before he could, Garit tossed him to the ground also.
"He hesitated, so he's dead! Gentry! What do you do?" Roared Garit, as another rock hit another soldier in his armoured torso.
"Form the Phalanx!" Ordered Gentry, and the platoon, who already had 4 men down, tried to organize quickly into a Phalanx but it took them far too long to get it set up.
Before they had even 6 men in place, 2 figures rushed from the trees and began taking out recruit after recruit, with only a few of them managing to put up a fight, only to be cut down. The recruits lay on the path, all of them dead.
"You men are fucking pathetic! Every single one of you was a waste of fucking cum that what shot into your whore of a mother's cunt!" Roared Garit, now bearing down on the lot of them, while the 2 figures approached him from behind.
"Morning Captain Garit." said Gunny as he came to a halt next to the Guard Captain, surveying the 'dead' recruits, who began to pick themselves up from off the ground.
"Nice work Gunnery Sergeant, I appreciate you helping me train this sorry lot." said Garit, turning to shake Gunny's forearm.
"Oh it's no problem, I used to be a Drill Instructor a few years ago, and this shit takes me back. May I?" Asked Gunny with an evil grin that was returned by Garit who nodded "Please, be my guest."
"Hey there platoon commander!" roared Gunny in a deep low growling voice that echoed off the trees as he stormed up to the Platoon commander, "what in the fuck was that horse shit! You call yourself a leader! You got every single one of your men killed! They're all dead, and it's your entire fault!"
The Buck Chimera stood rigidly at attention while gunny screamed at him as if the world were ending, before glancing over Garit who then stormed over to him as well.
"Don't look at me! Look at him you fucking worthless shit; I don't want anything to fucking do with you!" Another recruit Chimera, that looked like a mountain lion sniggered behind Gunny who then rounded on him.
"Oh! Is this funny to you! Is this fucking funny? You know what's going to be even funnier? When I put your face through that fucking tree and rip out your soul!" Roared Gunny as Garit started in on the squad leaders. This went on for a good 5 minutes, with Floyd sitting back and laughing the whole time, remembering vividly his own drill instructor.
By the time it was over, Garit had sent them to run back up to the castle, in full armour, touch the wall and come back, which he would repeat several times until he was satisfied.
Garit sat down under the Camouflage with Gunny and Floyd, talking about what training to become a Hell Jumper had been like.
"Now that sounds like excellent training." He commented as Floyd explained to him about the 3 day period where they had to survive on their own in the wild with little to no gear while making their way to the rally point.
"It was one of the happiest days of my life when I got my tattoo." said Floyd, lifting up his sleeve to show Garit the signature tattoo that all ODST's got.
"Captain, I've been meaning to ask you, if you've heard anything." said gunny, putting on a serious expression.
"About more people like you, you mean? I've been keeping an ear out but I can't say that I have," spoke Garit, leaning back and thinking, "not to worry though, rumour the likes of those have a habit of traveling fast far and wide."
"If we could just get the damned radio to work, we'd be able to find anyone else that survived." Floyd sighed, frustrated.
"Speaking of fixing things... what was his name?" Garit muttered, "ah yes, Treven. Your subordinate mentioned yesterday about something called a movie, which when he described it sounded a lot like some of the relics that hold the knowledge of the Holy mother," He took a sip of water from his own flask before continuing, "anyway, I'm afraid that he mentioned it to the Lady Sovereign, who consequently took quite an interest in it."
"Trev did say last night before he racked out that he'd finished repairing a holovid player." Said Floyd thoughtfully, looking at Gunny who nodded.
"I'll have to ask the Captain, but I'm sure he'd be more than happy to show the good Lady the damned thing. Hell, it might help give you an infinitely better understanding of where we come from."
They continued on talking about tactics and the possibility of a Traxin invasion, which Gunny agreed with Garit, was inevitable. When the recruits returned from their second 'stroll' back up to the castle, Garit said farewell and continued on with his patrol, heading into the city to teach the Recruits the basics of urban patrolling.
It was early in the morning still only 0800, but the rest of the squad was sleeping in late, which Gunny didn't take too much issue with as there was nothing that required their urgent attention.
Kraiger and what remained of his men walked along the winding path deep in the mountains. The exhausted and defeated raiding party was headed to the Traxin military camp, even deeper in the heart of the mountains, touching the northern Midean border.
One of Kraigers men stopped walking, and doubled over, trying to catch his breath. Kraiger immediately reprimanded him by pouncing on the soldier and kicking him.
"You do not rest until I say Saulh! Stand the fuck up and GET MOVING!" Kraiger shouted the last bit at the soldier.
"Yes Sir!" Saulh responded nervously, standing to attention.
Kraiger sighed; they had been walking nonstop for at least a day now and over many kilometres, through forest, valleys and plains. He didn't like it, not one bit, it felt like they were retreating or running away.
His rather small detachment of handpicked men had been severely decimated, all because of a Titan that seemed to appear out of nowhere and defended that pathetic town. What few had managed to survive were now slogging their way to their camp, the only thing keeping them going was the thought of a hot meal and a decent bed.
***3 HOURS LATER***
The Traxin military camp was massive; it spanned almost a kilometre across and nearly one and a half in the other direction.
It housed only one of the many Traxin military Legions and its General's elite guard convoys. It was a small Legion by Traxin standards, and had orders to scout, raid and skirmish any territory to prepare the way for the main invasion force that would arrive in the coming weeks.
It stood at about 2200 soldiers, not including the many caravans, slaves and labourers.
7th Legion was commanded by a General Hyko Vedrarl, a brilliant tactician, diplomat and a somewhat merciful Traxin General, a trait that made him appear weak in the eyes of those who underestimated him.
Towards the camps northern entrance, a young Traxin conscript was standing as gate sentry, when he saw a small force bearing the Traxin colours approaching in the distance.
"Sir, I think Commander Kraiger is coming beyond the forest!" The sentry cried out, calling up to his superior.
"You think or know?" demanded the more experienced sentry guard.
"It is Sir." replied the younger sentry, after scrutinizing the shapes approaching.
"Signal the gate that it's clear then," commanded the senior guard, "and don't you dare make Kraiger wait at the gate like last time!"
"Yes Sir!"
Kraiger and his remaining 9 men marched forward, their feet heavy and their souls weary with the defeat they had just suffered. The gate to the camp opened before them and they marched through with it closing quickly behind them.
He was met with a familiar sight as he looked out upon the camp; hundreds of rows of tents as far as he could see, with fires burning and neatly stacked piles of swords and armour, with great pavilions of red tents that were reserved for officers and those of high ranking.
Slaves toiled endlessly under the watchful eye of their masters and their whips. Bodies of those that had refused to obey and conscripts that hadn't followed orders were strewn up along the paths here and there, a reminder of the strict discipline that was demanded by the empire.
And if he listened carefully he could hear the cries of the captured women not too far off.
Kraiger dismissed his remaining men once in the camp, who went off in search of a decent meal, and immediately started walking briskly towards General Vedrarls command tent, when one of his private servants ran up to his side.
"Commander Kraiger, Sir, I have your tent and equipment ready for when you come back from the Generals tent Sir. Is there anything else I can do?" he asked nervously, trying to keep up with Kraigers brisk pace.
"Yes, get my evening clothes ready and tell my Captains to meet me in my tent for when I return."
"Of course my Lord." he mumbled whilst sidling off.
Kraiger walked down a long path that went past many hundreds of tents, all lying adjacently to the path towards the command tent. As he walked, men of all ranks saluted him or bowed, but Kraiger only nodded back at the officers; he wouldn't be seen acknowledging to a common soldier or conscript.
He reached the command tent, a large tent of ten by twelve metres long, with a red and gold striped background decorated with ornate silver patterns and words all around the edges.
There were two guards outside of the tent entrance, each armed with a large ceremonial halberd, and each adorned with a golden and stylised set of armour. They were antiquated, yet beautifully dangerous.
As Kraiger walked towards the tent, the guards stood rigidly to attention and pulled away their weapons neatly to let him in. When Kraiger went inside, he immediately came to attention himself.
The infamous Traxin General Vedrarl nodded to Kraiger and beckoned him to come in, where he walked towards the main battle table in the middle of the tent.
Around the table were five men, each with a different stature; the man directly opposite Kraiger was General Vedrarl, he stood much taller than Kraiger in brilliant white and gold armour.
He had at his hip a long sword that was for decoration, but Kraiger knew that he could easily handle it if needs be. Vedrarl had no animalistic or chimera traits in his form, he was pure human.
The man to Vedrarls right was Captain Vandis. Vandis was Captain of Vedrarls honourable Veteran Guard Company, they were compiled of the elite; each plucked for a special skill, experience and immeasurable courage and brutality. This specific company and its Captain was the envy of most Traxin Generals and their forces.
He was a small man but was a formidable warrior, hence his veteran status. Vandis would kill anyone that made one wrong move against Vedrarl.
Kraiger even recalled a time recently when a Force Commander and his personal retinue of 8 mercenaries had made such a mistake when the Commander in question threatened Vedrarl; they had ended up dead with either slit throats or broken necks.
Vandis had the facial features of a snake like creature; he had a forked tongue, and a flat, slit like nose with a deep scar across his face from his right ear, above his right eye and down to his mouth, which came from his countless battles and duals.
He also had yellow eyes, otherwise however, he was a human, whilst dressed in pure white armour, which depicted the veteran soldiers, unlike the usual battle dress colours, and carrying a pair of white and gold handled short swords.
The man on the other end of the table to Kraigers right was Force Commander Strikler. Strikler commanded the second of the two Strike Forces that made up 7th Legion, with Kraiger commanding the first.
They were fierce rivals that would kill each other at a moment's notice if it wasn't for General Vedrarl keeping them from each other's throats.
Strikler was like Vedrarl, a pure human, with no chimera blood.
The other two men present were servants to Strikler and Vedrarl.
Kraiger, now at the battle table, listened to what the General had been telling his men before, nodding his respect to Vandis, but glaring at Strikler.
Vedrarl continued at what he was saying; "We have enough men to hold the camp in case of retaliation from the neighbouring nations as a result of our terror attacks and scouting, but not for the long run. Any word from 4th and 15th Legion Strikler?"
"Sir, the 4th Legions General dispatched a messenger stating that they had left from their docks and will be here in a week, but could be longer due to a storm. The 15th Legion however is marching straight here and will be here within..." Strikler looked at the map on the table, counting in his head, "Oh, I'd say about a fortnight, Sir."
"Good. How many men will they bring?"
"The 4th will have just been back from the Kopine Front, and would have had to replenish supplies and numbers, gaining conscripts and the like, so that'll be about six thousand men. As for the 15th, they've been a reserve army in our territories for the past decade, so they'll have a large force of about twelve thousand General." Strikler said in matter of fact tone.
"And has our Empires Chief Militant Commandant sent any word about when we attack, and which General is in charge? Surely he must choose at least a competent Commander soon, as 15th Legions General is a lazy ass with the tendency to hurl soldiers against impossible odds, and 4th Legions General is an insane and ruthless coward, hence the massive losses." Vedrarl let out with a sigh of frustration.
"I'm sure that the CMC and his advisors will pick you to be Supreme General in the Midean theatre of war General, if not, he's a fool." stated Strikler bluntly.
Vedrarl chuckled at Strikler's words, "Indeed. Now then, to present business. Commander Kraiger, how was the raid and reaffirming our new control on this little town? Successful I hope, plenty of spoils, eh?"
"It was..." Kraiger started.
"It was an utter waste of time as usual, with slaves to fill your bed and riches to bathe in I'm sure, and none for us!" interrupted Strikler arrogantly.
Kraiger looked at his rival with fury in his eyes as he venomously said; "And you can talk, you stuck up swine! You take much more, and steal off of your officers! Do not talk to me about riches and slaves! Or I swear on my honour, that I'll hunt you down and rip off your throat!"
At this, Strikler stormed into Kraigers face with rage as his blood.
"Don't have that tone with me Kraiger, or you'll find yourself with a blade in your back!"
Kraiger unsheathed his sword and held it pointing towards Strikler's chest, who didn't flinch, given the circumstance. Vedrarl looked between the two before saying, "enough, save your bloodlust and anger for the upcoming invasion! I will not have my Legion lose either of its Force Commanders because of petty rivalry!"
"Of course Sir," Strikler stood back and looked apologetically to Vedrarl, "my apologies for that act of weakness."
"Fucking suck up. I'll happily take this outside any day you insolent little man." Kraiger sneered, whilst sheathing his blade.
Vedrarl sighed inwardly at his two main officers, as rash as they were both were brilliant and excellent tacticians.
"As I was saying, how was the raid?"
"It was… interesting." Kraiger responded cryptically.
"Explain Kraiger, for I haven't got all day."
"What I mean, sir, is that we had an interesting encounter, as well as what was to be expected."
"And what about this encounter?" Vedrarl asked with his curiosity increasing.
"Well sir, we were doing our usual slave and raid run, whilst telling them that the town was ours, but a soldier got in the way." Kraiger finished slowly.
"Ha, one soldier, what was all a handpicked team of 20 men and yourself? Is that all it takes to stop you Kraiger?" Strikler bellowed in delight.
Kraiger snarled, "He didn't kill all of them, some villagers fought back and killed some of the wounded men, but the soldier, this Titan of a man moved faster and with more accuracy than is possible. He killed my best men without them landing a single hit! Only a handful of us left unscathed!"
"Calm down. So how many slaves and casualties?" Vedrarl asked in a diplomatic tone of voice.
"Villagers killed 3, and the Titan killed 9, so out of my twenty men, only eight survived... And no
slaves."
"I'm sure that this 'titan' was an odd occurrence, or their futile attempts to fight back." Began Vedrarl, but Kraiger shook his head.
"There were more like him. Dressed in different armour but just as foreign looking. They were with Airon and Miyuki, protecting them, general." Krieger said his tone almost breathless.
"Those half breeds at Arringstone? I thought we had them under control?" asked the General, furrowing his brow.
"They appeared just as surprised to see them as we were sir." Kraiger replied, a lump growing in his throat.
General Vedrarl thought this over for a second before shaking his head.
"So they're already hiring mercenaries? A true desperate act and the invasion hasn't even started yet!" Chuckled the General.
"Now then, to future business. When the 4th and 15th Legions arrive, that should give us around twenty thousand men, with the odd hundred as retinue, guard or reserves. Am I correct Strikler?" queried Vedrarl.
"That's about it General, yes." he replied immediately.
The next hour was filled with tactical planning and hubbub as a few more servants entered the room, until every noise stopped as a rasping, aged and experience, yet clear voice quietly asked, "Tell me more of this titan warrior, Commander Kraiger."
Even Vedrarl stopped and listened to the Captain, though he didn't have to, this seemed to show their loyalty to each other.
Kraiger looked at him calculatingly before responding, "Captain Vandis, your voice is always heard even in the loudest place. He was a very tall and heavily armoured man and weapon clad to the hilt. He had weapons I've never seen before even in the Traxin armoury back in the homeland and moved silently yet could break a man's arm forcefully like it was a dried twig. Why do you ask?"
Vandis didn't respond to Kraiger but instead faced his friend and superior, and addressed him by his first name, "Hyko, I think it would be wise to wait even when the other Legions arrive. We should find out all we can about this warrior, and if the Midean's have any more of them. That is my position in this my friend."
"You think so Vandis? I trust your judgement, and..." Vedrarl calmly replied but both Kraiger and Strikler interrupted, to which Vandis leapt over the table whilst unsheathing his swords, and held one up to either ones necks.
"You will not disrespect the General by interrupting!" rasped Vandis, slowly lowering his blade as Vedrarl spoke again.
"Why do you disagree with that Strikler?"
"General," Strikler rubbed his throat-he had just had the thought that being threatened by Vandis made Kraiger look like a fluffy animal, "I think that we should attack as soon as possible, with hit and run tactics, and if push comes to shove, then we excel at trench and siege warfare... Sir!" Strikler finished nervously, keeping an eye on Vandis as the Captain walked back to Vedrarls side.
"And you Kraiger, you're always a wise tactical planner, what's your view?"
"General, I say we send skirmish and scouting parties to track down these new Mercenaries, which can be made from some of my men, whilst the rest of my men carry on terror attacks and convert the Midean people to our cause. The Midean royalty is watching closely and acting defensively on their towns, but we can do smaller communities for now and gain a foothold for the coming invasion. Meanwhile, 7th Legions 2nd Strike Force under the good Strikler," Kraiger added sarcastically, "can take the offensive on the fortress town right on their border. Either way, successful or not, we get two more Legions as back up."
"Assuming that goes to plan, you would let Strikler take the glory of that fortress town?" said Vedrarl.
In Kraigers mind, it was perfect, who cared if a hundred or so men died to take a town, as long as Strikler died, this way, Kraiger would be next in line to become General through experience, despite any upstart that takes Strikler's place, and all he had to do was eliminate Vedrarl and his little 'guard dog' Vandis. It was brilliant, with the Midean theatre for him; he could do what he wanted.
"Of course General, I hope to get this Titan instead. I paid him to seek me out for employment, but I don't think he bought it. No matter, I'll find him, and those others with that slut Miyuki and those arrogant asses Garit and Airon."
"I like both of your optimistic views, but I agree with Vandis; we shall wait for the other Legions to arrive before the invasion, but even then, it would be unwise to attack without knowledge of these new soldiers. So this means no more raids until then, despite any orders from the CMC as he doesn't know what the situation is. We shall also remain a silent army in case they increase their defences in suspicion of a much larger force being present."
Vedrarl looked to the maps for a brief minute where silence ensued in the tent. He continued; "We start drills by the hundreds in case of premature war. Train and instruct in these fields and this forest here," he pointed to a part of the map just to the right of the camps location, "Vandis, you will send some men to scout the mountains and forests as they are more experienced than the drafted sentries I have. Strikler, your Strike Force shall make a roster for yourselves between defending the camp and light drills. And Kraiger, you shall conduct heavier drills as they will be doing nothing but scouting
out this Titan for information. I must stress this now, subtlety is key at the moment, we seek information only now, so no attacks, raids, stupidity or being seen. We shall wait for the other Legions first."
"Yes Sir" responded both Commanders at the same time.
"And remember, if caught, don't fight, be diplomatic, especially to the Titan and the Midean royalty, especially you Kraiger. They may be the enemy, but we can't afford to fight yet. One wrong move could ruin the invasion plans. Dismissed!" Vedrarl ordered.
Kraiger stormed out immediately, pushing a servant out of the way, whereas Strikler bowed then left quietly.
Vandis looked at Vedrarl and spoke quietly in his aged voice; "I fear Kraiger is going to be even more trouble than usual Hyko. And although I don't like Strikler at times, I feel bad for him as I think Kraiger is going to wipe him out of the game somehow."
Vedrarl sighed, "I see what you mean old friend, but I can't change Kraiger. I hope this works out, or it's my head on a spike back home. My family dishonoured, made poor and some executed if I fail, so keep an eye on Kraiger for me please, and watch my back more than ever."
"You never need to ask Hyko, and as for failure, it won't happen. These two are nothing more than petty children squabbling over scraps. They fail understand that what made the empire great was brute force, but also diplomacy and stealth, which the newer generation of soldier seems to forget." Vandis finished with a chuckle.
"They do seem to be ignorant to their roots and elders, but all we can do is discipline them, I remember being like that at that age." Joining in with the Captains laugh.
"I cannot imagine you to be like that my friend, however long ago."
"Go get you scouts, and I'll see you in the morning Vandis." At this, Vedrarl walked out the tent towards his own, and immediately surrounded by some of Vandis' men.
***MEANWHILE***
"Damn that old fool and that tag along Captain of his." hissed Kraiger loudly to his servant-who had caught up with him as soon as he left the command tent.
They were now walking briskly towards Kraigers tent, where he was going to issue orders of his own.
"M...My L...My Lord," stuttered the servant nervously, "your Captains are ready to see you in your tent."
Kraiger didn't acknowledge him and walked straight into his own tent. Once in, all four of his Captains stood to crisp attention as Kraiger sat down and gulped down a goblet of wine.
"Right, servants leave us." Kraiger barked. Once all of the servants left, he continued calmly and sinisterly, "that 'blessed' General Vedrarl of ours has decided upon the words of that fossil Captain of his that we are not to attack anymore towns or villages, or plunder, or rape, or loot, or any DECENT BLOODY THING!" Kraiger shouted, slamming his fist on the table, where all but one of the Captains flinched. The captain that didn't flinch was Kraigers most loyal military trustee.
"Now, I'm pissed, as now my men are being wasted away doing drills instead of combat. Those old relics in the command tent think they know the Traxin way of warfare, they have forgotten it! We do not let the enemy live instead of fighting, we do not let their threats go unpunished and we do not wait to be attacked." Kraiger drew in a deep breath, his Captains still not moving, either out of respect or fear.
"Therefore, I have decided that I'm going to conduct raiding parties regardless, and as he says, with subtlety. We will also find out who this Titan is and we will destroy the relics and that kiss ass Strikler. GLORY...!" shouted Kraiger.
"...FOR THE TRAXIN EMPIRE!" bellowed the Captains in perfect and practised unison. Kraiger took another goblet full of wine and gulped that too.
"I have decided, to keep appearances, 2nd, 3rd and parts of 4th Company shall be put into these menial drills, whereas 1st and the rest of 4th shall join me in 'scouting' out towns and this Titan. Tell your men that if they choose to take women as personal prizes whilst out there, then they are to kill them as we cannot be seen with them here. Understood?"
Four replies of, 'Yes, Force Commander Kraiger Sir!' came at once, and they filed out of the room.
Immediately, Kraiger started to plan his elimination of Force Commander Strikler, Captain Vandis and General Vedrarl. A crooked grin creeping onto his face, he would have his war yet.
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