Chapter 10: July 3; From The Calm…

This is it guys, the final day of the battle has at last come. Of course the song here is called "High Water Mark", the last song of Iced Earth's Gettysburg Trilogy. The title suggests of things that are setting up, the part in what we know as "Pickett's Charge". So strap yourselves in; this is the epic final battle, and a lot is at stake here.

Now I decided to split this into another section. You know, the calm and then the storm thing.

Hope you like this... And sorry for any errors or writings that you may encounter here.

July 3 has come in the atmosphere of coming chaos. The climax of the battle is about to come on this day. Both sides now stood poised to finish the fight once and for all.

At the previous day, though the skirmish started late at 4PM, the result was immense, costly defense to hold the entire Union lines against determined Confederate assaults. Little Round Top was successfuly defended against wave after wave of Confederate infantry and droids while the Rebs have seized Peach Orchard. During the night, Little Round Top turned into an artillery park as well as being more reinforced with additional units. During the night, in order to discuss whether to fall back or fight onwards, Lieutenant General Meade, met with the other authorities and figures of his army here, Lacus, Yoh and Murrue included, and they made a uniform resolution: They decided to stay on the wrecked and chaotic battlefield, knowing that if General Lee chose to make another attack, he would do so at their center.

In the hours preceding the sunrise, both the Confederates and the Federals were hard at work, preparing painstakingly for the soon to be encounter. Early in the morning, Ewell's men were driven away from Culp's Hill and a Union force stopped a charging Confederate infantry and droid charge on Pardee's Field. The result was immense bloodbath for the Confederates and all the B1 and B2 droids were reduced to scraps in a matter of minutes due to their high weaponries and positions.

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At Seminary Ridge, around mid-morning, Pickett's men rose from their slumber in order to get ready to initiate the day's quest. They knew that their "services were required" and believed that they could win, even against the Digidestineds and other odds the Federals would throw at them. Still they also had knowledge that something was out of the ordinary or peculiar, for these brave men and women were veterans, for most are Red Coats themselves. They were provided with extra armaments; their machine guns, rifles, shotguns, machine pistols and other weapons were scrupulously looked at while they stood waiting to be called into duty. Their mobile suits are getting to be armed and ready for the coming battle, wanting to make sure they'll defeat the Digidestineds and other Federals.

At Cemetery Ridge, the Union center of the lines, Lacus woke at around 8AM, getting only 5 hours sleep. She somehow felt something massive will come today; knowing from her meeting with the other Union commanders last night, she took upon Meade's prediction that they will strike at the center, and at the center is where she is. Lacus then looks towards Little Round Top, wondering how Kira is doing.

Meanwhile at Little Round Top's eastern summit, Tai, leader of the Digidestineds, slept restlessly at Little Round Top, getting a feeling that a big, epic battle will take place the following day. Even his friends Ruuji, Edward, Kira and Dan felt it in their guts.

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At around 10:20 AM, at the summit of Little Round Top, the 20th Maine, the Digidestineds, Terminal and Ruuji's small corps are on guard here, still out of ammo after yesterday's fight, their intense battle to defend Little Round Top, to defend the Union flank. Kira goes to Colonel Chamberlain as a he receives a radio call. "Sir, a courier from Colonel Rice." Kira gives the radio handle to the 20th Maine commander.

Lieutenant: "Colonel Chamberlain sir."
Chamberlain: "My men need rations Lieutenant."
Lieutenant: "Sir, Colonel Rice has informed me that you and the rest including General Familon's men are relieved."
Chamberlain: "Relieved?"
Lieutenant: "Fresh troops and additional weaponries are on their way up and take over. Colonel Rice wants to give your people and the Digidestineds rest. You'll fall back and I'll show the way."

Tai: "Alright. Sora, Ruuji, Kira have everyone fall in. We're moving out."
Sora, Ruuji and Kira: "Right away."
Ruuji: "By the way, where are we going Lieutenant?"
Lieutenant: "Oh sir, lovely spot. The safest place on the battlefield, right smack dab in the center."

Everyone is relieved that they are given a chance to fall back and rest. Chamberlain puts down the radio as he goes to his men to rally them. "Finally, we get to go back and rest." Yzak complimented.

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Meanwhile at Seminary Ridge, General Lee dismounts from his horse and Longstreet gets down from a Humvee and check out their strategies. The whole Seminary Ridge is lined up with their droid army and their arsenals. Gilbert Durandal and Admiral Talia Gladys arrives from the jeep that arrived. Shinn, Rey and Lunamaria were already there to check out their tactics for today.

Lee: "Now for today, we will attack the center. You are right about the flank. Generals Hood and McLaws were both very badly damaged yesterday. What I'll do is give you 2 other divisions: Generals Pettigrew and Trimble. Now you will have 3 divisions at your command including Pickett. In addition, we will deploy all of our droid units of around 75,000 and mobile suits that'll give further support for your forces. Your objective will be that clump of trees yonder.

He points out to a grove of trees nestled on the horizon ahead, located at the Federal lines. Lee still continues on his plans.

Lee: The attack will be preceded by massed artillery. We'll concentrate all our guns on that one small area. That would probably scare the Digidestineds away. When the artilleries had its effect, your charge will break the line, and when your line gets closer, one of our Generals will launch a signal flare, that'll be cue for a space drop of GINNs, DINNs and GuAIZ. You'll have nearly 15,000 men and our weapons and mobile suits at your disposal. You may begin whenever you're ready. But plan it well, do plan it well I pray you sir; we stake everything on this."

Shinn: Looks like this is a good and effective plan.
Rey: It is. But due in this situation, we mustn't let our mobile suits charge ahead.
Lee: You are right young Rey, that's what I was planning. Our mobile suits need to be in support of the infantry, droids and tanks, so that we will inflict maximum damage to the lines.

Longstreet: "Sir allow me to speak. I've been a soldier all my life. I have been with soldiers engaged in fights by couples, by squads, companies, regiments, divisions, and armies, and should know, as well as any one, what soldiers can do. I've served from the ranks on up, you know my service. But I must tell you now, it is my opinion, and I believe this attack will fail."

Lee and Durandal cast a look of questioning glances at him. Longstreet still makes his remarks about the strategy, and he knew this plan is disastrous.

Longstreet: "No 15,000 men, many legions of droids or a vast weaponry attack ever arranged for battle can take that position. It's a distance of more than a mile over open ground. When the men come out they'll be under fire of Union artillery as well as Digimons from both long-range and the air. Those are Hancock's, Ruuji's and prince Yoh Asakura's boys over there, along with their allies. In addition they have a stone wall that protects and fortifies their place. Furthermore they're heavily reinforced there; they're all well-defended up there and are well-armed, ready for anything. We need to be cautious about this."

Its true that Lee listened to his advice. Lee understood all what he said. He still insists on his plans, believing they would work. "We do our duty General, we do what we must do." Lee told him firmly; his plans would not be denied, not now. "Sir, doing this would spell disaster upon us. Please think this through." Longstreet tries to advice him once more.

"I did in fact thought about it but my plan and decision is already made. I strongly insist that my plan be carried out, and in my plan you will trust." Lee told him with finality. Longstreet dropped his head in defeat, his advice not being heeded by the lead general nor anyone else.

"Do not worry. All we need is an effective strategy and we will win, even against the Digimons there. Just plan carefully ok?" Durandal reassures to Longstreet. "...Yes sir." he could only agree with great reluctance. There is nothing else he could do and he won't argue with Lee any further, knowing he's final in his choice.

Lunamaria: "Don't despair sir, we know this will work."
Lee: "The artillery chief, Colonel Porter Alexander is very good. We will depend on him to drive them off the ridge before any of your divisions get there. And everyone will know what to do, they'll concentrate squarely on the center of that line, that lower ridge there, their line is not strong there. General Meade has great strength on both flanks; he must be weak in the center. Our spy planes estimate his strength on the center not to be more than 8,000 men or so. And Colonel Alexander can break them up like what we did when we're at the last battle against LOGOS at Fredericksburg. We took care of their massed units and divisions there."

Longstreet: "Yes, alright sir..."
Lee: "Farewell."
Durandal: "Good luck. I know you can do it."
Longstreet: "Thanks for your support sir."

And off Longstreet goes. He is left to himself, and in his mind that this will be a futile move, and he follows it with great reluctance, but he could only hope the artillery will do the trick. He tells General Pickett nearby to get his whole division ready. Pickett feels confident that they will make a breakthrough; as a fancy man and being proud of his division, he rode though the field looking magnificent with his carefully arranged hair and beard. Then Longstreet rode to where Colonel Edward Porter Alexander is to give him his task.

Longstreet: "Colonel Alexander, those Federal guns on that little place can cause us some trouble. I want you to use our specialized mortars, cannons and artilleries to keep them silent and drive them off. Then you move forward when our force advance keeping the flanks clear. Well Porter, we must also, clear those guns placed there and the Digidestineds off that low center ridge over there; that is the main thing."

Alexander: "No problems sir. I'll be sure to keep 'em shooting."
Longstreet: "Good. I want you to use everything we had; maximum effort. Fire all long range ordinances, but don't open up until I give the word and everything's in position. Then fire with everything you got; I don't want to see one gun silent. We must clear those people off that ridge. If we don't, well, anyway let me know when you're running low on ammo. We must conserve to support everyone else, is that clear?"

Alexander: "Yes sir."

After giving Alexander his task, he goes to the chosen division commanders leading the charge: James Johnston Pettigrew, Isaac Ridgeway Trimble and George Edward Pickett. He tells them the strategy and gives them the final remarks. "Remember, that is the conversion point, the copse of trees. We'll use all the artillery, it will center on that ridge there. We'll fire all we have till the ammunition runs out. When that is done, I'll give the word and you all go in. Gentlemen, I do believe this attack will decide the fate of all mankind. All the men who died in the past are with you today."

The 3 generals said their last words and their thanks to him and off they go. Longstreet goes along when he meets Henry Harrison, a scout he hired.

Harrison: "Hello sir."
Longstreet: "...Harrison?"
Harrison: "Would you mind giving me a rifle or a machine gun? I think today I'd like to join the attack. I could have a shirt or a uniform with our banner on it. Sir just once. Because I think that today will be the last one."

Longstreet: "...You know what's gonna happen?"
Harrison: "...Err no sir."
Longstreet: "I'll tell ya. Our forces are now forming behind the line of trees. When they come out, they'll be under fire from long range artillery and attacks from Digimons from both the ground and air. Infantry, droids, mobile suits and all other armaments of ours will come under fire with more than a mile to walk. And still, within the open field, they get in range of aimed snipers and sharpshooters, tanks and all of their hard hitting toys."

Longstreet continues his speech to him. He knows all too well the fatality of this plan, and everything else about the strategy.

Longstreet: "They'll be slowed down by that concrete barrier there. And the formation what's left of it will begin to come apart. When they cross that road, they'll be under fire from short range artillery as well as their own weaponries. They will feel the full fury of their sophisticated guns; in addition, they'll be dealing with strong Digimons too, even FAITH will have a tough time dealing with them. If they get through that wall without breaking up, there won't be many left. Even with our space drop, it'll still be futile; they are heavily defended within their lines. Maybe, just maybe, our artillery can break their defenses. That's Hancock, Ruuji and crown prince Yoh there, they ain't gonna run. If they get to that road, or beyond it, we'll suffer 50% casualties, possibly even more. But Harrison, I don't believe our guys can reach that wall."

Now with that being said, Harrison now doesn't look enthusiastic about it. After a little pondering, he made up his choice. "Sir, if you would allow me to, I'll join in the charge sir." Longstreet was slightly surprised at his choice. He decides to let him go after all, but it seems that he's asking for it. (A little note: In the end, Harrison survives the charge.)

Longstreet is then left to himself with utmost look of defeat. He could only hope with his own plans just might help.

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Back at the Union lines, the 20th Maine, Terminal, Ruuji's men and the Digidestineds march from Little Round Top to Cemetery Ridge. All the Digidestineds there, when they see Tai and his team returning, they all go to him like he's a celebrity. They all come to show their respect, admiration and honor to their leader-in-chief. They all love him, and Tai's also responsible for boosting up their morale like no other. A little off in the distance, Brig. Gen. Maes Hughes sees it all. "Well, that kid's got real talents." Maes complimented.

Later they arrive at their destination, where they all rest. The Lieutenant leads Colonel Chamberlain, Tai, Edward, Negi and Ruuji to meet up with Generals Winfield Scott Hancock, Roy Mustang, Ra-Khan and crowned prince Yoh Asakura while Kira goes off to see Lacus. As usual they embrace each other and share a kiss, happy to be with one another's warmth. Then Kira goes with the rest, Lacus in tow. Ruuji is reunited with his friends Re-Mii, (though not Digidetineds, but are mercenaries hired in this war, also from Zoids Genesis) Kotona, Garaga, Ron and Seijuro. Now they meet up with the generals.

Lieutenant: "Sirs, Col. Chamberlain of the 20th Maine, Kira in charge of Terminal, and the Digidestineds Negi, Edward, Lt. Gen. Ruuji Familon and the leader-in-chief Tai."
Hancock: "Chamberlain? I hear from the ranks that you may be more involved than anyone the staff has told me. You Digidestineds sure show immense bravery out there."
Chamberlain: "We were involved alright."
Tai: "Indeed we are."

Roy: "They told us you ordered a bayonet charge, and you involve the Digidestineds. Now there's nothing to be ashamed of I might tell you. You know, we need fighting men and dedicated people in this army. And one damn thing for sure is we need some efficient and brave leaders. Tai, Ruuji, Ed, you guys are perfect examples."

Hancock: "Correct you are. Meanwhile well done guys, well done." (Goes to shake their hands and Chamberlain.)
Chamberlain: "Thank you sir."
Ra-Khan: "How's your outfit?"
Chamberlain: "We need provisions. The men and Digidestineds need a meal and ammunitions. We're depleted."
Roy: "Right. See to Chamberlain's request. Come Tai, Ruuji, Ed, Kira, let us hear your stories."
Hancock: "Ok, Chamberlain, Negi sir, lets go for a walk."

Major General Mustang goes to have a little chat with Tai, Ruuji and Ed to hear what they got throughout their adventures while Lt. Gen. Hancock walks to one place there with a nice view of Seminary Ridge with Chamberlain and Negi.

Hancock: "I hear you're both school teachers."
Negi: "I am."
Chamberlain: "Well that seemed a long time ago."
Hancock: "Sometimes I'm not sure how long I've been in this war, 4 months or 4 lifetimes. So sir Negi, how was it for you to become a teacher at that age? You must be a prodigy."
Negi: "Well, I guess I am, born with a high IQ and all, even though I'm not a coordinator."
Hancock: "Where do you come from?"
Negi: "From Wales, England."
Hancock: "What about you Chamberlain?"
Chamberlain: "From Brewer, Maine."
Hancock: "So, what do you both teach?"
Chamberlain: "Rhetoric and natural religion at Bowdoin College."
Negi: "I teach English and the homeroom teacher at Mahora Acedemy, an all girls school in Japan."
Hancock: "All girls school huh? You must be lucky. Now you tell me professors, can you recall a story from antiquity where 2 men who are best of friends, almost brothers, where these men find themselves by a trick of fate on opposing sides in a great war? Then on a given day, find themselves facing one another on the very same battlefield."

Chamberlain: "Well, if the Greeks did not tell a story, surely the Romans did."
Negi: "Well sir, I think it must be found in the Bible."
Hancock: "There isn't an officer on either side who hasn't know someone wearing the other uniform, I know that. This morning I look through my glass and saw the fluttering colors of the 9th and 14th Virginia regiments on those ridges before us, directly facing us over there. It was as if I could hear his voice, see his old crumpled hat."

Negi: "What do you mean?"

Hancock: "My friend Lewis Armistead commands one of Pickett's brigades and he's out there for sure. Somehow I thought this day would never come. I thought it's just a conflict to end the Blue Cosmos' intentions that would take like 2 weeks. It's now 3 months, and 2 months since we're at war to stop Durandal's plans, how many more will it extend? Who could've dreamed it go on for more? What will you do Chamberlain? Negi? What do the books tell you to do?"

Chamberlain: "......"
Negi: "Even I have no idea sir."
Hancock: "Now you go rest up. Nothing's gonna happen today anyway. Everyone's too tired, too hot, too worn out, both sides."
Chamberlain: "Well, my unit's placed in reserve over there. Thank you sir."

They all salute each other and Chamberlain went somewhere to rest. Negi then goes to his girls. Meanwhile Tai, Ed and Ruuji tell their stories to Roy, Ra-Khan and all other generals there. They were impressed. After a while its time for them to need their rest and off they go.

Some time has passed and most have rested well. Amid the silence of the battlefield, 2 cannons near Peach Orchard banged out a signal, and just in time that it took to draw breath, 160 artillery howitzers, GAZuOOT's and ZAKUs with twin shoulder-mounted cannons from Seminary Ridge fired a deafening, thunderous salvo. Explosions unexpectedly rock and tore the Federal lines, catching everyone completely off-guard. General Lee and Durandal will soon play their last cards…