January 10, 2069. The UN held a meeting in their headquarters in New York City, a meeting which granted official approval of the creation of the United Nations Allied Army(UNAA), in response against the UIA invasion of French territories. Original member states that deployed troops under the flag of the UNAA were the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Australia, and New Zealand.
2070, the United States of America and Ireland joined the UNAA in their defense against UIA forces. Canada considered participating but canceled to prevent the threat of the UIA retracting its disinterest in having armed conflicts with Canada.
In the year of 2072, South Africa, Germany, and the Netherlands joined the UNAA and contributed in deploying troops to support French defenses.
2076, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan joined the UNAA and sent non-combat units and police personnel to support UN troops in the Middle East.
The UNAA experienced their first major failure in the First African Campaign during the years of 2071 to 2073. The British Air Force lost 3 squadrons to intense dog-fighting and UIA anti-aircraft units. One battalion of US Marines were wiped out in the firefights in Kenya. Germany lost four armored companies in Uganda and Sudan. Numbers of UN military vehicles destroyed by ambushes and lands mines were estimated to be around 400.
The UNAA casualties in the First African Campaign were 9,300 killed in action, 1,529 wounded, and 512 missing in action.
UIA casualties were more than 5,000 killed in action, 2,516 wounded, and 898 missing.
The First Campaign in Africa was considered a costly armed conflict for both the UN and the UIA. As the UIA lost 5 out of 8 of its well-trained African units, while the UNAA lost a large number of men. It was however, still widely considered a strategic victory for the UIA.
March 28, 2085 (167 AtC, Special Region timeline)
Our return to MOB-Alnus was just like any other day, debriefing, rest until another mission is given to our unit, and in the meantime of resting, maintain our equipment, get a good sleep. Sergeant Hoefler and Private Leclair were playing cards. Amelia was out once again, never knew where she keeps going during our rest time. Crisanto Guiraldo, Booker Derricks, drivers of our IMVs, Aston Spencer and Braxton Osborne, gunners of our IMVs, Colton Underwood and Edward Calhoun, the commanders of our two Lynx IMVs, were all in the garage maintaining their vehicles. The crew of our APC, Elwood Stephenson, driver, Eugene Brewster, gunner, and Godfrey Clifford, commander of the AITV-III, were chatting with our two other platoonmates, Corporal Edgar Barton and Sergeant Ludger Hummel. Edgar is a marksman from the British Army, and Ludger, a sharpshooter of the German Army.
I didn't have much to do right now, already cleaned my rifle, took a good nap about an hour ago. So I walked out of the barracks to take a light walk around the base.
The Coda refugees that settled in base were enlarged as long caravans of displaced civilians started seeking for entry into the refuge camp. The caravans started about a week ago, we didn't know that it will be this many. What used to be tents were now replaced by concrete buildings accommodated for the evacuees.
A crowd of engineers around the Northeastern section of the wall caught my attention, they were gathering around two C-RAM emplacements, stationary turrets purposed as defenses to intercept artillery projectiles, basically a land version of the Navy CIWS. Three units of automated repair bots were present as well.
The C-RAM turrets' armor plates were scorched, and its main barrel damaged.
"What happened?" I asked a rifleman that was guarding the C-RAMs while the engineers do their work.
"Didn't you heard about what happened last night? Battlemages attacked the Northern section, disabled two of our C-RAMs and injured four of our troops while they're on patrol of the wall perimeter."
"My unit wasn't here last night, just came back four hours ago."
"Ah, that explains it." And that was the last of our short conversation. I watched the repair bots working alongside the engineers to repair the C-RAM turrets, with barely anything to do.
A feminine voice called my name, "Neville!" It was of course, Amelia, I was familiar with the intonation she always used in calling my first name.
"Lieutenant Tanner called us to assemble in the briefing room." Looks like we're going to have another mission.
I followed Amelia to the headquarters, and into the briefing room. All of the platoon members were already there, and Third Recon Team as well.
General Takeshi and Colonel Leonhard Jollenbeck, one of the primary commanders of the UNAA expedition, entered the room, followed by Lieutenant Douglas and Katsuo.
Words were scribbled on the briefing board, "Operation Sauron". Lieutenant of his master, Melkor, and creator of the powerful One Ring. It was the name of a character in the Lord of the Rings. I recalled my younger brother having a shelf of the novels. A huge map of the Special Region was on the board as well.
The commanders explained the course of the operation, to hunt the Imperial battlemage commander, only known as Herminius. His battlemage cohort has been harassing UN convoys and patrols, and lately, disabled two C-RAM defense turrets.
Our mission, advance ahead of the main forces, which were two companies of mechanized infantry and four platoons of Coalition troops. And scout the Southeast lands, where the commander is believed to have retreated to. Two other recon teams will be conducting scout operations in the West, while another one will be near the Snow regions.
Due to the point that we're beyond secured UN and Coalition territory, we are provided with limited support, not even a HICA strike team nor a light gunship. To compensate for the lack of heavy weaponry, Turtleback-1F is still going to accompany us.
If we spot our prime target, we'll tag his location and the main forces will move in to seize him. If he resists capture, elimination of the target is immediately required.
"Any questions, or suggestions?" Colonel Jollenbeck asked us. We shook our heads, some of us replied "No sir."
"Alright, may the best of luck be bestowed upon you all, kameraden. Dismissed." The German colonel bid us before we got out of the room.
"We'll have an hour to prepare ourselves before we leave base. After all are prepared, assemble at the northern gate." Lieutenant Tanner told us.
And thus, Operation Sauron has begun.
Northwestern Falmart
Three weeks of finding methods of transport, evading Imperial troops and rural patrolmen, it was all finally worth it. I bid the coach of the carriage farewell and continued my way down a path. I'm here, a long line of woodlands, beyond it is what I call home.
I walked into the forest, until I stopped at an all too familiar spot. A very tiny clearing with a glint of sunlight shined upon it.
A small trunk was beside it, I knelt down and knocked four times on the side of it. After a couple of seconds, I spoke a phrase in my mother tongue, a phrase taught by my grandfather.
A man responded back. I stood from my position and continued through the bushes, eventually meeting three guards armed with axes.
The center one gazed at me, then spoke, "Aldhard, it's been quite a while." He chuckled, "How's your time in the Army? Hoped the Imperials treated you well."
"Not too bad Ellanher, not too bad." I replied. "Got back here with souvenirs." I unsheathed my sword, a gladius. It was still in good condition, caused by his constant cleaning.
"Impressive. Now let us head back, shall we?" The guard on the right side of Ellanher said. He gave a hand signal to an archer taking watch in one of the tall trees.
We find our way through a longer path of woods, until stopping at a wooden gate. Ellanher knocked three times at the gate, it immediately opened.
Going through the gate, I could see the houses that I've always remembered in our village. It was distinct among the wooden-made huts and cottages. It had a light-gray color to its material, with maroon brick roofs.
It belonged to the families that have lived here since the establishment of this settlement, including the chief's family.
All of the villagers were doing their mundane chores and tasks. A few that were unoccupied were chatting or napping in their houses.
"Aldhard! Aldhard's back!" I quickly recognized that voice. It belonged to Arnulf, my long-time best friend, called me. Following him were his sisters Gerlind and Herleva. My cousin, Avelina, heard Arnulf's shouting, she dropped her basket and ran towards me.
They inquired me with various sorts of questions, my experience in the Imperial Army, the training we had, the food we were rationed with, how strict our commander was.
Avelina asked me if I made any good friends in the army. I told them about fellow conscripts Plinius and Arundel, and Virgilius, an officer, whom I befriended. Plinius, a young farmer in a village located in the outskirts of Sadera. Arundel Marceau, a wood elf from the Kowan village, a community of elves inside the forest of Koan.
They knew what happened to the elven village, from the news brought in by passing merchants and traders. The chief and the village militia were worried about the presence of a dragon roaming free around Falmart.
Virgilius Hirtulieus, former officer of the Vigiles Urbani and the Imperial Army. Has a family living in the Higher districts of the Imperial Capital.
Another voice, which I identified to be from Arnulf's mother, called for the three girls to help her pick up the fresh produce.
I was left with Arnulf. So I decided to show him the sword I brought back. I could see the shocked and exultant expression he had on his face. "A gladius! How did you manage to sneak it out with you?"
"Didn't you and the rest of the village heard about what happened to the Imperial camp in Alnus hill, where the Armies from beyond the Gate destroyed our camp?"
Arnulf shook his head. "No, when did this happened?"
"It was four weeks ago. We were caught unguarded by a night assault. The order of retreat was given, and of course, it was incredibly messy. I was with Plinius and Arundel the time we were retreating away from the camp. There were two officers with us, but they didn't even bother. After a week of moving to several villages, in order to evade capture and punishment by Imperial authorities, I lost my horse given by one of the officers, stolen by a runaway thief. I-"
I was interrupted by a swift pull on the sleeves of my right shoulder. I turned around, and saw that it was my father. He got Arnulf as well, and ushered us into the house.
"Please just continue your story." He said before peeking through the doorway and closing it.
"I was able to hitch rides on caravan, until I stopped at the road leading here. That was it." I kept my face neutral, waiting for my father's reaction.
"So now, you're considered as a deserter of the Imperial Army, correct?" Father asked me.
"Not sure, if they even head-counted the missing men after the assault of Alnus hill." Father scratched his short beard, finding a solution to the problem, if this was even a problem.
"For now, you shall hide from Imperial visitors whenever they stop by in our village." Without asking him, I knew that I placed myself in a tight predicament, and maybe even a risk to our village. If the Imperials knew I was a deserter, they'll punish me, like the rest of the deserters that were likely caught.
My main concern were my three comrades, wherever they are now. If they were able to stay clear from Imperial recapture. Although a heavy feeling of anxiety was in his chest right now, he overlooked the negativity and put faith that they're all safe in this plight.
Father stood up from his chair and attended to his duties. Arnulf delicately took out the sword from its sheathe and admired it.
I took a jug of mead and poured it into a cup, and grabbed a piece of wheat bread. I really needed a drink, after the long weeks of stress.
City of Rondel, Falmart
I entered a popina with a sign reading "The Wizardly Tavern". I heard this to be a bar most visited by the arcane residents here. So I was enticed to visit it. The tavern was thankfully not crowded at a time like this, as most residents are busy. I took notice of the occupants, a couple of guards enjoying their time off-duty, and some common folk of Rondel. Unlike what he heard about the popinae in the Imperial Capital and cities with large Imperial influence, where gambling and prostitution are commonplace, most of the bars here are free from immorality.
I took a seat and the bartender approached me and asked what I would desire, "Food or drink?" I ordered a cup of mead, not hungry for a large meal nor a snack.
The bartender returned with a cup of honey 'wine', I gave him the fee exacted to the price of the drink.
"Didn't know you lounge in here." Someone said behind me, I looked back and saw it to be the Bancroft, the elf greeter of the University. He ordered a small cup of wine and sat beside me.
"This is my first time in this tavern. I heard that this was a reputable place for a drink." I said, taking a sip from the cup.
We conversed for half an hour, asking assorted questions about each other. Bancroft used to live in one of the elven villages on the Romalia mountains, and moved to this city five years ago. He was mainly focused on healing magic, which he was getting proficient in, and offered me a couple of lessons to teach if he had time. Why not, the only restorative capability I could do is minor wound healing.
My drink was nearly depleted, and I was planning to head back to the university after this, so I chugged it all.
"You're staying here?" I asked Bancroft, he shook his head. "Not really, I still have three hours left before returning to my shift. So where are you going to head now?"
"To the library, find some books on destructive magic before attending another session of teachings. Wanna tag along?"
"Sure." Bancroft answered enthusiastically.
We walked our way to the university, passing by the greeter currently in her shift, a feline demi-humanoid, I never knew what their species were called. We got into the library, I roamed around the shelves looking for books, while Bancroft was studying a large book displayed in an ornate bookstand. I knew it was the Great History Book Virgilius and his party were sent to recover. It was a tome summarizing the past events occurred within Falmart. His father had one before, but lost it for reasons he never knew.
"Are there any books for killing dragons?" I asked Bancroft straightforwardly.
"A book for dragon-killing?"
"Yeah, or at least a book on methods of spells powerful enough to kill one."
Bancroft stopped his reading and thought for a while, "I know that most senior mages have trained and study such types of arcane spells. You should perhaps seek one of the veteran mages here in the University."
I thanked him and decided to change the subject of question, "So I'm now a certified member and junior apprentice of the Mages University. Are there any ranks other than that?" After successfully obtaining medical textbooks in the old library and significantly helping the mages in clearing it by killing a lich, Initiation Master Livianus gave his recommendations for advancing him into junior apprentice.
"You've probably knew the ranks lower than Junior apprentice, from the low to high which are Associate and Initiate. Higher than Junior apprentice are Apprentice and Senior Apprentice, after the rank series of Apprentice are the ranks of full-fledged Mage, first is Mage Aspirant, Junior Mage, then Senior Mage. After that is the highest rank in the University, Master. After being titled as a Master, after graduating out of the University, you could either be a professor, to teach the lower students, or be a scholar and contribute in experiments and studies. That's it."
"Thanks for that large chunk of info." A book caught my attention, "Fighting Dragons" is the title of the book. The name of the author inscribed below the title. Alcibiades of Massalia. Upon opening the book, I couldn't even understand most of the texts, as they were written in a foreign language I was not familiar with.
I took the book to the off-duty elf greeter "Hey Bancroft, can you help me? I do not understand what sort of writing this book has."
"This...looks like Ellinika, the language of the Hellenics. You could go to one of the professors here, Herakleitos, to translate the book." After school of course, he checked the sundial placed on the uncovered section of the library. It's nearing the start of the class.
"I've got to go now Bancroft, I hope to see you later." I said, slightly louder for him to hear as I ran out of the library. He wasn't nervous for the upcoming session, as unlike the conventional schools, the university has students ranging from the ages of 16 to some even reaching their late 20s. What he doesn't want is being late to the session, even though he never wanted to be involved in such classes. What he genuinely desired is revenge, against the damn dragon that lay waste to his village. But instead, he was stuck in this university, for now. He never knew this will takes months of studies.
He reached the hallway of study rooms and found the room allocated to him. He was still early, only five students were in the room.
He took a seat, and waited for their master to arrive and start the subject.
The four-hour class was over, they learned about the methods of curative magic. Thanks to his father's teachings and early review conducted his own hands, he learned most of them with ease.
His current priority was to find the professor Bancroft suggested to him. He asked their professor, Master Alypius, of a wizard named Herakleitos.
"Herakleitos?" It was quite a funny sight to see the professor rubbing his beard like a generic old wise sage depicted in the old story books. Despite it being amusing to see, I did my best efforts to hide my reaction in front of the professor.
"Ah...yes, I know him. His room is located in the Eastern hallway."
I gave my thanks to professor Alypius and began my walk to Herakleitos' chamber.
The eastern hallways weren't that far from our study room, so it was just a quick walk.
I knocked on the door, someone inside answered, "Come in!"
Yokohama, Japan
I put my cap on and fixed the collar of my uniform. Before turning the doorknob, I took a few seconds to check if all the required things are with me.
"Ma, I'm leaving now."
"Alright take care!" She shouted from the backyard garden.
I opened the door and stepped out of the house. I stepped over the stone pathway and to the gate.
I started my walk to the bus station. Two days ago, I got a message from the Coalition VQRG Command, they invited me for a meeting.
I passed by a QRF motorized infantry patrol team parked near a vacant street, where cars rarely pass. I'm now in the street where my good friend, Katsuo Youji, and his family lives. He was deployed to the Special Region three weeks ago, and no news of him since the day he was sent beyond the Gate. And just two months left before I will be assigned to a regular unit.
She noticed Youji's mother walked to their house, hands full with grocery bags. He sprinted ahead to assist her in opening the gate.
"Miss Youji, may I help you?" He said, waiting for her response. Her calm face formed a small face, "Thank you dear, yes please." He took hold of one bag and led her into the front yard.
"Oh my!" The family's automated assistant, 'Yori', exclaimed as it slid the watering can it was using to a table nearby.
"Pardon Miss Youji! I was just finishing the garden watering duties."
"It's okay, I have some help here."
The robot turned its gaze to me, "Allow me to help sir." Its arms extended to me. I transferred the bag to the hovering bot and let it do the rest of the work.
"I must thank you again dear for helping me."
"No problem Miss Youji. Anyway, I've gotta go now, if you'll excuse me."
"Take care." Katsuo's mother said before I turned around and resumed my journey to the bus stop.
I read my wristwatch, 11:00. I needed to be there before 13:30. So I quicken my pace of walking until I finally reached the bus stop
The bus stop was empty, the waiting shed occupied only by two police officers. The next bus to the train station has not arrived yet, so I plopped myself down the seat next to the bored policemen.
10 minutes later, the bus finally arrived. I stepped onto the bus and took a seat next to what I assume is an office worker due to his attire.
The small television screen displayed one of the news channels. I could see the headlines, the anchor broadcasting about heavy military presence in the Ginza district, and increased deployment of security units in all prefectures of the country.
I could hear some of the passengers whispering to each other about the broadcast.
A middle-aged couple were doubtful on the enactment of law enforcement by the military. While I could see some that were pleased with the decision of the government. I caught the sight of two teenagers, both boys, gawking at the sight of Type-74 SPAAGs guarding the perimeter of the Imperial Palace.
I heard the speakers announcing the next stop, "Yokohama Station." The bus decreased its speed and finally came to a halt. I stood up as the doors slid open, I payed my fare and walked out of the transport. There was a line waiting for passengers to leave the bus, supervised by an Enforcer.
I could see the populous flow of civilians entering and exiting the station. The entrance were guarded by QRF riflemen. Two more Enforcers were inside the station's entrance, inspecting the possessions of all civilians flowing through the entryway.
The broadcast was right, two ASU robots patrolling the area. A HICA fireteam guards the escalator. I could also notice the armed sentry turrets active.
I stepped on the escalator, my peripheral vision caught one of the men donned in the HICA suit staring at me with its eyes behind the bulky helmet.
I would've taken a bus trip straight to Tokyo, but knew that the roads ahead will be flooded with heavy traffic. So I took a train to make the trip faster.
I was just in time to see the train to Tokyo braking to a stop. The passengers of the train exited first, the only remaining were 4 businessmen in suits.
A railway robot, purposed for assisting passengers and staff, patrolled around the platform, regularly announcing its programmed message. "Please stay in the correct queue. Remember to exercise caution near the edge of the platform."
I entered the train carriage along with other daily commuters. A beeping sound came from the door before it slid shut.
The train accelerated its speed, screeching along the rails. Conventional railways were still widespread, but proposals within the MLIT are pushing for the implementation and utilization of newer methods of light rail transportation.
The trip will take about 50 minutes or less, so I decided to doze off in the meantime.
I heard a loud beep, and looked to my left, the door was sliding. I heard a speaker announcing, "Tokyo Station."
I rose myself out of the seat and dashed for the door. Among the crowds of passengers going down and up the station platform were a patrol team of JGSDF infantrymen and three Coalition enforcers, surveying the area to ensure that the movement of commuters were uninterrupted.
The sound of my footsteps were mixed in with the crowd as I walked down the stairs. Announcements of the train schedules blared throughout the station.
Cleaner drones accompanied by a janitorial supervisor were cleaning what looks like a spilled greenish-yellow liquid in the middle of the room. Caution signs were placed around the mess.
I took no attention to the sight and resumed my way to the main hall. The atrium was the most alluring section of the station, with a dome ceiling and pillars supporting an elevated area and parts of the ceiling.
The exterior part of the Marunouchi section was safeguarded by two policemen, behind them, automated construction drones and engineers were rebuilding a damaged area of the station building. Scaffolds and barricades were placed in the confines of the wrecked section. It was damaged by a wyvern that crashed down, killed by heavy anti-aircraft fire.
The road in front of the station was patrolled by a Type-80 IFV. The same armored vehicles that defended the Tokyo Station and National Diet Building during the Ginza incident.
Now that the Ginza incident returned to his mind, he remembered an unpleasant memory, about a story from one of his friends in the QRF. During the defense of the Tokyo station, a cohort of Imperial troops and auxiliaries evaded the firmly established defenders in the Marunouchi central and southern sectors, breaking through the Yaesu southern sector of the Station. Eight police officers and twenty-seven civilians were massacred before the rest of the defenders knew what had just happened.
That report disturbed him greatly, remembering it made his heart heavy. It was just as terrible as the revolting sight of what the invaders left in the aftermath. It felt good being able to avenge such atrocities. Still, he may be disturbed at the display of QRF troopers bayoneting some of the Imperial invaders and survivors during the battle of Ginza, yet...He enjoyed it.
I could read the memorial lamenting the massacre in the Southern area of the train station. A simple yet beautifully decorated monument listing the names of officers and civilians that died on the tragedy.
I took the bus heading to the Coalition HQ bus stop. Passing by fully-refurbished buildings that were damaged during the Ginza incident.
The only thing he could see were lines of buildings and vehicles, until the Headquarters came into view.
It was a magnificent complex of buildings and structures. Their designs based on a mix of neoclassical and renaissance architecture.
The bus halted right in the parking area of the bus stop. A fireteam of QRF infantrymen were present near the bus stop, presumably guarding it.
The first area of the HQ complex was the tourist-catering area. A small park and a museum about the history of the Coalition of Nations.
Two robotic greeters were doing their assigned job, guiding and entertaining guests. One hovered to me and gave me a booklet. It must've mistaken me for a tourist.
"Welcome!" It greeted before realizing its mistake. "Coalition personnel identified. Oh pardon for my mistake."
It then hovered elsewhere to attend to the other visitors.
There was another memorial erected in the area, listing all the casualties of the Ginza incident. It was actually higher than the initial reports counted. 58 civilians, 23 police officers, 5 JSDF servicemen, 3 Enforcer constables, 12 VQRG personnel, and 6 QRF servicemen. A total of 107 people died.
My chest felt heavier, realized how lucky I am to survive the incident, how I could've been among the casualties within the VQRG. Wish I could join Katsuo in his tour in the Special Region, to avenge the deaths.
I brushed it off, I must not waste my time pondering too much. I resumed my walk, making myself clear to go straight to the VQRG headquarters, where the meeting is said to be held.
I walked through the light-gray stone pathway. Poplar trees lined both sides of the pathway.
It was astonishing to see the buildings from a distance whenever he passed by, but seeing the aesthetic figures of the buildings up close was truly breathtaking.
I looked at the large sign above the doorway, VQRG Headquarters-Tokyo. Going up the steps and passing by the tall pillars. Two VQRG operators in standard combat uniform guarded the doorway. One of my few times actually seeing the uniform worn by operatives. As civilian clothing were preferably used by field units and scout officers in public areas that require subtle operating.
The lobby was relatively empty, except for an automated cleaner and the receptionist in his desk. Knew it was supposed to give a false pretense of emptiness. Essentially all headquarters of every branch has defense systems concealed within the walls and ceilings.
Glancing at my watch for a second, 12:40. I asked the officer of the meeting area of 3rd Volunteer Company-Tokyo, "Hall B-7." The receptionist answered.
I thanked him and went to Hall B. Found room number seven and entered it. The room was large enough to accommodate seats for a battalion, with 3rd Volunteer Company occupying a quarter of the chairs.
Found out that the rest of my squad mates haven't arrived yet, and only two units were there, Squad-22 and Squad-28. Each volunteer company has 10 squads, and every city has 5 VQRG voluntary companies stationed around them.
He checked the clock, 13:10.
A small stage was situated in front of us, a podium and a crowd of officers were standing on the stage. I recognized the commander of our company, Captain Himura, standing amid the gathering.
"You're early." The first squadmate to arrive, corporal Yamada, said with a tone of surprise.
"Yeah, I was surprised as well. How's your leg?" I asked him. During our return to the headquarters, the corporal got a leg injury after taking a clumsy wrong step in the stairs.
"It's improved for now. Thanks for the concern. Just need one more week and it'll fully heal." A tap on his injured leg surprised both of us. Yamada quickly turned around to see who's the culprit.
"Your leg good now?" Officer Suzuki said. Yamada nodded, "Yes, just quit tapping it."
"Alright alright. That will be the end of it. Just relax, okay?"
"Is this a quarrel I'm hearing?" Sergeant Mori said, following him were combat medic Hirai and automatic rifleman Suzuki.
"No sir."
"Good, we don't a disturbance in a very important event."
"How important?" Corporal Yamada asked.
"May I have everyone's attention here?" His voice alone was enough to silence everyone in their chatter. The only noise that could be heard were the busy clamor outside and the uncomfortable rubbing of boots. Supreme general and Operations commander of the special service, General Yaroslav Orlov examined the volunteers in front of him before speaking again.
"Good. The Supreme Commander has arrived." He stepped down the stage and opened the door on the left wall. Who came in was no simple officer, no, it was the official who holds the highest authority within the Coalition. A former Supreme general just like General Orlov. It was the Supreme Commander himself, standing in this very room!
He talked with the officers for a while before walking towards the stage. As he paced his way to the stage. We stood up and in our best posture, gave him and the officers our salutes.
The Supreme Commander made a gesture with his right hand, "You may now sit down officers."
"My great comrades within the 3rd Volunteer Company, as one of the four companies that participated in the defense and counterattack against the invaders of Ginza district, we have concluded that your awards of fortitude is simply not enough to compensate for such hardships and risks of our Volunteers. And to my intuition, it is a must that I award all units personally in your service to the Coalition, and to the people of Japan."
We were called one by one to receive awards. My name was finally called, I stood up and calmly walked to the stage. I could feel sweat sliding down my forehead, but chose to ignore it instead.
We greeted each other with a bow, he then took the medal from one of the many boxes stored for each officers. The medal slid down and clung to my neck. We shook hands, the Commander giving his words of commendation. I briefly replied with a 'thank you' then walked to the opposite end of the stage.
After the unanticipated awarding ceremony ended, everyone got out of the room and resumed to their daily duties.
I was about to do so when an officer called my name.
"Sergeant Matsushita. Calling for Officer Matsushita of the VQRG." General Orlov looked around the dispersing crowd before settling his eyes to my direction.
"Yes sir?" I asked the general.
"The Supreme Commander is calling for you, follow me." My nervousness tensed again, probably overreacting. Perhaps it might be a positive issue.
"You're on a lucky streak officer Matsushita. Field promotion, medal-awards, and now a personal meeting with our great Supreme Commander." General Orlov knocked on the doors and pushed them open to the Commanders' chambers.
Supreme Commander Goettner was reading a report in his desk, his head rose to see General Orlov opening the door, officer Matsushita following behind him. The three officers exchanged their quick salutes before General Orlov left for his office.
"Good afternoon officer Matsushita, please take a seat."
I sat on the chair placed in front of the desk, eventually relaxing my arms on the armrest.
"Thirsty?" I shook my head. "No thank you."
"I know you're nervous right now." He got me. "But it is nothing too much to be anxious about. Me and the local officers have decided, to transfer you to the Ground Forces."
I was astonished, I'm supposed to serve as a volunteer for another 2 months. The only words I could say was to thank him. But a question came into mind, "Will I have to go through the same training procedures fitted for Ground forces infantry?"
The Supreme Commander nodded, "Yes, you'll be sent to the local main training base. You have a week to prepare for your trip to the base. This contains most of the info." He slid a white folder to me. I opened it and read the contents. The base is located in Ginoza, Okinawa. Two infantry regiments and one armored battalion are stationed over there.
"Now on the information excluded from that folder, it's better if you ask them now."
"None sir."
"Right then, you may be dismissed." I stood up and gave the Commander a salute, turned around and left the office.
Well this was one eventful afternoon, a field promotion plus awards, a transfer to the CGF and a personal chat with the Supreme Commander. Wonder if it'll get more interesting.
ATP: Harem stories?
Artyom-Dreizehn: Woah, you almost predicted pretty much a part of the elements within the story that I incorporated with the GATE fanfic. To answer your question on exoskeleton suits, personnel that use exosuits within the military and police are only utilized by special forces. However, the origin about the mech was partially similar to my idea of the HICA, Heavy Infantry Combat-Assist Armor, which originated as suits for logistic, emergency, and industrial roles(Mostly for heavy objects-lifting). However, this is actually more comparable and identical to the Power Armor of the Fallout universe, Power Loader in Aliens, or the Power Armor of Warhammer 40K.
Due to this being a 'fresh' expedition for both the Coalition and the UIA, they wouldn't immediately field too much of the advanced tech, as most of them are being focused into the ensuing war, especially in Northern and Eastern Europe. And since the enemy factions in the Special Region are heavily outdated in terms of tactics and equipment, except for magic. They wouldn't mass-deploy their most advanced gear when weaponry from even the early 2000s(the weapons most of the armed forces are currently having) would suffice. Which is why you could and will see, especially the UIA, to utilize equipment that would be considered outdated in the technological standards of the story's timeline.
About the concept of mechanized walkers, well, I usually observed them having a high profile, which could be a disadvantage in certain battleground environments (not saying that other types of vehicles are flawless, urban areas are a death trap for battle tanks). Hence why I lost interest in adding mechs in the original story(The Great War 2068-2087). I won't simply show all of the tech in a succession of chapters, I'll introduce them in a slow pace, for now.
That was a good review, gives me more vital info and tips that could help me in writing my story.
What I really hate about myself is how reviewers could get ahead of me in some of my story plot plans, what a coincidence. Too much coincidences in my life, way too much. But anyway, thanks for the good review!
Note: ASU(Automated Security Unit) robots' closest resemblance is the assaultron in Fallout 4. Think of the assaultron but up-armored and outfitted with ranged weaponry in its arms, with no laser-firing capability in its head and more focused on ranged combat.