Atlantic Cooperative Research Association (ACRA)

In mutual cooperation with the United States Department of Homeland Security, The United States Department of Defense, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

In conjunction with the governments of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and other allied nations.

Aurora is the official designation of the hypothetical artificial wormhole that is to be designed by ACRA scientists and engineers. Built to resolve the logistical challenges faced by NATO ground forces in mysterium. The portal has finished it's theoretical testing phase, and the ACRA Engineering Department is working on the construction of Aurora. Thanks to Dr. Judith, Dr. Kleiner, and their team of staff, ACRA will be the first to artificially generate a wormhole through interstellar space and time.

ACRA. We do what we must because we can.

"This is the BBC: World News update on the situation in Mysterium. Good morning to our viewers in Britain and a hello to our viewers worldwide. Today's headlines follow in the wake of King Fredrick the First's capture by NATO forces in a failed Iscariot offensive against Allied troops. With his wife, Queen Nora, currently reigning on the throne, the future of the conflict is uncertain. But our correspondents in the field can guarantee that it will be long and it will indeed be bloody. A CBS news correspondent, Trevor, is on the ground ready to give us his story…"

The camera cuts away from the face of the English TV reporter, and to a shot of the forest. Amidst it were soldiers, their guns held, slowly walking through the bush…

"The situation in Mysterium, is rapidly deteriorating," said a disembodied American voice over the video, "These men are among those trapped in this dangerous and alien world. An environment that is hostile to human life…"

The video cuts again to footage of a bright red spider, crawling over the dirt. One of the soldiers pointing it out, in a hushed voiced repeating the line 'It's poisonous. Don't get too close, it will bite. It's deadly.' Before fading back to the squad of soldiers.

"Life for them is unpredictable. The Iscariot army has been quiet… too quiet. Amongst the thick temperate forest could be an ambush waiting to occur. A booby trap ready to spring into action. Nobody has a clue as to what is going on. But for now, the Iscariots are only a mild concern to them. Their main enemy is the wildlife…"

The video fades to another scene. The soldiers were hiding in a foxhole, quiet as a mouse… in the background could be heard a thunderous roar. The soldiers had their weapons ready to fire. A spirit of fear prevailing among all of them.

"One platoon had already been ambushed and possibly killed earlier before during an attack by the local alien wildlife. The Huntsmen, or as the soldiers call them 'The Buggers', are fiercely territorial and can easily tear apart a well-armed squadron of soldiers, even if the soldiers are prepared. Able to absorb multiple bullets before collapsing, the Buggers are an enemy in of themselves. And NATO has no idea how to combat them."

The scene again cuts back to walking in the forest, with the soldiers still on high alert, "Even this simple patrol is risky. The soldiers are near Huntsmen territory, and nobody knows how close is too close. The amount of danger and risk involved with just sending soldiers on a simple patrol such as this has slowed the war machine against the Iscariot Empire to a crawl. The soldiers' morale, waning."

The camera cuts to the soldiers around a campfire. Tents surrounding them as they made their camp for the night. The camera zooming in on the face of one, as he started to speak, "They said it'd be over by Christmas… but the way the situation is right now, we could be here until July. It has an impact, knowing that we probably won't get to go back home to Earth any time soon… maybe not ever."

"The uncertainty for the future of the conflict, and the lack of morale the soldiers have prompted NATO to issue a war plan that will deliver a swift and easy victory against the Iscariots by the Fourth of July at the latest. But considering previous events, this is unlikely to happen," The voice of the reporter said.

The camera switches to a shot of Brigadier General Jefferson, speaking. He looked quite exhausted, even agitated in this scene. But none the less, he was voluntarily speaking his mind, "We don't know anything about what the future has in store for us. The King is in our custody, but the Queen is a wildcard. She can continue the war or she could end it. We have no idea what they are planning, but for now, we are almost certain that they will be launching another offensive, sometime soon. For now, we think the Iscariots are gathering their forces to launch an all-out, blitzkrieg style offensive, like the attack on Ithaca. But we don't know if that is even close to true. Right now we are in an unforgiving and unfavorable state…"

"A state made worst, by the weather," The disembodied voice came back over, and the scene changed to that of a thunderstorm. Lightning rumbling in the clouds above, "The region is going through its natural cycle of warming. And as such, the River Serenity's water level is beginning to rise. Good news for the farmers of the region as it brings vital nutrients from the mountains upstream to fertilize the soil, but it is disastrous for NATO High Command. Mudslides, thunderstorms, and flooding have slowed logistical capabilities and made it almost impossible for the Allies to maneuver through the forest."

One final time, the scene cuts to the refugee-shelter surrounding Ithaca. White tents with small red crosses on them and blue tents with the symbol of the UN were scattered around the area. Dirt roads connecting them all, and denizens of various different species living about in the dirt and mud. The Citadel looms like a giant over it all, almost frighteningly with its massive walls and futuristic architecture. Many of the refugees looked sick, tired, or hungry. All of them in a dire state of need…

"An issue made worst by the refugee crisis building up in Ithaca. In an attempt to win a hearts-and-minds campaign, Ithaca has become a safe-haven for those fleeing persecution and poverty in their homelands. But this has become a much deeper investment than the NATO generalship had hoped. Ithaca is located downstream of the River Serenity, if it floods, so too will this entire area. There is no protection against the water…"

The camera showed Red Cross and UN officials with surgical masks on, moving about the populace. They were outnumbered, trying to keep up with the medical demands of the entire area, "The final nail in the coffin for NATO, is an invisible enemy. Influenza. Twenty native residents have died. Fifty hospitalized. The Flu, brought over from Earth by human soldiers and workers, has been transmitted to the denizens living here. And with the poor medical and sanitary infrastructure here, the disease is forecasted to spread like a wildfire. Vaccines are expensive to ship, and only so many shipments can go through the Ascension base in Florida to Ithaca. This is the stark reality of war that has so many people asking the one question, 'is victory possible? What does victory in Mysterium look like? And when will this nightmarish conflict come to an end?'"

The scene cuts back to the BBC news reporter at his desk, "A very grim and rather upsetting reality check for all parties involved. The issues in Mysterium have raised concerns about the goings-on in the JSDF Special Region, as the media does not have very good access to Alnus. Though speculation exists of a Japanese coverup in the region, nobody knows for sure. What can be said for certain, is that the Mysterium front is nothing like the Falmartian front. Two vastly different realities and situations. Some may ask, 'was it even worth it going through the portal?' a tough question indeed."

"Now onto the recent scores for English league football…"

"Is this President Carter I'm speaking to?"

"Indeed."

"Brigadier General Jefferson sir, I've gotten the memo from the Department of War about Operation Angel, and uh…"

"Go on."

"Well, I have a couple of concerns about it. Most of them are practical issues that perhaps can be quickly remedied but a few of the others are direr."

"Okay, lay it on me."

"For one, we're worried about the logistical issues over fueling our vehicles and feeding our soldiers. The portal is only so big, and a few of the officers from LOGCOMM have voiced their concerns that perhaps this whole operation is getting too expensive. I've already put elements of Angel-Citadel in motion since they need fewer supplies, but Angel-Alfa and Borealis I've delayed due to these issues."

Jefferson could hear the president let out a rather disappointed sigh over the phone, "A delay by how long exactly?"

"At the current rate, we are shipping supplies… two months-"

"There isn't time for two months. Is there a way we can get the supplies there faster?"

"Not until the artificial portal opens. Until then, all of our supplies are being bogged down in Florida traffic. It's already bad enough considering we have to check all of the supplies at the Ascension base for pests and bacteria so we don't contaminate Mysterium."

"Then get rid of the check, if we bring a few rats over no big deal!"

"But that's out of military control, we are talking about environmental cross-contamination! That is a violation of the UN's guidelines, and our war campaign's PR is on shaky ground enough as it is!"

Once again, another sigh, "Best we could do," Jefferson started, "Is perhaps try and create an around-the-clock system of transport that could cut the time down a few weeks. But at best, we'd still have to stockpile resources for a month or so."

"Alright, if that is what has to be done, let it be done. Anything else?"

Jefferson picked up a document from off his desk, whistling when he saw the entire list of potential issues with the war plan. The two would be on the phone for a while, "Yes, erhm. The weather in Mysterium isn't ideal for the offensive."

"How so?"

"Angel-Alfa and Borealis involve multiple armored divisions moving across the Mysterium terrain. The cobblestone roads cannot support their weight, neither can the bridges. For now, the Abrams and Leopard Tank divisions have been replaced with AFVs and light tanks. But even then, the forest prevents fast movement."

"I see. And about the weather specifically?"

"It's been raining, a lot. As the weather changes from the winter to spring and summer months, there has been storm after storm. We've got flash floods, rockslides, heavy winds, it's all gonna slow down what is supposed to be a quick and decisive strike."

"I don't think the war machine should be slowed down by some rain, Jefferson. Continue with the offensive as normal."

"But sir, our ground forces need to move along roads that are prone to the River Serenity flooding! We cant move a tank through eight inches of water-"

"Look, decisive action needs to be taken in order to guarantee success. There isn't time to wait for the weather to change. The people of the United States and NATO as a whole are expecting this war to turn around by the summer of 2021. If this war continues into Earth's Winter, we're losing the midterms in '22. All I ask of you is to act, and it better be fast. Indecision will put us on the losing end of this conflict."

"I understand the political reasons sir, but this is serious. We don't know jack about the terrain we are fighting in. Queen Nora has no intention of backing down and we have no idea if they are going to launch a third offensive or if they are changing things up."

"How hard can it be to defeat a bunch of animals with swords, bows, and arrows? Hell, this war should've been over a long time ago! The JSDF defeated the Saderans in a matter of weeks! What the hell are we still here for?"

"The Saderans and Iscariots are wildly different creatures, you and I both know that!" Jefferson could feel the frustration in his own voice, though he tried to mask it the best he could, "I was a soldier when the GATE opened. Zorzal El Caesar and his goons are nothing compared to what we are going up against. Mysterium and Falmart are two completely different worlds! The JSDF would've croaked under pressure we are facing now! This is a war on the highest level of difficulty."

"…" The president was silent. Jefferson ran his hand through his hair.

"We are fighting an enemy we don't understand. We are playing a game we have no business playing. The Iscariot people have made it clear that they would rather die, than surrender. It's not a coincidence that the only prisoners we've taken are their King, Iscariot soldiers commit suicide before our soldiers could capture them. Hell, we have a mass grave outside of Minerva. This is an enemy that see us as aliens trying to conquer them, they will fight to the last man, woman, and child. Our tanks, our aircraft, and our guns can pierce armor but it cannot hope to defeat the spirit of resistance these people have!"

"Just get Angel into motion by New Years. I want Fargo in our hands by Easter. I want the war over, on our winning terms, by the Fourth of July. Do I make myself clear?"

'God, it's like talking to a brick wall!'

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Do not let me down."

*Click*

Jefferson poured over the map of the region. Rather disappointed if anything else, nervous too. The forces were at one-quarter of logistical readiness. The Abrams, Leopard, and Challenger tank divisions would have to be held back at Ithaca. They consumed too many resources. And with that, the main force of the attack needed to be scaled back.

The Brigadier-General could now feel a mental clock speeding away in his head. Ticking by the second. The New Years' deadline to put Angel into motion. The July deadline to win the war…

The airforce would also have to be grounded for much of the fighting. There wasn't enough fuel. The best he could afford might be a few A-10s and F-16s for close air support, and Eurofighters for air superiority. They were cheap, fast, and fuel-efficient enough to get the job done. But given the circumstances, he'd have to make good use of each and every single flight mission.

The main assault would lie on the infantry and artillery, something Jefferson was deathly afraid of. Sending infantry out into unknown territory, surrounded by thousands of hostile soldiers. Even the mechanized infantry would need to be scaled back a bit, forcing the infantry to rely on transport via humvees and JLTVs. After Hazard squadron's disappearance in the forest, with their Stryker/boxer transports along with them, Jefferson didn't want to take any more risks.

Hopefully, Hazard was fine. If they cleared out the Huntsmen hive that dominated this part of the continent, it would make logistics and forward advances so much easier. The Royal Marine Task Force was crucial to the entire operation as a whole. But for now, they'd have to rely on their Falkish allies to teach them how to avoid hive territory. Yet another delay and setback, giving Queen Nora and her troops that much more time to regroup.

It would take a miracle if Jefferson wanted to get Angel running on track as planned. It'd be close to impossible for it to run on time. For the first time in this whole conflict, the vulnerability of a modern force was displayed. Between the demands of the President and his staff, the people back home on Earth, and what was actually capable on the ground, Jefferson would have to walk a very thin wire.

But he wasn't Brigadier General for nothing, he'd have to find a way. Somehow…

"So let me get this straight," Q asked. Her face was a painting of pure confusion, "Our 'VIP' that is so crucial to winning what is perhaps one of the biggest conflicts in Mysterium's history, is an Eight-year-old girl?"

"Yes!" Filo said. The little girl hugged Filo's dress, obviously scared of the soldiers, "Trust me, it will make sense in the future."

"You know, when I joined the Military, I was used to running patrols in the middle of the Afghan Desert," Brian said, "But this… This is just weird."

"Love it or hate it, we have a mission to run," said Kovic, reminding Misfit of what they were all here for, "We have to bring her and another kid into Iscariot territory. They are crucial to supporting Radical independence movements in a city called Astchester, the people want a martyr that they can rally behind. Who better than a poor girl subject to slavery?"

"Come on sweetheart," Bubba held his hand out to the girl, "We're going to head out," she hid further behind Filo instead of coming towards him.

"Oh come on!" Flint impatiently groaned, "She's scared of us?"

"I'd be too if I saw a bunch of guys with guns showing up to kidnap me," Q muttered.

"She's scared because she doesn't know," said Filo. Filo knelt down and spoke to Filo in the Iscariot language. Or at least Hezekiah thought it was Iscariot. It could be Continental? What was the difference between the two after all? Why was there a difference? The Falmartians all spoke one language, didn't they? Why was this different?

"What's her name, Filo?" Hezekiah asked her.

"Yuri. She was a slave for the Empire, the Reformation wants her to be a figure-head to convince the Queen into supporting abolition for good."

"Damn, slavery here too huh? You couldn't pay me to be a damn slave," Flint muttered, "I-I mean if I was getting paid then I guess that'd be a job, but… you know what I mean."

"Flint sometimes you say some really dumb things. But that's gotta take the cake," Q remarked, playfully punching the guy in the shoulder.

"Who's the other VIP?" Hezekiah asked.

"A young boy by the name of Gabe, another Imperial slave," Filo answered, "We'll take the two of them, and go to Astchester. There, I'll link you with a close friend of mine. Cathy, the leader of the Reformation in the Empire."

"Then what are we waiting for? Lafayette and Brian, load up The Buffalo and get her ready, we'll pick up Gabe and bring the two over," Hezekiah ordered of the two.