Hey, everybody. Back with another chapter.

Let's get to it.

Also, real quick, for reviewers who keep asking me to add anime characters, stop. This is not that kind of story. And also, the JSDF will not be involved in this, as by Japanese law, they wouldn't be allowed to at this point unless Morgoth attacked Japan itself.

Chapter 9- The Commander

(March 1, 2018)

President Trump smiles a bit as he walks up to the podium. Standing on one side is Jim Mattis, the Secretary of Defense. On his other side is General Robert Abrams. Until recently, Abrams had been the commander of United States Army Forces Command. However, today is a special day in which Abrams will officially take his new command.

Trump waits for the reporters to finish snapping their original photos before he says, "Welcome. Today, is a very important day. Just yesterday, per the order of Congress and with the approval of my administration, the United States Arda Command was officially formed to command all American forces deployed to Arda. Only hours later, the Senate confirmed the appointment of its first commander."

Trump now turns to look at General Abrams and announces, "It is my distinct pleasure to now introduce the first commander of United States Arda Command: General Robert B Abrams."

There is applause from the assembled reporters and other guests as General Abrams steps forward. Trump waits for the applause to stop before he says, "Now, that is not our only announcement today. Today we will do something that has not been done in almost 70 years. In honor of his command and the responsibilities General Abrams will take on as commander of all American and Allied forces in the war against Morgoth, I am pleased to announce today that, after receiving a confirming vote in the Senate, General Abrams is to receive his fifth star and be promoted to the exclusive rank of General of the Army, an honor bestowed on only five other men since the rank was created."

Again there is a round of applause. Trump first turns to Abrams and removes his four-star rank insignia. He then turns to Mattis, who is holding the new five-star rank insignia. Trump takes the insignia from Mattis and turns back to Abrams. With a smile on his face, Trump places the new five-star insignias on Abrams' shoulders and secures them in place. He then steps back and shakes his hand as he looks around at the reporters and says, "It is my pleasure to introduce General of the Army Robert B Abrams."

Everyone assembled cheers as Trump steps back and gestures for Abrams to take the podium. Abrams smiles slightly as he takes the podium.

"I first wish to express my gratitude to Congress, President Trump, and the Chiefs of Staff for choosing me for this command, and to bestow this honor on me of holding a five-star rank," Abrams says. He pauses, then says, "I will not spend too much talking, as I have a new command to attend to. However, I wish to express my promises to the American people to live up to the faith being bestowed upon me, and a promise that I will do my utmost to see Morgoth defeated and the millions who have died in our world and in Arda because of him avenged, and to live up to the legacy of the men who have been named General of the Army before me."

Everyone there begins to applaud, and Abrams smiles confidently, looking forward to travelling to his new command center in Valinor.

(Langley Air Force Base)

Out on the flightline of Langley Air Force Base, General Herbert Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, is watching the sky with a pair of binoculars. He's expecting in several squadrons of aircraft to arrive at the base any moment now.

"Spotted them yet, General?" one of his aides asks.

"Not yet," Carlisle says. However, only a second later, he spots something in the distance. After a second, he smiles as he recognizes the distinct shape of a Eurofighter Typhoon.

"There they are," Carlisle says as he lowers his binoculars.

Today is the day that fighter squadrons from other nations were to begin arriving at Langley to begin training with the Americans and preparing for combat in Arda. The squadrons due to arrive today are the RAF's No.6 Squadron (Eurofighter) and No. 9 Squadron (Tornado GR4), the Royal Canadian Air Force's 3 Wing (CF-18), and the French Air Force's Escadron de Chasse 2/30 (Rafale).

The squadrons are to be staying at Langley for about a month, then move on to Hill Air Force Base in Utah where they will continue training and preparing for combat before deploying to Arda in September.

General Carlisle watches as the first Typhoon comes in for its landing, touching down on one of the runways. Within a matter of minutes, dozens of Typhoons, Tornados, Hornets, and Rafles are taxiing across the taxiways and are being guided into parking spots on the flightline by ground crews.

Carlisle makes his way over to the first Typhoon that landed as the pilot, Wing Commander Cooper, climbs out of the cockpit.

"Commander Cooper. Welcome to Langley," Carlisle greets the British pilot.

Cooper salutes Carlisle, then extends his hand and shakes Carlisle's offered hand. "A pleasure to be here, General. Looking forward to working with your boys," he says.

Carlisle just smiles in return, knowing the British and their other friends are in for a wild time here in America.

(March 2, 2018)

General Abrams stops for a moment as he steps through the portal into Valmar, looking around at the city where he will be working for the foreseeable future. Behind him are a small group of men, including newly promoted General Laura Richardson, Abrams' deputy commander at FORSCOM who he had selected to follow him to Arda as his deputy commander of USARCOM.

Right then, Prince Ingil approaches them. "Welcome to Valmar, General Abrams. It is our honor to have you here," he says, bowing his head in respect.

"Pleasure to meet you, Prince Ingil," Abrams says, extending his hand, which Ingil takes.

"If you and your staff will follow me, General, I will show you to your headquarters," Ingil says.

"Thank you," Abrams says. Ingil responds with a nod before turning and walking away down the street, Abrams and his staff following close behind. As the group makes its way through the streets of Valmar, they notice many Vanyar stopping to stare. Although American forces have been in Valinor for months now, the Vanyar recognize from his entourage and the decorations and insignia on his uniform that he must be the commander. Some Vanyar even bow to Abrams and his entourage, while others, knowing this is a custom among the US military, give a salute.

Finally, they reach a large building that stands above many of the others, and clearly an American built building thanks to the architecture. This building, known simply as USARCOM Headquarters, had been built after clearance was received from the Vanyar and King Ingwe. While not a very large building considered its purpose, it is larger than all of the surrounding Vanyar buildings. It is meant to be the main headquarters of USARCOM, and will be where the entire war effort will be commanded from.

Two Army guards are stationed in front of the door on either side. As Abrams and his group approach, they snap to attention and salute. Abrams salutes back before he and the others enter their new headquarters.

Looking around, Abrams can see both Americans and Elves finishing setting up equipment. Construction of the building had only just finished, and the last few things that need to go into the building are just being brought in.

Abrams looks around at his staff after a few moments and says, "Alright, people. Let's get to work."

And, I'll end there. I know that was short, but it was mainly meant to show just some important milestones in the preparation for war.

For those who don't know, General Abrams is a real person. At this time in the real world, he was commander of United States Army Forces Command. In late 2018, he took command of United States Forces Korea, which he held until his retirement just earlier this year.

Also, yes, General of the Army is a real rank, and is pretty much exclusively a wartime rank. It was held by four men during WWII, including Marshall, Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Arnold, with Omar Bradley receiving the rank in 1950 when he became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. It has not been bestowed on any person since Bradley, although it almost has been several times. I think given the size of the overall forces he will be commanding and the scale of the war, I figured receiving a five-star rank promotion would be appropriate for Abrams.

Next chapter should be up soon. Until it is, please leave a review, and stay tuned!