When Viktor returned to his squad, he found them sitting next to their BTR with multiple empty ration packs around them. Typical Russian IRPs or individual ration packs supplied food for three meals. It was not normal to eat the entire pack in one sitting, let alone more than three entire IRPs. Viktor watched as Giselle finished with one IRP and immediately opened another pack.
She didn't even spend the time to use the portable heater, she just tore open the packaging and dug in with her fingers. Viktor couldn't help but chuckle at the behavior. He knew that Russian food was good, but these weren't exactly five-star meals.
"How many of those has she had?" He questioned Demian.
"That's her fifth one with no sign of slowing down."
Giselle looked up from her meal at Viktor. Her face had a little guilt on it as she noticed him look at all the packaging she'd gone through. She opened her mouth, still stuffed with food, to explain herself.
Viktor stopped her before she could speak. "It fine. We get more."
Giselle nodded slowly and continued to eat. Viktor wondered how many rubles he'd have to bribe the quartermaster with in order to get enough extra rations to feed Giselle's appetite. It wouldn't be cheap.
As Viktor had found out, the way to Giselle's heart was food. She'd seemingly forgotten all about her limbs being blown off the day before. He supposed that she was easy to please and even easier to gain forgiveness from. That or she was waiting to take revenge, Viktor didn't know which.
He could see Luka studying her with a notepad in hand. In a world of magic and monsters, Giselle was had bewildered the medic. When they were healing Giselle after the fight, Luka had insisted that simply sticking her limbs together like Giselle told them to wouldn't work. He was promptly proven wrong.
Since then, he watched her like a hawk, writing down all strange activity. Viktor didn't know if he'd been ordered to by someone else or if it was just to sate his medical curiosity. Either way, Giselle clearly didn't care.
"We've got a new mission." He addressed the squad. "Command is sending us through a city called Rondel, where we'll peacefully pass through, then move onto a place called Italica."
"Another recon mission, sergeant?" Demian asked.
"They want us to figure out the politics in Italica, so we're probably going to have to talk with the locals. In addition, we have a side task of discovering mineral deposits. We'll have to ask around in Rondel I suppose." He explained to them.
Alina chirped up. "Where's Italica?"
Viktor unfolded a map from his pocket. "From what this thing says, it's fairly far south. We'll stop at Rondel for a night and rest up before continuing on." He looked around at the squad, noticing not everyone was present. "Eh, where's Caelia and Igor?"
Sergei jerked his thumb towards the BTR. "Inside playing Durak, she's getting good at it."
Sighing, Viktor walked over to the vehicle and opened the side hatch. Crouched on the floor, Igor was holding an impressive amount of cards in his hand, a clear sign he was losing, while Caelia on the other hand was down to three cards.
"I hope you're not betting on that." Viktor grinned at Igor.
"There'll be a holiday in my street too." The large man muttered out an old Russian proverb.
"Whatever you say." Viktor turned to Caelia. "I need you for a second, you can beat Igor later." She understood and put down the cards, following Viktor out of the BTR.
Caelia's Russian had been advancing very far, probably due to necessity. She was receiving constant tutoring from the squad and Viktor made a point to try and only speak to her in Russian when possible. Apparently she already knew several different languages, learning new tongues probably came easy to her.
"What do you know of the city of Italica?"
She considered the question for a few seconds before replying. "It is rule by child countess, Myui maybe. I not know for sure. Rule by Clan Formal. Italica is surrounded by farmland, best in Empire. It also big trade path, make big market."
Viktor nodded as she spoke. He understood her Russian to a fair degree, though there was definitely improvement needed. So... Italica's ruled by a child then, that might make negotiating access through it easier.
"Thank you, this'll be useful when we make it there." Viktor suddenly grinned. "Oh, and please tell Giselle to use a spoon while eating, it's kind of gross watching her shovel it in with her fingers."
Caelia translated Viktor's message to Giselle. The blue woman stopped eating at glared at Viktor. One of her wings immediately hit him in the back, sending him into the ground. Viktor ended up face first in the mud. Probably deserved that.
"God damn Japs!"
President Dirrel, leader of the United States, was angry. When Japan had entered into their Special Region, they declared it a part of Japan which allowed them to mobilize forces into it. Doing so should have allowed American troops into the region, as per the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.
So far no Americans had entered the gate. At first, it was a strategic reason, America was fighting several wars in the Middle East and adding another war across the world onto that would be difficult to sell. There was also the matter of wishing to allow Japanese forces to make the initial mistakes before putting American troops at risk. Ideally, Japanese forces would meet significant resistance or other complications and request American support, giving Dirrel a good justification for sending troops.
That hadn't happened yet.
Instead, Japanese forces had nothing but victory after victory. With absolutely zero casualties so far, Japan was no where close to requesting American help. When Dirrel had asked Prime Minister Motoi for permission to send American troops into the Special Region, he'd been denied.
Dirrel had, of course, brought up the treaty. But Motoi claimed that since the Special Region wasn't a security threat to Japan nor was it in the Far East as the treaty specified, American forces were not justified to be stationed in the area. It was all bullshit of course, but imposing sanctions or taking other diplomatic actions to force Japan into submitting would not be popular with people. Dirrel couldn't risk it with the next elections coming up soon.
Instead, they had to reach an agreement. It was decided that American special forces and military advisors would be sent to assist Japanese SDF units. Additional supplies would be provided to Japan to help them continue their campaign and in exchange research gained from the region would be shared with America. Corporations would be allowed in to mine the region, but they'd have to compete with Japanese companies as well.
In the end, it wasn't what Dirrel had hoped for, but America needed to play it safe for now. Nationalistic sentiment was rising in Japan and there was even talk of trying to repeal Article VI of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. As long as they stayed low in this, they might be able to reap the rewards of the Special Region without causing a diplomatic incident with Japan.
One additional passenger in a BTR made for a tight fit, but two additional passengers made it impossible to breath. Giselle, with her wings and massive scythe, simply didn't fit inside the vehicle. Fortunately, the BTR-82A was designed so that soldiers could ride on top of it.
Viktor opened the top hatch of the armored vehicle to check on her. Giselle didn't spend all of her time sitting on top of the BTR, she instead flew through the air using her dragon-like wings. It was a fascinating sight for Viktor.
He quickly climbed back into the BTR before she could notice him staring.
"It's only a matter of time before we find the Japanese." Sergei was discussing with Tomas.
"I hear their officers carry swords into battle like the samurais." Demian pitched in.
Tomas sighed. "They did that in the Great Patriotic War, not now. Japanese officers are just like our officers."
"And here I was hoping to take home a samurai sword." Sergei joked.
Viktor settled down in his seat and looked back towards his squad. Caelia was listening to everything being said intently.
"What is Japanese?" She asked them in Russian.
Igor answered her. "Well, they're another nation from beyond the gate."
"They entered Falmart on a place called Alnus Hill." Tomas spoke up.
"The Green People?" Caelia questioned.
Igor shrugged. "That's your name for them, I guess."
The talk about finding the Japanese worried Viktor. Major General Rozovsky had warned them about Japanese interference with their mission, he'd made it very clear that they should avoid contact. Viktor wasn't sure they'd be able to avoid contact with JSDF forces should they run into each other, the BTR would obviously stand out and there was a good chance they'd be spotted.
Even if the squad removed Russian markings and wore their masks, that was only good enough to have plausible deniability for the government, anyone with half a brain would know they were Russian forces. Interaction with the JSDF would be unavoidable, he hoped his superiors knew that.
"I don't suppose any of you know Japanese?" Viktor only knew how to say hello, hopefully his squadmates knew more.
Silence fell over the BTR as people shook their heads' no. Viktor sighed, maybe the Japanese would know the Saderan language and they could communicate through that. It was better than nothing.
Demian sheepishly spoke up. "Well, ehh… I studied Japanese a little."
"Why'd you do that?" Alina asked. "They don't even offer that in most schools."
"I err…." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I like Japanese uhhh… art."
Viktor tilted his head at him. "Japanese art?"
"Well specifically-."
Kilment cut him short. "What Demian means to say is that he's a massive weeb."
The other squad members burst out in laughter. Demian's face went red. He muttered something about going to talk with Giselle before climbing out the top hatch.
"So that's why he never lets us near his computer…." Alina thought out loud.
Viktor grinned. As funny as it was that Demian was an anime fan, it was actually quite useful. Hopefully Demian could actually communicate in Japanese, should they ever need it.
Legatus Tullus never heard what happened after he gave up Pellio's name.
In the days that passed, Tullus was moved to a nicer cell. Instead of cold stone walls, he sat in a wooden room with advanced plumbing and plenty of windows. Books on the Russians were left in his room, translated for him, which allowed him to learn more about his captors. Most astonishingly was something they called a computer, a device that played magical projections of scenes and allowed him to connect to the "Internet."
The Russians were far more advanced than the Empire could ever be. Tullus had taken it upon himself to learn the Russian language, in order to better communicate and hopefully engage in future negotiations. Cheslav had been more than willing to provide the necessary tools for him to do so.
Now Tullus just wondered what they intended to do with him. While he was nobility, his family wasn't very wealthy and relied mostly on his position as a legatus to get by. That ruled out ransom. Emperor Molt probably didn't value his command enough to do a prisoner exchange. That left slavery but, as far as he knew, the Russians didn't practice that.
There was simply no reason to be keeping him alive.
Tullus sighed as he ate his breakfast. His room was comfortable, but they didn't let him out for anything. The only human interaction he had was from the guard outside who gave him his daily meals. He missed his family, yet Cheslav said he couldn't bring them here.
The door to his room suddenly opened.
Cheslav walked in, followed by a man in a fine green uniform and a peaked cap. Tullus analyzed the new man with scrutiny. "Legatus Tullus, this is Major General Rozovsky, the commander of Russian forces here." Cheslav introduced the man.
Tullus was familiar with Russian greetings. He held out his hand to shake Rozovsky's hand and was met by a firm grip. "It's an honor to meet you, Legatus."
Tullus understood a little of what he'd said, something about being good to meet. "It good meet too."
"He's here to make you an offer." Cheslav said while smiling.
Rozovsky started speaking, it was too fast for Tullus to comprehend.
"Russian forces have recently captured Bellnahgo." Cheslav translated. "Currently it is being directly controlled by Russian authority, we'd like to adjust that."
Tullus nodded slowly.
"If stability is to be ensured, we need a capable Saderan leader to take charge. We'd like to ask you if you'll take the position."
Tullus hesitated, working for the enemy was treason. By doing this, he'd become a traitor to Sadera and would be executed should he ever try to return to his home. Then again, the Empire was a sinking ship. There was no possible way they'd be able to defeat the Russians, maybe doing this would allow him to save what remained of the Empire.
He cleared his throat. "I agree."
Rondel was a beautiful sight. Compared to Bellnahgo, the city was far cleaner and much more aesthetically pleasing. Even before the bombardment, Bellnahgo couldn't hold a candle to the magnificence that was Rondel. Viktor was glad they wouldn't be bombing this city.
"It's a city built with magic, but the mages who created it were terrible city planners, don't expect to arrive anywhere without getting lost first." Caelia rattled off in Saderan.
Viktor sighed. "We'll keep that in mind when we go through." He responded in Russian.
The BTR continued down its path, passing by several shocked travelers. Opening up the top hatch, Viktor looked for Giselle. She was standing on the BTR's roof, unaffected by the constant bumps and jerks, with her scythe held out proudly. Looking to Viktor she spoke, "Like what you see?"
"It a beautiful city." He said with his improving knowledge of Saderan.
"I was referring to myself." She grinned as Viktor became uncomfortable.
He cleared his throat and moved on, "When we enter city, we find place to stay. Know good place?"
"There are a few inns that provide cheaper prices for apostles such as myself, we should head to one of those."
Viktor nodded. "Good. We have lot of money, but cheaper is best."
Below him, an argument had broken out over if Vodka was truly the best drink. Viktor didn't wish to get involved in something like that so he climbed onto the roof. It was getting stuffy inside the BTR anyway.
"You serve goddess Hardy, yes?" He decided to learn more about Giselle.
She nodded in confirmation.
"Is Hardy fine with you serve us?" Viktor didn't expect a real answer from this question.
Giselle looked Viktor in the eyes. "Hardy supports the belief that the strongest should rule and the weak fail. You are currently the strong here, so I support you."
"You fight with because goddess told you to, not because we blew you to pieces?"
"I saw your power when you took Bellnahgo, my fight with you was just an upclose test. You are strong, but I was going easy." Her smile had turned into a glare.
"Sure, you were going easy when Kilment's RPG knocked your ass to the ground…." Viktor muttered in Russian. Clearly she was just making excuses, his squad had beaten her fair and square.
"You did, however, surpass my expectations greatly. Hardy told me about your strength, that is why I serve." Giselle's speech had stopped its usual playful tone.
Viktor shook his head in disbelief. Going easy on us, sure…. He remembered the fear she had once Viktor placed his boot on her chest. That couldn't have been fake. Right?
Deciding it was best to change the subject, Viktor asked her another question. "You clearly not human, what species are you?"
"I'm Draconian, the dragon folk." She lost her serious tone.
"Dragon folk. They like real dragon?"
"We're mostly unrelated, but I've always had a certain affinity for regular dragons." She revealed.
"Ahh…." Viktor didn't really understand what that meant. Does she keep dragons as pets?
The magic city grew closer and Viktor knew they'd arrive at the gates soon enough. He couldn't stay on top of the BTR, he was needed in the commander's seat. He started climbing down into the BTR, much to either Giselle's disappointment or relief. Viktor couldn't really tell.
Reviews:
kasrkinsquadtrooper: *Sigh* -_-
No organization is perfect, especially us humanity. While I honestly don't play Muv-luv, I know the series was inspired by Attack on Titan's author, specifically the 'Muv-luv Alternative'.
The only thing that came close was the Attack on Titan and would've been the greatest manga in terms of storytelling and gray area before the last chapter blown it up.
Maroon567: I don't remember about a conservative party trying to horde the Special Region for themselves. In one chapter, I remember the US President told the Japanese Prime Minister if China is planning to send troops at Novinka, the latter would justify sending more US troops to Ginza. The Prime Minister was considering it as Japanese people hate China more than the US. At least, in this story anyway.
Hmm… it's reasonable. But I do recall Russia and China were holding a large-scale military drills together on August 10, 2021, mostly due to the US troops leaving Afghanistan prior to its fall, so maybe it would work here in this story.
Isn't that too much for Giselle?
Captain Kvoterblad: Posterity232 did mention it on Victoria's Gate in Chapter 20. But regardless, this fanfiction inspired me to write my own Gate story, along with two other fanfictions, despite the flaws. Even I did try to correct them, it would take too much time. So you'll just have to accept this one for now.
Papon777: Yeah. The deletion of the story took me by surprise. I didn't know about it until I searched repeatably on the internet.
I wouldn't say they are best friends. They are more like a business partners than allies, even in real life. In Gate series, the reason China want to access the Gate is due to overpopulation and need for resources.
Thank you for the encouragement! :)
I know. You already PM me about that, didn't you?