And here we are again. Another chapter and this time, we're gonna start the Falmart natives adventure in Other Worlders homeworld. In any case, as you know that this is universe were space travel is common, there are gonna be a lot for them to be amazed by. But first, let's take a look and Bozes' situation…
To the topic.
Chapter 9
,,Princess' decision"
July 10, 2150
09:46
Clan Formal mansion
"What were you thinking?!"Pina exclaimed, throwing the cup.
It's been around half an hour, since Recon Team Three returned to Italica with their 'prisoners'. Seeing Resistance soldiers and installations already being set up to protect the city, Rose Knights could only feel fear, that Other Worlders occupied Italica. How big was their surprise, when they learned, that Other Worlders were here by the order of countess herself.
Pina, seeing this cordon entering the city, was clearly terrified by what happened. Ester explained everything and it only made princess more concerned and furious at her Knights. This is why she asked Bozes and Panache to come with her. And this led to current situation.
Cup hit stunned Bozes in the head and soon, red stream started slowly flowing down her face.
"Idiots!"Pina added.
Bozes fell on her knees. Panache quickly knelt next to her and started sweeping the blood from her face.
"Your Highness, we just tried to capture one of enemy commanders!"Panache said."It's not our fault we got caught instead! And we thought that they occupied Italica!"
"But by attacking soldiers of Resistance, you actually violated the treaty!"princess replied.
"Treaty?"Bozes asked, shaking back from her initial shock.
Pina looked at her with eyes which made noble shrink right where stood. Rose Knights leader just sighed and started explaining.
"During battle, Other Worlders came to our aid and stopped bandit army."she said."This is why we signed a treaty, letting them to freely travel through Clan Formal lands and stating an armisitce. Countess also let them defend Italica."
Two Knights looked at each other. Pina just covered her face in her hands.
"We violated the treaty just few hours after signing it…"princess said.
"This can actually give them excuse to start the war again."Grey, also present there, said."Standard imperial tactic, which they can use against us."
"We'll be doomed if this happen."Pina stated.
"Fortunately, nobody was harmed."elder Knight noticed."Maybe we'll just say we're sorry?"
Pina looked at him with widened eyes.
"You want me to kneel before them?"
"You prefer to fight?"
On this statement, Pina had nothing to say. She just stood up and started walking towards the door.
"Where are you going?"Grey asked.
"I need to talk with them."Pina replied.
She opened the door and walked out.
At the same time…
Outside of Clan Formal mansion, members of the Third Recon were looking at the Knights that came with them to Italica. As soldiers could notice, most of them were girls. There were several men, but not as many as you could expect in a knights order. Also, surprisingly, after Bozes, Panache and Pina left, the atmosphere became less tense and soldiers actually started interacting with the Knights.
"So, what is that thing?"one of Knights asked Yuko.
Japanese smiled and and with proud showed her Remington sniper riffle.
"This is Remington R-88, high power, material piercing sniper riffle. It would penetrate this shining armor of yours with ease."she explained with joking tone.
Knight nodded.
"Then I guess it's good I didn't felt this powerful weapon of yours."she said.
Next, the two laughed.
It was at this moment, that Pina exited the mansion. She was actually surprised, seeing Knights talking with Resistance soldiers. But she quickly shook her head and decided to just get this over with.
"Knights!"she exclaimed.
Knights looked at her and immediately stood in straight line. Princess then approached soldiers.
"I'm really sorry for my subordinates."she said."Hope I can compensate this situation with something."
Ester just waved her hand
"It's nothing really. We talked with your Knights a little and well. They're pretty cool dudes."she said."Hope you made everything clear with these two. If yes, then we would be off. We still need to take care of few things."
Hearing this, princess could feel something turning in her stomach. If they go to their base and tell everything to their commanders…This could enrage them so much, that they will order the new Italica garrison to start true occupation of the city, not only manning the walls. And then, nothing will stop them.
She shook her head.
"No! You can't go!"she said.
Both soldiers and Knights looked at her with mix of surprise and confusion. Soldiers, because they weren't expecting something like that. Knights, because they never seen their leader so desperate.
"But we can't stay. Our commanders really want us to tell them everything…"Ester said, but was again cut off by Pina:
"B-But I'm sure you are tired! You didn't slept whole night! You need to have some rest, before you go! You can even stay for night!"
Ester was unsure what to do in this situation, as princess was actually pulling her by her uniform's collar. She looked at the rest of the team.
"Well. What will you say?"she asked.
"Actually, she's right. We could use some rest, after night long guard at the Southern Gate."Lena said.
"Yeah, I could use some sleep."Jor said.
Others quickly supported the Nashini and Lena. Ester nodded and turned back to princess. She nodded.
"If you insist so much, then okay. We just need to report to our superiors, that we're not gonna be back till tomorrow."she said.
Pina sighed. She actually managed to convince them to stay for a while longer.
"Thank you."she said.
"Now, can you please let me go?"
Princess then noticed, that she holds Ester's uniform. She quickly let the girl go.
"Well. We'll be proud to have you as your guests for tonight."Rose Knights leader said."Let's go inside then."
And with these words, Resistance soldiers followed princess into the mansion, where they spent the whole day.
20:03
Clan Formal mansion guest room
That night, Resistance soldiers were sitting in the guest room, waiting for the meal Pina promised them. Since that conversation with princess, she was doing her best to make them feel as comfortable as possible. Ester, as well as the others knew, that this have something in common with the situation with Rose Knights, but so far, they didn't cared much.
"I could get used to live as a noble."Dora said.
Ester looked at her with smile.
"And where did your liking to military beds go?"she asked.
"It's still there. But this is better anyway."Dora stated.
White Squadron leader just threw up her eyes. She simply enjoyed the super comfortable sofa she was sitting on. Others made themselves comfortable too.
Soon, the door to the room opened and group of Clan Formal maids entered with trays with food and drinks. But what surprised Resistance soldiers the most, was that some maids actually had animal ears and one had snakes instead of hair. It was strange especially for aliens, as in their pop culture, something like that was almost not present, only in minor cases.
"Well, Humans with animal ears. I know we seen something like this in Terhis, but it's still is strange."Kelf stated.
One of maids, with cat ears and tail looked at him.
"Is something wrong?"she asked.
"No, no."Ester replied."They just still aren't used to see Humans with animal parts as others in this world are."
"It might be understandable."head maid Kaine said, entering the room."Princess Pina told us to prepare the night meal for you."
Then, she and other maids bowed.
"We're really thankful for saving our city."head maid said.
"Nah, we're used to do this."Liz said.
"Saviors of Italica shouldn't be treated like the Knights treated you."Kaine continued."If you want to, you can destroy the city in retaliation. But please, save countess Myui."
Soldiers looked at each other.
"Don't worry."Fatima said."We're not gonna do anything like this."
"We thank you more then."Kaine said.
Maids then started to give food and drinks to everyone. But looking at Suvi, one could guess, that she was more interested in maids than food. Of course, in her specific way.
"I would like to ta…"Suvi started, but Yuko covered her mouth.
"Don't you think about it, Suv."she warned.
"Why you always stop me?"Suvi asked.
"Because knowing how perverted you are, we prefer to just stop you."Lena replied."We know what you want to say."
Suvi just rolled her eyes and returned to looking at maids, thinking her thoughts, which nobody would like to know.
"By the way, who are they?"Lon asked.
Kaine looked at him.
"Well, I guess you haven't met them yet."she said."Mamina is a Warrior Bunny. Persia is from Cat People. Aurea is a Medusa. And Mome is simple Human."
Nashini nodded.
"At least I will now know, how to call them."he said.
"And why there are Demi-human maids? I thought Empire prefers to take them as slaves."Liz noticed."Sorry."she added, looking at maids.
"We don't feel offended."Persia provided.
Kaine, in the meanwhile, replied at Liz's question:
"Former count was really indulgent, so he put many effort in hiring non-humans. It was mainly because of his preferences."
"I think we would find a common language."Suvi said with smile.
Others just looked up. Here again was Suvi, their favorite pervert.
"At least she's good at fighting."Dora stated.
"Agreed."Ester said.
She then noticed Aurea leaning over her. Additionally, her snake hair started reachign towards her.
"Miss Ester, you even smell a bit like previous count!"she said.
"Don't look in her eyes!"Dora warned.
"Hope she won't turn Ester into stone?"Fatima asked.
Kaine shook her head.
"No. Aurea is different kind."she said.
"Oh. That's okay."Ester said.
"But she can use her hair to suck out life energy from anyone."Kaine added."She was trained, but please be careful."
Mome then hit Aurea in the back of her head.
"Please, behave."she said.
"Okay…"Medusa replied.
Soon, the whole conversation started to change into something resembling more familiarization party, as soldiers started to introduce themselves.
"I'm second lieutenant Suvi Felinainen and I'm really looking forward to knowing you better. Mrr…"Suvi said, making the maids chuckle.
Resistance soldiers just face palmed.
"Suv. Don't make us shame, please?"Ester asked.
Meanwhile…
In the throne room, Pina was having another meeting with Bozes and Panache. Princess looked at her fellow Knights in silence, making them even more nervous. They were actually scared of what she could say.
"Bozes, Panache."Pina finally spoke."You attacked the Resistance after we guaranteed safety for them. This, of course violated the newly signed treaty."
"How could we know that…"Bozes tried to say, but was stopped by Pina raising her hand.
"They were powerful enough to kill the Flame Dragon."princess continued."If they use it to declare war again, I don't have to tell you what will happen."
The two just lowered their heads.
"No."Bozes said.
"We all need to pretend nothing happened."Pina stated."You will use your body for that. You have to comfort miss Ester, as from what I know, she was the one you decided to silence with your fist."
Hearing this, Bozes widened her eyes. She just couldn't believe in what Pina was saying. She had to give herself to this…Other Worlder girl? If there was any other humiliation greater than this, Bozes couldn't think of any at the time. Yet, she had no other option.
"O-Of course, your Highness."she said."But if I can notice, both me and her are women. Then I'm not sure…"
"Don't worry."Pina said."I asked several Resistance soldiers in the city about her. And from what I heard, she's kind of girl, which is more attracted to people of the same gender as her."
Bozes just lowered her head again.
"As a daughter of a noble house, I went through the appropriate training."she said."I will give my body for the sake of your Highness and the Empire!"
Pina simply nodded.
Back in the guest room, conversation between maids and soldiers actually went off track and everyone simply were trying to know each other better. Maids especially were interested in members of White Squadron.
"You amazingly fought those bandits, miss Hiedel."Mamina said to Dora."I think I fell in love!"
"That's nothing."Dora said, smiling slightly, but still trying to keep her usual stone face.
Lelei grabbed one of snakes making Aurea's hair.
"How do they shed skin?"the young mage asked.
"Secret."Aurea replied.
"What is this material?"Mome asked Tuka."Is this elven work?"
"No, it's something produced on the other side of the Gate."Tuka replied."I don't know how, but it's flexible and pretty nice in touch."
At the same time, Kaine sat down next to Rory. It didn't needed to be a detective to know, that head maid is fascinated with this meeting.
"It's great pleasure!"Kaine said, as Rory moved away a little."Emloy is merciful indeed!"
Resistance soldiers which weren't talking with the maids were looking at head maid with strange looks.
"Why do I feel something's off?"Lena asked.
"Seems like she is a believer."Jackie stated.
"Wait. Isn't Emloy a god of war and death?"Wexer asked.
When he said that, their looks changed from strange to more worried ones.
"I think everyone is getting along pretty well."Ester stated, looking at happy expression on Suvi's face. Thought she should be concerned about this.
"Yeah, I start to think that Princess Cocktail actually made good decision letting us stay."Dora agreed."We don't need to go back soon."
"You know what? Let's call this night a cultural exchange."Ester proposed.
"Sounds good to me."Jor said.
However, as this enjoyable conversation was taking place, outside of the guest room, Bozes stood in pretty suggestive attire. For a brief moment, she thought about even backing off from this, just to keep her honor.
"We all need to pretend nothing happened."Pina's words sounded in her head."You will use your body for that."
It was at this moment, that Bozes decided to swallow her pride and do what is needed to ensure the safety of the Empire. She swept away tears that had started to form in her eyes and decided it was time to go to work and have this over with.
She slowly put her hands on the door's handle and opened it.
"Everybody say 'cheese'."Fatima said.
Bozes looked at this. Both maids and soldiers were gathered at one of sofas in the room and smiled. Fatima then pressed a button on her helmet and made the photo, which was then transferred to the hand terminal.
"And this is photo."Fatima said to Persia.
"Ooh."the cat maid said.
Jackie reached to her pocket and took her phone from there.
"You can also use this to make them. Even easier, that using your helmet."Jackie explained.
"Fascinating…"Mome said.
Then, everybody returned to talking and laughing, not paying attention to the noble standing in the door.
"I tell ya, we then had to clear the toilets by a whole month."Ester said to Aurea and Mamina, making the two laugh.
"Is she ignoring me?"Bozes thought."I'm the second daughter of house Palesti…How dare she? Does she even realize, what did I gone through to come here?"
She then started making her way towards Ester. It was at this moment, that everyone noticed her presence in the room.
"Who invited her?"Ester asked.
"And who told her to wear this sexy outfit?"Suvi wondered.
But before anyone could answer first or second question, Bozes stood in front of Ester and without saying anything, slapped her in face with open hand. Few seconds later, situation from Tessalia Trade Route repeated itself, as Dora was kneeling on Bozes' back and pointing her riffle at her head.
Few minutes later…
After calming Dora down and barely convincing her to not scalp Bozes with her bear hands, maids and soldiers led Bozes to the throne room, to which Pina was called. Princess now looked at both Ester and Bozes standing in front of her, as maids and soldiers decided to stand a little in the back. Ester still had red print of a hand on her left cheek.
"So."Pina started."Is there any explanation for this?"
Bozes twitched a little before she walked one step forward.
"I did this, princess."she said.
Pina then whined , covered her face with hands and simply fell on her chair. This for sure had to be enough. Her every plan to stop Other Worlders from telling their leaders about the accident failed and now, they would have to face their full power. Again, images of the Battle of Italica flashed in her head.
"What should we do now?"Pina screeched.
"If you excuse us"Ester said"we would like to go back to our base, however. I think you can take care of that by yourselves."
Hearing this, Pina just shot up from her chair.
"NO!"she exclaimed."Maybe you will just get some sleep and think through it! You will tell me your decision tomorrow, during breakfast!"
"Nice from your side, but Ester was called to the UNSA Headquarters in Geneva."Lena said.
"Ester is supposed to report in front of their Senate."Lelei translated."Because of that, she has to be back as fast a possible."
Hearing this, Pina looked at Ester with fear showing in her eyes. This wasn't good at all. Situation was literally slipping out of her hands!
"If she report all of this to their Senate…"she thought."Her one word could bring all of Resistance on us!"
She then stated, that there is just on and only solution.
"Wait!"she exclaimed, bringing Resistance attention."In that case…I shall come with you!"
This statement made all of Resistance soldiers wide eyed. Well, except of Wexer, as his eyes would literally fly out of his head, if he tried to wide them.
"I want to apologize to your superiors for the violation of the treaty!"Pina continued."Is it possible, major Ester?"
Ester scratched back of her head.
"Well…We can arrange that…"she said, but Pina didn't let her end.
"Great! Then we will move out tomorrow!"she said."Bozes, you will take care of the Knights during my absence."
But Bozes just shook her head.
"No! It's all my fault, so I will go with you!"she stated.
Don't knowing what to say, Ester just looked at the two nobles staring at her. This situation turned out to be a really unexpected one.
"Well. Two new guests is always something interesting."she thought.
She then orientated, that two new guests at the base would mean something for her: more paperwork. Only thing she done, was a loud whine, which surprised Pina, Bozes and maids alike.
The next day…
As the sun again risen over Italica, it was time for Recon Team Three to leave the city and go back to Fort Terhis, this time with special guests in tow. But everything was telling, that the guests are more worried about what will happen, than Ester worried about the paperwork.
Currently, they were standing in front of Land Rover, dressed in their official attire. Bozes was more concerned about this.
"Your Highness…"she whispered.
"I know."Pina replied.
The two then stepped into the Land Rover and took place between Lelei and Rory. Suvi, on the other hand, had another thing to do, before getting in.
"I'll be back soon enough, Persia!"she said, waving to the maids.
"I'll be waiting."Persia replied.
Suvi, with satisfied smile on her face, entered Land Rover, closing the back door. She sat next to Tuka. Dora and Yuko weren't present, as they went to Catcher, to make place for Pina and Bozes.
"Seems like Princess Cocktail is serious about this."Ester stated.
"Okay."Liz said to the radio."Colonel Richards says, that we can bring the two. We have to take care of them."
"I know, paperwork. Just tell her, when she can expect us."Ester said, seeing the number of papers on her desk.
Soon, three vehicles forming the recon team started their engines and left the mansion's courtyard. On their way, they noticed citizens waving to them and saying something they couldn't hear. Vehicles just made their way to the city's gate and left. All of this, as Bozes was amazed by these horseless carriages and Pina was thinking about what will happen, once they reach the Alnus Hill.
Ride to the hill itself was pretty quiet, as nothing was happening and nobody had nothing to say. Soldiers in Land Rover sometimes looked at Pina and Bozes. Especially Suvi, still remembering seeing Bozes in that outfit back in the city.
"If you would like to wear that outfit again"she once said"you can call for me?"
Bozes looked at the girl, feeling her face turning red.
"What is wrong with her?"she thought.
Her thoughts were cut short, when she looked in front of the vehicle. A familiar sight started appearing.
"Your Highness!"she said."It's Alnus!"
"What? So fast?"Pina asked.
Right then, one of Nashini dropships flew over their heads. Pina watched it flying away in awe. But more awed she was, when the convoy was passing a provisory shooting range set up by soldiers outside the base. There, she saw Chakdrik, Nashini and Human soldiers firing at the sticks with Imperial Army helmets and armor placed on them. With ease, bullets and lasers shattered them.
"These staffs…"Pina said."Are all Resistance soldiers mages?"
"No. It's not magic."Lelei replied."It's weapon called pistol or riffle."
"It's a weapon?!"stunned Bozes asked.
"It's simple. They unleash an explosion magic in a small cylinder, which pushes a piece of metal out."young mage explained."But there also is different kind of weapon, known as 'laser' or simply 'energy weapon'."
"Laser? Energy weapon?"Pina asked.
"Yes. In this case, they use accumulated energy as their projectiles. Such lasers are capable of easily burning through the armor."Lelei said.
Pina and Bozes swallowed.
"And they give these weapons to all of their soldiers?"princess wondered.
"Yes. It's standard in their world and all major armies use them. It's the source of their power."
Princess then remembered the reports from the Battle of Alnus Hill. Reports, saying about fire literally falling on soldiers from top of the hill. Something, what couldn't be stopped even by the shields.
"They fight completely different than we."Pina thought.
"This is why Imperial Army and Allied Kingdoms were defeated."Lelei finished.
Knights just looked at her with empty eyes. However, they were ripped out of this state by a rumbling sound on the outside. The two quickly made their way to the windows and saw a group of Chakdrik L3 Malikr tanks performing live rounds exercise alongside Human M5R Schwarzkopf tanks. Both tank groups opened fire, decimating a group wrecks of more tanks, which served as targets.
Another sound came to their ears and when Pina and Bozes looked in it's direction, they widened their eyes, seeing two C-22 walkers firing their chainguns at wrecks of APCs. Bullets pierced straight through them, literally hitting the ground behind. Additionally, they fired their shoulder-mounted missiles, ripping the wrecks apart.
"Iron dragons…Iron elephants…Iron ogres…"Pina said."These really are from another world!"
"These actually are called 'dropships', 'tanks' and 'walkers'. Dropships are created to support and transport soldiers, while tanks serve to break through enemy line. Walkers, on the other hand, support infantry during the offensive, providing long-range support."Lelei explained.
Pina and Bozes just watched in awe as these beasts of steel move with incredible speed.
"Why is army like this attacking us?"Pina thought.
"Empire actually stepped on griffon's tail."Lelei stated.
Bozes looked at her.
"How can you say something like this, when Sadera is in danger?"she asked.
"I come from a nomad tribe. I have nothing to do with the Empire."young mage replied with no emotions in voice.
Princess sighed.
"You can conquer the country with force. But you won't win the hearts of it's citizens."
Vehicles then reached the gate to the Fort Terhis. Pina and Bozes watched as this blue gate simply disappears, like it was never there, and Third Recon Team drove in. They turned towards the administrative building, where everyone disembarked from the vehicles.
Pina immediately approached Ester.
"Major Ester! Can we talk?"she asked.
"Eh, sorry…but I have something to do now. Something I hate, but it's needed to be done."Ester replied, before she walked away."Dora will show you the way!"
Pina just stood there, watching Ester walking away.
"Your Highness…"Bozes said.
"I lost my only chance to talk to her…"Pina said.
"Okay, ladies. Follow me."Dora said to them.
Knights looked at each other and simply followed Dora into the administration building. To meet with enemy commanders. As they reached the room, Dora opened the door and led them in. Before she left, she said:
"I will inform admiral and colonels about your arrival. Wait there."
The two just nodded and sat down. They started looking around the room. First thing they noticed, was animated logo of Task Force 03 on the screen. Pina and Bozes didn't knew what it was, because they didn't spoke English, and they thought it was the coat of arms of Resistance.
Few minutes later, the door opened and a group of people and aliens entered. Pina, somehow, recognized the alien commanders, as the ones she talked with after Battle of Italica. Although they looked almost the same as other aliens she already saw. She also was surprised, that except of Jessica, there are two more women in command of the Other Worlders. Why there were so many women in their army?
The group stood in front of them, so princess and Bozes stood up too. Admiral's secretary, which came with Resistance commanders, eyed both groups.
"Before we begin"secretary said"I would like to introduce. Admiral Amanda Chesterfield, commander of Task Force 03. Captain Alvar Eriksson, her right-hand man and second commander of TF03. Colonel Jessica Richards, commander-in-chief of TF03 Marines regiment. Colonel Uki'Oparla, commander of Nashini Marines in task force. Colonel Gefid Magar, commander of Shakayan Marines in the task force. And colonel Oksana Narchenko, commander of task force air forces."
"It's pleasure."Pina said."All commanders of Other Worlders' army…So close…No! It's peaceful mission! Behave as you should!"
The woman named Amanda nodded to the secretary.
"Thank you, Susilo. You can go."she said.
"Of course, admiral."the Indonesian said and walked away.
Admiral then looked at the Imperial guests in front of her.
"Please, take a sit."she said and both sides sat down."So, what brings the Imperial princess herself to our base?"
Pina looked at Bozes, which lowered her head. She took a deep breath and again looked at Resistance commanders in front of her.
"My men tried to attack your soldiers on their way back from Italica. So I shall apologize for their behavior."Pina replied.
The elder man named with can named Alvar Eriksson nodded and stroked his beard.
"I read major Barkhorn's report. But from what I know, our operatives took care of the situation pretty well."he said.
Pina nodded.
"Yes. I'm really sorry about what happened."
"You served as mediator between us and the Empire."Jessica pointed out."If the treaty isn't in your favor, we always can rewrite it."
"No, that's not it!"Princess exclaimed."Current conditions are acceptable.
"Although, from what I saw, Ester didn't went out of it without scratch. Guess she left that red trace on her face?"Oksana asked, pointing at Bozes.
Noble simply tried to look in another direction.
"Can we know, if she provoked her somehow?"Uki'Oparla asked.
At this moment, both Pina and Bozes started shaking. This wasn't looking good from their perspective. Slowly but shortly, the situation would slip out of their hands and if that would happen, then…
"Ox, Oparla. Enough."Magar stated."They're terrified."
"Sure."both Oksana and Uki'Oparla replied.
Chesterfield again looked at the two Imperials in front of her.
"Anyway."she said."We actually can pretend no accident like this happened."
"Really?"surprised Pina and Bozes asked.
"Yes. And now, we have a proposition of you."Eriksson said.
"Proposition?"princess asked, confused.
"Just listen."Jessica said.
And then, the Resistance commanders told their proposition.
16:38
Refugee Area
As the sun started to settle to a sunset, Ester called Lelei, Rory and Tuka to talk with her in the Refugee Area courtyard. Once they all gathered and sat down at the table, Ester started explained what is the reason of this meeting. After she said what she had to say, the three looked at her with surprise.
"They want us to go on the other side?"Tuka asked.
"Yeah, as the representative of this world."Ester replied."We're moving out tomorrow. We're gonna stay for two days, so you'll be back before you know it."
"You're going too?"Rory asked.
"Yeah. Lelei would have to translate, though."
Young mage nodded.
"I can do this."she said.
Tuka, on her hand, lowered her head and started thinking. They were going on the other side. To see how that world looks like and talk with their leaders.
"What would father say?"she thought.
"Are you alright?"Ester asked.
Elf shook herself and nodded.
"Of course. And I would be happy to go."she said.
"We all would be happy to go."Rory stated.
Ester nodded and stood up.
"Great. So, as I said, we're going in the morning. So I want you to be ready around eight in the morning. Now, sorry, but I need to go."
"Why?"Tuka asked.
Girl smiled and looked at the three in front of her.
"To do something I hate the most. Sign and fill some papers."she explained and turned around.
Lelei, Rory and Tuka just watched her walking away, before they all returned to their temporary rooms.
That night…
Ester was sitting behind her desk and writing what she had to write in the documents for the quartermaster. Ammo transfer from Angier Prime, cleaning the Catcher from mud, taking care of more organizational work and signing the papers needed tomorrow to cross the Gate. Finally, she fell on the desk.
"I hate these papers…"she said."Why Ox can't take care of this? I know she has job to do but still…It's so boring…"
She looked at the terminal laying next to her. She grabbed the device and activated it, to watch what was happening on Angier Prime when they were gone by this time. Maybe she'll also grab some news from Earth?
As she pressed the screen, a logo of local news station appeared, saying Angier System News Network. Thanks to the antenna placed in base, they could receive the news from the other side of Gate.
Immediately, face of smiled African woman presenter appeared on the screen.
"Good morning or goodnight, citizens of Angier System, according to the planet or moon you're on."the presenter said."We'll start today's news with information from the frontlines. Not too long ago, Holy Order fleet entered Katmandu System, in order to take it over and take control over local shipyards, to stop Hindu Alliance capability of ship production there. However, joint efforts of UNSA and Indian Navy stopped the attack, destroying the fleet and liberating the shipyards."
Ester smiled. Hindu Alliance consisted of India, Nepal and Bhutan, although it was India, who was the main fighter. Nepal and Bhutan also had space fleets and armies, but their equipment comes mainly from Indian production. But still, Hindu Alliance was one of the biggest powers on Earth and as always, showed it as best a sit could.
There were also other news, but not as important as this one, so Ester didn't payed attention. Finally, it reached the weather news. And as girl listened she sighed.
"Well. Seems like there is winter on Angier Prime."Ester said, putting the terminal down."I shouldn't be surprised. From what I know, first snows on the planets often fall when there is summer on Earth…"
Suddenly, she heard someone knocking to the door. She turned around and asked:
"Who is it?"
Door opened and Lelei entered room. She stood in front of Ester, which smiled, seeing the young mage.
"Oh, it's you."Ester said.
"So tired…"Lelei replied and fell to her knees.
Immediately, Ester rushed towards her. She knelt next to the young mage, with worried expression on her face.
"Ester."Lelei said."Can you bring me to my room?"
"Well…It's already late and…."Ester tried to reply.
But before she ended her sentence, Lelei was already snoring. White Squadron leader sighed and tried to find solution for this situation. But after few seconds of thinking, there was only one option that seemed the best. She grabbed Lelei and put her on the bed, taking her cape off and her staff away. She then covered her with quilt and knelt next to the bed.
"What am I even doing?"she asked herself."If Suvi would see me now, she would have subject for her lewd jokes for months. But well. I can't risk somebody would see me at night with Lelei, or the situation would turn by 180 degree and rumors would spread."
Ester sighed.
"Well. Better eat something and finally go to sleep. It's gonna be long day…"she stated.
But she just couldn't find strength to move. Soon, she simply lowered her head and closed her eyes. Room was then filled with more snoring.
Meanwhile, in the other part of the base, Pina was looking through the window on the moon, thinking about her earlier talk with Resistance commanders. It went pretty well. Not like commanders of two opposing sides met, but more like allied nations. Still, she couldn't be fully sure about all of what was said there.
"Your Highness."Bozes asked, sitting on her bed."You think, that they will actually use this accident to declare war?"
Pina shook her head.
"No. If they were going to do it, they wouldn't let me to come here and treat us so good."she replied.
"So…"
"I don't know."
Princess sighed and looked at the moon again.
"Our cultures differ so much and Resistance itself seems to be really diverse."she said."I don't even know, what are they fighting for. And to know that…"
"…we have to accept their proposal."Bozes ended.
Rose Knights leader nodded. Proposition of Resistance leaders was pretty encouraging. And actually, you couldn't say no to it.
Pina didn't had to think twice to know, what she will say on it tomorrow.
The next day…
July 11, 2150
06:51
Fort Terhis, Gate entrance
Ester, Dora, Yuko and Suvi were standing next to the dome covering the gate. Instead of their standard combat uniforms, they were dressed in their official UNSA Navy suits, in form of white jackets and skirts, finished with black trims on the collar and sleeve ends.
"Why do we even taking Yuko and Suvi?"Dora asked.
"Well, they had overdue vacation, so I proposed them to go with us."Ester replied.
"I can't wait to see the familiar sights again!"Yuko said.
"Yeah, me too! Maybe I'll go to Mars, to see how my family is doing?"Suvi wondered.
Dora just sighed.
"I think we need to just withstand them."she said.
Right then, Lelei, Rory and Tuka joined them. Tuka, instead of standard T-Shirt, now wore a wool sweater. But what mostly concerned the Fighter Infantry soldiers, was the axe in Rory's hands.
"Are you sure you have to take this?"Yuko asked Rory.
Apostle looked at the axe and threw up her arms.
"I can't leave the holy relic."she stated.
"So, may I ask you to bear it with something?"Suvi asked.
"Why do I even need to wear something like this?"Tuka asked.
"I heard, that there is a different weather on the other side."Lelei replied.
In that moment, they heard a sound of car engine. When they looked in it's direction, they saw a black limo approaching and standing next to them. The door opened and Oksana stepped out of it.
"Oh, Ox. What are you doing here?"Ester asked.
"I just came here to say goodbye."Oksana replied."And I also brought something extra for you."
She then came up to the car's back door and opened it. Then, much to everyone's surprise and shock, Pina and Bozes stepped out of the car. They stood next to Oksana, with soldiers looking at them.
"We gave a proposal to these two."Oksana said."To go with you to meet with our representatives and talk about the current situation between Resistance and Sadera."
Ester approached her.
"I wasn't informed about this."she said.
"Because everything was settled just few minutes ago."Oksana explained and gave Ester a piece of paper."This is from admiral Chesterfield. She says, that you have to take good care of them. Princess is intermediary between us and Empire. We should show them our Galaxy, right?"
"Guess you're right."Ester said."Okay then."
"Well. Wish you good luck."Oksana said and walked away.
As she did this, the door in the dome started to open, revealing the Gate behind them. Everyone looked at the darkness inside, preparing to cross it and enter back on Angier Prime. Where it all began.
"The world Resistance came from…"Tuka whispered.
"I can't wait."Rory said.
"We're not going there for fun."Lelei pointed out.
"I know."the Apostle replied.
Pina and Bozes looked at the Gate with mixed feelings. It was the same Gate, through which the Imperial legions marched to their defeat. And now, they were going on the other side too.
"Princess…"Bozes said.
"I know."Pina replied."Behind this Gate, lays the Resistance. We can't back out now."
Bozes nodded.
Ester then stood in front of the assembled group and looked at everyone.
"Okay, people. It's time to make our way across."she said.
Next, she turned and Dora, Yuko and Suvi followed her. Behind them were walking Falmart natives, ready to go on their biggest journey yet.
A journey to another world.
XXX
Here is the end of another chapter. In the next one, Falmart natives will get their first look on the Resistance controlled planet. You can just imagine, how much will they be surprised, when they learn, that Angier Prime isn't Human homeworld!
But now, trivia:
L3 Malikr-Chakdrik main battle tank, designed by Havrona Motors Industries. Tank itself isn't a big deal in the galactic military industry, but still it's in top ten of best tanks in the Galaxy. It's armed with 122mm laser cannon and three 12,7mm laser machine guns. The most characteristic feature of this machine, is that it can be literally dropped from the orbit, as it's armor was designed so to withstand the heat when entering the atmosphere. It was also equipped with thrusters, which can slow it down, once it enters the atmosphere. Thanks to this feature, tank can immediately go to battle.
M5R Schwarzkopf-United States main battle tank, named after general Norman Schwarzkopf Jr and produced by General Dynamics. Serving in United Nations Space Alliance, United States Marine Corp and United States Army, this tank many times showed it's prowess in battle. However, it have one major weakness: it's exposed fuel tank, as in case of Eastern tank designs. Many times General Dynamics tried to eliminate this weakness, but didn't managed to. Nonetheless, M5R still stands as one of most powerful Human tanks.
Okay, with trivia out of the way, I can say see you in the next chapter!