And once again, here we are in The Will of Resistance. Our heroes made it out of Geneva and are now in hiding in Ester's home under protection of ICTA. Holy Order didn't done a best job when it comes to capturing them. But now, it is time to come back.
So, without further ado.
Chapter 13
,,Return"
July 12, 2150
05:01
Area five kilometers from Dortmund
"Hm. Guess we could do it better."Sanjrani said, looking at the burning warehouse.
Just after he left the Falmartese, he got a call from his coworkers from the agency. He was informed, that group of Holy Order agents set up a base in an abandoned warehouse in the forest five kilometers from Dortmund. It was also observed, that several weapons were carried to the warehouse, while both Humans and aliens were clearly performing patrols around the area.
This is why Sanjrani and his superiors prepared a plan to take care of them. An hour earlier, team of androids entered the building in an attempt to pacify the agents. However, instead of quiet job, a firefight ensued when one of androids stepped on dog's tail, making him bark and wake everyone up. During the firefight, one of androids hit the barrel filled with explosive substance and chain reaction set the whole building on fire.
Now, ICTA agents were watching the burning with a bit uneasy expressions.
"Truth be told, you are right."another agent said.
"I knew sending androids was a bad idea."third agent said."You think they say something about these bodies in there?"
"Remember, that Germany as always took numerous refugees from Chakdrik, Nashini and Shakayan spaces. They'll probably think, that this was simple work accident."Sanjrani said."And androids at least made it out."
The three then looked at burned androids, which stood next to them, with their armor burned and in some cases, almost melted. Cybernetic team already arrived and started taking the machines with them.
"Anyway, now that we know, that Holies know, I think we have to take care of our guests from beyond the Gate. No Holy Order agents were found in Ike's crew, so the ship can safely get out of Solar System."Sanjrani continued."But it doesn't mean, that there aren't anymore such hideouts. I will take care of the report and make sure nobody suspect us of burning this place down."
Other agents just nodded and got into the SUV and driven away.
Meanwhile…
Unknown location
Admiral Kotch was kneeling in front of a giant hologram. Hologram itself showed a man in middle of his 70s and was dressed in white robe. His face was decorated with giant scar that ran from his forehead to his neck. Some were saying, that this scar was the result of him fighting UNSA during their last attack on Mars in 2100. Others, that he got it during fight with wild animal. But whatever was the case, everyone could say, that it only made him look more powerful.
"I'm sorry, Supreme Leader."Kotch said.
Supreme Leader Broke, leader of entire Holy Order, looked at his most trusted man and narrowed his eyes.
"You failed me."Broke said in his emotionless voice."You told me, that your agents will easily kidnap the people from beyond this Gate."
"I know, my lord. But it turned out, that some of them were good fighters and managed to break through to spaceport, where…"
He then stopped, as suddenly, a hand groped his neck and started squeezing, until he finally could breath. Next, he started to slowly lift up above the ground, trying desperately to stop the choking.
"By all these years, you was saying, that you will never fail me."Supreme Leader stated."Your agents were supposed to be the most elite of our spies. Yet they couldn't kidnap the people from other world. And from what I heard, one of them was simple little girl."
Kotch tried to reply, but the invisible hand squeezed his throat more.
"Sometimes I wonder, why do even keep you alive."Broke said."But then I remember, that you are son of greatest SetDef admiral and you inherited his abilities. I don't know if anyone else could better command our fleets. So I have to keep you alive. That's enough."
Invisible hand then disappeared and Kotch fell on the ground, still shaken by what just happened. He looked back at the person who did this to him.
It was a female, dressed in black attire, with black cape and mask on her face. She looked at Kotch for few seconds and then back at Supreme Leader.
"Great, my apprentice."Broke said."Now, I want you to keep Kotch in place. And make sure, he never fails me again."
"Of course, Master."the female said.
Admiral just looked at her with hatred. How he hated this bitch! She always was showing, that she was better that him. And only because she could choke people and pick up items with her mind. Such tricks weren't things that were needed to be good Holy Order servant.
"Anyway, I ended with you, admiral. Now go."And with this, the giant hologram vanished.
Kotch stood up and both he and the woman dressed in black looked at each other. Without saying any word, they just walked out of the room.
08:53
Earth, Ester and Penny's house
Everyone in the house were already awake and after eating the breakfast prepared by Clara, after which both she and Daniel left for work, they were now sitting in the living room watching morning news in World News Network, an UNSA run news channel. Right now, they were watching the report of aftermath of Geneva.
"In the battle"the male presenter said"General Secretary Roman Volgradov was killed during conference in UNSA Headquarters in the city. His body was retrieved and sent to his home city of Gomel in Belarus, where his funeral will take place in next week. Leaders of Belarus, Russia, Poland, USA, France, United Kingdom, Germany and Brazil already confirmed, that they will take part in the funeral, as well as to express condolences to General Secretary's wife and three children. Also, the Security Council of United Nations ordered a worldwide mourning. From other news…"
"Why aren't they talking about those civilians that were killed in battle?"Pina asked.
"Simple propaganda."Ester replied."If the general public won't hear about the dead, they won't lose their morale."
She then took the TV control and turned the TV off.
"Well, I guess it's enough of news for today. We just need to wait for word from Sanjrani that we can come back and we'll be off."Ester said.
"And I think we will have a lot to tell once we come back."Tuka said.
"Faster than light travel, giant warships and Holy Order attack."Lelei summed."Yes, we will have a lot to tell."
Meanwhile, Bozes looked at Pina, which since they woke up was looking around the house, like she was looking for something.
"Your Highness, is everything alright?"Bozes asked."You seem unnerved."
Pina looked at her and shook her head.
"Of course I'm alright."Pina replied.
Of course, she couldn't say about her midnight meeting with the ghost of Daniel's father in the kitchen. Besides, ghost itself told her to not tell them. But she right now orientated, that this ghost said it in Saderan.
But from all people, Rory seemed like she knew about it. Pina didn't had enough courage to look at the Demigoddess, to not trigger anything. Rory could just smile in amusement, feeling the problem troubling the princess.
"Is something wrong, Suv?"Yuko asked, seeing Suvi twisting her neck so bones were heard.
"You know, I slept in shed."Suvi replied."I feel like all my bones were about to break."
"Then you shouldn't be such a pervert."Dora replied."If not this, we wouldn't have to do it."
Lelei then looked around.
"And if I can know"she said"where is Penny?"
"When I left her room, she was still sleeping."Rory replied.
"This is Penny. She always liked to sleep longer than the others."Ester replied."And because of Geneva, she actually deserves it now."
Suddenly, the house's door opened and no one other, than Sanjrani burst into the building and walks into the living room.
"You're gonna get out of here as fast as possible."agent immediately said.
Everyone looked at him with surprise and confusion. Especially the Falmartese.
"Why?"Ester asked.
"We discovered Holy Order hideout five kilometers away from the city. We took care of it, but there is a possibility, that there are more."Sanjrani replied."So we I got orders to quickly and safely evacuate you from the planet."
"But what about my parents?"Ester asked.
"Easy, we will leave the security for them in case Holies will try something. And I will leave them message about everything. Now, pack your things, you're going back on Ike."ICTA agent ordered them.
Falmartese and White Squadron members quickly left the living room and started running around the house, looking for their belongings. Soon, they got everything and Sanjrani led them out of the building, after recording the message for Ester's parents and Penny. Outside, they saw another dropship waiting.
"Get aboard, folks."Sanjrani said.
"We're gonna have to experience this shaking and flames again?"Pina asked and Sanjrani nodded.
Pina had nothing else left to say than:
"Shit."
Next, they boarded the ship and were attached to their seats with harnesses. But, as they noticed, Sanjrani wasn't getting it.
"You're not going in?"Ester asked.
"No, I have several more things to do."agent replied."So, see you sometime in the future."
And with these words, the dropship's back door started to close, until they disconnected Sanjrani and them. Machine then started taking off and pointed it's front towards the sky, once it reached the good altitude.
"Atmospheric flight in 10. 9. 8…"pilot said.
"Here we go again."Dora said.
"…3. 2. 1. Flight initiated."pilot ended.
Once more, the overload pushed them all into their seats and almost kicked the air out of their lungs. They made it through again and soon, the shape of RNS Dwight D. Eisenhower was visible in the distance, covering stars behind it.
"No matter ho many times I look at this, it's still impressive."Pina said.
"This is the beauty of spaceships."Yuko stated.
Dropship made it's way to the warship and slowly touched down in it's hangar. There, they could detach their harnesses and were able to get out of the machine. Outside, they were immediately met by a crew member, which saluted to them. Ester, Dora, Yuko and Suvi saluted back.
"First officer Sammer wants you to come to the bridge."the crew member said.
"For what reason?"Ester asked.
"To tell you about our next moves."crew member replied.
Ester nodded and showed everyone to follow her. Falmartese and White Squadron again made their way to the elevator and were moved to the Command Deck. There, they entered the bridge and saw crew already preparing for hyperspace jump to leave Earth and move to another location.
"Good that you're all okay."Sammer said."I heard about what happened in Geneva."
"I guess everyone heard."Dora replied.
"Anyway, what are our next moves?"Ester asked.
Egon approached the holographic table and turned it on. Soon, the holographic map of the Local Sector and zoomed on the Solar System.
"Sanjrani informed me, that Holies might be after you. This is why we will have to go around Mars."he replied.
"Mars?"Suvi asked."Will we stop there for longer time?"
Pina leaned towards Yuko.
"Why is she always so enthusiastic when it comes to Mars?"princess asked.
"It's true that she was born on Earth, but when she was four, her father was appointed an official representative of UNSA on Mars. She spent majority of her life in Martian capital city."Yuko replied.
Sammer shook his head.
"Sorry, but no."he said."There, we will meet with our newly assigned escort: Space Warfare Carrier MRN Alicization and Guided Missile Destroyer MRN Hijack."
"Oh. Okay."Suvi replied.
"But why do we need escort?"Dora asked.
"Because if Holies couldn't catch you on the ground, who said they won't try and capture you in space? They once attacked Angier System, so actions far behind enemy lines aren't too hard for them."
"Jump accuracy: 100%. When do we have to jump?"the navigator asked Sammer.
First officer turned to the navigator and replied:
"Right now."
"On it."navigator replied.
She turned to her console and started pressing the buttons. Soon, ship was flying through the hyperspace tunnel towards Mars.
"But if you want, you can get on the surface."Egon said.
Ester and rest of her group looked at him.
"Really?"Ester asked.
"Yeah. From what we know, Alicization and Hijack are currently going through rearmament and won't be ready in time. They will need around two, two and a half hour to load up ammo and rearm."Sammer explained.
"Yay!"Suvi exclaimed.
At the same moment, Ike jumped out of hyperspace in Mars' orbit. Falmartese looked through the bridge's main window and could see the giant red ball under them. It wasn't as impressive as Earth with it's blue oceans and green continents, but hundreds of lights that could be seen on the unlit side of the planet still were impressive. In the distance, they could see a space station similar to the Uranus Station. However, unlike Uranus, the station had more arms and had number of ships attached to it.
"What is it?"Bozes asked.
"It's Martian orbital shipyard."Ester explained."It was destroyed during UNSA-SDF War in 2100, but was rebuilt afterward. It's main Martian ship producing facility."
"This place probably has a lot of work."Lelei asked.
"It's actually the only orbital shipyard Mars possesses. Sure it have a lot to do."Suvi said.
Few moments later, Dwight D. Eisenhower started the docking process, as it approached the orbital shipyard and started extending it's docking collar as it connected to the station. Next, two docking buckles appeared from station's side and attached to the ship's hull. Crew checked several things and showed thumbs up to Sammer.
"Okay. We're docked."he said."You can now leave the ship and go down on the planet."
"Okay, call us, when Alicization and Hijack end their operations."Ester said.
"You can count on that."first officer said.
And with these words, the group made their way out of the bridge and went to the elevator. It took them to the Deck 5. Falmartese were a bit surprised, that they aren't going to the hangar.
"Why are we here? I thought we'll take the dropship."Pina said.
"Dropships and other ships aren't the only things able to take you to the surface. We also have space elevators."Ester replied.
"Space elevators?"Tuka asked.
"Such elevator extends all the way into space. This station is connected to one."Yuko said.
Group then made their way to the docking collar and walked through it, leaving the Heavy Cruiser and entered the orbital shipyard. Immediately they could see a number of personnel dressed in redder clothes, walking from one corridor to other. As they walked, they were giving strange looks to the group.
Ester then led them through the corridors leading to the main section of the orbital shipyard. It was where all the main control rooms and hangars were. And where the space elevator connected to the shipyard.
"At least, such elevator can give you some good views."Suvi said.
"And where it is?"Bozes asked.
"Here."Dora said, as they stood in front of the automatic door.
The door slid open and group made it inside of the elevator. Next, the door closed and elevator soon started going down towards the Martian surface.
As this was happening, Falmartese could look through the glassed parts of the elevator's shaft. They could see numerous stars visible in the distance. It was still hard to believe, that all these stars, all these star systems, were inhabited by larger or smaller number of Humans or other races. And that somewhere in this vastness of space, war which made millions die was going on like nothing happened.
Around twenty minutes later, space elevator managed to enter the atmosphere of Mars, going under the clouds. Next, everyone could take a look at Martian capital city, where space elevator was located.
"Here it I, capital of Mars."Suvi said."Landres Nova."
Landres Nova, being over one hundred years old, was already a big city, almost surpassing Tokyo and New York in size. It was first built as a small research facility, only to grow into what it is now: the biggest off-Earth Human city in Human Space. It was mainly constructed of enormous skyscrapers and several other smaller buildings.
"It's…impressive. Even more than Geneva."Pina admitted.
"Biggest Human city off-Earth."Ester said."Martians really put themselves in expanding it and the other Martian settlements."
Princess then noticed a building higher than any other in the city.
"And what is that building?"she asked.
"It's Nova Tower, the highest building on the planet. This is where several bigger Martian companies have their headquarters."Suvi explained.
Space elevator then came to it's stop, as it reached it's basis in the city. The door opened and the group left the machine.
"Well, welcome to Mars. Second power of the Solar System."Suvi said.
"I can see why is it called like that."Pina said.
"So, Suvi. As you grew up here on Mars, maybe you will show us around?"Ester proposed.
In response, wide smile appeared on Suvi's face. Normally, it only appeared, when she had a chance to pull someone to bed. But today, it showed something else. It showed more like…excitation?
"Sure thing!"Suvi exclaimed."Please, follow me, your precious and only licensed Martian tour guide. And don't get lost. I don't care about looking for you."she added with a villainous smile.
Everyone didn't knew if she was serious or not. But it was better, if they were not find out.
"Okay. Off we go!"Suvi stated.
And thus, their Martian site seeing started.
First place on Suvi's list was the city's Main Square. Fortunately, it was placed roughly over ten minutes away from the space elevator. There, they saw a monument presenting a Martian soldier going into battle in full battle gear.
"Who is it?"Bozes asked, as she sat on one of benches in the Square.
"It's corporal Mathias Galder, soldier of Martian Marine Corps. He got his fame from his heroic defense of the city during Holy Order terrorist attack ten years ago. He managed to defend the Square with group of his fellow Marines. He was finally overrun, but he gave enough time to let the military evacuate the civilians. He also known as the man with biggest number of kills in the MMC."
"And how many enemies did he killed?"Rory asked.
Suvi put her finger to her shin and started thinking.
"I think that around…I don't know…Seven hundred or so?"she finally said.
This made the Falmartese wide eye. Especially Pina and Bozes, hearing that one soldier was able to kill so many enemies. Their biggest hero managed to kill just over one hundred, before succumbing to his wounds.
"Se…Seven hundred…enemies…?"Bozes asked.
"And he did it all in one battle?"Pina asked.
Suvi, however, shook her head.
"Nope. He killed so many in the first ten years of war."she replied."It's so big achievement, because normal Martian soldier kill count often ends at two hundred, before he retires or dies."
"So this one soldier surely deserved this monument."Pina thought, looking at the Martian Marine monument.
"Okay, that's all here."Suvi announced."Follow me to our next objective."
Group stood up and followed her. Soon, they left the Main Square and sank deepr into the city.
One and half an hour later…
It's been over an hour since the start of their site seeing in Landres Nova. By this time, Suvi managed to, surprisingly, show them almost all of them main city sites. From the Mathias Galder Monument, they went to the Martian history museum, where Falmartese learned, that Mars once looked like Earth and was even the place were civilization of native Martians flourished, but after a natural catastrophe they had to spread across the Galaxy and even now, you can meet some Native Martians. Next, they continued to numerous smaller places, like monuments, smaller museums and even the nature garden.
But, as Suvi said, she hid the best at the end.
Now, the group was standing in front of Martian-built Heavy Cruiser, which was simply laying on the planet's surface. It had a side entrance cut in it's hull, so people could get inside.
"Wow…"Falmartese said, seeing the Heavy Cruiser towering over them.
"What is this ship?"Lelei asked.
"This is Museum of MRN Klausburg, one of the most renowned Martian warships."Suvi replied."It was constructed after UNSA-SDF War and after Second Tertan War, it was given as museum."
They made their way to the main ticket shed and bought the tickets. Next, they gave the tickets to the usher and entered the ship. It took them some time, but they managed to visit decks from 8 to 4 and finally, they made their way towards the bridge. Once there, they looked at the red desert extending beyond the city.
"Why do I have a feeling that…this ship have a different layout?"Pina asked.
"Because it has."Dora said."Martian ships have different layout than Earth, Laconian or Attican. But from all Human armed forces, Martian ships are the best prepared for all out war."
"And what are Laconia and Attica?"Lelei asked.
"Two of four Human nations in the Galaxy."Ester replied.
Hearing this, everyone turned their attention to her.
"So UNSA isn't the only Human nation in the Galaxy?"Rory asked.
"No. There are four: UNSA, Federal Principality of Minenia, Laconian Republic and Kingdom of Attica."Ester replied."But of course, they all are now occupied. And you actually met someone from Minenia already."
"Really?"Tuka asked."Who?"
"Jackie. This other ginger haired in my team."Ester replied.
Everyone then remembered, that except of Dora, there was a second girl with ginger hair in Third Recon Team.
"Oh. I think I remember."Pina stated.
Everyone then started checking the bridge. Except Rory, which started feeling something strange.
As an Apostle of God of War, Rory could feel, that someone was truly battle hardened. And for some strange reason, she was feeling the same about the ship. Like this ship wanted to tell her something…
Before she knew it, bridge was filled with number of crew members, as well as captain, which stood at the holo-table. As she noticed, she saw, that instead of Martian surface, ship was now in space and was orbiting a yellow-colored planet. Around, Rory could see several other ships with both UNSA and Martian markings.
"Captain!"the radar operator suddenly exclaimed."Detecting enemy fleet exiting hyperspace!"
Right as he said that, number of space distortions appeared in the distance and around thirty warships with black armor and red markings jumped out of hyperspace. You didn't had to be maths genius to know, that this force outnumbers Human fleet.
"Damn it!"captain exclaimed."Everyone, man your battle stations!"
"Sir, numerous fighters and bombers are being launched from Tertan ship!"the same radar operator exclaimed.
"Launching our fighters!"flight operator said.
Soon, Martian and UNSA fighters left the hangars and in the distance, Rory could see ball of fire erupting in space, as fighters and ships started firing at each other. Suddenly, the bridge was shaken and when everyone looked left, where before was Assault Destroyer, they could see a bunch of remains and fireball.
"Sir, Assault Destroyer UNSA Manila just been destroyed!"radar operator said.
"I can see that!"captain replied."Get me in contact with…!"
"Sir, enemy is targeting us! Numerous missiles inbound!"weapons officer shouted.
Soon, swarm of missiles started approaching the ship, at the same time being fired at by ship's point defense guns. But finally, whole machine was shaken by the number of explosions.
"Rory? Rory, Mars to you."Ester said, snapping her fingers next to Rory's ear.
Demigoddess shook her head and looked at her.
"We're going already. Are you alright?"Ester asked.
"Yes…"Rory replied."But an you tell me, what kind of fighting this ship has seen?"
Ester put her finger to her chin and started thinking.
"Well…From what I know, it saw the most brutal battles of Second Tertan War in years 2110 to 2113, especially during Battle of Navania V, where it took last stand against over thirty Tertan vessels, loosing sixty percent of the crew. This gave it the name 'Crewless Demon', as Tertans started calling it."she replied."By the way, why do you asked?"
Rory just looked around and threw up her arms.
"From none particular reason. Now, let's go if we have to."she said and simply left the bridge, leaving slightly confused Ester.
Rest of their time on Mars was spent on visiting the local gastronomic premises. Falmartese were especially attracted to pizza, which they immediately loved once they tasted it. Next were ice cream, noodles and several others.
But finally, the time came to come back on the ship. Egon called Ester and told her, that Martian ships ordered to escort them were already prepared and could go at every moment. The group made it's way to the space elevator to orbital shipyard. Next, they made their way to Dwight D. Eisenhower and after detaching from the shipyard, three ships set the course on Alpha Centauri System and then, back to Angiers.
10:56
Angier Prime orbit
Ike, Alicization and Hijack jumped out of hyperspace in the planet's orbit. Falmartese and White Squadron members were one last time called on the bridge by Egon.
"Well, seems like we part our ways here."Sammer stated, once they entered the bridge."It was honor to transport you with our ship."
"And I'm honored that I could meet you."Pina said, as Lelei translated.
"So I can only wish, that we meet again."first officer said.
Right then, Martian ships turned around and after being surrounded by blue lightnings, they jumped out of the system.
"Well, seems like they decided to come back to Sol after escorting us."Egon said."Anyway. Wish that we meet again."
As he said that, he saluted. White Squadron members, and even Falmartese, returned the salute and went to the hangar, where the dropship was already waiting for them. Group made it's way inside and once again, dropship took them back towards the planet's surface.
Machine made it's way to the spaceport, where it landed at the same spot when they left the city and once again, they put their feet in Terhis City.
"Well, here we are, where it all begun."Ester said.
"And I knew we will meet again."familiar voice said.
Everyone looked in voice's direction, only to see Amir and two of his other EGIA agents. He made his way towards them and shook Ester's hand.
"I heard about what happened in Geneva."Amir said."Hope our guests weren't hurt in the ensuing battle?"
"Nope."Ester replied."Truth be told, they actually showed, that they can put on a good fight. You don't even know, how many this one killed."she added quieter, pointing at Rory.
Amir looked at the Demigoddess, which simply put on her favorite smile on her face, playing innocent.
"I can only guess."he said."Anyway, cars are waiting outside. We will take you back to the Main Plaza."
"Okay. Let's go then."White Squadron leader said.
Now, led by the EGIA agents, the group made their way through the spaceport and outside, to the cars awaiting them. Again, it was bus, two Aksha 4x4 and two EGIA cars. Knowing the drill, White Squadron and Falmartese boarded the bus. Not long after, all engines started and vehicles started making their way back to the Main Plaza.
Immediately, they noticed, that something changed. As they looked around, they could see, that there was less people than before. Cars were standing on the payments and on their way, they could see several military vehicles guarding the roads.
"What's going on here?"Bozes asked.
"Actually, I dunno."Ester replied."Terhis is often buzzing with activity, as most of the colonial cities. But yes, this is unusual."
"You don't think they are preparing for…invasion, for example?"Dora asked.
Ester shook her head.
"It can't be that. Holies managed to attack Angier System only because they broke through in small groups. If they tried to send bigger invasion fleet, they would be already picked by our radar stations in frontline systems."she replied.
Dora nodded, agreeing with her long time friend.
Small convoy continued it's way back to Main Plaza, but without the crowds on the streets, the mood in the bus actually became more grim somehow. Yet, it all changed, when they reached the Main Plaza.
There, except of two A-77s protecting the Gate's exit, the group could see several trucks with UNSA markings. Next to them were groups of Human soldiers and androids, being debriefed by their commanders. It could be immediately said, that they are moving on the other side.
"Well. Seems like we're getting some reinforcements."Ester said.
"Finally."Yuko said.
Convoy then stopped and group was allowed to leave the bus. When this was done, bus left the area, but two Aksha 4x4 and EGIA cars stayed.
"Okay. Here you are again."Amir said.
"Yeah. But what is going on here?"Ester asked.
Agent chuckled.
"Well. As you can noticed, you are getting reinforcements."he said, pointing at soldiers next to trucks.
"Only them?"Dora asked."Glory to command."
But Egyptian just shook his head.
"Oh no. They aren't the only ones."he said.
"Ester, Dora, Yuko, Suvi!"familiar voice said.
Everyone looked in the direction of trucks. There, they saw Tertan female soldier approaching them. Seeing her, members of White Squadron approached her and they hugged. Except of Dora, which shook hand with her.
"Aqi, so good to see you!"Suvi said.
"The same here."Aquexymeva replied, her voice a bit distorted by her helmet."I heard what happened in Geneva."
In response, Ester rolled her eyes.
"I didn't thought, that I hear these words three times today."she said."But still, I'm happy, that we meet again. But what are you doing here?"
"Isn't that obvious?"Aqi asked."I'm crossing today."
Hearing this, big smile appeared on Yuko's face.
"Finally our squadron will be full again!"the Japanese exclaimed.
Then, Ester and Suvi laughed. Dora just gave a faint smile.
"Excuse us"Pina said"but who is she?"
White Squadron members looked in the direction of the Falmartese.
"Oh, right. Allow us to introduce."Ester said."Aqi. These are Lelei La Lalena, Tuka Luna Marceau, Rory Mercury, Pina Co Lada and Bozes Co Palesti. We met them behind the Gate."
Tertan looked at the group.
"Yeah, I saw the conference in Geneva on the Galanet."she said."It seemed pretty tense."
"You have no idea."Ester said, looking at Rory.
She then turned to the Falmartese.
"Girls. This is Aquexymeva Nequxorop, Aqi for short, the only non-Human in our squadron. And probably the best Tertan we ever met."
As she heard the surname of Tertan woman in front of them, something popped in Pina's head.
"Wait. Isn't Tertan president called the same?"princess asked.
"Yes."Aqi replied in Saderan."President Nequxorop is my father."
This made Pina and Bozes wide their eyes, as they looked at Aqi. They were standing in front of daughter of Tertan president. So was it making her someone with the same position as princess? Probably, but they couldn't be sure enough.
"I see that you took some language lessons."Ester noticed.
"Yeah. I used this time for good cause."Aqi replied.
"But wait. If you are going on the other side, then that means, that Tertans finally got enough volunteers?"Dora asked.
"Not only Tertans."Tertan replied."Chakdrik, Nashini and Shakayans are sending new units too. Also, yesterday, units from Verians, Xeqtreti and Maraqs crossed."
"Hope refugees won't get shocked by them."Suvi said.
"Hope."Aqi agreed.
However, this moment was quickly stopped. As everyone listened, they could hear loud sounds coming from down the street. When they looked in that direction, they could see soldiers exiting from around the corner.
"Well. Here comes the new units, that will be crossing."Aqi announced.
Falmart natives, as well as White Squadron and EGIA agents watched the column of soldiers and vehicles approaching the Main Plaza.
First were Tertans. In front were walking soldiers of Tertan Army, Marines Corp and Special Forces. However, as they noticed, majority of them wore black armor. But between them, they could see several soldiers wearing armor colored in white, green, blue and even red. But these were separate cases, as most of them were dressed in black. However, all of them were giving aura of proud and honor coming from them.
"What is with these colorful armor?"Lelei asked.
"It's because of Tertan Cast System."Ester replied.
Falmartese looked at her.
"Cast System?"Tuka asked.
"It's a kind of class system in Tertan Empire and now, in Tertan Federation."Aqi replied."There are five Casts in Tertan society: Black, White, Green, Red and Blue. The membership to Cast is defined by the color of your suit or armor. Black Cast is the ruling one, taking care of politics and military. White Cast care about civilian jobs, like merchants and other things not related with military. Green Cast are farmers, responsible for agriculture and animals. Red Cast are workers, working in factories and other such places. While Blue Cast is our mental cast, being healers and priests. But since the star of war with Holy Order, all Casts are allowed to join the military to fill the ranks."
Falmart natives nodded, thanking her for explaining.
Then came column of Tertan vehicles, in form of MKL-57 main battle tanks, FID-02 armored personnel carriers, Jidra Yokort Type 65 armored cars, LUE-11 infantry fighting vehicles and several others. All of them were painted in black, with red markings all over their hulls.
But after them, came more Tertan infantrymen. But instead of having any weapon, instead of personal defense pistol, each had leash in their hands. And each was accompanied by creature resembling Earth wolf in size, covered in black fur with only one eye in the middle of it's head. Creatures were showing their teeth, which were sharp and, surprisingly for Falmartese, red. Some of Tertans had two instead of one with them.
"What…are these things…?"Pina asked, clearly terrified by these strange, wolf-like creatures.
"Xarars."Ester replied."The most dangerous predators on Terta Prime, Tertan homeworld. There is as Tertan proverb about them. 'One Xarar is too much. Seven means massacre'."
"Then why aren't they attacking anyone?"Bozes asked.
"Because Xarar always listens to it's Beast Master."Aquexymeva said and after seeing the asking looks from Falmart natives, she explained."In rare cases, Xarars create some kind of bond with people. These are called Beast Masters, elite of the elite in our armed forces. But the most elite are Beast Masters holding two Xarars instead of one. And because Xarars for some reason can breath with oxygen, they are pretty useful in battle."
"And you can't breathe with it?"Rory asked.
Aqi shook her head.
"For Tertans, oxygen is like napalm. It literally burns us from inside. Xarars, on the other hand, for some reason can breath with it."she explained in Saderan, so everyone could understand.
Right then, the column of Tertan soldiers fully disappeared in the Gate.
"Guessing that they all landed in military spaceport?"Ester asked.
"Indeed. They all came here from Terhis Space Base."Amir said."But it's not the end."
And he was right. This time came the Chakdrik reinforcements. And seeing them, made all Falmartese, even Rory, wide eye.
It was a column of giant spider-like creatures, each having Chakdrik rider on it's back. They also had rocket launchers mounted on the backs and machine guns next to their mouths. They all moved in organized formation and made it's way to the Gate.
"And what are these?"Lelei asked.
"Chakdrik Spider Cavalry. Elite of the elite in Chakdrik armed forces. They are fast, maneuverable and can attack you from all sides."Aqi said.
"Fun fact. Chakdria, Chakdrik homeworld, is known from this, at least among Humans, that you can meet all kinds of Earth's insects species there, but in gargantuan form. From all these species, only Chakdrik evolved enough to create a true civilization."Ester added.
Column of giant spider-like animals with their raiders disappeared in the Gate, to make place for new Shakayan units. This time, instead of any kind of living creature, Shakayans came, dressed in, as Pina and Bozes noticed, some kind of armor. When they made a step, metallic sound could be heard and sounds of pneumatics was heard too.
"Shakayan Exo Corps."Dora introduced."They use special exoskeleton, devices which make soldier more effective in battle. They make them faster, stronger and better orientated on the battlefield."
"So they are some kind of Knights?"Bozes asked.
"If you insist, you can call them like that."Dora agreed.
Exo Corps made it's way past them and went on the other side of the Gate, now leaving only Nashini forces to come and cross. And when they came, they were all dressed in black, with helmets completely covering their heads. They all were giving aura of discipline and will of fight as they marched past them.
"Nashini elite soldiers?"Pina asked.
"Yes. The Phantom Commandos. They specialize in assassination, infiltration and sabotage of enemy units. Thanks to special training in weightless fight, they can easily defeat you even when you outnumber them."Ester explained.
Pina and Bozes just watched all these elite units crossing the Gate and reinforcing Resistance force in Alnus. It was clear that Empire will not hold against such an onslaught. Even if Sadera would put their most elite of the elite to battle, they would still be dimmed by these soldiers from different races.
"Well, that's all."Ester said."I think we will be going."
"Agreed. Follow me."Aqi said.
Group then made it's way to the group of trucks that were now being loaded with Human soldiers and entered one of them, which was empty. Trucks then started their engines and followed the newly sent troops onto the other side.
11:02
Special System
Trucks exited the Gate and stopped at the vehicle depot. Ester and the others said goodbye to Pina and Bozes and left, to join the rest of their unit. Immediately when this happened, rest of Rose Knights appeared out of nowhere and surrounded hem.
"I see that you actually waited for us."Pina said.
"Of course. We were just reluctant when it comes to accept their invitation to Alnus."Panache said.
"But now, Your Highness"Hamilton said"tell us, what you saw on the other side?"
Pina looked at Bozes. Princess sighed.
"Sadera is done for and nothing will save it."she finally said.
Hearing this, Knights widened their eyes. Princess Pina, daughter of the glorious Emperor Molt himself, of all people, was saying, that Empire is gonna be defeated. Some of them just couldn't believe.
"Your Highness, what are you saying?"Hamilton asked."What made you think like that?"
"Resistance isn't just one nation."princess replied."We angered an alliance of nations, capable of traveling faster than light and able to fly to other planets and stars whenever they want."
"Traveling faster than light? Fly between planets and stars? Are you telling the truth?"Panache asked.
"It's true."Bozes said."And to it, we attacked them not before, not after, but during the war with fanatic army known as Holy Order. It's hard to believe, but Resistance is losing the war, which entered it's twentieth year."
Knights were just hit by this message, hearing that power such as Resistance is actually the loosing one.
"They are fighting a war which lasts twenty years already?"Grey asked.
"Gods, what have we done…"Hamilton said.
"But is this Holy Order that dangerous?"another Knight asked.
"You see this trace, Nicolazka?"Pina asked, pointing at faded stain on her attire."It's trace after blood of Human leader. Holy Order killed him in front of me."
"Oh Gods…"Nicolazka said.
"That's not all."Pina said.
She then started saying, what she saw on recordings showed to her by leaders of Great Five. With each word, Knights were more and more stunned, hearing about atrocities done by the army of 'civilized' Empire against 'uncivilized' barbarians.
"And to think that Imperial soldiers were the ones who did it all…"Panache said.
"It was hard to believe for us too. And it's because what they showed me, that I stopped believing in the cause of Empire. Now, I also want to see them pay for what they done to people already tired by war against Holy Order. And that's why I made this decision."Pina said.
Knights then gulped, don't knowing, where their princess was going.
"What decision?"Grey asked.
"By my decision, Order of Rose Knights isn't part of Sadera anymore."she said."Since now, we are part of Resistance Alliance."
As she said that, all Knights gasped by surprise. But they knew, that the decision of their leader is always the correct one. And after hearing all what Pina said to them, they knew what made her do it.
But now, one thing was certain: no matter how hard Sadera, Molt and Zorzal would try, no matter, how many met will they throw against Resistance, they will meet the fate they deserves.
XXX
And here we are, at the end of Visit to Another World Arc, as I let myself to call it. We're gonna now focus mainly on the events in Falmart and Special System as a whole. And it's the time for Sadera to see the true power of Resistance Alliance.
But before we end, trivia:
MKL-57-Tertan main battle tank produced by Maklara Vehicle Company, the oldest of Tertan military companies. Tank is often considered as most powerful tank in the Galaxy, with it's 134mm laser cannon, which can easily deal with any kind of danger, as well as a pair of 20mm laser machine guns.
FID-02-armored personnel carrier produced by Maklara Vehicle Company. Vehicle is fast and can fill in from five to ten soldiers of Army or Marine Corps. Vehicle saw it's first fights during Tertan invasion on Earth and since then, it became a workhorse of Tertan Army and Marines. It's armed with 30mm laser anti-armor cannon and one missile launcher, capable of holding two missiles.
Jikra Yokort Type 65-armored car produced by Jiktra Yokort Company, main manufacturer of cars for Tertan Federation, both military and civilian. It's fast and maneuverable. It's armed with one 20m laser machine gun.
LUE-11-infantry fighting vehicle produced by Maklara Vehicle Company. Used mainly as back line support vehicle, thanks to it's strong armor can survive a lot of fire, from both conventional and laser weaponry. It's equipped with 25mm laser cannon and two missile launchers, each holding two missiles.
And that's just about it for today. See you in the next one.