As I said last time, after some time spent with Yao, we're now going back to the main story and action. Quoting admiral Chesterfield: 'We have a bit too much on our heads now'. Resistance is preparing their next operation in Falmart and it's time to start it.
To Undertale Fan: Um…Thanks.
Let's get to the show.
Chapter 16
,,Operation: Canaveral"
August 15, 2150
11:32
Fort Terhis
Soldiers in Fort Terhis were busy like never before in the last month. Dropships were being refueled, soldiers were grabbing their gear and making sure that everything is ready. For the citizens of Alnus Town, this sudden buzz of activity was a bit strange, considering, that by last month, there was no actions partaken by the Empire.
But for Resistance soldiers, it was probably one of most important actions in the entire war. One, that could change lives of many people easier.
Operation: Canaveral. Biggest operation yet prepared by Task Force 03 command. And biggest POW rescue operation Resistance ever performed. How ironic it was, that it wasn't against Holy Order.
Using knowledge gathered from King Duran and Pina, Resistance now knew locations of all major slave trading hubs and camps. Knowing this, it was time to finally save the people captured in Terhis and bring them back to where they belong. But orders were actually to free interpretation. Soldiers were ordered to save anyone. So not only people from Terhis.
Currently, Pina watched all soldiers running around and preparing for the action. Although seeing Resistance soldiers in action and how fast they can react, she still was impressed by this. Squad leaders were giving briefings, while some vehicles were loaded on dropships and heavy transports, designed to carry tanks and other heavy vehicles.
"Well, so it's time to do it."Ester said, standing next to Pina.
Princess nodded.
"Indeed. And I never thought, that I would take part in such operation."she said.
Although Knights were new in here, they actually started handling their KNIGHT exoskeletons. This is why, to try their effectiveness in battle, it was agreed, that they also take part in Canaveral.
"Easy, you will handle this. I saw your trainign yesterday. You actually do good with exoskeletons.'Ester noticed.
"They might not be Knight armor, but still. They are pretty useful."Pina agreed.
Right then, group of Rose Knights in exoskeletons appeared and started loading onto one of dropships. When they saw Pina, they saluted.
"But do we have enough forces to strike at all slave camps?"Pina asked.
"Unfortunately, no. This is why some units would have to perform more than just one raid. Grab slaves, refuel and repeat."Ester explained.
"Understandable."Pina agreed."I will now go. I have to also get my exoskeleton."
And with these words, Pina left Ester.
White Squadron leader, in the meantime, activated her hand terminal and contacted Dora.
"Do, how is your preparation?"she asked.
"Going good."Dora replied."We'll be ready before the night."
Ester nodded.
"Great. Remember. You have to infiltrate that place and take any slave from there."she reminded.
"I always remember."Dora replied and disconnected.
Ester then once more looked in the direction of dropships. Next, she walked away, towards her squadron barracks.
Meanwhile…
Fort Terhis
Commanders of Task Force 03 gathered in the room, to once more talk through the plan of Operation: Canaveral. They stood around the table, on which map of the Empire provided by friendly cartographer from Italica, laid. On the map, all major slave trade hubs were marked with pushpins. All of them were divided into five Rings-Northern, Southern, Central, Coastal and Mountainous. They all were main targets.
"Alright, these are all of slave centers of Sadera, as Duran and Pina said."Eriksson said."According to them, biggest can hold up to five thousand slaves."
"And the biggest one closest to us?"Amanda asked.
Jessica pointed at one of pushpins.
"Biggest one is Bargry. City is around seventy kilometers away from Alnus, in Bargry Province."Marines commander explained."Around two hours of ride with our max speed."
All Marines commanders of Task Force 03 would also take part in the battles. Jessica was ordered to take over all slave centers around Alnus, so the Southern Ring. Uki'Oparla will lead Nashini Marines in liberating slave camps on Northern Ring. And Magar would lead campaign against the slave camps in Mountainous Ring. Tertans had to take care of Coastal Ring, while other races will take care of Central Ring.
Admiral nodded.
"What do we have on our disposal again?"she asked.
"Twenty Marines brigades, seven Shock Troopers brigades, one hundred dropships and two hundred armored vehicles."Uki'Oparla replied.
"Good."Amanda said."Remember, that we have to save everyone we can. Is it our or Falien, doesn't matter. We have to save all of them. We leave the biggest camps and trade hubs at the end, when more dropships will be free. Command wants this operation to be finished with full success, so I want you all to do your best today."
"Sir, yes sir!"all Marines commanders said.
The three then left the room and went to meet with their soldiers. Jessica approached group of tanks, APCs, IFVs and armored cars, with markings and shapes of numerous races.
"Listen up, ladies and gentlemen!"Jessica exclaimed, bringing attention of the soldiers."Our first target, is the city of Bargry! According to our intel, it's the main slave trade hub in the area and it lays on a trade route, which leads straight to Sadera! If we capture it, we not only save number of slaves, but also managed to cut resources going to the city! Now, let me hear you!"
"OORAH!"all Marines exclaimed.
Although it was battle cry of Human Marines, other races quickly adapted it too.
"I can't hear you!"Jessica exclaimed.
"OORAH!"Marines exclaimed louder.
Jessica nodded and looked at them.
"Let's get this going."she said.
Next, she made her way to the nearest armored car and got inside, next to the driver. Soldiers loaded into other vehicles. Soon, convoy of armored vehicles left the base, while dropships were flying overheads, going to their own operations area.
Empire was about to know the true face of Resistance.
One and a half hour later…
Bargry, Southern Wall
Two Imperial archers were sitting on the wall of Bargry, listening to the sounds of battle from afar. Truth be told, they were a bit worried, hearing the staccato of gunfire and wheezign sounds of laser fire.
Just an hour ago, it was reported, that Other Worlders managed to cross the border between Alnus and Bargry Provinces. It was worrying, as by last month, they were not moving in any way. To hear, that they were now approaching Bargry, was even more terrifying. And hearing the battle so close to the city, archers were starting to feel uneasy because of how fast enemy reached the city.
"Hey, Maximus. You think that we manage to hold the enemy advance?"one of archers asked.
"Honestly?"Maximus replied."I don't even know, if we manage to hold the siege."
"It can't be that bad, right?"
However, he soon had to realize, that this optimism won't change anything.
At the same time, column of Resistance vehicles was performing a full scale massacre on Imperial troops, as they charged forward. Enemy soldiers tried to reach them, but before they could, they were simply shot dead, not even reaching the Resistance soldiers. From all soldiers taking part in this, Jessica had the most fun.
"Enemies that can't shoot back! All my dreams came true!"she exclaimed, literally ripping spearman open with her bayonet.
Marines and Martian Shock Troopers accompanying them looked at this with both satisfaction and worry.
"Is she always like that?"Park asked, knowing, that Jessica wasn't as crazy in Italica.
"No. But when she gets into trance, nothing will stop them."one of Marines replied.
Martian commander nodded and punched nearby swordsman in the face. Next, he grabbed a grenade and threw it into the group of shielded soldiers.
One of M5R tanks accompanying the soldiers fired it's main gun and decimated an ogre, which was approaching the soldiers. It then driven over a legless soldier, which tried to crawl away. Seeing this mass of steel approaching them, some Imperial soldiers started routing and ran into the forest.
"Cowards!"their commander exclaimed."Come back here and fight for…!"
He didn't ended, as a figure in KNIGHT exoskeleton stepped in front of him and stabbed with the sliding blade of the exoskeleton. Figure quickly shook the body off of the blade.
Panache then looked at the blood, which colored the blade in red. She just killed a man from her own country. She should feel guilty or unwell. But instead, she felt nothing more than satisfaction, after hearing the truth about the Empire from Pina.
"Move, move, move!"Panache shouted back to the rest of Knights accompanying her.
Members of 1st Falmart Exo Platoon joined their commander and continued to push forward, ripping the Imperial soldiers apart with their wrist mounted assault riffles, wrist blades and shouted mounted missile launchers.
This was enough even for the battle-hardened Imperial soldiers, which then were completely broken and started kneeling down, trying to surrender.
"We give up, we give up!"one of them shouted."Give us mercy!"
Resistance soldiers started lowering their weapons then. Next, they started to come up to the surrendering soldiers and stood over them. Soldiers sighed and were ready to be taken as prisoners.
But instead, Resistance soldiers pointed their weapons at them.
"Tell this to people of Terhis City."Jessica said.
She then pulled the trigger, as well as other soldiers did. Soon, all surrendering soldiers joined their fallen comrades.
Everything then calmed down, as soldiers started collecting the bodies and placing them in one place.
"That was energetic."Jessica stated, cleaning her bayonet with fallen soldier's cape.
"True."Park said."Real pity, that some of them just ran away."
"Oh, easy. We won't let them go so easy."Jessica stated with grin.
Right as she said that, Tertan Beast Masters which accompanied them, let their Xarars loose. Not long after, forest was filled with screams of agony, as predators caught their prey.
Commanders of the group then gathered around Jessica. Panache was among them, as representative of Rose Knights. There also was Tertan Beast Masters corporal and Nashini captain.
"So, how was it in your first battle?"Jessica turned to Panache.
Knight looked at her exoskeleton and nodded.
"I must say, I never thought I feel so big satisfaction."Panache replied."These exoskeletons are as good in battle, as during training."
"Glad to hear it."Jessica said."But now, we're going to have the more important part to do. City is just behind this hill. After we cross it, the real battle will begin."
Everyone nodded.
"Park."Jessica turned to Martian."You will go there first. You Shock Troopers are the best in urban combat. Clear the alleys, so we could advance swiftly."
"It will be done, colonel."Park replied.
Jessica then looked at Panache.
"After Shock Troopers finish with their job, you will enter the city and clean up everything they left behind."she said.
Rose Knight saluted, as she was taught.
"After battle, Tertan Beast Masters will track down and take care of any surviving enemy."Jessica said to the Beast Master.
"On it."he replied.
"So, let's get to it, people. Slaves won't save themselves."Jessica stated.
With this statement, soldiers started getting back into their vehicles, while Shock Troopers went on foot, so they would reach Bargry first. Tertan Beast Masters waited for their Xarars to come back, after which they too joined the column again.
Back in Bargry, Imperial soldiers started manning the walls, preparing for enemy to arrive. They proudly held their shields, spears and swords, looking in the direction of forest surrounding the city.
"Keep it still, men!"their commander ordered."You are soldiers of Sadera! Bravest of the bravest! You serve His Majesty the Emperor! You will not let the enemy capture the city!"
"NEVER!"soldiers exclaimed.
In that moment, first enemy soldiers started exiting the forest. They wore slightly red armor and had strange helmets on their heads. They were walking in loose formation, two meters away from each other. But still they were target for archers.
Commander looked behind. All archers were standing behind the wall, so enemy wouldn't try and aim at them.
"Archers!"commander exclaimed."Load!"
Arrows were put in place.
"Aim!"
Bows were lifted up.
"Fire!"
Enormous fireball erupted in place, where archers stood. Commander looked in shock and disbelief, as parts of bodies fly everywhere, as well as broken bows and arrows.
"Ha, ha, ha! It was beautiful!"gunner of Resistance BH-17 Zebra self-propelled howitzer said."Best shot in my life!"
Commander quickly turned his head back at the enemy. They stood in place and pointed their staffs towards the ramparts. Martians then pulled the triggers and hundreds of high power lasers flew in the direction of terrified Imperial soldiers.
"Yeah, get some laser, freaking Imps!"Park shouted.
Imperial commander couldn't believe in how fast his soldiers were being killed. Some, after being hit, lacked parts of heads and faces, while heads of others simply exploded. Commander couldn't do anything. He could just watch, before he also got hit by the Martians.
As suddenly as it started, initial attack on the city walls stopped. Vehicles started leaving the forest and setting up in front of city's wall. Commanders of the assault now looked at the city's Southern Gate. It was closed shut.
"What do we do about that gate?"Park asked.
"What do you think?"Jessica replied.
She then turned to the BH-17 which stood next to them.
"Sahir, blow this this gate open!"colonel ordered.
Commander of artillery gun nodded and hid back inside of his vehicle. Seconds later, cannon started lowering, until it aimed straight onto the gate.
"Fire!"Sahir ordered.
Recoil pushed the vehicle back, while shell slammed into the gate, blowing the wooden construction into little pieces, which flew everywhere. Resistance soldiers just watched this happening with smiles on their faces.
"By the way. Don't you feel like these bandits in Italica?"Park asked.
"Let me think."Jessica said and pretended to think."Nope."
"Okay."Martian commander said and turned to his men."Martian Shock Troopers! Let's clear this city of hostiles!"
Martians lifted their weapons in the air and started cheering. Next, group of soldiers in redder uniforms made it's way into the city.
One and a half hour later…
Urban combat is often considered as one of thee most dangerous types of battles in the military. Snipers, anti-tank soldiers and possibility of enemy vehicles waiting around the corner. Humans, however, were experts in urban combat. Especially Martian Shock Troopers, which after their creation in 2079, were going through ferocious training, preparing for fighting in Earth's cities. And although Mars and Earth were now allies, training program didn't changed at all. This is why Martians swept through Bargry like broom, leaving trace of dead enemy soldiers and stranglers, which tried to escape the city.
But strangles, after barely evading wrath of Martian elite of the elite, were met with second party of cleaners, in form Rose Knights in their exoskeletons.
It took almost two hours to clear what remained of enemy forces in the city, while Beast Masters let their Xarars to look for possible enemy remains, but the wolf-like creatures returned with no enemy body parts in mouths. However, one of Xarars led his Beast Master to something, what was expected to be found here, but surprised and disgusted even Resistance soldiers.
It was a slave market. Soldiers could see the slave trade continuing although all of this what was happening around. Slaves were being presented on the scenes, some at least having some rags to cover themselves, while others had nothing. But the most enraging was the fact, that new slave owners were immediately harassing their newly acquired 'purchase'.
"Fucking hell."female Human Marine said, standing next to Beast Master.
"It's messed up indeed."Beast Master said.
Right then, they were approached by rather fat man, dressed in really rich clothes.
"Oh, ho, ho. She seems to be pretty fit slave."man said, looking at Human Marine."How much do you want for her."
"Fuck off, you sick fuck."Beast Master said.
He then let go the leash of his Xarar and animal immediately jumped on the slave trader. Soon, his clothes were painted red with his blood and insides.
"Secure the area!"Human Marine ordered.
Not long after, Resistance soldiers started surrounding slave market. Slavers right then noticed, that something is off, as they saw these strange people appearing out of nowhere and blocking any way from the market.
"Secure the slaves and search the warehouses! All slave traders have to be gathered here as well!"
Without hesitation, Resistance soldiers started roaming around the slave market, grabbing the slavers and buyers. The ones that resisted, got quick lesson in form of hit in the face with riffle's back. Some soldiers started entering warehouses and searched through them. Group of slaves were then led out of warehouses. Much to Resistance's happiness, there was a number of them, which were taken from Terhis.
Now, soldiers were looking at two groups in front of them: slaves and slavers. Some Human soldiers started giving blankets and their jackets to cover the slaves, while being given unpleasant look by the slavers. But after Tertans approached them, every complain stopped.
Jessica, Park, Panache and Beast Master corporal arrived at the place few minutes later. They looked at this with disgust.
"Just like Romans, but hell worse."Jessica stated.
"I can't disagree."Human Marine said."One of these fuckers tried to check my quality!"
"True, I was there."Beast Master said.
Jessica nodded.
"And can you believe, that one of them ran into me in the city and tried to put collar on my neck?"she asked."Anyway, great job, sergeant Barsala."
"Nor problem, sir."Barsala said.
Everyone then looked at the group of slavers.
"Well, guess we have some slavers."Panache said."What do we do with them."
"One thing clear, Panache."Jessica said."The question is not 'What do we do with slavers?'. Question is 'What slavers?'."
She then turned to Beast Masters corporal.
"You know what to do, Karid."
"Of course."Karid replied."Evacuate the slaves."
Soldiers did what they were told and soon, only people in the slave market were the former slavers and buyers. Tertans surrounded the area. Marines walked away from the group, while Beast Masters stood on both sides of the market.
"Let them go."Karid said.
With this simple order, all Beast Masters let Xarars loose. Slave market was filled with screams of slavers and buyers, as the most dangerous predators on Terta Prime reached them. After all this mess happened, Tertans set up charges and blew the slave market sky high.
Meanwhile…
Somewhere else in the Empire
As the assault on Bargry was ongoing, in other part of the Empire, Recon Team Three, with support of two Chakdrik Howler dropships, was performing similar operation, but unlike Jessica, they weren't attacking a big city like Bargry, but a camp placed around one hundred kilometers away from Alnus. Team was lately reinforced with support in form of Leopard 5 and Tertan IFV. Additionally, Aquexymeva decided to join them in all future operations.
Like this one.
"Continue firing, continue firing!"Ester ordered.
Bullets were flying in the direction of Imperial Army shield wall, which stood between them and slave camp. Machine guns, tank gun and riffles were sending hundreds of projectiles at the enemy.
"These fanatic armies are the worst."Yuko stated, looking through the scope of her riffle.
Next, she pulled the trigger and made enemy commander's head explode.
"Got him."she informed.
Enemy soldiers noticed this and quickly started routing. Resistance soldiers, of course, didn't wanted to let many of them go. This is why dropships started chasing after them.
"We're going after them?"Aqi asked.
"No. Chakdriks will take take care of them. We have a camp to liberate."Ester replied.
Soldiers nodded and entered their vehicles. Soon, small column was moving towards the slave camp.
In the slave camp…
A mercenary POV
Me and my boys have watched the battle unfolding in front of the camp. At the beginning, it looked like Imperials will have the upper hand. But after seeing what the Other Worlder's magic could do with large formations, we couldn't say anything.
"By all the Gods…"one of my comrades said."What do we do, Regar?"
"What do we do?"I replied."Simple. Take as many as you can. We're getting out of here."
He nodded and left the wall of slave camp. I followed him quickly and joined rest of my company, which started looking through the camp, searching for all the gold from slave trade. All people like me and them should look for gold.
But not me. I never was interested in gold and treasures. I wanted something else. Something more pleasuring.
I made my way towards the tent I was occupying for the last few days. She was still there. A cat woman which I liked to 'play' with for that time. Just as she saw me, she felt fear.
"No…Stand back…"she said.
"Come on, I can't leave you for Other Worlders. Besides, I thought you like me."I said, coming closer and close. I licked my lips.
"Step back! Step back!"she exclaimed.
Right then, sounds of bangs started to appear in the camp. I looked back and then again at the cat girl. I quickly came up to her and grabbed her arm.
"Just come with me!"I ordered.
Our ship was still on the river bank. Just two kilometers away from here. Maybe if I could reach it before…
Right then, I heard wheez and stinging pain in the back. I turned around and stood still. It was demon, that looked at me. Covered in black and red lines.
"Let her go."the demon said.
I quickly shook myself from the shock and placed the cat girl in front of me, with knife at her neck.
"Never! She's mine! You will let me go, or she will die!"I exclaimed.
Creature just stood there and looked at me, hesitating. I smiled, knowing, that I just won.
Aquexymeva, in the meantime, looked at the man, lowering her gun. She turned on her radio in her helmet.
"Yuko. Do you see me?"she asked.
"Yes."the answer came.
"In front of me, there is a man, he has a hostage. Aim right over my shoulder."Tertan said.
"Understood."Yuko replied.
By next few seconds, both Tertan and Human were looking at each other, with cat girl desperately trying to get herself out of man's grip.
"So. What is your answer, demon?"man asked.
Aqi smiled under her helmet.
"Bang."she said.
Man looked at her with confusion. Confusion, which was the last thing he felt, when sniper riffle round flew over Aqi's shoulder and hit right between the man's eyes.
Cat girl felt, that the grip becomes less and less powerful, so she quickly got herself out of it. Man's body fell on the ground. Girl looked at Aqi, unsure what to do.
Yuko then ran into the tent and saw the girl looking at them. She surely was around twelve years old.
"Great shot."Aqi said.
"Thanks. What about her?"Yuko replied.
But before Tertan could say anything, cat girl jumped towards the two and simply cuddled into Yuko's arm. Japanese looked at this with hint of unsureness in on her face.
"Wha…"she said.
"Hm. Seems that she likes you."Aqi said, turned on her heel and left the tent.
Yuko could only watch the Tertan walk away. She once more looked at the cat girl attached to her arm.
"I'm scared…"the girl said.
Japanese sighed and stroked girl's head between her cat ears.
"Easy, all is good now. Nobody will hurt you anymore."she reassured.
On the outside, Ester was overlooking the aftermath of the battle. She sighed. According to Pina, this was the Lumus Slave Camp, where around two hundred slaves should be present. But from what Fatima told her, they located only ninety four of them.
"What means, that they probably wanted to kill them all."she said to Lena, which stood beside her."But we probably surprised them and they didn't managed to end their job."
Russian nodded her head.
"Well. At least the mission wasn't complete failure."she said.
"Did you found anyone from us?"
"Negative."
White Squadron leader sighed again. Right then, Aquexymeva approached the two.
"All enemies cleared, Estie."she said.
"Good. I just got call from dropships. They finished the Imps that defended the camp on the outside."Ester replied.
"But well. Can you look at the soldiers here?"Tertan asked.
Don't knowing what she meant, the two followed their alien friend to place, where one of the enemies laid on the ground. Immediately you could say, that he wasn't member of Saderan military. First thing were his clothes. Instead of any armor, maybe except helmet and chain mail, he was dressed in shirt and jacket made of thick fur. His legs were covered by thick pants, also fur, and boots made of sheep's skin. Next to him were laying his weapons: round shield and double-sided battle axe. He had a long beard, tied in several pigtails.
Lena and Ester risen their eyebrows.
"Doesn't it reminds you of something?"Aqi asked.
"He looks like…"Ester started.
"…viking."Lena ended.
Tertan nodded.
"Exactly. Since when there are viking-like people in Imperial Army?"Aqi wondered.
"Wait. How do you know about vikings?"Lena asked.
"I just read some of your history books."she said.
Ester knelt next to the man.
"Well. He surely looks like a man of the North. I suspect, that Imps simply became desperate and decided to use some help from the mercenaries."she stated, standing up.
"I guess they really had to be low on men."Aqi said.
"King Duran said, that we killed sixty percent of Imperial Army at Alnus."Lena explained."It actually makes sense."
The three looked at the dead man last time.
"Okay. Let's just clear everything up and let's go back to Terhis."Ester ordered.
"By the way, why Dora didn't came with us?"Lena asked.
Ester smiled.
"She will perform another attack. She is the best for the job."she replied.
And with this reassurance only, the team started helping the saved slaves.
That night…
22:12
Sky over Falmart
Although all the fighting that took place in Falmart that day, night was relatively quiet and calm. Sky was clear of clouds and planet's moon could be clearly visible. But sky wasn't ask active, as it seemed to be.
Two lone, black shapes were moving through the sky, not making any sound. Everyone who would see them, would think, that they were some kind of demons of the night. But in fact, these things were more than demons.
"ETA to target, seven minutes."pilot of the Stealth dropship announced.
Group of Nashini Phantom Commandos, Tertan Alpha Detachment and Human KSK started checking their weapons, as machines continued it's flight towards their target: Sadera, capital of the Empire itself.
In command of this group was no one other, than Dora. Their mission was simple: infiltrate palace of Crown Prince Zorzal, as part of Operation: Canaveral.
According to intel given to them by Pina and several agents UNSA sent into the city by the last month, Zorzal held a large number of slaves in his palace. Princess additionally said, that he uses his slaves as nothing more, than sexual playthings, which he then simply throws away. This only made Dora really keen on beating that sexual predator up.
She looked at the hand terminal and activated it. In the air, small hologram presenting the Zorzal's palace appeared.
"Listen up, people."Dora exclaimed."Our target is this building. Home of Crown Prince of Sadera, Zorzal El Caesar. According to intel given to us by princess Pina, he holds the most slaves in the city. Our task is to get inside and rescue them. Also, our agents in Sadera reported, that several people from Terhis are there."
Special forces soldiers nodded, letting her know, that they understood.
"We also have another information from princess."Dora continued."According to her words, one of Zorzal's slave is a VIP. Former Battle Queen of Warrior Bunnies from the North, Tyuule. If possible, we have to rescue her too."
After she said that, red dots representing the dropships appeared on the holograms.
"There is the plan."White Squadron 2IC said."We're gonna do the touchdown in the forest near the Western Gate of the palace. We quickly and quietly get inside, eliminate every enemy guard on our way. We take slaves with us and return to dropships."As she was saying it, everything was being displayed on the hologram."Got it?"
"Got it."commandos replied.
Stealth machines continued their flight towards Sadera. Then they passed the city and flew to the forest, which surrounded the palace of Crown Prince. There, both dropships touched down and opened their side doors and back ramp. Soldiers quickly left them.
"Cloak on."Dora ordered.
All commandos pressed buttons on their uniforms and were quickly covered by cloaking devices. Now, only indication of their presence, were sounds of footsteps on the ground and moved branches and leaves.
Finally, the group reached the end of the forest and looked on the Western Gate to the palace. Commandos looked at it with their night vision and thermal vision sights. Dora, on the other hand, activated IFF system in her helmet.
"Seven enemies."Tertan Alpha said."Four at the gate, three on the walls."
"Understood."Dora replied."Take them out."
Without response, commandos pointed their weapons at the guards. There was a sound of Tertan plasma and Human and Nashini lead bullets. Next, they saw guards falling on their knees and ground.
"Perfect."Dora stated."Move."
Commandos stood up and started walking through the belt of open land, which separated walls from the forest. Ready to face any danger, they reached the gate and formed a perimeter around it. Dora then approached the wall and pointed her right arm towards it's top.
"Ropes."she said.
Rope shot into the air and hooked on top of the wall's ramparts. Other commandos did the same and soon, group was climbing up.
Meanwhile…
Inside the palace
Former Battle Queen of the Warrior Bunnies, Tyuule, fell on the bed, right as Zorzal finished with her. She was breathing heavily, as Crown Prince walked off the bed and started dressing up.
"I must tell, you didn't changed at all by these three years."he stated."Still as good to play with as at the beginning."
Tyuule just watched him talk.
"Good that you, Warrior Bunnies live long."Zorzal said with a sadistic smile."Thanks to this, I will have you as my plaything for most of my life."
Prince then laughed. Tyuule just laid there.
In that moment, a guard ran into the room.
"What is it?"Zorzal asked.
"My lord!"guard exclaimed."We need you right now!"
"Why?"
"Someone infiltrated the palace!"
This made prince wide eye. Next, his eyes were filled with anger.
"Who?"he asked.
"We don't know."guard replied."But they entered through the Western Gate."
"How do you know that?"
"Some guards on patrol found Western Gate guards dead. All seven were killed."
"Do you know, whose blade they died from?"
Hearing this, guard sweatdropped. Zorzal narrowed his eyes.
"What?"he asked.
"My lord…guards were not killed by blades."guard replied.
"Then by what?"
"We don't know. But all of them had hole or burn mark on their heads."
"Okay, then lead."
Before leaving the room, he turned to Tyuule.
"And you wait here."he ordered.
Next, he followed the soldier and left.
Tyuule, in the meantime, rolled on her backs and closed her eyes. It's been three years already. Three years, since Sadera invaded Northern Territories, which were home to tribes of Warrior Bunnies. Constantly warring tribes, but still.
It all changed, when Empire attacked. Under the command of Zorzal himself, thousands of Imperial soldiers marched into North and started their conquest.
This is why all tribes banded together and elected Tyuule as their Battle Queen, as she was one of the most respected and known individual in their society, often mediating between warring tribes or helping in resolving other problems.
Thanks to her tactics of guerrilla warfare, Warrior Bunnies were able to harass Imperial legions as they marched, performed night raids, plundered the camps from supplies and even managed to defeat Imperials in one open battle.
But as it later turned out, this wasn't enough. In retaliation, Imperial soldiers not only captured villages, but also decided to kill and burn everything in their path. Even under the constant attacks from guerrilla Warrior Bunnies, they were not stopping anymore.
Empire had also another thing, that let them get the advantage over Warrior Bunnies: unlike the tribes, Empire could refill the casualties at hand, while Warrior Bunnies suffered to big losses during that one and only open battle of the war. While Warrior Bunnies were loosing more and more, Empire was sending more and more troopers.
When situation started to look really dire, Tyuule made probably the hardest decision in her entire life. At one night, she sneak to Imperial camp and Zorzal's tent. Seeing her, prince wanted to grab his sword, but Battle Queen stopped this by giving him her proposal: she would give herself to the prince, if he stop the invasion of the Northern Territories and return to the Empire. Much to Queen's relief, he agreed. It was at that night, that she became his most important slave. At least, she made sure her people will be safe.
How wrong she was.
Right at the next morning, when Zorzal explained everything to his soldiers, much to Tyuule's horror, he ordered them to continue with the invasion. It was at this moment, that Tyuule knew, she was tricked.
Without her command, Warrior Bunnies quickly fell into disarray, what only made Imperial job easier as they swept through the Northern Territories, burning, killing and raping. After just two months, it was all over. Empire gained new lands.
During the traditional Triumph, during which victorious leader of military campaign rode through Sadera with all his treasures and prisoners he got, all Warrior Bunnies taken prisoners looked at Tyuule with hatred and disgust. For them, she was the leader, that betrayed her own people, just to save herself.
She was laying like that for few more minutes, before she heard buzzing sound and then, a series of bangs on the corridor.
Earlier…
After crossing over the wall and making it inside the palace, commandos under Dora's command, made their way inside the building, meeting little to no resistance. They then divided into two groups. One group, consisting of Tertan Alpha Detachment and Nashini Phantom Commandos were ordered to take care of the barracks and clear them of enemies. Meanwhile, Dora and KSK would locate the VIP and slaves.
Currently, they were making their way down the corridor. Upon reaching the turn, Dora ordered them to stop by lifting her hand in the air. She leaned from her cover. In the corridor, she saw group of six more guards guarding the door.
"Six enemies."she said.
"How do we do it, Sir?"one of KSK asked.
In response, Dora reached her belt and took a grenade from there.
"I will treat them with anti-grav. Then, you will finish the rest."Fighter Infantry soldier explained.
"On it."another KSK replied.
Dora then leaned again and rolled the small, cylindrical object on the floor. It made it's way towards the six guards, which looked at the strange item with interest.
"What is…?"one of them tried to ask, when grenade exploded.
Before guards orientated, they were inside an anti-gravity bubble, which made them hover in the air. They tried to move their arms in the air, but this only made them spin in the air out of control.
"Take them out."Dora ordered.
KSK then left their cover and aimed at the guards. Next, they pulled their triggers and short series from their riffles ended the lives of Imperial soldiers. Next, commandos made their way towards the door.
"Okay, let's see, what's behind."Dora said, grabbing the door and swinging them open.
Behind them, they saw an ornament bed, covered with canopy. Soldiers slowly made their way towards the bed and then noticed, that someone is laying on it. When Dora came closer, she noticed, that it's a Warrior Bunny woman, dressed only in bunch of rags.
"Who are you?"she asked.
KSK soldiers looked at Dora. Form their group, she was the only one who could speak Saderan.
"Captain Dora Heidel, White Squadron."Dora said."And who are you?"
Woman turned away, like she was ashamed of what she was about to say.
"I'm Tyuule, former Battle Queen of Warrior Bunnies."Tyuule said.
"So it's you?"Dora asked."Good. Pick everything up. We're getting you out of here."
Hearing this, Tyuule looked at the young woman in front of her with surprise. She didn't had to think twice, to know, that they are Other Worlders. But why did they wanted to help her? Didn't they knew, what she done?
"No. Leave me here."Tyuule demanded.
"No way. You're going with us."Dora stated firmly.
"But I can't. I…"
Tyuule then stopped, not knowing, how to put this in words.
"You what?"Dora asked.
"Because all of my people think, that I betrayed them."former Battle Queen replied."They think, that I gave myself to Zorzal to just save myself. They will never accept my presence again."
"And how it was for real?"
Tyuule again looked at Dora. This young woman looked like really seasoned soldier and had tone, which would made anyone do what she tells.
"He tricked me. I was told, that he will stop the invasion. But right the next day, he ordered it to continue."she replied.
Dora just stood there, looking at Tyuule, as well as KSK were doing. Warrior Bunny woman tried to read something from Dora's face, but was unable. She had to assume, that Other Worlders didn't believed her.
"We will help you."Dora finally said.
"What?"surprised Tyuule asked.
"When we come back to you base, we will help you clear your name and make sure, that your people will again accept you to you society."Dora explained.
Suddenly, Tyuule started to feel, like something overflows her. This girl was talking seriously, that's for sure. But still, woman had her doubts.
"But what if it doesn't work?"she asked.
"Easy. We have our ways."Dora said."But now, we have to move. We need to find these slaves, that are here. Klaus, take her to…"
"No!"Tyuuler opposed."I will go with you!"
Soldiers looked at her.
"But it will be dangerous."Dora pointed out.
"I come from a race of warriors. I can fight."former Battle Queen said."Besides, I can show you, where he keeps his slaves."
This surely had to finally convince the group, as Dora sighed.
"Okay. You can come with us. Just keep close."she ordered.
Tyuule nodded. Soldiers then started to leave the room, so Warrior Bunny woman wanted to follow them. However, Dora grabbed her hand and stopped in her tracks.
"Take these."she said.
Warrior Bunny looked at what Dora was giving her. It was a knife and pistol.
"For self-defense."Dora added.
Tyuule nodded and the group followed the rest of the KSK. Soldiers made their way down the corridor, while Tyuule moved to the front of the group and led them to their destination.
Later…
Tyuule efficiently led the squad lower and lower into the palace. Fortunately, no more guards were met and they could move unopposed. They had to trust the Warrior Bunny and Dora, as she was the only one, that could understand her.
"How long?"Dora asked.
"We're almost in the underground dungeon, where he keeps all his slaves."Tyuule replied.
Right then, her ears twitched. Before Dora and commandos could say anything, Tyuule shot forward and ran down the stairs, leaving them behind, with her knife pulled.
"What the hell?"one of commandos asked.
"I don't know, but better let's follow her!"Dora said.
As she said that, they heard first scream of agony. Commandos started running down the stairs and soon, they stepped upon dead body of Imperial guard, laying on the stairs. More screams started reaching them, until they finally reached the dungeon and saw even more dead guards, with their throats slit or stabbed to death.
"Like if I saw you, Sir."one of commandos said to Dora.
"Actually, I can agree with that statement."Dora stated.
Warrior Bunny then stepped out of one of the rooms, covered in blood and knife's blade colored in red. She looked at commandos.
"It's clear!"she said.
"Okay, our turn."Dora said.
Commandos started running to the doors in the dungeon and simply shot all locks off, to open them. And when they did it, they were met with sight of number of slaves, in state so bad, that it couldn't be put into words.
But what was important, was that commandos saw several Chakdrik, Shakayan and Nashini women among Humans and Faliens. Aliens put all strength they had left to smile, seeing familiar Human uniforms.
"Holy shit…"one of KSK said.
"It's not time for this. Let's help them."Dora ordered.
Soldiers entered the cells and started helping the slaves to stand up and led them out. The stronger slaves decided to also help the ones they needed the most.
"What he was even doing to them?"Dora asked Tyuuled.
"Anything you can imagine."former Battle Queen said."Rape, abuse and other things I don't want to call. He and his friends like to do it."
Dora then looked at alien women.
"Don't tell me…"she said.
"Yes, your people too. Both Humans and these Beast Men."Tyuule replied.
Dora felt, as something turns in her stomach.
"I don't know, what's worse. That this guys treats them just as toys…or that he willingly did it with giant ant."
"I…have to agree with you on this one."Tyuule stated.
"Okay, let's get them out of here."Dora turned to the commandos."These people need treatment as fast as we can give it to them."
German soldiers nodded and quickly started making way up the stairs, with former slaves in tow.
Later…
Palace's main square
Alpha Detachment, Phantom Commandos and KSK met at the main square and were relieved to know, that their task ended with success.
"Barracks cleared?"Dora asked.
"As hell."Alpha Detachment commander replied with grin."But now, they will have to clean them from all this red juice we left there."
"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!"a voice sounded.
Both commandos and freed slaves looked in the voice's direction and saw a blonde-haired man dressed in black attire, with several guards accompanying him. Immediately, freed slaves shrunk, seeing him.
"It's him."Tyuule said to Dora."Zorzal."
White Squadron 2IC then again turned her eyes at Crown Prince and started burning with fury.
Zorzal, in the meantime, watched this group of people in front of him. Who even were they? And what were they thinking, taking his slaves, including Tyuule his most important trophy! However, he then looked at the two meters tall creatures in black clothes. And he immediately understood, who's he dealing with.
"Other Worlders!"he exclaimed."How dare you intrude my home, you barbarians!"
"Because we have the right to!"Dora shouted back.
"Guards!"Zorzal said to his men."Kill them all!"
Guards nodded and started charging at the escaping enemies, with Zorzal's sadistic smile accompanying them. But this smile disappeared quickly, when after series from Resistance riffles, all guards laid dead on the ground and Zorzal was alone.
"We have to kill him, Sir?"one of KSK asked Dora.
"No."she replied."Leave him to me."
She then gave her riffle to one of commandos and made her way to Zorzal. Prince again smiled sadistically.
"What do you gonna do to me, little girl?"he asked.
"Don't talk, just fight."Dora replied.
"With pleasure, whore."Crown Prince replied.
He then swung his arm, trying to hit Dora, but she quickly moved out the way. With this unsuccessful attack, Zorzal showed himself and Dora punched him in the chin with strong right punch, bringing him down on the ground.
Stunned prince landed, while Dora jumped on him and started beating him up with her fists. Soldiers and former slaves could only watch. But slaves also could smile, seeing their long time tormentor being beaten like a bag of potatoes.
Dora then want to another part of her torture. She reached under her jacket and took two of her knives. Next, she grabbed Zorzal's arm and put his hand on the ground.
"What are you…"Zorzal tired to ask and screamed, when Dora literally pinned his hand down with knife.
She did the same with his second hand. Crown Prince tried to move his hands, but when he did this, the blades were cutting his hands even more.
"Now listen, you fucked bastard."Dora said."I want you to know, that until I'm alive, I will be hunting for you. I will be there, always waiting for occasion to get to your skin and rip it off of you. You won't be safe in you bedroom, dining room or even fucking mountain fort. I will always find you."
Dora then stood up and walked back to her commandos. Zorzal tried to say something else, but only thing that came from his mouth was tormented groan.
"Why won't you simply end this fucker?"Tertan commander asked.
"Because I want him to always fear, that one day, I will come for him."Dora said."Let's go. We have to get back to Terhis."
Commandos nodded and led the former slaves, leaving dead guards and Zrozal pinned down to the ground.
After reaching the gate they earlier cleared, they now needed a way to get out.
"Kurt, I think we don't need to be subtle anymore."Dora said to one of KSK."Blow that thing up."
KSK nodded and reached his rocked launcher. He aimed it at the door and fired missile, which upon colliding, send parts of the wooden door flying away. Hole, which appeared, was big enough for everyone to leave immediately.
"Okay, let's move!"Dora ordered.
Former slaves didn't had to be told twice. They followed soldiers into the open plain, that separated palace from forest and then, into the forest. There, after seeing the Stealth dropships waiting, they were quickly loaded aboard both of them.
Machines started to take off, allowing saved people to one last time look at the place, where they spent the worst time of their lives. After so many month of torture, they were free and could do what they wanted. Especially Humans and aliens captured in Terhis City could come back and again see their loved ones.
Although it was far from over, it could be already said. Operation: Canaveral was a success.
Five days later…
Operation: Canaveral took five days to complete. And it saw the most successful POW rescue actions Resistance ever performed. All slave camps and trading camps were raided and all slaves held in there were taken back to where they should be. In just almost a week, Sadera lost all of it's slave trade facilities. Fortunately, Resistance was lucky enough, that most of people from Terhis City were saved. Most, as by the time of their captivity, around thirty three people either died or disappeared.
As this was happening, Dora did what she promised to Tyuule and former Battle Queen had a chance to tell how it really was three years ago. To make sure everyone will believe her, Nashini used some of their Mind Fixers, a squid-like creature, which upon touching you, makes you unable to lie. Thanks to this, her name was cleared and Warrior Bunnies once more accepted her.
But after that, Tyuule did something, what nobody expected. She came to admiral Chesterfield and asked for permission to join Resistance armed forces, so to continue fighting against Sadera and their allies. Admiral agreed and former Battle Queen was allowed to join the officer training in Angier System. This started a chain reaction, as numerous Warrior Bunnies also wanted to join and fight against their sworn enemies. Because of that, Resistance opened a recruitment center in Alnus Town, where anyone that wanted, could sign up for service. As it turned out, many people wanted to give Empire what it deserved.
Currently, Tyuule stood in front of the Gate, preparing to cross. She was dressed in her new UNSA Navy uniform.
"Stressed?"Dora asked, standing next to Tyuule.
Warrior Bunny nodded.
"I never expected, that this will happen."she replied."To cross the Gate…Do you think I will find myself in your world?"
"I'm sure you will."Dora stated."Just don't get surprised, when you see Terhis City."
Tyuule nodded and with one last glance at the Gate, she entered it.
August 20, 2150
11:43
Sadera, Imperial Senate
"Emperor Molt!"Marquis Garcel said."I must insist, that we try and talk with Other Worlders!"
Number of whispers then came through the Senate room, as senators were discussing what they just heard. Molt risen his hand to stop them.
"And why do you think so?"he asked.
"Just look at all of this!"senator replied."They managed to attack and liberate all of our slave camps and trading hubs in just five days! FIVE DAYS! Until now, nobody knows, how are they able to travel so fast! But if we really want to survive as a civilization, we need to seek peace with them!"
Molt just sat there, looking at Marquis Garcel. Senator could only watch his ruler thinking.
"There will be no peace."Emperor finally said."Our civilization was humiliated and as well was my family."
Everyone then looked at Zorzal, which sat in the corner, with his face bruised and hands bandaged, after two knives were taken out of them.
"Additionally, according to reports, Rose Knights of my daughter, as well as her, sided with Other Worlders and now fight alongside them. Other Worlders might think, that they are undefeated."Emperor then stood up."But by the last month, we weren't sitting idle like them. W rebuilt our armies. Trained and tamed new wyverns. Incorporated new Beast Men into our armies. Consul Klarecius."
Said Consul stood up.
"What is the current state of our armies?"Molt asked.
"Your Highness."Klarecius said."We managed to recruit and train new 200,000 men. 158 wyverns. 843 Beast Men. In all of our provinces, recruitment is still ongoing and soon, we will be ready to march out."
"Good."Molt said and turned to the room."I, Emperor Molt Sol Augustus, promise you, that with our power, we push Other Worlders back! We will drive them back through the Gate! We will burn their kingdoms and make them pay for the great humiliation our great civilization experienced!"
Immediately, Senate was filled with shouts and excited screams. All senators were clearly showing their support for the Emperor. Marquis Garcel could only return to his seat.
Zorzal listened to this whole conversation. After meeting with that Other Worlder whore, he was taken to healers, which covered his hands in healing ointment and bandages. By this whole time, he was thinking about her. Hair with color of fire. Eyes burning with hatred. And her strength. But now, he smiled, hearing his father's words. After taking Other Worlders fortress on Alnus, he will go there, find this whore and beat her so long, until she will beg for mercy. He knew, that although previous defeats, now, nothing will stop the Empire's power.
How wrong they all were.
XXX
And it's over. Operation: Canaveral, as you could see, was full scale success for Resistance and all citizens taken from Terhis were saved. But it isn't over yet, as Molt, Zorzal and every war supporter are still in charge of the Empire. And Resistance will not let this continue, no matter how hard Sadera would try.
Also, I'm going to give Tyuule a place in Resistance military you probably won't expect. Can you guess, what she will do?
Okay, nothing else to say, so, see ya!