Just a disclaimer, this chapter is going to be the prelude to what will happen in the next one. So it's going to be more like preparing for what is about to happen. But before that, continuation of Yao's part.
Now, reviews.
To Hank: To answer your question, it was already showed in the story. There already were C-22 walking tanks/walkers and Ethan-type androids. And if you want to know how they look like, google Ethan from Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare and C-12 also from the same game. Besides, only race of sapient machines in the Galaxy are Viricons and they are on Holy Order's side.
Now, to the content.
Chapter 17
,,Counter-strike Pt.1: The Messenger"
August 22, 2150
12:43
Fort Terhis Drone Control Center
Lieutenant Samantha Bardy sat in her chair, sipping coffee from her mug. She once again looked at the screen, on which video feed from her drone was showed. Machine was currently in Elbe's airspace for almost a week now. Samantha thanked the guy, that designed these machines to use solar power and could start and land vertically.
Since she signed up for service in UNSA three years ago, she loved her job. Since she was little girl, she was dreaming about piloting the military drone. Before military, she even had a small model of such drone and often was playing with it when weather was good enough for that. But now, she was in command of true military drone and she loved it.
Schwarz Forest looked exactly like the name would suggest. Black trees, mainly the conifers, black ground and black mountains around. No surprise Dark Elves liked to live here. Only thing she wondered, however, was where that fucking Elecdrago was hiding. He didn't showed up for the last week.
But he was there, Samantha knew it. And as a drone operator, she had to do her job as good as it should be done.
Suddenly, drone flew over a different place. As Samantha noticed, trees here were brought down by something and the ground was decorated with ash. She smiled. According to what that Dark Elf said, this was the sign of Elecdrago's presence. Now, just locate that thing, relay everything to commanders and…
Samantha's headphones were suddenly pierced by a deafening sound. It was so strong, that her ears almost exploded. Woman quickly took the headphones off and took her drone camera joystick to turn it around. Camera started looking in various directions, until it finally spotted it's target.
Beast stood on the top of a mountain. It used it's wings as his forward limbs, standing on four and looking around. It's red eyes were shining in the sun, while it shook it's head. Samantha could swear, that this thing looked straight at the drone.
Creature made another roar and started waving his wings, until it finally started lifting up from the ground. Not long after, it disappeared behind the clouds. Seconds later, clouds were lighted by several electric discharges.
Samantha blinked for few times, before she quickly jumped on her legs and ran out of the room, to inform colonel Natchenko.
13:32
Fort Terhis Command Center
After the report from the drone operator, commanders of Task Force 03 quickly gathered in the base's command center, where main command table with map of Falmart show on it was. Currently, they were looking at the video from the drone patrolling the Elbe's airspace.
King Duran also was present at this. But unlike other commanders, he wasn't present in person, but in form of holographic window displayed over the table, thanks to help of Resistance Marines sent to Elbe. In his palace in his capital, Duran also watched the recording on the hand terminal provided by one of soldiers.
Everyone then saw enormous creature flying up into the sky and disappearing in the clouds. Video then stopped.
"So."admiral Chesterfield said."What will you say?"
"That one is surely big."Eriksson stated.
"I think it's bigger than the Flame Dragon killed by RT-3."Uki'Oparla said."This beast can be a problem."
Everyone then looked at King Duran.
"What will you say, Your Highness?"Jessica asked.
"It seems like all the rumors were true."Duran replied.
"Rumors?"Oksana asked.
King nodded.
"By last month or so we were receiving information, that giant beast ravages the Schwarz Forest and area around it. However, as we were more concerned about Sadera, we had no time to check the truth of these rumors."King then looked somewhere beyond the screen and nodded."Sergeant Lemare says, that he also didn't had time to check this."
"Yeah, Sadera was quiet by some time and this is why we were thinking, that they are planning something. We also had to divert all available units to Operation: Canaveral."Jessica agreed.
"But now, we have confirmation."Amanda said."This thing might be a very big problem, even bigger, than the Flame Dragon. We actually should send someone to check this."
Everyone, including Duran nodded.
"Due to the seriousness of the situation, I think we should send Recon Team Three."colonel Magar said."From all our units, they have experience in fighting giant monsters."
"Can't argue with that."Oksana said."What will you say, Your Highness?'
Duran risen his eyebrow.
"Isn't that obvious?"he asked."This monster is danger for all of my kingdom, as well as the others. If you can kill him, you have my full permit."
"Thank you."admiral said.
"Of course."Duran said and once more looked behind the screen."Excuse me, I'm being called. There is a delegation from one of other kingdoms."
With these words, King disconnected. TF03 commanders looked at each other.
"Where is Ester?"Eriksson asked.
Meanwhile…
Glade behind Fort Terhis
Ester, as well as Dora, Pina, Aquexymeva, Hamilton and one of Xaxians, race of creatures with bodies covered by shell, observed group of creatures, which were eating grass on the glade. Creatures were looking like giant balls with two legs, with short tails and covered with sand-colored armor. But the first thing everyone would see about them, were the saddles on their backs.
"What are they?"Hamilton asked in English, seeing the creatures bigger than horses, but having saddles.
By the time she already spent in the Resistance, she started to learn language used by Humans, but she also got some lessons on other languages. Other Rose Knights also lately started the lessons.
"Bouldras."Ester replied."Race of animals native to planet Xax, used by it's inhabitants as mounts and transports."
"We also use them as war beasts."Xaxian added."Their armor is pretty durable, what allows them to charge and break into enemy positions."
"So like Chakdrik, you also use creatures from your planet as cavalry?"Hamilton asked.
"Yes."Xaxian replied.
"But what are we even doing here?"Pina asked.
Ester then smiled and started rubbing her hands.
"I wanted to see, if I can tame one."she said.
Everyone risen their eyebrows, hearing this.
"You really want to ride one of these things?"Aqi asked.
"Yeah. It can't be that hard, right?"Ester replied, looking at Xaxian."What will you say, Migon?"
Xaxian looked Ester and back at Bouldras.
"If you want to do it, take Joko. He's the calmest one. He has the red saddle."Migon replied.
White Squadron leader nodded and went in the direction of the creatures.
"It will end bad, doesn't it?"Dora asked.
"It will."Hamilton had to agree.
Ester, in the meantime, started slowly approaching the small herd of Bouldras. Creatures were more focused on the grass, so they didn't payed attention on Human girl coming closer and closer to them. Ester smiled, trying to keep calm in the situation, although she felt a bit uneasy. Not one, not twice she saw, how these things charge at the enemy. Nothing could survive under their feet.
As she approached Joko, Bouldras looked at her with lazy eyes, chewing the grass. Ester slowly came up to him.
"Hey, big buddy."she said calmly."How are you?"
As she was saying that, she pulled her hand forward, trying to touch the head of the creature. For now, everything was going as planned.
"Yes, yes. That's right. We're friends."
Her hand was coming closer and closer to the head and almost touched it.
Almost, as suddenly, Bouldras narrowed his eyes and tried to bite Ester's hand. Creature then gave a squawk and started chasing Ester through the glade.
"Well. That didn't go well."Dora stated.
"Impressive, that these creatures can move so fast."Pina said.
"Never judge book by it's cover, Your Highness."Hamilton said.
Pina just rolled her eyes.
"Hamilton, I told you. Since we joined the Resistance, call me colonel or just Pina."former princess replied.
"Of course, Your…I mean, Pina.'
Bouldras then lost his interest in Ester and returned to his place. Ester approached the group.
"And what will you say?"Migon asked.
"I have one more thing I want to try."Ester replied."Dora. Give me your chocolate."
Dora risen her eyebrow.
"Why?"she asked.
"Because you got the biggest portion from all of us."her friend replied.
Dora just rolled her eyes and reached into her uniform. From there, she took a bar of chocolate and handed it to Ester.
"Why do we even get chocolate as part of our provisions?"Hamilton asked.
"When soldier feels, that he's losing strength, just eat some chocolate and replenish the sugar level in your body."Dora replied.
Ester, in the meantime, was again approaching the Bouldras, this time with chocolate in hand. She took the package off and threw it away, showing it to the creature. Bouldras once more looked in her direction and his eyes went in the direction of chocolate bar.
"Try it. It's for you."she said.
Creature came up closer and sniffed the chocolate. Next, it opened it's mouth and took a bite. It chewed for few seconds and swallowed.
"And?"
Bouldras once more looked at Ester and this time, she could swear, that creature is smiling. It came for another bite and Ester gave it to him. She scratched the creature under it's chin.
"See, I knew we will find a common language."Ester said."No matter if you are Human or alien animal, you will always appreciate good chocolate."
Next, while Bouldras was chewing the chocolate, Ester came up to it's side and climbed on the ladder, which led to the saddle. There, she sat down and grabbed the reins. Next, she led the creature to the group.
"Amazing…"Pina said, seeing Bouldras towering over them.
"Yeah, didn't knew they like chocolate."Migon said.
"Because you never tried."Ester stated with big smile on her face.
Xaxian shook his shell-covered head.
"Humans will never stop to amaze me."he stated.
"So, wait here and I will go for a little ride."Ester said.
She nudged the sides of the creature and soon, she was speeding through the glade.
"Wooo-hooo!"Ester exclaimed, doing another lap.
"She really enjoys it."Pina stated."
"This is how she is."Dora replied."When it comes to something she sees as 'fun', she will do everything to do it."
"Indeed."new voice said.
Everyone looked behind and saw Rory standing next to them. She had her standard smile on her face.
"Oh, Rory, what do you need?"Dora asked.
"I came here for Ester."Rory replied.
"But currently, she is…"Dora wanted to say, but was stopped.
Rory started spinning her axe and before anyone could say anything, she threw it in the direction of Bouldras path. Creature, seeing the axe hitting the ground in front of it widened it's eyes and stopped rapidly.
But because it had only two legs, when it stopped, all of it's body tilted forward, sending Ester flying. Fighter Infantry soldier hit the ground and rolled few meters, before she stopped.
Rory, in the meantime, just smirked and walked out to Ester.
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!"Ester exclaimed.
"I somehow had to stop that creature and talk with you."Rory replied, taking her axe out of the ground.
Ester stood up and massaged her back.
"Anyway, what do you want?"she asked.
"I wanted to tell you, that admiral Chesterfield wants to see you. She's waiting in the fortress."Apostle replied.
White Squadron leader stretched her neck and nodded her head.
"Okay, okay. I'm coming."she said."Migon, will you handle him?"she added, pointing at the Bouldras.
Migon nodded and approached the creature.
"Dora, Aqi. Tell the others, that I will be late."Ester said to her squadron members.
"Sure."Aqi said.
"Understood."Dora added.
Next, everyone walked in separate directions.
14:05
For Terhis Meeting Room
Rory led Ester to the command center, where Demigoddess walked away, leaving only Ester. White Squadron leader made her way into the building and after asking the guards, she walked to the meeting room. She opened the door and saw commanders of Task Force 03, with Yao sitting with them.
"Wanted to see me, Sir?"Ester asked, saluting.
"Yes."captain Eriksson replied."Please, sit down."
Ester listened and sat down next to Yao. The two looked at each other.
"Sorry for that time in tavern."Yao said.
"Easy. I don't mind."Ester replied.
Admiral Chesterfield then cleared her throat.
"Anyway. Guessing, that you want to know, why we called you here."she said.
"Yes…"both Yao and Ester replied.
"Well then."Jessica said."The reason is simple."
Oksana then stood up and gave a tablet to Yao. Dark Elf took the device and looked at what it was showed on the screen. She widened her eyes.
Image showed the same beast, which was devastating her home.
"It's…"she said.
"Yes."Oksana said."Not long ago, our drone over Elbe managed to film the Elecdrago in the mountains near to the forest. It happened actually few hours ago."
"And according to this recording, beast just moved out for another hunt."Uki'Oparla said.
Yao then felt something in her stomach.
"I guess so."she said."So, this is what you wanted to tell me?"
Commanders shook their heads.
"No. There is more."Magar said.
"We talked about the situation with King Duran."Eriksson said."He told us, that the Elecdrago is also rampaging outside of the forest, killing King's people. He also want this beast to be dead as fast as possible."
Listening to this, Yao was slowly starting to understand, where the Other Worlders commanders were getting with this.
"You want to say…"
"Yes."admiral said."King Duran gave us full authorization and we will send units to Elbe, to kill the Elecdrago."
Yao then felt tears coming to her eyes. Finally. After so long time, her prayers were listened and she managed to get the help of the army from beyond the Gate. She just couldn't hold her joy because of that.
"THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!"she exclaimed, jumping towards Chesterfield and hugging her tightly, much to everyone's surprise.
Ester, in the meantime, cleared her throat.
"But why I was called here?"she asked.
Immediately, all eyes turned on her.
"Well. It's mainly because of your encounter with Flame Dragon."Jessica said.
Ester frowned.
"Wait. You want to tell me…"she started.
"…that we will send you, to take care of this thing."Eriksson ended.
White Squadron leader just sighed.
"I could guess."she stated.
Suddenly, the door leading to the room slammed open and everyone saw a drone operator standing in them.
"What is it?"Amanda asked, getting out of Yao's hug.
"Sir, there is something it want you to see."drone operator said.
He then handed another tablet to admiral, which looked at the screen.
On it, she saw a photo, presenting the road. She zoomed the photo and saw a single horse rider on the road.
"What is it?"she asked.
"Look what is behind this rider."drone operator said.
Admiral once more looked at the photo and moved it, so she could see rest of the road behind the rider. And there, she saw more riders, surely dressed in Imperial armor and chasing the one in the front.
"What am I seeing here?"admiral asked.
"We don't know. But what we can deduce, is that we have some Imperial horsemen chasing someone on the road leading to Alnus."drone operator asked.
"When and how far from here the photo was taken?"Jessica asked.
"Thirteen minutes ago and seventy kilometers away from here."drone operator said.
Ester immediately stood up and went to the door.
"Where are you going?"Uki'Oparla asked.
Ester stopped in the door and looked at the commanders.
"Someone needs help. So we're gonna give it."she replied.
Next, she made her way out of the building and turned where her squadron had their barracks.
Meanwhile, in the barracks, White Squadron members were looking at Yuko with asking looks.
"Yuko…"Arlette started.
"Yes?"Yuko replied.
"What are you gonna do about her?"Anastasia asked.
Everyone then looked at an inconspicuous cat girl sitting next to Yuko and keeping her arm. Now, instead of some rags, girl was dressed in green T-Shirt and pants. She was still a bit unsure of the whole situation and just sat there, not saying anything.
"I don't know."Yuko said."Since that action in slave camp, she simply stuck to me and don't want to go away."
"Well, you saved her life."Aqi noticed.
"Screw you, Aqi. You told me to do it. She should stuck to you."Japanese stated.
Aquexymeva just threw up her arms.
"But tell me. Who would you trust faster? Human or a demon from the underworld?"
Yuko just narrowed her eyes and waved her hand.
"Okay, you have the point."she said.
"Besides, you could have a little sister from her, if she won't leave you."Liz said.
Yuko once more looked at the cat girl. Having little sister…Few times, she was thinking, how would it be to have younger siblings. She only had an older brother. And now, she would be the older sibling.
"You think it would work?"Yuko asked.
"Hey, look at me and Emiko."Liz replied, hugging Emiko."Aren't we a good example of how step-sisters can be good siblings?"
Japanese had no response on that and just sighed.
"Guess you're right."she said.
Right at that moment, Ester entered and made her way to the group.
"Yuko, Aqi, Dora and Liz. You're going with me."she immediately said.
"Wait, what?"Liz asked.
"There is someone being chased by the Imperials not far away from here. We have to help this person."Ester explained.
Said people looked at each other and stood up. Yuko noticed, that cat girl is still sticking to her arm.
"Can you let me go?"Yuko asked.
Cat girl just shook her head.
"Okay. Just keep close to me and you'll be okay."Japanese instructed.
Next, the group made their way towards the armory, from where they took their weapons and equipment, after which they went to vehicle depot, from where they took Land Rover and left the base.
Meanwhile…
Alnus Express Way
Shandy once again looked behind her and saw the Imperial cavalry still chasing her. She bit her lip.
"Faster!"she said to the horse.
Animal already had foam coming out of it's mouth, but she couldn't stop now. Not after these two days.
Just two days ago, she was still sitting in the Rose Knights palace on the outskirts of Sadera, where she and some other Knights were waiting for return of Pina and the others. By the month which passed since the Battle of Italica, they had no information regarding their leader. They were debating if they should go and try to find her or just wait.
But all of this was interrupted two days ago.
Squad of Imperial guards stormed the Marigold Palace and got inside, slaughtering the Rose Knights inside. The ones that surrendered were taken prisoner and guards took them to the Imperial Palace.
When the fight calmed down for a bit, Knights asked, what was the meaning of this. Then, much to their surprise, they heard, that Rose Knights were marked as traitors, as Pina joined with the Other Worlders, and Molt ordered to kill or take prisoner all of them.
Then, the fight continued, as Shandy was told to quickly leave the capital and, if what Imperial soldiers were saying was true, go to the Alnus and find princess Pina and tell her everything. Youngest member of the Rose Knights quickly agreed and was now going to Alnus at full speed.
Shandy knew, that she was close to her target. Just several more kilometers and everything should be good. She needed to reach Alnus.
Suddenly, a crossbow quarrel flew next to Shandy's face and hit her horse in the eye. Animal stood on it's back hooves, before it fell on the ground, trapping Shandy under it. Knight tried to get out of this trap, but couldn't.
"No, no, no!"she said.
Imperial horsemen then reached her. They started getting off of their horses and approaching the helpless girls. They had smiles on their faces.
"End of the road, little Knight."one of them said.
"Yeah, you really started pissing us off, little girl."another stated.
"But now, it will end."their leader said.
He then walked up to Shandy and knelt next to her. He took a knife from behind his belt and put it to Shandy's face.
"So, if you not resist, we will give you quick and painless death."leader said.
"Leave me alone!"Shandy exclaimed.
Horsemen just laughed.
"Well, guess you chosen. Good."leader said."Now, please, allow me…"
Leader's face suddenly exploded and his blood splattered on Shandy's face. Other horsemen started looking around. They then noticed a horseless wagon on the road.
"Got him."Yuko said, after taking out the leader.
"Fire!"Ester ordered.
Resistance soldiers then opened fire at the Imperials. Shandy could only watch tens of light flashes flying towards the soldiers and piercing their armor. It took just few seconds, to clear the horsemen, while their horses simply ran away. Just by looking at this, Shandy could say, that Other Worlders just arrived.
"Dora, Liz, Fatima. Go and check her."Ester ordered.
The two nodded and made their way towards the killed horse and it's rider laying under it. Immediate upon reaching the site, Liz and Dora started lifting the horse up, what let Fatima pull Shandy from under the body. Next, White Squadron medic started checking her state.
"Are you okay?"Fatima asked.
"Y-yes…"Shandy replied, looking at the figure over her.
"What's your name?"
"Shandy Gaff Marea…"
Next, Shandy saw a strange, blue, transparent energy, which moved from her head down to her legs.
"No internal injuries."Fatima reported."Tell us, why did they chased you?"
"I have a message for princess Pina."Shandy replied.
Fatima nodded.
"Okay then. Come with us, we will take you to Alnus."she said.
Shandy nodded and stood up, with little help from Liz and Fatima. Dora scanned the area to see, if there are more enemies incoming, but fortunately, nothing like that happened. She turned around and followed the three girls back to Land Rover.
"And?"Ester asked.
"She's okay. She also says, that she has a message for Pina."Liz replied.
Ester nodded.
"Okay then. Get inside, we're going to Alnus."
Shandy nodded and with help of Other Worlders, got inside of the horseless wagon, after which the vehicle turned around and started speeding back to Alnus.
Few minutes later, Land Rover made it's way to the Alnus, with Shandy looking at the fortress in awe. They moved through the gate and entered the base. On their way, Ester called the base and informed Rose Knights about the situation.
Said group was already waiting for them in the vehicle depot, where after disembarking from Land Rover, they quickly came up to Shandy.
"Shandy, how good to see you!"Hamilton said.
"Thank you…"Shandy said."Can you tell me, where princess Pina is?"
"Here."Pina said.
She stepped from between the Knights and came up to Shandy. Next, she hugged her.
"It's good to see you alive."Pina said.
"I'm also happy, Your High…"Shandy wanted to say, but Pina stopped her.
"No. Call me 'colonel' now."
Shandy started thinking for few seconds and nodded.
"Of course, colonel."she said."I have an urgent message for you."
"Okay. Follow me. You will tell it to Resistance commanders."former princess said.
Shandy nodded and followed the princess.
Later…
Commanders of Task Force 03 for the second time gathered in Meeting Room, where they listened to Shandy's message. And with every word said by the youngest Rose Knight, they were more and more shocked.
"My father and brother ordered to kill all of you?"Pina asked.
Shandy took another sip from her glass and nodded.
"Yes. They feared, that we might rebel and join you."she replied."I was the only one able to escape them. I don't know what happened to the others after I left. But if not help of your soldiers, I wouldn't be able to get here."
Admiral Chesterfield nodded.
"Thank you for the information, miss Shandy."she said."Now, if you want, you can go and rest…"
But Shandy shook her head.
"No. There is one more thing I wanted to tell you."
"And what is it?"Jessica asked.
Shandy took another sip.
"While I was leaving Sadera"she started"I saw enormous army gathering under the city's walls. There were thousands of men, Beast Men and wyverns. I think they are going to march on Alnus."
Everyone in the room looked at each other, hearing about this. If this information was true, then there surely will be battle soon.
"Again, thank you for your information."captain Eriksson said."We will look into this as fast as we can. You can go and rest now."
"Of course."Shandy said.
She then stood up and, together with Pina, left the room, leaving Task Force 03 commanders to think of the plan.
"Contact me with our men in Sadera."Amanda ordered."I want to hear their words about this."
That night…
Sadera
Moon was slowly rising over the Imperial capital, as citizens were going to their beds and turned the lights off. Streets were being patrolled by soldiers with torches, looking for any unusual occurrences within the city walls. Fortunately, nothing strange was happening in the city.
At least, in it's more cared part.
In the Akusho District, known also as the Red Lights District, group of hooded people were running down the streets, unopposed by anyone. Well. They were here for over a month already and they already showed, that they are force to be recognized with.
In command of this group of major Felix Ardner, seasoned officer of ICTA and one of the best agents Humans had to offer. He was made the commander of spy cell in Sadera and since that time, he made great progress.
Now, he and two of his companions were ordered by admiral Chesterfield herself to scout that giant army that appeared under city's walls few days ago.
"Quiet."Felix said, as one of his companions almost tripped on a rock.
"Sorry, sir."Nashini replied.
Agents then made their way towards the walls, where they climbed up the stairs. They thanked whatever gods they believed in for how badly Empire cared about Akusho. There were no wall patrols and Resistance operatives could easily check what was going on outside the city.
And when they stood on the top of the walls, they could just look.
On the plain surrounding the city, there were hundreds of bonfires visible. Operatives looked at it, seeing movement at some of the bonfires, as well as screams of wyverns.
"Holy shit…"Nashini operative said.
"Yeah."Felix agreed."We need to quickly send the video feed to Fort Terhis."
He then pressed a button on his glasses and cameras mounted into them started live feeding what was in front of the agents.
In Fort Terhis…
Commanders of Task Force 03 sat in the meeting room and looked at the live video feed from the Resistance agents in capital of the Empire. They could only watch the bonfires and hear the roars of wyverns under the city's walls. But still, this looked like a strong force.
"How much do you estimate?"Amanda asked.
"From 200,000 to 300,000."captain Eriksson replied."Whatever is the case, they surely are going to march here."
Admiral nodded.
"So I guess they also didn't sat idle during this calm month."she said.
"Indeed."colonel Magar agreed."If they are going to send all of this here, then I guess we're gonna have another great battle."
"So I guess, that we should send someone to bomb them all?"Uki'Oparla asked.
But admiral Chesterfield shook her head and said:
"No. We let them come."
This brought the attention of other commanders.
"Why, sir? We could send some fighters or fighter-bombers and simply raze them all with the ground."Jessica said.
"I know."admiral said."But think about it. We can use it as a pretty good scaring factor."
"Keep going, sir."Eriksson said.
"By this, I want to say, that we let them come here, then we fight them. In this way, we can show our enemies, that no matter how many troops they will throw at us, we will win."Amanda explained.
Commanders were thinking about this proposition for few seconds, until they finally nodded.
"Sounds good to me."Jessica said."It's better that we already start preparing for their arrival."
"Yes, colonel."Eriksson said."You can all leave and take care of this."
"Yes, sir."Jessica, Uki'Oparla, Magar and Oksana said.
Chesterfield and Eriksson watched the four commanders leaving the room.
"You think this plan of yours will work?"Eriksson asked.
"It has to."Chesterfield replied."But I have full faith in our men. Besides, we already faced more numerical forces. Remember Ramses II?"
Eriksson nodded. Battle of Ramses II was one of the biggest and bloodiest battles of Great Galactic War, during which one million Holy Order troops were repelled by just 200,000 of Resistance. Both sides took enormous losses, but Resistance ultimately was victorious.
"Yes. I still have dreams about it."Eriksson replied.
"I know. But now, let's prepare. I guess our guests from Sadera will arrive soon enough."Amanda said.
Both naval commanders then turned around and left. Only thing that was left now, was to wait for the arrival of Imperial Army.
XXX
And there it is. As I said at the beginning, this chapter had to put the foundations for the next one. And in the next one, Imperial Army will approach Alnus Province once more. But what they will see, surely won't be something they like.
No trivia today, so until the next time, see ya!