Here I am with another chapter of The Will of Resistance. In this chapter, we're gonna see the effects of Empire's long and hard re-militarization and re-arming campaign. Will this help them defeat Resistance or at least cripple it? Well, I guess you already know the answer.
But before that, reviews.
To Hank: No, EUF won't be here. Besides, Holy Order isn't relaying on numbers only. They have some tricks in their sleeves.
To BigBadAud666: If my story isn't worth your time, then don't read it. Simple.
Now, with this out of the way, let's get to the business.
Chapter 18
,,Counter-Strike Pt.2: Show of force"
August 27, 2150
09:44
Alnus Province border
Hundreds of thousands feet were hitting the ground, walking in formation, covered by wyverns in the air. Alongside the Imperial soldiers were hundreds of Beast Men and other races, which were forced to join Imperial Army. Thanks to the reinforcements, which joined them along the way, the 300,000 strong army which moved from Sadera, grew to 500,000 in no time. Their goal was one and simple.
Holy Hill of Alnus, occupied by Other Worlders for already too long.
Commander-in-chief of this newly assembled army was general Marius So Legras. Coming from the proud and honorable family of warriors, it was natural to put him in command of Empire's biggest army sent against Other Worlders. He was known as one of the most ruthless commanders in the Imperial Army and he never gave up, before he managed to achieve his goal.
As he and his commanders were moving towards Alnus Hill, he could already dream about the battle, that will commence. He could already see Other Worlders soldiers laying dead on the ground, while he stood over them, with his sword pulled forward, ordering his men to attack further. Already imagining how he crosses the Gate again and does what Expeditionary Force couldn't do.
However, as he was riding alongside his army and his field commanders, he just couldn't stop feeling a bit uneasy. He looked around, don't knowing, what it was. Like he was…observed by someone.
What actually wasn't as far from truth.
"Dingo 1-1, do you see the target?"
Team of camouflaged UNSA Marines was observing the army from nearby forest. They actually weren't the first such post, as number of them was placed along the road, so Resistance knew about the enemy movements three days prior.
"Yes, I do."Dingo 1-1 replied to command."I can see enemy soldiers coming down the road."
"How many of them?"command asked.
"I don't know. I could say that around 500,000."
"500,000?"command asked."So it seems, like other posts were saying the truth. They're growing with every day."
"Should we be concerned?"
There was a moment of silence on the other end.
"No."command finally replied."Admiral Chesterfield is preparing for welcoming them really warmly. So just look at them and report anything."
"Copy that."Dingo 1-1 replied and ended the call.
Next, he returned to observing the marching and flying enemy forces.
The next day…
13:44
Two kilometers away from Italica
Next day, Imperial Army started moving in the very morning. This is why Resistance soldiers moved out in the morning as well. Both forces sighted each other two kilometers away from Italica. Imperial Army formed a shield wall on it's whole length, preparing for enemy to charge at them. But until now, nothing like that happened.
"It's quiet. Too quiet."one of Marius' commanders said.
"I have to agree with you. It's strange."Marius said.
Soldiers were slowly getting nervous, not knowing, what to do. They knew about the enemy presence, while enemy knew about them. However, fearing that this might be some kind of a trap, they just stood there.
"Look!"one of commanders suddenly exclaimed.
Everyone looked in that direction and saw a single, horseless wagon coming towards them. Soldiers put their spears between their shields and waited for it to approach. But instead, it stopped and someone came out of it.
Marius noticed, that it was woman, as she had long, black hair. She was accompanied by two more soldiers. She stood in front of the line and eyed them all. Next, she put some strange device to her mouth.
"I would like to talk to enemy commander!"Jessica said through megaphone.
Soldiers were a bit surprise at how loud her voice was, but stood there, holding their ground. Marius, however, turned her horse in his horse in her direction.
"My lord, what are you doing?!"one of his commanders exclaimed.
"If she wants to talk, then let her have it."Marius replied."I'm sure, that talking is the only thing they can do well."
And with this statement, Marius ridden his horse in the direction of the woman. His soldiers made way for their commander by stepping away. Soon, Marius looked at Jessica from the back of his horse.
"What do you want, you savage?"he asked.
Jessica rolled her eyes.
"I have a message from my commanders for you."she said.
"And what is it?"Marius asked.
Jessica eyed all the soldiers in front of her and threw up her arms.
"They want to give you a choice. You will turn back and return to your filthy capital."she said."Or you will stay here and face total annihilation. You choose."
There was a moment of silence between two sides. A silence, which was then interrupted by entirety of Imperial lines erupting with laughter, hearing Jessica's words. From all of them, Marius was laughing the most.
"Save me your empty words, barbarian!"he said."We will never fear you and you have no right to tell us what to do!"
He then turned to his soldiers.
"Archers! Show her, what I'm talking about!"he ordered.
Some archers placed their arrows in their bows and pointed them in the air. Next, arrows flew straight in Jessica's direction.
Marius was already prepared to see the woman in front of him pierced by arrows, when something unexpected happened. There was a flash of blue light, that blinded him for few seconds. When he regained his ability to see, he was shocked to see what was in front of him.
It was a creature, which seemed to be made completely of pure energy. It was a shapeless mass of energy and somehow Marius knew it was alive. It had it's hand drawn forward, stopping the arrows in the air, just two meters from Jessica. Creature also had pair of light blue eyes, looking at him. Jessica had a grin on her face.
"Oh, meet my companion, Jjai."she said."He represents race known as Vahhons. They are energy race, which already evolved from their physical bodies. They also can do this."
And with Jessicas words, Jjai turned the arrows around in the air and sent them flying in the direction of shocked archers. The ones that fired them, where then killed by their own projectiles.
"So it's your choose. We're gonna fight."Jessica stated and returned to her car.
Marius, as well as all other Imperial soldiers watched the vehicle turn around and driving away. Jjai, on the other hand, simply disappeared and materialized by in base. Imperial general looked at his men and noticed, that some of them suddenly had worried expressions.
"Keep it up, me!"he ordered."They can't defeat us!"
Yet he was about to learn, that his words were the empty ones.
At the Resistance side…
Jessica's car returned back to the friendly lines. Upon reaching the army hidden behind nearest hills and in the forest, she walked out of the car and approached her soldiers which waited on her in full battle readiness.
"And how it was, sir?"a Nashini Marine asked.
"And what do you expect?"Jessica asked."Of course they didn't choose to turn back."
"So we're going to battle?"Tertan Marine asked.
"Yes, we do."
Woman then stood in front of the soldiers and looked at them all.
"You know the plan, right?"she asked.
"Sir, yes sir!"soldiers replied.
"Good. So now, let me hear you!"
"OORAH!"
"Louder!"
"OORAH!"
"Hell yeah! Now, let's get this thing going!"
As Jessica said that, a group of Human rocket artillery started aiming their missiles.
Back at the Imperial side…
Marius already returned to his position and now observed the hills and forest in front of him. He was sure of his army's dominance over enemy and their magic. He surely outnumbered them around 20 to 1 and still had number of wyverns over their heads. However, after that woman appeared, some of his commanders actually started doubting their dominance.
"I don't know if we can actually win…Now, if we can even hold the line."one of them said.
"Why you bother?"Marius asked."We outnumber them."
"But Your Highness."another commander said."They already were destroying armies bigger than they."
Marius just scoffed.
"They were lucky only thus far. But today, they will see our true might!"he stated.
And right as he said that, there was a loud shouting coming from enemy side. But, as they noticed, all of it sounded different in different places.
"What? Are they ragtag army or what?"Marius asked."I feel disappointed."
"But I still suggest to stay vigilant, sir."another commander said.
Marius just rolled his eyes.
"You really are scared of this barbarians?"
Suddenly, the air was filled with hundreds of wheezing sounds. Soldiers looked around, don't knowing what's happening.
"Are these banshees?"someone asked.
"Or are these more of these energy monsters?"another soldier asked.
But if anymore guesses were appearing in their heads, they were soon interrupted by hundreds of explosions, which started erupting in their formations. Both soldiers and commanders watched in muted shock, as fire falls from the sky and literally tear their men apart. Parts of bodies were flying everywhere, mixed with mud, grass and pieces of armor.
From his position, Marius and his commanders looked at this in horror.
"What sorcery is this?"Marius asked.
"Black magic! They are using black magic!"one of his commanders said.
"My Lord! Look!"another said.
And they looked. And were terrified, seeing tens of enemy iron dragons appearing over their heads. They all were of different sizes, shapes and colors. But one thing was sure: they all belonged to the enemy.
"Wyverns!"Marius shouted."Eliminate enemy dragons!"
"Yes, My Lord!"wyverns commander said and flew up to join his men.
Meanwhile, bombardment stopped and now, Jessica looked at enemy army with her binoculars. She could see, that the famous shield wall was broken into pieces and now, soldiers were exposed for the next part of the plan.
"Beast Masters!"Jessica exclaimed.
Per her word, Tertan Beast Masters let their Xarars off the leash and on the whole length of lines, wolf-like creatures jumped out of the forests and from behind the hills, running towards the confused Imperial soldiers, which watched these black-red shapes running in their direction with confusion and some with arrogance.
"Dogs?"one of them asked and laughed."They really are sending dogs at us?"
His smile quickly vanished from his face, as Xarar jumped on him and literally crushed his skull with it's jaws.
All along the line, Xarars reached the Imperial soldiers and started slaughtering them. Field was filled with screams of pain from soldiers, which lost limbs, were being eaten alive, when Xarars opened theirs stomachs with their claws or simply were being torn apart by entire groups of these murderous beasts. Some soldiers tried to stab the Tertan beasts, but only results they received, was Xarars immediately feeling him from behind and turning around, to continue the slaughter.
Still shocked, Marius watched enemy beasts running between his soldiers and changing his army into midday meal. These things were even more dangerous than dragons, what shouldn't even be possible! They were fast, had sharp claws and jaws filled with red teeth. Only thing he could do, was to watch the slaughter continue.
Wyvern's corpse then fell in front of him. Marius looked up and widened his eyes, seeing his wyverns being torn to shreds, just like his army on the ground.
In the air…
"Hell yeah, eat this!"Suvi exclaimed, when she saw wyvern being torn apart by missile.
Resistance fighters were engaged in 'dogfight', if you could call it like that, with wyverns, while Xarars were wrecking havoc among Imperial lines. In the beginning, wyvern riders were sure of their dominance over the enemy. But this statement was changed, when from 500 wyverns accompanying the army, 159 fell from the sky in first five minutes of the fight and this number was still going up.
"Hey, wanna count, how many who killed?"Yuko asked.
"Nah, we will do a tournament some other time."Liz said."Just keep them occupied and make sure non of them will try and help on the ground."
"That, we can do."Suvi said.
Wyverns were no match for the Resistance pilots. Creature after creature was falling off of the sky, with blood following them and screams of their riders. Riders themselves were just wondering how someone could match their beasts. They were elite of the elite in Imperial Army, yet they could kill several iron dragons.
Liz dropped behind one of ywverns and introduced it to 50mm gun, changing the creature into red mist. She was followed by one of Nashini crafts, which fired missile at the wyvern and made it disappear. Gunfire, missiles and screams filled the air, as battle commenced.
"All air units."ground control said in the pilots' comms."Back off from the fight. Chakdrik want to show their new toys to our friends and we don't want any friendly fire."
"Copy that, ground control."Liz replied."All fighters, make place for Chakdrik."
Fighters started breaking off from the battle and turned back in the direction of Fort Terhis. Seeing this, wyvern riders started cheering.
"They're falling back!"one of them exclaimed.
"Victory is ours!"another joined.
But soon, they were going to know, that they started cheering a bit too early.
Three Chakdrik fighter bombers passed by withdrawing Resistance spacecraft and flew in the direction of the wyverns.
"I can see three enemies coming our way!"one of riders reported.
"Probably their rear guard, we can take care of them."his commander said.
"Target locked."Chakdrik leader said."Fire Thermal Missiles."
His wingmen confirmed readiness and without hesitation, pressed the buttons, letting the missiles fly towards enemy formation.
Riders watched the three objects approaching them, until they hit their targets and exploded. When this happened, three blue balls of thermal energy appeared, growing in size and consuming all wyvern riders that got into their radius, completely evaporating them from existence. In just few seconds, what remained of wyvern riders, was changed into simple bits, when the balls of energy disappeared.
And when this happened, Resistance fighters returned to battle and started mopping up the remains.
Back on the ground, Marius and his commanders watched the air battle and how the wyverns were simply evaporated.
"Their magic is…"one of commanders said.
"…unbeatable."another ended.
Hearing this, Marius tightened his teeth.
"No! Every magic is beatable! And their also is!"he stated.
Suddenly, there was series of whistles coming from the enemy side of the battlefield. Black, wolf-like beasts which were slaughtering the Imperial Army formations, stopped their slaughter and left, returning to friendly lines. Saderan men just watched them do this in confusion, shock and fear.
"Finally!"some soldiers said.
"These beasts left us!"another said.
"Maybe they have enough now?"someone suggested.
As he said that, another whistle was hear and now, from the forest, enemy forces started appearing. Except soldiers and their iron beasts, Imperial soldiers could see creatures resembling nothing more, that giant spiders.
"Don't be scared!"Marius shouted from the hill."Charge them! Charge and show them our might!"
Although reluctant, soldiers started charging down the hill, towards enemy troops. But when they did it, Resistance dropships hiding in the forest took off from their positions and flew in the direction of charging Imperials, firing their machine guns and missiles at them. Soon, several balls of fire and blood erupted in places where the missiles scored hits. Bodies were flying everywhere, but Imperial Army continued their charge.
"Fire!"Jessica ordered in the communicators.
Marines and Army soldiers didn't had to be told twice. Entire line erupted with fire from their guns and riffles. More Saderans were falling dead on the ground, making it harder for their comrades from the back to charge at the enemy. What, of course, was good for the Resistance, as they were still moving forward and tanks were clearing the way, simply driving over the enemy dead and wounded.
Chakdrik Spider Cavalry had the most fun from all of this. Giant spiders from Chakdria simply charged at enemy formations and smashed through them with ease, punching soldiers on their legs or pulling them closer with their web. If it wasn't enough, they still were equipped with machine guns and missile launchers.
In short, Resistance was breaking enemy forces on the whole line.
"Come on! For the queen!"Shakayan Marine shouted.
"Show them, that insectoid species are as dangerous!"Chakdrik Army soldier said.
"Grenade!"Human Marine said, throwing grenade at group of spearmen.
"Get lost!"Shakayan Exo said, simply running over the Imperial soldier.
"This is I like president Moa'Likra! He gave us all the best new toys!"Nashini Army soldier said, firing his minigun at enemy shield wall.
"Send them all to hell!"Tertan Marine ordered to his men, as they fired their plasma riffles at enemy troops.
"I might be eleven months already, but I still can give you what you deserve!"elder Chakdrik Marine said, stabbing enemy with his bayonet.
Jessica, which of course was in the middle of all of this, looked around her and could only smile under her visor, seeing how many Imperial soldiers were laying dead on the ground. Next to her, one of them popped open, when Nashini tank drove him over. She gave them chance to turn around. It was only their own fault.
"Archers, right side!"Leopard tank commander said, as his gunner blasted some enemy archers.
"Plasma guns are the best!"Tertan tank commander said.
"Ogre on the left!"Nashini tanker said and ogre was no more.
"Please, meet general Shwarzkopf!"M5R Shwarzkopf tanker said, as his gun blasted enemy shield wall to kingdom come.
"Shakayan heavy tanks are good too!"Shakayan tanker said, when his Gh.27 heavy tank simply bashed into ogre, making him fall on the ground and drive over him.
"Hey, something is missing."Tertan tank commander said, when his modified MKL-57 fired a flamethrower."Oh, right! Flames!"
"How ruthless!"Chakdrik tank machine gunner said, when he mowed some swordmen."Oh, well. I guess this is how it is."
In the air, dropships continued their attack runs, simply decimating enemy troops and everything what was not belonging to Resistance. Machines were occasionally hit by arrows, but guess you know how it ended.
Marius couldn't believe in what he was seeing. Enemy forces were simply bashing through his army with ease. Now, looking at the massacre before him, he could simply tell, that even these beasts from before were not as dangerous as Other Worlder soldiers. He then saw one fo these giant spiders simply stepping on one of his men and pinning him to the ground, before eating his head. They were savage, fought without any tactics and had no honor in battle. They didn't deserved victory in this battle and he knew it.
"Fall back! Fall back!"one of his commanders suddenly said.
Without hesitation, all of Marius' entourage turned their horses and started running away as fast as they could.
"Cowards!"he exclaimed."Come back here and fight for the Mighty Emperor!"
His words were then cut off, when tank shell fell next to him, scaring his horse. Animal stood up on two legs, throwing it's rider off and running away.
Marius quickly regained his senses and stood up, taking his sword. He looked around and his eyes stopped on one of enemy soldiers.
It was Jessica. She had her visor down and led her soldiers up the hill, towards Marius' position. Imperial commander quickly recognized her and decided to work as fast as he could.
"If I kill her, their morale will break and we still can win!"he thought.
Without much thinking, he started charging at Jessica. But before he could reach her, there was a shot and he felt pain like never before. Marius looked at his hand and noticed that it was missing. In front of him, Jessica stood, with her riffle pointed at him and one of Marines with shotgun.
"Never dance with Human Marine, fucker."Jessica said and pulled the trigger, ending Marius' career.
Imperial Army on whole line started breaking and not long after, some of soldiers started routing.
14:16
Tyran River
Formation of seventy two galleys was making it's way down the river. They were all loaded with soldiers and had to join Marius' army near Italica. They had to join him earlier, but believing in his quick victory, general decided to force his army and because of that, galleys were directed towards Alnus Province. They really hoped they could reach the battlefield before anything starts.
But hearing the thunder-like sounds from afar, they actually knew, that they were late.
"I think the battle commenced, my Lord."one of galleys' captains said.
Legate Dominus Ko Margis looked at the captain and nodded.
"Indeed."he said."Marius always wants to pursue the victory at all costs."
"I have to agree with you, my Lord."captain replied.
Next, whole fleet continued to sail, listening to the far away battle.
In one moment, however, one of soldiers which stood in the front most point of the galley, looked at the water and frowned. Coming their way, were several traces of water being split in two, like something was swimming on it. As they got closer, soldier saw some kind of fin sticking out of the water.
"My Lord!"he exclaimed."There is something approaching us!"
"What is it?"Dominus asked.
"It looks like fins!"soldier replied.
Dominus frowned. Fins? What river creatures had fins on the back?
"Can you tell more?"Dominus asked.
"No, sir, they…!"soldier tried to reply.
Before he could, however, a blue light flew from the water and soldier's upper body exploded, splatting soldiers and ground around him in red. Everyone looked at it in shock. Dominus, however, kept his reasons.
"Grab your weapons! We're under attack!"he ordered.
Soldiers immediately grabbed their swords and waited. Some started shaking, as they were suddenly flooded by fear of unknown danger.
"Keep calm."Dominus said to them."Keep calm."
Water suddenly became calm and fins from before disappeared. Sodliers looked around the water, but found nothing.
Suddenly, six shapes shot out of the water and fell on the galley. Soldiers looked at them and noticed, that these things have skin covered in fish scales. Creatures stood up and now, soldiers could see, that they were face to face with fish-like humanoids, which had face resembling mix of Human and fish, with yellow fish-like eyes. They were dressed in elastic suits, had fins on their back and had some kinds of staffs in their hands.
"Wh…What are you?!"one of soldiers asked.
"Soldiers of Varian Autocracy, currently under the banner of Resistance Alliance.'fish-like humanoid said.
And without hesitation, he pointed his staff at the soldier who asked and fired blue energy at him, evaporating upper part of his body. Imperial soldiers immediately started charging at the creatures and soon, melee battle started, with Varians surprisingly defeating Saderans one after another.
Dominus then heard more sound of fire and turned around. And much to his shock, saw, that such situation repeated itself on every single ship of his fleet. More of these fish-like creatures appeared and started taking his ships. Soldiers were being blasted out of existence or thrown into the water.
"These barbarians!"he exclaimed.
In that moment, one of these creatures stood in front of him, with it's staff pointed at him.
"My Lord!"galley's captain exclaimed.
He jumped in front of Dominus right when creature fired, spraying Dominus with captain's blood. Remains of captain simply fell on the deck.
"Asshole."Varian said, using his favorite word he learned from Humans.
But he again turned his eyes at Dominus, which grabbed his sword and pointed it at him.
"You will die for this!"Dominus exclaimed and lifted his sword up.
And immediately got evaporated by Varian weapon. What remained of Dominus just fell on the deck, like captain.
Battle of Tyran River, as it was called after, ended as quickly as it started.
Meanwhile…
Italica, Southern Wall
Admiral Chesterfield, captain Eriksson, countess Myui, head maid Kaine, Tyuule Pina, Bozes, Hamilton, Grey and Shandy stood on the city's Southern Wall, looking at the battle, which commenced two kilometers away from the city. Thy didn't see everything, but sounds could be visible, as well as explosions and dropships flying over the battlefield. The air battle could be seen too and Falmart natives were truly terrified by the weapon which wiped out almost all of wyvern riders in just seconds.
Tyuule was here from the request of admiral herself, as she wanted to show her how Resistance soldiers fight.
"Well, this is the power of 22nd century weaponry."captain Eriksson stated.
Rose Knights could only nod their heads.
"Sadera is doomed and nothing will save it."Pina stated.
"Yes."Hamilton said.
Everyone looked at Tyuule.
"And what will you say, Your Highness?"Amanda asked.
Because Tyuule was beyond the Gate long enough, she already could understand English and, surprisingly, Arabic.
"Please, don't call me that."Warrior Bunny replied."I'm not a Battle Queen anymore. Now, call me captain."
"Of course."admiral said.
"And when it comes to your question"she continued"I will never forget this sight. Thousands of Imperial soldiers being torn into little pieces…Only if we could have your help three years ago…"
Everyone nodded.
"By the way, if I can ask."Pina said."How is your studying beyond the Gate?"
Tyuule looked at her and smiled.
"It's going good. I managed to learn a lot by this time. I can even tell you entire naval doctrine of UNSA."former Battle Queen replied.
Rose Knights risen their eyebrows.
"Oh, really?"Grey asked."And what would it be?"
"United Nations Space Alliance naval doctrine is based on the American doctrine of Power Projection. UNSA operates number of fleets consisting of various ship types, focused on defending one or two Carriers or other Capital Ships. Fleets are deployed in number of systems to ensure full capability of defending them from any invading force and supporting lowly defended systems if needed. In cases of local crises, these fleets have rights to intervene in neighboring countries or provide humanitarian help for civilian population."Tyuule recited from the memory.
Knights looked at her with recognition.
"Exactly."Eriksson said."Even I don't remember this."
Admiral then felt someone pulling her by sleeve. She looked down and saw countess' Myui eyes looking at her.
"Excuse, admiral"young countess said"but I know it's looking too far forward. What does Resistance plan to do with Sadera after war is over?"
Amanda smiled and replied:
"After all of this is over, we will help to forge new nation on the ashes of the old. A country without slavery, without dictators and without corrupted bureaucracy."
"Sounds really ambitious."Shandy stated."But who would rule this new nation?"
Without hesitating a little, both Resistance Navy commanders looked at former Imperial princess.
"Well, that would be Pina."Eriksson said with smile.
Meanwhile…
Sadera, Imperial Palace
While Imperial Army was slaughtered and fleet on Tyran River was being torn to pieces, Emperor Molt and Zorzal were waiting for a guest to arrive. At least, their guest had to come long way from beyond the Great Ocean and it would be inappropriate for for Emperor and Crown Prince to not welcome the guest in their palace.
Finally, after few minutes of waiting, one of servants entered the throne room and stood in front of Molt and Zorzal.
"Your Highness, our honorable guests."the servant said."Prince Zander Ordell and Geren 'The Lighting' Wards."
As he said that, two more people entered the throne room. One of them was a young man, around sixteen years old, dressed in dignified silver armor, red cape and having a sword hanging from his hip. He had face filled with pride, arrogance and simple mischief.
With him was a man, dressed in black clothes. He had a small mustache under his nose and on the left side of his chest, he had a badge with scarlet lighting and sword decorated with the same symbol hanging from his hip. Immediately you could say, that he was kind of man, that cannot be trusted.
The two stood in front of Emperor and bowed down.
"Your Majesty."the young man said.
"It's real honor for me to host you and your companion in our great city, prince Zander."Molt said.
But young man named Zander just shook his head.
"I think there was a mistake, Your Majesty."Zander said."Now, I would like to be called King Zander II."
Hearing this, both Molt and Zorzal risen their eyebrows.
"King?"Zorzal asked."Wasn't your brother the heir to Soutland throne?"
"And what about your father, Orman?"Molt added.
Zander and man named Geren looked at each other and smiled.
"I see that news reach you pretty slowly."Zander said."Let's just say, that my father, mother and brother were 'removed' from their positions."
Hearing this, both Molt and Zorzal were clearly surprised. Even for them it was surprising and unexpected. Just two years prior, King of Soutland, Orman Ordell and, his family, visited Sadera to negotiate a trade agreement. Molt still remembered that day.
King himself was prominent warrior, which numerous times fought on the battlefield against rebellions and in wars with Soutland's eternal enemy, Kingdom of Accaria. The only flaw on his reputation, was his bastard son, Harlen, which he took to his palace, but nobody payed much attention to this. He also was pretty tough negotiator, as he managed to get pretty good trade agreement witch actually was good for both sides.
King's wife, Queen Rena, was what you could call an exotic beauty with her long hair in color of sun and deep blue eyes. Although being sister of a petty king of petty kingdom on an island neighboring Soutland, King Orman was truly astonished by her and that's why he chosen her for his wife.
With them came four of their children. Prince Arlan Ordell, heir to the throne of Soutland, almost as good with sword as his father. Born leader and the one who won the tournament organized by Molt for the Soutland Royal Family, defeating even Zorzal. He was loved by the normal people and aristocracy. Everyone was saying, that under his rule, Soutland would enter it's golden age and finally get rid of Accarian menace to the South.
Two princesses, princess Ellia and princess Nina. First of them was fourteen and already was as beautiful as their mother. She was kind and always was taking care of her three years old then sister. Also, she was pretty good friends with Pina. Princess Nina herself was really playful and energetic child, always wandering everywhere and asking about everything. She was able to put smile even on Molt's face.
And finally, prince Zander. The least favorite member of Soutland Royal Family, known from his antics. Over ten times he started a tavern fight and was put in the dungeon for this. He loved to visit brothels in Soutland's capital, Old Port. And even liked to take some of prostitutes to the palace. No wonder why two years ago, he and Zorzal had such a good relation.
Now, here was the same prince Zander, now calling himself King and saying, that most of his family was 'removed' from positions.
"This truly is sad news."Molt finally said."Your father was a wise man."
Zander just rolled his eyes.
"Everyone says that."he said."Anyway. I came here because of the news coming from Falmart."
"What news?"Zorzal asked.
"News about new enemy, which started giving you bloody nose."Geren said."And we came here to find out, if this new enemy is a threat to Soutland."
Molt and Zorzal looked at him.
"Why is he even here?"Molt asked.
"Well, it's simple."Zander said."Geren and his mercenaries from Scarlet Lightnings helped me a lot in 'removing' my father."
Molt was about to say something else, but was stopped, when the main door to the throne room were slammed open and soldier ran inside.
"What is the meaning of this?"Zorzal asked.
Soldier bowed in front of his ruler and replied:
"Your Highness! You need to see this!"
Molt, Zorzal, Zander and Geren looked at each other and without hesitation, they followed the soldier, which led them to the palace's courtyard. There, soldier pointed into the sky.
"Look!"he exclaimed.
The four looked up and were shocked.
As now, over the capital, they could see number of Other Worders' iron dragons, flying as everything was theirs.
In the air…
As a part of a plan for the battle with Imperial Army, admiral Chesterfield also decided to do something else. What could more scare an enemy which think he's safe even behind walls of his capital? Attack the capital with all what you have.
To this task, an air group was created. Consisting of tens of fighters, fighter-bombers and ground attack crafts, their task was to bomb what they could in and around Sadera to scare the enemy as much as possible.
Most of this job, however, was not given to fighter-bombers. As now, they were accompanied by Shakayan HJ-102 and Human B-44 Phantom atmospheric bombers.
As the situation on the galactic front was a bit less tense after Battle of Catharsis System, several atmospheric bombers were pulled from the front lines and moved through the Gate. Comparable in size to strategic bombers used by Humans before Tertan invasion, these were known to be the smallest spacecraft equipped with hyperspace drive. And now, they had to unleash their bombs and missiles at Sadera.
Commander of this massive air group was no one other, than Ester.
"This is White 1 to all allied air units."she said in the radio."Our target is Sadera, capital of Saderan Empire. We have to bomb everything we can, but with one restriction. Don't hit any habitable area. Hit just military installations. Dora will assign your tasks. Go on, Blade Dance."
Dora then took the speech:
"Alright people, listen up! You all have your own targets! Fighters, eliminate enemy wyverns! Fighter bombers, destroy roads, bridges and magazines! Ground attack craft, I want all enemy ground units blown into pieces! Atmospheric bombers, you just raise the farmland with the ground!"
"Yes, Sir!"all pilots replied.
In that moment, first enemy wyverns appeared on the horizon.
"There they are, give 'em hell!"Ester ordered.
Soon, whole sky was filled with missiles, shells and bullets fired by Resistance air units. Wyverns and their riders were screaming in agony, as Sadera was now decorated with bloody rain, as both blood and body parts started falling from the sky, making the city inhabitants quickly hide in nearby building.
"There are too many of them!"one of wyvern riders shouted.
"Keep it up! We can't let them hit the city!"his commander replied.
But right as he said it, he was mowed down by a series from Dora's gun.
Meanwhile, bombers got to their work and went full on it. Immediately, insides of the city were decorated with smoke and flames coming from magazines hit by the missiles and bombs. Ground attack aircraft started spraying the military compounds outside the city with their guns, reaping them all apart. And atmospheric bombers opened their bomb bays, letting hundreds of bombs fall down onto the farmlands surrounding the city.
"Good, good."Dora said."Leaflet bombers, drop!"
Soon, several atmospheric bombers broke away from the formation and opened their bays, dropping not bombs, but leaflets written in native language:
Citizens of Sadera! This is what the Resistance Alliance is capable of. We already say, that we never wanted this war and it was your government that we want to be put to justice. It's only your Senate's fault that this is happening. If you hand over everyone responsible for the start of this war, all hostilities between Sadera and Resistance will end.
Members of Resistance Great Five:
United Nations
Tertan Federation
Nashini Republic
United Shakayan Kingdoms
Chakdrik Collective
and other members of the alliance.
From the palace, Molt, Zorzal, Zander and Geren watched all of this massacre in the sky and ground taking place with disbelief in their eyes. By hundred of years, no enemy managed to attack Sadera. And now, they watched greatest city of Falmart burning in front of them.
"No…"Zorzal whispered.
King Zander looked at Molt. Emperor could see fear in young monarch's eyes.
"Is this the answer for your worries?"Molt asked.
"Yes."was the only response Zander managed to think of.
"Your Highness!"another soldier said."We have reports from our army sent to Alnus Province! They were obliterated!"
"Reports from our Tyran Fleet!"third soldier shouted."Fleet was sunk on the river!"
Molt just listened to this and finally tightened his fists.
"If this is war they want, we will make it as costly for them as possible."he said, turned around and walked away.
Battle in the air continued for the next five minutes. After that time, Resistance fighters and bombers returned to their base.
XXX
And here is another chapter. More action packed, as I said. Hope you liked this battles here.
Anyway, one thing I wanted to point out. Because it isn't known what lays beyond Falmart, I decided to add some additional continents around. One of them is of my own creation and second is a secret. More on this subject will be revealed in the future chapters.
Now, trivia:
HJ-102—Shakayan atmospheric bomber, produced by HJ Areonautics. Designed to to perform strategic bombings of targets on planets. It was the second such machine of this type, as it was created as response to Human atmospheric bombers, which were really devastating for Shakayans during their war with Humans.
B-44 Phantom—Human atmospheric bomber produced for American Air Force and UNSA by Northrop Grumman. It saw it's first battles during Human war with Shakayans. It has Stealth capabilities and can carry tactical nuclear weapons.
Anyway, that's all from me for now. See ya!