Hello again. We continue the Gernea Arc. Also, it's a bit if an anniversary, with this being a chapter 30. I'm pretty proud of myself on this one, not gonna lie.
Last time, Dora and others met some very important people from Araluen and were promised to meet with the King himself. But before that, they had to wait, as Gilan gets to the King and comes back. By that time, they were allowed to stay in Castle Redmont.
But before we start, reviews.
To Hank: Of course they do. When you have giant, Galaxy-wide war, it's true heaven for pirates trying to get rich easy. In the end, there are many civilian convoys without escorts. There also are many terrorist groups, from which many sided with HO. Warlords and other groups are also doing whatever they want, but many are also being hunted down by both sides of the war.
Now, to the point.
Chapter 30
,,Visit and presentation"
October 7, 2150
09:49
Castle Redmont
The day already risen over the Castle Redmont and entire Redmont Fief. People already woke up and started doing their jobs, like cooking in case of cooks or taking care of horses in case of grooms. Other people, like gardeners or maids, also were already doing whatever they had to. But even that didn't stop them from looking at a particular group, which was spending time in the courtyard.
"Keep it up!"Dora exclaimed to the rest of the team.
White Squadron members were running around the courtyard, courtesy of Dora, as always. They started their drills in the early morning and continued up until now. Some servants were surprised to see them awake so early, but did not ask anything.
"Do…no…more…"Yuko moaned.
"Please…"Suvi joined.
"We beg you…"Arlette followed.
Dora turned around and was not running backwards, while looking at the rest of the team. Most of them showed fatigue, barely keeping themselves in standing position. Most, but not all.
"Oh, stop whining."Dora said."Aqi, how do you feel?"
"Perfect."Aqi replied.
The Tertan didn't even showed any signs of tiredness after over six hours of drills.
"Screw…you…Aqi…"Yuko said.
"If I got a penny for every 'Screw you, Aqi' you said, I would have two pennies."Aquexymeva said.
"It's…not fair…"Suvi said.
"Tertans…have better…condition than…most Humans…"Arlette breathed."You…are…cheating…"
Dora finally sighed.
"Alright, fifteen minutes of rest."she ordered.
The group finally stopped and immediately, Yuko, Suvi and Arlette fell off their knees and were now laying on the ground, simply breathing, as this was the only thing they still had strength to do. However, Suvi being Suvi, even the complete tiredness didn't stop her from being her usual self and her hand landed on Yuko's breast. A smile appeared on Suvi's face withing seconds.
"How…nice…"she said.
"For once…I won't…scold you…for that…"Yuko said."Too…tired…"
"We…all…are…"Arlette added.
Dora just looked at them, shaking her head.
"You really are hopeless…"she said.
"Busy morning?"baron Arald asked.
Everyone looked in his direction and saw him coming, but he was not alone. He was accompanied by his wife, lady Sandra. By the two days they already spent here, White Squadron members were able to meet her and pretty much became friends with her. She really was the counterweight for Dora and her almost authoritarian way of commanding, while lady Sandra was kind and nice to the others.
"I somehow need to shape them, so no Holies will get them easily."Dora replied, looking at the three.
"You really…are…from hell…"Suvi said between breaths.
"I figured that…out…months ago…"Arlette replied.
"Dear, oh dear."lady Sandra said."Maybe you're too harsh on them?"
"Aqi doesn't complain, right?"Dora asked the Tertan.
"Not in the slightest."Aquexymeva said.
The three sent her a death glare.
"Follow me, I will give you something to eat and drink."lady Sandra said to the three.
As on cue, they risen from the ground and stood on attention in front of baron's wife. They saluted.
"Yes, sir!"they all exclaimed.
With these words, the three followed Sandra into the castle's dining room, leaving Dora, Aqi and Arald alone.
"So, what is it?"Dora asked, crossing her arms.
"Nothing important, I was just interested in what you're doing."baron explained.
"Fair enough."Aqi said.
"Open the gates!"they heard a guard shout.
They looked in that direction and saw the castle's gates opening to let someone inside. And as it turned out, this someone was a tall Ranger in green cloak and bow, riding a small horse. He jumped off the animal and looked around. When he noticed the three, he came up to them.
"I see I came right on time."Gilan said.
"Indeed."Baron said."So, how was your travel?"
"Good. In both directions."
"What about the meeting with a King?"Dora got straight to the point.
Gilan looked at her and Aquexymeva.
"Will it be good if we go to the office?"he asked.
"Sure."Dora said."Aqi, go join the rest and keep an eye on them."
"On it."the Tertan replied and walked away.
The three then marched to the castle's keep and climbed up the stairs to the baron's office. They entered and sat down.
"So, what did you learn?"Arald asked.
"Two things and I would like to speak of the first one, before going over their case."Here, Gilan pointed at Resistance soldiers."No offense?"
"None taken."Dora said.
Gilan nodded and turned back to baron.
"It's about the mission in Galica."Ranger's Commandant said.
"What about it?"baron asked.
"Please, read this."
With these words, Gilan handed a piece of paper to the baron. Arald looked through it, clearly not believing in what he was reading, as his eyes widened in surprise and fear.
"Dear God…"he said.
"Yeah. We have a problem."Gilan stated.
Dora risen her eyebrow.
"What's going on?"she asked.
The two looked at her and back at each other.
"You think we can show her?"Gilan asked.
"Don't we trust her and the others?"Arald replied.
"You're right."Gilan agreed."Look."
Dora took the piece of paper and started reading:
To King Duncan of Araluen,
I see, that you decided to help that idiot of a king, Philippe. I'm even surprised, that you actually agreed on that. And how do I know that? Answer is simple. I managed to capture the two people you sent to rescue the prince. They're currently sitting in my dungeon. And I'm writing to you with proposition. Give me a ransom in form of fifty thousand gold coins and I will release the two. Also, you will support my claim to Galican throne. I'm waiting for the quick answer.
Yours sincerely,
baron Joubert de Lassigny, ruler of Chateau de Falaises
Dora looked at the piece of paper for few more seconds, before finally looking at Gilan and Arald.
"Son of a bitch."she said.
"Pretty much."Arald agreed."As you see, the situation is critical."
"I think so. But who are the two you sent?"Dora asked.
"First of them, is Will Treaty."Gilan responded."One of the best and most famous Rangers we have. Several times, he did things that saved not only our, but also many other countries. To name a few, he helped in defending Skandia from Temujai, stopped coup in Nihon-Ja and defeated a dangerous cult in Hybernia. Of course, he didn't do it alone. He was always supported by friends."
Dora nodded in agreement.
"Of course. And the second one?"
Once more, the two looked at each other.
"The second person we sent, was Madelyn Altman."Gilan said."Maddie for friends. Granddaughter of King Duncan."
"Wait, you say, that you sent granddaughter of your King to dangerous mission?"Dora asked, surprised.
"Well, it's more complicated."Arald said."It's a case from few years back."
"Maddie is the first ever female Ranger."Gilan explained."Her parents, princess Cassandra and her husband Horace, wanted her to finally learn how to live without all the luxuries of the royal castle."
"I guess, that she was typical spoiled child, too used to living in luxuries?"Dora guessed.
Gilan nodded.
"Exactly. Fortunately, it worked. Although several incidents…"Gilan did not even think of mentioning the alcohol drinking incident in which Maddie took part in."She even helped in stopping the Red Fox Clan from taking over the throne."
"Okay. And from what I understand, they were sent to save Galica's prince from that Lassigny guy?"White Squadron second-in-command continued to ask.
"Yes. King of Galica, Philippe, managed to convince the King to do that."Arald explained.
Dora nodded and thought about all she just heard and read.
"And the second thing you wanted to tell us?"she asked.
"King agreed to meet with you."Gilan quickly replied.
Dora stood up.
"Well then. I guess, that we should start preparing to go."she said.
"Whatever you say."Arald said.
Everyone left the office. Dora quickly went to find the rest of her team. As she thought, they were sitting in the dining hall, eating food prepared by the castle's chef. They were simply sucking it in, probably not even chewing. Dora sat next to them.
"Oh, you're done?"Arlette asked, swallowing her food.
"Pretty much. We were allowed to meet the King."Dora replied.
"That's a good news."Suvi stated.
"Yes. So finish up your food and we will get ready to go."Dora ordered.
The three quickly finished their food and gave the plates to the servants to clean them, while the group of five went to the rooms they resided in by the last two days, while waiting for Gilan to return. They grabbed their gear and put it on. After just few minutes, they were approaching their fighters, still standing where they left them.
As they approached the machines, someone called from behind them:
"Hey!"
They all turned around and saw Gilan approaching them with his horse in tow.
"What is it?"Dora asked.
"I just thought, that I should serve you as a guide to Castle Araluen."Gilan explained.
Dora just waved her hand.
"There is no need."she said."I told you before, that we have a ship on the planet's orbit?"
Gilan nodded. She told this to them two days ago, while speaking of their world.
"It provides us with photos, scans and other information. We know the way to the castle. We can get there alone. Besides, we will be there withing few minutes."she explained.
"Oh."Rangers' Commandant said."In that case, could I come with you in one of your machines?"
"Of course, just squeeze in somewhere."Dora said and turned around to climb inside her fighter.
Gilan, in the meantime, looked at his horse.
"Seems like you have to go alone. You can make it, right?"he asked.
Blaze looked at him.
You don't believe in me? She seemed to say.
"I never said that."he said."Just be in Araluen by tomorrow."
Yeah, yeah.
With this taken care of, Gilan came up to Dora's fighter and slowly climbed up the ladder. Next, he tried to place himself somewhere behind Dora, but this was not an easy task, as the fighter was not designed for this.
"If I knew I would have a passenger, I would take two seated one."Dora said.
"I also did not know I would be sitting in here."Gilan said, as he finally squeezed in next to her.
"Off we go then."
With these words, the fighters closed their canopies. Fortunately, Gilan was pretty thin, so he did not get hit by it in any way. Next, the fighters started to lift from the ground.
"Whoa!"Gilan said, as the machine was shaken by the wind.
"This is why you sit in a fighter."Dora said.
"Easy to say…"
Five machines then turned towards the direction in which Castle Araluen was and changed from VTOL mode to normal flight. They shot out in that direction like if launched from a railgun.
Few minutes later…
Castle Araluen
Two guards stood on the drawbridge, performing their duty. Honestly, they would rather be doing something else, but it was not theirs to decide.
"Nothing happening, as always."first one said.
"Yeah."second one said.
First guard thought for a moment.
"Why won't we just run away?"he asked.
"Have you gone mad? Desertion? They would chase us all the way to Aslava."second guard replied.
"You always know, how to break dreams."first guard said.
They stood there for few more seconds, before finally realizing something. There was this sound in the air, that they haven't realized was there before. It grew closer and closer, but they did not know what it was or where it was coming from. They quickly pointed their spears forward, preparing for possible attack.
"What is it?"first guard asked.
"I don't know and I don't think I want to know."second guard replied.
"Look!"
Second guard looked in the direction pointed by the first one. There, he saw five points in the distance, which were growing larger and larger as they came closer to them. The two looked at each other and waited, not knowing what to do. Finally, the five objects came into full view, showing strange, large birds. Four of them were blue, while the fifth one was black with many red markings over it.
Suddenly, they all opened, allowing humans to get out of them. One of them was looking pretty familiar in green coat on him. The group was slowly making their way towards the two guards.
"Soldiers."Gilan said, standing in front of the two.
"Commandant!"the two replied, standing at attention.
"At ease."Ranger said and they did just that."I brought the people that are to meet with the King."
The two guards looked at the girls which accompanied Gilan, but their eyes widened, as they looked at Aqi. They immediately pointed their spear at her.
"What is this demon?!"first one exclaimed.
"Name's Aquexymeva, you know."Aqi said to them, making them jump.
"Lower your spears, she's not a demon."Gilan ordered.
The two reluctantly did it.
"Now, let's go."he said to the White Squadron.
The six passed by the two guards and made it's way into the courtyard. White Squadron members looked around, amazed by the enormous castle.
"It's impressive, I have to say."Dora said.
"It's the jewel in our crown, if I can say that."Gilan replied.
"You know, making Dora impressed is actually a huge compliment."Yuko said."She's not very easily impressed."
In response, Yuko received a death glare from Dora.
"King should currently be in his office. I'll lead you there."Gilan said.
They followed him into the main keep and again up the numerous stairs. They passed by more guards and servants, which looked at the curiously, especially at Aqi. It was clear, that they were scared of her, but did or said nothing.
"Why you always have to take all the glory for yourself?"Suvi asked Aqi.
"Is it my fault that they think I'm a demon from the underworld? No."the Tertan said."It's not my fault at all."
"Yeah, but still."Suvi complained.
"Keep quiet, or you will have to run circles around this castle naked."Dora said.
"You know it would kill me right?"Aqi asked.
"Only Suvi would be wearing nothing."White Squadron second-in-command pointed out.
Suvi, in response, had a wide smile on her face.
"You know it would not be a punishment for me?"she said.
"Shut up."Arlette said.
Gilan, in the meantime, listened to this conversation without saying a single word. He had to admit, they were an interesting bunch.
"We're approaching the King's office."he said.
Immediately, the five went silent. At least, they had some discipline.
As they were closing to the office, they saw a man approaching them from the opposing direction. He was pretty short, chubby and used a cane to support himself. He seemed to be pretty important person in here.
"Lord Anthony, what a meeting."Gilan said.
Man named Anthony nodded.
"Likewise."he said and looked at the five."And these are the people you spoke of during your last visit?"
Surprisingly, he did not react on Aqi as abruptly as the others.
"Yes, it's us."Dora said."Captain Dora Hiedel."
Anthony nodded.
"Alright, follow me to the King."he said.
The group walked down the corridor, until they stood in front of the oak door. Anthony turned to them.
"Wait here. I'll ask King if he accept you in his office."Anthony said.
He opened the door and entered.
"Who the fuck is this guy?"Yuko asked.
"Lord Anthony, King's chancellor. He takes care of mostly financial and administrative tasks."Gilan explained.
"Huh, it would explain the fancy clothes."Arlette stated.
They waited for few seconds, before the door opened and Anthony exited the office, pointing inside.
"You can enter."he said.
"Thank you."Gilan replied.
The group entered the office. Dora immediately started looking around.
The King's office was a really spacious room, that's for sure. There were several maps hanging on the walls, presenting the continent and only Araluen. Next to them was a mannequin, with an armor on it. Sword and a shield were laying next to it. There was a large bookshelf, with a large number of books on it, as well as scrolls and pieces of paper. It was all finished with the oak desk.
And behind this desk, sat the King. He already had his years, seeing his gray hair and wrinkled face. On his head, he had a crown. But he was not the only person in the room.
On the chair next to him sat another man with gray hair, with a can in his hands. He had an neutral expression on his face, not showing any emotions. But Dora noticed, that he is carefully examining them. For few seconds, their eyes met. But he was the one to look away first. Dora felt a sting of satisfaction.
Members of White Squadron stood in front of the King at ease.
"Your Highness."they all said.
King nodded.
"Are they the people you spoke of?"he asked Gilan.
"Yes, Your Grace."Gilan replied.
"Alright then."King said.
He slowly stood up and extended his hand to Dora.
"Duncan, King of Araluen."King Duncan said.
"Dora Hiedel, second-in-command of White Squadron."Dora replied.
"Second-in-command?"Duncan asked, rising his eyebrow."And where is your commander?"
"She was sent somewhere else."Dora explained.
King nodded and sat back down.
"Well then. I'm actually pretty honored to meet the people, who stood against Saderan Empire and are winning against it."he said."Gilan spoke something about alliance?"
"That's our goal, Your Highness."Dora said."To ally with as many countries as possible."
Duncan waved his hand.
"Stop with this 'Your Highness', Dora."Duncan said."Let's call ourselves by names."
"As you wish…"Dora said and then added."…Duncan."
"Much better."the King nodded."Well then. Shall we discuss this alliance?"
"Why don't we?"Dora replied.
"Wait a minute."the man next to the King finally spoke.
Everyone looked in his direction.
"What is it, Halt?"Duncan asked.
"I wouldn't be so fast with this alliance."Halt said."How can we be sure, that they will even do whatever will be agreed upon?"
"I have to agree with Halt on this."Anthony said.
King looked at the two and then back at Dora. He sighed.
"Actually, you might be right."he said."Sorry, but until I will be fully sure, that you can fulfill your promises, we won't discuss the alliance."
Everyone waited for Dora's answer, expecting some kind of explosion from her. But instead, she only smirked and looked at everyone around.
"So you want a presentation of what we can do?"she asked.
"In short, yes."Halt stated.
"Alright then."Dora said, casually."If you want, we can do a little presentation. Where is the nearest empty piece of land?"
"It would be twelve kilometers North of the castle."
"Okay then. Come there when you will be ready. Meanwhile, we will set some things up."Dora explained.
King risen his eyebrow, looking at Halt and Anthony.
"Alright then. Let's do it."Halt said.
Dora nodded.
"If so, we will be going now. Remember, twelve kilometers North of the castle."she said and turned to the rest of the squadron."Let's go girls."
The five turned around and started walking out of the office.
"You think it's a good idea?"lord Anthony asked.
"Better safe than sorry, right?"Duncan replied.
"Right, Your Highness."Gilan said.
"For now, let's get ready."the King said, standing up."We have to ride twelve kilometers after all."
He then proceeded to walk out of the office, followed by the others.
12:58
Twelve kilometers North of Castle Araluen
The area around was nothing more than a flat piece of land, basically uninhabited by people. There were few villages there and there, but not much. Same was with the trees, which were growing occasionally there and there.
King, together with his group, finally approached the place where Dora and the others were supposed to wait for them. Dora, which was awaiting them, leaned on a tree, simply rubbed her fingers casually as the group approached. She noticed, that lord Anthony was not here, but instead, King was additionally accompanied by a young with long blonde hair and dressed in refined dress and a tall, strong looking man in knight's armor. Se actually expected who that might have been.
The group approached Dora and started jumping off of their horses.
"You was waiting for us?"Duncan asked, approaching her.
"Pretty much."Dora said."I see you tugged along someone new?"
Duncan looked at the young woman and the knight. He waved his hand for them to come closer.
"What is it?"the woman asked.
"Let's just say, that there is someone, that wants to meet you."Duncan said, pointing at Dora.
"Captain Dora Hiedel."Dora introduced herself.
The woman nodded.
"Cassandra Altman, princess of Araluen."she said.
"Sir Horace Altman, her husband."the man said.
"Nice to meet you."Dora said.
"So, what about this presentation?"Halt asked.
"Follow me."
With these words, everyone followed Dora. They walked up to the place, where they saw stands prepared.
"Why do we need these stands?"Gilan asked.
"The presentation will be in two parts."Dora replied."They are for the second part."
Everyone nodded.
Rest of Dora's team was awaiting next to a long and wide table, on which various weapons were laying. There were assault riffles, machine gun, shotgun and sniper riffle. Next to them were simple pistol and submachine gun.
"Presentation part one: personal weapons."Dora said, standing next to the table."Every soldier needs something to defend himself with. This is what these are used for."
She picked up the pistol.
"This is Australian PI-33 pistol, standard issue. Main sidearm used by soldiers of UNSA and many Human armies."she explained, pulling the magazine out and pulling a bullet out of it."It fires 11mm rounds at the subsonic speeds. Such rounds can easily penetrate unprotected body or make it through light armor."
She handed the bullet to the King, who examined it and then showed to the rest of his group.
"Really? Something like that is supposed to be dangerous?"Halt asked.
"Why are you always so skeptic?"Gilan asked.
"I'm just a realist."Halt replied.
Dora grabbed the bullet and pushed it back into the magazine, which landed back in the pistol.
"Let us show you. You see these things there?"she asked, pointing in front of them.
The group looked in that direction and saw several sticks with armor on them.
"Isn't that Saderan armor?"Horace asked.
"Indeed."Dora replied.
"We just took some to use them in training."Arlette said.
"Anyway, look."
Dora pointed the pistol towards one of the armors and pulled the trigger. Immediately after, helmet from one of them exploded and flew off the target's head. Everyone widened their eyes.
"Nice, right?"Dora asked, putting the pistol down.
"Impressive, that's for sure."Gilan said.
"You seen nothing yet."White Squadron second-in-command stated, grabbing her assault riffle."This is AR4, produced by Steel Arms Fabrications, a company form Unites States. Assault riffle is soldier's main mean of defense. It can shot in three ways: single shot, burst and constant fire. Allow me to demonstrate."
She pointed the weapon on the first target.
"First, single shot."
She pulled the trigger and everyone heard single sound of firing. Single hole appeared on the targeted armor.
"Now burst."
Dora pulled the trigger again and this time, there were three firing sounds, one after the other, making three more holes appear on the target.
"And now, constant fire."
This time, the firing continued without stopping, as long as Dora held a finger on the trigger. When she was done, she pulled out the empty magazine and showed it to everyone.
"This riffle, as well as most riffle produced in America and Europe, is suing 7,97mm rounds. Pretty effective on short and medium distances, good piercing value. In short, basic things."Dora put down the AR4 and gestured to Aqi to come up."Next on the list, is plasma riffle. Unlike normal assault riffle, which fires lead bullets, plasma riffle fires shots of energy known as plasma. They are heated up to high temperatures, allowing them to easily burn through light armor. Aqi."
Tertan nodded and grabbed her weapon. She pointed it at the same armor as Dora before and pulled the trigger. Three shots of condensed plasma flew out of the barrel and burnt down some of the armor parts, making them disappear. All watchers widened their eyes.
"Amazing…"Horace said.
"Indeed."Cassandra agreed with her husband.
"Thank you, Aqi."Dora said.
"My pleasure."Aqi said, putting down the riffle and going back to where she stood.
Dora came up to the table and grabbed the submachine gun.
"Now, we have PDWs, which stands for Personal Defense Weapon, although this term is used only when talking about sumbachine guns, which are kind of halfway between pistols and assault riffles. Smaller than assault riffle, bigger than handgun and with constant fire."Dora explained."This one is Chinese QCQ-333, newly introduced to UNSA. It fires 9mm Parabellum bullets."
Dora took the magazine and pulled one of the bullets. She again showed it to everyone.
"It's even smaller than the previous ones."Halt noticed.
"Size doesn't matter, if it flies at high speed."Dora said."Allow me to show you."
She put the magazine back where it was and aimed at the next piece of Imperial armor. She pulled the trigger and long and fast series was fired from the weapon. It left numerous holes in the armor.
"And this is it."she said, putting the 333 down.
"I have a question…"Horace said, raising his hand.
Dora rolled her eyes.
"No need to raise hands, we're not it school."she said."What is your question?"
"How fast can you make these and how many?"he asked.
Dora thought about it for a moment. Or at least pretended to.
"Considering high automation and amount of resources we have access to…"White Squadron second-in-command replied."I would say that we can produce around ten thousand within two hours."
Hearing this, everyone widened their eyes again.
"What? It's pretty low number."Dora said, earning more shocked looks."If we wanted, we could manufacture them in millions."
She turned back to the table and grabbed next weapon, the machine gun. It had a bipod and a drum magazine attached to it.
"Here, we have a machine gun. More precisely, Russian made RPD-6."Dora introduced the weapon to everyone."Fun fact, the history of this weapon goes back over two hundred years. First prototypes were made in 1943. Since then, the weapon was used in it's original version for years. After 1st Tertan War, Russian weapon manufactures decided that it was time to upgrade the weapon, modernizing it to modern standards. Since that time, we had five new incarnations of this weapon, with this being the newest."
She grabbed the drum magazine and pulled a bullet from the tape.
"Bullets are placed in a special tape, which is covered by the drum magazine. It can fit around one hundred such 7,62mm bullets."
"And what is the purpose of this weapon?"Halt asked.
"It's main role is suppression."Dora said."Fire from this weapon is pretty spread out and constant firing is not common tactic while using it. Allow me to demonstrate."
She put the bipod on the table and looked down the sight. Next, she pulled the trigger several times, firing three round series. Each hit the armor it was pointed at.
"Now, the constant fire."Dora said.
She aimed the weapon and pressed the trigger, not taking her finger away from it. She held the machine gun in one place, moving it from left to right, aiming at various armors. Finally, she stopped, when she ran out of ammo.
"As you can see, it's hard to hold this thing aimed straight when it has so much kick in it."Dora explained."But it's still a good weapon when you have to fight with enemy, which instead of firing at long distances, prefers standard hand-to-hand combat in open fields. Like most of armies you know."
Everyone looked at each other. This might have been true.
Dora put the machine gun down and moved to shotgun.
"Next up, is shotgun."she said, presenting the weapon to everyone."This is American Mossberg 007, six shot automatic shotgun."
She grabbed a bullet that was laying on the table. But unlike previous bullets, this one looked like a little can.
"What differs shotguns from other soldier weapons, is that instead of firing standard bullets, it fires shots, also known as pellets."Dora said."They are small, metal balls. They are placed in special shells like this one."She handed it to the King."Each holds several of them. Shotguns are also weapons mostly used on short distances. This is why instead of one of the puppets back there, I will demonstrate it on this tree."
She pointed the 007 at the tree and pulled the trigger. Everyone saw, that the tree scored not one, but several hits, considering how much of bark fell off.
"And to think, that something so small…"Gilan said, looking at the shotgun shell.
"Size doesn't matter in this matter, so to say."Dora sated, placing the shotgun on the table."Now, we go to the big guns. Yuko."
Japanese saluted and came up to the group. She grabbed her sniper riffle and proudly presented it to the Araluenians.
"Last, but not least, is sniper riffle."Dora said, pointing at Yuko."What Yuko uses, is Remington R-88 anti-material sniper riffle. More precisely, this is a mix between two things. Normal sniper riffle and anti-armor sniper riffle. It can be used against both enemy troops or lightly armored vehicles. Because of that, it has a high refuting power. Yuko?"
"Of course."Yuko replied.
She put down her riffle's bipod and look through the scope. She aimed at the furthest Imperial armor and without thinking long, pulled the trigger. There was a loud bang and second later, armor, together with the stick it was placed on, literally exploded, throwing wood and metal in all directions.
Yuko looked at everyone with a smile. Meanwhile, Araluenians looked at it with shock and disbelief. If this weapon did something like that with simple sticks and even metal armor, they feared, what they might do with unprotected human body.
Dora grabbed the riffle and pulled out the magazine and took one of the bullets. It was larger than even assault riffle round.
"The weapon is really high caliber."Dora said."More precisely, it fires 12,97mm rounds. This allows the magazine to hold only six rounds, but any talented sniper can use this weapon to it's full potential. Yuko here, fortunately, is one of such people."
Yuko nodded.
"Additionally, this weapon can successfully penetrate unprotected targets from effective range of five kilometers, while targets that are lightly armored, such as APCs or IFVs, can be penetrated from roughly three kilometers."Dora finished.
Once more, Araluenians could not believe what they just heard. How powerful weapon must be to hit targets on such ranges.
"And with this, we finish the first part of out weapon presentation."Dora said."There are many more weapon types, but you will learn about them in the future. Now, do you want to go to part two now, or you wanna wait?"
Duncan looked around at his people. They all nodded.
"No, we can start right now."he said.
"Well then, follow us."Dora said.
The group followed her towards the stands. They all climbed on them and Dora showed them to take a seat wherever they liked. Araluenians did just that and waited for the next part of the presentation.
"Part two of the presentation: vehicles."Dora said."Modern warfare, except on firepower, is also based on mobility. This is why modern armies utilize dozens of types of vehicles. And today, we will present several of them. First of, armored cars."
She then whispered something to her radio and not long after, platoon of four Land Rovers, together with one Fennek Mk.7 came from behind a small forest nearby. They made a drive through in front of the stands and set up with their backs turned towards the observers.
"One of the lighter vehicles in our arsenal, armored cars are mostly used to quickly transport troops from one point to the other, or to perform quick reconnaissance."Dora explained."They are rather unarmed or armed with single machine gun. This type is represented by British made Land Rover Strikers."
Right then, machine guns on the vehicles' roof came to life, sending hundreds of traces rounds into the air. Araluenians looked in amazement, as these small vehicles continued to fire without stopping for around half a minute. After that, they stopped.
"There are also armored cars with better armor and armament."Dora continued."Fennek Mk.7, which you can see here, is such a car. It's armed with 18mm autocannon and TOW missile launcher."
Then, Fennek started to present himself. It started by firing his autocannon. It was also firing fast, but not as fast as the machine guns. But also, Araluenians noticed, that these rounds are bigger than the machine guns.
"Should be expected."Horace said, when Cassandra pointed this out."You heard, that different weapons have different calibers. So probably, the sizes of what they fire."
In that moment, Fennek's weapons operator went to the main show and fired the TOW missile. It flew for several hundred meters, before hitting the ground and detonating. The explosions shook the Araluenians.
"Such power…"Gilan said.
"Well, these missiles were created to destroy heavily armored vehicles."Yuko said."It's only natural."
Dora then said something to her radio and the cars turned to leave the area. They disappeared behind the small forest they came from.
"Sometimes, we need something bigger and able to put a better fight than armored cars, which armor not necessarily assure security. This is where we come to armored personnel carriers."White Squadron second-in-command said.
She said few words to the radio and soon, another platoon of vehicles appeared, this time in form of BTR-120s. They did the same as the cars and set up with their backs turned to the stands. Duncan noticed, that these vehicles had doors on it's back side.
"APCs, as we call them in short, are a middle point between armored cars and trucks."Dora started." Thanks to their capacity, they can carry a full squad of soldiers. It may be slower than armored car, but it's also a good recon vehicle, especially when it's combat recon. It's also better armored, protecting the passengers from any form of light arms fire. However, it's vulnerable to any anti-armor weaponry, like Yuko's riffle."
Japanese nodded.
"Here, we have Russian-made BTR-120, the current workhorse of Russian Army and Marine Corps since it's introduction back in 2110s. It's also widely used by UNSA Army and Marine Corps, alongside it's cousin from America, Catcher APC."
Right then, Horace risen his hand.
"Yes?"Dora asked.
"What is it armed with?"he asked.
"Straight to the point? I see."Dora nodded."120 is armed with 30mm autocannon, capable of piercing the stone walls with relative ease. It's also good against other vehicles of similar type and can be used to fighting infantry. It's also often used by other units, not specially military. For example, Crowd Control units, which are responsible for stopping riots in various colonial cities, or Russian OMON, special unit of their Ministry of Defense. Other APCs are also used by these units."
With Dora's talking over, the BTRs opened fire with their autocannons. Again, it could be noticed, that the firing speed was smaller than the Fennek's autocannon and machine guns on Land Rovers. Tracer round were hitting the ground sever hundred meters away.
Right then, the back doors on the BTRs opened and soldiers poured out of the vehicles. They stood in line behind them, when APCs started moving forward, with soldiers slowly following, shielded behind them.
"APCs are also good during the assault on enemy positions, shielding advancing troops from machine gun fire. However, as I said, one heavier weapon and they can be erased from existence."Dora pointed out.
Soldiers and BTRs moved for several hundred meters, with vehicles constantly firing. After several hundred meters, soldiers loaded back inside and the platoon left the area. Araluenians clapped at this performance.
"What next?"Duncan asked Aqi.
"Look and you'll see."Tertan replied.
Dora then stopped talking to her radio and another platoon of vehicles appeared. They looked different than the BTRs, with tracks instead of wheels. They also had bigger turrets than the APCs.
"Next up, infantry fighting vehicles."Dora announced."What differs them from APCs, is that mostly, they are tracked, instead of wheeled vehicles, which allows them to pass obstacles APCs couldn't. It's also more mobile than APC and have pretty good armor. They can also transport troops and support them with their autocannons, machine guns and anti-tank missiles, which they have mounted on the turret."
Platoon stopped in front of the stands.
"Here, we have American M11 Omar Infantry Fighting Vehicle, armed with 27mm autocannon, 12,7mm and two TOW missile launchers."Dora said."One of the better vehicles of it's class."
Omars then started firing their autocannon at imaginable targets. One of them, however, decided to use the machine gun and now, smaller tracer rounds followed their bigger cousins. Then, another IFV fired TOW, which hit the ground several meters further.
"As you can see, these things are not a pushovers either."Suvi stated.
"Can't argue with that."Gilan agreed.
IFVs ended their short presentation and left. Dora again said something to her radio and soon, everyone heard a clear rumbling approaching them.
"Now, the main show."Dora said."Tanks."
Another platoon of tracked vehicles appeared. But what immediately caught Araluenians' attention, was their size. Compared to the previous ones, these were enormous. They also had turrets with long barrels pointed forward.
The four tanks stopped in front of the stands and, unlike other vehicles, which set up with their backs turned, these just rotated their turrets.
"Tanks are probably the heaviest and strongest armored vehicles on modern battlefield."Dora said."Although their role became less relevant than before, they still are essential parts of armies across the Galaxy. They are not the fastest, but they have strong armor and weaponry. These ones here are Challenger 6 tanks, produced by British Alvis Vickers company since 2127. They have 125mm guns, paired with two 12,7mm machine guns."
After she said that, the thunder struck the area, as four tanks fired, one after another. Four 125mm shells hit the ground several hundred meters away, throwing towers of dirt into the air. Next, they fired their machine guns. One of tank commanders stood in his turret and fired the machine gun on the turret.
After they ended their little presentation, tanks turned around and left to join the rest of the presentation. But soon, everyone heard more rumbling of engines and just after that, a column of vehicles appeared from behind the trees, this time accompanied by several mobile AA guns and dropships, which flew up from behind the trees, followed by several fighters.
All of this then turned and set up in front of the stands, while dropships and fighters hovered above. Soldiers then got out of the vehicles, stood at attention and saluted.
"Sir!"they all exclaimed.
"At ease."Dora replied and was awarded with sounds of hundreds of boots.
White Squadron second-in-command looked at Araluenians, who then started to clap.
"Amazing…"Horace said."Just Amazing…"
Dora smiled and looked at Halt.
"Do you still doubt our battle possibilities?"she asked.
Former Ranger just sighed.
"I admit, I was wrong."he stated."You have something to fight with."
"Thank you."Dora said and looked at Duncacn."Now, Your Highness?"
King nodded and stood up.
"I think we should go back to the castle and talk about the terms of alliance."he stated.
"With pleasure."Dora agreed.
Everyone then simply started to walk off of the stands and were making their way to their means of transport. However, before Dora could go to the rest of her team and Resistance soldiers, she was stopped by Cassandra.
"Yes?"Dora asked.
"Um…"the princess said."When we're back in Araluen, can we talk?"
Dora risen her eyebrow and threw up her arms.
"Sure."she replied."See you there."
With these words, everyone went in their separate directions.
XXX
And with that, we come to an end of another chapter of Gernea Arc. Now, some of the most important people in Araluen know about capabilities of Resistance and are ready to ally with them. However, as you see, Cassandra has something to ask Dora about. And I guess, that you probably can guess, what is this about.
Anyway, this is it for now. See you soon!