Chapter 7: Battle of Italica Part 3
The Courier finished some of his last preparations and went to the center of Italica to meet with General Howe. The General arrived very early in the morning and was establishing his primary CP in a market square in the center of the city. Pine instructed to her militia to allow him entrance through the southern gate while she was busy ensuring the east gate was fully secured. The Courier knew Pina wanted to meet with the General, or even probably capture him, but she was far too busy preparing for the upcoming fight.
The market square was almost a tent city. NCR military tents spread all around along with supply depots and aid stations for wounded soldiers. Most of the tents were large enough to fit a few men and tables for equipment. General Howe's main tent stood directly in the center of the square, surrounded on all sides by barbed wire and improvised defenses. It made sense considering there were NCR secret documents that followed the Commanders tent so they were always heavily guarded.
The Courier stepped inside, passing two guards on either side who guarded the tent. General Howe stood over a map that was laying on a table in the center of the tent. Around him, on the edges of the tent, were his senior staff officers sitting at desks that faced outward. Most had radios in order to issue out orders or paperwork that they were filling out in order to ensure the operation ran smoothly.
"Good to see you Courier." Howe said as he turned to face the mailman.
"General." The Courier acknowledged.
"Got word from a checkpoint that members of the JSDF are arriving under escort to meet with me. Stated their name was a Lt. Itami?" He said, noticing the Courier raise his eyebrows.
"Probably the same group I came into contact with after we met them." The Courier stated. "Unless there are multiple Itami's, but I doubt that."
"They're through the southern gate and are currently on their way here." He said. "Since you met with them I'd like you to be here and put them at ease. No need to make them worry." General Howe stated.
The Courier knew that they were likely sent to either recon the area or establish a line with General Howe and their Commander. It was the most logical solution, and although the NCR wanted to ensure the JSDF didn't gain territory, they had to maintain civil relations in order to prevent any kind of conflict.
"Truthfully..." The General sighed. "It's going to be a powder keg that I don't feel like dealing with. Especially with the issues we're running into with these damn bandits."
"I heard the fighting has been rough." The Courier said.
"That's one way to put it. If we don't route them soon, we'll have no choice but to order a full retreat." He said with a tired expression. "Haven't even gotten any sleep in the past two days." He sat down in a chair and rubbed his eyes.
"Is the ammo situation really that bad?" The courier inquired.
"Our flanking element in the north is still moving. They haven't encountered any of the bandits on the movement, so they're still good on ammo. Although since they're separated from the main force, they have only what they can carry." He said. "We're in the process of distributing ammo among the frontline right now. Most of the front had successful routes with little issue, but we've had a few units get hit hard. They have exhausted all of their ammo."
"I can imagine that will slow things down." The Courier stated.
"We've had to halt movement to allow the re-distribution to happen. Even then, some units are refusing to give ammo and I have even had to deal with the occasional insubordination case because of it." He leaned back and rested his hand on his thigh. "We may have to halt the south entirely and rely on our flank from the north. If we prolong this another day then we won't have any ammo to defend ourselves. Shady Sands has begun transferring ammo through the gate but it'll take at least a few days to establish a supply chain from the gate to Italica."
"From what I heard, it was all a gamble." The Courier said.
"That's one way to put it." Howe stated. "They were supposed to have routed by now. I didn't expect such a huge effort by the enemy. I knew they would be uncoordinated, but they have fought much harder than when they tried to attack Aradesh. Guess without Officers to give them orders, they're simply too fucking stupid to run." He said as the Courier noticed the frustration on his face.
Before anything else could be said, a messenger came through the tent.
"General." The man entered.
"Say it." Howe said as he barely registered the trooper. No doubt exhausted from all the messages he was getting.
"The JSDF group are here sir. Should I let them in?" He asked.
"Red Group!" Howe stated loudly. This was a code phrase for the CP store any sensitive materials in order to allow foreign people to enter a sensitive area. All at once, everyone in the tent closed books or hid papers that displayed classified information in order to prevent the Japanese from seeing them. The only materials left out were things that were needed right at this moment in order to coordinate units as Officers gave their orders over the radios.
General Howe motioned for the JSDF to enter. In came the group he was told about when the Courier debriefed them. He looked at Itami up and down, taking in much of the details that stuck out. Howe noticed he had a bored look on his face and and slouched as he stood. He knew that Itami was a younger Officer, so it struck him as odd that he wouldn't try to appear more confident. Most NCR Officers were the sons of land owners or caravan companies. While service as an Officer was not limited to more common people, very few in the wasteland could afford the education to become an Officer. Aside from wealthy youths, the only other people that typically became Officers were NCOs from the enlisted ranks who showed the aptitude to become an Officer.
His companions wore the same poke-a-dotted green uniform as their leader, as well as the flak jacket styled body armor that looked similar to the NCRs own newly issued armor. He noticed the two women that was with them and admired their beauty. They almost reminded him of his own daughters, though these women had a more slender face as apposed to his daughters rounder face. Likely due to his own Chinese background compared to their Japanese background.
Kurokawa and the Courier noticed each other again. Kurokawa waved at him with a smile, tilting her head in order to be friendly. The Courier looked away but gave a half hearted wave at her as well. Kurokawa laughed a bit to herself at the reaction.
"Itami, is it?" The General tried. He noticed a look of surprise on Itami's face.
"General... Howe?" Itami was surprised. General Howe immediately deduced that he was confused to see another Asian man here.
"Is it surprising that I'm Asian?" He said, reading Itami easily. "After all, we're from the remnants of the US so if yours is anything similar, then you'll know we had a very diverse population." He laughed.
Itami was flustered at being so easy to read. He composed himself and laughed it off.
"Sorry. I guess it's still surprising to meet a second group in this land. I guess I keep forgetting you're kind of from America." He stated honestly.
"Don't feel so bad." He laughed it off. "My family actually traces its roots back to Chinese infiltrators from two hundred years ago. For about a century we were more of an isolated tribe. A lot of anti-Chinese sentiment in the early years after the war. Even now we tend to not stray too far from the village where we grew up." He said.
"I guess that makes sense." Itami said. "Anyway, we're here on orders from General Hazama. He would like to schedule a meeting with you face to face. He said that once the bandit situation is dealt with, he would like to meet with you on neutral ground."
"Please tell your General that I would be more than happy to meet with him." He smiled sincerely.
"We have also been told to ask if you require assistance." Itami asked.
For both sides it was a tense request.
Itami knew that the NCR didn't know that they could tap into their communications. JSDF radios had encryption software that prevented them from being intercepted, and it was unlikely that the NCR knew of it. Seems their radios were very primitive and didn't have the ability to be encrypted. He had to be careful what he said in order to make sure the NCR didn't know that they had a massive advantage over them.
General Howe knew that the Japanese would be able to easily deal with this threat. They had the logistics, air power, and sheer numbers of supplies to launch a swift and decisive attack on the bandits. However, if he admitted to needing help, it would show their weakness and make future bargaining with the Japanese Government more difficult. He had to maintain the illusion that they were powerful and in control.
"The NCR greatly appreciates the offer." General Howe said. "However, we have things under control and do not wish to put Japanese lives at risk. Especially without understanding each others capacities, we don't want to cause any incidents while in the chaos of battle."
It was a bold faced lie. Itami knew it and Howe knew it. However, Howe did not know that Itami knew it was a lie.
"I understand." Itami answered honestly. "If at the very least, will you allow me and my soldiers to assist you with anything you need here? Our medic, SFC Kurokawa is an experienced medic and can assist with your aid stations." Itami said.
"We can not allow civilian, or in this case foreign military personnel, to be near combat zones." The General stated. "However, I'll allow them to assist as they desire around our CP. I'll need to give you an escort though, as I'm sure you can understand." Howe said and motioned one of his soldiers to get an escort.
"Of course. We'll happily accept that." Itami said.
Both men went over the details of the meeting that would happen between the two Generals. There were a lot of variables that depended on the conclusion of this conflict, but it was decided that General Hazama would be flown in via helicopter once the battle was over. This would also allow JSDF personnel to oversee the negotiations with Princess Pina and Countess Myui, since the Japanese were also at war with the Empire.
As the initial negotiations completed, the JSDF were escorted out of the tent. They were told to meet with their escort and he would give them the ability to wander the CP area and assist where is needed. Itami was glad that none of them had to be put on the front and risk the lives of his people. Especially since he'd have to refuse since General Hazama made it clear that they could not use lethal force.
"How's it going smooth-skins." Came a very gravely voice. "Guess I'll be babysitting you for the next little while."
Everyone in the Japanese group, including Rory and Lelei, were horrified at what they saw.
"Is that a demon?" Lelei asked Itami. He had no words to describe what he was seeing.
"Oh my god..." Kurokawa whispered as she saw the man meant to escort him.
He looked like any typical NCR trooper. Same fatigues and general equipment that they all wore. He seemed like he cared less about his appearance though as his pants were un-bloused and his armor was so loose that he looked like he barely even put it on. But the thing that made them all sick, was the peeling skin and exposed muscles that was all over his body. There were no whites in his eyes, only a shade of red. As if every blood vessel popped in both his eyes. His hair was patchy and didn't even fully cover his head. Even his nose and parts of his ears were missing.
"What's the matter smooth-skin?" He asked.
"Are you a zombie?" Kuribayashi asked out loud, giving voice to everyone's thoughts.
"What the hell did you say to me smooth-skin?" He asked angrily. "Calling me a fucking zombie? I don't give a damn what my CO said, I'll fucking skin you alive if you call me that again." He threatened as he adopted an aggressive stance.
"No, no, no." Itami stood in front of Kuribayashi with his hands up. He laughed nervously at the slight issue. "We're just surprised is all." He said.
"Please sir, let me look at those wounds." Kurokawa said as she walked up to him.
She knew the NCR had issues with medical assistance, but with the scarring and the fact that he was moving around must've meant that this happened a while ago. How could the NCR allow such an injured soldier to continue to serve? He looked as if he had been burned alive and barely survived. He should be in a hospital bed, not walking around with exposed wounds and severe scarring.
"The hell are you talking about sister?" He asked as he backed away.
"Please." Kurokawa pleaded. "Scarring this bad can leave a lot of negative side effects." She said.
"Don't worry about him." The Courier said as he stepped out of the tent. This caused everyone to pause.
"Hey you. good to see you again." Rory waved at the Courier.
"Ma'am." The Courier spoke back in her language. "Glad to see you well." He said.
"Wait." Itami said. "You can speak their language?" He asked.
"Japanese too." The Courier smiled as they looked at him in shock. "A drug called Mentats, it boosts cognitive abilities and makes learning easier. Though it's highly addictive unless you pair it with fixer. Not good on the liver though." He laughed as he spoke in Japanese. he Courier knew he had a rough accent. Kurokawa noted that he sounded like an American college student that took classes for a few months. Understandable, but still a bit difficult to understand through the accent.
"Unreal." Kurokawa said in surprise.
"Anyway," The Courier stated, switching back to English. "This guy here is a Ghoul. Not Zombies. They get offended by being called that." He laughed at the interaction.
"But the damage..." Kurokawa stated.
"Happened two hundred years ago slant eye." He said as he waved her off.
"Two hundred!?" Kuribayashi yelled in surprise.
"Ghoulification is a result of too much exposure to radiation." The Courier stated. "The only real negative effects are the looks. As for health, Ghouls are very resilient. They're immune to radiation. Actually, they're strengthened by it. They also seemingly don't age. At least, no Ghoul has died of old age since the Great War." the Courier laughed at their expressions.
"That, and becoming feral if you're not careful." The Ghoul laughed.
"That means that you were around before the great war." Kurokawa deduced.
"Used to be in the 108th National Guard Infantry Regiment before the war. Veteran of Anchorage and survivor of the initial assault." He explained.
"You were there?" Kurokawa asked with sadness.
"Well, I was in a subway when it happened." He recounted. "I was in New York when it happened. Avoided the worst of it. Actually didn't become a Ghoul until about a few years after it happened. Got unlucky when I tried to leave the city. Wandered ever since. Really the only place that's somewhat friendly to Ghouls are the NCR, so I settled down." He said.
The Japanese soldiers were completely floored. Here was a man, who is not only older than most modern countries, but a survival of an atomic war. Itami knew a lot about what survivors of the American attack in Japan experienced based on what he learned in school and memorials remembering the people who died. There were hours of interviews with survivors of the bombing and he would occasionally watch a documentary about it.
There was almost a sense of national pride to the Japanese about the bombings. How they're the only country that suffered the effects of nuclear weapons and how the Japanese people see themselves as the morally just. How their people, above all else, are the largest voice in peace and anti-nuclear proliferation.
But here's a man who not only lived through a nuclear war, but a true world ending nuclear war. Who was permanently scarred and disfigured from it and suffered for two hundred years. Based on how he talked about the NCR, it was likely he spent those two hundred years being discriminated against due to his looks.
"Who's up for some food?" The Courier asked.
Eating was not exactly easy for the Japanese and the locals when there was a Ghoul present. It was difficult to not be repulsed by the sight of him. As hard as they tried to be respectful to him, it was still hard. however, Kurokawa noticed that he took great pleasure in messing with them and intentionally saying things that made them want to gag more.
They all sat on crates that was spread around the area. Their food in their laps as they ate it with whatever utensils they had. The JSDF brought their own portable chopsticks, while the NCR trooper ate with his combat knife. The food itself was nothing more than a cylindrical can that had meat, beans, veggies, and bread stuffed down in a kind of stew. It was supposed to be eaten warm but they had to eat it cold. It was the first attempts at the NCR mass producing military food that can be preserved and stored for campaign. It tasted horrible, but it gave the soldiers enough food to stay generally healthy. It was officially called "Preserved Trooper Meals" or "PTM". Though most NCR troopers just called it dog food.
The Ghoul was talking about some of his old war stories from the battle of Anchorage. Apparently, it was a large attack by the Chinese to seize the resource rich state that culminated in the battle at the US Military base. This happened just before the nukes were launched.
Kurokawa noticed the Courier eating alone, just off to the side of the group. Kurokawa decided that she would try and talk with him again, so she left her half eaten can on the crate and went over to sit next to him.
"Good to see you again." She said. He turned to her and waved.
"You too. Hope he didn't give you a scare." The Courier laughed.
"I was less surprised at his look and more surprised at what I thought the NCR was doing to him." She said. "I thought he was forced to fight despite terrible injuries. I was going to look him over."
"You have a bad habit of doing that." The Courier laughed. "Ghouls are tough. I don't even know if they get sick from disease honestly. Radiation pretty much kills anything, aside from them."
"Your world is a horrifying place." Kurokawa said.
"What'd you hear?" He asked.
"Caesars Legion..." She said as she looked down. "It sounds horrible. I can't believe someone would be so evil."
"Who, Edward Sallow?" The Courier asked. Kurokawa had a look of confusion.
"Who?" She asked.
"It's Caesars real name." The Courier said. "He was a member of the Followers of the Apocalypse who was sent out to aid tribal villages to the east. He had a very flawed view of the world, but he was a master strategist and very charismatic."
"Sounds like you know him." Kurokawa noticed.
"I did, at least when he was Caesar." The Courier said. This took her by surprise.
"How did you meet someone like him?" She asked.
"Caesar requested to meet me. Needed my help with a job." He said.
"And you did?" Kurokawa was disgusted at the thought of helping a man who literally treats women like cattle.
"The Legion fort was on a bunker I needed access to." He explained. "Caesar was known to recruit, and it was perfect timing which allowed me to walk into the bunker and sabotage the battle for Hoover Dam before it began." The Courier said.
"How could a society exist like that?" Kurokawa asked.
"It's normal." The Courier replied back. "There are chem addicted raider that torture, murder, and rape. Super Mutants that eat humans, animals that have mutated into effective killing machines. Caesars Legion wasn't anything out of the ordinary. They were just stronger than most tribal or raider groups."
"I can't imagine." Kurokawa said. "It's nothing like back home."
What's Japan like?" The Courier asked. "I've only ever seen cities in rubble and always wanted to know what they looked like in their glory days." He said.
"It's beautiful." Kurokawa said. "There are food stands in a lot of the bigger cities with Japanese made recipes. Children running around to and from school or making a nuisance of themselves. And so many people it's impossible to walk around without bumping into people."
"You went to school?" The Courier asked.
"Yes, didn't you?" She asked, before noticing the scar on his head. "Oh... sorry." She said as she remembered his fractured memory.
"It's ok." He waved it off. "I have bits and pieces. But I'm sure I never went to school. It's rare, even in the NCR. Most people become apprentices or stay at the profession they're born into. The only way to learn is for your parents to teach you. Some communities in the NCR are experimenting with public schooling, but the only way to get any kind of education is through wealth. If I was wealthy I wouldn't have been a Courier before I was shot."
"Where I'm from, school is mandatory. You'd get arrested if your child didn't receive an education." Kurokawa said.
"No way?" The Courier asked. "I've always wondered what those old ruins looked like when they were still being used."
"It's probably different though. Japan is very different than America." She said.
"Is it true you wear uniforms?" The Courier asked. "I've seen old posters of school kids in the US wearing uniforms that looked like business suits."
"Sort of." Kurokawa said. "Every school has a different uniform. Mostly lower education use sailor uniforms, while higher education uses a blazer. Though it depends."
"Sailor?" The Courier asked. "Like old navy type sailor?" He asked in confusion. Why would school kids wear a sailor uniform.
"Not exactly." Kurokawa laughed. "If I get my phone I'll show you some cute picture of me in uniform." She laughed and winked.
The Courier had no idea how a phone would show him. Maybe she kept a picture of herself on it? He had no idea.
They continued to talk for a while, enjoying each others company and talking more about Japan. The more the Courier heard about it, the more it amazed him. He'd love to visit if he ever got the chance.
Before long, a messenger came up to him and informed the Courier that the bandits were on the move and would attack in less than an hour. The Courier knew it was going to be a big fight so he motioned for the Japanese to start doing what they need to do. Hopefully the plan that was sent in motion at the start of this will be enough to win.
The bandits were finally beginning their march towards Italica. They began to exit the eastern forest and entered into the abandoned farm lands of Italica. At first their numbers were small, but like an unending wave, thousands and thousands of bandits marched into battle. To Pina, it looked like the breaking of a dam that allowed for an unending flow of water.
From her vantage point on the wall, Pina noticed that they attempted to raid and steal anything they could from the farm housing. All the villagers were safely in the city along with most of their belongings, and the Empire ensured that not a scrap of grain was left on the farms. If anything, it slowed the advance of the bandits somewhat, though once they learned that their prize was in the city, the began to pick up the pace.
Pina breathed slowly in order to calm her nerves. This was to be her first battle, and she wanted to make sure she performed well. The promise of honor, glory, and respect from her father and the senators depended on this battle. She would not give in, nor would she surrender.
Of course, the other reason she couldn't surrender was the potential for what would happen to her. The bandits were no more than common soldiers who resorted to banditry in order to receive the glory they were promised. There were few, if any nobles or officers to keep order. She wouldn't be taken as a slave to a noble, nor would she be ransomed off back to the Empire. She would be passed around by the men until there was nothing left, and then at the end, she would be tortured in the most horrible ways imaginable. For this reason, she made sure a dagger was at her side. She would sooner take her own life than be subjected to that.
Although she had an ally in the NCR, she knew that it wasn't going to be enough. There was so few of them, and even if their "How-It-sirs" were able to attack from far beyond line of sight, she didn't see how a dozen metal shells would fair against such numbers. A single one of those shells may take out two or even three men, but it wouldn't be enough.
She could only hope that the militia that she summoned would be enough to hold the walls.
"Do you hear that your highness?" Hamilton asked. She did indeed. Their weapons were shooting. At least it would allow for some kind of advantage over the bandits. Even if it only took out a few of them.
"Their weapons are being shot." She said. "It doesn't matter. prepare the defenses." She ordered. "Norma, you remain on the wall and lead the archers. Swordsmen will be just below to support you if they manage to scale the wall. Grey, you will be beside me and act as my advisor. Hamilton, you will act as my guard. We will make sure we remain here until they reach the walls. I will fall back to an alternate command point if they reach us and coordinate the militia fr-" She stopped abruptly.
Suddenly, the feeling of pressure in her chest returned. A moment before there was a flash, but she ignored it at first because she was distracted with giving orders. As soon as that feeling returned, a loud bang shocked her into silence. It reminded her very much like when she was near the weapons before, but fainter and in the direction of the bandits. For a moment she considered maybe they had one of those weapons of their own, but somehow this was different.
She turned towards the bandits just as another one of those feelings came. Now, two massive clouds of dust covered the bandits. Easily the size of a Sadaran home. There were bits of red liquid that flew into the air, almost as if large carts of red wine suddenly popped.
Suddenly, more and more of those... pops... slammed into the bandits. Their formation was nearly shattered. Although they numbered in the tens of thousands, they were completely taken by surprise as more and more of the massive dust clouds appeared violently in their mess of a formation. Now that she paid attention, she could see a small streak of black hit the ground before the cloud appeared.
"What are we witnessing?" Hamilton asked in fear, holding her torso as if to shield her body from the loud pops.
"I..." Pina could barely find the words. "I don't know..."
"What force of nature could cause this?" Grey asked. Pina got worried even more. How could a long time veteran like him not know?
"Could this be from those NCR?" Norma asked.
"Actually, yes." A voice said behind her. She turned to see the Courier, walking up to them with what looks like a lit piece of incense in his mouth. "That's an Artillery barrage. Thanks to the Howitzers." He smiled as he watched the devastation.
"How can simple metal cones cause such damage!?" Norma screamed at the Courier in confusion and fear.
"Same thing that makes the explode out the end. Gunpowder." He said. "Basically, when it hits, it goes boom. Killing everything around it."
Pina looked again at the carnage before her. Where the smoke cleared, there were large depressions in the ground, as if a minor started digging and quit before he got too deep. Even from her distance, she could see the bandits trying to run away from where it happened.
In the center was nothing, no people at all. On the edges were bits and pieces of the bandits, as if they had been torn to pieces. Further from that, many bandits wandered around, as if they were sick or disoriented from too much drink. Some even walking around without arms or crawled without their legs.
"Howe did his homework to lead up to this." The Courier mentioned. "The fighting in the south has caused the bandits to quickly run out into the open in order to avoid the fight and try to take Italica and use it as a defensive point. With so much of their force routed they had to desperately go out into the open. Now they're completely vulnerable to artillery and air assets. Which should be on their way." The Courier said.
"Air assets?" Grey asked as he watched the carnage. He couldn't look away.
"They'll be here soon, once the artillery dies down." The Courier said.
For the next few minutes, explosions rocked the city of Italica as bandits were killed en-masse from the artillery barrage that made it difficult for them to advance. The artillery was focused on the front of the formation, meaning the men behind would have to step over craters and dead bodies in order to advance. This created a wall of dirt and bodies that slowed their advance.
As quickly as it started, the barrage stopped. The bandits were struggling to pick themselves up after the heavy attack. The weight of the NCR bore down on them as if the gods came down themselves to smite the bandits.
Suddenly, without warning, there was an odd sound. Pina could only describe it as the sound of large dragonfly wings buzzing in the distance. At first she thought there was a group of dragonflies' right in front of her. But after focusing on them she realized they were too far, and too big to be insects.
She saw massive dragonflies that charged from the south, in formation very similar to their own dragon riders. She could count five of them from where she stood, but if the artillery stopped because of them, she dreaded what she was about to witness.
Suddenly they split into two teams, one going left and the other going right. The coordination was perfect, as if they had been trained to do it over and over again. They quickly turned into the formation of bandits, staggered so they could pass without hitting each other.
Once they reached the formation, with their heads pointed down, thin white streaks of smoke poured out of their sides and slammed into the bandits. The clouds of dust were not as big, but they did the job of carving a bloody path through the formation. The white streaks continued to shoot out of the sides until they reached the edges of the formation, then flew higher into the air.
They turned around again, readying another strike on the unlucky bandits. Carving another path through them as they had no way to defend themselves. Projectiles from the mages on the ground fired up at the dragonflies, hoping to hit one, but they moved far too fast to be able to be hit.
Pina felt sick to her stomach as she watched the massacre. The Courier showed no surprise. He stared at it as if he was a commander who was watching his men route the enemy and successfully winning the battle. Clearly this was a normal occurrence for him. Which means the NCR could fight like this normally. No wonder the Empire and allied armies were defeated so easily within the first few days of the conflict.
"And finally, here they come." The Courier smiled.
to the north of the clearing was NCR soldiers, riding their strange horseless wagons into battle. They stopped a good distance from the bandits and got off their wagons and got into a very spread out formation.
Pina knew from her education that this tiny force that stood so far from each other would never stand a chance against a group numbering in the tens of thousands. But here they stood, ready to attack the enemy as if they had a chance. However, Pina knew her education was wrong.
Their strange staffs lit up, like fireflies in the distance. Bandits that were closest to them fell in quick succession. The NCR soldiers stayed far enough away that they could avoid the dragonflies attacks, but they were still able to kill the bandits where they stood.
The battle was decisive. The NCR won. There was no way for the bandits to close distance out in the open and fight the NCR. Pina knew that it was over.
"Stories of their brothers who fought in the south is taking its toll. Not to mention they remember the initial attack before they turned to banditry." The Courier said. "They know that they have no chance now, so they won't fight with everything they have."
His words were true. before the bandits lost even five percent of their soldiers, they completely gave up and ran away. Men hit each other as they ran, trying desperately to escape the onslaught around them. They routed.
Pina was filled with dread. She prepared for a stand against an enemy with impossible numbers. Accepted that today she would either be welcomed home as a hero of the Empire or perish in battle. Stories would be told of her as she made the stand in Italica to preserve peace and order in the Empire.
Now though... now she was filled only with fear. A fear that gripped her heart and didn't let go.
Pina walked with the Courier to General Howe, the man who single handedly won the siege of Italica. He stood in the center of his group of tents, congratulating his soldiers for their successful defense of the city. He seemed tired, as if he hadn't slept in days, but he also seemed relieved and happy at his victory.
Pina knew he was the equivalent of a Legate, a commander of a Legion. At least, a commander of whatever they called a Legion. He looked more so on the older side, likely in his forties but Pina couldn't place it. No doubt the patriarch of some noble house in the NCR. He may be a governor with a large sum of land at his control. Or maybe he was a senator or whatever kind of system of politics the NCR had. To be given the command of such an army must mean he is of high nobility or perhaps even royalty.
Pina wondered this as she looked at the jovial face of her soon to be master or husband. She had no doubts in her mind what would befall her. She would be taken by him as a trophy of his victory. She would most likely not be ransomed off back to her father. She knew her beauty and her standing as a daughter of the Emperor. She was a fine woman of the highest nobility. Smart, beautiful, and powerful.
She knew she was a perfect prize to either be degraded before the NCR or paraded as the trophy wife of some noble. She would either be brought to heel and serve her master as a broken slave or shown off before political meetings as a wife with grace and elegance. The captured nobles and princesses of foreign countries always fell into those categories. Especially if you were given to her brother who took great pride in breaking the elegance and pride of princesses. She could only pray to the gods that Howe would parade her as an elegant wife, instead of break her like a lowly slave.
Her Rose Order Knights would probably be lucky. They would likely be given to minor nobles as prizes or even to lower members of their higher class of citizen. She hoped so anyway. She didn't want Hamilton or Bozes to be chained into some brothel. Grey and Norma she could only hope would be made advisors to the NCR. It was common for captured commanders to be made advisors in order to learn how the enemy fights. Or maybe they would be ransomed back to the Empire. She just hoped they weren't sent to a mine.
She steeled herself as she walked up to the man. When he looked at her he smiled and extended his hand. Pina knew what was likely to happen. She must show her submission to him and gain his favor. If she hoped to please him, if only to ensure she was given a better fate.
She kneeled before him, took his hand, and kissed it. A sign of submission and surrender for a noble woman.
"Uh..." He stuttered. Pina was unsure why though. It's not like someone of his age would be flustered around a woman.
"You shake his hand... not kiss." The Courier said to her.
"Shake?" She asked.
"Yes, as a sign of respect." The Courier started giggling. If there was any cruelty in this world, it was that he would not be punished for his insolence.
"Like this." Howe stated. He figured that she was unfamiliar with the tradition, so he stood her back up and shook her hand. It was awkward for her, but she got the ahng of it quickly.
Pina felt embarrassed. She showed her submission to him as the victor of the siege and she felt mocked for it. Though she knew she couldn't do anything about it. It made sense that they had different customs compared to Sadara.
"We're going to have a meeting to discus the fate of Italica." Howe said, allowing the Courier to translate. "A senior Officer of the JSDF will also be present for the meeting. So we'll wait until he arrives."
"May I ask General, what is the fate of Italica going to be?" Pina inquired. She was nervous at the wait. She wanted to get this over with or at least learn of her fate before being forced to wait.
"That'll depend on what deal will be reached with the JSDF. Until then, we will wait." He stated.
After some more things were discussed, such as housing NCR soldiers, establishing a "Landing pad" for a "Helicopter", and ensuring they got food and other necessities. Pina was in no position to argue. Her original plan to surround them went up in flames the moment they obliterated the bandits.
"Seems that went well." The Courier laughed at her awkwardness.
If there was any mercy from the gods, she prayed that she would not be given to him.
"Of course, we will have to wait until later to continue the discussion." Pina agreed, though she still felt nervous at her potential fate.
"Don't worry, Howe is a good man." The Courier said, trying to ease her nerves. "A man with eight kids has to be." He laughed.
Eight kids? Did that mean he had a wife? Of course he would. Someone of his age and standing would have one. Unless she died, that would mean Pina would be relegated to a slave if taken by him. Unless they practiced a harem type system. She hoped that wasn't the case.
"I'll take your word for it." She said nervously.
The Courier completely misinterpreted the situation. He thought she was nervous about the meeting. He thought this would be her first interaction as a princess on official business so it was making her jittery. Though he couldn't be more wrong. Even as he went around the wastes, he never really experienced a society with a complex system of nobility, royalty, and lordships. The concept of political marriages or trophy wives was a foreign concept to the NCR. Sure, there was slavery, murder, rape, and all other forms of cruelty in the wasteland. But nothing approaching the complexities of ancient court politics.
He hoped Pina wouldn't worry too much. Howe would be very hard on the Empire, but he wouldn't try to scare or even be rude to a 18-19 year old girl.
"Man... they really got them." Kuribayashi stated as they oversaw the devastation caused. None of them saw the aftermath of Alnus hill, so this was the first time they saw the after math of a war between the ancient world and modern technology.
"Yea, I know." Kurokawa stated.
"I can't believe they didn't let me fight!" Rory yelled. She was very upset at not being allowed to join in on the fight. She almost killed their escort in the strange and erotic way she reacted to the "Souls passing through her".
"Is she acting up again?" Itami asked, looking back at the demi-god who was busy complaining.
"Just keep that damn thing away from me." Their ghoulish escort said, still mad at her nearly taking his head off. If it wasn't for Itami defusing the situation and separating Rory, it would have ended poorly.
With little else to do before General Hazama arrived, Kurokawa requested to assist outside the walls, hoping to assist any wounded bandits that were still alive. Her Hippocratic Oath taking full stage in her decision. Of course, Itami had to be roped into it.
The group saw NCR soldiers walking around and checking the area. Both to clean the bodies as well as secure the area in case there was another attack. But that was unlikely. They were also assumed to be recovering the injured and assisting them until they could decide what to do with the prisoners. Though, the reality shocked them.
"Come on, you missed." An NCR trooper said after he took a shot at a log with a pistol.
As the JSDF walked up to them, they were surprised to see what was in front of them.
One of the bandits, who was badly injured from the blast, was tied to a log near the fence of a destroyed farm. He was bleeding all over the place and making noises that sounded like he was begging for his life.
"Let me try." Another NCR trooper stated, getting in line and aiming his pistol. With a satisfied smirk, he fired the pistol and hit the man right in the left side of his pelvis. The exhausted bandit moaned in pain, too tired to scream.
"Damn, he's still going." The NCR trooper said. "Who's next?" He asked, waiving the pistol around to let someone else give it a try.
"Hey, what about those guys." One trooper stated as he pointed to the JSDF.
Kurokawa was filled with righteous anger at the display. When she looked around, she noticed that the NCR army wasn't helping the wounded. Most of them stabbed the bandits with their bayonets, executing them on the spot. While others played sick games while torturing them.
"What about you?" One said as she walked up to the group, despite Itami telling her to stop. "All you have to do is hit him without killing him. Whoever does the final blow will lose, while the one before him wins." He said, handing her the pistol.
Itami knew that this was going to turn into a terrible situation if he didn't stop Kurokawa, though this was already too late. She would not be deterred.
Kurokawa stared at the pistol that was handed to her, feeling completely offended at the gesture. She smacked it away in anger and pointed her finger at the soldiers.
"What the hell are you doing!?" She yelled, surprising the soldiers.
"What?" He asked.
"How dare you torture a prisoner of war!" she yelled again, stepping closer to the man.
"Prisoner?" One of the troopers asked. "He's a fucking tribal. What the hell matters what happens to him?" He asked.
"You can't just torture POWs, you need to treat them and do what you can to save their lives!" She stated firmly, hoping to take this to their commander.
"Listen lady." The leader of the group, a Sergeant, stood up to face her. "These ain't no fucking prisoners. They're rapists and murderers." He said angrily. "Civilized people get jailed, these fuckers get offed." He said.
"It doesn't matter what they do. You have to be better than them!" She yelled again.
"Better!?" The Sergeant asked, clearly offended. "Do you see us raping and torturing civies? What do you think would happen if you were captured by him!?" He asked. "He'd tear you in half and pass you around until you're used up, then probably nail you to a fucking cross!"
"You can't torture these men! It's against international law!" Kurokawa said, trying to appeal to the law.
"What the fuck is that?" He asked. "There's the NCRs law, and then a bunch of shit eating tribals." He countered back.
"I can't allow you to do this." Kurokawa said as she moved to the injured man. He looked at her with fear, but knew she was there to help. He begged her to help him, even if she couldn't fully understand the words.
A moment later a bullet went by her head and hit the man right between the eyes. She turned as the Sergeant held a smoking gun pointed right at her. Itami and her comrades did the same, pointing their rifles at the NCR who in turn did the same.
"There you go ruining our fun lady." The Sergeant complained, as if she was a teacher that just stopped a college party. "Get the fuck out of here or we'll tie you to that log and continue the game." He threatened.
Kurokawa stood her ground defiantly. All the while NCR troopers in the distance continued killing the bandits. Some noticed the situation and started running over to the two groups.
"Kurokawa... let's go." Itami said. He knew this was too risky and that they were about to get into an incident. General Hazama's orders were clear, and Itami knew that he was about to disobey them to protect his soldiers.
"You heard him tight ass." The Sergeant smiled. "Go on, get." He motioned for her to leave.
Kurokawa knew that nothing could be done. She had no choice but to leave the group and report this to General Hazama. Hopefully, once the NCR high command was made aware of this, they would crack down on this whole operation.
She turned and went to her group, who started to back away. The ghoul stood still, not wanting to get involved in the stand off. Rory had her weapon out and Lelei stayed off to the side.
"You're commanders will hear about this." She threatened as they JSDF made their way back to the Italica gate.
"Sure tight ass. You go and do that." He laughed as she left. Then he went back to finding more injured men to play with.
Kurokawa was breathing heavily due to her anger. How could these men take such pride in killing like that? How could they do something so barbaric? She knew she would have to report this and stop this from continuing.
And that's a wrap. One chapter turned into three lol. hope you enjoy.
Please let me know what you guys think? I'm pretty happy how this came out.