Hey folks peacekeeper is back with another chapter.
Ch-10 Reunion.
Italica, East Gate.
"WARNING, WARNING, YOU ARE NOW NEARING THE CITY OF ITALICA UNDER THE PROTECTION OF UNITED NATIONS TASK FORCE. TURN AWAY IMMEDIATELY OR YOU WILL BE INTERCEPTED AND DESTROYED."
Captain Liam spoke in the top of his voice through the Megaphone. Not long ago he was having a hearty chat with his Russian counterpart about whose army got the better tanks in their military.
"You Canadians do really took the language classes too seriously." the Russian Captain Vasily commented with a chuckle.
After crossing through the gate, the Canadian contingent officer in charge made it mandatory for its officers and soldiers to be fluent in the local language. It was hard but by the second month of their deployment in the special region, most of the Canadian officers and nearly all of the NCOs were able to speak broken Germanian without the use of the language book. Liam along with few of the other German descendent officers was able to grasp this language more quickly.
Looking through his Binoculars he could clearly see the unknown riders largely consisted of women in ornamental white armour, a few men in blue armour and uniform, three girls with one of them surprisingly with pink hair and a blonde guy in school uniforms along with a dark-haired boy in heavy armour. A red flag with a rose insignia fluttered behind their back.
"Gate 02, this is Central, give me a sitrep over." his radio crackled to life.
"Central, we have clear visual on the incoming unknown riders. This group is of a company strength worth of cavalry and consists mostly of women in ornamental armour and a bunch of teenagers. Currently waiting for their response to our warning, over."
"Roger that, Gate 02, follow the protocol give them another two warnings and if they do not turn back, you are authorised to use deadly force to remove them. We do not want another imperial force besieging the city. Over."
"Affirmative central, Out."
Liam places his radio back and takes another look at the possible hostile targets.
To his surprise and from the looks of it the unknown group appears to have been arguing among themselves.
Bringing his megaphone to bear he spoke again.
"ATTENTION!, YOU ARE ENCROACHING THE LAND OF THE CITY OF ITALICA UNDER THE PROTECTION OF UNITED NATIONS TASK FORCE. TURN AWAY OR YOU WILL BE DESTROYED."
"If it was up to me, I would have already blown those bastards to hell." The Vasily commented.
"That's the reason why we Canadians are in charge of the gates and not you trigger happy Russians."
The Russian officer had a heartfelt laugh to Liam's answer.
"After this mess is over my friend, come over to our Russian mess hall. I will treat you with the strongest Vodka we brought it from our motherland."
"Affirmative," Liam replied with a smile and continued his watch on the activities of the group.
"Well, those people are really having a good chat there." A Canadian soldier said sarcastically noticing the internal bickering of the presumed imperial cavalry unit has been intensified after their second announcement. The situation got so bad that he could clearly see swords been drawn at each other.
After a few minutes of heated argument, the situation appeared to have cooled down as the group began sheathing their swords. Liam checks his watch to see ten minutes have passed since the second warning.
He sighs, he had already given enough time for the Imperials to go back from where they have come. A lot of blood had already been spilt today and he didn't want more to be spilt unnecessarily but with the Imperials concerned on arguing and fighting each other rather than giving heed to his warnings. Nothing can be done for them anymore.
He picks up his megaphone for the final warning.
"THIS IS YOUR LAST AND FINAL WARNING TURN BACK IMMEDIATELY OR YOU WILL BE FIRED UPON. I REPEAT THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING TURN AWAY FROM THE CITY IMMEDIATELY OR YOU WILL BE FIRED UPON."
He gives an approving nod at his Russian friend who in return nods and blaring orders to his men.
"Take your positions and prepare to fire."
As ordered soldiers on the top of the wall along with those on the ground prepared their weapons. Tanks turned their guns at the group of Horsemen waiting for their orders to open fire.
"Sir look." a soldier pointed towards the top of the cliff.
Liam quickly peeks through his binoculars to see the black haired boy, who waved a makeshift white flag as he moves, a giant mole along with his blonde companion, a girl with pink hair and a small group of white armoured female knights were riding fast towards them.
"HOLD YOUR FIRE AND STAND DOWN." he yelled at his men.
"I think the last warning worked. Now they want to talk." the Russian officer said.
Suddenly Liam's radio crackled to life.
"Gate 02, HOLD your fire, we have just been notified from the local nobility the Cavalry are from the relief for dispatched to rescue the city. Over."
Hearing this Liam and Vasily friend looked at each. They were just about to blow possible friendlies to kingdom come if that brave guy hadn't waved that white flag.
"Gate 02, their unit captain will be arriving shortly at your position to receive her people. Over."
"Acknowledged Central, 02 out."
Italica, East Gate (Imperial Lines)
Louise and others stood stunned by the sudden voice in the air. Those words clearly stated the city was now under the outworlders control and they were being ordered to leave or else they will be destroyed.
Louise slowly turned her head towards Saito who clearly looked stunned and disturbed by this. Not long ago she found out the real identity of the outworlders. They were people from the world Saito claimed to have come from.
For Saito, he was in a dilemma. He vowed to protect his friends and rid this land of the invaders. But when he found the soldiers that invaded Germania and took over the city are from his own world he doesn't know what to do right now. shocked him the most was the blue flag that flew proudly on the flagpole of the city's gate. It was none other than the flag of the United Nations. The force stood before him must be a multi-national force consisting of several soldiers from different nationalities from Earth. There may even if having Japanese soldiers among them. He doesn't want to betray his friends' trust in him but he also doesn't want to fight his own people. He also knew what those tanks and soldiers are capable of. This mere force of two hundred horsemen stood no chance, they will be annihilated before even they are able to draw their weapons.
"What are we going to do?" Guiche said unable to comprehend what to do next.
"We do what we have come here to do. We are going to attack and save our Captain along with the city from these wretched outworlders." Bozes said.
"They even dare to order us to run away like cowards rather than fight them like a true Noble. They will pay for this insolence." Panche added while signalling the order knights to prepare for a cavalry charge.
"But we are too few to take the city." Guiche protested.
"We don't have to, the townspeople will rise up as we enter the town to liberate them. The gates haven't been fully repaired yet which leaves us only to deal with those men standing between us and the city." Bozes explained.
"They are just infantry, they don't have any cavalry to counter us. We will prevail." Panche added.
Seeing the advantage they have against the enemy Guiche decided to comply with the Germanians. Not joining with them during their attack will also sour the Tristan- Germania relationship and bring dishonour to his family along with it.
He turned his head towards one of his officers.
"Captain, order the men to prepare for an attack and wait for my signal."
"Yes, milord," he replies and was about to turn around to ride towards the Tristanian contingent when Saito spoke up.
"Wait!" he said.
"What is it, Saito?" Guiche asked.
He slowly turns towards Guiche.
The cheerful and optimistic expression Saito used to have has already been drained. It was replaced by a face of a worried and scared man.
"You cannot fight them. They will slaughter you before you even reach halfway down this road," he said grimly.
"How the hell can you be this sure?" Panche yelled at him.
"Trust me, they will kill us all even without breaking a sweat."
"We haven't even faced an outworlder yet in a battle. How can you be so sure of their true capabilities?" Bozes said sceptically of Saito's words.
Saito gave no reply for a few seconds thinking about what will happen when he revealed his origins to the Germanians.
"Because...I am from their World."
"What!" Bozes yelled, shocked by this revelation.
Panche looked at him widening her eyes in shock like her companion.
Guiche and Zerbst couldn't say anything. For Louise and Tiffania kept their silence as they already know about this some time ago.
A wave of awkward silence reigned upon them. But it was soon broken by another announcement made by the outworlders.
"ATTENTION!, YOU ARE ENCROACHING THE LAND OF THE CITY OF ITALICA UNDER THE PROTECTION OF UNITED NATIONS TASK FORCE. TURN AWAY OR YOU WILL BE DESTROYED."
They shifted their attention towards the source.
'This was the second warning' Saito thought. 'If all those Hollywood movies I saw in my world were right then the third warning will be final before they open fire.'
"Okay, everyone. We should comply with their orders and move a few hundred meters back."
"What! you want us to turn tail and run." Kirche yelled at him.
"This is my Kingdom for Founder's sake. You didn't run away during the Albion invasion of Tristain. I even a Germanian Noble fought beside you during the invasion though I was not bound to fight for Tristain."
"Hey Kirche calm down, This is not what I meant," Saito said trying to calm her down.
While Saito tries to reason with Kirche he didn't notice to see Bozes who had slowly shifted herself from her previous position and now stood very near to him.
"Mr Saito" She called him
Saito turns his head to find Bozes with a cold expression on her face. Her eye's coldness was enough to bore holes into him.
"Mr Saito, didn't you mentioned earlier that you belonged to the world those outworlders came from?"
"Yes, Yes I am" Saito replied
Suddenly Bozes unsheathed her sword and points it towards Saito. The sharp tip of the sword being inches away from his neck.
"That makes you our enemy Mr Saito."
"Wait, wait I am not your enemy!" Saito said as he tries to back away only to find the tip of the much more closer than before.
"Partner, I don't like what this ringlet girl is trying to do." Derfflinger Saito's magical sword who was keeping his mouth shut till now whispers.
"I know Derf, I know," Saito whispers back.
"If you try to move you will have to leave your head behind." Bozes threatened him.
At this very moment, Louise intervenes in Saito's defence.
"You touch him and I will blow you back to your emperor," she says while pointing her wand at Bozes face.
In response, several Rose knights and Tristanian cavalrymen drew their weapons and pointed them towards each other. Guiche also draws his wand and aimed it at Panche. Zerbst took the side of her people while Tiffania took cover behind her friends back. The allies and friends were now turning on each other and it had turned into a Mexican standoff.
'Damn it, this is bad.' Saito said to himself. 'Gotta to do something before they start fighting each other.' Taking a glance at the gate. ' Not to forget those tanks are aiming right at us right now.'
Saito slowly places his hand on Louise's right arm which held her wand and slowly pulls it down. When Louise looks towards him. "We have to talk it out, I don't want us to fight with our allies for a misunderstanding."
He then turns his head towards Guiche and nods signalling him to stand the men down. But the Germanians still kept their weapons up.
Raising his hands in the air and coming forward Saito spoke up.
"Miss Bozes, I came to this world nearly two years ago during a Familiar summoning ritual done by my companion Louise de la Vallière here. Though I am from the other world I assure you I am not a spy nor your enemy. I have been fighting for Tristain and her people for half of my stay in this world. Beginning from the Reconquista invasion of Tristain to the Counter invasion of Albion by the alliance of our two kingdoms. I even lived through a near-death experience during that campaign. After returning back I was awarded the title of the Lordship of Des Ornières for my bravery. I have miss Kirche from your kingdom as a witness to all of this."
He knowing lies the near-death experience part as he really died during the fighting. He cannot let the identity of Tiffinia to be revealed to these already unstable knights.
Bozes looks at Kirche who responded with a nod verifying Saito's story.
"If I was a spy or your enemy, why would I have to go through all this?, Why I would willingly fight two major conflicts from some another kingdom?, Tell me."
"So you are a familiar, prove it."
Saito pulls out his gloves to show the runes on his left hand."
After a few seconds of thinking and reviewing the runes Bozes sighs slowly lowers her sword and with a hand gesture, other knights began lowering their weapons as well.
"I believe you. For now." She says.
"Thank you," Saito replies back.
He sighs in relief as the situation calmed down.
Then suddenly as if the God in the heavens was mocking and having fun with Saito today. The third announcement went up.
"THIS IS YOUR LAST AND FINAL WARNING TURN BACK IMMEDIATELY OR YOU WILL BE FIRED UPON. I REPEAT THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING TURN AWAY FROM THE CITY IMMEDIATELY OR YOU WILL BE FIRED UPON."
This time it sent shivers down Saito's spine as he thought of himself being blown apart by a tank round through his body. He could clearly see the movement of the Tank's turrets and the troops were taking positions a bit away from them for their own safety.
But the last warning infuriated Bozes even more.
"Knights prepare to Attack" she ordered.
"No" Saito yelled again."Do not attack."
"Why are you not wanting us to attack. Are you in fear of your people's lives. ?" Panche asked while getting ready for a charge.
"Listen to me. Those guns they are holding has the firing power to decimate this whole cavalry unit in a fraction of seconds. Their weapons could fire dozens of rounds even before needing to reload. Those iron behemoths of both sides of the gate have enough firepower in their cannons to destroy all of us even before you are half way through your charge." he explained.
"You are bluffing."
"No, I am not. If you want to die then go die yourself. Don't take those other knights with you to their meaningless deaths."
This information stunned the Tristanians and the Germanians alike as a musket being able to fire so many rounds at a very fast rate before reloading was unbelievable. But Saito's serious face made many to believe that.
"So what are we going to do?" Kirche asks.
"We are going to fall back."
"No, we are not. Our captain and our comrades might still be imprisoned inside the city and I am not moving an inch even in the face of death before taking them or their bodies back with me." Bozes says.
'This means we have to talk to them.' he thought to himself. 'If we turn away now, we will be perceived as a hostile group but if we send a messenger to talk with them then I can have a middle ground. We get Info on Bozes captain and also why the hell UN is doing out here in Germania.'
"Captain, can I have your white cloak," Saito asks the Tristanian Cavalry captain.
"Yes sire, here it is."
"Good."
"Your spear please."
"here sire."
He then goes on to make a white flag out of it. While his companions wait to see what he was doing.
"Perfect," Saito says to himself.
"I am going to have a dialogue with those soldiers at the gate." He says and began to move towards the city.
"Wait Saito they might kill you," Lousie says worried about him and not wanting to lose his again.
"Don't worry I will be safe. In my world we have a set of rules preventing soldiers from shooting a man with a white flag," he assured her.
"Nonetheless I am coming with you" she insisted
" I am also not letting you do this alone," Guiche said as he prepares to follow Saito.
"I will be also going with you as the representative of our Knight order," Bozes said.
Saito sighs in defeat
"Ok then, follow me and please refrain from acting hostile."
They began riding down towards the gate as he began waving their white flag and praying not to be blown to pieces before they reach their destination.
Italica, East Gate. (UN Forces)
The small entourage of Imperial Knights and a miss-match group of teenagers came riding down the hill towards awaiting troops and armour waiting for them in front of the gate. Liam was also on the ground, having given orders to act as the welcoming party for the friendly imperial troops. He had been specifically instructed by the command to follow the standard ROE. Do not fire until fired upon or in this case do not fire until you see a wand or similar thing like that pointed at you.
The imperial party stopped a few meters away from his troops. As Liam took a glance at the imperial party, Out of the group those clearly looked like people of European descent he couldn't help but notice the black-haired boy in the group. Except for his heavy armour, he really stands out among them due to his Asiatic features that were clearly visible on his face.
Both parties stood at their respective positions for a few seconds until Liam decided to take the initiative.
"Hello," he spoke in Germanian.
"I am Captain Liam of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Regiment. I Welcome you all to the city of Italica."
The woman with ringlet hair came forward.
"I am Bozes Co Ascania, Knight lieutenant of the Rose Order of Knights." She said as proudly as possible. She then quickly took a glance at the soldiers and to her displeasure was unable to find a person who looked like a man of noble birth. Feeling a bit insulted she spoke up.
"As a member of Germanian Imperial nobility, this is an affront to us being welcomed by a bunch to lowly commoner footmen into the city. I demand you summon your lord to do so in a more civilised way or move out of our way, we are going to the Formar mansion to meet the lord in charge of the city. Moreover you fools forgot to bow before us with respect."She declared
The friendly smile Liam had on his face disappeared.
"What do you mean by that young lady?"
"Miss Bozes you shouldn't talk to them..."
"Lord Saito can't you see I in something important right now." She cut him off.
"But Miss Bozes it was my task to talk to them," Saito said worried about how the things are going turn up after Bozes just insulted the Canadian soldier.
"As the leader of this group, it falls under my duty to begin negotiation with the enemy, not you. So please keep your mouth shut and let me do the talking."
"But.."
While Saito and Bozes conversed Liam heard the black haired boy's name
'Is it I or this boy's name has a Japanese vibe to it.' He said to himself.
Without giving much heed to Saito Bozes turned her attention back towards Liam.
"I mean that you foolish lowly commoners should summon your lord here right now or move out of our way so we could meet him in the manor. You even dare not to address me by my title, what kind of illiterate fool did give you the position of the Guard Captain in your army ?"
Liam was taken aback by the kind of reply he got from the so-called friendlies. He was really furious by the imperials reaction to his friendly approach.
"Now move out of our way commoner." She said as she places her hand on her sword."As I can see you do not intend to inform your lord, we have to meet him ourselves." Holding the reigns of her stead. "Now out of our way or I will run you over."
This was the breaking point for Liam's patience. First, she insulted him and his men and now she threatens to run him over by her horse. And according to the ROE, this is a hostile act.
"Miss you get it or not, you are in no position to make any demands." He turns his head towards his men and nods. The soldiers quickly began training their weapons at the Imperial party. The LAVs turrets also turned towards the Imperials while the Tanks kept their guns aimed at the rest of the Imperial force. This startles the imperial party minus Saito as he was expecting this to happen.
"By the authority of United Nations Task Force, I order you to dismount from your horses and surrender your weapons at once." He ordered levelling his rifle and aiming at Bozes head.
"You dare to order me," Bozes yells drawing her sword from its sheath.
Simultaneously other knights also drew their weapons.
"Wait!" Saito quickly holds Bozes arms.
"What are you doing you Tristanian dog?" Bozes curses as she struggles to remove Saito's hand.
*Bang*
The sword sprang out of Bozes arms and falls on to the ground. The sword had been broken into two by the force of the bullet that struck on to its blade.
"You..." She sprang again drawing her wand when..
*Bang*
Bozes stopped dead on her tracks as she felt another bullet went whistles right next to her right ear.
"Next round would be your head," Liam said coldly still aiming his smoking rifle at the stunned knight.
"Protect the lieutenant" Other knights moved forward to protect their commander but were stopped when she raised her hand to stop them.
"No stop!" she ordered. "We cannot fight them."
Liam noticed the proud face the ringlet had is now been replaced by fear.
"That's right bitch, no one messes with us." A soldier commented.
"Private!"
"Ehh..Sorry, Sir."
"Now dismount and surrender."
"No."Bozes states mustering all her courage. "I will only surrender myself to a Noble, not to a commoner musketeer. If I do it will bring dishonour to my family."
Liam sighs.
"This honour of yours will surely make you dead one day."
Suddenly the dark haired boy jumps down from his horse and moves right in front of Bozes. Liam expected him to draw his sword and he prepared to counter him accordingly but the opposite happened. The surprisingly bows his head in front of Liam and his men and began to speak in a language he wasn't expecting to hear in this world.
"Sir, I sincerely apologize for my companion's unruly behaviour." The boy spoke in Japanese. "Please do not harm us, we were just summoned here by our captain to save the city when we received a message the city was under attack."
"Sir is it only me or this boy just spoke Japanese." One of the privates asked.
"You heard it right."
The boy was soon joined by the girl with the pink hair.
"Saito, have you forgot you are a Noble now. Don't low yourself by bowing your head to these commoners."She spoke in French.
"Hmm, she spoke in French," Liam said to himself. "She must be one of those Gallians or Tristanians I read in the report before."
"Our esteemed Knight lieutenant Bozes here have already made a bad impression of us. I don't want this bad situation to go worse." He said while still being in bowed position.
Suddenly Saito caught Louise's head and pulled it down to bowing posture.
"As you have come, join me in apologizing to them."
"Why would I apologize for these stupid Germanians."
"If you do not, then they will open fire and I for one don't want to be get shot by my own people from my world."
This phrase caught the Canadian Japanese translator off guard.
He quickly informed this to Liam.
"What?!" he said shocked by this "This boy is from our world !."
It was not just Liam but other soldiers too who got to hear his outburst.
Before he could inquire anymore he was interrupted by the arrival of one of the city's representatives.
"Bozes!" The red hair girl yelled and walked right past him.
"Stand down." The Russian officer escorting the girl ordered.
The troops lowered their weapons as ordered.
Watching the situation has calmed down Saito and Louise rose their heads up.
"Captain!, thanks to the founder you are alright. What had happened? Are you been taken prisoner by the outworlders?! Is the Countess is their hostage too?"
"No Bozes I am all right and nothing of such happened to me or anyone else in the Formar household."She answered."Come there is so much to explain. I order you to cooperate with them. They will escort you to the Formar Mansion."
"But Captain!"
But a death glare from Pina shut off Bozes for any complaint she had in her mind.
"Captain, what are the orders for the army?"
"They have permission to set up their camp outside the city walls. But in order to enter they had to relinquish their weapons."
"Yes ma'am I will inform them immediately." the knight turns around and starts riding towards the knights waiting for them.
Pina turns towards the Familiar and master duo standing beside Bozes.
"Thank you, Lord Saito and miss Louise for standing up and saving my subordinate."
Rubbing the back of his head he replied.
"It's nothing Captain Pina, I did what a good friend would do."
Pina smiles.
"Then as a friend, I would like you to address me as Pina rather than my rank next time."
Saito smiles and replies
"Will do."
As Pina turns around to leave Saito felt a hand on his shoulder. He turns around to see Louise. She appeared to be very furious at him.
"Why do you always flirt with other girls, Saito." She angrily yells at him.
"What!, I didn't do that at all." Saito tries to defend himself.
"No, you always do."
The duo began to quarrel among themselves right in front of the Imperials and UN troops.
"Sir, what those two are doing?"
"I think they are having a lover's quarrel. Private."
"I know that sir, but they should at least keep that to some other time. They do know that they were about to be filled with holes a few seconds ago."
Liam chuckles "I know private, I know."
The blonde boy who was maintaining his distance from the soldiers a few minutes ago, dismounted from his horse strides towards the quarrelling couple and intervenes before it goes out of control.
"Stop you two." Guiche shouts at both of them."At least try to be civil when you are in public."
This effectively broke their argument.
Louise backs off. But she out of nowhere draws her wand pointed towards.
"At least, I am going to blast him for his unfaithfulness."
"Hey wait you can't do that..." Saito was cut off mid-sentence when he heard a recognisable voice calling out towards him. Louise attention also turns to see the person called out to him again.
"Saito." he hears.
He quickly turns his head to see a man donned in JSDF uniform holding a Type 89 rifle in his hands and a broad smile on his face.
Saito quickly recognises the person he hadn't expected to meet him this far away from home. He also never expected this person to be wearing the uniform of the Self Defense Force ever in his life. Saito face lit up in joy and happiness he ever felt when he came to this new world nearly two years ago as the person began to walk towards him. The only word that came out from his mouth in utmost admiration was "Big Brother Higashi."
(15 Minutes Earlier.)
Formar Mansion.
Higashi sat beside his platoon mates as they had their rest on the mansion gardens after the gruelling fighting they had to go through in the early morning.
"So when are we going back to Fort Endurance?" Carter asked.
"I am in dire need for a shower." Taking a glance at his uniform which was covered with dirt and blood of the bandits he slain."And a new set of uniform." he said with a tired and weary smile.
"We will be going back after Lt. Arran and Itami return from their briefing with Oberst Romanov," Muller replied while he cleaned his rifle.
"Sgt, If you don't mind then I will be taking a short nap."
"Go on private," Beaman replied.
"Thanks, Sarge."
Carter slowly lies down on the garden soft grass and by using his bag as a pillow drifted into deep sleep.
"Here" Kuwahara hands Higashi an MRE food packet.
"Thank you Master Sgt." He replies as he opens up the packet.
"Don't mention it son, you have earned it."
While he eats his food, he along with others noticed the sudden movement of troops all over the mansion ground and road.
"What's going on?" Beaman asked a nearby running Canadian Soldier.
"A large unknown cavalry unit has been reported by the sentries at the east gate. A general alert has been declared."
"Enemy reinforcements?"
"Might be." He replies and runs towards his platoon waiting for him on a truck ready to leave for the east gate.
A Russian officer blares orders at a 2K22 Tunguska commander who then turns its guns and missiles towards the sky scanning for any possible dragons flying towards them.
"Hey Carter, wake up" James yells at him.
When he got no response. He kicks him in his ass.
"Ehh.. What, are we going back now ?" Carter asks still half asleep.
"No, Princess we might be facing another attack. A general alert has been declared. Now get up before Arran arrives.
"Okay." Carter gets up using his water bottle he splashes water on his face to ward off any sleepiness left in his eyes.
Cardwell who was some time ago was at the aid station patching up his cut wounds sustained from the fight comes walking towards them carrying two large boxes of ammo. Closely followed by Kuribayashi who was carrying a box full of grenades.
"Extra ammo guys. Resupply as quick as possible we have orders to be standby." He says as he and Shino place those boxes down on the ground.
The platoon quickly replenishes their depleted ammo from those boxes.
The blaring of warning could be heard in the distant coming from the east gate.
A few minutes later Kuwahara saw Itami along with the red head knight captain Pina and a Russian officer comes out of the mansion.
"Master Sgt I need a driver ASAP."
"Yes, sir!"
"Higashi, go with the Lieutenant."
"Yes, Master Sgt," Higashi replies getting up slinging his rifle on his shoulders and ran towards his light truck. Where Itami was waiting for him.
"Higashi, take Captain Pina and Captain Malashenko to the East gate." He orders.
"Yes, sir." Higashi gets into the driver seat. Malashenko gets into the seat beside him while Pina after assuring her that it is relatively safe to travel in the truck gets into the back seat.
"Get us to the east gate as fast as you can, soldier before something bad happens." Malashenko orders.
"Something bad? sir," Higashi asked as he turned the keys to ignition and a little bit of surprised to hear the Russian speaking Japanese. Though it was somewhat broken but understandable.
"Captain Pina's knights have arrived at the gate. They don't know that we are working together for the security and safety of the city. She is worried that her knights might do something stupid and get turned to shreds by our men at the gates."
The truck came to life and it left the mansion grounds leaving a trail of dust behind gunning towards the east gateway.
"You could speak Japanese? sir," Higashi asked in curiosity.
" Some of our officers were taught in rudimentary Japanese speech, so we could interact with our counterparts better without much need for a translator."
Higashi nods and kept his attention on the road, honking his horn on intervals to keep away local bystanders from getting hit by his truck, as many tried to cross the road unaware of the upcoming truck moving at a speed of 40kmph. As they drew closer to the gateway two gunshots could be heard at a distance. Malashenko and Higashi looked at each other and without any delay, Higashi put the pedal on the accelerator. For Pina hearing, those gunshots meant she is late to arrive in time, she was certain that some of her men could have been gravely injured or worse have been shot dead by the UNTF sentries.
The truck began to slow down as their destination east gateway drew closer and stopped a few meters away from the checkpoint set up by the Canadian and Russians at the broken gate.
Jumping out of the truck Malashenko and Pina leaving Higashi ran past the checkpoint and out through the gateway.
Higashi turned off jeep's engine and calmly sat in his seat waiting for their return. A few minutes passed and hearing the commotion he disembarked from his vehicle deciding to see what was going on.
Walking past the barricade his ears caught up a recognizable voice he hadn't heard for nearly last two years. Shoving past a few Canadian soldiers he saw the person's face who was declared lost and presumed dead by the authorities back home, but his mother till to this day didn't lose hope to wait for her youngest son would come home one day. His eyes began to tear up. He slowly called out to him.
"Saito"
His brother appeared to have been indulged in a heated argument with a pink haired girl when his voice was heard by him. He slowly turned his attention towards him.
"Saito" he called again and began to walk towards him with a big broad smile on his face.
"Big brother Higashi." The boy called him
Higashi had just found his lost younger brother in another world.
(Present)
Higashi walks towards his brother slinging his weapon on his back opening his arms to give Saito a hug and lifted him in the air. From the looks of it Higashi was crying his eyes out and his brother had also happy tears but also appeared to be trying to breathe between his brother's embrace and the uncomfortable set of armour he was wearing.
"You are alive Saito *sniff* You are really alive. Mom and Dad are going to be so happy to see you well."
"Brother I am happy to see you too," Saito replies in tears. "Would you loosen your grip, it is getting a bit hard to breathe."
"Haven't lost your sense of humour yet Saito." Tightens his grip.
"This is Big Brother's love bear with it."
All around UN troops and Imperials looked at the brother's reunion with their mouth's wide open. Liam was in a state of shock. Some time ago he was about to blow up these guys, then he found out one of the natives was actually a Japanese citizen, now just seconds ago he just witnessed a cliché reunion which could only happen in movies and now confirming that boy is from his world and his elder brother is a JSDF trooper.
"Gate 02 give us a Sitrep, over."
"Central, the situation with the Imperials have been calmed down." taking a little pause."But a new one has arisen to take its place, over."
"Gate02 elaborate, over."
"Central we have just found a Japanese boy among the Imperial Knights. Over."
"What's is his condition 02 ?" Central frantically asked.
"Central, It appears that the boy has gone native. He was riding with the Imperial cavalry and seems he has been integrated himself in their society. Moreover, he has just reunited with his elder brother who is part of the JSDF, over."
There was a brief pause
"02, Command wants to meet the boy. You are ordered to bring him and his brother to the Formar mansion. over."
"Affirmative Central. Over and Out."
Liam places his radio back.
Meanwhile, after giving Saito a nearly crushing hug Higashi puts him back on the ground.
"How are mom and Dad?" Saito asked as the same expression of his brother.
Wiping his tears up he continued
"We all except our mother believed you are dead. She even refused to let your stuff to be cleared out of the house by our father believing you would one day return home and make a fuss over it." He chuckles slightly.
He Takes a glance at Saito's armour. "You know Saito, you look like a cosplay guy from the Fight of the legends," he comments. "Where the hell did you get this armour on you and How did you end up here?"
Saito sighs "Well it is a very long story. I still remember the day when I got transported to this world..."
"Mr Saito" Liam butts in between the happily conversing brothers. "Would you please follow me to the Formar mansion ?" he asked.
"Why?" Saito asked
"The Battlegroup command has been notified of your presence and they want to speak with you right now. I would like you and your brother to follow me please."
"Ehh..What about my friends, are they going to come with me?" As he takes a glance at Louise and Guiche who were having concerned looks.
"No, Command has only asked for you. But not to worry they will be arriving after they have been processed by our troops at the checkpoint. Now please follow me."
"HE IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE WITHOUT ME." But at the very moment, the pinkette yelled from behind.
"As his master, I demand you to let me go with him," Louise says as she storms towards them only to find her path blocked by UN soldiers.
"Get out of my way, you commoner footmen, can't you see I am going with my familiar," she yells at them but the soldiers didn't move an inch.
Saito turns towards Liam. "Can we just take her with us?, If we leave her here she might create a mess here."
"Sorry, Mr Saito my orders are clear."
"I understand." he sighs in defeat.
"So Saito, What was that master thing that girl is talking about ?" Higashi asked after hearing Louise outburst just seconds ago.
"It is a long story brother. I will tell you later." He says looking back at Louise who was in a heated argument with the Soldiers blocking her path.
"I have to do something before it turns into a mess," he said to himself before turning around and began to walk towards Louise. When Liam tries to stop him.
"I will be back in a minute, Mr Liam, we will go after I calm her down a little bit before she blows something or someone up. She had a very bad temper you know."
"Blow something up," Liam says to himself and shudders. Till now the only class of mages they had faced in combat were the ones capable of using the elements of fire, air and water and from the interrogation of the prisoners, these are the only classes of magic the mages basically use. If this girl has the power to blow things up, even a Humvee to dust this might be dangerous for his men.
Picking up his radio and changing the frequency he spoke slowly.
"Vasily, could you hear me."
"Yes my friend, I can hear you loud and clear."
"I want you to order one of your marksmen to keep an eye on the pink head, as per our native gone Japanese, she appears to have the power to blow things up. If she goes on a frenzy and points her wand at the boy or any of our men drop her."
"Got it my friend don't worry."
Then Liam goes on to inform the command of this new discovery.
"Miss you are not allowed into the city until you are processed through our checkpoint." The soldier says. "So we would be happy if you cooperate and move back in line."
"Why does Saito doesn't had to go through this processing of yours?"
"He is a special case. The command wants to meet with him so he will be going straight to the Formar's mansion. So would you please..." the cutoff in mid-sentence when Louise began to shout again.
"Hey I am here, Louise would you please calm down." Saito arrives
"SAITO come over here and order these fools to let me pass."
Saito shook his head." I can't do it, Louise."
Louise frowned.
"Try to understand Louise, they have the control here and we have to cooperate and follow their rules. So please calm down and don't make this hard for me." He pleaded with her.
"But I am worried about you." She says as she calms down and her voice softens up.
"What if they declare you as a traitor?, What if they take you forcefully back to your world in chains ?, What if they execute you for working with us ?, you also should understand Saito I am scared, I don't want to lose you again."
"Don't worry about me, Louise. Nothing of that sort of thing is going to happen to me." He assured her with a smile. "I have Def." he pats on the sword slung on his back. " And my brother to look after my back." he points his thumb at the man waiting for Saito and had a quite resemblance to him.
"So while I am out there please try to remain calm and don't lose your temper. Please," he begged her. Louise nods in response.
"Guiche please take care of her will I am not around for a while."
"You don't have to worry my friend, I will."
As Saito turned to leave Louise leaned forward and kissed him.
"Take care."She said.
"I will."
Saito then leaves to join his brother waiting for him in the light truck. While entering the truck Liam asks Saito to hand him over his weapon. He does so without any hesitation. Def is then put inside the back of the truck and as instructed he kept his silence and refrain itself to draw any unwanted attention to it.
"Captain Pina, wouldn't you be coming with us," Maleshenko asks while entering the passenger seat beside the driver.
"No, You may proceed. I will be going with my knights." She replies.
"Well then suit yourself. Pvt. Let's go."
Higashi turns the keys bringing his vehicle to life. the truck slowly began to move.
"You know Saito, I never imagined I my life you will be getting a girl before me, that too from a different world with pink hair." he teased. "You both will make a fine couple. Just a thing she looks a bit underage for you."
"Brother don't say that She is total of the legal age," Saito replies and suddenly regrets his decision and turns red in embarrassment.
Higashi let out a big laugh, Malashenko chuckles and Saito buries his face in his palms. Def, on the other hand, kept himself from bursting into laughter like Higashi. The truck began to speed up and goes straight towards the Formar Mansion the regional HQ of the area until the FOB is constructed.
Formar Mansion. UNTF Temp Command Centre.
Col. Romanov stood outside on the mansion grounds personally directing the set up of AA defences inside its walls. He was not taking any chances though the enemy was primitive according to their standards they still possess the ability to conduct an aerial assault. Until the construction of the FOB outside the city, the mansion's guest house acted as the temporary Command Centre for his forces.
"Sir, they are coming." His radio operator spoke up.
"Khorosho" He replied turning at his XO "Take it over."
"Da Ser" his XO replied.
"Operator, get me Lt. Itami and tell him to come to my office, I might be needing his expertise in dealing with our new guest."
His operator nods and began contacting him. Meanwhile, Romanov left for his temporary office inside the guest house. Not long ago he received a starling info from the units posted at the east gate that another Japanese citizen had been found. What caught him off guard was the boy according to the reports have been accompanying the Imperial cavalry not as a prisoner but as a combatant. Though being sceptical about this report it was confirmed he is a Japanese when a JSDF trooper recognised him as his younger brother. He ordered both the Japanese men to be brought to him as quick as possible. Not losing any time notified the Central High command at Fort Endurance about this latest development and got command's permission to interview him.
*Knock* *Knock*
"Come in."
His aide enters the room. "Sir, the command staff is waiting for you in the conference room."
"Alright, you may leave."
"Yes, sir." his aide salutes and leaves.
A few minutes later Romanov leaves his office making a beeline to the conference room.
As he enters Itami and other international officers from the combat group quickly stood in attention position and salute him.
"At ease, Gentlemen." He salutes them back.
Walking across the room he took his seat on the conference table and gestured his officers to take their own.
"When will our guest be arriving." Major Cadden from the Canadian Army asks as he takes his seat.
"Soon."
Itami stood up.
"Sir, with all due respect, why I am being called to attain this briefing instead ."
Clearing his throat Romanov spoke up
"First of all, The person we found is a Japanese citizen, he is happens to be a family member of one of the men from your Platoon. Second, as you know along with his men, Kengun is three hours away from here at the base and he is on the way as I speak. So you are acting as his substitution until he arrives I suggest you note down everything you see here so you can present a report to him when he arrives. Got it Lieutenant " He replies to him calmly.
"Yes, sir," Itami responds before taking his seat.
A few minutes later a knock was heard on the door and one of the guards outside enters the room.
"Sir, they have arrived."
"Good, let them in."
"Yes, sir." The soldier retracts back and a few seconds later a JSDF trooper closely followed by a teenage donned in a blue loose, long-sleeved jacket like top with a pair of black jeans and blue and sneakers.
"Saito, I never thought you will be wearing your old clothes to this day. Also under that freaking two-ton heavy armour." Higashi whispers.
"Those were sets were too much uncomfortable for me to wear. These clothes were only keeping me from stripping myself from that armour and getting zapped by Louise," he whispers back.
"So you must be..."
"Leading Private Higara Higashi, sir," Higashi spoke up as he stood in attention and presented a salute. "And this is my younger brother Higara Saito, sir." He introduced him.
"Both of you please take your seats, we have much to discuss." Romanov gestured both the brothers to take the chairs positioned facing towards them. It appeared like a military tribunal to Higashi as he slightly shivered by the sight of cold looking stares he and his brother were receiving instead of Saito of course who was still maintained his carefree attitude.
Italica, Road to Formar Mansion.
The Imperial and Tristanian party moved through the busy Italican street, now joined by Napoleon from the Griffon knights who came to receive them. They were under heavy UN escort with Humvees and infantry formed a cordon around them as they move.
This was quite different what Bozes and her knights expected to see. Instead of townspeople cowering in fear or hiding in their homes in the sight of the foreign soldiers, they moved on in their lives like nothing had happened. On the way, she couldn't find any signs of looting or pillaging happened anywhere in the city. Though the signs of a battle being fought were present outside the walls and the buildings near the vicinity of the gateway.
She could feel the cold stares she and her knights were receiving from the townspeople. For the outworlders it was opposite, they waved at them with smiles and even some tried to give them fruits which most of them politely declined.
"Captain, why are the townspeople are friendly with the outworlders but have been giving us hateful and cold stares at us?" She asked Pina who rode beside her.
"They saved Italica."
"What!, isn't these outworlders were besieging the city in the first place ?" She asked shocked while drawing others attention.
"No," Pina replies as calmly as possible. "The Imperial fists lead an army of brigands to destroy the city in order to deny the outworlders of its resources. I along with the city's militia tried to hold them off but if not their timely arrival you would have found this city burned to the ground and my head stuck to a pike at the west gate."
Everyone gasps at this information.
"But Captain the fists would not do..."
"They follow the orders from his majesty the emperor only and I got news that emperor ordered the commencement of scorched Earth in the Italica province without consulting the council or the ruling count." Pina cut her off.
"Weren't the Imperial fists the strongest of the Imperial army ?" Louise joined in.
"You are right Lady Louise but not for them. I saw their 9 to 10 musketeers were able to hold off the entire combined fists and brigand assault at the gates until their reinforcements arrive in the early morning bringing their flying iron dragons and iron beasts with them and wiping out the fists and their brigands in a matter of minutes."
The group went silent as they digested this information.
"How large the brigand army was, Captain ?"
Thinking for awhile Pina replied.
"From the outworlder's observation, there were nearly 800 to 900 bandits not including the fists and their dragons. nearly 700 hundred of them lay dead along with the whole of the fists those were acting as their commanders. the remaining surrendered their weapons." she said coldly. "Their weapons are far more superior than anything we have. Empire will be doomed along with her allies if this war continues."
"But we have magic-"
"Which is useless against their weapons lady Louise." Napoleon said."I along with Captain Pina have first had witnessed what these people are capable of. Their muskets can fire without any need to reload, their carriages don't need horses to pull them. Their behemoth iron beasts could crush any ogre with ease and could plough through our walls like a knife through a sheet of paper."
He looks down."I feel ashamed to say this but we do not have a chance against them at all."
"What about the city, what about the countess?"
"They have decided to take the city under their control and ensure protection to the city and the countess. An official treaty is going to be signed tonight which will be making Italica province neutral in this war."
Suddenly an unknown noise could be heard in the air. The Tristanians and their Germanian allies quickly turned their heads towards the sky. They looked in awe as Three flying steel objects flew over their heads flying towards the Formal mansion.
"What are those ?" Guiche said awed by the sight of the flying machines
"Those are the flying dragons Guiche." Napoleon replied.
Unknown to them their conversation was clearly heard by the soldiers escorting them.
A Canadian soldier who walked right beside them chuckles
"They think our helicopters as flying dragons," he whispers to one of his squad mates.
"What would they call our jets then ?, Legendary flying birds that sprout fire from their backs." He replies chuckling by his own comment.
Formar Mansion, Conference Room.
"So you are saying, you were summoned to this world by a girl to be his familiar !" Romanov said surprised by this.
Saito nods his head.
When the interview started Saito began by explaining his arrival and the adventure he went through during the early life as a familiar of Louise and his stay at the Tristain Academy of magic. His interactions with the locals and the links he had with the royalty of the kingdom through his master. But he left the part where he was nearly beaten to death by Guiche and the part where he went into the house of Count Mott to save Siesta. The officers were surprised to see him understand Russian and French without the need of an interpreter. When asked he said to have been under a spell from Louise which helps him to understand and converse in any Halkagenian language.
"How were you treated by your so-called master ?" Itami asked curious to know what kind of treatment he got.
"Though the early days were very hard for me to go by, I was slowly able to cope up my life with her. She may be unreasonable at times but she is a really good person." Saito replied
"Where is she right now ?"
"She is with the rest of the Tristanian army and the Germanian knights at the east gateway."
"Good, she will be joining us soon when she will arrive," Romanov states signalling his radio operator standing behind him to relay the orders to fetch Louise upon her arrival at the mansion gates.
"Now please continue Mr Saito."
"Yes, sir."
Saito continued from where he had left. His mission to Albion, the rescue of Louise from the hands of Wardes and his contribution in facing the invasion as he flew a Zero facing the Albion dragon knights.
"Wait !, you are saying you flew a world war Zero. How is that possible you don't look like you are out of school and how the hell a fighter plane got there !" Cadden said not believing what he heard.
"Because of this." Saito removes his gloves from his left hand showing the runes to the officers.
"I don't know how, but this really helped me to fly that plane."
"I can't believe thi-" Romanov raised his hand. "Major, we are not on Earth anymore, we are in a world of magic and fantasy which two months ago believed to have only been in our bedtime stories. The boy speaks of truth I could see it in his eyes. The most important right now is how that Zero got there and are there any more Earth weapons are in this world."
Cadden nods
"So M. Saito are there any more weapons have you seen lying around?"
Saito nods and replies. "Yes, something I forgot to mention before, there is a LAW rocket launcher kept in the storage of the Tristan Academy of Magic."
'Another weapon that also a freaking rocket launcher.' Cadden said to himself
"Mind explaining how it got here?"
Saito narrates the tale the Old Osmond told him during his stay at the academy how he was saved in the hands of an unknown soldier from getting eaten by a dragon. The soldier was critically injured and didn't survive.
"From what I had heard from the description of the soldier from the old man, he must be an American soldier from the Vietnam era," Saito added.
The room went silent.
"The Americans have to be informed about this," Cadden said. "They will not like this."
"Yes, I know," Romanov replied. "But now is not the right time, we have to wait until the interview is over. We have to gather more information about this."
He turned towards Saito.
"Are you certain about this M. Saito ?"
"Yes, sir I am certain, moreover one of my countrymen the Zero's pilot was also teleported. I have already visited his burial at Tarbes one of the villages in Tristain."
The room went silent again.
"Do you know his name?! " Itami asked as he stood up from his seat breaking the silence.
"Sorry, but I don't remember the person's name."
"It's alright but JSDF command has to be notified of this." Itami got back to his seat.
After a few seconds of silence, Saito continued his story until the Tristanian and Germanian invasion of Albion and conquer of the Island and also his near death which he lied because no one is going to believe he got revived from the jaws of death during the fight against Albionish counterattack. He finished with his rise as a noble in the court of Tristain for his courage and bravery during the invasion.
"So you have fought a war for this kingdom Tristain and become part of their nobility due to the valour you showed on the field of battle," Romanov said slightly impressed by Saito's rise from a familiar to part of the royal court. He saw something some other officers failed to see in the boy an ally, a tool that might help in bringing the war to close much sooner than expected.
But some was bugging the boy from the beginning of the interview but out of fear he had kept it to himself. He could clearly see it on his face.
"What is it, M. Saito? you look a bit disturbed to me." He asked.
"It's nothing."
"Come on speak up my lad. Don't worry we are not going to eat you up." Cadden said with a smile to assure him.
"Mr Romano -"
"It's Colonel." Romanov corrected him.
"Yes sorry, Colonel Romanov I would like to ask why did you invade Germania?"
Romanov raised his eyebrow.
" what story did the Imperials spin for you to come to their aid?" he asked.
"According to the Germanians an unknown army invaded Germania through the gate after their delegation that had crossed through to open negotiations was massacred by the same army. The unprovoked and sudden invasion caught the Imperial military off guard but due to their valiantly effort the invaders were defeated after three days of fighting and were forced to withdraw the after sustaining heavy losses. Due to some magical complications, they couldn't destroy the gate and they had to fortify their positions and sealed the gate off to cease further incursions. But all their preparations and defences came to nought as on the holy day of Brimir's birth the Invading forces renewed their assault. But this time overwhelming the Imperial garrison at the gate and consolidating their position around it."
After a short pause, he continued.
"After the annihilation of the Imperial counterattack, the enemy went on the looting and pillaging villages all over Italica province. I along with the Tristanian army came here to save Italica from *cough* Invaders."
"Hmm. I see our guest here is grossly misinformed by the Imperials" Cadden said.
Romanov and other officers nod in agreement.
"Private Higashi, haven't you informed your brother about the cause we are here for."
"N..No, sir. He didn't ask about it so I kept it to myself."
"It's alright, I can understand. Well, it is up to us then to educate M. Saito about the events that lead us here to this backwater world. Major would you please."
"Yes, sir," Cadden replies before placing his Tough book on the table and after a minute or two then turning it towards Saito to see. A video played on the screen.
At first, the video appeared to a normal at first, with people going on their daily lives as usual. For Saito, it was a bit nostalgic. he was quick to recognise the area to be a part of the Ginza district. During his time on Earth, he would sometimes to go the places around the district to chill with his friends. But suddenly all began to change. People started to run in panic. Leaving or throwing their belongings on the ground as they ran. Then soon he saw the cause of the panic and fear. Saito's eyes widen in shock and horror as he saw men on horses wearing Imperial cavalry uniform came rushing on the streets trampling over them as they cut many unarmed civilians to pieces.
The video ended there.
"It is the security footage from a nearby coffee show."
Another video played this time showing gun cam footage of a soldier walking through a ruined street covered with bodies of slain civilians, overturned cars and burning buildings. The ground was also littered with dead imperial soldiers everywhere. After a few minutes of walking the camera fell upon a gruesome sight. Right some meters away from the gate there flew the Germanian flag hoisted on top of a mound of dead bodies piled together.
This sight caused Saito's stomach to lose control. He threw up on the ground.
Romanov quickly closed the tough book. He stood up from his seat and walked towards Saito who kneeled on the ground. His brother slowly picked him up and Romanov handed him a glass of water which Saito gladly accepted.
"This is why we are here," he stated before gesturing one of his to get one of the maids to clean the floor.
"But, why?" Saito said as he returns to his composure. "Why did they do this ?"
"According to one of the Prisoners, they are the empire and they were here to bring order to our world," Itami said coldly as the video also brought back bad memories from that fateful day.
"On May 14th, 2019, the mysterious gate opened up on the streets of Ginza." Cadden began. "The Imperial army passed through the gate and lead a surprise invasion of Tokyo. Caught completely off guard Many innocent bystanders were slaughtered by the invading army as they began their brutal advance deeper into the city."
Saito was shocked and angry. He couldn't comprehend the fact that his world especially Tokyo, Capital of his homeland Japan was invaded by those Germanians.
"The Tokyo Police were overwhelmed by the numerically superior and magical army. If it was not for Lt. Itami and his quick thinking in leading civilians to the Imperial Palace many more would have been killed by the invading force. The SDF along with US Marines lead the counter-attack and dislodged the invaders after a gruelling three days city combat. The naval forces comprising of the SDF, US and Indian Naval vessels pounded Ginza in support of our advance. Imperials were defeated and were forced to withdraw back through the gate, but the damage was already done. Nearly 5000 civilians including a 1000 foreign nationals were dead or wounded during the attack. Several foreign embassies were also attacked and burned to the ground. Military sustained 2000 deaths during the counter-attack. Nearly another 1000 were counted as missing, taken as prisoners through the gate and are still unaccounted for to this day. This inter-dimensional invasion was seen as an alien attack by the media and people all over the world.
Saito was horrified. The extent of human lives lost in the attack was baffling for him. Moreover, most of the people those were killed and wounded were unarmed civilians.
"The fear of another gate opening up anywhere in the world caused militaries all over the world to go on high alert. The US had its national guard deployed in its major cities along with Russia and Indian military activating their reserves and for the first time in history, tanks were stationed in front of the Buckingham Palace. An emergency session was convened in the UN General assembly in the following days and due the mounting pressure from the affected nations the security council agreed upon to sent an International expeditionary force through the gate to support Japan in their endeavour in seeking justice for the lives lost at Tokyo. This lead to the formation of the United Nations Task Force."
"Our objective M. Saito is to the justice and reparations for the victims of the brutal attack not to take over this land."
'Though plans are already been made for acquiring more land and resources as a part of repartition from the natives after they are dealt with. This new frontier is going to be the New World for us.' Cadden thought.
"About the pillaging and looting. It actually happened but was conducted by the Imperial themselves. If you do not believe us feel free to ask any passing by Italican inhabitant. He or she will tell you the real truth." Itami pointed out.
"I..I am sorry. I didn't know. I am also sorry to doubt you." Saito stated as he grazes towards the floor.
"It is fine M. Saito you are unaware of the attack," Cadden replied.
Romanov watching Saito's solemn expression bent his head a little bit towards Cadden and whispers. "The boy appears to have been shaken to his core major I suggest we give let him off for a sometime before continuing. "I think the same, "Cadden said before turning towards Saito. "Private Higashi and M. Saito we will be taking a break you should both go and have some food and rest we will continue after some time."
"You can go and move around inside the mansion premises but you are not authorised to leave outside the mansion gates," Romanov added. "Am I clear?"
"Ye..Yes, sir."
"Good." Gesturing towards the door. "You may leave."
Higashi led his shaken brother out of the conference room.
"When is O'Brien coming with his entourage. I heard the Italican Countess want a formal treaty signed with UN as a whole." Romanov asks as he stood up.
"He will be here by afternoon," Cadden replies with a smirk. "He is leaving Hazama to deal with all the backlash we are going to get after the final death count is going to be published to the world media including the number of civilian deaths caused by the Imperial campaign of terror on their people."
"The media is going to chew us up."
"Well, we are far away to be concerned about that."
A minute later Romanov along with other officers also left the room back to their duties. After they left a maid enters the room to clean up the mess Saito threw up on the expensive looking carpet.
Imperial Army Camp, Outskirts of Italica.
Marshal Gramont along with rest of the tired Tristanian army arrives at the outskirts of Italica. His men have been force marching from their camp three days straight for them to arrive in time to help his son and their Germanian allies in lifting the siege and fighting off the outworlders those have already drained their strength after been in constant combat against the city's defenders and their relief force. But when he arrived he found the Rose Order Knights have been setting up their camp outside the city. As he gazes upon the unfinished camp his eyes suddenly fell upon the group of men in green armour along with their strange looking metal constructs guard the Italica gateway. There were also these strange looking men on the walls appeared to have been keeping the vigilant watch on the encamped imperials.
"My lord!" a Tristanian cavalryman came riding towards him. "It is good to see you have finally come."
"Who are those strange looking men soldier ?"
"My lord." he lowers his head. "We were late to arrive, It appears that the outworlders came taken control of the city. Young lord had gone inside the city to talk with the outworlder governor."
"What!, why haven't Lady Bozes lead the counter-attack?" he said bewildered to know the fall of an imperial city.
"I don't have any proper information sire, but it seems to order from their commander Lady Pina. According to her the enemy force is far more superior against us."
'I don't get it,' Gramont thought. 'The high and mighty Rose order just gave up without a fight. I have to know what the founder's sake is happening. My son might be taken hostage by these brutes.'
"Set up the camp along with the Imperials. I am going into the city to find my son."
"But Marshal." One of the knights protested.
"It's an order, I am going." Turning towards a bunch of freshly arrived cavalrymen. "You three follow me."
He turns around followed by his escorts rode towards the gate. Unknown to him all his moves were already been monitored by the UN troops and the higher-ups were already notified of their arrival.
To be continued
So Here is the chapter. I know some people will be disappointed but this is the best I came up with and it took two months of my summer holiday to complete. Consider it as a stopgap chapter.
Don't forget to review, have any grievances feel free to PM me.
Stay tuned for next chapter: Game of Politics