Unmei Force Shattered Heroes: Dark Day Tactics
Chapter 5: War Arrives
A year later in the world's time…
The allied forces of Brenner's Wolves, the UGF and UUF armies were scouting out the coastline of Rubinelle, as almost the entire continent was scouted out in the year's time, as they found more survivor societies that they managed to guide towards the nuclear shelter, which had became a haven for the survivors, due to the efforts of the communities, as well as the military personnel assisting in its development.
Since then, their fights with the raiders were a joke compared to their previous fights with those led by the Beast, as their coordination was utterly abysmal without a competent leader, causing the three armies to stamp them out without effort like dust to the wind, and there was no news about the mysterious army that was responsible for the destruction of the automated factory, although scouts from the UGF and UUF were spreaded out to check for any malicious intentions by any form of military, and what they learned did not please Reisen and Weiss, as they were not the slightest bit happy about the situation.
"Any news, Will?" Brenner asked through the comms, as he was driving on a jeep with Keiji, who had recovered fully within the first few months, after leaving intensive care and being pampered by a relieved Ydine.
"No, sir. Nobody's here either." Will answered back, as he was using the binoculars in his hands to scout out the area, with a recon force following close behind them.
"I see, we'll just have to keep looking." Brenner stated.
"A year since we arrived here… and not much more than the time the meteors fell…" Reisen stated. "It is a good thing that the atmosphere is still habitable to us people… but the fact that we only have the muddled skies to dictate day or night from its brightness… this is not the best for the survivors who are hoping for a better world in time."
"How long will it be before we see another blue sky?" Will asked through the comms.
"Don't give up hope. The sun will find a way to break through again. However, I think it's time to increase our search radius, even if we have to leave the shelter. What's our supply situation, Lin?" Brenner asked Lin.
"We have enough for another three months. But more and more refugees have been coming to the shelter." Lin stated. "We're already over capacity, even with the modifications by our collaborative efforts to renovate the shelter, and we still have more people. If we keep taking them in…"
"It is of no concern to us. If the worst comes to worst, we will take care of the extra refugees." Weiss interjected quickly. "...It might not be paradise, but our people can do well to ensure they are at least well taken care of, even if it means they will have to endure some hardships in living under a military environment."
"That's a good thing to hear. I'm surprised that your armies can self-sustain themselves, especially with the fact that you have managed to grow crops with your own technology." Brenner stated. "Thanks to that, it contributed to ensure that we do not have to ration the survivors or ourselves to keep supplies at a steady decrease. Will, what's the current status of the civilian population?"
"Everyone seems to be getting by, and they're all helping each other. But, then again, they don't know just how low our food supplies are…" Will stated.
"There's also the growing faction of civilians who follow that idiot mayor from Freehaven." Lin stated. "They sit around all day waiting for us to feed them and keep them safe. If they knew about the supply situation, they would likely turn on the newcomers... The situation isn't good. I worry it could deteriorate to infighting at any time."
"I won't let that happen! We'll just find a new place to live! We can't resort to fighting our own people." Will stated.
"And we won't have to." Keiji assured Will. "We just need to keep looking for more ways to ensure that the people will not struggle until things become much better."
"I'm worried that Will is pushing himself too hard. I know he wants to help, but he puts a lot of pressure on himself." Lin told Brenner through a private connection.
"He still sees himself as a civilian, not a soldier. That's why he's worried that the other civilians might become a burden to us." Brenner responded back.
"He doesn't make things easy for himself." Lin answered back.
"No, he doesn't." Lin stated.
"Lin, Brenner, may I discuss something with you?" Weiss asked both of the Rubinelle commanding officers. "I am thankful that you have easily come to terms with the fact that we called more battalions in order to handle the situation at hand… but there is also something that unsettles me."
"Go on." Brenner stated.
"The scouts to the north have managed to return with reports that there is military mobilization occuring to the north, towards Lazuria." Weiss stated. "Both Emerian and Opalide scouts have returned with news that confirms this fact, and what's more is the fact that it is done under the name of the 'New Rubinelle Army'."
"...So that's what the rumors from the incoming refugees were talking about…" Lin quietly cursed. "War raging to the north…"
"It seems that Waylon's parting words to us were not a rumor." Reisen stated. "We are likely not going to like it when the war eventually comes to our plate, because of how we will have to deal with it."
"War? The world is in ruins. There's no one left to start a war." Brenner replied with outrage.
"You're mistaken. There are survivors towards the north that are banding together, and they have been forced under the command of an individual that we do not know the exact details of, other than the fact that they are a part of Rubinelle high command." Reisen stated. "...But that's not the worst of it. I've also heard reports that this 'New Rubinelle Army' is the target of several unsavory rumors, that regard of how this new army treats the people under its-"
"Captain Brenner! Everyone!" Will declared through the comms, as Keiji skidded a jeep to a halt, as they were on a cliff-side, overlooking a large part of the cliff-side.
"What is it, Will?" Brenner asked back.
"Ships have been sighted off the coast!" Will shouted back. "I can't be sure, but it looks like some Rubinelle Army survivors are under attack!"
"This is Sergeant Major Shimada, and I can confirm Will's account." Keiji stated, as he got out of the jeep, as he used his own binoculars to see that there were a small pocket of Rubinelle army units that were being blasted from the sea by gunboats and battleships, which bore the insignia of the Lazurian Army. "I confirm that there is a Lazurian naval fleet in the vicinity, attacking the Rubinelle detachment."
"Speak of the devil and he comes…" Reisen grumbled. "...Brenner, what is your opinion on this matter."
"We will-" Brenner stated, before he then received a comms signal from the Rubinelle detachment itself.
through the comms. "C-Captain Brenner! HELP! They're attacking us!"
"Aw, man. This ain't good, man…" A wimpy male voice that Brenner recognised, was heard
"Davis?! Is that you?" Brenner asked back.
"You know him, Captain?" Will questioned Brenner.
"I do. Davis used to be under my command." Brenner answered back.
"...Doesn't sound like a good soldier to me." Ydine scoffed, hearing the conversation, but not partaking in it.
"The Lazurians are all over us! We need support now, Captain!" Davis exclaimed with urgency. "Please, Captain! Take 'em out before it's too late! We're gettin' torn up!"
"Hang tight, Davis. We're on our way!" Brenner stated. "Major Inaba, what is the current status of both sides?"
"The enemy fleet is solely focused on battering the allied Rubinelle forces for now." Reisen stated. "That will be set to change soon enough. We have gunboats on patrol nearby that can work to deal with the enemy. It will at least buy time for stronger naval forces to pave the way for the naval battle, with cruisers and battleships of our own. We also have landers that can transport our units to deal with the ground forces that the Lazurians fielded. I suggest using those landers to get rockets in range to fire on the battleships. They are our only reliable way to take them down, due to the fact that the gunboats only store a single anti-ship missile that will take time to replenish."
"If I may suggest something." Lin stated. "We have a Rig in our control. If we can place it in a proper location within the battlefield, we can make use of it in order to resupply our gunboats with anti-ship missiles. That way, we can make further tactical use of the gun-boats."
"...A sound plan." Weiss stated. "Our forces will cover you as you do that."
The allied forces then moved into actions, as ground forces were docked onto landers, which began to move towards the enemy lines, as the gunboats were already firing upon the enemy navy fleet, sinking several gun-boats and a enemy cruiser, as well as severely damaging one of the battleships, taking out a sizeable portion of its guns.
As soon as the landers reached the central coast, the tanks on top of it began to roll out, moving towards the Lazurian ground force, and starting to attack them, while the rig in Brenner's control was already getting into action in creating a temporary port with its materials, intent on giving the gun-boat fleet a resupply point to help make them viable in battle.
The Lazurian army seemed to notice the threat that the allied forces were posing, as the intact battleship began to fire upon one of the gun-boats, almost scrapping the entire division, save for a few that were considerably damaged, and the artillery began to fire upon both naval and ground units, hampering their advance.
Once the temporary port was created, the entire army were pressed for an full offensive, as the ground forces began to push forward, with allied cruisers incoming as reinforcements from the west, pincering the Lazurian navy, as the resulting battle wiped out the Lazurian navy as a result.
"We're close to their headquarters in the region…" One of the infantry squad members stated, as the bulk of the Lazurian ground force was too occupied engaging the allied forces. "Think that we might find some answers, Sergeant?"
"I doubt it, but anything will do." The squad leader remarked, as they rushed towards the head-quarters, storming it, as they began to suppress the personnel and slowly took control of the building.
"Cover me!" One of the soldiers exclaimed, as he moved over cover, with his squad members laying down suppressive fire, slowly moving into the building, as he used his rifle to take down several soldiers on the way to the command center, as the rest of his squad regrouped near him.
The infantry squad exchanged signals with each other, before they breached through the door, as the personnel inside were held up, as the soldiers forced them to stay down, as several of their members began to scour the command center for information.
"Sergeant, you may want to hear this." One of the squad members stated, handing the squad leader the radio device for the headquarters, as it was connected to the Lazurian network.
"Tasha, we need to retreat." A cold male voice was heard from the comms itself.
"What? Why?! Call in reinforcements, Gage! I want to keep fighting!" A brash female voice was heard, likely Tasha.
"Orders from General Forsythe." Gage responded back emotionlessly.
"But...WHY?! Look at them! Those Rubinelle forces and their puppets are lame ducks!" Tasha stated.
"Tasha? It was a direct order." Gage stated firmly. "Do not also mistake the fact that the enemy has attained tactical superiority through the mobilization of their forces. To send more forces will only result in higher allied casualties."
"Damnit!" Tasha growled.
"Calm down. There's no place for emotion on the battlefield. Stay cool, follow orders, and eliminate the enemy. That is all we have to do." Gage advised Tasha.
"Gya! I'll get revenge on all those Rubes! I swear it!" Tasha shouted. "All men, retreat, we've lost this battle, but this war is far from over!"
The sergeant then put down the receiver, as he turned to his men. "Search the premises. We need to find more intel about how this engagement started with." He ordered.
The infantry squad members began to leave the command room, as the squad leader left the room himself. "This is Fleetfoot Squad, we secured the enemy headquarters. Enemy communications indicate that the Lazurian forces are retreating from the battlefield. We are currently scouring the building for more intel."
"Copy that." Weiss stated, before turning to Reisen. "It seems that these Lazurians are fairly determined to fight this war."
"But for what reason… this just doesn't add up. Putting our noses in this will likely not end well for us." Reisen hummed, with a hand pressed to her mouth. "Regardless, we should meet with the stranded Rubinelle platoon."
After a while, the allied forces immediately returned to base, as the rescued Rubinelle forces took refuge in the base camp, as the officers were greeted by the commander of the force, who seemed to be a lanky blond haired man with a black cap, and the standard red army jacket and pants.
"Oh, man! I thought we were goners!" The rescued officer exclaimed with relief.
"Good to see you alive, Davis. What have you been up to?" Brenner stated.
"Me? Aw, I'm commanding a force for Admiral Greyfield. I've been looking all over for you, Captain Brenner! Look, I'll come straight out and say it...we want you and your men to join us." Davis stated. "If it's possible, we like your allies to do so as well."
Reisen and Weiss looked at each other silently, as they mentally considered the matter amongst themselves.
'...You can't possibly be thinking of accepting, right?' Weiss thought to Reisen, who scowled back.
'...The answer is already apparent… We cannot trust this snake, Admiral Greyfield… And if Brenner tries to take the offer… I believe that he will end up becoming an unwitting pawn to that monster.' Reisen thought back. 'We are well aware of the atrocities that he has done, both to Lazurians and Rubinelles alike. He has no loyalty to his nation, only to his self-serving reign. We will eventually end up dealing with them. And hopefully, Brenner will not have to end up fighting us for it.'
As Reisen and Weiss contemplated with each other, Brenner's expression darkened. "Explain." He stated firmly to Davis.
"A huge war broke out between Rubinelle and Lazuria. Greyfield took command and formed the New Rubinelle Army so we could take it to 'em!" Davis exclaimed.
"This world is a slag heap. What could you possibly be fighting over?" Brenner answered back.
"Well, the… The Lazurians started it! So now we gotta wipe them out!" Davis tried to reason, although this caused Reisen and Weiss to stop talking with each other through the mental link, and turn towards Davis with glares. "And the Lazurians are led by the legendary General Forsythe. They rallied behind him and hit us but good! Truth be told, we took some lumps…"
"That is an understatement after what I have seen." Weiss answered back with a cold tone. "Disregarding that, I would like to fortify Brenner's opinion. What point is there fighting over a barren land? This war will only cause cross-fire that will end up scarring the atmosphere more, and the survivors will end up as casualties under this. Is that what you're willing to partake in, by continuing this pointless war?"
"Look, we...we have tons of supplies! Food, fuel, weapons...everything! Join us, and you won't ever have to worry about shortages. They can all live easy!" Davis bargained with the officers.
"...They? You're referring to the survivors and refugees that are under our care?" Reisen asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, that's what you're protecting, right?" Davis nodded back. "But you have to be running low on food and supplies, yeah? C'mon! Join us!"
"...Wait, who told you that?" Reisen stated, as her tone turned low and threatening. "We did not discuss our plights on open channels. And I doubt that you took a trip to visit the survivors. So tell me, how do you know that?"
"Well, I… Um…" Davis tried to speak, too afraid of Reisen's glare to even speak, before Brenner placed a firm hand on her shoulder.
"That's enough, Major Inaba." Brenner told Reisen, who stopped glaring as soon as she was told. "Still, our situation is none of Greyfield's concern."
"Look, man... Er, Captain. We need you just as much as you need us, and that's no lie. But we're both Rubinelle through and through! Not even doomsday can change that. Join us, Captain Brenner!" Davis offered.
Brenner was silent. "Give us some time to reach our verdict." He suggested.
"Alright, if you need me, I'll be waiting with my men by the gate." Davis stated, as he left the command tent.
After the officers were sure that Davis was out of ear-shot, Brenner turned to Weiss and Reisen. "You looked like you have objections to all of this." He said to them.
"Captain Brenner, as much as I respect your drive on this matter… I must strongly decline making such a choice." Reisen told Brenner firmly. "Joining this 'New Rubinelle Army' is very much ill-advised, patriotism and loyalty to the nation aside."
"And why is that?" Brenner asked back, pressing the matter.
"The 'New Rubinelle Army' is considered to be made mostly of people that bear the same lack of moral fiber that the Beast had shown." Weiss stated. "Forced conscriptions, pillaging of communities, the list of war crimes runs deep. I cannot allow you to join such a wretched organization, even if it is our only chance to be able to stop this conflict by allying with a side you have connections with."
"And that's what you have to say?" Brenner asked back. "...I understand, and I have thought through this already, even a few months before this all happened… And my decision remained unchanged, I will join the New Rubinelle Army, even if it means that I have to be subject to the prejudices of those without morality, if only for the sake of putting an end to this forsaken war for even a day earlier, as even that matters by saving countless more lives."
"...I cannot deny the logic… But I cannot whole-heartedly accept this." Weiss stated with a heavy tone. "...Captain Brenner, Lieutenant Lin… If you are to join the New Rubinelle Army, we will not join you. Of course, we will not sever our ties like this. We will take the responsibility of protecting the shelter haven, and scouting out for more survivors. But this war will only be fought by Brenner's Wolves alone. We will have no part in this bloodshed."
"Is that your final opinion, Lieutenant Colonel Schnee, Major Inaba?" Brenner asked back.
"If it will prove that we will not truly abandon you… We will leave you a small contingent of our forces. A battalion from our few to complement yours." Reisen suggested. "Our ACOs, Sergeant Majors Shimada and Ydine will take command of them, due to our orders. They are not as skilled as us, but they will serve as proper substitutes in our absence."
"...I suppose this is the best we can get from you." Lin sighed. "...We are thankful for your consideration."
"...Take care, Lieutenant." Weiss told Lin, as the officers left the command tent, going their own ways.
Brenner and Lin then met with Davis, who was indeed waiting for them outside with his own forces.
"So, have you made your choice?" Davis asked the two officers.
"Brenner's Wolves will come with you. Not only that, but a small portion of our allies will join you. The COs that will be leading them will arrive shortly." Brenner stated.
As stated by Brenner, Keiji and Ydine appeared before them, with their own forces following behind them.
"As per the agreement, the Combined 8th Battalion of the Opalide and Emerian Coalition will join the New Rubinelle Army in aid of Brenner's Wolves, in repayment for their goodwill to us through the year." Keiji declared. "I am Sergeant Major Keiji Shimada from the 7th Battalion of the Opalide Army, and with me is Sergeant Major Ydine from the 9th Battalion of the Emerian Army. We are the assigned commanding officers of this battalion, as per the orders of Major Reisen Inaba and Lieutenant Colonel Weiss Schnee from our respective armies."
"Woah, we really struck big!" Davis exclaimed, seeing the size of the allied forces that were joining the war. "Captain, you really got a way of talking people over!"
"...It's just how it is." Brenner nodded back. "...Let us move."
The allied forces then headed towards the New Rubinelle Army headquarters, as the officers were checked on entry, with some difficulty from Keiji and Ydine, due to their foriegn origins, although Brenner seemed to smooth things out.
Eventually, they were taken to the door to the command center as Davis entered it, as Ydine used her enhanced hearing to hear what was inside.
"Admiral Greyfield, the 12th Battalion commander has arrived." Davis's voice was heard from the other side of the door. "He also brings allied officers that are affiliated under him."
"...WELL!? Don't just stand there like a slack-jawed idiot! Send him in!" An arrogant male voice was heard, as Davis opened the door, and they entered the command center, which seemed to be quite lavish, compared to the ones that Brenner, Reisen and Weiss used, which were very humble and down-to-earth in comparison, with glittering furniture and paintings across the room.
The trio looked towards the source of the other voice, which seemed to come from a portly general wearing a beret, with medals decorated across his velvet officer jacket, and he had a deep frown on his face, as well as beady eyes that made both Keiji and Ydine uneasy, as Brenner stepped forward to speak.
"Admiral." Brenner simply stated.
"So you're the leader of the so-called Brenner's Wolves. Frankly, I'm surprised you're still alive." Greyfield scoffed with a condescending tone to his voice.
"For now." Brenner stated, as Greyfield stepped forward, disregarding the captain's personal space.
"Yes, I remember you now! An adequate soldier, but crippled by ideological limitations! Your lack of patriotism and devotion was an insult to your Rubinelle heritage." Greyfield accused Brenner, which caused Ydine's hands to tighten into fists, to hide her anger at the disrespect, while Keiji just looked towards Greyfield with disapproval.
"The 12th Battalion always fought with honor and respect for the rules of war." Brenner declared without any hesitation.
"Rules of war? Ha ha ha! Rules…" Greyfield laughed, as Ydine's killing intent began to leak, as Davis felt it, causing him to feel the chill travel through his spine. "You really are a relic from another age, Captain."
"And despite that, he has proven to be effective in rallying the survivors across the continent, and the sole reason the raiders are too afraid to sow discord across the land." Keiji quipped, as all attention was turned to him. "I doubt his actions are unpatriotic, and his devotion to his nation is something that I have witnessed by my own eyes."
"You will speak when you're asked to." Greyfield hissed towards Keiji. "You will learn your place like your Captain, or I'll have you reminded of it myself."
"Ah yes, apologies. I merely wished to state my opinion." Keiji stated, not fazed by the threat. "By all means, continue, Admiral. I have nothing more to say."
" Hey, uh... Come on, now. We're all soldiers of Rubinelle, yeah? We should all pull together against the enemy." Davis tried to disarm the situation, half because of Ydine's killing intent chilling the room for him, and half because of the tension building between Keiji, Brenner and Greyfield.
"I don't think much of Davis, but the chump's got a point." Waylon remarked, walking into the room without any regard to the tension in the room. "We gotta plow the Lazurians into the ground. There's time for dancing when that's done."
"Oh, good. Waylon's here." Brenner remarked with a bitter tone.
"Oh, you know it ain't a party 'til I arrive, brother man! That's straight-up truth! Oh, yeah, and thanks for bailing me out of that jam. The ladies of the world thank you." Waylon stated, as Ydine rolled her eyes sarcastically.
"Couldn't resist the draw of the high life, huh, Waylon? This paycheck help you sleep at night?" Brenner jabbed at Waylon with a glare.
"Like a baby with a bottle! Only a fool would miss out on this kind of livin'!" Waylon answered back with no restraint at all. " Round here? They treat me right! Give me anything I ask for. I do whatever I want, too, and everyone's too scared to say boo!"
"Typical…" Brenner shook his head in disgust, as Waylon eyed Ydine, finding her to be a beauty like a diamond in the rough.
"Hoo, now that's a real lady right here! Much better than that doll and the princess that were with the Captain." Waylon stated, walking over and placing a arm around Ydine's shoulders. "I know a good beauty when I see one-"
"Don't touch me with those grubby fingers of yours." Ydine stated, shoving Waylon off just hard enough to get some distance.
"Well, aren't you a feisty one!" Waylon stated, about to go again. "Come on, just let me show you a new world that you're going to never regret having-"
"I would kindly ask you to refrain on this matter, Captain." Keiji stated with a frigid tone. "The Admiral is speaking here right now, and you're being a little bit insubordinate by flapping those lips of yours-"
"Why you-" Waylon growled, before Greyfield capitalized on the chance to exert his authority.
"ENOUGH! I tire of these interruptions." Greyfield bellowed, before turning to Brenner and Davis. "...Now, continue."
"L-look...Admiral Greyfield has taken over the former military and built the New Rubinelle Army. But we need help to beat those crafty Lazurians." Davis stated, before Greyfield growled at him, causing him to change his tone. "...N-not that you need any help, Admiral! Um… oh Great One."
"The Lazurians are an enemy to freedom-loving people everywhere! There can be no peace until they are wiped from the face of the planet." Greyfield declared with ruthlessness.
"Yeah, so, it's like a war for peace. Right? The enemy forced us into it. Are you with us, Captain?" Davis asked Brenner.
"...I don't want this idiotic war to continue any longer than ii already has. If my men can end this fighting a day sooner, then we will help." Brenner stated. "Sergeant Majors Shimada and Ydine will prove to be of great use for ending this conflict even shorter, considering that they bring a large battalion to fight."
"Yes! I don't believe it!" Davis exclaimed with glee.
" Hmmm...yes. I suppose you may be a modicum of help. But we will have to wait and see... Go to the Rubinelle Sea. The hated Lazurians have been seen in the area." Greyfield stated. "Send them a clear signal that you now fight for Admiral Greyfield! And show no mercy!"
" ...I hope this is over soon." Brenner stated, before he then left the room.
"...As you have requested, your enemies will be taken care of, Admiral." Keiji stated firmly, as he grabbed Ydine, taking her out, but not before giving Waylon a glare that promised agony, which actually unsettled the cocky captain for a moment.
"For a man of Rubinelle, he lacks moral flexibility and respect for power." Greyfield growled. "And so does that upstart Sergeant Major… Just looking at that face of his makes me burn with anger."
"Y-yes, sir! B-but I always remember the Captain as a good fighter…" Davis stated. "Not to mention how their allied forces managed to clean the continent of most raider settlements within a single year…"
The trip towards the small base that were given to Brenner's Wolves, and the 8th Combined Batallion, was done in silence, as neither party were in the mood to talk, as they made preparations for the skirmish to come, as Will came into the war room, where all of the commanding officers were planning out their moves.
"Have all units been deployed?" Brenner asked Lin, who was relaying orders to the allied units.
"Yes, Captain. They are awaiting your orders." Lin stated. "We have made use of a variable navy force, consisting of subs, gun-boats, cruisers and battleships, as well as landers to transport ground forces. Our rig is also on standby to create a temporary port for resupplying purposes."
"Our navy has also moved into the area. We have favored the use of battleships, cruisers and gun-boats to take care of the enemy forces." Ydine stated. "Leave the naval battles to us. We will provide the support needed to take care of the Lazurinan forces present."
"One wrong move, and the Lazurians will be all over us. Greyfield sent only a handful of units, and this force is formidable." Brenner stated.
"It doesn't matter what that invalid of a Admiral sends us." Keiji stated firmly. "Even with a paltry supporting force, we alone are enough to take care of the Lazurians here. However, that's not my only concern here. I believe it shares the same topic as Will here."
"Why did the Lazurians start this war? Why would they do that? I don't understand what there is to fight over." Will asked Brenner.
"I imagine they saw this as a chance to settle some unfinished business. Sometimes I can almost understand the feeling." Brenner suggested.
"I still don't get it…" Will shook his head.
"Well, if it explains it, I could say that this is merely done out of the matter of patriotism and control over the world, however ruined it is." Ydine explained. "With the world at the brink of destruction, every war has a clear victor, there are no stalemates allowed, as that only causes both sides to deteriorate. So this war will only end with one victor. And I hope that the aftermath doesn't cause much problems, with that nutcase at the helm, and men like that creep Waylon spreading his influence."
"I fear the same…" Brenner agreed. "We've traded black eyes with the Lazurians for over a century. The meteors changed everything but the hatred between our nations. I fear this war won't end until one side secures military victory. We have to force them to surrender. We have no other choice. Now let's move!"
"Oh, and Will, word of advice, tell the civilians to stay the hell away from the New Rubinelle Army guys." Ydine warned Will. "Lieutenant Colonel has a bad feeling about the entire lot of them, and I don't want to test those theories out, considering that they didn't give a good first impression at all."
"...Got it." Will stated.
The allied forces began to move into action, as the gunboats began to rush first into the enemy lines, firing their explosive payload into the enemy lines, taking out several gun-boats, as the cruisers moved into formation, destroying a Lazurian battleship that was in the front-lines, as the combined missile barrage took out the enemy forces, with the allied battleships moving into formation.
They watched as the New Rubinelle Army air force flew above them, as they battered the enemy lines with vulcan fire, and unguided rockets, although they had little effect on the enemy force itself, and when the enemy began to retaliate back, a large part of the air-force was taken down.
"Tch, so much for aid." Ydine stated. She was about to relay, before she then saw a comms officer rush into the room.
"Commander! We tapped into the Lazurian comm lines, and we have heard some distressing information! It has been recorded for intel purposes." The comms officer stated.
"Show me." Ydine ordered, as the comms officer played back the audio log, as there was a faint crackle to indicate the connection.
"Requesting permission to engage the Rubinelle forces, sir." Tasha requested through the comms.
"Granted." A elderly yet strong-willed voice male voice was heard in response.
"General Forsythe? If you like, I can boost your chances of victory. I have prepared some special gifts for you and your men." A familiar ominous male voice was heard, as Ydine tensed up at how chilling it is.
"Gifts?" The voice answered back, identified as Forsythe himself.
"Yes, gifts! Weapons with the power to grant you an effortless victory! Such as a device with the power to freeze troops solid? It uses a specially developed formula created in my labo-" The man was about to continue, before Forsythe harshly coughed to interrupt.
"Good chowder, man! That is enough! I will hear no more talk of this!" Forsythe answered back with a heated tone. "Weapons of that ilk are banned by international and military law."
"Law? What does that mean now? There is no law in this world! A wise man would use all means at his disposal to ensure victory." The eerie man answered back.
"I am an old, tired soldier, Caulder, but one who fights with honor. I will not sully the proud name of Lazuria with your foul weapons." Forsythe answered back, refusing to budge on the matter, as Ydine put the name 'Caulder' down in her memory, believing it to be important soon enough."
"I don't think that position will prove popular among your troops." Caulder sneered.
"My good man, I am grateful for the aid you have given my army." Forsythe told Caulder firmly. "It is thanks to you that we now occupy a position of superiority over Rubinelle. But I simply will not abide the use of such terrible weapons!"
"That is regrettable." Caulder answered back without any pity in his voice.
"General Forsythe, leave it to me! I'll destroy these filthy Rubes!" Tasha declared.
"Oh, come now, Father, isn't it great to see such a fine commander prove himself the superior through sheer tactics and effort?" Mars's voice was heard. "After all, I bore witness to his victories, and it was truly delightful."
"Mars, I told you not to speak on this channel-" Caulder scolded Mars.
"By grace, who is this lad right now!?" Forsythe stated.
"Ah, apologies. It is my fault for not introducing myself to you, General." Mars stated. "You can call me Mars, I am a son of Caulder's. I've been watching the battles you have had with the New Rubinelle Army, and I am fascinated to be able to speak with a legendary general like you. Winning battles without relying on father's inventions, a battle won only through the greater mind and proper strategy, there is no greater joy to my life than this."
"Mars, cease this now." Caulder warned Mars.
"Come now, Father, can I not indulge myself a little? After all, you spoiled Tabitha and Penny so much. And besides, it's not like I'm doing anything bad at the moment. I'm just simply having a good chat with our ally." Mars stated. "Although, General, I must point out a flaw in your proceedings."
"And what may that be?" Forsythe asked back.
"Why, that would be Wing Commander Tasha herself." Mars remarked with a sinister tone. "I must say, your faith in such a single-minded officer baffles me greatly. She clearly has no care for her troops. Oh, I must weep for the terrible waste of such good manpower."
"I can hear you across the line, you freak!" Tasha growled back.
"Oh no, the red-head is coming to get me, whatever shall I do?" Mars spoke with sarcasm. "But I tell no lies, your command is sub-par, abysmal compared to the star that is General Forsythe, and even your fellow comrade Gage. It makes me wonder if losing your dear brother John has left you-"
"Stop it! Shut up, don't you talk about him, you wretched monster!" Tasha screamed with rage.
"Hmph. You see, General, her obsession with Rubinelle's destruction, just because of a lost family, makes her a battlefield liability." Mars scoffed. "Her only victories were mostly pyrrhic, and you lose more troops than what is considered even decent. If I were you, General, I would have demoted such a officer for their needless sacrificial-"
"...It seems that your lack of empathy carries between generations." Forsythe stated. "I will not hear anymore of this."
"...If that is your wish, General. Good luck in this war." Mars stated, as he cut the connections, as the audio log ended as well.
"...This changes things… We have to get this to Weiss and Reisen. But first…" Ydine stated, before she then turned on her comms to address new orders. "This is Sergeant Major Ydine to EAN Rubicon, I'm requesting a firing solution at coordinates M5!"
"Copy that. Bearing main cannons towards coordinates…" The battleship commander responded back, as the main turrets on the large ship began to adjust its angle and bearing to target the requested location. "Firing rounds in 5!"
After the short delay, the main cannons of the battleship roared to life, as it hit a surfaced sub, destroying it, as another battleship began to fire on a squad of cruisers, as they managed to take a large number of them out in a single salvo, with several gun-boat units converging to clean up the remnants of the wounded enemy forces.
As the cruisers moved in line to clear out the approaching Lazurian bombers with their superior AA capabilities, the subs were already submerged, sinking parts of the enemy fleet in synchronisation, as the enemy were close to being routed.
"It seems that we are working well. At this rate, our victory will be achieved, before the fight causes more casualties, on both sides." Keiji stated, before he then saw Will move towards the comms room, as Keiji followed quickly, seeing Will snatch a comms device, and try to connect to the Lazurian command, causing Keiji to come over. "Will, don't do that right now-"
"Um...hello? I mean...attention? Come in, please. I want to speak to the Lazurian commander. Can you hear me?" Will stated. "Why are we fighting? The war is over. None of this matters."
"Huh? …John?" Tasha remarked, hearing Will's voice. " ...John? Is that you? JOHN?!"
"...What? Will remarked, before Keiji wrenched the comms device from Will's hands, and muted it. "Sergeant Major Shimada, you can't possibly be-"
"Appealing to the opposition at this moment is a stupid move." Keiji answered back. "I understand your good intentions, but you're only going to get ridiculed as a hypocrite. If you're going to talk with the enemy leaders, at least let me do this. I know a way to persuade the officers to lay down their arms."
"...Alright, I trust you. Just please, put a stop to this quickly." Will begged to Keiji, who nodded back.
" This is Wing Commander Tasha of the Lazurian Airborne. Identify yourself!" Tasha demanded through the comms.
"This is Sergeant Major Keiji Shimada of the 8th Combined Battalion of the Opalide and Emerian Coalition. We are currently allied with the New Rubinelle Army." Keiji answered back, unmuting his side of the call. "A naive officer tried to plead towards you, and I arrived in time to stop that. However, I see an opportunity to understand your motives for all of this. Explain to me what is the meaning of such a bloody war that amounts to a zero-sum game, Wing Commander?"
"This is about revenge! We fight and fight until Rubinelle is destroyed!" Tasha roared back. "If you stand along with those bastards, then you're going to share their fate as well!"
"I hardly doubt that, considering the state of the battle, and the previous one, which was led by my superior." Keiji responded back. "I fail to see the reason why you continue this. You mentioned a name, didn't you? 'John', that name seems to draw grief from you. Is this your purpose for revenge?"
"You don't get to say his name like it matters!" Tasha snarled. "He was killed by those Rubinelle bastards you collude with!"
"And do you think that you're making things better?" Keiji answered back with a cold tone. "You're sending more brothers and family men to die in this pointless battle, and you're killing the same on the other side. If your brother saw all of this, he would have been shamed by your hypocrisy. I'm not going to say that this war should stop with a few hugs and kind words, but the surrender of one nation is the lesser evil of the two, considering what escalation in this ruined environment results in. Would you like to be responsible for the death of your nation, Wing Commander?"
"I…" Tasha said, as she was left speechless by Keiji's harsh words for a moment, before she regained her anger. "No, you're just trying to make it easier for you to kill all of us! There will be death to all Rubes, for this is my burning revenge! I don't care what reason you have working with them, but you will die with them the same!"
"If that's how it is… then there is no point in de-escalating. I will not allow you to commit genocide on a single nation based on that flimsy justification." Keiji stated. "The next time we meet, it will be in the brig."
Keiji then shut the comms off, before he then relayed orders to the allied air-force to swoop in, and take care of the remaining enemy ground forces, devastating them with rockets and vulcans, as the Lazurian forces were forced to retreat with a majority in casualties.
"We've confirmed the retreat of the enemy." Ydine told Brenner, hearing the reports from the recon units. "This battle has been won."
"Excellent work." Brenner stated. "Lin, Ydine, get medics and tend to the wounded. As for Keiji and Will, they should look for survivors."
"Understood." Lin stated, as she passed the news to Will and Keiji, both of whom are fairly unsettled with the news they've been hearing, as they were about to depart from the base camp, before they bumped into Waylon, who looked as fresh as a daisy, despite his force being decimated.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in! It's Captain Courageous's cabin boy. And look at you! Running all over hell and breakfast helpin' the wounded." Waylon stated. "Not to mention you brought that doll's boy-toy."
"I would pick your words carefully, maverick." Keiji responded back with a threatening tone. "I may be a 'boy-toy' as you say it, but at least I'm more well-regarded than the likes of you."
"Captain Waylon?" Will asked back.
"Waylon, kid! Waylon! No need to sound so uppity! I ain't some fancy-pants general. So how is the good captain, eh? Still tryin' to save the world like a chump?" Will stated.
"Funny you say that, considering that you don't even have the decency to die a proper death like the rest of your men." Keiji scowled. "Captain Brenner may be a wide-eyed fool, but he is a better leader than you ten-fold, because he doesn't throw his men into the blender to just die for nothing but amusement. Your rank is well undeserved, Waylon."
"Well, aren't you a little big for your britches?" Waylon frowned back. "You want to step up and defend the good captain, you do you. By the way, Ol' Greyfield himself wants to see you, boy."
"He wants to see me?" Will asked with surprise.
"'Fraid so. And he ain't a fella that likes to wait, if you know what I mean. So hit the road, and tell the great man that I said hello." Waylon stated, as Will turned to Keiji. "What are you still doin' here, brother man?! Get going! Go on! Shoo!"
"I can handle the rest on my own. Go on, Will, and be careful." Keiji told Will with an assuring tone, as the young cadet left to head for the New Rubinelle Army headquarters. "...As for you, you want to test me? I have fought in more battles than you can even conceive. I've not risen to my rank just for having a good mind. If you want to settle this, why don't you put your arms up and show me how much of a man you are."
"Pshaw, I ain't no fool to pick a fight against you, with that mean look in your eyes." Waylon stated, backing away. "But just so you know, if the chance shows, I'm going to bag you first."
"The feeling is mutual." Keiji scowled, as Waylon left the base, as Keiji quickly gathered up an escort force to search for Lazurian survivors.
As they began to look through the entire battlefield, the other squadrons managed to find unconscious Lazurian men, as they were being taken into custody within the 8th Combined Battalion, as Keiji was fairly pleased with how the search was going.
Eventually, he himself bumped a group of Lazurian survivors, as they seemed to be the crew of one of the sunken battleships, who were left behind due to suffering severe casualties from the battle earlier, as they took refuge in a nearby building.
Keiji then disembarked from his jeep, as he immediately ordered the squad with him to follow him, as they slowly entered the building, carefully sweeping through it room by room, making sure not to get themselves shot by any ambushes.
Keiji then managed to find the survivors, as they were terrified of the troops, due to the fact that they only had a few side-arms among them, and some of them were sporting severe injuries, as the leader seemed to be a young battleship captain, who was standing before them, with his gun raised.
"...The battle's over." Keiji told them, as he kept his gun up, although he didn't do anything more than that, as he gestured for his men to slightly lower their weapons to become less hostile to the Lazurian survivors. "We don't need to fight. Come with us, and we will make sure that you will be treated of your injuries, and safely placed under our care."
"...I can't trust you." The battleship captain stated. "As long as you work alongside the loathsome Rubinelle Army, we run the risk of being executed through torture. We may as well die alone here, than to die at their hands. Just leave us be, we cannot fight back anymore."
"That's exactly why you have to come with us." Keiji reasoned. "If those of the Rubinelle Army find you, you will be killed without mercy. I know that you may distrust us as a result of our cooperation with the New Rubinelle Army, but I assure you, we do not share in their vices, and we honor the code of war, to treat all captured prisoners of war under humane law."
The Lazurians talked amongst each other, as the battleship captain lowered his gun for a moment, trying to decide how to respond, as Keiji lowered his gun as well, to fortify his point.
"Rest assured, the news of our capture of prisoners will be withheld from the New Rubinelle Army. You have our word for it. For the war-mongers, they will believe that not a single survivor is left, and they'll buy it, because they're too self-absorbed to believe otherwise, after the display shown." Keiji continued to persuade the Lazurians. "In fact, if you work alongside us, you can find an alibi in the fact that you have been a part of our force to begin with, meaning that your lives will be fully secured as a result. It's the only way out of this situation. It will be tedious, but you will all live to see a better world come."
The Lazurians pondered amongst each other some more, before they then reached agreement, as the battleship captain dropped his fire-arm, coming towards Keiji's squad with his hands raised in surrender.
"Alright, we'll let you take us in." The captain answered back. "...Hopefully, you're telling the truth. If so, then you're one of the most generous officers I've had the pleasure of meeting. I never got the taste of war until after the disaster happened… And every officer we fought from the Rubinelle Army were monsters with little moral fiber."
"Decency is not dead in this world yet, and neither is compassion." Keiji stated. "Come, let us go."
The Lazurian survivors immediately left the building, as some of them had to be assisted by Keiji's men to even move, as they were transported onto the large rig that Keiji bought with him to transport survivors from the battlefield, as they reached the base camp, just as Brenner arrived to greet Keiji and his men.
"Any luck finding survivors?" Brenner stated, as Keiji nodded, coming out, just as the rig opened to let its passengers out.
"...Captain, I request that you do not-" Keiji was about to say, as Brenner raised a hand to stop him mid-sentence.
"No more needs to be said. Enemy or not, the Lazurians deserve to have their rights as people like us." Brenner answered back. "It may be difficult to maintain this facade, but it is worth it for what kind of influence it will bring for the people. Perhaps one day… the people will stop fighting each other for being of different nations."
"...I agree." Keiji nodded back.
Meanwhile, Ydine was transmitting what was learned during the battle to Reisen and Weiss through digital transfer, detailing about the latest encounter with Mars, about the distrust in Admiral Greyfield, and the capture of Lazurian soldiers.
Just as she finished transferring all of the necessary data, she caught Will coming back, as he looked fairly distraught about something, as the laguz officer walked over to greet Will.
"Will. Are you alright? You look like something bad had happened to you." Ydine asked with concern.
"...It's…" Will started, before he then took a moment to get himself together, before continuing. "I think you and Captain Brenner are right, that Greyfield is a madman… He thinks that I was commanding the forces back there, and he acted so proud about it. I almost took that well, and then…"
Will then clenched his fists, as he grit his teeth too. "Then he began to babble about how good the destruction of the world was! How it gave birth to this 'brave new world'! He called this entire disaster a test to determine who's strong and weak, where the strong can take the opportunity to do what they like with the weak! He thinks all the people died because they're weak and useless, that Rubinelle is the only thing that matters! I can't believe this bastard! My parents died because of this stupid war, and my friends are all gone because of the meteors! He talks as if he rules this world, and he's wrong, utterly wrong! He even said that I was brainwashed into believing the 'nonsense' of protecting the innocent like Captain Brenner!"
"There, there." Ydine stated, placing a gentle hand on Will's shoulder. "People like him will destroy themselves over time. Don't let his words get to you. He's just a sad little pig who's trying to act like he rules everything, when in truth, he only got a facade ensuring his reign. Once it breaks, he will be torn apart by the wolves he was keeping with him, as befitting of his nature. Besides, it doesn't matter what he thinks. In the end, we'll be the ones to bring this world hope once again, right, Will?"
"...Yeah. Thanks for the talk, Sergeant Major." Will smiled back, slightly comforted by Ydine's encouraging words.
"Call me Ydine. You don't need to be so formal with me." Ydine nodded back.
Term of the Chapter: Medium Tanks
The Scarlet Tanks of the UGF are renowned for being extremely powerful, as their cannon shots are known to be able to tear down even reinforced fortifications with a single barrage, while the Earth-Walker Tanks of the UUF are considered to be focused on secondary fire-power, as they bear turrets that are loaded with AP light-machine gun rounds that can deal damage even in armor-against-armor situations.