Chapter 5. Invasion stage 2
After securing the keep and the town, Allied forces got to work. Since the battle was over in a matter of hours there was very little damage that needed repairing. It only took a day or so to remove the ruble from the city. The keep itself was a lower priority. Currently there were construction projects in progress to improve the port facilities and construct some buildings. A temporary prisoner camp had been constructed within the keep. The allied command post was still at the staging area. They decided to keep it in this secluded area until the keep could be made more defensible, and a permanent POW camp could be built.
But they found out from the captured enemy commander that a request for reinforcements was sent out before the battle. They knew it took a Monarch a little over a day of normal flying to reach the capital. So the enemy would have the request by now. But it would take just over two weeks to march reinforcements along the roads to this city. A legion could move about forty kilometers in a day before stopping overnight. The capital where the reinforcements would be coming from was five hundred kilometers away. If the allies had functioning air power and better maps of the area they could locate and destroy the reinforcements before they got here. But it would have to be done the old fashion way for now.
The land around the city was mostly flat and used for farming. No suitable hills to build a radio tower on. Which meant the tower would need to be built bigger. So they planned to build a fifteen hundred foot radio tower near the keep. The concrete pad and anchors for this structure were being constructed today using concrete with a rapid cure mix. They could begin erecting the tower in two days when its parts arrived along with a sikorsky skycrane. It would take two to three days for the tower to be finished. So it should be ready by the time the enemy reinforcements get within a week's march of here. That tower would allow for an effective VHF/UHF radio range of around fifty miles for ground based radios. When it was done they would begin sending recon units out into the terrain further away from the city. That should give them plenty of time to locate and hit the reinforcements before they became an issue.
15 days after the battle
Princess Piña Co Lada. Daughter of the Emperor, third in line for the throne, and Commander of the Rose Order Knights. A special unit within the imperial army. Largely viewed as nothing more than an honor guard by most, Piña was eager to prove her orders fighting capability. She actually wanted to go on the expedition across the gate. However her father decided against it. That ended up being a good thing when word came of their defeat. Then months later, A Monarch came with news of an imminent invasion by the other world. He spoke as if he was mad. Ships sailing under water.
When her father received a request for reinforcements he decided to send a legion to reinforce Saltwood and prepare for an imminent attack. She begged and pleaded for her unit to join. And although her father was reluctant, she got her wish. However it was on the condition that she was subornit to Legatus Cominius. Who promptly decided to use her unit for recon. Meaning they could expect little opportunity to participate in the battle, and only minor combat. Piña decided to take this assignment with humility. Her unit will accomplish their task to the best of their ability. Though this did not mean they had to like it. Most likely the enemy could only send a small force anyway. Hardly worth a fight for her knights.
So one Legion, and an attachment of beastmen auxiliaries left the capital for the two-week march towards Mare-Oppidum. If all went well then they should arrive just before any battle started. Even if enemy ships were already in the area, it would take at least a week to mount an attack. Of course a Monarch could make that same journey in just over a day. Or a day and a half when accounting for rest time. So two Monarchs were sent ahead to inform the fort. They never came back. They should have come back. They knew the road the legion would take. Piña feared the enemy may have already attacked. But even then there was no way they could take the fort. Saltwood was well commanded and well defended. They could hold out for months.
The legions were now two days away from the city. Maybe a day and a half if they pushed it.
Meanwhile, nearby
Two M1A1 Abrams tanks traverse an open field. Advanced recon reported a sizable enemy force advancing along this road a few hours ago. The tanks were one of several teams sent to find this force. "Engage only in self defense, Otherwise avoid contact and draw the enemy to the predetermined position." Those were the orders. Their callsign for this operation was Horsemen.
The USMC had axed all of their tank battalions not long before the gate opened. When they found out they would be assisting the British in the special region, one tank battalion was reactivated. Luckily the tanks, equipment, and some of the personnel were still available. Now they were here. On recon duty. Looking for an army they could probably defeat by themselves. Considering they were able to take a fort and a city in a matter of hours. They all thought this deployment would be a walk in the park.
"Horsemen-1, Horsemen-2. Got eyes on three contacts to our eleven. Top of a hill, Distance four-fifty. Looks to be 3 knights on horseback."
The commander of the lead tank positioned his camera to the location called out. Sure enough, three knights on horseback. He keyed his microphone.
"Most likely forward recon. I'll bet the main force is nearby. Leave them alone, their no threat. But let's head over that hill to the right and rejoin the road."
The other tank rogered up and turned slightly to the right to get back on a road that was just on the other side of a small hill.
On a nearby hill top
"That's definitely the enemy. But I have never seen anything like that."
These words were spoken by Grey Co Aldo. He was a veteran knight. He even trained Piña since she was a small girl. He actually trained all of the Rose Order Knights. His words and wisdom was something Piña valued highly. He kept a stren, unwavering look. But she could tell in his voice he was concerned. This made Piña nervous.
These wagons were something they had never seen before. Tan colored, self propelled wagons. With large pipes on the front. And moving so fast they kicked up dust behind them. If the crazed monarch's word was anything to go by, This was the enemy from the other world. And they did indeed have strange contraptions. This had to be them. Perhaps a small recon force. But this far away from the city? Had the keep already fallen?
"Your highness. We should inform the Legeate."
Those words came from a blonde knight, and close friend of Piña's. Bozes Co Palesti. This detachment of the Rose order was to recon the forward area ahead of the legions path. Piña selected these two to join her. Keeping the remaining three rose order knights with the legions. There were more of her order back in the capital currently being watched by Beefeater. Her detachment had departed the main force not long ago. So they should not be too far away. Probably marching along the nearby main road.
The blonde knight was right. This threat was dangerously close to their forces. In fact Piña could now see the enemy wagons had turned to head over a hill. They would certainly see the main force! She had to warn them. She took the communication stone in hand and spoke with a firm voice.
"Legate Cominius. An enemy recon team has been sighted. They will crest the hill two mile ahead of our campsite soon."
It wasn't long before a voice was heard from the stone.
"Understood. Keep tabs on them and report further sightings to me."
5 kilometers away
A Royal Marine recon team was patrolling in their assigned area. They were on the same assignment as horseman was. Each detachment on this patrol mission was in mechanized units. With the tanks and APC's units positioned in a way to reinforce others quickly if needed. They knew somewhere out here was a large force.
A radio operator inside one of the MRAPs just happened to be scanning through various radio frequencies. This was a research project requested by the US Commanders. During the battle at Bimini, and when attacking the city; The enemy behaved in ways that suggested long range wireless communication was being used. Exactly how was unknown. The enemy thus far exhibited no indication they would know of any long range communication beyond runners with letters.
But they did seem to have some.
"PFM, that must be it." Thought the radio operator, Jokingly. Then his radio lights up. He heard a slightly weak transmission. He turned up the squelch and volume. He definitely heard the language spoken by this Empire. They apparently did have radio communication. Somehow. It was clearly coming through the static noise. And seemed to be unencrypted. He got on a smaller radio to communicate with another vehicle.
Back with Horsemen
The tanks crested the top of a hill. Then halted immediately. There before them was the entire enemy force.
"Jesus! James, that force has got to be a thousand strong!" Said the commander of Horsemen-2.
"No kidding. More than we can take out." Replied Horsemen-1. "Report it and let's get the hell out of here. Get down on the road and head for the fallback point." Both tanks drove at full speed down the hill. They knew they were already spotted. And there were too many hostels for just two tanks. Even with their overwhelming firepower advantage.
They informed all other patrols of the location of the enemy as best they could considering they did not have GPS. Their task now was to proceed to the fall back point and regroup. That would give them time to build their force, and maybe get what little air support they had.
The tank commander in horsemen-1 got on the radio. "Hey Abe. Did you see any enemy air units?"
A brief silence followed before horsemen-2 responded. "Negative. Just ground forces."
"Right. I guess that proves the eggheads theories then. Go ahead and call the base, tell them to send us both gunships."
About an hour or two later.
Piña's team rode through a wooded area on the edge of a field. And land had become flat again. This area of the empire was largely forest, with smaller villages and farmland dotted around. Much of the woodland that was here was cleared centuries ago. Though there were still some areas of it. The land was very open and flat, with some small hills every now and then. Perfect ground for an imperial army to fight on.
"Our enemy does indeed have strange contraptions. And I don't know why they are this far inland. There's no way they could have taken the city or the keep yet." Said Bozes.
Grey replied to her while Piña herself remained quiet. "They must have been forward recon. Running away was smart when faced with an entire legion like that. There is probably a sizable enemy force around here. Though I doubt they could have taken the city yet, I would say it's not impossible."
Bozes looked over at Grey. "A city as well defended as Mare-Oppidum? That's the home port of our navy, and Saltwood garrisons 3 legions itself. Not to mention the city guards. To take a place like that in a matter of days would be unthinkable."
Grey nodded. "Traditionally yes. But from what we've seen and heard so far our current enemy is anything other than traditional. They could also plan on starving the keep out. It's a long term tactic, but it works. We should think about what the enemy can do, not will do"
The wooded area started to trend uphill again. The three knights reached the top. They could see a large open field in front of them. On the farside were the enemy contraptions. But there were much more than two this time. There had to be no less than twenty, already in a battle formation. And there appeared to be two air assets as well. That was bad. Their force marched with no wyverns. Wyverns were expensive units that took years to raise and train. The Empire did not have very many to spare. So they were used sparingly. The ten lost with the expedition was a serious hit. Here the enemy had two. Though expensive, a wyvern is a great battle asset. Does a lot of damage and is hard to hit. And there was two of them here. But a legion could contend with two.
She grabbed her communication stone and spoke into it. "Legate Cominius. This is Piña. We found the enemy's main force. They are in a large field no less than one mile ahead. They have taken up formations on the far side of the field. And they have wyverns. I see some open hill tops that offer a great staging ground for battle."
There was a brief pause before the Legate responded. "So the enemy has chosen a field of battle to our advantage. Brave or foolish. Remain where you are, but stay hidden. I see the hills you speak of. We stage there. Inform me of any enemy movements."
A little over an hour passed.
The Imperial force crested the hill awhile back. Now some units descended into battle formations. So far so good. Everything's going to plan. This fall back position was chosen because it offered exactly what the enemy would want on a field of battle. Large open areas for maneuvering. Hills to position commanders and archers. There was even a small lake to anchor their flank. But to the allied forces, this is the definition of killing ground. Nowhere to run, no place to hide, and no cover except for any armored vehicles you bought with you.
Allied forces chose a wedge formation for this battle. They dismounted infantry and had them in the center-rear of the formation. But they were largely just there to look enticing for the enemy. They would get back in their vehicles once the battle started. There were just under a hundred of them. And it was estimated the enemy numbered over one thousand.
The four tanks had rejoined and would be the tip of the spear. Either side of this tip was the Strykers. Two on each side. Bringing up the rear was the three groups of three vehicles each. MRAP's, RSOV's, and Humvee's. Then there was the ace in the hole, circling above the formation. The two SH60 seahawks in gunship configuration. And even further back, the secret weapon. About fifteen kilometers away were four M109 Paladins. Self propelled artillery. They had just arrived two days ago. They were the final reason this field was chosen to bait the enemy. The Paladins had already ranged in this field. Even without GPS to aide their targeting, they knew exactly where to shoot.
A trumpet could be heard in the distance. The enemy force had started their advance. It seemed they were divided into two smaller forces. One remained at the top of the hill. Most likely the commander and reserve units. Though some cavalry was up there too. The advance force had three groups of soldiers advancing in a phalanx. And a small group in the back. Archers probably. Dotted around and between the phalanx groups where the orcs. Large beast with big clubs. They were about the only thing that could do any real damage to a modern force. Not that it would come to that. They still had to get close to do anything.
This arrangement would probably have looked intimidating to the ancestors of the US and UK soldiers. But to them. This was going to be a massacre. This enemy was already dead. They just had to be made to realize that.
From the wooded hill top
Piña, Bozes, and Grey watched as their forces advanced towards the enemy.
"It seems the legate is not taking any chances." Said Bozes. "His advance force clearly outnumbers the enemy."
An agreeing hum came from Grey before he spoke. "But I still have a bad feeling. We saw just two of those carts earlier. Now there are more. They moved quite quickly, Faster than our calvary could."
The group continued to watch. You could feel the tension in the air. Their focus was so locked on the coming battle they did not notice the distant thunder. Their forces were now less than ten stade's from contact. For some reason the enemy had not moved.
A huge cloud of dust and smoke suddenly appeared in the middle of the imperial formation. Followed by several others. It was like the field itself was erupting. The sound came after the sight. Sounds of explosions. The dust settled for a brief moment before it all started again. Then a third time. And a forth. The explosion appeared around their comrades. And each time the dust settled. Fewer soldiers were left. The whole ordeal must have only lasted a few seconds. But it felt like an eternity.
"What was that!" Yelled Piña. Though no answers came from Grey or Bozes. They were just as stunned at the princess. From their vantage point they could see Imperial forces were now in total panic. Not retreating to the rear. Not even routed. In complete and total panic. Soldiers running in all directions. Dropping their weapons to get away with their lives. It was now the enemy decided to move forward. The foot soldiers on the ground had disappeared, probably back into their self propelled carts. Their wedge-like formation moved at a rapid pace towards the hill, Flashes of light and smoke could be seen from the larger vehicles; Followed by a boom sound. Some fired faster than others. They planned to move through the now completely destroyed advance force. Straight for those on the hill.
Piña was completely stunned. Frozen in fear even. That advanced force was half the legion. And what was left was running for their lives. This was a battle? This was nothing like the stories she grew up hearing. Most of their men were just wiped out without warning. Three of her knights, her friends were still with the main force. Were they down there? Were they on the hilltop? She didn't know. But without warning that thought ceased to matter. The hilltop where the reserve units were began to explode just as the field did.
Piña began to breathe heavily. Her armor started to feel much heavier than usual. Bozes was busy trying to keep her horse from freaking out. Grey meanwhile was paralyzed by the sites and sounds of this battle.
"We. We have to do something!" Yelled Piña.
Her panicked voice snapped Grey back to reality. "Our forces are gone. The. There's only one thing to do. Ride down and gather as many retreating soldiers as we can. Then return to the capital."
Down in the field
The three rode their horse down towards the panicked soldiers at full gallop. As the trees disappeared Piña glanced back up to see the enemy wedge had fanned out. Flashes of light and smoke could be seen coming from the carts still. The ones with the big pipes coming out the front could fire an even greater display. Each time they fired an orc was killed. She could take a guess the smaller ones were equally as effective against foot soldiers. They were doing this all while the Empires warriors could not muster an effective counter attack. Arrows from the archers simply bounced off the carts.
It was then she knew that the enemy had won. In a matter of minutes the enemy had won not just this battle. But the war itself. If they brought this kind of power there was no way the keep or the city still stood at all. This legion of soldiers sent to reinforce an Imperial city, The force she begged to go with; They were marching to a city that no longer stood. Walking right into the arms of an enemy who could destroy them in seconds. And with power like this, could destroy the Empire in weeks.
The three knights came across imperial soldiers. Red in the face and out of breath. Clearly scared out of their minds.
"Hear me!" Yelled Grey. "The battle is lost. Make your way back towards the capital."
The knights rode on telling this to any of their soldiers they came across. Though they doubted it did any good. What happened was scary enough from a distance. They did not want to imagine what it must have been like firsthand.
They continued to ride. Then their horses began to feel uneasy. A strange sound came from behind them. A sound of drums? Thunder? It sounded as if the air itself was being beaten into submission. Piña turned her head to look behind her. It was one of the other world wyverns. Except it was unnatural. It had no wings to flap. It made ungodly sounds. Its belly was open on the sides. And the eyes. They weren't eyes, there were men inside! Bozes turned around and saw the monstrosity as well. Her eyes went wide.
"Princess!" she yelled
A roar drowned out her friends' screams. Piña's horse fell beneath her and she went flying. As she flew through the air she could see fire coming from the sides of the flying beast. Bozes and Grey both fell to the ground too. She hit with a thud and her whole world went black.
The war was already lost.
Piña opens her eyes. She finds herself still alive somehow. She forces herself to sit upright. Though this causes a not insignificant amount of pain. It didn't feel as though there were any severe injuries, but there was quite a lot of soreness.
The clanking of her armor gets Greys attention. "Princess?"
She looks over to him and asks. "Grey. What happened?"
He responds. "I don't know exactly. We were attacked by that flying thing. It killed the horses and sent us flying. I managed to pull us into the forest nearby. But I believe the enemy is still nearby rounding up stragglers."
Piña looked around. It was dark now. A new moon night too. Visibility was low, which was a blessing in their position. It was then she noticed there was only her and Grey.
"Where's Bozes?" she asked. Grey looked at her with a look that told her everything she did not want to hear.
"When I came to. She was already dead. I think the enemy's flying beast killed her instantly. It did a number on me too. But luckily it missed you, only claiming your horse."
Piña was overwhelmed with emotions. Just earlier that day she enjoyed a meal with her blonde companion. And now she's. Her mind went back to her childhood. Playing with Bozes, Convincing her to join the Rose Order, Training under Grey alongside her. Then handpicking her for this operation.
"This is not supposed to happen." Said the princess. "They killed her, killed all those men without ever presenting a target."
She sat there stunned at what happened. Of course death was common on the battlefield, She knew this. But she and her knights were clad head to toe in the best plate armor possible. They would be near unbeatable. Or were supposed to be. On top of that the armor was ornate, With gold inlays even. That surely would have shown anyone that the wearer was of nobility. Enemies usually would rather capture a noble, Ransoming them. But this enemy. This enemy struck down common soldiers and nobles alike.
Piña began to cry. Though she found it hard to do so quietly.
Nearby
A humvee stops near a tank. Hampton takes a bottle of water and drinks a few gulps.
"Think we got them all?" he asks Tanner. The Corporal looks over at Hampton sitting in the driver's seat.
"As many as we're going to get. Most ran for the hills the moment ARTY started."
A minute or so passed and a transmission came in on the radio.
"Red-dog, Horseman one. Thermal shows two contacts in the bushes to our ten. About two hundred meters."
Tanner keys his mic. "Copy horseman. We'll move in and secure. Watch our backs."
The humvee moves slowly through the field. It was a very rough ride. Full of bumps and waist high grass. Tyler grew up in the farms of Georgia. He believed it was a field that was left fallow for a year or two. The roughness meant the non-tracked vehicles had to take it slow. The team had turned their lights off and were operating on night vision. They also had a thermal scope available. They could see the enemy soldiers sitting through some light foliage.
They made their plan. Exit the vehicle then surround them. They would then use their flashlights to blind the enemy and hopefully shock them into surrendering. One Marine would remain in the vehicle on the mounted gun.
Behind the bushes
Grey consoled Piña. Who by now was red in the face, but she had stopped crying.
"Grey. Is this how battle normally is?" She asked.
Grey looked away briefly before looking back. He took a deep breath. "Yes and no. Yes in the sense that people die. Including the ones you know and love. But no. I've never seen this level of destruction. And I've never met an enemy that fights like this."
A low rumble could be heard. It caused both Grey and Piña to freeze. It got closer, then closer. It stopped. Everything was quiet again. A few clunk sounds pierced the silence momentarily. Piña breathed deeply, but was sure to breathe quietly. She knew the enemy was right on top of them. But perhaps hiding in these bushes and the darkness of a new moon would keep them hidden.
Seconds took hours to pass by. A few times Piña could have sworn she heard footsteps in the darkness. A few more seconds. Then a shout in a foreign language came from behind her. All of a sudden she was blinded by a bright light coming from the trees. Another shout came, This time in her language. "You are surrounded! Surrender now! Put your hands up or you will be shot!"
The light moved from her face to the rest of her body. Perhaps looking for weapons. Piña could see again. Though not clearly. The light was coming from a man who wore a helmet with a very strange attachment. It covered his eyes but was not a visor. It looked more like tubes. Then she realized something. These soldiers knew where they were the entire time. They didn't just walk by, they surrounded them. But the night was pitch black. They could see in the dark!
"Grey." She said in a defeated voice. "We've lost."
Some time later.
Piña and Grey's hands were bound by strange straps of some kind. Their hands were behind their backs as they walked through the field. Flanked on both sides by the other world soldiers. The horseless cart followed behind them. They came up to one of the self propelled carts seen from the hilltop before the battle. Now close to it Piña was shocked to see it was not only quite large, but made of metal. It was producing a high pitched noise that was as deafening as it was unnatural. The strange pipe extending from the front must be some kind of weapon. Perhaps a large magical staff that summoned that destruction magic earlier. A door opened on top of the vehicle and a man could now be seen. He gripped the metal attachment on top of the vehicle in front of him. The vehicle moved off, then they followed behind it still walking.
They walked through the field. The darkness of the night parted by the bright lights from the two carts. And the soldiers had their own lights too. But they weren't torches. The light they produced was pure white. And it illuminated a direction instead of an area. Their light shines out far too. She could see a distance it would take several seconds to run. As they walked one of the soldier's talked, but not to her. Nor to his comrades. It was like he was speaking to someone not there. She didn't understand the language, but could tell he was having a back and forth conversation.
They came up to the road where more self propelled carts were. In many different shapes and sizes. Here they saw other imperial soldiers. Some were wounded and were being tended to by other world soldiers who had a red cross on their clothing. Two came over and exchanged words with their captors before approaching Piña.
One said something as if speaking to her, But in a language she did not know. Then the other one spoke in her language. "I'm a doctor," he said. "I need to remove your armor and make sure you're not seriously hurt. Come with me please."
A translator. The empire often employed their services when speaking with beast-men, or or other creatures. Most humans could speak the imperial language, even in other countries. The fact the enemy from another world had translators that could speak her language, albeit in a strange dialect with several words miss pronounced, Stuck her as odd.
She followed him, escorted by two other soldiers, both were women. This was odd to say the least. There were very few women in the Imperial army. Those that were there were support only, Or mages. The only woman in the imperial army that would see combat was her order. But these women were obviously regular soldiers, seemingly equal to the men.
They went to an area lit by one of the carts. It was out of the way, and could not be seen by anyone else. This worried Piña a great deal. She was alone with this enemy. Two men and two other soldiers. She was unbound, Then stripped of her armor. They even removed her arming doublet and pants. She stood in her undergarments, Thankful the night was warm. The process took only a few minutes. The doctor occasionally asked if she was in pain anywhere. Through his translator friend of course. Or he would ask move a limb a certain way. Occasionally he would find a scratch and cleaned it up with water and a small piece of cloth that stung when it touched the wound. He then rubbed a cream of some kind on it. She complied knowing full well there was no point in resisting. And this man had not done anything to make her feel threatened.
"It seems you're okay." Said the translator, or rather the doctor. "The cream I rubbed on you is called an antibiotic ointment. It will prevent infection in your open wounds." The two women soldiers simply watched the whole time. They held odd objects too. From the way they held them, Piña could tell they were weapons. They almost resembled crossbows, but were missing their prods. And had no discernible bolts.
Piña was dressed in her arming doublet and pants again before being escorted back toward Grey. Who had a look of relief when he saw her. They were bound up once more. This time with their hands in front. They were then escorted to, and told to climb into the back of one of the carts. Joined by common soldiers and at least one imperial officer. The cart started to move. Behind them was the cart that followed them from the woods. Piña sat there. Red in the face, bruised and sore. Her best friend was dead, she was captured by an enemy that knew no difference between commoner and noble. She was worried to say the least. Perhaps the fate that awaited her was far worse than what Bozes received. Normally nobles were treated well. Ransomed at the highest price possible. Then returned to their nation unharmed. But this enemy was different. She had heard the horror stories of what happened to the commoners of the losing side. Unspeakable things. Horrible things that were not allowed in the Imperial army. But it happened nonetheless. She could not help but think she would end up like the poor girls her brother kept. A fate most gruesome that under normal circumstance her status would spare her from.
In the back of her mind though, she thought about the doctor who treated her. He was an enemy. Wearing the same clothing as the soldiers did, say for the red cross. When he escorted her to that secluded area she feared the worst. But she was not mistreated in any way. In fact it seemed that all soldiers, even the commoners were receiving the same treatment. But then why did they escort her away from the others? And why were the two other soldiers with them women? Was it because she was a woman as well? Were they treating her with not just respect but dignity? Not wanting to strip her bare in front of everyone. Was this an enemy that was not only powerful, but kind to? As the cart went down the road, she hung her head down. A single tear streamed down her cheek. She did not know what the future heled. A life time as a sex slave for some other world noble. Ransomed back to the empire. Or made a prisoner for the remainder of her days. Only one of these options was a good ending.
A few days later. In the office of Mare-Oppidum's Military governor.
Brigadier General Marcel Byrne, The leader of the operation in the special region, Was sitting in the Governor's office with Lieutenant General Jaye Kendal. Kendal was the leader of US forces in the special region. He was underneath Byrne overall though. He also acted as an advisor to him. The two were waiting for the appointed military governor to arrive.
"We should have the package ready by the end of the week." Said Kendal "I've already picked the unit that will accompany your guys to the Capital."
The Brigadier General responded. "Very good. What's the status on the airfield?"
"They just started construction. First they need to prepare the ground before they can lay the taxiways and temporary runway. They plan on making them out of marston matts. So it shouldn't take too long to build. The bigger drones are ready to be brought over now, so we can expect them to be operational soon."
"Excellent. It will be nice to have decent aerial recon over a wider area again." Replied Byrne.
The Governor entered the room. "Well bad news gentleman. We're not getting satellites any time soon. I'm not a rocket scientist but I'll explain what they told me. Given our location and the surrounding land, The only orbits they can launch on are polar orbits. We need stationary orbits for communication satellites."
The governor sat down and continued. "That even assuming we could build a functioning launch facility. Even a basic pad and assembly building is a lot. Too much to really build right now. And getting a working rocket over here is problematic as well."
The two commanding officers lowered their heads. Satellites would be very useful, but launching them was a pipe dream and they knew that going in. Communications satellites were a major advantage back home. Without them they not only lack extreme range communication; They lacked weather prediction, long range drone control, aerial imagery, the list went on and on.
The governor took a breath along with a drink of water before continuing. "Additionally, after conversing with my local advisors, I was able to confirm it. We are in fact holding the Ace of Hearts in our POW camp." The two generals did not know what to think of this at first. From their intelligence gathering back on earth, they had narrowed down a list of HVTs they should plan to capture rather than kill. The ace of hearts was a princess third in line for the throne. Now they had her, bet did not know yet what to do with her. The meeting continued for another hour before everyone started to leave.
"One last thing," Said Byrne. "Just before the recent battle, one of our radio operators was able to intercept communications from the enemy. It seems their communication stones, as they call them, work just like our VHF radios. They are subject to the same limitations as them as well. Additionally they are unencrypted. More study is needed, but we may be able to intercept their coms in battle, or jam them."
A most interesting development. The fact that magic was real in this world was a big fear, but even it had to conform with physics. If they can intercept or jam the enemy's communications. They would have another advantage over their enemy.
In the city near the port
Rory walked down the road that went by the city's docks. The site of wooden ships and Imperial soldiers she saw just a few weeks ago had been replaced by the other world metal ships. Apparently these where the ones that they managed to fit in the port after their quick alterations. She had overheard some of the otherworld soldiers saying they had to dig the port deeper to accommodate even these vessels. A Patrol Boat is what they called them. The name alone made its purpose quite obvious.
For the past week she watched, and even helped the otherworlders and locals repair the damage of battle. She was skilled in manipulation, healing, and enhancing magic. Talents that were not only quite useful, but made her job as an apostle possible in the first place. She watched them unload large vehicles that were able to move huge amounts of rubble. More than she herself could move with her magic. She even stood on the wall and watched their mobile weapons of war head off to meet an Imperial force that was coming here. They came back with no losses and a few hundred prisoners. The otherworlders were quite friendly to everyone, for the most part. Get a few drunk and they were as rambunctious as any man was. At least one even made a pass at her despite her young appearance. She used this opportunity to learn more about these people. But he went home being carried by his comrades, instead of carrying her. A few incidents with locals, a minor fight in the prisoner camp. But all in all they were doing more good than harm. Even the soldiers that acted up were disciplined. All be it much less harshly than the empire disciplines its troops.
It was their ways of war that worried her. During the battle they were able to call upon destruction magic as if it were child's play. Destruction magic was very rare in her world. Even she could not do it, And she had a near limitless supply of magical power. Her mentor could do it almost effortlessly. Perhaps she should converse with Elwie, It had been a few centuries since the two had last spoken after all. And she may have some incite to this.
More worrisome than their magic, was how they used it. Countless numbers of souls must have passed through her that day. Even more when the Imperial reinforcements had arrived. These otherworlders were able to kill on an unprecedented scale. On top of that her position as an advisor to the appointed governor offered her more information. And it was more useful than the ramblings of a young, drunk and horny sailor. The forces deployed here were but a fraction of their whole. And apparently it was more than one nation in this fight. More worrisome than that though was the fact these soldiers were barely trying. Apparently the weapons they have here now were the weak ones. Stronger ones, weapons and equipment that would allow them to fight much more effectively were planed.
A cold feeling ran through Rory's spine at the thought of this. Weak weapons being wielded by soldiers who were not even trying; were able to take a well defended keep in less than an hour. A whole city in just a few. And turn away a legion without even taking a single loss. Just what was on its way that could make them even more powerful. She knew the moment she saw the mast of the otherworld ships on the horizon, the city would be taken. But even she did not think the Empire itself would be in danger. And yet…
2 Days later, Imperial senate
Note: It has now been twenty days since Mare-Oppidum fell.
Earlier that day, the enemy had delivered a package to the guards at one of the capitals gates. The parcel contained
Documents with the names for captured Imperial soldiers. It also included very detailed paintings of Mare-Oppidum, along with a surrender request. The parcel was an object of amazement to all who saw it. Everything from the paper to the quality of the paintings. In fact the paintings in particular were the most awe inspiring. They looked like real life. Like a moment in time was captured and copied. While several senators ogled the package, others were more alarmed that the enemy, albeit a small unit, was able to reach the capital so quickly, and apparently un-harassed.
"That unit must have come from a larger force nearby. They plan to invade soon!"
"We must prepare our defenses! Evacuate our families!"
"Perhaps we should take them up on their offer!"
That last statement caused a hush among those present.
"Are you mad? The Empire has not once in its history been defeated."
"But they march on our gates. Our intelligence puts their forces at a small number compared to ours. Yet they have taken a well defended keep and city. And destroyed a legion leaving few survivors."
"They are lying!" Exclaimed another senator. "We have received no word from the legion sent to reinforce Mare-Oppidum." The one who suggested surrender spoke again.
"And yet they have paintings and names of people in that legion." Arguing amongst the senators resumed, louder than ever.
At the throne sat Emperor Molt Sol Augustus, Flanked on both sides by his sons. Zorzal El Caesar, and Diabo El Caesar.
"Father, These terms are ridiculous! An Insult!" Proclaimed Zorzal. "I say we attack the city with everything we got. I'll lead my legions while the reserve fleet attacks from the water."
"Don't be ridiculous brother." Interrupted Diabo. "The paintings show they have completely taken the city, Meaning its defenses now serve them. And the reserve fleet is weeks away. We stand a far better chance if we hold out here."
Zorzal smeared back. "They insult us with these demands, Invade our land. They even have our dear sister Diabo. I shudder to think what they are doing to her as we speak."
"Piña knew the risk when she left with the reinforcements. And don't forget we were the aggressors. A counter invasion is always a risk when going to war." Replied Diabo. "Besides these paintings show all prisoners are being kept well. And her status as royalty will protect her from harm."
"We will have the reserve fleet move to Aqastrum, There they will join up with the elements of the main fleet theren fleet, and attack the gate itself. But under no circumstances are they to approach the city."
Their father spoke with authority. His voice easily drowned out the still arguing senators.
"And what of the city?" Asked Zorzal.
"Winter is approaching." Replied the Emperor. "They most likely will acquire this year's harvest. However it would only be enough to supply the city, and the keep. The additional prisoners, and the enemy themselves however. If we cut off their supply lines, we can starve them out."
Diabo placed his hand on his chin, thinking intently. This enemy was indeed powerful. So powerful that conventional warfare may not work. But no army can fight without food. His father was right. This year's harvest would not be enough. So cutting their supply lines may just work. But retaking the Blue Sea was easier said than done.
"Additionally." Continued Molt. "We'll send most of our dragon riders Westward. They could then fly through the Alnus valley and approach the blue sea from the west."
"Father. That would leave the Capital with little to no Dragons." Said Zorzal.
"They are of use in a siege defense." Molt replied. "But I feel cutting the enemy's supply lines is more important. We can hold out in a siege without them if need be."
"And what of us then?" Asked Zorzal. "Though reduced in number, our army still remains in and near the capital. The Vassal armies will begin arriving within the month. This year's harvest will not be enough for us either."
Molt was briefly silent. He had already thought of this. Though an enemy unit made it to the capital this morning, Reconnaissance indicated that the enemy still remained in and around the captured city of Mare-Oppidum.
"We will have the Vassal armies, and some legions of our army spread out into the lands around the capital. They are to remain there through the winter. Towards the end of winter we march towards the Blue Sea. By then the enemy should be tired and starving. We prevent them from planting during spring, and wait them out."
Diabo then interjected. "Control of the Blue Sea is paramount then. We must not only recapture it, but hold it through winter."
This time Zorzal interrupted. "The reserve fleet alone should be more than enough. Combining with the remains of the main fleet seems almost unnecessary. But I want to pound these other worlders into the dirt."
After allowing the senators to argue a bit longer, Molt announced his plan. A new sense of determination was found within the senate, Mostly. Though some had a bad feeling. The orders were sent out. The reserve fleet was to head for Aqastrum. After joining with the main fleet they were to retake the gate and maintain control over the Blue Sea. Explicit orders were given to destroy any ship that came through the gate, And to not enter the gate itself or attack the captured city.
However distance and time was not the Empire's ally in this endeavor. The reserve fleet was in two separate cities. Under ideal sailing conditions, and accounting for preparation time; The reserve fleet would arrive in Aquastrum between two and four weeks after receiving the orders. They could then enter the Blue Sea a few days later. But they need a month to prepare to sail. Most of their manpower was busy with harvest this time of year. So this plan would not begin until at least two months from now.
Back in Mare-Oppidum
Several men and a few women got off the ferry. These people were Representatives of various UN Nations. Brought over to oversee operations, and to form official relations with the Special Regions governments if and when able. The Military Governor was there to greet them. Additionally an Officer in the US Navy also came ashore. He carried documents to present to the Commanders of all operations in the special region.
"It is recommended that you accelerate your plans, and force surrender as soon as possible." Kendal Read the orders so his UK counterpart could hear. "Unconditional surrender is preferred. However you are free to accept terms as you see fit." In addition to the new orders, the package also contained other documents. Most notably weather reports. Hurricane season had started back home. And there were already two named storms heading towards the Florida coast.
"They want us to accelerate our plans. But hurricanes will slow us down." Said Byrne. It was true. They were highly dependent on the supply runs from Earth. A delay on any shipment meant bigger delays on offensive operations. Though most repairs had been completed, construction of the bases local improvements was still ongoing. Not to mention there were no real air assets available yet.
"We need the harriers and the ospreys before we can hope to take their capital. But we don't even have long range drones in operation yet. And with those comes an increased need for fuel. On top of that, scientists believe this world is approaching fall. We're going to need food and gear for the winter soon."
Kendal closed the folder and placed it back in the envelope. "If that damn gate was bigger, Then we wouldn't be dependent on barges."