On one of the United Nations Interstellar Force's most popular and economic moons, is where it all began. Where it opened.
The streets of Juárez City were crowded by passing pedestrians and vehicles of all shapes and sizes. The roar of a cargo shuttle flying overhead, or the humming of a tram speeding on the tracks hanging from buildings would deafen the chatting of citizens and honking of vehicles.
Hundreds of 2D or holographic pictures labeled stores or advertisements as companies began showing and marketing their products.
Mostly, it was peaceful as they were far from any conflicts of insurgent forces or territory of other hostile races encountered in space. Above not only was the sky blue, but the planet named after a Japan city, Ginza, shown beautifully as it's water cover surface made a huge dark blue glow on it's colonized moon, Ginza 2.
A man by the name of Yōji Itami stepped out of the tram as the thing came to a stop. "Oh come on, the Doujinshi Convention is only held three weeks every five years." He said frustratingly at his PDA, not looking in front of him. "Time for some resear-*BONK!*"
Over on Kennedy Road, a commotion brought up several law enforcement to the scene as a massive marble structure had just fazed out of nowhere, blocking traffic.
"Get me the commissioner ASAP!"
"Yes sir!"
Several citizens gathered around to see what was going on, as they were drawn to the commotion.
"What is this?"
"Some kind of movie set?"
"Looks like it's right out of a fairy tale."
Many questions came from all those around looking at it. Little did they know what laid beyond it, at the other side.
Itami came back to his senses and several other people surrounded him, making sure he was alright as he walked right into a support pillar.
"Hey dude, you alright?"
"Heh?"
A young man looked at Itami's PDA and his face lit up. "Hey you're headed to the Doujinshi Convention as well aren't you?"
Itami processed this for a moment before smiling. "Hell yeah." He answered as he lifted himself up. "Names Itami. Yōji Itami." He introduced himself as he held his hand out. "Jackson Scott. You go to the previous one?" The young man introduced himself.
"Nah, was busy with training in the PSDF here." Itami groaned as he explained his absence at the last convention. "Ah, so you're with the Planet Self Defense Force here?"
"Yep." Itami nodded. "But I think it should be MSDF since we're actually on a moon." The two exchanged a few chuckles. "Well dude, hope we see each other again at the convention."
"So this thing just appeared out of nowhere?" The commissioner asked.
"Yes sir, so far it has shown no activity since it's arrival but we're keeping close eye on it."
"Update me on anything about it." The commissioner instructed as he looked at the marble structure.
"Sir we got movement within!" An officer reported as everyone pulled a pistol out and aimed it at the structure as a winged creature flew out from the pitch black of it.
Itami said his final goodbye to Jackson as he made his way to the tram station exit, while still looking at his PDA. "Woah, the directors of Mei-Company are gonna be there too." He said to himself as a winged creature flew around on the other side of the clear glass.
"THAT'S AWESOME! Haha," He stopped as he looked towards the glass. "Did I just see something?"
Several men dressed in ancient Roman like armor came through in large legions, carrying swords and shields, spears, or bows. Several other creatures were among as they carried large hammers or blades. Large winged creatures resembling wyverns flew above them as armored men rode atop of them.
The commissioner didn't like the look of this and grabbed a megaphone. "TO WHOEVER YOU ARE, DROP YOUR WEAPONS IMMEDIATELY!"
The mass of soldiers didn't understand but a war horn sounded as they raised their weapons and the unknown beats began to charge as the archers fired off arrows which began to hit the civilians behind the officers. Several painful screams shattered the peaceful atmosphere as everyone was now running in fear.
"ALL UNITS, OPEN FIRE!" The commissioner ordered as the officers began letting loose with their pistols. They killed several of the charging beasts and medieval soldiers but were quickly overrun and forced to fall back.
"MAYDAY MAYDAY! WE HAVE A LEVEL FIVE EMERGENCY AT DRIVEHILL CITY! REQUESTING MILITARY IMMEDIATE MILITARY SUPPORT!"
Itami gasped as he looked out the window and saw what looked like a wyvern drop a police vehicle. "What, what is this?"
He watched as a man with his wife and kids were cut down and slaughtered by men holding swords. His blood began to flow with anger and adrenaline as his training instincts kicked. "Guess I'm skipping the Doujinshi Convention again." He groaned as he made a beeline for the exit.
As he made it outside he spotted a woman holding her infant child in her arms as she crouched on the ground in fear. "Come on lady it's not safe here!" He told her and he held his hand out for her.
"Who, who the hell are you?" She questioned as the sound of gunfire brought their attention. An officer was opening fire on a wyvern flying over. The bullets even being a .50 cal did nothing to the beast but a lucky shot hit the riders and knocked him off.
The officer sighed in relief but was ended as the rider simply got up and began charging with a sword drawn. The officer aimed his gun and heard a click. "Ah shit! No no no no!" He shouted as he covered his face as he awaited his fate.
Itami didn't let that happen as he darted across and scooped the soldier off his feet and face first into the ground. His combat augmentations from joining the military made it easy as he held the soldier in a chokehold while grabbing the sword and stabbing it into its owner's neck.
Setting down the corpse, he looked at the half scared officer and terrified mother as blood covered his face and shirt. "You alright!?"
Aboard the dreadnought command ship orbiting the moon, red lights flashed as alarms went off all around on every deck.
"Give me an update!" The captain ordered as several crew members were bringing in reports of the surface.
"Sir, an unidentified hostile force has infiltrated the city of Juárez by means of an unidentified structure that has simply appeared out of nowhere on Kennedy Road."
"Law enforcement has engaged but is being overwhelmed by enemy forces."
"Reports show many casualties among civilians, collateral damage is high."
"Law enforcement is requesting aid from us sir."
"We're standing by for orders."
The captain though for a moment before coming to a conclusion. "Prep dropships for troop and vehicle transport. Bring two frigates into the atmosphere for precision bombardment. Send an alert to high command and let them know of the situation!"
"Aye Captain!"
In the hangar bays, LAVs, IFVs, APCs, and ATW-MBTs we're connected to the back of SC-120 vultures by mag locks as PSDF troops began to board from the side doors.
The four engines pointed down as they awaited permission for take off.
"Control this is Pelican 6 prepped and ready for take off."
"Roger that Pelican 6, your third in line after Raven 1."
A vulture took flight as it zoomed out the hanger and towards the atmosphere followed by another, as they all flew out one after another, towards the battlefield on the moon surface.
"Come on move now!" Itami shouted towards civilians he managed to rescue and he fired off two pistols he acquired from the corpses of dead officers at the enemy combatants approaching. Each shot was a confirmed hit as he aimed with great accuracy and despite being a .50cal, he barely felt any recoil as the gun mechanics handled that and his enhancements took care of the rest.
Soon he reached the emergency shelter where hundreds of SWAT stood guard before letting him through. "Hey citizen, you shouldn't be here!" A chief shouted at Itami before he showed his ID card.
"Yōji Itami, PSDF!" The chief looked at it and went wide-eyed. "I'm very sorry Lieutenant, I didn't realize."
"What's the status, where is the enemy currently?" Itami asked, getting right to the point.
"On their way here sir."
The general of the Empire looked among his troops from atop his horse before proceeding to the enemy stronghold. "These people have made such marvelous structures and architecture. Such pretty sights to behold as well." He looked at the large blue planet in the sky. "I'll be honest. When we first entered the gate, I had no idea what we would find here."
"Enemy forces approaching!" A SWAT unit shouted as the enemy force began to advance on the shelter.
"Who's coming first?" Itami asked the chief. "Dropships, from the dreadnought." "Some frigates are also coming down as well."
In the air a large squadron of vultures advanced on a lone wyvern before coming into range with its main weapon.
*BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRTTTT!"
The 40mm rotary let loose a devastating spray as the wyvern was swatted out of the sky. The noise was not not easy to ignore as the Roman like troops looked up to see them fly over and hover in front of the SWAT.
Several PSDF troops in gray urban camo and exo suits rappelled down as the vehicles were released. "LIGHT THOSE FUCKERS UP!"
Gun fire broke out as bullets began cutting down the Empire soldiers and beasts among them like a hot knife through butter.
An ATW-MBT12A3-X2 Goliath opened up with it's 160mm cannon as a massive explosion killed several soldiers. Two 30mm rotary guns extended from the side and began picking them off one by one. It's quad tracks giving it easy maneuverability as it began to drive over bodies.
The 70mm of the LAV-60 made short work of any wyverns or large targets that dared show themselves in it's field of view. A mass of anti-personnel missiles shot out from the sides of it's turret and obliterated all enemies on impact in small explosions.
The PSDF began to push back and eliminate the enemy force with great success as their weapons proved more capable. A pig-like creature charged one of the soldiers but was punted by said soldier and sent flying into a wall before being shot dead.
Then fire began to rain down as the frigates had arrived. Large floating horizontal pillars with fire shooting out the back as large stubby wings stood out on the sides. Their light cannons struck the ground with great precision while causing the least amount of collateral damage to the city. At last, the enemy force has either been eliminated, or fell back into the structure.
About a week had passed since what is now being called the Ginza incident occurred. Itami stood proud before the higher ups as he was in his service uniform.
"And for his brave and daring actions, many were able to live and recover from this event. For he alone risked his life and put his duty first in the heat of action. I am proud to present him, the Medal of Valor." The Ginza 2 Governor declared as he approached Itami and set the Medal of Valor on his left side chest.
"First Lieutenant Yōji Itami."
"Sir!" Itami saluted proudly as he was officially promoted to a first lieutenant.
The governor then removed his Second Lieutenant silver bar from his collar and replaced it with the First Lieutenant golf bar. It snapped into place via magnetic lock and shone beautifully.
The governor saluted him before saying, "We thank you for your service."
No doubt the Doujinshi Convention was closed due to recent events. "Didn't even score a single manga." Itami muttered to himself as he unconsciously picked at his food.
"Are you Yöji Itami?" The new First Lieutenant looked up to see a young man holding a tray of food. "Yeah why?"
"You mind if I sit down with you sir?" Itami shrugged. "Yeah sure why not."
"Sergeant Takeo Kurata, it's a pleasure to meet the said hero of Ginza 2." Kurata said as he held his hand out, which Itami shook. "So what's it like being popular? Must be a pain trying to keep all the girls away huh."
"I wouldn't go that far with girls, but it really doesn't feel that much different from before I became some superhero or whatever." Itami said flatly. "You don't seem so happy about this, I thought being famous is such a big deal and besides, you did just get promoted right?"
"Yeah well I didn't ask for any kind of promotion." Itami stated as Kurata gave a confused look. "So wait, you didn't want a promotion?"
"Bingo! I mean I'm dedicated to this job but I only took it so I can keep up with my hobbies. A promotion just puts more responsibility on me, which I don't want."
"Well, did you know they're considering sending us through this gate that popped up out of nowhere?" Kurata asked, now changing the subject. "What, really?" Itami asked, a bit shocked. "Why not just destroy it and be done with it?" Kurata just shrugged. "Who knows, but if we're sent through, might be one hell of an experience."
"It is a grave tragedy for us all." The governor spoke out on a live transmission. "Many of us have lost friends and family to the events that took place nearly two weeks ago. I would like to send my condolences to those who have known people who were victims."
"However, there is no time to mourn over our dead and possibly kidnapped." He then spoke with a fire in his voice. "As far as we know, destroying the gate may not be the best option as for the possibility a new one could open somewhere else."
"Furthermore, we have acquired some intel from the one we've captured during the attack. They come from another world, one we have no knowledge of, and we're under orders of a man named Molt Sol Augustus to conquer our land. They made a grave mistake coming to our moon."
As citizens were watching the large holographic screens on the sides of skyscrapers as large dreadnought sized war warships made themselves visible, escorted by cruisers and destroyers.
"In response, a retaliation force under control of the PSDF will be mobilized, backed by marines from the 104th strike fleet. For we, the UNIF will bring the perpetrators to the court for acts of terrorism. None of this, will go without consequences."
"ALL TROOPS, FORM UP ON THE DOUBLE!"
The whole area around the mysterious gate had been closed off to the public as it was turned into a temporary military installation. Tank, trucks, and armored vehicles stood in large columns in wait for orders to pass through the gates. The all capable and well feared marines stood in large platoons. Their olive green titanium armor covering the enhanced exo suits they wore made them look a bit more larger than the regular human. Their silver tinted visors hid their faces as they held their weapons upon their backs. Bronze, silver, or gold stripes along their shoulders signified their ranks.
Itami stood in the same position in his exo suit with the platoons of regular soldiers part of Ginza 2's PSDF. Everyone around him looked battle ready, and prepared for payback from the new enemy. Already a small force had been sent through to secure the perimeter, and now the main force was ready to move.
"ATTENTION!" Everyone stood at attention as their CO stood before them. "I am Lieutenant General Hazama! Several probes have already scouted the surrounding area. As far as we know, a large force is waiting for us just half a klick from the gate on the other side. Therefore I suggest you keep those weapons at the ready and be prepared, this may be a fight we can't avoid."
Itami removed the mag from his AR and checked it to see it had full ammo. Satisfied, he slammed it back in and loaded the first round into the chamber. He aimed his rifle up and looked through the scope, seeing the sights were aligned perfectly. He adjusted the stock until it rested comfortably against his shoulder.
The tanks stood up front as the crew made final checks before rolling. "Driver, start her up! We got a job to do!" The tank commander ordered as he then heard the reactors power up and the motors wine to life.
"Startup sequence complete. All systems now operational."
The onboard AI said as the tank was now combat ready. "Driver take us in!" The ground began to vibrate as the hulking beasts began to push forward into the gate. Followed by several armored vehicles and the command derrick where Hazama watched the main force from.
On the other side, several troops were in position with snipers and mgs as they watched the enemy force from a distance. That was until they heard the familiar sound of vehicles from the gate. They grinned as they saw several Goliath tanks roll out into the dirt and surround the perimeter. ATVs, LAVs, and SPGs followed through as well as torches lit up among the enemy position showing medieval soldiers
"Contacts identified!"
Several troops and marines disembarked from the vehicles as the ATW-MBT12A3's tread began to extend into legs. The machines began to crawl into firing positions as they aligned their cannons with the enemy formation. From behind a flat pole had risen as several troops raised the UNIF flag. A black background with several clusters of white stars, a large white arrow head in the center with two olive branches sprouting from underneath.
"General sir! Enemy force is approaching!"
Hazama looked from his command post aboard the derrick. Longs of foot infantry backed by siege weapons and wyverns began approaching their position in mass numbers. He wasn't worried one bit as while they didn't have the numbers, they had the fire power. "Order all units to engage, all weapons are free." The Lieutenant General ordered.
"Admiral, we've received a signal from space originating from the force we sent through the portal." An officer I formed as he set a small tablet on the command table. "Good, and where might our boys be?" The admiral asked as the officer began punching in codes on the table. "Well that's the thing sir…you'll have to see for yourself."
The table received the data from the tablet and displayed a detailed holographic map of the milky way galaxy, showing their location, and the attack force's location. "My god, they're outside the outer rim."
"Located in one of the uncharted sectors, we've put in the coordinates and are ready for FTL jump, which should take us roughly a month due to a massive nebula we've detected on sensors."
"Well we ain't got time to lose, inform the fleet to prepare for jump."
"Yes sir!"
Several large dreadnoughts, cruisers, and destroyers surrounded what was a command station as their engines began to glow a light blue. Particles began to emit as the engines increased power, then one by one, every ship disappeared in the blink of an eye. Off to their destination. To fight, a war.