GATE: Thus the JSDF and (ERROR! ERROR!) — uh, oh dear!

by B-Code2016J4

A magical portal manifested in the middle of Ginza and unleashed a huge medieval-fantasy army that attack everything regardless of international boundaries. As the JSDF and their allies send an expedition to the strange world, they have yet to notice a force that was never expected to exist. (Available for editing, duplication, and adoption) [Multiple crossovers]

3. Chapter 3

The following additional franchises in this story belongs to their proper owners: Frontlines - Fuel of War, Ace Combat series, Tom Clancy's EndWar, Metal Gear series, and Rise of the Reds modification for C&C General - Zero Hour.

Also: if some of the names for the fictional characters happened to coincide with anybody in real life, then my apologies in advance.

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After the sunrise of the morning at Alnus base….

"Attention!" shouted a Sergeant Major Soichiro Kuwahara in Japanese who notified the JSDF recon team on Lieutenant Youji Itami's arrival at one of the vehicle staging areas. "Recon Team Three reporting in!"

"Hi there Pops! And good morning to uh…" the otaku leader greeted as he looked at his eleven compatriots standing in order manners behind the three recon vehicles, wearing the green hazmat armor and open-air Kevlar helmets, and holding their Howa Type 64 rifles in arms. "...everyone. Eh… I'm commander of the Special Region Recon Team Three, Itami." stuttered the self-defense force officer. He then muttered, "All because I missed the Yurikamome at Shinbashi that day. And now I'm a squad commander." Immediately, the lieutenant spotted a hand raised by Sergeant First Class Shino Kuribayashi. "Yes, Shino-san?"

"Lieutenant, I think your speech needed more words than that. Especially for our allied support when they come here."

"That sound… reasonable. I'll see what I can put together in my head right now," replied the recon leader. Soon enough, he sees two Humvees with United States Army insignias coming to his team's direction. One of them has the M2 heavy machine gun while the other one has a Mark 19 automatic grenade launcher. All crewed by soldiers in full hazmat armor suits. "Huh… guess we're working with the Americans for today."

As these automobiles come to a stop, a passenger exit the front Humvee and lift up the armored visor to reveal a woman of Mexican descent. "Pardon me, sir. Do you know where Recon Team Three is right now?" she asked in English.

"Oh. Actually, I'm the leader of the team you are looking for, ma'am." Itami responded in the respective language.

"Aww… thanks for the help, sir. Specialist Mirenda Rios and Charlie squad here from the 55th Infantry Division, C-Company."

"Nice to meet you, too. The name's-"

"Lieutenant Youji Itami from yesterday. Is that correct?"

"Uh… yes, that's right - oh, wait. You're the lady who went to the encampment of B-Company for an errand run, isn't?"

"Yeah, likewise. Anyway though, when are we about to start going?" asked the female American whose short conversations left the Japanese team confused.

"Well, eh… soon! After my confidence speech that is, okay?"

"Hmm… sure, go ahead." Mirenda confirmed the JSDF officer to start his oration.

"Alright then. Ahem… ladies and gentlemen. We're on the eve of our first reconnaissance mission to these new lands outside the perimeters around the gate. Now, as you… can… see… uh?" His presentation is interrupted by the sight of a BTR-82A APC with a 30mm 2A72 auto-cannon turret and Russian symbols as it moves closer to the recon team's position.

After the armored vehicle halt itself in close proximity to the bewildered scouting group, the commander hatch open and come out a Russian officer wearing a Soviet badge hat. "Excuse me sir! Is this the Third Recon Team?" said the passenger in English.

Youji confirmed the question, "Ah… yes, this is Recon Team Three and uh… the commander is me, Lieutenant Youji Itami."

"Oh, good to meet you. Starshina Dimitri Kamarov at your service!" The newly arrived sergeant get a quick handshake with the slightly nervous Japanese leader and later signal his team to exit the armored carrier. Out came a big man at least six feet tall , a female sniper with her newest long-range rifle, and the driver. These arrivals brought the attention of the rest of the recon unit, including Shino with interests on the Russians.

The JSDF lieutenant resumed his speech, "Eh, eh… well uh… um, as I was saying: we got a lot of firepower at our disposal! Even so, our assignment is to win the hearts and minds of the native people living on this new world. Thus, it won't be a success if their hearts and minds are uh… splattered all over the ground in blood." The assembled military personnel looked at him in silence. "So yeah… check your targets before you uh… open fire," Itami stated in a casual manner.

"This is Mike-One-Juliet to Recon Team Three, over." A woman's voice is heard through the wireless comms of the survey team. No one had yet to reply for several seconds though. "Uh… hello? To Recon Team Three from Mike-One-Juliet, can you hear me?"

Youji finally respond, "Duh, kon'nichiwa Mike-One-Juliet! This is Lieutenant Itami, commander of Recon Team Three and uh… sorry for the unexpected wait, miss."

"Oh… thanks you for your confirmation, Chūi-san. Genjitende wa, anata no yunitto ya RCT 3 o tedasuke suru atarashī haken tantōshadesu. Mata, anata no gurūpu wa dekirudakehayaku idō suru koto o o susume shimasu. Jissai no RCT 3 o rikai shite imasu ka?"

"Ā... Rikai shita maikuwanjurietto! Watashi wa anata ga watashitachi no kotoba de hanasu koto ga dekiru to wa omowanakatta."

"Just happened to be fluent in Japanese during my time in language courses, sir. And good luck taking care of our soldiers under your command for this mission, okay?"

"Alright Mike-One-Juliet, I will do my best to-"

Kamarov intervened the radio conversation, "Pardon me Mike-One-Juliet. I'm Starshina Kamarov from the Eastern Military District of the Russian Federation and my comrades are assigned to cooperate with the third recon unit, over."

A short pause came before she reply. "Okay, I'm surprised to be talking with a Russian officer for this reconnaissance."

"Indeed madam. That being said respectfully, Itami's rank as leytenant is above my equivalent position of a master sergeant. Therefore, the overall decision making for this recon team lay within his responsibilities as the leader. Is that right, Mike-One Juliet?"

"It certainly is, Sergeant Kamarov." The female officer redirect her attention to the JSDF lieutenant, "Anyway RCT3 Actual, let's not waste more time staying on the asphalt. Understood?"

"Loud and clear, miss!" Youji Itami answered.

"Good then. This is Mike-One-Juliet, out." Ended the transmission.

The Japanese commander nervously chuckled as he look at the mixed scout party. "All right… let's get going everyone!"

"Rikonchīmu 3, maunto!" Kuwahara shouted, which got them entering their transports, start the engines, and then cruise out of the staging zone.

As the recon column is just outside the outer-defense perimeter of the entire encampments… "John Lennon! I can't believe that we're really working with the hippy-nippy-liberal and the Ruskies," said an enclosed American with a Texas accent driving one of the Humvees.

"And let's not forget about the other Japanese soldiers and Mike-One-Juliet," commented another.

"Ah yes, the dulcet tones of Miss July!"

"Boys, just tone down the volume will you? The JSDF team will freak out and may cancel the mission," stated a voice with more authority.

On the other U.S. vehicle… "Hey, miss Rios? How long can we keep up with this fucking charade?" asked the U.S. Army passenger.

"Well… I may say very long, Johnny. And probably keep doing this veil when working with other international units," replied the female soldier.

"Well ma'am, good luck with that being possible with uh… B-Company," added the driver.

Inside the BTR… "Tovarishch Kamarov, vy zametili chto-to strannoye v otnoshenii amerikantsev?" questioned the six-foot Russian sitting on one of the cabin seats.

"Khm ... ne uveren, chto yesli byt' spokoynym i pokrytym litsom, eto mozhno schitat' strannym, serzhant Kirrlov. Vy khotite pogovorit' s nimi seychas?" said the Russian officer.

"YA vse yeshche mogu zhdat' podkhodyashchego momenta, ser."

A few minutes later… "Hey, does anyone here remember the last dispatch officer; before Miss July?"

"I think his name was Joe Wardon… or something like that, Sweetwater."

"Hmm… he was real grumpy the last time we met," responded the 'Texan.'

"Yeah, he didn't like us. He said that we had some disciplinary problems."

"Was that before or after Haggard punched him?" said the Sarge.

Meanwhile, back on Earth at a Californian grassland…

Nobody at the moment. There several trees scattered all over the landscape dominated by the golden-colored grasses. Several minutes later, five cigar-shaped objects crash-landed across the vast grassy terrain. As the dust settled, sensors on those dark-green artifacts scan the flora surrounding them. The results include the native plants and the numerous introduced vegetation brought here in recent years through global trades or centuries ago by European explorers in their colonial conquests. After analyzing the outcomes, the foreign cylinders electronically open their tiny doors and out comes hundreds of thousands of insect-like 'creatures' composed of organic and synthetic building blocks. The techno-organic swarms proceed to cut down any non-native species that are more destructive on the terrain while also leaving alone the indigenous plant life. Within minutes, half an acre per article is stripped clean of these invasive vegetation. Just arriving at the landscape are a group of feral hogs on the move and finding something to eat. Several adult pigs and piglets got very close to these unknown objects without fear. Six minutes later, deeper holes instantly appear below the hoofed pests and the alien swarms quickly converge on them. The wild hogs squeal as they get carved up into hundreds of pieces by the innumerable micro-cutters of those insectoids.

Additionally, these 'artificial' intrusions are repeated elsewhere that contained many invasive species; like the rat problems in New Zealand and cane toad concentrations in Australia.

Somewhere in North Korea around the same time…

A military patrol of trucks and boats operate along the Korean coastlines facing the Sea of Japan. For several years, they had patrolled the eastern shorelines up and down many times. Despite a few incidents with foreign vessels from the expected South Koreans or Japanese, no war has yet to erupt. After a while, they pause on a spot facing the sea and near a coastal town for more surveillance on any seafaring intruder and their own people. Minutes passed by and the patrol began to resume the monitoring operation when one soldier spotted something very far to the vast body of seawater.

Actually, make that a dozen large-rocketing objects heading skyward as one binocular revealed. As these unfamiliar devices are heading toward the east coast in a tall arching pathway, the border guards sounded the alarm on all nearby units for this intrusion. While the commotions are occurring on the ground, two of those giant ballistic missiles go straight up to the stratosphere. Once at a certain height, their payloads are released; revealing two observation satellites with advanced hovering engines to stay at the intended locations. The rest of them surprisingly deployed two rotor blades per machine for floating in the sky through counter-rotating mechanisms. As the activated anti-air batteries locked on the airborne targets, the ten objects' remaining casings came off - allowing hundreds of smaller devices to be unleashed. Simultaneously, missiles from the AA emplacements are fired and hit the trespassing entities on the mark. Unexpectedly, those levitating machines survived the first missile strikes which lead to more homing projectiles to eventually destroy them. However, the North Korean forces were distracted enough to be scanned by the two mechanical bodies in the stratosphere and for hundreds of larger vessels to emerge from the sea and suspend themselves into the air in under a minute. In an instant, those compact objects in the skies come 'alive' and maneuver to the painted targets across a large section of the coastlines:

With explosive results on trucks, boats, tanks, anti-air defenses, and other military equipment marked for destruction.

Soon after the devastation, the invading fleet launch dozens of fast-moving aircraft like the forward swept-wing Berkut IIs and Ishcheykas/Bloodhounds, delta-shaped Sokols and Fandances, and MRB-131s to attack enemy positions inland. Concurrently, over a hundred helicopters such as the rotor-propelled HP-48 Krokodils, co-axial Ozorniks/Hellions, and twin ducted-fan Gipers/Hypers proceed to neutralize remaining hostiles or place human-shaped troops on the ground to establish deployment zones for reinforcements on the nearby coast plains and the few towns caught in the one-sided battle. As the robotic invaders in brownish bullet-resistant armor clear out resistance with their 'Soviet' firearms (K8-Krukov and Mongol assault rifles, PP2020 sub-machine guns, Laayats 15 combat shotguns, and PKH handheld machine guns for example), incoming transports like the Locust/Sarancha choppers carrying a squad, heavier rotor-powered Tarantulas/Tarantuls holding armored vehicles, and tandem rotored Gorbuns/Hunchbacks with different cargo types later follow. Exiting these aircraft includes TT77M Nosorog battle tanks covered in explosive armor, 8-wheeled ZHUK BR-3 APCs and their artillery variants: ZHUK RS-Z0s fitted with a multi-rocket launch system of twelve 130mm projectiles, twin electro-coil wielding TT-2 Tesla tanks, and GZ-550 quad-wheeled armored cars. And more of them keep coming to the deployment areas as the alien soldiers capture towns, ports, and prisoners of war.

To make things worse for the Asian 'hermit kingdom,' another large-scale invasion is underway on the western coast of North Korea at the same moment. In contrast to the 'Russian/Siberian' designs, this massive force is equipped with a mixture of 'Chinese-made' arsenals and 'unique' copies of the Soviet military hardware. This translate to all the aircraft, tanks, firearms, and-

Oh… let's not forget that these war machines do not have solid history of their existence on this Earth. Quite frankly, the manufacturing and service records of the out-of-placed armaments can be found in their original/alternate universe… or the archive facilities throughout the magical star system.

Five hours later in the elf village of Koan Forest….

An Hodaro Ray Mariceau was hunting near the edge of the numerous woods, which had been done many times for centuries. Then, he hears a strange vrooming sound very far away from the woodlands. Curious of what it is, the elf run elegantly toward the source and stop on a strong branch of a tree near the open plains. Using his sharp eyes in a distance, he soon saw what appears to be horseless carriages heading for his village… and at great speed. While he return to the elven settlement with news of his observations, the three incoming vehicles eventually come to a halt after passing the boundaries of the multiple trees… followed by another three military transports coming closer to the area. In terms of arrival, the first one is a Humvee with a victorious Texan redneck, second is another Humvee containing an African-American sergeant, the third vehicle is a Russian BTR-82A, in fourth place is a Mitsubishi Type 73 light truck, number five is a Toyota high mobility vehicle with the team leader, and the last one is a Komatsu LAV.

"WAHOO! Let's give an applause to the NASCAR Hagginator in first place! YEE-HAW!" Haggard happily shouted in the driver seat, now wearing his beanie.

"Luckily, all three of us aren't complaining about this enjoyment!" commented an Asian-American currently without the enclosed hazmat helmet.

"And a reminder on fixing that muscle car in the shed once I'm back at home," added a Private Bobby Sanford.

The excitement is shortly interrupted by an annoyed Sergeant Redford still in his sealed uniform walking towards them. "Alright you three! Who in his right mind decided to start a silly race while doing recon duties?!"

The rest of the scouting group look at the ongoing dialogues between Sarge and the rowdy crew in the first car with mixed feelings. "To be honest, that chase was quite fun in alleviating some boredom with the reconnaissance." Private Marlowe commented who is still in the other Humvee.

"Sure, Preston. It's all fun and games at the cost of our fabricated identity to this self-defense force team of Japan," countered Sweetwater.

Sergeant Kuribayashi is outside and stared at the commotion with surprise like her Japanese compatriots. "Ā, watashi wa daremoga soko o mite iru no o mi teru no?!" Meanwhile, the Russians just look at the scene with little sign of interest (except for the little smirk from an Oleg Kirrlov).

"Mā... Sukunakutomo, watashitachiha motto hayaku koko ni tadoritsuita," said the JSDF lieutenant before giving out a sigh.

"Mike-One-Juliet to RCT3 on status update, over." The dispatch lady intervene thru radio comm links.

Youji replied, "RCT3 Actual to Mike-One-Juliet, we have… arrive at the edge of the so-called Koan Forest. It should take five minutes to reach the village inside."

A short wait followed prior to her response. "Lieutenant, your unit usually still be on the road miles ahead of the objectives. So how in the world did you soldiers got there fast within 25 minutes?"

"Hmm… I could say that some of the Americans are more… eager to get the job done than most of us here, ma'am." That's the answer he gave to her as the officer got out of the JSDF Toyota vehicle and take a view on the 'conversation' up ahead.

"Yeah… still, do what you can in cooperating with Bravo One Charlie on this survey mission. Call back when you're done talking with the villagers, RCT3 Actual. Mike-One-Juliet, out."

Youji stand where he is today like a statue as the word Bravo One Charlie enters his mind with a bit of dread - and missing the chance to reply back at the last minute. Regardless, he regain consciousness and walk to the Americans near the front humvee. "Umm… is everything okay here, Redford?"

The US Army officer answered in slight frustration while having his separate helmet tucked firmly within his left arm. "Ergh… with the consideration that you now know our real identity, I would say no."

Haggard's voice barged in, "Come on Sarge, it isn't all so bad. I mean… at least the Japs got their lazy butts back in-"

"Shut your mouth, Haggard!" The dark-skinned sergeant commanded in a more angry tone.

The JSDF lieutenant announced his decision on what to do at this moment while moving one of his hands up and down on his helmet. "Let's not get to the point where being too angry can be a bad thing, everyone. In my conclusion as the recon commander, we will continue to do the same things being done on the last three villages we met despite what has happened recently." Itami turn his attention to the Russians, "Kamarov, have your unit provide over-watch on the hill close to the forest over there." The Japanese officer pointed at the hill conveniently bordering along the woodlands. "Redford, your squad will be around nine yards behind us when we stop near the village. Once that occurs, Bravo One Charlie will also stay there for another sentry role on any incoming danger. After my JSDF squad are done communicating with the locals, all of Recon Team Three will drive straight to base. So, are we all good on that plan?" Most of the surveillance group nod in approval. Apart from uh…

"Actually, I do have a small quibble about-"

"Haggard, please just hold your beef on the lieutenant for a long while. Comprende?" Mirenda asked in a tired mood.

Shino added, "I agree. And if you don't stop misbehaving at this point, then I will beat the living crap out of you!"

"Alright, alright! So practically all of us can agree to the strategy today! Now let us resume our recon mission, people!" Youji ordered. Everyone eventually went on board the vehicles and start their usual assignments. Shortly afterwards, the Japanese leader and his compatriots have parked several feet from the village. Thru radio transmission, Itami check on Redford to assess the position of the Americans. "Sergeant Redford, is Bravo One Charlie staying put on their location?"

"Yes we are, lieutenant. Everyone including Haggard and Gat are yards away as you say."

"Good. Call you back later when my people have completed the friendly chat with the villagers here, out." The JSDF lieutenant exit the vehicle with only a pistol in the holster and a notebook for writing down info. Following him are Takeo Kurata, Mari Kurokawa, Soichiro Kuwahara, Akira Tomita, and Shino Kuribayashi (the latter three bring in their primary rifles that are slung behind their backs to be non-threatening). "Hah… aside from the latest stunt made by the Yankees, this world with its blue sky is quite something." The recon leader said in Japanese and a more relaxed state as his team walk slowly.

Sergeant Kurata commented, "Sir, there are similar places like this in Hokkaido though. My expectations for these lands were to see fantasy stuff like dragons and fairies flying around. And yet so far, all the settlements we've run into are full of humans living in a period like Medieval Europe. What a bummer on that aaand…"

"And… what, Takeo?"

"Being in fifth place on that race. Behind our front jeep, the Russians in their BTR, and the American Humvees with the redneck at the top."

"Eh!? You really want to race Haggard again?"

"Why not! That Texan unexpectedly start driving at full throttle after us coming back inside our vehicles from Koda Village. And if I beat him fair and square in a proper driving contest, then that honor might get attention from any appealing monster-girl on this parallel world!"

"Wow… you really wanted to see some cat-eared ladies, do you?

"I sure do. And let's not forget about voluptuous sorceresses, pretty-looking dullahans, and even the expected elves with their pointed ears like how those villagers ha-... what the…?" Sure enough, the people of this isolated and somewhat large settlement cautiously come out of their constructed habitats (in the tall trees and on the ground) and the Japanese scouts also noticed the elongated hearing organs that all the locals have. Several have their swords and bows at the ready, while the rest do not carry any weapon at all. Frankly, the JSDF personnel are in a state of wonder.

The lieutenant spoke, "All… right… remember to be as friendly as usual every-."

"This is awesome, Commander! We're actually seeing real elves! Now there's no doubt that good things are coming our way. Hooray for the Special Region!" Sergeant Kurata cheered as he instinctively hug his leader. The other squad-mates look at the scene with giggles, silence,... and embarrassment (which is being more expressed by Miss Kuribayashi). Quite strange for the humanoids to see this child-like behavior coming from the two human males in unknown clothes. Several of the children and even the 'older' elves can't help but laugh a little at the weird interaction.

Hodaro chuckled at the unexpected scene as well, but he still can see that these visitors are soldiers. Thus with two armed elves accompanying him, the elf leader saunter toward the foreign group for any clues about their intentions. ":Who are you and why are you here?:" The male humanoid said in the Imperial language with more authority after he got close enough, which made the otaku soldiers got their act together to resume their duties.

Meanwhile, the military personnel of Bad Company continue to wait at the designated area.

'So… what just happened today? Well in short, we covered ourselves in full armored suits and hid the name Bravo One Charlie under a phantom name based in World War Two deceptions. It was Miss Rios' recommendation of course, since there the chance that someone in a recon group who notice us instantly will say no to B-Company, try to cancel the mission, or do other actions because of our… 'negativity.' After that, we joined Recon Team 3 under the command of Lieutenant Youji Itami or the Hero of Ginza as he was nicknamed. As for more surprises, a Russian armored vehicle and its crew became a part of the scouting party and a new dispatch officer called Mike-One Juliet or Miss July was assigned to help this reconnaissance unit. When the mission started, we managed to be quiet about our true presence as B-Company to the rest for three visits on human villages… although the Russians had found out about our identity and kept that secret from the JSDF allies; thanks to this Sergeant Oleg Kirrlov and his uh… detective skills. It all changed however, when a bored George Haggard decided to go racing after all of RCT3 were back onboard their vehicles and given the next coordinates for a settlement in a Koan Forest. Which is where… well you know. But let's get back to the story.'

Sweetwater asked a question. "Sarge, can I make a call to dispatch or is that like... a strictly sergeanty thing? Or is it more lieutenant-like?

"What kind of call would that be?"

Haggard added, "A booty call!"

"I just think she has… you know… a fascinating personality," said Terrence

Redford replied, "I bet you do."

"Speaking of wonderful personalities, what do all of us right here think about that balloon-chested Kuribayashi?" asked an abrasive Gat.

Mirenda spoke, "Actually Johnny, her chest-size is not humongous and not small either."

"Oh, then how did you found out?"

"Hmm… it's like a month ago where there's nothing special about washing myself in the enclosed Japanese hot tubs for only women; like every other week before."

"Woohoo, that sounds waaay over PG-13!"

"¡Olvídalo! In short, I happened to met her on that day and her bust-size is appropriate enough to not seriously arouse undisciplined men."

"Huh, is that it?"

"Well, I did have a talk with her and hear Shino saying about being stuck with slackers like Itami and an American maniac known as Haggard; in a very bad mood by the way."

The eyeglass wearing soldier then said, "Yeah… she definitely has quite a bad temper for being a dedicated sergeant. Along with this tendency to charge into her targets with a bayonet rather than firing at a distance. Almost like you Hags."

"Hey, I would go for my Mossberg 500 shotgun for close-quarters rather than a long, pointy knife. I also remembered her umm… smiling like the Cheshire Cat, as the nippy gal cut and stab thru the bulls-eyes in training. Am I supposed to freak out or what?"

"I'm amazed that an explosive expert like yourself could get disturbed by Kuribayashi's more sadistic side!"

Bobby Sanford asked a different question, "That might be enough chatting on that woman. So how about Mari Kurokawa?"

"Well Sanford, that lady is quite a hottie from the Land of the Rising Sun." Gat commented

Sweetwater remarked, "I can actually agree on that. Mari is very often calm, has ladylike quality…"

"And a very sharp tongue when she gets mad enough. Just like when you didn't shut up while being next to her at one time, Sweets." The redneck stated further.

"Wait, what? Why did you have to bring that up?"

The American sergeant interrupted, "Can you misfits be silent on that inappropriate go-?!"

"Kamarov to all RCT3 units, come in. RCT3 Actual, do you copy?" The radio equipment comes alive throughout the whole recon team.

The JSDF lieutenant responded while being in the middle of information gathering from the elf leader. "This is RCT3 Actual reading you. Status?"

"My team have spotted an unknown object that is about eight klicks to the south of your position," the Russian starshina answered.

"Unknown you say?"

"Da, it is still a blur at our positi-... uh, wait. I got a clearer visual on the target. Red color… shaped like a fantasy dragon… and coming in to your po-... Ah chert! It's way bigger than I thought! Watch out, leytenant!"

"Nani?" Youji wondered as he look around at the sky for anything big… and sure enough, a large darken silhouette came into view.

":FLAME DRAGON!:" shouted Hodaro and others that spotted the red flying beast. Many of the inhabitants scream and ran for their lives or rush to get their stored weapons while the Japanese soldiers stared at the biggest reptile they had ever seen in shock.

"Kata atama no gidora-ō?!" said the older sergeant major.

"Hontōni, Poppusu? Sono bunka-tekina sanshō wa amarini mo furu sugiru! Wareware wa ōkina jisseikatsu no ryū ni choku-!" Itami said almost completely before the hostile hovering animal immediately breathes fire very close to their location of the settlement with devastating results on the natives and also produced an air blast that knock the team members backward to the ground. As the lieutenant got his bearings first, he soon witnessed the unlucky elves of all ages along with their buildings being burned to char. One burning woman crawl to him in terror as she cry for an end to the searing torture. That horrific scene has unfortunately triggered a painful memory within the psyche of the Japanese recon leader, leaving him quite… 'lost.' As more of the pushed JSDF personnel got up, they saw the scorch on the people and the lands and even noticed their commander just… standing there.

"Chūi! Anata no chūmon wa nanidesu ka?!" The female medic asked as the elves in front of her are being burnt alive… but received none from Youji.

In response, Kuwahara run to him and get his leader back to making life-and-death decisions. "Itami! Naka-dashi! Watashinokoegakikoemasuka?!"

As the ancient dragon descend elsewhere within the village and begin eating and killing everything in its sight, the elvish archers and conjurers unleashed their volleys of arrows and spirit magic energies onto the giant creature. Yet the weapons and enchanted skills succeeded in gaining the attention of the fire dragon, which spew a stream of flame at the defenders in return for every attempt by the elves.

Arriving at the JSDF location just now is the US Army B-Company squad who had heard the commotion from their previous position. "What the hell is this?!" shouted Redford.

"A really big fire, Sarge." Preston answered.

"By who or what, I mean?!" Before anyone can reply to Sarge's question, a loud roar is heard and the American group shortly spot a giant dragon eating more unfortunate natives.

"Holy cow! That's one big S.O.B. wrecking the town!" Haggard stated.

"Yeah, you're such a good spotter!" noted the dark-skinned sergeant who soon look at the Japanese leader being non-reactive and his second-in-command snapping him back to reality. Bad Company also noticed the unusual situation.

Looking back and forth at Itami and B-Company a few times and with little time left, Shino immediately kick her commanding officer to get him awake. Youji let out a yelp consequently and turn his head at the female offender.

"Anata wa nani no tame ni sore o shimashita ka?!"

"Sensei, ima chūmon ga hitsuyōdesu!" shouted the more serious woman.

But before the lieutenant can quickly process a plan, a loud sound is heard from Haggard's shotgun. Its 12-gauge pellet ammo hit the cheek side of the red beast in a wide pattern and very close to its right eye; which interrupted the scaly creature's chase on its preys and redirect its sight toward the source. "Get a load of this you big ass alligator!" The redneck fires again and the scattershot hit the animal's face with no damage due to distance and lost of kinetic energy (like having a shower of harmless pebbles or a whip-cream pie into your face). The flame dragon roar in annoyance after reopening its eyes from the insult.

"Aw shit! Take evasive action and SHOOT!" barked the Sarge as Bravo One Charlie instantly enter the two Humvees and drive throughout the burning settlement while firing at the large beast and avoiding collisions simultaneously.

The Japanese soldiers are quite flabbergast at the events unfolding in front of them. Even so, the recon commander ran through his mind and assess the situation for a plan. And he got one just in time. "Everyone! Help the civilians to safety as many as you can! Once that's done, we can support the Americans in attacking the dragon!" They understood and spread out to rescue any elves trapped and injured.

"My little friend here has a lot more to give, you fire-breathing fucker!" Johnny Gat shouted while firing the attached Mark 19 grenade launcher at the big beast, with Sanford driving the vehicle and Haggard using his Mossenberg in the back seat. The 40mm high-explosive grenades managed to push its scaly skin inwards despite the scales themselves not being broken. And like a bear being shot by a BB gun, the giant gets more irritated and spew a flame at the mobile Humvee but miss the armored car instead. At this point, the ballistic weaponry (including the 12.7mm rounds from the M2 machine gun) are not making significant outcomes on the creature's tough hide. As the fight drags on however, the dangerous dragon takes the time to... think. It access the speed of the vehicles in circular movement and ready itself to emit a fire blast at a predicted course.

By chance, Samuel Redford in the front passenger seat of the other Humvee notice the beast's behavior. "Sweetwater! Hit the brakes now!"

Just as the reptilian creature unleashed its attack, the glass-wearing private as the driver managed to halt the vehicle that is a couple of feet away from the now inflamed area in front of them like a long wall. "That was too close!" It's also a close call for the Humvee with the grenade launcher, which made a right turn in parallel with the engulfing fire attack away from the hostile wildlife.

The fire-breathing organism recoil back from its previous assault... and gets hit suddenly by four explosive rounds from the BTR -82A's autocannon at a long range (still on the hill for overwatch) and a couple of 14.5 mm sniper rounds sent by two modified OSV-120 rifles. The 30mm shells on its head did more pain than the grenades from the Mark 19 and the flame dragon lash out at the firing source with a mighty roar. Unknowingly to the encroaching beast, the elf leader made a supernatural chant onto his arrow before releasing the projectile with astonishing speed. The enhanced arrow hit its mark at the big creature's left eye (as well as another 14.5mm bullet seconds later by luck), resulting in the loud cry of the wounded animal in the optical organ.

"Chert, kto-to preuspel nado mnoy so streloy v glaza!" commented a somewhat disappointed Nadaysha in sniper position on the hill.

"Tovarishch Volkova, sosredotoch'tes' na bor'be s etim drakonom!" Yuri stated as he fires another heavy round at the animal's head from the second anti-material weapon.

"ONO! YUNIRYU ONO!" Hodaro shouted for the active elf archers to target the dragon's eyes.

"Sarge, are you getting the gist on what to attack?!" asked the Chicana specialist manning the mounted M2 gun as she saw the damage on the beast's photo-receptive organ.

"I certainly do now, Rios!" Redford responded who then use the mic inside the Humvee. "To all RCT3 units, target the red bastard's eyes! Aim for the eyes, everyone!"

The JSDF lieutenant listened the info from the US soldier and look at the red giant with its wounded optical organ while helping more elves to escape. "Thank you for the advice, Sergeant Redford."

Starshina Kamarov replied back thru the radio, "Well that took you long enough, you Amerikanskiy and Yaponskiy morons!"

Very soon, the Japanese, American, Russian, and elvish warriors unleash their armaments onto to its head; stopping the big beast from moving or emitting a flame attack. This provides enough time for any surviving villagers to get away from the burning settlement and the recon visitors to help any trapped residents as much as they can. Getting tired of this predicament for several minutes, the dragon raise itself upright on its hind legs just as Haggard launched an explosive round from the M3 MAAWS/Carl Gustav recoilless rifle at it - which absolutely miss the reptilian creature and destroy a building instead. In a bit of irony, that structure was recently searched nine seconds ago by Sergeant Kuribayashi for confined elves before escorting them to safety.

The red-colored beast then breaths out a fiery column in the direction of Private Preston's outdoor position. He quickly and luckily evade the hot blaze that engulfed a few more natives that did not react in time. As Marlowe continue to ran while thinking on what to do next, the American shortly spotted a female elf archer in the path of the next fire blast from the now airborne dragon that she's attempting to aim. With little choice and time left, he grabs her by the waist and jump into the nearby water well with the blonde in his arms; praying that neither of them will die when they reach the bottom. On the way down however, their heads get whacked a few times along the sides of the reservoir structure as they tumble to the lowest foundation. The pair remain unconscious after hitting the volume of water hard, with the American serviceman taking the brunt of the impact coincidentally.

At this point, the large beast flies away and the recon team and elves slightly relax on that 'natural' calamity being gone for today; although there's now more time for the humans to help the locals recover as much as they can and treat the wounded.

Several minutes later, the Russian master sergeant called by radio. "This is Kamarov to RCT3 Actual. Should my comrades maintain overwatch position, over?"

"Well uh... Starshina, that may still be a good idea since we're busy with getting the elves back to shape. Nevertheless, you are free to come down here and help them whenever you have the time."

"Acknowledged, Itami. Out."

"Ā, kanari no hideshita," sighed the Japanese lieutenant seeing the destruction caused by the flame dragon. "Watashi wa kore o erudarou to omotta koto wa arimasen... Byōki... Futatabi nagaiai... Ā, shinpaishinaide kudasai." As Youji moves through the halfburnt settlement for some time, he then identify Redford and Sweetwater providing assistance for a native family getting their stuff. Afterwards, the JSDF officer approach the two. "Hey you guys. How's things going on your end?"

"We're still operational, sir." Redford stated.

The American private added, "Yeah, we okay here... aside from the fact that I still feel petrified about us being nearly cooked alive by a large mythologic-!"

"Zip it, Sweets. Now then lieutenant... any news from the locals here?"

The recon officer replied, "Well... from the recent dialogues with the village chief, the elves here are in the process of moving out to a new place to live."

"I see... have you contacted headquarters back at Alnus Hill about this situation yet?"

"Not yet Redford. I'm still deciding on what to..." A short pause came before Itami resume the talk. "Actually, how about I give you permission to call back to base? Is that alright, sergeant?"

"Hmm... that's fine with me, sir. I'll relay to you any new orders received from command."

"Arigatō," the recon leader said with a little smile before moving on toward the water well (without knowing anybody inside).

"You know Sarge, that hero guy seemed kinda... strange sometimes." The eye-glassed soldier quizzed.

"Well, I don't see an urgency right now on what went wrong back there. But if that kept happening to him, then I would truly demand a good explanation on why he's staring at people-burning fires while doing nothing."

"I hear ya, Sarge. It's a mystery of what that Itami guy saw within th-"

"Private... just shut up and give a helping hand to the people here!"

"Uh... sure, will do!" Sweetwater obeyed as he casually went off.

The African-American sergeant then activates his comm device, "This is Bravo One Charlie from the Third Recon Team to Mike-One-Juliet, over."

Back at the water well meanwhile, Lieutenant Youji sat on the ridge of the structure and drinking water from his canteen. Entering the scene is Shino Kuribayashi with information on paper being attached to the hand-held clipboard. "First lieutenant, I calculated that the total number of buildings here was 44; with twenty-four of them still burning. Also, the current survivors were counted at 68 while the rest were burned to death, killed by physical force, and/or missing."

The exhausted-looking JSDF leader said back in Japanese, "Ugh... assuming there were like four people per structure, the death toll is probably more than a hundred then."

"Or possibly close to two-thirds of them being wiped out."

"Shit, quite cruel to hear that. Well anyway, it looks like we should type in and print out reports on the existence of huge dragons that attack villages and their armored resistance to bullets, grenades, and smaller cannon shells."

"In paper, sir?"

"Oh... right, I should had mention my decision to allow Redford the responsibility to report this to the American dispatch officer. Just for once though; the information may not go quickly to JSDF command thru US military channels."

"Are you sure that there's enough reasoning for you to no- uh... nevermind," spoke the female soldier who then walk a few steps away until a question comes up in her head. "Hey, lieutenant otaku."

"Huh, yes Kuribayashi?"

"I got this question related to the dragon attack today."

"And what would tha-?"

"Howdy there, lieutenant hippie-sissy-liberal!" The two Japanese heard the signature Southern voice and direct their eyes toward the US Army redneck.

The JSDF commander groan when seeing the person that might have some responsibilities on the recent troubles the whole recon team had experienced (and using names that may not be retrospectively true). "Eh-uh... and a nice greeting again to the Yankee who did not get a scratch from charging into hazardous close-encounters like that big red dragon."

"Well, sorry about me not waiting for your orders while you stare at a fire that consume people."

Shino soon asked, "Anata no tame ni watashi no shitsumon ni kankei shite iru no wa, shirei-kandesu. Dōshite anata wa tatte ite, Erufu ga shinu no o matte irunode, nani mo shimasendeshita ka?"

Haggard quizzed while Itami try to contemplate in his mind. "Okay... so what did you actually said to him Miss uh... Kury?"

"It's Sergeant Kuribayashi, you American hillbilly! And the question to the commander was why did he just paused in combat."

"Oh, so you're wondering too on why he got a big rock on his shoes at such a time. My guess would be him seeing people burning as uh, fun."

Youji look at the redneck with a shock. "Fun? No, no, no, no, no! That's the wrong idea, Haggard! What actually happened back there was that the awful blaze has reminded me... of... uh... um..."

The demolition 'expert' didn't take that abrupt procrastination kindly. "Jeez, you really like to take plenty of time before acting, now do ya? Perhaps more uh... elves might had been saved if you had reacted sooner against that fire-breathing iguana."

"I-gua-na?"

The female JSDF sergeant intervened, "Even so, the scales of that giant creature has easily withstood our 7.62mm and 12.7mm bullets."

Haggard added, "Don't forget about the 5.56mm NATO rounds and 40mm grenades that didn't crack its thick hide like tank armor. Or how damn nimble that thing was. I mean... if it wasn't for that dragon being as quick as a cat, my HEAT shell would had hurt him real good!"

Kuribayashi stare at the Texan. "Did the weapon made an explosion?"

"Uh... yeah, the warhead did made a really nice boom. Too bad it had to be a building instead of the overgrown alligator."

She... was... pissed. "Oh sure... the same one I was in BEFORE BEING BLOWN UP TO PIECES SEVERAL SECONDS LATER!"

"Oh... so what was the pro-?"

"I nearly got myself killed within feet away by your reckless use of explosives to attack a hostile!"

The Japanese lieutenant hears the bickering as he about to throw a roped bucket into the well for more water to drink. He intervenes just as he throw the attached item to the bottom. "Can you two sto-?"

[Donk] "GAAAH! MY HEAD! Ow..." The echoed voice caught the attention of the three near the well.

"Huh?"

"Was that... a person?" Shino said.

"Hey! Anybody up there?! This is Private Marlowe down here and I'm with one of the village pe- I mean, elves! She's unconscious right now but the native's still breathing!" Preston shouted.

The trio quickly move to the water well and look down to see the visor-lifted American standing up and the motionless female local floating on the water, with the help of Kuribayashi's compact flashlight.

"Hey down there, new guy! I thought you were a goner when we didn't hear an answer from you. How the heck did you end up inside the well, Prez?" The redneck stated with a small smile.

"Blame the big dragon for this predicament! And do you guys got stronger ropes or metal cables to get me and the elf out?"

"Hold on, Private Marlowe! We'll help you two out of there very soon!" called the JSDF leader. Within two minutes, the human soldier and unconscious humanoid are outside the well.

The US Army private make his way toward Redford's current position while the elvish beauty is being under the care of her village companions, along with more aid from Sergeant Kurokawa. Back at Sarge's location, he just finished reporting about the encounter with elves, dragon attacks, and estimated casualties to the civilians.

"Copy that Bravo One Charlie. Other than the eyes, was the dragon injured elsewhere?" asked Mike-One-Juliet thru the radio transmission.

"That's a negative, Mike-One-Juliet. We may have dented some of its armored scales and perhaps a few holes that poked thru the wings. Still however, that thing's as dangerous as ever." Redford then looked over at Preston in arm's reach. "Hey Marlowe, you alright?"

"I'm good to go, Sarge," replied the private. "Had we scare that animal off?"

Redford snorted, "More like it decided that we're more troublesome to continue its raid. Nothing we had with us could pierce that thick ass hide, and it moved too fast for the M3 MAAWS. We might need to hit it with a tracer dart first or use a heat-seeking missile, an armor-piercing tank round, or something bigger."

"Bravo One Charlie, what's the status of the Third Recon Team, over?"

"Third Recon Team reports only minor injuries at the present time, nothing worth noting." Redford looked questioningly at Preston who shakes his head. "Due to the destruction though, I'm considering a suggestion for Lieutenant Itami to inform Coda Village of this 'Flame Dragon' before returning to base. What's our policy on refugees, ma'am?"

"At this time sergeant, the coalition forces in the 'Special Region' are not taking in refugees."

"I'm not thinking about us taking them safely through the Gate to Japan, the U.S., or any other countries; but that dragon is certain to come back and finish the job. From what I heard from the Japanese superior, the villagers are going to move to a new location. As far as I can tell however, the elves don't have enough resources to take care of everyone at this point. They could lose half their remaining numbers before setting up something permanent for themselves. I'm asking if we can escort them back to the main fort and help them organize a new village somewhere a bit nearby?" Samuel communicated.

"I'll say it again, Redford. Allied policy on refugees right now is to leave alone any of them, unless permitted by the international authorities currently on this world."

The African-American talks again. "Well in that case, can you notify one of our top officers abou-?"

"And very recently, a directive is given to all six recon units to not pick up any or all displaced individuals at all times... period!"

"Eh-, wha-, you can't be tha-!"

"Listen, sergeant! I don't like the idea of leaving them to their terrible demise any more than you do, but we have yet to further amplify our logistics through a single route for over 30,000 international soldiers. Not to mention dozens of captured prisoners and several native civilians under our care with limited supplies available for them. And most importantly, orders are orders: USA, Japan, Russia, and so on. Tell the JSDF lieutenant to warn Coda Village and report back to base ASAP. Understood?"

Redford growled, "Understood, Bravo One Charlie out."

Marlowe is stunned at what he has eavesdrop. "Sarge, are they really...?"

Samuel sighed, "Hate to say it, but that's the order to follow. I'll relay this news to the recon leader." Very shortly, he spotted the JSDF medic walking toward them while waving her right hand and slightly smiling. Redford wave back a little. "Yes, Sergeant Kurokawa?"

"I'm here to check on Private Marlowe's injury on the head, sir." The servicewoman in English said.

Preston responded, "Huh, you really think the concussion I had ju-?"

"And bringing a message from Lieutenant Itami saying that he's sorry for dropping a bucket on your head while you're in the well, private."

"Oh... well then, I accept his apology, miss. It was nice for him to find me soon than later... although I was awake from being knocked out and about to test my radio equipment when that piece of wood landed on me."

Mari chuckled a bit. "Eh, eh, oh dear. That must be a bit embarrassing for you to experience, isn't it?"

"Uh... probably it was, but I'm not going to let something that trivial slow me down."

The Sarge soon asked the lady. "Ms. Kurokawa, do you know where the recon commander is right now?"

"Actually, I do. Itami is at the front entrance of this village where he makes preparation for escorts for these people," she answered.

"Escorts you say?"

"Certainly, ser-"

"Hey Sarge, the folks here are about halfway moving out of this place! I heard from Sweats here that you're allowed to speak with Miss July for the hippie leader, right?" George said as he join in along with Terrence and gaining attention from the trio.

"That's correct, Haggard. I just got new instructions for this recon mission," the American officer stated.

"So, what's the latest course of action to take for Youji? I mean eventually, we're all going to hear the mandates from him at any time once he got them." Sweetwater spoken.

The US army officer look at the nearby soldiers and decided to reveal the news to them. "Ugh... fine then. The orders for the JSDF lieutenant are to alert Coda Village about the red dragon and then return to the main fort ASAP."

"A-S-A-P? Uh... Redford, I don't think we're heading back to base quickly as we protect the elves to safety," informed the eye-glassed private.

"Well... that's the thing: we'd been denied to bring in refugees."

"Wait... denied?" asked the redneck.

The Sarge reconfirmed, "Yes, we're not escorting the villagers as ordered by the top brass from all participating nations."

Haggard, Sweetwater, and Kurokawa are shocked by the message being received. Marlowe commented, "Looks like this international command is not popular to everyone right here, Sarge. Even Miss July wasn't thrilled to say it."

"Still, I need to have the recon leader know about this." Redford began to walk toward where the Japanese commander is currently positioned in, followed by the other four.

"Then where can they get aid without us at this time?" Terrence asked. "We can't just abandon them here on their own!"

"Like the dispatch officer said: no refugees," came the angry reply.

Instantly, the American sergeant felt a grip on his right arm by the left hand of the Japanese medic. "Sergeant Redford!" He turn his head to see an unhappy face on the lady. "Your team has fought fiercely against that dragon to help my colleagues rescue as many villagers as we could. Your actions here had made the lieutenant act quicker in order save them. We all battled hard to drive the animal away and deliver the survivors to safety. I did my best effort to successfully treat their injuries... but also counted the charred remains of their beloved members from this community. And now we've been told to leave them as is, only for the locals to end up dead?!"

"Sergeant Kurokawa, can you please let go of your hand?"

"But... all that hard work... the good we did for these people... and to see that effort being wasted? This doesn't sounded..."

"Mari... your left hand if you wouldn't mind?" Samuel moves his right arm a bit to signal the female medic to release her grip. Recognizing how difficult it is to change his mind, Kurokawa let go of her hand with frustrating feelings.

Well that could had been said for Haggard as he positioned himself in front of Redford to stop walking. "Now hold on a minute! We all know that these folks need help by the looks of it. WE can help, then why can't we do that for them?"

"Because Allied Command says we can't, that's why."

"Pffft, so we're going to follow the script like any... good... company? Well forget about that darn command! We're 'Bad Company,' and we wouldn't be here right now if we kept on obeying orders given to us!"

"Honestly Haggard, I still have some irritations on your recent shenanigans such as that racing game you had started."

The Texan noticed. "Oh... would that matter to the elves here? 'Cause if we DID stick to the same boring recon routines again, then the same isolated people might all be cooked alive to ashes by the red dragon - without somebody like us to interrupt. Besides Sarge, you know this is the right thing to do."

The African-American stood in place as he weighs in the options. On the other hand, Mari is slightly confused on the words 'Bad Company' and disobedience; leading her to wonder about these American soldiers. Before she can say anything, Redford asked her about her commanding officer other than being an otaku and a hero of the Ginza Incident.

"Hmm... regrettably sir, I have little knowledge on my leader's personal history in the self-defense force... or any record of him disobeying orders."

Redford sighed, "Well that's just typical, isn't it?"

"Still... there is a chance of him actually defending the elves out of good will, instead of strictly following the command."

After some time thinking, the Sarge scratch his helmet-covered head in frustration and then reveal his decision. "Ma'am, I'm still going to tell him about the directives." They sadly look him. "However, what comes next is up for the lieutenant to take. And if he does obey the orders to the letter, well..." The four audience stare at him with surprise. "...then it matters not to us B-Company here. We'll escort the refugees anyway and probably ask for air support, regardless of them being authorized or not. The way I see it now, it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission." The three Americans smiled a bit at the statement, although the Japanese medic slightly feel worried about the US group going to protect the elves if her commanding officer say yes to the given instructions.

Immediately, the communication devices come alive. "This is Lieutenant Itami to Sergeant Redford, do you copy?"

"Redford here, what is it?"

"I uh... need your opinions on what to do with the... natives here."

"Wait, my opinions?"

At Youji's location, the Japanese officer is with the Russian master sergeant face-to-face; whose BTR-82A has arrived at the village entrance a few minutes ago. "Yes, Kamarov here has some concerns with the escorting idea. Aside from it not being stated in our recon duties, he reasoned that providing protection to the slow-moving convoy would makes us vulnerable to future attacks from the returning flame dragon. Yet with no defenses, the elves will surely be destroyed whenever the red beast comes. And so, what can you say about this dilemma?"

It took around ten seconds for the US Army officer to reply. "Hmm... first of all sir, I received orders from the coalition to notify Coda Village about this fire dragon and then drive back to base as soon as possible. If time is of the utmost importance, then logically we would have to leave in an instant. Unfortunately, the elves would be on their own and may not survive another heavy assault. As for the choice to escort them, yeah... I can see the risks that we would put ourselves into without additional support. In the end though, it's your call as leader of this international group."

The JSDF lieutenant takes the time to congest the American's answer and the objectives for the reconnaissance mission.

"Well, have you made your decision yet leytenant?" Kamarov asked.

Soon, the Japanese commander answered through the radio for Redford. "Hey, does anyone remembered the purpose of this scouting party?"

The US military sergeant responded, "I sure do as a matter of fact. The objective was to win the trust of the local populations and gather information of this world; but you should know that as well. Why pick that question?"

"Indeed, sir. Most of us already understand the main priority," commented the Russian officer.

Youji explained, "Well then. If we leave them to die with a cold heart, would that make us any different from the Imperials who attacked Tokyo with no mercy... or even the bad deeds made by our imperial ancestors in the two World Wars?" A pause exist as the listeners contemplate that insight.

"Out of curiosity, Itami. Do you realize the atrocities that your people made before and during the Pacific Theater of the Second World War?" Dimitri asked.

"Ugh... well... back in my school years, there aren't a lot of textbooks that really discussed or acknowledged the war crimes made by the military leaders and soldiers under our name as an empire. I'm not exactly great in history stuff or really don't care about the past; but if anyone wants to point out that there's an effort in Japan to cover-up those shames, then be my guest since I could confirm it at the very least."

Several seconds of waiting later... "So where do we go, in light of this... acknowledgement?" Redford questioned.

"Hmm... we do have reporters back in our world wondering about my military's actions. Thus... if the JSDF can show that we have learned from our imperial mistakes, then guarding these people will do." Anyone listening to him is quite surprised.

"It all sound noble and all, but there's the drawback of getting burned by the dangerous flying creature if it locate us." Kamarov reminded.

"I know about that risk. Nevertheless, I can also see the long-term effect in making friendship with the locals. Now then Recon Team Three, let's resume aiding the elves." Itami ended with a smirk.

Back at Sarge's whereabouts, the sergeant slightly smile at the newer direction while the other US soldiers and Japanese medic feel glad that they can be of use for the rest of the outdoor investigation.

"Well, looks like this lieutenant liberal does have some guts to something fairly good!" Haggard exclaimed.

"Actually private, he might be more in between liberalism and conservatism." Kurokawa countered.

"Eh... whatever."

"Alright everyone, continue aiding the residents as stated by the lieutenant," commanded Samuel as the soldiers started moving. Suddenly, he realized something. "Ah dog!"

"What, Sarge?" Sweetwater wondered.

"I didn't figure out how dumb I was in not using the radio comm sooner!" Small laughter among the personnel follows the unexpected awareness.

"Anyway though, I would like to have Mr. Marlowe follow me to the medical equipment back in the JSDF vehicles," the female sergeant informed.

"Is this related to his head injury, ma'am?"

"Certainly it is, Redford. As well as recognize any symptoms showing up as he walk behind me."

The confused new guy said, "Uh... Sarge?" Haggard and Sweetwater giggled at the situation.

"Just go along with Kurokawa, Marlowe. I need to be sure that you are really in good shape when another attack happens."

"Got it, Redford." And so, Preston proceed to follow Mari for a medical check-up. Out of the blue however, he got something in his mind to say. "Kinda think about it Sarge, you did ask for permission."

The African-American glare at him, "Marlowe... just shut it."

Forty minutes later, the humanoids are closer to pack up what they could and then leave the half-ruined settlement for a new start elsewhere. The elvish leaderships have accepted the offer from the recon lieutenant to travel to the large military installations on Alnus Hill. In one area, two Humvees and the BTR vehicle were assembled and waiting for the convoy to begin.

"Anything on your end, Sergeant Redford?" asked a calm Kamarov.

"Nothing usual here so far... apart from the fuel mileages within the Humvees and the personal conversations," the American replied. "And you?"

"Same here, if not for the differences between our fuel cells inside the BTR and your hybridized vehicles."

"So how does that compared with 3/4 of fuel left inside our cars here?"

"Last time we Russians checked today was around 5/6 of methane gas contained, excluding the spare fuel cans."

Sweetwater comes in and curiously said, "So, how commercialized are these fuel cells you Russians had made?"

"First of all you Amerikanskiy, these fuel cells are not for sale and only just refiner prototypes in trial production. Secondly, these power systems are exclusive to our armies of the Motherland and a few energy sources are compatible like hydrogen and methane fuel."

Haggard enters the scene and heard some of the details. "Methane... like natural gas or farts you say?"

The starshina look at the redneck with a slight irritation. "Da... something like that you childish Yankee."

"Hmm... okay, Ruskie. Let me know if you need more fuel for your engines, 'cause I got lots of natural gases... out of my rear end!"

Sweetwater laughed, "Eh, ha, ha, ha, ha, eh, eh, yea- oh woah, woah, what - those are army rations, man!"

A recent Yuri commented, "Technically, every supply and equipment under military control are subjective to being rationed."

"Oh sure... like rationing my asshole! Ha, HA!" Johnny pronounced who has just arrived. The three foolish US soldiers are having a good laugh, although the Russians are not quite fond of this... and so does the American sergeant.

"Come on, anybody! Pull my finger! And here, here it is! And here, and here!" Haggard is moving his trigger finger as a dare for somebody to catch it with his/her own trigger finger.

Redford had enough of this silliness, "If you take one... step... farther today, I SWEAR I'm gonna shoot the three of your dumb-asses!"

Silence followed... until Terrence spoke up. "The Army take away your sense of humor when they give you your stars and stripes?"

Haggard mumbled, "Pull my trigger finger here. Come on. Come on, Sarge." He then felt a couple of knocks on his right shoulder and turn to see an annoyed Mirenda.

"George, that's enough."

Several minutes goes by and the refugee columns are now on the move. The human recon party are in escort formation, accompanying the humanoid migrants as the daytime began to transform into nighttime.

As for a different night - Back on Earth and somewhere on the U.S.-Mexico border...

A US Border Patrol station in the middle of a desert landscape and half a mile from the border walls... or what's left of them since there are extensive damages that indicated the use of explosives, powerful direct-energy weapons, unknown sonic devices, and other destructive tools done by these secret intruders rumored to roam within both the United States and Mexico for several months. Besides those heavy scars on the fabricated barriers, painted graffiti are all over the concrete remains and other broken walls along the national border as reported by many patrol units. The writings were like this:

"Billions of tax dollars on these barriers all gone down the money drain!" "5 years to build up the walls, 5 minutes to tear it down!" "Hey! Does anyone remembered the Maginot Line, Atlantic Wall, or the Berlin Wall?" "Is this place once Mexico/'Native' lands?" "A nation of immigrants trying to keep immigrants out... ironic, isn't it?" "Make America Great Again... as Bullies! ...Polluters! ...Corporate Tyrants! ...Greedy Liars! ...Murderous Racists! ...um, what's up with your corrupt 'American' Dreams?"

These and similar criticisms are repeated in many different languages and their dialects such as English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Hebrew, Irish, Italian, Korean, and a very alien one that no one on Earth has seen before. With funds to rebuild the border fabrications halted due to public backlash on the failed promises and more concentrations by all levels of government and building companies to renovate their infrastructures, the modern ruins remained standing.

Returning to the scene at the law enforcement facilities, two agents had finished their dinner meals on a table and are listening to the recent news across the globe and within their country by TV news channels (The latest hi-tech nuclear reactor in China to successful use spent nuclear waste as fuel, more electric grids in the United States to be EMP-shielded - along with ongoing installations of micro-grids powered by renewable energy in many cities and towns around the globe, newest breakthroughs in commercialization of artificial photosynthesis in nanotechnology and genetic engineering, invasion of North Korea by large unknown forces, local encounters with unfamiliar 'swarms' in several countries, number of boats missing, the price of excavated petroleum is now nine dollars per gallon, more vicious assassinations on controversial/irresponsible politicians and industrial officials, etc.). As they sat on the chairs chatting and waiting, one of their superiors alert them of an activated rescue beacon and its location. Being the only ones available at this time, the duo shortly move out of the main building and enter a 4X4 sport-utility vehicle parked on the station's motor pool. While driving to the beacon site in the quiet desert, the patrol agents passed by multiple remnants of these constructive dividers (either steel or concrete).

Sporadically in the past months though, the two men and their compatriots had also came across wreckage of pick-up trucks and disassembled corpses alongside their mangled firearms and machetes. Sometimes, there were cameras, smartphones, and/or camcorders lying around these bloody spectacles that provided clues to what has happened. Very often however, the details from the video are very... brutal - even when most of the victims were vicious criminals and/or hostile extremists. Any attempt to secure those trespassers has frequently leaded to empty results since the unknown interlopers somehow disappeared when spotted. Then there's the reports on the gruesome deaths of police officers in many areas along the border zones, who happened to be very corrupted as evident in their exposed connections and deals to various crime lords - both at home and abroad for too long. In a weird way, the patrolling guards felt somehow sympathetic on how these lawbreakers die; despite them being out of the picture for goodness sake. Additionally odd was the decreased number of migrants from Central and South America coming to the United States, which correlated to drops in criminal activities where those nefarious organizations stated to have staggering losses due to fighting with each other and the 'aliens' that intervened (the latter took the bigger piece of the pie). For the disturbing part notwithstanding, more eyewitnesses during the past several months have reported sightings of men and women wandering all over North America and described as... wrong: illuminated color lines, deteriorated skin layers, electronic sounds, hand-held light machine guns, and other abnormalities that made them more machines than people. Speculations about their identities ranges from alien robots shaped to be human-like to hopeless drug addicts converted to mindless mechanized terminators by some means.

About four miles later, the law-enforcement automobile has arrive yards away from the rescue beacon site... except for the fact that the border patrol agents slowly stop the car when they notice the people at the transmission source thru night-vision instruments: A Latin American family of four... and one cloaked figure. As the duo walk closer with their armaments, they noticed that a man, woman, boy, and girl had their mouths taped and hands and feet tied up behind them while the darken individual (standing next to the family) has a ballistic assault rifle in one hand... and a full bag on the other. Not to mention the various equipment and gears lying around the beacon structure.

"What the hell is this?" One agent questioned.

"Why not ask that shady guy over there, Jackson?" said the other officer of African-descent.

"Fine with me, Staff Sergeant Griggs."

"Huh, ain't the both of us still has some Marine spirit inside." Griggs slightly smirked.

Soon, the shrouded person walks towards them.

"Halt! Don't move! ¡Detener! ¡No te muevas!" Jackson shouted as he pointed his Remington Model 870 shotgun at the approaching character, which quickly stop by the warning.

"US Border Patrol! Drop the gun and the package now! ¡Deja caer el arma y el paquete ahora!" The dark-skinned agent with an M4A1 Carbine yelled too.

In response... the unidentified individual let go of the items and raise both hands up.

"That's it buddy. Just don't mo-"

Suddenly, a loud squeal of a pig is heard coming from the direction towards the Mexico side of the border.

"What the...?" Griggs was a bit surprised by that but quickly resume his duties. "Agent Jackson, keep an eye on him while I'd get these fellows out of their binds."

Jackson acknowledged, "Roger that."

Even so, the squealing from an animal continues to be heard... and it seems that the sound is getting louder and probably closer to the officers' location. The African American serviceman lower his carbine as he move closer to the frightened family. "No te preocupes, te sacaré de aquí!"

At the same time, the other law-enforcer still points his shotgun at the cloaked person and analyze the outfit closely. Rugged hooded jacket, bandana mask, yellow night glasses, dirtied button shirt, pants, metal... boots? Jackson recognizes something odd and look at the trespasser's face to discern more features. Just then, he felt a couple of taps on his right shoulder and turn around... only to see nothing that was behind him. The border patrol agent return his sight on the shady character, when another concealed individual instantly appear out of the blue by deactivating its invisible cloak and quickly put a hand on his mouth and a chokehold on the human officer with a forearm. As this unfolds, the first veiled encroacher effectively grab the Model 870 from the agent's hands and aim at the man without firing while the other one drag him backwards.

Simultaneously, Griggs also got captured in the same way by two more hidden intruders as he was just about to untie one of the migrant group. As the two agents are being dragged to a spot several feet walking distance from the latino family, four additional characters disable their cloaking equipment near the parents and children while the captors take their hands off from the men's mouth. "Hey! You guys just earn yourselves some serious penalties for assaulting border patrols!" The dark-skinned personnel shouted.

"What do you want from this?!" Jackson questioned these violators. Before a response however, the squealing is heard once more and much louder. The origin of the sound becomes very clear when a quad bike slowly arrive with a 650 pound feral boar trapped in a net and being towed by the rear. The driver in comparably concealed clothes exit the vehicle, disconnect the towing ropes, and haul the panicking pest in the direction of the now shotgun-wielding individual. The trapper said in a language unknown to the humans in the area and in warped male noises.

"Generally speaking, things had gone according to plan," the first interloper said in clear English though also more electronic than natural and in a male voice. Both human officers are confused by such eloquence and distortion.

"Uh... sir, are you sure you want to stick in English today?" The one with the dangerous pig asked while the animal keep on squealing.

"At the very least for these two gentlemen of the United States to understand the situation."

"Hmm... fine," acknowledged the driver while keeping in check on the rowdy creature. "Can I kill this voracious thing right now?"

The shadowy figure holding the Remington shotgun look around the location to account for his squad and the humans. "You're clear to go, operative."

"Good riddance." Soon, the dark-covered person stroll to the entangled feral hog that is trying to kick and bite as much as possible. The first thing being done is grabbing one of its hind legs with hands and in a position to... rip that limb out. The animal cries in pain as its leg is being pulled out of its body... and the shrouded individual did it with ease. As blood come out of the wound, the human-shaped figure proceed for the other hind leg of the screaming organism to tear off. The masked outsiders view the bloody scene with no emotions being shown while the humans are shock at the brutality with such strength against a menacing life-form. Once the hind limbs are gone, the killer proceed to repeat it on the now hapless creature's two front legs. After those body parts are torn away, the merciless individual then stomp hard on the boar's belly that substantially damage the rip cages and inner organs. The doomed animal yelled in agony as the slayer target the head for the death blow... which translate to pulling apart the upper skull from the lower jaw. Ultimately, the pig's head is easily removed and thus ended the torture.

The restraint migrants are outright horrified by what has happened to the once problematic organism and what fate has in store for them. For the curtailed men who were former US marines however, rage slowly begin to simmer inside their souls as the gruesomeness reminded the duo of the innocent victims remorselessly killed by the enemies in the Middle East and Afghanistan or some really bad apples within the American military forces. What's different here is that this dangerous animal was tortured to death by the bare hands of these unknown trespassers. The two all knew how hard it is to keep these prolific pest from hurting people, destroying crops, and devastating the local ecosystems that supported both of them. Still, it looked very wrong on how to properly end the life of a feral beast.

"Shit, man! That's some heavy issues you got on just one animal," stated the African-descent agent.

"An introduced animal that represent one of many legacies of the European Colonization of the Americas," the presumed squad leader noted.

"Oh... sure it is, but so does that family being taken hostage, my friend here, and myself on this land of legacies!"

The commanding individual look at him for several seconds. "Okay... do you have a quick summary about yourself?"

Griggs is puzzled by that. "Fine then, you well-mannered son of a bitch! I'm Agent Griggs of the US Border Patrol and former Staff Sergeant of the US Marine Corps. I had fought overseas for a country that has over 230 years of existence with the notion that all men are created equal! You may or may not be aware right now, but my ancestors were once slaves to the Southern plantations before the inception of the grand republic. In the many decades since then, the issue of freedom and slavery for my kind had been hotly contested, which culminated to the American Civil War where escaped slaves and freedmen join the fight to end that 'peculiar' institution. We succeeded, but soon faced the challenges of finding economic opportunities and the racism of former masters for over a century. And yet we still fought for the loyalty of our country, albeit the Taming of the Wild West, Spanish-American War, the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Civil Rights Movements, and so on! America today is a better nation than it was in its previous history, and yet problems related to our blackness keep on coming. Still, African-Americans like myself and my friend Jackson continues to rise up and confront that sin of our nation while upholding its noble principles!"

Jackson corrected, "Actually Griggs, I'm half African and ha-"

"Alright, alright! That's good enough," the squad leader intervened. "So... what are your questions again?"

Both the captives are surprised again. Griggs asked, "Alright you polite bastard. So what did this poor family do to you to deserve being tied up?!"

"Nothing really; they just got lost in the inhospitable wilderness as the illegal migrants travel to the 'Land of the Free' for a better future. My squad detected the bewildered fellows for some time before taking them to the nearest rescue beacon, which is how we got here."

"That's... uh... a strangely nice thing to do... for wanderers who bound people against their will and beating up tough animals to a gory pulp," said Jackson.

The character holding the Model 870 resumed, "What can I say? These four-legged pests are quite troublesome with their destructive habits on every environment that they reside in."

"So does Argentine and Fire ants, Asiatic carps in the Midwest rivers, Burmese pythons in Florida, and other invasive species that I had no time to talk about."

"Eh, eh... true indeed. Nevertheless, that execution on that boar tonight was primarily done as a show of force."

"Wait... show of force?" voiced the former staff sergeant.

"Correct... oh, I should have mentioned using the confused family as an opportunity to gain your attentions on our capabilities."

"Well, you certainly succeeded in making us aware... jackass," Jackson remarked. "Speaking of strengths, how are you guys able to crush the thick hides of the feral hog without a sweat involved?"

The unknown leader signal one of his subordinates to grab a battery-powered lantern and hand it to 'him.' Once obtaining the light device and turn it on, the commanding figure place it on the ground and then remove the yellow night glasses to reveal the 'eyes' while in a crouching position. As soon as the restricted pair analyze the exposure carefully, it didn't take long to realize that those 'eyes' are more like optical camera lenses than real biological organs; and are surrounded by metal pieces akin to being... a machine. "You could say that we're not biological human to begin with," answered the synthetic being who put back the glasses and stand up.

"Now that's... just... FUBAR," Griggs exclaimed. "So who the hell made you then?!"

"Honestly, that's a long and complicated story to tell and you don't have much time here to listen the countless details that were thousands of years in the making."

"Thousands... of years?"

"Yes, and in a different universe with a different Earth."

The two Americans are dumbfounded on what that revelation means. Unexpectedly, they smell odors of something being... cooked. It turns out that the pork killer is now heating up every body parts of the dead hog by the use of an energy weapon in microwave setting. "Hey boss! Haven't they seen the trophies inside the bag yet?"

'Trophies?' thought the U.S. officers still in the strong grips of the mechanical captors. In a reply, the robotic squad leader walk to where the bag fall down, pick it up, and move back to the human agents. Once there again, the conscious machine uses its hand to take out four boxes from the fabric container one-by-one. They're about the adult-size of a human head and oddly enough... each got a different name and yet share a name at the same time: Ryco, Malina, Carlos, and Vida of the Escadon family.

Jackson quickly recognize one of the names. "Ryco Escadon? Why named a box after a high-value lord from the Mexican drug cartels?"

To answer that, the same commanding intruder open the box with the said name and uses both hands to take something out in the open... revealing a human male head already decapitated from its anatomy and showing signs of torment. "To make things easier for recognizing the eliminated targets."

The border patrol servicemen are shocked at the unfortunate face that used to be a criminal leader. "Fuck... is that really Mr. Escadon?" Griggs questioned.

"Yes, it's the real deal. His identity had been verified with your law enforcement databases and beheaded... by me." The mechanical character then calmly put it back inside the box and firmly close the container. Immediately afterwards though, 'he' opens another box with the name Malina.

Jackson interrupted, "Who's head... was that?"

The bipedal construct resume by lifting the body part resembling a woman of beauty... with a rather large, scorched hole through her cranial forehead. "This here... was Ryco's wife. A big shame that she didn't forfeit her love with him sooner... before beating the lady to death like her husband when we showed up."

That grisly fact increasingly appalled the former marines who still maintained the respects for the rules of war on protecting unarmed civilians. Once again, the female head is placed back into the second box. As the other two containers are about to be open, Griggs speak up. "Don't you ever dare open those last two!" The synthetic leader paused for a moment, processing the indications from the agents that they must have encounter such nasty devastation on children during their time in war zones; and they don't want to be in a very bad mood when the servicemen see that shit-storm again.

Before making an action however, approaching sounds are heard in seemingly all direction. Sure enough, four fully armored tracked vehicles arrive while surprisingly making little noises. They looked like modified Bradley Fighting Vehicles in the eyes of the perplexed humans, but these tan-colored transport 'tanks' were designated as M118 Fastbacks (each armed with a 30mm auto-railgun for the main turret, mounted rocket pod holding three high-explosive projectiles, coaxial repeating plasma gun, and an AI-controlled dual shotgun turret on the rooftop to deal with infantry and even incoming missiles). After stopping, their rear hatches open down and armored soldier-like units are coming out with energy weapons and heavier armaments. These humanoids have mixed tan and gray color on their armor... along with plenty of clear signs that they are not truly organic. As this troop deployment happens, the covert leader then take the four boxes back into the bag without showing agitations - if any. "Looks like you gentlemen are spared today from seeing more... results of our controversial actions. Squad... release them!"

By that command, the clandestine group gradually let go of the Americans and untie the imprisoned family with care. Oddly enough, the duo are given back their weapons when they're free from the robotic grips as well as the parents and two children handed back their travel belongings. In haste, the agents head for the Latino immigrants to have them escort to the Border Patrol station under their care. "Vamos, salgamos de aquí amigos," Jackson recommended while beginning to walk to the SUV with no shots fired so far.

In an instant, three twin duct-fan aircraft (known as AH-80 Blackfoot gunships equipped with two plasma guns in the nose turrets, two quad-missile racks containing thermobaric warheads, and two rocket pods concealed inside the bottom hulls) flies above the area and direct their search lights attached to the nose turrets all over the ground. "Relájese todo el mundo, relajarse! Los helicópteros y los combatientes en el suelo no harán daño mientras los humanos no nos ataquen de ahora en adelante. So calm down and don't retaliate!" informed the shady 'android' for the alerted earthlings.

Jackson mumbled to his African-American friend as both resume walking to the patrol car, "Can that sneaky robot literally say such assurance after showing us their brutal capabilities?"

Griggs responded, "Paul, we're outnumbered and outgunned here; and we cannot have this family get caught in the middle of a gunfight."

The US border patrol officers and the migrants finally reach the sport-utility vehicle; and immediately put their possessions and then themselves inside. Unexpectedly, the humans soon sighted a mechanical behemoth three yards in front of them. It looked similar to an M1 Abrams tank and its variants, except for the blue circular lights on each side of the vehicle's four 'legs' (where there are actually levitation generators being enclosed) and the things yet unknown to the humans: high-powered plasma cannon, co-axial energy gun, two AI-controlled dual shotgun turrets, one concealed 25mm automatic grenade-launching turret, nano-enhanced composite armor, advanced battery system for five months before recharge, hidden high-efficient solar cells, high-tech hydrogen fuel cells, AI core in the 'driver' section, its title as M5A3 Blackhead, etc. The SUV's occupants are quite anxious about that dangerous vehicle without driving for a while. The synthetic squad leader walk to the right side of the car while still holding the bag. "Before leaving, do you officers wanted this bag of cartel heads here?" the artificial being has asked.

An irritated Griggs replied at the absurdity, "How about dropping the dead at our station's front door by yourself?"

"Hmm... fair enough."

"Huh?"

Radio broadcasts in the SUV interrupted further attempts on the strange meaning. "Watch Commander Vasquez to Agents Griggs and Jackson, report!" The border patrol personnel are not sure if it's a good idea to answer the call while in the mist of potential hostiles. "Griggs! Jackson! Come in!"

"Just answer your boss, gentlemen. You people are allowed to live through this night at least," stated the 'robotic' figurehead.

"Matt! Paul! Please respond!"

The mixed-ethnic personnel finally replied, "Jackson here, Commander Vasquez. Griggs and I had picked up migrants of a father, mother, and their son and daughter from the rescue beacon site. They may nee-"

"Yes, yes, we can provide their necessities when they come to the station! But we got more urgent problems on our plate here!"

"How... urgent?"

"Multiple unknowns at our east, west, and south side! And they're definitely not drug cartels judging by the descriptions vehicles that looked like modern battle tanks, IFVs, military trucks, SPGs, and even attack helicopters! I'm just glad that not a single shot was fired from both sides when these unidentified contacts halt their advance within 8 yards away! Rendezvous back to our facilities here ASAP for debriefings and then form a plan with others on what to do next! Do you two copy?!"

"We copy that, lieutenant!"

Five seconds of pause later... "Good, but we not in the Marine Corps anymore, Jackson. Vasquez out!"

Nonetheless, the wheeled car needs to deal with the Blackhead tank in the way (which has now transformed its four armored hover drives into... legs... standing with solid contact on the ground instead of hovering). The covert operator said once more, "I got one more message for all the people of North America today; regardless of nationalities, religions, hierarchies, and the moral spectrum of who's virtuous or not."

"Oh really... you self-righteous barbarian. And what would that be?" Griggs asked.

"Adapt with wisdom and integrity, or die with self-deceit and vanity."

The African-American was puzzled by that logic; considering on what he had just experienced. "That sounded more like a threat from a robotic killer."

"It's more relevant as a lesson from a powerful force... of nature."

"Wait... seriously?! You yourselves being a force of mother nature?"

"Not biologically speaking from your perspectives, but our formidable technologies and intellects are in parallel with great natural forces like mega quakes, super volcanoes, category-five hurricanes, solar flares, asteroid impacts, viral outbreaks, and... oh yes, humanity itself."

Jackson couldn't believe what was stated. "Whoa, whoa, hold on! Do you really think that our creations like the border walls are made natural?!"

"Perhaps... considering that the human species are products of the natural forces on this living planet. I may also add in the mighty changes you humans had made on this lonely... blue dot like the hundreds of skyscrapers in many cities, millions of miles of paved roads, the vast deforestation in every forest across the globe, high concentrations of carbon dioxide gases due to high consumption on fossil fuels, huge amount of garbage that poisoned... well... practically everything and everyone living on earth; and the thousands of... nuclear warheads that can annihilate this only home in the Solar System by a hundred folds."

"Uh... are you done being sarcastic? 'Cause two-thirds of them are very serious problems for us to resolve," Griggs said.

"Yes, I'm done; and it would be a huge disgrace for this beacon of democracy if your elected leaders, corporations, and military commanders make significant mistakes out of pure selfishness and false dreams."

"Hey, enough talks! Can you now let us go?" Silence was received. "Uh... please?"

As if by request, the bipedal construct signal the legged tank and other AIs to allow this Border Patrol vehicle to drive in an unblocked pathway. The armored vehicle soon proceed to... 'walk' to the side of the rugged road for an opening. "You're clear to go, Americans. Good luck." Immediately, the SUV drive on the unpaved route at moderate speed towards their base. While moving on the road, the occupants pass by more military units of tanks, IFVs, hovering aircraft, armored cars, self-propelled artillery tracked vehicles, and troops dispersed in the hundreds on both sides of the undeveloped pathway.

Back at the rescue beacon however, two commandeered and modified pickup trucks enter the area. "Sir, need a ride?!" exclaimed one of the humanoid drivers.

The undercover squad leader nodded and head to the nearest truck with the bag of beheaded brain-cases. "Didn't show them the decapitated heads of the criminal's children though," said the figure as he put the non-rigid container in the small back section behind the front passenger seat.

"If that were to happen, then we'd have had a much harsher verbal exchange with those servicemen that were supposed to be heroic peacemakers of this world." The driver commented while several stealth aircraft of multi-role Stalkers and Razorbacks fly above them.

"Sure, and probably be trapped within their anger for months on ends." At the moment, the whole squad are sitting on the trucks' open cargo bays.

"That could happen... but let's move on then. US Border Patrol station five miles away, yes?"

"Of course," answered the passenger while the car engines are instantly turned on. Still, he noticed the driver interact a high-tech gadget connected to the radio system. "Aren't we moving soon?"

"I know, sir. Let me... oh, good! A nice playlist of musics to activate... now." Appearing on the digital screens of both radio and hand-held device is a song.

---

Now Playing:

Edwin Starr - War (1970)

---

"You got to be joking?" said the robotic figurehead in a confounded posture.

War, huh, yeah
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Uh-huh, uh-huh

"This song has a very good rhythm, doesn't it?" commented the driver.

"Yes... an anti-war song expressed during the US military involvement in Vietnam!"

War, huh, good god
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing, listen to me

"So?"

"Then why pick that musical art when our countless military buddies are being deployed on this continent... in mass?!"

"Uh... just ignore the music, sir. The people here wouldn't mind."

"I would certainly give concerns on the ones getting the short straws in fiascos: the inhabitants of North America or us!"

"Hmm... let me start driving the truck, alright?"

In an instant, the two cars move towards the law-enforcement area at a mediocre speed as their mechanical armies, aircraft, and airborne armored warships spread out along the border zones on both Mexican and United States lands in the thousands. Not taking in the account of the other alien forces all over the Americas... or the vintage song against past military miscalculations continued to play out from the automobile's radio.

(War) It ain't nothing but a heartbreak
(War) Friend only to the undertaker
Ohhh, war, it's enemy to all mankind
The point of war blows my mind
War has caused unrest
Within the younger generation
Induction then destruction
Who wants to die, aaaaah, war-huh, good god y'all
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Say it, say it, say it

---

A/N: So yeah... expect more parts of future story chapters to be... 'ruined' when compared to the canon storyline of GATE: Thus the JSDF fought there.

Also - the lyrics of "War" belongs to songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.

1-24-2018 Edit: Elvish name changes.