Ghost Recon: The Gate War

by Skootmeister

2021, for 7 years relative peace has reigned over the world in the aftermath of conflict after bloody conflict. The Ghost Recon force takes on a seemingly inconspicuous mission in Japan. Fate however rolls the dice and soon the team, and the world, finds itself at war with an empire of might, monsters and magic. Once again, war has come to call the members of the Ghosts to action.

2. Growing Pains

If you were to ask any general of the 20th or 21st century about the chances of a Medieval army defeating a modern army, they'd laugh in your face. And rightfully so.

If you throw magic into the mix, they'd look at you confused. After all, what do you mean by magic? Do you mean magic tricks like pulling rabbits out of hats or waving a wand? Or do you mean the kind of magic that brings the skies raining fire down on one's head?

That didn't seem to be of a concern to the Coalition as they dismounted their vehicles to deploy on the ground and opening fire on the army ahead of them, more infantry simply walking through the Gate before being made ready to deploy themselves among their fellow soldiers. Using what time they had to set up machine guns, get tanks in position, and deploy more soldiers. The enemy in the distance did nothing, save for move shields up and some mage-looking fellows up to the front with a massive barrier. Behind the masses of soldiers were an assortment of large siege weapons dotted amongst them. Approximately 1100-200 yards away. Well within the effective range of the tank guns and IFV autocannons. Ballistae and catapults with personnel scrambling around them and placing objects in their holders in preparation to fire. Two being of particular note, so massive they were. If one had to hazard a guess the weapons were larger than a two story house. All behind a wide barrier. With those being the targets, the gathered vehicles opened fire. Tank cannons hurled their projectiles forth while the rapid-fire of autocannons followed suit. In the time the volleys were being let loose, more soldiers took up positions of cover, squads and weapon teams moving further ahead off the hill the Gate sat on to spread out their numbers. APCs and light vehicles following to give cover against supposed cavalry attacks.

"All units, hold fire. We aren't even scratching that damn thing!" Hazama's voice came over comms. "Looks like we need to play rough. Mount up and move in. IFVs, APCs, move in. Tanks hold for further orders, provide assistance until further orders." The mechanized attack needed time to organize bigger numbers as the forces flowing in from the other side could go no faster. With what was seen at Ginza, usual confidence was pushed aside by caution as no one knew what to prepare for. Magic barriers, giant legionaries, dragons that could spit gusts of wind, how could you possibly know what to expect?

Two elements were finally formed, each a mix of 12 APCs and IFVs that strode forth passing any infantry holding in place in the fields with light vehicles screening for them. They moved forward with a slow and steady advance in two flanking echelons to the sides of the oncoming enemy force. Within that time, the barrier came down. Hazama ordered them to hold fire regardless. Even if they managed to hit something, the barriers would come up in no time and the staring contest would continue with no discernible advantage. He would instead have the elements he had sent keep going forward while detaching a few tanks to make a flank from his left. The enemy forces began marching forward as well. The melody of simultaneous feet hitting the ground producing that familiar sound of armies on the move. The siege weapons remained in place as legionaries and nonhumans marched ahead. A few giants among them, they'd do the most damage to the armored vehicles, and were given the most attention as expected. The movement however did mean that there weren't as many mages able to protect the siege engines, many marching ahead with the army. This brought some comfort, so Coalition forces were comfortable waiting for their chance.

In time, the carriers reached approximately 800 yards from the enemy. Another couple hundred yards and they would be at the edge of the range of small arms fire. With that in mind the order came forth as the infantry again dismounted and took firing positions. The IFVs took positions to provide back up as the infantry moved forward. The lighter vehicles making way to skirt around the barrier and hit them in the rear with fast attacks, where the barriers were lacking. The order came for the tanks and carriers to once again open fire, so as to prevent any mages form offering meaningful resistance to the harassing attacks. In the midst of these developments, more vehicles had arrived in the moments of time spent positioning meaning more guns were ready to batter the shields. And this time a noticeable consequence was seen as the barrier seemed to flicker for a few moments. With that, Coalition forces were far more comfortable and kept up the fire. HMVs and Humvees let loose with their heavy machine guns and what grenade launchers could be unleashed. This in turn was met with retaliation from men with javelins turning posthaste and throwing their projectiles. This had no desirable effect in terms of stopping the attacks, but it did make the drivers skittish as some found their windows broken or some tires punctured. A few lucky strikes ended up piercing through the steel of the vehicles here and there. In time the massive force of the legion stopped, forming itself into a wedge to face at the flanking effects, and making themselves more stationary. Now the heavy guns could open up at will until those barriers went down.

The two oversized siege weapons let loose very visible and very concerning projectiles that soared a very long distance of about over 1100 yards. 1100 yards... the Romans did indeed have such contraptions way back in the day, massive oversized ballistae that could shoot from 100 meters to almost 1 kilometer away. So the fact these pseudo Romans had such contraptions was not surprising. When the shots slammed into the ground near the Gateside tanks and soldiers, they erupted into large swirls of flame that consumed anything caught within it. Immediately, men became walking torches as they scrambled around the area, screaming for the flames to be put out. No sooner than that, bolts the size of tree trunks fell upon them, as large crossbows, on wheels and far too big for normal hands were unleashed. While they did not explode into fire, they nevertheless caused mayhem as men scrambled to find some kind of cover, never mind the force of the impacts. Most of these were aimed at tanks. While they did not pierce the armor from the angles they hit, the damage was concerning as dents formed. Some even destroyed the tracks. Following this, a haunting sound reached the ears of the dismounts further ahead, like a swarm of enraged bees heading right for them. Some looked up to where the sound was coming from, and were met the same fate that befell the Spartans on the final day at Thermopylae, the army of English knight Edmund Mortimer at the Battle of Bryn Glas against Owain Glyndwr, and the many French Knights of the Hundred Years War. A hurricane of arrows. With this volume of them, it didn't matter if your body armor stopped them, because another would go into your head, neck, arms, wherever. Any that didn't take cover behind or scramble into the carriers in time either got lucky with an arrow in their arm or leg or became human pincushions. On instinct the tanks opened fire, sending high explosive rounds flying forward. The barriers of the siege engines still seemed to hold up compared to the barrier of the main force which seemed to phase in and out of reality more and more.

Next came the sounds of shrieks and roars that came down upon the Gateside forces. Dragons came down on them faster than they anticipated. Those breathing fire made passes over vehicles and infantry spreading confusion and mayhem. Some latching onto some vehicles and breathing onto whatever they thought would be most effective to hit, being ad-hoc some were driven off by concentrated small arms. Ice breathers shot their shards of ice at whatever they could, tearing through Kevlar and embedding themselves into whatever steel could be hit. Finally the wind breathers, the dragons that blew gusts of wind so strong, men were sent off their feet and skyward for the briefest of moments. Long enough to keep them off balance. Autocannons did what they could while any mounted 50 cals or whatever weapons could be fired peppered into the air with the various shots of small arms. But without dedicated anti-air units that had yet to arrive it was hopeless.

Thus the cycle began. The light vehicles, eventually joined by a few APCs would circle around and attack the rear, only to get pummeled by javelins and even a few magic spells before pulling back lest giants get their hands upon them. The soldiers up front in an awkwardly tense situation of a staring contest with men behind their shields with the barrier being the only thing preventing them from actually fighting. Tanks and other heavy vehicles on the hill maneuvering to make room for incoming reinforcements as they were hailed upon by siege weapons with their own barriers to protect them and dragons causing havoc until AA forces could arrive. Neither side could make a real move, but the Coalition was at a disadvantage with the siege weapons, something that could be solved with more men but meant more casualties from those already there as they poured through.

From the vantage point they took, the Ghosts could see the situation unfolding. It was like the beginning of Saving Private Ryan at the Gate, just had yet to get worse. Even though the Ghosts had already diverted from the main force and were racing to make it behind the enemy lines. One problem was occupying their minds, the result of this battle would mean nothing if they did not adapt to the fact that many of their new weapons would not function here. Never mind the fact that this was enemy territory. This was enemy territory in another world. There were NO satellites. They had NO air support. NO artillery. NO backup whatsoever. And that wasn't just exclusive to them, but the force currently here. If there was going to be a war, the Coalition had to make up for these things often taken for granted and find a way to move forward. Mortars, artillery and so many other tools of destruction had become so ingrained to the use of positioning and guidance systems, with soldiers relying on such tools to get their bearings, know who was where, and what to do. For all intents and purposes the lights were off in this world.

It was just the Ghosts out here. The rest of the force held back at the Gate. All they had besides their weapons and equipment? Their drones. Deployed after they were a good ways in the field.

Scott stormed through the darkness with his force in tow. The recruits and the previous members, with them was Rifleman Paul Smith, Rifleman Jennifer Burke, Gunner Salvatore, Gunner Marcus Brown, Grenadier Derrick Parker, Sniper Mike Kim, Grenadier Bo Jenkins, and Grenadier David Foster. While this was not the complete force of the Ghosts, it would be enough until the others arrived. They made a wide berth to the enemy, dragons had now made their entrance into the fray. After the tanks came through, two Russian Tunguska AA tanks followed in the convoy of Humvees and APCs, and more were sure to follow. So that was a solution for the dragons, but only a small one, and time was of the essence. All the Ghosts could hope for was that the Coalition could handle the rest while they got to work.

"Drones picked up a LOT of contacts. It's a whole force out there. No way we can take them head on." Kozak said, retrieving his own drone as if it were a loyal bird. Mitchell could see it in the Cross Com. The massive clumps of red diamonds looking like that purple pillow he saw on YouTube ads. He found himself wishing he had an AC-130 right now. Or at least an Apache.

"You let the ground pounders worry about that. Our job is to make it easier for them to fight. We'll start at the rear. We're going to hit those siege weapons, they're causing the most pain right now. " Scott answered. The sound of tank cannons firing again filled the air, with explosions occurring throughout the barriers. Following that, flaming rocks went soaring from the enemy and towards the Coalition, followed by bolts and rocks.

"That's more than just rocks and bolts. I'm seeing explosions over there, of the magic kind." Brown said.

"Ancient or not, those things are doing a number." Burke added.

"Looks like they've been divided into at least four sections out there. The two big ones with smaller scorpions with the other two holding catapults. With their dedicated crews." Scott began. "We have sixteen soldiers here… Ok. We'll split into five teams. I'll run Alpha with Foster and Burke. Ferguson, you'll be Bravo, with the other recruits. Ramirez will be Charlie, you got Nolan and Jenkins. Brown is Delta, you got Parker and Salvatore. Pepper, Diaz, Kim, and Hume will be Echo, they'll find a nice place to play sniper. Hit the enemy forces up ahead from the rear. Cause casualties to their archers. We kill the catapults and other targets of opportunity. If you can, snag possible HVTs. Beyond that it's search and destroy. Their army being all the way out there makes that easier."

The game plan was set. The teams picked their targets, and moved, the snipers and bazooka man took to one of the local hills. "UAV has the archers. More elves. Think this is a specialist thing, sir? Like the Roman auxiliaries?" Ramirez asked. The Roman army had two kinds of soldiers. Legionaries and auxiliaries. The former consisted of citizens whose role was primarily backbone infantry with gladius and scutum, doing most of the fighting. The latter were not citizens, but took specialist roles, like spears, bows, cavalry, slingers. Given the makeup of the army that attacked Ginza, it made sense to declare it as such. But Mitchell didn't jump to conclusions.

"Maybe. It's strongly possible and there's nothing stating otherwise."

"Also, we got some cavalry and units back with the siege weapons. Likely crews and security forces... a giant among them.

"Don't stress over it, Ramirez. In these fights, they'll be focused on the ground. Even the dragons, considering the fact that all our forces are ground based." Scott answered. Watching as the Tunguskas and freshly arrived Type 87s in the distance shredded what dragons they could.

"Don't worry kid, you got Big Bo with ya." Came the voice of Bo Jenkins. "That big ugly bastard comes at us I'll give him something to play with."

…

"HOLD! Do not let up. Hit those damned contraptions, those carriages, whatever they are!"

While he would not admit it, the Legate felt concern of the battle he was faced with.

This was no enemy that would charge at him as many in the past have done. That was told by the survivors of the push into the Gate. It was when their wingless dragons of strange shapes and size appeared that the battle began to falter, and when the horseless chariots appeared, it was the breaking point. This enemy, rather than wield swords, spears and shields, used strange staffs given to every soldier. How did they work? Bah, that wasn't important. He had to go to them it seemed.

Shields were effective against these staffs, but to a limited extent. Get close enough or hit long enough, and they'd break through like nothing. And these iron elephants at the Gate, a blast from their nose, and a moment later, an explosion somewhere on the barriers. If that was on a clump of men or worse the ballistae... thank the Gods that the mages were here. All of them together would provide a strong buffer to the enemy. If they wanted the legions to leave, they'd have to come and get them. However, that barrier did prevent his own forces from returning the favor properly. While his large ballistae could shoot with impunity, the rest of his siege weapons had to wait. For the time being the plan was thus: Set the barrier, load the catapults, fire as the barrier went down after blocking shots, and the barrier would go back up. Repeat. Now the only way the otherworldly enemies could properly continue their assault was a straight charge, and it seemed that they were too squeamish to do so despite having maneuvered forces towards him to harass their rear. Despite this unfortunate reality, some mages were freed up to use whatever spells could be made to hit them. The pilum of his men would not hold out forever, and against the larger contraptions seemed worthless. He was counting his lucky stars however. The siege weapons were making things hard for the enemy up ahead, and the giants in his ranks served as deterrents to the contraptions running around it seemed, not to mention their protecting of the enemy soldiers out in the open not too far away, otherwise they'd all be making a move If he got any closer, he was certain enemy forces still at the Gate wouldn't open fire lest they hit their own men. Right now the casualties were being inflicted upon the dragons, something that couldn't stand regardless of the situation. This was the best plan he could come up with given the circumstances. He didn't have much time after the expedition returned from the other side. Much of it was time spent rallying and deploying units to form a fort to watch over this gate. Caution however trumped the overall effort as upon arriving, only a few were sent to build overtime as the majority of the army was preparing for any incursion. And with how quickly the enemy came it was probably for the best, otherwise they'd have been caught off guard. Such a situation would've been much much messier.

That being said, he had to make a decision. He couldn't wait forever. The half-dome shaped barrier was still holding firm, but that explosion helped put any carelessness the Legate had out of place. The barrier was still flickering out. The reserves of magicka his mages had was surely beginning to run out, and the potions they had to keep them plentiful would only do so much. Elven auxilia readied their arrows and unleashed the storm onto those close iron contraptions. The enchantments upon their arrows detonating into shards as they slammed into the contraptions. None were cut down by the staffs the enemy used in the distance, all were there, ready to be deployed as needed. About 480-500. This was tiny compared to the two legions of about 5,000 men each and still smaller than the two Dwarven auxilia, spears held tightly at the flanks in case the enemy found their courage to charge, but it was enough to rain hell. As for his own casualties, some men were fortunate to have died outright from these horrid weapons. It was a grim reality, but one that carried a comfort that he didn't have to allocate his mages and doctors to heal anyone just yet.

A dragon rider came to the Legate as he continued marching, fire sending one of those contraptions away. He it was clear he had possession of urgent news. "Legate! I have scoured the enemy's position. It is not in our favor." He said.

"Explain." The Legate ordered.

"Our catapults are not hitting the iron elephants, and more of the horseless carriages come from the Gate. Of all shapes and sizes. And the strange elephants that spit fire into the sky are growing in number! We're doing what we can to prevent them from attacking, but it's getting dangerous! Their foot soldiers are bearing the brunt of the casualties, but we are not slowing their flow. If we do not act now they will be able to move forward!

He was right, he had to do something. It hit the Legate. He would send an attachment of 200 of his auxiliary Elven archers around the side and behind the enemy. Even if some firepower was removed, the enemy would continue to hit their foot soldiers. The giants would follow them and slam into the forces up ahead, eating the attention of the hostile contraptions. They were not invincible, that much was known. But their mass and movement would be enough to prolong their actions, and hopefully their proximity to the enemy would deter retaliation from outside sources. And in the end, this maneuver would surely bring immense pain upon them. He himself ran back to the archers, who were already loosing another volley. "So be it, get your men out of here, you've taken enough loses from their contraptions. Go back to your original posting, rest and recuperate. You've done enough. AUXILIA!" He shouted. "ELVES, CAVALRY! WE ARE TO FLANK THE ENEMY AND HIT THEM FROM THE SIDE!" The volunteers immediately set forth before him, placing arrows in their hands back into their quivers. The Legate himself making for his horse with his bodyguards and whatever cavalry he could spare from the main force.

Suddenly, more loud noises characteristic of the enemy weapons rang out, and the archers were hit in the back. Like a series of dominoes they fell, while any who weren't falling were either beginning to fall or were making for the front or some kind of cover. Hitting the dirt. But those contraptions weren't behind them again. They were back around being tended to as best he could tell. The Legate searched around frantically. "W-where… how?" The men accompanying him were hit by some unseen force. They fell from their horses, holes in their armor and seeping blood. He scanned the landscape with great urgency, and saw at least a dozen flashes in the grass, the enemy was behind them! The exact tactic HE was about to do. "They are behind us! Get a mage or two down here. Get them off us!"

To his relief, it seemed the forces still at the siege weapons heard the commotion and were sending their own security forces to investigate themselves. That freed up the Legate's attention as he went back to his own concerns. The order was heeded as the legionaries and auxiliary Dwarves stormed into the grass. Suddenly, save for the fighting behind them, silence fell. The soldiers ran forward to where the flashes were seen, and stopped, checking the area. A Dwarf trained his spear towards a patch while the rest continued to move. Slowly and carefully. Most together in clumps forming a circle of shields to prevent attack from either side.

Suddenly, one in the front was dragged down below the grass line without a sound. His comrades ran to inspect, but when they got there, he was dead. His neck snapped. Four more were instantaneously sent to the ground, a single hole leaking blood in each of their head. "Come out! Come out and fight!" One yelled. No response.

"Dammit, they're playing games! FIND THEM!" A Centurion yelled. The soldiers who had torches threw them into the grass, hoping to get whatever was attacking to be scared out. But to their shock as the flames spread, nothing was found. A soldier a distance from his group conjured up a novice level flame spell. A basic beginner's spell that unleashed a gout of fire at short range into the grass, his comrades eventually followed suit and copied his strategy. If the enemy won't come out willingly, then they would force them out like rats. Yet he was suddenly dragged in the same fashion as the previous comrade. Again his neck cracked. Two more fell, holes in the head. "What is going on?! Stay together!" The barking of the tribunus laticlavius came, second in command to the Legate himself staying with the siege weapons. One by one the soldiers who went to investigate the grass fell, The best the soldiers could do is clump together and hope they didn't get hit while they burned the fields.

The cavalry there came forth and ran in the fields in an echelon left formation. The mounts readying their own spell of flame, the rows of fire growing longer and longer before spreading outwards as the cavalry left. "If that doesn't stop them, nothing will." The Legate's fears eventually abated as his men ceased falling like flies. A few men stayed behind with spells of frost at the ready, another novice spell but one that spat forth chilling cold, to keep the flames at bay from his own forces. And finally, a giant strolling the area keeping an eye if any more attacks came from the section to his rear right for escape came, he would know exactly where it was coming from and have a small contingent of cavalry ready to go forth. "AUXILIA! FOLLOW ME!"

...

"Dammit dammit dammit!" Kozak cursed. "There's too much smoke, can't get a good look at them. Magnetic vision won't work unless we're right in the fire, and near that goddamn giant!"

"Not to mention hitting them from the right over there is gonna leave them able to hit us back." Diaz said over comms. "Best we can do is maneuver and wait."

"It's back to basics. Echo, keep eye on the forward elements. Put whatever fire on them you can but don't risk being found. Alpha through Delta, we're gonna play mind games. We may not be able to see them but we have a general idea of who's where. Change of plans. Bravo through Delta, you take positions on these hills. The CROSS-COM will do the rest. Burke, Foster, you're still with me. We're gonna take all the flashbangs and C4 we can from our colleagues and make our move." The Ghosts made their way around the inferno and to the area that had yet to be engulfed. Soldiers were letting forth ice spells to keep the fire away. There was one target they could hit after the chaos had begun. The teams had grenade launchers among them, but not enough to hit all the engines, they wouldn't be fast enough either. It was here Mitchell thanked his thinking ahead. His team took the flashbangs and M112 C4 packs their fellows had and moved forth. If they moved slow enough they could get past any prying eyes as the gathered forces would be more focused on keeping the fire back and loading their weapons. The giant being outside was an added bonus. The most that were already there included the crews, security, and mages with the few cavalry.

There was one last advantage this would bring. When Mitchell and his two teammates got into the area, their CROSS-COMs would pick up the hostiles inside the area. It would increase the chances of the Ghosts hitting their targets rather than blind fire, endangering their own down in the thick of it.

"This is going to be one of the most reckless moves we've ever made." Mitchell began. "If you got machine guns, get them up and ready. You'll be covering us when all hell breaks loose."

"What about the flashbangs?" Came Ramirez.

"Buy us time. When hell breaks loose we throw as many as we can, and then toss the C4 in while confusion reigns. Then run like hell before they get their bearings about."

"That's some long odds even for us, sir."

"That's what we're here for. Get going." The three Ghosts got low, crawling as fast as possible through the breach between barrier and fire. They could hear the voices of the weapons crews as they ran about grabbing ammo and giving orders. Each man they saw showed up to their comrades on the other side of the fire as the recognizable red diamonds moving about. The crews moved back to their tasks very quickly to their credit. The sounds of tightening rope and wood before a call of loosing, then the TWUMPS of the weapons firing their payload into the distance. Mitchell himself was going for the furthest set of engines. They weren't too spread out from one another, but it was far enough to make the upcoming escape a daunting one.

"Cap, it's Brown. We're in place."

Mitchell made way past the third set of engines, almost to the last target.

"Ramirez here. We're in place too."

"Ferguson is right behind ya, ready to go."

"Okay Foster, Burke. You ready to go?"

Foster gave an eager, "You have to ask sir?"

"Don't be such a smartass foster. You know how much that screws up planning." Came Burke's sarcastic response. "We got it sir, throw the flashbangs while you get that C4 in place." That did it. An order came to Echo to open fire, drawing any extra attention away. Sniper fire elicited a response from the giant who growled before marching off, the cavalry following. After they made way, the sounds of the other teams opening fire hit their ears, the weapon crews being hit by rounds that otherwise may have been wild sprays into the smoke. Mitchell chose the moment.

"NOW! TOSS EM!" Flashbangs were tossed, the crews hearing them ping around after Mitchell's orders. The sounds of multiple bursts of deafening blasts and blinding light filled the air, causing any and all around to wince and cover their ears, falling over. The teams got up, putting lead into the mages and any crew members too close for comfort. Mitchell ran ahead with the M112 C4 charges he had, throwing them into the scorpions and catapults he could. "Okay that's it, go go go!" Mitchell turned, sending bursts into any mages he could before running off.

"Sir they're pissed. They're swarming at us."

"Push through, shred through them!" Came Mitchell's response to Foster's warning. Any weapon crews that came at them were put down, the rest either keeping back or running to try and get some sort of help. In this instance it was the giant and cavalry. Almost immediately the careful tactical approach became 'run for your life' as Mitchel switched to full auto and sprayed with a strafe at any standing crewmen with his MR-C. 50 rounds of 6.8mm caseless rounds at 900 rpm ruins anyone's day.

"Damn these guys are angry! GET OFF ME!" Burke's demand was followed by a man being tossed off of her, a burst into his chest after getting up quickly. "SHIT these guys are touchy."

"Set off your charges! now" Mitchell's order was followed by him making the first move. The sound of charges going off hit their ears as the first set of siege engines burst into bits and pieces. The second charges followed soon after sending one of the massive ballistae crashing down to its side, the entire thing now a useless collection of rope and wood and metal. "GO GO GO!" Storming forward with his teammates behind him, Mitchell watched the third set of C4 go off, the second of the large ballista being rendered inoperable. The side blown clean off. Finally, the final group of catapults and scorpions blown to bits as the Ghosts escaped the area, leaving the siege crews with no clear plan going forward. The gunners began firing into the oncoming cavalry coming at the retreating Ghosts, the giant right behind. Said giant seemed unconcerned with that however as he ran closer to the crew.

"Get down, I got this!" Bo Jenkins shouted hoisting the M-32. A shot straight into the giant's chest and the massive combatant began stumbling slightly, a loud groan emanating from him. "Yeah, come on big boy! I'm right here!"

…

Up ahead with the mounted elements, the barriers were close to collapsing it seemed as it flickered more and more and more. Up close, they had no choice but to open fire to keep them back. The formations within moving as fast as possible forming a wedge as the soldiers within maneuvered to face them. Orders came in for the tanks to get closer after unleashing another salvo, in turn allowing any supporting units with them to get even closer to the action. The plan was already falling to pieces with how much was changing in the short moments the battle began. To be expected as grim as it sounded. To put it bluntly, chaos was the order of battle.

"CHANGING MAGS!"

Coalition soldiers ran left and right to get good bearings on the enemy. The arrows had stopped, but those siege weapons were still going and the dragons didn't stop attacking. Itami was reloading his own rifle as one bore over his head unleashing a breath of ice spikes, peppering the land like an automatic shotgun and causing the his eyes to bulge. Screams were heard as other soldiers were hit. He couldn't bear to bring himself to see how bad it may have been. If he had, he would've seen that those hit by this attack would've had shards the size of fists lodged into their bodies, their protective equipment useless against such a force. If tank armor couldn't stop it, what makes you think Kevlar vests would? IOTV, PASGT, whatever, they're all equally vulnerable. The Gate wasn't safe at all, being hammered by the siege weapons. The forward elements with their IFVs and APCs likely weren't save getting so close to the approaching enemy.

This was Itami's first fight. And already the battle was weighing upon him. This was his first REAL battle. This wasn't some battle between a high lever sorcerer against low tier bandits in an RPG, or a tougher special forces soldier against sloppy terrorists in an FPS. This was real, bloody war. Pop out. Shoot. Get down. Pop out. Arrow flies by. Shoot. Get down. STAY IN COVER. "Oh shit… oh shit oh shit oh shit." He dropped his ammo from so much shaking. He never did this in training because even with all the yelling from instructors he knew it wasn't real war. He didn't expect to be placed into a real battle. He was gung-ho, sure. But so were so many other soldiers. And what happens next? They see the reality and are unwilling to fight. A dragon came swooping low to the ground, letting out a breath of fire. Itami wasn't in the way, the same couldn't be said for other soldiers though.

He tried to focus on what was in front of him, and not the screams of burning souls.

"INCOMING!" The yell heard loud and clear, troops ran for cover as flaming rocks came raining down and bolts the size of palm tree trunks pierced the ground. A nearby British Land Rover was sent a good distance from the impact of one of the fireballs, some passengers flying out of the vehicle.

"MOTHER CAREY'S CHICKENS! You lazy sods, RUN!" A British soldier cried. Several soldiers ran to help those who were hurt while others ran for cover. Another flaming rock fell, barely missing a Korean KW1 APC.

"That was close! Let's go, we gotta get underway before one of those rocks get us!" A Korean Sgt. yelled. Itami found some vehicles destroyed while others were almost hit, some soldiers hunkered in place thinking another volley was about to fall.

"This is stupid this is stupid this is stupid. How is this happening?" Itami said, hoping to remove some of the stress in his body, ducking as another arrow nearly hit him.

"Underestimating the enemy, ah?" A nearby Frenchman said, eerily calm. "Obsolete, yes. But still capable of causing serious hurt to anyone hit. Never mind the fact we got magic in the mix."

"Tell me about it. Did you see that Jackal get hit? Those poor bastards." An American said sympathetically. The sound of tanks firing gave some calming feelings.

"Anybody see the Ghosts?" Asked Itami.

"The Ghosts? Here? You been watching too much Modern Heroes. Besides, IF they're here, then they're already behind enemy lines." The American soldier said.

"What? Seriously? Come on, I just saw them here. I mean are they really THAT good?" Said Itami.

"Non, they're better. I served with some during the Third Korean Civil War during that mess with Song's reign, with Jun Jong Sun, the same conflict Modern Heroes covered. Team of 4 took down a whole platoon of NK elite soldiers attacking a convoy. They even helped hold back a major offensive. I was there when it happened. Stories about them circulate among other armies. 'Picked from the best that the Army has to offer, and making them into soldiers that even Delta cannot match. Training constantly, harshly, in inhospitable manners. Anyone lesser breaks in training." The Frenchman said. "Probably just propaganda, but then again that's the point, now isn't it?"

"No one is better, NO ONE, not even Delta isn't as good. I should know." The American said. Another volley of catapult fire landed upon the position of the Coalition forces "JESUS CHRIST, where's the fucking mortars when you need them?!"

"Yeah stop talking about bullshit and figure out what the hell we're gonna do!" Someone else cried out.

"Hey, see that back there?" The Frenchman's attention was directed to the siege engines way in the back, fires erupting behind them. "What on earth?"

"Forget that, get back in the game!"

In a flash, the formation of cavalry that was hiding behind the barrier swung around the safety of their protection and made immediate haste to the armored vehicles in a seeming suicidal charge on the left. This elicited a reversing action from them, keeping distance to prevent confusion in the ranks and the enemy downrange of their weapons. Just like that, the barrier finally came down. The mages retreated with cohorts of men charging forward with their javelins, or pilum at the ready. Throwing with all their might to little effect with infantry now secure behind cover. As one would expect the javelins had little to no effect, but that just left the soldiers to run forward as quickly as possible to envelope their foes. Chunks were taken down in an instant from autocannons and machine guns, but many more remained as they closed the distance.

The mages came forward again, this time casting spells that sent fire and lightning towards their targets. IFVs quickly found themselves with their main cannons slagging from extreme heat while others froze stiff after being hit directly by lightning. Worse still, the dwarves and giants there finally caught up and were eager to join in the fun. Miyamoto Musashi once said, 'From inside fortifications, the gun has no equal among weapons. It is the supreme weapon on the field before ranks clash, but once swords are crossed the gun becomes useless.' The reality of such a statement hitting true.

"Son of a bitch, and here we are unable to do nothing lest we hit our own guys."

"I can't believe this! Fucking first contact with the enemy right here! Where's the rest of our reinforcements!?" The frustration at the slow pace of reinforcements pouring through the Gate slowed by the siege engines finally showing. At least that's how it was until a sight way in the back caught their attention once again. The siege engines detonated one group at a time. Just like that one of the things that caused a headache for any hope of advance was removed.

"Holy... looks like we got some help from high up after all! No need for arty I guess!"

...

It was impromptu and would surely be costly, but the plan was going well. The Legate ordered his charge and swung his men around the barrier. The contraptions of the enemy swung their weapons to point towards them, backing away as though afeard of being so close to the oncoming threat. This bringing a chance for his men in the barrier to strike when it finally fell. The magicka reserves of the mages were drained, they couldn't keep it up anymore. So they fell back immediately as pilum were tossed by legionaries as per their procedure. The lack of any penetration did not deter them as they threw caution to the wind, opting to overwhelm through sheer numbers.

"Forward forward! We have them!" So long as his siege weapons kept firing, he knew the enemy would have trouble sending reinforcements to rescue their comrades. And as he expected, they weren't keen on opening fire on their own men. The possibility of prisoners was even more alluring with this revelation. "Take any you can alive! We kill them all, we remove any protection of getting out of here!" The enemy soldiers seemed more interested in getting inside their contraptions than fighting, a justified action yet one that couldn't be allowed. Mage spells and sheer force of bodies to try and stop them, the dwarves providing the bulk of muscle while the giants among them took their chances. One gripping one of the turrets of these things and ripping it off, exposing men inside it. Once again, the chaos of the battlefield engulfing the minds of the men just trying to gain an advantage.

Even with the losses being taken from their weapons, the Legate could take some mild satisfaction knowing it was paying off. However grim the cost was. His thoughts continuing the charge towards the Gate however, were interrupted by one of his bodyguards urging him to look back at the siege weapons. What he saw shattered whatever hopes he had for some kind of gain in this. Balls of oblivion emanated from his artillery. Anyone there were either dead or running like confused chickens. "What…?" Did the enemy elephants find a way to break the barrier? No, couldn't have. The enemy's own catapults were strange, having no way of sending a rock flying, yet seemingly working the same way the elephants did, but it definitely wasn't them. The characteristic booming they emanated was not evident. So… what could've done it- the attackers from before... no... "Fall back! Fall back! GET THE LEGIONS OUT OF HERE!"

With that he realized the hope for the battle was lost. His dragons were bled, his siege weapons were gone and now his men were in a hopeless situation as he saw the damned enemy at the Gate finally surging forward. All he could do now is hope his men could retreat as fast as possible. "Where's the laticlavius!?" He shouted running his horse hard as they he ran back to the site of the siege engines. "Lucius! Lucius! Where are you?!"

"Legate Nero! They just... out of nowhere, we couldn't-"

"Never mind that!" He stopped the Tribunus' report immediately. "The battle is lost! Without the siege weapons we have no way of keeping them on the hill!" The Legate looked back seeing the enemy proving his words as their numbers began rolling downhill, his own men running as fast as possible. "Get my men out of here! Get back to the capital if you can! Wherever you can! Let them know the Otherworlders have broken through!"

"But what about you?"

Nero merely shook his head sadly. "I have failed Sadera, my friend... I failed my men here... I won't be going back home... go. Go and warn them!"

"Legate! You cannot be-"

"Come tribunus, you cannot be captured as well!"

"GO. Leave me, do not try to save me only for the Black Legate to punish me for my sins!" The bodyguards having seen Nero had made his mind up, took the orders of their superior to heart to get his second in command out of there as fast as possible. Nero gave his own horse over so Lucius or some other lucky man would be able to get out of there quickly. Then seeing his charges escape into the night followed by the legionaries making their way to fall back just sat down in the grass and watched the chaos ensue, the consequence of his failure to hold the enemy back. In time he heard cheering from the foreign troops as footsteps made way to him. All Nero could do was look up and see the unmistakable forms of these Otherworlders before him, wearing these masks that seemed some stylistic interpretation of skulls looking down on him, a single blue eye staring into his soul. But he not no energy for fear, he didn't even give a sign of caring. He simply looked back down in disgust at his situation, knowing it was all on him. All he could do was hope Damocles did not come for him for this failure.

...

"THEY ARE WEAK! WE MUST FINISH THEM!"

The Russian Lieutenant's voice carried weight as soldiers began a charge. The tanks taking the lead while unleashing their cannons. Artillery continued their assault, unhindered now that the barriers were down. The catapults were down, the barrier was down, the dragons were down. It was victory in sight. "Our road to victory has begun! DEATH TO THE ENEMY!" Cheers emanated as the Coalition picked up their charge upon the hostile forces. Despite this, only some of the enemy retreated, while others stayed to hold the line, most of them Dwarves, charging forward with loud battlecries. If anything from popular culture was accurate, short and stocky, but broad and tough with long beards and an innate stubbornness to even the most dangerous of enemies. Their armor elaborately designed with something out of Lord of the Rings combined with Roman fashion, and with symbols on their shields and armor bearing an undeniable psychological effect. Their shields being stronger than most. Warding off gunfire, but only for a bit longer. Despite that, these short and hardy soldiers managed to reach the Coalition forces and cause havoc. Either attacking foot soldiers or climbing onto vehicles and wildly bashing at them.

Itami was among those at the front, and therefore at mercy, thanking his subconscious for putting his bayonet on as he stabbed into a Dwarf's forehead before clambering up on one of the K2s. The cannons fired as machine guns rattled to push back the enemy, but more charged than ran at this point. It was gonna have to be slaughter. "EY!" Itami's attention was drawn by the tank commander peeking through his hatch. "Since you're up here enjoying yourself, mind manning that 12.7? I'd rather not catch an arrow." Without thinking, Itami took the offer and slid his feet into the hatch, taking position at the gun. He checked the loading mechanism first, then opened fire. More and more tanks followed the example as Humvees and other troop transports with weapons followed suit, but even as their numbers fell quicker, the Dwarves just refused to retreat. The only ones fleeing or surrendering were the very very few Humans and Elves, and even then there were very very few surrendering. It became clear loyalty could be considered part of their life. In their blood even.

The last Dwarf finally fell as he roared in defiance, and the battlefield was empty. Looks like for the first battle, might and magic was no match for science and technology. But at a pretty grisly price. Where the Gate was, among the few ruined vehicles, were entire groups of soldiers arrowed to death or simply hit by siege weapons. And those killed by the Dwarves.

The sound of stumbling was heard as a final giant appeared, bruises and blood all over his body as he came forward, seemingly trying to get one last hit before falling... only to stumble further, fall to his knees and fall face first into the dirty and mud in front of the tank Itami had perched onto. Silence hung for a moment before everyone realized the battle was won

"Is it too late to want to see magical girls?" Itami asked himself as the soldiers began cheering in victory

…

"Hah! Nice shooting Bo."

Diaz's comment was acknowledged as Jenkins simply grunted in satisfaction. "Thank God they aren't unstoppable like in the movies." He added. "Though he ate up quite the number of 'nades."

"Yeah, shitload of firepower." Added Pepper.

"This is Ghost Lead. Excellent work everyone. The enemy is in full retreat. And we got ourselves a prisoner." Scott said into the comms, waiting for his team to gather.

Scott made way to the Gate, an APC ready to grab his soldiers. "Not bad for a bunch of rookies." Burke said, referring to the recruits.

"Heh. Girl, you ain't seen nothing yet." Said 30K.

"Ghosts. Regroup and fall in. We're heading back to the Gate and assisting in construction. And to interrogate this guy." The despondant Legate was moved into the APC without any incident while the Ghosts either entered or rode upon it.

"So uh... are we just cool with the fact we helped blow up a damn giant or whatever it was? I mean... there's gotta be more." 30K comments

If you were to ask any general of the 20th or 21st century about the chances of a Medieval army of might and magic defeating a modern army, they'd say 'they would lose, but not before inflicting kills of their own.'

…

One week later. Senate Building. Sadera.

Falmart. A continent of many lands and wonders.

A land of magic, sorcery, and wonder. A place where many live and call home. Empires have risen and fallen, and other nations near and far overseas are part of its going ons in one way or another. Be it through trade or intervention, diplomacy or invasion. It has been this way for millennia, times during which forces such as the Neanderthals evolved and the Mesopotamian empires stood. As for today? Many civilizations still stood upon its soil. In the Western Desert sat the great Denzalcian Commonwealth, a land of wealth, gold and silver with a king and council looking over their home and trade routes with pride and jealously with armies of sellswords and ships of the line. To the south down on peninsulas and islands are the scattered poleis of the Ictun peoples. These peoples share a number of goals, philosophies and diplomatic aims, but they were defined by their independence from not only other powers, but from each other as well. To the eastern forests lay independent kingdoms and many tribes of orcs. Some taking the stereotypical behavior often seen, brutal and savage. Others however like the Uzca tribes were a calm folk, preferring to live by themselves while the others pursued whatever paths they chose. Across the north sat independent cities and kingdoms, elven nations and in many mountains across the continent sat holds of dwarves. Other lands and nations sat beyond the continent across the seas and oceans, but those who rested upon directly all felt the touch from one great power. From the edges of the Western Desert to the forests of the Eastern regions. From the snows of the Northern Mountains to the plains of the southern borders, the Saderan Empire sprawled. The land was of many cities and wonders, but the truly great, looked to the center. Literally. Sacred Earth where men of greatness spawned.

There was back when, many a time they found themselves in turmoil, trouble, and strife. Fighting over their own lands even. They would either cast aside their petty differences, or let the darkness of barbarism take hold. They chose to cast aside, and forged a new destiny. Making vassals of their neighbors, and extending their reaches beyond those borders. Carving their name into the lands by conquering those in their way. A republic would in time emerge through those next many ages, growing the lands further.

Now?

The sun rose on the capital of Sadera. The City of the Gods, a beacon of order where the spirit of civilization prospered. Her people were rich and powerful! Yet wealth was hardly necessary to pay off unruly individuals. The Saderan people. Those great sons of Emroy, God of War, dedicated themselves to battle, for it is only through the glory of conquest that greatness is gained and empires formed! Their men loyal to only their emperor and generals. The freshly conquered given a chance to earn citizenship and status through military service by bringing their special skills to bear. Be it an elf drawing his bow or an orc bearing his axe.

The Saderan people, those architects and forgers of an empire to light the world. Building great cities to hold the masses and structures that are the envy of all civilization. Their culture ushering not only in battle, but in philosophy and religion. The 12 Gods looking over their followers, guiding them along their paths to their fates, but NEVER interfering in the affairs of mortals. For it is men alone, not gods, that choose destiny. Lest such men become soft, begging their gods to do everything for them. That is the Saderan way: ask for blessing, but ultimately do it yourself. Their conquests have brought many wonderful gifts to their own people as well as the assimilated and conquered. Exotic food, learning new ideas, seeing strange cultures. Civilization.

But like any great power, enemies surround them. And with the recent catastrophes in battle, Sadera is at a crossroads in history.

"Please pardon me Your Majesty, but this is way out of control! It was an embarrassment! The reports from tribunus laticlavius Lucius were clear. After the 2 veteran legions were lost, we lost yet another 2 after that when the Otherworlders came through the Gate. How do you intend to address this? Four legions gone in a row in such a short amount of time and in a matter like this? Unprecedented for our people to swallow! What would you have us do? How would you guide the state?"

The speaker was Senator Marquis Casel, bringing the terrible news of the defeat of the force sent to guard the Gate to the Emperor. Molt Sol Augustus. He didn't mince words as he addressed the situation. About 450 men in total sat within this building. Anyone could become a senator, plebian or patrician, but there was a daunting and demanding requirement. 10 years in the military. And that's for the LOWEST political position.

4 lost legions, 20,000 men in total. With the auxiliaries counted, that's an additional 1,200. This was only a tiny fraction of the military. 'Every man a legionary.' It was mandatory to be a soldier, if you weren't on duty, you were at home living life until called. And with the Empire's size, Sadera had an ocean of bodies to fill the ranks. Hardly a drop in the bucket. Still, the reports of the enemy were indeed daunting. Especially given the speed of the defeat and the fact they were veterans. The uncertainty in the man's voice was more than justified. Such events rarely happened.

"Please, steady Marquis Casel. No doubt things seem bad at the moment, but think about how the people must feel." Molt himself appeared not that dissimilar from the rest of the collection of senators. The only thing separating him from them besides his throne was the red toga, purple cloak, and gold laurel wreath upon his head. Confusion was brought upon the senator. "And yes it is true that our latest losses weigh heavily on the hearts and minds of the people. So quick and sudden, combined with the fact we face a completely new enemy. But I believe the actual worry that holds us in its grip is that the recent vassals of our state may be emboldened, and along with others, revolt to rise up and make a bad situation even worse." Molt addressed, face in his hand in a gesture of grief. Removing the hand revealed a smile.

"That is true, is it not? How pathetic. Every time our empire is in danger, the Emperor, the Senate, and the people become one to confront the danger, and bring about even more progress and become stronger from it, my dear Marquis. No war is won without some loss, you cannot win every battle. But that is yet another part of our way. If we are defeated, we do not go home and mope about our future, we take this as a learning experience and analyze what we can do to change it. Then get rid of the problems with the past way and claim victory. Need I remind the Senate this how we have always gone forward. Sometimes, failure IS an option. Of course I share your concerns, I have sleepless nights, much like this coming evening. But whenever war is declared, do we not come together as one to struggle and win? Think of the Arctec War 250 years ago. It was a war that hosted a battle where a total of 60,000 soldiers were lost. Or the many times in history he who shall not be named appears from the north. But there were always those willing to take their place here in our plebian populations. Those minor, but vital pieces of civilization. After all, a leader cannot build an empire all by himself, no matter how much power he has. And the women, they said they would birth that number in no time, before rolling up their skirts." Molt gave a small chuckle at the legend of that myth.

"True or not, we rebounded like we always have through our history. And won. That is why we are the dominant power on the continent. Therefore I will not hold anyone responsible for our recent losses. Besides, with Nero's capture, any party that would be subject to punishment is out of our hands. I only hope the Black Legate sees his fate as penance for the outcome. All that said... to think that another nation comes into our lands from another world… I trust you will not waste time in court with debate and instead than try to keep Sadera itself from being surrounded by enemy forces. And to think you as a senator would forget all this."

The declaration was met with murmurs of agreement amongst the senators. It was indeed true how much the Saderan Empire had grown due to such desperate times.

"Forgive me, your majesty! But we have not seen anything like this before! This enemy fights in a different way! Our forces reengaged after rest and replenishment, but they were beaten back again! What shall we do?" The speaker was an elderly elf-like, Godasen. Head of the auxilia that attended the battle. "Now the Gate lies in the hands of the enemy, who already begins construction of a base as we speak. The enemies in the distance… and those our soldiers see from behind… unexplained invisible strikes from nowhere. I have never seen such sorcery."

This was indeed a troubling outcome. While many put up a firm resistance against the empire in the past, they eventually tasted utter defeat as their forces were eliminated and their land subjugated by the conquerors. If this enemy could kill before the troops could even reach them for sword fights, the empire had to think fast. And these apparitions. If they truly were false it was nothing to fear. But if they were real, who knows what horrors would come forth?

"We ought to fight them!" Said a large senator, his armor fully donned and on display. "You say that we are at a disadvantage! Yet our mages have proven instrumental in blocking their weaponry! We merely need to grab enough to put into our armies! Call our sorcerers back from the great mystical city, call forth reserves! We need merely to gather necessary numbers and assets! Attack the other side of the Gate once more!"

"What good will brute force alone do you warmonger!?" A senator challenged.

"It'll be another Godasen!" said a third. The court erupted yet again in the arguments of senators attempting to make their voices heard. Only for a hand from their ruler to come up, commanding the silence to fall.

"I will not sit idly by. And neither shall you. Waiting for matters to worse is not the answer. Therefore, we must fight. Although crude, Podawan's words hold merit." Murmurs came from the senators. "It is clear that while we need soldiers, our standard tactics alone will not help us. We must and WILL do anything and everything we can to discover new ways to fight like our predecessors before us. For this enemy is indeed no normal foe. I hereby ask that the mages and sorcerers begin to work for longer hours with whatever materials they have, this is a time for a change in research and development, not just tactics alone. If they lack anything it is to be seen to that it is supplied immediately to devise ways of defeating this enemy. Agents are to be deployed to observe them for anything we can exploit. Any survivors from the gate crossing and the recent battle are asked to attend to give vital intelligence. And finally, ready another 2 legions and send delegates across the empire. We will need anything we can to defend ourselves from these invaders." The Emperor rose from his seat, finishing with, "So says Emperor Molt Sol Augustus!"

The senate chambers erupted into applause as senators cheered for the declaration. Soon after, the assembly dispersed and it was only Casel and Molt with the guards left. Casel approached the Emperor to the steps leading to the throne. "Your Majesty, if I may. You are certain this is the best course of action?"

Molt looked at him, a stern look on his face. "It is the ONLY course of action."

"I'm sorry?"

"Gilligan, wine if you please." Molt's request to the lingering servant was met with a bow before he strolled away to get the beverage. "This invasion from the Otherworld may very well stir delusions of grandeur outside our borders. First Zorzal goes in and sparks this entire debacle, and now the Otherworlders are here and we know nothing about what they may do. Many eyes are going to be upon us. The most dangerous of them shall undoubtedly be those of the Denzalcian Commonwealth, you can always count on their coin finding a way into the pockets of less scrupulous governors or any proxies to strike at us."

"That has not changed for centuries." Casel remarked with a grin.

"That does not mean we are going to ignore it. With the way it has gone, they are bound to fix up steam. I shall not risk the Denzalcians making a move while my attention is focused on the Otherworlders. Especially with Hannibal still out there causing trouble among the borders. I'm still waiting word on the reinforcement of the city of Tylis in regards to his very actions. We have deals to honor and honor them we will." Tylis, one of the few independent cities on the frontiers of the borders of Sadera and Denzalcia, and very much a tempting target for any attack due to the treaties wigned with Sadera. The "commonwealth" as many called it was no commonwealth at all. It was closer to a representative oligarchy with a king at the top. Semi-democratic with power resting in those that handled the wealth and mercantile responsibilities. And here was where the name came from, the commonwealth was a land that seemed unending with silver and gold. And their elephants were a sight to behold. Then there were the many many goods the Denzalcian trade brought in from across the lands of Falmart and beyond. Silks, teas, wines and other exotic goods. Sadera and other nations also have trade routes, but as one would expect, piracy and backed raids often get into the mix. Unsurprisingly, this has led to many wars between the two peoples, the disciplined legions of Sadera backed by their many auxilia going face to face with the core citizen forces of the Denzalcians, backed by armies of mercenaries recruited from across the known world. Not to mention the warbeasts and magics both sides fostered. This state of affairs more than explained Molt's concern.

Gilligan had returned by then, with internal minister Marcus Abrecius at his side. "Marcus. You are here, what word do you bring?"

The man let out a sigh. "Beyond what is already known? Not much, your Majesty." Was Marcus' answer.

"For the sake of argument, please." Molt gestured.

Marcus began from the start. "As you already began, we are still monitoring the situation to the west. Tylis has yet to receive their reinforcements, I have already dispatched agents to get to the bottom of that. We have no time for guesswork or petty mishaps. The Ictun cities seem content to sit back and let things play out for now."

"Let us hope it stays that way. They are far more agreeable, and sensible, than others we know of." Molt answered sipping his wine. "Ohhhhh thank the Gods for the beverage, Gilligan. I feel more at ease already."

Casel shook his head. "Of course Gods know the Ictuns could stand to gain much if they struck. Never mind lands for their poleis but reclaiming lost sister cities. Your son, Julius saw to that." A smile formed on Molt's face hearing that

"Haaaaaaaaaaaahahahah, a splendid time that was! My son, a mere 16 year old taking charges into his own hands. The entire community of Ictuns rising up only for him to strike back and gain more lands. Imagine he is elected to the throne!" Molt had every reason for pride in his son. "The star of the Savagii family would be ascendant for just that much longer."

"Bahhhhh come now, your Majesty. You know all the Patrician families answer to you, and therefore your ties to your own family are all but nonexistent, lest they get unfair advantages." Casel jested.

"Yes, anyway." Marcus cleared his throat gaining attention, "Yes, the Ictuns may not act. But the chance is there." The Ictuns were renowned for being stubbornly independent to their own ideals from polis to polis. Despite their sensibilities, the Ictuns could be just as dense or quick to action. The potential of the Saderan empire being at the mercy of another power like this could very well wake up any warrior tendencies and unite the disparate cities who themselves have their own grievances with the empire. The city of Athenos led their world in science, knowledge and philosophy. The likes of Korthos had much in trade and population from devout worship of their goddess of love, and there's always the terrifying Nikos whose armies could give pause to all but the most unholy of forces. All together make a potent mix. Their tried and tested hoplites and pike formations complemented by specialist infantry and monsters of their own such as cyclopes and minotaurs. "That being said, I will have agents keep an eye on them, but I would not be too worried. As you said yourself, the worst threats that would rear their heads are as you mention Denzalcia and the client states to the south."

Molt visibly grew irritated hearing the mentioned parties. Mutters of 'highborn fools' was heard under his breath.

"As for the eastern realms, the Orcs and other less civilized tribes need not be worried about. And as Zorzal himself has seen to, those bloodthirsty rabbits won't be rising any time soon. Gods be thanked." A laugh was shared by all, including the servant Gilligan. No one liked the rabbits. "And the Uzca tribes will do nothing so long as we leave them alone. The challenge here will be convincing the Diabo boy from acting."

"He will." Molt answered dismissively. "Just throw in a few variables for him and he'll be too busy with the many possibilities to do anything about it. His grandfather's fate is regrettable but the time for that will come. Speaking of, let us ensure Zorzal is not too eager to deliver retribution for his uncle's fate from Hannibal's actions while we are at it."

Marcus continued. "The northern realms are content with the current state of affairs. Word from outside our continent has yet to reach back. The only known factors are the possibility of Denzalcian interference and the... 'noble kings' to the south." With that, Marcus had finished his report.

"Good good, thank you, Marcus. Those damned kings... after my father stepped down and left the throne for me, I'm sure you know how they made ever more 'reasonable' requests. First comes a little extra autonomy, then comes their needs for less soldiers in their nations. And the newer kings... especially Duran. You HAVE been paying attention to all this, have you not?" Molt responded.

"Mmm... it is rather familiar." Casel answered.

"Bah. Well first, Alguna desired to have less troops within their borders... and they only have two legions and a single auxiliary cohort there. The Principality speaks of wanting a little extra... autonomy, freedom from taxes... and of course that king Duran! It's not enough he is given greater say, power, and overall command over all in his domain in comparison to the other vassals. Now he is demanding to have no presence in his kingdom. And I do not mean no soldiers and no ships. I mean NO advisors, NO investigations, as if they forget we are their betters. And this crisis is just playing into their hands."

"They see what is happening and think they can act out. But, we have a plan for that." Marcus spoke.

Molt had a grin after that. "Indeed. These kings could be the 'saviors' of the Empire." The grin went wider seeing Casel's confusion. "They are being given a golden opportunity to show they deserve their 'independence.' We are organizing another force to face the Otherworlders as I promised, but the vassals shall also mobilize their forces along with them. They will fight alongside our forces to face these invaders."

And just like that it clicked inside Casel's head. It solved two birds with one stone. If the vassals won, they would get their 'independence,' but be too weak to really enforce it. Sadera would honor the agreements of this newfound freedom, as was to be expected. But this would also free the empire in turn from any care of nurturing the former vassals would need outside basic trade and commerce. After all what care an empire for lost sheep if they demand it and give nothing in return for it? But if the vassals lost, it would leave them weaker still and all but cement them as imperial territory.

"It is sensible, but it will be a massacre, your Majesty. It is rather distasteful if I may be so bold." Casel's response was a sigh from the emperor.

"It is rather... underhanded. But we only have bad options at our disposal right now. Better to make a choice now while we can still regret it. In the meantime we will be able to secure lands further from the site of the Gate. Just thank the Gods the great mountains block them from the capital." With that, Molt finished his wine. "Now then... enough of this. Let us take a moment to calm ourselves before getting back to work. I believe I will be hit with a flurry of messages with this new development before I know it."

...

A week had passed since the incursion into the gate. Beyond contact between scouting elements that went nowhere, there had been no major flashes of battle.

By now, the fort being constructed was already beginning. Hesco blocks stacked up on one other forming walls and towers, the foundations for them being dug out. Outside of said walls, soldiers performed guard duty as they waited for any threats. The plan thus far was construct a forward operating base which would eventually become a main operating base. That itself would become a massive task.

Such issues were best left for the command staff. Scott was in the command section of the base. Where the commanders and administrative operations were held in large tents. He was speaking with 1st Lieutenant Akira Yanagida. An analytical type of soldier. Sneaky, mischievous, and pretty self-important. But when speaking to Mitchell, he was dead-serious. He knew of some of Scott's endeavors like other soldiers. Mitchell's reasons for speaking to him were for future planning and other maneuvers. But the man suddenly started ranting about this Itami character. To Mitchell's credit, he humored the man.

Scott found out Itami was among those who were at the front of the charge during the battle, showing the soldier DID after all, have a sense of warfare. But after seeing how he just went back to his normal, otaku self, with occasional bouts of minor shellshock, Scott had his doubts..

"So let me get this straight." Scott began, tones of confusion in his voice, as if he was surprised at just how stupid higher ups can be. "This 'soldier,' joined just to support his hobby." Scott paused.

"Indeed. Mediocre college and mediocre grades. His second rank from the bottom position was due to the last being injured after officer training. Barely acceptable performance. So, his superior put him through Ranger training. Even then, he managed to get through that. He transferred to Narashino, and was supposed to end his days as a Second Lieutenant. And to think we're giving HIM command of Third Recon."

"One of the reconnaissance teams. Should keep him out of trouble in retrospect."

"This can't be happening. I've seen him before, while he does know how to fight, his attitude and his skills are lacking. Not to mention he has little discipline. He has no passion for his job, no drive to excel in duty, does everything he can to avoid exercises... it's a wonder in of itself he made it into the SDF." Akira muttered

"If you feel that strongly why not talk Hazama out of this?" Mitchell asked.

"Afraid not. Apparently my talents are better spent here in the base looking after reports and sending them up the line." Akira said, clearly frustrated. Mitchell figured he wasn't going to get anywhere with Akira now, so he let the man be, maneuvering through the base.

It had yet to be properly divided by nation to avoid confusion. So some tents had to be shared by soldiers of various nations. So far there hasn't been any fights, only minor tussles. Not with the enemy, but between soldiers And some attempts at humor. Casualties were light compared to the enemy. But still they were serious. About 100 dead and 350 more wounded. Those catapults were serious killers. The arrows were added multipliers, and the dragons added a few more. Not to mention the defiance of the Dwarves. The good news was many would make a full recovery in no time. Thank God for modern medicine.

Those on their feet and weren't working at the perimeter were playing sports, making calls, or just waiting for their turn to work.

So far, only seven nations were here. Japan was the leading force, America came next, followed by Russia, Britain, France, Germany, and South Korea. Other nations were on the way with Special Forces and small contingents of engineers, military police, and medical personnel. Last Scott heard, Mexico was sending forces to Japan, mostly out of thanks to America for assistance in the 2013 wars. With the government in complete resurrection, the drug cartels were finally swept from the seats, now forced to operate with no backing, they left back to the southern hemisphere. Canada was sending some forces of their own. ASEAN members have decided on how to act, and are mobilizing engineers, medical personnel, and Special Forces, while nations in the African Union decided to do the same. The Baltic nations and other European nations are still a ways out, still organizing their own forces, rather than large armies like the previous seven. Many of the arriving forces were offering small aid like ASEAN was. Brazil was the only South American country to offer aid so far. And in a large force. The base would need to be huge to support all those forces. So it's best the construction began now. The amount of nations joining the Coalition was proof of just how major and dangerous this gate is. As said before, who says they can't appear elsewhere?

The Ghosts had their own tiny section of the area, the tent adorned with the Ghost emblem. Scott entered the flaps and called his Ghosts to attention. "Listen up Ghosts. Our current tasks until further notice will be scouting the land. We're in completely new territory Starting tonight at 2000 hours I'll be heading out east."

"We're the first out eh? Sounds about right." Beasley replied.

"Not for all of us. Most of you will be here to provide support or wait for your own deployments. I'm going out with the new kids. From what we can guess the area out that way is home to a lake." Mitchell answered.

"Well guess I can take it easy and kick my feet up for a time." Nolan said nonchalantly. "Well you know where to find me if you need me."

"Hey hey hold on now, if anyone's gonna laze about it's me!" Burke called out.

Mitchell shook his head in amusement. "Okay okay, you know the drill people. Grab your kit and be ready to move when the call comes. Ferguson, grab your guys and get ready to go. Diaz, you're with us too. Hope you brushed up on your Latin."

"As best as I can."

With that Mitchell left the Ghosts be as he went back out on his walk. Again, a week had gone by since that first battle. No other incidents after that, but it couldn't last. Sooner or later the enemy would make a return. From what Mitchell saw Coalition forces had yet to bring forward any helicopters, long range drones or other ordinance. So far it was trucks and AA emplacements to keep those dragons away. Many of them were of the autocannon variety like the Type 87s or Tunguskas until more stationary purpose-built weapons could make their way here. Complicating matters was the acquisition of missiles. Heatseekers and GPS systems were useless given the lack of heat signatures and satellites respectively. The older radar-guided and laser-guided munitions would be ruling the day of air defense here. Not to mention the fact this war would likely make the idea of beyond visual range missiles useless as well, again, depending on how many dragons could be fielded. Mitchell knew that neither were cost-effective ways to fight this war if the numbers of dragons the empire had didn't let up. Perhaps the old ways were the best ways. An ironic smile crept on his face. Here he was, head of the most advanced special forces group in an army of technologically advanced and sophisticated forces, and their best chances of fighting would likely be downgrading in tech. Meaning some of their greatest advantages were taken away simply by crossing into a goddamn Gate. Some of the old timers in the armies may be able to adapt, but the younger pups who grew up in a time of satellites and GPS weapons were surely to be in some trouble. He imagined this was all sloshing around in the heads of their superiors currently holed up in the biggest tent in the base. As far as Mitchell was concerned, if the Coalition could jump back the tech level of his forces to around 2011, maybe 2007, the issues surrounding some of their shortcomings would be dealt with.

Perhaps he was overthinking things? Maybe there were subtle differences in the many types of weapons and ordinance that he wasn't taking into account? He was an old man who had extensive knowledge of weapons and systems, but he'll be damned if he could remember the nitty gritty of every little bomb, missile or projectile out there. For the time being he was thankful the gear he had with him worked just fine, be it his magnetic vision or the weapon in his hands. This of course extended to the tank guns, autocannons of IFVs and more. And his scouting into the unknown would remedy the far more pressing issue of being strangers in a strange land.

Mitchell continued walking through the collection of tents housing the increasing number of soldiers coming into the war effort. This part was mostly inhabited by the Japanese forces, and Mitchell could see the green on them, and not in the sense of their uniforms. Japan had been in a state of peace for many years. Save for that incident with the I-SDF and Artemis's strike at at carrier group, the only times Japan's military ever went outside its borders included the program called the Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group, a virtually humanitarian battalion of SDF soldiers, and this was just one of many dispatches that was more support and humanitarian in intent. And their contributions in Operation Ocean Shield, which saw Maritime Defense Forces at play. For all intents and purposes, the Japanese military has tasted blood for the first time since World War 2. This was in contrast with the rest of the Coalition forces. There may be subtle nuances in tech level, training, readiness, etc. But all had one unifying factor that Japan didn't. Their soldiers were battle-tested. From the wars in the Middle East to the many conflicts such as Korea and the Russian Civil War of 2008, the nations of the Coalition had in one way or another deployed their militaries into combat and came out with proof of their capabilities. Many men here Mitchell already knew were composed of veterans and formations that had seen battle. Japan had not. They'd be far more reliant on their training and cohesion, something their commander Hazama would be expected to uphold.

The train of thought was interrupted when he saw one soldier lounging on some sandbags outside a tent, he had what appeared to be a comic book over his face. The guy was clearly asleep. The name on his uniform read out as 'Itami.' Speak of the damn devil. It seemed the kid was determined to rest on his laurels as the time passed.

"Heya, lazy. Wake up." A few nudges on his leg caused the man to shoot up with a startle.

"Nanday- oh... you again... is it five o'clock yet?" He asked.

"... no. Why?"

"That's when I get out on patrol. I'm just taking a nap before then, ya know? I mean nothing's going on since last week sooooo..."

"You're not even gonna take a moment to look at your gear?"

"Already did. It's all fine. No need to do something more than once. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?" Mitchell already felt a bit of contempt building up. He's seen this type before, but they usually were on the lower end of the ranking system, kept in line by officers. This guy however got a promotion and has not seemed to pick up any wisdom along the path. It wasn't his problem, and he couldn't really intervene. What was he gonna do, chastise a man taking a break in a lull of battle when there was only so much to do? Mitchell made way to go and continue on.

"Heya, sir. Real quick!" The voice of the lieutenant hit Mitchell's ears.

"What is it?"

"Hey uhhh... know any good popular media? Comics or anything like that?" And just like that Mitchell waved an arm to dismiss him and continued on. Itami didn't follow, keen on going back to sleep.

...

Higher up on the totem pole, command staff were meeting up to get bearings on what was to be done and how to move forward. US forces were overseen by General Joshua Keating, a long time Special Forces commander who has hands in normal soldier operations, and is the Supreme Commander of the Ghost Recon force. His counterparts included General Hazama of the JSDF, whose only notable fact at the time was being in command of the Japanese commandos who attacked the then rogue I-SDF when Otomo threatened the use of a nuclear missile. The commandos failed, but remarkably, Otomo was still captured by other forces. The Russians sent one Major General Grisha Borislav. A big mountain of a man. He was a big-shot in the Federation's military, one step away from becoming the Supreme General some said. He's well known for being multi-talented, be it quick careful attacks or brutal onslaughts as he demonstrated in the Civil War. Britain had Brigadier General Richard Valentine, youngest of the group. Slick hair, young face, and a big attitude. Former SAS gunning and for a fight, the Gate gave him the chance to prove himself. France sent Division General Arman Arnaud. An aged, simple man at heart, but a cunning strategist at mind. Germany's volunteer was Ebner Berathraben. Middle aged with blonde hair. He was one of many to assist in helping EU forces monitor the border when tensions with Russia were bad. That time has passed though. And lastly, South Korea sent Jin-Ho Shin. Fairly skinny with facial hair, and a veteran of the Second and Third Korean Civil Wars that commanded successful battles against the North's forces.

"Gentlemen, I think I speak for us all when I say we're looking at quite the logistical situation." Keating began, getting nods in response.

The ancient Greeks had the luxury of operating close to home in their wars. The Romans had the aptitude to implement robust logistical plans with forts and supply convoys. Many medieval armies had the comfort of never marching beyond their kingdoms save the instance of a Crusade. the colonial empires had world spanning navies to supply forces abroad. The Soviets and British had the lend-lease program to supply munitions, food and fuel. The Normandy landings allowed metric tons of supplies to come into Europe, and in 2008 the US forces had their own dedicated logistical branch to handle the metric tons of supplies for their forces across the globe. This of course wasn't to ignore the fact that many vehicles like the humble truck of the iconic Chinook were developed and improved to carry supplies from A to B so armies could do their thing

And what did the Gate have? ONE way in. ONE way out. No bigger than two tanks side by side and no taller than a two story house. Big enough to fit considerable munitions and assets through, but with only one route, the trickle of supplies would be painfully slow. Backlog would be inevitable. No helicopters to carry cargo and vehicles, no planes to fly entire months of supplies to an airstrip, no ships to haul entire armies across an ocean. Just one little strip of road into an inter dimensional gateway to another world. Add onto that the fact this one supply routes was the penultimate goal of several other routes that had to go through a modern first world city where millions of people commute daily. Commutes that would inevitably be hindered by this military operation which itself was by hindered by the fact that many supplies had to make way into the nation via air and sea. The Coalition was facing the greatest logistical challenge since Normandy. For what good are all those bombs, tanks and fancy aircraft when you only have one way in, accessible by land only?

And that wasn't touching on the fact some of these weapon systems back home were virtually useless here. GPS guidance, heatseeking missiles, and other recent innovations relying on gadgets and planning back home were useless here. The thoughts of pulling out the leftovers from yesteryear became ever more appealing to keep the skies from falling on their heads.

"And that's just one problem we have on our hands. You've heard the reports. Heatseekers don't work, our GPS systems don't work. We are cut off from the high-tech heavy firepower of our world and the only link we have back to it is one little hole in reality." Keating began.

"Looks like our self-propelled anti-aircraft weapons will truly get a chance to actually perform their duty. The Type 87s and Tunguskas proved that." Borislav said bluntly. "In addition I've made the priority requests for other old weapon systems. Grads and Akatsiyas to name a few."

That was followed by Arnaud with, "We need more AA than that. For all we know their dragons can blot out the sun. If we get aircraft here, and it's going to be a damned bitch to do that, we will need something to fall back on when we inevitably run out of semact missiles. Speaking of isn't there a model of AIM-9 that uses semi-active guidance?"

Keating scoffed. "Yeah yeah but it's just one model. Build em or convert them it'll take time to do either. Then we have to get them over here. Not to mention we don't have any place to put the planes yet. I plan on scrounging whatever M163s I can get my hands on. Hell, we're better off booting up the older MIM-23s. Wait, doesn't Japan still operate those things?"

"At this point I'd be willing to pull out the Bofors and other AA cannons we have." Hazama muttered. "Maybe the Fatherland can pull out any 88s from the warehouse?" The jest was met with mutters from the German.

Valentine let out a huff. "Figures, meanwhile I've already procured necessary munitions. You can expect Starstreak missiles and Rapier systems to show up any day now. Maybe a few Chieftain Marksmen from storage as well. Let the Queen's finest watch the skies while you dangle about on the ground." The young man had an air of smug from that little declaration.

"Well that's one issue down. We can all agree that radar guidance, semi-active and SALCOS weapons are the best choice outside of autocannons for anti-air?" Nods followed Hazama's question. "Then comes the next question. We've agreed it would be wise to collect anti-tank munitions in case we run into any surprises, correct?"

"Milan, TOW, Kornet, we'll take any. And I trust you will provide as much as request? Germany cannot provide it all alone." Berathraben noted.

"And fast strike support. France will provide AMX vehicles. The 10RC, 10P, sentiments that will be remedied with your own contributions." Arnaud said.

"Hold on hold on." Shin said. "What is our overall plan? Do we plan on expanding operations even further beyond our current estimates?"

Keating answered with, "We'll get there when we get there, but we need to be flexible and work two ideas as one. If we push ahead and try to gain ground we risk stretching ourselves thin without proper supply lines. If we consolidate as we are now we risk the enemy gaining strength to hit back. We only have bad options at our disposal right now, so we need to mitigate the downsides as best as possible. We're gonna hit problems regardless of what we do."

"Which is why I already have a list of needs from Russia which I plan on slowly crossing off as time passes. In addition to the artillery, I plan on requisitioning T-72s, Hinds, Ural trucks, strike craft. The more this base expands and the sooner it does, the more room we'll have for them. Same for the rest of you, I hope you also plan on bolstering your forces." Borislav reasoned.

"And drones. I already made a request for drones. We have no maps or anything to give us an idea of what's out here, and our recon teams can't be everywhere at once. There's too many variables in the mix." Keating added. "We'll need cartographers at that. Time to see if the US GI benefits pulled its weight here."

"Sounds to me like you have the war all sorted out and ready to go." Shin mused.

"Mostly. We do need to expand the base, make it truly massive to hold and allocate the material and supplies. Then find spots suitable for forward operating bases. That'll be what the recon runs can do in the future. Long story short gentlemen, we are making it up as we go along." Keating answered.

Of course all of this talk was just so the heads of the force all had their heads in the game and knew what was what and who was where. Most importantly, get a plan on what the hell was going to happen. It would take time to get everything in place to continue the conflict. Even more to ensure better assets like strike craft and helicopters could get through and up and running. The location the Gate was located in was a giant bowl essentially. Mountains surrounded the area with a particularly gargantuan peak many miles to the left rear of the base's location. Elsewhere the terrain was hilly with stretches of flat plain here and there. The plan here was simple. This main base would have a major hub, with a few "separate" areas that were built in this area, one being the planned airfield. Should fortune favor them, a more permanent state of buildings could be made. Concrete for example. It was already expected that asphalt for smoother roads would be implemented. They could count themselves lucky that they were located in a prime location for building a base.

This wasn't even taking into account how far the power of the enemy magical abilities reached, how many parties they'd have to deal with in this world, the natural dangers like weather and disease, and of course no idea just how large their enemy was.

The saying of professionals talking logistics shows it's importance to be addressed as the generals have. Even then, it wasn't a foolproof or well-suited plan. All the factors, all the variables and the fact literal magic existed... how COULD there be a good plan so soon in this war?

10:00 PM

Itami was about to call it a night in the tent with all the other soldiers there, but first he was giving his attention to something else.

He was writing in a journal. He's had notes from his time in training, his participation at events, and even the attack at Ginza. Hell, you could say this journal was his life story. Writing into it whenever something he felt was important happened to him. He just completed the one about the first fight here not too long ago, and now he was writing about his meetings with a few various characters.

"So far, this world has given a few surprises. I've had another talk with Kurata about the likelihood of finding catgirls here. I told him the same thing. 'Why wouldn't there be?' The other soldiers of the Coalition have been rather… hostile and stingy aren't the proper words. They've been a bit dense. Oh yeah, we worked together, they'd socialize, and they've shared rations. But there's the thoughts of how we entered isolationism fresh in their minds. Can't blame them. Our nation while not much of a military anymore was still a force to behold. And we turn our backs on the world. But what choice did we have? Admiral Otomo nearly started World War 3! We were involved in a conspiracy to cripple the world, our stock market crashed before all this, the I-SDF in its infancy was criticized by our neighbors, and we had a hand in starting the Second Korean Civil War. Otomo…

"It's this reason I haven't been very dedicated to my job like others. Right now, even after all these years, it's still open season for positions and ranks. But it's nothing I want to be part of. Not after the I-SDF. The South Koreans have been getting real cozy with us, so that's good. The Americans were doing some good too, usually the outer patrols and other duties. I met other soldiers of my own force too. About three of them. First was Kuwahara Sōichirō, more commonly known as 'Demon Sergeant.' Hah, now there's a name I hadn't heard in a while. I heard he made the NCO cadets run at high port all the time. He's a good guy though, like a father… a father… anyway, he also makes old pop culture references. Still does. It was always funny to hear him say that stuff. I think I can get along with him really well... in fact there's a guy who'd actually be a good pick for a leader. Definitely better than me, stupid promotion.

"Next was Kurokawa Mari, she's a calm ladylike person, with medical training. She's a nice person, and quite a sight to see. Though… can't really tell if she's my type. I mean sure she's good looking, well-built, tall and curvy. Basically she's a tall beauty any guy would go crazy over, but... still not really my type. She's fun to talk to though. Maybe I should introduce her to that American medic from Ginza. What was his name? Nolan! I hear he's running a small medical training tent to pass skills onto new and upcoming medics. Tips from a pro, just like that, who could possibly resist?

"Lastly was Kuribayashi Shino. She seems… I dunno. She's pretty cute and petite. Left side of her hair is made into a ponytail. And boy she has some assets. She really doesn't seem to like me though. Then again she probably doesn't really like anyone. She's likely to rip off your face as she is to talk to you. We just met so I won't be calling her a tsundere anytime soon. But after our encounter, I had to burst out laughing at how much she reminded me of those characters. She ended up running after me, hearing my outburst. But it just made it funnier. The Coalition soldiers were laughing too, some Americans and Brits came running alongside me and making remarks. One said 'You know what they say, the violent ones are often the most fun!' It took me a moment to understand. Kuribayashi-san never caught me. No surprise, I always managed to get away in those practice missions when I was the target.

Itami took a moment to grin to himself at this. Those were some good memories, some of the only good ones in training from his specialist courses. Always giving him a sense of childish delight knowing he was always hidden with no chance of being found by the enemy. He sat like that for a while before the good feelings wore off, replaced by more morbid thoughts.

"I've been feeling a sense of dread, no not her. Something else. Last battle was… well I can see how it affects rookies… I've been shaking for a while. I've gotten over it in the past week, but every once in a while I get the pangs... they're like coughing fits or sneezes. Sneak up on you and you can't stop them. Oh yeah, I ran into that Mitchell guy again. The American from Ginza. What is he a Ghost or something? I heard of the Modern Heroes program talking about them, but I only know bits and pieces. All I know is the United States has more special forces than they have firearm types. For all I know he's part of the SEALS or some totally new force that just debuted.

I'll say this much. Let others have those titles and go for the big stuff. I'm perfectly fine where I am right now.

-Itami Yōji

"Heya, Itami-san, you still up?" Came a whisper below him. There was Kurata below him. There he was again. Itami had only known him for a while but Takeo Kurata and he seemed to click quickly. They were both otaku and basically were in the same clique of exotic things. Kurata was far more interested in that stuff than Itami ever was, so this world being real got him real excited.

"Yeah yeah I'm here, make it quick. Don't wanna make the others annoyed." Itami responded.

"Bahhhh don't worry about them, there's practically no one here anyway. Hey, I got that manga you wanted to borrow." That brought a small smile to his face. Itami took the manga and looked upon it, a coverart of a futuristic soldier with a gimmicky fantasy girl in his arm in the midst of battle. 'No Gods or Masters,' the title read.

"Ohhhh thank the kami. It's been forever since I've seen decent manga. Nowadays you can't get the average otaku to get invested without spelling out the entire story in the title." Itami muttered.

"Bahahaha, oh tell me about it. Don't make em like they used to. Did you see that smartphone one?" Hearing that made Itami shudder.

"That's only good for when you wanna turn your brain off. And we know how much that's getting rewarded."

Kurata returned his disgust. "Well we have the classics so thank goodness for that. I want that back when you're done, by the way." Itami had some new reading material, so there was that. He wasn't interested in it now. He wanted shuteye. "Heya, you doin alright?" Kurata added.

"What you mean?"

"I was out there with the APCs moving up to that big enemy force. I didn't see you out there so I thought you were stuck back there when the shit hit the fan." Kurata answered. "I mean seeing the firestorms erupt with all the bolts and rocks."

"Yeah..." Itami answered going a bit quiet. "Yeah I'm fine... I mean it's not like I'm rocking in a corner and crying right now. So I'm doing okay... besides," he pulled out the manga Kurata just gave him. "This will help out big time. When I'm down or need a break, a good manga or show or whatever helps me out big time." Putting it back into the pack hanging off his bunk, Itami got set to go back to sleep.

"What do you think is next?"

That question pulled him from the sleep. "What do you mean?"

"Well... we just had a battle, and a week has passed and we're just sitting here digging a base into the ground. What's next? Sooner or later we gotta pick things up and make a move. Question is to where and when?" Kurata explained.

"I... that's outside of my paygrade. I just do as I'm told." Itami answered just wanting to go to sleep.

"You too huh- well it ain't like-" Kurata was cut off by the tent flaps opening, soldiers coming in for the night. The change in atmosphere meant the two now had no privacy, and with how late it was it'd be best to catch shut eye while one could. Soon after that, the sky lit up with thunder. It started raining pretty hard.

"Glad I'm not out there." Itami told himself. He gathered his things and crawled into his bunk and eventually fell asleep.

...

"Sights are clear."

Mitchell and the new Ghosts had been out here for the last two hours. Much of that time was spent off-roading in a Humvee before going off on foot. When the rain came, it was decided the harm of setting up tents was negligible. The most the Ghosts found out there were wildlife, and not even exotic as one would expect. It was deer, elk and other expected herbivorous animals. No threats or issues.

"Hooooooooooo man, quite a downpour, ain't it?" Came 30K seeing the rain come down outside the tent. "Maybe I shoulda stayed in the Hummer, this tent won't do jack."

"Shut up, Jimmy." Pepper muttered, clearly more interested in catching what sleep he could. "Go bother, Kozak. See what he's got on that little drone of his."

"It's the same ol shit. Nothin but nothin." Came 30K's reply. Kozak was indeed using his drone, flying around the area the tents were set up. A small under a canopy of trees with the Humvee sitting just beside them, the hatch up top was thankfully closed before the rain came down, saving potential wet pants in the future. Three tents for the six Ghosts out there sitting on a small bump on the ground. Save that, the only things Kozak was finding out there was rain, trees and whatever small zig zagged through the trees.

"He's right. Nothing but nothing. I think we're in the clear for the time being." Kozak declared bringing the drone back to the tent, reaching out a hand to grab it as it folded back into its portable form. "Kinda surprised. I was almost sure we'd come across something crazy out here."

"Define crazy." Pepper stated.

"You know, some hermit with magic beyond comprehension. Some legion held out here with only us to report it. Maybe a dragon with hoards of gold in its cave. You know, something."

Cedric let out a laugh. "You young kids these days. I swear you got an imagination like my son. Lemme guess, you're gonna hope to find a big ol sword in a rock or come across some motley crew of adventurers off to take down a demon king?"

"Only if one of them has some good busts, I'm sure." 30K added with a laugh.

"Okay okay, laugh it up buddy. But you'll be sorry when I'm the one that actually gets one and you're off making another story about how you got your name."

For his part, Mitchell was catching any sleep he could. He and Diaz comfortably kept the chatter of their subordinates to a minimum in their comms. Diaz was looking through the latin book she had with her to keep her linguistics on track. Save for the giant lake, nothing was found out here. As far as they could tell, this area was devoid of development, not even trails for small villages. It was overall a good thing because there'd be no toes to step on, no garrisons to worry about, or even untamable wildlife to deal with. If possible there could even be FOBs set up here for brown water ops should the time come. Again, the lake was huge, and the possibility of there being rivers and even estuaries was not outside of possibility.

"Diaz." Mitchell muttered in his sleep. "You were there to translate some of what that officer was saying, right?"

"Some... he didn't really talk much." The sniper replied. "In fact he didn't really respond to any interrogation. He just kept going on and on about some other Legate."

'Legate.' An officer in the Roman army, specifically the one in total charge of a legion, the largest formation of soldiers in the Roman Imperial era. 5,000 men with whatever support units were assigned to it. Not to mention Legates were not only high ranking individuals, but often members of the Senate back in Rome. So not only are they military leaders but political ones as well. Mitchell knew some of the details of Roman practice like that. This guy was a legate, and talking about another legate. "So we can safely apply what we know of ancient Rome to these guys?"

"So far yeah. Just need to expand our comprehension of that, what with the giants and dragons we've seen? Anyway, this guy kept muttering to himself every now and then... almost like he was begging, or praying. Soft and sincere. It's not word for word but the man said something along the lines of, 'May my crimes against my empire be forgiven by the gods, may the families of the fallen forgive me for my folly, and if nothing else may the Black Legate Damocles forgive me for the carelessness I have shown in leading my men.'"

"Damocles... Damocles... sounds familiar. Something about a sword?"

"Sword of Damocles, a story on the perils faced by those in power. Great power and responsibility and all that. But with how the Legate is behaving and how he speaks of Damocles' name, it looks like Damocles is the one doing the humbling rather than the one being scared. It has to be this too. He keeps goin on about it while looking at that dagger he has."

"They left him armed?"

Diaz gave a so-so gesture with her hand. "More like he gave them no chance to take it. He kept crying out about it, 'Don't take it or the Black Legate will surely take my life,' he cried out every time. With the magical phenomenon we saw the higher ups figured it may be best if we let him keep it. Not that we have many prisoners at the moment anyway, and he's under constant guard." Probably a good idea in retrospect. Never mind the fact any future prisoners they took were likely never truly 'unarmed' if the demonstration at the last battle taught Mitchell anything. Again the mind began to wander with what sort of reality this world had, what kind of magic was here and how did it work? It was clearly used in warfare as the battle demonstrated, and the possibility that it could go beyond what they saw ate at his mind.

"And he hasn't tried breaking out with those inherent magic powers we saw back at the battle?" Mitchell asked referencing the powers seen from what appeared to be basic dime a dozen soldiers.

"Nope. Seems rather content with sitting in his temporary jail. Guy's more afraid of this Black Legate than he is of us. I guess the best way we can see it is that we are his new 'home' for lack of a better term." Diaz answered.

"Well on the bright side we got a source of information, assuming he eventually calms down." Mitchell wasn't wrong. If it ended up this guy couldn't calm down this lucky break would just be a big letdown. The nature of this war meant information was far more precious than ever before. Ghost Recon would very well live up to the recon part of their title to help remedy that problem.

There was one comfort for Mitchell. Save these new recruits here, the members currently here like Burke, Foster and Jenkins were seasoned veterans of the Ghosts who knew what to do and how to do it. Mitchell knew his team could be spread around without his direct intervention, something proven during the Mexican Wars when the likes of Burke and Salvatore were in charge of their own teams and operated in the field. It was a somber feeling he long got over, seeing his teammates evolve and spread out from under his wing. Though he was hardly blameless in this behavior, having turned down promotions several times already to stay in the field. It's hard taking a soldier out of the service, however hellish it could get. The habits, the lifestyle, the behavior never really left you.

Mitchell took his time and went back to grabbing the sleep he could.