Welcome back, my friends, to the story of the brave heroes fighting evil empires! I mean, it might be an exaggeration, but this is basically what it is. Anyway, last time, we've witnessed a spark of hope appearing within the higher echelons of command of Andromeda Branch and a daring plan is in the works to turn the tide. Meanwhile, on Emloy, Seyi and her crew face newer and newer odds, as a failed attack on enemy positions cost them lives of more of their comrades. Where will all of that lead? Read on to find out!
Also, sorry that there was no chapters for some time, but I had some important stuff happening in my life and I had to focus on that. I hope you will understand.
Chapter 4
August 12, 2166
12:32
Soutlandian C.Z.
There was one thing, that allowed the group to realize that they already crossed the border between Skandian and Soutlandian Colonization Zones: a big, green-white boundary post placed in the ground, with an inscription: 'The border of Kingdom of Soutland on Taurus III'. This sparked a bit of happiness and surprise in them, as they didn't expect to go so fast. Now, to reach Leender, they had to turn slightly to the East and go straight North. They hoped, that soon, their journey will be over.
Currently, they were walking through a forest. It was two days since they crossed the border and since then, new energy got into them.
"Damn, I can't believe we actually walked all that distance."Simon said, looking back.
The column was opened by Maddie, then was Fenis, Simon and Dora was walking in the very back, the sword still tied on her back. The forest around them was quiet and only sounds of local equivalents of birds were their companions.
"You're still saying that."Fenis said."We already got over it and only you can't."
"I know, but it's just impressive."Simon shrugged."I never walked this much in my entire life…"
"Heh, try serving in UNSA."Dora said."I walked a lot while fighting the Holies both during and after the GGW. Being Fighter Infantry doesn't mean, that I'm sitting in the air most of the time. Actually, in IF, we're more Infantry than Fighter."
"Yeah, but flying isn't for me."young Ranger stated."I have a fear of flying."
Maddie frowned.
"Then why were you in the dropship?"she asked.
"Because I'm scared of flying only when I'm piloting."
"When did you pilot anything?"Fenis asked, tilting his head and frowning.
"In basic. Before transferring to the Corp."Simon shrugged."Before I was picked to the Royal Rangers, I tried to be a pilot. A bad idea…I crashed every flight on the simulators."
Fenis shook his head.
"I will never understand you."
"And I will look to it."
Next, the two giggled like little kids.
"Manly friendship, huh?"Maddie asked.
Dora smirked.
"Maybe more than friendship?"she suggested.
Fenis and Simon looked at her then processed her words for a few seconds. Then, when they got it, their eyes widened and both started making disgusted noises. Maddie and Dora only smiled mischievously.
"You're implying that…"Simon started."That I...Me and…him…like…?"His face reddened.
"I would never!"Fenis stated firmly."Even if I was at my lowest…I would never…"His face reddened too.
They looked at each other again and once more, they blushed even harder. It seemed, that thinking about stuff like that wasn't for them yet.
"Huh, where I'm from, boys your age would actually start making lewd jokes and calling each other gay."Dora said, rising an eyebrow.
"But we're not like that!"Simon said."We don't…"
"Okay Dora, enough."Maddie said."Or they will melt out of shame, hehe."
"Not you too!"Fenis whined.
Both Dora and Maddie laughed. They simply couldn't stop themselves from that. Fenis and Simon just looked at them with embarrassment. They realized, that they were caught in a trap. They growled.
"Very funny."Simon pouted.
"Come on, sometimes, you have to have a laugh."Dora said."Even in a situation like this…"
"I guess veterans of Great Galactic War are all like that."Fenis said."Were you, like, the funny girl of your squad?"
Dora shook her head.
"Quite the opposite. I was a total bitch to everyone."she replied."All of this because of…a bad experience from my childhood."
For some reason, the two decided not to dive deeper into that.
"And even though that, there was one person who was by me this whole time."Dora continued."If not for her, I might have not even be here right now. While others tolerated me, even though I tortured them with harsh training routine, my friend would never abandon me, no matter how bad I got."
"That's actually pretty nice."Fenis said."And what with that friend of yours?"
"Oh, well, she's my wife now."
Fenis and Simon were actually surprised by this.
"Oh, we had no idea…"Simon said.
"Yeah, I can tell. Back then, I didn't think of lovey-dovey stuff. But well, Ester…She never stopped believing that everything can get better."She shook her head."She always was an idealist and positive thinker. But she lacked confidence when it came to expressing her love. Finally, she did it on Mobius, while we fought against HO and pirates on the planet. Although, we didn't have a lot of time to date then, the capital of the planet was attacked and we had to evacuate. Although we did visit a few restaurants."
"And what after the GGW?"Simon asked."And after you got…married?"
"We moved into our own home in our home city and started a life together. Although, due to my position as a co-CEO of Sharkline, I wasn't there often. And Ester stayed in the military as a base commander in the city. We also adopted two girls."
"Man, that's a nice life story, actually."Fenis stated. Then, he thought."And if I may ask…How old are they now?"
Everyone stopped, surprised by his remark. Even Simon stood with open mouth, not knowing what to say.
"What?"Fenis asked.
"What do you mean?"Dora asked. Her hand landed on the grip of the sword.
Young Ranger quickly shook his head.
"I-I-I mean…I would…I wouldn't…Oh, crap. I'm in trouble."he sighed.
"Only if you have indecent thoughts."Dora said, tightening the grip.
"Of course not! I was just…curious…."
Dora looked at Maddie. Royal Ranger threw up her arms. Major sighed and let go of the sword.
"They're thirteen."she said."They're named Ursula and Connie. They're also twins."
"Okay."Fenis said.
Dora walked past them and followed Maddie, while Fenis stood there, with Simon. Finally, his friend punched him in the arm.
"Youuuuu crazy animal!"Simon said and laughed."You were totally thinking, if you could ask one of them out, didn't ya?"
Fenis shot him a glance that could kill.
"Shut up."he said sharply.
"Whoa, no need to be that stingy, hehe."Simon said, giggling at his own remark."Don't worry, you'll find yourself someone."
"You're the one to say it. You didn't have any problem with the ladies…"
Simon rolled his eyes.
"It's not my fault they come to me like moths to light."he stated.
"Then these must be some really blind moths."
"Hey, you two, stop bickering out there."Maddie said."Let's just move on."
"Yes, ma'am!"Simon and Fenis replied and quickly followed the two women.
August 12
13:01
Leender
Although the current restrictions applied because of the war, there were still numerous people were present on the streets and cars were moving in all directions. The city was bustling with life, as expected of the biggest metropolis on the planet. Even the sight of anti-tank fortifications and AA guns on top of buildings didn't surprise people anymore. Same with armed soldiers patrolling the streets. It was still dangerous to go outside, though. Enemy air raids, although not as prominent as at the start of the invasion, still were happening. Just yesterday enemy bombs fell on a maternity hospital. The whole building was erased from existence. No survivors.
There were also rumors about remnants of failed enemy drop into the city from few weeks ago. Even though there were only three enemies, according to the reports, they were well armored and they could easily deal with forces searching for them. They were popping out of hiding from time to time, attacking stores and killing people and stealing. And they tied considerable amount of forces, that could be used on the frontlines, in the city. People were asking why weren't they taken care of yet, to which the Unified Staff simply replied, that these enemies clearly know what they're doing and finding three people in a city with nearly two million inhabitants was not easy. Even though they were dressed in military-grade armor.
Nina walked down the street, observing her surroundings. She was coming back from another round of training in the Civil Defense. These sessions were short, but they were teaching people necessary information needed for survival in war time situation. There was also no doubt, that soon, these abilities will come in handy. The frontlines were moving closer and closer to the city every day. Leadership was doing whatever they could to hold the enemy off, putting their hopes into the last line of natural defense in Obsidian Mountains. But these news didn't excite anyone anymore. Sons will be in Leender before the end of the month, no doubt about that.
"Hello, princess Nina."a Nashini woman with a child passing by said, recognizing her.
Nina smiled at him. It was still weird for her to know, that there were now aliens living de facto as citizens of Soutland.
"Hello."she replied.
"Kelin'Pin, say hello to the princess."the woman said.
Nashini boy looked at Nina and bowed.
"Hello, princess."
"Oh, there's no need to bow."Nina said."Do you need something, ma'am?"
"No, we just wanted to be polite."Nashini woman said."I'm Zevi'Pin."
"Nice to meet you."Nina replied.
Was there anything bad in striking a conversation with a random stranger in the street? Actually, after a minute of thinking, Nina realized, that in many cases, yes, there was. But this woman seemed nice. So why not talk with her for a bit?
"Where are you going, Zevi?"Nina asked.
"I decided to take my son on a walk to the park."Zevi replied."We weren't outside a lot since all of this begun…"
"I know how you feel."princess said."I also wasn't allowed to leave often. You know, as a VIP and such."
"Then why are you outside now?"
"Because I joined Civil Defense."She threw up her arms."I can't just sit idly and watch."
"Civil Defense?"Kelin asked with interest."Did you meet my daddy?"
Nina tilted her head.
"Allow me to explain."Zevi said."My husband, Illan'Pin, also joined the Civil Defense. He was a soldier during the Great Galactic War and wanted to protect his new home with things he could do."
"Oh, that's very noble of him."
"He was always like that."Woman nodded her head.
Nina looked at Kelin.
"I promise that if I ever meet your dad, I will send him your regards."
Smile appeared on little Nashini boy's face.
"Thank you!"
Seeing this, Nina couldn't help but smile. She knelt and patted the boy on the head.
"When all of this is over, you will see your dad again. I promise."she said.
Kelin nodded.
"Now excuse me."princess said, standing up."I have a…meeting scheduled."
"Of course, goodbye, princess Nina."Zevi said.
The two of them started walking away, with Nina looking at them. Before vanishing behind a corner, Kelin turned back and waved to her. Princess replied with the same, before she turned and walked towards her goal.
Her goal was a small cafe that was far from any preying eyes of paparazzi and tabloids. Even in times like these, they were still active and reported on everything that could interest the masses. Like, for example, a princess of Soutland having a secret meeting in a small, off the books cafe.
Inside, people didn't even pay attention to her. It was a nice change. She personally asked the owner to inform anyone to not react to her presence, nor spread any information they might have heard. Unwanted news reaching Harlen was the last thing she wanted. And if he heard them, he would NOT be pleased.
The person she had to meet was already there, sitting in the back corner, their usual place. He was wearing civilian clothes, which made it almost impossible to recognize him. He's been on the news several times, so people in the city knew his face. And they really wanted to stay anonymous.
Princess quickly approached the table, saying 'hi' to the owner on the way, and sat down with the other person.
"Finally."he said.
"Hey, I'm not that late."Nina said.
"I know, I'm just kidding."
A smile appeared on his hooded face.
"Can you take off your hood?"Nina said."You know we are safe here."
"I know, but…"He looked around."Harlen starts to suspect something. If he finds out…"
His words stopped, when Nina reached over the table, grabbed his hood and slid it off of his head.
"He won't."she said and planed a kiss straight on Tim's lips.
The two of them were secretly going out for a few weeks now. Even though their first meeting was a bit…harsh, Nina actually felt something for him. One time, when Tim visited to see the progress of Civil Defense, she pulled him to the side. They talked for a while and it…sparked. Soon, they were meeting in this cafe in secret, away from Harlen's ever present eyes. They both were too scared to tell him. After all, they had to admit that he was a bit too overprotective.
Nina stopped kissing her boyfriend and took his hand.
"How is the situation in the Unified Staff?"she asked.
Tim let out a heavy sigh.
"Don't even make me started."he said.
"That bad?"
"Sons are moving closer and closer every day. Leender is the only C.Z. capital we still control. Others already fallen and allied leaderships were taken out. Obsidian Mountains is our last bastion. If it falls, Leender will be left in the open."
Nina stayed silent. It was pretty much a common knowledge, that Obsidian Mountains won't hold for long. Nobody knew what will happen after that, but there was nothing they could do about it. They just had to wait and see.
"So, it will be over soon?"she asked.
"I don't want to be a pessimist."Tim looked around."Mainly because Harlen forbid this. But We still have to do what we can. Who knows, maybe Zorzal will come to his senses and we will be able to negotiate some peace agreement?"
"Peace? What would that peace leave us with?"
"Well, Harlen already assumed, that we might be the last bastion of Andromeda Branch. So he hopes, that if this came to pass, we would be able to negotiate some kind of autonomy with the SoS."
Princess processed what she was just told. It was actually hard for her to believe it. Harlen was actually considering to sign some kind of agreement with the SoS. She knew how stubborn her brother can be, so to see him considering even something like this was a bit of a shock. But the possibility of something like that happening was below zero. Zorzal and Sons were not interested in talking. The only thing they wanted to do was to kill, rape, plunder and conquer. Technology might have changed, but war was still the same as just twenty years ago.
They sat in silence for a few seconds.
"Just so you know, I can't stay for much longer."Tim finally said.
"Why?"Nina asked.
"You probably can guess. We have a lot of work in the Unified Staff. It's actually a miracle I got enough time to meet with you. War will not continue itself."
"I mean, it kinda can."
"True."
Small smiles appeared on their faces. Tim then grabbed Nina's hands.
"No matter what happens, I promise. I will protect you from any kind of harm."he said firmly."No matter what."
Nina shook her head.
"You and your chivalry…"
"What? Did I say something wrong?"
"Of course not. It's just…it sounded so cheesy…"
"Ehehe…I was never good with emotional sentences…"
"I can tell."
This time, they allowed themselves to laugh a little. Tim then looked at his watch.
"Alright, I think time is up. I still need to walk to the Staff."He stood up.
Nina did the same. She quickly came up to him and planted another kiss on his lips.
"I'm still glad you found this much time to meet me."she said."Maybe when all of this is over, we will go on a proper date?"
"I would love to."Tim said.
They both left the cafe and turned in opposite direction, with Tim going towards the Staff and Nina towards the hotel. She glanced back at Tim once more, until he vanished behind the turn. She really wanted to spend her entire life with him. No matter what Harlen, Ellia, Imri or Arlan would say. But she didn't know what future will bring, so she couldn't hope for anything like that. At least now.
Chasing away the negative thoughts, she turned back and continued on her way to the hotel.
August 12
14:11
Soutlandian C.Z.
Fenis was walking through the forest, listening to the sounds of leaves rustling and local birds singing. Honestly, it wasn't as bad as he thought. He thought that birds of Taurus III would not sing as beautifully as birds back home. How big was his surprise when he found out he was wrong. Now, whenever he was alone hunting, he listened to the birds. It helped him calm down and aim better.
It wasn't like they needed more food, they still had some. But Fenis simply had to spend some time alone. Dora still was looking at him as if he openly said that he wanted to violate her daughter and he just couldn't withstand it. Simon still teased him about it. And Maddie tried to stay neutral. He simply had enough, so he picked up his riffle and left. Nobody asked anything and he didn't say where he was going.
"I might as well give myself to the Sons."he thought suddenly."Maybe they would like to know, that there is a group of enemies behind their lines…"
He shook his head. Where did this thought come from? Yes, Fenis was hurt by the way others reacted, but not to the point that he would simply give them away to the Sons. His morality would simply vanish then. He couldn't do it to them.
He continued to walk for few more minutes, before he heard a familiar sound. He crouched and in this position, he walked the rest of the way. Maybe they would actually get some additional food?
Crouching, he neared the edge of a small copse. He looked from beyond the bushes he was hiding behind. There, he saw two big deer-goats. They were eating some kind of fruit growing on a tree, which he didn't see before. But that wasn't important. After all, he didn't know if this fruit was safe for Humans, so he couldn't gather them.
Young Apprentice laid down on his stomach and placed his sniper riffle in appropriate position. He pulled closer one of his legs, to make his firing position more stable. Made sure that he's not making a lot of noise. Then, slowly, he pushed the barrel of his riffle through the bushes, but in a way that would not alert the animals. He already knew, how skittish they were. It was very easy to scare them.
He looked down his scope, positioning it so the crosshairs were centered on the weakest part of the deer-goat's organism, which would allow the animal to die quickly, without need to suffer a slow, painful death. Fenis never liked to make animals suffer. His philosophy assumed, that if you have to take someone's life, make it quick. Suffering isn't a good thing for anyone. No matter how bad someone or something is.
Creatures still continued on with their business, eating their…Whatever meal of the day was it. They were somewhat majestic. At least for Fenis. Since he got his hands on materials talking about alien creatures that could be found in Milky Way, he hoped, that one day, he could research such creatures in Andromeda. But on the other hand, he always wanted to become a Royal Ranger. So when the time to choose a career came, he didn't think twice and joined up. Fortunately, unlike the Homeland Branch, which was a lifetime duty, service in the External Branch of the RRC was temporal. Only fifteen years of service and after a honorable discharge, Rangers were allowed to pursue other desires or careers. Fenis already decided, that when his time of service ends, he will get some additional education and will become a xenologist, researching various alien species.
But that was something he had to wait for. And in his current situation, he was not even sure, if he'll actually live to see this dream fulfilled.
But there was no time to worry about that now. Now, he had to focus if he actually wanted to hunt something down. He looked down the scope straight at the animal and held his breath. As he did so, everything seemed to become more calmer and peaceful.
Wind slightly slowed down.
Birds were singing quieter.
Leaves on trees were rustling calmer.
Footsteps became more audible.
Wait. Footsteps?
Yes. Behind him. He could hear footsteps of a heavy creature sneaking up behind him. And these were not footsteps made by any animal. They were too familiar. Too recognizable. Too…Human.
He started turning his head…
…and a blunt piece of metal slammed straight into his face. Last thing he heard before falling into complete darkness, was unpleasant crunch of breaking bones. After that, he fell on the ground.
Ouch…
August 12
19:36
Obsidian Mountains, Soutlandian C.Z.
Lead clouds were swimming through the darkening sky. Sun already hid behind the horizon and only a paling glow reminded of it's existence. Rocky peaks of Obsidian Mountains disappeared in the dark and valleys laying below them were covered by shadows. Barely thirty people infantry platoon was stationed at the mouth of a narrow pass. The rest of the company from 297th Samurai Regiment from Sentai was nearly ten kilometers further, where the pass slowly turned into a small valley full of short bushes and mountain pine. Due to the narrow passing through the mountains, only support for the platoon were three Type-55A infantry fighting vehicles. The position was a forward observation post, so long resistance wasn't expected. Platoon, after engaging the enemy, was supposed to strike a stunning blow and retreat to the rest of the company, before enemy gets themselves together. Unit was commanded by lieutenant Oichi Ashina, an Agamotan veteran of Anti-HO Campaigns. Ashina just leaned his strong elbows on the sandbags surrounding a machine gun emplacement and put a night vision binoculars to his eyes. Rain, slowly starting to pour from the sky, slightly distorted the verdant view. Lieutenant had nearly two hundred meters of open terrain before him, with scattered groups of bushes there and there. The valley, one hundred meters wide and two hundred meters long, turned left and disappeared behind the mountain range. Lieutenant activated his radio.
"Hashi, got anything?"
"No, lt. No enemy in sight. Ever since the four Sons visited the valley, not a spirit."Crackling voice of the sniper sounded in the radio.
"Report when you spot the enemy and don't even think of shooting."Lieutenant's harsh tone had to make one hell of an impression. It would also probably make on on Hashi, if they didn't serve nearly two decades together and didn't knew all ins and outs about each other.
"Got it, lt."sniper replied and ended the call.
Sons could enter the valley at any moment.
August 12
20:47
Obsidian Mountains, near Ashina's platoon's position
Night has completely fallen over the Obsidian Mountains when a centuria of mechanized infantry climbed up the twisty road towards the clearing visible in the distance. Valley, which was found by scout team a few hours ago, seemed perfect for a stop. Lack of reports regarding enemies and ambushes hiding within mountain hollows didn't worry captain Antonius. They even resigned from letting out the small scout drone. Captain opened the hatch in the turret of his Mastiff and reached for a night vision binoculars hanging from his neck. Commander's vehicle was driving second. Crouching soldiers sneaked through on both sides of the road, each equipped with POKS riffle with night vision sights and ballistic armor. They were the elite of the 66th Mechanized Brigade. Captain zoomed a bit and activated his radio.
"One league to the entrance to the valley, first platoon, secure the bridgehead. Rest, stop around quarter of a league from open terrain."Antonius dove into the vehicle and clung to his screen.
August 12
20:56
Agamotan position
"Lt., I see movement at the approach to the valley, multiple people and two, no, three armored vehicles, no lights."Ashina's radio crackled with humming voice.
"Let them into the valley, they're probably just a recon, more can be behind them."Ashina said in a whisper and put his lips to the radio."Report on a regular basis."
"Understood, lt."
"Itami, give orders to everyone, they have to take their positions. And tell the AT sections to be ready."
"Yessir!"young sergeant Youji strained himself like a string.
In a blink of an eye, he found himself inside the Type-55A, where the radio station was placed. The small post came to life, several people came out of dull stupor and started taking their positions. M02 machine gun crews were checking ammo and their sights and opened additional ammo boxes behind the sand bags. Weapons were cocked and soon, everyone was waiting for further orders in tension. Twenty eight barrels aimed down the valley.
"Lt., you were right, one platoon secured the entrance to the valley. More vehicles and men appeared behind them on the road. If you ask me, it's a whole company."Hashi reported. He wasn't optimistic, even through the static radio. Against nearly a hundred Sons armed to the teeth, they could put up just three vehicles and twenty eight people.
"Let them come closer. When the whole company ends up in the valley, report."
Ashina waited. If they manage to surprise the Sons, they will not risk the attack on the post and will simply retreat. Then they will detonate mines placed on both sides of the driveway. When lieutenant turned around to give last orders to his men, a white stain overshadowed his world. Poor newbie Youji leaned on the wrong switch and turned on the headlights mounted in the front of Type-55A. Bright, beaming lights immediately turned the attention of Sons. Few seconds didn't pass and a wave of energy hail rained on the Agamotan positions.
"What the fuck…"Ashina said with open mouth, dropping on the ground to escape the avalanche of lasers.
The crackling and woosh of lasers was joined by the heavier caliber weapons. Several 40mm shredded the 55A, from which smoke started rising. Headlights went dark nearly as fast as they turned on.
"AT sections, blast at will!"
Two flashes appeared on the slopes of the mountains surrounding the valley and flew towards fire spitting SoS' vehicles. Machine gun nests, pinned down with fire, also came to life. Missiles hit two approaching Mastiffs and turned them in fireballs lighting up the valley. Sons immediately started running as far as possible from flames spewing out of the wrecks and fled into the darkness, firing at the Agamotans.
"What's going on there, lt.? Sons are crowding at the entrance to the valley, should I set off the mines?!"Hashi shouted into the radio. Situation, from completely under controlled, suddenly turned into a complete chaos.
"Set them off, now!"Ashina grabbed onto the radio with both hands and tried to blend into sand bags ravaged by the projectiles.
Sons were closer and closer, they must have located the second 55A. Metallic clinks and sparks hit the hull with merciless intensity. In a second, four powerful explosions rolled around and covered the mountain pass in silence. Four mines, placed at the entrance to the valley, burred the last Sons' platoon, which waited too long to react. Several thousand metal orbs shredded nearly twenty people and pierced the sides of two armored vehicles.
"Lt., Sons are retreating, mines made a good mess!"Hashi shouted happily into the radio.
"I don't think so!"Ashina replied.
He finally found the courage to slightly lean over the sand bags and look at the foreground, where another missile hit the ground, throwing large pieces of dirt and metal into the air in a fiery blow. Only now did lieutenant notice, that Sons' fire significantly weakened and figures flashing in the flames started to fall back. After nearly two minutes, the cannonade went completely silent. Only singular shots were being heard.
"Sons pushed the wrecks into the valley and are retreating East. Should I open fire?"Hashi put his cheek on the foam of his VVD riffle, a shortened version of Russian-made Sterkulov riffle.
"No, don't open fire, you can't let them detect you, they got their beating for today."
"Solid copy."Hashi replied with clear sadness in voice.
The few minutes long fire exchange cost the platoon six dead, five wounded and one destroyed Type-55A. Valley was lit up by four burning wrecks of SoS' personnel carriers. The skirmish nearly devastated the recon company of 66th Brigade. Valley was covered by bodies of over thirty soldiers. Only now did speechless Youji crawled out from behind the burning and smoking 55A. His left leg was clearly limping.
"You're so fucked, Itami…"Ashina said, spewing harshly and starting towards the pale white sergeant.
XXX
And here's where we're gonna stop for now. As always, remember to leave a review, follow and favorite. It will be highly appreciated!
See ya!