As arrivals went, the UIR delegation was impressive. Their ships were a mix of passenger craft and cargo vessels like the COG. Their former were similar enough to the COG's own the latter different in the extreme.

The UIR cargo craft had their entire deck enclosed. On the sides were large sloped doors that unfolded. The hatches acted as both protection and a means of unloading. Emmerich could see one alongside the a pier. A ramp had deployed at the bottom allowing vehicles to drive out and a crane that ran across the roof of the cargo bay lifting supplies off.

'Impressive are they not?'

Emmerich turned to find himself facing a UIR rifleman wearing green armor along with their signature helm. Its was a like a skull and had three lenses one over the right eye and two stacked over each other on the left.

'They are quite practical. Though it can't be cost effective to cover the whole upper deck,' Emmeich said. Gesruring to the off-loading ships.
'Effective enough to keep your COG from getting too big for its boots,' The rifleman snorted.
At his words the Onyx guard closed in to separate Emmerich from the UIR soldier. There were a few tense moments. Before the matter could escalate further a figure in a more ornate version of armor strode up the hill cape flowing behind them.

'Private Čierna you will conduct yourself in a professional manner suitable for a soldier of the Union,' The figure said.
'Da, Kapitan,' Cierna said. Giving a salute.
'Tyran please Private. Let's be polite to our hosts,' The Kapitan nodded towards the COG group.

'Stiga da imame nuzhda ot tyakh,' Čierna muttered.
Emmerich racked his brain. Trying to match the words to what little Gorasni he had managed to memorize before their arrival.
'Private,' The officer cautioned.
' Vnimatelen drugi gŭrne ucha. ' Emmerich said, stumbling on the words. Those present looked at him like he'd grown a second head that had started talking.

'Kakvo?' Čierna snorted.
'I'm guessing that came out wrong,' Emmerich said, looking at the officer.
'You said. "Careful. Others. Pot. learn."' The Kapitan said.

Čierna snickered.
'At least he's trying to conduct himself with dignity Private. Now get back to your post.'
'Yes Kapitan,' Čierna saluted and marched away. Vanishing round a corner.

'I personally apologize for Private Čierna's behavior,' The officer said, turning back to Emmerich.
'Old grudges die hard. We don't have to like each other, just work together,' Emmerich said, shaking his head.
'True but how long can we work together when we're piled on top of one another?' A new voice called. The man now joining them was older than Emmerich had expected. His hair was grey and he clearly had some wrinkles but at the same time there was a sense he was fitter than he looked. He'd clearly just walked his way up to the overlook from the harbor but didn't seem very winded.

'Governor Siroky?' Emmerich said, extending his hand.
'Indeed. Good to finally meet the young man who's been running this place by himself,' Siroky said. Taking the offered hand and shaking it briskly.
'I believe my staff would object to the last part but things have been progressing better than anticipated,' Emmerich said. As they released each other's hands.

'Ah you're humble too, that is a strong trait to have.'
'You're not getting your own camp.'
Siroky's face didn't move a millimeter, 'Rather bold of you to say. I haven't mentioned anything about a new camp.'

'Your people also haven't started moving to the site yet and you're laying it on so thick it could only be you want something you know I won't agree too,' Emmerich said.
'You're not even going to consider it?' Siroky asked.
'It makes no sense for you to have a separate camp.'

Siroky raised an eyebrow, 'Why not? Do you think we'll just lay down and follow your every command?'
Emmerich folded his arms, 'No. I expect you to stay here since you need us as much as we need you.'
'Hmm. Explain.'

'You're forces won't be able to defend a separate camp by yourselves. We've surveyed the area and this place is only defensible at two points. But we lack dedicated air defense to prevent the Swarm from simply dropping on-top of us. Something your force does possess,' Emmerich said nodding to the vehicles below them.
'So we continue as alliance of convenience,' Siroky said, with a shrug.
'If not that. Then at least close coordination with regards to military matters.'

Siroky looked Emmerich up and down for a few moments. Then turned and spoke closely with the Officer. After a few moments he turned back.

'I will hold some reservations for now. But Kapitan Doležal does agree with your suggestion of close cooperation,' Siroky said as he nodded.

Emmerich nodded and gestured to O'Connor who stepped forward. Both of the military men gave a quick salute.
'Colonel O'Connor. Commanding the 19th Motorised, 40th Light Automated and 25th Mixed Automated battalions.'
' Kapitan Doležal. Commanding the 14th and 15th Light Infantry, 6th Air Defense and 10th Support Companies.'

Emmerich and Siroky broke off discussing civil matters about the housing, or more accurately. Emmerich offered suggestions. To which Široký acted offended. Then countered with something more appropriate to the UIR. The back and forth was going to take some time.

O'Connor gestured to the unloading ships, 'I was expecting more for four Companies.'
Doležal shook his head. 'The Khilum and Tileya have been delayed. A storm off the coast forced them to shelter in place while the rest of us managed to avoid it. Sadly they suffered some damage. Comms have been spotty but we're still getting updates from them.'
'What's their ETA.'

'A week or so but it shouldn't be a problem,' Doležal said.
'At least not compared to the Outsiders,' O'Connor sighed.
'Ah yes your live-in insurgents.'

O'Connor's head snapped around, 'At least you're not backing this one.'
'The UIR would never stoop so low as to take advantage of civil in-fighting,' Doležal said, not sounding convincing.
'And I can say the same for the COG. Doesn't make the past any less real.'

Emmerich stepped in trying to separate the two. 'Perhaps this discussion would be better done after the plans for joint operations have been drawn up,' he said. Looking from one officer to another.
'Indeed it should,' Siroky said standing alongside the UIR officer. 'If it's fine with you Governor I need a word with the Kapitán where can I find you?'
Emmerich gave a polite nod. 'That would be fine. I'll be ready to speak with you at the Admin Center once you're ready,' He and O'Connor broke away the Onyx following them.

The pair from the UIR moved down to the road boarding an APC that had been waiting. Inside was another figure. Their armor said Private Čierna but the figure did not speak like a subordinate.
'What do you think?' Čierna said in Gorasni.

'I think you may need to work on being less of a trouble maker. The Onyx might be onto you' Doležal said.
'Noted. Now about the office bug. Can we work with him?' Čierna said, turning to Široký.
'He has some knowledge. Training or experience matters little. He knows some of the game. I get the feeling however while he might bend but he won't break unless we get some leverage,' Široký said, shaking his head.

'So we get some compromising material and make sure he knows his place,' Čierna's foot tapped in thought.
'You think you can find something on him? He's barely shaving,' Doležal said, waving his arm dismissively.
'There are ways Kapitán. Things can be found or made,' Čierna said. Looking out at the UIR citizens now boarding the trucks that would take them to the camp. 'If nothing can be found. Then we must wait until these "Outsiders" arrive. A few records of the Governor enjoying some company should make our job here much smoother.'

'Remind me never to get on your bad side Major,' Doležal said with a dry chuckle.
'That's Private Čierna. Sir,' Čierna said. 'Now if I may be dismissed. I believe the rest of my unit needs an update.'

Emmerich and his escort had boarded their transports and were heading back to the camp before he got the all clear from Hudson
'So what do you think?' Emmerich said, looking around.
'That was no fucking Private I'll tell you now,' Hudson said 'The moment they got round the corner. Poof gone.'
'You think skill, training or cloak?' O'Connor said, looking at the Onyx.

'Worse. That little fucker that tried to blind side us with the appearing act. I'm calling it. They've got some UIR Elite mixed in,' Durham said, shaking her head.
A round of expletives was released at that announcement.
'I assume they might be targeting me from now on,' Emmerich said, looking at his knees.

'I'm afraid so sir,' Myers said, shaking his head.
'Very well what's our course of action?' Emmerich asked.
'You're escort gets closer now. But we'll also need to go casual,' Myers said.

'Casual Onyx,' Emmerich said with a chuckle. 'There's a thought.'
'Everywhere you go we'll have to be there in the background. They may try to get compromising materials involving you. If they just don't opt to fake them.'
'We could prove the… Materials were fake, correct?' Emmerich said, swallowing dryly.

'Yes but that would take time. Time when your ability to lead would be hampered by the accusations,' Myers said, shaking his head. 'We'll have to get you a tester. Any food or drink will need to be checked and any surface you might come into contact with will need to be examined for contact agents.'
'They wouldn't try to kill me would they?' Emmerich said, looking around at the others.

'No sir. But if they gave you something to... lower your inhibitions and then made their play. You might be caught in a bad position,' Myers said.
'Dibs on trying the good food,' Hickman said, raising his hand.

Compared to the UIR the Outsiders arrival a few days later was much more chaotic. They had gone to meet them at the land bridge. What arrived was just bewildering.

The Outsiders were using all sorts of transport. To start with there were carts drawn by people or beast of burden. Most were packed with bundles of supplies or had cloth stretched over the top to make a covered wagon. Others were caravans with designs from the ornate to simple boxes with doors and windows.

They were followed by cars, trucks and other older civilian vehicles. Few if any were as they had been built. There were tanks bolted on to add range. Racks and external storage were fixed to nearly any surface. Many of the trailers had folding sections that allowed them to unfurl. Some were workshops others food stands or bars. There was even an old MK1 Raven tied down with its blades folded for transport tied down on one.

The last to arrive were a group of old military vehicles and others with weapons added. Packhourses with armor plates added on and roughly welded turrets capping them. Sets of old Rat Trucks that had their rear bay enclosed with a box and gun barrels poking from the sides. Civilian trucks armored into improvised APCs pulled in alongside rough looking Armadillos.

'It's like a load of exhibits from the transport museum got up and wandered off,' Hickman said. Surveying the chaos that was unfolding.
'You're not wrong. Where did they get all of this kit?' said Spencer.
'My guess anyone that went AWOL handed over every storage site they knew of. They must have taken anything that would run,' Hickman said. Looking over the vehicles with binoculars. 'The late comers must be their security element. They didn't head this way until the last of the other groups arrived.'

Hickman turned to Emmerich, noting the concern on his face. Looking over at his opposite number from the UIR Hickman found that Široký's bore the same concern on his face.
'This is too much even for them,' Emmerich said, looking at the horde of vehicles.
'I'm worried to say I agree with the Governor. By my understanding these people want to live simply. What drove them to assemble this mechanized militia?' Široký said.

A few moments later there was a roar from amongst the Outsiders armored vehicles. The source came into view there was a sharp intake of breath and curses. O'Connor turned and shouted orders to one of his officers.

Charging towards their small group up the berm was a set of vehicles. They were tall, riding forward on four massive wheels each. A cannon sat in their turrets. Centaurs.

'Get the launcher teams in place!' O'Connor was calling into the radio.
'Too late Colonel. You'll risk your own people now,' Široký said.

O'Connor cursed under his breath as the lead Centaur pulled up in front the cannon leveled at their group. Painted along its front were the words Gear Smasher. Sitting inside its hatch was a man wearing a helmet with a cloth bearing a skull tied across his face..

'You the one in-charge?' he declared looking at their group.
Emmerich stepped forward 'Yes I-'
The Centaur's horn blared, drowning him out.

'EEEhhhh. Wrong answer. Would you like to phone a friend?' The man said.
Široký tried next. 'My nam-'
Another blare of the horn.

'And that is strike two. Would you like me to give you a hint?' Skull-face said, folding his arms.
The group remained silent.
'That's right the guy with the tank is in charge. So why don't you all just move over and let me and mine move into our new home easy like.'

'Wait a second,' Hickman leaned forward. 'Nomura?'
'Who's asking?' The tanker now known as Nomura said. Tilting his head.
'Gabe Hickman from Silver Hills,' Hickman said. Lowering his rifle.

'Oh shit,' Nomura muttered. Dropping into the hatch and pulling it shut.
'Get down here! You putrid excuse for an Outsider!' Hickman shouted. Beginning to climb up the Centaur.

Emmerich looked at Figueroa. 'Hickman knows Outsiders?'
Figueroa leaned over. 'He was one. He joined up as a Gear. Once he finished training we took him because of his marksmanship scores. Onyx Guard gets first pick.'

In the background Hickman was trying to force the hatch open. 'I still remember when you stole half our apples. "We're Outsiders. We take what we want." We're meant to steal from the COG, not each other you bandit. Get out here so I can teach you a lesson.'
Emmerich wasn't sure what was drawing more attention. The tank threatening them or an Onyx Guard shouting about committing theft from the COG.

'Private Hickman dismount the vehicle,' Figueroa said. Trying to restore some air of dignity..
'Wilco,' Hickman said, giving the hatch a final kick before jumping to the ground.
As he landed the hatch opened a crack. 'You think I'm afraid of one of your attack dogs holding a rifle. You have no idea about risk's we've taken to get here. Now go on. Get.'

'Nomura what do you think you're doing?' A woman shouted while running up the hill.
Nomura sighed audibly, then rose out of the hatch turning to look at the woman.
'Speaking to these Fascists pricks in a way they understand. I have a bigger gun therefore I'm in charge,' Nomura said.

'That's not how the COG works idiot,' Hickman said, snorting.
'You keep your mouth shut sellout. This conversation doesn't involve you,' Nomura said. dismissing Hickman with his hand.
'I thought we agreed to bargain for the equipment. Not hold it over them,' The woman said.

'Eliana. Eliana. Eliana. Your little group might have decided it's better to live under the COG's boot. But some of us still remember what they've done. What they will do. What they always do.'
'And what you're better?' Eliana said, throwing her arms wide. 'You're threatening them.'
'To keep us safe. That's why I'm doing this. Someone has to make a stand. Before they stick us behind bars or worse,' Nomura said.

'And after your little coup. What next for Nomura the great conquer. March on New Ephyra?' Emmerich said, walking forward.
'I'm not stupid. I plan on hunkering down here far away from Jinn, her killer robots, The Swarm and whatever else plans on trying to kill us all in the near future,' Nomura said. Counting off his list on one hand. 'If getting my family to safety involves a few hard choices then fuck it. I can live with that.'

'Your dedication is admirable,' Široký said, stepping forward till he was alongside Emmerich. 'But misguided.'
'How so? And why are you even here? Got lost on your way to your own dictatorship? Or just mixed it and the COG up?' Nomura said.
'The UIR and the COG have a long history. Little of it is good,' Široký said.
Nomura snorted.

'But they are human. Humans make mistakes. This is a fact of nature. What has been done has been done. Governor Emmerich has given me assurances that he will ensure my people's autonomy. We will have our own camp not under COG control. I believe him to be a man of his word, 'Nomura laughed. Široký silenced him with a look, 'You think you know what it's like to lose everything. I remember when the sky lit on fire boy. I know it was the COG that burned my home and took more than just my country from me. And I know why they did it. They did it to the world. Not just their old enemies, their own land, their own people. The Locust advance was stopped by their actions, horrific as they were.'

'So what? They say sorry and you just let them put a leash on you?'
'Nothing so simple. I trust the Governor. He is young but war makes us learn fast. Or die. Now you must learn that you do not always get to pick and choose who you fight alongside. When your back is to the wall an old enemy can be your best friend. Or would you prefer to face the Swarm alone?

Nomura looked down at Široký for a few tense moments, they all held their breath.
'Fuck,' Nomura said, clicking his radio. 'Wild Riders stand down. Looks like we're talking this out.'
'Thank you,' Eliana said with relief in her voice.
'Yeah yeah we're all one happy family. You go have a chat with little Prescott and his buddies. I'm going to smoke,' Nomura said, pulling out a rolled wad of paper that Emmerich hoped contained just tobacco.

'I take it he's the hot head?' O'Connor said. As they moved into a tent setup for the meeting.
'Nomura's… passionate about his people,' Eliana said.
'Before we get drawn into back room talk we've not formally been introduced. Your name was Elaina correct? said Emmerich.

'Ah yes I'm Eliana Gaos. Speaker for this group,' Elaina said. As she gestured to the Outsiders, some of whom seemed to be making camp outside the perimeter defenses.
Emmerich and Široký introduced themselves and their military aides.

With the civil side of things begun the process of agreeing terms commenced. The Outsiders were willing to be housed inside the Camp with conditions. They wanted access to materials to repair their vehicles and other equipment. Not to be placed under house arrest the moment they stepped through the gates. And they reserved the right to leave at anytime if they felt they were being exploited.

Emmerich's final counter offer was was fairly close. They would have full access to the COG's stocks of material and machinery. On the condition that any of their military vehicles were committed to the defense of the Expedition. They wouldn't need to be under COG command but they would have to assist like the agreement with the UIR.

He would not have anyone arrested or detained without reasonable charge. Stealing, raiding or sourcing of any kind would be punished. Provided they kept away from any restricted areas like the Command center without invitation. They would not have any restrictions on movement bar logging they had left the Camp and a reason why.

For leaving it was simple. Take their property sign to say they were leaving and the COG would see them to the outer perimeter. They would be set on their way with full stocks of fuel, food and ammo. Strangely enough none of the Outsiders were interested in the final part.

Gaos went down to the Outsiders camp with the final offer. By the end of it half the day was gone. But upon her return the Outsiders had agreed and were moving in.

Emmerich had barely sat in his office before Fisher arrived to question him. Myers was not far behind.
'When did you guarantee the UIR autonomy?' Fisher said, standing in front of Emmerich's desk. 'That seems like the sort of decision you should have made after consulting your advisers.'
'I don't believe the Governor needs to receive your counsel before making all decisions. That said, I'm inclined to agree with Fisher,' Myers said. 'When did you even agree to that? I'd have thought it would have been recorded somehow.'

'I agreed to it this afternoon. When he said it,' said Emmerich.
The look of shock mixed with confusion appeared on both Myers's and Fisher's faces.
'YOU WHAT?' Fisher shouted.
'Keep your voice down Fisher or the Indies won't need to spy to know what we're saying,' Myers said. Before turning to Emmerich. 'Sir I trust you have a reason for this course of action.'

Emmerich sighed as he relaxed into his seat. 'I agreed to it by not objecting when he said it. I know he did it because if I spoke out he could try and make out I was failing to honor an arrangement. Then he would press for concessions. By staying quiet I gave the impression that I did not disagree with what he said. Right now the situation benefits us both well enough.'
'How does the UIR being given free reign benefit us?' Myers said.
'Because now they have what they want,' Fisher whispered as the plan fell into place. 'They get to tell their people. You'll be free to live as you please. The COG agreed to it.'

Emmerich nodded. 'But I didn't agree. I just remained silent. So it's their word against ours. For now their people and the Outsiders get to draw up the plans for what they want.'
'But what if they start pushing for more? How far will we let this go?' said Fisher. 'If we let them play us like a fiddle.'
'As I said, it's not just for their benefit. Now they have some leverage so we can focus on other matters rather than the risk of a photo with someone leaving my quarters,' Emmerich said.

'You think that's all they want. You think they won't go further?' Fisher said.
'No… Or at least not yet. Right now I imagine that Governor Široký is meeting his own staff and explaining this turn of events. All we need is to make sure they give us something in return.'
'They get something, we get something,' Myers said, rubbing his chin. 'I think that can work.'

'Besides we need to keep an eye on Speaker Gaos. She may be a problem,' Emmerich said.
'The Outsider representative. She seems cooperative. You think it's an act?' Myers said.
'I know theater and today had all the hallmarks. The costume and props were good for that little. Doing this to protect our freedom act. But I imagine that Private Hickman threw off their show. Nomura and his crew can't be that crazy or they would have died before getting here. But Gaos intervention sealed it as a farce.'

'She did show up at just the right time to stop things from getting worse,' Myers said.
'But not so swiftly that she seems to be waiting for a signal,' Fisher said, nodding. 'At least until Hickman tried to breach that thing.'
'At which point the much more reasonable and apparently agreeable representative made her entrance to help defuse the situation. I imagine Široký stepping up to back me hadn't been expected but he couldn't be seen as any less than me,' Emmerich said.

'So what now, Sir?' Myers said.
'Now we get them settled in. A week or so and we'll brief them on the bunker and how its stopped work. Then it's up to them to break the news to their own people. So far only those who were here during the incident should know but I'm guessing that things won't stay that way for long.'